The association between obesity and outcomes in critically ill patients.

Background: Obesity rates are increasing worldwide, particularly in North America. The impact of obesity on the outcome of critically ill patients is unclear.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to a tertiary critical care unit in Canada between January 10, 2008 and March 31, 2009 was conducted.

Diagnostic evaluation and management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a clinical practice guideline.

Background: Pulmonary embolism is a common condition. Some patients subsequently develop chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Many care gaps exist in the diagnosis and management of CTEPH patients including lack of awareness, incomplete diagnostic assessment, and inconsistent use of surgical and medical therapies.

The use of noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory failure at a tertiary care center.

Objective: Financial constraints and bed limitations frequently prevent admission of ill patients to a critical care setting. We surveyed the use of treatment with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in clinical practice by physicians in a tertiary care, university-based teaching hospital and compared our findings with published recommendations for the use of NIV.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) for whom NIV was ordered over a 5-month period.