Surgical Intensive Care Unit
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Surgical procedures constitute a sudden insult to the body, which can result in a myriad of life-threatening complications.1 While most postoperative complications occur 1 to 3…
Status Epilepticus
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Acute seizures are common and are defined as a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.1…
Mechanical Ventilation
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen This chapter will discuss the principles of mechanical ventilation, indications, modes of mechanical ventilation, weaning and spontaneous breathing trials, tracheostomy, complications of mechanical ventilation, special situations,…
Disorders of the Spinal Cord and Peripheral Nervous System in Critical Care
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen This chapter will discuss the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction (NMJ), and their associated disorders. Focus will be placed on those disorders that potentially cause…
Gastroenterology
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Myriad gastrointestinal (GI) maladies may affect patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), from GI bleeding to complications from liver cirrhosis. In this chapter, we review…
Endocrinology
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen In the setting of critical illness, the production and function of many hormones can be interrupted. As a result, new endocrine disorders may arise or preexisting…
Healthcare-Acquired Infections
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen A healthcare-associated infection (HAI), or nosocomial infection, is defined as a localized or systemic condition resulting from the presence of an infectious agent(s) or its toxin(s)…
Airway Management
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Securing the airway is an important task for treating critically ill patients. Indications for endotracheal intubation include surgical procedure, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, airway protection (ie,…
Antimicrobials
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen It has been reported that for every 1-hour delay of effective antimicrobial therapy in patients with septic shock, there is a 7.6% decrease in survival.1,2 Inadequate…
The Immune System and Infection
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The host defense consists of innate, or nonspecific, immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is present at birth and has 4 components: mechanical barriers such as…
