Levetiracetam versus phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis in brain injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background The onset of early and/or late seizures in brain injured patients is associated with worse outcome. So far, phenytoin is the most commonly used antiepileptic drug to prevent seizures in this group of patients. Objective In the current metaanalysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of phenytoin versus levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis in brain injured patients.

Factors associated with increased pancreatic enzymes in septic patients: a prospective study.

Background: The perfusion of splanchnic organs is deeply altered in patients with septic shock. The aim of the study is to identify the predictive factors of septic shock-induced increase of serum lipase and amylase and to assess and evaluate its prognostic impact.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study.

Usefulness of full outline of unresponsiveness score to predict extubation failure in intubated critically-ill patients: A pilot study.

Objective: To assess the usefulness of the full outline of unresponsiveness (FOUR) score in predicting extubation failure in critically ill intubated patients admitted with disturbed level of conscious in comparison with the Glasgow coma scale (GCS).

Patients And Methods: All intubated critically ill patients with a disturbed level of consciousness were assessed using both the FOUR score and the GCS. The FOUR score and the GCS were compared regarding their predictive value for successful extubation at 14 days after intubation as a primary outcome measure.

Pancreatic injury in patients with septic shock: A literature review.

Sepsis and septic shock are life threatening condition associated with high mortality rate in critically-ill patients. This high mortality is mainly related to the inadequacy between oxygen delivery and cellular demand leading to the onset of multiorgan dysfunction. Whether this multiorgan failure affect the pancreas is not fully investigated.

Successful management of H1N1 related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life threatening complication of H1N1 pneumonia. According to the Berlin conference guidelines, severe ARDS requires management with early invasive mechanical ventilation. Whether noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) should be attempted in patients with H1N1 pneumonia is still a matter of debate.