Abstract A connection between diabetes and an increased risk of epilepsy has been suggested by observational studies. Animal studies have also shown that antihyperglycemic drugs can improve seizures. However, it is unclear whether antihyperglycemic drugs have a causal role in epilepsy in humans. To investigate this potential causal relationship, a Mendelian randomisation study was […]
Abstract The Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score was developed to overcome the limitations of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) when assessing individuals with impaired consciousness. We sought to review the evidence regarding the predictive validity of the GCS and FOUR score in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. This review was prospectively registered in
Abstract This study investigates the use of computational frameworks for sepsis. We consider two dimensions for investigation – early diagnosis of sepsis (EDS) and mortality prediction rate for sepsis patients (MPS). We concentrate on the clinical parameters on which sepsis diagnosis and prognosis are currently done, including customized treatment plans based on historical data of
Abstract Sepsis remains an important global health problem and a leading cause of death in critically ill patients worldwide [1]. The β-lactam antibiotics are widely used as an important component of antibiotic therapy for patients with sepsis. The bactericidal activity of β-lactam antibiotics is typically time-dependent, and their clinical effectiveness is affected by the duration
Abstract Guidelines informing energy and protein doses for critically ill patients are based largely on low-quality evidence and expert consensus recommendations [1, 2], but more recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have provided new data. Thus, we summarize here the current evidence base and provide advice concerning energy and protein provision during critical illness. Conclusions In critically
Rethinking energy and protein provision for critically ill patients Read Post »
Abstract It is estimated that 5–14% of patients presenting with hemoptysis will have life-threatening hemoptysis, with a reported mortality rate between 9 and 38%. This manuscript provides a comprehensive literature review on life-threatening hemoptysis, including the etiology and mechanisms, initial stabilization, and management of patients. There is no consensus on the optimal diagnostic approach to
Management of life-threatening hemoptysis Read Post »
Abstract Background Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a significant cause of preterm neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. Measures like the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) and immediate resuscitation of the newborn after birth are taken to abate preterm related complications. Most studies that evidenced the benefit of ACS were done in high resource settings.
Objective The objective of this health technology policy assessment was to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using implantable ventricular assist devices in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. Heart Failure Heart failure is a complex syndrome that impairs the ability of the heart to maintain adequate blood circulation, resulting in multiorgan abnormalities and, eventually,
Left Ventricular Assist Devices Read Post »
Electronically displayed ventilator waveforms provide a wealth of insight into the physiology of the respiratory system. Pressure and flow values can be independent variables that reflect control by the ventilator or dependent variables that demonstrate the respiratory system’s response to mechanical ventilation. Diagrams of time-based pressure and flow curves may reveal underlying pathophysiology beyond more
Stepwise Ventilator Waveform Assessment to Diagnose Pulmonary Pathophysiology Read Post »
Summary Background Although outcomes of patients after cardiac arrest remain poor, studies have suggested that extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) might improve survival and neurological outcomes. We aimed to investigate any potential benefits of using ECPR over conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Methods