The prognostic role of red blood cell distribution width in transfused and non-transfused critically ill patients.

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) value is gaining popularity as a prognostic factor in critically ill patients. However, its role in transfused patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission for 90-day mortality among either transfused or non-transfused critically ill patients.

Aeromonas sobria necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis in an immunocompromised patient: a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria is a rare cause of bacteremia, with several studies indicating that this isolate may be of particular clinical significance since it is enterotoxin producing. A wide spectrum of infections has been associated with Aeromonas species in developing countries that include gastroenteritis, wound infections, septicemia and lung infections. This infection, caused by Aeromonas species, is usually more severe in immunocompromised than immunocompetent individuals.

Time course of expiratory flow limitation in COPD patients during acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Study Objectives: (1) To determine the incidence of expiratory flow limitation (FL) at ICU admission, at the time of extubation, and at ICU discharge in intubated patients with COPD receiving mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure (ARF); and (2) to assess the feasibility of inspiratory capacity (IC) as an indication of pulmonary dynamic hyperinflation in this setting.

Design: Prospective, observational pilot study with physiologic measurements performed at ICU admission and during the weaning process driven by the clinician. A 60-min T-tube trial was initiated once criteria for weaning were present.