Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2020
Diarrhea and elevation of plasma markers of cholestasis are common and often occur concomitantly in critically ill patients.
We aimed to describe epidemiology of diarrhea and cholestasis in critically ill patients and explore associations between these two conditions. ⋯ Cholestasis is more common in patients with diarrhea and vice versa. Diarrhea and cholestasis both occur in approximately one quarter of ICU patients, with significant proportion manifesting beyond the first week in the ICU.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2020
Predictors of survival after prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a key component of intensive care treatment; however, this process may be prolonged as some patients require care at specialised centres. Current data indicate that weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation is successful in approximately 65% of patients; however, data on long-term survival after discharge from a weaning centre are limited. ⋯ The identified predictors of survival after prolonged weaning could support therapeutic strategies during patients' intensive care unit stay. Patients should be closely monitored after discharge from a weaning centre.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2020
Observational StudyInadequate prophylactic effect of low-molecular weight heparin in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The aim of this study was to investigate potential markers of coagulopathy and the effects of thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on thromboelastography (TEG) and anti-factor Xa in critically ill COVID-19 patients. ⋯ Patients with COVID-19 have hypercoagulability with high MA on TEG. The effect of LMWH on thromboembolic disease, anti-factor Xa activity and TEG was variable and could not be reliably predicted. This indicates that standard prophylactic doses of LMWH may be insufficient. Monitoring coagulation and the LMWH effect is important in patients with COVID-19 but interpreting the results in relation to risk of thromboembolic disease poses difficulties.