Serial measurement of Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28) in a surgical intensive care unit.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the use of the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28) in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients and the relationship of the score to the type of surgery, severity of illness, and outcome in these patients.

Materials And Methods: Prospectively collected data from all patients admitted to a postoperative ICU between March 1, 2004, and June 30, 2006, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: A total of 6903 patients were admitted during the study period (63.

Characterization of buccal microvascular response in patients with septic shock.

Background And Objective: Microcirculatory alterations are thought to be responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality from sepsis. The aim of the present study was to characterize the buccal microvascular response in patients with septic shock using combined laser Doppler flowmetry/visual light spectroscopy measurements.

Methods: Microvascular measurements were performed daily on the buccal mucosa in 21 consecutive ICU patients within 24 h of the onset of septic shock, in 20 healthy volunteers, and in eight ICU patients after uncomplicated elective surgery (ICU controls).

Effects of a predominantly hydroxyethyl starch (HES)-based and a predominantly non HES-based fluid therapy on renal function in surgical ICU patients.

Purpose: To compare the effects of predominantly hydroxyethyl starch (HES 6% 130/0.4)-based with predominantly gelatin 4%-based fluid therapy on renal function in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods: Before-after, retrospective, study of surgical ICU patients.