Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2019
ReviewDiagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients: putting the puzzle together.
The approach to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the absence of lung biopsy in ICU patients is reviewed. This approach should be based on four pillars: mycology, medical imaging, underlying conditions, and acute disease expression. ⋯ For mycology, a positive galactomannan test on serum or broncho-alveolar lavage fluid is highly indicative of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The meaning of positive culture results, lateral-flow device test, or PCR-assay is ambiguous. A negative galactomannan or PCR test has high negative predictive value. Clinical features suggestive for invasive fungal disease on CT-scan are highly indicative but rare in ventilated patients. An immunocompromised status indicates high-risk. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatic cirrhosis, and AIDS indicate moderate risk. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the absence of underlying conditions is rare. Acute diseases frequently associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis include sepsis and/or respiratory insufficiency because of influenza, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or pneumonia.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2019
ReviewIn the pursuit of partnership: patient and family engagement in critical care medicine.
Patient and family partnership in critical care medicine research and clinical care is essential to achieve patient and family-centered care. Although there is an increasing interest in patient and family engagement, research is lacking to direct clinicians and researchers on how to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement. We review the recent literature and provide examples from our own experiences to guide all parties in this important and emerging area. ⋯ Patient and family engagement in critical care medicine is an emerging field that requires further study to support definitive conclusions. Until then, it is important to match interested patients and family members with appropriate opportunities and provide training and support to ensure meaningful engagement.
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Management of patients with meningitis and encephalitis oftentimes requires ICU level of care. This article is an update on management for meningitis and encephalitis with focus on clinical care in the ICU. Information provided is based on a review of recent studies with focus on studies since 2017. ⋯ Advances in diagnostics and therapeutic approach to CNS infections are continually made. For intensivists, focus on neuromonitoring and brain resuscitation in critically ill patients with CNS infections may present a path to enhance preservation of brain function and improve outcomes. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COCC/A22.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2019
ReviewOptimizing therapy of bloodstream infection due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
Infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are increasing worldwide. Carbapenems are usually regarded as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of serious ESBL infections. However, because of the alarming emergence or carbapenem resistance, interest in effective alternatives has emerged. The present review summarizes the findings published on the antibiotics currently available for treatment of patients with an ESBL-E bloodstream infection (BSI). ⋯ Carbapenems should be used in patients with serious infections; alternatives could be used individually, particularly for definitive treatment of patients with milder presentations.