[Palliative care consultation in the ICU : Descriptive analysis of internal medicine intensive care using a mixed model over 12 months].

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 56 of 669 critically ill patients admitted to an internal medicine intensive care unit (ICU) with palliative care provided by a palliative care team over the period of 12 months. For delivering palliative care, we used a mixed model-consisting of both integrative and consultative elements. SAPS III severity score in patients with palliative care was 63 ± 15 compared to 50 ± 15 in all critically ill patients.

Interleukin 6, galectin 3, growth differentiation factor 15, and soluble ST2 for mortality prediction in critically ill patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of interleukin 6 (IL-6), galectin 3, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and soluble ST2 (sST2) in an unselected cohort of critically ill patients.

Methods: During a study period of 1 year, we recruited 530 consecutive patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. We examined a combination of inflammatory, renal, and cardiac biomarkers for the prediction of 90-day all-cause mortality.

Effect of proton pump inhibitors on gastric pH in patients exposed to severe stress.

Background: The incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers has decreased within the last 30 years. Improvements in intensive care medicine including advanced equipment for artificial ventilation, better sedoanalgesic therapies, and the use of stress ulcer prophylaxis are credited for the decline.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gastric pH in patients exposed to a defined severe stress situation during a specified time period.

[Pilot study of levosimendan : Effect on liver blood flow and liver function in acute decompensated heart failure].

Background: In a pilot study, 9 patients (39-48 years) with acute decompensated heart failure and a cardiac index (CI) of 1.9 ± 0.3 l/min/m(2) were included after exclusion of an underlying hepatic disease.