Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1994
Relationships between plasma cytokine concentrations and leukocyte functional antigen expression in patients with sepsis.
To determine the relationships between cytokine concentrations and alterations in leukocyte functional antigen expression in sepsis. ⋯ These findings suggest that the expression of specific functional molecules on peripheral blood leukocytes is variably related to the net production of certain monokines in sepsis.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1994
Assessment of critical care nurses' knowledge of the pulmonary artery catheter. The Pulmonary Artery Catheter Study Group.
To assess the knowledge and understanding of the use of the pulmonary artery catheter and interpretation of data derived from it in a group of nurses attending the American Association of Critical Care Nurses' National Teaching Institute conference. ⋯ A wide variation in the understanding of the use of the pulmonary artery catheter exists among nurses using this device in the care of seriously ill patients. The results indicate that current teaching practices regarding the pulmonary artery catheter need to be reevaluated and specific credentialing policies need to be considered.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1994
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric respiratory failure: five-year experience at the University of Pittsburgh.
To describe the etiology, respiratory severity of illness, and outcome in patients with pediatric respiratory failure who were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). To identify predictors of death, and to compare our morbidity and mortality rates with those rates of a previously reported series of patients with pediatric respiratory failure managed conventionally. ⋯ ECMO appears to be a rational therapy for patients with pediatric respiratory failure who are likely to die with continued conventional management. Recovery of lung function by the end of the first week of ECMO may be a favorable prognostic indicator. Persistent airleak may be a nonfavorable prognostic indicator.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1994
Comparative StudyEffects of acid-base correction on hemodynamics, oxygen dynamics, and resuscitability in severe canine hemorrhagic shock.
To compare the effects of hypertonic saline, sodium bicarbonate, and Carbicarb resuscitation on acid-base balance, hemodynamics, and oxygen dynamics in a reperfused, canine hemorrhagic shock model. ⋯ In severe canine hemorrhagic shock, Carbicarb, bicarbonate, and hypertonic saline appear to possess similar hemodynamic properties despite the buffering properties of bicarbonate and Carbicarb. The similar responses may be due to their identical sodium content. Arterial pH correction does not appear to further improve the responses to blood retransfusion.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 1994
Noninvasive mechanical ventilation via face mask in patients with acute respiratory failure who refused endotracheal intubation.
To evaluate the response to noninvasive ventilation in a group of terminally ill patients with acute respiratory failure who refused endotracheal intubation. ⋯ We conclude that mechanical ventilation via face mask offers an effective, comfortable, and dignified method of supporting patients with end-stage disease and acute respiratory failure.