Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
Review Meta AnalysisHow safe is gelatin? A systematic review and meta-analysis of gelatin-containing plasma expanders vs crystalloids and albumin.
Gelatin is a widely used synthetic colloid resuscitation fluid. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of adverse effects in randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing gelatin with crystalloid or albumin for treatment of hypovolemia. Multiple databases were searched systematically without language restrictions until August 2015. ⋯ The mean crystalloid-to-colloid ratio was 1.4. Gelatin solutions increase the risk of anaphylaxis and may be harmful by increasing mortality, renal failure, and bleeding possibly due to extravascular uptake and coagulation impairment. Until well-designed randomized controlled trials show that gelatin is safe, we caution against the use of gelatins because cheaper and safer fluid alternatives are available.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2016
ReviewElectrical impedance tomography in adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation: A systematic review.
The purpose of the study is to systematically review and summarize current literature concerning the validation and application of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in mechanically ventilated adult patients. ⋯ In adult patients, EIT has been successfully validated for assessing ventilation distribution, measuring changes in lung volume, studying regional respiratory mechanics, and investigating nonventilatory parameters. Electrical impedance tomography has also been demonstrated to be useful in monitoring regional respiratory system changes during MV interventions, although existing literature lacks clinical outcome evidence.