Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2019
Observational StudyOpportunities for achieving resuscitation goals during the inter-emergency department transfer of severe sepsis patients by emergency medical services: A case series.
This study aimed to describe the care provide by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to severe sepsis patients being transferred between acute care hospitals and identify how that care contributes to sepsis care goals. ⋯ EMS sepsis care during transfer was limited. EMS crews primarily continued treatments previously initiated and did not take additional steps toward resuscitation targets. Data suggests the inter-emergency department transfer period may provide an opportunity to continue working toward treatment targets, though the time is currently underutilized.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2019
Observational StudyDescribing drug and fluid therapy in the paediatric intensive care unit: A pilot study.
Care in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) involves many clinical activities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of a novel observation method, the reliability of data abstraction, and to report the initial findings from application of this approach. ⋯ Real-time recording of clinical tasks in the PICU using a direct observation model combined with video recording is feasible. Preliminary results suggest abundant and diverse activity is routine.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2019
Comparative Study Observational StudyAnti-Xa activity by weight in critically ill patients receiving unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.
This study compared anti-Xa activity in critically ill patients receiving UFH for VTE prophylaxis between two weight groups (<100 kg vs ≥100 kg). ⋯ Though only one-third of patients ≥100 kg had peak anti-Xa activity within goal range, no significant difference was found between the weight groups. Additional prospective studies with adequate sample sizes are warranted to further investigate appropriate weight-based dosing of UFH in critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2019
Comparative Study Observational StudyComparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between homeless and non-homeless patients admitted to intensive care units: An observational propensity-matched cohort study in Korea.
To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes between critically ill homeless and non-homeless patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in a Korea. ⋯ In Korea, ICU-admitted homeless patients are well managed without differences in terms of organ support quality and exhibit the same prognosis as non-homeless patients. However, the quality of end-of-life care for homeless patients remains poor.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2019
Ischemia-related vascular complications of percutaneously initiated venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: Indication setting, risk factors, manifestation and outcome.
Venoarterial (VA) ECMO is widely accepted as salvage therapy for cardio-respiratory or cardiac failure. Vascular complications from cannulation are common and potentially life-threatening. Here, we retrospectively analyzed vascular complications following VA ECMO therapy. ⋯ Cannula size and indication setting are the most important factors for the development of ischemic complications following VA ECMO.