Critical care clinics
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewA Review on Microvascular Hemodynamics: The Control of Blood Flow Distribution and Tissue Oxygenation.
The microcirculation is a complex network of vessels ranging from as large as 100 μm to as small as 5 μm. This complex network is responsible for the regulation of oxygen to the surrounding tissues and ensures metabolite washout. With a more complete understanding of the microcirculation's physiologic and pathologic tendencies, engineers can create new solutions to combat blood pathologies and shock-related diseases. Over the last number of decades a grown interest in the microcirculation has resulted in the development of fundamental techniques to quantify the microvasculature flow and the release of oxygen to tissues.
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Nitric oxide is a strong vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory signaling molecule that plays diverse roles in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Nitric oxide produced by endothelial cells is a critical regulator of this balance, such that endothelial dysfunction is defined as a reduced capacity for nitric oxide production and decreased nitric oxide sensitivity. ⋯ Endothelial dysfunction is central in numerous pathophysiologic processes. This article reviews mechanisms governing nitric oxide production and downstream effects, highlighting the role of nitric oxide signaling in organ system pathologies.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewRole of Antithrombin III and Tissue Factor Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Sepsis.
The pathobiology of the septic process includes a complex interrelationship between inflammation and the coagulations system. Antithrombin (AT) and tissue factor are important components of the coagulation system and have potential roles in the production and amplification of sepsis. Sepsis is associated with a decrease in AT levels, and low levels are also associated with the development of multiple organ failure and death. Treatment strategies incorporating AT replacement therapy in sepsis and septic shock have not resulted in an improvement in survival or reversal of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewImmune Consequences of Endothelial Cells' Activation and Dysfunction During Sepsis.
The vascular endothelium provides a direct interface between circulating blood cells and parenchymal cells. Thus, it has a key role in vasomotor tone regulation, primary hemostasis, vascular barrier, and immunity. ⋯ In some specific conditions, ECs may also contribute to the activation of adaptive immunity and the recruitment of antigen-specific lymphocytes. However, the loss of EC functions or an exaggerated activation of ECs during sepsis can lead to multiorgan failure.
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Critical care clinics · Apr 2020
ReviewTypical and Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in the Critically Ill.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and hemolytic uremic syndrome have a similar clinical presentation. ⋯ However, diagnosis is challenging and morbidity and mortality remain high, especially in the critically ill population. Development of clinical prediction scores and rapid diagnostic tests for hemolytic uremic syndrome based on mechanistic knowledge are needed to facilitate early diagnosis and assign timely specific treatments to patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome variants.