Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Respiratory system mechanics in the early phase of acute respiratory failure due to severe kyphoscoliosis.
To evaluate respiratory mechanics in the early phase of decompensation in a group of seven patients with severe kyphoscoliosis (KS) (Cobb angle > 90 degrees) requiring mechanical ventilatory support. ⋯ During acute decompensation, both lung and chest-wall compliance are severely reduced in KS patients: conversely, and, contrary to that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, increases in airway resistance and PEEPi seem to play only a secondary role.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Retracted PublicationDoes continuous heparinization influence platelet function in the intensive care patient?
To study the influence of continuous administration of heparin on platelet function in intensive care patients. ⋯ Continuous administration of heparin with an average dose of approximately 500 U/h did not negatively influence platelet function in the trauma patients. Recovery from reduced platelet function in the sepsis group was not affected by continuous heparinization. Thus, continuous heparinization with this dose appears to be safe with regard to platelet function in the intensive care patient.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Quality of life outcomes after intensive care. Comparison with a community group.
Compare the health related quality of life of intensive care patients with a community sample. ⋯ ICU patients following discharge have worse perceived health and more anxiety than others in the community. Sixty-three per cent of patients had a poorer QOL and functional health than those who returned to full health and those in the community.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Clinical TrialNitric oxide synthase inhibition by L-NAME in leukocytopenic patients with severe septic shock.
To investigate the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on hemodynamics and outcome in leukocytopenic (< 1000/microliter) patients with severe septic shock requiring strong vasopressor support. ⋯ The data demonstrate that inhibition of nitric oxide synthase may be beneficial for the treatment of severe septic shock in leukocytopenic patients as indicated by an increase in systemic vascular resistance, mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular stroke work index.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialGastrointestinal permeability following cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomised study comparing the effects of dopamine and dopexamine.
To compare the effects of dopexamine and dopamine on the mucosal permeability of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). ⋯ Compared to dopamine, dopexamine reduces GIT permeability following surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. The mechanism of this effect remains unclear.