Chest
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Meta Analysis
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Adults - A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Critically ill adults are at increased risk of VTE, including DVT, and pulmonary embolism. Various agents exist for venous thromboprophylaxis in this population. ⋯ Among critically ill adults, compared with control treatment, LMWH reduces incidence of DVT, whereas UFH and mechanical compressive devices may reduce the risk of DVT. LMWH is probably more effective than UFH in reducing incidence of DVT and should be considered the primary pharmacologic agent for thromboprophylaxis. The efficacy and safety of combination pharmacologic therapy and mechanical compressive devices were unclear.
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With the paucity of high-quality studies on longitudinal basic critical care echocardiography (BCCE) training, expert opinion guidelines have guided BCCE competence educational standards and processes. However, existing guidelines lack precise detail due to methodological flaws during guideline development. ⋯ In conclusion, this expert consensus statement presents comprehensive evidence-based recommendations on longitudinal BCCE training. However, these recommendations require prospective validation.
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Meta Analysis
Risk Factors for Invasive Candida Infection in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Current guidelines recommend empirical antifungal therapy in patients with sepsis with high risk of invasive Candida infection. However, many different risk factors have been derived from multiple studies. These risk factors lack specificity, and broad application would render most ICU patients eligible for empirical antifungal therapy. ⋯ Our systematic review and meta-analysis identified patient- and treatment-related factors that were associated with the risk for the development of invasive Candida infection in the ICU. Most of the factors identified were either related to medical interventions during intensive care or to comorbid conditions.
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Case Reports
An Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis After BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive scar tissue formation. An acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) is a clinically significant respiratory decompensation that accounts for a significant proportion of IPF-related morbidity and mortality. ⋯ In this novel case report, we describe a potential association between AE-IPF and BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination that was successfully treated with a short course of glucocorticoids. While our aim is to raise awareness for this yet-to-be-described adverse event, immunization against vaccine-preventable disease remains widely recommended in vulnerable patients with chronic lung disease such as IPF.
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Practice Guideline
Mass Critical Care Surge Response During COVID-19: Implementation of Contingency Strategies - A Preliminary Report of Findings From the Task Force for Mass Critical Care.
After the publication of a 2014 consensus statement regarding mass critical care during public health emergencies, much has been learned about surge responses and the care of overwhelming numbers of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaps in prior pandemic planning were identified and require modification in the midst of severe ongoing surges throughout the world. ⋯ A subcommittee from the TFMCC offers interim evidence-informed operational strategies to assist hospitals and communities to plan for and respond to surge capacity demands resulting from COVID-19.