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A J Johnston

Publications and source records attributed to A J Johnston.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Hyperoxia and the cerebral hemodynamic responses to moderate hyperventilation.

BACKGROUND: A reduction in the arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2) leads to a rapid reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, despite continuing hypocapnia there is secondary recovery of CBF over time as a result of increases in lactic acid production. Hyperoxia is thought to modulate the production of lactic acid. This study examined the kinetics of middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCA FV) reduction during hyperventilation, and its modulation by hyperoxia. METHODS: Cerebral blood flow was assessed using transcranial Doppler ultrasound in nine healthy, awake human volunteers. Subjects were ventilated, via a mouthpiece, to achieve a stable end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2). After a 20-min baseline period the minute volume on the ventilator was passively increased by approximately 20% to reduce PETCO2 by 0.75-1 kPa. After a 10-min stabilization period the new PETCO2 level was maintained at a constant level for 20 min, and MCA FV recovery was measured during this 20-min period. Subjects undertook the protocol breathing air and breathing 100% oxygen. RESULTS: The PETCO2 level was (mean +/- SD) 4.9 +/- 0.4 kPa (normoxia baseline), 4.0 +/- 0.3 kPa (normoxia hyperventilation), 4.6 +/- 0.4 kPa (hyperoxia baseline) and 3.9 +/- 0.4 kPa (hyperoxia hyperventilation). CO2 reactivity was significantly lower with normoxia than hyperoxia (16.5 +/- 3.8 vs. 21.2 +/- 4.6 % kPa-1; P< 0.05). Middle cerebral artery FV recovery was significantly more rapid with normoxia than hyperoxia (0.23 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.1 % baseline min-1; P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that cerebral hemodynamic responses to moderate hyperventilation are different in normoxic and hyperoxic conditions. Clinical assessment of CO2 reactivity and CBF recovery during hyperventilation should take the degree of arterial oxygenation into account.

Adult↗

Validation of a tonometric noninvasive arterial blood pressure monitor in the intensive care setting.

Intra-arterial measurement is considered the gold standard for continuous, beat-to-beat arterial blood pressure monitoring. However, arterial cannulation can be difficult and may cause complications such as thrombosis and ischaemia. Recently, a tonometric system, the Colin CBM-7000 has been developed for noninvasive beat-to-beat measurement of arterial blood pressure from the radial artery. We assessed the level of agreement between the CBM-7000 and invasive radial artery measurements in 15 patients on a neuro-intensive care unit. Agreement of systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure values was limited, with approximately 34% of mean arterial pressures differing by over 10 mmHg. In many cases, this was due to a downward drift of the noninvasive measurements over time. Furthermore, there was a tendency to underestimate low pressures and overestimate high pressures. In our opinion, the Colin CBM-7000 cannot be recommended for continuous blood pressure monitoring in the intensive care setting.

Adult↗

Cerebral oxygen vasoreactivity and cerebral tissue oxygen reactivity.

There has long been an appreciation that cerebral blood flow is modulated to ensure adequate cerebral oxygen delivery in the face of systemic hypoxaemia. There is increasing appreciation of the modulatory role of hyperoxia in the cerebral circulation and a consideration of the effects of such modulation on the maintenance of cerebral tissue oxygen concentration. These newer findings are particularly important in view of the fact that cerebrovascular and tissue oxygen responses to hyperoxia may change in disease. Such alterations provide important insights into pathophysiological mechanisms and may provide novel targets for therapy. However, before the modulatory effects of hyperoxia can be used for diagnosis, to predict prognosis or to direct therapy, a more detailed analysis and understanding of the physiological concepts behind this modulation are required, as are the limitations of the measurement tools used to define the modulation. This overview summarizes the available information in this area and suggests some avenues for further research.

Animals↗

Effects of propofol on cerebral oxygenation and metabolism after head injury.

BACKGROUND: Flow-metabolism coupling is thought to be deranged after traumatic brain injury, while the effects of propofol on flow-metabolism coupling are controversial. We have used a step increase in target plasma propofol concentration in head injured patients to explore flow-metabolism coupling in these patients. METHODS: Ten patients with a moderate to severe head injury received a step increase in propofol target controlled infusion of 2 microg x ml(-1). Cerebral tissue gas measurements were recorded using a multimodal sensor, and regional chemistry was assessed using microdialysis. Arterial-jugular venous oxygen differences (AVDO(2)) were measured and all patients had cortical function monitoring (EEG). RESULTS: The step increase in propofol led to a large increase in EEG burst-suppression ratio (0% (range 0-1.1) to 46.1% (range 0-61.7), P<0.05); however, this did not significantly change tissue gas levels, tissue chemistry, or AVDO(2). CONCLUSIONS: Flow-metabolism coupling remains intact during a step increase in propofol after traumatic brain injury. The EEG burst-suppression induced by propofol after traumatic brain injury does not appear to be a useful therapeutic tool in reducing the level of regional ischaemic burden.

Adult↗

[Not Available].

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Canada↗

Listening to the lungs.

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Attitude of Health Personnel↗