Hemodynamic effects and tolerance of dobutamine for myocardial dysfunction during septic shock: An observational multicenter prospective echocardiographic study.

Background: The role of dobutamine during septic shock resuscitation is still controversial.

Methods: The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to comprehensively characterize the hemodynamic response of septic shock patients with systolic myocardial dysfunction to incremental doses of dobutamine (0, 5, 10, and 15 μg/kg/min).

Results: Thirty two patients were included in three centers.

Extracorporeal CO removal in acute exacerbation of COPD unresponsive to non-invasive ventilation.

Background: The gold-standard treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ae-COPD) is non-invasive ventilation (NIV). However, NIV failures may be observed, and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is required. Extracorporeal CO₂ removal (ECCO₂R) devices can be an alternative to intubation.

Transesophageal echocardiography for cardiovascular risk estimation in patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation: a multicenter prospective pilot study.

Background: Echocardiographic parameters have been poorly investigated for estimating cardiovascular risk in patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation. We aim to assess the prevalence of transesophageal echocardiographic abnormalities and their relationship with cardiovascular events in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Methods: In this prospective multicenter pilot study, left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) dysfunction, severe aortic atheroma, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were assessed using an initial transesophageal echocardiographic study, which was repeated after 48-72 h to detect LA/LAA thrombus formation.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) face-mask ventilation is an easy and cheap option to manage a massive influx of patients presenting acute respiratory failure during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, intensive care units (ICU) can be overwhelmed by the number of hypoxemic patients.

Material And Methods: This single centre retrospective observational cohort study took place in a French hospital where the number of patients exceeded the ICU capacity despite an increase from 18 to 32 beds. Because of this, 59 (37%) of the 159 patients requiring ICU care were referred to other hospitals.

Acute Respiratory Failure in a Patient with Stiff-Person Syndrome.

Background: Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness, rigidity, and spasms involving the axial muscles. Acute respiratory distress has rarely been reported in this condition.

Methods: We report a case of a 49-year-old woman with autoimmune SPS diagnosed during an episode of acute respiratory failure secondary to repetitive episodes of apnea, requiring intensive care.

[Inadequate involvement of general practitioners in end-of-life's decisions in an intensive care unit].

Interests And Objectives: Patients' general practitioners (GPs) could be relevant consultants for collegial decisions of withholding or withdrawing treatment (WWT) defined by the Leonetti law. We therefore studied their implication by intensivists in end-of-life decisions and collected their feelings. Their wishes for the coming law revision were also investigated.