Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2010
Factors associated with persistent delirium after intensive care unit admission in an older medical patient population.
This study was designed to identify factors associated with persistent delirium in an older medical intensive care unit (ICU) population. ⋯ Age, use of opioids, and haloperidol were associated with persistent delirium. Further research is needed regarding the use of haloperidol and opioids on persistent delirium.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2010
Multicenter StudyLong-term survival according to ventilation mode in acute respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicenter, inception cohort study.
The aim of the study was to investigate 5-year survival stratified by mechanical ventilation modality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients treated in the ICU. ⋯ The short-term survival benefit of NIV previously found in randomized controlled trials still applies after 5 years of observation.
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Postobstructive pulmonary edema (POPE; also known as negative pressure pulmonary edema) is a potentially life-threatening complication in which pulmonary edema occurs shortly after the relief of an upper airway obstruction. The incidence of POPE has been reported to be as high as 1 in 1000 general anesthetic cases and commonly presents as acute respiratory distress that requires immediate intervention. This review examines the 2 subclasses of POPE and describes the etiologic factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies associated with each. The aim of this review was to equip clinicians with the knowledge base necessary to identify patients at increased risk for POPE and to expeditiously diagnose and treat this potentially catastrophic complication.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2010
ReviewWhole-body ultrasound in the intensive care unit: a new role for an aged technique.
Management of critically ill patients requires rapid and safe diagnostic techniques. Ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool that supplements physical examination in the intensive care unit. ⋯ Furthermore, it detects possible infectious sites and renders therapeutic invasive procedures more convenient and less complicated. Whole-body ultrasound in the hands of adequately trained intensivists has the ability to reinvigorate the physical examination, without subjecting the patient to excessive irradiation and the risks of transport.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2010
Limiting life-sustaining treatment in German intensive care units: a multiprofessional survey.
Deciding about the limitation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) is a major challenge for intensive care medicine. The aim of the study was to investigate the practices and perspectives of German intensive care nurses and physicians on limiting LST. ⋯ Limiting LST is common in German intensive care units. The major shortcomings are team communication, communication with the patient's family, and documentation of the decision-making process.