An inexpensive home microcomputer is used in an intensive care unit to facilitate patient management. The computer's rapid and accurate calculations are used to regulate inspired oxygen, infuse drugs and plan parenteral nutrition. Patient physiological data are processed to derive cardiovascular, respiratory and renal variables which help to monitor and evaluate patient progress.
GabelR.A.Algorithms for calculating and correcting blood-gas and acid-base variables. Resp Physiol1980; 42: 211–32.
2.
HillA.V.The possible effects of the aggregation of the molecules of haemoglobin on its dissociation curve. J Physiol1910; 40: iv.
3.
SchneiderA.J., StockmanJA(III), OskiF.A.Transfusion nomogram: an application of physiology to clinical decisions regarding the use of blood. Crit Care Med1981; 9: 469–73.
4.
TuxenD.V., PainM.C.F.Estimation of P50 from a single venous blood sample. Med J Aust1981; 2: 280–3.
5.
KeeferJ.R., BarashP.G., KayH., KeeferM.J., KragD., SnyderE.Alveolar-arterial O2 difference: a reliable index of Qs/Qt?Anesthesiology1981; 55 Suppl; A82.
6.
SuterP.M., FairleyH.B., IsenbergM.D.Optimum end-expiratory airway pressure in patients with acute pulmonary failure. N Engl J Med1975; 292: 284.
7.
AstrupP., EngelK., SeveringhausJ.W., MunsonE.The influence of temperature and pH on the dissociation curve of oxyhemoglobin of human blood. Scand J Clin Lab Invest1965; 17: 575.
8.
LeeH.A.Intravenous nutrition. Ann Roy Coll Surg1975; 56: 59–68.
9.
GanongW.F.Review of Medical Physiology, 10th Edition. Los Altos, Lange Medical Publications1981; 459.
10.
Review of Medical Physiology p 221.
11.
WeisslerA.M., HarrisW.S., SchoenfeldC.D.Bedside technics for the evaluation of ventricular function in man. Am J Cardiol1969; 23: 577–83.
12.
KennyG.N.C.Programmable calculator: a program for use in the intensive care unit. Br J Anaesth1979; 51: 793–6.
