Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Multicenter Study Observational StudyAssociation between renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury and mortality.
To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) treated and not treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT). ⋯ In this cohort, reasons for not starting RRT included limitations of support and perception of impending renal recovery. Despite similar risk of mortality after adjusting for selection bias and confounders, RRT-treated patients were fundamentally different from non-treated patients across a spectrum of variables that precludes valid comparison in observational data.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Observational StudyCan we predict pneumococcal bacteremia in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia?
This study aimed to evaluate the role of biomarkers as markers of pneumococcal bacteremia in severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). ⋯ In this cohort, significantly higher PCT, BNP, lactate, and CRP levels were found in BPP, and PCT presented the best ability to identify pneumococcal bacteremia. A PCT serum level lower than 17 ng/mL could identify patients with SCAP unlikely to have pneumococcal bacteremia.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Comparative StudyEvaluation of the radial artery applanation tonometry technology for continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitoring compared with central aortic blood pressure measurements in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
We compared blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using radial artery applanation tonometry with invasive BP measurements using a catheter placed in the abdominal aorta through the femoral artery in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). ⋯ In intensive care unit patients with MODS, mean arterial pressure and diastolic arterial pressure can be determined accurately and precisely using radial artery applanation tonometry compared with central aortic values obtained using a catheter placed in the abdominal aorta through the femoral artery. Although systolic arterial pressure could also be derived accurately, wider 95% limits of agreement suggest lower precision for determination of systolic arterial pressure.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Observational StudyElectronic bed weighing vs daily fluid balance changes after cardiac surgery.
The purpose of this study is to establish the validity and reliability of measuring weight in critically ill patients with electronic weighing beds. ⋯ Body weight measured by electronic weighing beds does not seem sufficiently robust or accurate to replace daily FB in ICU. The clinical value of purchasing such beds remains uncertain.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Potential effect of physiotherapeutic treatment on mortality rate in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: A retrospective cohort analysis.
The aim of the study was to examine the onset and frequency of physiotherapeutic interventions (PTI) and their potential effects on the intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rate in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. ⋯ Physiotherapists routinely assess and treat patients with sepsis. The frequency of PTI was associated with an improved outcome. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm the potential favorable impact.