Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialInfluence of pentoxifylline on cytokine levels and inflammatory parameters in septic shock.
To evaluate the influence of pentoxifylline (PTX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on cytokines and inflammatory proteins in patients suffering from septic shock. ⋯ PTX does influence TNF levels in septic shock patients. Nevertheless, inhibiting a single mediator in severe septic shock cannot stop the inflammatory overreaction.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Continuous infusion of ketamine in mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm.
To determine whether ketamine infusion to mechanically ventilated children with refractory bronchospasm is beneficial. ⋯ Continuous infusion of ketamine to mechanically ventilated patients with refractory bronchospasm significantly improves gas exchange and dynamic compliance of the chest.
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To determine survival and changes in quality of life (QOL) after hospital discharge in patients who had stayed in an intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ After hospital discharge, the survival of ICU-admitted patients is comparable to that of the general population and not related to ICU treatments. Most patients maintain their physical activity and social status at the preadmission level. Any worsening, if present, is slight and does not influence perceived QOL.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Review Comparative StudyDiagnostic and therapeutic implications of transesophageal echocardiography in medical ICU patients with unexplained shock, hypoxemia, or suspected endocarditis.
To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in intensive care patients. ⋯ TEE is safe and well tolerated and is useful in the management of patients in the intensive care unit with shock, unexplained and severe hypoxemia, or suspected endocarditis when TTE is inconclusive.
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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPostextubation laryngeal edema in adults. Risk factor evaluation and prevention by hydrocortisone.
To evaluate the risk factors for postextubation laryngeal stridor and its prevention by hydrocortisone in adult patients. ⋯ Hydrocortisone did not significantly reduce the incidence of postextubation laryngeal edema or stridor. From the risk factors evaluated, we were unable to demonstrate a statistical correlation between postextubation stidor and the duration of the intubation, the patient's age, the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube, or the route of intubation. However, female patients were more likely to develop this complication.