Fluid balance and weaning outcomes.

Objective: To examine the relationship of fluid balance and weaning outcomes.

Methods: We prospectively collected demographic, physiological, daily fluid balance (measured inputs minus outputs), and weaning data from 87 mechanically ventilated patients.

Patients: We examined 87 patients, a median age of 66 years, APACHE II of 22, and performed 205 breathing trials (BT); 38 patients (44%) were successfully extubated after their first BT with minimal or no pressure support.

Endobronchial pseudo-tumour caused by herpes simplex.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes tracheobronchitis and pneumonitis; however, to date, there has only been one report of an endobronchial mass caused by HSV type II. This case study describes a 68-yr-old female with severe kyphoscoliosis who was intubated for acute on chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure and developed blood-tinged endotracheal secretions. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy demonstrated an endobronchial mass in the right middle lobe.

Predictors and consequences of pneumonia in critically ill patients with stroke.

Objective: Ascertain the incidence, predictors and consequences of early (within 48 hours of admission) and nosocomial pneumonia among critically ill patients with stroke.

Methods: Medical records of critically ill patients with acute stroke were reviewed. Predictors and consequences of pneumonia were determined with analysis of variance.

Gender and status asthmaticus.

Background: Adult women may be more susceptible to asthma than men.

Hypothesis: Women are more likely to develop status asthmaticus (SA) requiring critical care.

Methods: The medical records of patients admitted to our medical intensive care unit (ICU) for SA between 1994 and 2000 were examined.

The effect of arterial blood gas values on extubation decisions.

Background: No studies have examined the clinical utility of arterial blood gas (ABG) values during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) for making extubation decisions. Nonetheless many intensive care units measure ABGs during an SBT to determine, in conjunction with other data, whether the SBT was successful.

Objective: Determine how often ABG values change extubation decisions.