Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
ReviewMeasurement of the glucocorticoid receptor: Relevance to the diagnosis of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in children.
Diagnosis and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in children continues to remain difficult and controversial in that no consensus for either exists among pediatric critical care physicians. Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is defined as a corticosteroid response that is inadequate for the severity of the illness experienced by the patient. ⋯ This article details the role of the GR during critical illness with a focus upon the measurement of the GR, as a potentially important means by which to clinically assess the level of corticosteroid tissue-resistant in patients suspected of CIRCI. Measurement of the GR may be particularly useful as a means by which to determine the judicious administration of steroids, maximizing their therapeutic potential, whereas minimizing the morbidity that can be associated with their use.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
Multicenter Study Observational StudyPulse pressure variations to guide fluid therapy in donors: A multicentric echocardiographic observational study.
Preload responsiveness parameters could be useful in the hemodynamic management of septic shock. ⋯ A ΔPP threshold of 13% is insufficient to guide volume expansion in donors. The best threshold is 20%. Fluid responsiveness monitoring could enhance organ harvesting.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
Multicenter StudyEffects of etomidate on vasopressor use in patients with sepsis or severe sepsis: A propensity-matched analysis.
The safety of single-bolus etomidate to facilitate intubation in septic patients is controversial due to its potential to suppress adrenal steroidogenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of etomidate on the development of shock when used as an induction agent to facilitate intubation in septic patients. ⋯ The use of etomidate for intubation in septic patients did not increase vasopressor requirements within 72 hours after intubation.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
Review Historical ArticleHistory of brain death as death: 1968 to the present.
The concept of brain death was formulated in 1968 in the landmark report A Definition of Irreversible Coma. While brain death has been widely accepted as a determination of death throughout the world, many of the controversies that surround it have not been settled. Some may be rooted in a misconstruction about the history of brain death. ⋯ Since 1968, the concept of brain death has been extensively analyzed, debated, and reworked. Still there remains much misunderstanding and confusion, especially in the general public. In this comprehensive review, I will trace the evolution of the definition of brain death as death from 1968 to the present, providing background, history and context.
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Journal of critical care · Aug 2014
The ability of current scoring systems in differentiating transient and persistent organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the accuracy of currently used scoring systems in differentiating transient and persistent organ failure in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). ⋯ Current scoring systems are not accurate enough in differentiating transient and persistent organ failure in patients with AP.