Critical care medicine
-
Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Review Meta AnalysisAssessment of Limb Muscle Strength in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review.
To determine the reliability of volitional and nonvolitional limb muscle strength assessment in critically ill patients and to provide guidelines for the implementation of limb muscle strength assessment this population. ⋯ Voluntary muscle strength measurement has proven reliable in critically ill patients provided that strict guidelines on adequacy and standardized test procedures and positions are followed.
-
Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Review Meta AnalysisPlasma Biomarkers for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Numerous studies have focused on biomarkers for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although several biomarkers have been identified, their relative performance is unclear. We aim to provide a quantitative overview of plasma-derived biomarkers associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis or mortality. ⋯ This meta-analysis provides a unique ranking of plasma biomarkers according to their strength of association with acute respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis or acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality. The relative performance of biomarkers among studies shown in this ranking may help to improve acute respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis and outcome prediction.
-
Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA Randomized, Controlled Trial of In Situ Pediatric Advanced Life Support Recertification ("Pediatric Advanced Life Support Reconstructed") Compared With Standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support Recertification for ICU Frontline Providers.
Recent evidence shows poor retention of Pediatric Advanced Life Support provider skills. Frequent refresher training and in situ simulation are promising interventions. We developed a "Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed" recertification course by deconstructing the training into six 30-minute in situ simulation scenario sessions delivered over 6 months. We hypothesized that in situ Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed implementation is feasible and as effective as standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification. ⋯ For PICU-based nurses and respiratory therapists, simulation-based "Pediatric Advanced Life Support-reconstructed" in situ training is feasible and more effective than standard Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification training for skill performance. Both Pediatric Advanced Life Support recertification training courses improved behavioral performance.
-
Critical care medicine · Mar 2014
ReviewTransfusion in critically ill children: indications, risks, and challenges.
To provide a concise review of transfusion-related issues and practices in the pediatric patient population, with a focus on those issues of particular importance to the care of critically ill children. ⋯ The preponderance of prospective, randomized trials and retrospective analyses support the use of a restrictive packed RBC transfusion policy in most clinical conditions in children. Neonatal transfusions guidelines rely largely on "expert opinion" rather than experimental data. Current transfusion practices for both platelets and coagulant products (e.g., fresh-frozen plasma and recombinant-activated factor VII) are poorly aligned with recommended transfusion guidelines. As with adults, current transfusion practices in children often do not reflect implementation of our current knowledge on the need for transfusion. Greater efforts to implement current evidence-based transfusion practices are needed.