Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyInsulin infusion therapy in critical care patients: Regular insulin vs short-acting insulin. A prospective, crossover, randomized, multicenter blind study.
The aim of this multicenter, prospective, randomized, crossover trial is to compare, in critical care patients receiving insulin infusion therapy (IIT), the pharmacodynamic of Humulin insulin (Hlin), currently used as "standard of care," and Humalog insulin (Hlog), a shorter acting insulin formulation. This was measured as extent and duration of the carryover effect of insulin treatment, with the latter calculated as ratio between blood glucose concentration (BGC) reduction during and after IIT. ⋯ The use of constant Hlog infusion for IIT, when compared with Hlin at the same dose, is associated with a less profound carryover effect on BGC after discontinuation of IIT, a briefer duration of carryover, a faster BGC drop during infusion, and a quicker BGC rise after discontinuation. These characteristics suggest that Hlog IIT may be preferable for use in critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effectiveness of an intensive care quick reference checklist manual-A randomized simulation-based trial.
We aimed to test the effectiveness of checklists for emergency procedures on medical staff performance in intensive care crises. ⋯ Use of checklists in ICU crises has a benefit on the completion of critical treatment steps. Within the type 2 scenarios, items were fulfilled faster with checklists. The implementation of checklists for intensive care crises is a promising approach that may improve patients' care.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe effect of prognostic data presentation format on perceived risk among surrogate decision makers of critically ill patients: A randomized comparative trial.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether varying the format used to present prognostic data alters the perception of risk among surrogate decision makers in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Data format had a significant effect on how surrogate decision makers interpreted risk. Qualitative statements are interpreted widely and affected by framing. Where possible, multiple quantitative formats should be used for presenting prognostic information.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLow dose of glucocorticoid decreases the incidence of complications in severely burned patients by attenuating systemic inflammation.
Excessive systemic inflammatory response remains as a major problem underlying severe burns. This study aimed to assess the effect of low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in downregulating systemic inflammation in severely burned patients. ⋯ Low dose of glucocorticoid treatment during the acute phase could reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in severely burned patients and subsequently decrease the incidence of pulmonary infection and stress ulcer, as well as the length of hospital stay.