Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2012
Portable miniaturized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems for H1N1-related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case series.
Technological advances improved the practice of "modern" extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In the present report, we describe the experience of a referral ECMO center using portable miniaturized ECMO systems for H1N1-related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ In our experience, ECMO support was a valuable therapeutic option for H1N1-related severe ARDS. The use of portable miniaturized systems allowed urgent rescue of patients from referring hospitals and safe interhospital and intrahospital transport during ECMO support.
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Journal of critical care · Oct 2012
A method for estimation of plasma albumin concentration from the buffering properties of whole blood.
Hypoalbuminemia is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome. Albumin is usually measured at the central laboratory rather than point of care, but in principle, information exists in the buffering properties of whole blood to estimate plasma albumin concentration from point of care measurements of acid-base and oxygenation status. This article presents and evaluates a new method for doing so. ⋯ This new method may be a valuable tool in screening and monitoring plasma albumin concentration in acutely ill patients, from measurements taken at the point of care.