ICU Rounds

Latest Episodes:

Surviving Sepsis Campaign (part 2) May 15, 2008

Show notes

We continue our discussion of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). This includes fluids types, steroids, rhAPC (Xigris), and blood sugar control.

Surviving Sepsis Campaign (part 1) May 12, 2008

Show notes

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) is concensus document that attempts to provide the best evidence to assist in the care of the septic patient. All providers who provide care to the septic patient should be aware of the contents of the SSC.

Hemoglobin Based Blood Substitutes: Increased Morbidity and Mortality May 04, 2008

Show notes

In this week's Journal of the American Medical Association a meta-analysis was published that concluded that use of hemoglobin based blood substitutes result in an increased morbidity and mortality. Included in the same journal is an editorial critical of the method the research has been regulated by the US FDA.

Glucometers in the ICU: how accurate are they? Apr 24, 2008

Show notes

There is a large emphasis on intensive control of blood glucose in the ICU, but how accurate are the monitors we use to follow glucose? This episode reviews someof the limitations of deploying an instrument designed for control of outpatient diabetes management to tight control of blood glucose in the ICU.

Clostridium difficile Colitis Apr 16, 2008

Show notes

Clostridium difficile colitis is a problematic complication of antibiotic theraoy in hospitalized and critically ill patients. It is increasing in frequency and can be lethal.

Traumatic Shock and Fluid Resuscitation Apr 01, 2008

Show notes

Fluid resuscitation done poorly can result in significant complications to the patient. This episode will present some of the newer considerations in fluid resuscitation in traumatic shock.

Polypharmacy in the Elderly Mar 23, 2008

Show notes

Patients are often admitted to the ICU with an entire list of home medications. In this episode I talk about the implications and dangers of polypharmacy.

Drug-induced QT prolongation Mar 08, 2008

Show notes

Prolonged QT is the most common reason why medications are restricted or removed from the US market. This episode will explain what it is and why you should look for it in your ICU patients.

Do Steroid Improve Survivial in Sepsis? CORTICUS Trial Feb 28, 2008

Show notes

The results of the CORTICUS trial are discussed.

Atrial Fibrillation Feb 20, 2008

Show notes

Atrial fibrillation is a common problem in ICU patients, but it is a problem with many potential causes, and not always a well defined treatment.