Intensive care medicine
-
Intensive care medicine · Jul 1997
Angioedema: the role of ACE inhibitors and factors associated with poor clinical outcome.
We sought to study the prevalence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a cause of angioedema, and investigate any association between clinical findings at the time of presentation and clinical outcome. ⋯ ACE inhibitors are the number one cause of acute angioedema in this tertiary referral teaching hospital. Odynophagia and tongue swelling at the time of presentation had significant implications for diagnostic intervention and admission to the hospital.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jul 1997
Out of hospital outcome and quality of life in survivors of combined acute multiple organ and renal failure treated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration/hemodiafiltration.
To study the out-of-hospital quality of life and long-term survival of critically ill patients with combined multiple organ failure and acute renal failure treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). ⋯ In the majority of patients who survived to be discharged from hospital after combined acute multiple organ and renal failure, the overall state of health and quality of life seemed acceptable. Most patients felt that their treatment was worthwhile and that they would undergo the same treatment again if necessary. Our findings suggest that the cost and effort associated with CRRT and ICU care in these patients are high but broadly comparable to those associated with the care of other serious illnesses. They are also seen as worthwhile by survivors, who consider their life to be of acceptable quality.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jun 1997
Predictors of mortality and multiple organ failure in children with sepsis.
To assess the markers of perfusion which best discriminate survivors from non-survivors of childhood sepsis and to compare the information derived from gastric tonometry with conventionally measured haemodynamic and laboratory parameters. ⋯ Blood lactate level was the earliest predictor of outcome in children with sepsis. In this group of patients, gastric tonometry added little to the clinical information that could be derived more simply by other means.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jun 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialIntermittent administration of furosemide versus continuous infusion in the postoperative management of children following open heart surgery.
To compare the amount of furosemide needed to fulfil defined criteria for renal output if given intermittently or as a continuous infusion and to compare the effect of these two regimens on hemodynamic variables and urine electrolyte concentrations. ⋯ Intermittent furosemide administration may be recommended in hemodynamically stable postoperative pediatric cardiac patients because of less drug requirement. However, the high maximal urine output may cause hemodynamic problems in patients who depend on high inotropic support.