Relation between pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform amplitude induced by passive leg raising and cardiac index in spontaneously breathing subjects.

Introduction: Previous studies suggested that variation of pulse oximetric plethysmographic (POP) waveform amplitude (Delta POP) could predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients. Our objective was to correlate the variations of Delta POP and the variations of cardiac index (CI) induced by passive leg raising (PLR) in spontaneously breathing volunteers.

Methods: We studied 26 spontaneously breathing volunteers using a pulse oximeter attached to the middle finger.

Stroke in elderly patients: management and prognosis in the ED.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of age on management and prognosis of stroke.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed in consecutive patients admitted to an emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of stroke. Comparison according to age (< 75 vs > or = 75 years old) was done, with a 1-year follow-up including autonomy and outcome.

Serum procalcitonin measurement as diagnostic and prognostic marker in febrile adult patients presenting to the emergency department.

Introduction: Identification of bacterial infections is crucial if treatment is to be initiated early and antibiotics used rationally. The primary objective of this study was to test the efficiency of procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying bacterial/parasitic episodes among febrile adult patients presenting to an emergency department. Secondary objectives were to identify clinical or biological variables associated with either bacterial/parasitic infection or critical illness.

Assessment of early administration of abciximab in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the emergency room.

Objective: Abciximab, a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, administered in conjunction with primary coronary stenting, improves the outcome of acute myocardial infarction, and the earlier it is administered, the greater the improvement. We sought to assess the feasibility of early administration of abciximab in the emergency room (ER) before primary coronary stenting and compare our results with those of a group of patients treated in the prehospital (ambulance) phase.

Methods: Data and outcome of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who received abciximab (0.