Potential sources of conflict in intensive care units - a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Conflicts occur in intensive care units (ICUs), and an international multicentre study conducted in 2008, including 323 ICUs from 24 European countries, confirmed the occurrence of this phenomenon. There are no data in Poland. The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of the occurrence of conflicts in ICUs in Polish hospitals, and their most frequent sources. METHODS: The study was based on an original questionnaire performed in 12 ICUs in the Pomeranian Voivodship. The respondents were asked questions regarding the frequency, type, and lines of conflicts between employees, as well as potential causes of conflicts. RESULTS: Completed surveys were received from 232 employees, including 79 doctors and 153 nurses. The phenomenon of occurrence of conflicts was confirmed by about 30% of the staff, providing answer that conflicts occur "often". About 43% of staff estimated that conflicts "sometimes" occur and 25% chose the answer "rarely". Analysis of the answers made it possible to identify the most common potential causes of conflict. CONCLUSIONS: The main sources of conflicts in ICUs appear to be external factors such a financial issues and physical overload. The hospital policy and the health policy of the state are also important. The perceived conflicts require careful and constant monitoring. The frequency of hidden conflicts requires thorough assessment of their impact on the quality of work.

Non-invasive haemodynamic measurements with Nexfin predict the risk of hypotension following spinal anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Unfavourable circulatory system conditions have been observed in many patients with spinal anaesthesia. The most frequent symptoms include a decrease in blood pressure and, less frequently, bradycardia. The appearance of unfavourable consequences of spinal anaesthesia might be related to the initial status of the patient's circulatory system. The aim of this study was to establish the possibility of predicting unfavourable circulatory consequences (hypotension, bradycardia) following spinal anaesthesia, based on non-invasive haemodynamic assessment with a Nexfin device. METHODS: This prospective study included 100 18-60-year-old ASA I or II planned spinal anaesthesia patients. The initial hemodynamic parameters were assessed with a Nexfin monitor. Anaesthesia was performed with 3-3.5 mL of a 0,5% hyperbaric bupivacaine solution. Within 20 min after the administration of anaesthesia, the arterial blood pressure values, heart rate, sensory blockade level, and motoric blockade level were recorded in 5-min intervals. Hypotension was classified by a decrease of SAP < 90 mm Hg and/or the decrease of the SAP ≥ 20% initial value. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of hypotension resulting from a spinal blockade. RESULTS: The development of hypotension and bradycardia was observed in 39 and 2%, respectively, of the patients. The patients who developed hypotension differed significantly from those who did not develop this symptom, with the main difference being the body mass and the assessment on the ASA scale. The patients who developed hypotension after spinal anaesthesia differed significantly in the initial hemodynamic parameters (SAP, MAP, SVRI). The following two independent risk factors for hypotension were isolated: the mean arterial pressure (OR 1.04; 95% CI: 1.005-1.076) and the systemic vascular resistance index (OR 1.109; 95% CI: 1.021-1.204). CONCLUSIONS: Nexfin-based non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring might be helpful in the identification of individuals with a high risk of hypotension following spinal blockade.

Platinum-promoted Ga/Al2O3 as highly active, selective, and stable catalyst for the dehydrogenation of propane.

A novel catalyst material for the selective dehydrogenation of propane is presented. The catalyst consists of 1000 ppm Pt, 3 wt% Ga, and 0.25 wt% K supported on alumina. We observed a synergy between Ga and Pt, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst. Additionally, we propose a bifunctional active phase, in which coordinately unsaturated Ga(3+) species are the active species and where Pt functions as a promoter.

[Whipple's disease with generalized lymphadenopathy]. / Choroba Whipple'a przebiegajaca z uogólniona limfadenoptia.

A case of Whipple's disease in 44 year-old man with generalized limphadenopathy of superficial and retroperitoneal lymph nodes was presented. Differential diagnostics with lymphatic neoplasm was necessary.