Minerva anestesiologica
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2013
A Systematic Review And Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis On Intraabdominal Hypertension In Critically Ill Patients: The Wake-Up Project World Initiative on Abdominal Hypertension Epidemiology, a Unifying Project (WAKE-Up!).
Background: Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH), defined as a pathologically increase in intraabdominal pressure, is commonly found in critically ill patients. While IAH has been associated with several abdominal as well as extra-abdominal conditions, few studies have examined the occurrence of IAH in relation to mortality. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic role of IAH and its risk factors at admission in critically ill patients across a wide range of settings and countries. ⋯ Five hundred thirteen patients (30.8%) died in intensive care. The independent predictors for intensive care mortality were IAH, SAPS II score, SOFA score and admission category. Conclusions: This systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis shows that IAH is frequently present in critically ill patients and it is an independent predictor for mortality.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyClinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumonia and sepsis: multicenter study.
Pneumonia is the primary source of sepsis and is significantly associated with mortality. However, only a few studies focus on its clinical characteristics and outcomes. ⋯ In patients admitted with sepsis, the pneumonia infection independently predicts 28-day in-hospital mortality. Combining the levels of serum lactate and PF ratio could be a useful approach in predicting mortality of these patients.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2013
ReviewDiagnosis of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients. What is the meaning of the CPIS?
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common nosocomial infections in critically ill patients, especially in those being mechanically ventilated. Beside increased healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stay, VAP is associated with a consistently high morbidity and mortality. Although pathomechanisms leading to VAP are well known, it remains challenging to diagnose VAP accurately and in a timely manner. ⋯ Several evidence based strategies have been described for the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia, potentially leading to better or faster treatment and thereby influencing the outcome. Current diagnostic approaches and the value of the CPIS are therefore considered within this article. A bundle approach, regarding time management and several diagnostic pathways should be evaluated in further studies.
-
Interest in techniques and applications of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has expanded exponentially since its introduction over ten years ago. The choice of techniques and approaches has been assisted with the availability of ultrasound, but the optimal injection for certain surgical incisions are not yet clear. A literature search was performed looking at anatomical and distribution studies, and clinical trials evaluating the effects of TAP blocks in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. ⋯ Clinical and contrast studies indicate that the landmark and ultrasound guided TAP blocks differ in their spread and mode of action. Regardless, both techniques provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery. Further research is required to compare TAP blocks with epidural analgesia.