Efficacy and safety of recombinant human activated protein C for severe sepsis

Article Abstract:

A drug called drotrecogin alfa may lower mortality rates in people with sepsis, according to a study of 1,690 patients. Sepsis is a serious condition that begins with an infection followed by widespread inflammation, organ failure, and death. The drug has anti-inflammatory properties and also prevents abnormal blood clotting.

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The effects of ibuprofen on the physiology and survival of patients with sepsis

Article Abstract:

Ibuprofen does not appear to improve survival rates in people with sepsis although it does improve symptoms somewhat. Sepsis is a bacterial infection that spreads into the bloodstream and can cause organ failure. Researchers randomly assigned 455 patients with sepsis to receive intravenous ibuprofen or placebo. Ibuprofen reduced blood levels of inflammatory chemicals and reduced fever but it did not significantly reduce mortality rates. At 30 days, 37% of the ibuprofen group had died compared to 40% of the placebo group. Ibuprofen also did not reduce the incidence of shock or respiratory distress syndrome.

Evaluation, Ibuprofen

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Transfusions in critically ill patients

Article Abstract:

Many critically ill patients may not need blood transfusions. The use of blood transfusions in critically ill patients arose from the belief that maintaining maximal oxygen levels was important. For this reason, blood was always transfused when the patient's hemoglobin fell below 10 milligrams per deciliter. However, studies have shown that this may actually be detrimental to the patient. A 1999 study found that young patients and those who are not severely ill may not need blood until their hemoglobin falls below 7. This would lead to a reduction in the use of blood transfusions.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Usage, Blood transfusion, Critically ill

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