Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
Frequency of acute changes found on head computed tomographies in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.
The frequency of positive findings on computed tomography (CT) of the head in critically ill patients who develop neurologic dysfunction is not known. ⋯ Acute changes on head CTs performed for concern regarding new focal neurologic deficit or seizures are frequent compared with those performed for AMS with a nonfocal examination. No specific patient characteristics or medications were associated with a large change in the likelihood of finding an acute change for patients with AMS.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
Observational StudyImpact of serial measurements of lysophosphatidylcholine on 28-day mortality prediction in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe sepsis or septic shock.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of serial lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) measurement on 28-day mortality prediction in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Serial measurements of LPC help in the prediction of 28-day mortality in ICU patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
An evaluation of the validity and potential utility of facial electromyelogram Responsiveness Index for sedation monitoring in critically ill patients.
The purpose of this study is to explore the validity of a novel sedation monitoring technology based on facial electromyelography (EMG) in sedated critically ill patients. ⋯ Responsiveness Index is not directly comparable with clinical sedation scores but is a potential continuous alert to possible deep sedation in critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
The intermountain risk score predicts mortality in trauma patients.
Intermountain Risk Score (IMRS) uses the admission complete blood count and basic metabolic profile to predict mortality. Intermountain Risk Score has been validated in medical patients but has not been evaluated in trauma. This study tested whether IMRS is predictive of mortality in a trauma population at a level I trauma center. ⋯ Intermountain Risk Score strongly predicts mortality in trauma patients at this single level I trauma center. The ability to accurately determine a patient's mortality risk at admission makes IMRS a potentially clinically important tool.