Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2004
Clinical TrialThe selective pulmonary vasodilatory effect of inhaled DETA/NO, a novel nitric oxide donor, in ARDS-a pilot human trial.
To examine the effects of inhaled NONOates in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ⋯ Inhaled DETA/NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator in patients with ARDS. However, a larger number of patients is required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2004
Outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and pulmonary infiltrates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation-a retrospective analysis.
To assess the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and pulmonary infiltrates requiring mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Age seems to be an important prognostic parameter in our cohort of 30 consecutive patients with acute myeloid leukemia and pulmonary infiltrates requiring mechanical ventilation. Prolonged ventilation does not preclude survival.
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2004
How to identify patients with no risk for postextubation stridor?
The aim of this study was first, to evaluate the value of cough following tracheal tube cuff deflation, and second, to reassess the value of the cuff-leak test to predict postextubation stridor (PES). In spontaneously breathing patients, immediately before extubation, the tracheal tube was deflated and the absence of cough was monitored. The tube was then obstructed with a finger, and the absence of leak was monitored. ⋯ In the absence of leak, the likelihood ratio of developing PES was 5.04 and rose to 10.4 when cough was also absent. The likelihood ratio of not developing PES in the absence of leak alone was 0. We conclude that in a population of medical intensive care unit spontaneously breathing patients, just before extubation, the presence of leaking around the endotracheal tube rules out PES, whereas the absence of cough and of leak are good predictors of PES.
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2004
Perfluorocarbon species and nebulizer type influence aerosolization rate and particle size of perfluorocarbon aerosol.
Aerosolization of perfluorocarbons (PFC) has been proven beneficial in vivo. The present in vitro study was performed to investigate, how PFC-aerosolization is affected by type of nebulizer and PFC properties. ⋯ Our in vitro data show that aerosolization rate depends mainly on density of PFC and the flow of nebulizer. Particle size distribution is affected by PFC properties. Our result may explain controversial results of published in vivo studies.
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2004
Predictors and consequences of pneumonia in critically ill patients with stroke.
Ascertain the incidence, predictors and consequences of early (within 48 hours of admission) and nosocomial pneumonia among critically ill patients with stroke. ⋯ Pneumonia complicated stroke in 47% of critically ill patients and adversely impacted the duration of mechanical ventilation and overall length of hospital stay. Aggressive preventive measures are needed to reduce pneumonia occurrence in stroke patients.