ICU management based on PiCCO parameters reduces duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay in patients with severe thoracic trauma and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess whether a management algorithm using data obtained with a PiCCO system can improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

RESULTS

The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio increased over time in both groups, with a sharper increase in the PiCCO group. There was no difference in 28-day mortality (3.2 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.841). Days on mechanical ventilation (3 vs. 5 days, P = 0.002) and ICU length of stay (6 vs. 11 days, P = 0.004) were significantly lower in the PiCCO group than in the CVP group. Treatment costs were lower in the PiCCO group than in the CVP group. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that the monitoring method (PiCCO vs. CVP) was independently associated with the length of ICU stay [odds ratio (OR) 3.16, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.55-6.63, P = 0.001], as well as shock (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.74-6.44, P = 0.002), shock and ARDS (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.79-6.87, P = 0.002), and APACHE II score (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.86, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the usefulness of the PiCCO system in improving outcomes for patient with severe thoracic trauma and ARDS and provided new evidence for fluid management in critical care settings.

[Isolation and identification of the secondary metabolites from Hydroclathrus clathratus]

Four compounds have been isolated from the algae Hydroclathrus clathratus collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were established as 1-glyceryl hexadecanoate (1), eicosanamide, N-[2'-hydroxy-1'-(hydroxymethyl) pentadecyl] (2), uracil (3), mannitol (4) by MS, 1HNMR and 13CNMR. Compound 1, 2 and 3 were isolated from this algae for the first time.