Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Review Meta AnalysisExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe respiratory failure in adult patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory failure is still a matter of debate. ⋯ Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation benefit on hospital mortality is unclear. Results were sensitive to statistical analysis, and no definitive conclusion can be drawn from the available data. More studies are needed before the widespread use of ECMO can be recommended.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyImplementation of a protocol for integrated management of pain, agitation, and delirium can improve clinical outcomes in the intensive care unit: A randomized clinical trial.
Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) in intensive care settings results in poor patient outcomes. We designed and used a protocol for systematic assessment and management of PAD by the nurses to improve clinical intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. ⋯ The current randomized trial provided evidence for a substantial reduction in the duration of need to ventilatory support, length of ICU stay, and mortality rates in ICU-admitted patients through protocol-directed management of PAD.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe relationship between positive end-expiratory pressure and cardiac index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the association between positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and cardiac index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ In patients with ARDS who are managed with liberal or conservative fluid management protocols, PEEP is not associated with lower cardiac index.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyFactors associated with timing of initiation of physical therapy in patients with acute lung injury.
Early initiation of physical therapy (PT) in mechanically ventilated patients is associated with improved outcomes. However, PT is frequently delayed until after extubation or discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). We evaluated factors associated with the timing of initiation of PT in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) admitted to ICUs without an emphasis on early rehabilitation. ⋯ In 11 ICUs without emphasis on early rehabilitation, patients with ALI frequently received no PT. Severity of illness, mental status, sedation practices, and hospital site were significant barriers to initiating PT. Understanding these barriers may be important when introducing early ICU physical rehabilitation.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2013
Red blood cell transfusion is associated with decreased in-hospital muscle strength among critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is linked to poor functional recovery after surgery and trauma. To investigate one potential mechanism, we examined the association between RBC transfusion and muscle strength in a cohort of critically ill patients. ⋯ Red blood cell transfusion was associated with decreased muscle strength in this cohort of critically ill patients after adjusting for illness severity and organ dysfunction. Further studies are needed to validate these results and probe mechanisms.