Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Elevated MIF-2 levels predict mortality in critically ill patients.
D-dopachrome tautomerase (MIF-2 or DDT) is a member of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) superfamily and a close structural homolog to MIF. Circulating MIF-2 has been described to be elevated in patients suffering from sepsis, severe burn injury and after surgery. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of MIF-2 in critically ill patients. ⋯ MIF-2 levels are elevated in critically ill patients and linked to parameters of organ damage, supporting its value as a potential tool for the assessment of prognosis in critical illness.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Bioelectrical impedance analysis values as markers to predict severity in critically ill patients.
We investigated bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived parameters in critically ill patients to evaluate any differences between survivors and nonsurvivors. ⋯ PhA, impedance, and reactance determined by BIA in critically ill patients were associated with mortality outcomes and revealed stronger predictive power for mortality than severity scoring systems commonly used in an intensive care unit.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Observational StudyMeasurement of physical activity levels in the Intensive Care Unit and functional outcomes: An observational study.
Primary aims were: (1) objectively quantify levels of physical activity with the sensewear armband mini-fly motion sensor (SWA-MF), (2) evaluate the correlation of SWA-MF measurement of active and resting energy expenditure against the ICU Mobility scale (IMS) and indirect calorimetry respectively. ⋯ Participants demonstrated low levels of PA. Motion sensors may be a promising non-invasive measure of energy expenditure and further investigation is warranted.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Observational StudyA prospective study of fungal biomarkers to improve management of invasive fungal diseases in a mixed specialty critical care unit.
The diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) in critical care patients (CrCP) is difficult. The study investigated the performance of a set of biomarkers for diagnosis of IFD in a mixed specialty critical care unit (CrCU). ⋯ New diagnostic criteria which incorporate these biomarkers, in particular BDG, and host factors unique to critical care patients should enhance diagnosis of IFD and positively impact antifungal stewardship programs.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
"Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage sign" on early brain computed tomography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors receiving targeted temperature management.
Newly updated guidelines suggest brain computed tomography for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors to identify a neurologic cardiac arrest cause. We hypothesized that the "pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage" (p-SAH) sign in cardiac arrest survivors is associated with poor outcome. ⋯ Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage sign might be one of the simple methods to identify poor neurologic outcome early. However, further prospective studies will be needed to clarify the clinical implication of the p-SAH sign.