Bedside post-pyloric tube placement using direct visualisation in mechanically ventilated patients: A single centre case series.

Introduction: Post-pyloric feeding tubes are used for intensive care patients unable to tolerate gastric feeding. The Kangaroo Feeding Tube with IRIS Technology ('IRIS') uses real-time visualisation of anatomical markers to guide bedside placement, however limited studies currently explore post-pyloric insertions in mechanically ventilated patients. We describe a case series of 'IRIS' post-pyloric placements performed by trained intensivists and dietitians.

Enhanced recovery for thoracic surgery in the elderly.

Purpose Of Review: Both surgical workload and the age of those patients being considered for radial pulmonary resection are increasing. Enhanced recovery programmes are now well established in most surgical disciplines and are increasingly reported in thoracic procedures. This review will discuss the relevant principles of these programmes as applied to an increasing elderly population.

Fatal cardiovascular instability secondary to hypercalcaemia and intracellular calcium deposition complicating T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma.

Adult T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma is a rare haematological malignancy, which can cause severe hypercalcaemia and metastatic calcification resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Pharmacological Therapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Weakness After Critical Illness: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: ICU-acquired weakness is a common complication of critical illness and can have significant effects upon functional status and quality of life. As part of preliminary work to inform the design of a randomized trial of a complex intervention to improve recovery from critical illness, we sought to identify pharmacological interventions that may play a role in this area.

Data Sources: We systematically reviewed the published literature relating to pharmacological intervention for the treatment and prevention of ICU-acquired weakness.

Availability and use of capnography for in-hospital cardiac arrests in the United Kingdom.

Background: Airway complications occur more frequently outside the operating theatre and in emergency situations. Capnography remains the gold standard for confirming correct endotracheal tube placement, retaining high sensitivity and specificity in cardiac arrest. The 2010 European Resuscitation Council guidelines for adult advanced life support recommended waveform capnography in this setting.

What's new in the management of traumatic brain injury on neuro ICU?

Purpose Of Review: In recent years, we have begun to better understand how to monitor the injured brain, look for less common complications and importantly, reduce unnecessary and potentially harmful intervention. However, the lack of consensus regarding triggers for intervention, best neuromonitoring techniques and standardization of therapeutic approach is in need of more careful study. This review covers the most recent evidence within this exciting and dynamic field.

Updates in the management of intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury.

Purpose Of Review: Traumatic brain injury remains a common and often debilitating event across the world, producing significant burdens upon health and social care. Effective neurocritical care coupled with timely and appropriate neurosurgical intervention can produce significant improvements in patient outcome. There remains controversy about how best to manage intracranial pressure on the ICU; we review the recent literature addressing a number of key variables.

Role of central and mixed venous oxygen saturation measurement in perioperative care.

Complications after major surgery are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The etiology of postoperative complications is complex, but poor cardiorespiratory reserve appears to be a key factor. There is increasing interest in the use of central and mixed venous oxygen saturation to guide therapeutic interventions during the perioperative period.