Characterization of intensive care unit patients using a model based on the presence or absence of organ dysfunctions and/or infection: the ODIN model.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of a model based on the presence or absence of organ dysfunctions and/or infection (ODIN) to predict the outcome for intensive care unit patients.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: General intensive care unit in a university teaching hospital.

Hemodynamic effect of calcium channel blockade during anesthesia for coronary artery surgery.

Because the choice of anesthetic technique does not influence the incidence of perioperative myocardial ischemia, reduction of ischemic risk may require specific antianginal therapy. Calcium entry blockers are effective drugs in antianginal therapy. Diltiazem reduces myocardial oxygen demand through decreases in heart rate, inotropy, and systolic function, while increasing myocardial oxygen delivery through coronary vasodilation.