Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Assessment of mechanically ventilated patients intoxicated with organophosphates by a novel surface electromyographic index.
We present a new electromyographic index, named Engagement of Respiratory Muscle (ERM), for assessing the level of participation of respiratory muscles during spontaneous breathing test in patients poisoned with organophosphorus compound. ⋯ The ERM is a promising index to assess the level of participation of respiratory muscle on spontaneous breathing test in patients poisoned with organophosphorus compounds, which could improve the extubation prognosis for these patients.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Sequential enhanced cleaning eliminates multidrug-resistant organisms in general intensive care unit of a traditional Chinese medicine hospital.
Effective cleaning of surfaces within hospital wards is necessary to reduce pathogen transmission. We investigated the roles of sequential enhanced cleaning by culturing pathogens from high-touch surfaces in a general intensive care unit. ⋯ Adoption of fluorescent markers and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence reduced environmental contamination. Use of 3 cleaning cloths for 1 patient zone was more effective compared with a single cloth.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Impact of physician education and availability of parameters regarding esophageal pressure and transpulmonary pressure on clinical decisions involving ventilator management.
This study investigated the effects of physician education and the availability of Peso and PL data on physicians' decisions regarding ventilator management during specific simulated clinical conditions. ⋯ Providing education and data for Peso and PL had a significant effect on physician decisions regarding ventilator management in simulated cases. The use of case scenario-based education with simulator devices for physicians may hasten worldwide understanding and clinical application of Peso and PL.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Serum lactate dehydrogenase is predictive of persistent organ failure in acute pancreatitis.
Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been reported in a serious of clinical diseases. However, the relationship between LDH and the incidence of persistent organ failure (POF) in acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been characterized. ⋯ Our results indicate that serum LDH on admission is independently associated with POF in AP and may serve as a potential prognostic factor.
-
Journal of critical care · Oct 2017
Observational StudyPrevalence and clinical significance of early high Endotoxin Activity in septic shock: An observational study.
To measure the prevalence of elevated Endotoxin Activity (EA) in a large cohort of patients with Septic Shock (SS), and to assess its value as an early indicator of Gram-Negative (GN) infection, disease severity, and patient risk. ⋯ Early after SS onset, patients showed a high prevalence of endotoxemia, particularly those infected with GN bacteria. The EA assay might be a useful marker of disease severity. The complexity of such patients, however, limits EA accuracy in identifying GN sepsis and predicting outcome.