Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
Multicenter StudyZika virus-induced neurological critical illness in Latin America: Severe Guillain-Barre Syndrome and encephalitis.
Zika virus (ZIKAV) is classically described as causing minor symptoms in adult patients, however neurologic complications have been recognized. The recent outbreak in Central and South America has resulted in serious illness in some adult patients. We report adult patients in Latin America diagnosed with ZIKAV infection admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ⋯ Differing from what was usually reported, ZIKAV infection can result in life-threatening neurologic illness in adults, including GBS and encephalitis. Collaborative reporting to identify severe illness from an emerging pathogen can provide valuable insights into disease epidemiology and clinical presentation, and inform public health authorities about acute care priorities.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Multicenter StudyPediatric intermediate care and pediatric intensive care units: PICU metrics and an analysis of patients that use both.
To examine how intermediate care units (IMCUs) are used in relation to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), characterize PICU patients that utilize IMCUs, and estimate the impact of IMCUs on PICU metrics. ⋯ There was no association between having an IMCU and most measures of PICU efficiency. At hospitals with an IMCU, patients spent more time in the PICU once they were cleared for discharge. Other ways that IMCUs might affect PICU efficiency or particular patient populations should be investigated.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Multicenter Study Observational StudyBiomarkers kinetics in the assessment of ventilator-associated pneumonia response to antibiotics - results from the BioVAP study.
Our aim was to evaluate the role of biomarker kinetics in the assessment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) response to antibiotics. ⋯ C-reactive protein kinetics can be used to identify VAP patients with poor outcome as soon as four days after the initiation of treatment. (Trial registration - NCT02078999; registered 3 August 2012).
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Multicenter StudyComplications following hospital admission for traumatic brain injury: A multicenter cohort study.
To evaluate the incidence, determinants and impact on outcome of in-hospital complications in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ More than 20% of patients with TBI developed a complication. Many of these complications were associated with increased mortality and LOS. Results highlight the importance of prevention strategies adapted to treatment decisions and underline the need to improve knowledge on the underuse and overuse of clinical interventions.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Multicenter StudyHypoalbuminemia, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and functional outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage.
Hypoalbuminemia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are reported in critically-ill patients, but their relationship is unclear. We sought to determine the association of admission serum albumin and SIRS with outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ⋯ In patients with ICH, hypoalbuminemia is strongly associated with SIRS. SIRS, but not hypoalbuminemia, predicts poor outcome at discharge. Recognizing and managing SIRS early may prevent death or disability in ICH patients.