Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
The EyeControl-Med device, an alternative tool for communication in ventilated critically ill patients: A pilot study examining communication capabilities and delirium.
Communication with ventilated patients in the Intensive care unit (ICU) is challenging. This may lead to anxiety and frustration, potentially contributing to the development of delirium. Various technologies, such as eye-tracking devices, have been employed to facilitate communication with varying grades of success. The EyeControl-Med device is a novel technology that delivers audio content and allows patients to interact by eye movements and could potentially allow for better communication in this setting. The aim of this exploratory concept study was to assess communication capabilities and delirium incidence using the EyeControl-Med device in critically ill patients unable to generate speech. ⋯ The EyeControl-Med device may facilitate communication and reduce the manifestations and duration of delirium in ventilated critically ill patients. Controlled studies are required to establish this effect.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Population pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in critically ill COVID-19 patients: Does inflammation play a role?
The aim of this study is to design a population pharmacokinetic study to gain a deeper understanding of the pharmacokinetics of dexamethasone in critically ill COVID-19 patients in order to identify relevant covariates that can be used to personalize dosing regimens. ⋯ Dexamethasone PK parameters in ICU COVID patients were substantially different from those from non-ICU non-COVID patients, and inflammation may play an important role in dexamethasone exposure. This finding suggests that fixed-dose dexamethasone over several days may not be appropriate for ICU COVID patients.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
The association between increasing fluid balance, acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock: A retrospective single center audit.
To determine whether a positive fluid balance is associated with AKI and mortality in sepsis and septic shock patients. ⋯ In patients with sepsis and septic shock, a more positive fluid balance is associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and death after correction for possible confounders.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Early renal recovery after acute kidney injury in patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective study.
The impact of VA-ECMO on early renal recovery (within 7 days after ECMO onset) in patients with pre-ECMO acute kidney injury and cardiogenic shock is unknown. ⋯ Only 43% of patients with severe pre-ECMO AKI had early renal recovery after VA-ECMO initiation.