Medicina intensiva
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Monitoring is a crucial part of the care of the critically ill patient. It detects organ dysfunction and provides guidance on the therapeutic approach. Intensivists closely monitor the function of various organ systems, and the brain is no exception. ⋯ The diagnostic effectiveness of non-convulsive status epilepticus as a cause of unexplained consciousness disorder has increased the use of continuous EEG monitoring in the neurocritical care setting. However, non-convulsive status epilepticus is not the only indication for the assessment of cerebral cortical activity. This study summarizes the indications, usage and methodology of continuous EEG monitoring in the intensive care unit, with the aim of allowing practitioners to become familiarized the technique.
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Observational Study
Lung injury prediction scores: Clinical validation and C-reactive protein involvement in high risk patients.
A study was made to validate two previously derived lung injury prediction scores (LIPS) for the prediction of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in high risk intensive care patients, with the incorporation of C-reactive protein (CRP) for improving score accuracy. ⋯ Both LIPS scores are equally effective in predicting ARDS in high risk ICU patients. Integrating the change in CRP within the score might improve its accuracy.
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Observational Study
Epidemiology and outcome of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU in the current highly active antiretroviral therapy era.
To describe the epidemiology of critical disease in HIV-infected patients during the current highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era and to identify hospital mortality predictors. ⋯ Delayed ICU admission, comorbidities and the severity of critical illness determine the prognosis of HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU. Based on these data, HIV-infected patients should receive the same level of care as non-HIV-infected patients, regardless of their immunological or nutritional condition.