Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare but debilitating chronic pain disorder characterized by persistent pain disproportionate to any preceding injury. CRPS can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, often leading to disability and psychological distress. Despite being recognized for over a century, finding the right treatment for CRPS can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and interventional treatment options for CRPS, as well as the latest research on this complex and often misunderstood condition.

Postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) encompass a spectrum of cognitive dysfunction in the perioperative period. PNDs can present with hypoactive symptoms such as lethargy, hyperactive symptoms such as confusion and disorientation or a mix of both. PNDs can affect patients of all ages; however, the incidence of PNDs increases significantly as patients age. It is important to promptly recognize PNDs as patients can have higher morbidity and mortality, longer hospital stays, higher readmissions rates, and additional testing/treatment after discharge. In this review, we explore the molecular basis involved in brain aging as well as the mechanisms involved in anesthesia exposure and the development of PNDs. Understanding the mechanisms behind brain aging and the parallels to the pathophysiology of PNDs such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and synaptic disruption are integral to mitigating the incidence and severity of PNDs. Current research suggests possible clinical targets for management such as dexmedetomidine and NSAIDs due to their abilities to combat harmful neuroinflammatory effects. Additionally, EEG-guided anesthesia, careful choice of anesthetics, and supportive measures can aid in mitigating PNDs. By understanding the mechanisms of brain aging, the risk factors for and pathophysiology of PNDs, we can better tailor our management of PNDs.

Patients with heart failure require special considerations in the perioperative setting given the challenges caused by heart failure pathophysiology. This pathophysiology is complex and involves several mechanisms that contribute to both disease progression and the clinical syndrome, including cardiac remodeling, neurohormonal activation, and resultant hemodynamic derangements. Anesthetic management of these patients requires diligence at all stages of care. Preoperative assessment includes risk stratification, management of comorbid conditions, and heart failure medication management. Anesthetic agents have differing effects on hemodynamics and selection of these agents must be aimed at preventing hemodynamic collapse in patients with heart failure. In addition, the increased risk of intraoperative complications among these patients often necessitates means of invasive hemodynamic monitoring and use of vasopressor or inotropic support. Finally, the postoperative care of heart failure patients requires attention to the volume status of these patients, as well as considerations for pain management and modulation of the surgical stress response. In this review article, we aim to review how the pathophysiologic mechanisms and changes that occur with heart failure impact anesthetic management and patient-centered perioperative care.