American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Functional hemodynamic indicators (systolic pressure variation [SPV and SPV%] and pulse pressure variation [PPV%]) are sensitive and specific indicators of fluid responsiveness. It was unknown if these indicators could be accurately measured directly from the bedside monitor. ⋯ Statistically significant small differences in SPV and SPV% were detected. The differences in SPV, SPV%, and PPV% were not clinically significant, suggesting that functional hemodynamic indicators can be obtained accurately with the stop-cursor method.
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Critical illness may weaken muscles, with long-term consequences. ⋯ The exercise was well tolerated, and comfort improved during and after the intervention. Cytokine levels provided physiological rationale for benefits of early exercise.
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After admission to intensive care, women have higher mortality rates than do men. The reasons for the greater mortality in women are not fully understood. ⋯ After admission to intensive care from medical or surgical units, women had higher mortality rates than did men, and the difference was more pronounced in medical patients. The difference in mortality between sexes was not explained by delayed recognition of critical illness or delayed admission to intensive care.