Der Anaesthesist
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An impairment of cardiac function is a key feature of cardiovascular failure associated with sepsis; however, its clinical relevance is still underestimated. Recent advancements in echocardiography in patients with septic shock enable a better characterization of septic cardiomyopathy by unmasking a severe, cardiac dysfunction even in the presence of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. ⋯ To date, the cornerstone of therapeutic management lies in control of the underlying infectious process and hemodynamic stabilization. This review summarizes the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of septic cardiomyopathy, and highlights the importance of further urgently needed studies aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment for septic cardiomyopathy.
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An update to the international guidelines for sepsis therapy was published by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) in March 2017. The guidelines have been completely restructured and comprehensively deal with new evidence. The guidelines discuss sepsis-specific therapeutic measures and provide detailed recommendations on general intensive care measures for sepsis. This article summarizes the most important amendments and suggests delving deeper into the guidelines.
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Even after many years of intensive research acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is still associated with a high mortality. Epidemiologically, ARDS represents a central challenge for modern intensive care treatment. ⋯ Lung protective mechanical ventilation and adjuvant therapies, such as the prone position and targeted extracorporeal lung support are of particular importance in the treatment of ARDS, depending on the severity of the disease. In order to guarantee an individualized and needs-adapted treatment, ARDS patients benefit from treatment in specialized centers.
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Antipyretics are among the most widely prescribed drugs in German hospitals. Despite this widespread use, their role for treatment of critically ill patients still remains unclear. In particular, the questionable positive effects of reducing fever are discussed. ⋯ The benefit of fever control using antipyretics in intensive care patients with regard to endpoints like lethality remains unclear. Randomized controlled trials with suitable protocols and endpoints are needed to provide a solid base for development of guidelines.