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Biomedical subjects

H Haljamäe

Publications and source records attributed to H Haljamäe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Haemodynamic effects of volume resuscitation by hypertonic saline-dextran (HSD) in porcine acute cardiac tamponade.

BACKGROUND: Hypertonic saline-dextran (HSD) has been utilized for small-volume resuscitation in acute circulatory shock. However, HSD has also been reported to induce myocardial depression. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of HSD on cardiac performance and splanchnic perfusion in a low cardiac output model based on experimental cardiac tamponade. METHODS: Seven anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs of both sexes (weight 24 +/- 2 kg, mean +/- SEM) completed a randomized, cross-over protocol. A low cardiac output state was established by intrapericardial infusion of dextran. Animals were resuscitated by bolus infusions (4 ml kg(-1) in 2 min) of either 7.5% hypertonic saline-dextran or Ringer's acetated solution (RAc) and then observed during tamponade (20 min) and following its release (40 min). Central haemodynamics, portal venous (QPV) and renal arterial (QRA) flows were measured together with gastric, jejunal, hepatic and renal laser-Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: Resuscitation using HSD in a low cardiac output state completely restored QPV and improved gastric, jejunal, hepatic and renal microcirculation as assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry while no significant effect was observed in QRA. No such beneficial effects could be observed when animals were resuscitated using RAc. The improved haemodynamic state by HSD was maintained following release of cardiac tamponade while perfusion in RAc resuscitated animals returned to baseline or even remained depressed (hepatic and renal microcirculation). No signs of cardiodepression by HSD were observed. CONCLUSION: Resuscitation using HSD in a low cardiac output state restored splanchnic perfusion and microcirculation without any signs of cardiodepression.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed2001

Routine intra-operative assessment of pain and/or depth of anaesthesia by nurse anaesthetists in clinical practice.

Patient safety and comfort during general anaesthesia and surgery are to a considerable extent dependent on the capability of anaesthesia personnel to interpret directly monitored as well as indirect clinical signs of pain and/or depth of anaesthesia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how nurse anaesthetists in their clinical routine work assess and interpret intra-operative responses evoked by pain stimuli and/or insufficient depth of anaesthesia. A questionnaire was designed to assess the perceived relevance and validity of cardiovascular, respiratory, mucocutaneous, eye-associated, and muscular responses for routine assessment of intra-operative pain and/or insufficient depth of anaesthesia in patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. Data were obtained from 223 nurse anaesthetists working at nine different university anaesthesia departments in Sweden. A number of significant indicators for pain and depth of anaesthesia could be identified for spontaneously breathing as well as for mechanically ventilated patients. No variable was considered entirely specific for either intra-operative pain or depth of anaesthesia. Changes in breathing rate/volume, central haemodynamics (BP, HR), lacrimation, and presence of moist and sticky skin were given higher score values as indicators of pain than as indicators of depth of anaesthesia. Occurrence of grimaces, attempted movements, and presence of non-centred pupils were variables considered more indicative of insufficient depth of anaesthesia than intra-operative pain. In conclusion, it is obvious from the present data that indirect physiological signs of intra-operative pain and depth of anaesthesia are still considered of importance by Swedish anaesthesia nurses in the anaesthetic management of surgical patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Influence of expectations and actual pain experiences on satisfaction with postoperative pain management.

Experience of moderate or even severe postoperative pain has remained a clinical problem despite major progress in pain assessment and management. The aim of the present study was to assess any association between different pre- as well as postoperative factors, actual pain experiences in the postoperative period, and the overall patient satisfaction with the pain management. A random sample of surgical patients (n =191) responded to pre- and postoperative questionnaires detailing presence of preoperative baseline pain, expected and actually experienced postoperative pain levels and perceived adequacy of the pain relief provided. Patient satisfaction was assessed and factors of importance for satisfaction/dissatisfaction were analysed. It was found that 88% of the patients had previously undergone surgical procedures and that 53% of these patients claimed to have experienced moderate or severe pain at that time. Current pain prior to the present surgical procedure was reported by 61% of the patients. Most patients (91%) expected pain of moderate to severe intensity and 76% reported to have experienced such pain levels. In spite of this 81% of the patients claimed to be satisfied with the pain management while only 8% were dissatisfied. Sex, age, pre-operative expectation and actual experience of pain relief, and the overall pain experience were found to be factors associated with the probability of being satisfied/dissatisfied. Main characteristics of the dissatisfied patient were a younger age and female sex. It is concluded that patients commonly expect moderate to severe pain in the postoperative period and that the actual pain experience is mainly in accordance with the pre-operative expectations. Therefore, the validity of patient satisfaction as an optimal outcome variable in quality assurance processes of postoperative pain management may be questioned.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

No going back: narratives by close relatives of the braindead patient.

The aim of this narrative study was to illuminate the meaning of being a relative of a patient diagnosed as brain dead. This has so far been explored only to a limited extent. By phenomenological-hermeneutic analysis of 14 narratives, a chronological narrative in 4 steps was identified: the disquieting event; the uncertain vigil; the arduous struggle; and the difficult road ahead. From the analysis, the metaphor of an inner journey emerged, starting from a life situation taken for granted and experienced as safe, and moving towards the unknown, the unfamiliar. During the journey, a series of events of decisive importance in the relative's life were found to take place. Major stages along the road were efforts made to comprehend the reality of death, saying farewell and taking leave of the loved one. The importance of the ICU nurse taking part in the relative's inner journey is discussed in relation to Eriksson's theory of suffering and Martinsen's theory of caring. Implications and suggestions for nursing care activities are discussed.

Bereavement↗
PubMed2001

Assessing pain responses during general anesthesia.

Major technical and pharmacological achievements in recent years have greatly influenced the practice of anesthesia. Clinical signs related to the main aspects of anesthesia, i.e., hypnosis, analgesia, and muscular relaxation, are increasingly obtainable from variables supplied by the monitoring equipment. It is not known, however, to what extent more indirect, patient-associated clinical signs of pain/depth of anesthesia are still considered of importance and relied on in the intraoperative management of surgical patients. The aims of the present study were to assess what clinical signs, indirect as well as monitor-derived, are considered indicative of intraoperative pain or depth of anesthesia by nurse anesthetists during general anesthesia. In connection with anesthetic management of surgical patients, Swedish nurse anesthetists (N = 40) were interviewed about clinical signs that they routinely assessed and were asked if the observed signs were considered indicative mainly of intraoperative pain or depth of anesthesia. It was found that skin-associated responses (temperature, color, moisture/stickiness) were commonly considered to indicate intraoperative pain rather than depth of anesthesia. Respiratory movements, eye reactions, and circulatory responses were considered to be indicative of either pain or insufficient depth of anesthesia. The present data indicate that indirect physiological signs are still considered of major importance by anesthesia nurses during the anesthetic management of surgical patients.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2000

Assessment of pain experiences after elective surgery.

Pain in the postoperative period has remained a clinical problem in spite of major progress in pain assessment and management. The aim of the present study was to describe in detail the time course of pain experiences of surgical patients (n=200) following elective surgical procedures. Visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100 mm) was used for pain intensity ratings at 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Interviews were carried out to assess the occurrence of intermittent worst pain episodes during each 24-hour period and to relate such experiences to clinical events. At 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively, 39%, 43%, 27%, and 16% of the patients, respectively, experienced moderate or even severe pain (VAS > or =40 mm) at rest. During the first 24 hours after surgery, 88% of the patients had experienced moderate or severe pain at some time (VAS > or =40 mm). Corresponding figures for the following 24 hour periods were 81% and 72%, respectively. Spontaneous pain breakthrough and movement/mobilization were identified as reasons for the worst pain episodes during the first 72-hour period after surgery. The probability of pain intensity of VAS >40 mm was calculated from individual regression functions. The probability was found to be much higher for patients receiving parenteral analgesics than for patients receiving prolonged epidural analgesia. Despite major improvements in pain assessment and management, postoperative patients often experience moderate to severe pain, and worst pain episodes occur even in the late postoperative phase. The present study emphasizes that in the clinical routine management of pain, further quality assurance efforts are necessary.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Strategies used in post-operative pain assessment and their clinical accuracy.

Our knowledge about the content of strategies used by staff members in a surgical recovery unit for assessment of post-operative pain is fairly limited. The aim of the present study was to describe variations in the content of strategies used by nurses and physicians in practical clinical pain assessments and to evaluate the clinical accuracy of the strategies used. Critical care nurses (n = 30), physicians (n = 30) and postsurgical patients (n = 180) comprise the respondents. Applying a phenomenographical approach, interview data were tape-recorded during 180 clinical pain assessments. The pain assessments were related to comparative bedside pain ratings (Visual analogue Scale, VAS), both by staff members and post-operative patients. The recorded interviews were analysed to describe variations in ways of assessing pain. Pain assessment strategies were established by combining categories describing the impact of experience and categories of assessment criteria. The present observations, if included in the education of clinical staff members, could increase the understanding and thereby the quality of the pain assessment process.

Critical Care↗
PubMed2000

Clinical competence in pain assessment.

Our knowledge about the content of the clinical knowledge used by nurses in a surgical recovery unit for assessment of postoperative pain is fairly limited. The aim of the present study was to analyse and describe the variations of nurses' conceptions of the impact of clinical experience on competence in post-operative pain assessment. The informants consist of critical care nurses. A phenomenographical approach has been applied to tape-recorded interview data. The results reveal that clinical competence in pain assessment was described in three categories: (a) to be able to see; (b) to be able to differentiate; (c) to be able to give. The observations articulate what nurses perceive that they have learnt from experience in performing many clinical pain assessments and point to some difficulties in using a single-data source for the development of valid and truthful professional knowledge. In the development of professional experience, it is of the utmost importance to be able to change perspective from what is most frequent and general to what is special and unique, to base one's standpoint on the individual patient's experience and integrate this with previous professional experience.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hypertonic saline-dextran improves intestinal perfusion and survival in porcine endotoxin shock.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of hypertonic (7.5%) saline-6% dextran 70 (HSD) and isotonic (0.9%) saline-6% dextran 70 (ISD) on cardiovascular function and intestinal perfusion in experimental endotoxin shock. DESIGN: Experimental, randomized, unblinded, interventional study. SETTING: University experimental animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated landrace pigs (n = 24). INTERVENTIONS: Induction of endotoxin (ET) shock by infusion of Escherichia coil lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (serotype 0111: B4) followed by no fluid treatment (control; C) or small-volume (4 mL/kg) treatment with HSD or ISD. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, cardiac output, portal vein blood flow, intestinal microcirculation, intramucosal (regional) P(CO2), intestinal-arterial gap of CO2, and intramucosal pH were monitored, and blood gases were analyzed. Infusion of ET resulted in hypokinetic shock, which in untreated animals led to cardiovascular deterioration and a survival rate of only 33% at 300 mins after start of ET infusion. ISD treatment transiently improved hemodynamic variables and mucosal blood flow but did not affect the survival rate vs. C. Significant beneficial, long-lasting effects of HSD infusion on hemodynamics, especially on mucosal blood flow and intramucosal pH, were demonstrable, resulting in a survival rate of 86%. The relative risk of death at 300 mins was 1.20 for ISD vs. C and 0.17 for HSD vs. C. CONCLUSION: Small-volume HSD resuscitation is much more effective than ISD resuscitation. Variables that were improved include cardiac output, portal blood flow, and intestinal mucosal blood flow in ET shock, all of which improve survival. Such beneficial effects of HSD on splanchnic perfusion may be of value in treating critically ill septic patients in the intensive care unit.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Does prehospital hypertonic infusion therapy improve the survival of trauma patients?].

In cases of hypovolaemic shock and trauma, hypertonic saline (HS) resuscitation is beneficial as it results in rapid and efficient fluid redistribution from interstitial and cellular sources to the intravascular compartment. The ensuing haemodilution and reduction in blood viscosity improves venous return and increases preload, while afterload is simultaneously reduced due to the vasodilatory effects of HS. All these changes promote increased cardiac output and improve haemodynamic stability. HS seems to exert a moderate negative inotropic effect on cardiac function. A fluid replacement regimen based on both hypertonic and hyperoncotic fluid components seems to be the most advantageous approach, due to its better maintenance of haemodynamic stability and better restitution of nutritional blood flow. Experimental findings support the use of the colloid, dextran, in combination with HS, due to its beneficial effects on leucocyte-endothelial cell interactions, and thus on microvascular blood flow. As compared with standard fluid regimens, HS without the colloid, dextran, has not been shown to improve survival rates, whereas HS in combination with dextran may be a superior alternative. In specific categories of trauma patients, (e.g., those with head injuries), HS treatment seems clearly advantageous. Registration of HS solutions is currently under way in several countries.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation↗
PubMed1999

Nurse competence: advantageous in pre-hospital emergency care?

Aspects of the organization and function of pre-hospital emergency care services in western Sweden were assessed by interviewing physicians (n = 20) with administrative (n = 10) or/and active (n = 10) roles in the pre-hospital emergency care field. The data obtained indicate that although the present standard of care is acceptable, there is an obvious need for a more effective organization and the personnel involved should have a higher competence level. Ambulance personnel were not considered to have a high enough competence level. Therefore, a need for more nurses, preferably anaesthesia or intensive care nurses, was expressed. An awareness of the importance of research was noted among the physicians responsible for the services, and the research capability of nurses, along with their general competence in emergency medical service related problems, was considered an important argument for involving more nurses in pre-hospital emergency care. It was thought that by such an approach, a more scientific basis for assessing the efficacy of pre-hospital emergency care could be achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Strategies in postoperative pain assessment: validation study.

Pain assessment and management are major clinical problems that many categories of healthcare professionals have to deal with. Although there are many potentially successful approaches available for pain management, there is still a shortage of knowledge about the strategies used by staff members for the actual assessment of pain and how reliable these strategies are. The fact that patients often undergo a great deal of suffering from pain and lack of adequate pain relief may be considered an indicator of this shortage of knowledge. Clinical studies from different parts of the world reveal that the incidence of pain reported by patients is still high, with about 75% reporting moderate pain and an additional 15% severe pain. The aim of the present study was to validate different categories used in acute pain assessment and their accuracy in a new clinical sample and to explore further different dimensions of how staff members experience pain assessment. Intensive care nurses (n = 10) were carrying out pain assessment of postoperative patients (n = 30). Each pain assessment was followed by a detailed interview and indicating the estimated pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10 cm). The pain ratings by the nurses were compared to those of the patients to assess the accuracy of the pain assessments of the staff members. A previously developed category system for describing the initial empirical material regarding criteria the nurses relied on when assessing pain, combined with what experience has taught them in this respect, was used to assess the validity of previous observations. The results indicate that similar approaches were still used by the nurses but the accuracy of pain assessment had considerably improved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Hypertonic saline without or with dextran-70 in the treatment of experimental acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of treatment with hypertonic saline without (HS) or with dextran (HSD) on cardiac function and myocardial damage during reperfusion after acute myocardial ischemia. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Animal laboratory at a university medical center. SUBJECTS: Three-month-old male, crossbred (Swedish landrace, Yorkshire, and Hampshire) pigs. INTERVENTIONS: The pigs were anesthetized and catheterized. A mid-sternal thoracotomy was performed, the pericardial sac was opened, and the left anterior descending artery was dissected free and occluded for 45 mins. A 10-min treatment period with 4 mL/kg HS (7.5%), HSD (7.5%/6%), or normal saline (0.9%) was started 5 mins before reperfusion. After a reperfusion period of 240 mins, biopsies from the ischemic area were taken. Thereafter, the hearts were excised and subjected to a staining procedure (triphenyltetrazoliumchloride and Evan's blue), and the left ventricle was sliced for assessment of the size of the infarcted area and the area at risk. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Central hemodynamics and myocardial performance were monitored before, during, and for 240 mins after 45 mins of acute left anterior descending artery occlusion. Alterations in blood chemistry and serum levels of markers of myocardial damage were repeatedly analyzed during the experimental procedure. Biopsies from the injured myocardium were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, creatine phosphate, lactate, and glucose. Infarct sizes and areas at risk were planimetrically quantified. HS was not found to enhance, but rather to depress, cardiac performance at reperfusion, whereas HSD improved hemodynamics and myocardial contractility. HS or HSD administration was not found to increase the ischemia-induced myocardial damage. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of HSD but not HS will improve hemodynamics and myocardial performance during reperfusion after 45 mins of myocardial ischemia. The documented myocardial ischemic injury was not affected by any of the fluid therapies. Therefore, the present data do not support previously suggested detrimental effects of HS on myocardial ischemic injury.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Brain death in ICUs and associated nursing care challenges concerning patients and families.

In order to document the incidence and causes of brain death (BD) and the frequency of organ donation (OD) in a Swedish University Hospital, a retrospective review of deaths in a neurosurgical department and in the general intensive care units (ICUs), was carried out for the period 1988-1994. BD diagnosis was established in 197 (10.6%) of all deaths (n = 1843). The hospital records of all BD patients were examined in detail following a specific study plan. The majority of the BD patients (89%) were acute admissions to hospital, and among them 81 were transferred between hospitals often over a long distance. Among the BD patients the total number of OD was 65 (33%). The most common diagnosis leading to BD was spontaneous intracerebral bleeding and traumatic head injury. The BD diagnosis was established by neurological examination (60%) and by cerebral angiography (40%). Of the BD patients, 50% died within 48 hours in the ICU and the majority of requests for OD (67%) were made to the relatives of these patients. The findings are discussed with focus on the workload and psychological stress of ICU nurses when caring for BD patients and their families; a task which includes taking part in processes concerning BD diagnosis information and OD requests.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Assessment of the quality improvement of prehospital emergency care in Sweden.

The optimal competence level of personnel involved in prehospital emergency care is a matter for discussion. In Sweden a national quality improvement process has been initiated including strict regulation of the authorization of ambulance personnel to administer drugs and increased involvement of registered nurses. The aim of the present study was to assess from a national survey the present status of the ongoing quality improvement process in prehospital emergency care in Sweden. A questionnaire, detailing organizational, staffing, competence and functional aspects, was sent to all medical directors of prehospital EMS. The response frequency was 87.5%. Variations in the local organization of the prehospital care were observed. Only a limited number (20%) of the districts organized the ambulance services according to the competence level of the personnel. It was found that the competence level of the personnel involved in prehospital emergency care had improved considerably compared with the situation 5 years ago. A majority of the ambulancemen had increased their competence level by completing nurse assistant training and more registered nurses had been employed. The changes in the competence level and organization of the ambulance services and prehospital emergency care were considered to have had moderate (38.5%) or great (51.9%) impact on the quality of the services during the past 5 years. The effect was reported by 53.2% of the directors to be objectively verified from review of ambulance records, regular proficiency tests, patient survival data (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and analyses of computer-based records. It is concluded that the present study clearly shows that quality improvement process initiated by the Swedish authorities has resulted in a considerable improvement of prehospital emergency care in Sweden during the past few years.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1997

Hypertonic saline infusion with or without dextran 70 in the reperfusion phase of experimental acute limb ischaemia.

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy of hypertonic fluid therapy on central haemodynamics, leg blood flow, and skeletal muscle metabolism at reperfusion after subtotal bilateral limb ischaemia. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, controlled study, in pigs (n = 24). METHODS: Bilateral limb ischaemia was induced (aortic balloon catheter) and central haemodynamics, peripheral blood flow-thoracic fluid content, blood chemistry, and skeletal muscle metabolite levels were monitored. After 235 min of ischaemia infusion of normal 0.9% saline (NS), hypertonic 7.5% saline (HS), or HS in 6% dextran 70 (HSD) was started. Five minutes later the aortic balloon was deflated and the haemodynamic and metabolic alterations were studied for 180 min after reflow. RESULTS: Aortic occlusion resulted in haemodynamic alterations, reduced limb perfusion and metabolic changes indicative of tissue ischaemia. The haemodynamic support prior to, and following, deflation of the aortic balloon was more efficient for HS and HSD than for NS. Lactate clearance and restitution of high energy phosphagen levels in skeletal muscle were faster and more pronounced in the HS and HSD groups. CONCLUSIONS: Small-volume hypertonic saline, especially in combination with 6% dextran 70, will effectively reverse limb ischaemia induced haemodynamic and tissue metabolic disturbances.

Animals↗