Diabetic emergencies
Chapter 50 Diabetic emergencies Richard T. Keays Diabetes mellitus is due to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. The sustained effect of poor glycaemic control results in a wide…
Paediatric fluid and electrolyte therapy
Chapter 99 Paediatric fluid and electrolyte therapy Frank A. Shann Children need a much higher intake of water and electrolytes per kilogram of body weight than adults; this makes children…
Severe soft-tissue infections
Chapter 63 Severe soft-tissue infections Hugo Sax, Didier Pittet The skin is the largest organ and acts as an excellent barrier against infection. It consists of the epidermis and dermis…
Pulmonary embolism
Chapter 30 Pulmonary embolism Andrew R. Davies, David V. Pilcher Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a commonly considered, but relatively uncommonly diagnosed, condition. It is important to have an adequate understanding…
Meningitis and encephalomyelitis
Chapter 47 Meningitis and encephalomyelitis Angus M. Kennedy Infections of the cranial contents can be divided into those which affect the meninges (meningitis) and those which affect the brain parenchyma…
Electrical safety and injuries
Chapter 75 Electrical safety and injuries Lester A.H. Critchley Patients suffering from the consequences of electrocution and associated burns occasionally require intensive care unit (ICU) management. Patients and staff in…
The critically ill child
Chapter 96 The critically ill child Alan W. Duncan The chapters on paediatric intensive care are intended to help intensivists outside specialised paediatric centres manage common paediatric emergencies. They should…
Acute liver failure
Chapter 38 Acute liver failure Elizabeth Sizer, Julia Wendon DEFINITION AND AETIOLOGY Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complex multisystemic illness that evolves after significant liver insult. The liver damage…
Paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Chapter 106 Paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation James Tibballs This chapter concerns basic and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infants and children (Figure 106.1). The essentials of resuscitation of the ‘newly-born’ (at…
Equipment for paediatric intensive care
Chapter 104 Equipment for paediatric intensive care James Tibballs This chapter discusses equipment and its performance required in paediatric and neonatal intensive care. How to use equipment is not discussed….
