Medicina intensiva
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Clinical Trial
[Prognostic value of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and leukocytes in septic shock].
This study evaluates the potential prognostic value of serial measurements of different biomarkers (procalcitonin [PCT], C-reactive protein and leukocytes [CRP]) in septic shock patients. ⋯ Serial procalcitonin measurements are more predictive of the prognosis of septic shock patients than single measurements of this parameter. The prognostic reliability of the latter is also better than in the case of C-reactive protein and leukocytes. The application of serial procalcitonin measurements may allow the identification of those septic patients at increased mortality risk, and help improve their treatment.
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The validation in critical patients with short-term catheters of a method for diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI), based on the differential time to positivity (DTP) of blood cultures. ⋯ DTP can be a valid method for CR-BSI diagnosis in critically ill patients, avoiding unnecessary catheter withdrawal.
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To evaluate the frequency of severe thrombocytopenia (STCP) (≤ 50,000/μl) in the first 24 hours in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and the factors that influence its occurrence. ⋯ The prevalence of STCP among critical patients was 6.3%. Its occurrence was associated with albumin and bilirubin levels, sepsis, and with patient admittance in the last year.