Global end‑diastolic volume an emerging preload marker vis‑a‑vis other markers - Have we reached our goal.

A reliable estimation of cardiac preload is helpful in the management of severe circulatory dysfunction. The estimation of cardiac preload has evolved from nuclear angiography, pulmonary artery catheterization to echocardiography, and transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD). Global end‑diastolic volume (GEDV) is the combined end‑diastolic volumes of all the four cardiac chambers. GEDV has been demonstrated to be a reliable preload marker in comparison with traditionally used pulmonary artery catheter‑derived pressure preload parameters. Recently, a new TPTD system called EV1000™ has been developed and introduced into the expanding field of advanced hemodynamic monitoring. GEDV has emerged as a better preload marker than its previous conventional counterparts. The advantage of it being measured by minimum invasive methods such as PiCCO™ and newly developed EV1000™ system makes it a promising bedside advanced hemodynamic parameter.

Simulation in coagulation testing using rotational thromboelastometry: A fast emerging, reliable point of care technique.

Computer simulations can come in handy to train medical personnel with necessary skills to face the clinical scenarios involving various coagulopathies. Now a days, point of care (POC) devices such as thromboelastography, Sonoclot analyzer and newly approved rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) with faster results to assess coagulopathies are available on bedside of patients. ROTEM is emerging as a quick, portable, and well‑validated device to evaluate coagulopathy in critical care and perioperative setup. A novel platelet‑aggregometry integrated module enables simultaneous analysis of platelets as well as coagulation tests on the same screen. The entire gamut of POC signature curves obtained with different coagulation defects can be learned with graphical simulations. These simulations can be a valuable strategy to elucidate latent conditions, for which simulation interventions can then be designed to mimic different clinical scenarios.

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Complicating Pregnancy: Anaesthetic Management for Caesarean Delivery.

Antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) syndrome is an acquired autoimmune disorder characterized by venous or arterial thrombosis. It causes recurrent fetal losses in females of reproductive age group. However, with appropriate anticoagulant therapy in antepartum and the postpartum period, favourable pregnancy outcomes are possible. Elective caesarean sections are quite common in view of bad obstetric history. Here we discuss the anaesthetic management of a 25 year old female patient with APLA syndrome scheduled for elective caesarean section.