Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Increased mortality in critically ill patients with mild or moderate hyperbilirubinemia.
Increased bilirubin concentrations may be related to outcome, but this has not been well studied. We evaluated the relationship between total serum bilirubin levels and outcome in critically ill patients. ⋯ Hyperbilirubinemia without a recognized cause was common and independently associated with increased mortality. There was a linear correlation of mortality with bilirubin concentration for values between 1 and 6 mg/dL but not for higher values.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Potential drug-drug interactions in pediatric patients admitted to intensive care unit of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan: A cross-sectional study.
To investigate frequencies, levels, clinical relevance and predictors of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). ⋯ Substantial numbers of patients in PICU are exposed to pDDIs. Major-pDDIs are of particular concern. Timely identification of pDDIs, preferably with computerized source, is crucial point for their management. Monitoring of clinically relevant parameters and identification of various predictors are needed to minimize or prevent the associated negative consequences of pDDIs.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
Remote tele-mentored ultrasound for non-physician learners using FaceTime: A feasibility study in a low-income country.
Ultrasound (US) is a burgeoning diagnostic tool and is often the only available imaging modality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, bedside providers often lack training to acquire or interpret US images. We conducted a study to determine if a remote tele-intensivist could mentor geographically removed LMIC providers to obtain quality and clinically useful US images. ⋯ Non-physicians can feasibly obtain high-quality and clinically relevant US images using video chat software in LMICs. Commercially available software can connect providers in institutions in LMICs to geographically removed intensivists at a relatively low cost and without the need for extensive training of local providers.
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To describe gastrointestinal emergencies in cancer patients. ⋯ Gastrointestinal emergencies in cancer patients are associated with significant mortality. Mortality correlated both with the severity of organ failure upon ICU admission and the underlying diagnosis. Interestingly, patients admitted to the ICU with neutropenia had better survival.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2017
LetterTotal parenteral nutrition usage trends in the United States.
This study examined how total parenteral nutrition (TPN) usage has changed in recent years, and whether a difference exists between teaching and non-teaching institutions. ⋯ Utilization of TPN increased in the United States between 2001 and 2014, eventually decreasing in non-teaching institutions but not in teaching institutions.