Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2012
Central venous pressure and shock index predict lack of hemodynamic response to volume expansion in septic shock: a prospective, observational study.
Volume expansion is a common therapeutic intervention in septic shock, although patient response to the intervention is difficult to predict. Central venous pressure (CVP) and shock index have been used independently to guide volume expansion, although their use is questionable. We hypothesize that a combination of these measurements will be useful. ⋯ Volume expansion in patients with early septic shock with a CVP of 8 mm Hg or greater and a shock index of 1 beat min(-1) mm Hg(-1) or less is unlikely to lead to an increase in cardiac index.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2012
Multicenter StudyChanges in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation after open and closed endotracheal suctioning: a prospective observational study.
It is widely assumed that closed suction systems (CSSs), as compared with open suction systems (OSSs), better guarantee optimal oxygenation with less disturbance of physiologic parameters in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. We, therefore, quantified changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo(2)) in patients undergoing endotracheal suctioning (ES) with CSS and OSS. ⋯ Changes in HR, MAP, and Spo(2) were comparable and mild during and after CSS and OSS. Both systems can be considered equally safe.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2012
ReviewPharmacokinetic changes in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass used to temporarily sustain cardiac and/or respiratory function in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation further complicates the management of critically ill patients who already have profound physiologic derangements with consequent altered pharmacokinetics. The purpose of this study is to identify and critically review the published literature describing pharmacokinetics in the presence of ECMO. ⋯ While lipophilic drugs and highly protein-bound drugs (eg, voriconazole and fentanyl) are significantly sequestered in the circuit, hydrophilic drugs (eg, β-lactam antibiotics, glycopeptides) are significantly affected by hemodilution and other pathophysiologic changes that occur during ECMO. Although the published literature is insufficient to make any meaningful recommendations for adjusting therapy for drug dosing, this review systematically describes the available data enabling clinicians to make conclusions based on available data. Furthermore, this review serves to highlight the need for well-designed and conducted clinical and laboratory-based studies to provide the data from which robust dosing guidance can be developed to improve clinical outcomes in this most unwell cohort of patients.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2012
Comparative StudyComparison of 3 modes of automated weaning from mechanical ventilation: a bench study.
Automated weaning modes are available in some mechanical ventilators, but no studies compared them hitherto. We compared the performance of 3 automated modes under standard and challenging situations. ⋯ Smartcare, ASV, and MRV were equally able to recognize weaning success and failure, despite the presence of anxiety or irregular breathing but performed incorrectly in the presence of Cheyne-Stokes. PS behavior over the time differs among modes, with ASV showing larger and more frequent PS oscillations over the time. Clinical studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2012
Circuit lifespan during continuous renal replacement therapy for combined liver and kidney failure.
To evaluate circuit lifespan (CL) and bleeding risk during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), in combined liver and renal failure. ⋯ CRRT CL is short in patients with liver failure despite apparent coagulopathy. Thrombocytopenia predicts longer CL and bleeding complications.