Critical care : the official journal of the Critical Care Forum
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Daily laxative therapy reduces organ dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients: a phase II randomized controlled trial.
Constipation is a common problem in intensive care units. We assessed the efficacy and safety of laxative therapy aiming to promote daily defecation in reducing organ dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ Laxative therapy improved daily defecation in ventilated patients and was associated with a greater reduction in SOFA score.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled proof-of-concept trial of early sedation management using Responsiveness Index monitoring in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.
Deep sedation is associated with adverse patient outcomes. We recently described a novel sedation-monitoring technology, the Responsiveness Index (RI), which quantifies patient arousal using processed frontal facial EMG data. We explored the potential effectiveness and safety of continuous RI monitoring during early intensive care unit (ICU) care as a nurse decision-support tool. ⋯ RI monitoring was safe and acceptable. Data suggested potential to modify sedation decision-making. Larger trials are justified to explore effects on patient-centred outcomes.