Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Aug 2001
Nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
To examine trends in nosocomial infection associated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). ⋯ The incidence of infection in ECMO patients at our institution has not increased significantly since our previous study. Cardiac patients have increased risk for nosocomial infection while on ECMO, which may be in part due to longer cannulation times, as well as increased likelihood of undergoing major procedures or having an open chest.
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Intensive care medicine · Aug 2001
Comparative StudyThe oxygenation variations related to prone positioning during mechanical ventilation: a clinical comparison between ARDS and non-ARDS hypoxemic patients.
To compare, in clinical practice, the oxygenation variations related to prone positioning (PP) during mechanical ventilation in ARDS and non-ARDS hypoxemic patients. ⋯ In about 90% of periods, PP improved the PaO2/FIO2 ratio in patients with ARDS as well as in hypoxemic patients with non-ARDS. Studies are necessary to determine the impact of PP on survival and the mechanical ventilation duration in ARDS or non-ARDS hypoxemic patients.
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(1) To establish risk factors for the development of delirium in an intensive care unit (ICU) and (2) to determine the effect of delirium on morbidity, mortality and length of stay. ⋯ Predictive risk factors for the development of delirium in studies outside the ICU may not be applicable to critically ill patients. Delirium is associated with increased morbidity. Awareness of patients at risk may lead to better recognition and earlier intervention.
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Intensive care medicine · Aug 2001
Time-dependency of sensory evoked potentials in comatose cardiac arrest survivors.
To assess the validity of early sensory evoked potential (SEP) recording for reliable outcome prediction in comatose cardiac arrest survivors within 48 h after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ⋯ Within 24 h after ROSC there was a significant improvement in SEP. Therefore we recommend allowing a period of at least 24 h after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for obtaining a reliable prognosis based on SEP.
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Intensive care medicine · Aug 2001
The effects of vasopressin on hemodynamics and renal function in severe septic shock: a case series.
To review all cases of septic shock treated with vasopressin to determine the effects on hemodynamic and renal function and to document any adverse effects. ⋯ In this group of patients with severe septic shock, vasopressin infusion increased MAP and urine output and decreased catecholamine requirements. Doses higher than 0.04 U/min were not associated with increased effectiveness and may have been associated with higher adverse effects.