Intensive care medicine
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To determine survival and changes in quality of life (QOL) after hospital discharge in patients who had stayed in an intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ After hospital discharge, the survival of ICU-admitted patients is comparable to that of the general population and not related to ICU treatments. Most patients maintain their physical activity and social status at the preadmission level. Any worsening, if present, is slight and does not influence perceived QOL.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPostextubation laryngeal edema in adults. Risk factor evaluation and prevention by hydrocortisone.
To evaluate the risk factors for postextubation laryngeal stridor and its prevention by hydrocortisone in adult patients. ⋯ Hydrocortisone did not significantly reduce the incidence of postextubation laryngeal edema or stridor. From the risk factors evaluated, we were unable to demonstrate a statistical correlation between postextubation stidor and the duration of the intubation, the patient's age, the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube, or the route of intubation. However, female patients were more likely to develop this complication.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialInfluence of pentoxifylline on cytokine levels and inflammatory parameters in septic shock.
To evaluate the influence of pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on cytokines and inflammatory proteins in patients suffering from septic shock. ⋯ PTX does influence TNF levels in septic shock patients. Nevertheless, inhibiting a single mediator in severe septic shock cannot stop the inflammatory overreaction.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Continuous infusion of ketamine in mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm.
To determine whether ketamine infusion to mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm is beneficial. ⋯ Continuous infusion of ketamine to mechanically ventilated patients with refractory bronchospasm significantly improves gas exchange and dynamic compliance of the chest.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Postal survey on the long-term use of neuromuscular block in the intensive care.
To assess the long-term use of neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agents in intensive care, especially with reference to the potential problems of the long-term use of NMB drugs in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Most responders agreed that while neuromuscular block in the ICU population may provide advantages, it cannot be considered benign. Indeed, a great majority consider that NMB agents should be used only as a last option and -for as short a period as possible.