International journal of critical illness and injury science
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Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci · Jul 2011
Resource utilization in the management of traumatic brain injury patients in a critical care unit: An audit from rural setup of a developing country.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are steadily increasing and are a major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly in the young population, leading to the loss of life and productivity in the developing countries. Providing critical care to these patients with TBI is a challenge even in well-advanced centers in major cities of India. In the present study, we describe our experience of resource utilization in the management of TBI in a critical care unit (CCU) from a rural setup. ⋯ Apparently it seems possible to use the existing health care structures in rural areas to improve trauma care. It becomes particularly relevant in poor resource, developing countries, where health care facilities and access to specialized care units are still far below the acceptable standard, there is a need to compare with the reference group to further support the evidence.
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Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci · Jul 2011
Pre-injury polypharmacy as a predictor of outcomes in trauma patients.
One of the hallmarks of modern medicine is the improving management of chronic health conditions. Long-term control of chronic disease entails increasing utilization of multiple medications and resultant polypharmacy. The goal of this study is to improve our understanding of the impact of polypharmacy on outcomes in trauma patients 45 years and older. ⋯ Over 40% of trauma patients 45 years and older were receiving 5 or more medications at the time of their injury. Although these patients do not appear to have higher mortality, they are at increased risk for complications, lower functional outcomes, and longer hospital and intensive care stays. CPS may be useful when quantifying the severity of associated comorbid conditions in the context of traumatic injury and warrants further investigation.
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Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci · Jul 2011
A comparison between two different alveolar recruitment maneuvers in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Alveolar recruitment is a physiological process that denotes the reopening of previously gasless lung units exposed to positive pressure ventilation. The current study was aimed to compare two recruitment maneuvers, a high continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and an extended sigh in patients with ARDS. ⋯ Alveolar recruitment maneuvers are effective in management of mechanically ventilated ARDS patients. We conclude that extended sigh is more effective than continuous positive airway pressure as a recruitment maneuver.