Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2009
Multicenter StudyBehavioral and physiologic indicators during a nociceptive procedure in conscious and unconscious mechanically ventilated adults: similar or different?
The purpose of this study was to describe behavioral and physiologic indicators to a nociceptive procedure in conscious and unconscious mechanically ventilated adults and to examine their association with the patients' self-reports of pain. ⋯ The use of behaviors is strongly recommended for pain assessment in unconscious patients, and results from this study support this clinical guideline. Vital signs should be used with caution for the detection of pain as they can be influenced by other factors besides pain.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2009
Multicenter StudyMore men than women are admitted to 9 intensive care units in British Columbia.
The aim of this study is to determine if more males than females are admitted to adult intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ More men than women are admitted to ICUs; this difference is especially prominent in elderly patients.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA controlled trial of noninvasive ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
This prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested the hypothesis that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation reduces the need for endotracheal intubation in patients hospitalized in a pulmonary ward because of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ These results demonstrate that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, in a pulmonary ward, reduces the need for endotracheal intubation, particularly in the more severe patients, and leads to a faster recovery in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA randomized controlled trial comparing a computer-assisted insulin infusion protocol with a strict and a conventional protocol for glucose control in critically ill patients.
The objective of this study is to evaluate blood glucose (BG) control efficacy and safety of 3 insulin protocols in medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients. ⋯ The CAIP is safer than and as effective as the standard strict protocol for controlling glucose in MICU patients. Hypoglycemia was rare under conventional treatment. However, BG levels were higher than with IV insulin protocols.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Multicenter StudyTime series analysis of use patterns for common invasive technologies in critically ill patients.
Critically ill patients are frequently managed with invasive technologies as part of their medical care. Little is known about use patterns. We examined use trends for invasive technologies used in critically ill patients. ⋯ The use of invasive technologies in critically ill patients is changing and may have important implications for resource use, clinician education, and patient care. Initiatives should be considered for ensuring clinician competency during technology transitions.