Comparison of adaptive support ventilation and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Suitable mechanical ventilation strategies can reduce the incidence and severity of ventilator-associated lung injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this study, the effects of adaptive support ventilation (ASV) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) on respiratory parameters and arterial blood gases (ABGs) parameters were compared in ARDS patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups of ASV and SIMV. Patients were followed up for 3 days, and respiratory parameters including rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), spontaneous breathing rate (SBR), minute volume, and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) as the primary outcomes and ABG parameters including PaO2, FiO2, PaCO2, HCO3, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio as the secondary outcomes were measured. Results: PIP in patients in the SIMV group on the 1st day (P = 0.013), 2nd day (P = 0.001), and 3rd day (P = 0.004) was statistically significantly more compared to those in patients in the ASV group. RSBI, SBR, and minute volume between the ASV and SIMV groups during the 3 days were not statistically significantly different (P > 0.05). The mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, PaO2, and PH between both groups were similar (P > 0.05). At the end of the 2nd and 3rd days, the level of FiO2 and PaCO2 in ASV was significantly lower than those in ASV group. HCO3 in each of the 3 days in the ASV group was statistically significantly lower than that in the SIMV group (P < 0.050). PaO2/FiO2 ratio in patients in the ASV group in the 3 days was statistically significantly higher than that in the SIMV group (P < 0.050). Conclusion: By reducing PIP and improving oxygenation and ABG parameters, ASV mode may be a safe and feasible mode during mechanical ventilation in patients with ARDS.

The relationship between Vitamin D, clinical outcomes and mortality rate in ICU patients: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: According to the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, a few studies have been conducted to clarify the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to determine this probable association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D, C-reactive protein, malnutrition measurements, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-acquired infection from 185 patients in ICU were assessed in the first 24 h of admission and they were followed for the other outcomes. RESULTS: About 93.5% of patients were classified as deficient and insufficient while the others were categorized in sufficient group. 25(OH)D status was not significantly associated with mortality rate (P = 0.66), and no significant differences in ventilation time were observed (P = 0.97). Sufficient group left the ICU sooner, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.75). Besides the results of relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and nutritional status (P = 0.69) were not significant. In addition, sufficient group suffered from infection more than insufficient patients, but this relationship was not significant (P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that 25(OH)D insufficiency is common in ICU patients, but no significant association between low 25(OH)D levels and ICU outcomes were observed. Hence, because of vital roles of Vitamin D in human's body, comprehensive study should conduct to determine the decisive results.

Assess the clinical applicability of transthoracic echocardiography in laparotomy patients in a general intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiography is one of the diagnostic tools that can be applied at the bedside, along with avoiding transporting critically ill patients. This prospective observational study was designed to assess the clinical applicability of the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) device by noncardiologist intensivists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intensivists performed a limited TTE examination on critically ill patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). After initial cardiac clinical assessment in 85 critically ill adult patients, a limited TTE was performed by an intensivist to assess left ventricular (LV) function and LV volume status as well as valvular function and qualitative factors. Data were analyzed and presented in proportions using descriptive statistics. The setting was in surgical ICU of an academic medical center. RESULTS: Valvular abnormalities (44.8%) as well as qualitative indices (68.3%) were the most frequently detected abnormalities. The ejection fraction was the only alteration, which was affected by the risk factors (P = 0.05, mean = 55.57). CONCLUSION: Transthoracic approach can provide useful information on cardiac anatomy and function in most ICU patients along with detecting severe previously unknown conditions in some patients.

Comparative evaluation of the effects of hydroxyethyl starch on coagulation state of patients during brain tumor surgeries in comparison to crystalloids by thromboelastography.

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulability has been reported in primary brain tumors which can lead to thrombotic complications. Hydroxyethyl starch (hetastarch) is a synthetic colloid solution with adverse effects on blood coagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of hetastarch in reducing thromboembolic events in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blinded clinical trial, 60 brain tumor surgery patients were randomly divided into two groups and given 10 mL/kg hetastarch or normal saline during surgery. Blood coagulation was compared before and after infusion of these fluids within and between groups by thromboelastography (TEG). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in bleeding (P = 0.126), duration of surgery (P = 0.504), and fluid intake (0.09L) between the two groups. Percentage of changes in R (R: Time to initiate fibrin formation), K (K: Measure of the speed taken to reach a specific level of clot strength), and Ly30 (Ly30: Percent of fibrin distraction after 30 minutes of clot formation) in the crystalloid group were -20.61 ± 26.46, -30.02 ± 49.10, and 1.27 ± 22.63, and that in the colloid group were 22.10 ± 26.11, 41.79 ± 37.15, and 59.09 ± 37.12, respectively. Deterioration in hemostasis during and after surgery was not observed. CONCLUSION: There was a reduction in the speed of clot formation and increase in clot lysis in the hetastarch group. Coagulability was decreased in the colloid group. Infusion of 10 mL/kg hetastarch in brain tumor resection surgeries can probably decrease susceptibility of these patients to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thromboembolic events.

The comparison of spinal anesthesia with general anesthesia on the postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements after elective lower abdominal surgery: A randomized, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative pain scores and morphine requirements between spinal anesthesia (SA) with hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% and general anesthesia (GA) with 1 Minimal alveolar concentration minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in 50% N2O and O2 after elective lower abdominal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 68 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I or II undergoing lower abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to have elective lower abdominal surgery under SA (n = 34) or GA (n = 34). The SA group received 3 cc of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (15 mg), at L3-L4 interspace intrathecally and also 2 mic/kg fentanyl and 0.15 mg/kg morphine intravenously for intraoperative analgesia. In the GA group, induction of anesthesia was carried out with Na thiopental 6 mg/kg body weight, fentanyl 2 mic/kg body weight, morphine 0.15 mg/kg, and atracurium 0.6 mg/kg body weight, and then, trachea was intubated. The primary outcome was postoperative pain scores at rest and under stress on a visual analog scale and the secondary outcome was morphine requirement by the patients. Outcome measures were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. The duration of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital stay were recorded. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative pain scores, complications, recovery time, and the duration of hospital stay at follow up were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients in SA group had significantly lower scores of a postoperative pain at rest (3.4 ± 1.6 and 4.1 ± 1.2 at 2 and 4 h postoperatively vs. 5.2 ± 1.5 and 5.8 ± 0.9 in the GA group with P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between both groups for scores of postoperative pain at 6, 12, and 24 h. The amount of morphine requirement in 6 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the SA group (10.2 ± 4.3 mg vs. 15.6 ± 5.6 mg in the GA group with P < 0.05), but there were not significant differences between the two groups after 6 h postoperatively. The duration of PACU stay was shorter for the GA group than the SA group (75 ± 6 vs. 126 ± 12 min, P < 0.001), but there was no significant differences between the duration of hospital stay between the two groups (1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8 days). CONCLUSION: Although in patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgery with SA may have lower pain scores and also lower morphine requirement in the first 6 h postoperatively, but after that there were no significant differences between SA and GA regarding postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements and so more attention should be given to their postoperation pain relief.

The comparison of preemptive effects of propofol, remifentanil and ketamine on post-operative pain scores and analgesic requirements in elective lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia: A randomized, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: In this randomized, double-blinded study, we investigated the preemptive effects of propofol, remifentanil or ketamine on post-operative pain scores and analgesic requirements in elective lower abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia during the first 24 h of post-operative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy five patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II candidate for elective lower abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to three groups (25 each). According to their allocated group, patients received either propofol 0.25 mg/kg, remifentanil 0.25 mic/kg or ketamine 0.3 mg/kg as preemptive analgesia immediately after the induction of general anesthesia. Post-operative pain scores with a numerical rating scale (visual analogue scale 0-10) were assessed and analgesic requirements and side-effects were compared through analysis using the SPSS version 18 in the post-operative period; post-anesthesia care unit 2, 6, 12 and 24 h. RESULTS: Patients' demographics were similar in all groups. The pain scores were significantly lower in remifentanil group immediately after recovery and also at 2 and 6 h post-operatively, but it reversed at 12 and 24 h after recovery comparing with propofol and ketamine. However, the mean of administered morphine in the first 24 h was significantly lower in propofol group (18.97 ± 6.6) comparing with remifentanil group (21.96 ± 6.55) and ketamine group (24.26 ± 5.84) (P value, 0.01). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic preemptive single dose of intravenous (IV) 0.25 mg/kg propofol significantly decreased post-operative analgesia requirements comparing with IV 0.3 mg/kg ketamine or 0.25 µg/kg remifentanil.

Evaluation of intravenous neostigmine infusion on tolerance of enteral nutrition in Intensive Care Unit patients.

BACKGROUND: Based on the dramatic response of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction to neostigmine, we designed this study to evaluate the effect of neostigmine on the tolerance of enteral feeding in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients hospitalized in the ICU of Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran entered the study. They were randomly assigned to one of the two groups of case (who received intravenous neostigmine infusion) and control (normal saline). They were compared with respect to incidence of constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Arrhythmia, bronchospasm, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were also evaluated at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h. RESULTS: The frequency distribution of constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and increase in gastric lavage volume in the intervention group was 20%, 33.3%, 46.7% and 43.3%, while these indices in the control group were 40%, 30%, 43.3%, and 63.3%, respectively (P > 0.05). Arrhythmia was observed in 3% and 6% in the case and control groups, respectively. Bronchospasm was not detected in any of patients. CONCLUSION: There was no significance difference between neostigmine and normal saline with respect to tolerance of enteral nutrition in ICU patients.

The effect of lidocaine on reducing the tracheal mucosal damage following tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine solution in the cuff of the endotracheal tube in reducing mucosal damage following tracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial study undertaken in the intensive care unit patients. Participants, who met all eligibility criteria, were randomly assigned to one of two groups of patients, according to whether lidocaine or air was used to fill the tracheal tube cuff. The tracheal mucosa at the site of cuff inflation was inspected by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and scored at the 24 h and 48 h after intubation. RESULTS: In all, 51 patients (26 patients in the lidocaine group and 25 patients in the control group) completed the study. After 24 h, erythema and/or edema of tracheal mucosa were seen in 2 patients (7.7%) of lidocaine group and 6 patients (24%) of air group (P = 0.109). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that lidocaine has a significant protective effect against mucosal damage (odds ratio = 0.72, confidence interval = 0.60-0.87). CONCLUSION: The inflation of the tracheal tube cuff with lidocaine was superior to air in decreasing the incidence of mucosal damage in the 24 h and 48 h post intubation.

Comparison of Volume Support, Volume-Assured Pressure Support, and Spontaneous Modes in Postoperative Early Extubated Patients.

Background: This study aimed to compare respiratorily, arterial blood gas (ABG), and hemodynamics parameters among patients undergoing surgery who were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), using three ventilation modes, including volume-assured pressure support (VAPS), volume support (VS), and spontaneous modes. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty-two patients were randomly assigned into three groups of VAPS, VS, and spontaneous modes utilizing randomized block procedure. Patients were followed between 12 and 30 h until extubation. Respiratory parameters including; peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), static compliance, resistance, rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), and P 0.1(P0.1 correlates with respiratory drive and is defined as the negative pressure measured at the airway opening 100 ms after the initiation of an inspiratory effort), along with ABG parameters including; pH level, PaCO2,HCO3,PaO2/FiO2 ratio, extra hydrogen ion, and hemodynamics parameters including; mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured every 3 h and compared among groups. Results: All studied parameters in three groups improved during the study. PIP, Resistance, PH, HCO3, extra hydrogen ion, PCo2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, mean arterial blood pressure were similar among the three groups in most of the time points (P > 0.05). In most of the time points, RSBI (from 92.7 to 55.4), P 0.1 (from 6.8 to 1.7) in the VAPS group, static compliance (from 55.3 to 55.7) in the VS group, and heart rate (from 108.5 to 90.1) in spontaneous groups were significantly better than other modes (P < 0.05). Changes in RSBI, P 0.1, PCo2, HCO3, and heart rate during the study were significantly different among studied groups (P < 0.05). The length of stay in the ICU in patients who underwent VAPS was significantly shorter than the other modes. Conclusions: VAPS mode with better effects or at least as effective as VS and spontaneous modes could be select as the best mode of ventilation in postoperative early extubated patients admitted to ICU.

Comparison of Nebulized Budesonide and Intravenous Dexamethasone Efficacy on Tracheal Tube Cuff Leak in Intubated Patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation is a common action in intensive care unit (ICU); however, it may cause laryngeal edema or laryngotracheal injury which leads to edema. The cuff-leak test is usually done to define the upper airway patency. Considering the point that laryngeal edema would be treated by anti-inflammatory agents, our aim was to evaluate the impact of nebulized budesonide on ICU patients' relief and comparison between nebulized budesonide efficacy and intravenous (IV) dexamethasone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our clinical trial, 270 intubated patients from ICU were randomly selected and divided into three groups (each group was included 90 patients) as follows: IV dexamethasone, nebulized budesonide, and placebo group. All the patients were monitored at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of starting follow-up. Hemodynamic parameters and cuff-leak ratio were measured and data were analyzed using SPSS (ver. 20). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that dexamethasone and budesonide treatment approaches were beneficial for an increase of cuff-leak volume (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the superiority of mentioned methods in patients' relief was significant compared with placebo group (P < 0.001). Moreover, hemodynamic parameters were not altered and were within the normal range in both dexamethasone and budesonide groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the use of budesonide and dexamethasone is beneficial in intubated ICU patients, and the above-mentioned approaches can reduce the complications of tracheal intubation. Furthermore, budesonide could be a trustworthy substitute treatment strategy instead of IV dexamethasone.

The Comparison Effects of Two Methods of (Adaptive Support Ventilation Minute Ventilation: 110% and Adaptive Support Ventilation Minute Ventilation: 120%) on Mechanical Ventilation and Hemodynamic Changes and Length of Being in Recovery in Intensive Care Units.

BACKGROUND: The conventional method for ventilation is supported by accommodative or adaptive support ventilation (ASV) that the latter method is done with two methods: ASV minute ventilation (mv): 110% and ASV mv: 120%. Regarding these methods this study compared the differences in duration of mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic changes during recovery and length of stay in Intensive Care Units (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a clinical trial study, forty patients candidate for ventilation were selected and randomly divided into two groups of A and B. All patients were ventilated by Rafael ventilator. Ventilator parameters were set on ASV mv: 110% or ASV mv: 120% and patients were monitored on pulse oximetry, electrocardiography monitoring, central vein pressure and arterial pressure. Finally, the data entered to computer and analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: The time average of connection to ventilator in two groups in modes of ASV mv: 110% and 120% was 12.3 ± 3.66 and 10.8 ± 2.07 days respectively, and according to t-test, there was no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.11). The average of length of stay in ICU in two groups of 110% and 120% was 16.35 ± 3.51 and 15.5 ± 2.62 days respectively, and according to t-test, there found to be no significant difference between two groups (P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Using ASV mv: 120% can decrease extubation time compared with ASV mv: 110%. Furthermore, there is not a considerable side effect on hemodynamic of patients.

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting with a subhypnotic dose of Propofol in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication after general anesthesia in patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgery. We aimed to compare the effect of a sub hypnotic dose of Propofol in the prevention of PONV after lower abdominal surgery with that of the conventional antiemetic drug Metoclopramide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 104 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II status, aged 18-65 years, and undergoing elective lower abdominal surgery were randomized to one of four groups (n = 26 each). The patients in the four groups were administered intravenously Propofol 20 mg (G1), Propofol 30 mg (G2), Metoclopramide 10 mg (G3), and placebo (G4), 15 min before skin closure. All episodes of PONV during the first 24 h after anesthesia were recorded by an investigator who was blinded to treatment assignment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the treatment groups with regard to their gender, age, ASA class, duration of surgery, duration of recovery time and hospital stay, and also body mass index (BMI) (P > 0.05). The prevalence of PONV 0-6 h after anesthesia was 23.08% with Propofol 20 mg (P = 0.005), 15.38% with Propofol 30 mg (P = 0.016), 15.38% with Metoclopramide 10 mg (P = 0.016), compared to 30.77% with placebo (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a subhypnotic dose of Propofol (30 mg) was found to be as effective as 10 mg Metoclopramide in reducing the incidence and severity of PONV in adult patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgeries under Isoflurane-based anesthesia in the early postoperative period.

Comparison of the efficacy of nebulized budesonide and intravenous dexamethasone administration before extubation in prevention of post-extubation complications among patients admitted in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Narrowing of the airway caused by tracheolaryngeal edema is one of the most common complications of endotracheal intubation particularly among patients requiring mechanical ventilation longer than 36 h that can cause other complications and increase mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of nebulized budesonide in comparison with intravenous (IV) dexamethasone administration before extubation in prevention of post-extubation complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial was carried out at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care center (Alzahra Hospital in Isfahan). The study's population was comprised of 90 patients who had been admitted in the ICU and required intubation at least for 48 h. All patients were between 18 and 65 years of age. Having randomly divided the patients into two equal groups, the first group received nebulized budesonide while the second group was treated by IV dexamethasone 1 h before extubation. The treatment continued up to 48 h after extubation. The collected data from both groups was then subjected to statistical analyses to come to results. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups; hence, both drugs were found to be effective in prophylaxis of the complications due to tracheal extubation. According to the findings of the current study, since nebulized budesonide has no systemic complications of IV corticosteroid, it can be used as the first choice in reducing the complications attributed to extubation. CONCLUSION: Considering the very low systemic absorption of nebulized budesonide; however, we recommend it for prevention of post-extubation complications instead of IV dexamethasone.

Effects of shallow and deep endotracheal tube suctioning on cardiovascular indices in patients in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Clearing the endotracheal tube through suctioning should be done to promote oxygenation. Depth of suctioning is one of the variables in this regard. In shallow suctioning method, the catheter passes to the tip of the endotracheal tube, and in deep suctioning method, it passes beyond the tip into the trachea or brunches. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of shallow and deep suctioning methods on cardiovascular indices in patients hospitalized in the intensive care units (ICUs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, 74 patients were selected among those who had undergone mechanical ventilation in the ICU of Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran using convenience sampling method. The subjects were randomly allocated to shallow and deep suctioning groups. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured immediately before and 1, 2, and 3 min after each suctioning. Number of times of suctioning was also noted in both the groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square and independent t-tests. RESULTS: HR and BP were significantly increased after suctioning in both the groups (P < 0.05). But these changes were not significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). The suctioning count was significantly higher in the shallow suctioning group than in the deep suctioning group. CONCLUSIONS: Shallow and deep suctioning were similar in their effects on HR and BP, but shallow suctioning caused further manipulation of patient's trachea than deep suctioning method. Therefore, in order to prevent complications, nurses are recommended to perform the endotracheal tube suctioning by the deep method.

Effect of hypertonic saline on hypotension following induction of general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of preoperatively administered i.v. hypertonic saline on hypotension following induction of general anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients who scheduled for elective surgery were randomly allocated to two groups of 27 patients who received hypertonic saline 5% (2.3 ml/kg) or received normal saline (13 ml/kg). Infusion of hypertonic saline was done half an hour before induction of anesthesia during 30 minutes. Anesthesia was conducted in a standard protocol for all patients. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 36.68 ± 10.8 years. Forty percent of patients were male. The mean SBP at min 2 and min 5, mean of DBP at min 2, 5, and 15, mean of HR at all time points and mean of MAP at min 2 and 15 between groups were no significantly different (P > 0.05), but mean of SBP at min 10 and 15, mean of DBP at min 10, and mean of MAP at min 5 and 10 in hypertonic saline group was significantly more than the normal group (P < 0.05). Trend of SBP, DBP, HR and MAP between groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of hypertonic saline 5% (2.3 mg/kg) before the general anesthesia led to a useful reduction in MAP and reduced heart rate, with no episodes of severe hypotension.

Effect of nebulized budesonide in preventing postextubation complications in critically patients: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of steroid administration in the prevention of postextubation complications in critical care remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of nebulized budesonide in critically ill patients reduces the occurrence of postextubation airway complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We prospectively followed up 70 adult patients in the intensive care unit who were intubated for more than 48 h. Patients received either nebulized budesonide (1 mg every 12 h; n = 35) or placebo (normal saline; n = 35) until 48 h after extubation. Then, the postextubation complications were assessed and recorded within 48 h of extubation. RESULTS: The incidence of respiratory distress was lower in budesonide group (8.6% vs. 31.4%, P = 0.017). Reintubation with mechanical support was necessary in 8.6% (3.35) of patients in the budesonide group and 31.4% (11.35) of patients in the placebo group (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Nebulized budesonide after extubation is effective in reducing the incidence of reintubation and respiratory distress in adult patients.

The effect of earplugs and eye mask on patients' perceived sleep quality in intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is one of the basic human needs and sleep deprivation causes numerous undesirable effects on the human body and mind, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It seems that noise and light are important environmental factors interrupting sleep in these patients. This study was carried out to determine the effect of earplugs and eye mask on Iranian patients' sleep quality in ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-over clinical trial, 50 patients in the ICUs of Al-zahra Medical Center in Isfahan in 2012 were selected by convenient sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups. In group A, patients wore earplugs and eye mask in the first night during their sleep and slept without earplugs and eye mask in the second night, and the intervention was conversely conducted in group B. Verran and Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scales were used to measure the patients' sleep quality. The data were analyzed by paired t-test, independent t-test, one-sample t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) through SPSS version 18. RESULTS: Effect of the intervention on sleep effectiveness was positive, and there were significant differences (P < 0.001) between treatment night and control night, and also within each group (P < 0.001). Effect of the interventions on sleep disturbance was positive, and there was a significant difference at treatment night compared to the control night between groups and within each group (P < 0.001). Also, the mean scores for sleep supplementation were measured after the second night, and the results showed the scores significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001, ER = 47, F = 22.1). In addition, carryover effects for sleep efficiency and sleep disturbance were positive, but periodic effects for sleep efficiency and sleep disturbance were negative and positive, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: : Although wearing earplugs and eye mask is a cost-effective and safe method and can improve perceived sleep quality in ICU patients, further research is needed to demonstrate the effect of this method.

The evaluations of frequency distribution heparin resistance during coronary artery bypass graft.

BACKGROUND: Heparin is one of the most important medication that is used in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operations, but some patients demonstrate heparin resistance (HR) during CABG. Heparin resistance was defined as at least one activated clothing time <400 seconds after heparinization and/or the need for purified antithrombin III (AT-III) administration. The goal of this study was the investigation of HR prevalence in our country and relation between HR and post-operative CABG complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients that candidate for CABG were selected and surveyed for HR and complications. The data entered to computer and analyzed by SPSS soft ware. The Chi-square and student t-tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of heparin resistance in our study was 3%. There was no relation among bleeding, cardiac arrest and HR. Bleeding happened in 13 patients of which 1 person was in HR group (33.3%) and 12 in non HR group (12.4%) (P = 0.34). Cardiac arrest happened in 8 patients, 1 person was in HR group (33.3%) and 7 in non HR group (7.2%) (P = 0.22). According our data there were no relation among HR and gender and ventilator dependency time. CONCLUSIONS: HR is a nearly prevalent complication among patients that undergone CABG that may led to some complications such as bleeding and cardiac arrest. In our study, we did not find significant relation among them, but in frequency these complications were higher in HR group.

Intensive care information system impacts.

INTRODUCTION: Today, intensive care needs to be increased with a prospect of an aging population and socioeconomic factors influencing health intervention, but there are some problems in the intensive care environments, it is essential to resolve. The intensive Care information system has the potential to solve many of ICU problems. The objective of the review was to establish the impact of intensive care information systems on the practitioners practice, patient outcomes and ICU performance. METHODS: Scientific databases and electronic journal citations was searched to identify articles that discussed the impacts of intensive care information system on the practices, patient outcomes and ICU performance. A total of 22 articles discussing ICIS outcomes was included in this study from 609 articles initially obtained from the searches. RESULTS: Pooling data across studies, we found that the median impact of ICIS on information management was 48.7%. The median impact of ICIS on user' outcomes was 36.4%, impact on saving tips by 24%, clinical decision support by a mean of 22.7%, clinical outcomes improved by a mean of 18.6%, and researches improved by 18%. CONCLUSION: The functionalities of ICIS are growing day by day and new functionalities are available with every major release. Better adoption of ICIS by the intensive care environments emphasizes the opportunity of better intensive care services through patient oriented intensive care clinical information systems. There is an immense need for developing guidelines for standardizing ICIS to to maximize the power of ICISs and to integrate with HISs. This will enable intensivists to use the systems in a more meaningful way for better patient care. This study provides a better understanding and greater insight into the effectiveness of ICIS in improving patient care and reducing health care expenses.

Application and preventive maintenance of neurology medical equipment in isfahan alzahra hospital.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays Medical equipment plays an important role in the treatment and in the medical education. Using outdated preventive maintenance (PM) system may cause problems in the cutting edge medical equipment, Nervous system disease's equipment (In diagnosis and treatment) which are crucial for every medical center. Based on above facts we focused on nervous system treat units' equipment and informed the supervisors and their colleagues about the latest equipment maintenance status and promoted methodical and correct method to be used for medical equipment maintenance. METHODS: This research is an analytical descriptive and has been done on the base information from a particular time to past. We gathered our required information of 2009 from Alzahra Medical Center. We divided this research info 2 main phases. In the first phase, we picked out Neurosurgery and Neourology diseases medical equipment (diagnosis and therapy equipment) and in the second phase, we need to implement a methodical PM for every equipment. RESULTS: Research has shown that there are 19nervous system equipment in Alzahra Medical center, categorized in diagnostic (13 pcs), therapeutic (4 pcs) and diagnostic-therapeutic (2 pcs). As we declare in methods part of this research, we categorized medical equipment in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) segmentation. Capital-scarce equipment: Magnetic resonance imaging, Eco Doppler, Kamalaarak ultrasonic surgical aspirator, Stereotactic, computed tomography-scan, euroendoscope/vital-scarce equipment: Coblation, Sonoco, vaterjet/scarce equipment: Transcranial color Doppler, electroencephalogram, electromyography, surgical microscope. CONCLUSIONS: Survey of application and preventive maintenance of neurology medical equipment in Isfahan Alzahra hospital show there is no P.M system. Implementing a complete P.M system for this medical center is crucial to preventing cause problems for these medical equipment and decreasing maintenance costs and gaining uptime. Researchers of this article have tried to provide PM, use of texts, web and experts.