Critical stroke patients are characterized by high severity of illness, elevated resource consumption, and poor outcomes that are mainly influenced by severity and age. Glasgow Coma Score-measured neurological severity is the main determinant of future functional capacity, which is greater at 1 year.

The 6-yr mortality of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring ICU admission is high. Mortality is mainly influenced by pre-ICU admission QOL. At 6 yrs, at least 15% are alive; survivors have a worse QOL compared with pre-ICU admission, although three quarters of them are self-sufficient.

Mortality among trauma patients with ARDS declined over the 8 years studied and was associated with less organ failure. This reduction was probably the result of new approaches to mechanical ventilation, renal failure replacement and vasoactive drug therapy.

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The ICU mortality of trauma patients with ARDS is related to the APACHE III score, the gas exchange evolution as measured by the PaO2/FIO2 on the 3rd day and the progressive complications indicated by the onset of MSOF. The length of ICU stay of these patients is related to the number of days on mechanical ventilation.