The Contents of a Patient Diary and its Significance in the ICU
The aim of this study was to describe the contents of a patient diary and its significance for persons cared for in an ICU. What formerly critically ill patients appreciate most about the diary is that the diary is personally... read more
Urine Test Developed to Test for Tuberculosis
An international team of researchers has developed a urine test that can be used to detect tuberculosis (TB) in human patients. Alessandra Luchini and her team have developed a urine test for TB that gives results in 12 hours.... read more
The Flu Is Already Widespread in 36 States
Flu season has kicked off in full force, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting Friday that influenza is already widespread in 26 states across the U.S. The peak of the flu season typically comes... read more
Early Identification of Acute Respiratory Distress Disorder in the Absence of Positive Pressure Ventilation
Almost all patients with pulmonary bilateral infiltrates and a PaO2/FIO2 less than or equal to 300 mm Hg under standard oxygen fulfilled the acute respiratory distress syndrome criteria under noninvasive ventilation within... read more
A Comparison of the qSOFA and SIRS Criteria for the Diagnosis of Sepsis and Prediction of Mortality
Several studies were published to validate quick-SOFA (qSOFA), namely in comparison with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis with the aim of comparing... read more
Effect of Lung Recruitment and Titrated PEEP vs Low PEEP on Mortality in Patients with ARDS
In patients with moderate to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a strategy with lung recruitment and titrated Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) compared with low PEEP increased 28-day all-cause mortality.... read more
Early goal-directed nutrition in ICU patients (EAT-ICU)
Extensive weight loss has been documented in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, primarily as the result of muscle loss, leading to impaired physical function and reduced quality of life. The aim of the EAT-ICU trial is... read more
The role of serum amyloid A staining of granulomatous tissues for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis
Previous studies demonstrated that SAA staining of sarcoidosis granulomas was qualitatively and quantitatively different from other granulomatous diseases. These data suggest that positive SAA staining of granulomatous tissue... read more
Sodium Lactate Improves Hemodynamics
Sodium lactate has been shown to improve hemodynamics and avoid fluid overload. The objective of this study was to confirm a beneficial effect on fluid balance with sodium lactate infusion and to specify whether the advantage... read more
Patient Experiences of Trauma Resuscitation
In this qualitative study that included semistructured interviews and video observations of trauma resuscitation, patients drew satisfaction from trauma team members' demeanor, expertise, and efficiency and valued clear... read more
Choosing the Appropriate Configuration and Cannulation Strategies for ECMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is becoming a common procedure to support patients with severe cardio-circulatory or respiratory failure as well as in case of combined compromise of the two systems. Deciding which... read more
Trends and Patterns of Antibiotic Consumption in China
The consumption of antibiotics is a major driver in the development of antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to identify the trends and patterns of the total antibiotic consumption in China’s tertiary hospitals from... read more
Should Transfusion Trigger Thresholds Differ for Critical Care vs Perioperative Patients?
The safety of restrictive transfusion strategies likely differs for critically ill patients versus perioperative patients. Further trials investigating transfusion strategies in the perioperative setting are necessary. The... read more
Effect of Boarding on Mortality in ICUs
Mortality increased with boarding of critically ill patients. Further research is needed to identify safer practices for managing patients during periods of high ICU occupancy. The study population consisted of 8,429 patients... read more
Balanced Crystalloids vs Saline for Critically Ill Adults
Among critically ill adults, use of balanced crystalloids for intravenous fluid administration reduced the composite of death, new renal replacement therapy, and persistent renal dysfunction compared with use of saline. Patients... read more
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Awareness of Graduate Medical Education Trainees Regarding Palliative Care
Surgical trainees and trainees without previous PC rotation had significantly less awareness of PC. Overall, trainees perceived PC as beneficial to patients and capable of reducing costs while increasing survival; they also... read more
Cisatracurium Ups Some ARDS Outcomes Versus Vecuronium
Among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cisatracurium does not improve mortality versus vecuronium but is associated with improvements in other outcomes, according to a study published online in the... read more
