British Journal of Anaesthesia

Originally Published hereEditor—We read with interest the recent publication by Vlaeminck and colleagues.1 A dynamic change in the acute serum tryptase concentration (aST) from the basal serum tryptase concentration (bST) suggests mast cell degranulation and can be used to support a diagnosis of anaphylaxis. A new consensus formula, aST>bST+0.71, has been proposed by Vlaeminck and…

Originally Published hereIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of neuromodulation as an alternative treatment option for chronic pain. Neuromodulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS), dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and peripheral nerve stimulation, have shown promising results in the management of various chronic…

Originally Published hereIntroducing variability in tidal volume, ventilatory frequency, or both is beneficial during mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We investigated whether applying cycle-by-cycle variability in the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) exerts beneficial effect on lung function in a model of ARDS.

Originally Published hereIn an era of ‘big data’, we propose that a collaborative network approach will drive a better understanding of the mechanisms of delirium, and more rapid development of therapies. We have formed the International Delirium Pathophysiology & Electrophysiology Network for Data sharing (iDEPEND) group with a key aim to ‘facilitate the study of…

Originally Published hereIron-deficiency anaemia, occurring in 30–40% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. Our long-term goal is to assess if postoperative i.v. iron therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients with preoperative iron-deficiency anaemia undergoing cardiac surgery. Before conducting a definitive RCT, we first propose a multicentre pilot trial…

Originally Published hereThe damage that may be caused to the operating table and patients under general anaesthesia when a large earthquake occurs is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the movement and damage to operating tables and patients under general anaesthesia during an earthquake.

Originally Published hereIt remains unknown whether there is a causal relationship between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative neurocognitive disorders. We tested the hypothesis that personalised—compared to routine—intraoperative blood pressure management reduces the incidence of postoperative neurocognitive disorders in patients having major noncardiac surgery.

Originally Published herePulse wave transit time (PWTT) shows promise for monitoring intravascular fluid status intraoperatively. Presently, it is unknown how PWTT mirrors haemodynamic variables representing preload, inotropy, or afterload.

Originally Published hereSternal pain after cardiac surgery results in considerable discomfort. Single-injection parasternal fascial plane blocks have been shown to reduce pain scores and opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery, but the efficacy of continuous infusion has not been evaluated. This retrospective cohort study examined the effect of a continuous infusion of…

Originally Published hereEditor—We recently reported the impact of an opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) strategy, when compared with an opioid-based anaesthesia (OBA) strategy on postoperative morphine consumption and patient comfort during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery in class III obese patients.1 This study included 172 patients in total and a subgroup was monitored with the Nociception Level Index…