Machine learning-based prediction of massive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in cardiac surgery.

Background: Massive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion, that is, perioperative transfusion of more than 10 units of packed red blood cells (pRBC), is one of the main contributors to perioperative morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery. Prediction of perioperative blood transfusion might enable preemptive treatment strategies to reduce risk and improve patient outcomes while reducing resource utilisation. We, therefore, investigated the precision of five different machine learning algorithms to predict the occurrence of massive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in cardiac surgery at our centre.

Systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in small infants undergoing minor lower abdominal surgery under awake caudal anaesthesia: An observational study.

Background: Infants undergoing general anaesthesia have an increased risk of severe respiratory and cardiovascular critical events. Awake caudal anaesthesia is an alternative for small infants undergoing minor lower abdominal surgery. While clinical experience has shown stable intra-operative haemodynamic conditions, there are no studies evaluating systemic and regional cerebral perfusion during such a procedure.

Low anaesthetic waste gas concentrations in postanaesthesia care unit: A prospective observational study.

Background: Volatile anaesthetics are a potential hazard during occupational exposure, pregnancy or in individuals with existing disposition to malignant hyperthermia. Anaesthetic waste gas concentration in postanaesthesia care units (PACU) has rarely been investigated.

Objective(s): The current study aims to assess concentrations of volatile anaesthetics in relation to room size, number of patients and ventilator settings in different PACUs.

Hydroxyethyl Starch 130/0.4 and Its Impact on Perioperative Outcome: A Propensity Score Matched Controlled Observation Study.

Background: Adverse effects of hydroxyethyl starches (HESs) have been verified in patients suffering from sepsis or kidney disease, but not in surgical patients at large. The investigation aimed to determine whether the use of HES 130/0.4 was associated with the incidence of acute postinterventional adverse events compared to Ringer's acetate alone in a perioperative setting.

The German Critical Incident Reporting System for Anesthesiology: CIRSains.

Background: In June 2010, the Helsinki Declaration was passed. As a result, an online nationwide critical incident reporting system named CIRSmedical Anaesthesiology (CIRSains) was implemented in Germany. The aim of the article is to evaluate CIRSains for practicability and to provide solutions to the problems detected during evaluation.