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
Randomized Controlled TrialHeated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen after thoracic surgery - A randomized prospective clinical pilot trial.
Thoracic surgery patients are at high-risk for adverse pulmonary outcomes. Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HHFNC O2) may decrease such events. We hypothesized that patients randomized to prophylactic HHFNC O2 would develop fewer pulmonary complications compared to conventional O2 therapy. ⋯ Pulmonary complications were rare after thoracic surgery. Although HHFNC O2 did not convey significant benefits, these results need to be interpreted with caution, as our study was likely underpowered to detect a reduction in pulmonary complications. High rates of patient-reported discomfort with HHFNC O2 need to be considered in clinical practice and future trials.