A clear safety profile of probiotics in clinical practice is essential in decision-making for all stakeholders and regulators. Probiotics have been investigated in different target populations, conditions and age groups. This also includes the use of probiotics in critically ill patients. Despite promising results reported with the use of probiotics and synbiotics, there is still a lively discussion regarding the proper and safe use of probiotics among physicians, researchers and regulators. This doubt and debate was sparked by the high incidence in mortality reported in a study with critically ill patients. Whereas no causal relationship has been established since, safety of probiotic has been questioned. In response, an overwhelming body of evidence suggesting that probiotics are safe has been compiled. Moreover, data indicates that probiotics reduce the number of adverse events compared to the control. However, due to a lack of standardised safety reporting in clinical studies, a strong evidence base on probiotic safety remains to be established. Here, we will discuss: (1) the rationale for using probiotics in the critically ill; (2) what happened during the Dutch Pancreatitis trial; (3) what are the known safety risks of probiotics based on the available data; and finally (4) how standardisation in safety reporting can drive probiotic innovation. Building a strong safety profile for probiotic strains will solidify its use in individuals that can benefit the most from microbial modulation.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/BM2018.0159 | DOI Listing |
Alzheimers Dement
December 2024
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Background: Vascular dementia (VaD), the second most common cause of dementia, is characterized by cognitive decline due to reduced cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier disruption. Current evidence demonstrates that not only are VaD patients at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and mortality, but also that pre-existing cognitive dysfunction/dementia is associated with increased COVID-19 incidence. Conversely, SARS-CoV-2 infection alone worsens dementia-related mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and increases risk of cognitive decline, supported by similar fMRI findings demonstrating hypoperfusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRationale: Prior work has shown a preference among most people with dementia and their families for comfort-focused care near the end-of-life. Nonetheless, intubation and mechanical ventilation are increasing over time without concurrent trends in improved survival, including among those with advanced dementia. A better understanding of prehospital decision-making about intubation for people with dementia will guide efforts to increase goal-concordant care at onset of critical illness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCrit Care Resusc
December 2024
Department of Intensive Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Background: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently develop hyperactive delirium, which may be accompanied by behaviour that increases clinical risks to themselves as well as other patients and staff. There is a paucity of evidence to inform the urgent enteral administration of antipsychotic drugs to treat such hyperactive delirium and behavioural disturbances.
Objective: The aim of this study is to test the efficacy and safety of administering enteral olanzapine when compared to quetiapine in critically ill patients with hyperactive delirium.
Crit Care Resusc
December 2024
Department of Intensive Care, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
Objective: To assess current evidence regarding guanfacine use in hospitalized patients with delirium.
Introduction: Delirium is a common and important complication of critical illness. Central alpha-2 agonists are often used for symptomatic management.
Crit Care Resusc
December 2024
Department of Intensive Care, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Background: Severe intensive care unit-acquired hypernatraemia (ICU-AH) is a serious complication of critical illness. However, there is no detailed information on how this condition develops.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the prevalence, risk factors, trajectory, management, and outcome of severe ICU-AH (≥155 mmol·L).
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!