Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2020
ReviewPrevention, diagnosis, and management of venous thromboembolism in the critically ill surgical and trauma patient.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is common among trauma patients and critically ill surgical patients admitted to the ICU. Critical care surgical patients are at an extremely high risk for VTE and the related morbidity and mortality associated with it. The present review aims to provide an overview of the importance of identifying risk factors, prescribing effective prohylaxis, accurate diagnosis, and timely appropriate treatment for trauma and critically ill surgical patients with VTE in the ICU. ⋯ Critical care surgical and trauma patients represent a population that are at a heightened risk for VTE and associated complications. Appropriate screening, prevention strategies, accurate diagnosis, and timely administration of appropriate treatment must be utilized to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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To describe recent advances in the development of therapeutic agents for acute kidney injury (AKI). ⋯ Despite the lack of therapies specifically approved for AKI, many interesting potential agents are entering clinical trials, with the potential to transform the care of patients with AKI.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2020
ReviewThe limitations of evidence: increasing data and increasing doubt in the treatment of cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest is one of the most challenging disease processes to study with clinical trials due to the emergent and unpredictable nature of these events and complexity of the patient population. In recent years, there has been a major push to complete more large, multicentre trials. In many cases, however, there remains little certainty on what treatments are most efficacious, in spite of the recent increase in evidence. This review was undertaken to address some of the unique barriers to address answering research questions in cardiac arrest with clinical trials. ⋯ Trials on multiple major cardiac arrest interventions, including temperature management, drugs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management, now have high-quality randomized trials, but significant questions on efficacy and best practices remain. Common pitfalls and reasons for this are explored, including heterogeneity of patients and providers, variability in exact interventions studied, delay in starting research interventions and lack of consistency across systems in decision making around appropriateness for resuscitation.
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This review discusses the macrocirculatory and microcirculatory aspects of renal perfusion, as well as novel methods by which to measure renal blood flow. Finally, therapeutic options are briefly discussed, including renal-specific microcirculatory effects. ⋯ The optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) needed for preservation of renal function has been debated but is most likely a MAP of 60-80 mmHg. In addition, attention should be paid to renal outflow pressure, typically central venous pressure. Heterogeneity in microcirculation can exist and may be mitigated through appropriate use of vasopressors with unique microcirculatory effects. Excessive catecholamines have been shown to be harmful and should be avoided. Both angiotensin II and vasopressin may improve glomerular flow through a number of mechanisms. Macrocirculatory and microcirculatory blood flow can be measured through a number of bedside ultrasound modalities, sublingual microscopy and urinary oxygen measurement, SUMMARY: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common manifestation of organ failure in shock, and avoidance of hemodynamic instability can mitigate this risk. Measurement of renal haemodynamics is not routinely performed but may help to guide therapeutic goals. A thorough understanding of pathophysiology, measurement techniques and therapeutic options may allow for a personalized approach to blood pressure management in patients with septic shock and may ultimately mitigate AKI.
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The aim of this study was to describe important features of clinical examination for the surgical abdomen, relevant investigations, and acute management of common surgical problems in the critically ill. ⋯ Physical examination remains an integral part of the evaluation of the surgical abdomen. Interpreting laboratory investigations in context and appropriate imaging improves diagnostic ability; intravenous contrast should not be withheld for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Surgical intervention should not be delayed for the patient in extremis. The intensivist and surgeon should remain in close communication to optimize care.