Current opinion in critical care
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The current review aims to discuss the management of surgical patients in an ICU in countries where resources are limited. ⋯ The care of the surgical patients in an intensive care setting in countries with resource limitations should be optimized, protocols for standardized care implemented and Better research and resource allocation, as well as investment in healthcare training are essential for the development of intensive care in LMICs is necessary.
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Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (Pr-AKI) is associated with increased maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality and remains a large public health problem. ⋯ In this review, we focus on the renal physiology of the pregnancy, epidemiology, and specific conditions known to cause Pr-AKI, summarizing diagnostic definition, insights in pathophysiology, clinical considerations, and novel treatment approaches, thus providing the reader a framework of clinically relevant information for interdisciplinary management.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2019
ReviewEmergency bedside ultrasound: benefits as well as caution - part 1. General.
The use of bedside or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in medical emergencies is rapidly becoming more established as an effective acute diagnostic tool. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the various techniques currently used that are readily available, as well as several in development. Possible caveats are also addressed. ⋯ We believe that a core level of POCUS should be achievable by practicing clinicians. Ultimately, the integration of POCUS findings into a patient management strategy must be holistic, and hence requires prudent consideration of the clinical scenario.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2019
ReviewThe patient with severe traumatic brain injury: clinical decision-making: the first 60 min and beyond.
There is an urgent need to discuss the uncertainties and paradoxes in clinical decision-making after severe traumatic brain injury (s-TBI). This could improve transparency, reduce variability of practice and enhance shared decision-making with proxies. ⋯ Recent efforts by multiple medical groups have contributed to reduce uncertainty and to improve care and outcome along the entire chain of care. Although an unlimited endeavor for sustaining life seems unrealistic, treatment-limiting decisions should not deprive patients of a chance on achieving an outcome they would have considered acceptable.
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Patients with severe burn injuries pose significant challenges for the intensivist. Though average burn sizes have decreased over time, severe burn injuries involving greater than 20% of the total body surface area still occur. Verified burn centers are limited, making the management of severely burn injured patients at nonspecialized ICUs likely. Current practices in burn care have increased survivability even from massive burns. It is important for intensivists to be aware of the unique complications and therapeutic options in burn critical care management. This review critically discusses current practices and recently published data regarding the evaluation and management of severe burn injury. ⋯ Initial evaluation and treatment of acute severe burn injury remains an ongoing area of study. This manuscript reviews current practices and considerations in the acute management of the severely burn injured patient.