Association between static and dynamic thenar near-infrared spectroscopy and mortality in patients with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Oxygen delivery and consumption disturbances are frequently seen with critically illness, potentially leading to pathologic changes in tissue oxygenation (StO2). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a potentially useful method to monitor StO2, but the role of NIRS in prognostication of septic patients is uncertain. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and evaluate static and dynamic NIRS in patients with sepsis.

Fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starches in patients with sepsis is associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury and use of renal replacement therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

Purpose: Fluid resuscitation is a key intervention in sepsis, but the type of fluids used varies widely. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine whether resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starches (HES) compared with crystalloids affects outcomes in patients with sepsis.

Materials And Methods: Search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to February 2013.

Pharmaconutrition: acute fatty acid modulation of circulating cytokines in elderly patients in the ICU.

Background: Enteral supply of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been used in an attempt to modulate inflammation and improve outcome in critically ill patients. However, enteral administration may be slow to change membrane composition and therefore may not be the best route to supply these fatty acids in patients with acute conditions. This study evaluated the effects of short-term intravenous (IV) administration of fish oil-based lipid emulsion (FLE) as pharmaconutrition on cytokine levels in critically ill elderly patients.

Supplemental intravenous n-3 fatty acids and n-3 fatty acid status and outcome in critically ill elderly patients in the ICU receiving enteral nutrition.

Background & Aims: N-3 fatty acids (FA) may have benefits in ICU patients. The aims were to identify whether FA status is altered in critical illness and to evaluate the effect of supplemental intravenous n-3 FA on plasma FA status and clinical outcome in ICU patients receiving enteral nutrition.

Methods: Enterally fed patients (n = 49; 60-80 years) were recruited in the first 48 h of ICU admission.

Association between use of lung-protective ventilation with lower tidal volumes and clinical outcomes among patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Context: Lung-protective mechanical ventilation with the use of lower tidal volumes has been found to improve outcomes of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It has been suggested that use of lower tidal volumes also benefits patients who do not have ARDS.

Objective: To determine whether use of lower tidal volumes is associated with improved outcomes of patients receiving ventilation who do not have ARDS.