S100B and brain ultrasound: Novel predictors for functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Objective: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of serum S100B protein, transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCD), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in predicting functional outcomes in critically ill patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 80 adult AIS patients were evaluated.

Prognostic Role of Serum Adrenomedullin in Patients with Ventilator Associated Pneumonia.

Objective: Ventilator associated pneumonia is a common type of sepsis that occurs to about 9-27% of all mechanically ventilated patients and 20-50% of them develop septic shock. Several clinical, laboratory, and radiological methods have been used for diagnosing VAP. Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been found to be elevated in the plasma of septic patients.

Prognostic Value of Venous to Arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference during Early Resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients with Septic Shock.

Context: The partial pressure of venous to arterial carbon dioxide gradient (PCO gap) is considered as an alternative marker of tissue hypoperfusion and has been used to guide treatment for shock.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference during early resuscitation of patients with septic shock and compared it with that of lactate clearance and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score.

Settings And Design: Forty patients admitted to one Intensive Care Unit were enrolled.

Prediction of Ischemic Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: A Comparison between 3 Scores.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Among all poststroke complications, pneumonia constitutes a major complication with a strong impact on morbidity and mortality. To identify patients at high risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and to tailor a prophylactic approach, a reliable scoring model for prediction may be useful in daily stroke care.