Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
Multicenter Study Observational StudyPrognostic significance of disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with heat stroke in a nationwide registry.
Heat stroke (HS) induces disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); however, the prognostic significance of DIC in patients with HS has not yet been fully assessed in large populations. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic significance of DIC in patients with HS using a nationwide registry. ⋯ Presence of DIC was an independent prognostic factor of hospital mortality in patients with HS. Hematological dysfunction represents potential target for specific therapies in HS.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
Exploring the scope of communication content of mechanically ventilated patients.
Ineffective communication during mechanical ventilation (MV) and critical illness is distressing to many patients. This study aimed to describe the scope of communication content of ventilated critically ill patients. ⋯ The scope of communication content of ventilated ICU patients was broad, extending far beyond task-focused subject matter. Content ranged from conveying symptom-related messages to active participation in medical discussions, to conversing with family about a range of complex multi-dimensional issues, to sharing their own psychoemotional experiences. These patient-centered needs should be recognized and addressed in communication strategies.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
The feasibility study of Computer Cognitive Senior Assessment System-Screen (CoSAS-S) in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Early cognitive assessment in the intensive care unit (ICU) is essential to monitor cognitive dysfunction after critical illness. We have implemented a Computer Cognitive Senior Assessment System-Screen (CoSAS-S) which is a brief, objective, and tablet-based cognitive screening test as a mobile platform to detect any cognitive problems in ICUs. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and initial validation of a tablet-based CoSAS-S in critically ill patients with sepsis. ⋯ Support was found for the feasibility and validity of CoSAS-S. The application of CoSAS-S could identify the cognitive functioning of the patients. Utility of CoSAS-S in other clinical populations should be tested.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
Observational StudyLumbar skeletal muscle index derived from routine computed tomography exams predict adverse post-extubation outcomes in critically ill patients.
To evaluate the effect of a skeletal muscle index derived from a routine CT image at the level of vertebral body L3 (L3SMI) on outcomes of extubated patients in the surgical intensive care unit. ⋯ The lumbar skeletal muscle index, derived from routine abdominal CT, is an objective prognostic tool at the time of extubation.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2018
Observational StudyProspective cohort study on noise levels in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
To describe noise levels in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, and to determine the relationship between sound levels and patient sedation requirements. ⋯ Sound levels were above the recommended values with no differences between day/night or open area/single room. High sound levels were significantly associated with sedation requirements.