Intensive care medicine
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Abstract
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Intensive care medicine · Nov 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialSmall volume resuscitation with 20% albumin in intensive care: physiological effects : The SWIPE randomised clinical trial.
Why this is interesting...
In many ways, human albumin might be the perfect colloid fluid – and concentrated 20% albumin could be the ideal resuscitation fluid in the critical care setting, where fluid overload is otherwise a common consequence. Because of its high relative concentration, the intravascular expansion effect of 20% albumin is roughly double its infused volume, unlike 4% or 5% albumin.
In the SWIPE trial Mårtensson et al showed that even in the leaky-capillary state of critical illness, resuscitation with 20% albumin decreased fluid needs, lessened positive fluid-balance states, and was not associated with harm when compared to 4-5% albumin.
What did they do?
This was a well designed multicentre trial across three adult Australian & UK ICUs. 321 patients were randomized to either 20% or 4-5% albumin resuscitation during their first 48h in ICU.
Bottom line:
Probably the most important takeaway is simply that resuscitation with 20% albumin is practical and results in no patient harm compared with 4-5%. The 576mL median lower difference in fluid balance is unlikely alone to be dramatically consequential.
Nonetheless an important first step before larger studies can look at morbidity and mortality outcomes.
Cautiously note though that for logistic reasons the trial was open label, so treating clinicians were well aware of which fluid they were using. Additionally, they were given free reign to choose additional resuscitation fluids (crystalloid or synthetic colloid) as the clinical situation required.
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Intensive care medicine · Nov 2018
Correction to: ECDC definitions and methods for the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units.
The article ECDC definitions and methods for the surveillance of healthcare‑associated infections in intensive care units.
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Abstract
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Intensive care medicine · Nov 2018
EditorialDo trials that report a neutral or negative treatment effect improve the care of critically ill patients? Yes.
Abstract