Limitations of life-sustaining treatments in intensive care units in Croatia: a multicenter retrospective study.

Aim: In order to gain insight into the current prevailing practices regarding the limitation of life-sustaining treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) in Croatia, we assessed the frequency of limitation and provision of certain treatment modalities, as well as the associated patient and ICU-related factors.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 ICUs in Croatia. We reviewed the medical records of patients deceased in 2017 and extracted data on demographic, clinical, and health care variables.

Experiences and attitudes of medical professionals on treatment of end-of-life patients in intensive care units in the Republic of Croatia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Decisions about limitations of life sustaining treatments (LST) are made for end-of-life patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this research was to explore the professional and ethical attitudes and experiences of medical professionals on treatment of end-of-life patients in ICUs in the Republic of Croatia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and nurses working in surgical, medical, neurological, and multidisciplinary ICUs in the total of 9 hospitals throughout Croatia using a questionnaire with closed and open type questions.

IS IT TIME TO REDEFINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY? THE IMPORTANCE OF METHODOLOGICAL CONSISTENCY.

High incidence and significance of repercussions on patient health and healthcare system make postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) a major problem following cardiac surgery. POCD frequency drops over time since surgery and its occurrence are related to different aspects of cognitive deterioration that markedly impair the patient quality of life. Therefore, a substantial number of papers have focused on this complex postoperative complication, however, with limited achievement in clarifying it.

End-of-Life Decisions in Intensive Care Units in Croatia-Pre COVID-19 Perspectives and Experiences From Nurses and Physicians.

Healthcare professionals working in intensive care units (ICUs) are often involved in end-of-life decision-making. No research has been done so far about these processes taking place in Croatian ICUs. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions, experiences, and challenges healthcare professionals face when dealing with end-of-life decisions in ICUs in Croatia.

Longitudinal assessment of preoperative dexamethasone administration on cognitive function after cardiac surgery: a 4-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is still poorly understood; however, the inflammatory response to surgical procedures seems likely to be involved. In addition, our recent randomized controlled trial showed that perioperative corticosteroid treatment may ameliorate early POCD after cardiac surgery. To assess the long-term effect of dexamethasone administration on cognitive function, we conducted a 4-year follow-up.