Zinc Deficiency in Critically Ill Patients: Impact on Clinical Outcome.

Background Zinc is a trace element essential for the normal functioning of many vital enzymes and organ systems. Studies examining the rates and degrees of zinc deficiency and its consequences in patients with critical illnesses remain scarce. Materials and methods This is a prospective observational study assessing zinc deficiency in critically ill adult patients admitted to a tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU) and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Systemic thrombolytics as rescue therapy for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective observational study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is often associated with a progressive respiratory failure that is refractory to maximal ventilatory support and other ARDS strategies. Studies show evidence of a hypercoagulable state in COVID-19 patients, including capillary thrombosis and alveolar fibrin deposits which impede normal gas exchange. In this context, thrombolysis is considered as a salvage therapy to rescue critically hypoxemic patients.

A rare case of vaccine-induced immune thrombosis and thrombocytopenia and approach to management.

Background: The use of the COVID-19 vaccines Vaxzevria from AstraZeneca and Covishield from Janssen has been associated with sporadic reports of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia, a complication referred to as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) or vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia. It presents commonly as cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT), within 4-30 days of vaccination. Females under 55 years of age are considered to be especially at high risk.

A Study of Multidrug-Resistant, Colistin-Only-Sensitive Infections in Intubated and Mechanically Ventilated Patients Over 2 Years.

Background And Aims: Multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative infections are increasingly common in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study compares the occurrence and outcome of colistin-only-sensitive (COS) infections among mechanically ventilated patients at a tertiary hospital ICU.

Methods: The study included adult patients admitted over a period of 2 years, who were intubated and mechanically ventilated for more than 48 h.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Lactate as a Prognostic Indicator in Postneurosurgical Bacterial Meningitis and Use of Intrathecal Colistin.

Postneurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) is an emergency and requires early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. The cornerstone of diagnosis is microbiological analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytochemical characteristics such as leucocyte count, CSF glucose, and protein concentration and CSF: Serum glucose ratio. However, this is often misleading in PNBM.

Outcome of Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Referral Intensive Care Unit with Urosepsis Needing Source Control.

Introduction: Urosepsis is one of the common causes of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It has traditionally been treated with antibiotics, but surgical management with Double J [DJ] ureteral stents is gaining popularity. This study compares patients with complicated urosepsis who underwent surgical source control by ureteral stenting with those managed medically.

Efficacy of conivaptan and hypertonic (3%) saline in treating hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in a tertiary Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities encountered in clinical practice and has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The optimal management of hyponatremia is still evolving. Over the last decade, vaptans have been increasingly used in clinical practice with promising results.

Pseudocholinesterase as a predictor of mortality and morbidity in organophosphorus poisoning.

Background: Organophosphorus (OP) pesticide poisoning is a major clinical and public health problem in India. Mortality rate remains high at 15%-30%.

Aims: This prospective, observational study examines the relationship between pseudocholinesterase (PChE) activity and morbidity and mortality in OP poisoning.

Postoperative nutrition practices in abdominal surgery patients in a tertiary referral hospital Intensive Care Unit: A prospective analysis.

Background: Benefit of early enteral feeds in surgical patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) has been emphasized by several studies. Apprehensions about anastomotic leaks in gastrointestinal surgical patients prevent initiation of early enteral nutrition (EN). The impact of these practices on outcome in Indian scenario is less studied.

Recurrent pleural effusions: an unusual presentation of chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a rare cause of recurrent pleural effusion. Here is a case of recurrent massive left pleural effusions due to pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) secondary to asymptomatic chronic pancreatitis. Pleural fluid analysis was inconclusive.