J Trauma
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Single, isolated hypotensive blood pressure (BP) measurements frequently are ignored or considered "erroneous." Although their clinical significance remains unknown, we hypothesized that single, isolated hypotensive BP readings during trauma resuscitations signify the presence of severe injuries that often warrant immediate intervention. ⋯ Single, isolated hypotensive BP measurements during trauma resuscitations should not be ignored or dismissed. Instead, our results suggest that a single SBP reading <105 mm Hg is associated with severe injuries that often require immediate operative or endovascular treatment and surgical intensive care unit admission.
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To determine whether lower complexity of interbreath interval as measured with nonlinear analysis techniques will identify patients who fail to separate from mechanical ventilation after 30-minute spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs). ⋯ In intubated patients, the interbreath interval in those who were successfully separated from mechanical ventilation was more irregular than those who failed, as measured by nonlinear techniques. When available at bedside, these metrics may be useful markers of pulmonary health and assist in clinical decision making.
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Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute brain injury (ABI). There are limited data available describing the effects of CRRT on intracranial pressure (ICP). This study aims to evaluate changes in ICP during CRRT in patients after ABI. ⋯ CRRT may have beneficial effects in patients with RIH. Given the high mortality rate and poor neurological outcome associated with RIH, further research may be warranted.
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There are many complications involved in the immobilization of unconscious patients with potential cervical spine injuries. In February 2005, the Intensive Care Society (ICS), United Kingdom, produced consensus guidelines to evaluate spinal injuries in unconscious victims of blunt multiple injuries to address this important clinical problem. ⋯ A unit policy ensures that current recommendations are followed. Despite the ICS guidelines being published 4 years ago, over half of the individual intensive care units have no policy in place. A lack of adequate guidance for junior doctors can lead to steps in the process of clearance being omitted and potential injuries being missed. We recommend that the national organization do more to facilitate a wider dissemination of these guidelines.
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Erythropoietin (EPO) can exert acute hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to erythropoiesis. We tested the hypothesis that EPO given at resuscitation with saline will improve capillary perfusion and tissue oxygenation in the gut using a hemorrhagic shock model. ⋯ Our results suggest that the addition of rHuEPO at the time of saline resuscitation may have beneficial effects in hemorrhagic shock by improving tissue perfusion and decreasing dysoxia in the gut.