Because neuromuscular abnormalities seem to develop earlier than previously reported, electroneuromyography should be used more frequently as a diagnostic test.

In this multicenter study, hypercapnia was associated with good 12-month outcome in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We were unable to verify any harm from hyperoxia exposure. Further trials should focus on whether moderate hypercapnia during postcardiac arrest care improves outcome.

While the incidence of ARF requiring ventilatory support is higher, the incidence of ALI and ARDS seems to be lower in Finland than previously reported in other countries. Tidal volumes are higher than recommended in the concept of lung protective strategy. However, restriction of peak airway pressure was used in the majority of ARF patients.

Two-year mortality after severe sepsis was high (44.9%) and the QOL was lower after severe sepsis than before critical illness as assessed by EQ-5D. However, the mean QALYs for the surviving patients were reasonable and the cost for one QALY was reasonably low, which makes intensive care in patients with severe sepsis cost effective.

No abstract