PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

U Bothner

Publications and source records attributed to U Bothner.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Perioperative monitoring of the course of anesthesia, the postanesthesia visit and inquiry of patient satisfaction. A prospective study of parameters in process and outcome quality in anesthesia].

PURPOSE: This study is an investigation into the results of reporting on incidents during and after anaesthesia, to reveal any possible associations between intra-procedural and final outcome. The study contributes to the quality assurance project of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DGAI). We adjusted and tabulated our data for preoperative risk and for different methods of anaesthesia. This nation-wide DGAI project was launched to compare clinical institutions in accordance with German social legislation. METHOD: DGAI recommends standardised documentation of parameters representing quality of process (QP) defined by a 63-items list, during every anaesthesia course. Additionally, quality of outcome parameters (QO) defined by a 64-items list should be assessed by an anaesthetist during a standardised postoperative ward round by means of spot checks. A questionnaire covering subjective complaints (SC) and patient satisfaction, is optional. The combination of these tools was evaluated during a 5-month period in every patient (n = 282) on a traumatological surgery ward. RESULTS: QP and QO showed a significant association (p < 0.0001). The incidence of both parameters increases according to risk factors like age and ASA physical status. This was not significant in respect of the type of anaesthesia (p = 0.20). Whereas perioperative QP parameters were less frequent in regional versus general anaesthesia (p < 0.0001), there was no postoperative difference in QO as seen by the anaesthetist (p = 0.20). However, postoperative SC were less frequent with regional anaesthesia (p < 0.0001). The association of QO and SC was mot significant (p = 0.24). There was comparable preoperative morbidity (p = 0.74) for both anaesthetic procedures. 96.5% of all patients expressed overall satisfaction. Despite this fact, nausea (25%), vomiting (29%), thurst (29%) and particularly wound pain (33%) were frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Quality parameters assessed by anaesthetists and patients are independent in respect to their frequency. For this purpose, anaesthesiological quality assurance must focus on both the anaesthetist and the patient. As clinical consequence, we suggest establishing an interdisciplinary post-anaesthesia service. Acceptance by, and collaboration between, the surgical disciplines are indispensable especially for a successful application of effective pain and antiemetic therapy.

Adult↗

Large-dose administration of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 total hip arthroplasty: plasma homeostasis, hemostasis, and renal function compared to use of 5% human albumin.

Within a daily dose of 20 mL/kg, medium-molecular hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a safe and effective colloid for intravascular blood volume replacement. The effect of large doses on coagulation and renal function is unknown. We prospectively studied 41 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty during the perioperative period. Inevitable blood loss was replaced with HES (HES group) or albumin (ALB group) in combination with packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelets. Hemodynamic, oncotic, coagulation, and renal functions were compared initially, at the end of surgery, during the postoperative period (1, 3, and 6 h), and also with respect to the volume of colloid solution administered (1500, 2000, and 3000 mL). Total intake and output balances, as well as the costs of blood replacement therapy, were registered at the end of the study. We found differences in oncotic variables even at 6 h after surgery (total serum proteins [TSP]:HES 36.4 +/- 7.9 g/L versus ALB 55.6 +/- 6.1 g/L, P < 0.01; serum albumin:HES 25.5 +/- 5.3 g/L versus ALB 42.0 +/- 5.6 g/L, P < 0.01). Colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and hemodynamic, coagulation, and renal functions were comparable, as was total blood loss (HES 4247 +/- 2090 mL versus ALB 4051 +/- 2830 mL). Total requirements for colloid solutions (HES 35.9 +/- 7.4 mL/kg versus ALB 33.9 +/- 10.5 mL/kg), PRBC, FFP, or platelets were comparable, whereas total cost of blood replacement therapy was 33% less in the HES group. With respect to efficacy and side effects on coagulation and renal function, medium molecular HES is an appropriate and economic alternative to albumin at daily doses of up to at least 36 mL/kg.

Aged↗

Effects of graded doses of vasopressin on median fibrillation frequency in a porcine model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: results of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of graded doses of vasopressin vs. saline on median fibrillation frequency and defibrillation success in a porcine model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Animal laboratory in a university medical center. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight domestic pigs (body weight between 26 and 31 kg), aged 12 to 14 wks. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN RESULTS: After 4 mins of ventricular fibrillation and 3 mins of closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the animals were allocated to receive either 0.2 U/kg of vasopressin (n = 7), 0.4 U/kg of vasopressin (n = 7), 0.8 U/kg of vasopressin (n = 7), or 10 mL of saline (n = 7, control group). Using radiolabeled microspheres, myocardial blood flow rates during cardiopulmonary resuscitation-before drug administration and 90 secs and 5 mins after drug administration-were as follows in the four groups (mean +/- SEM): 18.8 +/- 0.9, 17.2 +/- 1.1, and 14.6 +/- 1.4 mL/min/100 g in the control group; 17.8 +/- 2.2, 49.6 +/- 6.3 (p < .01 vs. control group), and 29.4 +/- 3.1 mL/min/100 g (p < .05 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.2 U/kg of vasopressin; 17.1 +/- 1.0, 52.4 +/- 7.5 (p < .01 vs. control group), and 52.2 +/- 5.8 mL/min/100 g (p < .001 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.4 U/kg of vasopressin; and 18.1 +/- 1.6, 94.9 +/- 9.2 (p < .001 vs. control group), and 57.2 +/- 6.3 mL/min/100 g (p < .001 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.8 U/kg of vasopressin. Using spectral analysis, median frequencies of ventricular fibrillation-before drug administration and 90 secs and 5 mins after drug administration-were as follows in the four groups: 9.6 +/- 0.4, 8.5 +/- 0.8, and 7.2 +/- 1.0 Hz in the control group; 9.7 +/- 0.5, 12.9 +/- 0.8 (p < .01 vs. control group), and 12.7 +/- 0.8 Hz (p < .001 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.2 U/kg of vasopressin; 10.3 +/- 0.2, 12.7 +/- 0.9 (p < .01 vs. control group), and 12.8 +/- 0.7 Hz (p < .001 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.4 U/kg of vasopressin; and 10.0 +/- 0.9, 14.1 +/- 0.9 (p < .001 vs. control group), and 12.5 +/- 0.9 Hz (p < .001 vs. control group) in the group receiving 0.8 U/kg of vasopressin at the same points in time. Median frequency before the first defibrillation attempt was 12.3 +/- 0.4 Hz in the resuscitated animals (n = 19) and 8.2 +/- 1.2 Hz in the nonresuscitated animals (n = 9) (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the characterization of the effect of increasing global myocardial blood flow on median fibrillation frequency after administration of graded doses of vasopressin in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation. Interventions such as vasopressor treatment that increase fibrillation frequency improve the chance of successful defibrillation.

Animals↗

Release of endogenous vasopressors during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether plasma endothelin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, arginine vasopressin, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol concentrations were higher during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients in whom resuscitation was successful than in those in whom it failed, and to measure the concentrations of these hormones in the immediate post-resuscitation phase. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Emergency medical service at a university hospital. PATIENTS: 60 patients with cardiac arrest out of hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were drawn and blood pressure and heart rate were measured during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, before and after the first dose of adrenaline was given and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the restoration of spontaneous circulation. Plasma hormone concentrations were measured by radio-immunoassays. RESULTS: 24 of the 60 patients were successfully resuscitated and admitted to hospital: 36 were not. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation before adrenaline was given, the plasma concentration of endothelin (mean (SEM)) in resuscitated and in not resuscitated patients was 4.3 (0.9) pg/ml and 5.5 (0.4) pg/ml respectively (NS), adrenaline was 14.1 (2.0) ng/ml and 25.3 (3.6) ng/ml (P < 0.01), noradrenaline was 5.0 (0.9 ng/ml) and 8.4 (1.1 ng/ml) (P < 0.05), arginine vasopressin was 193 (28) pg/ml and 70 (9) pg/ml (P < 0.001), adrenocorticotropin was 128 (34) pg/ml and 57 (6) pg/ml (P < 0.05), and cortisol was 18 (3) microgram/dl and 15 (2) microgram/dl (NS). During cardiopulmonary resuscitation after adrenaline was given endothelin in resuscitated and in not resuscitated patients was 4.0 (1.0) pg/ml and 5.3 (0.5) pg/ml (NS), adrenaline was 145 (16) ng/ml and 201 (21) ng/ml (P < 0.05), noradrenaline was 3.9 (0.9) ng/ml and 8.3 (1.1) ng/ml (P < 0.01), arginine vasopressin was 177 (27) pg/ml and 58 (9) pg/ml (P < 0.001), adrenocorticotropin was 234 (92) pg/ml and 85 (9) pg/ml (P < 0.001), and cortisol was 17 (2) microgram/dl and 13 (2) microgram/dl (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a tremendous adrenosympathetic response, the lower arginine vasopressin and adrenocorticotropin concentrations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients in whom resuscitation failed may influence vital organ perfusion and hence the success of resuscitation. Plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin and adrenocorticotropin may have a more important effect on outcome than previously thought.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

[Quality control in anesthesiology. Results of a prospective study following the recommendations of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care].

The German Social Law has required quality assurance (QA) procedures since 1989. The measures must be suitable to allow "comparing investigations". In 1992 the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine published recommendations for QA in anaesthesia: most problems during an anaesthetic should be documented in a standardised manner, and thus, a list of 63 pitfalls, events, and complications (PECs) and five degrees of severity were defined. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of PECs in anaesthesia and to correlate PECs with procedures and preoperative health status. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Demographic data, preoperative findings, type and duration of anaesthesia and operation, and kind and severity of PECs were integrated in an automatically readable anaesthetic data record (ARADR). During 12 months all anaesthetics in our department were documented by the ARADR; the records were read by a reading device and the data stored in a modern SQL database (Informix). Degrees of severity: I. PEC leads to reaction of anaesthetist, no impact for recovery room (RR); II. impact for RR, no impact on transfer to ward; III. significant prolongation of RR stay or additional monitoring on ward; IV. PEC leads to intensive care unit admission; V. disabling damage or death. RESULTS. In all, 18350 anaesthetics were recorded (9055 male, 9295 female); the median age was 41 years (1 day-99 years). In 4251 (23.2%) anaesthetics 5927 PECs occurred, 3412 of them involving the cardiovascular and 949 the respiratory system, the latter with a tendency to higher degrees of severity. PECs caused by technical equipment (126) or lesions caused by anaesthesists (342) had no fatal outcomes and were less severe. Patients in ASA class I had 12.3% anaesthetics with PECs, ASA II 23.3%, ASA III 33.8%, ASA IV 34.9%, and ASA V 58.5%. PECs of degrees IV and V showed a higher incidence in the higher ASA classes. There was no fatal PEC in an ASA class I patient and only one (of 13615) in an elective procedure. Emergency cases had more frequent and more severe PECs: 16 of 19 PECs of degree V were in ASA class IV and V patients and 15 in emergency situations, all of them in surgical patients. Patients with cardiovascular disease had a more frequent incidence of PECs by a factor of 1.39 to 5.93 than those without such disease. CONCLUSIONS. Standardised incident reporting by defined PECs seems a good way to describe problems in anaesthesia. The types of PECs in our study had a similar distribution to those in other investigations, but there was a tendency to less frequent fatal PECs in ASA classes I to IV and more frequent ones in ASA class V. We expect better comparability when multicenter studies are done using identical methods in the next few years. Perhaps different patients collectives with special risks will be detected; efforts in quality improvement could focus on these patients.

Adolescent↗

[Incidents, events and complications in the perioperative period in normal and malnurished patients--results of 23,056 patients].

AIM: Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in anaesthetic patients and perioperative pitfalls, events and complications (PECs) in different nutritional states were examined. The results should contribute to a current project of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, established for quality assurance. METHOD: Preoperative data (age, sex, defined preexisting diseases, nutritional state, grade of urgency and ASA-class) were integrated in an automatically readable paper record, as well as the perioperative interventions and events, type of anaesthesia, and kind of operation. The records were routinely in use for every patient. After control and correction the data were stored in a modern data base. Data of patients under 16 years of age and incomplete sets of data were excluded from analysis. MAIN RESULTS: From July 1, 1992 to December 31, 1993 23,056 anaesthesias were recorded, 5,852 (25.4%) of them with a total of 8,107 PECs. 17,255 patients had normal body weight and 23% of them PECs. 4,484 obese (but not extremely) patients had a PEC rate of 31.2%, 330 extremely obese patients had a PEC rate of 38.2%, 966 patients with underweight (but not extremely) had a PEC rate of 36.1% and 21 with extreme underweight had a PEC rate of 38.1%. Obese patients had a higher prevalence of preexisting cardiovascular disturbances (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and hypertension) and tended to a higher incidence of perioperative hypertensive, bronchospastic and hypoxic events as well as more difficulties in application of regional anaesthesia. Young adult patients (16-39 years) had a PEC rate of 14% in case of normal nutritional state but of 20% in case of obesity. The incidence of respiratory PECs and of PECs of higher severity was almost double in obese young patients compared to normal weight patients of the same age. When preoperative cardiovascular disease was known there was little difference between the different states of nutrition in respect of perioperative PECs. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional disorder is an important epidemiological factor in anaesthesia. Particularly in younger patients without defined preoperative cardiovascular disturbance but with obesity the anaesthesist may be surprised by a remarkable incidence of relevant problems during and immediately after anaesthesia. We should consider the possible phenomenon that we are underestimating the anaesthetic challenge in young obese patients in a "healthy" cardiovascular state.

Adolescent↗

[Clinical randomized controlled studies in anesthesiology according to the quality guidelines of good clinical practice. 1: Basic trial design].

This article was written to give researchers and clinicians a short synopsis of ethical and thorough design, conduct, analysis, publication, and interpretation of randomised controlled clinical trials according to the European quality standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The paper consists of two parts. In the first part we introduce important elements of study design, especially study hypothesis, criteria of inclusion and study population, sample size calculation, validity considerations, bias and confounding, randomisation, stratification, and masking of treatment assignment. Different treatment allocation like multiple parallel groups, factorial experiment, cross-over, and sequential design are presented. Requirements of ethical standards according to the Declaration of Helsinki are discussed for their necessity in any experimentation in humans. Principles of informed consent are demonstrated with emphasis on special conditions in anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and intensive care research. In the second part of this article we explain issues of baseline assessment, experimental intervention, data recording, and data monitoring, particularly of negative or hazardous treatment effects. Topics of data analysis and reporting of trial results in publications are illustrated with regard to their influence on subsequent interpretation.

Anesthesiology↗

[Clinical randomized controlled studies in anesthesiology according to quality guidelines of good clinical practice. 2: Principles of implementation, analysis, publication and evaluation].

This article was written to give researchers and clinicians a short synopsis of ethical and thorough design, conduct, analysis, publication, and interpretation of randomised controlled clinical trials according to the European quality standards of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). The paper consists of two parts. In the first part we introduce important elements of study design, especially study hypothesis, criteria of inclusion and study population, sample size calculation, validity considerations, bias and confounding, randomisation, stratification, and masking of treatment assignment. Different treatment allocation like multiple parallel groups, factorial experiment, cross-over, and sequential design are presented. Requirements of ethical standards according to the Declaration of Helsinki are discussed for their necessity in any experimentation in humans. Principles of informed consent are demonstrated with emphasis on special conditions in anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and intensive care research. In the second part of this article we explain issues of baseline assessment, experimental intervention, data recording, and data monitoring, particularly of negative or hazardous treatment effects. Topics of data analysis and reporting of trial results in publications are illustrated with regard to their influence on subsequent interpretation.

Anesthesiology↗

Concentrations of prolactin and prostaglandins during and after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in plasma prolactin and prostaglandin concentrations in resuscitated and nonresuscitated patients during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to compare changes of prostaglandin and prolactin concentrations with hemodynamic variables in the immediate postresuscitation phase. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Emergency medical service at a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine patients ranging in age from 39 to 87 yrs with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. INTERVENTIONS: Venous blood samples were taken during CPR and at 5, 15, 30, and 60 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation in order to measure plasma concentrations of prolactin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F2 alpha, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 by immunoassay. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured at 5, 15, 30, and 60 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In 15 patients, restoration of spontaneous circulation was achieved; in the remaining 14 patients, successful resuscitation was not possible. During CPR, the mean plasma prolactin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F2 alpha, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 concentrations were 95.9 +/- 13.6 micrograms/L, 357 +/- 61 ng/L, 228 +/- 28 ng/L, 277 +/- 66 ng/L, and 375 +/- 78 ng/L, respectively, in resuscitated patients, and 23.9 +/- 5.6 micrograms/L (p = .0001), 192 +/- 22 ng/L (p = .005), 202 +/- 31 ng/L (p = .528), 221 +/- 40 ng/L (p = .713), and 344 +/- 77 ng/L (p = .780), respectively, in nonresuscitated patients. At 60 mins after restoration of spontaneous circulation, the mean plasma prolactin, prostaglandin F2 alpha, 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandin F2 alpha, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 concentrations were 50.1 +/- 9.5 micrograms/L, 306 +/- 42 ng/L, 503 +/- 87 ng/L, 278 +/- 55 ng/L, and 355 +/- 30 ng/L, respectively. Mean values of systolic arterial blood pressure were 114 +/- 12 mm Hg at 30 mins and 123 +/- 18 mm Hg at 60 mins. No significant correlations were found between hemodynamic values and plasma concentrations of prolactin or prostaglandins. CONCLUSIONS: Prolactin and prostaglandin concentrations were increased during cardiac arrest and CPR. Successful initial resuscitation was associated with increased prolactin and prostaglandin F2 alpha concentrations during CPR. Decreased concentrations in non-resuscitated patients may have been a result of exhaustion of the neuroendocrine and eicosanoid systems, or may be due to differences in bioavailability at the site of blood sampling based upon differences in hemodynamics.

Adult↗

[Comparison of 5% human albumin and 6% 200/0.5 HES as exclusive colloid components in large surgical interventions].

OBJECTIVE: It was the purpose of the following study to compare effects of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 200/0.5 (HES) and albumin 5% (HA5) on haemostasis, haemodynamics, oncotic function and plasmatic homoeostasis. METHODS: In 2 randomised groups of 20 patients each undergoing large surgery (criteria of exclusion: anaemia, renal, liver, and coagulation disorders, ASA classification > III) we treated up to 1000 ml with colloid solution, from 1000 ml up to 5000 ml with packed red blood cells (PRBC) and colloid solution (1:1) and above 5000 ml with PRBC and fresh frozen plasma (1:1). Group HES received HES and group HA5 albumin as exclusive colloid component and both continuously lactated Ringers' at a rate of 500 ml/h. We measured the parameters before operation, after each 1000 ml colloid up to 3000 ml application and at the end of operation and we registered total blood output/intake. RESULTS: We found comparable amounts of blood loss and blood intake (mean total amount of colloid solution: HES 2044 +/- 579 ml; HA5 2547 +/- 980 ml). We didn't find any differences in haemodynamics nor in haematocrit, platelets or global coagulation parameters which only showed dilutional influences. Differences existed in total serum protein (HES 32.8 +/- 6.5 gr/l; HA5 54 +/- 5.5 gr/l at OP's end); however COP was maintained in both groups during the whole study period at normal ranges. Plasmatic haemostasis showed to a large extent corresponding values. Remarkable was the development of a metabolic acidosis in the HA5 group. CONCLUSION: Regarding total blood output/intake, haemodynamic functions, haematological parameters, coagulation, oncotic function, and plasmatic homoeostasis, HES is a safe colloid if contra-indications are taken into account, capable of replacing albumin 5% entirely as a colloid component of treatment of even large blood losses intraoperatively above the recommended dose of 20 ml/kg BW/d.

Adult↗

[Patient-controlled analgesia versus epidural analgesia using bupivacaine or morphine following major abdominal surgery. No difference in postoperative morbidity].

In 1987, Yeager et al. reported that intraoperative epidural anesthesia with local anesthetics and postoperative epidural analgesia with opiates diminished postoperative morbidity. In our first clinical trial on this topic, the better postoperative analgesia with epidural bupivacaine-fentanyl failed to improve the outcome after major abdominal operations over that obtained with parenteral piritramide. This randomized controlled investigation was designed to assess whether intraoperative epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine plus light general anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia with morphine would diminish the overall rate of postoperative complications after major abdominal operations compared with general anesthesia (without epidural) followed by patient controlled analgesia with morphine, and with intraoperative epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine and light general anesthesia followed by postoperative bupivacaine-morphine analgesia. METHODS. A total of 292 patients undergoing infrarenal aortic bypass operation, gastric resection, gastrectomy, duodenum-preserving pancreatic resection, Whipple's operation or cystectomy and neobladder formation were randomly divided into three groups: 1. PCA group (patient controlled analgesia, n = 107): patients were operated on under general anesthesia (midazolam, fentanyl, N2O/O2, if necessary with addition of halothane, enflurane or isoflurane; muscle relaxation with pancuronium bromide). Postoperative management consisted in patient-controlled analgesia with morphine (Prominject), bolus 2 mg, lock-out 5 min (recovery room, intensive care unit) or 15 min (surgical ward). 2. EBM group (epidural bupivacaine+morphine, n = 95): operation under light general anesthesia (midazolam, low-dose fentanyl, N2O/O2, pancuronium bromide). In addition, a mixture of bupivacaine (0.25%) and morphine (60 micrograms/ml) was infused (approximately 0.1 ml/kg.h) via an epidural catheter during and after the operation (approximately 72 h). 3. EM group (epidural morphine, n = 90): operation under the same kind of general-epidural anesthesia as in the EBM group. Postoperatively, epidural injection of morphine (0.05 mg/kg in 10 ml of saline) on request up to the 3rd postoperative day. Quality of analgesia (at rest and when patients coughed vigorously), strength of cough, and rate-pressure product were recorded at 8:00 h, 12:00 noon, 16:00 h and 20:00 h on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd postoperative days. Incidence and intensity of all postoperative complications (cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and other organ failure, reoperations, major infection, sepsis, thromboembolism, metabolic and mental disturbances) were assessed from the day of operation until discharge or death (n = 10), respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. In the PCA and EM groups analgesia was equal but of slightly inferior quality compared with the EBM group. The ability to cough was best in the EBM group and significantly worse in the PCA and EM groups, with no difference between the last two. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Abdomen↗