The Utility of BIS™ Monitoring in Anesthesia for Elderly Patients.

Aging leads to anatomic and physiologic changes in the brain, making it more sensitive to the depressant effects of anesthetic medications and increasing the risk of postoperative neurocognitive complications such as postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This article explores the implications of anesthesia on elderly patients' brain health, emphasizing the heightened risk of postoperative neurocognitive disorders, and describes the BIS™ Monitoring System as a neuromonitoring tool for anesthesia professionals to assess the depth of anesthesia. The integration of the BIS Monitoring System into clinical practice can contribute to a more tailored and patient-centered approach to anesthesia management, ultimately improving perioperative outcomes and safety.

Calcinosis Universalis: Cause for a Hard Airway.

Calcinosis universalis is a rare subtype of connective tissue diseases known as calcinosis cutis. The disease is described as diffuse calcium salt deposits in subcutaneous, fibrous muscle structures, and tendons. Calcinosis cutis typically occurs secondary to a tissue damaging disease such as dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjogren syndrome, presenting before age 20 and predominantly affecting women.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Anesthesia Guided by Bispectral Index Versus Standard Care: Effects on Cognition.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction, a subtle deterioration of cognitive function after exposure to anesthetics, is reported in 10% to 50% of surgical cases. Delivery of excessive inhalation anesthetics based on minimum alveolar concentration produces greater deep hypnotic times, which may contribute to postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This study tested the impact on cognitive function of balanced anesthetic using electroencephalographic (EEG) guidance vs usual anesthesia.

Postdischarge nausea and vomiting: management strategies and outcomes over 7 days.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine patient management strategies and outcomes for self-care of postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV).

Design: Prospective, comparative, descriptive, and longitudinal study.

Methods: The sample consisted of 248 patients aged 18 years or older undergoing a procedure requiring general anesthesia.