[Intensive cardiac care unit. Values and limitations. Apropos of 202 consecutive admissions].
In order to specify the contribution of this specialized structure, 202 consecutive patients hospitalized in cardiac care unit, were systematically studied. All specialized procedures (S, P), defined as specific to this unit, have been considered with their results, taking into account the type of underlying pathology. Age and sex are factors in the effectiveness of SP. Complicated myocardial infarction requires the most SP (2.9 SP/person, in an average) with good results in approximately 50 p. cent. Left ventricular insufficiency requires two SP/patient, with good results in approximately 81 p. cent. On the contrary, unstable angina, arrhythmias and/or conduction disorders where post-operative monitoring requires less procedures (approximately one per patient), but a constant effectiveness. Uncomplicated myocardial infarction seems to represent the least indication of the CCU, in so far as only 0.3 SP/patient are performed, and that this pathology represents only 14 p. cent of admissions. But, among these patients, 100 p. cent of those who undergo SP, derive benefit from it. On the contrary, cardiogenic shock complicating a myocardial infarction, anterior most of the time, requires a great deal of SP, but with an almost insignificant benefit. They present the difficult problem of their direction toward this type of structure. It is therefore desirable to weigh advantages and drawbacks, as much for the patient as for the community which supports the economical burden of this structure, knowing that it always remains an individual decision.
Artigou
J Y
JY
Service de Cardiologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris.
Fechtenbaum
F
F
Labidi
S
S
Grosgogeat
Y
Y
D002309:Cardiology; D003325:Coronary Care Units; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010297:Paris; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Unité de soins intensifs cardiologiques. Intérêts et limites. A propos de 202 admissions consécutives.