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Biomedical subjects

Chris Winkelman

Publications and source records attributed to Chris Winkelman.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Labor epidural anesthetics comparing loss of resistance with air versus saline: does the choice matter?

This study examined whether air or saline, used for the loss-of-resistance (LOR) technique, resulted in a difference in pain relief or adverse events for laboring parturients. Previous studies had mixed findings regarding the onset of analgesia and subsequent pain relief. Research questions were as follows: Is there difference in analgesic onset for patients receiving air vs saline during the LOR technique? Do women receiving the air method for LOR experience any difference in the quality of pain relief from that of women receiving saline? Is there any difference in the incidence of analgesic distribution or segmental pain relief in women receiving the air vs the saline method? Is there any difference in the incidence of adverse effects in women receiving air vs saline during the LOR technique? This was an experimental, prospective study with 50 women. Subjects were randomized to receive air or saline. The visual analogue scale was used to measure pain. A dermatome level recorded the spread of analgesia. No significant differences were found between groups for onset or quality of analgesia. There was a significant increase in the number of subjects who experienced segmental blocks after receiving air during the LOR technique.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Obese ICU patients: resource utilization and outcomes.

This project described prospectively obese, critically ill patients and the resources critical care nurses used to care for these challenging patients. It also examined the relationship between resources used by nurses and patient outcomes, including complications and length of stay. Forty-three participants were enrolled. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m2 used the majority of equipment and personnel resources and experienced a prolonged length of stay. The most common equipment used was a specialty bed or mattress; the most common complications were related to the pulmonary system. Initial use of multiple resources may indicate a patient at risk for adverse outcomes. Nurses can use findings to anticipate care needs and develop interventions, such as optimal positioning, to avoid adverse outcomes.

APACHE↗
PubMed2005

A review of the role of proinflammatory cytokines in labor and noninfectious preterm labor.

The prevention of preterm labor has the potential to reduce newborn morbidity and mortality by decreasing the incidence of preterm birth. Half of all preterm births occur in women with no known clinical risk factors. Labor onset and progress is multifactorial, and we are just beginning to understand the role of cytokines in uterine activity. The purpose of this article is to review the role of cytokines in labor and preterm labor not associated with infection and to provide implications for research and practice.

Cytokines↗
PubMed2004

Hyponatremia in the patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Hyponatremia commonly occurs in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two mechanisms have been proposed as causes: syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone and cerebral salt wasting. Physical examination and laboratory results can assist a clinician in identifying which mechanism is responsible and thus determine proper treatment. When hyponatremia is treated promptly and appropriately, patients' sodium levels return to normal without detrimental effects.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Special feature: exploring the benefits and myths of enteral feeding in the critically ill.

Patients in the intensive care unit setting have been nutritionally deprived for various reasons. Many patients who are critically ill cannot absorb nourishment by traditional routes. Enteral feeding should be considered for all patients who cannot meet caloric needs. There are many benefits to enteral feeding such as decreased infection, rapid wound healing, and decreased length of stay and mortality. Many critical care nurses subscribe to myths for not feeding their patients. The myths for not feeding critically ill patients involve gut motility, feeding residuals, and patient positioning. There is significant evidence both to support nutrition as integral to recovery from a critical illness and to suggest that enteral feeding is efficient and effective at providing nutrition.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Activity in the chronically critically ill.

Although therapeutic activity prevents functional decline and reduces mortality, little is known about typical levels of activity among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This report of a preliminary study describes typical therapeutic activity and compares the use of two measures of activity in a small sample of chronically critically ill adults. Type, frequency, and duration of therapeutic activity were measured simultaneously with direct observation and actigraphy. The only consistent activity documented was turning (frequency: 3 turns/8 hours; duration: mean average of 11 minutes). Analysis demonstrated acceptable agreement between the two measures of activity for both frequency and duration of therapeutic but not for type of activity. Congruence between measures for duration of activity was also supported. This study provides information for investigators and practitioners who are interested in measuring or implementing therapeutic activity in selected critically ill adults.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Inactivity and inflammation: selected cytokines as biologic mediators in muscle dysfunction during critical illness.

Muscle dysfunction leads to activity intolerance, prolonged hospitalization, and additional days of mechanical ventilation. The etiology of muscle dysfunction in the critically ill patient is multifactoral. Inactivity and inflammation, common phenomena to patients in the intensive care unit, are associated with myopathy and muscle dysfunction. Cytokines are small biological active molecules that regulate inflammation and have a direct effect on muscle wasting. The purpose of this article is to describe selected cytokines (ie, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor), explain their role in muscle dysfunction, and explore the role of therapeutic activity as a moderator of muscle dysfunction and cytokine-mediated muscle damage.

Activities of Daily Living↗