Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2024
Meta AnalysisAntipsychotics in the Treatment of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing whether the use of antipsychotic medications in critically ill adult patients with delirium impacts patient-important outcomes. ⋯ In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated with moderate certainty that there is no difference in delirium- or coma-free days when delirious critically ill adults are treated with antipsychotic medications. Further studies in the subset of patients with hyperactive delirium may be of benefit.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyImpact of Lactate Clearance on Clinical and Neurological Outcomes of Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Secondary Data Analysis.
Serial evaluations of lactate concentration may be more useful in predicting outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) than a single measurement. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lactate clearance (LC) on clinical and neurologic outcomes in patients with OHCA who underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). ⋯ In patients with OHCA who underwent ECPR, an increase in the modified 6-hour LC was associated with favorable clinical and neurologic outcome. Thus, LC can be a criterion to assess whether ECPR should be continued.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyShould Transport Ventilators Be Used in Times of Crisis? The Use of Emergency Authorized Nonconventional Ventilators Is Associated With Mortality Among Patients With COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Nonconventional ventilators (NCVs), defined here as transport ventilators and certain noninvasive positive pressure devices, were used extensively as crisis-time ventilators for intubated patients with COVID-19. We assessed whether there was an association between the use of NCV and higher mortality, independent of other factors. ⋯ Use of NCV was associated with increased mortality among patients with COVID-19 ARDS. More lives may be saved during future ventilator shortages if more full-feature ICU ventilators, rather than NCVs, are reserved in national and local stockpiles.