Klinische Wochenschrift
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Klinische Wochenschrift · Dec 1991
ReviewOxygen radicals--an important mediator of sepsis and septic shock.
There is considerable evidence to implicate aggressive species of oxygen in the pathogenesis of organ dysfunction consequent to sepsis and septic shock. The inflammatory process appears to participate ubiquitously in this setting. A characteristic of inflammation is the involvement of activated neutrophils and their generation of aggressive oxygen species. ⋯ For those reasons, the potential for antioxidants as therapy should include consideration of the volume of distribution of such substances. It is probably important that antioxidants access excluded spaces including cell interiors in order to have their maximum effect in this setting. We have studied ina preliminary way the effects of n-acetyl-cysteine, a highly permeable free radical scavenger and anti-oxidant, in patients with established ARDS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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This contribution focuses on the role of iron as a critical component in the genesis of oxygen radical mediated tissue injury occurring after global ischemia associated with severe hypovolemic shock. Conventional colloid or crystalloid fluid resuscitation does not adequately protect organs susceptible to reperfusion injury. One approach aimed at attenuating such post-trauma reperfusion injury is systemic, high dose, iron chelation used in combination with colloid fluid replacement.
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Klinische Wochenschrift · Jan 1991
Review[Use of hypertonic saline solutions in intensive care and emergency medicine--developments and perspectives].
The primary factor rendering patients at risk of developing multiple system organ failure after shock and trauma is the persistence of impaired microcirculation along with its sequelae for cellular and organ function. Bolus infusion (2-5 min) of 4 ml/kg hypertonic/hyperoncotic saline solution through a peripheral vein is a new concept for primary resuscitation from severe hypovolemia associated with trauma and hemorrhage and is termed "small-volume resuscitation". The experimental data obtained by various research groups have demonstrated the efficacy of 7.2%-7.5% saline solution in restoring central hemodynamics and organ blood flow. ⋯ Of particular importance are the data obtained in experiments on traumatic-hemorrhagic hypovolemia in beagles, which proved that the infusion of 10% dextran 60 in 7.2% saline (hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution) restores nutritional blood flow within less than 5 min, thereby enhancing the circulatory effect of hypertonic saline alone. In the pre-clinical setting, small-volume resuscitation by means of hypertonic saline/dextran solution is aimed at the rapid normalization of the compromised microcirculation and, thus, at the prevention of late complications such as sepsis and multiple system organ failure. The novelty of hypertonic saline/dextran resuscitation lies in its operational mechanism at the microcirculatory level, which also renders this concept attractive for volume support in endotoxemia and septic shock.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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The surgeon uses the scalpel rather than the prescription pad, but this fact is deceptive. Analysis of the development of surgical history yields an impressive insight into the interaction between medication and operative treatment. ⋯ With regard to drugs, intensive care medicine confronts the surgeon with an inconceivable complex of interactions, side effects and dose adaptations. In addition, human suggestibility influences the outcome of operative interventions no less than medical drugs.
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Clinical (artificial) nutrition in patients in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) is a supportive, and not a therapeutic, measure. However, it is as necessary as medical or surgical treatment, because nutrition can prolong life, so that time is bought during which the clinician can start adequate treatment. Studies on the effectiveness of clinical nutrition are rare and difficult, but there is a huge amount of indirect evidence supporting the following basic concept. ⋯ This kind of clinical nutrition obviates the need for concern about the optimal substrate composition. Moreover, enteral nutrition appears to be much simpler and more logical than parenteral nutrition. There is evidence suggesting that there are even clinical advantages of enteral nutrition.