Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Oct 2022
Meta AnalysisThe Comparative Effectiveness of Vasoactive Treatments for Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Evidence examining commonly used drug treatments remains uncertain. We assessed the comparative effectiveness of inpatient treatments for HRS by performing a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). ⋯ Terlipressin increases HRS reversal compared with placebo. Terlipressin may reduce mortality. Until access to terlipressin improves, initial norepinephrine administration may be more appropriate than initial trial with midodrine+octreotide. Our review has the potential to inform future guideline and practice in the treatment of HRS.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 2022
Meta AnalysisEffectiveness of Continuous Cuff Pressure Control in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Microaspiration of subglottic secretions is the main pathogenic mechanism for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Adequate inflation of the endotracheal cuff is pivotal to providing an optimal seal of the extraluminal airway. However, cuff pressure substantially fluctuates due to patient or tube movements, which can induce microaspiration. Therefore, devices for continuous cuff pressure control (CCPC) have been developed in recent years. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of CCPC in VAP prevention. ⋯ The use of CCPC was associated with a reduction in VAP incidence; however, this was based on very low certainty of evidence due to concerns related to risk of bias and inconsistency.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 2022
Meta AnalysisProphylactic Postoperative Noninvasive Ventilation in Adults Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following upper abdominal surgery. Applying either noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the early postoperative period is suggested to prevent PPC. We aimed to assess whether postoperative NIV or CPAP or both prevent PPCs compared with standard care in adults undergoing upper abdominal surgery, including in those identified at higher PPC risk. Additionally, the different interventions used were evaluated to assess whether there is a superior approach. ⋯ These findings suggest routine provision of either prophylactic NIV or CPAP following upper abdominal surgery may not be effective to reduce PPCs' including in those identified at higher risk.
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Critical care medicine · Oct 2022
Multicenter StudyAwareness With Paralysis Among Critically Ill Emergency Department Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.
In mechanically ventilated patients, awareness with paralysis (AWP) can have devastating consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and thoughts of suicide. Single-center data from the emergency department (ED) demonstrate an event rate for AWP factors higher than that reported from the operating room. However, there remains a lack of data on AWP among critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. The objective was to assess the proportion of ED patients experiencing AWP and investigate modifiable variables associated with its occurrence. ⋯ AWP was present in a concerning proportion of mechanically ventilated ED patients, was associated with rocuronium exposure in the ED, and led to increased levels of perceived threat, placing patients at greater risk for PTSD. Studies that aim to further quantify AWP in this vulnerable population and eliminate its occurrence are urgently needed.