Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2013
ReviewUsing procalcitonin-guided algorithms to improve antimicrobial therapy in ICU patients with respiratory infections and sepsis.
In patients with systemic bacterial infections hospitalized in ICUs, the inflammatory biomarker procalcitonin (PCT) has been shown to aid diagnosis, antibiotic stewardship, and risk stratification. Our aim is to summarize recent evidence about the utility of PCT in the critical care setting and discuss the potential benefits and limitations of PCT when used for clinical decision-making. ⋯ Inclusion of PCT data in clinical algorithms improves individualized decision-making regarding antibiotic treatment in patients in critical care for respiratory infections or sepsis. Future research should focus on use of repeated PCT measurements to risk-stratify patients and guide treatment to improve their outcomes.
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Despite developments in treatment of myocardial infarction, mortality rates in cardiogenic shock remain unacceptably high. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is to date the most used device for hemodynamic support, but randomized evidence on survival benefit was lacking. ⋯ In cardiogenic shock, no general recommendation for IABP can be given. In the next revision of current guidelines, recent randomized trial results should be incorporated. Further research is needed to develop optional treatments in cardiogenic shock or to gain validated algorithms for use of active assist devices.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2013
ReviewNew insights into the pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock: the role of the microcirculation.
The ultimate goal of therapy for cardiogenic shock is to restore microcirculatory function and thereby restore the oxygen supply to sustain cellular function. Therapeutic measures mainly focus on improving pressure-derived macrocirculatory parameters. However, it is increasingly clear that to achieve significant progress in treatment, microcirculatory physiopathological mechanisms must be considered. ⋯ Cardiogenic shock induces microcirculatory disorders that can be monitored and influenced in various manners, both pharmacologically and physically. In addition to global hemodynamic optimization, interventions must also ameliorate the microcirculation.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2013
ReviewPrompting physicians to address a daily checklist for antibiotics: do we need a co-pilot in the ICU?
Failed opportunities to reduce morbidity and mortality occur when evidence-based therapies are not fully implemented in clinical practice. We reviewed the recent literature on implementation strategies in the intensive care unit, with particular attention to antibiotic therapy. ⋯ Newer implementation strategies focused on real-time, point-of-care interventions have been associated with greater impact. The most common of these new interventions is use of checklists. Greater checklist use has led to the realization that a prompting or forcing function is required for optimal benefit.
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The population of chronically critically ill patients is growing as advances in intensive care management improve survival from the acute phase of critical illness. These patients are characterized by complex medical needs and heavy resource utilization. This article reviews evidence supporting a comprehensive approach to the prevention and management of chronic critical illness (CCI). ⋯ Combating CCI begins with prevention in the acute phase of illness. Management strategies include a spectrum of ventilatory, nutritional, and rehabilitation support. Further patient-centered outcome-based research in this specific population is needed to continue to help guide optimal care.