Intensive Care Unit Admission (intensive + care_unit_admission)

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Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Prospective Multicenter Bronchiolitis Study: Predicting Intensive Care Unit Admissions

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008
Dorothy Damore MD
Abstract Objectives:, The authors sought to identify predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among children hospitalized with bronchiolitis for ,24 hours. Methods:, The authors conducted a prospective cohort study during two consecutive bronchiolitis seasons, 2004 through 2006, in 30 U.S. emergency departments (EDs). All included patients were aged <2 years and had a final diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Regular floor versus ICU admissions were compared. Results:, Of 1,456 enrolled patients, 533 (37%) were admitted to the regular floor and 50 (3%) to the ICU. Comparing floor and ICU admissions, multivariate ED predictors of ICU admission were age <2 months (26% vs. 53%; odds ratio [OR] = 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1 to 8.3), an ED visit the past week (25% vs. 40%; OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.4), moderate/severe retractions (31% vs. 48%; OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3 to 5.2), and inadequate oral intake (31% vs. 53%; OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.6 to 7.1). Unlike previous studies, no association with male gender, socioeconomic factors, insurance status, breast-feeding, or parental asthma was found with ICU admission. Conclusions:, In this prospective multicenter ED-based study of children admitted for bronchiolitis, four independent predictors of ICU admission were identified. The authors did not confirm many putative risk factors, but cannot rule out modest associations. [source]


Complications and mortality in older surgical patients in Australia and New Zealand (the REASON study): a multicentre, prospective, observational study,

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2010
D. A. Story
Summary We conducted a prospective study of non-cardiac surgical patients aged 70 years or more in 23 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. We studied 4158 consecutive patients of whom 2845 (68%) had pre-existing comorbidities. By day 30, 216 (5%) patients had died, and 835 (20%) suffered complications; 390 (9.4%) patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Pre-operative factors associated with mortality included: increasing age (80,89 years: OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6,2.8), p < 0.001; 90+ years: OR 4.0 (95% CI 2.6,6.2), p < 0.001); worsening ASA physical status (ASA 3: OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.8,5.5), p < 0.001; ASA 4: OR 12.4 (95% CI 6.9,22.2), p < 0.001); a pre-operative plasma albumin < 30 g.l,1 (OR: 2.5 (95% CI 1.8,3.5), p < 0.001); and non-scheduled surgery (OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.3,2.5), p < 0.001). Complications associated with mortality included: acute renal impairment (OR 3.3 (95% CI 2.1,5.0), p < 0.001); unplanned Intensive Care Unit admission (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.9,4.9), p < 0.001); and systemic inflammation (OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.7,3.7), p < 0.001). Patient factors often had a stronger association with mortality than the type of surgery. Strategies are needed to reduce complications and mortality in older surgical patients. [source]


The association between early hemodynamic variables and outcome in normothermic comatose patients following cardiac arrest

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 8 2010
C. TORGERSEN
Background: Currently, few data exist on the association between post-cardiac arrest hemodynamic function and outcome. In this explorative, retrospective analysis, the association between hemodynamic variables during the first 24 h after intensive care unit admission and functional outcome at day 28 was evaluated in 153 normothermic comatose patients following a cardiac arrest. Methods: Medical records of a multidisciplinary intensive care unit were reviewed for comatose patients (Glasgow Coma Scale ,9) admitted to the intensive care unit after successful resuscitation from an in- or an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The hourly variable time integral of hemodynamic variables during the first 24 h after admission was calculated. At day 28, outcome was assessed as favorable or adverse based on a Cerebral Performance Category of 1,2 and 3,5, respectively. Bi- and multivariate regression models adjusted for relevant confounding variables were used to evaluate the association between hemodynamic variables and functional outcome. Results: One hundred and fifty-three normothermic comatose patients were admitted after a cardiac arrest, of whom 64 (42%) experienced a favorable outcome. Neither in the adjusted bivariate models (r2, 0.61,0.78) nor in the adjusted multivariate model (r2, 0.62,0.73) was the hourly variable time integral of any hemodynamic variable during the first 24 h after intensive care unit admission associated with functional patient outcome at day 28 in all patients as well as in patients after an in- or an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Conclusion: Commonly measured hemodynamic variables during the first 24 h following intensive care unit admission due to a cardiac arrest do not appear to be associated with the functional outcome at day 28. [source]


The role of nurses in preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction: literature review

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2005
Julie Considine BN MN RN RM FRCNA
Aims., This paper reports a literature review examining the relationship between specific clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction and adverse events, and exploring the role of nurses in preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction. Background., Adverse events in hospital are associated with poor patient outcomes such as increased mortality and permanent disability. Many of these adverse events are preventable and are preceded by a period during which the patient exhibits clearly abnormal physiological signs. The role of nurses in preserving physiological safety by early recognition and correction of physiological abnormality is a key factor in preventing adverse events. Methods., A search of the Medline and CINAHL databases was conducted using the following terms: predictors of poor outcome, adverse events, mortality, cardiac arrest, emergency, oxygen, supplemental oxygen, oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation, oxygen delivery, assessment, patient assessment, physical assessment, dyspnoea, hypoxia, hypoxaemia, respiratory assessment, respiratory dysfunction, shortness of breath and pulse oximetry. The papers reviewed were research papers that demonstrated a relationship between adverse events and various clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction. Results., Respiratory dysfunction is a known clinical antecedent of adverse events such as cardiac arrest, need for medical emergency team activation and unplanned intensive care unit admission. The presence of respiratory dysfunction prior to an adverse event is associated with increased mortality. The specific clinical indicators involved are alterations in respiratory rate, and the presence of dyspnoea, hypoxaemia and acidosis. Conclusions., The way in which nurses assess, document and use clinical indicators of respiratory dysfunction is influential in identifying patients at risk of an adverse event and preventing adverse events related to respiratory dysfunction. If such adverse events are to be prevented, nurses must not only be able to recognise and interpret signs of respiratory dysfunction, but must also take responsibility for initiating and evaluating interventions aimed at correcting respiratory dysfunction. [source]


Neonatal C-reactive protein value in prediction of Outcome of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes: Comparison of Singleton and Twin Pregnancies

JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2009
Simin Taghavi
Abstract Aim:, The clinical importance of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is its relationship to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in twin pregnancies. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the role of inflammatory factors as predictors of the PPROM outcome between singleton and twin pregnancies. Methods:, The medical records of 22 twins delivered between 28 and 34 weeks and complicated by PPROM were reviewed at the Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz, Iran. Also among singletons, 55 cases of matched gestational age were randomly selected as a control group. Three laboratory indices of neonatal white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the two groups were measured immediately after delivery and the effects of two factors on neonatal outcome were assessed. Results:, In singletons, there was adverse relationship between the mean of WBC count and duration of latency (P = 0.007). Also, a positive relationship between the means of ventilation time and WBC count in second twins was found (P = 0.034). Positive CRP was the main predictor of neonatal intensive care unit admission in both singletons (odds ratio: 4.929, P = 0.042) and first twins (odds ratio: 9.000, P = 0.005). However, positive CRP did not influence the existence of metabolic acidosis or duration of latency in either of the two groups. Conclusion:, Neonatal WBC count was a predictor for the duration of latency in singletons and for ventilation time in twins. Positive neonatal CRP was an important factor for the prediction of neonatal intensive care unit admission in both types of pregnancy; its role in twins is clearer than in singletons. [source]


Modified radiofrequency-assisted liver resection: A new device

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Dimitris Zacharoulis MD
Abstract Background Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is emerging as new therapeutic method for the management of hepatic tumors. So far the RF-assisted hepatectomy has been described using an electrode initially designed for ablation of unresectable tumors. Herein, we describe a new technique for liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency device. Method Ten patients undergo liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency device. A minimal zone of desiccation around the tumor is created between pairs of opposing electrodes as a result of a minimum amount of energy released. This coagulated plane can be divided with a scalpel. Results The liver parenchyma was divided with minimal blood loss. No intensive care unit admission was needed. There was no postoperative biliary leak or any other septic complication. Conclusion The technique is safe and feasible, simplifies liver resection and appears to be associated with minimal morbidity and maximum liver parenchyma preservation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96: 254,257. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Application of intensive care medicine principles in the management of the acute liver failure patient

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue S2 2008
David J. Kramer
Key Points 1Acute liver failure is a paradigm for multiple system organ failure that develops as a consequence of sepsis. 2In the United States, systemic inflammatory response, sepsis, and septic shock are common reasons for intensive care unit admission. Intensive care management of these patients serves as a template for the management of patients with acute liver failure. 3Acute liver failure is attended by high mortality. Although intensive care results in improved survival, the key treatment is liver transplantation. Intensive care unit intervention may open a "window of opportunity" and enable successful liver transplantation in patients who are too ill at presentation. 4Intracranial hypertension complicates the course for many patients with acute liver failure. Initially, intracranial hypertension results from hyperemia, which is cerebral edema that reduces cerebral blood flow and eventuates in herniation. The precepts of neurocritical care,monitoring cerebral perfusion pressure, cerebral blood flow, and cortical activity,with rapid response to hemodynamic abnormalities, maintenance of normoxia, euglycemia, control of seizures, therapeutic hypothermia, osmotic therapy, and judicious hyperventilation are key to reducing mortality attributable to neurologic failure. Liver Transpl 14:S85,S89, 2008. © 2008 AASLD. [source]


The effect of learning curve on the outcome of caesarean section

BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 11 2006
WY Fok
Objective, To evaluate the operative outcomes when trainees first perform caesarean sections independently. Design, A retrospective study in a tertiary obstetric unit. Population, Five hundred caesarean sections, which represented the first 50 caesarean sections performed independently by each of ten trainees, were studied. Methods, The effect of learning curve on outcome was analysed. Main outcome measures, Total operative time, incision-to-delivery interval, operative blood loss, Apgar score, cord arterial pH, incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission, postoperative complication rates and duration of hospitalisation. Results, The mean operative time for the first five cases by trainees was 52.2 ± 11.4 minutes. It progressively decreased and reached 39.6 ± 8.4 minutes for the 46th to 50th cases. The operative time was significantly longer in the first 15 caesarean sections (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incision-to-delivery interval was also longer during the first five cases (P= 0.02). Besides the time of the operation, the trend for operative blood loss stabilised after the first ten caesarean sections (P < 0.05). Otherwise, there were no significant differences among other outcome variables. Conclusion, This study shows that trainees need to perform 10,15 caesarean sections before their skills become more proficient. Senior obstetricians may need to provide guidance to the trainees during their first independent 15 caesarean sections. [source]


Central venous catheter and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia in cancer patients,

CANCER, Issue 9 2006
Maha Boktour M.D.
Abstract BACKGROUND Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia is frequently found in cancer patients. This study attempted to determine how often the catheters were the source of this infection and the risk factors associated with catheter-related bacteremias. METHODS The microbiology records were retrospectively reviewed of all cancer patients having S. maltophilia bacteremia and indwelling central venous catheters seen between January 1998 and January 2004. In a multivariate analysis the patients' clinical characteristics, antimicrobial therapy, outcome, and source of bacteremia that were significantly associated with definite catheter-related S. maltophilia bacteremia as opposed to secondary bacteremia were identified. RESULTS A total of 217 bacteremias were identified in 207 patients: 159 (73%) were primary catheter-related (53 definite, 89 probable, and 17 possible), 11 (5%) were primary noncatheter-related, and 47 (22%) were secondary. Multivariate analysis showed the following factors to be independently associated with definite catheter-related bacteremias: 1) polymicrobial bacteremia (odds ratio [OR], 7.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.3,45.5); 2) no prior intensive care unit admission (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.005,0.578); and 3) nonneutropenic status at onset (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.013,0.419). The response rate to appropriate antibiotics and catheter removal was 95% in the patients with definite catheter-related bloodstream infections, compared with only 56% in the patients with secondary bacteremias (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS The majority of the S. maltophilia bacteremias occurring in cancer patients with indwelling central venous catheters appear to be catheter-related and are often polymicrobial. Catheter-related S. maltophilia bacteremias occurred more frequently in noncritically ill, nonneutropenic patients, and prompt removal of the catheter was found to be associated with a better prognosis. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source]


The Effects of the Absence of Emergency Medicine Residents in an Academic Emergency Department

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2002
Daniel French MD
Objective: What are the quality effects of an emergency medicine (EM) residency, and the associated 24/7 supervision of residents by faculty, in an academic emergency department (ED)? The authors evaluated activity and quality indicators when there were no EM residents present. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no difference between the patient care provided by faculty supervising EM residents and that with an alternative model without EM residents (AbsenceEMResident). Methods: To support the weekly residency educational program (Thursday), EM residents are not scheduled clinically for a 24-hour period (ConfDay). Emergency medicine resident coverage (mean 62.7 hours) was replaced with incremental faculty and mid-level providers (mean 41.0 hours). This study was limited to adult patients (22,527 visits of 39,190 ED total) for six months (January,June 2001) and compared indicators for ConfDay (n = 23) with all other days (NotConfDay, n = 158). Results: Comparing ConfDay (2,842 visits) with NotConfDay (19,685 visits), there was no difference in mean daily visits, inpatient admissions, intensive care unit admissions, or emergency medical services arrivals. ConfDay decision-to-admit time (333 vs. 313 min, p = 0.03) and length of stay for admissions (490 vs. 445 min, p = 0.000) were longer, with no difference for treat/release patients. There was no difference in the numbers of laboratory or radiology tests, consultations, unscheduled return visits, or patient satisfaction. Conclusion: During the study period, there was no measurable difference for most of the quality indicators studied. The AbsenceEMResident model is less efficient in admitting patients. Faculty supervision results in the same number of laboratory and radiology tests and consultations. Other specialties may consider this model if off-hours care becomes a concern. [source]


Teenage Pregnancy in the Texas Panhandle

THE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2005
Rosa Galvez-Myles MD
ABSTRACT: Purpose: This study compares rural and small-city teenage and adult pregnancies, with respect to complication rates and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Chart review of Medicaid patients (513 teenage [under 20 years] and 174 adult controls [ages 25,34]) delivered (excluding multiple gestation) in Amarillo, Texas, from January 1999 to April 2001. Demographic data collected included maternal race, gravidity, parity, smoking status, drug usage, presence of antenatally diagnosed sexually transmitted disease(s), county type (rural vs small city) and number of prenatal visits. Outcomes included mode of delivery, primary cesarean section rates, preterm birth (<34 or <37 weeks), birth weight, birth weight <2,500 g, preeclampsia, total maternal weight gain, hemoglobin changes after delivery, Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Statistical comparisons between groups were made for a number of factors and outcomes (P<.05). Results: Teenagers did not have a significantly higher frequency of either illicit drug or tobacco usage, but teenagers ,17 years had a greater incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (19.8% vs 10.4%, P<008) and preeclampsia (7.1% vs 2.3%, P<.025, odds ratio 3.2 [1.1 to 9.9]) when compared with adults. The total weight gain was highest for teens ,17 years (36.4 pounds vs adults: 28.2, P<.001). The primary cesarean section rate was higher in adults (all teens 18.5% vs adults 38.6%, P<.001). County rurality had no impact on any of the observed findings or variables tested. Conclusions: Young teenagers have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and preeclampsia and also gain significantly more weight with pregnancy than young adults. However, the pregnancy outcomes were no different for rural vs small city teens. [source]