Journal of critical care
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
ReviewSurvival benefit of the full selective digestive decontamination regimen.
We assessed the impact of the full protocol of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) using parenteral and enteral antimicrobials on mortality. ⋯ The findings strongly indicated that the full protocol of SDD reduces mortality in critically ill patients, in particular when successful decontamination is obtained. Eighteen patients should be treated with SDD to prevent one death.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Effect of interhospital transfer on resource utilization and outcomes at a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit.
The study aimed to examine the effect of interhospital transfer on resource utilization and clinical outcomes at a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) among patients with sepsis or respiratory failure. ⋯ Interhospital transfer, particularly inter-PICU transfer, was associated with significant hospital resource consumption that often correlated with admission illness severity. Future prospective studies should identify determinants of pretransfer illness severity and investigate decision making underlying interhospital transfer.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors related to outcome regarding in-intensive care unit (ICU) cardiac arrest (IICA) in a university hospital. ⋯ Shorter resuscitation duration and initial VT/VF are predictors for both ROSC and hospital survival, whereas lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores predict the latter.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyComparative evaluation of Glasgow Coma Score and gag reflex in predicting aspiration pneumonitis in acute poisoning.
The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence of aspiration pneumonitis (AP) and its association with gag reflex and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). ⋯ A reduced GCS and a nonintubated trachea are associated with an increased incidence of AP.
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Journal of critical care · Sep 2009
Outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients on vasopressors or inotropes: a pilot study.
Outcomes of critically ill patients who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are poor, and the subgroup on vasopressors or inotropes before cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) rarely survives. ⋯ Survival of patients requiring CPR during critical care admission was 17%. Very few patients survived who required vasopressors or inotropes immediately before CPA. This study is limited significantly by its retrospective design and small cohort, and so this question should be reexamined in a larger study.