Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
ReviewSurvival benefits of dexmedetomidine used for sedating septic patients in intensive care setting: A systematic review.
The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine used for sedation of patients with sepsis. ⋯ In a small group of studies of patients with sepsis, dexmedetomidine improved short-term mortality compared with other sedatives without affecting the intensive care unit length of stay. Further studies are warranted to confirm whether using this particular agent improves sepsis outcomes in comparison to other commonly used sedating agents.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialMicrobial cell preparation in enteral feeding in critically ill patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Gut failure is a common condition in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Enteral feeding is usually the first line of choice for nutrition support in critically ill patients. However, enteral feeding has its own set of complications such as alterations in gut transit time and composition of gut eco-culture. ⋯ Patients receiving enteral feeding supplemented with a course of treatment achieved a faster return of gut function and required shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and shorter length of stay in the ICU. However, inflammatory markers did not show any significant change in the pretreatment and posttreatment groups. Overall, it can be concluded that microbial cell preparation enhances gut function and the overall clinical outcome of critically ill patients receiving enteral feeding in the ICU.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of framing on surrogate optimism bias: A simulation study.
To explore the effect of emotion priming and physician communication behaviors on optimism bias. ⋯ Framing of CPR choice during code status conversations may influence surrogates' optimism bias.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Exposure to reprocessed single-use tracheal suction catheter and ventilator-associated pneumonia risk: A preliminary, single unit-based, matched case-control study.
The reuse of reprocessed single-use suction catheter for suctioning an amount of tracheal secretion among orally intubated, mechanically ventilated patients, who are at risk of acquiring ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between the repetitive use of reprocessed single-use suction catheter and VAP development. ⋯ The estimated VAP risk of this traditional-based practice is essential to provide strong basis for infection control measures to reduce, if not totally eliminate, VAP.
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Journal of critical care · Apr 2016
Clinical equipoise on prophylaxis against catheter-associated thrombosis in critically ill children.
In preparation for a randomized controlled trial of prophylaxis against catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis in critically ill children, we aimed to determine clinical equipoise, defined as willingness to randomize children, among pediatric critical care physicians. ⋯ Clinical equipoise on prophylaxis against catheter-associated thrombosis exists among pediatric critical care physicians, which ethically justifies conducting a randomized controlled trial.