Adjunctive homeopathic treatment in patients with severe sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in an intensive care unit.

Background: Mortality in patients with severe sepsis remains high despite the development of several therapeutic strategies. The aim of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate whether homeopathy is able to influence long-term outcome in critically ill patients suffering from severe sepsis.

Methods: Seventy patients with severe sepsis received homeopathic treatment (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35).

Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients.

Background: Stringy, tenacious tracheal secretions may prevent extubation in patients weaned from the respirator. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with parallel assignment was performed to assess the influence of sublingually administered potassium dichromate C30 on the amount of tenacious, stringy tracheal secretions in critically ill patients with a history of tobacco use and COPD.

Methods: In this study, 50 patients breathing spontaneously with continuous positive airway pressure were receiving either potassium dichromate C30 globules (group 1) [Deutsche Homoopathie-Union, Pharmaceutical Company; Karlsruhe, Germany] or placebo (group 2).

Closed suctioning system reduces cross-contamination between bronchial system and gastric juices.

In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluated whether a closed suctioning (CS) system (TrachCare) influences crossover contamination between bronchial system and gastric juices when compared with an open suctioning system (OS). The secondary aims were an analysis of the frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and an analysis of alteration in gas exchange. Antibiograms were performed from tracheal secretions and gastric juice aspirates on Days 1 and 3 of intubation in 24 patients in a medical intensive care unit.

Inhibition of platelet function by hydroxyethyl starch solutions in chronic pain patients undergoing peridural anesthesia.

The use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions as a fluid replacement before peridural blockade may compromise blood coagulation, thus increasing the risk of neuraxial bleeding. In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we compared the influence of HES 130 (molecular weight in kilodalton), HES 200, and lactated Ringer's solution on platelet function and hemodynamics in chronic low back pain patients scheduled for peridural blockades. Patients received 3 test infusions of 10 mL/kg each administered IV for 30 min.

Thrombus formation on the balloon of heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters: an ultrastructural scanning electron microscope study.

Objective: To investigate heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters with respect to thrombus formation and platelet aggregation at the balloon and the shaft using a scanning electron microscope in critically ill patients.

Design: Prospective study.

Settings: Critical care unit and research laboratories.

[Effect of various dressings on the point of entry of an intravenous drip].

In modern health care systems nosocomial infection is a major cause of patient suffering and leads to high financial costs. Overall nursing care that is part of nursing staff's daily routine is not brought under scrutiny often enough. The goal of this research project is to look at a small part only of optimal intravenous drip care.

Emergency intubation with the Combitube: comparison with the endotracheal airway.

Study Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Combitude as used by ICU nurses under medical supervision compared with endotracheal airway established by ICU physicians during CPR.

Design: Prospective study of ICU patients over a seven-month period.

Setting: Medical ICU.