Revista Brasileira de terapia intensiva
-
Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Sep 2012
Urinary electrolyte monitoring in critically ill patients: a preliminary observational study.
Intensive care unit survivors and non-survivors have distinct acid-base profiles. The kidney's regulation of urinary electrolytes and the urinary strong ion difference plays a major role in acid-base homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential utility of daily spot urinary electrolyte measurement in acid-base and renal function monitoring. ⋯ Daily assessment of spot urinary electrolytes and strong ion difference are useful components of acid-base and renal function evaluations in critically ill patients, having distinct profiles between intensive care unit survivors and non-survivors.
-
Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Sep 2012
Incidence and primary causes of unplanned extubation in a neonatal intensive care unit.
This study established the incidence and primary causes of unplanned extubation in newborns in the neonatal intensive care units of the Hospital Sofia Feldman, Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais). ⋯ The incidence of unplanned extubation in the investigated neonatal intensive care units was low during the study period compared to previously reported data. Nevertheless, the assessment of the quality of procedures, the continuous follow-up of newborns, and the monitoring of the causes of extubation are required to further reduce this incidence.
-
Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Sep 2012
Nutritional support and outcomes in critically ill patients after one week in the intensive care unit.
This study evaluated the relationship between nutritional intake and protein and caloric requirements and observed clinical outcomes on the 7th day of intensive care unit stay. ⋯ The results did not establish that energy and protein intakes of greater or less than 60% of nutritional requirements were reliable dividers of clinical outcomes.
-
Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Jun 2012
Prevalence and outcomes of infections in Brazilian ICUs: a subanalysis of EPIC II study.
To determine the prevalence of infections in Brazilian intensive care units and the associated mortality by analyzing the data obtained in the Extended Prevalence of Infection in Intensive Care (EPIC II) study. ⋯ The present study revealed a higher prevalence of infections in Brazilian ICUs than has been previously reported. There was a clear association between infection and mortality.
-
Rev Bras Ter Intensiva · Jun 2012
Palliative care of elderly patients in intensive care units: a systematic review.
The use of interventionist medical technology in terminal elderly patients must be associated with palliative care as a measure of clinical support in intensive care units. Palliative care is an important component of end-of-life care, and the assistance provided by the healthcare team should be guided by decisions made by patients and their family members. Prolongation of life not accompanied by therapies aimed at relieving symptoms, such as pain and dyspnea, contributes to patient and family member stress suffering. The aim of the present study was to survey advances made in the application of palliative care in intensive care units. ⋯ Palliative care for elderly patients in intensive care units must be more thoroughly investigated to improve the relationships and communication among patients, their relatives, and the healthcare team. As greater numbers of elderly patients are admitted to intensive care units, the skills of health caregivers must improve to meet the challenges posed by the end-of-life care.