Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Mar 2002
Incidence and risk factors for acquiring nosocomial urinary tract infection in the critically ill.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common hospital-acquired infection. However, the epidemiology of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired UTIs is not well defined. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ICU-acquired UTIs. ⋯ Nosocomial UTIs develop commonly in the critically ill and women and those with an extended ICU stay are at increased risk. Although ICU-acquired UTIs are markers of morbidity, they do not significantly increase mortality.
-
The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of abdominal pain in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic state (HHS). Abdominal pain, sometimes mimicking an acute abdomen, is a frequent manifestation in patients with DKA. The prevalence and clinical significance of gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain in HHS have not been prospectively evaluated. ⋯ Gastrointestinal manifestations including abdominal pain are common in patients with DKA and are associated with severe metabolic acidosis and with a history of alcohol or cocaine abuse, but not with the severity of hyperglycemia or dehydration. Our study indicates that investigation of the etiology of abdominal pain in DKA should be reserved for patients without severe metabolic acidosis or if the pain persists after the resolution of ketoacidosis.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2001
Multicenter StudyPrevention of venous thromboembolism in critically ill surgery patients: a cross-sectional study.
The risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the risk for bleeding among critically ill surgical patients are both important in the early postoperative period. ⋯ VTE prevention for surgical ICU patients within the first postoperative week appear to be individualized, and influenced by current and future risks of thrombosis and bleeding.
-
Journal of critical care · Dec 2001
Measuring family satisfaction with care in the intensive care unit: the development of a questionnaire and preliminary results.
To develop and test the feasibility of administering a questionnaire to measure family members' level of satisfaction with care provided to them and their critically ill relative. ⋯ This questionnaire has some measure of reliability and validity and is feasible to administer to next of kin of critically ill patients.