Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2019
ReviewThe state of bereavement support in adult intensive care: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.
Despite advances in medical science, patient death and family bereavement are commonly encountered in adult intensive care units (ICUs). This is the first review to investigate the state of ICU bereavement support globally, and the availability and effectiveness of bereavement support interventions. ⋯ The reviewed evidence was weak, and findings were contextually bound. As such, it is difficult to make recommendations for the most acceptable and effective bereavement support intervention(s). Bereavement support in ICU needs further exploration and clinicians must be adequately trained and supported for the delivery of evidence-informed, culturally competent care.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2019
ReviewOutcome of invasive mechanical ventilation in cancer patients: Intubate or not to intubate a patient with cancer.
The outcome of cancer patients who undergo mechanical ventilation has been grim. However, it has lately become more promising, creating hesitation when approaching the decision to intubate a cancer patient. Therefore, the main goal was to find some factors that could predict mortality. ⋯ The aforementioned predicting factors could be used when approaching the decision to intubate. When in doubt, we should give the benefit to the patient, proceed to intubate and reevaluate progress daily and in doing so, we would suggest to use the trends in SOFA score and weaning index to assess success or failure of invasive mechanical ventilation.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2019
ReviewHemodynamic response to β-blockers in severe sepsis and septic shock: A review of current literature.
The administration of β-blockers in patients with sepsis is a trending topic in intensive care medicine since the landmark study by Morelli and colleagues, showing a striking decrease in 28-day mortality compared to standard care. While the available evidence suggests that the use of β-blockers in septic shock is safe, the effects on hemodynamics are controversial. In this paper, we review the effect of β-blockade in septic shock on hemodynamics from animal models to critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2019
Review Meta AnalysisSafety and efficacy of iron therapy on reducing red blood cell transfusion requirements and treating anaemia in critically ill adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
To evaluate the safety (risk of infection) and efficacy (transfusion requirements, changes in haemoglobin (Hb)) of iron therapy in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Iron therapy results in a modest increase in Hb. The current evidence is inadequate to exclude an important effect on transfusion requirements or infection.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2019
Review Meta AnalysisSafety and efficacy of iron therapy on reducing red blood cell transfusion requirements and treating anaemia in critically ill adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.
To evaluate the safety (risk of infection) and efficacy (transfusion requirements, changes in haemoglobin (Hb)) of iron therapy in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Iron therapy results in a modest increase in Hb. The current evidence is inadequate to exclude an important effect on transfusion requirements or infection.