Optimal VAsopressor TitraTION in patients 65 years and older (OVATION-65): protocol and statistical analysis plan for a randomised clinical trial.

Introduction: Vasodilatory hypotension is common among intensive care unit (ICU) patients; vasopressors are considered standard of care. However, optimal mean arterial pressure (MAP) targets for vasopressor titration are unknown. The objective of the Optimal VAsopressor TitraTION in patients 65 years and older (OVATION-65) trial is to ascertain the effect of permissive hypotension (vasopressor titration to achieve MAP 60-65 mm Hg) versus usual care on biomarkers of organ injury in hypotensive patients aged ≥65 years.

Vasopressor use following traumatic injury - A single center retrospective study.

Objectives: Vasopressors are not recommended by current trauma guidelines, but recent reports indicate that they are commonly used. We aimed to describe the early hemodynamic management of trauma patients outside densely populated urban centers.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study in a Canadian regional trauma center.

Prescribed targets for titration of vasopressors in septic shock: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Without robust clinical evidence to guide titration of vasopressors in septic shock, it is unclear how dosing of these potent medications occurs. We sought to measure the proportion of vasopressor prescriptions for septic shock that were missing explicit targets and to describe the targets that we identified.

Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective cohort study involving 9 intensive care units (ICUs) located at 3 academic hospitals in Canada and Australia.

Vasopressor stewardship: a case report and lesson shared.

A case report, focused on vasopressor use and presented in this article, is likely to resonate with many critical care nurses. In this article the authors describe opportunities to enhance safety with vasopressor therapy. Specifically, the goal of improving communication among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists around desired endpoints for vasopressor therapy, triggers for reassessment of the therapeutic strategy and cause of the patient's shock was identified as an area for improvement.

Clostridium difficile infection in the intensive care unit.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an increasing nosocomial problem in North America and Western Europe, where outbreaks caused by a more virulent, toxin-hyperproducing strain have been recently reported. Clostridium difficile infection is now characterized by a higher incidence, more frequent relapses, and a higher case-fatality ratio. As a consequence, fulminant cases requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) are much more common than previously.