Der Anaesthesist
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The basis of all metabolic processes in the human body is the production and metabolism of carriers of energy. Lactate is the end-product of anaerobic glycolysis. ⋯ Hyperlactatemia can be associated with increased mortality, therefore in emergency medicine the search for the cause of hyperlactatemia is just as important as an effective causal treatment. Repetitive measurements of lactate are components of several treatment algorithms as observation of the dynamic development of blood lactate concentrations can help to make a better assessment of the acute medical condition of the patient and to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures undertaken.
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In 2018 Germany had the lowest rate of post-mortem organ donation in the Eurotransplant network. Healthcare trainees and students will be important advisors on organ donation for patients in the future. This study aimed to examine 1) attitudes and knowledge about post-mortem organ donation, 2) how past transplantation scandals have affected those attitudes and 3) how satisfied respondents were with the knowledge provided on the courses. ⋯ Given the knowledge gaps identified and the respondents' dissatisfaction with the knowledge they received, organ donation should be better integrated into curricula and training programs.
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Due to a high heterogeneity and dynamic changes in the course of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), intensive care physicians are faced with extraordinary challenges. While the current definition, pathophysiology and differential diagnoses were previously addressed in this journal, this article focuses on some specific and individualized treatment options. ⋯ In recent years it has become increasingly evident that prone positioning, early spontaneous breathing and early mobilization improve the course of the disease. Therefore, an individualized treatment should consider these issues and take the characteristics of the patient and the specific disease progression into account.