{"title":"Cervical spine disease and anaesthesia","authors":"Cinzia Cammarano, Yeng Yap","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical spine disease is increasingly prevalent worldwide. Pathology encompasses degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, inflammatory, and deformity-related conditions, many of which may necessitate surgical intervention. Anaesthetic management of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery presents unique challenges, particularly with respect to airway management, neurological protection, haemodynamic stability, and patient positioning. This review outlines common cervical spine pathologies, surgical approaches, and key perioperative anaesthetic considerations, including induction and maintenance strategies, intraoperative monitoring, airway management, multimodal analgesia, and postoperative care. Recent recommendations for airway and blood pressure management in patients with cervical spine injury are also discussed, alongside the role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways. A structured, multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize patient safety and overall outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 481-485"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hormonal control of metabolism: regulation of plasma glucose","authors":"Pei Shan Lim, Amarjeet D. Patil","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plasma glucose homeostasis is essential for maintaining cellular energy supply and preventing metabolic dysfunction which is achieved through a coordinated interaction between hormonal signals, metabolic organs, and peripheral tissues. Central to this process is the reciprocal action of pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon, that respond dynamically to fluctuations in blood glucose concentration. Insulin is secreted during hyperglycaemia and promotes glucose uptake, storage, and utilization in insulin-sensitive tissues, while suppressing endogenous glucose production. In contrast, glucagon is released during hypoglycaemia and acts primarily on the liver to stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, thereby restoring circulating glucose levels. The liver functions as a metabolic buffer, integrating hormonal signals to balance glucose storage and release, while skeletal muscle and adipose tissue serve as major sites of glucose uptake. The central nervous system is responsible for sensing metabolic signals and coordinating autonomic output to metabolic organs to maintain glucose homeostasis. Physiological challenges such as fasting, stress, and increased energy demand evoke adaptive responses that ensure glucose availability for glucose-dependent tissues, particularly the brain. An integrated understanding of insulin–glucagon homeostasis provides the basis for interpreting normal metabolic physiology and the pathogenesis of disorders characterized by impaired glucose regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 505-509"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Malignant hyperthermia","authors":"Rhys Williams, Tom Davenport","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening anaesthetic emergency characterized by a sudden hypermetabolic state leading to rapid pyrexia and muscle rigidity. It is an autosomal-dominant inherited disorder, most commonly caused by mutations in the RYR1 and CACNA1S genes. Exposure to triggering agents results in uncontrolled calcium release within skeletal muscle. This leads to sustained tetanic contraction which is a metabolically demanding process, manifesting as increased O<sub>2</sub> consumption and the production of CO<sub>2</sub> and heat. Common triggering agents include the halogenated volatile anaesthetic agents and the depolarizing neuromuscular blocker suxamethonium chloride. After a suspected MH reaction confirmation or refutation relies on genetic testing and the <em>in-vitro contracture test</em> performed in specialist centres.</div><div>A sudden, unexplained rise in end-tidal CO<sub>2</sub> and tachycardia should alert the anaesthetist to a possible MH crisis which can occur at any time during anaesthesia. Anaesthetists should be mindful that an MH reaction could occur in the hours that follow anaesthesia, this can be challenging to identify particularly as end-tidal CO<sub>2</sub> is typically not monitored at this time. A previously uneventful general anaesthetic does not exclude future susceptibility. Management requires immediate discontinuation of triggering agents, delivery of oxygen via a clean, volatile-free circuit (with activated charcoal filters where available), rapid administration of dantrolene, and active body cooling to maintain core temperature below 38.5°C. Supportive measures should continue until the crisis resolves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 521-524"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Monitoring techniques: neuromuscular blockade and depth of anaesthesia","authors":"J. Tupman, R. Mistry","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Patient monitoring is fundamental to the practice of anaesthesia. Once considered advanced monitoring devices, peripheral nerve stimulators and depth of anaesthesia monitors have now been accepted into standard practice. Understanding the principles of how these monitors work is key to adequate interpretation. In this article, we describe the principles behind peripheral nerve stimulation and the importance of the relatively newer quantitative nerve stimulation monitors. We also discuss the use of processed electroencephalography for monitoring depth of anaesthesia, including the current guidance behind its use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 525-529"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CT imaging of the cervical spine for trauma","authors":"Jordan Colman, Dermot Mallon, David Doig","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Computed tomography (CT) has become the gold standard imaging modality in adults for assessing cervical spine trauma, superseding plain radiography in most clinical scenarios, as it provides superior sensitivity and enables accurate classification. A systematic approach to CT cervical spine interpretation is essential for all clinicians involved in trauma care, particularly anaesthetists who must assess cervical spine stability prior to airway management. This article provides a structured review of CT cervical spine imaging in perioperative management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 486-491"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neuromuscular disorders: relevance to anaesthesia and intensive care","authors":"Elouise S. Donaldson","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An understanding of the commonly encountered neuromuscular disorders is essential for the anaesthetist and intensivist not only because the care of these patients can be complex but particularly due to the increased risk of respiratory compromise. These neuromuscular disorders are explored in detail in this article, including motor neurone disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), peripheral nerve conditions (Guillain–Barré syndrome), neuromuscular junction conditions (myasthenia gravis, Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome and botulism) as well as muscle conditions (muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy). The perioperative anaesthetic considerations for neuromuscular disorders will be examined as well as the care of these patients on the intensive care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 492-496"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Practical aspects of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia","authors":"Pavan Kumar BC. Raju, Calum RK. Grant","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is increasingly popular, offering the user a number of advantages over alternative methods of nerve localization (neurostimulation or paraesthesia). These include a more accurate understanding of individual patient anatomy, identification of needle tip position and the ability to assess local anaesthetic spread in relation to a target nerve. An understanding of the basic principles and commonly used terminologies of ultrasound scanning is a fundamental requirement when using this technology. The aim of this article is to outline these basic principles and explain the practical aspects of performing nerve blocks, using ultrasound, in order to achieve quick, safe and effective block performance with minimal procedural discomfort for the patient.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 516-520"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-assessment","authors":"Vijayanand Nadella","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.07.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.07.008","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 530-531"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Postoperative care of neurosurgical patients: general principles","authors":"Cinzia Cammarano, Apoorva Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The immediate postoperative period after neurosurgery is characterized by substantial physiological vulnerability and a risk of rapid neurological deterioration. Postoperative care must therefore combine prompt recognition of evolving intracranial complications with meticulous optimization of systemic factors that influence cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. This review outlines the general principles of postoperative care for neurosurgical patients, with an emphasis on practical bedside management in the recovery. Core priorities include appropriate postoperative destination, structured handover, airway and ventilatory management, pathology-specific haemodynamic control, and frequent, trend-based neurological assessment with predefined escalation thresholds. Supportive management of fluid balance, sodium and water disorders, glucose, temperature, infection risk, and device-related complications is also essential. Analgesia and antiemetic strategies must provide symptom control without obscuring neurological assessment. Enhanced recovery principles, thromboprophylaxis, rehabilitation planning, and safe discharge processes are crucial pillars of postoperative care. A structured multidisciplinary approach is fundamental to reducing preventable morbidity and supporting safe recovery after neurosurgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 8","pages":"Pages 497-504"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148699343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gastric disorders: modifications of gastric content, antacids and drugs influencing gastric secretions and motility","authors":"Stewart McKie, Kenneth Gary Rodgers, Andrea Llano","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.05.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.05.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastric disorders have significant relevance to the fields of both anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Pneumonitis and development of pneumonia in the perioperative period are significant complications following aspiration of gastric acid and stomach contents. Anaesthetists play a key role in minimizing this risk through careful patient selection, pre-assessment and pharmacological management of gastric acid. Proton pump inhibitors are the most used drug class to reduce the risk of stress-related mucosal damage in intensive care and perioperatively. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists and sucralfate are also effective but not routinely used in clinical practice. Sodium citrate is still commonly used in obstetric anaesthesia. Ventilated patients in intensive care may also suffer from intestinal failure either subsequent to postoperative ileus, pharmacological treatments or as part of multi-organ dysfunction. Many strategies have been proposed for the management of intestinal failure in critical care; however, evidence is lacking in this area. Prokinetics including metoclopramide and erythromycin remain key drugs in the management of intestinal failure in current practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 7","pages":"Pages 439-443"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148453891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}