Topic Review
ABC
ABC and its variations are initialism mnemonics for essential steps used by both medical professionals and lay persons (such as first aiders) when dealing with a patient. In its original form it stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. The protocol was originally developed as a memory aid for rescuers performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the most widely known use of the initialism is in the care of the unconscious or unresponsive patient, although it is also used as a reminder of the priorities for assessment and treatment of patients in many acute medical and trauma situations, from first-aid to hospital medical treatment. Airway, breathing, and circulation are all vital for life, and each is required, in that order, for the next to be effective. Since its development, the mnemonic has been extended and modified to fit the different areas in which it is used, with different versions changing the meaning of letters (such as from the original 'Circulation' to 'Compressions') or adding other letters (such as an optional "D" step for Disability or Defibrillation). In 2010, the American Heart Association and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation changed the recommended order of CPR interventions for most cases of cardiac arrest to chest compressions, airway, and breathing, or CAB.
  • 1.5K
  • 22 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure inside a closed anatomical space compromises tissue perfusion. The sudden increase in pressure inside these spaces requires rapid decompression by means of surgical intervention. In the case of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), surgical decompression consists of a laparostomy. 
  • 431
  • 10 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Addressing Challenges in EMS Department Operations
Emergency medical services (EMS) are essential in providing timely medical attention and transportation to people in need during times of crisis. Effective EMS operations are crucial for delivering prompt and effective healthcare. However, the landscape of EMS operations is constantly evolving, posing a number of challenges that require rigorous research and innovative solutions.
  • 152
  • 02 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Advanced and Invasive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Techniques
Despite numerous promising innovations, the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest has remained virtually unchanged. Technological advances have been made, user-friendly portable devices have been developed, and advanced invasive procedures have been described that could improve this unsatisfactory situation. Technical aids, such as feedback systems or automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices, can improve chest compression quality. The latter, as well as extracorporeal CPR, might serve as a bridge to treatment (with extracorporeal CPR even as a bridge to recovery). Sonography may be used to improve thoracic compressions on the one hand and to rule out potentially reversible causes of cardiac arrest on the other. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta might enhance myocardial and cerebral perfusion. Minithoracostomy, pericardiocentesis, or clamshell thoracotomy might resolve reversible causes of cardiac arrest. 
  • 384
  • 20 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Basic Signs and Complete Lung Ultrasound Examination
Lung ultrasound (LUS) has become a part of the daily examination of physicians working in intensive, sub-intensive, and general medical wards. The easy access to hand-held ultrasound machines in wards where they were not available in the past facilitated the widespread use of ultrasound, both for clinical examination and as a guide to procedures. The integration of bedside ultrasonography in the daily clinical activity of intensivists could reduce the risk of radiation exposure, need of patient transport, and hospital costs and may redirect patient’s management. A qualitative LUS approach is based on interpreting artifacts (A- and B-lines) and real images to distinguish between normal and pathological context. If a qualitative approach gives important information on the morphological assessment of the lung for the diagnosis, a quantitative approach allows us to extend the utility of the examination to lung monitoring.
  • 258
  • 30 May 2023
Topic Review
Bedside Testing in Acute Vestibular Syndrome
Patients with stroke and vestibular neuritis can both present with an acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). Patients with AVS have acute-onset, continuous vertigo, dizziness, or unsteadiness lasting days to weeks, usually associated with vomiting, nystagmus, severe postural instability, and head movement intolerance.
  • 179
  • 06 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Blood Transfusion Reactions
Blood transfusions have been the cornerstone of life support since the introduction of the ABO classification in the 20th century. The physiologic goal is to restore adequate tissue oxygenation when the demand exceeds the offer. Although it can be a life-saving therapy, blood transfusions can lead to serious adverse effects, and it is essential that physicians remain up to date with the current literature and are aware of the pathophysiology, initial management and risks of each type of transfusion reaction. 
  • 614
  • 31 May 2022
Topic Review
Body Mass Index
Increased body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and metabolic diseases. A high BMI may affect outcomes of post-cardiac arrest patients, but the association remains debatable.
  • 565
  • 25 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Cerebral Sinus Vein Thrombosis and Gender
Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a relatively rare acute disorder of cerebral circulation, but it can potentially be associated with serious sequelae and a poor prognosis. The neurological manifestations associated with it are often not adequately taken into consideration given the extreme variability and nuances of its clinical presentation and given the need for radiological methods suitable for this type of diagnosis. CSVT is usually more common in women, but so far there are little data available in the literature on sex-specific characteristics regarding this pathology. CSVT is the result of multiple conditions and is therefore to be considered a multifactorial disease where at least one risk factor is present in over 80% of cases.
  • 155
  • 25 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Cold Atmospheric Plasma in Critically Ill Patients
Critically ill patients are at risk of skin wounds, which reduce their quality of life, complicate their pharmacological regimens, and prolong their hospital stays in intensive care units (ICUs), while also increasing overall mortality and morbidity rates. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been proposed as a viable option for many biological and medical applications, given its capacity to reduce wound bacterial contamination and promote wound healing.
  • 166
  • 08 May 2023
  • Page
  • of
  • 4