Intensive care medicine
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 1982
Nosocomial infections in intensive care wards: a multicenter prospective study.
In a three-year prospective investigation, a total of 6,952 patients were investigated prospectively in nine intensive care wards and their rate of nosocomial infections was analysed. The frequency of the nosocomial infections varied between 3% and 27%. ⋯ The pathogen spectrum was analysed. By specific control of infection with employment of an infection control nurse, the frequency of nosocomial infections on intensive care wards was lowered from 17.2% to 14.3% within one year in one of the hospitals.
-
The necessity of surgical procedures for insertion as well as for removal of the balloon catheter remains a serious disadvantage of IABP. The percutaneous technique of insertion and removal of a specially designed balloon catheter is therefore of a great interest. ⋯ No specific complications were encountered although two cases of pulmonary embolism were recorded. A causal relationship between pulmonary embolism and the percutaneous removal of a balloon catheter must therefore be considered.
-
Intensive care medicine · Jan 1981
Case ReportsEffect of PEEP on gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics, and hemodynamics in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on a value resulting in maximum static effective compliance was studied in 13 artificially ventilated patients suffering from adult respiratory distress syndrome. Applying positive end-expiratory pressure in this manner resulted in improvement of oxygen delivery and left ventricular stroke work. ⋯ We conclude that the response to positive end-expiratory pressure depends on the importance of the venous admixture. Artificial ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure on a level resulting in maximum static effective compliance is indicated in cases with high venous admixture.