Proceedings from the Montebello Round Table Discussion. Second Annual Conference on Complexity and Variability Discusses Research That Brings Innovation to the Bedside.

摘要

September 28 October 1 2010. Montebello, Quebec: Scientists, mathematicians, and physicians from across Canada, United States, and France were invited to participate in the second round table discussion on Complexity and Vari ability at the Bedside to present research, discuss, methodology, and promote applications of variability analysis a novel method for continuous monitoring of variations in physiological systems at the bedside of patients. Recent advancements in research and technology of variability analysis may significantly improve the care provided to patients afflicted with acute and critical illness. Using mathematical models to analyze data harvested from heart, respiratory, and brain monitors at the bedside of adults and children, preliminary findings show that doctors in intensive care units (ICUs) and acute ambulatory clinics can better determine severity of certain diseases, such as trauma and asthma, and may even predict the onset of illness, such as septic shock. It has been reported that sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to an infection, strikes an estimated 750 000 adults in the United States annually, with 215 000 deaths per year. It costs the US health care system an average of $20 000 to $30 000 per case to treat patients. Severe sepsis remains a major killer in critically ill patients despite advances in systemic therapy. However, the answer to battling sepsis in the ICUs may rely on applications of complex systems science and monitoring of variability analysis in physiological systems of patients.