The critically ill pregnant woman presents many challenges to the intensivist, who must consider the needs of both mother and fetus in clinical decision-making. Fortunately, the need for critical care…
Exsanguinating hemorrhage is a major cause of death from trauma. Rapid fluid resuscitation accompanied by aggressive efforts at hemostasis is required to save lives. Many questions regarding fluid resuscitation remain….
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined by the presence of organ dysfunction that can be attributed to elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). ACS is the end result of a cumulative increase…
Globally increased metabolism fuels critical illness. The body provides and consumes basic substrates taken from its own structures to run at an accelerated metabolic rate, a rate that cannot be…
Endocrine emergencies are frequently encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU). This chapter will focus on several of the more common disorders, including diabetic hyperglycemia, thyroid storm, myxedema coma, and…
Each year, in the United States, more than 2.5 million people are killed or hospitalized as a result of traumatic injuries. Over one quarter of these patients are treated in…
Critically ill patients are often hypermetabolic and can rapidly become nutritionally compromised. Iatrogenic malnutrition is prevalent in these patients and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the…
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of long-term disability for adults. The health-care cost of stroke patients in 2010…
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a catastrophic condition that results in multiple organ failure. The severity of the illness and the rapidity of clinical deterioration in a previously healthy individual…
Liver alterations are common in critical illness. These changes can be attributed to diverse factors, including systemic inflammation and poor perfusion but also to drugs and parenteral nutrition. Damage ranges…
