0
selected
-
1.
Metabolic Support of the Patient on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.
Nystrom, EM, Nei, AM
Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2018;(6):754-766
Abstract
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the modality of choice in critically ill patients with hemodynamic instability requiring renal replacement therapy. The goal of this review is to discuss an overview of CRRT types, components, and important considerations for nutrition support provision. Evidence basis for guidelines and our recommendations are reviewed. Nutrition support-related implications include the possibility of calorie gain with citrate-based anticoagulation, calorie loss with glucose-free replacement fluids and dialysate, and significant amino acid losses in effluent. We challenge nutrition support clinicians to develop a keen understanding of the specific CRRT modalities that are employed in their intensive care units and to be able to determine how the CRRT prescription may impact a patient's nutrition support prescription.
-
2.
Clinical management of critically ill patients with Cushing's disease due to ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenomas: effectiveness of presurgical treatment with pasireotide.
Cannavo, S, Messina, E, Albani, A, Ferrau, F, Barresi, V, Priola, S, Esposito, F, Angileri, F
Endocrine. 2016;(3):481-7
Abstract
The management of critically ill Cushing's disease (CD) patients is extremely challenging. Pasireotide is indicated for the treatment of CD patients when pituitary surgery is unfeasible or has not been curative, but no data are available about the use of this drug as pre-operative treatment in critically ill patients. We report the effects of presurgical pasireotide therapy in CD patients in whom hypercortisolism caused life-threatening hypokalemia, alkalosis, and cardio-respiratory complications precluding surgical approach. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological data of two critically ill patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma, before and during first-line presurgical pasireotide treatment (600 μg s.c. bid). During the first 21 days of treatment, pasireotide therapy induced a rapid, partial decrease of plasma ACTH, serum cortisol, and urinary free cortisol levels, with the consequent normalization of serum potassium concentration and arterial blood gases parameters, in both the patients. They did not experience unmanageable side effects and underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery after 4 weeks of effective treatment. Pre-operative MRI evaluation did not show pituitary tumor shrinkage. Surgical cure of CD was obtained in the first patient, while debulking allowed the pharmacological control of hypercortisolism in the second case. We suggest that pasireotide can induce a rapid improvement of clinical and metabolic conditions in critically ill CD patients in whom surgical approach is considered hazardous and need to be delayed.
-
3.
Physiological and management implications of obesity in critical illness.
Shashaty, MG, Stapleton, RD
Annals of the American Thoracic Society. 2014;(8):1286-97
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
Obesity is highly prevalent in the United States and is becoming increasingly common worldwide. The anatomic and physiological changes that occur in obese individuals may have an impact across the spectrum of critical illness. Obese patients may be more susceptible to hypoxemia and hypercapnia. During mechanical ventilation, elevated end-expiratory pressures may be required to improve lung compliance and to prevent ventilation-perfusion mismatch due to distal airway collapse. Several studies have shown an increased risk of organ dysfunction such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury in obese patients. Predisposition to ventricular hypertrophy and increases in blood volume should be considered in fluid management decisions. Obese patients have accelerated muscle losses in critical illness, making nutrition essential, although the optimal predictive equation to estimate nutritional needs or formulation for obese patients is not well established. Many common intensive care unit medications are not well studied in obese patients, necessitating understanding of pharmacokinetic concepts and consultation with pharmacists. Obesity is associated with higher risk of deep venous thrombosis and catheter-associated bloodstream infections, likely related to greater average catheter dwell times. Logistical issues such as blood pressure cuff sizing, ultrasound assistance for procedures, diminished quality of some imaging modalities, and capabilities of hospital equipment such as beds and lifts are important considerations. Despite the physiological alterations and logistical challenges involved, it is not clear whether obesity has an effect on mortality or long-term outcomes from critical illness. Effects may vary by type of critical illness, obesity severity, and obesity-associated comorbidities.
-
4.
Rehabilitation after critical illness: could a ward-based generic rehabilitation assistant promote recovery?
Salisbury, LG, Merriweather, JL, Walsh, TS
Nursing in critical care. 2010;(2):57-65
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this paper is to explore issues surrounding the implementation of a generic rehabilitation assistant (GRA) to provide ward-based rehabilitation after critical illness. BACKGROUND Following critical illness a range of both physical and psychological problems can occur that include muscle wasting and weakness, fatigue, reduced appetite, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. Limited research exists evaluating the provision of rehabilitation to this patient group. This paper explores one possible service delivery model providing ward-based rehabilitation after critical illness. The model explored is a GRA working in conjunction with ward-based staff. RESULTS We describe how a GRA worked effectively with ward-based teams to provide additional rehabilitation in the period after discharge from intensive care. Benefits included greater continuity of care that was flexible to the individual needs of patients. Some aspects of the role were challenging for the GRA and highlighted the need for good communication skills. A need for comprehensive training of the GRA was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Our experience demonstrates that it is feasible to deliver ward-based rehabilitation after critical illness using the GRA service delivery model. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE This model of service delivery offers the potential to improve outcomes for patients after a critical illness. Further research evaluating this model of care is required before implementation into clinical practice.
-
5.
Recombinant human erythropoietin therapy in critically ill Jehovah's Witnesses.
Ball, AM, Winstead, PS
Pharmacotherapy. 2008;(11):1383-90
Abstract
Blood transfusions and blood products are often given as a life-saving measure in patients with critical illness. However, some patients, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, may refuse their administration due to religious beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses accept most available medical treatments, but not blood transfusions or blood products due to their religion's interpretation of several passages from the Bible. Since recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) became available, several cases have been reported in which rHuEPO was successfully administered to critically ill Jehovah's Witnesses. Administration of rHuEPO in combination with other blood conservation techniques has been shown to increase hemoglobin levels and survival in patients who experienced trauma, burns, general surgery, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We performed a literature search of the MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases of rHuEPO therapy in the Jehovah's Witness population. Fourteen cases were identified in which rHuEPO was administered to Jehovah's Witnesses who required the drug for critical care resuscitation as an alternative to blood products. In each clinical situation, rHuEPO enhanced erythropoiesis; however, time to the start of treatment, dosages, route of administration, and treatment duration varied widely. Supplementation with adjunctive agents, such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, was also beneficial. Use of rHuEPO in Jehovah's Witnesses may provide an alternative to blood transfusions or blood products. Other alternatives, such as hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers and perfluorocarbons, are also being explored.
-
6.
Indirect calorimetry: applications in practice.
Wooley, JA
Respiratory care clinics of North America. 2006;(4):619-33
Abstract
IC is the standard for determining energy expenditure in critically ill patients. The measured REE is an objective, patient-specific caloric reference that serves as the most accurate method of determining energy expenditure. Protocols addressing IC methodology are necessary to ensure technical accuracy and clinically useful results. The measured REE should be the caloric target without the addition of stress or activity factors for nutrition support regimens in the ICU. The RQ should be used primarily as an indicator of test validity. Optimal nutrition intervention requires continuous evaluation of all pertinent clinical data and careful monitoring of each patient's response to therapy.
-
7.
Meeting the nutritional needs of the bariatric patient in acute care.
Ecklund, MM
Critical care nursing clinics of North America. 2004;(4):495-9
Abstract
Meeting the nutritional needs of the bariatric (severely obese) patient in acute and critical care can be a challenge. Assessment of metabolic needs and energy expenditure is imperative to calculate nutritional needs. Achieving adequate nutrition is a result of multidisciplinary team collaboration, with the nurse providing important data for the dietitian to calculate needs. This article reviews aspects of nutritional support of the bariatric patient including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.