Critical care medicine
-
Critical care medicine · May 2001
Comparative Study Clinical TrialOxygen effects on glucose meter measurements with glucose dehydrogenase- and oxidase-based test strips for point-of-care testing.
To determine the effects of different oxygen tensions (Po2) on glucose measurements with glucose dehydrogenase (GD)-based and glucose oxidase (GO)-based test strips, to quantitate changes in glucose measurements observed with different Po2 levels, and to discuss the potential risks of oxygen-derived glucose errors in critical care. ⋯ Different oxygen tensions do not significantly affect glucose measured with the GD-based amperometric test strips, and have minimal effect on GO-based photometric test strips. Increases in oxygen tension lowered glucose measured with GO-based amperometric test strips. We recommend that the effects of different oxygen tensions in blood samples on glucose measurements be minimized by using oxygen-independent test strips for point-of-care glucose testing in critically ill and other patients with high or unpredictable blood Po2 levels.
-
Critical care medicine · May 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialInfluence of prophylactic use of pentoxifylline on postoperative organ function in elderly cardiac surgery patients.
To study the effects of pretreatment with pentoxifylline before cardiac surgery on postoperative organ function in elderly patients (>80 yrs) undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ Pretreatment of patients aged >80 yrs undergoing cardiac surgery with pentoxifylline attenuated deterioration of endothelial, renal, and liver function as seen in an untreated control group. Splanchnic perfusion also appears to be improved in the pentoxifylline-treated group. Whether pretreatment with pentoxifylline will improve outcome in this patient population remains to be elucidated.
-
Critical care medicine · May 2001
Colonization and infection of pulmonary artery catheter in cardiac surgery patients: epidemiology and multivariate analysis of risk factors.
To assess the incidence and etiology of colonization and infection of pulmonary artery catheters inserted in cardiac surgery patients. To determine the influence of some variables on the risk of developing pulmonary artery catheter colonization and infection. ⋯ Our data show that the risk of pulmonary artery catheter-related colonization and bacteremia is quite low despite the use of a high-risk insertion site. In cardiac surgery patient populations, a trial evaluating the impact of a systematic pulmonary artery catheter removal after 4 days is warranted.
-
Critical care medicine · May 2001
Case ReportsEarly diagnosis of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis.
To report survival of retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis in an inmunocompromised patient and to demonstrate early clinical signs that may help in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of this severe infection. ⋯ Retroperitoneal necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon soft tissue infection that is often fatal. Early diagnosis in this case was facilitated by the unique clinical findings of a modified Cullen's and Grey Turner's sign. A review of the limited available literature suggests that survival of retroperitoneal fasciitis is possible with prompt debridement and antibiotic therapy.
-
Critical care medicine · May 2001
Effect of a catecholamine-induced increase in cardiac output on extravascular lung water.
To determine the influence of dopamine- and dobutamine-induced increases in cardiac output on the extravascular lung water in an experimental model of pulmonary edema. ⋯ An increase in cardiac output experimentally produced by the infusion of dopamine and dobutamine does not modify the amount of extravascular lung water.