Journal of critical care
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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
Advanced imaging use in intensive care units has decreased, resulting in lower charges without negative effects on patient outcomes.
There has been both greater recognition and scrutiny of the increased use of advanced imaging. Our aim was to determine whether there has been a change over time in the use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US) modalities in the intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ Advanced imaging use decreased for 5 years in the ICUs, resulting in decreased charges without negative effects on patient outcomes.