Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Abnormal environmental light exposure in the intensive care environment.
We sought to characterize ambient light exposure in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment to identify patterns of light exposure relevant to circadian regulation. ⋯ Patients' environmental light exposure in the intensive care unit is consistently low and follows a diurnal pattern. No effect of nighttime light exposure was observed on melatonin secretion. Inadequate daytime light exposure in the ICU may contribute to abnormal circadian rhythms.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Elevated MIF-2 levels predict mortality in critically ill patients.
D-dopachrome tautomerase (MIF-2 or DDT) is a member of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) superfamily and a close structural homolog to MIF. Circulating MIF-2 has been described to be elevated in patients suffering from sepsis, severe burn injury and after surgery. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of MIF-2 in critically ill patients. ⋯ MIF-2 levels are elevated in critically ill patients and linked to parameters of organ damage, supporting its value as a potential tool for the assessment of prognosis in critical illness.
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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 · Aug 2017
Managing sepsis: Electronic recognition, rapid response teams, and standardized care save lives.
Sepsis can lead to poor outcomes when treatment is delayed or inadequate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after initiation of a hospital-wide sepsis alert program. ⋯ A hospital-wide program utilizing electronic recognition and RRT intervention resulted in improved outcomes in patients with sepsis.