Journal of critical care
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The aim of this study was to assess the etiology of cardiac troponin elevation among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to examine whether etiology affects mortality and length of stay. ⋯ The most common cause of troponin elevation among critically ill patients was MI. Patients with elevated troponin had worse outcomes compared with patients without troponin elevation, and troponin elevation not due to MI was predictive of increased hospital mortality.
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In assessing neurologic prognosis after cardiac arrest (CA), electroencephalogram (EEG) reactivity has not been specifically included with EEG classifications. Most studies have divided recordings into benign and malignant; however, some patterns within these groups may have greater prognostic significance than such broad classifications. We sought to explore reactivity, with broad classifications and subclassifications for their prognostic significance. ⋯ Electroencephalogram reactivity after CA is a relatively favorable EEG feature; generalized suppression or generalized epileptiform activity, without reactivity, is associated with lack of recovery of awareness.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2010
Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms direction and its implications on critical care.
The aim of this study was to describe the new advancements in Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) terminology and its applicability to critical care documentation. ⋯ We propose that SNOMED-CT is suitable for use in critical care; however, work is urgently required to validate the completeness of terminology and to determine clinicians' perceptions on the utility of such a standardized terminology for use in critical care clinical information systems.
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Describe a program set up in a French intensive care unit (ICU) aimed at improving communication inside the team and communication information given to patients and their relatives; explain how those actions can improve communication inside the ICU and ultimately why it could improve patient's outcome. ⋯ Quality of life within the ICU is based on many factors including a strong and positive leadership, an absolute respect of individuals, and a rigorous evaluation of quality of care, which could influence heavily the quality of life in the ICU for patients, relatives, and health care professionals and facilitate team work. Whether this could really influence outcome remains to be demonstrated.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2010
Effect of head rotation on overlap and relative position of internal jugular vein to carotid artery in infants and children: a study of the anatomy using ultrasonography.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of head rotation on the relative anatomy of internal jugular vein (IJV) and carotid artery (CA) in infants and children. ⋯ The head should be kept in as near a neutral position as possible because the overlap increased by head rotation in both sides. In addition, the right IJV should be preferred because of less CA overlap and more lateral positioning than the left.