Intracranial pressure monitoring: review of risk factors associated with infection

Article Abstract:

Intracranial hypertension is a life-threatening condition characterized by an increase in the blood pressure within the skull. Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a procedure in which a small hole is made in the skull or canal that lines the spinal cord, and a small pressure transducer is inserted. This allows for the continuous monitoring of ICP, and is helpful in establishing a diagnosis. Complications of the procedure include insertion-related bruising, bleeding, leakage of the fluid surrounding the brain, and most commonly, infection. Since the infection affects the central nervous system, permanent disability may arise, and treatment of the infection may cost thousands of dollars. Monitoring devices that penetrate the tissues lining the brain (meninges) are associated with a higher infection rate than devices that are placed over the meninges. The most frequent ICP-related infections include involvement of the meninges, ventricles (spaces in the brain), and the brain tissue itself. Patients who have bleeding within the brain develop ICP-related infections more often than other patients. A device that prevents breaks or the introduction of air vents into the system and is washed with antimicrobial agents decreases the risk of infection. The most important factor associated with the development of ICP-related infections is the duration of monitoring. Patients who develop infections are commonly monitored for longer than eight days. It is recommended that the placement of the device be done in an atmosphere that is free of microorganisms, and that the bandage covering the hole be checked frequently. The incidence of ICP-related infections can be decreased if clinicians are aware of the potential risk factors, and then act accordingly. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Nosocomial infections, Cross infection, Intracranial hypertension

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Oat gum lowers glucose and insulin after an oral glucose load

Article Abstract:

Soluble dietary fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. Previous studies have reported that soluble fiber can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) and insulin (a hormone that controls glucose levels) in the blood following a meal. This has important implications for people with diabetes because they have trouble controlling the amount of glucose in their blood. One of these studies showed that a diet high in carbohydrates and soluble fiber can improve glucose metabolism in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and in those with non-insulin dependent diabetes. This article describes the results of a study designed to determine if soluble fiber from oat bran (in the form of oat gum) can lower blood glucose and insulin levels. The study included six women and four men who were in good physical health. The subjects ate at least 200 grams of carbohydrate per day for three days and then fasted for 12 hours prior to the beginning of the study. Blood sugar and insulin were measured before and after the subjects drank water containing 50 grams of glucose and ate pudding containing 14.5 grams of oat gum. The glucose drink caused blood levels of glucose and insulin to increase within 20 to 60 minutes. When the pudding containing oat gum was consumed along with the glucose drink, blood glucose and insulin levels were much lower than when the glucose drink was consumed by itself. These findings indicate that oat gum can reduce blood glucose and insulin levels following a meal. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Physiological aspects, Fiber in human nutrition, Dietary fiber, Oat bran

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Transdermal monitoring of glucose and other analytes using ultrasound

Article Abstract:

Ultrasound has been shown to be an acceptably non-invasive means to measure blood analytes, especially glucose. This research could lead to development of a patch or a wrist-worn device that continually monitors glucose levels.

Usage, Measurement, Ultrasonics, Glucose

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