Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
ReviewInflammatory biomarkers to predict the prognosis of acute bacterial and viral infections.
Mortality in acute infections is mostly associated with sepsis, defined as 'life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection'. It remains challenging to identify the patients with increased mortality risk due to the high heterogeneity in the dysregulated host immune response and disease progression. ⋯ However, limited research investigated whether the prognostic potential of these biomarkers differs between bacterial and viral infections. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the value of various inflammatory biomarkers for the prediction of mortality in bacterial and viral infections.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialIntravenous vitamin C for vasoplegia: A double-blinded randomised clinical trial (VALENCIA trial).
To determine whether intravenous vitamin C compared with placebo, reduces vasopressor requirements in patients with vasoplegic shock. ⋯ In this RCT of patients with vasoplegic shock of at least moderate severity, the use of IV vitamin C compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the duration of vasopressors.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
The relationship between pain, anxiety and depression in patients with post-intensive care syndrome.
Survivors of critical illness frequently experience long-term symptoms including physical symptoms such as pain and emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression. These symptoms frequently co-exist, however, at present there is limited understanding of these relationships. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between pain, anxiety and depression across the recovery trajectory. ⋯ Pain, anxiety and depression are highly correlated in survivors of critical illness. Pharmacological treatments for pain management may be ineffective alone and further research is required to assess interventions targeting these symptoms in combination.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Observational StudyDecision-making regarding antibiotic therapy duration: An observational study of multidisciplinary meetings in the intensive care unit.
Antibiotic therapy is commonly prescribed longer than recommended in intensive care patients (ICU). We aimed to provide insight into the decision-making process on antibiotic therapy duration in the ICU. ⋯ Multidisciplinary decision-making regarding the duration of antibiotic therapy is a complex but valuable process, involving different healthcare professionals, using a variety of argument-types to determine the duration of antibiotic therapy. To optimize the decision-making process, structured discussions, involvement of relevant specialties, and clear communication and documentation of the antibiotic plan are recommended.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Early renal recovery after acute kidney injury in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective study.
The impact of VA-ECMO on early renal recovery (within 7 days after ECMO onset) in patients with pre-ECMO acute kidney injury and cardiogenic shock is unknown. ⋯ Only 43% of patients with severe pre-ECMO AKI had early renal recovery after VA-ECMO initiation.