Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
Duration of red blood cells storage and outcome in critically ill patients.
There is conflicting evidence on the effect of red blood cells (RBC) storage duration and clinical outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between RBC storage duration and clinical outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ RBC storage duration was not associated with increased mortality nor ICU and hospital LOS. These results support the view that the effect of RBC storage duration on outcomes in critically ill patients is uncertain.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
Comparative StudyClinical outcome of kidney transplantation from deceased donors with acute kidney injury by Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria.
In this study, we investigated the outcome of kidney transplantation (KT) from deceased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI), as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. ⋯ In KT from deceased donors, the AKI group that received kidneys with AKI, as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria, showed a higher delayed graft function rate and lower allograft function for 6 months after KT but no effect on allograft function 1 year after KT and on long-term allograft survival.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
Observational StudyIn-hospital fellow coverage reduces communication errors in the surgical intensive care unit.
Staff coverage strategies of intensive care units (ICUs) impact clinical outcomes. High-intensity staff coverage strategies are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Accessible clinical expertise, team work, and effective communication have all been attributed to the success of this coverage strategy. We evaluate the impact of in-hospital fellow coverage (IHFC) on improving communication of cardiorespiratory events. ⋯ IHFC reduced communication errors.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
Long-term persistence of quality improvements for an intensive care unit communication initiative using the VALUE strategy.
Communication in the intensive care unit (ICU) is an important component of quality ICU care. In this report, we evaluate the long-term effects of a quality improvement (QI) initiative, based on the VALUE communication strategy, designed to improve communication with family members of critically ill patients. ⋯ Our evaluation of this quality improvement project suggests persistence and continued improvements in the delivery of measured aspects of ICU family communication. Maintenance with point-of-care-tools may account for some of the persistence and continued improvements.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
Recombinant human thrombopoietin improves platelet counts and reduces platelet transfusion possibility among patients with severe sepsis and thrombocytopenia: A prospective study.
Thrombocytopenia is prevalent in patients with severe sepsis, and it is associated with mortalities. Effectively adjunctive treatment might be needed to reverse low platelet counts (PCs). With a growing understanding of thrombocytopenia, recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) is considered a promising beneficial drug. The present study was dedicated to evaluate the efficiency of rhTPO in improving PCs in patients with severe sepsis. ⋯ The use of rhTPO in combination with conventional medical therapies could significantly improve the PCs in patients with severe sepsis and thrombocytopenia and effectively reduce the platelet transfusion possibility.