Articles: function.
-
Minerva anestesiologica · Mar 2016
Point-of-care coagulation management algorithms during ECMO support: are we there yet?
Haemorrhagic and thromboembolic events are common and the main cause for morbidity and mortality in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Monitoring of an adequate anticoagulation is, therefore, essential in patients during ECMO therapy. This review aims to describe the current evidence and emerging data relating to anticoagulation therapy and point-of-care (POC) coagulation monitoring in ECMO patients. ⋯ However, no single laboratory-based or POC coagulation test can reliably predict the emergence of haemorrhagic or thrombotic events. Further, treatment algorithms based on POC testing are scarce for ECMO patients. Larger prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the usefulness of POC coagulation monitors or a combination of them in potentially improving anticoagulation and decreasing haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications.
-
To characterize and identify prognostic factors for 28-day mortality among patients with hospital-acquired fungemia (HAF) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). ⋯ Fungi are an important cause of hospital-acquired BSI in the ICU. Patients with HAF present more frequently with septic shock and renal dysfunction on ICU admission and have a higher rate of renal failure at diagnosis. HAF are associated with a significant 28-day mortality rate (40%), but delayed adequate antifungal therapy was not an independent risk factor for death. Liver failure, need for mechanical ventilation and ICU admission for medical reason were the only independent predictors of 28-day mortality.