No abstract

This study investigated the clinical characteristics of, and outcomes and risk factors for hospital mortality of 390 patients admitted with severe sepsis or septic shock in an intensive care unit (ICU). Prospectively collected data from patients collected between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2006 were analysed. Overall hospital mortality was 49.7% and comorbidities were found in 40.3% of patients, the most common of which was haematological malignancy. The respiratory tract was the most common site of infection (50%). Hospital-acquired infections accounted for 55.6% of patients with Gram-negative bacteria predominant (68%). Multivariate analysis showed that acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary artery catheter placement, comorbidities, hospital-acquired infection, APACHE II score and maximum LOD score, were independent risk factors for hospital mortality. In conclusion, severe sepsis and septic shock are common causes of ICU admission. Patients with risk factors for increased mortality should be carefully monitored and aggressive treatment administered.

No abstract

Among critically ill patients who were discharged from ICU, a NEWS>7 showed the best sensitivity and specificity to detect early clinical deterioration 24h after ICU discharge.

No abstract

The objective of the Working Group in formulating these statements is to guide healthcare professionals in practicing appropriate clinical nutrition in the ICU, with a focus on improving quality of care, which will translate into improved patient outcomes.

The SAPS 3 provided excellent discrimination but poor calibration in our MICU. A first level customization of the SAPS 3 improved the calibration and could be used to predict mortality and quality assessment in our ICU or other ICUs with a similar case mix.

The SSS provided as good discrimination as the APACHE II, SAPS II, and SAPS 3 scores. However, the APACHE IV score had the best discrimination and overall performance in our sepsis patients. The SSS needs to be adapted and modified with new parameters to improve its performance.