Aust Crit Care
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Maintaining oral health in the critically ill patient is imperative in reducing the risk of nosocomial infections and improving patient comfort and discharge outcomes. Critically ill patients are at great risk for poor oral health as many are elderly, undernourished, dehydrated, immunosuppressed, have a smoking or alcohol history, are intubated or on high-flow oxygen, and are unable to mechanically remove dental plaque. Many modalities for delivering oral care have been reported in the literature. ⋯ Sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide are of limited use due to lack of convincing evidence regarding their safety and antimicrobial effects in the critically ill population. Saliva stimulants or substitutes including lemon and glycerine are also inappropriate for moistening the oral cavity in the critically ill patient. Regular oral assessment and individualized oral care, along with the use of a standardised protocol for oral care (incorporating proven modalities) is vital for optimal oral care in the critically ill patient.
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The ascending peripheral neuropathy and paralysis that result from Guillain-Barre Syndrome's (GBS) demyelination of peripheral nerves is a challenge to health professionals; the patient requires support during the acute disease process and during the remyelination recovery period, often lasting months to years. The staff of a major metropolitan teaching hospital's critical care unit (CCU) and physiotherapy departments developed a hydrotherapy treatment programme for a ventilated patient with GBS. ⋯ The benefits included improved range of movement due to the supportive nature of water, anecdotal increased strength, size and movement of remyelinating muscles and a psychological improvement. Although this patient has not recovered from GBS to be independent, hydrotherapy was a valuable part of the treatment regimen and it could be suggested the increase muscle strength lead to improved respiratory function and enabled weaning from ventilation, reducing intensive care length of stay and cost.