Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Multicenter StudyA clinical prediction tool for hospital mortality in critically ill elderly patients.
Very elderly (80 years of age and above) critically ill patients admitted to medical intensive care units (ICUs) have a high incidence of mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay, and living in a dependent state should they survive. ⋯ We identified high-risk characteristics for hospital mortality in the elderly population and developed a Risk Scale that may be used to inform discussions regarding goals of care in the future. Further study is warranted to validate the Risk Scale in other settings and evaluate its impact on clinical decision making.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Multicenter StudyDefining the characteristics and expectations of fluid bolus therapy: A worldwide perspective.
The purpose of the study is to understand what clinicians believe defines fluid bolus therapy (FBT) and the expected response to such intervention. ⋯ Despite wide variability between individuals and countries, clear majority views emerged to describe practice, define FBT, and identify a response to it. Further investigation is now required to describe actual FBT practice and to identify the magnitude and duration of the physiological response to FBT and its relationship to patient-centered outcomes.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Multicenter StudyEffects of propofol on vasopressor use in patients with sepsis and severe sepsis: A pilot study.
Propofol is one of the most commonly used sedatives in the intensive care unit (ICU) despite its undesirable hypotensive effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of continuous intravenous (CIV) propofol on vasopressor requirements in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis. ⋯ Continuous intravenous propofol for sedation did not increase vasopressor requirements in this septic population. Furthermore, CIV propofol was not associated with significant differences in the use of multiple vasopressors, change in mean arterial pressure, length of stay, or mortality.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2016
Multicenter StudyDefining and treating acute kidney injury patients in Brazilian intensive care units: Results from a cross-sectional nationwide survey.
The purpose of the study is to characterize the practices of Brazilian intensivists toward acute kidney injury (AKI) definition and management. ⋯ Despite recent advances in AKI definition and management, most of the surveyed ICU physicians in Brazil have not incorporated them in their clinical practice. Important differences in the management of AKI patients were observed among Brazilian ICU physicians, which is relevant for educational interventions and future research.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEvaluation of the effect on patient parameters of not monitoring gastric residual volume in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator receiving enteral feeding: A randomized clinical trial.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of not measuring gastric residual volume (GRV) in intensive care patients on a mechanical ventilator and receiving enteral feeding on the feeding intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) risk, and nutritional adequacy. ⋯ The discrepancies in GRV measurement make it unreliable for monitoring feeding intolerance and GER. The use of GRV measurements may therefore be discontinued as part of the standard care protocol in medical intensive care units.