Severe Sepsis
Severe Sepsis KEY POINTS 1 Severe sepsis is a syndrome caused by infection and defined by the presence of vital sign abnormalities and new organ system failure caused by the…
Thermal Disorders
Thermal Disorders KEY POINTS 1 Body temperature is the net result of balance between heat generated and heat lost. Usually heat loss is a much more efficient process than heat…
Ventilatory Failure
Ventilatory Failure KEY POINTS 1 Three major mechanisms cause or contribute to ventilatory failure: deficient central drive, ineffective muscular contraction, and excessive breathing workload. Important factors contributing to the minute…
ICU Infections
ICU Infections KEY POINTS 1 Antibiotic choices should be reassessed on a daily basis, keeping in mind that antibiotics rarely, if ever, reverse the effects of any infection in less…
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous Thromboembolism KEY POINTS 1 Because venous thromboembolism is so common and in large part preventable, essentially all hospitalized adults with risk factors should be strongly considered for prophylaxis. 2…
Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders
Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders KEY POINTS 1 The diagnosis of the etiology of hyponatremia relies on serum osmolality and an accurate assessment of fluid status of the patient. In most…
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Acute Coronary Syndromes Coauthored by Shailesh Shetty KEY POINTS 1 In ischemic heart disease, survival and ventricular function are maximized by rapidly reestablishing sufficient myocardial blood flow to prevent myocardial…
Hypertensive Emergencies
Hypertensive Emergencies KEY POINTS 1 Most cases of severe hypertension in the ICU do not stem from an exotic cause but are the result of patients interrupting previously efficacious treatment…
Cardiopulmonary Arrest
Cardiopulmonary Arrest KEY POINTS 1 The success (hospital discharge without neurological impairment) of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is highly variable among patient populations. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is very effective when applied promptly to…
Quality Improvement and Cost Control
Quality Improvement and Cost Control KEY POINTS 1 Quality, cost-efficient care requires dedicated, open-minded, and well-trained ICU leaders who are provided with accurate performance data and the power to establish…
