Articles: intensive-care-units.
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Objective: To determine the rates of colonization and infection related to central venous catheter (CVC), the causative microorganisms, and the influence of various factors. Methods: From June to August 1993, all CVC in 4 Intensive Care Units were evaluated from their insertion to removaL Data were collected by 3 nurses. Blood and catheter tips were cultured. ⋯ The most common microorganisms were gram-negative rods and S.aureus. Conclusions: The duration of venous catheter use increased the risk of colonization and infection. This observation suggests that physicians must strive for the shortest time of use of venous catheters, but it does not indicate a need for routine central venous catheter removal.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1997
Comparative StudyCan hospital discharge diagnoses be used for intensive care unit administrative and quality management functions?
To determine whether hospital discharge diagnoses can be used for intensive care unit (ICU)-related activities. ⋯ The primary discharge diagnosis often failed to reflect the reason for ICU admission, making it impossible to consistently establish the reason for ICU admission from the discharge data. The reason for ICU admission was also frequently not included among the secondary discharge diagnoses. Administrative data are therefore not useful for ICU quality management and other functions. Intensivists need to establish their own databases.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of intrathecal opioid on extubation time, analgesia, and intensive care unit stay following coronary artery bypass grafting.
To determine if intrathecal opioid decreases time to extubation after coronary artery bypass surgery without compromising postoperative analgesia. ⋯ Intrathecal opioid can facilitate early extubation and discharge from the ICU without compromising analgesia or increasing myocardial ischemia.