Intensive care medicine
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Retracted PublicationDoes continuous heparinization influence platelet function in the intensive care patient?
To study the influence of continuous administration of heparin on platelet function in intensive care patients. ⋯ Continuous administration of heparin with an average dose of approximately 500 U/h did not negatively influence platelet function in the trauma patients. Recovery from reduced platelet function in the sepsis group was not affected by continuous heparinization. Thus, continuous heparinization with this dose appears to be safe with regard to platelet function in the intensive care patient.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Quality of life outcomes after intensive care. Comparison with a community group.
Compare the health related quality of life of intensive care patients with a community sample. ⋯ ICU patients following discharge have worse perceived health and more anxiety than others in the community. Sixty-three per cent of patients had a poorer QOL and functional health than those who returned to full health and those in the community.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Clinical TrialNitric oxide synthase inhibition by L-NAME in leukocytopenic patients with severe septic shock.
To investigate the effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on hemodynamics and outcome in leukocytopenic (< 1000/microliter) patients with severe septic shock requiring strong vasopressor support. ⋯ The data demonstrate that inhibition of nitric oxide synthase may be beneficial for the treatment of severe septic shock in leukocytopenic patients as indicated by an increase in systemic vascular resistance, mean arterial pressure, and left ventricular stroke work index.
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To estimate the incidence of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in an Australian urban community, and to describe the pattern of disease and outcomes in a community hospital intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ These data show that for ARDS, at least, mortality outcome can be comparable in a community ICU to a tertiary referral institution. The pattern of disease in an urban Australian community hospital is different to that often reported from tertiary centres. The incidence of ARDS in an Australian urban community is comparable to the reported incidence in North America and Western Europe.
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Intensive care medicine · May 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialGastrointestinal permeability following cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomised study comparing the effects of dopamine and dopexamine.
To compare the effects of dopexamine and dopamine on the mucosal permeability of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). ⋯ Compared to dopamine, dopexamine reduces GIT permeability following surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. The mechanism of this effect remains unclear.