Medicina intensiva
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Anemia is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population and is a very frequently found condition in medical and surgical patients in all medical specialties. A good evaluation of its clinical impact and its therapeutic possibilities is essential. ⋯ Blood transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, iron therapy (oral and endovenous) and other therapeutic alternatives must be rationally used, in accordance with the currently available clinical evidence. This review article summarizes some epidemiological characteristics of anemia, its clinical evaluation and the main therapeutic possibilities based on the present knowledge, placing special emphasis on the critically ill patient.
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The specialty of Intensive Care Medicine was established over twenty years ago in Spain as part of the MIR (Resident training) system. The European Union allows for free circulation of its workers and the multilateral recognition of their university degrees as well as their postgraduate training. ⋯ The main objective of this article is to provide a practical guide on how to obtain recognition of the Spanish Certificate of Training (MIR system) in Intensive Care Medicine in the United Kingdom (UK). This review has been done by several Spanish intensivists with vast professional experience in the UK.
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The radiological diagnostic approach of the thorax in the critically ill patient has traditionally been based on the anteroposterior chest X-ray. However, it is generally accepted that it has important limitations regarding its diagnostic accuracy of pleuro-pulmonary disease. The introduction of computed tomography largely solved this problem, but with the dual disadvantage of a larger radiation dose and the unavoidable transportation outside of the ICU. ⋯ However, intrathoracic diseases, existence of fluid in the pleural space and consolidation, or atelectasis in the lung provide a sufficient ultrasound window for the correct evaluation. In this review, we explain the lung and pleural ultrasound technique, define the normal pattern and the artifacts that serve to detect the abnormalities and we explain the criteria for the main diseases (consolidation, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema and pneumothorax). We also discuss the possible utility and limitations of the lung ultrasound in our daily practice, such as diagnosis of acute respiratory failure, detection, quantification and drainage of a pleural effusion, chest trauma, management and complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome and tracheal intubation success or failure.