Current opinion in critical care
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In this study we present a concise review of the evolving management of traumatic injury to the pancreas, including diagnostic approaches and options for operative and nonoperative intervention. ⋯ Nonoperative management of solid organ injuries is the recommended treatment in hemodynamically stable patients. This strategy is now being successfully applied to pancreatic injuries in specific situations. However, the mainstays of pancreatic injury remain the same. The identification of pancreatic duct injury is the top priority. Management includes distal resection, debridement, and closed suction drainage of pancreatic injuries.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2011
ReviewRemote care by telemedicine in the ICU: many models of care can be effective.
Telemedicine, by the use of audiovisual technologies, is increasingly being used to assist in patient care by ICUs unable to be staffed by consultant intensivists. This review discusses the recent evaluation of these services and their potential role in managing intensive care patients. ⋯ Clear benefits of ICU-telemedicine systems remain unclear but at least the systems appear safe. Formal reviews of the impacts and contribution of ICU telemedicine to processes of care, the effects on unit staffing, hospital organization, and the healthcare region are needed. However, ICU-telemedicine is available and being embraced by some, especially to deal with the tyranny of distance.
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In the past 3 years substantial progress has been made in the field of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for critically ill patients. ⋯ Wide variations in clinical practice still require RRT for critically ill patients to be optimized. The ideal prescription does not exist; however, continuous hemofiltration at a dose of 30 ml/kg/h meets many requirements of optimal care. In order to shed some light in the issue of RRT timing, furthermore, in the near future a standardized and clinically relevant definition of 'early' RRT should be provided. Great expectations currently rely on the utilization of acute kidney injury severity classifications and on new biomarkers of renal function.