Handgrip strength to predict extubation outcome: a prospective multicenter trial.

Background: ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) has been shown to be associated with prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation and extubation failure. It is usually assessed through Medical Research Council (MRC) score, a time-consuming score performed by physiotherapists. Handgrip strength (HG) can be monitored very easily at the bedside.

Use, timing and factors associated with tracheal intubation in septic shock: a prospective multicentric observational study.

Background: No recommendation exists about the timing and setting for tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in septic shock.

Patients And Methods: This prospective multicenter observational study was conducted in 30 ICUs in France and Spain. All consecutive patients presenting with septic shock were eligible.

"It Was the Only Thing I Could Hold Onto, But…": Receiving a Letter of Condolence After Loss of a Loved One in the ICU: A Qualitative Study of Bereaved Relatives' Experience.

Objectives: Family members of patients who die in the ICU often remain with unanswered questions and suffer from lack of closure. A letter of condolence may help bereaved relatives, but little is known about their experience of receiving such a letter. The objective of the study was to understand bereaved family members' experience of receiving a letter of condolence.