Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · May 2016
Multicenter StudyEvaluating Physical Outcomes in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Survivors: Validity, Responsiveness, and Minimal Important Difference of 4-Meter Gait Speed Test.
To examine the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and minimal important difference of the 4-m gait speed test in acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. ⋯ The 4-m gait speed is a reliable, valid, and responsive measure of physical function in acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. The estimated minimal important difference will facilitate sample size calculations for clinical studies evaluating the 4-m gait speed test in acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors.
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Critical care medicine · May 2016
ReviewThe Role of Extracellular Adenosine Triphosphate in Ischemic Organ Injury.
Ischemic tissue injury contributes to significant morbidity and mortality and is implicated in a range of pathologic conditions, including but not limited to myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and acute kidney injury. The associated reperfusion phase is responsible for the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system, further accentuating inflammation. Adenosine triphosphate molecule has been implicated in various ischemic conditions, including stroke and myocardial infarction. ⋯ In this review, we aim to discuss the molecular mechanisms behind adenosine triphosphate-mediated ischemic tissue injury and evaluate the role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate in ischemic injury in specific organs, in order to provide a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex process. We also appraise potential future therapeutic strategies to limit damage in various organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs.
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Critical care medicine · May 2016
Multicenter StudyEarly Circulating Lactate and Glucose Levels After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Correlate With Poor Outcome and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia: A Two-Center Cohort Study.
In critically ill patients, elevated blood lactate at admission is associated with poor outcome, but after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, this has not been investigated. We studied the association between early circulating lactate and glucose with delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome. Lactate and glucose were both studied, hypothesizing that both may be increased due to sympathetic activation after subarachnoid hemorrhage similar to critically ill patients. ⋯ Early lactate and glucose levels after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are associated with delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome, suggesting that they may be considered in conjunction with other parameters for future prognostic models.