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
Percutaneous dilatational cricothyroidotomy: outcome with 44 consecutive patients.
To assess the value of the percutaneous dilatational technique in elective cricothyroidotomy. ⋯ Percutaneous dilatational cricothyroidotomy can be a quick, safe technique, as good as the percutaneous subcricoidal approach in ventilated, critically ill patients.
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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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Intensive care medicine · Sep 1996
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialN-acetylcysteine pretreatment of cardiac surgery patients influences plasma neutrophil elastase and neutrophil influx in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Study of leukocyte activation and release of toxic mediators during extracorporeal circulation (ECC). ECC can be used to study the potential protective effect of a pharmacon against neutrophil-mediated lung injury. Clinical studies have indicated that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may improve systemic oxygenation and reduce the need for ventilatory support when given to patients with acute lung injury. ⋯ Pretreatment with NAC may prevent lung injury by diminishing elastase activity. Since the release of mediators, especially MPO, is not affected, this diminished activity of elastase may be achieved by enhanced inactivation by antiproteases after initial treatment.
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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.