Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Heart rate variability is reduced during acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.
The aim of the present study was to report the trajectory of heart rate variability (HRV) indices during a low-grade acute inflammation and their associations to biomarkers for infection. ⋯ We found substantial HRV depression in relation to acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, and this was associated with the elevated CRP levels.
-
Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Balancing hope and despair at the end of life: The contribution of organ and tissue donation.
Concern for the grieving family can moderate the intentions of critical care staff to advocate deceased organ and tissue donation. Conversely, benevolent actions may provoke distress through missed opportunities to save or transform lives. This article provides insight into the perceived benefits of organ and tissue donation for grieving families who experienced end-of-life care in the intensive care unit. ⋯ Our study findings underlined the significance of donation decision making for grieving families. Organ and tissue donation has the potential to balance hope and despair at the end of life when the wishes of the dying, deceased, and bereaved are fulfilled.
-
Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
The concept of a surrogate is ill adapted to intensive care: Criteria for recognizing a reference person.
In the intensive care unit (ICU), caregivers may find it difficult to identify a suitable person in the patient's entourage to serve as a reference when there is no official surrogate. ⋯ Caregivers identify a reference person based on criteria such as knowledge of the patient's wishes, emotional bond with the patient, an adequate understanding of the clinical history, and designation as surrogate before admission.
-
Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
ReviewBarbiturates for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A systematic review of clinical trials.
To perform a systematic review of the clinical trials concerning the use of barbiturates for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). ⋯ Although the evidence is limited, based on our findings, adding phenobarbital to a BZD-based regimen is a reasonable option, particularly in patients with BZD-refractory AWS.