Anaesthesiology intensive therapy
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
Review Meta AnalysisAbdominal signs and symptoms in intensive care patients.
Abdominal problems, both as a primary reason for admission or developing as a part of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome during an ICU stay, are common in critically ill patients. The definitions, assessment, incidence and outcome of different abdominal signs, symptoms and syndromes are assessed in the current review. General abdominal signs and symptoms include abdominal pain and distension, as well as other signs assessed during the physical examination (e.g. palpation, percussion). ⋯ In conclusion, abdominal symptoms occur in half of patients in ICUs. Clinical evaluation, albeit largely subjective, remains the main bedside tool to detect abdominal problems and to assess GI function in the critically ill. IAP is a useful additional tool in the assessment of abdominal complications in ICUs.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Nov 2014
Review Meta AnalysisFluid overload, de-resuscitation, and outcomes in critically ill or injured patients: a systematic review with suggestions for clinical practice.
Sepsis is associated with generalised endothelial injury and capillary leak and has traditionally been treated with large volume fluid resuscitation. Some patients with sepsis will accumulate bodily fluids. The aim of this study was to systematically review the association between a positive fluid balance/fluid overload and outcomes in critically ill adults, and to determine whether interventions aimed at reducing fluid balance may be linked with improved outcomes. ⋯ A positive cumulative fluid balance is associated with IAH and worse outcomes. Interventions to limit the development of a positive cumulative fluid balance are associated with improved outcomes. In patients not transgressing spontaneously from the Ebb to Flow phases of shock, late conservative fluid management and late goal directed fluid removal (de-resuscitation) should be considered.