Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
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Admission blood glucose (BG) level is a predictor of mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, limited data are available relating admission BG to mortality in patients with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, and it is not known whether diabetic status has an independent effect on this relationship. ⋯ In a cohort of patients with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock, admission BG was an independent predictor of increased risk of mortality only among patients without DM.
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Different types of shock induce distinct metabolic changes. The myocardium at rest utilizes free fatty acids as its primary energy source, a mechanism that changes to aerobic glycolysis during sepsis and is in contrast to hemorrhagic shock. The immune system also uses this mechanism, changing its substrate utilization to activate innate and adaptive cells. Cardiomyocytes share a number of features similar to antigen-presenting cells and may use this mechanism to augment the immune response at the reversible expense of cardiac function.
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Review Meta Analysis
Neuromuscular blocking agents in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Randomized trials investigating neuromuscular blocking agents in adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been inconclusive about effects on mortality, which is very high in this population. Uncertainty also exists about the associated risk of ICU-acquired weakness. ⋯ Short-term infusion of cisatracurium besylate reduces hospital mortality and barotrauma and does not appear to increase ICU-acquired weakness for critically ill adults with ARDS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Blood transfusion for upper gastrointestinal bleeding: is less more again?
The hemoglobin threshold for transfusion of red blood cells in patients with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is controversial. We compared the efficacy and safety of a restrictive transfusion strategy with those of a liberal transfusion strategy. ⋯ Compared with a liberal transfusion strategy, a restrictive strategy significantly improved outcomes in patients with acute UGIB.