Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
Review Meta AnalysisEndoscopy versus fluoroscopy for the placement of postpyloric nasoenteric tubes in critically ill patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Early postpyloric nasoenteric nutrition is considered an accepted method of nutritional support in critically ill patients. Both endoscopy and fluoroscopy placement of postpyloric nasoenteric tubes (PNTs) have the highest percentages of placement success rate. We aimed to evaluate the differences in efficacy and safety between endoscopy and fluoroscopy methods for the placement of PNTs in critically ill patients. ⋯ Endoscopy and fluoroscopy placement of PNTs can be accurately and safely performed in critically ill patients. Endoscopy may be at least equally as safe as fluoroscopy for the placement of PNTs.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEvaluation of the effect on patient parameters of not monitoring gastric residual volume in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator receiving enteral feeding: A randomized clinical trial.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of not measuring gastric residual volume (GRV) in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator and receiving enteral feeding on the feeding intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) risk, and nutritional adequacy. ⋯ The discrepancies in GRV measurement make it unreliable for monitoring feeding intolerance and GER. The use of GRV measurements may therefore be discontinued as part of the standard care protocol in medical intensive care units.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
ReviewRole of albumin in diseases associated with severe systemic inflammation: Pathophysiologic and clinical evidence in sepsis and in decompensated cirrhosis.
The metabolism of albumin in inflammatory states such as sepsis or major surgery is complex and still not well characterized. Nevertheless, in inflammatory states, albumin synthesis has been observed to increase. By contrast, in decompensated cirrhosis, a disease characterized by systemic inflammation, albumin synthesis by the liver may decrease to 30% to 50% of normal values. ⋯ The discussion regarding the effect of exogenous albumin administration on intravascular volume in inflammatory states should therefore address albumin turnover. To add complexity to our understanding of the effects of albumin, there are many data indicating that the therapeutic action of albumin is mediated not only through the impact on plasma volume expansion but also through a modulatory effect on inflammation and oxidative stress. All these characteristics are relevant to diseases associated with systemic inflammation including sepsis and decompensated cirrhosis.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
How to make the axillary vein larger? Effect of 90° abduction of the arm to facilitate ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture.
Placement of central venous catheters by the infraclavicular route can be achieved by ultrasound-guided puncture of the axillary vein. However, in some cases, the axillary vein may be difficult to puncture because it is too deep or too small or because it is collapsing significantly during breathing. The objective of this observational study was to determine the effect of 90° abduction of the arm associated with forward position of the shoulder on axillary vein diameters. ⋯ These findings suggest that a 90° abduction of the arm, particularly if associated with a forward position of the shoulder, facilitates the visualization of the axillary vein, making its ultrasound-guided venipuncture easier.