Journal of intensive care medicine
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J Intensive Care Med · Aug 2018
Improving Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Using Simplified Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains a major risk after cardiac surgery. Twelve percent patients admitted to this unit postcardiac surgery experienced POAF, which led to hemodynamic instability, increased risk of stroke, and increased length of postoperative intensive care unit stay. Our aim was to decrease the incidence of POAF in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit by the end of April 2014. ⋯ This quality improvement project changed the strategy and succeeded in decreasing the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. It also improved early assessment of risk factors.
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J Intensive Care Med · Aug 2018
ReviewAccuracy and Applications of Lung Ultrasound to Diagnose Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review.
Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an accurate tool to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia. However, it is not yet an established tool to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). ⋯ Small subpleural consolidations and dynamic air bronchograms were the most useful sonographic signs to diagnose VAP in suspected patients. Clinical scores including LUS had better diagnosis accuracy than LUS alone. There are no data on LUS for VAP screening.
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J Intensive Care Med · Aug 2018
Predicting Reintubation After Unplanned Extubations in Children: Art or Science?
Reintubation following unplanned extubation (UE) is often required and associated with increased morbidity; however, knowledge of risk factors leading to reintubation and subsequent outcomes in children is still lacking. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes related to reintubation after UEs. ⋯ The rate of reintubation is high in children experiencing UE. Requirement of full ventilator support and a COMFORT score <26 are associated with reintubation. Prospective research is required to better understand the reintubation decisions and needs.