Crit Care Resusc
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To estimate the impact of adopting the proposed new diagnostic criteria for sepsis, based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) criteria, on the diagnosis and apparent mortality of sepsis in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units. ⋯ Adopting the SOFA criteria will increase the apparent incidence of sepsis in patients admitted to the ICU with infective conditions without affecting the mortality rate. Prospective evaluation of the effect of adopting the new definition of sepsis is required.
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Pleural effusion adversely affects the pressuregenerating capacity of the diaphragm. It uncouples the lung and chest wall, which may result in diaphragmatic dysfunction. Information on the effects of effusion drainage on diaphragmatic function is limited, but several studies report relief of dyspnoea after drainage, which was attributed to improved diaphragmatic mechanics, even if this issue was never formally addressed. ⋯ Drainage of a unilateral pleural effusion during weaning from mechanical ventilation improves diaphragmatic contractile activity and respiratory system performance.
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To describe the characteristics, pattern of injury and outcome of children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following an inflicted injury. ⋯ The majority of children admitted to intensive care following an inflicted injury are aged under 12 months. Children most commonly require intensive care for management of a head injury. Many children have radiological findings suggestive of pre-existing inflicted injury. Despite high mortality, the majority of children survive. While most are likely to be independent, many children will have residual disabilities.