Critical Care
RSSArticles
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Re-Evaluation of Dosing for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis
Prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is important for all hospitalized patients to prevent additional morbidity and costs during hospitalization. Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may have additional risk factors that predispose them to VTE.
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Physicians Suggest Small But Important Update to Standards for Determining Death
The Uniform Law Commission is debating possible revisions to the Uniform Determination of Death Act.
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CDC Publishes Guide to Help Hospitals Diagnose, Treat Sepsis
The agency details seven pillars upon which leaders can build a successful program.
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High-Intensity End-of-Life Care Remains the Default at Hospitals
Ethicists can help by assisting in developing hospital policies and crafting ethics committees in a way that does not pose unnecessary bureaucratic challenges or prevent physicians from acting in the patient’s best interest.
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Ethicists Often Called to Resolve Conflicts Over Aggressive Care
Quality, compassionate communication with families is critical to prevent further escalation of conflict and to preserve trust in the therapeutic relationship.
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Simple Aspiration for First-Episode Primary and Complete Pneumothorax
The investigators found a higher rate of failure with simple aspiration as a first-line intervention for primary spontaneous pneumothorax compared to chest tube drainage, but it was better tolerated with fewer adverse events.
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Benefits of Prophylactic Platelet Transfusion Before Central Venous Line Placement May Outweigh Risks in Patients with Severe Thrombocytopenia
In this multicenter, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial of patients with severe thrombocytopenia, prophylactic platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter (CVC) placement resulted in less CVC-related bleeding.
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Emerging Treatment for Refractory Vasodilatory Shock
Shock is a common cause for intensive care unit admission, necessitating rapid treatment of the underlying cause while supporting patients with fluids and vasopressor agents. Typical vasopressor agents include adrenergic agonists and vasopressin. When shock persists despite these interventions, this is labeled refractory shock.
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ICU Admission Means Trouble for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients
If they are released, such patients are twice as likely to die soon after discharge.
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Ethicists Hold Debriefings After Critical Patient Events
In the emotionally charged, fast-paced ICU, clinicians are faced with death and dying daily. Engaging in open, honest communication about these situations will help build a moral and ethical community.