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
Editorial CommentCaudal block in adults: new horizons with ultrasound.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 2013
ReviewFungal Sepsis in the ICU: Are We Doing Better? - Trends in Incidence, Diagnosis, and Outcome.
Despite the availability of broad-spectrum antifungal agents, fungal sepsis remains an issue in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. In terms of occurrence rates, the most important fungal infections are invasive candidiasis and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Early diagnosis is essential to optimize the chances of survival. ⋯ Given the problematic diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis no reliable trend data are available. Outcome following fungal sepsis remains cumbersome. Given the availability of potent antifungal agents any progress in survival is likely to come from a more timely diagnosis.