Critical Matters

In this episode of Critical Matters, listen to the recording of the Sound Critical Care’s latest webinar, Outliers and Super Users: Targeting Prolonged Use of MV in the ICU. Critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation have poor clinical outcomes and consume a disproportionate amount of resources. In this webinar, we will discuss outliers and super users in the ICU utilizing prolonged mechanical ventilation as a case study. We will also discuss outcomes for these patients and finally strategies to optimize the care of this difficult patient population. Watch the video recording: http://bit.ly/2MHL4Ga Additional Resources: The Hot Spotters by Atul Gawande: http://bit.ly/36lUdvT I-TRACH: Validating A Tool for Predicting Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: http://bit.ly/2SEcOPy Expectations and outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation: http://bit.ly/2QbBDRp Long-term survival of critically ill patients treated with prolonged mechanical ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis: http://bit.ly/2tjQgJu Lean Six Sigma to Reduce Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay and Costs in Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: http://bit.ly/359bYwV

Point-of-care ultrasound continues to grow in availability and is now embedded in many critical care practices. In this episode Critical Matters, we discuss the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the management of hypotension and shock. Our guest is Dr. Haney Mallemat a recognized educator with a strong interest in POCUS. Dr. Mallemat holds dual academic appointments in Critical Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Additional Resources: Bedside ultrasound in resuscitation and the rapid ultrasound in shock protocol: http://bit.ly/359RkgX The Society of Point of Care Ultrasound: http://bit.ly/2senLMJ Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Bedside General and Cardiac Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Critically Ill Patients—Part II: Cardiac Ultrasonography: http://bit.ly/35b1D4r Does Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Improve Clinical Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients With Undifferentiated Hypotension? An International Randomized Controlled Trial From the SHoC-ED Investigators: http://bit.ly/2Ehzhd3 Rebel Cast Ep 58 - Would you be SHoC-ED if POCUS did not Improve Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Undifferentiated Shock?: http://bit.ly/345uq93 Clinical significance of portal hypertension diagnosed with bedside ultrasound after cardiac surgery: http://bit.ly/2LFJ7sY Education Conferences: UltraRounds: http://bit.ly/2RAgkdk ResusX: http://bit.ly/2t86q8J Music Mentioned in this Episode: The Joshua Tree by U2: https://amzn.to/2sYlOnM

Dr. Sayona John, a neurointensivist at Rush Medical College, shares her expertise on managing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the deadliest stroke type affecting millions. She highlights the critical importance of rapid diagnosis using CT scans and how blood pressure control can mitigate hematoma expansion. Discussions include distinguishing between hypertensive and amyloid-related bleeds, the role of anticoagulant reversal, and effective surgical interventions for cerebellar hemorrhages. Dr. John emphasizes a systems approach to timely care and the need for clear protocols.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a common cause of mortality, and its management remains challenging despite significant advances in treatment options. In this episode of Critical Matters, we discuss basic concepts, a new proposed classification, and updates on the medical management of patients with cardiogenic shock. Our guest is Dr. Steve Hollenberg, a practicing cardiologist with dual training in cardiology and critical care medicine. Dr. Hollenberg is a Professor of Medicine at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and Associate Director of the CTICU at Hackensack Meridian University Hospital. Additional Resources: The paramedian lumbar puncture: http://bit.ly/2pk8JUw Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association: http://bit.ly/2Qdjoey SCAI clinical expert consensus statement on the classification of cardiogenic shock: http://bit.ly/2XdjeWa SCAI stages of cardiogenic shock stratify mortality risk: http://bit.ly/2CCzbf9 Books Mentioned in this Episode: Ulysses by James Joyce: https://amzn.to/2QgIoBW Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon: https://amzn.to/36Vgjps The Elements of Style by E. B. White: https://amzn.to/2QdklUa The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry https://amzn.to/352frOi

In this episode of Critical Matters, we will discuss the recently published CITRIS-ALI clinical trial evaluating the role of high dose Vitamin C in severe sepsis and ARDS. Our guest is Dr. Emily Brant. Dr. Brant is a practicing intensivist and faculty at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She was the lead author in the JAMA editorial entitled “Is High-Dose Vitamin C Beneficial for Patients with Sepsis?” which was published alongside the CITRIS-ALI Clinical Trial. Additional Resources: Is High-Dose Vitamin C Beneficial for Patients with Sepsis?: http://bit.ly/2nWKoDp Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure: The CITRIS-ALI Randomized Clinical Trial: http://bit.ly/31s0QcD Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Before-After Study: http://bit.ly/2pBs433 Phase I safety trial of intravenous ascorbic acid in patients with severe sepsis: http://bit.ly/2Bl523c Books Mentioned in this Episode: Becoming by Michelle Obama: https://amzn.to/2MvHRd3

Dr. Sayona John, a neurointensivist and Associate Professor at Rush Medical College, shares her expertise on managing acute ischemic stroke in intensive care. She discusses critical protocols for patient assessment using the NIH Stroke Scale, emphasizes the need for careful airway and blood pressure management, and navigates the complexities of thrombolytic therapy. Dr. John also highlights the challenges of individualized patient care and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, while sharing insights on leadership inspired by Abraham Lincoln's presidency.

Acute abdominal complications developing in critically ill patients in the ICU can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this episode of Critical Matters, we discuss a variety of acute abdominal complications such as abdominal compartment syndrome, acalculous cholecystitis, toxic megacolon and ischemic bowel. Our guest is Dr. Samuel Tisherman. Dr. Tisherman is a surgical critical care physician at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center and a Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Additional Resources: World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) consensus definitions and recommendations: https://bit.ly/2l9m6EQ Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis: A Review. Huffman J, Schenker S. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology: https://bit.ly/2nfssTL Ogilvie’s Syndrome: Management and Outcomes. Haj, M et al. Medicine: https://bit.ly/2mKLVM5 Books Mentioned in this Episode: Complications: A Surgeon’s Note on an Imperfect Science. By Atul Gawande: https://amzn.to/2laETzB

In this episode of Critical Matters, listen to the recording of Sound Critical Care’s webinar, Personalized Selection of Vasopressors in the Treatment of Shock. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Lakhmir Chawla, Chief Medical Officer of La Jolla Pharmaceutical in San Diego, California. During this webinar, we discuss lessons learned from the clinical use of the new vasopressor Angiotensin II, as well as personalization of vasopressor therapy in the treatment of vasodilatory shock. Watch the video recording: https://bit.ly/2jZ1z5h

Hyponatremia and hypernatremia are common in ICU patients and they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this episode of Critical Matters, we discuss the diagnostic approach and treatment of sodium disorders in the ICU. Our guest is Dr. Lawrence Weisberg, Head of the Division of Nephrology and Deputy Chair of Medicine at Cooper University Health Care. Dr. Weisberg is also Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Curriculum at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, in Camden, New Jersey. Additional Resources: Disorders of Plasma Sodium - Causes, Consequences, and Correction: https://bit.ly/2TT9SNB Rate of Correction of Hypernatremia and Health Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: https://bit.ly/2P2wxrY Evidence for Managing Hypernatremia: Is It Just Hyponatremia in Reverse?: https://bit.ly/2HjZn0S Books Mentioned in this Episode: From Fish to Philosopher; the Story of our Internal Environment by Homer William Smith: https://amzn.to/30nrraU Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth by R. Buckminster Fuller: https://amzn.to/2Z6coWt Critical Path by R. Buckminster Fuller: https://amzn.to/2MA9vH9

In this episode of Critical Matters, we will discuss the role of early neuromuscular blockers in the treatment of severe ARDS. Our guest is Dr. Arthur Slutsky, Professor of Medicine, Surgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Dr. Slutsky is a world-renowned clinician and investigator with a special interest in ARDS. We will review a recently published clinical trial and discuss its result within the context of available evidence. Additional Resources: Neuromuscular Blockers in Early Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: https://bit.ly/2YwXxnG Neuromuscular Blocking Agents in ARDS: https://bit.ly/2KmMZiA Early Neuromuscular Blockade in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: https://bit.ly/2ROMJea Early Paralytic Agents for ARDS? Yes, No, and Sometimes: https://bit.ly/2ZONDuB Books Mentioned in this Episode: Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein: https://amzn.to/2Kv75pD Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics by Richard H. Thaler: https://amzn.to/2YRm5Dc Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou: https://amzn.to/2MPDjyN