Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · May 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRespiratory mechanics by least squares fitting in mechanically ventilated patients: applications during paralysis and during pressure support ventilation.
To evaluate a least squares fitting technique for the purpose of measuring total respiratory compliance (Crs) and resistance (Rrs) in patients submitted to partial ventilatory support, without the need for esophageal pressure measurement. ⋯ The LSF method allows non-invasive evaluation of respiratory mechanics during PSV, provided that a near-relaxation condition is obtained by means of an adequately increased pressure support level. The measurement of P0.1 may be helpful for titrating the pressure support in order to obtain the condition of near-relaxation.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1995
Multicenter StudyQuality of life after intensive care with the sickness impact profile.
a) to validate the structure of the Sickness Impact Profile scale (SIP) when applied to intensive care patients after discharge from the hospital; b) to explore the influence of age upon the various components of quality of life. ⋯ The study validated the use of the SIP QOL-instrument on patients after intensive care. Age influenced consistently the various components of quality of life.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1995
Clinical TrialKinetic of body nitrogen loss during a whole day infusion and withdrawal of glucose and insulin in injured patients.
To investigate the kinetics of body nitrogen (N) excretion during 24 h glucose infusion (relating glycemia with insulin supply) and during subsequent 24 h saline infusion in injured patients during a full blown stress reaction. To define the lag time between the start of the withdrawal of glucose and insulin infusion, and the modification in the N loss from the body, and the time span to reach the maximum effect and its size. The knowledge of these variables is mandatory to plan short term studies in critically ill patients, while assuring the stability of the metabolic condition during the study period, and also to assess the possible weaning of the effect on protein breakdown during prolonged glucose and insulin infusion. ⋯ 24 h glucose withdrawal reduces N and 3-MH loss injured patients, the drug-like effect is maintained during the first 12 h of withdrawal and thereafter disappears. The study suggests that at least a 24 h study period is necessary when planning studies exploring energy-protein metabolism relationship in injured patients, and, again 24 h before changing protocol in a crossover study.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1995
Clinical TrialThe effects of prostacyclin on gastric intramucosal pH in patients with septic shock.
To investigate whether infusing prostacyclin (PGI2) in patients with septic shock improves splanchnic oxygenation as assessed by gastric intramucosal pH (pHi). ⋯ Infusing PGI2 in patients with septic shock increases pHi probably by enhancing blood flow to the splanchnic bed and thereby improves splanchnic oxygenation even when conventional resuscitation goals have been achieved.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1995
Case ReportsMisleading information from pulse oximetry and the usefulness of continuous blood gas monitoring in a post cardiac surgery patient.
We report a case where misleading readings form a pulse oximeter were compared with the results obtained from a continuous multiparameter blood gas sensor (Paratrend 7 - Biomedical Sensors UK). The continuous mode of recording was useful in determining the right clinical course for the patient and serves to show how pulse oximetry may demonstrate misleading results in low flow states.