Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Apr 2000
Comparative StudyContinuous calculation of intratracheal pressure in the presence of pediatric endotracheal tubes.
To measure the pressure-flow relationship of pediatric endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in trachea models, to mathematically describe this relationship, and to evaluate in trachea/lung models a method for calculation of pressure at the distal end of the ETT (Ptrach) by subtracting the flow-dependent pressure drop across the ETT from the airway pressure measured at the proximal end of the ETT. ⋯ Ptrach can continuously be monitored in the presence of pediatric ETT by combining ETT coefficients and the flow and airway pressure continuously measured at the proximal end of the ETT.
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To describe the establishment and initial activity of a Bereavement Follow-up Service for next-of-kin of patients who died in an intensive care unit (ICU) and to quantify aspects of their experience including quality of intensive care service and the early impact on next-of-kin of their bereavement. ⋯ We were disappointed to contact only two thirds of next-of-kin, but results from these subjects demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the care given. Nevertheless, some were dissatisfied with the quality of service they experienced. Most had resumed their normal activities, including work, and few were living alone. However, sleep disturbance and financial difficulty were common, and some requested help from other support agencies.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 2000
Dependency of cerebral blood flow on mean arterial pressure in patients with acute bacterial meningitis.
Patients with acute bacterial meningitis are often treated with sympathomimetics to maintain an adequate mean arterial pressure (MAP). We studied the influence of such therapy on cerebral blood flow (CBF). ⋯ In patients in the early phase of acute bacterial meningitis, CBF autoregulation is impaired. With recovery from meningitis, the cerebral vasculature regains the ability to maintain cerebral perfusion at a constant level despite variations in MAP.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 2000
Comparative StudyOutcome of bone marrow transplantation patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
To identify outcome predictors in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. ⋯ The ICU survival rate of BMT patients who developed pulmonary complications and required mechanical ventilation was 18%. Prognostic factors were described identifying patients with a substantial survival rate as well as those in whom mechanical ventilation was futile.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 2000
Editorial Comment ReviewPressors for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: is there a new kid on the block?