© James Austin 2003
Last updated 11 May 2008
This page contains references that have been dropped from (or narrowly failed to reach) the 'Top 100' of the ICM Literature Hit Parade.
UK
Department of Health.
Comprehensive Critical Care: Executive Summary.
National policy and political buzz from the DoH review of
2000.
Search the DOH
website for 'critical care' for updates,
interesting stats and promises for the future!
Full Text (pdf) - new link
Audit
Commission for Local Authorities and the NHS in England and
Wales.
Critical to Success.
1999. London
National facts, figures and recommendation. The facts and
figures may be dated, but many of the recommendations still
hold.........
Full Text (large (2Mb) pdf file!)
Critical
Care Stakeholder Forum
Quality Critical Care: Beyond 'Comprehensive Critical Care'
UK Department of Health 2005
The UK political buzz - it's beyond comprehensive........
Recommendation Summary
Full Text
National
Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death
An acute problem?
NCEPOD 2005 Report
What a storm of discussion in medical and lay press alike! Was it of the
teacup variety, or not?
NCEPOD Executive Summary
NCEPOD Full Text
Clemmer
TP, Spuhler VJ, Oniki TA, Horn SD
Results of a collaborative quality improvement program on
outcomes and costs in a tertiary critical care unit.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27:
1768-74.
Audit and applied clinical research
really can make a difference (and save money!)
PubMed Abstract
Buist
MD, Moore GE, Bernard SA, Waxman BP, Anderson JN, Nguyen TV.
Effects of a medical emergency team on reduction of incidence
of and mortality from unexpected cardiac arrests in hospital:
preliminary study.
British Medical Journal 2002; 324:
387-390.
The seminal Australian paper on METs – lots of
controversy, so read the correspondence as well, and watch out
for the forthcoming MERIT study!
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Hillman K,
Chen J, Cretikos M, Bellomo R, Brown D, Doig G, Finfer S,
Flabouris A; MERIT study investigators.
Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system: a
cluster-randomised controlled trial.
Lancet. 2005; 365: 2091-7.
The Australians brought METS into the world, and they'll take
them out again............
PubMed Abstract
McQuillan
P, Pilkington S, Allan A, Taylor B, Short A, Morgan G et al.
Confidential inquiry into quality of care before admission to
intensive care.
British Medical Journal 1998; 316:
1853-1858.
A bread-and-butter British study!
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Pronovost PJ, Jenckes MW, Dorman T, Garrett E, Breslow MJ,
Rosenfeld BA et al.
Organizational characteristics of intensive care units related to
outcomes of abdominal aortic surgery.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1999; 281:
1310-1317.
American study. AAA is just one model – the same factors
probably influence outcome across the board.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Pronovost PJ, Angus DC, Dorman T, Robinson KA, Dremsizov TT,
Young TL.
Physician staffing patterns and clinical outcomes
in critically ill patients: a systematic review.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2002; 288: 2151-62
Meta-analysis proves that intensivists are better at
intensive care than non-intensivists (whew!)
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Lyons RA, Wareham K, Hutchings HA, Major E, Ferguson B.
Population requirement for adult critical-care beds: a
prospective quantitative and qualitative study.
Lancet 2000; 355: 595-598.
How many beds is enough? A controversial study from Wales
PubMed Abstract
Search Lancet for (free) full Text
Goldhill
DR, Sumner A.
Outcome of intensive care patients in a group of British
intensive care units.
Critical Care Medicine 1998; 26: 1337-1345.
A comprehensive survey of British ICU mortality, and
suggestions for improvements.
PubMed Abstract
Ridley
S.
Severity of illness scoring systems and performance appraisal.
Anaesthesia 1998; 53:
1185-1194.
Review of the principles of scoring systems in general, and
pros and cons of particular systems.
PubMed Abstract
Knaus WA,
Draper EA, Wagner DP, Zimmerman JE.
APACHE II: a severity of disease classification system.
Critical Care Medicine 1985; 13: 818-829.
The daddy of ICU severity scores
PubMed Abstract
Goldfrad
C, Rowan K.
Consequences of discharges from intensive care at night.
Lancet 2000; 355: 1138-1142.
Do you worry about pushing patients out early to make beds?
Well, you should!
PubMed Abstract
Daly K,
Beale R, Chang RW.
Reduction in mortality after inappropriate early discharge from
intensive care unit: logistic regression triage model.
British Medical Journal 2001; 322: 1274-1276
Whom to push and whom to keep?
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Ball C,
Kirkby M, Williams S.
Effect of the critical care outreach team on
patient survival to discharge from hospital and readmission to
critical care: non-randomised population based study.
British Medical Journal 2003;
327: 1014-1016
Hampstead does for post-ICU outreach what Australia
did for METs!
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Landrigan CP, Rothschild JM, Cronin JW, Kaushal R, Burdick E
et al.
Effect of reducing interns' work hours on serious
medical errors in intensive care units.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 351:
1838-48
Even the Americans - even Harvard! - are reducing their
juniors' hours.
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Ridley SA, Booth SA, Thompson CM; Intensive Care Society's
Working Group on Adverse Incidents.
Prescription errors in UK critical care units.
Anaesthesia 2004; 59: 1193-200.
3% of ICU prescriptions are potentially life-threatening!
PubMed Abstract
Singer EA, Müllner M
Implications of the EU directive on clinical trials for emergency
medicine.
British Medical Journal 2002; 324: 1169-1170
The EU accidentally wipes out clinical research in critical
care! The consent issue has softened, but there are still
problems - look for recent news and correspondence in the BMJ, Lancet, ICM and Anaesthesia. An
up-to-date view on the position in different EU countries is
given in this article. See also an
excellent recent review in Current Opinion.
BMJ Full Text
Lemaire F.
The European Directive 2001/20 for clinical research: friend or
foe?
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32:
1689-90.
The EU Directive issue simmers on! For more on the history of
this debacle, see the Discard list (under Singer)
PubMed (no abstract)
For the latest UK legal development, see this news in the BMJ
Silverman HJ, Lemaire F.
Ethics and research in critical care.
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32:
1697-705.
An important topic in its own right, and also in the context
of the EU Directive and the recent TeGenero incident
PubMed Abstract
Murray JF,
Matthay MA, Luce JM, Flick MR.
An expanded definition of the adult respiratory distress
syndrome.
American Review of Respiratory Disease 1988; 138:
720-723.
The official definition of ARDS
PubMed (no abstract available)
Gattinoni
L, Pelosi P, Suter PM, Pedoto A, Vercesi P, Lissoni A.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pulmonary and
extrapulmonary disease. Different syndromes?
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
1998; 158: 3-11.
I’m not convinced, but my examiners were!
PubMed Abstract
AJRCCM Full Text
Yu M,
Tomasa G.
A double-blind, prospective, randomized trial of ketoconazole, a
thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, in the prophylaxis of the adult
respiratory distress syndrome.
Critical Care Medicine 1993; 21: 1635-1642.
Ketoconazole seems effective in preventing ARDS
………..
PubMed Abstract
The ARDS
Network.
Ketoconazole for early treatment of acute lung injury and acute
respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2000; 283:
1995-2002.
………….. but not effective in treating it.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Gattinoni
L, Mascheroni D, Torresin A, Marcolin R, Fumagalli R et al.
Morphological response to positive end expiratory pressure in
acute respiratory failure. Computerized tomography study.
Intensive Care Medicine 1986; 12:
137-142.
The classic CT description of gravity-dependent atelectasis
PubMed Abstract
Langer
M, Mascheroni D, Marcolin R, Gattinoni L.
The prone position in ARDS patients. A clinical study.
Chest 1988; 94: 103-107.
The logical response to dependent atelectasis
………..
PubMed Abstract
Gattinoni
L, Tognoni G, Pesenti A, Taccone P, Mascheroni D, Labarta V et
al.
Effect of prone positioning on the survival of patients with
acute respiratory failure.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345:
568-573.
Does prone ventilation improve outcome?
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Guerin C,
Gaillard S, Lemasson S, Ayzac L, Girard R et al.
Effects of systematic prone positioning in
hypoxemic acute respiratory failure: a randomized controlled
trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2004; 292: 2379-87
Another, even bigger study to tell us that prone ventilation
doesn't improve outcome
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Hickling
KG, Walsh J, Henderson S, Jackson R.
Low mortality rate in adult respiratory distress syndrome using
low- volume, pressure-limited ventilation with permissive
hypercapnia: a prospective study.
Critical Care Medicine 1994; 22: 1568-1578.
Not a RCT, but a seminal paper asking does low-volume
ventilation improve ARDS survival? …………
PubMed Abstract
Amato
MB, Barbas CS, Medeiros DM, Magaldi RB, Schettino GP et al.
Effect of a protective-ventilation strategy on mortality in
the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 338:
347-354.
Yes it does………….
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Stewart
TE, Meade MO, Cook DJ, Granton JT, Hodder RV, Lapinsky SE et al.
Evaluation of a ventilation strategy to prevent barotrauma in
patients at high risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Pressure- and Volume-Limited Ventilation Strategy Group.
New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 338:
355-361.
…………. no it doesn’t …………….
(but what about ARDSNET?!)
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Brower RG,
Lanken PN, MacIntyre N, Matthay MA, Morris A et al.: ARDS
Clinical Trials Network.
Higher versus lower positive end-expiratory
pressures in patients with the acute respiratory distress
syndrome.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 351:
327-336
ARDS-Net got quite a lot of flak for this one as well!
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Yang KL,
Tobin MJ.
A prospective study of indexes predicting the outcome of trials
of weaning from mechanical ventilation.
New England Journal of Medicine 1991; 324:
1445-1450.
How can you tell if your patient is ready to wean from the
ventilator?
PubMed Abstract
Esteban A,
Frutos F, Tobin MJ, Alia I, Solsona JF, Valverdu I et al.
A comparison of four methods of weaning patients from mechanical
ventilation. Spanish Lung Failure Collaborative Group.
New England Journal of Medicine 1995; 332: 345-350.
What’s the best mode for weaning?
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Kollef MH,
Shapiro SD, Silver P, St John RE, Prentice D, Sauer S et al.
A randomized, controlled trial of protocol-directed versus
physician-directed weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 567-574.
A faster way to wean.
PubMed Abstract
Krishnan
JA, Moore D, Robeson C, Rand CS, Fessler HE.
A prospective, controlled trial of a
protocol-based strategy to discontinue mechanical ventilation.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care
Medicine 2004; 169: 673-8
So protocols make for faster weaning? Well, depends on your
staffing........
PubMed Abstract
AJRCCM Full Text
Kress JP,
Pohlman AS, O'Connor MF, Hall JB.
Daily interruption of sedative infusions in critically ill
patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 342:
1471-1477.
Another faster way to wean.........
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Kress JP,
Gehlbach B, Lacy M, Pliskin N, Pohlman AS, Hall JB.
The long-term psychological effects of daily
sedative interruption on critically ill patients.
American Journal of Respiratory and
Critical Care Medicine 2003; 168:
1457-1461
.......... and it actually reduces
ICU recall and PTSD !
PubMed Abstract
AJRCCM Full Text
Ferrer M,
Esquinas A, Arancibia F, Bauer TT, Gonzalez G, Carrillo A,
Rodriguez-Roisin R, Torres A.
Noninvasive ventilation during persistent weaning
failure: a randomized controlled trial.
American Journal of Respiratory and
Critical Care Medicine 2003; 168:
70-6
And if they fail to wean? Aaah, just pull the tube anyway and
put them on NIV...........!
PubMed Abstract
AJRCCM Full Text
Nava S,
Gregoretti C, Fanfulla F, Squadrone E, Grassi M et al.
Noninvasive ventilation to prevent respiratory failure after
extubation in high-risk patients.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33:
2465-70
Nava vs. Esteban: prevention is better than cure!
PubMed Abstract
Peter JV,
Moran JL, Phillips-Hughes J, Warn D
Noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory
failure--a meta-analysis update
Critical Care Medicine 2002; 30: 555-62
Why tube, if NIV can halve your mortality and intubation
rate?
PubMed Abstract
Masip J,
Roque M, Sanchez B, Fernandez R, Subirana M, Exposito JA.
Noninvasive ventilation in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema:
systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2005; 294: 3124-30
... and it works for acute LVF as well.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Rossaint
R, Falke KJ, Lopez F, Slama K, Pison U, Zapol WM.
Inhaled nitric oxide for the adult respiratory distress syndrome.
New England Journal of Medicine 1993; 328: 399-405.
The seminal paper for inhaled nitric oxide
………….
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Sokol
J, Jacobs SE, Bohn D.
Inhaled nitric oxide for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
in children and adults.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004
The bitter truth about nitric oxide!
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Cuthbertson
BH, Dellinger P, Dyar OJ, Evans TE, Higenbottam T et al.
UK guidelines for the use of inhaled nitric oxide therapy in
adult ICUs. American-European Consensus Conference on ALI/ARDS.
Intensive Care Medicine 1997; 23: 1212-1218.
So when and how should we use nitric,
then?
PubMed Abstract
Germann P,
Braschi A, Della Rocca G, Dinh-Xuan AT, Falke K, Frostell C et
al.
Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in adults: European expert
recommendations.
Intensive Care Medicine 2005; 31:
1029-41
So what else can we use nitric for........?
PubMed Abstract
Bein T, Weber F, Philipp A, Prasser C, Pfeifer M et al.
A new pumpless extracorporeal interventional lung assist in
critical hypoxemia/hypercapnia
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1372-77
Goodbye nitric, hello iLA? Impressive ABGs, but will it
really improve survival?
PubMed Abstract
See also the earlier BJA article (Full Text)
Antonelli
M, Conti G, Rocco M, Bufi M, De Blasi RA, Vivino G et al.
A comparison of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation and
conventional mechanical ventilation in patients with acute
respiratory failure.
New England Journal of Medicine 1998; 339: 429-435.
Why tube if you can mask-BiPAP?
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Lightowler
JV, Wedzicha JA, Elliott MW, Ram FSF
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation to treat respiratory
failure resulting from exacerbations of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease:
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2003; 326:185.
Why indeed, if you can halve your mortality and intubation
rate?
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Cochrane Full Text
Dulguerov P, Gysin C, Perneger TV, Chevrolet JC.
Percutaneous or surgical tracheostomy: a meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 1617-1625.
Is percutaneous trache such a good thing after all?
PubMed Abstract
Rumbak MJ,
Newton M, Truncale T, Schwartz SW, Adams JW, Hazard PB.
A prospective, randomized, study comparing early
percutaneous dilational tracheotomy to prolonged translaryngeal
intubation (delayed tracheotomy) in critically ill medical
patients.
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32:
1689-94
What implications does this have for the UK's forthcoming TracMan
study?
PubMed Abstract
Collard
HR, Saint S, Matthay MA
Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: an
evidence-based systematic review
Annals of Internal Medicine 2003; 138:
494-501
So what really prevents VAP: SDD? Subglottic aspiration?
Circuit changes? Positioning?
PubMed Abstract
AIM Full Text
Gibot
S, Cravoisy A, Levy B, Bene MC, Faure G, Bollaert PE.
Soluble triggering receptor expressed on
myeloid cells and the diagnosis of pneumonia.
New England Journal of Medicine
2004; 350: 451-458
sTREM-1 - a quick-and-easy way of diagnosing VAP?
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Spragg RG, Lewis JF, Walmrath HD, Johannigman J, Bellingan G
et al.
Effect of recombinant surfactant protein C-based
surfactant on the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 351:
884-892
Protein C, the new wonder drug - let's see if it works down
the lungs as well!
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
(P.S. Yes, I know surfactant protein
C is not the same as Protein C........!)
Meduri GU, Headley AS, Golden E, Carson SJ,
Umberger RA, Kelso T, Tolley EA.
Effect of prolonged methylprednisolone therapy in unresolving
acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled
trial.
Journal of the American Medical
Association 1998; 280: 159-65.
A small but impressive RCT defining the role of steroids in
persistent ARDS
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Gallart L, Lu Q, Puybasset L, Umamaheswara Rao GS, Coriat P,
Rouby JJ.
Intravenous almitrine combined with inhaled nitric oxide for
acute respiratory distress syndrome. The NO Almitrine Study
Group.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
1998; 158: 1770-1777.
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in a bottle – but will
it improve outcome?
PubMed Abstract
AJRCCM Full Text
PA CATHETERS
Connors
AF Jr., Speroff T, Dawson NV, Thomas C, Harrell FE Jr. et al.
The effectiveness of right heart catheterization in the
initial care of critically ill patients. SUPPORT Investigators.
Journal of the American Medical Association
1996; 276: 889-897.
The paper that turned the tide on the PA catheter.
PubMed Abstract
Ivanov R,
Allen J, Calvin JE.
The incidence of major morbidity in critically ill patients
managed with pulmonary artery catheters: a meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 2000; 28: 615-619.
PA catheters reduce organ failure, with a non-significant
trend towards reduced mortality.
PubMed Abstract
Sandham JD, Hull RD, Brant RF, Knox L, Pineo GF et al.
A randomized, controlled trial of the use of pulmonary-artery
catheters in high-risk surgical patients.
New England Journal of Medicine
2003; 348: 5-14.
Another RCT on PA catheters: nope, they still don't improve
outcome
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Richard C,
Warszawski J, Anguel N, Deye N, Combes A et al. (French Pulmonary
Artery Catheter Study Group).
Early use of the pulmonary artery catheter and
outcomes in patients with shock and acute respiratory distress
syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Journal of the American Medical
Association 2003; 290: 2713-2720
Another in an increasingly long line of studies
showing no outcome benefit from PA catheters
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Young
JD.
Right heart catheterization in intensive care.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2001; 86:
327-329.
The rationale behind the recently-completed PAC-Man study -
expect publication in the Lancet soon!
PubMed (no abstract available)
BJA Full Text
PAC-Man website abstract
Harvey S,
Harrison DA, Singer M, Ashcroft J, Jones CM, Elbourne D et al.;
PAC-Man study collaboration.
Assessment of the clinical effectiveness of pulmonary artery
catheters in management of patients in intensive care (PAC-Man):
a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2005; 366: 472-7.
The latest and greatest of the PA catheter RCTs!
PubMed Abstract
PAC-Man website abstract
Wheeler
AP, Bernard GR, Thompson BT, Schoenfeld D, Wiedemann HP et al for
ARDSNET.
Pulmonary-artery versus central venous catheter to guide
treatment of acute lung injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354:
2213-24.
Nope - doesn't work here either.
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Mitchell
JP, Schuller D, Calandrino FS, Schuster DP.
Improved outcome based on fluid management in critically ill
patients requiring pulmonary artery catheterization.
American Review of Respiratory Disease 1992; 145:
990-998.
One of two (underpowered) RCTs suggesting that TPTD (e.g.
PiCCO) may succeed in improving outcome where the PA catheter has
failed.
PubMed Abstract
Shoemaker
WC, Appel PL, Kram HB, Waxman K, Lee TS.
Prospective trial of supranormal values of survivors as
therapeutic goals in high-risk surgical patients.
Chest 1988; 94: 1176-1186.
The paper that started goal-directed therapy............
PubMed Abstract
Boyd O, Grounds RM, Bennett ED.
A randomized clinical trial of the effect of deliberate
perioperative increase of oxygen delivery on mortality in
high-risk surgical patients.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1993; 270:
2699-2707.
Well, dopexamine works in surgical patients ……………
PubMed Abstract
Gattinoni
L, Brazzi L, Pelosi P, Latini R, Tognoni G, Pesenti A, Fumagalli
R.
A trial of goal-oriented hemodynamic therapy in critically ill
patients. SvO2 Collaborative Group.
New England Journal of Medicine 1995; 333:
1025-1032.
…….. but in general, goal-directed therapy
doesn’t work …………….
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Wilson J,
Woods I, Fawcett J, Whall R, Dibb W, Morris C, McManus E.
Reducing the risk of major elective surgery: randomised
controlled trial of preoperative optimisation of oxygen delivery.
British Medical Journal 1999; 318: 1099-1103.
……. pre-optimisation works – but was it the
fluid, the inotrope or the monitoring that did it?
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Velmahos
GC, Demetriades D, Shoemaker WC, Chan LS, Tatevossian R et al.
Endpoints of resuscitation of critically injured patients: normal
or supranormal? A prospective randomized trial.
Annals of Surgery 2000; 232: 409-418.
It’s not the goal-directed therapy that improves outcome,
but the ability of the patients to achieve the goals (clear as
mud?).
PubMed Abstract
Full Text from PubMed Central
Mullner M,
Urbanek B, Havel C, Losert H, Waechter F, Gamper G.
Vasopressors for shock.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004
Does it even matter which inotrope we use? Precious little
evidence to go on.....
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
F Follath, J G F Cleland, H Just, J G Y
Papp, H Scholz, K Peuhkurinen et al.
Efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan compared with
dobutamine in severe low-output heart failure (the LIDO study)
Lancet 2002; 360: 196-202
Are dobutamine's days numbered? And if so, how will that
affect the success of goal-directed therapy?
PubMed Abstract
Mebazaa A,
Nieminen MS, Packer M, Cohen-Solal A, Kleber FX, Pocock SJ et al.
(the SURVIVE Investigators).
Levosimendan vs dobutamine for patients with acute decompensated
heart failure: the SURVIVE Randomized Trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2007; 297: 1883-91
So what did SURVIVE do differently from LIDO?
PubMed Abstract
TRIUMPH
Investigators; Alexander JH, Reynolds HR, Stebbins AL, Harrington
RA, Van de Werf F, Hochman JS.
Effect of tilarginine acetate in patients with acute myocardial
infarction and cardiogenic shock: the TRIUMPH randomized
controlled trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2007; 297: 1657-66
TRIUMPH, eh? That's just asking for
a disappointing result..........
PubMed Abstract
Hanique G, Dugernier T, Laterre PF, Dougnac A, Roeseler J,
Reynaert MS.
Significance of pathologic oxygen supply dependency in critically
ill patients: comparison between measured and calculated methods.
Intensive Care Medicine 1994; 20: 12-18.
Mathematical coupling – a body blow to the
supply-dependency theory.
PubMed Abstract
Bickell
WH, Wall MJ, Jr., Pepe PE, Martin RR, Ginger VF, Allen MK, Mattox
KL.
Immediate versus delayed fluid resuscitation for hypotensive
patients with penetrating torso injuries.
New England Journal of Medicine 1994; 331:
1105-1109.
“Withhold IV fluid from a hypovolaemic bleeding patient?
Ridiculous” ……………
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Vincent JL, Baron JF, Reinhart K, Gattinoni L et al. for the
ABC (Anemia and Blood Transfusion in Critical Care)
Investigators.
Anemia and blood transfusion in critically ill
patients.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2002; 288: 1499-507
A large, observational, propensity-controlled study
confirming the impact of transfusion on mortality
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Wilkes MM,
Navickis RJ.
Patient survival after human albumin administration. A
meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2001; 135: 149-164.
Is albumin really that bad? Well, it doesn’t seem to be
any good either.
PubMed Abstract
AIM Full Text (.pdf)
Cochrane
Injuries Group Albumin Reviewers.
Human albumin administration in critically ill patients:
systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
British Medical Journal 1998; 317:
235-240.
The death knell of IV albumin? – but read the
correspondence as well!
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
PubMed Cochrane Abstract (updated with SAFE!)
Cochrane Full Text
Schierhout
G, Roberts I.
Fluid resuscitation with colloid or crystalloid solutions in
critically ill patients: a systematic review of randomised
trials.
British Medical Journal 1998; 316: 961-964.
From the team that brought you the death of albumin: poor
prognosis for colloids?
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
PubMed Cochrane Abstract (updated with SAFE)
Cochrane Full Text
Choi PT,
Yip G, Quinonez LG, Cook DJ.
Crystalloids vs. colloids in fluid resuscitation: a systematic
review.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 200-210.
Colloids aren’t so bad, except in trauma.
PubMed Abstract
Vincent JL, Dubois MJ, Navickis RJ, Wilkes MM
Hypoalbuminemia in acute illness: is there a rationale for
intervention? A meta-analysis
Annals of Surgery 2003; 237:
319-334
It's like goal-directed therapy: hypoalbuminaemia predicts
death, treating it doesn't improve outcome, but ability to
respond to treatment does. Simple?
PubMed Abstract
Full Text from PubMed Central
Hebert
PC, Wells G, Blajchman MA, Marshall J, Martin C, Pagliarello G et
al.
A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial of
transfusion requirements in critical care. Transfusion
Requirements in Critical Care Investigators, Canadian Critical
Care Trials Group.
New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 340: 409-417.
The reason why transfusion is no longer fashionable ………..
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Hill SR,
Carless PA, Henry DA, Carson JL, Hebert PC, McClelland DB et al.
Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding
allogeneic red blood cell transfusion.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2000
A meta-analysis to prove why transfusion is no longer
fashionable.
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
The
Veterans Affairs Total Parenteral Nutrition Cooperative Study
Group.
Perioperative total parenteral nutrition in surgical patients.
New England Journal of Medicine 1991; 325:
525-532.
The study that proved that you have to be really sick to
deserve TPN.
PubMed Abstract
Moore FA,
Feliciano DV, Andrassy RJ, McArdle AH, Booth FV et al.
Early enteral feeding, compared with parenteral, reduces
postoperative septic complications. The results of a
meta-analysis.
Annals of Surgery 1992; 216: 172-183.
One of the earliest meta-analyses in critical care.
PubMed Abstract
Full Text from PubMed Central
Heyland
DK, MacDonald S, Keefe L, Drover JW.
Total parenteral nutrition in the critically ill patient: a
meta-analysis.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1998; 280:
2013-2019.
TPN might be good for general surgical
patients, but it’s definitely bad for ICU patients.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Gramlich
L, Kichian K, Pinilla J, Rodych NJ, Dhaliwal R, Heyland DK.
Does enteral nutrition compared to parenteral
nutrition result in better outcomes in critically ill adult
patients? A systematic review of the literature.
Nutrition 2004; 20:
843-8
Surprisingly little effect on mortality, but otherwise: yes,
it does.........
PubMed Abstract
Marik PE,
Zaloga GP.
Early enteral nutrition in acutely ill patients: a systematic
review.
Critical Care Medicine 2001; 29: 2264-2270.
OK, feed the surgical patients, but where are all the medical
patients?
PubMed Abstract
Marik PE, Zaloga GP.
Gastric versus post-pyloric feeding: a systematic
review
Critical Care 2003; 7: R46-51
Looks like these two have carved out their niche.........
PubMed Abstract
Critical
Care Full Text
Heyland DK, Novak F, Drover JW, Jain M, Su X, Suchner U.
Should immunonutrition become routine in critically ill patients?
A systematic review of the evidence.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2001; 286:
944-953.
Enteral immunonutrition reduces infections, but only arginine
might also reduce mortality.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Griffiths
RD, Jones C, Palmer TE.
Six-month outcome of critically ill patients given
glutamine-supplemented parenteral nutrition.
Nutrition 1997; 13: 295-302.
The one immuno-nutrient that actually seems to improve
mortality........
PubMed Abstract
Hall JC,
Dobb G, Hall J, De Sousa R, Brennan L, McCauley R
A prospective randomized trial of enteral
glutamine in critical illness
Intensive Care Medicine 2003; 29:
1710-6
........ but not if you give it enterally.........
PubMed Abstract
Novak F,
Heyland DK, Avenell A, Drover JW, Su X
Glutamine supplementation in serious illness: a
systematic review of the evidence
Critical Care Medicine 2002; 30:
2022-9
.......... only if you give it parenterally.
PubMed Abstract
Beale RJ, Bryg DJ, Bihari DJ.
Immunonutrition in the critically ill: a systematic review of
clinical outcome.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 2799-2805.
Enteral immunonutrition reduces infections, but not mortality.
PubMed Abstract
Montejo JC, Zarazaga A, Lopez-Martinez J,
Urrutia G, Roque M et al.; Spanish Society of Intensive Care
Medicine and Coronary Units.
Immunonutrition in the intensive care unit. A systematic review
and consensus statement.
Clinical Nutrition 2003; 22:
221-33
Supported by Novartis? Maybe that's why they came to the
opposite conclusion to the Canadian Consensus
PubMed Abstract
Booth CM,
Heyland DK, Paterson WG
Gastrointestinal promotility drugs in the critical
care setting: a systematic review of the evidence
Critical Care Medicine 2002; 30:
1429-35
It looks like metoclopramide is best for feed absorption, but
erythromycin is best for passing NJ tubes...
PubMed Abstract
Meissner
W, Dohrn B, Reinhardt K.
Enteral naloxone reduces gastric tube reflux and
frequency of pneumonia in critical care patients during opioid
analgesia.
Critical Care Medicine 2003; 31:
776-780
One of those 'I wish I'd thought of that' ideas - and it
works!
PubMed Abstract
Martin CM,
Doig GS, Heyland DK, Morrison T, Sibbald WJ; Southwestern Ontario
Critical Care Research Network.
Multicentre, cluster-randomized clinical trial of algorithms for
critical-care enteral and parenteral therapy (ACCEPT).
Canadian Medical Association Journal 2004; 170:
197-204
Oh dear. Once again, protocols prove better than
doctors.........
PubMed Abstract
CMAJ Full Text
Cook DJ,
Reeve BK, Guyatt GH, Heyland DK, Griffith LE, Buckingham L, Tryba
M.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients. Resolving
discordant meta-analyses.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1996; 275:
308-314.
A useful methodological paper: what do you do when different
meta-analyses give contradictory answers?
…………
PubMed Abstract
Messori A,
Trippoli S, Vaiani M, Gorini M, Corrado A.
Bleeding and pneumonia in intensive care patients given
ranitidine and sucralfate for prevention of stress ulcer:
meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
British Medical Journal 2000; 321: 1103-1106.
…….. Do another meta-analysis, of course –
which shows that none of them work!
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Vincent JL, Bihari DJ, Suter PM, Bruining HA, White J,
Nicolas-Chanoin MH et al.
The prevalence of nosocomial infection in intensive care units in
Europe. Results of the European Prevalence of Infection in
Intensive Care (EPIC) Study.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1995; 274:
639-644.
EPIC by name, EPIC by nature.
PubMed Abstract
Veenstra DL, Saint S, Saha S, Lumley T, Sullivan SD.
Efficacy of antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters in
preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection: a
meta-analysis.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1999; 281:
261-267.
Perhaps we should be using these routinely.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Walder B,
Pittet D, Tramer MR
Prevention of bloodstream infections with central
venous catheters treated with anti-infective agents depends on
catheter type and insertion time: evidence from a meta-analysis
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
2002; 23: 748-56
Which works better - antibiotic coating or antiseptic
coating?
PubMed Abstract
ICHE Full Text (.pdf)
Berenholtz
SM, Pronovost PJ, Lipsett PA, Hobson D, Earsing K et al.
Eliminating catheter-related bloodstream
infections in the intensive care unit.
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32:
2014-20
OK, you can have expensive coated CVP lines, or cheap
ordinary lines and good antiseptic policy - which works better?
PubMed Abstract
Langgartner
J, Linde HJ, Lehn N, Reng M, Scholmerich J, Gluck T.
Combined skin disinfection with
chlorhexidine/propanol and aqueous povidone-iodine reduces
bacterial colonisation of central venous catheters.
Intensive Care Medicine
2004; 30: 1081-1088
Chlorhexidine or Betadine? Use both!
PubMed Abstract
Zurcher M,
Tramer MR, Walder B.
Colonization and bloodstream infection with
single- versus multi-lumen central venous catheters: a
quantitative systematic review.
Anesthesia and Analgesia 2004; 99:
177-182
But I really like my penta-lumen
catheters.............!
PubMed Abstract
Kollef MH,
Rello J, Cammarata SK, Croos-Dabrera RV, Wunderink RG.
Clinical cure and survival in Gram-positive
ventilator-associated pneumonia: retrospective analysis of two
double-blind studies comparing linezolid with vancomycin.
Intensive Care Medicine
2004; 30: 388-394
Are you still using vancomycin for Staph VAP?
PubMed Abstract
Paul M,
Benuri-Silbiger I, Soares-Weiser K, Leibovici L.
Beta lactam monotherapy versus beta
lactam-aminoglycoside combination therapy for sepsis in
immunocompetent patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of
randomised trials.
British Medical Journal 2004; 328:
668-672
Cef and gent for your Gram-negative
bacteraemia? Naaah.............. (but they weren't all ICU
patients.........)
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Cochrane Full Text (updated)
Luzzani A, Polati E, Dorizzi R, Rungatscher A, Pavan R,
Merlini A.
Comparison of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein
as markers of sepsis.
Critical Care Medicine
2003; 31: 1737-1741
Procalcitonin takes another step towards dethroning
CRP
PubMed Abstract
Simon L,
Gauvin F, Amre DK, Saint-Louis P, Lacroix J.
Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels
as markers of bacterial infection: a systematic review and
meta-analysis.
Clinical Infectious Diseases 2004; 39:
206-17
Marginally better for double the cost? Hmmm........
PubMed Abstract
Clinical Infectious Disease Full Text
de Jonge
E, Schultz MJ, Spanjaard L, Bossuyt PM, Vroom MB, Dankert J,
Kesecioglu J
Effects of selective decontamination of digestive
tract on mortality and acquisition of resistant bacteria in
intensive care: a randomised controlled trial
Lancet 2003; 362: 1011-6
SDD is back on the agenda!
PubMed Abstract
D'Amico
R, Pifferi S, Leonetti C, Torri V, Tinazzi A, Liberati A.
Effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in critically ill
adult patients: systematic review of randomised controlled
trials.
British Medical Journal 1998; 316:
1275-1285.
Does SDD really work? Depends on your definitions.
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Cochrane Full Text (updated)
Vardakas
KZ, Samonis G, Michalopoulos A, Soteriades ES, Falagas ME.
Antifungal prophylaxis with azoles in high-risk, surgical
intensive care unit patients: a meta-analysis of randomized,
placebo-controlled trials.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1216-24
Two meta-analyses from CCM on
the same topic in six months? Must be important...........
PubMed Abstract
Cepeda JA,
Whitehouse T, Cooper B, Hails J, Jones K, Kwaku F et al.
Isolation of patients in single rooms or cohorts to reduce spread
of MRSA in intensive-care units: prospective two-centre study.
Lancet 2005; 365: 295-304.
Thank goodness - it doesn't work! Lots of correspondence,
though........
PubMed Abstract
Bartlett
JG, Perl TM.
The new Clostridium difficile--what does it mean?
New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 353:
2503-5
An editorial commenting on two papers in the same issue, by McDonald et al. (CDC) and Loo et al. (Quebec). See this IDSA article from Medscape
for a quick run-down on 'New-variant C. diff.'
PubMed (no abstract)
Abraham E,
Laterre PF, Garg R, Levy H, Talwar D et al.
Drotrecogin alfa (activated) for adults with severe sepsis and a
low risk of death.
New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 353:1332-41
ADDRESS confirms what PROWESS suspected - only the sickest
patients benefit from this expensive drug (whew!). See ENHANCE for more on APC.
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Panacek
EA, Marshall JC, Albertson TE, Johnson DH, Johnson S et al.: The
MONARCS Study Investigators
Efficacy and safety of the monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor
antibody F(ab')2 fragment afelimomab in patients with severe
sepsis and elevated interleukin-6 levels.
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32:
2173-2182
So why hasn't afelimomab caught on like drotrecogin has?
Could it be the need to measure IL-6 - or is it the statistical
'inflation' of the RR reduction?
PubMed Abstract
Abraham E,
Wunderink R, Silverman H, Perl TM, Nasraway S, Levy H et al.
TNF-alpha MAb Sepsis Study Group.
Efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody to human tumor
necrosis factor alpha in patients with sepsis syndrome. A
randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1995; 273:
934-941.
The magic bullet that missed…………
PubMed Abstract
Cohen J,
Carlet J. International Sepsis Trial Study Group.
INTERSEPT: an international, multicenter, placebo-controlled
trial of monoclonal antibody to human tumor necrosis factor-alpha
in patients with sepsis.
Critical Care Medicine 1996; 24: 1431-1440.
………. missed again ………….
PubMed Abstract
Opal SM, Fisher CJ Jr, Dhainaut JF, Vincent JL, Brase R et al. The Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Sepsis
Investigator Group.
Confirmatory interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
trial in severe sepsis: a phase III, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled, multicenter trial.
Critical Care Medicine 1997;
25: 1115-1124
........... and again, dammit............
PubMed Abstract
Abraham E,
Anzueto A, Gutierrez G, Tessler S, San Pedro G, Wunderink R et
al.
Double-blind randomised controlled trial of monoclonal antibody
to human tumour necrosis factor in treatment of septic shock.
NORASEPT II Study Group.
Lancet 1998; 351: 929-933.
.......... more misses from the magic bullet
………..
PubMed Abstract
Search Lancet for (free) full Text
Warren BL,
Eid A, Singer P, Pillay SS, Carl P, Novak I, Chalupa P et al.
High-dose antithrombin III in severe sepsis: a randomized
controlled trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2001; 286:
1869-1878.
……… another dud magic bullet …………
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Abraham E,
Reinhart K, Opal S et al (the OPTIMIST Study Group)
Efficacy and safety of tifacogin (recombinant
tissue factor pathway inhibitor) in severe sepsis: a randomized
controlled trial
Journal of the American Medical Association 2003; 290:
238-47
How could a magic bullet start SO right and then go SO wrong?
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Opal S,
Laterre PF, Abraham E, Francois B, Wittebole X et al.; Controlled
Mortality Trial of Platelet-Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase in
Severe Sepsis Investigators.
Recombinant human platelet-activating factor
acetylhydrolase for treatment of severe sepsis: results of a
phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled, clinical trial.
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32: 332-341
The latest dud magic bullet - but I'm sure there'll be
another along soon..........
PubMed Abstract
Alejandria
MM, Lansang MA, Dans LF, Mantaring JBV
Intravenous immunoglobulin for treating sepsis and septic shock
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001
Another magic machine-gun - should we all be using this?
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Jacobs S,
Price Evans DA, Tariq M, Al Omar NF
Fluconazole improves survival in septic shock: a
randomized double-blind prospective study
Critical Care Medicine 2003; 31:
1938-46
... but does it work as an antibiotic or as a cytokine?
PubMed Abstract
Van den
Berghe G, Wouters P, Weekers F, Verwaest C, Bruyninckx F et al.
Intensive insulin therapy in critically ill patients.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345:
1359-1367.
But who needs expensive magic bullets, when cheap insulin
works better?
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Turgeon
AF, Hutton B, Fergusson DA, McIntyre L, Tinmouth AA, Cameron DW,
Hebert PC.
Meta-analysis: intravenous immunoglobulin in critically ill adult
patients with sepsis.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2007; 146: 193-203
Another magic machine-gun - cheaper than drotrecogin and
twice as effective!
PubMed Abstract
AIM Full Text
Annane D,
Sebille V, Charpentier C, Bollaert PE, Francois B et al.
Effect of treatment with low doses of
hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone on mortality in patients with
septic shock.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2002; 288: 862-71
Annane's steroid renaissance - read the editorial as well
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Annane D,
Bellissant E, Bollaert P, Briegel J, Keh D, Kupfer Y.
Corticosteroids for treating severe sepsis and
septic shock.
British Medical Journal 2004; 329:
480-483
High-dose steroids bad, low-dose steroids good? See
the recently-completed CORTICUS
study........
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Cochrane Full Text
Minneci
PC, Deans KJ, Banks SM, Eichacker PQ, Natanson C.
Meta-analysis: the effect of steroids on survival
and shock during sepsis depends on the dose.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2004; 141:
47-56
The same five papers as Annane's meta-analysis, the same
conclusions? Well, more-or-less...
PubMed Abstract
AIM Full Text
Malerba G,
Romano-Girard F, Cravoisy A, Dousset B, Nace L, Levy B, Bollaert
PE.
Risk factors of relative adrenocortical deficiency
in intensive care patients needing mechanical ventilation.
Intensive Care Medicine 2005; 31:
388-392
Etomidate, anyone..........?
PubMed Abstract
Finney SJ,
Zekveld C, Elia A, Evans TW.
Glucose control and mortality in critically ill
patients.
Journal of the American Medical
Association 2003; 290: 2041-2047
Is it the euglycaemia or the insulin that improves the
outcome?
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Krinsley
JS
Effect of an intensive glucose management protocol
on the mortality of critically ill adult patients.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2004; 79:
992-1000
... and it seems to work impressively in a more mixed ICU as
well - albeit in a cohort study. Watch out for Van den
Bergh's 'sequel' RCT....
PubMed Abstract
Mayo Clin Proc Full Text
Kruger P,
Fitzsimmons K, Cook D, Jones M, Nimmo G.
Statin therapy is associated with fewer deaths in patients with
bacteraemia.
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 75-9
"New Hot Topic!" say Hackam et al., Martin et al, and Thomsen et al.; "New? Says
who?" Liappis et al. reply.
PubMed Abstract
Dellinger
RP, Carlet JM, Masur H, Gerlach H, Calandra T et al.; Surviving
Sepsis Campaign Management Guidelines Committee.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for
management of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine
2004; 32: 858-873
Intensive Care Medicine
2004; 30: 536-555
A high-profile Delphi consensus summarising current evidence
in treating sepsis
PubMed Abstract (ICM)
CCM Full Text
Surviving
Sepsis website
Gao F, Melody T, Daniels DF, Giles S, Fox S.
The impact of compliance with 6-hour and 24-hour sepsis bundles
on hospital mortality in patients with severe sepsis: a
prospective observational study.
Critical Care 2005; 9: R764-70
"Me too!" say Kortgen et al, Shapiro et al. and Micek et al. Don't suppose
anyone will dare do a RCT of sepsis care bundles now.........?.
PubMed Abstract
Critical
Care Full Text
Kellum JA,
Angus DC, Johnson JP, Leblanc M, Griffin M et al.
Continuous versus intermittent renal replacement therapy: a meta-
analysis.
Intensive Care Medicine 2002; 28: 29-37.
CVVH is probably better than intermittent dialysis.
PubMed Abstract
Ronco C, Bellomo R, Homel P, Brendolan A, Dan M, Piccinni P,
La Greca G.
Effects of different doses in continuous veno-venous
haemofiltration on outcomes of acute renal failure: a prospective
randomised trial.
Lancet 2000; 356: 26-30
More and sooner.
PubMed Abstract
Bellomo R, Chapman M, Finfer S, Hickling K, Myburgh J.
Low-dose dopamine in patients with early renal dysfunction: a
placebo- controlled randomised trial. Australian and New Zealand
Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) Clinical Trials Group.
Lancet 2000; 356:
2139-2143.
Another nail in the coffin of renal-dose dopamine.
PubMed Abstract
Kellum
JA, Decker M.
Use of dopamine in acute renal failure: a meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 2001; 29:
1526-1531.
The final nail in the coffin of renal-dose dopamine?
PubMed Abstract
Mathur VS.
The role of the DA1 receptor agonist fenoldopam in
the management of critically ill, transplant, and hypertensive
patients.
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine 2003; Suppl
1: S35-40.
Is this the new renal dopamine?
PubMed Abstract
RICM Full Text (link broken)
Mathur VS, Swan SK, Lambrecht LJ, Anjum S, Fellmann J, McGuire
D et al.
The effects of fenoldopam, a selective dopamine receptor agonist,
on systemic and renal hemodynamics in normotensive subjects.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 1832-1837.
Is this the new renal dopamine?
PubMed Abstract
Allgren RL, Marbury TC, Rahman SN, Weisberg LS, Fenves AZ et
al.
Anaritide in acute tubular necrosis. Auriculin Anaritide Acute
Renal Failure Study Group.
New England Journal of Medicine 1997; 336: 828-834.
……… or is this it?!
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Schrier RW, Wang W.
Acute renal failure and sepsis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 351:
159-169
An excellent review explaining why sepsis is so hard on the
kidneys
PubMed Abstract
Humes HD, Weitzel WF, Bartlett RH, Swaniker FC,
Paganini EP, Luderer JR, Sobota J.
Initial clinical results of the bioartificial kidney containing
human cells in ICU patients with acute renal failure.
Kidney International 2004; 66: 1578-1588
We have the technology! (but will it work?)
PubMed Abstract
Mehta RL,
Pascual MT, Soroko S, Chertow GM; PICARD Study Group.
Diuretics, mortality, and nonrecovery of renal
function in acute renal failure.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2002; 288: 2547-53.
DON'T USE DIURETICS FOR OLIGURIA!
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Uchino S,
Doig GS, Bellomo R, Morimatsu H, Morgera S et al.; Beginning and
Ending Supportive Therapy for the Kidney (B.E.S.T. Kidney)
Investigators.
Diuretics and mortality in acute renal failure.
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32: 1669-77.
All right then, DO use diuretics for oliguria - if you can
survive the geigenanalysis of the collinearity.........
PubMed Abstract
The Cochrane Injuries Group has produced several very useful meta-analyses in this area, many of which are listed below.
Roberts I,
Yates D, Sandercock P, Farrell B, Wasserberg J et al.: CRASH
trial collaborators.
Effect of intravenous corticosteroids on death
within 14 days in 10008 adults with clinically significant head
injury (MRC CRASH trial)
Lancet 2004; 364: 1321-8
Oh well - that answers that one, then! Now for CRASH 2...........
PubMed Abstract
Roberts I.
The CRASH trial: the first large-scale, randomised, controlled
trial in head injury.
Critical Care 2001; 5: 292-293.
One of several references outlining the forthcoming
make-or-break study into steroids and head injury.
PubMed Abstract
Critical Care Free Text
BMJ Editorial
CRASH
website
Alderson
P, Roberts I.
Corticosteroids in acute traumatic brain injury: systematic
review of randomised controlled trials.
British Medical Journal 1997; 314: 1855-1859.
The evidence so far: not very encouraging, although at least
they don’t predispose to infection.
PubMed Abstract
BMJ Full Text
Cochrane Full Text (updated)
Roberts I.
Barbiturates for acute traumatic brain injury.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1999
Thiopentone: do the risks cancel out the benefits?
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Schierhout
G, Roberts I.
Anti-epileptic drugs for preventing seizures following acute
traumatic brain injury.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001
How odd – preventing the fits doesn’t improve the
outcome!
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Forsyth R,
Baxter P, Elliott T.
Routine intracranial pressure monitoring in acute coma.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001
Is there any good evidence to support ICP
monitoring......?
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Marion DW,
Penrod LE, Kelsey SF, Obrist WD, Kochanek PM, Palmer AM et al.
Treatment of traumatic brain injury with moderate hypothermia.
New England Journal of Medicine 1997; 336: 540-546.
Hypothermia works in brain trauma………
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Clifton
GL, Miller ER, Choi SC, Levin HS, McCauley S, Smith KR, Jr. et
al.
Lack of effect of induction of hypothermia after acute brain
injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 344: 556-563.
………. no it doesn’t …………
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
Alderson
P, Gadkary CS, Signorini DF.
Therapeutic hypothermia for head injury.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004
So does it work or doesn’t it? ……..
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
McIntyre
LA, Fergusson DA, Hébert PC, Moher D, Hutchison JS
Prolonged therapeutic hypothermia after traumatic brain injury in
adults: a systematic review
Journal of the American Medical Association
2003; 289: 2992-2999
Therapeutic hypothermia works, if you do it right?
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Cooper DJ, Myles PS, McDermott FT, Murray LJ, Laidlaw J et
al.; HTS Study Investigators.
Prehospital hypertonic saline resuscitation of
patients with hypotension and severe traumatic brain injury: a
randomized controlled trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association
2004; 291: 1350-7
It makes sense, but..........
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Eker C,
Asgeirsson B, Grande PO, Schalen W, Nordstrom CH.
Improved outcome after severe head injury with a new therapy
based on principles for brain volume regulation and preserved
microcirculation.
Critical Care Medicine 1998; 26: 1881-1886.
An outline of the highly promising ‘Lund therapy’
– but we're still waiting for the RCT !
PubMed Abstract
Nordstrom CH.
Physiological and biochemical principles underlying
volume-targeted therapy--the "Lund concept".
Neurocritical Care 2005; 2: 83-95.
There has to be a better way to manage brain injury - but is
this it?
PubMed Abstract
Neurocritical Care Full Text (click on
"Download 30-day Evaluation" - requires (free)
registration)
Advanced
Life Support Working Group of the European Resuscitation Council.
The 1998 European Resuscitation Council guidelines for adult
advanced life support.
British Medical Journal 1998; 316: 1863-1869.
This goes into a bit more detail than your average ALS
refresher course. The abstract for the 2000 Guidelines is
available here. The complete 2000 Guidelines
(all 447 pages-worth!) comprise Volume 46 of Resuscitation.
PubMed (no abstract available)
BMJ Full Text
Gabbott D
et al.; Royal College of Anaesthetists; Royal College of
Physicians of London; Intensive Care Society; Resuscitation
Council.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation standards for clinical practice and
training in the UK.
Resuscitation 2005; 64: 13-9.
The previous reference tells you what to do - this one tells
you how to get it done
PubMed Abstract
Tunstall-Pedoe
H, Bailey L, Chamberlain DA, Marsden AK, Ward ME, Zideman DA.
Survey of 3765 cardiopulmonary resuscitations in British
hospitals (the BRESUS Study): methods and overall results.
British Medical Journal 1992; 304: 1347-1351.
It does what it says in the title …………….
PubMed Abstract
Kause J,
Smith G, Prytherch D, Parr M, Flabouris A, Hillman K.
A comparison of antecedents to cardiac arrests,
deaths and emergency intensive care admissions in Australia and
New Zealand, and the United Kingdom--the ACADEMIA study.
Resuscitation 2004; 62: 275-82.
Let's see any fancy cardiology study try to beat THAT
acronym!
PubMed Abstract
Resuscitation Full Text (compliments of the ICS!)
Bottiger
BW, Bode C, Kern S, Gries A, Gust R, Glatzer R et al.
Efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy after initially
unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a prospective
clinical trial.
Lancet 2001; 357: 1583-1585.
Far from being contra-indicated, thrombolysis may actually
improve CPR success – but what about long-term outcomes?
PubMed Abstract
Search Lancet for (free) Full Text
Lafuente-Lafuente C, Melero-Bascones M.
Active chest compression-decompression for cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001; CD002751.
Another trendy and logical therapy failing to live up to its
initial promise.
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
Levine RL,
Wayne MA, Miller CC.
End-tidal carbon dioxide and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac
arrest.
New England Journal of Medicine 1997; 337: 301-306.
One way of deciding whether to stop CPR.
PubMed Abstract
NEJM Full Text
van
Walraven C, Forster AJ, Parish DC, Dane FC, Chandra KM et al.
Validation of a clinical decision aid to discontinue in-hospital
cardiac arrest resuscitations.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2001; 285:
1602-1606.
Another way of deciding whether to stop CPR.
PubMed Abstract
JAMA Full Text (free but requires
registration)
Aufderheide TP, Sigurdsson G, Pirrallo RG, Yannopoulos D,
McKnite S et al.
Hyperventilation-induced hypotension during
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Circulation 2004; 109:
1960-1965
OK, it's a small study, it's observational, and it's
mostly animal work - but it's changed my practice and might
change yours.
PubMed Abstract
Circulation Full Text
Nolan JP, Morley PT, Vanden Hoek TL, Hickey RW et al. (for
ILCOR)
Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest: an
advisory statement by the advanced life support task force of the
International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Circulation 2003; 108: 118-21
Cooling post cardiac arrest is in -
ILCOR says so!
PubMed (no abstract)
Circulation Full Text
Davis PG, Tan A, O'Donnell CP, Schulze A.
Resuscitation of newborn infants with 100% oxygen
or air: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lancet 2004; 364:
1329-33
Guess which is better? You might be surprised!
PubMed Abstract
Cochrane Full Text
American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine