Neurocritical care
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Hospital-acquired infections are common in neurointensive care units. We sought to review interventions which may reduce infection rates in neurocritically ill populations. We conducted a systematic review of studies targeting adult patients in neuro-intensive care units (neuro-ICUs) with an intervention designed to prevent ICU-acquired infections. ⋯ Ultimately, 75 articles met our inclusion criteria and were utilized in the final analysis. The reviewed literature highlights the need for collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and multi-pronged approaches to reduce infections. Rates of VRI, SSI, VAP, CAUTI, and CLABSI can approach zero with persistence and a team-based approach.
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Review
The Role of Serum Calcium Level in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Hematoma Expansion: Is There Any?
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke, with a high rate of mortality and morbidity. Even with the best current medical or surgical interventions, outcomes remain poor. The location and initial hematoma volume are strong predictors of mortality. ⋯ Although the causal and mechanistic links between low serum Ca++ level and HE are not well understood, several mechanisms have been proposed including coagulopathy, platelet dysfunction, and higher blood pressure (BP) in the context of low serum Ca++ level. However, low serum Ca++ level might be only a biomarker of the adaptive response due to acute inflammatory response following acute ICH. The purpose of the current review is to discuss the evidence regarding the possible role of low serum Ca++ level on HE in acute ICH.