Journal of critical care
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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 StudyA preliminary investigation into adrenal responsiveness and outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.
This study investigated the significance of baseline cortisol levels and adrenal response to corticotropin in shocked patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ⋯ A high baseline plasma TC was associated with a trend toward increased mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock post-AMI. Patients with lower baseline TC, but with an inducible adrenal response, appeared to have a survival benefit. A prognostic system based on basal TC and Δ max similar to that described in septic shock appears feasible in this cohort. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with adverse outcomes. These findings require further validation in larger studies.
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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
Impact of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status on hospital mortality in critically ill patients.
This study evaluates the association between the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) and hospital mortality in general critically ill patients. ⋯ Preadmission PS, assessed with ECOG-PS in critically ill patients, has prognostic value in general critically ill patients.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2014
The potential efficacy of noninvasive ventilation with administration of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether the combination of NIV with administration of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor could improve outcome and respiratory conditions in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-patients, according to the Berlin definition. ⋯ Administration of neutrophil elastase inhibitor with NIV may be associated with successful outcome in mild-to-moderate ARDS-patients with initial PaO2/FiO2>150.