Current opinion in critical care
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Despite improvements over time, cardiac arrest continues to be associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Several methods can be used to achieve airway patency during cardiac arrest, and the optimal strategy continues to be debated. This review will explore and summarize the latest published evidence for airway management during cardiac arrest. ⋯ Observational studies continue to dominate the evidence base relating to cardiac arrest airway management. Cardiac arrest registries enable these observational studies to include many patients; however, the design of such studies introduces considerable bias. Further randomized clinical trials are underway. The current evidence does not indicate a substantial improvement in outcome from any single airway strategy.
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The purpose of this article is to systematically review and critically assess the existing data regarding the use of transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD), by providing a detailed description of technical aspects of TPTD techniques, appraising the use of TPTD-derived parameters in specific clinical settings, and exploring the limits of this technique. ⋯ The TPTD is an invasive but well tolerated, multiparametric, advanced cardiopulmonary monitoring technique, allowing a comprehensive assessment of cardiopulmonary condition. Beyond the CO estimation, TPTD provides several indices that help answering questions that clinicians ask themselves during hemodynamic management. TPTD-guided algorithm obtained by pulse contour analysis may be useful to optimize fluid resuscitation by titrating fluid therapy according to functional hemodynamic monitoring and to define safety criteria to avoid fluid overload by following the changes in the extravascular lung water (EVLW) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI).
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To review recently published data on pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use in critically ill patients and consider optimal use of the PAC in personalized clinical practice. ⋯ Only a small number of acutely ill patients require a PAC and insertion should be individualized based on clinical context, availability of trained staff, and the possibility that measured variables will be able to help guide therapy.
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This review considers the latest evidence relating to the epidemiology and outcomes, treatment guidelines, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in traumatic cardiac arrest. ⋯ Trauma related cardiac arrest differs from cardiac arrest due to medical causes. Whilst the core principles of treatment are similar, a higher priority is placed on identifying and treating reversible causes.
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To describe our knowledge about in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) including recent developments. ⋯ In-hospital cardiac arrest is a global health problem with a 25% survival in high-income settings. There remain significant opportunities to both decrease the incidence of, and outcomes from IHCA.