Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation combined with tracheal gas insufflation on extravascular lung water in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A randomized, crossover, physiologic study.
High-frequency oscillation combined with tracheal gas insufflation (HFO-TGI) improves oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There are limited physiologic data regarding the effects of HFO-TGI on hemodynamics and pulmonary edema during ARDS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HFO-TGI on extravascular lung water (EVLW). ⋯ High-frequency oscillation combined with tracheal gas insufflation improves gas exchange and lung mechanics in ARDS and potentially attenuates EVLW accumulation.
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Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has well-recognized benefits in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary edema. Its utilization in acute asthma, however, remains controversial. In this review, we describe the physiological basis to justify NIV use in acute asthma and contribute a critical appraisal of the available literature relating to this practice. ⋯ Evidence suggestive of any improvement in mortality, intubation rate, or hospital/intensive care unit length of stay, however, is lacking. Studies to date have been hampered by small numbers and a lack of demonstrable meaningful clinical outcomes. Data relating to mortality, endotracheal intubation rates, and hospital length of stay/admission should be sought in future large clinical trials.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
ReviewMyocardial depression in sepsis: From pathogenesis to clinical manifestations and treatment.
The cardiovascular system plays a key role in sepsis, and septic myocardial depression is a common finding associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Myocardial depression during sepsis is not clearly defined, but it can perhaps be best described as a global (systolic and diastolic) dysfunction of both the left and right sides of the heart. The pathogenesis of septic myocardial depression involves a complex mix of systemic (hemodynamic) factors and genetic, molecular, metabolic, and structural alterations. ⋯ There are no specific therapies for septic myocardial depression, and the cornerstone of management is control of the underlying infectious process (adequate antibiotic therapy, removal of the source) and hemodynamic stabilization (fluids, vasopressor and inotropic agents). In this review, we will summarize the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of myocardial depression in sepsis. Additional studies are needed in order to improve diagnosis and identify therapeutic targets in septic myocardial dysfunction.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
ReviewMeasurement of the glucocorticoid receptor: Relevance to the diagnosis of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in children.
Diagnosis and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in children continues to remain difficult and controversial in that no consensus for either exists among pediatric critical care physicians. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is defined as a corticosteroid response that is inadequate for the severity of the illness experienced by the patient. ⋯ This article details the role of the GR during critical illness with a focus upon the measurement of the GR, as a potentially important means by which to clinically assess the level of corticosteroid tissue-resistant in patients suspected of CIRCI. Measurement of the GR may be particularly useful as a means by which to determine the judicious administration of steroids, maximizing their therapeutic potential, whereas minimizing the morbidity that can be associated with their use.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
Multicenter Study Observational StudyPulse pressure variations to guide fluid therapy in donors: A multicentric echocardiographic observational study.
Preload responsiveness parameters could be useful in the hemodynamic management of septic shock. ⋯ A ΔPP threshold of 13% is insufficient to guide volume expansion in donors. The best threshold is 20%. Fluid responsiveness monitoring could enhance organ harvesting.