In critically ill patients, urinary bladder and oesophageal electronic thermometers are more reliable than the electronic rectal thermometer which is better than inguinal and axillary gallium-in-glass thermometers to measure core temperature.

For SVC, more than one venipuncture is predictive of failed catheterization and immediate complication. Age 77 years or more was predictive of immediate complications.

This study emphasizes the importance of prompt surgical treatment and shows the modest impact of adapting antibiotic treatment. The morbidity and mortality associated with the presence of Enterococcus, which was not influenced by antibiotic treatment, would seem to suggest the pro-inflammatory role of Enterococcus. However, prospective randomized studies are needed to evaluate the real contribution of enterococcal antibiotic coverage in this context.

No abstract