Hemodynamic effects of recombinant human activated protein C in patients with septic shock.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) on hemodynamic parameters in patients with septic shock.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 2 university-hospital critical care units. Patients with septic shock with pulmonary artery catheterization or transthoracic thermodilution monitoring were studied.

Comprehensive safety analysis of concomitant drotrecogin alfa (activated) and prophylactic heparin use in patients with severe sepsis.

Purpose: The safety of using heparin concomitantly with drotrecogin alfa (activated) {DrotAA} was explored in the XPRESS study. No heparin effect on mortality was observed. Safety results from that study are explored in more detail.

Extended drotrecogin alfa (activated) treatment in patients with prolonged septic shock.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of extended drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DAA) therapy.

Design: Multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Setting: Sixty-four intensive care units in nine countries.

Use of activated protein C in liver transplantation patients with septic shock.

Recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) has been approved for use in patients with severe sepsis at high risk of death. Because of the high risk of bleeding, liver transplantation (LT) patients have been excluded from the randomized control trials that evaluated efficacy and safety of rhAPC and, thus, few data are available on the use of this drug in LT patients with severe sepsis. We describe our experience with 5 LT recipients treated for septic shock with the best conventional therapy and rhAPC.

The safety profile of drotrecogin alfa (activated).

Continued safety assessment is essential for any newly approved therapy. Drotrecogin alfa (activated; DrotAA), which is approved for use in severe sepsis, has undergone clinical trials with corresponding safety analyses since 1995. However, the only comprehensive review of all trials is that reported in 2003 by Bernard and coworkers.

Peripheral arterial blood pressure monitoring adequately tracks central arterial blood pressure in critically ill patients: an observational study.

Introduction: Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring is a common practice in intensive care units (ICUs). Accuracy of invasive blood pressure monitoring is crucial in evaluating the cardiocirculatory system and adjusting drug therapy for hemodynamic support. However, the best site for catheter insertion is controversial.