Critical care medicine
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To identify patient variables that were significantly associated with outcome in the ICU. ⋯ For patients who remain in the ICU for greater than 72 hrs, events occurring after ICU admission are negatively associated with ICU outcome, more so than ICU admission status as reflected by such indices as APACHE II scores. Iatrogenic complications, often due to inappropriate drug therapy, have a significant association with adverse outcome by multivariate analysis. We suggest that iatrogenic complications influence ICU outcome, and that they are potentially preventable. By lessening their frequency, ICU outcome may be improved.
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Critical care medicine · Jul 1992
A novel score for predicting the mortality of septic shock patients.
To establish a prognostic scoring system for septic shock patients. ⋯ The Simplified and the Complete Septic Shock Scores are simple scoring systems that appear to predict the outcome of septic shock patients more accurately than general scoring systems, such as the Simplified Acute Physiology Score and APACHE II score. These septic shock scores might be useful in assessing the severity of septic shock patients.
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To discuss the relative merits and limitations of living wills and the durable power of attorney for health care. ⋯ We recommend the execution of both a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care to provide the best assurance that patients' desires concerning medical treatments will be respected.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialReversal of midazolam sedation with flumazenil.
To demonstrate the efficacy of flumazenil in reversing the sedative action of midazolam in ventilated intensive care patients. ⋯ Flumazenil in a dose of 0.15 mg is a safe drug that reverses the sedative effect of midazolam.