Critical Care/Intensive Care Topic Homepage
Critical Care/Intensive Care Overview
Intensive care is the hospital based specialty dedicated to treating critically ill and high risk patients who require aggressive treatment and continuous monitoring.1 Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are usually complex, with illnesses involving multiple systems and in some cases multiple diseases.1
The main functions of ICUs can be divided into two groups; firstly treatment of emergency patients...
In the UK in 2008 there were only 3498 critical care beds; 1970 in ICUs and 1528 in high-dependency units (HDUs). This equates to only 8.6 beds per 100,000 people.3 For this reason the use of ICU and HDU beds are only reserved for those who will benefit significantly from them.
Elective ICU patients are admitted as a precaution, rather than because immediate treatment is required. Patients routinely receive intensive care treatment following cardiac surgery and neurosurgery.4 In contrast, emergency patients are admitted requiring immediate treatment. This may be due to trauma or an unexpected surgical complication.
1. Varon J. et al. Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer. 2010 : 422 pages.
2. Takala J. et al. What is Critical Care Medicine. Clinical Critical Care Medicine. Elsevier Ltd. 2006 : xv-xvi.
3. Williams C. et al. Criteria for ICU Admission and Severity of Illness Scoring. Surgery (Oxford). May 2009 ; 27 (5) : 201-206.
4. Weissman C. et al. Who Recieves Postoperative Intensive and Intermediate Care?. Journal of Clinical Anaesthesia. June 2008 ; 20 (4) : 263-270.
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Drug News
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Critical Care/Intensive Care Drug Data - A-Z
Possible searches include drugs or medicines (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases, conditions and more.
Recent Drug Updates
Esmeron
19-12-2012Esmeron is indicated in adult and paediatric patients (from term neonaotes to adolescents [0 to <18 years]) as an adjunct to general anaesthesia to facilitate tracheal intubation during routine...
Dobutamine Concentrate 250mg/20ml
17-12-2012Dobutamine Concentrate is indicated in adults who require inotropic support in the treatment of low output cardiac failure associated with myocardial infarction, open heart surgery,...
Ultiva Injection
28-11-2012Ultiva is indicated as an analgesic agent for use during induction and/or maintenance of general anaesthesia under close supervision. Ultiva is indicated for provision of analgesia and sedation in...
Clinical Guidelines
Opioids in palliative care: safe and effective prescribing of strong opioids for pain in palliative care of adults
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Rehabilitation after Critical Illness
Mar 2009The advice in the NICE guideline covers the care of adults who, as a result of critical illness,..
Online CME
Effect of Supplement Therapy on Traumatic Brain Injury
Apr 2013Clinical Trials
Empirical Antifungal Treatment in ICUS (EMPIRICUS)
14-01-2013Invasive Candida infections are burdened with a high mortality rate and is very common in intensive care units. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of empirical treatment with micafungin in adult patients with suspected invasive candidiasis.
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09-01-2013In this trial, our goal is to determine the pharmacokinetics of micafungin in a non-selected cohort of patients with suspected or proven invasive fungal infections. Patients will receive micafungin for the period necessary to achieve clinical and / or mycological cure. An attempt will be made to have 2 PK curves, one..
Medical Videos
Medical Journal Abstracts
Inhaled Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) as a noninvasive treatment of atelectasis in mechanically ventilated patients
Journal of Critical Care
Dec 2012
Background: Lobar or segmental collapse of the lung in mechanically ventilated patients is a common occurrence in the intensive care unit. Management is labor and time intensive and not highly effective. Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study to determine whether nebulized..
Clinical epidemiology of central venous catheter–related bloodstream infections in an intensive care unit in China
Journal of Critical Care
Dec 2012
Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are universally used during the treatment of critically ill patients. Their use, however, is associated with a substantial infection risk. At present, there are few studies on catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) that are comparable with international similar..
Medical Apps
ICUPearls (Critical care tips for doctors and nurses) - £1.49
Intensive Care Medicine - £1.88
Critical car medicine - Free
Intensive care log book - lite - Free
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