Search Tag: #ISICEM25
2025 20 Mar
A presentation on "End-Tidal to Arterial Pco₂ Ratio as Guide to Weaning from Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation" @ISICEM explored the potential of the end-tidal to arterial carbon dioxide pressure ratio (PetCO₂/PaCO₂) as a predictor for successful weaning from venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in patients suffering...Read more
2025 20 Mar
Pancreatic stone protein (PSP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) are potential biomarkers for early detection of infection and sepsis in critically ill patients. A poster presentation @ISICEM on Pancreatic Stone Protein (PSP) highlighted how this biomarker plays a role as an early sepsis predictor. The study aimed...Read more
2025 20 Mar
The MINUTES bundle was discussed in one of the sessions @ISICEM in Brussels. The MINUTES bundle is a structured approach designed to guide healthcare professionals in the initial 30-minute management of patients presenting with undifferentiated circulatory shock. The acronym stands for M aintain ABCs, IN fuse vasopressors and/or fluids, IN vestigate,...Read more
2025 19 Mar
At the opening session at ISICEM Congress in Brussels, Prof Jan Bakker talked about the past, present and future of blood lactate levels. Lactate has long been recognised as a crucial biomarker in critical care, particularly in the assessment of circulatory failure and shock. The late Dr Max Harry Weil contributed significantly to this field,...Read more
2025 19 Mar
The complexity of clinical trials in critical illness remains a significant challenge. A discussion at the ISICEM Congress in Brussels focused on why trials often fail, the role of heterogeneity in patient responses, and emerging methodologies to improve our understanding of pathways to outcomes. For over 30 years, researchers have debated...Read more
2025 19 Mar
Infections are prevalent among critically ill patients and significantly contribute to increased mortality rates and healthcare costs in ICUs. The administration of antibiotics, particularly β-lactam antibiotics, remains a cornerstone in the treatment of severe infections in these settings. However, optimising antibiotic therapy in critically ill patients...Read more
2025 18 Mar
A roundtable discussion at the ISICEM Congress in Brussels on disorders of consciousness (DoC) focused on enhancing understanding, diagnosis, and prognosis for patients in ICUs. The main takeaway is that disorders of consciousness represent a continuum, and diagnoses should not be limited to binary terms like "coma" or "awake." These states...Read more
2025 18 Mar
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is common in ICU patients and has high mortality rates (35%-46%). Mechanical ventilation is essential for ARDS management and often requires sedation, though the optimal sedative choice remains unclear. Guidelines suggest light sedation with nonbenzodiazepine sedatives like propofol or dexmedetomidine, but...Read more
2025 18 Mar
Sepsis is a common and potentially fatal condition, causing over 270,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Emergency treatment involves fluids and vasopressors, with norepinephrine as the first-line choice and vasopressin as a second-line option when blood pressure remains unresponsive. However, the timing of vasopressin use is unclear due to the dynamic...Read more
2025 18 Mar
The decision to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining therapies (WLST) is a significant factor in many ICU deaths, influenced by patient factors such as age, comorbidities, illness severity, and patient or surrogate preferences. In patients with acute brain injuries (ABIs), WLST decisions may be particularly influenced by expectations of poor neurological...Read more