Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2009
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEmergency trauma score: an instrument for early estimation of trauma severity.
Early estimation of the mortality risk of severely injured patients is mandatory. To estimate the seriousness of the condition of patients with trauma, we developed the emergency trauma score (EMTRAS) for ease of use, with simple parameters that are available within 30 minutes. ⋯ EMTRAS combines four early parameters from the emergency room and accurately predicts mortality. Knowledge of the anatomical injuries is not necessary. The determination of the EMTRAS will inform caregivers of the seriousness of patients with trauma at an early stage.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe presence of a family witness impacts physician performance during simulated medical codes.
To determine whether the presence and behavior of a family witness to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) impacts critical actions performed by physicians. ⋯ The presence of a family witness may have a significant impact on physicians' ability to perform critical actions during simulated medical resuscitations. Further study is necessary to see if this effect crosses over into real clinical practice and if training ameliorates this effect.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2009
ReviewBrain tissue oxygen and outcome after severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review.
In this study, available medical literature were reviewed to determine whether brain hypoxia as measured by brain tissue oxygen (Bto2) levels is associated with increased risk of poor outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). A secondary objective was to examine the safety profile of a direct BtO2 probe. DATA SOURCE AND EXTRACTION: Clinical studies published between 1993 and 2008 were identified from electronic databases, Index Medicus, bibliographies of pertinent articles, and expert consultation. The following inclusion criteria were applied for outcome analysis: 1) more than 10 patients described, 2) use of a direct Bto2 monitor, 3) brain hypoxia defined as Bto2 <10 mm Hg for >15 or 30 minutes, 4) 6-month outcome data, and 5) clear reporting of patient outcome associated with Bto2. For the analysis, each selected article had to have adequate data to determine odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Thirteen studies met the initial inclusion criteria and three were included in the final outcome analysis. Safety data were abstracted from any report where it was mentioned. ⋯ Summary results indicate that brain hypoxia (<10 mm Hg) is associated with worse outcome after severe TBI and that Bto2 probes are safe. These results imply that treating patients to increase Bto2 may improve outcome after severe TBI. This question will require further study.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2009
Multicenter StudyThe impact of delirium on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated surgical and trauma patients.
Previously, delirium has been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality in critically ill medical patients. We undertook this study to examine the relationships among medication usage, delirium, and clinical outcomes in a critically ill surgical/trauma population. ⋯ Delirium in the surgical/trauma ICU cohort is independently associated with more days requiring MV, longer ICU length of stay, and longer hospital length of stay. Additionally, greater amounts of lorazepam and fentanyl were administered to patients with delirium.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2009
Multicenter StudyThe effect of daily bathing with chlorhexidine on the acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and healthcare-associated bloodstream infections: results of a quasi-experimental multicenter trial.
Spread of multidrug-resistant organisms within the intensive care unit (ICU) results in substantial morbidity and mortality. Novel strategies are needed to reduce transmission. This study sought to determine if the use of daily chlorhexidine bathing would decrease the incidence of colonization and bloodstream infections (BSI) because of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) among ICU patients. ⋯ We conclude that daily chlorhexidine bathing among ICU patients may reduce the acquisition of MRSA and VRE. The approach is simple to implement and inexpensive and may be an important adjunctive intervention to barrier precautions to reduce acquisition of VRE and MRSA and the subsequent development of healthcare-associated BSI.