The ICM Literature Hit Parade

The following ‘Top 100 references’ are based on no objective ranking whatsoever, but purely my subjective opinion as to what is topical or useful to know about for the DICM exam. Preference has been given to papers that have been asked in the actual exam (underlined); meta-analyses and systematic reviews; ‘household names’ in ICU literature; recent papers; and papers describing new drugs or forthcoming major studies. Low priority has been given to teaching reviews (with a few exceptions), animal or lab studies, and foreign-language or ‘minor’ journals. No attempt has been made to cover the realm of ICM literature evenly.

Feel free to disagree with my Hit Parade – I’d welcome any suggestions for items that should be included, emailed to austin@dicm.co.uk . Please include: enough detail to locate the reference; your reason why it should be in the Top 100; and (ideally) your vote for which of the existing entries to drop in place of the new candidate. I’ll do my best to update the list if and when anything ‘hot’ hits the journals, but no promises!

By request, references that have been added since the last update are now marked . References that have been discarded to make way for new 'hits' can be found here. If you're really that interested, you can download an Excel spreadsheet of all ICM Hit Parade references, past and present, from this page here.

References are arranged by topic, rather than any hypothetical order of importance. Links are included to PubMed, and to free online full text where available.

HOW TO READ THE LITERATURE

Read this series of five articles from CCM before anything else! An excellent guide to critical analysis of journal stuff, as well as a practical critique of five useful papers. If you want more detail, JAMA has a similar series called Users’ Guide to Evidence-based Practice (link updated).

Cook DJ, Hebert PC, Heyland DK, Guyatt GH, Brun-Buisson C et al.
How to use an article on therapy or prevention: pneumonia prevention using subglottic secretion drainage.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1502-1513.
PubMed Abstract

Jaeschke RZ, Meade MO, Guyatt GH, Keenan SP, Cook DJ.
How to use diagnostic test articles in the intensive care unit: diagnosing weanability using f/Vt.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1514-1521.
PubMed Abstract

Meade MO, Cook DJ, Kernerman P, Bernard G.
How to use articles about harm: the relationship between high tidal volumes, ventilating pressures, and ventilator-induced lung injury.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1915-1922.
PubMed Abstract

Cook DJ, Levy MM, Heyland DK.
How to use a review article: prophylactic endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.
Critical Care Medicine 1998; 26: 692-700.
PubMed Abstract

Keenan SP, Guyatt GH, Sibbald WJ, Cook DJ, Heyland DK, Jaeschke RZ.
How to use articles about diagnostic technology: gastric tonometry.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 1726-1731.
PubMed Abstract

ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES

Burns SM, Earven S, Fisher C, Lewis R, Merrell P et al.; University of Virginia Long Term Mechanical Ventilation Team.
Implementation of an institutional program to improve clinical and financial outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients: one-year outcomes and lessons learned.
Critical Care Medicine 2003; 31: 2752-2763
Better ICU care costs less! A nurse-led team recapitulates the results of Clemmer et al.
PubMed Abstract

Winters BD, Pham JC, Hunt EA, Guallar E, Berenholtz S, Pronovost PJ.
Rapid response systems: a systematic review.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 1238-43
METs: do they work or don't they?
PubMed Abstract

Harrison DA, Brady AR, Rowan K.
Case mix, outcome and length of stay for admissions to adult, general critical care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Case Mix Programme Database.
Critical Care 2004; 8: R99-111
Every British intensivist should know something about ICNARC! OK, maybe not the Scots........
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

Priestap FA, Martin CM.
Impact of intensive care unit discharge time on patient outcome.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 2946-51
Worried about pushing patients out at night to make beds? Well, you should.........
PubMed Abstract

Kahn JM, Goss CH, Heagerty PJ, Kramer AA, O'Brien CR, Rubenfeld GD.
Hospital volume and the outcomes of mechanical ventilation.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 41-50.
Alas, it seems size does matter!
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Taylor B, Kemp V, Goldhill D, Waldmann C
Critical care contingency planning: phased responses and triaging framework.
Journal of the Intensive Care Society 2008: 9: 16-19
How will your ICU respond when the flu pandemic hits?
JICS Full Text

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT

Steinberg KP, Hudson LD, Goodman RB, Hough CL, Lanken PN et al.; for ARDSNET
Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids for persistent acute respiratory distress syndrome
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354: 1671-84
So what did ARDSNET do 'wrong' compared to Meduri et al.? Too much steroid? Too late? Study too well-powered.........?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Meduri GU, Golden E, Freire AX, Taylor E, Zaman M et al.
Methylprednisolone infusion in early severe ARDS: results of a randomized controlled trial.
Chest 2007; 131: 954-63.
Meduri strikes back!
PubMed Abstract             Chest Full Text

Adhikari N, Burns KE, Meade MO.
Pharmacologic therapies for adults with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004
Once they update it with the ARDSNET steroid study, pentoxifylline will be the only horse left in the race....
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network.
Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome.
New England Journal of Medicine 2000; 342: 1301-1308.
Perhaps the most controversial paper in intensive care since Connors......
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Eichacker PQ, Gerstenberger EP, Banks SM, Cui X, Natanson C
Meta-analysis of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome trials testing low tidal volumes.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2002 166:1510-4.
A meta-analysis that explains why low-Vt works in some studies and not others!
PubMed (no abstract available) AJRCCM Full Text

Wiedemann HP, Wheeler AP, Bernard GR, Thompson BT, Hayden D et al, for ARDSNET
Comparison of two fluid-management strategies in acute lung injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354: 2564-75.
Read the editorial and extensive correspondence as well
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Girard TD, Kress JP, Fuchs BD, Thomason JW, Schweickert WD et al.
Efficacy and safety of a paired sedation and ventilator weaning protocol for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care (Awakening and Breathing Controlled trial): a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2008; 371: 126-34.
NNT = 7.4 for mortality!
PubMed Abstract

Burns KE, Adhikari NK, Meade MO.
A meta-analysis of noninvasive weaning to facilitate liberation from mechanical ventilation.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 53: 305-15.
Can't get them off the ventilator? Just extubate to mask BiPAP
PubMed Abstract CJA Full Text Cochrane Full Text

Esteban A, Frutos-Vivar F, Ferguson ND, Arabi Y, Apezteguia C et al.
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for respiratory failure after extubation.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 350: 2542-2560
......But it's no good waiting for respiratory failure to set in - NIV too late only makes things worse!
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Peter JV, Moran JL, Phillips-Hughes J, Graham P, Bersten AD.
Effect of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: a meta-analysis.
Lancet 2006; 367: 1155-63.
Hmmm.... I think I'd rather have the CPAP than the BiPAP, thanks
PubMed Abstract

Adhikari NK, Burns KE, Friedrich JO, Granton JT, Cook DJ, Meade MO.
Effect of nitric oxide on oxygenation and mortality in acute lung injury: systematic review and meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2007; 334: 779-86
A disappointing performance from 1992's Molecule Of The Year
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Griffiths J, Barber VS, Morgan L, Young JD.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of the timing of tracheostomy in adult patients undergoing artificial ventilation.
British Medical Journal 2005; 330: 1243-1248.
Laying the groundwork for TracMan..............
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Delaney A, Bagshaw SM, Nalos M.
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy versus surgical tracheostomy in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Critical Care. 2006; 10: R55.
But what type of trache should we do?
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

Confalonieri M, Urbino R, Potena A, Piattella M, Parigi P
Hydrocortisone infusion for severe community-acquired pneumonia: a preliminary randomized study.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2005; 171:242-8
Steroids - the old new wonder-drug (no SynACTHen test required!)
PubMed Abstract AJRCCM Full Text

Canadian Critical Care Trials Group; Heyland D, Dodek P, Muscedere J, Day A.
A randomized trial of diagnostic techniques for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 2619-30
How you diagnose it makes no difference...............
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Safdar N, Dezfulian C, Collard HR, Saint S
Clinical and economic consequences of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 2184-93.
........ but actually having it certainly does!
PubMed Abstract

Francois B, Bellissant E, Gissot V, Desachy A, Normand S et al. Association des Reanimateurs du Centre-Ouest (ARCO).
12-h pretreatment with methylprednisolone versus placebo for prevention of postextubation laryngeal oedema: a randomised double-blind trial.
Lancet 2007; 369: 1083-9
More steroids, anyone............?
PubMed Abstract

Colebourn CL, Barber V, Young JD.
Use of helium-oxygen mixture in adult patients presenting with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Anaesthesia 2007; 62: 34-42.
Heliox: it's good (but not VERY good).............
PubMed Abstract

Perkins GD, McAuley DF, Thickett DR, Gao F.
The beta-agonist lung injury trial (BALTI): a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2006; 173: 281-7.
I wasn't that impressed with BALTI at first, but now that BALTI-2 is in the pipeline...
PubMed Abstract             AJRCCM Full Text

Derdak S, Mehta S, Stewart TE, Smith T, Rogers M et al.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults: a randomized, controlled trial.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2002;166: 801-8.
The Derdak study makes a rare comeback onto the Hit Parade - working up to an OSCAR !
PubMed Abstract            AJRCCM Full Text

Chalwin RP, Moran JL, Graham PL.
The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of the adult respiratory distress syndrome: review and quantitative analysis.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 2008; 36: 152-61.
Setting the stage for the CESAR Trial - here's a sneak peek...
PubMed Abstract

HAEMODYNAMIC THERAPY

Shah MR, Hasselblad V, Stevenson LW, Binanay C, O'Connor CM et al.
Impact of the pulmonary artery catheter in critically ill patients: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2005; 294; 1664-70
Bottom line: it doesn't kill people, and it doesn't help either.....
PubMed Abstract JAMA Full Text (free but requires registration)

Rivers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, Ressler J, Muzzin A, Knoblich B et al.
Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345: 1368-1377.
Goal-directed therapy does work, if you hit them soon enough............
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Kern JW, Shoemaker WC.
Meta-analysis of hemodynamic optimization in high-risk patients.
Critical Care Medicine 2002; 30: 1686-92
And the meta-analysis says...... BONG! Yes, it only works if you start before organ failure sets in
PubMed Abstract

Leone M, Martin C.
Vasopressor use in septic shock: an update.
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 2008; 21: 141-7.
So we still don't know which inotrope to use....
PubMed Abstract

Russell JA, Walley KR, Singer J, Gordon AC, Hébert PC et al.: the VASST Investigators
Vasopressin versus norepinephrine infusion in patients with septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 877-87.
It's here, it's VASST, it's ... a bit inconclusive, really
PubMed Abstract

Pearse RM, Belsey JD, Cole JN, Bennett ED.
Effect of dopexamine infusion on mortality following major surgery: individual patient data meta-regression analysis of published clinical trials.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 1323-9.
Dopexamine: the dark horse of inotropes!
PubMed Abstract

Archan S, Toller W.
Levosimendan: current status and future prospects.
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 2008; 21: 78-84.
LIDO, RUSSLAN, CASINO, SURVIVE, REVIVE and BELIEF - just has to be a cardiology topic!
PubMed Abstract

Gheorghiade M, Konstam MA, Burnett JC Jr, Grinfeld L, Maggioni AP, et al. (EVEREST Investigators).
Short-term clinical effects of tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin antagonist, in patients hospitalized for heart failure: the EVEREST Clinical Status Trials.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2007; 297: 1332-43
Encouraging - but what about the real outcomes.............?
PubMed Abstract JAMA Full Text

Topol EJ.
Nesiritide - not verified.
New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 353: 113-6.
The forthcoming ETNA trial could determine whether Nesiritide makes it into Europe.
PubMed (no abstract) NEJM Full Text

FLUID AND TRANSFUSION THERAPY

The SAFE Study Investigators
A comparison of albumin and saline for fluid resuscitation in the intensive care unit.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 350: 2247-2256
"See? Told you albumin was safe!" "See? Told you it was no better than crystalloid!"
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Vincent JL, Sakr Y, Reinhart K, Sprung CL, Gerlach H, Ranieri VM; the 'Sepsis Occurrence in Acutely Ill Patients' investigators
Is albumin administration in the acutely ill associated with increased mortality? Results of the SOAP study.
Critical Care 2005; 9: R745-54.
Albumin: SAFE as SOAP?
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

SAFE Study Investigators; Myburgh J, Cooper DJ, Finfer S, Bellomo R, Norton R et al.
Saline or albumin for fluid resuscitation in patients with traumatic brain injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 874-84.
So what do the Lund protocol guys have to say about that?
PubMed Abstract            NEJM Full Text

Bunn F, Roberts I, Tasker R, Akpa E.
Hypertonic versus isotonic crystalloid for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004; CD 002045
Does ‘small-volume resuscitation’ really work?
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

Walsh TS, Saleh EE.
Anaemia during critical illness.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 97: 278-291
An excellent review of a core DICM exam topic
PubMed Abstract

Barrett NA, Kam PC.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury: a literature review.
Anaesthesia. 2006; 61: 777-85.
This topic cropped up in the 2004 exam - will it be asked again?
PubMed Abstract

NUTRITION

Heyland DK, Dhaliwal R, Drover JW, Gramlich L, Dodek P; Canadian Critical Care Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee.
Canadian clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support in mechanically ventilated, critically ill adult patients.
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2003; 27: 355-73
Everything you ever wanted to know about ICU nutrition, with an evidence base!
PubMed Abstract

Simpson F, Doig GS.
Parenteral vs. enteral nutrition in the critically ill patient: a meta-analysis of trials using the intention to treat principle.
Intensive Care Medicine 2005; 31: 12-23.
TPN is better. Better than enteral nutrition, or better than nothing?
PubMed Abstract

Marik PE, Zaloga GP.
Meta-analysis of parenteral nutrition versus enteral nutrition in patients with acute pancreatitis.
British Medical Journal 2004; 328: 1407-1410
Any surprise at their findings? But try convincing your local surgeon..........
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Heyland DK, Dhaliwal R, Suchner U, Berger MM.
Antioxidant nutrients: a systematic review of trace elements and vitamins in the critically ill patient.
Intensive Care Medicine 2005; 31: 327-337
Immunonutrition? So passé - antioxidants are the current nutrition topic!
PubMed Abstract

Pontes-Arruda A, Aragao AM, Albuquerque JD.
Effects of enteral feeding with eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidants in mechanically ventilated patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 2325-33.
Waaaaaay better than drotrecogin............?
PubMed Abstract

Angstwurm MW, Engelmann L, Zimmermann T, Lehmann C, Spes CH, Abel P et al.
Selenium in Intensive Care (SIC): results of a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple-center study in patients with severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 118-26
Another win for anti-oxidants...........
PubMed Abstract

INFECTION

Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE, Light B, Parrillo JE et al.
Duration of hypotension before initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1589-96.
Door-to-antibiotic time: "time is cytokine"!
PubMed Abstract

Pronovost P, Needham D, Berenholtz S, Sinopoli D, Chu H, Cosgrove S et al.
An intervention to decrease catheter-related bloodstream infections in the ICU.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 2725-32.
Wow. Why would implementing good aseptic technique cause such an ethical controversy?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Liberati A, D'Amico R, Pifferi S, Torri V, Brazzi L, Gensini GF, Gusinu R.
Antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent nosocomial infections in patients in intensive care units: evidence that struggle to convince practising clinicians.
Internal and Emergency Medicine 2006; 1: 160-2. (a brand-new journal! Much needed, no doubt.........)
Bad grammar aside, why is it that the evidence struggle to convince?
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

Chan EY, Ruest A, Meade MO, Cook DJ.
Oral decontamination for prevention of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2007; 334: 889.
Halves the incidence of VAP, but no change in mortality or length-of-stay.
PubMed Abstract           BMJ Full Text

Uzzan B, Cohen R, Nicolas P, Cucherat M, Perret GY.
Procalcitonin as a diagnostic test for sepsis in critically ill adults and after surgery or trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1996-2003.
It all depends on which meta-analysis you read (or how high your standards are....)
PubMed Abstract

Bai Y, Gao J, Zou DW, Li ZS.
Prophylactic antibiotics cannot reduce infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in acute necrotizing pancreatitis: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 2008; 103: 104-10.
Once again, it all depends on which meta-analysis you read...
PubMed Abstract

Besselink MG, van Santvoort HC, Buskens E, Boermeester MA, van Goor H et al.; Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group.
Probiotic prophylaxis in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Lancet 2008; 371: 651-9
Well, we may not be sure about antibiotics, but at least we know where we stand on probiotics!
PubMed Abstract

Watkinson PJ, Barber VS, Dark P, Young JD.
The use of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in adult intensive care unit patients: Systematic review.
Clinical Nutrition 2007; 26: 182-92
No more yoghurt for you, Mrs Robinson.................
PubMed Abstract

Shittu A, Lin J
Newer anti-staphylococcal agents: in-vitro studies and emerging trends in Staphylococcus aureus resistance
Wounds 2006; 18: 129-146
New antibiotics coming soon to an ICU near you - but how long until that devious Staph finds a new anti-antibiotic?
Wounds Full Text

Playford EG, Webster AC, Sorrell TC, Craig JC.
Antifungal agents for preventing fungal infections in non-neutropenic critically ill and surgical patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2006; 57: 628-38
Add to that not one but two meta-analyses on (nearly) the same subject from CCM, and you have a hot topic...........
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

Huang L, Quartin A, Jones D, Havlir DV.
Intensive care of patients with HIV infection.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 173-81.
A 'hot topic' from the 2006 exam - two months before this review came out!
PubMed (no abstract) NEJM Full Text

METABOLIC AND CYTOKINE THERAPIES IN SEPSIS

Bernard GR, Vincent JL, Laterre PF, LaRosa SP, Dhainaut JF et al.
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human activated protein C for severe sepsis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 344: 699-709.
The PROWESS study has since been extensively data-mined for more papers!
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Eichacker PQ, Natanson C.
Increasing evidence that the risks of rhAPC may outweigh its benefits.
Intensive Care Medicine 2007; 33: 396-9
After disappointing results from ADDRESS, ENHANCE and RESOLVE, is the tide turning against APC........?
PubMed (no abstract)

Gao F, Linhartova L, Johnston AM, Thickett DR.
Statins and sepsis.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2008; 100: 288-98.
Are statins the long-sought magic bullet? The ASEPSIS trial might tell us - or perhaps the STATInS trial - or maybe SimSept...
PubMed Abstract

Busund R, Koukline V, Utrobin U, Nedashkovsky E.
Plasmapheresis in severe sepsis and septic shock: a prospective, randomised, controlled trial.
Intensive Care Medicine 2002; 28: 1434-9
Never mind magic bullets, this is a magic machine-gun!
PubMed Abstract

Kreymann KG, de Heer G, Nierhaus A, Kluge S.
Use of polyclonal immunoglobulins as adjunctive therapy for sepsis or septic shock
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 2677-85
A new study, two conflicting meta-analyses, and two editorials, all in one issue of CCM - new hot topic?
PubMed Abstract

Van den Berghe G, Wilmer A, Hermans G, Meersseman W, Wouters PJ et al.
Intensive insulin therapy in the medical ICU.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354: 449-61.
Does it really improve mortality? Perhaps GluControl will be the final answer - or maybe NICE SUGAR...........?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Brunkhorst FM, Engel C, Bloos F, Meier-Hellmann A, Ragaller M et al.: German Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet).
Intensive insulin therapy and pentastarch resuscitation in severe sepsis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 125-39.
The VISEP trial: two completely unrelated studies combined into one! Here's a damning indictment.
PubMed Abstract

Sprung CL, Annane D, Keh D, Moreno R, Singer M et al.: CORTICUS Study Group.
Hydrocortisone therapy for patients with septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 111-24.
So what was the difference between CORTICUS and Annane's (previous) study?
PubMed Abstract

Dellinger RP, Levy MM, Carlet JM, Bion J, Parker MM et al.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2008.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 17-60.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 296-327.
Less aPC, less steroids, WAY more text than 2004.....
PubMed Abstract (ICM)            PubMed Abstract (CCM)            ICM Full Text

RENAL SUPPORT

Friedrich JO, Adhikari N, Herridge MS, Beyene J.
Meta-analysis: low-dose dopamine increases urine output but does not prevent renal dysfunction or death.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2005; 142: 510-24
Is this the final, final nail in the coffin of renal-dose dopamine?
PubMed Abstract AIM Full Text

Morelli A, Ricci Z, Bellomo R, Ronco C, Rocco M, Conti G et al.
Prophylactic fenoldopam for renal protection in sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 2451-6.
Is this the new renal dopamine? Not only does it reduce renal failure, it may even improve mortality...
PubMed Abstract

Ho KM, Sheridan DJ.
Meta-analysis of frusemide to prevent or treat acute renal failure.
British Medical Journal 2006; 333: 420 - 425
Treating oliguria with frusemide is like - um - p---ing in the wind.....?
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Kelly AM, Dwamena B, Cronin P, Bernstein SJ, Carlos RC.
Meta-analysis: effectiveness of drugs for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2008; 148: 284-94.
N-acetylcysteine, sure - NaBic, yes - Vitamin C? - Theophylline?!
PubMed Abstract           AIM Full Text

Saudan P, Niederberger M, De Seigneux S, Romand J, Pugin J et al.
Adding a dialysis dose to continuous hemofiltration increases survival in patients with acute renal failure.
Kidney International 2006; 70: 1312-7.
So CVVHDF is better then CVVH - how does that tie in with Ronco's study?
PubMed Abstract

Pannu N, Klarenbach S, Wiebe N, Manns B, Tonelli M; Alberta Kidney Disease Network.
Renal replacement therapy in patients with acute renal failure: a systematic review.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2008; 299: 793-805.
The sum total of all we know about RRT, contained in one systematic review.
PubMed Abstract

HEAD INJURY

Edwards P, Arango M, Balica L, Cottingham R, El-Sayed H, Farrell B, Fernandes J et al. CRASH trial collaborators.
Final results of MRC CRASH, a randomised placebo-controlled trial of intravenous corticosteroid in adults with head injury-outcomes at 6 months.
Lancet. 2005; 365: 1957-9.
Oh well, that answers that one then........... now for CRASH 2
PubMed Abstract

Peterson K, Carson S, Carney N.
Hypothermia treatment for traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Neurotrauma 2008; 25: 62-71.
Well, pneumonia: we can treat - death: we haven't quite mastered
PubMed Abstract

Cremer OL, van Dijk GW, van Wensen E, Brekelmans GJ, Moons KG et al.
Effect of intracranial pressure monitoring and targeted intensive care on functional outcome after severe head injury.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 2207-13
Will the ICP monitor turn out to be the PA catheter of head injury?
PubMed Abstract

Pratt OW, Bowles B, Protheroe RT.
Brain stem death testing after thiopental use:A survey of UK neuro critical care practice.
Anaesthesia 2006; 61: 1075-8.
A scary survey!
PubMed Abstract

Tisdall MM, Smith M.
Cerebral microdialysis: research technique or clinical tool.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 97: 18-25
Is this the monitoring of the future? (and it's not just for brains.....)
PubMed Abstract

Grande PO.
The "Lund Concept" for the treatment of severe head trauma - physiological principles and clinical application.
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 1475-84.
A sudden recent burst of journal interest in the Lund Concept - but still no RCT...............?
PubMed Abstract

Cotton BA, Snodgrass KB, Fleming SB, Carpenter RO, Kemp CD et al.
Beta-blocker exposure is associated with improved survival after severe traumatic brain injury.
Journal of Trauma 2007; 62: 26-33; discussion 33-5.
Perhaps beta-blockers are the key element of Lund therapy? Supportive evidence from Arbabi et al.
PubMed Abstract

Morris CG, McCoy EP, Lavery GG.
Spinal immobilisation for unconscious patients with multiple injuries.
British Medical Journal 2004; 329: 495-9
I bet Jones et al. must have rejoiced when this came out three months ahead of their publication!
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

RESUSCITATION

Nolan J and Baskett P
European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2005
Resuscitation 2005; 67: Supplement 1
For the process and evidence behind the latest guidelines (CoSTR), see Volume 67 (2-3) of the same journal
Resuscitation TOC ERC summary (changes only) ERC full guidelines (3.92MB pdf)
Download any or all of the above in bite-sized chunks from the ERC page

Aung K, Htay T.
Vasopressin for cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Archives of Internal Medicine 2005; 165: 17-24.
OK, so it's no good for cardiac arrest - and mixed results from the VASST study - what future for vasopressin?
PubMed Abstract AIM Full Text

Spöhr F, Böttiger BW.
Thrombolytics in CPR. Current advantages in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Minerva Anestesiologica 2005; 71: 291-6.
Advantages? Is that why the TROICA study still isn't published?
PubMed Abstract            Minerva Full Text

Cheung KW, Green RS, Magee KD.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of therapeutic hypothermia as a neuroprotectant in post cardiac arrest patients.
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 2006; 8: 329-37.
Even the Canadians say 'keep them cold'.....!
PubMed Abstract            CJEM Full Text

Booth CM, Boone RH, Tomlinson G, Detsky AS.
Is this patient dead, vegetative, or severely neurologically impaired? Assessing outcome for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2004; 291: 870-9
NOW what do we do with them?
PubMed Abstract JAMA Full Text (free, but requires registration)

MISCELLANEOUS

Calandra T, Cohen J; International Sepsis Forum Definition of Infection in the ICU Consensus Conference.
The international sepsis forum consensus conference on definitions of infection in the intensive care unit.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 1538-48.
Know these definitions by heart!
PubMed Abstract

Malbrain ML, Cheatham ML, Kirkpatrick A, Sugrue M, Parr M, De Waele J et al.
Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. I. Definitions.
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 1722-32
It must be important - have a look at the title of the accompanying editorial (and who wrote it............)
PubMed Abstract

Spahn DR, Cerny V, Coats TJ, Duranteau J, Fernandez-Mondejar E, Gordini G et al.
Management of bleeding following major trauma: a European guideline.
Critical Care 2007; 11: R17
Forget Factor VIIa - control the bleeding fast!
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

Stanworth SJ, Birchall J, Doree CJ, Hyde C.
Recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007; CD005011.
Aprotonin's dying, NovoSeven's struggling - anyone for tranexamic acid? 
For further reviews on this hot topic (Factor VIIa), see this issue of Critical Care.
PubMed Abstract            Cochrane Full Text

Corwin HL, Gettinger A, Fabian TC, May A, Pearl RG et al.: EPO Critical Care Trials Group.
Efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in critically ill patients.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 965-76.
I don't get it: EPO increases thromboses, doesn't reduce transfusions, but appears to reduce mortality?
PubMed Abstract            NEJM Full Text

Kantorova I, Svoboda P, Scheer P, Doubek J, Rehorkova D et al.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.
Hepatogastroenterology 2004; 51: 757-61.
Sucralfate, PPIs, H2-blockers - or nothing at all?
PubMed Abstract

Thwaites CL, Yen LM, Loan HT, Thuy TT, Thwaites GE, Stepniewska K et al.
Magnesium sulphate for treatment of severe tetanus: a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet. 2006; 368: 1436-43.
OK, so you probably don't see very much tetanus - but what a good exam topic it would be!
PubMed Abstract

Pawar KS, Bhoite RR, Pillay CP, Chavan SC, Malshikare DS, Garad SG.
Continuous pralidoxime infusion versus repeated bolus injection to treat organophosphorus pesticide poisoning: a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2006; 368: 2136-41
Following so soon after Peter's meta-analysis, could this be a new Hot Topic.........?
PubMed Abstract

Greenwood BM.
Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 2507-9.
Steroids for meningitis? Yes if you're in the First World, no if you're in Malawi, maybe if you're in Vietnam
PubMed (no abstract)            NEJM Full Text

Lin MT, Albertson TE
Genomic polymorphisms in sepsis
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32: 569-579
If molecular medicine is The Future, then here's your horoscope.........
PubMed Abstract

Munger MA.
New agents for managing hyponatremia in hospitalized patients.
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 2007: 64: 253-65
Remember the EVEREST studies? Well, here's another use for AVP-antagonists!
PubMed Abstract

Khuroo MS, Khuroo MS, Farahat KL.
Molecular adsorbent recirculating system for acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure: a meta-analysis.
Liver Transplant 2004; 10: 1099-106
MARS marches on - will it reach the mainstream or won't it?
PubMed Abstract Liver Transplant Full Text

Moss M, Burnham EL.
Alcohol abuse in the critically ill patient.
Lancet 2006; 368: 2231-42.
Hmmm - could this be a 'hot topic' for the year?
PubMed Abstract

Stein PD, Woodard PK, Weg JG, Wakefield TW, Tapson VF et al.: PIOPED II Investigators.
Diagnostic pathways in acute pulmonary embolism: recommendations of the PIOPED II Investigators.
Radiology 2007; 242: 15-21.
By far the most commonly missed fatal diagnosis.
PubMed (no abstract)             Radiology Full Text

Arabi Y, Gomersall CD, Ahmed QA, Boynton BR, Memish ZA.
The critically ill avian influenza A (H5N1) patient.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 1397-403
Still a potential hot topic...........
PubMed Abstract

If, after all that, you still haven't had enough of ICM literature, then you are a 'journal junkie'. For a further fix, see:

Baltussen A, Kindler CH
Citation classics in critical care medicine
Intensive Care Medicine 2004; 30: 902-910
This is a list of the most-cited articles in both the critical care literature, and general medical literature relevant to critical care. The authors also provide some analytic statistics, and a discussion of the utility of 'citation ranking'. Should you try and read all these papers for the DICM as well (there are 119 in total, although of course several of them also appear above)? I would argue not: the most-cited papers are not necessarily the ones that you are most likely to be asked about. In particular, recent 'hot topics' will not yet have accumulated many citations; while many older papers have become such basic knowledge in intensive care that reading the original description is likely to be of historical interest only. Of note is that 11 of the 15 most-cited papers in the critical care literature are about scoring systems - presumably every time someone uses a scoring system in their study, the original paper picks up another citation. But do by all means read the paper itself; and the list of most-cited papers is available below as a Word document.
PubMed Abstract Citation List

Finally, for a bit of light entertainment, try:

Bartlett RH.
Alice in intensiveland. Being an essay on nonsense and common sense in the ICU, after the manner of Lewis Carroll.
Chest 1995; 108: 1129-39.
Of course, none of us would do anything that silly, would we? Like giving frusemide for oliguria, or subtracting the PEEP from the CVP.........
PubMed (no abstract) Chest Full Text