- Total intravenous anesthesia using remimazolam for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a case series
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Jimin Lee, Ji-Uk Yoon, Gyeong-Jo Byeon, Hong-Sik Shon, Ahhyeon Yi, Hee Young Kim
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Kosin Med J. 2024;39(2):144-149. Published online May 9, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.23.156
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Abstract
PDFPubReader ePub
- Patients with heart failure undergoing surgery that requires general anesthesia face substantial perioperative risks; however, clear guidelines are not available for anesthesia management in patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Traditional intravenous and volatile anesthetics require careful administration to prevent severe hypotension and bradycardia in patients with heart failure. Remimazolam has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional anesthetics because of its reduced cardiovascular depressive effects. We present three cases illustrating the successful use of remimazolam to induce and maintain general anesthesia in patients with heart failure and reduced cardiac function. Our cases demonstrate the safe use of remimazolam for general anesthesia in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction.
- Fatal neurological complication after liver transplantation in acute hepatic failure patient with hepatic encephalopathy
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Joo-Yun Kim, Hyun-Su Ri, Ji-Uk Yoon, Eun-Ji Choi, Hye-Jin Kim, Ju-Yeon Park
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Kosin Med J. 2018;33(1):96-104. Published online January 21, 2018
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.2018.33.1.96
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Abstract
PDFPubReader
Liver transplantation is a current definitive treatment for those with end-stage liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of hepatic failure, which can be improved and aggravated by various causes. It is important to differentiate hepatic encephalopathy from other diseases causing brain dysfunction such as cerebral hemorrhage, which is also related to high mortality after liver transplant surgery. A 37-year-old patient was presented with acute liver failure and high ammonia levels and seizure-like symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) of his brain showed mild brain atrophy, regarded as a symptom of hepatic encephalopathy, and treated to decrease blood ammonia level. Deceased donor liver transplantation was performed and liver function and ammonia level normalized after surgery, but the patient showed symptoms of involuntary muscle contraction and showed loss of pupil reflex and fixation without recovery of consciousness. Brain CT showed brain edema and bilateral cerebral infarction, and the patient died after a few days. The purpose of this case report is to emphasize the importance of preoperative neurological evaluation, careful transplantation decision, and proper perioperative management of liver transplantation in patients with acute hepatic encephalopathy.
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