Journal of critical care
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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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Journal of critical care · Jun 2010
Real-time monitoring of heart rate variability in critically ill patients.
Heart rate variability (HRV) is widely used to evaluate autonomic nervous function; however, real-time monitoring of HRV has rarely been attempted in the intensive care unit (ICU). We report our experience in performing real-time monitoring of HRV in our ICU. ⋯ The MemCalc system is practicable for real-time monitoring of HRV in the ICU. Heart rate variability parameters may offer useful information in the management of critically ill patients.
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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.
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Journal of critical care · Jun 2010
Prognostic factors of mortality in patients with community-acquired bloodstream infection with severe sepsis and septic shock.
The purpose of the study was to determine the independent risk factors on mortality in patients with community-acquired severe sepsis and septic shock. ⋯ In addition to the severity of illness, hypoalbuminemia was identified as the most important prognostic factor in community-acquired bloodstream infection with severe sepsis and septic shock.
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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.