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Biomedical subjects

J Albanese

Publications and source records attributed to J Albanese.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Effect of bolus doses of midazolam on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with severe head injury.

We have studied the effects of bolus doses of midazolam 0.15 mg kg-1 i.v. on intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in 12 patients with severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 6). The study was performed in patients aged 17-44 yr who were sedated (phenoperidine 20 micrograms kg-1 h-1) and paralysed (vecuronium 2 mg h-1). Midazolam reduced MAP from 89.0 mmHg to 75.0 mmHg (P < 0.0001), while CPP decreased from 71.0 mmHg to 55.8 mmHg (P < 0.0001). During the study, CPP decreased to less than 50 mmHg in four patients. Midazolam induced small, non-significant changes in ICP. However, when control ICP was less than 18 mmHg (n = 7 patients), an increase in ICP was observed. The remaining five patients (control ICP > or = 18 mmHg) exhibited a slight decrease in ICP. These findings suggest that bolus administration of midazolam should be performed with great caution in patients with severe head injury, especially when ICP is less than 18 mmHg.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

A non-comparative study of the efficacy and tolerance of cefepime in combination with amikacin in the treatment of severe infections in patients in intensive care.

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at increased risk of developing nosocomial infections. This is of special concern in the immunocompromised patient, particularly with regard to multiresistant pathogens. We evaluated the effectiveness of cefepime 2 g bd in combination with amikacin 7.5 mg/kg bd for the treatment of severe bacterial infection in 118 ICU patients, including 113 patients with nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (mean age, 51 years). Ninety-six per cent (108/113) of the LRTI patients required respiratory assistance and 12% (14/113) had associated septicaemia/bacteraemia. Eighty-four per cent (95/113) had clinical signs of sepsis and 35% (39/113) had features of septic shock. The mean Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (SAPS) was 12 at inclusion. Seventy-nine patients with LRTI were clinically and bacteriologically evaluable. The causative pathogens were representative of those usually isolated in ICUs: Staphylococcus aureus (19%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%); and Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Serratia spp. (17%). The clinical cure rate was 86% (68/79) while the pathogen eradication rate was 91% (107/117). Of the patients with associated septicaemia/bacteraemia, 89% (8/9) of the pathogens were eliminated. Cefepime-amikacin combination therapy was well tolerated; two patients discontinued treatment due to rashes. Combination therapy with cefepime 2 g bd and amikacin 7.5 mg/kg bd appears safe and effective for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia in patients hospitalized in ICUs. Further comparative controlled studies are justified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Sufentanil increases intracranial pressure in patients with head trauma.

BACKGROUND: Sufentanil is an intravenous opioid often used as a component of anesthesia during neurosurgical procedures. However, the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure in patients with diminished intracranial compliance are not well established, and remain controversial. METHODS: Ten patients with head trauma, in each of whom the trachea was intubated, were studied for the effects of sufentanil on intracranial pressure (ICP) and on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). In all patients, ICP monitoring was instituted before the study. Sedation was obtained using a propofol infusion, and paralysis was achieved with vecuronium. After obtaining control of ICP (between 15 and 25 mmHg) hemodynamic values and blood gas tensions (PaCO2 between 30 and 35 mmHg), the level of sedation was deepened with an intravenous injection of sufentanil (1 microgram/kg over 6 min), followed by an infusion of 0.005 microgram.kg-1min-1. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP (fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitor), and end-tidal CO2 were continuously measured and recorded at 1-min intervals throughout the 30-min study period. RESULTS: Sufentanil injection was associated with a statistically significant increase in ICP of 9 +/- 7 mmHg (+ 53%), which peaked at 5 min. Then ICP gradually decreased and returned to baseline after 15 min. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in MAP (24% decrease) and, thus, CPP (38% decrease). After 5 min, MAP and CPP gradually increased, but remained significantly decreased throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that caution should be exercised in the administration of sufentanil bolus to patients with abnormal intracranial elastance, particularly if ICP is significantly increased.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Pharmacokinetics of long-term propofol infusion used for sedation in ICU patients.

The pharmacokinetics of propofol were determined in nine patients (seven men, two women, (mean +/- SD) 55.8 +/- 21.2 yr, 65.2 +/- 8 kg) requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation of their lungs. After an initial dose of 1-3 mg/kg, propofol was administered iv at 3 mg/kg/h for 72 h. Arterial blood samples were collected at selected times during and up to 72 h after infusion. Propofol whole blood concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Individual pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. Derived pharmacokinetic parameters showed a long terminal phase (T1/2 = 1878 +/- 672 min), a large volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss = 1666 +/- 756 l), and a high total body clearance (Cl = 1.57 +/- 0.56 l/min). While the propofol terminal elimination half-life is longer than that previously reported, emergence from sedation after prolonged administration will be governed by both redistribution mechanisms arising from the large distribution volumes and elimination from the body.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Use of norepinephrine in the treatment of septic shock].

The effects of noradrenaline were studied in 16 patients, with either a hyperkinetic septic shock syndrome or a septic shock resistant to dobutamine treatment. The study aimed to restore normal tissue perfusion pressure, assessed by a return to normal of urine output or blood pressure. An optimal left ventricular filling pressure, estimated by the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, was obtained for each patient using a Swan-Ganz catheter. The administration of 10.6 +/- 0.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 dobutamine (starting dose: 6 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) was started when the cardiac index (CI) was less than 3.3 l.min-1.m-2 after vascular filling with plasma expanders. Patients became eligible for noradrenaline treatment when they fulfilled the following conditions: arterial systolic pressure (Pasys) less than or equal to 90 mmHg; systemic vascular resistances less than or equal to 600 dyn.s.cm-5; CI greater than 3.5 l.min-1.m-2; persistent oliguria (less than 30 ml.h-1). This drug was given at a constant rate with a starting dose of 0.5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, increased every 10 min by 0.3 to 0.6 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 according to the effects on Pasys and hourly urine output. Eight patients received noradrenaline alone; the efficient dose was 0.9 +/- 0.2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, and it was used for a mean 5.1 +/- 1 days. CI increased in those patients who were given both noradrenaline and dobutamine. Thirteen out of the 16 patients had a dramatic increase in urine output; only three patients remained oliguric. There were no effects on serum creatinine concentration, anion gap, intrapulmonary shunt and oxygen consumption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Tolerance of femoral vein catheterization].

The femoral vein is a convenient venous access site which has remained relatively neglected since earlier reports of major complications. However, over the last 10 years, its beneficial use for various purposes (mainly haemodialysis) justifies a reexamination of the value of femoral venous catheterization. The ease of femoral catheterization and its complications were prospectively studied in 92 intensive care patients. Of the 113 attempts made by physicians, 75% of whom were inexperienced, 103 (91.2%) were successful. Insertion resulted in 17 (15%) arterial punctures and 5 local hematomas. Seventy catheters were left in place for an average of 8.8 days. No clinical manifestations of thrombosis were observed. Bilateral phlebography was carried out before removal of the catheter in 70 cases; 45 (64%) of these controls were normal. Of the remaining 25 pathological phlebograms, there were 11 (15.7%) fibrin sleeves, 2 (2.8%) partial thromboses of the common femoral vein which could be directly linked to the venous cannulation, and various abnormalities not directly due to the catheterization (superficial femoral vein thrombosis (4), thrombosis of calf or popliteal veins (18]. One case of catheter septicaemia occurred. Microorganisms were present in 15 (18.3%) of 82 catheter cultured tips. Percutaneous catheterization of the femoral vein might therefore be considered as a good venous access route. It can be successfully used by inexperienced physicians. There is no serious risk of injury to surrounding structures and the risks of thrombosis and infection are acceptable in comparison with other routes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Comparison of two methods of bacteriologic sampling of the lower respiratory tract: a study in ventilated patients with nosocomial bronchopneumonia.

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the results of bacteriologic assessment of the lower respiratory tract in mechanically ventilated patients by two sampling techniques: fiberoptic protected brush biopsy or blind bronchial aspiration of secretions. Thirty-three mechanically ventilated patients with acute bronchopneumonia were studied. Paired samples were collected by both techniques 47 times. Identical results were obtained in 93% of the cases. In 28 pairs, one or several identical organisms were cultured. In 16 pairs, no bacteria were isolated; in the three remaining pairs, results were contradictory. In five patients with concomitant positive blood cultures, the same organisms were cultured from fiberoptic protected brush biopsy, blind bronchial sampling, and blood cultures. These findings support the fact that blind bronchial sampling can be recommended for bacteriologic assessment of the lower respiratory tract in mechanically ventilated patients with diffuse nosocomial bronchopneumonia.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1987

Vecuronium or suxamethonium for rapid sequence intubation: which is better?

The effects of suxamethonium, and of vecuronium given after three subparalyzing (priming) doses, on the time of onset of neuromuscular blockade and on the resultant intubating conditions were compared. This study involved five groups of 10 patients (ASA class I or II) who were premedicated with flunitrazepam 0.015 mg kg-1 i.m. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 6 mg kg-1 and fentanyl 0.003 mg kg-1. In groups 2, 3 and 4 the patients were given a priming dose of vecuronium 0.01, 0.015 and 0.02 mg kg-1, respectively. Three minutes later the intubating dose of vecuronium was given: 0.1 mg kg-1 (group 1), 0.09 mg kg-1 (group 2), 0.085 mg kg-1 (group 3), 0.08 mg kg-1 (group 4). When the electromyographic response was 95% of control, the trachea was intubated. In groups 2, 3 and 4, the onset time was significantly decreased compared with group 1. Increasing the priming dose from 0.01 mg kg-1 did not offer any advantage. The duration of blockade (time from the intubating dose to 15% recovery) was not significantly increased with any priming dose. In group 5, the trachea was intubated after suxamethonium 1.5 mg kg-1. Mean onset time, which was significantly shorter than in the other groups, was half that of the groups that received a priming dose. Intubation conditions were better in group 5 than in the other groups (P less than 0.01).

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Right ventricular function during positive end-expiratory pressure. Thermodilution evaluation and clinical application.

Right ventricular (RV) function was studied in 13 patients under controlled mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for adult respiratory distress syndrome. The assessment of RV function was made by the thermodilution technique. Calculations of RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) were performed. In 11 patients, increasing PEEP was accompanied by a progressive decrease in blood pressure (BP), stroke volume (SV), RVEDV, and no change in RVEF. Increasing PEEP further was accompanied by a further decrease in RV preload. The remaining two patients exhibited a decrease in BP, SV, RVEF and an increase in RVEDV. One of these two patients exhibited a large decrease in cardiac output (CO). Thus, measurement of RVEDV (best parameter of ventricular preload) and RVEF are easily performed at the patient's bedside using a special thermodilution technique. This allows selection of the best treatment of PEEP-induced decrease in CO.

Adult↗