A wake-up call in the intensive care unit

Article Abstract:

It may be time to re-evaluate the use of sedatives in the intensive care unit. Because intensive care units are stressful for patients, most if not all ICU patients are given sedatives, particularly if they are on a ventilator. Most are given intravenous sedatives continuously, day and night. A study published in 2000 showed that patients who are only given sedatives during the day may do better. However, there is no evidence that sedation improves the outcome of patients in ICUs, no matter how it is given. Even intermittent sedation could be harmful and unnecessary.

Editorial, Usage, Hospital patients, Sedatives, Hypnotics and sedatives

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Spontaneous pneumothorax

Article Abstract:

Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the ribs and the lungs. Spontaneous pneumothorax is one that is not caused by trauma or any other obvious factor. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has shown that many patients with spontaneous pneumothorax have underlying lung disease. Smoking increases the risk of pneumothorax. Cancer, connective tissue disease, lung infections, and airway disease can all cause pneumothorax. A chest tube is the most common treatment, followed by surgery if the condition persists.

Pneumothorax

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Intensive care of patients with HIV infection

Article Abstract:

The guiding principles of management in the intensive care unit (ICU) pertain to critically ill patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but antiretroviral therapy and unresolved questions regarding its use in the ICU add another level of complexity to already complicated cases. A review focuses on some of the important clinical problems related to the use of antiretroviral therapy in critically ill patients with HIV infection and on the challenging issues associated with the intensive care of such patients.

United States, Management dynamics, HIV patients, Company business management, Critically ill

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