Our results show that all the evaluated indexes are poor predictors of weaning outcome in a general intensive care unit population.

Topical application of tranexamic acid into the pericardial cavity after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing primary coronary bypass operations significantly reduces postoperative bleeding. Further studies must be carried out to clarify whether a more pronounced effect on both bleeding and blood products requirement might be seen in procedures with a higher risk of bleeding.

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Patient-ventilator synchrony was significantly better with ET during the bench study; in the human study, FM outperformed H.

P Pu ur rp po os se e: : To study the analgesic and sedative effects of remifentanil in critically-ill patients.M Me et th ho od ds s: : Remifentanil infusion was started at 0.02 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 in ten mechanically ventilated critically-ill patients, and the infusion rate was increased to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 every 30 min. Basally and 25 min after each increase we measured: the Ramsey sedation score (RSS) and the respiratory response subscore of comfort scale (CSRR); the bispectral index (BIS) before and after lightly touching tracheal mucosa; heart rate and systemic arterial pressure; respiratory variables; plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels.R Re es su ul lt ts s: : Infusion rates up to 0.05 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 were effective against agitation and achieved a good degree of adaption to the respirator in all patients (RSS 2 or more and CSRR 3 or less); BIS decreased significantly; respiratory and circulatory variables were unaffected; mean plasma epinephrine levels decreased. At infusion rates higher than 0.05 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 RSS but not BIS decreased further and patient arousability caused by noxious stimuli was not prevented; respiratory drive suppression occurred at the infusion rates higher than 0.05 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 in four patients; bradycardia and arterial hypotension was observed in three patients; plasma epinephrine levels decreased significantly, while norepinephrine was unaffected; severe itching was experienced by one patient.C Co on nc cl lu us si io on ns s: : Low doses of remifentanil (up to 0.05 µg·kg -1 ·min -1 ) can be useful in critically-ill patients in order to achieve calm and sedation. Higher doses can inhibit respiratory drive and require controlled mechanical ventilation. Objectif

NIV helmet is associated with significantly greater noise than nasal and facial masks, but is as comfortable as masks, at least in the short term. Medium- and long-term exposure to loud noise may potentially impair ear function and increase the patient's discomfort.

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