TamingtheSRU

Lung-protective ventilation (LPV), characterized by low tidal volumes and appropriate PEEP, is a cornerstone in managing patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, its application in patients with severe acute brain injury raises concerns. The potential for lung protective ventilation to increase intracranial pressure due to hypercapnia and elevated PEEP levels necessitates a closer examination of its safety and efficacy in this unique patient population.

It is well known that ultrasound has exploded in its application in both diagnostics and procedures and has ultimately revolutionized the way we practice medicine. With its growing use, more and more providers are comfortable using ultrasound for both identification of anatomy/pathology and to guide procedures that were previously only done with landmarks. While having the skills to perform landmark guided procedures is incredibly important, there is much value in being able to visually confirm anatomy to avoid procedure complications, especially when landmarks are difficult to palpate / identify in certain individuals. This recap of a recent journal club article covers a paper looking into the use of POCUS to help perform cricothyrotomy.

Severe trauma is the leading cause of death worldwide for adults younger than 50 years of age. Acute traumatic life support (ATLS) guidelines endorse early and aggressive usage of supplemental oxygen in patients with severe trauma, at least until abnormalities of airway or breathing can be safely ruled out. However, unclear target concentration, duration or saturation goals often leads to hyperoxemia. Emerging studies in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting suggest that liberal supplemental oxygen therapy and hyperoxemia is associated with increased mortality. Limited evidence in the trauma population suggests similar outcomes.

Can a nitro slurry help with food bolus impaction? Glucagon and effervescent beverages have limited evidence for benefit. Can an old drug used in a new way help these patients?

There is a wide variation in practice, particularly in obtaining neuro-imaging in patients presenting with vertigo. Many patients are imaged and subjected to a longer length of stay, and on the other side of the coin, some patients with serious pathology fall through the cracks. The authors of this study set out to create a risk score to apply to patients who present to the ED with vertigo which would identify the patients at risk for serious pathology (which they defined as stroke, TIA, vertebral artery dissection, or brain tumor).

In patients with cirrhosis and ongoing bleeding, it can be challenging to determine whether or not patients are hyper or hypocoagulable. Traditional markers of coagulation status like INR can be difficult to interpret in patients with abnormal synthetic function and potentially increase consumption of coagulation factors. Can TEG (thromboelastography) be a helpful too in these situations? In this journal club recap, Dr. Grisoli recaps a recent article by Rout et al that addresses this issue.

Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) represents a great cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 350,000 cardiac arrests occur in North America annually and 20% can be attributed to Ventricular tachydysrhythmias (i.e. ventricular tachycardia [v fib] and ventricular tachycardia [v tach]without a pulse). In this journal club recap, Dr Kelly Tillotson recaps an article comparing different ways of defibrillation and their effect on outcomes in OOHCA