Active surveillance cultures in critically ill patients: pathogens, patterns, and correlation with eventual bloodstream infections.

Background: The role of routine active surveillance cultures (ASCs) in predicting consequent bloodstream infections is unclear.

Objectives: To determine prospectively whether routine screening ASCs obtained on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) can predict the causative agent of subsequent bloodstream infections.

Methods: We prospectively studied a cohort of 100 mechanically ventilated patients admitted consecutively to a 16-bed ICU.

A simplified approach to the management of gastric residual volumes in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients: a pilot prospective cohort study.

Background: Enteral nutrition in the critically ill patient is often complicated by gastrointestinal intolerance, manifested by a large gastric residual volume. The frequency of GRV assessment and the intolerant level above which feeding is stopped is controversial.

Objectives: To evaluate a novel approach to EN by allowing high GRV and once-daily assessment that was correlated with the paracetamol absorption test.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in acute asthmatic attack.

Asthma is characterised by reversible airway obstruction. In most patients, control of disease activity is easily achieved. However, in a small minority, asthma may be fatal.

Salmonellosis: an epidemiologic study.

Background: Salmonella species commonly produce acute gastroenteritis. The clinical course may be affected by factors such as age, immunosuppression, and underlying disorders.

Objectives: To investigate clinical and laboratory differences in the infected population and the risk of complications according to the different age groups.

Dense ascites: CT manifestations and clinical implications.

Ascites is a not infrequent finding on CT. Causes of ascites include congestive heart failure, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, inflammation, and neoplasm. In most cases the attenuation of ascites is that of clear fluid, measuring around 0 HU.