Background Direct microbiological input to critical care is essential for the management of
the septic patient. Early broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy with appropriate diagnostic …

Methods A randomized prospective controlled trial was carried out in a general ICU for 2
years. After the implication of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients were submitted to …

Introduction A rational use of antibiotics is of paramount importance in order to prevent the
emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria that can lead to therapeutic impasse, especially in …

Methods A retrospective cohort study in a university hospital was performed. Patients on
level 1 wards with severe sepsis registered in the adult critical care response team (CCRT) …

Background Severe sepsis and septic shock are common and are associated with
substantial mortality and substantial consumption of healthcare resources [1]. Although the …

Methods All patients admitted to the ICU of a public university hospital in the period January–
June 2004 were included. The variables collected were demographic data, admission …

Background Severe sepsis and septic shock represent around 10% of the ICU admissions
with a mortality rate near 50%. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) is an international …

Methods We conducted a prospective audit of consecutive patients with severe sepsis
admitted to an ITU between February and June 2010. The patients were identified as those …

Methods A prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of all patients with SCAP
consecutively admitted to 15 Portuguese ICUs during a 12-month period. Demographic …

Methods An observational longitudinal study of patients admitted to the ICU in a 2-year
period. Demographic and diagnostic data were collected on admission. APACHE II and …