Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2002
Patient characteristics and costs of severe sepsis and septic shock in Quebec.
We investigated the cost of health care resources for the treatment of severe sepsis and/or septic shock patients. ⋯ The cost of severe sepsis is a significant burden to the Quebec health care system.
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Journal of critical care · Mar 2002
Incidence and risk factors for acquiring nosocomial urinary tract infection in the critically ill.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection. However, the epidemiology of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired UTIs is not well defined. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ICU-acquired UTIs. ⋯ Nosocomial UTIs develop commonly in the critically ill and women and those with an extended ICU stay are at increased risk. Although ICU-acquired UTIs are markers of morbidity, they do not significantly increase mortality.
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The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of abdominal pain in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic state (HHS). Abdominal pain, sometimes mimicking an acute abdomen, is a frequent manifestation in patients with DKA. The prevalence and clinical significance of gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain in HHS have not been prospectively evaluated. ⋯ Gastrointestinal manifestations including abdominal pain are common in patients with DKA and are associated with severe metabolic acidosis and with a history of alcohol or cocaine abuse, but not with the severity of hyperglycemia or dehydration. Our study indicates that investigation of the etiology of abdominal pain in DKA should be reserved for patients without severe metabolic acidosis or if the pain persists after the resolution of ketoacidosis.