Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 1995
Endocrine changes and metabolic responses in a validated canine brain death model.
Endocrinologic and metabolic changes after brain death (BD) have not yet been investigated in a validated animal model. Therefore, the effects of BD on hormonal and metabolic function were studied in 10 dogs (23 to 31 kg). ⋯ In a simple, reproducible, and reliable animal model of BD, a catecholamine storm, vasopressin and ACTH cessation, and diabetes insipidus were consistent findings. The decrease in cortisol and vasopressin levels warrant consideration of hormonal therapy.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 1995
Serum neopterin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor for prediction of a shock state in gram-negative sepsis.
This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of neopterin and soluble interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor for shock occurrence in gram-negative sepsis. ⋯ The measurement of serum neopterin and soluble IL-2 receptor concentrations has predictability for identifying patients with gram-negative sepsis at risk for progression toward the syndrome of septic shock.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 1995
ReviewMolecular mechanisms of sepsis: molecular biology of the cell.
Complex and interrelated biological processes are at work in the expression of the host response to sepsis. To a large degree, these processes reflect drastic changes in the molecular workings of cells of the body. The protean nature of sepsis reflects this molecular adaptation. ⋯ It uses the process of endotoxin-induced cellular activation as its model and highlights important aspects of DNA promoter and enhancer processes in this activation. Specific examples of known promoter genes and genomic translation are described. This review serves as a "primer" for the subsequent three review articles in this series that will follow it in preceding issues.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 1995
Do synthetic adrenergic agents interfere with the measurement of endogenous plasma catecholamine concentrations?
It is common to administer synthetic sympathomimetic and sympatholytic agents in the intensive care unit and operating room. The present study examines whether such agents, as well as the products of catecholamine metabolism, interfere with the quantitation of endogenous catecholamines by high-performance liquid chromatography. ⋯ Synthetic adrenergic agents and catecholamine metabolites can potentially interfere with the quantitation of the endogenous catecholamines. Thus, it is important to examine whether such interference occurs when conducting high-performance liquid chromatography assays.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 1995
Comparative StudyNeuromuscular blockade provides no benefit over adequate sedation in ventilated dogs.
To investigate the effect of pharmacological paralysis on systemic oxygen consumption to determine whether pharmacological paralysis offers a physiological benefit over adequate sedation in ventilated animals. ⋯ Pharmacological paralysis of mechanically ventilated animals with normal pulmonary function that are sedated and resting comfortably produces a statistically significant reduction in oxygen consumption; however, the magnitude of this change is so small that little genuine clinical benefit would be anticipated.