Chest
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Given the plethora of pathophysiologic mechanisms described in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), we hypothesize that the mechanisms driving fibrosis in IPF may be different from one patient to another. ⋯ Gene expression-based endotyping in IPF is feasible and can inform clinical evolution. As endotype-specific pathways and survival-associated transcription factors are identified, endotyping may open up the possibility of endotype-tailored therapy.
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Older adults are increasingly admitted to the ICU, and those with disabilities, dementia, frailty, and multimorbidity are vulnerable to adverse outcomes. Little is known about how pre-existing geriatric conditions have changed over time. ⋯ Rates of pre-existing disability, frailty, and multimorbidity in older adults admitted to ICUs increased over time. Geriatric principles need to be deeply integrated into the ICU setting.
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Basic critical care echocardiography emphasizes two-dimensional (2D) findings, such as ventricular function, inferior vena cava size, and pericardial assessment, while generally excluding quantitative findings and Doppler-based techniques. Although this approach offers advantages, including efficiency and expedited training, it complicates attempts to understand the hemodynamic importance of any 2D abnormalities detected. ⋯ An estimate of SV allows 2D findings to be placed into better context in terms of both hemodynamic significance and acuity. This article describes the technique of SV determination, reviews common confounding factors and pitfalls, and suggests a systematic approach for using SV measurements to help integrate important 2D findings into the clinical context.
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Multicenter Study
Estimates of Sepsis Prevalence and Outcomes in Adult Patients in the ICU in India: A Cross-sectional Study.
Sepsis is a global health problem. Limited data exist on the prevalence of sepsis using current definitions in ICUs in India. ⋯ This multicenter point prevalence study in Indian ICUs showed a high burden of sepsis using both Sepsis-2 and Sepsis-3 criteria, with associated high rates of antimicrobial resistance and mortality. These findings have implications for public health and future research.
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A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is ideally suited to quantify exercise tolerance and evaluate the pathophysiological mechanism(s) of dyspnea and exercise limitation in people with chronic respiratory disease. Although there are several statements on CPET and many outstanding resources detailing the cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise, limited information is available to support the health care provider in conducting a practical CPET evaluation. ⋯ Information on CPET protocol, as well as how to evaluate maximal patient effort, peak rate of oxygen consumption, ventilatory demand, pulmonary gas exchange, ventilatory reserve, operating lung volumes, and exertional dyspnea, is presented. Two case examples are also described to highlight how these parameters are evaluated to provide a clinical interpretation of CPET data.