Intensive care medicine
-
Intensive care medicine · May 2009
Serum selenium and glutathione peroxidase-3 activity: biomarkers of systemic inflammation in the critically ill?
To confirm the influence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on selenium (Se) levels and prospectively evaluate the relationship between serum Se concentration [Se], glutathione peroxidase activity [GPx-3] and injury severity in patients at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. ⋯ Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and MODS were associated with early decreases in [Se] and [GPx-3]. Low [Se] and [GPx-3] after ICU admission had a predictive value for SIRS, which may aid future selection of patients who could benefit from Se supplementation.
-
Intensive care medicine · May 2009
Family members of critically ill cancer patients: assessing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
To determine prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members of critically ill cancer patients. ⋯ Present findings demonstrated a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in critically ill cancer patients' family members during an intensive care unit stay.
-
Intensive care medicine · May 2009
Biography Historical ArticlePost-traumatic growth in parents after a child's admission to intensive care: maybe Nietzsche was right?
The aim of this prospective study was to establish the degree to which parents report post-traumatic growth after the intensive care treatment of their child. ⋯ Post-traumatic growth emerged as a salient concept for this population. It was more strongly associated with moderate levels of post-traumatic stress, than high or low levels.
-
Intensive care medicine · May 2009
ReviewDepression in general intensive care unit survivors: a systematic review.
To critically review data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in general intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, risk factors for these symptoms, and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). ⋯ Depressive symptoms are common in general ICU survivors and negatively impact HRQOL. Future studies should address how factors related to individual patients, critical illness and post-ICU recovery are associated with depression in ICU survivors.
-
Intensive care medicine · May 2009
ReviewSleep and delirium in ICU patients: a review of mechanisms and manifestations.
Sleep deprivation and delirium are conditions commonly encountered in intensive care unit patients. Sleep in these patients is characterized by sleep fragmentation, an increase in light sleep, and a decrease of both slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep. The most common types of delirium in this population are hypoactive and mixed-type. ⋯ The link between them may be ascribed to shared mechanisms. An imbalance in neurotransmitters as well as alteration of melatonin production may contribute to the pathogenesis of both phenomena. A better understanding of the mechanisms and factors that contribute to sleep deprivation and delirium can guide the development of new methods and models for prevention and treatment of these problems and consequently improve patient outcomes.