Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyImpact of the humidification device on intubation rate during noninvasive ventilation with ICU ventilators: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
The use of heat and moisture exchangers (HME) during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can increase the work of breathing, decrease alveolar ventilation, and deliver less humidity in comparison with heated humidifiers (HH). We tested the hypothesis that the use of HH during NIV with ICU ventilators for patients with acute respiratory failure would decrease the rate of intubation (primary endpoint) as compared with HME. ⋯ In this study, the short-term physiological benefits of HH in comparison with HME during NIV with ICU ventilators were not observed, and no difference in intubation rate was found. The physiologic effects may have been obscured by leaks or other important factors in the clinical settings. This study does not support the recent recommendation favoring the use of HH during NIV with ICU ventilators.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyTight computerized versus conventional glucose control in the ICU: a randomized controlled trial.
The blood glucose target range and optimal method to reach this range remain a matter of debate in the intensive care unit (ICU). A computer decision support system (CDSS) might improve the outcome of ICU patients through facilitation of a tighter blood glucose control. ⋯ Tight computerized glucose control with the CDSS did not significantly change 90-day mortality and was associated with more frequent severe hypoglycemia episodes in comparison with conventional glucose control.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 2014
Review Practice GuidelinePalliative care in the ICU: relief of pain, dyspnea, and thirst-A report from the IPAL-ICU Advisory Board.
Pain, dyspnea, and thirst are three of the most prevalent, intense, and distressing symptoms of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In this report, the interdisciplinary Advisory Board of the Improving Palliative Care in the ICU (IPAL-ICU) Project brings together expertise in both critical care and palliative care along with current information to address challenges in assessment and management. ⋯ Relief of symptom distress is a key component of critical care for all ICU patients, regardless of condition or prognosis. Evidence-based approaches for assessment and treatment together with well-designed work systems can help ensure comfort and related favorable outcomes for the critically ill.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 2014
Multicenter StudyPatients with faecal peritonitis admitted to European intensive care units: an epidemiological survey of the GenOSept cohort.
Faecal peritonitis (FP) is a common cause of sepsis and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The Genetics of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Europe (GenOSept) project is investigating the influence of genetic variation on the host response and outcomes in a large cohort of patients with sepsis admitted to ICUs across Europe. Here we report an epidemiological survey of the subset of patients with FP. ⋯ In this large cohort of patients admitted to European ICUs with FP the 6 month mortality was 31.6%. The most consistent predictors of mortality across all time points were increased age, development of acute renal dysfunction during the first week of admission, lower haematocrit and hypothermia on day 1 of ICU admission.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 2014
Letter Review Meta AnalysisUltrasound-guided radial artery catheterization: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.