Biomedical subjects

Joseph Bander

Publications and source records attributed to Joseph Bander.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

An intervention to decrease catheter-related bloodstream infections in the ICU.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related bloodstream infections occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU) are common, costly, and potentially lethal. METHODS: We conducted a collaborative cohort study predominantly in ICUs in Michigan. An evidence-based intervention was used to reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Multilevel Poisson regression modeling was used to compare infection rates before, during, and up to 18 months after implementation of the study intervention. Rates of infection per 1000 catheter-days were measured at 3-month intervals, according to the guidelines of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System. RESULTS: A total of 108 ICUs agreed to participate in the study, and 103 reported data. The analysis included 1981 ICU-months of data and 375,757 catheter-days. The median rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection per 1000 catheter-days decreased from 2.7 infections at baseline to 0 at 3 months after implementation of the study intervention (P< or =0.002), and the mean rate per 1000 catheter-days decreased from 7.7 at baseline to 1.4 at 16 to 18 months of follow-up (P<0.002). The regression model showed a significant decrease in infection rates from baseline, with incidence-rate ratios continuously decreasing from 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47 to 0.81) at 0 to 3 months after implementation of the intervention to 0.34 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.50) at 16 to 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based intervention resulted in a large and sustained reduction (up to 66%) in rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection that was maintained throughout the 18-month study period.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Relative adrenal insufficiency in patients with septic shock; a close look to practice patterns.

PURPOSE: To assess patterns of practice in our institution specifically regarding corticosteroid deficiency diagnosis in patients with septic shock. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients with vasopressor-dependent septic shock admitted to the medical intensive care unit between January 2002 and September 2003 were studied. Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) was diagnosed by a random serum cortisol level <or=15 microg/dL or by a random cortisol level between 15 and 34 microg/dL and an increase in response to cosyntropin stimulation test (250 microg) <or=9 microg/dL. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included in the study. Mean (+/-SD) age was 59 +/- 18 years. Overall mortality was 53%. Relative adrenal insufficiency was suspected in 44 (48%) patients and confirmed in 25 (57%). Maximal doses of vasopressors were comparable between groups but more patients in whom AI was suspected were on phenylephrine and/or vasopressin and more were treated with activated protein C (P < .05). Diagnosis of RAI was confirmed by a low basal cortisol (<15 microg/dL) in 12 (48%) patients, whereas a diagnosis of RAI was made by a lack of response to the stimulation test in the rest. CONCLUSIONS: Relative adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in half of the patients investigated. Patients with presumed RAI were more likely to be on phenylephrine or vasopressin infusions and treated with activated protein C and had a longer intensive care unit stay but no difference in intensive care unit survival.

APACHE↗

PubMed2002

The utility of chest radiography following percutaneous dilational tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the need for routine chest radiography following percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic medical center. PATIENTS: The records of 119 patients undergoing PDT between 1993 and 2000 for indications of prolonged intubation or need for pulmonary toilet. All patients received a portable chest radiograph immediately following the procedure. OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of postoperative pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. RESULTS: One patient (0.8%) undergoing PDT experienced a postoperative pnuemothorax. This patient was noted to have respiratory distress within 10 minutes following the procedure, suggesting a pneumothorax. A postoperative chest radiograph confirmed the clinical impression. No asymptomatic patients were diagnosed as having a pnuemothorax or pneumomediastinum using postoperative chest radiography. CONCLUSIONS: Chest radiography following PDT is indicated when there are clinical findings suggesting pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. Without clinical signs or symptoms, routine use of postoperative chest radiographs are unnecessary and not cost-effective.

Academic Medical Centers↗