Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe Glucoregulatory Benefits of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (7-36) Amide Infusion During Intensive Insulin Therapy in Critically Ill Surgical Patients: A Pilot Study.
Intensive insulin therapy for tight glycemic control in critically ill surgical patients has been shown to reduce mortality; however, intensive insulin therapy is associated with iatrogenic hypoglycemia and increased variability of blood glucose levels. The incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide is both insulinotropic and insulinomimetic and has been suggested as an adjunct to improve glycemic control in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that the addition of continuous infusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 to intensive insulin therapy would result in better glucose control, reduced requirement of exogenous insulin administration, and fewer hypoglycemic events. ⋯ Glucagon-like peptide-1 (7-36) amide is a safe and efficacious form of adjunct therapy in patients with hyperglycemia in the surgical ICU setting. Improved stability of blood glucose is a favorable outcome, which enhances the safety of intensive insulin therapy. Larger studies of this potentially valuable therapy for glycemic control in the ICU are justified.
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Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEvaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Two Doses of the Polyclonal Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Fragment Antibody AZD9773 in Adult Patients With Severe Sepsis and/or Septic Shock: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase IIb Study.
This trial compared the efficacy/safety of two IV doses of AZD9773, a polyclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor-α, in adult patients with severe sepsis/septic shock. ⋯ AZD9773 rapidly and efficiently decreased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α concentration in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock, but this effect did not translate into clinical benefit.
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Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA Randomized, Controlled Trial of In Situ Pediatric Advanced Life Support Recertification ("Pediatric Advanced Life Support Reconstructed") Compared With Standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support Recertification for ICU Frontline Providers.
Recent evidence shows poor retention of Pediatric Advanced Life Support provider skills. Frequent refresher training and in situ simulation are promising interventions. We developed a "Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed" recertification course by deconstructing the training into six 30-minute in situ simulation scenario sessions delivered over 6 months. We hypothesized that in situ Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed implementation is feasible and as effective as standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification. ⋯ For PICU-based nurses and respiratory therapists, simulation-based "Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed" in situ training is feasible and more effective than standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification training for skill performance. Both Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification training courses improved behavioral performance.