Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialInternally coated endotracheal tubes with silver sulfadiazine in polyurethane to prevent bacterial colonization: a clinical trial.
Coated medical devices have been shown to reduce catheter-related infections. We coated endotracheal tubes (ETT) with silver sulfadiazine (SSD), and tested them in a clinical study to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of preventing bacterial colonization. ⋯ SSD-ETT can be safely used in preventing bacterial colonization and narrowing of the ETT in patients intubated for up to 24 h (mean intubation time 16 h).
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Intensive care medicine · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialPharmacokinetics of meropenem during intermittent and continuous intravenous application in patients treated by continuous renal replacement therapy.
The clinical effect of beta-lactam antibiotics depends on the time of drug concentration above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for a susceptible bacterium. Continuous infusion (CI) of beta-lactams such as meropenem may therefore be a more rational approach than intermittent bolus injections (IB). The aim of this study was to test whether CI of meropenem achieves effective drug concentrations comparable to IB in patients treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). ⋯ Appropriate antibacterial concentrations of meropenem in patients with CRRT are easily achievable with CI. CI may be an effective alternative dosing regimen to IB. A prospective comparison of the clinical efficacy of the two dosage regimens is warranted.
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Intensive care medicine · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyACCM/PALS haemodynamic support guidelines for paediatric septic shock: an outcomes comparison with and without monitoring central venous oxygen saturation.
The ACCM/PALS guidelines address early correction of paediatric septic shock using conventional measures. In the evolution of these recommendations, indirect measures of the balance between systemic oxygen delivery and demands using central venous or superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO(2) > or = 70%) in a goal-directed approach have been added. However, while these additional goal-directed endpoints are based on evidence-based adult studies, the extrapolation to the paediatric patient remains unvalidated. ⋯ This study supports the current ACCM/PALS guidelines. Goal-directed therapy using the endpoint of a ScvO(2)> or =70% has a significant and additive impact on the outcome of children and adolescents with septic shock.
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Intensive care medicine · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyInitial efficacy and tolerability of early enteral nutrition with immediate or gradual introduction in intubated patients.
To compare the initial (D7) calorie intake and tolerability of two early enteral nutrition protocols in which the optimal flow rate was introduced either immediately or gradually. ⋯ When residual gastric volume is measured regularly and prokinetic agents are used, enteral nutrition can be started early and be introduced at optimal dose regimen, thereby providing better calorie intake. Serious adverse events required early enteral nutrition withdrawal in only 15 patients, with no difference in frequency between the groups.