Non-Ventilator ICU-Acquired Pneumonia After Cardiothoracic Surgery: Accuracy of Diagnostic Tools and Outcomes.

Background: Non-ventilator ICU-acquired pneumonia after cardiothoracic surgery is challenging to diagnose, and little is known about its impact on patient outcomes. Here, our primary objective was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of cultures of 2 types of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) specimens: endotracheal aspirates (FOB-EA) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (FOB-BAL). The secondary objectives were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of spontaneous sputum cultures and of the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) and to describe patient outcomes.

Clinical and biologic features of patients suspected or confirmed to have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a cardiothoracic surgical ICU.

Background: The diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is problematic in the surgical ICU, as there are multiple potential explanations for thrombocytopenia. We conducted a study to assess the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of HIT in a cardiothoracic surgical ICU.

Methods: From January 2005 to December 2010, all patients with suspicion of HIT were prospectively identified, and data were collected retrospectively.

Prune Belly Syndrome Associated with Full Spectrum of VACTERL in a New Born.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare congenital anomaly of uncertain etiology. Many associations of PBS with other malformations were previously reported, but only few cases of the association with VACTERL have been described. We report a rare case of a Moroccan new born with PBS and complete VACTERL association.