Critical care medicine
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1993
Comparative StudyA new ventilation inhomogeneity index from multiple breath indicator gas washout tests in mechanically ventilated patients.
a) To determine the validity of a new method to analyze indicator gas washout tests on mechanically ventilated patients. This method takes into account the difference between the end-expiratory gas fraction and the mean gas fraction in the lung and provides the end-expiratory lung volume and a new index of ventilation inhomogeneity called volumes regression index. b) To determine the validity of this index as a predictor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. c) To compare this index with the moment ratio index and Becklake index. ⋯ The proposed technique provides a means for accurate measurement of the end-expiratory lung volume and the amount of ventilation inhomogeneity in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1993
Changes in myocardial blood flow rates during hyperdynamic sepsis with induced changes in arterial perfusing pressures and metabolic need.
To determine whether hyperdynamic sepsis is associated with dysregulation in the control of myocardial blood flow rates unrelated to hypotension or the use of anesthetic agents. ⋯ In this model of hyperdynamic sepsis, increases in blood flow to both the left and right ventricles were positively coupled to changes in respective ventricular work. From the interventional PGE1 and zymosan-activated plasma infusion studies, we found no evidence to support previous suggestions that the regulation of myocardial blood flow rates according to changes in perfusing pressure and/or metabolic oxygen need is significantly altered during hyperdynamic sepsis.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1993
Editorial Comment Comparative StudyThoracic electrical bioimpedance measurement of cardiac output--not ready for prime time.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1993
Combined continuous monitoring of systemic and cerebral oxygenation in acute brain injury: preliminary observations.
To continuously evaluate the relationship between global systemic and cerebral oxygenation during temporary profound hypocapnia, which was attempted for prompt management of posttraumatic intracranial hypertension. ⋯ In young adults with severe acute brain trauma who require prompt management of intracranial hypertension, transient profound hypocapnia is effective in lowering the intracranial pressure, as well as in offsetting the cerebral luxury perfusion, while improving or maintaining adequate systemic oxygenation. The systemic-cerebral oxygenation index and the systemic-cerebral ventilatory index are potentially useful, physiologically monitorable variables for the combined assessment of global systemic and cerebral oxygenation in a variety of areas involving physiologic and/or therapeutic approaches.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1993
Prospective evaluation of the prognostic significance of evoked potentials in acute basilar occlusion.
To establish valid prognostic parameters in patients with acute basilar artery occlusive disease. ⋯ Initial brainstem auditory evoked potential and somatosensory evoked potential testing are valid prognostic parameters on which to base therapeutic decisions in patients with acute basilar occlusion.