Relationship between alcohol use disorders, cortisol concentrations, and cytokine levels in patients with sepsis.

Introduction: Patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) are at increased risk of developing sepsis and have higher mortality. AUD are associated with higher cortisol and anti-inflammatory cytokine profile. Higher cortisol increases risk of death in septic patients.

Tracheal ring herniation.

Inspection bronchoscopy during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy has become the standard of care to reduce complications of the procedure. During bronchoscopy, anatomic defects can be visualized before performing the procedure. We describe a case of discovering herniated tracheal rings in preprocedure bronchoscopy and subsequent treatment of this rare finding.

Intensive care management of life-threatening avian influenza A (H5N1).

A large proportion of patients with avian influenza A (H5N1) develop life-threatening manifestations, often including ARDS, acute renal failure and multiple organ failure that requires aggressive intensive care management. The pace of development of respiratory failure is often rapid and can occur in previously healthy hosts, mandating close observation and timely intervention of infected individuals. Use of standard, contact, droplet and airborne isolation precautions is recommended to protect healthcare workers.