Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1991
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialAirway pressure release ventilation during acute lung injury: a prospective multicenter trial.
To evaluate the feasibility of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) in providing ventilatory support to patients with acute lung injury of diverse etiology and mild-to-moderate severity. ⋯ APRV is a feasible alternative to conventional mechanical ventilation for augmentation of alveolar ventilation in patients with acute lung injury of mild-to-moderate severity.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1991
Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) scoring in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit.
To evaluate the predictive value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scoring system in cardiothoracic surgical patients. ⋯ There was a good relationship between the APACHE II score and mortality rate. Low APACHE II scores accurately predicted survival but only very high scores accurately predicted death.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1991
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialReduction of colonization and infection rate during pediatric intensive care by selective decontamination of the digestive tract.
To compare the effects of two different antibiotic regimes on the colonization and infection rates of critically ill pediatric patients. ⋯ Selective oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal decontamination combined with systemic cefotaxime application allows for a significant reduction of the colonization rate with Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts in critically ill pediatric patients undergoing prolonged intensive care. In addition, it significantly reduces the Gram-negative infection rate of the respiratory system. However, this therapeutic approach does not alter ICU length of stay or mortality rate.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1991
Comparative StudyEffect of associated injuries and blood volume replacement on death, rehabilitation needs, and disability in blunt traumatic brain injury.
To examine the effects of associated injuries on death, disability, rehabilitation needs, and cost in patients with blunt traumatic brain injury. ⋯ In blunt traumatic brain injury, the addition of major visceral or extremity injuries, with need for blood replacement or shock, increases the risk of death, the need for rehabilitation, and the costs of disability.