Crit Care Resusc
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Comparative Study
205 Comparison of the measurement properties of the AQoL and SF-6D in critical illness.
Multiattribute utility (MAU) instruments are short instruments measuring quality of life, health utility scores and treatment cost-effectiveness. Many studies have compared MAU instruments, but few have involved intensive care unit patients. Our aim was to compare the measurement properties of two MAUs, the assessment of quality of life (AQoL) and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 6D (SF-6D), in a sample of patients with critical illness. ⋯ The AQoL and SF-6D demonstrated acceptable measurement properties in the ICU population, but the findings raised questions about the reliability and predictive power of the SF-6D. Further research is required to determine the most appropriate instrument for use in measuring health utility in the ICU population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of continuous beta-lactam infusion compared with intermittent beta-lactam dosing in critically ill patients with severe sepsis: the BLING II study.
Beta-lactam antibiotics are largely administered by bolus dosing, despite displaying time-dependent pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and there being a strong rationale for continuous administration. The randomised controlled trials conducted to date comparing the mode of betalactam administration have been inconclusive and limited by non-equivalent dosing, unblinded administration and small sample sizes. ⋯ The study started in July 2012 and will provide clinical evidence as to whether continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics is superior to intermittent bolus administration in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. A Phase III study powered for a survival end point may be justified, based on the results of our study.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effects of non-invasive ventilation on reintubation rate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised studies of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
To estimate the effect of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) on the rate of reintubation among patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. ⋯ NIV seems to be effective in reducing reintubation rate after cardiothoracic surgery. The results of this meta-analysis should be confirmed by large randomised controlled studies.
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Review Meta Analysis
A meta-analysis of complications and mortality of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
To comprehensively assess published peer-reviewed studies related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), focusing on outcomes and complications of ECMO in adult patients. ⋯ Even with conditions usually associated with a high chance of death, almost 50% of patients receiving ECMO survive up to discharge. Complications are frequent and most often comprise renal failure, pneumonia or sepsis, and bleeding.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Temperature management of non-elective intensive care patients without neurological abnormalities: a point prevalence study of practice in Australia and New Zealand.
To determine the frequency of pharmacological and physical cooling in non-elective general intensive care unit patients without neurological abnormalities in Australia and New Zealand, and to establish the indications for antipyretics, the prevalence of fever, and the methods of temperature measurement. ⋯ Pharmacological antipyretics are used regularly for pain management rather than fever management, with paracetamol the most common antipyretic therapy. The use of NSAIDS and physical cooling is rare. Non-core temperature measurements were common.