Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2000
Comparative StudyScoring systems in cancer patients admitted for an acute complication in a medical intensive care unit.
To validate and compare two severity scoring systems, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II and to determine their prognostic value for mortality during the hospital stay and after discharge in a specific group of cancer patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for an acute medical complication. ⋯ The prognosis of cancer patients admitted to ICU for a medical problem is first determined by the acute physiologic changes induced by the complication, as evaluated by the severity scores. There is no major difference between the two assessed scoring systems. They are, however, not accurate enough to be used in the routine management of these patients. After recovery from complications, characteristics related to the neoplastic disease, however, retrieve their independent influence on the further survival.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2000
Validation of predictors of extubation success and failure in mechanically ventilated infants and children.
To validate predictors of extubation success and failure in mechanically ventilated infants and children by using bedside measures of respiratory function. ⋯ Bedside measures of respiratory function can predict extubation success and failure in infants and children. Both a low risk and a high risk of failure can be determined by using these measures. Integrated indices useful in adults do not reliably predict extubation success or failure in infants and children. Our study validates our previously published study.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2000
Long-term survival and health status after prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery.
To determine hospital mortality, weaning from mechanical ventilation, long-term survival, and functional health status in patients receiving > or =7 days of mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Patients' chances of being liberated from mechanical ventilation are excellent. Their long-term survival and health status are good.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2000
Guidelines for the use of do-not-resuscitate orders in Dutch hospitals.
To determine the prevalence and analyze the content of guidelines for the use of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in Dutch hospitals. ⋯ It is promising that 60% of Dutch hospitals have developed guidelines for the use of DNR orders. However, current guidelines can be improved in many respects.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 2000
Transthoracic intracardiac catheters in pediatric patients recovering from congenital heart defect surgery: associated complications and outcomes.
To characterize transthoracic intracardiac catheter uses and associated morbidities in pediatric patients recovering from congenital heart defect surgery and to identify potential risk factors associated with their use. ⋯ Use of transthoracic intracardiac catheters in pediatric patients is safe. Young infants and pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia or with catheters in the left atrial or pulmonary artery position have a greater need for interventions after catheter removal, warranting added precautions.