Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2012
Pleural antigen assay in the diagnosis of pediatric pneumococcal empyema.
The purpose of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of rapid pneumococcal antigen detection (PAD) in pleural fluid samples of children with empyema. ⋯ Pneumococcal antigen detection in pleural fluid specimens from children provides a rapid, simple, sensitive, and reliable method of diagnosis for pneumococcal empyema at bedside.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2012
Clinical TrialImpact of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy on intensive care unit patients with acute respiratory failure: a prospective observational study.
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) on patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) in comparison with conventional oxygen therapy. ⋯ Use of HFNC in patients with persistent ARF was associated with significant and sustained improvement of both clinical and biologic parameters.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2012
Research ethics board approval for an international thromboprophylaxis trial.
Research ethics board (REB) review of scientific protocols is essential, ensuring participants' dignity, safety, and rights. The objectives of this study were to examine the time from submission to approval, to analyze predictors of approval time, and to describe the scope of conditions from REBs evaluating an international thromboprophylaxis trial. ⋯ More studies on methods to enhance efficiency and consistency of the REB approval processes for clinical trials are needed while still maintaining high ethical standards.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2012
Multicenter StudyEpidemiology and management of atrial fibrillation in medical and noncardiac surgical adult intensive care unit patients.
The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in noncardiac surgery critically ill patients in a retrospective, observational study at 3 mixed medical-surgical, university-affiliated intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ Atrial fibrillation is common but transient in most ICU patients. Electrical cardioversion is often unsuccessful, and pharmacologic rhythm conversion is often only transiently effective. Modifiable risk factors are common among these patients. Future studies are needed to address the management of AF in the ICU.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2012
Comparative StudyA comparison of predictive equations of energy expenditure and measured energy expenditure in critically ill patients.
Multiple equations exist for predicting resting energy expenditure (REE). The accuracy of these for estimating energy requirements of critically ill patients is not clear, especially for obese patients. We sought to compare REE, calculated with published formulas, with measured REE in a cohort of mechanically ventilated subjects. ⋯ None of these equations accurately estimated measured REE in this group of mechanically ventilated patients, most underestimating energy needs. Development of improved predictive equations for adequate assessment of energy needs is needed.