Current opinion in critical care
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The trauma population is at increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease, a potentially preventable cause of mortality and morbidity. Although the association between trauma and venous thromboembolism has been recognized for more than a century, there is still great variability in the clinical practices with respect to prophylaxis. This thorough review of recent literature aims to clarify the incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after trauma, review options and recommendations for detection of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and give evidence-based recommendations for prophylaxis. Special attention is paid to patients with spinal cord injury, patients with head injury, and pediatric trauma patients. ⋯ Venous thromboembolism remains an area of active clinical research focusing on evolving diagnostic techniques, newer methods of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, and improved understanding of the etiologic factors of posttraumatic venous thromboembolism. These efforts will undoubtedly decrease the posttraumatic morbidity and mortality associated with venous thromboembolism.
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Recent studies demonstrating that mild therapeutic hypothermia can improve the outcome from several ischemic and traumatic insults have led to increased interest in the potential benefits of hypothermia after injury. Previous clinical studies, however, have suggested that hypothermia is detrimental to trauma patients. This most likely is a result of differences in the physiologic effects between uncontrolled exposure hypothermia and controlled therapeutic hypothermia. The laboratory and clinical data regarding traumatic hemorrhagic shock and hypothermia are presented, as well as a novel approach to the patient with exsanguinating trauma: suspended animation. Therapeutic hypothermia for traumatic brain injury is discussed. ⋯ The dichotomy between laboratory findings that show a benefit of hypothermia and clinical findings that suggest detrimental effects remains difficult to explain. For now, preventing hypothermia remains prudent. Suspended animation seems promising for patients with exsanguinating trauma. Clinical trials of mild hypothermia during hemorrhagic shock and suspended animation for exsanguination are indicated. Clinical trials of hypothermia for traumatic brain injury are in progress.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2004
ReviewDefining the standard of care in randomized controlled trials of titrated therapies.
To discuss the appropriate standard of care in randomized controlled trials of titrated therapies in critically ill patients. ⋯ The incorporation of current practice patterns into randomized controlled trials of titrated therapies is essential for producing generalizable results and safeguarding patients.
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Vasopressin is one of the most important endogenously released stress hormones during shock. In this review, studies published in the past year that add to our understanding of the use of vasopressin in the ICU are discussed. ⋯ There is growing evidence that vasopressin infusion in septic shock is safe and effective. Several studies published this year support the hypothesis that vasopressin should be used as a continuous low-dose infusion (between 0.01 and 0.04 U/min in adults) and not titrated as a single vasopressor agent. However, multiple studies highlight the clinical equipoise that exists regarding the use of vasopressin in vasodilatory shock. Guidelines on management of septic shock recommend "cautious use of vasopressin pending further studies."
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2004
ReviewThe immunoneuroendocrine axis in critical illness: beneficial adaptation or neuroendocrine exhaustion?
Over the last years, endocrinology has been incorporated in critical care medicine, and acknowledgment of the complex neuro-endocrine adaption of critical illness has led to new insights and major breakthroughs in clarifying pathophysiological mechanisms and the targeting of therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the important role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during critical illness and the occurrence of neuroendocrine failure. ⋯ The endocrine system is highly interrelated with the immune and neural systems, the neuroimmunoendocrine axis is subject to clear biphasic changes in the acute and chronic phases of critical illness, most likely reflecting a beneficial adaptation. These neuroendocrine dynamics should be considered when assessing the neuroendocrine system, in particular the HPA axis.