Efficiency of PA catheters in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital
Siddiqui, S.; Das, G.; Ahmed, S.; Ghafoor, H.
Jpma. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 56(8): 375-377
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-9982 PMID: 16967791 Document Number: 602598
Existing randomized controlled trials on Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC)-guided strategies reveal a modest risk reduction that does reach statistical significance. An observational, prospective, controlled study was carried out in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Incidence, indications, complication rate and outcome of Pulmonary Artery (PA) catheter over a period of 3 months was looked at, comparing cases to matched controls. Despite being a limited study, it is obvious that the cost effectiveness and outcome of patients with the PA catheter seems ambiguous. In a developing country where resources are limited, thought must be given to the risk and benefit ratio of placing this invasive monitor and use of the information provided properly justified.