Effects of sevoflurane vs. propofol on mitochondrial functional activity after ischemia-reperfusion injury and the influence on clinical parameters in patients undergoing CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on the activity of mitochondrial function related to ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial damage biomarkers release and clinical parameters in the postoperative period. Seventy-two patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized into two groups: 36 patients received sevoflurane during anesthesia (Group S) and 36 patients received propofol (Group P). To investigate the functional activity of mitochondria, we used skinned fibers prepared from biopsies of right atrial tissue before cardioplegia and after the aorta cross-clamp removal (within 10-15 minutes after reperfusion).

[Candidemia in an intensive care unit].

Candidemia is becoming more actual because of better survival of even critically ill patients, wide use of antimicrobials, and increased numbers of invasive procedures and manipulations. Diagnosis of candidemia remains complicated, and costs of treatment and mortality rates are increasing. OBJECTIVE.

[Indications for platelet transfusion].

Relevance of platelet transfusion is related to an increasing number of indications due to conditions with an increased risk for hemorrhage and a lack of standard protocols both for treatment and prophylaxis of thrombocytopenia, in the presence of high costs of this procedure. The appropriate use of platelet transfusion is associated with reduction of thrombocytopenia, which actually in a critically ill patient is associated with increased length of stay both in intensive care unit and hospital. In 2003, the Professional Consensus was established to define the main recommendations for platelet transfusion.

[Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections].

Urinary tract infections are responsible for 40-60% of all hospital-acquired infections. Increased age of patients and comorbid diseases render hospitalized patients more susceptible to infection. Almost 80% of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections are associated with urinary catheters, and only 5-10% of urinary infections are caused by invasive manipulations in the urogenital tract.

[Etiology, risk factors, and outcome of urinary tract infection].

Objectives: To determine the incidence and variety of microorganisms of positive urine culture in patients of intensive care units of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital and to estimate the risk factors for colonization, development of urinary tract infection, and outcome during the period of 2003-2004.

Material And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with a positive urine culture with or without clinical symptoms of urinary tract infection admitted to an intensive care unit.

Results: The growth of microorganisms was determined in urine of 82 (3.