Journal of intensive care medicine
-
J Intensive Care Med · Oct 2020
Meta AnalysisEffect of Low-Dose Hydrocortisone Therapy in Adult Patients With Septic Shock: A Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
The efficacy of low-dose hydrocortisone therapy in the management of septic shock remains controversial in critical care for many years. Hence, we performed this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with trial sequential analysis (TSA) to evaluate its effect on clinical outcome among adult patients with septic shock. ⋯ Among adult patients with septic shock, the use of low-dose hydrocortisone compared with control did not confer overall survival benefits, albeit improving shock reversal rate. The benefit of reducing 28-day mortality, ICU mortality, and hospital mortality was observed in combination use of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.
-
J Intensive Care Med · Oct 2020
Wells and Geneva Scores Are Not Reliable Predictors of Pulmonary Embolism in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study.
Critically ill patients are at high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE). Specific PE prediction rules have not been validated in this population. The present study assessed the Wells and revised Geneva scoring systems as predictors of PE in critically ill patients. ⋯ In this population of critically ill patients, Wells and revised Geneva scores were not reliable predictors of PE.
-
J Intensive Care Med · Oct 2020
Risk Factors for and Outcomes Associated With Peri-Intubation Hypoxemia: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study.
Little is known about hypoxemia surrounding endotracheal intubation in the critically ill. Thus, we sought to identify risk factors associated with peri-intubation hypoxemia and its effects' on the critically ill. ⋯ Patients with pre-existing noninvasive ventilation and volume loading who were intubated emergently in the setting of hemodynamic compromise with bag-mask ventilation described as moderate-severe were at increased risk for peri-intubation hypoxemia. Higher baseline oxygenation was found to be protective against peri-intubation hypoxemia. Peri-intubation hypoxemia was associated with in-hospital mortality but not ICU length of stay.
-
J Intensive Care Med · Oct 2020
A Comprehensive Review of the Outcome for Patients Readmitted to the ICU Following Trauma and Strategies to Decrease Readmission Rates.
In recent years, there has been an emphasis on evaluating the outcomes of patients who have experienced an intensive care unit (ICU) readmission. This may in part be due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's Hospital Readmission Reduction Program which imposes financial sanctions on hospitals who have excessive readmission rates, informally known as bounceback rates. The financial cost associated with avoidable bounceback combined with the potentially preventable expenses can result in unnecessary financial strain. ⋯ Although there have been studies regarding ICU bounceback, there are limited studies regarding ICU bounceback of trauma patients and even fewer proven strategies. Although many studies have concluded that respiratory complications were the most common factor influencing ICU readmissions, there is inconclusive evidence in terms of a broadly applicable strategy that would facilitate management of these patients. The purpose of this review is to highlight the outcomes of patients readmitted to the ICU and to provide an overview of possible strategies to aid in decreasing ICU readmission rates.
-
J Intensive Care Med · Oct 2020
Observational StudyVitamin D Deficiency Is Highly Prevalent in Critically Ill Patients and a Risk Factor for Mortality: A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Noncirrhotic Patients and Patients With Cirrhosis.
A 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, deficiency is common among critically ill patients and correlated with increased mortality. Furthermore, deficiency is associated with advanced liver disease. However, there are no studies available comparing the dimensions and consequences of a 25(OH)D deficiency between patients with and without liver cirrhosis in the setting of intensive care units (ICUs). This study focuses on differences in 25(OH)D status between critically ill noncirrhosis patients and patients with cirrhosis (primary end point), hypothesizing that deficiency and its impact on mortality risk are even more pronounced in patients with cirrhosis. ⋯ Hypovitaminosis D is a highly frequent disorder in critically ill patients admitted to ICU. A severe deficiency with levels <10 ng/mL is a high risk factor for increased mortality, especially in patients with cirrhosis.