Critical care medicine
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To assess whether communication capabilities of ventilator-dependent patients are improved by the use of the Passy-Muir unidirectional valve. ⋯ The Passy-Muir unidirectional valve allows ventilator-dependent patients to talk and communicate without assistance. Patients felt better and were motivated to participate in their own care.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 1993
Endocrine profiles for outcome prediction from the intensive care unit.
To evaluate the discriminating ability of various specific endocrine studies on patient outcome from the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ The basal cortisol and triiodothyronine concentrations obtained from blood samples collected within 48 hrs of ICU admission appear to be better discriminators of patient outcome than the APACHE II score.
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To describe the structure and organization of pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States. ⋯ Substantial diversity exists in pediatric ICU structure and organization. Determining factors associated with quality of care is important for improving outcomes.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 1993
Adaptation of pressure support ventilation to increasing ventilatory demand during experimental airway obstruction and acute lung injury.
To estimate the changes in the relative amount of ventilatory assistance offered by inspiratory pressure support during changing ventilatory demand with external airway obstruction and with oleic acid-induced acute lung injury. ⋯ A ventilatory rate-dependent adaptation of pressure support to increased ventilatory demand occurs in an experimental setting both during airway obstruction and lung injury. The results of this study confirm an advantage of breath-to-breath inspiratory pressure support over techniques designed to supply a predetermined mechanical minute volume.
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Critical care medicine · Apr 1993
Review Practice Guideline GuidelineA model for technology assessment applied to pulse oximetry. The Technology Assessment Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
To test a model for the assessment of critical care technology. To develop practice guidelines for the use of pulse oximetry. ⋯ The model developed for technology assessment proved to be appropriate for assessing pulse oximetry. The available data have allowed us to develop an evidence-based practice policy for the use of pulse oximetry in critical care. Critical care clinicians, researchers, and industry have a shared responsibility to provide valid outcome and efficacy studies of new technologies.