Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 1998
An evaluation of Patient Data Management Systems in Dutch intensive care.
To assess the agreement between the functions of seven configurations of Patient Data Management Systems (PDMS) and the Dutch specifications prepared by the users prior to use. ⋯ Today, none of the PDMSs tested satisfy the Dutch specifications. This can be explained by technical impossibilities of the systems and shortcomings in the actual configuration or in the unit organisation. The PDMS might become a valuable tool in improving the quality of ICU practice, but full implementation of these systems according to the specifications still has a long way to go.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 1998
A normal platelet count at admission in acute meningococcal disease does not exclude a fulminant course.
To determine the value of the platelet count at admission for the assessment of the severity of disease in acute meningococcal infections. ⋯ As platelets drop after admission, the use of the platelet count at admission for the assessment of the prognosis in acute meningococcal disease may be misleading. Frequently repeated platelet counts are a better tool for evaluating the severity of disease.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 1998
Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein during the early posttraumatic systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
To describe the initial evolution of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in previously healthy adult trauma patients and to compare the relationship of the expression of these two proteins with indicators of trauma severity. ⋯ An early and transient release of PCT into the circulation was observed after severe trauma and the amount of circulating PCT seemed proportional to the severity of tissue injury and hypovolemia, yet unrelated to infection. The predictive value of both PCT and CRP for a forthcoming multiple organ failure still remains to be clarified.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 1998
Case ReportsGroup A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with severe necrotizing fasciitis following hysterectomy--a case report.
In the last 10 years an increasing number of cases of group A streptococcal toxic shock syndrome have appeared in various clinical settings. The manifestation of this syndrome includes rapidly progressive multiorgan failure and soft-tissue necrosis. ⋯ The abdominal wall defect was covered with free myocutaneous flaps and split-skin grafts. Optimal treatment, including adequate antibiotic therapy and radical surgical intervention, is an indispensable prerequisite of successful outcome.
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Intensive care medicine · Feb 1998
Case ReportsHorner's syndrome following internal jugular vein cannulation.
We present two cases of Horner's syndrome occurring following uncomplicated internal jugular venous cannulation. An awareness of this potential complication will reduce confusion over the aetiology of anisocoria in critically ill patients. This consideration is important, since lesions in the central nervous system or carotid dissection following trauma might otherwise be suspected.