Medicina clinica
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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major complication among critically ill patients who depend on mechanical ventilation. Few reports have focused on intracerebral hemorrhage patients with VAP. Our main objective was to investigate the bacteria distribution characteristics and the impact of ventilator-associated pneumonia mortality in critical cerebral hemorrhage patients. ⋯ Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and the time from bleeding to intubation were other potentially important factors. While the number of infecting bacteria may not be directly related to death, it can increase antibiotic consumption and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stays. Blood volume >30ml, tracheal ventilation mode and head of bed elevation were directly related to the death of critical cerebral hemorrhage patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.
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To compare the efficacy of a self-monitoring programme vs. the conventional method used before the intervention in maintaining the international normalised ratio (INR) in the therapeutic range in patients receiving oral anticoagulants, as well as complications, quality of life and the time invested in the tests. ⋯ In our experience, OAT self-monitoring is associated with a significant improvement in patient management, a reduction in the rate of complications, improved quality of life and timesaving.
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The impact of carcinogenic infections on cancer-related mortality is unknown. ⋯ In Spain, one-twelfth of cancer deaths are attributable to carcinogenic infections. Public health measures aiming to reduce the impact of carcinogenic infections are essential.