Abstract Introduction: Multiple studies consistently demonstrate a link between higher body mass index (BMI) levels and unfavorable outcomes in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to assess the influence of BMI on COVID-19 outcomes and the need for mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods: From March 2020 to February 2022, we conducted a retrospective cohort study involving adult patients admitted to a single center in Houston, Texas, with COVID-19 infection. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their treatment methods: Group 1 received in ..read more

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the ARISCAT Score and Prognostic Nutrition Index with the incidence of Postoperative Pulmonary Complication (PPC) in post-abdominal surgery patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Design: This research is a study with observational analytical methodology using a retrospective cohort research design Setting: The research was conducted from 24 October to 31 November 2023 in the ICU of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar, South Sulawesi. Patient and participants: Post-abdominal surgery patients treated in ICU. In ..read more

Abstract Objective: An increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by brain trauma is a leading factor of morbidity and mortality. This elevated pressure diminishes cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Currently, several ICP monitoring modalities exist, such as optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and jugular venous oxygen saturation (SvjO2). This study aimed to determine the role of measuring ONSD and SjvO2 in monitoring changes in consciousness in post-surgical patients with the potential for increased intracranial pressure in moderately severe brain trauma. Design ..read more

Abstract Introduction: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, accounting for approximately 25% of maternal deaths in Latin America. Preeclampsia is a state of systemic inflammation due to an immunologic imbalance between proinflammatory and regulatory T cells, leading to multiorgan damage. Objective: To describe the clinical features, biochemical markers, and acute phase reactants of inflammation in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in hypertensive pregnant patient ..read more

Abstract Acute decompensated cor pulmonale is a clinical syndrome manifested by acute signs of severe congestive heart failure in chronic pulmonary disease with a high mortality rate. A patient with a history of uncontrolled bronchiectasis presented with generalized edema, severe shortness of breath, cardiogenic shock, and gradual loss of consciousness. Laboratory findings showed severe uncompensated respiratory acidosis and signs of infection. An echocardiography study showed signs of pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Early tracheostomy in combination with the ho ..read more

Abstract Purpose: Electrolyte imbalance is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This study aimed to investigate the role of specific electrolytes in influencing patient outcomes. Methods: Retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to a single center in Houston, Texas, between March 2020 and February 2022. Patients were divided into Group 1 (balanced electrolytes) and Group 2 (imbalanced electrolytes). Prevalence and outcomes of electrolyte disorders were analyzed. We defined electrolyte imbalance ..read more

Abstract Objective: Vasoplegic shock, sometimes referred to as distributive shock, is a life-threatening clinical syndrome involving systemic vasodilation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The most common etiology is sepsis; others include post-cardiac bypass vasoplegia and various toxidromes. Key components of management include fluid resuscitation and vasopressors to restore vascular tone. Methylene blue selectively targets inducible nitric oxide synthase, a key component of early vasodilation in response to inflammation. We inv ..read more

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between the intensity of pulmonary hypertension and the probability of mortality following cardiac surgery in adults. Design: This study employed an analytical observational methodology, utilizing a retrospective approach and a cross-sectional design. Setting: The medical record of the Integrated Heart Center Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Central General Hospital Makassar, South Sulawesi. The study was conducted on 1-15 July 2023. Patient and participants: Adults with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertensi ..read more

Abstract Objective: This study aims to determine the pattern of germs and antibiotic sensitivity in septic patients treated with culture-based antibiotics. Design: This study was designed for observational-descriptive retrospective. Setting: The medical record of Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022. Patient and participants: All patients who were diagnosed with sepsis and had data on bacterial culture and treatment with antibiotics. Interventions: We took blood culture data of patients diagnosed with sepsis from medical records. Measurement and results: The patt ..read more

Abstract Objective: Sepsis is related to impaired hemostasis, starting with a subclinical coagulation activation known as hypercoagulability. The term for the coagulopathy process that occurs during the pathogenesis of sepsis is sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC). Appropriate information can be obtained using thromboelastography (TEG) to identify hemostatic disorders. This study aimed to assess the TEG parameter’s diagnostic value for SIC in septic patients. Design: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on septic patients treated in the Intensive Care Uni ..read more