Articles: sepsis.
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The estimation of patients who are at risk for infection, sepsis, and organ dysfunction/failure is crucial not only for inclusion in treatment algorithms but also for entry into appropriate clinical trials of prophylaxis and therapy. Patients on the surgical service who have sustained major trauma or who have undergone transplantation are clearly at the greatest risk. Other immunosuppressed patients at risk for sepsis include those receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, those with overwhelming malignancy, and those who suffer from cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and severe malnutrition. ⋯ This score can identify patients within hours of hospitalization who are at risk of subsequently developing overt clinical infection and sepsis. Intervention then can be applied to such at-risk populations prior to the onset of sepsis and to evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis. Patients in whom prophylaxis fails could be eligible for trials of therapeutic intervention as well.
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Schweiz Med Wochenschr Suppl · Jan 1996
Review[Treatment of severe infections: should one always administer an aminoglycoside?].
Until recently, aminoglycoside antibiotics were the cornerstone for the treatment of severe infections. The rationale for using combination therapy containing beta-lactams and aminoglycosides was not only to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum but also to achieve enhanced bacterial killing by synergism and to prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance. ⋯ A review of the literature suggests that the addition of an aminoglycoside to a broad-spectrum beta-lactam does not improve the outcome in nosocomial pneumonia and severe diffuse peritonitis. However, the lack of large prospective studies in severe sepsis or septic shock makes it impossible to draw any conclusion about the addition of an aminoglycoside, and the administration of these agents must be decided on an individual basis.
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Critical care medicine · Jan 1996
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition during experimental sepsis improves renal excretory function in the presence of chronically increased atrial natriuretic peptide.
To test whether renal excretory function decreases after nitric oxide synthase inhibition during experimental hyperdynamic sepsis. ⋯ In this ovine model of experimental hyperdynamic sepsis, renal excretory function decreases in the presence of chronically increased concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide. Administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, reverses the vasodilatory state, thereby improving fluid balance and glomerular filtration.
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While hyperoxia is commonly used for treating carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic nonhealing ulcers, acute traumatic and chronically ischemic wounds, and refractory osteomyelitis, its efficacy is unproven in numerous clinical situations, including treatment during severe sepsis. ⋯ Tissue pO2 may be an important regulator of gut barrier function. Hyperoxia treatment appears to play a major role in preserving gut barrier function.