Endotracheal tube biofilm in critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic : description of an underestimated microbiological compartment.

Biofilm (BF) growth is believed to play a major role in the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit. Despite concerted efforts to understand the potential implication of endotracheal tube (ETT)-BF dispersal, clinically relevant data are lacking to better characterize the impact of its mesostructure and microbiological singularity on the occurrence of VAP. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective observational study during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, between March and May 2021.

Candida spp. airway colonization could promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria selection in patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Objective: Candida spp. airway colonization could promote development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a potentially multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, and worsen the outcome of VAP regardless of pathogen. We therefore address the question of the risk of MDR bacteria isolation within the airway of patients with suspected VAP, whether Candida spp.

Sodium citrate versus saline catheter locks for non-tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheters in critically ill adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Sodium citrate has antibacterial and anticoagulant properties that are confined to the catheter when used as a catheter lock. Studies of its use as a catheter lock in chronic hemodialysis patients suggest it may be efficacious in preventing infection and thrombotic complications. We compared sodium citrate with saline catheter locks for non-tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheters in critically ill adult patients.

Benefits of computer screen-based simulation in learning cardiac arrest procedures.

Objectives: What is the best way to train medical students early so that they acquire basic skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation as effectively as possible? Studies have shown the benefits of high-fidelity patient simulators, but have also demonstrated their limits. New computer screen-based multimedia simulators have fewer constraints than high-fidelity patient simulators. In this area, as yet, there has been no research on the effectiveness of transfer of learning from a computer screen-based simulator to more realistic situations such as those encountered with high-fidelity patient simulators.