Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Jan 1993
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRespiratory response to salbutamol (albuterol) in ventilator-dependent infants with chronic lung disease: pressurized aerosol delivery versus intravenous injection.
To compare the effects of intravenously injected with inhaled salbutamol in ventilator dependent infants with chronic lung disease (CLD). ⋯ Inhaled and intravenous salbutamol improves pulmonary mechanics to the same extent with comparable side effects, and may therefore be used to facilitate weaning from respirators.
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Intensive care medicine · Jan 1993
Clinical TrialAtracurium infusions in patients with fulminant hepatic failure awaiting liver transplantation.
To determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the neuromuscular blocking agent atracurium besylate in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). ⋯ Atracurium kinetics and dynamics are near-normal even in patients with fulminant hepatic failure and renal failure; laudanosine accumulation will occur, but this is not associated with measurable central neurological effects. Implantation of a functioning liver graft results in clearance of laudanosine, which seems to be independent of renal function. Atracurium is an appropriate choice for producing neuromuscular blockade for periods of several days in patients with fulminant hepatic failure and renal impairment.
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Intensive care medicine · Jan 1993
Case ReportsConservative management of traumatic chylothorax: a case report.
A case is presented of a right traumatic chylothorax, secondary to thoracic trauma with bilateral posterior eleventh rib fracture, treated by total parenteral nutrition and pleural drainage, with resolution within 2 weeks. On the basis of this clinical report and of a review of the literature, it is concluded that adequate conservative management should be initially the treatment of choice. Surgical treatment should be reserved to the cases in which clinical improvement does not occur within 2 weeks, and should consist of supradiaphragmatic thoracic duct ligation. Thoracoscopic fibrin glue injection has recently been described as a possible alternative treatment.
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Intensive care medicine · Jan 1993
Importance of pre-existing co-morbidities for prognosis of septicemia in critically ill patients.
To determine admission characteristics associated with the outcome of septicemia in critically ill patients and more specifically assess the prognostic value of pre-existing co-morbidities. ⋯ Pre-existing co-morbidities assessed at the admission to the ICU significantly improved the prediction of mortality from septicemia compared to Apache II score alone.