Articles: critical-care.
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There has been an increasing awareness over the past few years of malnourishment in hospital patients (Horwood 1990, Wallace 1993). Critically ill patients are a particularly vulnerable group as their physical problems can mean depleted energy reserves and an increase in energy consumption. ⋯ To give critically ill patients the best possible chance of survival, intensive care staff need to be aware of recent developments in clinical nutrition. A multidisciplinary approach to nutrition is essential to achieve the best possible outcome for patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
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J Okla State Med Assoc · Sep 1994
ReviewUnderstanding mechanical ventilation: patient monitoring, complications, and weaning.
Mechanical ventilation can provide life saving support to critically ill patients with respiratory failure. The implementation of appropriate monitoring techniques and an awareness of potential complications can increase the safety of mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Determining patient suitability for extubation is an inexact science. The physical examination during a spontaneous breathing trial and the use of the rapid shallow breathing index can assist the clinician in the difficult decision as to the timing of extubation.
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Aug 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialPrediction of outcome from intensive care after gastroenterologic emergency.
Prognostic factors determining the outcome from intensive care were studied in 952 patients admitted to 25 Finnish ICUs after gastroenterologic emergency. Logistic regression analysis was used to create predictive models based on the APACHE II-system. The models were constructed by using data from a random two-thirds of the study population and validated in the remaining independent one-third together with the original APACHE II-index. ⋯ These probabilities should be interpreted cautiously, taking into account the limitations of statistical methods. This is especially important when assessing the highrisk patients. Their number in our study was too low for accurate outcome prediction.
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Critical care medicine · Aug 1994
ReviewRegionalization of critical care medicine: task force report of the American College of Critical Care Medicine.
To review the existing literature and task force opinions on regionalization of critical care services, and to synthesize a judgement on possible costs, benefits, disadvantages, and strategies. ⋯ Regionalization of critical care medicine probably is beneficial and the concept should be explored.