Intensive care medicine
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 2007
Increased intra-abdominal pressure affects respiratory variations in arterial pressure in normovolaemic and hypovolaemic mechanically ventilated healthy pigs.
To evaluate the effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on the systolic and pulse pressure variations induced by positive pressure ventilation in a porcine model. ⋯ In this model, the systolic pressure and pulse pressure variations, and inferior vena cava flow fluctuations were dependent on IAP values which caused changes in pleural pressure swing, and this dependency was more marked during hypovolaemia. The present study suggests that dynamic indices are not exclusively related to volaemia in the presence of increased IAP. However, their fluid responsiveness predictive value could not be ascertained as no fluid challenge was performed.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 2007
Impact of antifungal treatment on Candida-Pseudomonas interaction: a preliminary retrospective case-control study.
A pathogenic interaction between Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has recently been demonstrated. In addition, experimental and clinical studies identified Candida spp. tracheobronchial colonization as a risk factor for P. aeruginosa pneumonia. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of antifungal treatment on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or tracheobronchial colonization due to P. aeruginosa. ⋯ In patients with Candida spp. tracheobronchial colonization, antifungal treatment may be associated with reduced risk for P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 2007
Postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction: correlated factors and prognostic implications.
To evaluate the clinical factors correlated with postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction and the prognostic implication such dysfunction may have. ⋯ Postresuscitation left ventricular dysfunction is correlated with a number of clinical factors, among which past history of myocardial infarction, epinephrine dose, and the cause of cardiac arrest play independent roles. Meanwhile, IVRT 100 ms or longer 6 h postresuscitation predicts poor survival outcomes and serves as a marker of poor prognosis.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 2007
Attitudes of European physicians, nurses, patients, and families regarding end-of-life decisions: the ETHICATT study.
To evaluate attitudes of Europeans regarding end-of-life decisions. ⋯ Quality of life was more important for physicians and nurses than patients and families. More medical professionals want fewer ICU treatments and prefer being home or in a hospice for a terminal illness than patients and families.