Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Anesthesiology for May 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.

ASHP: SVP, Injectable Opioid Shortages Threaten Patient Care

THURSDAY, May 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The widespread shortages of injectable opioids and small-volume parenteral (SVP) solutions are jeopardizing patient care and placing a strain on hospital operations, according to a report published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

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Congress Approves Bill Expanding Private Care for VA Patients

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients served by the beleaguered Veterans Affairs health system may have wider access to private care, thanks to a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate. President Donald Trump is known to support the bill, which now awaits his signature.

AMA Statement
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Global Variation in Personal Health Care Access and Quality

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable global variation in personal health care access and quality, according to a study published online May 23 in The Lancet.

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Regional Anesthesia Tied to Lower Opioid Use in TKA, THA

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Regional anesthesia is associated with a lower opioid consumption in both knee and hip replacement surgeries, compared to general anesthesia, according to a study published May 14 in PAIN Practice.

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Post-Surgical Readmissions Higher Among Homeless Veterans

TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Readmissions are higher in homeless veterans discharged to the community after surgery, compared to housed veterans, according to a study published in the June issue of Medical Care.

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CDC: No Change in Level of Uninsured in U.S. in 2017

TUESDAY, May 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 9.1 percent of individuals in the United States were uninsured in 2017, which was not significantly different from the level in 2016, according to a report published online May 22 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Centers for Health Statistics.

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Language Used in Medical Record Can Affect Patient Care

FRIDAY, May 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Stigmatizing language used in medical records to describe patients can influence medical students and residents in terms of their attitudes towards the patient and their clinical decision-making, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

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Nonprofit Manufacturer Could Keep Generic Drug Costs Down

WEDNESDAY, May 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A nonprofit manufacturer could help keep generic drug prices down and maintain their supply, according to a perspective piece published in the May 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Early Post-Op APAP Exposure May Cut AKI Risk in Peds Cardiac Sx

TUESDAY, May 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery, early postoperative acetaminophen exposure may be associated with a reduced rate of acute kidney injury (AKI), according to a study published online May 14 in JAMA Pediatrics.

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Peds Fasting Duration Not Tied to Adverse Sedation Outcomes

WEDNESDAY, May 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For children undergoing procedural sedation for a painful procedure, fasting duration is not associated with adverse events, according to a study published online May 7 in JAMA Pediatrics.

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Regulatory Requirements Drive Dissatisfaction With EHRs

TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Regulatory requirements are likely to be an important aspect of physician dissatisfaction with electronic health records (EHRs) that is driving burnout, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online May 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Evidence Lacking for Impact of PDMPs on Drug Overdoses

TUESDAY, May 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is insufficient evidence available for examining the correlation between prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) and non-fatal or fatal overdoses, according to a review published online May 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Many Organizations Not Meeting Trial Reporting Requirements

FRIDAY, May 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many organizations are not meeting the trial registration and results reporting requirements clarified by “The Final Rule,” which had a compliance date of April 18, 2017, according to a study published online May 1 in BMC Medicine.

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Many Patients Have Unused Opioids After Spine, Joint Surgery

THURSDAY, May 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients undergoing elective same-day or inpatient joint and spine surgery have unused opioids at one- and six-month follow-up, according to a study published online April 17 in Anesthesia & Analgesia.

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Practices Should Be Aware of Correct Way to Fire Employees

TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians should be aware of the correct protocol for, as well as the laws involved in, firing employees, according to a report published in Medical Economics.

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Anesthesia Before Age 3 Not Linked to Intelligence Deficits

TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Multiple exposures to anesthesia before the age of 3 years may have neuropsychological impacts, though intelligence does not appear to be affected, according to a study published online April 18 in Anesthesiology.

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