Indian journal of medical sciences
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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a frequent nosocomial infection in the intensive care, is associated with considerable morbidity. Endotracheal suctioning is routinely performed in mechanically ventilated patients to clear secretions. This study assessed if there were advantages of closed endotracheal suctioning (CES) over open endotracheal suctioning (OES) with respect to clinical outcomes. ⋯ This meta-analysis has not demonstrated a superiority of CES over OES with respect to VAP or mortality. Thus the decision for the use of CES may be based on possible benefits in patients requiring high respiratory supports, reduced costs in those needing prolonged MV or occupational health and safety concerns with OES.
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Critical care in obstetrics has received much attention in recent times. Despite progress in medical field and improvement in health facilities provided, maternal mortality is still very high in most of the developing countries. ⋯ The SAPS II accurately predicted mortality in obstetric patients admitted to ICU. Computation of the score as a routine in ICU may help in identifying those at high risk of mortality and then to reduce this risk.