Medicina intensiva
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The benefit of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients has been demonstrated by several studies, especially when it is started early, in the first 24-48h of stay in the Intensive Care Unit, and this practice is currently advised by the main clinical guidelines. The start of enteral nutrition is controversial in patients with hemodynamic failure, since it may trigger intestinal ischemia. However, there are data from experimental studies in animals, as well as from observational studies in humans that allow for hypotheses regarding its beneficial effect and safety. Interventional clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
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Observational Study
Severe complications of orotracheal intubation in the Intensive Care Unit: An observational study and analysis of risk factors.
A study is made to determine the characteristics of endotracheal intubation (ETI) procedures performed in an Intensive Care Unit, and to describe the associated severe complications and related risk factors. ⋯ ETI in Intensive Care Unit patients is associated with respiratory and hemodynamic complications. The independent risk factors associated with the development of complications were advanced age, hypotension and previous hypoxemia, the presence of secretions, and the need for more than one ETI attempt.
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Observational Study
Measuring the satisfaction of patients admitted to the intensive care unit and of their families.
To determine the level of satisfaction of family members with the care and decision making process, and to know the level of satisfaction of patients discharged from ICU. ⋯ The level of satisfaction of the relatives of patients admitted to the ICU is high, in the same way as the degree of patient satisfaction. Still, there are several points that should be improved, such as the waiting room environment and the atmosphere of the ICU in terms of noise, privacy and lighting. In relation to the decision making process, there are also some aspects that may be improved, such as the provision of hope regarding recovery of the critically ill relative.
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Observational Study
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia: Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors in an Intensive Care Unit.
To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the population with Pneumocystis jiroveci (P. jiroveci) pneumonia, analyzing risk factors associated with the disease, predisposing factors for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and prognostic factors of mortality. ⋯ The high requirement of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs associated with fungal coinfection and pneumothorax in patients admitted to the ICU remain as risk factors associated with mortality in patients with P. jiroveci pneumonia.