This study demonstrates the value of tonometry as an early monitor of hypovolaemia and highlights the shortcomings of other more commonly measured clinical variables.

The contact system was not activated further by continuous venovenous haemofiltration using polyacrylonitrile filters in critically ill patients. Premature clotting of the haemofilter circuit was more common in patients with very low levels of antithrombin III and heparin co-factor II; although this was related to thrombin generation, the intrinsic coagulation pathway does not appear to be implicated.

No abstract

Drainage of large pleural effusions in mechanically ventilated patients leads to a significant improvement in gas exchange, and these effects are sustained for 48 h after the procedure supporting a role in the discontinuation of mechanical ventilation.