Revista Brasileira de terapia intensiva
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Apr 2015
Implementation and results of a new ECMO program for lung transplantation and acute respiratory distress.
The development of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Latin America represents a challenge in this specialty field. The objective of this article was to describe the results of a new extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program in an intensive care unit. ⋯ In spite of the steep learning curve, we considered this experience to be satisfactory, with results and complications comparable to those reported in the literature.
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Apr 2015
Baseline acetylcholinesterase activity and serotonin plasma levels are not associated with delirium in critically ill patients.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma serotonin levels or acetylcholinesterase activities determined upon intensive care unit admission could predict the occurrence of acute brain dysfunction in intensive care unit patients. ⋯ Neither serum acetylcholinesterase activity nor serotonin level was associated with delirium or acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients. Sepsis did not modify these relationships.
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Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Apr 2015
Fiber optic bronchoscopy-assisted percutaneous tracheostomy: a decade of experience at a university hospital.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous tracheostomy by means of single-step dilation with fiber optic bronchoscopy assistance in critical care patients under mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Percutaneous tracheostomy using the single-step dilation technique with fiber optic bronchoscopy assistance seems to be effective and safe in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation when performed by experienced intensive care specialists using a standardized procedure.