Search

A recent study conducted at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy, aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) admitted to a high-volume hospital. The study included 96 patients, with 47% of them dying during hospitalization. The researchers found that older age, higher inflammatory burden at admission, elevated lactate levels, greater increase in lactate levels, higher left ventricular filling pressures, and worse right ventricular function were associated with higher mortality rates. The study suggests that measuring lactate acidosis and C-reactive protein levels at admission may help identify patients at higher risk of adverse outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal examined the use of different biopsy techniques in mechanically ventilated patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). The study compared transbronchial lung cryobiopsies (TBLC), transbronchial forceps lung biopsies (TBLB), and surgical lung biopsies (SLB) in terms of their diagnostic yield, complications, and impact on patient management. The results showed that all three biopsy methods had high diagnostic yields and contributed to patient management, but also had elevated complication rates. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to determine which patients would benefit from lung biopsies and to identify the best biopsy modality. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC-H) discusses the PRiVENT project, which aims to prevent long-term invasive mechanical ventilation. One element of the project is an e-learning course designed to improve weaning expertise for healthcare professionals. The course consists of seven modules with practice-oriented training units and interactive case studies, and users can earn continuing medical education credits. The report highlights the positive feedback received from users, who praised the structure, practical relevance, and opportunity for earning credits. The researchers conclude that e-learning is a valuable supplement to existing medical training, particularly for medical staff in intensive care units. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, aimed to understand the diagnosis and management of hypoglycemia in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The study found that there is variability in the numerical definition of hypoglycemia and diverse strategies used to manage the condition. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the efficacy of different treatment options. This information is important for neonatologists and healthcare professionals working in the NICU to improve the care of newborns with hypoglycemia. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in the United Kingdom discusses the findings of a study on glycopeptide antibiotics. The study focused on the protein binding of vancomycin (VAN) in plasma and how it is influenced by illness and age. The researchers compared model-estimated free VAN concentrations (EFVC) with assumed free VAN concentrations (AFVC) in neonates, children, and adults in the intensive care unit and those on dialysis. The study found that the fraction of free unbound VAN is higher in sick children and neonates than in adults, suggesting that adjusting VAN doses in neonates and children based on total VAN concentration may result in toxic-free concentrations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Udayana University in Bali, Indonesia, discusses the case of a 53-year-old male who was diagnosed with cerebral malaria and dengue fever. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with severe malaria, septic shock, and acute kidney injury. Despite the poor prognosis typically associated with co-infection of cerebral malaria and dengue, the patient showed improvement and was discharged without any complications. The report emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management in the ICU for cases of co-infection involving these two mosquito-borne diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06379828, is being conducted to create a self-assessment tool for hospitals to measure the implementation of the European Standards of Care for Newborn Health (ESCNH). The tool aims to improve neonatal care by identifying differences in care delivery and supporting healthcare professionals across Europe. The trial will involve healthcare professionals from various backgrounds and parent representatives in an electronic Delphi consensus approach. A pilot-testing phase will refine the tool and ensure its user-friendliness and applicability. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 3, 2024, with a primary completion date of October 1, 2025. This document provides a study protocol for the development and testing of a self-assessment tool to evaluate the implementation of European standards of care for newborn health. The study will involve a workshop to determine the tool's content, followed by anonymous data collection through eDelphi rounds. The tool will be tested in European hospitals, with healthcare professionals invited to evaluate it. The feedback from the pilot testing will be used to modify the tool. The study is observational and is not currently recruiting participants. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center discusses the role of pharmacy residents in process improvement at a verified burn center. Pharmacy residents specializing in critical care rotate through the Burn Intensive Care Unit for six weeks and develop process improvement projects in collaboration with the burn unit director, nursing management, and senior ICU pharmacist. Over a three-year period, five projects were completed, including topics such as delirium prevention and management and ketamine infusion for pain management. The research concludes that pharmacy residents are an innovative and underutilized resource for process improvement in burn centers. Other burn centers may benefit from incorporating pharmacy residents into their quality improvement projects. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a clinical trial, NCT06382077, that is investigating the occurrence of chronic pain three months after cardiac surgery and the factors that contribute to it. The trial is a large, multicenter study that will examine the incidence of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and identify the factors that influence it. The trial will also measure various outcomes such as opioid consumption, pain scores, postoperative complications, and quality of life assessments. The study aims to improve pain management and patient outcomes after cardiac surgery. The trial is not yet recruiting and is expected to be completed by October 2025. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06375252, has been launched to evaluate the design and ergonomic use of a central jugular vein catheter lumen holder. Central venous catheterization is a common procedure used in patient care, particularly in intensive care units. The study aims to develop an innovative design for the catheter lumen holder to improve the position, fixation, and comfort of the catheter. The trial is still recruiting participants, and the estimated completion date is May 30, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida, found that infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) require higher initial doses of enoxaparin, an anticoagulant, to reach therapeutic antifactor Xa levels than what is currently recommended. The study included 56 infants less than 12 months old who received enoxaparin treatment in the NICU. The researchers concluded that infants, especially those less than 4 months old, need higher initial enoxaparin doses to achieve therapeutic levels. This information is important for healthcare providers treating infants at risk for thrombotic conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Paris, France, examined the diagnostic accuracy of the BioFire Pneumonia plus Panel in pediatric intensive care unit patients with pneumonia. The study found that the multiplex PCR assay had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95%, with good agreement between the PCR assay and reference culturing method. The rapid results provided by the PCR assay could improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy and reduce the use of antibiotics. This research has been peer-reviewed and may be of interest to those studying pneumonia in pediatric patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital discusses research on intensive care medicine. The study focused on the optimal ventilation strategy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The researchers compared arterial oxygenation and haemodynamics during manual asynchronous continuous ventilation and compressions with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio. The results showed that both protocols resulted in similar gas exchange and vital sign outcomes, but the continuous chest compressions protocol led to more post-mortem pneumothoraces. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Guizhou, People's Republic of China, explored the risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) and proposed preventive measures. The study found that age, duration of mechanical ventilation, sedative and vasopressor dosage, and length of ICU stay were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group. Other factors such as comorbidities, sepsis, organ dysfunction, and rehabilitation therapy were also associated with ICU-AW. The study concluded that minimizing the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration could be an effective preventive strategy. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers in the Intensive Care Medicine Department have conducted a study on the impact of mechanical ventilation on the estimation of right ventricle stroke volume (RVSV) using pulse wave analysis. They found that the direct transmission of intrathoracic pressure changes during the respiratory cycle caused by mechanical ventilation can affect the reliability of pulse wave analysis. However, they developed a new method that minimizes this effect and enhances the accuracy of RVSV estimation. The study concluded that correcting for mechanical ventilation-induced changes improves the performance of pulse wave analysis for beat-to-beat estimation of RVSV. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom focuses on evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a conservative approach to oxygen therapy for invasively ventilated adults in intensive care units (ICUs). The study aims to determine the optimal amount of oxygen to administer to patients for the best clinical outcomes. The trial will recruit 16,500 patients from approximately 100 UK adult ICUs and will compare conservative oxygen therapy to usual oxygen therapy. The primary outcome being measured is all-cause mortality at 90 days following randomization. The trial has received ethical approval and began in May 2021. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine highlights the importance of providing adequate nutritional support to critically ill adult patients in intensive care units. The study focuses on the role of parenteral nutrition (PN) in meeting nutritional goals and compares its safety and efficacy to enteral nutrition. Practical considerations for the use of PN in the ICU, such as patient nutritional risk stratification, nutrient composition selection, route of administration, and biochemical monitoring, are also discussed. The study emphasizes the association between malnutrition and poor clinical outcomes in ICU patients. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Rhode Island Hospital provides new insights into aconite poisoning and its management. Aconite poisoning refers to toxicity resulting from plants belonging to the Aconitum genus, which includes over 350 different species of perennial flowering plants found in temperate mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere. These plants contain a group of toxins known as aconite alkaloids, which have been historically used for hunting, assassinations, traditional medicine, and self-inflicted harm. The clinical manifestations of aconite poisoning can include gastrointestinal symptoms, sensory alterations, seizures, and life-threatening dysrhythmias that may not respond to standard treatments. Treatment is primarily supportive and should be personalized in collaboration with a toxicologist. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Pediatrics has examined the risk factors for pediatric patients requiring care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). The research found that lower age, lower weight, having an underlying inborn error of metabolism, and receiving busulfan-based conditioning were all risk factors for needing PICU care. The study also evaluated the utilization of the PICU and outcomes for these patients. The researchers concluded that further analysis and collaboration with other centers is needed to continue reducing morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing HCT. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at King Fahad Medical City in Saudi Arabia examined the outcomes of cancer patients who had an unplanned admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The study included 410 cancer patients with 466 unplanned ICU admissions, with 52% of the patients having non-hematological malignancies. The average length of stay in the ICU was 9.6 days, and the mean APACHE II score was 21.9. The study found that predictors of mortality included the need for mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and treatment with vasopressors, as well as the presence of febrile neutropenia. The survival rate for cancer patients with an unplanned ICU admission was low, with 85% of patients dying within one year. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a clinical trial that is currently not recruiting participants. The trial aims to compare two methods of renal replacement therapy, CVVHD and CVVHDF, in patients with acute kidney injury. The trial will specifically investigate the effects of regional citrate anticoagulation versus systemic heparin anticoagulation on dialysis filter lifespan and mortality. The trial is set to be completed by August 15, 2026 and is being conducted in France. Contact information for the primary investigator is also provided. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a newly launched clinical trial, NCT06369818, which aims to investigate the correlation between cardiac output measured by indirect calorimetry and transthoracic echocardiography in critically ill patients in cardiogenic shock on extracorporeal circulatory life support. The trial is an observational study and will examine whether the daily trend of cardiac output measured by these two methods correlates with each other. The study will enroll 50 patients and is expected to be completed by February 2027. The trial will provide valuable insights into the estimation of cardiac output in patients receiving extracorporeal life support therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Chiang Mai University in Thailand investigated the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving intravenous colistin, an antibiotic commonly associated with nephrotoxicity. The study found that diabetes, malignancy, septic shock, and vasopressor use were significant risk factors for AKI in these patients. Conversely, baseline serum creatinine levels were associated with a decreased risk of AKI. These findings contribute to a better understanding of colistin-related nephrotoxicity and can guide clinical management to mitigate the risk of AKI in this patient population. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Geneva University Hospitals have developed a set of quality indicators (QIs) for the cardiovascular assessment and management of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The QIs were developed in collaboration with the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, following a systematic literature review and a modified Delphi method. The QIs cover six domains, including structural framework, patient education, peri-operative risk assessment, peri-operative risk mitigation, follow-up, and outcomes. These QIs are supported by evidence from the literature and align with the 2022 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular assessment and management of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Montpellier, France, provides an update on the latest developments in the early diagnosis and specific treatment of severe influenza infection. The study emphasizes the importance of early identification of potentially severe viral pneumonia to optimize treatment. Biomarkers such as procalcitonin, ferritin, and lactate can aid in prognostication and clinical decision-making. The study recommends the use of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir and supportive measures for respiratory failure, while cautioning against the use of corticosteroids in initial treatment. The researchers call for further clinical trials and specific recommendations to improve outcomes for different at-risk populations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic examined the association between early do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and treatment outcomes in patients hospitalized with pneumonia. The study analyzed data from 768,015 adult patients hospitalized with pneumonia between 2010 and 2015 in 646 US hospitals. The findings showed that patients with early DNR orders had higher mortality rates and lower use of intensive therapies such as vasopressors and invasive mechanical ventilation. However, among patients with the highest predicted mortality, DNR orders were associated with lower intensive care use. The study concluded that DNR orders have the most impact on the care of patients with the highest mortality risk. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in Hefei, China compared three different diagnostic criteria for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with sepsis. The study found that there was no significant difference in the incidence, diagnosis, or staging of sepsis-associated AKI (SA-AKI) between the three criteria. However, the pRIFLE criteria were more sensitive in the early detection of SA-AKI, while the pROCK criteria had higher specificity. The study also identified independent risk factors for SA-AKI death, including high Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) scores and high procalcitonin levels. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Chang Gung University in Taoyuan, Taiwan, examined the air quality in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and its impact on aerosolized drug therapy. The study found that while the concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and aerosolized drugs in the air met Taiwan's indoor air quality standards, the levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) exceeded the standards. The study also revealed that the concentration of acetylcysteine in the air was positively associated with relative humidity (RH) and CO2 concentration. The researchers recommended continuous monitoring of TVOCs and CO2 in the PICU and emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance or using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter during aerosol therapy to minimize exposure and maintain hospital air quality. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Robert-Debre University Hospital in Paris, France discusses the factors associated with adverse outcomes among children with sickle cell disease (SCD) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The study found that children with SCD can become critically ill and require PICU admission, and identified baseline hemoglobin levels, history of bronchial obstruction, and admission for acute chest syndrome as risk factors for adverse outcomes. The researchers suggest that these factors should be considered when choosing appropriate therapeutic options for SCD patients. The study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and care of children with SCD in high-income countries. [Extracted from the article]

A recent case report from Recife, Brazil discusses the use of laser photobiomodulation as a treatment for chemical stomatitis in an intensive care patient. The patient, a 14-year-old male with chronic kidney disease, developed oral lesions due to inadequate administration of calcium carbonate during peritoneal dialysis. Laser photobiomodulation, along with a topical corticosteroid, was used to treat the lesions. The patient experienced significant improvement in pain symptoms after the first session and continued to improve after eight sessions. This research suggests that laser photobiomodulation can be an effective treatment for oral lesions in intensive care patients. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a clinical trial, NCT06352723, which is studying the use of Cenobamate in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for acute frequent seizures and status epilepticus. The trial will involve 10 participants and will be conducted at leading centers in the United States. The study aims to monitor for potential adverse reactions and ensure patient safety. The estimated completion date for the trial is June 2025. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06351475, is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using 20% albumin combined with Ringer Lactate for fluid therapy during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This treatment is commonly used for peritoneal metastases, but there is a need to reduce fluid volume during surgery and improve postoperative outcomes. The study aims to assess the impact of using 20% albumin on postoperative outcomes after 28 days. The trial follows a prospective, randomized, comparative, controlled, open-label, parallel group, and multicenter design. The ALBUCHIP study is a randomized clinical trial that aims to assess the efficacy of using 20% albumin combined with Ringer Lactate for fluid therapy during cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The intervention group will receive a bolus of 20% albumin followed by infusion, while the control group will receive Ringer Lactate based on scientific recommendations. The primary outcome measure is the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score at day 28 after surgery. The study is not yet recruiting and is estimated to be completed in October 2026. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kerman University of Medical Sciences compared the effects of phenobarbital and levetiracetam as adjuvant therapy in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs in infants born to mothers with substance use disorder and requires treatment with medication. The study found that there was no significant difference in hospitalization time, frequency of re-hospitalization, occurrence of complications, and third treatment line prescription between the two groups. The researchers suggest that levetiracetam could be used as a substitute for phenobarbital in treating NAS. The study was registered in the Iran registry of clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in the management of acute pancreatitis (AP). The study aimed to determine the role of PPI in AP and its association with different outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from 431,571 patients with mild AP and found that those on PPI had lower rates of mortality, intensive care unit admission, necrotizing pancreatitis, hospital-acquired pneumonia, respiratory failure, and acute kidney injury compared to those not on PPI. However, there was no statistical difference in the rate of Clostridium difficile infection between the two groups. The study suggests that the use of PPI in mild AP with a BISAP-score of zero is associated with reduced complications and improved mortality, but further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Michigan evaluated the feasibility and performance of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to guide computerized insulin infusion therapy in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. The study found that CGM, when combined with periodic point-of-care blood glucose tests, was accurate and convenient for both nurses and patients. The results suggest that adopting CGM in postoperative care could improve workflow, enhance health outcomes, and be cost-effective. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Massachusetts General Hospital discusses the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). The report highlights the increasing complexity of patients admitted to the CICU and the growing use of NIV to manage respiratory failure. It provides an overview of different NIV modalities and their evidence-based use in common conditions encountered in the CICU. The report also addresses the unique considerations for managing respiratory failure in high-risk patient populations. Clinicians in the CICU are encouraged to be knowledgeable about the application, risks, benefits, and modalities of NIV in cardiac patients with respiratory failure. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Boston Children's Hospital focused on the implementation of individualized developmental care (IDC) in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) for infants with congenital heart disease (CHD). The study aimed to increase the amount of IDC provided using the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). The researchers found that over time, there was improvement in the implementation of IDC, including appropriate lighting, sound management, and developmentally supportive infant bedding and clothing. However, family participation and holding of infants in the CICU remained challenging, especially for the most ill infants. The study concluded that the implementation of IDC in the NIDCAP model improved over time. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey conducted by researchers from the University of Pavia in Italy examined the diagnosis and management of cardiogenic shock in general intensive care units. The survey found that there is no standardized approach to treating cardiogenic shock among Italian general intensive care units. The researchers suggest that implementing shock severity stratification and treatment bundles could improve patient outcomes. This research provides valuable insights into the current practices surrounding cardiogenic shock in Italy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Normandie University focused on the clinical features and outcomes of life-threatening varicella-zoster virus (VZV) manifestations that required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The study included 119 adult patients with VZV-related events between 2010 and 2019. The most common organ involvement was encephalitis, followed by pneumonia and hepatitis. The study found that severe VZV manifestations in the ICU were associated with high mortality, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. The researchers suggest that identifying high-risk patients and understanding clinical phenotypes can help clinicians assess prognosis and provide appropriate care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Canada examined the effectiveness and safety of a therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) program for critically ill patients. The study found that TPE could be delivered quickly and safely in the PICU for various indications, with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) being the most common diagnosis. The median time from PICU admission to initiation of TPE was 38 hours, and the median PICU length of stay was 10 days. No adverse events were reported. This research provides valuable insights into the use of TPE in pediatric critical care. [Extracted from the article]

MeMed Diagnostics Ltd. has filed a patent application for a method of classifying infectious diseases in patients. The method involves analyzing proteins or RNA in a patient sample to determine if the disease is viral or bacterial and assess its severity. The invention aims to improve disease assessment and patient management by providing accurate diagnostic information. NewsRx LLC is a reliable source of fact-based news reports that cover research and discoveries from around the world, offering valuable information for library patrons conducting research on specific topics. The reports are culturally sensitive and present diverse perspectives, allowing readers to decide if they want to explore the underlying text further. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta found that back massage therapy can improve the quality of sleep for patients in the intensive care unit. The researchers reviewed three relevant articles from the past five years and found that back massage therapy, lasting between 10 and 20 minutes, can enhance sleep quality in critical patients. The study used the Verran Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale and Wrist Actigraph as measuring instruments. The findings suggest that back massage therapy, performed by nurses, can be a beneficial intervention to improve sleep quality in the intensive care unit. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg discusses the importance of freely available datasets in critical care medicine research. The study highlights the limited number of datasets available and the need for validation of insights derived from one dataset with another. The Salzburg Intensive Care database (SICdb) was introduced in 2023 and contains information on over 27,000 intensive care admissions from 21,000 patients. The article provides an analysis of the dataset's characteristics, technical implementation, and its strengths and limitations. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free through the provided link. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Vanderbilt University compared the use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) to phenobarbital (PHB) for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in trauma patients. The study found that a PHB-based protocol was a safe and effective alternative to BZD-based regimens. Patients receiving PHB were less likely to develop uncomplicated AWS and require therapy escalation, and had a shorter length of stay compared to those receiving BZDs. The study suggests that PHB may be a viable option for the treatment of AWS in trauma patients. [Extracted from the article]