[Theophylline adenosine dipyridamole (CTAD) and citrate evaluation to survey unfractionated heparin treatment: a delayed centrifugation validation for anti-Xa measurement?].

Unlabelled: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the main anticoagulante used in intensive care unit. The anticoagulant effect is monitored by activated partial thrombin time (aPTT) and anti-Xa activity (anti-Xa) measurement. However, delayed centrifugation induces platelet factor 4 (PF4) release and anti-Xa decrease.

Is citrate theophylline adenosine dipyridamole (CTAD) better than citrate to survey unfractionated heparin treatment? Has delayed centrifugation a real impact on this survey?

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the main anticoagulant used in intensive care unit. The anticoagulant effect is monitored by activated partial thrombin time (aPTT) and anti-Xa activity (anti-Xa) measurement. However, delayed centrifugation induces platelet factor 4 (PF4) release and anti-Xa decrease.

Is anti-platelet therapy needed in continuous flow left ventricular assist device patients? A single-centre experience.

Objectives: We report our 5-year experience of continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation without the use of anti-platelet therapy.

Methods: Between February 2006 and September 2011, 27 patients (26 men; 1 woman) were implanted with a continuous flow LVAD (HeartMate II, Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA). The mean age was 55.

[Hypothermia at admission increases the risk of pulmonary contusion's infection in intubated trauma patients].

Objectives: Pulmonary contusion (PC) is common in cases of polytrauma. The aim of this study was to perform a multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with the occurrence of infection in PC and analyze the microbiological epidemiology.

Patients And Methods: All patients with PC admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2002 and December 2006 were included in this retrospective observational study.

[Acute respiratory distress subordinate to a morphine overdose during a frail elderly patient controlled analgesia].

We describe a case-report of an 85-year-male patient with a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after a total hip arthroplasty. Four hours after surgery, acute respiratory distress secondary to a morphine overdose occurred, requiring an antagonisation with naloxone. Morphine overdose during a PCA was always caused by a wrong use of the pump.