Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2010
Review Comparative StudyIntensive- vs less-intensive-dose continuous renal replacement therapy for the intensive care unit-related acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
The aim of the study is to summarize the effect of intensive-dose continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on the mortality and other clinical outcomes. ⋯ This meta-analysis provides additional evidence that the higher dose of CRRT is not sufficient in reducing the mortality in critically ill patients with acute renal failure.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialGinger extract reduces delayed gastric emptying and nosocomial pneumonia in adult respiratory distress syndrome patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger extract on delayed gastric emptying, developing ventilator-associated pneumonia, and clinical outcomes in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ This study showed that gastric feed supplementation with ginger extract might reduce delayed gastric emptying and help reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in ARDS.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2010
Survey on physicians' knowledge of sepsis: do they recognize it promptly?
In Brazil, sepsis has a high mortality; and early recognition is essential in outcome. The aim of the study was to evaluate physicians' knowledge about systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock concepts. ⋯ The prompt recognition of sepsis and its severity is not satisfactory. This difference is probably due to the difficulty in the recognition of organ dysfunction, which hampers early identification of septic patients.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2010
Opinions of families, staff, and patients about family participation in care in intensive care units.
The aims of the study were to assess opinions of caregivers, families, and patients about involvement of families in the care of intensive care unit (ICU) patients; to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members; and to measure family satisfaction with care. ⋯ Families and ICU staff were very supportive of family participation in care. Most patients were also favorable to care by family members.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2010
Mechanical ventilation mode (volume × pressure) does not change the variables obtained by indirect calorimetry in critically ill patients.
The aim of the study was to analyze the difference between the results obtained by indirect calorimetry (IC) using volume-controlled and pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation in 2 different ventilators and to characterize the variables achieved by IC after well-defined changes in minute volume (Vm). ⋯ Ventilators and ventilation modes do not influence the IC measurements. The observed changes have no clinical effects and are reversible, provided that increased Vm is maintained for no longer than 45 minutes.