Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 2002
Physiological effects of decannulation in tracheostomized patients.
To evaluate the physiological effects of decannulation on breathing patterns and respiratory mechanics by comparing mouth breathing (MB) to tracheal breathing (TB) in tracheostomized patients. ⋯ Decannulation resulted in a dead space increase with no other detectable additional loading. It increased work of breathing by more than 30%. Decannulation deserves special attention in patients with restrictive respiratory disease.
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPrevention of severe Candida infections in nonneutropenic, high-risk, critically ill patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients treated by selective digestive decontamination.
Infections caused by Candida spp. are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients and usually develop from endogenous colonization. We assessed the effectiveness of adding fluconazole to a selective digestive decontamination regimen to prevent candidal infections. ⋯ Prophylactic use of fluconazole in a selected group of mechanically ventilated patients at high risk for infection reduces the incidence of Candida infections, in particular candidemia.
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialNorepinephrine and vital organ blood flow.
To test whether norepinephrine (NE) infusion at 0.4 microg kg(-1) min(-1) adversely affects regional blood flow in the normal mammalian circulation. ⋯ NE infusion does not induce vital organ ischaemia in the normal mammalian circulation. Furthermore, it results in a significant increase in coronary and renal blood flow with a concomitant improvement in urine output and creatinine clearance.
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 2002
Comparative StudyPediatric intensive care: result of a European survey.
To assess and compare the structure, organisation, management, and staffing in different paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Europe. ⋯ Data obtained in our survey demonstrate the substantial structural, organisational management, and staff diversity of paediatric ICUs. Most European PICUs employ specialized PICU nurses and have at least part time coverage by paediatric intensivists.
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Intensive care medicine · Dec 2002
Effect of prone position on hepato-splanchnic hemodynamics in acute lung injury.
To evaluate the effects of prone position on hepato-splanchnic hemodynamics, metabolism and gut mucosal energy balance. ⋯ We conclude that if IAP and systemic hemodynamics remain unaffected, the prone position in ALI patients compromises neither hepato-splanchnic perfusion nor gastric mucosal energy balance.