Limiting futile therapy as part of end-of-life care in intensive care units.

The debate about medical futility often involves intensive care units where life-support procedures are routinely applied. Futile therapy is part of end-of-life therapy. In the discussion about medical futility it is important to distinguish the effect of therapy from the benefit for the patient.

Comparison of propofol-ketamine versuspropofol-remifentanil in children anaesthetized for gastroscopy.

Background: The search for ideal anaesthesia is still an open research issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare two methods of general anaesthesia with preserved own breath - propofol with ketamine and propofol with remifentanil - in children anaesthetized for gastroscopy.

Methods: The study included 90 children enrolled for elective endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract under general anaesthesia.

[Radiographic assessment of accuracy of tracheal tube placement in children].

Background: Accidental migration of endotracheal tubes has been recognized by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) as an important morbidity factor in ventilated children. Several equations have been proposed for prediction of the ideal position of the endotracheal tube, but none of them was found to be ideal.

Methods: We have retrospectively assessed the positions of endotracheal tubes in 108 intubated children.

[Abdominal compartment syndrome as advanced abdominal hypertension].

The aim of the article is to present the definition and criteria of diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) due to abdominal hypertension. Epidemiology of ACS is discussed. Secondary ACS is described.

[Infections as a preoperative problem in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) associated with complete atrioventricular canal septal defect (AVC)].

Unlabelled: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) coexisting with atrioventricular canal septal defect (AVC) is a rare combination of anomalies. Additionally, in cases with concomitant Down syndrome, recurrent infections can be a serious problem in patients (pts.) waiting for cardiosurgery treatment.

[Ebstein syndrome--various forms, clinical view and treatment results in children].

Unlabelled: Ebstein's anomaly is an uncommon lesion of the tricuspid valve characterized by downward displacement of the tricuspid valve. The aim of the study was an analysis of the form, clinical outcome and treatment results in patients (pts) diagnosed with Ebstein anomaly.

Methods: 28 pts were analysed.

[Flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP) examination under midazolam sedation of non-cooperating children].

Purpose: To find the optimal conditions for visual evoked potential (VEP) examination of non-cooperative children using midazolam maleate sedation.

Patients: 32 children aged from 8 months to 13 years (mean 3.5 years) with mental disorders, emotional problems and/or very low vision due to various reasons.