Preoperative clear fluids fasting times in children: retrospective analysis of actual times and complications after the implementation of 1-h clear fasting.

Background: Preoperative fasting before elective pediatric surgery is a matter of ongoing debate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the compliance to a recently implemented preoperative fasting protocol (clear fluids until 1 hour from the induction of anesthesia), to identify predictors of prolonged preoperative fasting time, and to determine whether duration of preoperative fasting was associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective single-center study in an operating theater of a tertiary pediatric hospital.

Temporal trends and differences of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a longitudinal study from Umbria in Italy.

Objectives: Dynamics of antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection are controversial in terms of immunity and persistence. We aimed to assess longitudinally the trend of antibody serological titres, their correlation with clinical severity as well as clinical reinfection during a follow-up.

Design: Longitudinal cohort, 12 months follow-up study.

Perioperative Levels of Adiponectin and Oxidative Stress in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery for Cancer.

Background: Low circulating levels of adiponectin are associated with the occurrence of infection after surgery in patients with cancer. Data are lacking on whether surgical stress is associated with a reduction in circulating levels of adiponectin. Furthermore, the relationship between oxidative stress and postoperative complications has not been investigated.

Reduction of non-enzymatic antioxidants in plasma during ECMO-treatment in ARDS by influence A H1N1.

Purpose: In critically ill patient it is observed a severe oxidative stress, not only due to the acute pathology but also for some therapeutic treatments. The aim of the present study was to analyze the variations of non-enzymatic antioxidants in plasma during veno-venous ECMO-treatment in a homogeneous population of critical patients with ARDS.

Materials And Methods: We carried out a retrospective study enrolling all patients with ARDS by influence A H1N1 treated with veno-venous ECMO.

The New MIRUS System for Short-Term Sedation in Postsurgical ICU Patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the MIRUS system (Pall International, Sarl, Fribourg, Switzerland) for sedation with sevoflurane for postsurgical ICU patients and to evaluate atmospheric pollution during sedation.

Design: Prospective interventional study.

Setting: Surgical ICU.

Hemodialysis with High Cut-Off Hemodialyzers in Patients with Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Sepsis and Acute Kidney Injury: A Retrospective, Case-Control Study.

Background: Hemodialysis with high cut-off continuous veno-venous hemodialyzer (HCO-CVVHD) removes mediators of organ dysfunction during sepsis. This study assessed the clinical effects of HCO-CVVHD as compared to high-flux (HF) membranes during gram-negative sepsis.

Methods: Intensive care unit (ICU), septic patients treated with HCO-CVVHD or HF-CVVHDF for AKI were retrospectively observed (January 2013-December 2014).

Ultrasound evaluation of the stomach and gastric emptying in pregnant women at term: a case-control study.

Background: This study aims to assess the rate of gastric emptying in pregnant women in the third trimester scheduled for elective caesarean section (CS), in view to highlight the aspiration risk.

Methods: A prospective case-control study, with the approval of the Ethics Committee, was performed. At term pregnant women (group A) scheduled for CS and volunteer controls were recruited (group B).

Glycocalyx and sepsis-induced alterations in vascular permeability.

Endothelial cells line the inner portion of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels; a basal membrane of extracellular matrix lines the extraluminal side of endothelial cells. The apical side of endothelial cells is the site for the glycocalyx, which is a complex network of macromolecules, including cell-bound proteoglycans and sialoproteins. Sepsis-associated alterations of this structure may compromise endothelial permeability with associated interstitial fluid shift and generalized edema.

Selenium supplementation in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The oxidative stress is recognized as a constant feature in critical illness. Nevertheless, the use of antioxidant therapy remains controversial. We tried to demonstrate that intravenous selenium supplementation could promote antioxidant status and help protect against infection and organ failure, improving outcome in critically ill patients.