Editorials:

Christopher W. Bryan-Brown and Kathleen Dracup

Evidence-Based Pandemonium
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 10-12. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Letters to the Editor:

Mercelita S. Maceda

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 13. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Andrew J. Sivak

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 13. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cynthia Stock

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 13-14. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mary McKenna

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 14. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Mary T. Carlisle

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 14-15. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Frank Genung

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 15. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Critical Care Immunology:

Joyce K. Stechmiller, Beverly Childress, and Tricia Porter

Arginine Immunonutrition in Critically Ill Patients: A Clinical Dilemma
In this article, the authors review the function of arginine, its effect on the immune system, and its role in the immunonutrition of critically ill patients. Also discussed are key studies on the efficacy of arginine immunonutrition and on clinical outcomes of patients given enteral formulas containing arginine.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 17-23. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Guest Editorials:

Norman Trieger

Oral Care in the Intensive Care Unit
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 24. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Oral Care in the ICU:

Cindy L. Munro and Mary Jo Grap

Oral Health and Care in the Intensive Care Unit: State of the Science
The importance of oral care in the ICU has been noted in the literature, but little research is available on mechanical or pharmacological approaches to reducing oral microbial flora via oral care. The authors describe oral health in critically ill patients, review existing research on the relationship of oral health to nosocomial pneumonia in the ICU, and discuss the state of the science of oral care interventions in ICU patients.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 25-34. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Critical Care Cardiology:

Ann L. Hendrich, Joy Fay, and Amy K. Sorrells

Effects of Acuity-Adaptable Rooms on Flow of Patients and Delivery of Care
Delayed transfers of patients between nursing units and lack of available beds are significant problems that increase costs and decrease quality of care and satisfaction among patients and staff. These authors tested whether the use of acuity-adaptable rooms helps solve problems with transfers of patients, satisfaction levels, and medical errors.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 35-45. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Annu Prahash and Trenda Lynch

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide: A Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Tool in Heart Failure
The authors discuss the use of B-type natriuretic peptide as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the management of patients with heart failure. If validated, this application holds significant promise in improving treatment patterns and, ultimately, clinical outcomes of patients who have this debilitating disease.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 46-53. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Susan Gianakos, Arlene W. Keeling, David Haines, and Kathryn Haugh

Time in Bed After Electrophysiological Procedures (TIBS IV): A Pilot Study
Using an experimental-control group design with a total of 68 patients, the authors of this study set out to determine if requisite time in bed could be safely reduced by 2 hours for patients recovering from electrophysiological studies in which a femoral venous approach was used. To make this determination, patients were observed for 5 hours after the procedure.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 56-58. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

Pulmonary Aspects of Critical Care:

April E. Howard, Carrie Courtney-Shapiro, Lynn A. Kelso, Michele Goltz, and Peter E. Morris

Comparison of 3 Methods of Detecting Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Clinical Screening, Chart Review, and Diagnostic Coding
Although the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome has been studied, few researchers have prospectively assessed the search tool used to identify cases. These authors evaluated 65 patients admitted to a medical ICU to determine whether criteria for ARDS were met. Physicians' progress notes and discharge summaries for these patients were then reviewed for mention of the syndrome. Discharge forms were reviewed for the codes specific to ARDS.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 59-64. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]  

New Techniques in Critical Care:

Richard Arbour

Using Bispectral Index Monitoring to Detect Potential Breakthrough Awareness and Limit Duration of Neuromuscular Blockade
Determining any potentially treatable cause of agitation is paramount in optimal delivery of care to critically ill patients. The author presents a case report that illustrates the use of BIS monitoring in a patient initially treated with sedation/analgesia and neuromuscular blockade to manage dangerous agitation and dyssynchrony with controlled ventilation.
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 66-73. [Full Text] [PDF] [CE Test]  

Current Controversies in Critical Care:

Patricia Benner

Seeing the Person Beyond the Disease
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 75-78. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Cardiology Casebook:

Laurie G. Futterman and Louis Lemberg

The Significance of Hypothermia in Preserving Ischemic Myocardium
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 79-84. [Full Text] [PDF]  

ECG Puzzler:

Mary G. Adams and Michele M. Pelter

Electrolyte Imbalances
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 85-86. [Full Text] [PDF]  

Tribute to Peter Safar:

Christopher W. Bryan-Brown and Åke Grenvik

Pioneer of Critical Care Medicine: Peter Safar (1924–2003)
Am J Crit Care 2004 13(1): 87. [Full Text] [PDF]  

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