Surgical infections
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Surgical infections · Feb 2006
Comparative Study Clinical TrialDoes enteral glutamine supplementation decrease infectious morbidity?
Although some studies have demonstrated lower infectious morbidity in patients receiving supplemental glutamine, there remains no consensus on the utility of such treatment. This study was designed to investigate the effects of supplemental enteral glutamine on the rate and outcomes of infection in critically ill surgical patients. ⋯ Supplemental enteral glutamine in the dose studied does not appear to influence the acquisition or characteristics of infection in patients admitted to a mixed STICU.
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Surgical infections · Feb 2006
Mentors decrease compliance with best sterile practices during central venous catheter placement in the trauma resuscitation unit.
In the academic trauma unit during initial evaluation and resuscitation of trauma victims, central venous catheters are often placed by multiple operators. There are few data on compliance with accepted, standard sterile practices during such procedures. ⋯ Secondary operators, typically trauma surgery attendings, trauma/critical care fellows, or senior surgical residents, function as mentors in academic institutions and act as role models. Secondary operators participated in many of the studied cases, yet failed to demonstrate consistent use of MBP. In elective central venous catheter placement, those where there was the greatest opportunity to follow MBP, we observed a statistically significant difference in compliance rate between the primary and secondary operators. The study suggests the need to address the performance of the secondary operators and to educate them, as although they may be technically experienced in placing central venous catheters, they may comply less consistently with MBP.