Current opinion in critical care
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Sepsis, defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, is a leading cause of hospital and ICU admission. The central and peripheral nervous system may be the first organ system to show signs of dysfunction, leading to clinical manifestations such as sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) with delirium or coma and ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW). In the current review, we want to highlight developing insights into the epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with SAE and ICUAW. ⋯ In this manuscript, we provide an overview of recent insights and developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with SAE and ICUAW.
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Study of organ crosstalk in critical illness has uncovered complex biological communication between different organ systems, but the role of microbiota in organ crosstalk has received limited attention. We highlight the emerging understanding of the gut-lung axis, and how the largest biomass of the human body in the gut may affect lung physiology in critical illness. ⋯ A growing body of evidence supports the pathophysiological relevance of the gut-lung axis, yet we are only at the brink of understanding the therapeutic and prognostic relevance of the gut microbiome, metabolites and host-microbe interactions in critical illness.
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To summarize recent research on critical care nutrition focusing on the optimal composition, timing, and monitoring of enteral feeding strategies for (post)-ICU patients. We provide new insights on energy and protein recommendations, feeding intolerance, and describe nutritional practices for coronavirus disease 2019 ICU patients. ⋯ Nutritional therapy should be adapted to the patient's characteristics, diagnosis, and state of metabolism during ICU stay and convalescence. A personalized nutrition plan may prevent harmful over- or underfeeding and attenuate muscle loss. Despite novel insights, more research is warranted into tailored nutrition strategies during critical illness and convalescence.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Apr 2023
ReviewDiarrhea in the critically ill: definitions, epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes.
In this paper, we review the current evidence with respect to definitions, risk factors, and outcomes of diarrhea in the critically ill and highlight research gaps in the literature. ⋯ Diarrhea remains a common problem in clinical practice and attention must be paid to modifiable risk factors. Further research is needed on interventions to decrease its burden.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Apr 2023
ReviewTransfusion medicine approaches for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the deadliest stroke subtype. Acute treatments necessitate rapid hemorrhage control to minimize secondary brain injury. Here, we discuss the overlap of transfusion medicine and acute ICH care relating to diagnostic testing and therapies relevant for coagulopathy reversal and secondary brain injury prevention. ⋯ Further work is needed to identify improved laboratory diagnostic approaches and transfusion medicine treatment strategies to prevent HE and optimize hemorrhage control in ICH patients, who appear particularly vulnerable to the impacts of transfusion medicine practices.