Crit Care Resusc
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To describe the use of imaging studies (four-vessel angiography or radionuclide scan) for brain death determination in South Australian intensive care units, and to determine the rates of adherence with The ANZICS statement on death and organ donation of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS). ⋯ Therapeutic hypothermia, terminal serum sodium level ≥ 150 mmol/L and cause of death were independent predictors of brain death determination by imaging study. Documentation of imaging indication was poor, particularly after hypoxic brain injury. This may reflect emerging indications for imaging, poor adherence to ANZICS recommendations, or simple omissions.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Incidence and cost of stress ulcer prophylaxis after discharge from the intensive care unit: a retrospective study.
To describe current patterns in initiation and cessation of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in intensive care units, and to assess the costs associated with inappropriate (non-evidence-based) SUP. ⋯ A substantial proportion of patients prescribed SUP in the ICU continue receiving this therapy at hospital discharge despite no clear indication. In addition to potential adverse clinical effects, this is associated with major direct and indirect cost implications.
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Multicenter Study
Early experience of a new extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal device for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Recent advances in the technology of extracorporeal respiratory assist systems have led to a renewed interest in extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCOR). The Hemolung is a new, low-flow, venovenous, minimally invasive, partial ECCOR device that has recently been introduced to clinical practice to aid in avoiding invasive ventilation or to facilitate lung-protective ventilation. ⋯ Our data shows that ECCOR was safe and effective in this cohort. Further experience is vital to identify the patients who may benefit most from this promising therapy.