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Updated: May 24, 2026

Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
[The clinical spectrum of connective tissue diseases - a single intensive care experience]
Danuta Gierek1, Marcin Jezienicki, Tomasz Cyzowski
1Oddział Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii, SPSK Nr 7, Slaski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Górnoślaskie Centrum Medyczne w Katowicach. oait@gcm.pl
Background:
Systemic connective tissue diseases are relatively rare disorders of unknown origin, possibly related to autoimmunity. In the retrospective study, we analysed the records of nine patients suffering from connective tissue disorders who were treated during a two-year period in an intensive therapy unit.
Methods:
Hospital medical records, observational charts and all other available medical documents were analysed.
Results:
The clinical courses of 9 patients were studied. They included 4 with scleroderma, 3 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 2 with inflammatory myopathy. They were admitted to the ITU because of sepsis and/or pneumonia, pulmonary haemorrhage, or cardiovascular failure. Three patients (2 with systemic sclerosis, 1 with systemic lupus erythematosus) died.
Conclusions:
A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is a key factor in the successful management of patients with rare diseases, such as connective tissue pathologies. Frequent infections with respiratory and/or circulatory complications are the most common causes of severe morbidity in these patients.
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