Crit Care Resusc
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Comparative Study
Bedside lung ultrasound, mobile radiography and physical examination: a comparative analysis of diagnostic tools in the critically ill.
To compare lung ultrasonography (LUS), chest xray (CXR) and physical examination (Ex) for the detection of pathological abnormalities in the lungs of critically ill patients. ⋯ There was only fair-to-moderate agreement between LUS, CXR and Ex in detecting pulmonary abnormalities, including pleural effusion, lung consolidation and AIS. The higher rate of detection from LUS, combined with its ease of use and increasing accessibility, makes for a powerful diagnostic tool in the ICU.
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Diabetes mellitus and blood glucose level (BGL) are emerging as important prognosticators of outcome in critically ill patients. We evaluated the effect of diabetes and pre-hospital BGL on survival to hospital discharge and on 12-month functional recovery after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ Diabetes affects at least one in five patients who have had an OHCA and is associated with poorer survival and 12-month functional recovery after OHCA. In comparison, an elevated pre-hospital BGL is common in the peri-arrest period and may be associated with improved outcomes.
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Observational Study
Is impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation associated with outcome in patients admitted to the ICU with early septic shock?
To investigate the correlation between early changes in cerebrovascular autoregulation (CVAR) and neurological outcome and mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with septic shock. ⋯ CVAR is impaired early in septic shock and is independently associated with mortality at 3-month follow-up. Information based on bedside monitoring of CVAR in the ICU could form a valuable adjunct to guide haemodynamic optimisation in patients with septic shock.
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Women are under-represented in the intensive care medicine (ICM) specialist workforce. I aimed to better understand the challenges these women face so they can be considered in the training and support of ICM specialists. ⋯ The participation and satisfaction rates of women working in the ICM specialist workforce are encouraging. Although challenges exist, women contemplating a career in ICM should see it as achievable and rewarding.