Aust Crit Care
-
Meta Analysis
Subglottic secretion drainage for preventing ventilator associated pneumonia: a meta-analysis.
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been shown to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.(1-3) It has been reported to affect between 9 and 27% of intubated patients receiving mechanical ventilation.(4-6) OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was undertaken to combine information from published studies of the effect of subglottic drainage of secretions on the incidence of ventilated associated pneumonia in adult ICU patients. ⋯ This meta-analysis of published randomized control trials shows that almost one-half of cases of VAP may be prevented with the use of specialized endotracheal tubes designed to drain subglottic secretions. Time on mechanical ventilation may be reduced and time to development of VAP may be increased, but no reduction in ICU or hospital mortality has been observed in published trials.
-
This study sought to identify and describe the clinical and behavioural components (e.g. the what, how, when, where and by whom) of 'selective decontamination of the digestive tract' (SDD) as routinely implemented in the care of critically ill patients. ⋯ This study is the first to formally outline the full spectrum of clinical and behavioural aspects of SDD. It identified points in the delivery process where complex behaviours occur and outlined how SDD can be interpreted and applied variably in practice. This comprehensive specification allows greater understanding of how this intervention could be implemented in units not currently using it, or replicated in research studies. It also identified strategies required to adopt SDD and to standardise its implementation.
-
High flow nasal cannula is an emerging treatment option in Paediatric Intensive Care Units for paediatric patients in acute respiratory distress. Yet there is a paucity of literature describing its clinical application in various presenting pathophysiologies. ⋯ High flow nasal cannula therapy is a viable treatment option for a range of patients presenting to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with acute respiratory distress. More invasive methods of respiratory support may be avoided by the use of high flow nasal cannula therapy.