Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of neuromuscular stimulation and individualized rehabilitation on muscle strength in Intensive Care Unit survivors: A randomized trial.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors experience muscle weakness leading to restrictions in functional ability. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been an alternative to exercise in critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to investigate its effects along with individualized rehabilitation on muscle strength of ICU survivors. ⋯ www.Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01717833.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effects of oral rinse with 0.2% and 2% chlorhexidine on oropharyngeal colonization and ventilator associated pneumonia in adults' intensive care units.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) which increases the length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality. The present study used an oral care protocol and compared the effects of two different concentrations of chlorhexidine on reduction of oropharyngeal colonization and VAP. ⋯ Oral decontamination with 2% compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine is a more effective method in the prevention of VAP and reduction of oropharyngeal colonization (especially gram-positive).
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialMild induced hypothermia for patients with severe traumatic brain injury after decompressive craniectomy.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mild induced hypothermia for intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury after decompressive craniectomy. ⋯ Mild induced hypothermia can reduce intracranial hypertension after decompressive craniectomy, decreasing patient mortality. Hypothermia should be considered one of the main treatments for intracranial hypertension after decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialActivation of respiratory muscles during weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Respiratory muscle dysfunction is a key component of weaning failure. Balancing respiratory muscle loading and unloading by applying different ventilation modes along with spontaneous breathing episodes are established weaning strategies. However, the effects of body positioning on the respiratory muscles during weaning remains unclear. ⋯ This is the first study to show that body positioning influences respiratory drive to the diaphragm in tracheotomized patients with prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation during unassisted breathing. Sitting position reduces respiratory drive compared with semirecumbent and supine positioning and might therefore be favored during spontaneous breathing trials.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2017
Randomized Controlled TrialHydrochlorothiazide in intensive care unit-acquired hypernatremia: A randomized controlled trial.
Thiazides are suggested as a treatment for intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired hypernatremia (IAH). The primary aim of the study was reducing serum sodium concentration (sNa) in patients with IAH with hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in comparison to placebo. Secondary end points were a difference in urine sodium concentration (uNa) and duration of severe IAH. ⋯ HCT 25 mg 1 qd did not significantly affect sNa or uNa in patients with IAH.