Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of neuromuscular stimulation and individualized rehabilitation on muscle strength in Intensive Care Unit survivors: A randomized trial.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors experience muscle weakness leading to restrictions in functional ability. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been an alternative to exercise in critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to investigate its effects along with individualized rehabilitation on muscle strength of ICU survivors. ⋯ www.Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01717833.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effects of oral rinse with 0.2% and 2% chlorhexidine on oropharyngeal colonization and ventilator associated pneumonia in adults' intensive care units.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) which increases the length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality. The present study used an oral care protocol and compared the effects of two different concentrations of chlorhexidine on reduction of oropharyngeal colonization and VAP. ⋯ Oral decontamination with 2% compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine is a more effective method in the prevention of VAP and reduction of oropharyngeal colonization (especially gram-positive).
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Observational StudyHaemodynamic changes with paracetamol in critically-ill children.
Paracetamol has been associated with a reduction in blood pressure, especially in febrile, critically-ill adults. We hypothesised that blood pressure would fall following administration of paracetamol in critically-ill children and this effect would be greater during fever and among children with a high body surface area to weight ratio. ⋯ There is a significant but modest reduction in blood pressure post-paracetamol in critically-ill children. This is likely related to a change in systemic vascular resistance.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Comparative StudyTime delays associated with vasoactive medication preparation and delivery in simulated patients at risk of cardiac arrest.
To compare, quantify, and describe the time-delays associated with four common methods of adrenaline administration in the simulated setting of impending cardiac arrest. ⋯ We highlight potentially dangerous delays with administration of life-saving medications by all four methods. We should prioritize boluses, and focus on improving drug preparation times and human performance, more than drug delivery and equipment.