Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
A cross-sectional survey of critical care services in Sri Lanka: A lower middle-income country.
To describe the extent and variation of critical care services in Sri Lanka as a first step towards the development of a nationwide critical care unit (CCU) registry. ⋯ Sri Lanka, a lower middle-income country has an extensive network of critical care facilities but with inequalities in its distribution and facilities.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of Na-selenite treatment on the oxidative stress-antioxidants balance of multiple organ failure.
Our study tested the hypothesis that sodium (Na)-selenite expression treatment can reduce oxidative stress and increase plasma antioxidants, whereas modulating white blood cell antigen expression in severe sepsis. Selenite is a well known cofactor of glutathione peroxidases and other antioxidant enzymes; therefore, one may expect an antioxidant effect of treatment. ⋯ Although our Na-selenite treatment regime successfully restored the selenium deficiency of severe septic patients, antioxidant and white blood cell antigen expression modulating effect of the therapy was not observed in our patient group.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2014
Comparative StudyThe obesity paradox in surgical intensive care patients with peritonitis.
Although obesity is usually regarded as a risk factor in surgical patients, various observations have revealed a better outcome in the obese. This finding is called the obesity paradox. To which group of patients the paradox applies and even whether it exists at all are matters of controversial discussion. ⋯ The "obesity paradox" may exist in patients with surgical peritonitis. Short-term but not long-term outcomes were improved in the obese. Concerns about obesity as a special risk factor in patients with peritonitis are not warranted according to our findings.