Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2015
Multicenter Study Observational StudySepsis may not be a risk factor for mortality in patients with acute kidney injury treated with continuous renal replacement therapy.
We aimed to study the clinical characteristics, courses, and outcomes of critically ill patients with septic acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in comparison with nonseptic AKI treated with CRRT. ⋯ Sepsis may not be a risk factor for mortality in patients with AKI whose condition has become severe enough to require CRRT.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyContinuous infusion vs intermittent vancomycin in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients.
Target plasma level achievement has remained a challenge in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients receiving intravenous vancomycin. We evaluated continuous infusion (CI) and intermittent vancomycin dosing strategies in these patients. ⋯ Continuous infusion appears beneficial for improving attainment of target plasma concentrations, pharmacodynamic goals, and financial burden, without increasing risk of acute kidney injury.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2015
Determining comorbidities and quality of life among pediatric survivors of extracorporeal life support.
The purpose of this study is to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the prevalence of comorbidities in pediatric survivors of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and to determine risk factors for poor HRQoL. ⋯ Survivors of pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can exhibit good HRQoL scores yet may be at risk for long-term adverse effects, such as lower psychosocial functioning and problems with school. A rigorous prospective investigation of the long-term follow-up of this patient cohort is needed to further evaluate these conclusions and to work toward the best possible outcomes for recipients of this resource-intensive therapy.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2015
Observational StudyUltrasonography in the intensive care setting can be used to detect changes in the quality and quantity of muscle and is related to muscle strength and function.
This study aimed to (1) document patterns of quadriceps muscle wasting in the first 10 days of admission and (2) determine the relationship between muscle ultrasonography and volitional measures. ⋯ Muscle wasting occurs rapidly in the ICU setting. Ultrasonography is a useful surrogate measure for identifying future impairment. Vastus intermedius may be an important muscle to monitor in the future because it demonstrated the greatest change in muscle quality and had the strongest relationship to volitional measures.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialPatient and family perceptions of physical therapy in the medical intensive care unit.
Patient and family member perceptions of physical therapy (PT) in the intensive care unit and the factors that influence their degree of satisfaction have not been described. ⋯ Physical therapy is perceived as necessary and beneficial to recovery by critically ill patients and family members.