Critical care clinics
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Gastrointestinal (GI) complications of cirrhosis are frequent in patients who require intensive care support and are often the primary indication for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Perhaps the most worrisome GI complication for the intensivist is variceal hemorrhage. ⋯ Nonvariceal GI bleeding, impaired GI motility, and malnutrition also provide significant challenges for the intensivist. This article reviews GI issues that present in critically ill cirrhotic patients and their management in the acute setting.
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This article describes key concepts for drug dosing considerations in liver disease. Included in this article is a review of pharmacokinetic changes that are known to occur in patients with liver disease that can aide in drug dosing. Although limited, the currently available pharmacokinetic data for medications that are commonly used in the critical care setting are also included.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2016
ReviewAbdominal Compartment Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome.
Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are rare but potentially morbid diagnoses. Clinical index of suspicion for these disorders should be raised following massive resuscitation, abdominal wall reconstruction/injury, and in those with space-occupying disorders in the abdomen. ⋯ Decompressive laparotomy is definitive therapy but paracentesis can be equally therapeutic in properly selected patients. Left untreated, ACS can lead to multisystem organ failure and death.
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Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a rare disease that most commonly affects the elderly. The vague symptoms often lead to delayed diagnosis and consequent high mortality. ⋯ Survival improves with prompt restoration of perfusion and resection of nonviable bowel. Advances in imaging, operative techniques, and critical care have led to a steady decline in overall mortality; however, long-term survival is limited because of the comorbidities in this patient group.