Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · Oct 2023
Observational StudyDifferences in directives to limit treatment and discontinue mechanical ventilation between elderly and very elderly patients: a substudy of a multinational observational study.
The aim of this study was to characterize differences in directives to limit treatments and discontinue invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in elderly (65-80 years) and very elderly (> 80 years) intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Very elderly (vs. elderly) patients had more orders to withhold treatments after ICU admission and higher hospital mortality, but similar ICU outcomes and IMV discontinuation. Significant regional differences existed in withholding and withdrawal practices.
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Intensive care medicine · Oct 2023
Subclinical and clinical acute kidney injury share similar urinary peptide signatures and prognosis.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe condition in intensive care units (ICUs). In 2020, the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) group proposed a new stage of AKI, referred to as stage 1S, which represents subclinical disease (sAKI) defined as a positive biomarker but no increase in serum creatinine (sCr). This study aimed to determine and compare the urinary peptide signature of sAKI as defined by biomarkers. ⋯ Biomarker-defined sAKI is a common and severe condition observed in patients within intensive care units with a urinary peptide signature that is similar to that of AKI, along with a comparable prognosis.
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Intensive care medicine · Oct 2023
Post-hospital recovery trajectories of family members of critically ill COVID-19 survivors: an international qualitative investigation.
The immediate impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) visiting restrictions for family members has been well-documented. However, the longer-term trajectory, including mechanisms for support, is less well-known. To address this knowledge gap, we aimed to explore the post-hospital recovery trajectory of family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission. We also sought to understand any differences across international contexts. ⋯ This international qualitative investigation has demonstrated the challenges which family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission experience following hospital discharge. Specific support mechanisms which could include peer support networks, should be implemented for family members to ensure ongoing needs are met.