Minimizing Catecholamines and Optimizing Perfusion

Minimizing Catecholamines and Optimizing Perfusion

The main goal of hemodynamic resuscitation in shock is to improve tissue perfusion and oxygenation. As these cannot be directly evaluated at bedside in routine practice, physicians are left with surrogates such as perfusion... read more

Applied Physiology at the Bedside: Volumetric Capnography

Applied Physiology at the Bedside: Volumetric Capnography

Volumetric capnography is the graphical representation of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) versus exhaled volume. This measurement is made noninvasively at every breath by a combination of flow and CO2 sensors,... read more

Approach to the Critically Ill Child: Shock

Approach to the Critically Ill Child: Shock

If you mainly treat adults or both adults and children like me, then you have probably heard the (very annoying) quote, "kids are not just small adults", and so I won't say it again. Well, I guess I just did, but at least... read more

The Myth of Vasopressors and Ischemia

The Myth of Vasopressors and Ischemia

Despite the widespread clinical use, and their well-documented life-saving properties, vasopressors are often maligned, accused of causing ischemia to fingers, toes, mesentery, kidneys, and so forth. Not only is the evidence... read more

PaCO2 Equation

PaCO2 Equation

I've previously written about the alveolar gas equation and oxygen delivery equation, both of which deal with the physiologic process of oxygenation. Now I want to discuss the important relationship between alveolar... read more