Circulating presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype) as a marker of host response in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock: data from the multicenter, randomized ALBIOS trial.

Purpose: Presepsin is a soluble fragment of the cluster-of-differentiation marker protein 14 (CD14) involved in pathogen recognition by innate immunity. We evaluated the relation between its circulating concentration, host response, appropriateness of antibiotic therapy, and mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

Methods: Plasma presepsin was measured 1, 2, and 7 days after enrollment of 997 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in the multicenter Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial.

Drainage of pleural effusion in mechanically ventilated patients: time to measure chest wall compliance?

Purpose: Pleural effusion (PE) is commonly encountered in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients and is generally addressed with evacuation or by fluid displacement using increased airway pressure (P(AW)). However, except when massive or infected, clear evidence is lacking to guide its management. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of recruitment maneuvers and drainage of unilateral PE on respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and lung volume.

Severe water intoxication secondary to the concomitant intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and desmopressin: a case report and review of the literature.

Most of the clinical data on the safety profile of desmopressin (DDAVP), which is an effective treatment for both polyuric conditions and bleeding disorders, originate from studies on the tailoring of drug treatment, whereas few reports exist describing severe side effects secondary to drug-drug interaction. We herein describe a case of severe hyponatremia complicated by seizure and coma due to the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a patient on DDAVP replacement therapy for central diabetes insipidus (DI). A 50-yr-old Caucasian man, with congenital central DI, developed an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure, resulting in coma immediately after being admitted to the Emergency Unit for weakness and emesis.

Pulse and systolic pressure variation assessment in partially assisted ventilatory support.

Objective: The use of pulse pressure variation (PPV) and systolic pressure variation (SPV) is possible during controlled ventilation (MV). Even in acute respiratory failure, controlled MV tends to be replaced by assisted ventilatory support. We tested if PPV and SPV during flow triggered synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation (SIMV) could be as accurate as in controlled MV.

Sedation in the critically ill ventilated patient: possible role of enteral drugs.

Objective: Sedation by the enteral route is unusual in intensive medicine. We analysed the feasibility/efficacy of long-term enteral sedation in ventilated critically ill patients.

Design: Prospective interventional cohort study.

Short-term noninvasive pressure support ventilation prevents ICU admittance in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Study Objectives: Noninvasive ventilation, although effective as treatment for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema when prolonged for hours, is of limited use in the emergency department (ED). The aim of the study was to determine whether a short attempt at noninvasive pressure support ventilation avoids ICU admittance and to identify lack of response prediction variables.

Design: Prospective inception cohort study.