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Once intensive care practices have been well standardized, patient safety becomes one of the biggest issues in the ICU in terms of management of health care quality (affecting the outcomes of patients admitted to the ICUs). The acquisition of nosocomial infections in the ICU is known to significantly affect patient outcomes such as ICU and hospital mortality and length of ICU and hospital stays.
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This meta-analysis of published trials comparing HMEs and heated humidifiers found a significant reduction in VAP when they were used, particularly among patients who required more than 7 days in the ICU.
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This study found no evidence that the use of narcotics or benzodiazepines to treat discomfort after the withdrawal of life support hastens death in critically ill patients at our center. Clinicians should strive to control patient symptoms in this setting and should document the rationale for escalating drug doses.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has placed a draft influenza preparedness and response plan on its web site. This detailed document provides useful advice about health care system guidance on staffing, infection control, and strategies to limit transmission of infection within health care institutions.
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A Crackdown on Importation of Drugs; FDA Actions.
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Based on emerging evidence, there are increased efforts around the world to maintain strict glycemic control in non-diabetic critically ill patients. Management of hyperglycemia through the use of insulin protocols is a new standard in critical care. Several protocols have been evaluated and reported in the literature.
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This prospective multicenter observational study demonstrates that patients with do-not-intubate (DNI) status who receive non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) for respiratory failure have high hospital mortality. Presence of cough, being awake, or having a primary diagnosis of COPD or CHF, is associated with improved outcome.
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The majority of deaths in American ICUS involve withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining therapy. When such decisions are considered, patients are typically unable to communicate for themselves and, therefore, family members may become the decision-makers.