Current opinion in critical care
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Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening diseases with high mortality. Although efforts have made to improve the survivals, the outcomes are still frustrating. Blood purification was thought to be a promising adjunctive therapy to regulate the excessive cytokine storm or to reduce the endotoxin activity caused by sepsis. Critically ill COVID-19 characterized with the similar disease to sepsis may also benefit from blood purification. ⋯ The blood purification therapy demonstrated the tendency in decrease of cytokines and endotoxin activity in different degree according to the current studies. However, the effect on mortality and haemodynamics is still in controversy. Further well designed, large sample sized studies should focus on the timing of initiating blood purification, the appropriate indications and the optimal type of blood purification membrane or cartridge to provide more evidence for clinical practice.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2021
ReviewPostoperative blood pressure management in patients treated in the ICU after noncardiac surgery.
Blood pressure management is a cornerstone of hemodynamic management in patients treated in the ICU after noncardiac surgery. Postoperative blood pressure management is challenging, because blood pressure alterations after surgery can be profound and have numerous causes. ⋯ Future research on postoperative blood pressure management in patients treated in the ICU after noncardiac surgery needs to assess whether the prevention or treatment of postoperative blood pressure alterations - especially postoperative hypotension - reduces the incidence of postoperative adverse outcomes.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common but underestimated syndrome in the perioperative setting. AKI can be induced by different causes and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, no specific treatment options are available at the moment. ⋯ Good evidence exists for the use of biomarkers to identify individual patients at risk for AKI and for the implementation of haemodynamic optimization, abdication of nephrotoxins, adequate fluid administration using balanced crystalloid solutions and glycaemic control. The data for using colloids or the degree of nephrotoxicity of contrast media still remain inconclusive.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2021
ReviewTiming of renal-replacement therapy in intensive care unit-related acute kidney injury.
The optimal timing of renal-replacement therapy (RRT) initiation for the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is frequently controversial. An earlier-strategy has biological rationale, even in the absence of urgent indications; however, a delayed-strategy may prevent selected patients from receiving RRT and avoid complications related to RRT. ⋯ Early preemptive initiation of RRT in critically ill patients with AKI does not confer clear clinical benefits. However, protracted delays in RRT initiation may be harmful.
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If developed using rigorous methods and produced in a timely manner, clinical practice guidelines have the potential to improve patient outcomes. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges involved in generating reliable clinical guidance, it has also provided an opportunity to address these challenges. ⋯ We provide an example of how rapid and rigorous guidelines can be accomplished, even in the setting of a pandemic, capitalizing on expertise, large and dedicated teams, and focused scope. We highlight the benefits of multifaceted knowledge dissemination through multiple formats to ensure global dissemination and in order to maximize impact.