Long-term outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting in cardiogenic shock or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting carried out in patients in cardiogenic shock or receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an infrequently performed procedure, disrupting the normal process with a dramatic early risk. These circumstances mandate an analysis of the benefit, including the early identification of the late survivors.

Methods: A consecutive series of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting while in cardiogenic shock (n = 167) or while receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n = 92) from August 1979 until August 2001 were studied by using time-related and multivariate methodologies and a common-closing-date follow-up methodology.

Steroid-free immunosuppression during and after liver transplantation--a 3-yr follow-up report.

Background/aims: Steroids are traditionally used in liver transplantation as a part of a triple or quadruple immunosuppressive regimen. Steroids act non-specifically and cause multiple side-effects. Most liver transplantation centers reduce the dosage of steroids and eventually withdraw them after various time intervals.

Factors affecting mortality in generalized postoperative peritonitis: multivariate analysis in 96 patients.

Mortality of generalized postoperative peritonitis remains high at 22% to 55%. The aim of the present study was to identify prognostic factors by means of univariate and multivariate analysis in a consecutive series of 96 patients. Mortality was 30%.

Outcome benefit of intensive insulin therapy in the critically ill: Insulin dose versus glycemic control.

Objectives: Maintenance of normoglycemia with insulin reduces mortality and morbidity of critically ill patients. Here we report the factors determining insulin requirements and the impact of insulin dose vs. blood glucose control on the observed outcome benefits.

Needs and feelings of anxiety of relatives of patients hospitalized in intensive care units: implications for social work.

Introduction: This study explores the needs and anxiety levels of relatives faced with the stress of a family member's critical care hospitalization in relation to the relatives' age, gender, educational level and type of kinship with the patient and in relationship to the characteristics of the admission and the condition of the patient.

Methods: Participants were 200 relatives of 120 different critical care patients. Family needs were measured by means of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory.