Accuracy of different methods for blood glucose measurement in critically ill patients.

Context And Objective: Although glucometers have not been validated for intensive care units, they are regularly used. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the accuracy and clinical agreement of arterial glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Agluc-lab), capillary (Cgluc-strip) and arterial (Agluc-strip) glucose concentration obtained using glucometry and central venous glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Vgluc-lab).

Design And Setting: Cross-sectional study in a university hospital.

The impact of duration of organ dysfunction on the outcome of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of the duration of organ dysfunction on the outcome of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

Methods: Clinical data were collected from hospital charts of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock admitted to a mixed intensive care unit from November 2003 to February 2004. The duration of organ dysfunction prior to diagnosis was correlated with mortality.