A slightly adapted summary of the recommendations from: [important]The use of echocardiography in acute cardiovascular care: Recommendations of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association 2015.[/important] The document is a great read for the accomplished echo practitioner, with good use of images and clips. Indicative echo signs in acute conditions …
My notes on this modern primer on shock by 11 well-known shock experts (shoxperts?). Interesting mix of evidence-base and expert opinion/enthusiasm. Definitely some echophiles amongst them. Definition Life-threatening, generalized, acute circulatory failure associated with inadequate oxygen utilization by cells (dysoxia leading to hyperlactataemia). Pathophysiology Insufficient circulating volume, Pump failure (muscle problem or rhythm problem), Obstruction …
The ILC-FoCUS focused echocardiography recommendations are a product of 4 conferences, 33 experts and a Delphi process, giving a useful set of statements on everything from training to equipment to volume status.
Raghunathan has used some interesting statistics to try and extract the effects of using Saline or Ringer’s lactate in resuscitating sepsis. Elixhauser comborbidities, 5:1 greedy matching, Generalized Estimating Equation models, and “missing-ness” are just a few of the terms I didn’t understand. Nevertheless this appears to be a retrospective study that suggests there’s measurable mortality benefit in using balanced …
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ICU echo myths! Mayo et al both enthuse and warn.
January 15, 2015
Mayo et al outline the misinformation regarding echocardiography use in the ICU. Some additional comments have been added! 1. Every echo exam should be comprehensive – False Focused assessments are valuable. We are gathering evidence about powerful but easily achieved echo findings. But stick to the protocol you’re competent with. 2. Echo is not a …
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