Crit Care Resusc
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Observational Study
A prospective observational study of the effect of critical illness on ultrastructural and microscopic morphology of duodenal mucosa.
Disturbed intestinal barrier function due to 'leaky' tight junctions may cause secondary sepsis via paracellular translocation across the gut wall. Our objective was to describe the effects of critical illness on duodenal morphology and ultrastructure. ⋯ We did not detect any morphological abnormalities of duodenal tight junctions in critically ill patients. Our results should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample population, but our observations challenge the concept that paracellular translocation facilitates secondary sepsis.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Maintenance fluid practices in intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand.
Administration of maintenance fluid is common practice in the intensive care unit, contributing to daily fluid and sodium intake and balance. Despite this, there is little evidence to describe clinical practices relating to its administration to ICU patients. ⋯ Administration of maintenance fluids to patients in Australian and New Zealand ICUs is common. Although the volume being delivered has decreased, maintenance fluids contribute over one-third of daily total fluid administration.