Journal of critical 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.
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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 · Dec 2023
ReviewThe physiology of cardiac tamponade and implications for patient management.
Exceeding the limit of pericardial stretch, intrapericardial collections exert compression on the right heart and decrease preload. Compensatory mechanisms ensue to maintain hemodynamics in the face of a depressed stroke volume but are outstripped as disease progresses. ⋯ Invasive hemodynamics and echocardiographic findings inform on the physiologic effects. In this review, we describe tamponade physiology and implications for supportive care and effusion drainage.
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Journal of critical care · Dec 2023
Review Meta AnalysisShort-course versus prolonged-course antibiotic regimens for ventilator-associated pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Current guidelines recommend short-duration antibiotic therapy for non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB) ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) which may be associated with a higher recurrence of pneumonia. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare short- versus prolonged-course antibiotic regimens for VAP. ⋯ Low-quality evidence suggests that a short course of antibiotics is associated with a higher recurrence of pneumonia in NF-GNB VAP with no difference in mortality as compared to a prolonged course. For definitive conclusions, large-scale and blinded RCTs are required.