Articles: trauma.
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The best marker for the monitoring of immune alterations in critically ill patients (sepsis, trauma, pancreatitis, surgery, burns) so far remains decreased HLA-DR expression on monocytes measured by flow cytometry as it regularly provides valuable information in terms of mortality prediction or evaluation of risk for secondary infections. As shown by Cajander and colleagues in a recent issue of Critical Care, some promising tools-based molecular biology may circumvent some drawbacks related to flow cytometry. Herein, issues and perspectives about this alternative are discussed.
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Data suggest that treatment of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency after traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a stress dose of hydrocortisone may improve the neurological outcome and the mortality rate. The mineralocorticoid properties of hydrocortisone may reduce the rate of hyponatremia and of brain swelling. ⋯ Considering side effects, corticosteroids are not equal; when a high dose of synthetic corticosteroids seems detrimental, a strategy using a stress dose of hydrocortisone seems attractive. Finally, results from a large multicenter study are needed to close the debate regarding the use of hydrocortisone in TBI patients.
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Editorial Comment
Eubaric hyperoxia: controversies in the management of acute traumatic brain injury.
Controversy exists on the role of hyperoxia in major trauma with brain injury. Hyperoxia on arterial blood gas has been associated with acute lung injury and pulmonary complications, impacting clinical outcome. The hyperoxia could be reflective of the physiological interventions following major systemic trauma. ⋯ The risk of low brain oxygen is most acute in the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. The administration of a high fraction of inspired oxygen (0.6 to 1.0) in the emergency room may be justifiable until ICU admission for the placement of invasive neurocritical care monitoring systems. Thereafter, fraction of inspired oxygen levels need to be careful titrated to prevent low brain oxygen levels.