Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Serology Assays Reveals a Range of Test Performance

Appropriate use and interpretation of serological tests for assessments of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure, infection and potential immunity require accurate data on assay performance.... read more

Artificial Neural Networks Improve Prediction and Risk Classification in ICU Patients

A supervised machine learning model using artificial neural networks (ANN) predicted neurological recovery, including survival excellently, and outperformed a conventional model based on logistic regression. Among the data... read more

EPSS vs. Fractional Shortening for LV Function – Is EPSS Good Enough?

In a recent issue of the Journal of Ultrasound through AIUM, Weekes et al. (and Kendall et al in AM J EM) talk about a hot topic that emergency and critical care physicians hold dear to them – the EPSS , or E-point septal... read more

Variation in Hospital Visitor & ICU Communication Policies Due to COVID-19

A new study documents how 49 of those hospitals reacted, and how those efforts varied. It finds that virtually all hospitals put in place a "no visitors" blanket policy. But 59% of hospitals did allow some exceptions to this... read more

Perceived Barriers to Rapid Response Team Activation Among Nurses

The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the major barriers nurses face when it is necessary to seek additional assistance and resources by calling the rapid response team (RRT) in order to manage and stabilize... read more

Prone Positioning in Non-intubated Patients with COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic has put severe stress and strain on the capacity of hospitals around the world, concerted efforts have been made to evaluate therapeutics aimed at preventing the need for mechanical ventilation. The... read more

Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Profile on COVID-19 Outcome

This study investigates the extent of cardiac comorbidities and complications among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Cardiovascular complications are frequent among COVID-19 patients, and might contribute to adverse... read more

A Randomised Trial of High-flow Nasal Cannula in Infants with Moderate Bronchiolitis

In patients with moderate bronchiolitis, there was no evidence of lower rate of escalating respiratory support among those receiving HFNC therapy. The analyses included 268 patients among the 2621 infants assessed for... read more

Laboratory Features of Severe vs. Non-severe COVID-19 Patients in Asian Populations

This meta-analysis provides evidence for the differentiation of severe cases of COVID-19 based on laboratory test results at the time of ICU admission. Future well-methodologically designed studies from other populations... read more

Fit-testing of N95/P2-masks to Protect Healthcare Workers

In the context of COVID-19, well fitted respirators e.g. N95/P2-masks are recommended as part of personal protective equipment when performing aerosol generating procedures. Fit-checking is recommended prior to donning... read more

Acute on Chronic Liver Failure in the ICU

Liver Failure may constitute one of the least favorite disease processes for anyone routinely taking care of critically ill patients. Intensivist and hepatology circles have begun to describe a specific population known as... read more

Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19 Patients in France

Pulmonary embolism (PE) in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be driven largely by inflammation and coagulopathy rather than by traditional risk factors for thromboembolism. Study results suggest... read more

Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging for LVAD and OHT During COVID-19

Considerations for cardiac imaging in the COVID-19 era include thoughtful patient and study selection with a goal to limit the overall number of tests. General recommendations are as follows: Defer routine or low-risk... read more

Quetiapine Decreases Mortality and Improve Neurological Outcomes in Critically-ill TBI Patients

Quetiapine may decrease mortality and improve neurological outcomes in critically-ill traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. It has a dose-dependent effect to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) and increase cerebral perfusion... read more

Comparing Procedural Amnesia and Respiratory Depression vs. MS and DS with Propofol

Targeting moderate sedation (MS) or deep sedation (DS) did not reliably result in the intended sedation level. Targeting MS, however, resulted in a lower rate of total AREs and fewer patients had multiple AREs with no difference... read more

Effect of Vitamin C Infusion on Organ Failure and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Vascular Injury in Patients With Sepsis and ARDS

In this preliminary study of patients with sepsis and ARDS, a 96-hour infusion of vitamin C compared with placebo did not significantly improve organ dysfunction scores or alter markers of inflammation and vascular injury.... read more

Association Between Anxiety and New Organ Failure, Independently of Critical Illness Severity and Respiratory Status

Moderate to severe anxiety at ICU admission is associated with early occurrence of new organ failure in critically ill patients, independently of respiratory status and severity of critical illness. The causality link could... read more

Physiologic Assessment: Variation in Fluid and Vasopressor Use in Shock

The decision whether to give more fluid during the management of shock can be somewhat provider-dependent. This multicenter prospective cohort study evaluated 1639 patients with hypotension requiring vasopressors. The... read more

Serum Levels of Receptor-interacting Protein Kinase-3 in Patients with COVID-19

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has been linked to poor prognosis and is a major contributor to patient death. A better understanding of the... read more

Holding and Mobility of Pediatric Patients With Transthoracic Intracardiac Catheters

Pediatric patients with transthoracic intracardiac catheters can be safely held and mobilized out of bed. A total of 1,358 patients had activity and positioning documented while transthoracic intracardiac catheters were... read more

COVID-19 Drug Treatments: Living Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Glucocorticoids probably reduce mortality and mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19 compared with standard care. The effectiveness of most interventions is uncertain because most of the randomised controlled trials... read more

Hypothermia Plus Melatonin in Asphyctic Newborns

The early addition of IV melatonin to asphyctic neonates is feasible and may improve long-term neurodevelopment. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to analyze the administration of IV melatonin as an adjuvant... read more