Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyApplication of a flexible lightwand in percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy.
By comparing flexible lightwand-assisted and conventional endotracheal tube (ETT) withdrawal in percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT), this paper aims to provide guidance for precise ETT withdrawal by anesthesiologists and accurate determination of the incision site by surgeons. ⋯ The use of a flexible lightwand in PDT is a safe and effective approach. This approach can effectively and directly guide precise ETT repositioning and provide incision site confirmation with few intra- and postoperative anesthesia-related or operative complications compared with the traditional technique of ETT withdrawal to a pre-determined depth.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of low-dose furosemide in critically ill patients with early acute kidney injury: A pilot randomized blinded controlled trial (the SPARK study).
Furosemide is commonly prescribed in acute kidney injury (AKI). Prior studies have found conflicting findings on whether furosemide modifies the course and outcome of AKI. ⋯ In this pilot trial, furosemide did not reduce the rate of worsening AKI, improve recovery or reduce RRT; however, was associated with greater electrolyte abnormalities.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
ReviewPneumonia in the tropics: Report from the Task Force on tropical diseases by the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine.
The aetiology of community acquired pneumonia varies according to the region in which it is acquired. This review discusses those causes of CAP that occur in the tropics and might not be readily recognizable when transplanted to other sites. Various forms of pneumonia including the viral causes such as influenza (seasonal and avian varieties), the coronaviruses and the Hantavirus as well as bacterial causes, specifically the pneumonic form of Yersinia pestis and melioidosis are discussed.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
Multicenter StudyA multifactor model for predicting mortality in critically ill patients: A multicenter prospective cohort study.
The objective of this study was to develop a model using a combination of routine clinical variables to predict mortality in critically ill patients. ⋯ The developed multifactor model can be used to effectively predict mortality in critically ill patients at ICU admission.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2017
ReviewCritical care of tropical disease in low income countries: Report from the Task Force on Tropical Diseases by the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine.
Tropical disease results in a great burden of critical illness. The same life-saving and supportive therapies to maintain vital organ functions that comprise critical care are required by these patients as for all other diseases. ⋯ Improving critical care in low income countries requires a focus on hospital design, training, triage, monitoring & treatment modifications, the basic principles of critical care, hygiene and the involvement of multi-disciplinary teams. As a large proportion of critical illness from tropical disease is in low income countries, the impact and reductions in mortality rates of improved critical care in such settings could be substantial.