Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Feb 1993
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialDetrimental effects of high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate on serum concentrations of hepatic and renal function indicators in severe sepsis and septic shock. The Methylprednisolone Severe Sepsis Study Group.
To evaluate the effects of high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate on biochemical markers of hepatic and renal function in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. ⋯ The frequency of acutely increased blood urea nitrogen and bilirubin concentrations in severe sepsis was increased significantly with high-dose methylprednisolone therapy. Similar frequencies of circulatory shock in the study groups excluded differences in global perfusion as a cause of this phenomenon. Possible adverse effects of pharmacologic concentrations of methylprednisolone in critically ill patients should be considered in planning treatment.
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Critical care medicine · Feb 1993
ReviewAdoptive immunotherapy of gram-negative sepsis: use of monoclonal antibodies to lipopolysaccharide.
To provide a succinct overview of the scientific rationale for adoptive immunotherapy of Gram-negative sepsis using antibodies directed at epitopes in the core region of the lipopolysaccharide molecule. ⋯ Adoptive immunotherapy using monoclonal anticore antibodies seems to improve survival rate in selected patients with Gram-negative sepsis. Nevertheless, because of concerns about costs and the interpretation of the results from the completed clinical trials, these new agents have generated enormous controversy. The precise role of adoptive immunotherapy against lipopolysaccharide in the practice of critical care medicine in the United States remains unclear.
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Critical care medicine · Feb 1993
Descriptive analysis of critical care units in the United States: patient characteristics and intensive care unit utilization.
To gather data about occupancy, admission characteristics, patients' ages, and types of therapy utilized in ICUs in the United States. ⋯ This report should be viewed as the beginning step of an effort to improve both the information base available on critical care medicine and the performance of ICUs. Our survey findings provide an introduction into the everyday workings of critical care units throughout the United States. Research is required to determine which patients will benefit from intensive care and how to efficiently utilize the vast technology we have available for them in a world with limited financial resources, an aging population, and a multiplicity of societal and ethical concerns.
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Critical care medicine · Feb 1993
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation in pediatric respiratory failure.
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation using a protocol designed to achieve and maintain optimal lung volume in pediatric patients with respiratory failure. ⋯ High-frequency oscillatory ventilation, using a high-volume strategy, may be used safely and effectively in pediatric patients with respiratory failure and with high predicted mortality rates. High mean airway pressure during oscillatory ventilation does not appear to compromise DO2. Whether this technique can alter morbidity or mortality rates in this population awaits prospective randomized study.
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Critical care medicine · Feb 1993
Comparative StudyAutonomic cardiovascular state after severe brain injury and brain death in children.
To study and compare the autonomic cardiovascular state of children after severe brain injury and brain death. ⋯ Our results support the concept of a damaged sympathetic cardiovascular system in severe brain injury and complete interruption of the autonomic cardiovascular pathways in brain death. Since determination of brain death may be difficult, our findings have implications for corroborating brain death using autonomic cardiovascular testing.