Publications by authors named "Laura M Seidel"

Background: The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) covers the luminal surface of the vascular endothelium and plays an important protective role in systemic inflammatory states and particularly in sepsis. Its breakdown leads to capillary leak and organ dysfunction. Moreover, sepsis-induced alterations of sublingual microcirculation are associated with a worse clinical outcome.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: There is clear evidence that early causal therapy improves outcome in sepsis and septic shock, whereas recent studies on supportive hemodynamic therapy have produced very conflictive results. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a supportive hemodynamic therapy guided by clinically relevant invasive monitoring improves survival and organ function in a high-lethality model of septic shock in sheep as compared to sole causal therapy including surgical and antimicrobial treatment.

Methods: Twenty healthy ewes were anaesthetized and instrumented for hemodynamic surveillance.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Results from end-of-course student evaluations of teaching (SETs) are taken seriously by faculties and form part of a decision base for the recruitment of academic staff, the distribution of funds and changes to curricula. However, there is some doubt as to whether these evaluation instruments accurately measure the quality of course content, teaching and knowledge transfer. We investigated whether the provision of chocolate cookies as a content-unrelated intervention influences SET results.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Surviving Sepsis Guidelines suggest the use of vasopressin in case of catecholamine-refractory septic shock. Terlipressin (TP) as a V-selective AVP analogue is a potential alternative, though data regarding the first-line administration in septic shock are scarce. The present study explored and compared the effects of first-line vs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF