Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1998
Comparative StudyClinical evaluation of the Abbott Qvue-OptiQ continuous cardiac output system in critically ill medical patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a new continuous cardiac output (CCO) monitoring device (Qvue/OptiQ system; Abbott Critical Care Systems, Mountain View, CA) based on the pulsed warm thermodilution technique in critically ill medical patients. ⋯ These results suggest that ICO and CCO measurement by the Qvue/OptiQ system are interchangeable, except for temperature or heart rate extreme values.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1998
Feasibility of noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory failure in postoperative cancer patients.
Patients with cancer who require mechanical ventilation have high mortality rates. Although oncological patients have multiple clinical problems, including nutritional and immunological deficiencies, added complications from mechanical ventilation by themselves may be life-threatening and may further compromise the ability of these patients to recover from an episode of acute respiratory failure (ARF). Noninvasive mechanical ventilatory support (NIMV) using positive-pressure-ventilation delivered through a mask has gained popularity for the treatment of ARF and may limit some mechanical ventilation complications. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate NIMV in cancer patients with ARF. ⋯ NIMV was effective in the treatment of ARF in cancer patients at our institution substantially decreasing the need for intubation. This ventilatory technique is a viable option for cancer patients with ARF.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1998
A comparison of mini-bronchoalveolar lavage and blind-protected specimen brush sampling in ventilated patients with suspected pneumonia.
Mini-bronchoalveolar lavage (m-BAL) and blind-protected brush sampling (b-PSB) are minimally invasive methods of diagnosing pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients. The aim of this study was to compare these techniques in a prospective study at a medical and surgical intensive care unit in a university-affiliated community teaching hospital. ⋯ In mechanically ventilated patients with suspected pneumonia both b-PSB and m-BAL can be performed safely by respiratory therapists. The tests complement each other and likely reduce the number of false-negative results.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1998
Pulmonary stress injury within physiological ranges of airway and vascular pressures.
The aim of this study was to assess the respective role of a small elevation in pulmonary capillary pressure, airway pressure, or both on alveolar capillary barrier permeability in an isolated perfused rat lung model. ⋯ We can conclude that elevation of either the pulmonary artery pressure from 8 to 11 mm Hg or the alveolar pressure from 10 to 15 mm Hg alone does not change the permeability of the alveolar capillary membrane; however, there is an additive effect of these pressures.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1998
The platelet-activating factor antagonist BB-882 does not improve tissue oxygen extraction in endotoxic shock.
We investigated whether BB-882, a novel potent PAF antagonist, could influence systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and oxygen extraction capabilities during an acute reduction in blood flow induced by cardiac tamponade after endotoxin challenge. ⋯ We conclude that in this model of endotoxic shock the administration of BB-882, either before or after endotoxin challenge, has time-related beneficial hemodynamic and cardiac effects but does not improve global oxygen extraction capabilities. The potential benefit of adjunctive treatment with a platelet-activating factor antagonist in sepsis remains doubtful.