Anaesthesiology intensive therapy
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
ReviewMust hypervolaemia be avoided? A critique of the evidence.
Anaesthetists are cautioned to avoid hypervolaemia in their patients. The most cited reason is that hypervolaemia elicits the release of atrial natriuretic peptides that damage the endothelial glycocalyx layer. Although shedding of the glycocalyx causes extravasation of protein in inflammatory disorders, it is more uncertain whether hypervolaemia alone is enough to cause clinically important shedding. ⋯ A re-calculation based on theoretical ICG data, taking account of the transit time, shows the plasma volume expansion was closer to 100% than to 40% of the infused volume. This figure is supported by the dilution of the reported blood haemoglobin and plasma protein concentrations, as well as by other sources. In conclusion, only weak evidence supports a fluid-induced release of atrial peptides of sufficient size to alter the kinetics of colloid fluid by shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx layer.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
Ventilator-associated pneumonia monitoring according to the INICC project at one centre.
Pneumonia is a common complication of hospitalisation in severely ill patients who need mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium programme for the surveillance of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). ⋯ During the reported time span, the incidence of VAP was lower than in the INICC report (2007-2012), but it was tenfold higher than in the NHSN/CDC report (dated 2012). Because of the unchanged VAP level during the 2.5-year observation period, the root cause needs to be determined and action should be taken to resolve this issue.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
ReviewCommon pitfalls and tips and tricks to get the most out of your transpulmonary thermodilution device: results of a survey and state-of-the-art review.
Haemodynamic monitoring with transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) is less invasive than a pulmonary artery catheter, and is increasingly used in the Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room. Optimal treatment of the critically ill patient demands adequate, precise and continuous monitoring of clinical parameters. Little is known about staff knowledge of the basic principles and practical implementation of TPTD measurements at the bedside. The aims of this review are to: 1) present the results of a survey on the knowledge of TPTD measurement among 252 nurses and doctors; and 2) to focus on specific situations and common pitfalls in order to improve patient management in daily practice. ⋯ TPTD has gained its place in the haemodynamic monitoring field, but, as with any technique, its virtue is only fully appreciated with correct use and interpretation.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
Case ReportsSwift recovery of severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure under non-invasive ventilation.
In the setting of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; PaO2/FiO2 < 100), the cut-off point for switching from non-invasive ventilation to intubation combined to mechanical ventilation is poorly defined. ⋯ Given the complications associated with tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation on the one hand and with delayed intubation on the other hand, high PEEP-NIV may warrant study in a restricted set of patients closely monitored in a critical care environment.
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Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther · Jan 2015
Prospective assessment of standardized mortality ratio (SMR) as a measure of quality of care in intensive care unit--a single-centre study.
The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) is a recognized indicator of critical care quality. This ratio is used to compare actual hospital mortality of all patients treated in a Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with predicted mortality. The aim of the study was prospective analysis of SMR as a measure of quality of care in single ICU. ⋯ In groups of patients with low and high risk the values of SMR indicated favourable quality of care. Study results should prompt to carry out detailed analysis of the course of treatment of patients at average risk of death. Analysis of the course of treatment and qualification criteria for surgery in patients undergoing elective surgery is also indicated.