20 Nov 08
Posted in Procedure videos at 20:26 by Laci
By R Ortega, P Sekhar, M Song, C J Hansen and L Peterson
NEJM 2008;359:e26
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The ability to obtain peripheral intravenous access is an essential skill for all physicians. Although considered one of the simplest invasive procedures, mastering this potentially lifesaving intervention requires refined skills and experience. Cannulating a vein, particularly a small one, can be challenging. |
The purpose of this video is to demonstrate how to access peripheral veins using an intravenous catheter. Indications Peripheral intravenous catheterization is required in a broad range of clinical applications, including intravenous drug administration, for intravenous hydration, transfusions of blood or blood components, during surgery, during emergency care, and in other situations in which . . . .
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16 Nov 08
Posted in Acute Kidney Injury/RRT at 15:11 by Laci
By Z Ricci and C Ronco
Critical Care 2008, 12:230
We summarize original research in the field of critical care nephrology that was accepted for publication or published in 2007 in Critical Care and, when considered relevant or directly linked to this research, in other journals. Four main topics were identified for a brief overview. The first of these was the definition of acute kidney injury and recent evidence showing the validity of RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End-stage kidney disease) criteria and the recent Acute Kidney Injury Network review of the same criteria. Second, we cover the clinical and experimental utilization of novel biomarkers for diagnosis of acute kidney injury, giving special attention to neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin protein. The third area selected for review is outcomes of acute kidney injury during the past 10 years, described by a recent Austrailian epidemiological study. Finally, specific technical features of renal replacement therapies were examined in 2007, specifically regarding anticoagulation and vascular access.
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15 Nov 08
Posted in BNP, Heart failure/Cardiogenic shock at 0:00 by Laci
By C Kirchhoff, BA Leidel, S Kirchhoff, V Braunstein, V Bogner, U Kreimeier, W Mutschler and P Biberthaler
Critical Care 2008;12:R118
Increased serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been identified for diagnosis and prognosis of impaired cardiac function in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis. However, the prognostic value of BNP in multiple injured patients developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remains undetermined. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in multiple injured patients and to correlate the results with invasively assessed cardiac output and clinical signs of MODS.
Methods
Twenty-six multiple injured patients presenting a New Injury Severity Score of greater than 16 points were included. The MODS score was calculated on admission as well as 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury. Patients were subdivided into groups: group A showed minor signs of organ dysfunction (MODS score less than or equal to 4 points) and group B suffered from major organ dysfunction (MODS score of greater than 4 points). Venous blood (5 mL) was collected after admission and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury. NT-proBNP was determined using the Elecsys proBNP® assay. The hemodynamic monitoring of cardiac index (CI) was performed using transpulmonary thermodilution.
Results
Serum NT-proBNP levels were elevated in all 26 patients. At admission, the serum NT-proBNP values were 116 ± 21 pg/mL in group A versus 209 ± 93 pg/mL in group B. NT-proBNP was significantly lower at all subsequent time points in group A in comparison with group B (P < 0.001). In contrast, the CI in group A was significantly higher than in group B at all time points (P < 0.001). Concerning MODS score and CI at 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury, an inverse correlation was found (r = -0.664, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a correlation was found comparing MODS score and serum NT-proBNP levels (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Serum NT-proBNP levels significantly correlate with clinical signs of MODS 24 hours after multiple injury. Furthermore, a distinct correlation of serum NT-proBNP and decreased CI was found. The data of this pilot study may indicate a potential value of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of post-traumatic cardiac impairment. However, further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.
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12 Nov 08
Posted in ALI/ARDS at 0:00 by Laci
By PE Marik, HL Corwin
Crit Care Med 2008;36:3080-3084
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a well known complication following the transfusion of blood products and is commonly referred to as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). The objectives of this review are to summarize current knowledge of TRALI with an emphasis on issues pertinent to the intensivist and to define the newly recognized “Delayed TRALI syndrome.”
Data synthesis
The classic TRALI syndrome is an uncommon condition characterized by the abrupt onset of respiratory failure within hours of the transfusion of a blood product. It is usually caused by anti-leukocyte antibodies, resolves rapidly, and has a low mortality. A single unit of packed cells or blood component product is usually implicated in initiating this syndrome. It has, however, recently been recognized that the transfusion of blood products in critically ill or injured patients increases the risk (odds ratio 2.13; 95% confidence interval 1.75-2.52) for the development of the ALI 6-72 hours after the transfusion. This “delayed TRALI syndrome” is common, occurring in up to 25% of critically ill patients receiving a blood transfusion, and is associated with a mortality of up to 40%. While the delayed TRALI syndrome can develop after the transfusion of a single unit, the risk increases as the number of transfused blood products increase. The management of both the classic and delayed TRALI syndromes is essentially supportive.
Conclusions
Both the classic and delayed TRALI syndromes are among the most important complications following the transfusion of blood products and are associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. The risk and benefits of all blood products should be assessed before transfusion.
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