Tasty Morsels of Critical Care

Dive into the complexities of managing pulmonary embolism, focusing on high-risk cases. Explore the critical interventions like thrombolysis and anticoagulation strategies, as well as the nuances of using inotropes and fluids. Learn about the role of CPR, the risks of intubation, and the controversial nature of catheter therapies. Discover the potential of VA ECMO as rescue support and the challenges of surgical embolectomy. Insightful discussions highlight the importance of swift decision-making in critical care!

Welcome back to the tasty morsels of critical care podcast. I haven’t managed to cover PE on the podcast yet. I have been involved in lots of small PE projects over the years and have developed something of an interest ... Read More »

Dive into the intriguing world of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, where strikingly lipemic blood samples can be a diagnostic clue. Learn when to suspect this rare cause and how triglyceride levels directly correlate with the severity of pancreatitis. The discussion covers the toxic mechanisms of fatty acids and dives into acute management strategies, including nutrition adjustments and insulin use. Plus, explore plasmapheresis as a rapid triglyceride-lowering option, even as guidelines caution against its routine use in acute scenarios.

Dive into the critical world of acute liver failure, where understanding the distinction from acute-on-chronic liver failure is crucial for diagnosis and management. Discover the main presentations like coagulopathy and encephalopathy, and explore various causes, including toxins and viral infections. The conversation also navigates through complications, such as intracranial hypertension, and highlights cutting-edge treatments like high-dose CRRT and urgent transplant referrals. It's a whirlwind through life-saving critical care insights!

Dive into the fascinating world of diabetes insipidus, where tasteless urine takes center stage. Learn about its two types: cranial DI, marked by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone, and nephrogenic DI, involving resistance to this important hormone. Discover the critical role of ADH in regulating urine output and the challenges it presents in ICU settings. This discussion clarifies complexities within endocrinology, making the topic accessible for anyone navigating critical care.

Dive into the complexities of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), where two forms pose different risks. Type 1 is benign, but Type 2 involves serious immune responses that lead to clotting despite low platelets. Learn how exposure to heparin triggers this condition and the role of platelet factor 4 in generating an immune reaction. The discussion also highlights the importance of proper assessment techniques and alternative anticoagulation strategies for effective management.

Dive into the complexities of empyema, a condition often linked to pneumonia. Discover the key bacterial culprits and the significance of clinical assessments and imaging techniques. Learn about innovative drainage methods and injectable lysis therapies, bolstered by insightful trials like MIST-2. The podcast highlights the importance of combinatorial antibiotic treatments while critiquing research gaps, particularly in ICU representation. Prepare to rethink your understanding of chest drains and pleural therapies!

Discover the intriguing world of chylothorax, a rare condition marked by mysterious chyle accumulation in the pleural space. Learn how chyle, formed in the small intestine, navigates the lymphatic system through the thoracic duct. The discussion dives into potential causes, particularly following surgery, and offers insights into management strategies like dietary modifications and medical treatments. Plus, enjoy some fascinating anatomy tidbits about the cisterna chyli and the thoracic duct's perilous journey.

Welcome back to the tasty morsels of critical care podcast. We’re going to cover a bit of an environmental/tox topic today and look at carbon monoxide poisoning from Oh’s manual chapter 83 on burns. I have previously covered this on ... Read More »

Delving into the world of pulmonary hypertension management in critically ill patients, the podcast highlights the importance of continuing PH specific meds, the focus on treating PVR over PA pressures, and the challenges of maintaining right-to-left heart flow. The discussion offers practical insights for navigating these complexities in the ICU setting.