Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2015
Basal functional status predicts functional recovery in critically ill patients with multiple-organ failure.
We aimed to investigate the effect of baseline demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with multiple-organ failure (MOF) on their functional recovery at 6 and 12 months posthospitalization. ⋯ The level of functional status befre ICU admission should be considered not only in research studies looking a long-term outcomes from ICU but also in the clinical care planning of critically ill patients during and after their ICU admission.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2015
Glucose control positively influences patient outcome: A retrospective study.
The goal of this research is to demonstrate that well-regulated glycemia is beneficial to patient outcome, regardless of how it is achieved. ⋯ Increased cTIB was associated with higher OL. These results suggest that effective glycemic control positively influences patient outcome, regardless of how the glycemic regulation is achieved. Blood glucose < 7.0 mmol/L is associated with a measurable increase in the odds of survival, if hypoglycemia is avoided.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2015
Is Clostridium difficile infection an increasingly common severe disease in adult intensive care units? A 10-year experience.
Despite the high concentration of patients with known risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in intensive care units (ICUs), data on ICU patients are scarce. The aim of this study was describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and evolution of CDI in critically ill patients. ⋯ The incidence of A-ICU CDI has decreased steadily over the last 10 years. A significant proportion of A-ICU CDI episodes are pre-ICU and are more severe than in-ICU CDI episodes. Most episodes of A-ICU CDI were nonsevere, with low associated mortality.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2015
Observational StudyFeasibility, safety, and outcome of very early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients: Results of an observational study.
In critically ill patients, early enteral nutrition (EN) within 24 to 72 hours is recommended. Although vasopressor-dependent shock after resuscitation is not a contraindication for EN initiation, feasibility and safety of very early (within 6 hours) EN initiation soon after resuscitation are unknown. ⋯ Initiation of EN within 6 hours of ICU admission is feasible and safe and can be implemented routinely in all ICU patients.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2015
Observational StudyIntravenous immunoglobulin improves sepsis-induced coagulopathy: A retrospective, single-center observational study.
Inflammation and coagulation are closely interrelated processes in the pathogenesis of sepsis. This study aimed to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) could improve the hyperinflammatory state and coagulation/fibrinolysis abnormalities in patients with sepsis. ⋯ Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment significantly improved hemostatic abnormalities along with the hyperinflammatory state in patients with sepsis. Accordingly, IVIg treatment should be classified as an adjunctive therapy for patients complicated with sepsis-induced coagulopathy.