Critical care clinics
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewRole of Antithrombin III and Tissue Factor Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis.
The pathobiology of the septic process includes a complex interrelationship between inflammation and the coagulations system. Antithrombin (AT) and tissue factor are important components of the coagulation system and have potential roles in the production and amplification of sepsis. Sepsis is associated with a decrease in AT levels, and low levels are also associated with the development of multiple organ failure and death. Treatment strategies incorporating AT replacement therapy in sepsis and septic shock have not resulted in an improvement in survival or reversal of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewCoagulation Disorders in Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and severe condition that can lead patients to the intensive care unit. HLH diagnosis may be challenging, as it relies on sets of aspecific criteria. ⋯ The most frequently reported anomaly is a decrease in the fibrinogen level, which has been associated with higher mortality rates. Coagulation impairment study in patients with HLH represents an interesting field of research, as little is known about the mechanism leading to hypofibrinogenemia.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewImmune Consequences of Endothelial Cells' Activation and Dysfunction During Sepsis.
The vascular endothelium provides a direct interface between circulating blood cells and parenchymal cells. Thus, it has a key role in vasomotor tone regulation, primary hemostasis, vascular barrier, and immunity. ⋯ In some specific conditions, ECs may also contribute to the activation of adaptive immunity and the recruitment of antigen-specific lymphocytes. However, the loss of EC functions or an exaggerated activation of ECs during sepsis can lead to multiorgan failure.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewCell-Cell Communication Breakdown and Endothelial Dysfunction.
Guided by organ-specific signals in both development and disease response, the heterogeneous endothelial cell population is a dynamic member of the vasculature. Functioning as the gatekeeper to fluid, inflammatory cells, oxygen, and nutrients, endothelial cell communication with its local environment is critical. Impairment of endothelial cell-cell communication not only disrupts this signaling process, but also contributes to pathologic disease progression. Expanding our understanding of those processes that mediate endothelial cell-cell communication is an important step in the approach to treatment of disease processes.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewTypical and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in the Critically Ill.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic uremic syndrome have a similar clinical presentation. ⋯ However, diagnosis is challenging and morbidity and mortality remain high, especially in the critically ill population. Development of clinical prediction scores and rapid diagnostic tests for hemolytic uremic syndrome based on mechanistic knowledge are needed to facilitate early diagnosis and assign timely specific treatments to patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome variants.