Efficiency of PA catheters in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital.
Existing randomized controlled trials on Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC)-guided strategies reveal a modest risk reduction that does reach statistical significance. An observational, prospective, controlled study was carried out in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Incidence, indications, complication rate and outcome of Pulmonary Artery (PA) catheter over a period of 3 months was looked at, comparing cases to matched controls. Despite being a limited study, it is obvious that the cost effectiveness and outcome of patients with the PA catheter seems ambiguous. In a developing country where resources are limited, thought must be given to the risk and benefit ratio of placing this invasive monitor and use of the information provided properly justified.
Siddiqui
Shahla
S
Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Das
Gurmukh
G
Ahmed
Saad
S
Ghafoor
Hashaam
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000191:economics*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan