Journal of critical care
-
Journal of critical care · Sep 1999
Selective vasodilation by nitric oxide inhalation during sustained pulmonary hypertension following recurrent microembolism in pigs.
This study establishes a new model of sustained pulmonary hypertension induced by recurrent microembolism in pigs and evaluates the effects of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation in this model. ⋯ We conclude that recurrent microembolization in pigs provides a reliable model of sustained pulmonary hypertension. In this model inhaled NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator, indicating that active vasoconstriction significantly contributes to sustained pulmonary hypertension after recurrent microembolism.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialIL-1ra administration does not improve cardiac function in patients with severe sepsis.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on myocardial function in septic patients. ⋯ IL-1ra administration has no effect on cardiac function in septic patients.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1999
Comparative StudyComparison between intrathoracic blood volume and cardiac filling pressures in the early phase of hemodynamic instability of patients with sepsis or septic shock.
The purpose of this study was to analyze three different variables of cardiac preload; central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP), and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) that served as the best indicator of cardiac function, that is, cardiac index (C1) or stroke index (SI). ⋯ In comparison with cardiac filling pressures, ITBVI seems to be the more reliable indicator of cardiac preload in patients with sepsis or septic shock.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1999
Comparative StudyInterleukin 1 receptor antagonist and E-selectin concentrations: a comparison in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and severe sepsis.
This prospective clinical study was designed to compare interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and E-selectin concentrations in patients with severe acute pancreatitis to those with severe sepsis. ⋯ This study shows that IL-1ra and E-selectin are released in acute severe pancreatitis, and the levels seem to be comparable to those in patients with severe sepsis. Concentrations of IL-1ra and E-selectin correlate to the development of multiorgan failure as indicated by high SOFA scores during the first week of disease.
-
Journal of critical care · Jun 1999
Gut mucosal atrophy after a short enteral fasting period in critically ill patients.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of gut mucosal atrophy and changes in mucosal permeability in critically ill patients after a short fasting period. ⋯ We found that a short period of enteral fasting was associated with significant duodenal mucosal atrophy and abnormal gut permeability in critically ill patients.