CLINICAL EXAMINATION The neurologic coma examination, admittedly limited, is still able to offer several localizing clues. The examination includes an assessment of mental status as described earlier, brainstem reflex testing,…
TREATMENT Transfusion Decision-Making Transfusion based on sound physiologic principles and an understanding of relative risks and benefits should give maximal benefit to the patient, with efficient use of a valuable…
The most common inciting event in cardiogenic shock is an acute MI. Historically, once 40% of the myocardium has been irreversibly damaged, cardiogenic shock may result. From a mechanical perspective,…
FIGURE 131.1 Diagram of the collateral pathways for the mesenteric vessels. The celiac axis and superior mesenteric arteries communicate through the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, respectively. The superior and…
MECHANISMS OF CRITICAL ILLNESS–ASSOCIATED DYSREGULATION OF THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM The Stressors Critically ill patients are unexpectedly faced with a life-threatening situation and a hostile environment (the intensive care unit). Physical…
Bone Marrow and Blood Cell Collection Cells used for transplants are most often collected from the blood, but may also be collected from the bone marrow or umbilical cord blood…
Cigarette smoking is well recognized for its contribution to perioperative morbidity via effects on the cardiovascular system, mucus secretion and clearance, and small airway narrowing. Although patients are invariably counseled…
Genetic epilepsy is one in which a known or presumed genetic defect(s) results in seizures which are the core symptom of the disorder. A structural/metabolic epilepsy is one in which…
The degree of severity and outcomes of a patient with acute pancreatitis was described by Ranson et al. (25,26) and included 11 clinical criteria, 5 of which were assessed on…
The timing between initiation of extracorporeal therapy and ICU admission is another issue that should be taken into account for classification purposes of early and late RRTs. Data available from…
