Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2013
ReviewSniffing out acute kidney injury in the ICU: do we have the tools?
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications of critical illnesses, and early detection of AKI can improve its outcome. Using advanced electronic surveillance tools has attracted attention in recent years. ⋯ ESS tools (sniffers) for AKI may allow improvement in patient processes of care or more efficient patient recruitment in AKI-related ICU studies.
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Septic shock is one of the most common and life-threatening conditions afflicting critically ill patients. Intravenous volume resuscitation is considered an initial and very important step in management. The most suitable fluid for volume expansion during septic shock remains unclear. In this review, we focus on the benefits and adverse effects of the most commonly used intravenous fluids in critically ill septic patients. ⋯ Crystalloids should still be considered as the first-choice drug for volume resuscitation in patients with septic shock. Colloids such as albumin can be considered in some clinical settings. HES should be avoided. Balanced crystalloids might have an important role to play in the management of septic shock.