Current opinion in critical care
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Adequate tissue perfusion is of utmost importance to avoid organ failure in patients with cardiogenic shock. Within the recent years, the microcirculation, defined as the perfusion of the smallest vessels, has been identified to play a crucial role. Microcirculatory changes may include capillary flow disturbances as well as changes in the density of perfused vessels. Due to the availability of new technologies to assess the microcirculation, interesting new data came up and it is the purpose of this review to summarize recent studies in the field. ⋯ The parameter most frequently used to detect tissue malperfusion is serum lactate. Novel, noninvasive methods to quantify microvascular perfusion have the potential to guide treatment in terms of optimizing organ perfusion and oxygenation probably paving the way for an individualized therapy.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2019
ReviewHemodynamic monitoring in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patient.
Hemodynamic monitoring in ECMO patients requires familiarity with the underlying pathophysiology and circulatory mechanics of extracorporeal flow. This review discusses the various monitoring modalities relevant to the management of patients on venovenous ECMO (VV ECMO) and venoarterial (VA ECMO). We emphasize tools to judge the adequacy of perfusion, predict the response to fluid boluses, measure right ventricular function, assess left ventricular distention (for VA ECMO), and monitor the process of weaning from ECMO. We emphasize how differences between VV ECMO and VA ECMO are reflected in distinct approaches to monitoring. ⋯ Recent literature in hemodynamic monitoring of ECMO patients is discussed, with comparison of VV ECMO and VA ECMO. Many common monitoring tools lack validity during ECMO: by taking into account the unique physiology of the ECMO circulation, selected methods can aid in the care of these complex patients.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2019
ReviewOut-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors need both cardiological and neurological rehabilitation!
Most survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) suffer from cardiologic symptoms and approximately half of them experience cognitive problems because of hypoxic brain damage. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are also common. This review aims to give an overview of recent literature on rehabilitation treatment aiming at improvement of quality of life after OHCA. ⋯ OHCA survivors should be routinely screened for cognitive and emotional problems. When patients with mild cognitive deficits participate in cardiac rehabilitation, their program should be adjusted to their cognitive abilities. For patients with severe cognitive or emotional problems, individualized rehabilitation seems favorable. Integrated rehabilitation treatment between cardiac and cognitive rehabilitation departments is recommended. Attention should be paid to the burden of caregivers.
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Impaired neurocognitive function is common in cardiac arrest survivors and the use of specific neurocognitive assessments are recommended in both clinical trials and daily practice. This review examines the most recent evidence to guide in the selection of neurocognitive outcome assessment tools after cardiac arrest. ⋯ Neurocognitive assessments after cardiac arrest are important and the approach should differ depending on the clinical situation. Large, prospective, well designed studies, to guide the selection of neurocognitive assessments after cardiac arrest, are urgently needed.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Jun 2019
ReviewWhat should I use next if clinical evaluation and echocardiographic haemodynamic assessment is not enough?
To provide an integrated clinical approach to the critically ill patients in shock. ⋯ Bedside haemodynamic assessment in critically ill patients should be considered an integrated approach supporting the decision-making process and should be based on clinical examination and critical care echocardiography.