Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Low-dose recombinant factor VIIa for reversing coagulopathy in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of low-dose recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) (20 μg/kg) in reversing coagulopathy in patients with isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ The use of low-dose rFVIIa (20 μg/kg) is effective for correcting coagulopathy in patients with TBI without an increase in thromboembolic events. Moreover, it is more effective for preventing the occurrence of PHI.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Observational StudyThe implementation of a protocol promoting the safe practice of brain death determination.
The purpose of the study is to describe the implementation of measures introduced in Israel in 2009 to promote the safe practice of brain death determination (BDD). ⋯ The measures were successfully implemented, reduced diversity in patient testing, and positively accepted by local physicians. Wider application of the measures may be appropriate as suggested by the results of a European survey and the variability of BDD reported in the literature.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Observational StudyEpidemiology and outcomes in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the hospital wards.
The purpose of this study was to detail the trajectory and outcomes of patients with severe sepsis admitted from the emergency department to a non-intensive care unit (ICU) setting and identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. ⋯ Patients presenting to the emergency department with severe sepsis were frequently admitted to a non-ICU setting, and the rate increased over time. Of 8 patients admitted to the hospital ward, one was transferred to the ICU within 48 hours and/or died within 28 days of admission. Factors present at admission were identified that were associated with adverse outcomes.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Delirium affects length of hospital stay after lung transplantation.
Delirium is relatively common after lung transplantation, although its prevalence and prognostic significance have not been systematically studied. The purpose of the present study was to examine pretransplant predictors of delirium and the short-term impact of delirium on clinical outcomes among lung transplant recipients. ⋯ Delirium occurs in more than one-third of patients after lung transplantation. Delirium was associated with poorer pretransplant cognitive functioning and longer hospital stays, after accounting for other medical and demographic factors.