Predictors of complications in initially haemodynamically stable patients admitted in a modern coronary care unit.

Aims: Resource optimization in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) is, nowadays, of great importance because of the increasing number of acute cardiovascular patients requiring high-intensity level-of-care. Because of natural limits in ICCU bed availability, understanding, which patients will really benefit from in a such a critical care setting, is of paramount importance. In our study, we analysed a heterogeneous ICCU population with initially stable haemodynamic conditions, in order to find potential predictors of severe complications.

[Cardiogenic shock: from pharmacological treatment to mechanical circulatory support].

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a state of critical end-organ hypoperfusion due to reduced cardiac output, despite adequate filling status. The development of multiorgan dysfunction is believed to be the major contributor to the high early mortality. Little evidence exists as to which vasopressor or inotrope should best be used for early treatment; however, customized pharmacological therapy, tailored on hemodynamic monitoring, is essential to achieve normal peripheral perfusion.

[Cardiogenic shock: from early diagnosis to multiparameter monitoring].

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition that occurs in response to reduced cardiac output, in the presence of adequate intravascular volume, and results in tissue hypoxia. CS can occur as a result of several etiologies but the most common is acute myocardial infarction. Despite the introduction of emergency revascularization for CS complicating acute myocardial infarction, mortality still remains exceptionally high, particularly in patients with refractory CS.

A handbook for the clinical cardiologist about CRT/ICD. A practical guide about how to survive during an on call shift.

Cardiac resynchronization therapies (CRTs) have been demonstrated to improve the clinical management and prognosis of selected patients with heart failure. CRT devices include both CRT pacemakers (CRT-P) and CRT defibrillators (CRT-D), with the latter being used to treat life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. A significant advantage of CRTs is the ability to monitor several vital parameters which, thanks to advanced technology, may be remotely assessed.

[Noninvasive ventilation and sedation: evidence and practical tools for its utilization].

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has gained increased acceptance inside the critical area, since it has been shown to be effective in reducing or avoiding the need for oro-tracheal intubation. NIV efficacy is dependent on the selection of the appropriate patients and on their compliance to therapy. Actually, full collaboration is not easily reached especially in agitated patients.

[Hemodynamic effects of positive end-expiratory pressure].

The application of a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), the cornerstone of noninvasive ventilation (NIV), causes hemodynamic changes in the cardiovascular system. To understand the benefits of NIV it is necessary to resume concepts of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology about cardiac function determinants, venous return, ventricular interdependence and heart-lung interaction, and to understand how PEEP interacts with them. The hemodynamic effects of PEEP are mediated by the increase in transpulmonary pressure, which results in increased pulmonary vascular resistance and in an attending small reduction of venous return in conditions of euvolemia, in a substantial reduction of left ventricular afterload and a potential positive effect on left ventricular stroke volume.

[Noninvasive ventilation: general characteristics, indications, and review of the literature].

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV), including both continuous and bilevel positive airway pressure, plays a pivotal role in the treatment of acute respiratory failure secondary to acute heart failure. For an appropriate use of NIV, it is essential to consider the underlying pathophysiological principles, the differences between the different modes of ventilation, the main indications, contraindications and complications. The aim of this review is also to give practical guidance on how and when to start NIV at the bedside, how to monitor the response and how to choose the most appropriate interface.