Critically ill patients are a vulnerable group at high risk of developing secondary infections.High disease severity,prolonged intensive care unit(ICU)stay,sepsis,and multiple drugs with immunosuppressive activity mak...Critically ill patients are a vulnerable group at high risk of developing secondary infections.High disease severity,prolonged intensive care unit(ICU)stay,sepsis,and multiple drugs with immunosuppressive activity make these patients prone to immuneparesis and increase the risk of various opportunistic infections,including cytomegalovirus(CMV).CMV seroconversion has been reported in up to 33%of ICU patients,but its impact on patient outcomes remains a matter of debate.Even though there are guidelines regarding the management of CMV infection in immunosuppressive patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno deficiency syndrome,the need for treatment and therapeutic approaches in immunocompetent critically ill patients is still ambiguous.Even the diagnosis of CMV infection may be challenging in such patients due to non-specific symptoms and multiorgan involvement.Hence,a better understanding of the symptomatology,diagnostics,and treatment options may aid intensive care physicians in ensuring accurate diagnoses and instituting therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Background: This study investigated serum Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 levels and examined the relationship between serum GLUT4 levels and sepsis in critically ill children. Methods: This was a retrospective study of ...Background: This study investigated serum Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 levels and examined the relationship between serum GLUT4 levels and sepsis in critically ill children. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 77 critically ill children and 33 non-diabetic healthy children (controls) who were admitted between 07/2015 and 05/2016. Patient data, clinical information, and blood samples were collected on admission, alongside a large number of laboratory parameters that were routinely assessed. Critically ill patients were divided into sepsis and non-sepsis/systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Serum GLUT4 was measured using western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Insulin resistance indexes, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Results: GLUT4 serum levels were higher in critically ill children than in healthy children (90.5 vs. 30.3 μg/L, P 0.05). Compared to healthy children, hyperglycemic patients (n = 48) had elevated GLUT4 serum levels (30.3 vs. 103.7 g/L, P Conclusions: GLUT4 serum levels might be significantly increased in critically ill children compared with healthy children, particularly those in septic shock. Serum GLUT4 could predict disease severity.展开更多
Objective: To explore the effect of evidence-based quality control circle (QCC) in improving the implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients. Methods: Based on the Joanna Briggs ...Objective: To explore the effect of evidence-based quality control circle (QCC) in improving the implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients. Methods: Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-based health care model, the best evidence of airway management in adult critically ill patients was obtained and applied to the clinic. Results: The total implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients increased from 23.62% before the implementation of quality control circle to 88.82%, and the pulmonary infection rate in critically ill patients decreased from 42.31% to 21.74%, with statistical significance between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Evidence-based quality control circle activities can standardize the practice standards of airway management in critically ill patients, reduce the occurrence of patients’ airway related complications, and improve clinical outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy,but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studie...BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy,but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studies of rifaximin efficacy.Due to overlapping spectrums of activity,combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin may be unnecessary.A pharmacist-driven protocol was piloted to reduce potentially overlapping therapy in critically ill patients with liver disease.It was hypothesized that withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy would be safe and reduce healthcare costs.AIM To determine the clinical,safety,and financial impact of discontinuing rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill liver patients.METHODS This was a single-center,quasi-experimental,pre-post study based on a pilot pharmacist-driven protocol.Patients in the protocol group were prospectively identified via the medical intensive care unit(ICU)(MICU)protocol to have rifaximin withheld during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.These were compared to a historical cohort who received combination therapy with broadspectrum antibiotics and rifaximin.All data were collected retrospectively.The primary outcome was days alive and free of delirium and coma(DAFD)to 14 d.Safety outcomes included MICU length of stay,48-h change in vasopressor dose,and ICU mortality.Secondary outcomes characterized rifaximin cost savings and protocol adherence.Multivariable analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between group assignment and the primary outcome while controlling for potential confounding factors.RESULTS Each group included 32 patients.The median number of delirium-and coma-free days was similar in the control and protocol groups[3 interquartile range(IQR 0,8)vs 2(IQR 0,9.5),P=0.93].In multivariable analysis,group assignment was not associated with a reduced ratio of days alive and free of delirium or coma at 14 d.The protocol resulted in a reduced median duration of rifaximin use during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy[6 d control(IQR 3,9.5)vs 1 d protocol(IQR 0,1);P<0.001].Rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes were similar including ICU mortality and 48-h change in vasopressor requirements.Overall adherence to the protocol was 91.4%.The median estimated total cost of rifaximin therapy per patient was reduced from$758.40(IQR$379.20,$1200.80)to$126.40(IQR$0,$126.40),P<0.01.CONCLUSION The novel pharmacist-driven protocol for rifaximin discontinuation was associated with significant cost savings and no differences in safety outcomes including DAFD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Meningitis is a life-threatening clinical condition associated with high mortality and morbidity.Early diagnosis and specific treatment may improve outcomes.Lack of specific clinical signs or tests make the...BACKGROUND Meningitis is a life-threatening clinical condition associated with high mortality and morbidity.Early diagnosis and specific treatment may improve outcomes.Lack of specific clinical signs or tests make the diagnosis challenging.AIM To assess the efficacy of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)lactate in diagnosing meningitis in critically ill patients.METHODS A prospective,observational cohort study was carried out in a neuro-medical intensive care unit(ICU)over a 22 mo period.Adult patients,with suspected meningitis admitted in ICU,were serially recruited.Patients who refused consent,those with peripheral sensorineural deficit,or with any contraindication to lumber puncture were excluded.CSF cytology,bio-chemistry,lactates,culture and polymerase chain reaction based meningo-encephalitis panel were evaluated.Patients were divided in two groups based on clinical diagnosis of meningitis.The efficacy of CSF lactate in diagnosing meningitis was evaluated and compared with other tests.RESULTS Seventy-one patients were included and 23 were diagnosed with meningitis.The mean values of CSF total leucocyte count(TLC),proteins and lactates were significantly higher in meningitis group.There was a significant correlation of CSF lactate levels with CSF cultures and meningo-encephalitis panel.CSF lactate(>2.72 mmol/L)showed good accuracy in diagnosing meningitis with an area under the curve of 0.81(95% confidence interval:0.69-0.93),sensitivity of 82.6%,and specificity 72.9%.These values were comparable to those of CSF TLC and protein.Twelve patients with bacterial meningitis had significantly higher CSF lactate(8.9±4.7 mmol/L)than those with non-bacterial meningitis(4.2±3.8 mmol/L),P=0.006.CONCLUSION CSF lactate may be used to aid in our diagnosis of meningitis in ICU patients.CSF lactate(>2.72 mmol/L)showed good accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity in diagnosing meningitis and may also help to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial meningitis.展开更多
The intensive care unit(ICU)is a complex setting by nature,and some have described it as bizarre due to its numerous sirens that sound when anything is dangerous,constant activity,equipment,bright lights,and high fata...The intensive care unit(ICU)is a complex setting by nature,and some have described it as bizarre due to its numerous sirens that sound when anything is dangerous,constant activity,equipment,bright lights,and high fatality rate.The demands placed on nurses to care for critically ill patients in this environment frequently prevent nurses and other health‑care professionals from acknowledging the feelings of patient’s relatives or family caregivers,resulting in a hostile environment from the patient’s relative’s perspective.When a patient’s family enters the ICU,they feel that hospital administrators do little to nothing to alleviate their discomfort and fear.Despite research demonstrating the importance of providing a homely environment for patients’families,In Nigeria ICU is still far behind how a conventional ICU environment should be structured to accommodate patient’s relations in the unit.The goal of this study was to look at the patient’s relative’s perspective on providing care for a critically ill patient in an ICU,with a focus on the unit’s complexity and overall experience.Based on the findings of this study,we recommend that hospital administrators ensure that the environment of the upcoming ICU is designed to meet the needs of patient’s relatives by addressing identified environmental concerns,like caring neglect,by providing a friendly and stress‑free environment.展开更多
Objective:This paper aims to investigate the value of individualized care for critically ill patients receiving continuous blood purification therapy.Methods:89 cases of critically ill patients who were treated from J...Objective:This paper aims to investigate the value of individualized care for critically ill patients receiving continuous blood purification therapy.Methods:89 cases of critically ill patients who were treated from June 2021 to June 2023 were randomly divided into groups,with individualized care in group A and routine care in group B.The differences in clinical indicators,purification effect,quality of life,and complications of blood purification were compared between the groups.Results:Heart rate,respiration,body temperature,and other indicators in group A were better than those in group B,P<0.05.C-reactive protein(CRP),β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and phosphorus(P)in group A were lower than those in group B,P<0.05.Group A had higher quality of life than Group B,P<0.05.The complication rate of blood purification in Group A was lower than that in Group B,P<0.05.Conclusion:During continuous blood purification in critically ill patients,individualized nursing intervention can enhance the effect of blood purification,improve the physiological indicators of patients,and reduce the complications of blood purification,which is highly effective and feasible.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of using peripheral medium-length catheters in critically ill patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the nursing experience and effect of usin...Objective:To investigate the effect of using peripheral medium-length catheters in critically ill patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the nursing experience and effect of using medium-length catheters for infusion in 102 critically ill patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery from March 2021 to April 2022 was conducted.Results:All 102 patients had successful catheter placement with no catheter-associated infections,blockage,decannulation,or breakage.However,four cases had blood oozing from the puncture site,but it resolved after changing the dressing.Conclusion:Medium-length catheters are superior to traditional infusion tools in terms of benefit;thus,they deserve to be widely promoted in clinical practice.展开更多
文摘Critically ill patients are a vulnerable group at high risk of developing secondary infections.High disease severity,prolonged intensive care unit(ICU)stay,sepsis,and multiple drugs with immunosuppressive activity make these patients prone to immuneparesis and increase the risk of various opportunistic infections,including cytomegalovirus(CMV).CMV seroconversion has been reported in up to 33%of ICU patients,but its impact on patient outcomes remains a matter of debate.Even though there are guidelines regarding the management of CMV infection in immunosuppressive patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno deficiency syndrome,the need for treatment and therapeutic approaches in immunocompetent critically ill patients is still ambiguous.Even the diagnosis of CMV infection may be challenging in such patients due to non-specific symptoms and multiorgan involvement.Hence,a better understanding of the symptomatology,diagnostics,and treatment options may aid intensive care physicians in ensuring accurate diagnoses and instituting therapeutic interventions.
文摘Background: This study investigated serum Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 levels and examined the relationship between serum GLUT4 levels and sepsis in critically ill children. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 77 critically ill children and 33 non-diabetic healthy children (controls) who were admitted between 07/2015 and 05/2016. Patient data, clinical information, and blood samples were collected on admission, alongside a large number of laboratory parameters that were routinely assessed. Critically ill patients were divided into sepsis and non-sepsis/systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Serum GLUT4 was measured using western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Insulin resistance indexes, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Results: GLUT4 serum levels were higher in critically ill children than in healthy children (90.5 vs. 30.3 μg/L, P 0.05). Compared to healthy children, hyperglycemic patients (n = 48) had elevated GLUT4 serum levels (30.3 vs. 103.7 g/L, P Conclusions: GLUT4 serum levels might be significantly increased in critically ill children compared with healthy children, particularly those in septic shock. Serum GLUT4 could predict disease severity.
文摘Objective: To explore the effect of evidence-based quality control circle (QCC) in improving the implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients. Methods: Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence-based health care model, the best evidence of airway management in adult critically ill patients was obtained and applied to the clinic. Results: The total implementation rate of airway management measures in adult critically ill patients increased from 23.62% before the implementation of quality control circle to 88.82%, and the pulmonary infection rate in critically ill patients decreased from 42.31% to 21.74%, with statistical significance between the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Evidence-based quality control circle activities can standardize the practice standards of airway management in critically ill patients, reduce the occurrence of patients’ airway related complications, and improve clinical outcomes.
文摘BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy,but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studies of rifaximin efficacy.Due to overlapping spectrums of activity,combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin may be unnecessary.A pharmacist-driven protocol was piloted to reduce potentially overlapping therapy in critically ill patients with liver disease.It was hypothesized that withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy would be safe and reduce healthcare costs.AIM To determine the clinical,safety,and financial impact of discontinuing rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill liver patients.METHODS This was a single-center,quasi-experimental,pre-post study based on a pilot pharmacist-driven protocol.Patients in the protocol group were prospectively identified via the medical intensive care unit(ICU)(MICU)protocol to have rifaximin withheld during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.These were compared to a historical cohort who received combination therapy with broadspectrum antibiotics and rifaximin.All data were collected retrospectively.The primary outcome was days alive and free of delirium and coma(DAFD)to 14 d.Safety outcomes included MICU length of stay,48-h change in vasopressor dose,and ICU mortality.Secondary outcomes characterized rifaximin cost savings and protocol adherence.Multivariable analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between group assignment and the primary outcome while controlling for potential confounding factors.RESULTS Each group included 32 patients.The median number of delirium-and coma-free days was similar in the control and protocol groups[3 interquartile range(IQR 0,8)vs 2(IQR 0,9.5),P=0.93].In multivariable analysis,group assignment was not associated with a reduced ratio of days alive and free of delirium or coma at 14 d.The protocol resulted in a reduced median duration of rifaximin use during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy[6 d control(IQR 3,9.5)vs 1 d protocol(IQR 0,1);P<0.001].Rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes were similar including ICU mortality and 48-h change in vasopressor requirements.Overall adherence to the protocol was 91.4%.The median estimated total cost of rifaximin therapy per patient was reduced from$758.40(IQR$379.20,$1200.80)to$126.40(IQR$0,$126.40),P<0.01.CONCLUSION The novel pharmacist-driven protocol for rifaximin discontinuation was associated with significant cost savings and no differences in safety outcomes including DAFD.
文摘BACKGROUND Meningitis is a life-threatening clinical condition associated with high mortality and morbidity.Early diagnosis and specific treatment may improve outcomes.Lack of specific clinical signs or tests make the diagnosis challenging.AIM To assess the efficacy of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)lactate in diagnosing meningitis in critically ill patients.METHODS A prospective,observational cohort study was carried out in a neuro-medical intensive care unit(ICU)over a 22 mo period.Adult patients,with suspected meningitis admitted in ICU,were serially recruited.Patients who refused consent,those with peripheral sensorineural deficit,or with any contraindication to lumber puncture were excluded.CSF cytology,bio-chemistry,lactates,culture and polymerase chain reaction based meningo-encephalitis panel were evaluated.Patients were divided in two groups based on clinical diagnosis of meningitis.The efficacy of CSF lactate in diagnosing meningitis was evaluated and compared with other tests.RESULTS Seventy-one patients were included and 23 were diagnosed with meningitis.The mean values of CSF total leucocyte count(TLC),proteins and lactates were significantly higher in meningitis group.There was a significant correlation of CSF lactate levels with CSF cultures and meningo-encephalitis panel.CSF lactate(>2.72 mmol/L)showed good accuracy in diagnosing meningitis with an area under the curve of 0.81(95% confidence interval:0.69-0.93),sensitivity of 82.6%,and specificity 72.9%.These values were comparable to those of CSF TLC and protein.Twelve patients with bacterial meningitis had significantly higher CSF lactate(8.9±4.7 mmol/L)than those with non-bacterial meningitis(4.2±3.8 mmol/L),P=0.006.CONCLUSION CSF lactate may be used to aid in our diagnosis of meningitis in ICU patients.CSF lactate(>2.72 mmol/L)showed good accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity in diagnosing meningitis and may also help to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial meningitis.
文摘The intensive care unit(ICU)is a complex setting by nature,and some have described it as bizarre due to its numerous sirens that sound when anything is dangerous,constant activity,equipment,bright lights,and high fatality rate.The demands placed on nurses to care for critically ill patients in this environment frequently prevent nurses and other health‑care professionals from acknowledging the feelings of patient’s relatives or family caregivers,resulting in a hostile environment from the patient’s relative’s perspective.When a patient’s family enters the ICU,they feel that hospital administrators do little to nothing to alleviate their discomfort and fear.Despite research demonstrating the importance of providing a homely environment for patients’families,In Nigeria ICU is still far behind how a conventional ICU environment should be structured to accommodate patient’s relations in the unit.The goal of this study was to look at the patient’s relative’s perspective on providing care for a critically ill patient in an ICU,with a focus on the unit’s complexity and overall experience.Based on the findings of this study,we recommend that hospital administrators ensure that the environment of the upcoming ICU is designed to meet the needs of patient’s relatives by addressing identified environmental concerns,like caring neglect,by providing a friendly and stress‑free environment.
文摘Objective:This paper aims to investigate the value of individualized care for critically ill patients receiving continuous blood purification therapy.Methods:89 cases of critically ill patients who were treated from June 2021 to June 2023 were randomly divided into groups,with individualized care in group A and routine care in group B.The differences in clinical indicators,purification effect,quality of life,and complications of blood purification were compared between the groups.Results:Heart rate,respiration,body temperature,and other indicators in group A were better than those in group B,P<0.05.C-reactive protein(CRP),β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and phosphorus(P)in group A were lower than those in group B,P<0.05.Group A had higher quality of life than Group B,P<0.05.The complication rate of blood purification in Group A was lower than that in Group B,P<0.05.Conclusion:During continuous blood purification in critically ill patients,individualized nursing intervention can enhance the effect of blood purification,improve the physiological indicators of patients,and reduce the complications of blood purification,which is highly effective and feasible.
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of using peripheral medium-length catheters in critically ill patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the nursing experience and effect of using medium-length catheters for infusion in 102 critically ill patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery from March 2021 to April 2022 was conducted.Results:All 102 patients had successful catheter placement with no catheter-associated infections,blockage,decannulation,or breakage.However,four cases had blood oozing from the puncture site,but it resolved after changing the dressing.Conclusion:Medium-length catheters are superior to traditional infusion tools in terms of benefit;thus,they deserve to be widely promoted in clinical practice.
