Crit Care Resusc
-
To review the technology and the role of continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitoring in critical illness. ⋯ Over the last 10 years, a number of continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitoring systems have been developed. Only a few have reached commercial availability. While the performance characteristics of these systems are comparable, the levels of accuracy of these systems obtained in vitro are not consistently obtained in clinical trials. Arterial blood flow, wrist movement, wall effect and variability of blood gas analysers are some of the factors which determine the accuracy and reproducibility of these systems. Evidence to support the clinical usefulness of these monitors exists only in the form of case studies. Controlled studies demonstrating an improvement in outcome with the use of these monitors are lacking.
-
To discuss the reasons why 250 ml 7.5% hypertonic saline was chosen as a pre-hospital resuscitation fluid for head injured patients in a multicentred, prospective, randomised controlled trial investigating its long term effects on central nervous system outcome. ⋯ Pre-hospital resuscitation of head injured and hypotensive trauma patients using hypertonic saline, has the potential to reduce long term cerebral injury and reduce social and financial costs to the community.