RESUMEN
We report the findings from a prospective study determining the magnitude of errors in the visual estimation of weight and height of critically ill patients. Forty-two consecutive patients were weighed by a physician with a calibrated stretcher scale and length measured with a steel measuring tape. The predicted body weight was calculated using the ARDSnet formulae. Attending physicians and nurses were asked to estimate patient's actual weight, predicted weight and height. The average percent errors in estimation of actual and predicted weight were 11.4 and 14.6%, respectively. Errors greater than 20% in patient's actual and predicted weight were observed in 15 and 24% of cases, respectively. The majority of height estimations (86%) had an error < 10%. There were non-significant differences between the estimations made by intensive care unit physicians and nurses. Our study shows that estimations of patient's weight made by intensive care unit staff are often inaccurate. In contrast, estimations of height made by intensive care unit staff are usually adequate. Estimated body weight of critically ill patients has implications for drug and respiratory therapy and should be used with caution.
Asunto(s)
Estatura , Peso Corporal , Cuidados Críticos , Enfermedad Crítica , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Cuerpo Médico de Hospitales , Personal de Enfermería en Hospital , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
Symptomatic pleural collection of cerebrospinal fluid is a rare but accepted complication in hydrocephalic paediatric patients treated with ventriculopleural shunts. Few cases have been described in adults, usually as complication of trauma, tumours or spinal surgery, particularly post-laminectomy. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion after neurosurgical procedures involving the spine. We describe two patients with large cerebrospinal fluid collections in the pleural cavity caused by postoperative duropleural fistula, who presented with neurological symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache and meningitis.