Critical care medicine
-
Critical care medicine · Feb 2006
Editorial CommentCan ventilator mode reduce ventilator-induced lung injury?
-
Critical care medicine · Feb 2006
Review Meta AnalysisOxime therapy and outcomes in human organophosphate poisoning: an evaluation using meta-analytic techniques.
The status of oximes in human organophosphate poisoning is controversial. This analysis compares the outcomes of therapy with or without oximes. ⋯ Based on the current available data on human organophosphate poisoning, oxime was associated with either a null effect or possible harm. The lack of current prospective randomized controlled trials, with appropriate patient stratification, mandates ongoing assessment of the role of oximes in organophosphate poisoning.
-
Critical care medicine · Feb 2006
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComparison of antimicrobial cycling and mixing strategies in two medical intensive care units.
To compare a mixing vs. a cycling strategy of use of anti-Pseudomonas antibiotics on the acquisition of resistant Gram-negative bacilli in the critical care setting. ⋯ In critically ill medical patients, a strategy of monthly rotation of anti-Pseudomonas beta-lactams and ciprofloxacin may perform better than a strategy of mixing in the acquisition of P. aeruginosa resistant to selected beta-lactams.
-
Critical care medicine · Feb 2006
Multicenter StudySepsis in European intensive care units: results of the SOAP study.
To better define the incidence of sepsis and the characteristics of critically ill patients in European intensive care units. ⋯ This large pan-European study documents the high frequency of sepsis in critically ill patients and shows a close relationship between the proportion of patients with sepsis and the intensive care unit mortality in the various countries. In addition to age, a positive fluid balance was among the strongest prognostic factors for death. Patients with intensive care unit acquired sepsis have a worse outcome despite similar severity scores on intensive care unit admission.
-
Critical care medicine · Feb 2006
Multicenter StudyVentilatory and hemodynamic management of potential organ donors: an observational survey.
To determine the current standard ventilatory and cardiovascular management in potential organ donors. ⋯ Five of 11 potential lung donors (45%) had a Pao2/Fio2 ratio of <300, making them ineligible for lung donation. After the diagnosis of brain death, ventilatory management remained the same, no maneuvers for prevention of derecruitment of the lung were performed, and cardiovascular management was modified to optimize peripheral organ perfusion. These data represent the current standard of care for ventilatory management of potential organ donors and may be suboptimal in preserving lung function.