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We determined the relative strengths of association between 23 most commonly ordered laboratory tests and the adverse outcome as indicators of relative criticalness. The lowest and highest results for 23 most commonly ordered laboratory tests, 24 hours prior to death during critical care unit (CCU) stay or discharge from CCU were extracted from a publicly available CCU database (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III). Following this, the Random Forest model was applied to assess the association between the laboratory results and the outcomes (death or discharge). The mean decrease in Gini coefficient for each laboratory test was then ranked as an indication of their relative importance to the outcome of a patient. In descending order, the 10 laboratory tests with the strongest association with death were: bicarbonate, phosphate, anion gap, white cell count (total), partial thromboplastin time, platelet, total calcium, chloride, glucose and INR; moreover, the strength of association was different for critically high versus low results.

Objective: To compile evidence from randomized controlled trials, case series, and case reports to identify the effectiveness of various therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of dermatologie effects secondary to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI) administration.Data Sources: Literature was accessed through PubMed (2002–May 2009) and Scopus (2002–March 2009), using the terms epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, cetuximab, erlotinib, gefilinib, panitumumab, management, skin toxicity, and cutaneous effects. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction: An evaluation of published clinical trials, case series, case reports, and clinical management guidelines that studied the treatment options for EGFRI-induced skin toxicities was performed. Studies that reported dosing regimens and treatment outcomes were included in this review.Data Synthesis: Management of EGFRI-induced skin toxicities has been documented in 2 randomized controlled trials, 3 case series, and 10 case reports in a total of 156 patients. There is strong evidence for the use of topical antibiotics to manage EGFRI skin toxicities. Controversy exists regarding the use of corticosteroids and retinoids for the management of EGFRI-induced rash. Several variables are noted among the number of case series and case reports, such as follow-up duration of the intervention, making any comparisons difficult.Conclusions: Overall, antibiotics are the most common treatment option and have the potential to reduce the severity of skin rash. Well-designed clinical studies with proper recording of relevant data on the management of EGFRI-induced dermatologie effects are needed to properly evaluate the use of various therapeutic agents. Apart from randomized controlled trials, comprehensive case reports are also important for clinical evaluation on a case-by-case basis.