Journal of critical care
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Trust is an essential element in the relationship between patients and intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians. Without a foundation of trust, communication is difficult, conflict is more likely, and even clinical outcomes can be affected. ⋯ Illness occurs suddenly, emotions can be charged, the environment is impersonal, and there is rarely a prior relationship between patients and their caregivers. Therefore, intensivists must have some understanding of the factors that impact patient and family trust, as well as the actions they can take to improve it.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2024
ReviewThe human gut microbiome in critical illness: disruptions, consequences, and therapeutic frontiers.
With approximately 39 trillion cells and over 20 million genes, the human gut microbiome plays an integral role in both health and disease. Modern living has brought a widespread use of processed food and beverages, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory drugs, and invasive procedures, all of which profoundly disrupt the delicate homeostasis between the host and its microbiome. Of particular interest is the human gut microbiome, which is progressively being recognized as an important contributing factor in many aspects of critical illness, from predisposition to recovery. ⋯ Additionally, we explore the potential association between the gut microbiome and post-intensive care syndrome, shedding light on a previously underappreciated avenue that may enhance patient recuperation following critical illness. There is an impending need for future epidemiological studies to encompass detailed phenotypic analyses of gut microbiome perturbations. Interventions aimed at restoring the gut microbiome represent a promising therapeutic frontier in the quest to prevent and treat critical illnesses.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2024
ReviewManagement of swallowing disorders in ICU patients - A multinational expert opinion.
Dysphagia is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, yet it remains underrecognized and often unmanaged despite being associated with life-threatening complications, prolonged ICU stays and hospitalization. ⋯ Given the lack of robust scientific evidence, two clinical management algorithms are proposed for use by multidisciplinary teams to improve early systematic detection and effective management of dysphagia in ICU patients. Additionally, emerging therapeutic options such as neurostimulation have the potential to improve the quality of ICU dysphagia care.
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Journal of critical care · Feb 2024
Review Meta AnalysisLower versus higher oxygen targets after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
To update the existing evidence and gain further insight into effects of lower versus higher oxygen targets on the outcomes in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ Current evidence suggests that targeting a lower or higher oxygen therapy in patients after resuscitation from OHCA results in similar short-term survival and other clinical outcomes.