Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Jun 1999
Does splanchnic ischemia occur in isolated neurotrauma? A prospective observational study.
To characterize the incidence and severity of splanchnic ischemia, as defined by gastric tonometry, in patients with isolated severe head injury and to examine the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and splanchnic ischemia. ⋯ Splanchnic ischemia (intramucosal pH, <7.3) occurs commonly in isolated neurotrauma, with a statistically nonsignificant trend toward development of mucosal ischemia with decreased cerebral perfusion.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 1999
Comparative StudyAccuracy of methemoglobin measurements: comparison of six different commercial devices and one manual method.
During nitric oxide inhalation, methemoglobinemia needs to be monitored. We compared six commercially available instruments and one manual method for methemoglobin measurements. In addition, we studied whether and to what degree methylene blue interferes with methemoglobin measurements. ⋯ With some limitations, all commercial instruments that were tested performed adequately for the monitoring of methemoglobinemia. Methylene blue interferes with the methemoglobin measurements in a dose-dependent manner.
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To assess the subjective health status, quality of life, and functional ability of patients whose intensive care stay was prolonged and to compare their quality of life with that of the general population. ⋯ The quality of life of survivors after a prolonged intensive care stay is fairly good, although not comparable with that of the general population. The psychosocial aspects of the quality of life are restored more rapidly than physical performance.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 1999
Case ReportsErythema nodosum after smoke inhalation-induced bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia.
Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and erythema nodosum are immunologic diseases that have not been reported to occur together. We report the case of a lady who developed bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia and erythema nodosum simultaneously, several weeks after smoke inhalation in a house fire.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 1999
Prognosis of pediatric bone marrow transplant recipients requiring mechanical ventilation.
To assess the prognosis of pediatric bone marrow transplant recipients requiring mechanical ventilation and to identify risk factors for mortality. ⋯ The observed prognosis is improved over previous reports. Early initiation of aggressive intensive care treatment is warranted in this patient group. Decisions regarding intensity of treatment must be based on aspects of the acute illness rather than on the primary conditions.