Critical Care Alert – October 1, 2005
October 1, 2005
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Improving Survival When Cardiogenic Shock Complicates Acute MI
This prospective 10-year study of 7356 patients with ST-elevation MI who presented in cardiogenic shock showed once again that early mechanical revascularization (as recommended by current guidelines) substantially increases survival; it also suggests that adherence to the guidelines needs to be further improved. -
Erythropoietin Therapy in the ICU: How Expensive?
When study data were used to perform a formal analysis of costs associated with use of erythropoietin, the total cost to avoid one transfusion-related adverse event was $4.7 million. -
Intra-Abdominal Hypertension in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Both intra-abdominal hypertension and evidence for its adverse physiologic effects were common in this retrospective series of ICU patients with severe acute pancreatitis, although there was no association with mortality, and 3 of 4 patients subjected to decompressive laparotomy died. -
Early Gastrostomy Decreases Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Brain-Injured Patients
In a randomized, controlled trial, patients with stroke or head injury who required mechanical ventilation were less likely to develop ventilator-associated pneumonia if they underwent early percutaneous gastrostomy for nutritional support than if they continued to be fed via nasogastric tube. -
Special Feature: Learning and Teaching Bronchoscopy in the ICU
Airway Management is an integral and frequent component of care of the critically ill. -
Pharmacology Watch: The Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Neutropenia
Is It Hot In Here?; Homeopathy vs Conventional Medicine; FDA Actions -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement