The Effect of Albumin Replacement on Vasopressor Duration in Septic Shock in Patients With Hypoalbuminemia.

Background: The use of albumin resuscitation in septic shock is only recommended in patients who have received large volumes of crystalloid resuscitation regardless of serum albumin concentration. The role of albumin is still largely debated and evidence to support its use still lacking.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether albumin replacement increases the number of vasopressor-free days in patients with septic shock and hypoalbuminemia.

Risk Factors Associated with Suboptimal Tobramycin Levels in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Optimal aminoglycoside dosing in critically ill patients represents a challenge for practitioners, especially in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). MICU patients exhibit altered pharmacokinetics due to pathophysiological changes the body undergoes in critical illness, leading to possible treatment failure. The literature surrounding optimal dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring strategies of aminoglycosides in MICU patients is scarce and conflicting.

Antibodies Predict Pegaspargase Allergic Reactions and Failure of Rechallenge.

Purpose: Pegaspargase (PEG-ASP) has largely replaced native asparaginase (L-ASP) in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia because of its longer half-life and lower immunogenicity. Risk factors for allergic reactions to PEG-ASP remain unclear. Here, we identify risk factors for reactions in a front-line acute lymphoblastic leukemia trial and assess the usefulness of serum antibodies for diagnosing allergy and predicting rechallenge outcome.

Thiamine Use in Sepsis: B1 for Everyone?

Every year, sepsis affects nearly 30 million people worldwide, with current annual estimates reporting as many as 6 million deaths. To combat the staggering number of patients who are affected by sepsis, clinicians continue to investigate novel treatment approaches. One treatment approach that has gained interest is the role that vitamins and nutrients play in the body's response to sepsis.