McCormick T, Venn R. Recently published papers: Tracheostomy: why rather than when? Obesity: does it matter? And stroke: diagnosis, thrombosis and prognosis.
CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2008;
11:127. [PMID:
17477883 PMCID:
PMC2206458 DOI:
10.1186/cc5725]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Three studies explore the case for tracheostomies in the intensive care unit (ICU). Tracheostomies appear to have no effect on ICU survival, according to a prospective observational cohort study that used a propensity score. In obese patients, surgical tracheostomies were associated with an increased risk of complications, although these patients appeared to have a lower mortality in the ICU. A third study failed to show that tracheostomies reduced sedation requirements. MRI appears to be the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of acute stroke and thrombolysis is a safe and effective treatment for acute ischaemic strokes. Virtually all patients with a stroke may benefit from ongoing care in a stroke unit.
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