Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
ReviewCardiac arrest and microcirculatory dysfunction: a narrative review.
This review provides an overview of the role of microcirculation in cardiac arrest and postcardiac arrest syndrome through handheld intravital microscopy and biomarkers. It highlights the importance of microcirculatory dysfunction in postcardiac arrest outcomes and explores potential therapeutic targets. ⋯ Although research continues to suggest the important role that microcirculation may play in postcardiac arrest syndrome and cardiac arrest outcomes, the existing studies are still limited to draw any definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to better understand microcirculatory changes and their significance to improve cardiac arrest care and outcomes.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
Editorial ReviewProtective hemodynamics: a novel strategy to manage blood pressure.
This editorial aims to highlight the evolving concept of protective hemodynamics in the management of critically ill patients. ⋯ The implications of adopting protective hemodynamics are profound for both clinical practice and research. Clinically, this approach can reduce iatrogenic harm and improve long-term outcomes for critically ill patients. For research, it opens new avenues for investigating individualized hemodynamic management strategies that prioritize overall patient stability and long-term health over rigid target attainment.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication in critically ill patients. Currently, no effective therapy to prevent or treat AKI is available. This review highlights recently published developments on pharmacological treatments that aim to prevent AKI or to alleviate the severity of AKI in critical ill patients. ⋯ The discovery of reno-protective therapies is hampered by the timely detection and recognition of the overriding mechanism of AKI. Nevertheless, several compounds are under investigation, which hold promise for a future treatment.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
ReviewIs tranexamic acid appropriate for all patients undergoing high-risk surgery?
Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic agent, reduces surgical bleeding in a variety of procedures, such as cardiac, orthopedic, abdominal, and urologic surgery, cesarean section, and neurosurgery. However, there are surgical interventions for which its use is not yet widespread, and some caution persists because of concerns regarding thrombotic risk. The purpose of this review is to analyze the most recent evidence in various subgroups of surgical specialties and the association of TXA with thrombotic events and other side effects (e.g. seizures). ⋯ Wider use of TXA has the potential to improve surgical safety, avoid unnecessary blood use, and save healthcare funds.
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Dec 2024
ReviewDevelopments in the epidemiology of calcium channel blocker poisoning and implications for management.
The aim of this study was to outline recent developments in calcium channel blocker (CCB) poisoning. The dihydropyridine CCB amlodipine is commonly prescribed in the United States, and amlodipine poisoning is increasing in frequency, presenting new challenges for clinicians because current paradigms of CCB poisoning management arose from literature on non-dihydropyridine agents. ⋯ Amlodipine causes most cases of CCB poisoning and can induce both cardiogenic and distributive shock through multiple mechanisms. Clinicians should tailor treatment to suspected shock etiology, be aware of adjunct treatments for refractory shock, and consult an expert in poisoning.