Brit J Hosp Med
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In the absence of separate guidelines for critically unwell ventilated patients in the intensive care unit who are undergoing surgery, questions arise about whether patients in intensive care should be starved preoperatively, despite already having a protected airway.
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The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit highlighted that older people living with frailty have poorer outcomes from emergency laparotomies. This editorial discusses some improvements in care that are needed to improve outcomes in this group of patients.
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Given the critical physiological role of potassium, it is understandable that the development of severe hyperkalaemia requires effective management to reduce its effects, which include muscle weakness, paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalaemia most often results from the failure of renal adaptation to potassium imbalance. ⋯ This presents a significant challenge to nephrologists, cardiologists and healthcare professionals treating these patients as this can prevent them from receiving maximum guideline-directed RAAS inhibitor therapy. Panellists in this roundtable discussion shared their clinical experiences of using potassium binders to manage hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and patients with heart failure (illustrated with case studies) in Northern Ireland and considered recommendations for the implementation and maintenance of chronic potassium-lowering treatment.
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This article discusses the joint guidance from the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine and Centre for Perioperative Care, which provides recommendations for establishing and delivering enhanced perioperative care services.