Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effectiveness of an intensive care quick reference checklist manual-A randomized simulation-based trial.
We aimed to test the effectiveness of checklists for emergency procedures on medical staff performance in intensive care crises. ⋯ Use of checklists in ICU crises has a benefit on the completion of critical treatment steps. Within the type 2 scenarios, items were fulfilled faster with checklists. The implementation of checklists for intensive care crises is a promising approach that may improve patients' care.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialLow dose of glucocorticoid decreases the incidence of complications in severely burned patients by attenuating systemic inflammation.
Excessive systemic inflammatory response remains as a major problem underlying severe burns. This study aimed to assess the effect of low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in downregulating systemic inflammation in severely burned patients. ⋯ Low dose of glucocorticoid treatment during the acute phase could reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in severely burned patients and subsequently decrease the incidence of pulmonary infection and stress ulcer, as well as the length of hospital stay.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyInsulin infusion therapy in critical care patients: Regular insulin vs short-acting insulin. A prospective, crossover, randomized, multicenter blind study.
The aim of this multicenter, prospective, randomized, crossover trial is to compare, in critical care patients receiving insulin infusion therapy (IIT), the pharmacodynamic of Humulin insulin (Hlin), currently used as "standard of care," and Humalog insulin (Hlog), a shorter acting insulin formulation. This was measured as extent and duration of the carryover effect of insulin treatment, with the latter calculated as ratio between blood glucose concentration (BGC) reduction during and after IIT. ⋯ The use of constant Hlog infusion for IIT, when compared with Hlin at the same dose, is associated with a less profound carryover effect on BGC after discontinuation of IIT, a briefer duration of carryover, a faster BGC drop during infusion, and a quicker BGC rise after discontinuation. These characteristics suggest that Hlog IIT may be preferable for use in critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialNeuromuscular electrical stimulation in mechanically ventilated patients: A randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial with blinded outcome assessment.
The purpose of the study is to compare neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) vs sham on leg strength at hospital discharge in mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ In this pilot randomized trial, NMES did not significantly improve leg strength at hospital discharge. Significant improvements in secondary outcomes require investigation in future research.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized trial of Mycobacterium w in severe sepsis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mycobacterium w (Mw), an immunomodulator in severe sepsis. ⋯ The use of Mw in severe sepsis was associated with significant reduction in days on mechanical ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, lower incidence of nosocomial infection, and delta SOFA score.