The utilisation of continuous veno-venous haemofiltration for the removal of septic mediators in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
Septic shock is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. If the mediators responsible for the continuum of the sepsis cascade could be blocked or removed, patient outcome might improve. Researchers have been attempting to eliminate such mediators by continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) but, despite over a decade of studies, many obstacles still remain. In this article, a comparison has been made of four similar research studies to ascertain any significant findings. Future research proposals have been considered in conjunction with the role the nurse within critical care might play in what could arguably be considered to be within the medical domain.
Ruffell
Alison J
AJ
Colchester General Hospital, ITU, Turner Road, Colchester, UK. alisonrl@ntlworld.com
D006440:Hemofiltration; D006801:Humans; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*