Critical care explorations
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Elucidate how the degree of ventilator-induced lung injury due to atelectrauma that is produced in the injured lung during mechanical ventilation is determined by both the timing and magnitude of the airway pressure profile. ⋯ Low-Vt and airway pressure release ventilation represent markedly different strategies for the avoidance of ventilator-induced lung injury, primarily involving the manipulation of positive end-expiratory pressure and , respectively. can be based on exhalation flow values, which may provide a patient-specific approach to protective ventilation.
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Coagulopathy of coronavirus disease 2019 is largely described as hypercoagulability, yet both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications occur. Although therapeutic and prophylactic anticoagulant interventions have been recommended, empiric use of antifactor medications (heparin/enoxaparin) may result in hemorrhagic complications, including death. Furthermore, traditional (antifactor) anticoagulation does not address the impact of overactive platelets in coronavirus disease 2019. The primary aim was to evaluate if algorithm-guided thromboelastography with platelet mapping could better characterize an individual's coronavirus disease 2019-relatedcoagulopathic state and, secondarily, improve outcomes. ⋯ Thromboelastography with platelet mapping better characterizes the spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 coagulation-related abnormalities and may guide more tailored, patient-specific therapies in those infected with coronavirus disease 2019.
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To characterize the incidence and characteristics of propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia in coronavirus disease 2019 versus noncoronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome. ⋯ Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome experienced a higher rate of propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia than noncoronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, even after accounting for differences in propofol administration.
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Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being established as a treatment option for severe acute respiratory failure. We sought to evaluate the impact of a dedicated specialist team-based approach on patient outcomes. ⋯ An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team approach is associated with improved outcomes in patients initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure.
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Critical Illness Recovery Programs report low attendance. We aimed to provide information about postintensive care syndrome and to learn which patients would pursue help in a Critical Illness Recovery Clinic. All patients who checked in to our Lung Center were given a survey regarding their ICU experience and offered information about postintensive care syndrome and an appointment in the clinic. ⋯ Only 5% requested information and less than 1% requested a dedicated appointment. More than one of three former ICU patients and one in five close friends or relatives of former ICU patients reported difficulty returning to their normal lives after their ICU experience. Very few pursued the opportunity to learn more about it or seek help.