Framework for decision-making and management of end-of-life decisions in Intensive Care Units: A modified protocol.

End-of-life decisions are being made daily in Intensive Care Units worldwide. The spectrum of options varies from full-continued care, withholding treatment, withdrawing treatment, and active life-ending procedures depending on the institutional practices and legal framework. Considering the complexity of the situation and the legalities involved, it is important to have a structured approach toward these sensitive decisions.

Sepsis of unknown origin with multiorgan failure syndrome: Think of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a clinic pathologic entity characterized by increased proliferation and activation of benign macrophages with hemophagocytosis throughout the reticuloendothelial system. It is a potentially lethal disorder due to an uncontrolled immune response to a triggering agent. HPS may be primary, or secondary to malignancy, infections, auto-immune diseases, and pharmacotherapy.

Evidence Based Surgery: How Difficult is the Implication in Routine Practice?

Surgery as a discipline has perhaps been slower than other specialties to embrace evidence based principles. Today, surgeons all over Asia are prepared to challenge the dogma of yesterday. Surgical science which rests on a strong foundation of laboratory and clinical research can now be broadened to include the armamentarium of evidence based practice to advance surgical knowledge.