[Retrospective analysis of neurological patients on a medical intensive care unit].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate number and kind of neurological patients in comparison with other patients on a medical ICU.


METHODS
Over a period of one year, all neurological intensive care patients on a medical ICU were evaluated according to age, sex, diagnosis, mortality, diagnostic methods, ventilation and referral to other hospitals and general wards.


RESULTS
Comparable to a specialist neurological ICU a wide spectrum of neurological diseases could be observed on an interdisciplinary ICU. In comparison to other patient groups, patients with neurological disease had a higher rate of ventilation, a longer hospital stay and a higher mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data also demonstrate the relevant amount of neurological patients (19 % measured by bed assignment) in comparison to all patients, and the specific neurological procedures were applicable on a medical/interdisciplinary ICU. A higher interest for neurological patient on a medical ICU would therefore be essential.
Fatar
M
M
Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg. fatar@neuro.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Griebe
M
M
Stroick
M
M
Kirschstein
W
W
Meairs
S
S
Hennerici
M
M
Daffertshofer
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies