Controversies In Critical Care

The book covers vigorously debated controversial topics in the field of critical care medicine over the years. It provides the reader with a balanced approach and guidance based on historical and currently available evidence in dealing with contentious clinical scenarios. The book reviews the most relevant, contemporaneous evidence on each topic and provides practical guidelines for clinical practice. The book includes chapters that follow a structured approach to controversies related to specific organ systems. The topics covered provide a summary of the most relevant, practice-changing studies in the field of critical care medicine. Each topic describes the basic applied physiology, points of controversy, the evidence base, and summarizes the key points at the end. It includes brief description of landmark studies on each controversial topic. The book serves as an important clinical guide to practitioners of critical care medicine when confronted with challenging clinical scenarios. Besides, it is a useful source of information to postgraduate trainees in various medical specialties. The topics addressed are among the most widely discussed during postgraduate examinations. It is also relevant for practitioners in general medicine and specialized areas of practice, including pulmonology (respiratory medicine), cardiology, neurology, nephrology, gastroenterology, and surgical specialties.

This volume provides an overview of the most important current controversies in the field of pediatric intensive care. Organized into sections based on organ systems, the text focuses on controversies surrounding disease processes of the cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematologic / immunologic, endocrine, and neurologic systems. Each chapter reviews the pros and cons of specific management approaches through case studies and the most up-to-date evidence-based resources, and concludes with bulleted take-home points for ease of use. Written by experts in the field, Pediatric Critical Care: Current Controversies is a valuable resource for intensivists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other health care providers involved in the care of critically-ill children.

In recent years, many clinical interventions in intensive care medicine have been based on clear scientific evidence. However, at least as many clinical interventions still remain the subject of controversy, either due to a lack of rigorous data or due to the existence of conflicting data. In this book, these controversies are discussed by experts of international renown in their respective fields. The goal is twofold: To provide us with a balanced and unbiased presentation of the subject, explaining the different 'schools of thought' relevant to the controversy; To summarise the data with a clinically useful and valid recommendation for our practice. Virtually all fields of intensive care medicine are covered in over 50 chapters dealing with controversies over treatment options in acute illness states, organising and providing care for acutely ill patients, as well as how to answer ethical questions arising in critical care medicine every day.

The practice of intensive care medicine raises multiple legal and ethical issues on a daily basis, making it increasingly difficult to know who to admit and when, at what stage invasive management should be withdrawn, and who, importantly, should decide? These profound dilemmas, already complicated in a setting of scarce resources, mandate an understanding of law and ethics for those working in intensive care medicine. Clinically focused, this book explains the relevance of landmark rulings to aid your day-to-day decision-making. A spectrum of ethical and legal controversies in critical care are addressed to demonstrate how law and ethics affects the care available to patients and vice versa. Discussion of conflict resolution advises the options open to you when agreement on treatment decisions or withdrawal cannot be reached. The literature and variations surrounding Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decisions are outlined to help you navigate this complex area. This edition also provides an up-to-date analysis of issues such as futility and depreciation of liberty. Featuring contributions from leading legal and medical experts, this important reference should be read by every critical care professional.

A case-based guide with expert commentary, Challenging Concepts in Critical Care shows how the experts approach and deal with real-life clinical scenarios. Each chapter presents a clinically challenging case complete with a case history, evidence based tips, and up-to-date learning points. To give further insight into the field, each chapter has commentary from an expert who identifies and explains the key points and controversies of the case. Practical yet rich in detail, Challenging Concepts in Critical Care is a key title for anyone preparing for intensive care exams. For each case, key information is highlighted through the use of boxes to stimulate interest and facilitate learning: 'Learning points', 'Clinical tips', 'Evidence base', and 'Expert commentary'. With new information on key trials, clinical practise, and evidence based research, this book is also an invaluable resource for experienced critical care clinicians looking for a concise update on a wide range of challenging topics in the field. In addition, it is of high value to senior ICU nurses, allied health professionals, and anyone with an interest in intensive care medicine.

Ideally suited for students in critical care rotations and residents, this concise, practical handbook presents the essentials of medical and surgical critical care in an easy-to-read format. The authors succinctly explain the pathophysiology underlying clinical disorders and the key principles of diagnosis and patient management, emphasizing cost-effective approaches. The Fourth Edition includes Controversies in Critical Care boxes in many chapters, which briefly summarize opposing arguments on controversial points. Other highlights include enhanced discussion of CT for abdominal disorders, new ACLS guidelines, and new material on removable IVC filters, interventional radiologic techniques for GI bleeding, and use of vascular ultrasound.

Approach any critical care challenge using a practical, consistent strategy based on best practices with Evidence-Based Practice of Critical Care, 3rd Edition. Unique, question-based chapters cover the wide variety of clinical options in critical care, examine the relevant research, and provide recommendations based on a thorough analysis of available evidence. Drs. Clifford S. Deutschman and Patrick J. Nelligan, along with nearly 200 critical-care experts, provide a comprehensive framework for translating evidence into practice, helping both residents and practitioners obtain the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients. Covers a full range of critical care challenges, from routine care to complicated and special situations. Helps you think through each question in a logical, efficient manner, using a practical, consistent approach to available management options and guidelines. Features revised and updated information based on current research, and includes all-new cases on key topics and controversies such as the use/overuse of antibiotics, drug resistance in the ICU, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, frequency of transfusions, and duration of renal replacement therapies. Provides numerous quick-reference tables that summarize the available literature and recommended clinical approaches.