Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2012
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy of information interventions in reducing transfer anxiety from a critical care setting to a general ward: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Our aim was to undertake a comprehensive systematic review on the efficacy of information interventions on reducing anxiety in patients and family members on transfer from a critical care setting to a general ward. ⋯ Providing information to understand a future ward environment can significantly reduce patients' and family members' transfer anxiety from the critical care setting when compared with standard care.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2012
Multicenter StudyEvolution of neutrophil apoptosis in septic shock survivors and nonsurvivors.
The aims were to analyze the temporal evolution of neutrophil apoptosis, to determine the differences in neutrophil apoptosis among 28-day survivors and nonsurvivors, and to evaluate the use of neutrophil apoptosis as a predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock. ⋯ During the first 12 days of septic shock development, the level of neutrophil apoptosis decreases and does not recover normal values. No differences were observed between surviving and nonsurviving patients.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2012
Evaluation of consulting and critiquing decision support systems: effect on adherence to a lower tidal volume mechanical ventilation strategy.
Our hypothesis was that both styles are effective to decrease tidal volume (V(T)) but that critiquing comprises the most effective strategy. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis by measuring the effect of an active computerized decision support system, in 2 communication styles, consulting and critiquing, on adherence to V(T) recommendations. ⋯ The use of a CDSS in both communication styles improved the use of lower V(T)s for ventilated patients. When decision support was not sustained, adherence to low V(T) fell back to its original value. Interestingly, the consulting style had a slightly larger effect. This may stem from the high frequency of showing reminders in this style and the relatively simple underlying guideline where its display implies the associated action of lowering V(T). The consulting style, however, was more interruptive for clinicians, calling upon the need to strike a balance between effect and intrusiveness.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2012
Prevalence and characteristics of nonlactate and lactate expressors in septic shock.
The study's objective was to determine the proportion and patient characteristics of patients in vasopressor-dependent septic shock who presented without lactatemia. ⋯ Almost one-half of patients with vasopressor-dependent septic shock did not express lactate on presentation, although a high mortality rate remains in this population. We found a significant association between lactate expressors and liver disease and between lactate expressors and positive blood cultures. The use of lactatemia as the sole indicator of need for additional intravenous fluid or an end point of resuscitation in septic shock may be inadequate.