Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2015
Metabolic Profiling of Children Undergoing Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease.
Inflammation and metabolism are closely interlinked. Both undergo significant dysregulation following surgery for congenital heart disease, contributing to organ failure and morbidity. In this study, we combined cytokine and metabolic profiling to examine the effect of postoperative tight glycemic control compared with conventional blood glucose management on metabolic and inflammatory outcomes in children undergoing congenital heart surgery. The aim was to evaluate changes in key metabolites following congenital heart surgery and to examine the potential of metabolic profiling for stratifying patients in terms of expected clinical outcomes. ⋯ This is the first report on the metabolic response to cardiac surgery in children. Using nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor the patient journey, we identified metabolites whose concentrations and trajectory appeared to be associated with clinical outcome. Metabolic profiling could be useful for patient stratification and directing investigations of clinical interventions.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2015
Coreactivation of Human Herpesvirus 6 and Cytomegalovirus Is Associated With Worse Clinical Outcome in Critically Ill Adults.
Human herpesvirus 6 is associated with a variety of complications in immunocompromised patients, but no studies have systematically and comprehensively assessed the impact of human herpesvirus 6 reactivation, and its interaction with cytomegalovirus, in ICU patients. ⋯ Coreactivation of both human herpesvirus 6 and cytomegalovirus in ICU patients is associated with worse outcome than reactivation of either virus alone. Future studies should define the underlying mechanism(s) and determine whether prevention or treatment of viral reactivation improves clinical outcome.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2015
Observational StudyMonocyte Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Converting Enzyme Catalytic Activity and Substrate Shedding in Sepsis and Noninfectious Systemic Inflammation.
To determine the effect of severe sepsis on monocyte tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme baseline and inducible activity profiles. ⋯ Monocyte tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme catalytic activity appeared altered by sepsis and may result in reduced shedding of tumor necrosis factor receptors. Changes seemed specific to sepsis and correlated with illness severity. A better understanding of how tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme function is altered during sepsis will enhance our understanding of sepsis pathophysiology, which will help in the assessment of patient inflammatory status and ultimately may provide new strategies to treat sepsis.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2015
Critical Care Delivery: The Importance of Process of Care and ICU Structure to Improved Outcomes: An Update From the American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force on Models of Critical Care.
In 2001, the Society of Critical Care Medicine published practice model guidelines that focused on the delivery of critical care and the roles of different ICU team members. An exhaustive review of the additional literature published since the last guideline has demonstrated that both the structure and process of care in the ICU are important for achieving optimal patient outcomes. Since the publication of the original guideline, several authorities have recognized that improvements in the processes of care, ICU structure, and the use of quality improvement science methodologies can beneficially impact patient outcomes and reduce costs. Herein, we summarize findings of the American College of Critical Care Medicine Task Force on Models of Critical Care: 1) An intensivist-led, high-performing, multidisciplinary team dedicated to the ICU is an integral part of effective care delivery; 2) Process improvement is the backbone of achieving high-quality ICU outcomes; 3) Standardized protocols including care bundles and order sets to facilitate measurable processes and outcomes should be used and further developed in the ICU setting; and 4) Institutional support for comprehensive quality improvement programs as well as tele-ICU programs should be provided.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2015
Modification of the β-Adrenoceptor Stimulation Pathway in Zucker Obese and Obese Diabetic Rat Myocardium.
Although metabolic syndrome is associated with increased sympathetic activity that chronically stimulates β-adrenoceptors, the β-adrenoceptor signaling pathway has been poorly studied in this situation. We studied the β-adrenoceptor signaling pathway in Zucker lean, obese, and obese diabetic rats. ⋯ The positive inotropic effect of β-adrenoceptor stimulation is slightly decreased in Zucker obese rats and was more markedly decreased in Zucker diabetic rats. These decreases are mainly related to β1-adrenoceptor down-regulation.