Vital signs: are we monitoring the right parameters?

Article Abstract:

Measurement of the traditional vital signs, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiration, has been facilitated by technological advances, but new measures are also available that may provide better indicators of the patient's condition. For example, use of electrocardiogram and phonocardiogram sensors placed by electrodes on the chest can provide data on respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation, pulse, stroke volume, cardiac output, the ratio between preejection period and left ventricular ejection time of the heart, and extravascular lung water.

Author: Bayne, C. Gresham
Methods, Measurement, Patient monitoring, Physiologic monitoring, Vital signs

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Management of elevated intracranial pressure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis

Article Abstract:

Aggressive treatment of elevated intracranial pressure may be beneficial in AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcal meningitis is an infection of the brain caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans and it occurs in about 5%-10% of HIV patients. Researchers used shunts to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid in 10 HIV patients who had changes in mental status due to cryptococcal meningitis. All 10 patients recovered normal consciousness following this treatment.

Author: Crane, Lawrence, Sobel, Jack, Vazquez, Jose, Fessler, Richard D., Guyot, Lisa, Szuba, Mary Jo, Diaz, Fernando G.
Care and treatment, Evaluation, Cryptococcal infections, Meningitis, Cryptococcosis, Drainage, Surgical, Drainage (Surgical), Cerebrospinal fluid shunts

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