Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialPilot study on the effects of high cutoff hemofiltration on the need for norepinephrine in septic patients with acute renal failure.
High cutoff hemofilters are characterized by an increased effective pore size designed to facilitate the elimination of inflammatory mediators in sepsis. Clinical data on this new renal replacement modality are lacking. ⋯ In this pilot study, high cutoff hemofiltration has been shown to exert a beneficial effect on the need for norepinephrine in septic patients with acute renal failure. In addition, we demonstrate that high cutoff hemofiltration is superior to conventional hemofiltration in the elimination of IL-6 and IL-1ra from the circulating blood of septic patients.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialPercutaneous versus surgical tracheostomy: A randomized controlled study with long-term follow-up.
To compare the safety, availability, and long-term sequelae of percutaneous vs. surgical tracheostomy. ⋯ Both percutaneous tracheostomies and surgical tracheostomies can be safely performed at the bedside by experienced, skilled practitioners.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of a T-piece system and a continuous positive airway pressure system for apnea testing in the diagnosis of brain death.
To prospectively compare three methods of apnea testing for the confirmation of brain death. ⋯ The T-piece and the CPAP systems are effective alternatives to the standard oxygen catheter technique for apnea testing. Oxygenation was best maintained with the CPAP system, which can be useful in some patients.