Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2014
Review Meta AnalysisFluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starches in patients with sepsis is associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and use of renal replacement therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
Fluid resuscitation is a key intervention in sepsis, but the type of fluids used varies widely. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine whether resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starches (HES) compared with crystalloids affects outcomes in patients with sepsis. ⋯ Fluid resuscitation practice with HES as in the meta-analyzed studies is associated with increased an increase in AKI incidence, need of RRT, RBC transfusion, and 90-day mortality in patients with sepsis. Therefore, we favor the use of crystalloids over HES for resuscitation in patients with sepsis.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2014
ReviewVasoplegia in septic shock: Do we really fight the right enemy?
Vasoplegia is a key factor for the death of patients with septic shock in intensive care unit owing to persistent and irreversible hypotension. Impairment of vascular reactivity has been attributed to a combination of endothelial injury, arginine-vasopressin system dysfunction, release of other vasodilatory inflammatory mediators, and muscle hyperpolarizaton. ⋯ However, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase only partially restores the endotoxin-induced vascular hyporeactivity. The aim of this review is to discuss in detail the recent suggested alternative mechanisms of vasoplegia and to briefly outline the current therapeutic strategies and the novel therapeutic options based on those mechanisms.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2014
ReviewEchocardiography in the use of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring.
Invasive pulmonary artery catheter measurements are the standard method for assessment of hemodynamic evaluation at the present time. However, this invasive approach is associated with an increase in patient morbidity and without evidence of a reduction in mortality. ⋯ Most of these measurements are easily obtained and provide a safe alternative to invasive hemodynamic assessment. As Doppler echocardiography is able to provide additional valuable information, such as cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and the presence of pericardial and pleural effusions, which can play a significant role in the patients' hemodynamic status, using this noninvasive modality in the daily practice for hemodynamic assessment can prove an alternative to invasive measures in selected patients as well as a complementary tool for those still in need of invasive monitoring.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2014
Review Meta AnalysisLoop diuretic strategies in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The safety and efficacy of continuous infusion vs bolus injection of intravenous loop diuretics to treat acute decompensated heart failure were debated. Our aim is to compare the administration routes of diuretics in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure. ⋯ Meta-analysis of the existing limited studies did not confirm any significant differences in the safety and efficacy with continuous administration of loop diuretic, compared with bolus injection in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2014
Review Meta AnalysisSelenium supplementation in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The oxidative stress is recognized as a constant feature in critical illness. Nevertheless, the use of antioxidant therapy remains controversial. We tried to demonstrate that intravenous selenium supplementation could promote antioxidant status and help protect against infection and organ failure, improving outcome in critically ill patients. ⋯ The use of high-dose selenium might be associated with a beneficial effect on 28-day mortality in critically ill patients. Nevertheless, the use of selenium as adjuvant therapy needs further evaluations.