Development and internal validation of the multivariable CIPHER (Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-dependency Estimate of Risk) clinical risk prediction model.

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) outcome prediction models, such as Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE), were designed in general critical care populations and their use in obstetric populations is contentious. The aim of the CIPHER (Collaborative Integrated Pregnancy High-dependency Estimate of Risk) study was to develop and internally validate a multivariable prognostic model calibrated specifically for pregnant or recently delivered women admitted for critical care.

Methods: A retrospective observational cohort was created for this study from 13 tertiary facilities across five high-income and six low- or middle-income countries.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a ventilator associated pneumonia prevention bundle that contains endotracheal tube with subglottic drainage and cuff pressure monitorization.

The effectiveness of prevention bundles on the occurrence and mortality of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) was evaluated in many studies. However, the effectiveness of endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion drainage (ETT-SD) and cuff pressure monitorization in VAP bundles have not been adequately assessed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VAP bundle containing ETT-SD and cuff pressure monitorization.

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome: Outcomes for patients admitted to intensive care at a tertiary referral hospital.

Purpose: The aim was to assess outcomes for pregnancies in which hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome develops and the patient requires transfer for critical care.

Materials And Methods: The cases of women with HELLP syndrome who delivered at our tertiary center or surrounding hospitals and were admitted to the intensive care between January 2007 and July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Results were compared for the surviving and non-surviving patients.

Is airborne transmission of Acinetobacter baumannii possible: A prospective molecular epidemiologic study in a tertiary care hospital.

Background: Understanding the dynamics of aerial spread of Acinetobacter may provide useful information for production of effective control measurements. We investigated genetic relationships between air and clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting.

Methods: We conducted a prospective surveillance study in a tertiary care hospital for 8 months.

Pain, fentanyl consumption, and delirium in adolescents after scoliosis surgery: dexmedetomidine vs midazolam.

Background: The study aim was to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for sedation during the early postoperative period in adolescents who underwent scoliosis surgery.

Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized trial in an intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care center. In this study, 42 patients (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I and II) who underwent scoliosis surgery were divided into two groups according to sedation protocols: group dexmedetomidine (DEX) (n = 22) and group midazolam (MDZ) (n = 20).