Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Jan 2008
Identifying potentially shockable rhythms without interrupting cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Current versions of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) mandate interruptions of chest compression for rhythm analyses because of artifacts produced by chest compressions. Interruption of chest compressions reduces likelihood of successful resuscitation by as much as 50%. We sought a method to identify a shockable rhythm without interrupting chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ The algorithm fulfilled the potential lifesaving advantages of allowing for uninterrupted chest compression, avoiding pauses for automated rhythm analyses before prompting delivery of an electrical shock.
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Critical care medicine · Jan 2008
Increasing amiodarone use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an analysis of the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
To examine practice patterns of amiodarone use during in-hospital cardiac arrest. This study addresses the changing pattern of amiodarone use over time, following the publication of landmark studies and the inclusion of amiodarone in the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of hospital and patient specific factors on the use of amiodarone. ⋯ There has been a significant increase in amiodarone use for VF/pVT events over the past 5 yrs. The frequency of amiodarone use in adults correlated positively with the number of intensive care beds. These results suggest that emerging data and national guidelines affect resuscitation practice patterns.
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Critical care medicine · Jan 2008
Perceptions of a 24-hour visiting policy in the intensive care unit.
To examine perceptions by intensive care unit (ICU) workers of unrestricted visitation, to measure visiting times, and to determine prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members. ⋯ The 24-hr visitation policy was perceived favorably by families. It induced only moderate discomfort among ICU workers, due to the potential for care interruption, in particular for nurses.
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Critical care medicine · Jan 2008
Editorial Comment Historical ArticleSuicidal intention and self-immolation: what is the outcome?