Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2016
Review Meta AnalysisEffect of traditional Chinese medicine on intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recently become a widely used treatment option for treating intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). However, we still lack large-scale, high-quality, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing clinical trials and to provide additional specific evidence. ⋯ TCMs seem to be effective for patients with IAH and ACS; however, most of the reviewed trials are of poor quality. Large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are warranted.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2016
Review Meta AnalysisDiastolic dysfunction as a predictor of weaning failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Weaning failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation are associated with increased morbidity, cost of care, and high mortality rates. In the last few years, cardiac performance has been recognized as a common etiology of weaning failure, and growing evidence suggests that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is a key factor that determines weaning outcomes. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to evaluate whether diastolic dysfunction in the critically ill patient subjected to mechanical ventilation is an independent predictor of weaning failure. ⋯ A higher E/e' ratio is significantly associated with weaning failure, although a high heterogeneity of diastolic dysfunction criteria and different clinical scenarios limit additional conclusions linking diastolic dysfunction with weaning failure.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
Review Meta AnalysisEndoscopy versus fluoroscopy for the placement of postpyloric nasoenteric tubes in critically ill patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Early postpyloric nasoenteric nutrition is considered an accepted method of nutritional support in critically ill patients. Both endoscopy and fluoroscopy placement of postpyloric nasoenteric tubes (PNTs) have the highest percentages of placement success rate. We aimed to evaluate the differences in efficacy and safety between endoscopy and fluoroscopy methods for the placement of PNTs in critically ill patients. ⋯ Endoscopy and fluoroscopy placement of PNTs can be accurately and safely performed in critically ill patients. Endoscopy may be at least equally as safe as fluoroscopy for the placement of PNTs.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
Review Meta AnalysisPersistent inflammation and recovery after intensive care: A systematic review.
Physical weakness is common after critical illness; however, it is not clear how best to treat it. Inflammation characterizes critical illness, is associated with loss of muscle mass during critical illness, and potentially modifies post-intensive care unit (ICU) recovery. We sought to identify published reports on the prevalence of systemic inflammation after critical illness and its association with physical recovery. ⋯ Inflammation is present in most patients at ICU discharge, but little is known or has been investigated about persistent inflammation after this time point. No studies have explored the relationship between persistent inflammation and physical recovery. Further research is proposed.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Review Meta AnalysisThe effects of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing on health care-associated infection in intensive care units: A meta-analysis.
The purpose was to assess the effects of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing on health care-associated infections among critically ill patients. ⋯ Daily CHG bathing was associated with reduced risks of acquiring CLABSI, MRSA, and VRE. A prolonged intervention period and concomitant nasal antibiotic use were associated with lower risks of MRSA acquisition.