Effects of sodium o-iodobenzoate on acid-base parameters and survival in dogs with hemorrhagic shock

Sodium o-iodobenzoate (OISB) produces an increase in P50 (PO2 at 50% of oxyhemoglobin saturation) and survival when infused at the time of initiation of prolonged hemorrhagic shock in dogs. Acid-base parameters improved during treatment, and plasma lactic acid concentrations showed smaller rises than in nontreated control animals. Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) rose in prolonged hemorrhagic shock in the control group and conversely decreased in OISB-treated dogs. OISB did not require red cell integrity, since its effects were still more marked in hemolyzed blood. The therapeutic benefit of OISB, appears to be related to a direct effect of the agent on the hemoglobin molecule.     

Cost-effectiveness of fine-needle-aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules with intranodular vascular pattern using two different needle types

Objective: To compare the cytological findings of hypoechoic thyroid nodules with intranodular vascular pattern (pattern II) obtained by two different needles (Neolus 25 gauge, Chemil, Wenzhou, China vs Yale Spinal 25 gauge, Becton Dickinson, Madrid, Spain) in euthyroid patients and to evaluate their cost-effectiveness. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2003, 480 euthyroid patients with a hypoechoic thyroid nodule pattern II were referred for US-FNAC. The nodules were alternatively evaluated by Neolus or by Yale Spinal with the stylet (YS+) or without the stylet (YS−), in order to evaluate if the cytological results could be due to the presence of the stylet or to the different length of the two needles. For each nodule two passes were performed and the material was obtained by capillary action. Material was smeared on slides, fixed, and stained by Papanicolaou techniques. Cytological specimens were evaluated in blind by the same experienced cytopathologist. Results: Inadequate cytological specimens because of blood contamination were present in 30 (18.7%) samples by Neolus needle and in 22 (13.8%) by YS− compared to only 5 (3.1%) by YS+. In 6 (20%) cases of the 30 repeated US-FNAC by Neolus and in 4 (18%) of the 22 US-FNAC by YS−, material remained inadequate for diagnosis because of blood contamination. All the five repeated samples obtained by YS+ became adequate for diagnosis and resulted benign nodules. Direct costs of US-FNAC procedure are currently Э 72.30 including cytological examination. The cost of Neolus and Yale needles is Э 0.19 and Э 3.0, respectively. The estimated total cost to obtain a cytological diagnosis by a Neolus needle (160 + 30 repeated US-FNAC) was Э 13809.2 vs Э 12919.5 by Yale Spinal needle (160 + 5 repeated US-FNAC). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the use of Yale Spinal needles greatly reduces inadequate cytological specimens, and therefore limits both direct and indirect costs.     

Consensus guidelines on analgesia and sedation in dying intensive care unit patients

Background

Intensivists must provide enough analgesia and sedation to ensure dying patients receive good palliative care. However, if it is perceived that too much is given, they risk prosecution for committing euthanasia. The goal of this study is to develop consensus guidelines on analgesia and sedation in dying intensive care unit patients that help distinguish palliative care from euthanasia.

Methods

Using the Delphi technique, panelists rated levels of agreement with statements describing how analgesics and sedatives should be given to dying ICU patients and how palliative care should be distinguished from euthanasia. Participants were drawn from 3 panels: 1) Canadian Academic Adult Intensive Care Fellowship program directors and Intensive Care division chiefs (N = 9); 2) Deputy chief provincial coroners (N = 5); 3) Validation panel of Intensivists attending the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group meeting (N = 12).

Results

After three Delphi rounds, consensus was achieved on 16 statements encompassing the role of palliative care in the intensive care unit, the management of pain and suffering, current areas of controversy, and ways of improving palliative care in the ICU.

Conclusion

Consensus guidelines were developed to guide the administration of analgesics and sedatives to dying ICU patients and to help distinguish palliative care from euthanasia.