Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2011
Comparative StudyDetermination of capillary hemoglobin levels using the HemoCue system in intensive care patients.
The study aimed to compare hemoglobin (Hb) values determined using the portable HemoCue system (HemoCue Hb 201+; HemoCue AB, Ängelholm, Sweden) with laboratory Hb level determination. ⋯ Hemoglobin level determination using HemoCue should not be used in critically patients, especially when capillary blood samples are used and/or in presence of edema.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2011
Multicenter StudyBioavailability of fondaparinux to critically ill patients.
Venous thromboembolism is a common problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). To decrease its incidence, prophylactic pharmacologic interventions are part of the ICU routine. However, common ICU conditions may impair the bioavailability of subcutaneously administered agents. The present study evaluates the bioavailability of prophylactic subcutaneous fondaparinux to critically ill patients. ⋯ Vasopressor therapy does not appear to affect fondaparinux bioavailability or to reduce anti-factor Xa levels. Subtherapeutic concentrations were detected during the first 48 hours of fondaparinux administration in hemodynamically stable patients. The clinical significance of reduced levels during the first 2 days of fondaparinux administration remains unknown.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2011
The safety of synthetic colloid in critically ill patients with severe traumatic brain injuries.
Although 4% albumin is associated with increased mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), evidence concerning the safety of synthetic colloids is lacking. We aimed to determine if there is an association between synthetic colloids and mortality in patients with severe TBI. ⋯ There was no association between cumulative exposure to pentastarch and mortality in patients with severe TBI.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialPantoprazole for the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the preventive effect of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who are at high risk for GI bleeding. ⋯ In patients with ACS who are at high risk for GI hemorrhage, prophylactic treatment with pantoprazole could reduce the risk of GI bleeding with no significant effects on the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia and 30-day mortality.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2011
Comparative Study Clinical TrialPhysical examination, central venous pressure, and chest radiography for the prediction of transpulmonary thermodilution-derived hemodynamic parameters in critically ill patients: a prospective trial.
Physical examination, assessment of central venous pressure (CVP) and chest radiography are diagnostic tools for estimation of volume status in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Passive leg raising (PLR) is a test to estimate fluid responsiveness. Transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) is established for measurement of cardiac index (CI), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI), and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI). This study compares the estimation of volume status using physical examination, CVP, chest radiography, PLR, and TPTD. ⋯ In ICU patients, assessment of volume status remains difficult. Physical examination, CVP, and portable radiography do not correlate with TPTD assessment of volume status, preload, or pulmonary hydration.