Acute and Critical Care

Most-read articles are from the articles published in 2023 during the last three month.

Guideline

Meta-analysis
Early management of adult sepsis and septic shock: Korean clinical practice guidelines: Chul Park, Nam Su Ku, Dae Won Park, Joo Hyun Park, Tae Sun Ha, Do Wan Kim, So Young Park, Youjin Chang, Kwang Wook Jo, Moon Seong Baek, Yijun Seo, Tae Gun Shin, Gina Yu, Jongmin Lee, Yong Jun Choi, Ji Young Jang, Yun Tae Jung, Inseok Jeong, Hwa Jin Cho, Ala Woo, Sua Kim, Dae-Hwan Bae, Sung Wook Kang, Sun Hyo Park, Gee Young Suh, Sunghoon Park; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):445-472. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00920

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Background
Despite recent advances and global improvements in sepsis recognition and supportive care, mortality rates remain high, and adherence to sepsis bundle components in Korea is low. To address this, the Korean Sepsis Alliance, affiliated with the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine, developed the first sepsis treatment guidelines for Korea based on a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods
A de novo method was used to develop the guidelines. Methodologies included determining key questions, conducting a literature search and selection, assessing the risk of bias, synthesizing evidence, and developing recommendations. The certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations were determined using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Draft recommendations underwent internal and external review processes and public hearings. The development of these guidelines was supported by a research grant from the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
Results
In these guidelines, we focused on early treatments for adult patients with sepsis and septic shock. Through the guideline development process, 12 key questions and their respective recommendations were formulated. These include lactate measurement, fluid therapies, target blood pressure, antibiotic administration, use of vasopressors and dobutamine, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and echocardiography.
Conclusions
These guidelines aim to support medical professionals in making appropriate decisions about treating adult sepsis and septic shock. We hope these guidelines will increase awareness of sepsis and reduce its mortality rate.

Citations

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Comparison between norepinephrine plus epinephrine and norepinephrine plus vasopressin after return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Sejoong Ahn, Bo-Yeong Jin, Sukyo Lee, Jong-Hak Park, Hanjin Cho, Sungwoo Moon, Sang Kuk Han, Phil Cho Choi, Young Hwan Lee, Sang O. Park, Jong Seok Lee, Ki Young Jeong, Sung Hyuk Choi, Young Hoon Yoon, Su Jin Kim, Kap Su Han, Min Seob Sim, Gun Tak Lee, Yo
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Articles

Infection
Microbial infections in burn patients: Souvik Roy, Preeti Mukherjee, Sutrisha Kundu, Debashrita Majumder, Vivek Raychaudhuri, Lopamudra Choudhury; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):214-225. Published online May 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01571

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Abstract PDF

Polymicrobial infections are the leading causes of complications incurred from injuries that burn patients develop. Such patients admitted to the hospital have a high risk of developing hospital-acquired infections, with longer patient stays leading to increased chances of acquiring such drug-resistant infections. Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis are the most common multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria identified in burn wound infections (BWIs). BWIs caused by viruses, like Herpes Simplex and Varicella Zoster, and fungi-like Candida spp. appear to occur occasionally. However, the preponderance of infection by opportunistic pathogens is very high in burn patients. Variations in the causative agents of BWIs are due to differences in geographic location and infection control measures. Overall, burn injuries are characterized by elevated serum cytokine levels, systemic immune response, and immunosuppression. Hence, early detection and treatment can accelerate the wound-healing process and reduce the risk of further infections at the site of injury. A multidisciplinary collaboration between burn surgeons and infectious disease specialists is also needed to properly monitor antibiotic resistance in BWI pathogens, help check the super-spread of MDR pathogens, and improve treatment outcomes as a result.

Citations

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Postacute Overview of Burn Injuries
Tuba Sengul, Holly Kirkland-Kyhn, Asiye Gul
Nursing Clinics of North America.2025; 60(1): 15. CrossRef
Phage treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in humans, animals, and plants: The current status and future prospects
Omor Faruk, Zilhas Ahmed Jewel, Sanjoy Bairagi, Mohammad Rasheduzzaman, Hindol Bagchi, Akber Subahan Mahbub Tuha, Imran Hossain, Ayon Bala, Sarafat Ali
Infectious Medicine.2025; 4(1): 100168. CrossRef
Lavandula dentata leaves as potential natural antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Maram M. Aboulwafa, Nada M. Mostafa, Fadia S. Youssef, Omayma A. Eldahshan, Abdel Nasser B. Singab
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Larval zebrafish burn wound infection model reveals conserved innate immune responses against diverse pathogenic fungi
Nayanna M. Mercado Soto, Adam Horn, Nancy P. Keller, Anna Huttenlocher, Andrew S. Wagner, Gustavo H. Goldman
mBio.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Enhancing clinical outcomes in burn and surgical intensive care unit patients
Mahta Moghaddam Ahmadi, Moein Moghaddam Ahmadi
Burns.2024; 50(8): 2137. CrossRef
Development of a Stringent Ex Vivo-Burned Porcine Skin Wound Model to Screen Topical Antimicrobial Agents
Ping Chen, Eliza A. Sebastian, S. L. Rajasekhar Karna, Kai P. Leung
Antibiotics.2024; 13(12): 1159. CrossRef
The SOS Response Activation and the Risk of Antibiotic Resistance Enhancement in Proteus spp. Strains Exposed to Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ciprofloxacin
Agnieszka Zabłotni, Marek Schmidt, Małgorzata Siwińska
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2024; 26(1): 119. CrossRef

Basic science and research
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency: latest pathophysiology and management guidelines: Fremita Chelsea Fredrick, Anish Kumar Reddy Meda, Bhupinder Singh, Rohit Jain; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):331-340. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00647

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Abstract PDF: Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in the United States exceed 5.7 million annually, often leading to complications such as post-intensive care syndrome and high mortality rates. Among these challenges, critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) requires emphasis due to its complex, multiple-cause pathophysiology and varied presentations. CIRCI, characterized by adrenal insufficiency during critical illness, presents in up to 30% of ICU patients and may manifest as an exaggerated inflammatory response. Factors such as dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, altered cortisol metabolism, tissue corticosteroid resistance, and drug-induced suppression contribute to CIRCI. Diagnosis is a complex process, relying on a comprehensive assessment including clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and dynamic stimulatory testing. Treatment involves intensive medical care and exacting glucocorticoid therapy. Recent guidelines advocate for individualized approaches tailored to patient presentation and etiology. Understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of CIRCI is vital for clinicians managing critically ill patients and striving to improve outcomes. This research paper aims to explore the latest developments in the pathophysiology and management of CIRCI.

Case Report

Neurosurgery
What should an intensivist know about pneumocephalus and tension pneumocephalus?: Bhushan Sudhakar Wankhade, Maged Mohsen Kamel Beniamein, Zeyad Faoor Alrais, Jyoti Ittoop Mathew, Ghaya Zeyad Alrais; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(2):244-248. Published online April 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01102

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Abstract PDF

Collection of air in the cranial cavity is called pneumocephalus. Although simple pneumocephalus is a benign condition, accompanying increased intracranial pressure can produce a life-threatening condition comparable to tension pneumothorax, which is termed tension pneumocephalus. We report a case of tension pneumocephalus after drainage of a cerebrospinal fluid hygroma. The tension pneumocephalus was treated with decompression craniotomy, but the patient later died due to the complications related to critical care. Traumatic brain injury and neurosurgical intervention are the most common causes of pneumocephalus. Pneumocephalus and tension pneumocephalus are neurosurgical emergencies, and anesthetics and intensive care management like the use of nitrous oxide during anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation have important implications in their development and progress. Clinically, patients can present with various nonspecific neurological manifestations that are indistinguishable from a those of a primary neurological condition. If the diagnosis is questionable, patients should be investigated using computed tomography of the brain. Immediate neurosurgical consultation with decompression is the treatment of choice.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A case of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and pneumocephalus in a 52-year-old with a pituitary adenoma
Barbara Magid, Lauren Titone, Tyler Wise
Visual Journal of Emergency Medicine.2025; 38: 102153. CrossRef
A Rare Case of Post-lumbar Discectomy Pneumocephalus: An Anatomically Informed Case Report
Yasir H Elhassan, Mustafa Alhasan, Yasser S Abdulghani
Cureus.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Sudden-onset, non-traumatic large volume pneumocephalus following presentation of acute bacterial meningitis
Alexandra Krez, Michael Malinzak, Colby Feeney
BMJ Case Reports.2024; 17(1): e256194. CrossRef
Fatal postoperative tension pneumocephalus after acute subdural hematoma evacuation: a case report
Nikolaos Gkantsinikoudis, Panagiotis Monioudis, Elias Antoniades, Vassilios Tsitouras, Ioannis Magras
International Journal of Neuroscience.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Pro-Con Debate: Air or Saline for Loss-of-Resistance Technique of Interlaminar Epidural Access with Fluoroscopy-Guided Pain Medicine Procedures
David Hao, Kirk Bonner, Taylor Burnham, Milan P. Stojanovic
Anesthesia & Analgesia.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Pneumocephalus After Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: A Rare Complication With Spontaneous Resolution
Yasser Hegazy, Natalie N Balassiano, Ishank Gupta, Roger Stern, Muhammad Ghallab
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Pneumocephalus; a rare cause of coma
Elisavet Simoulidou, Vivian Georgopoulou, Panagiotis Kalmoukos, Dimitrios Kouroupis, Nikoleta Moscha, Maria Sidiropoulou, Sofia Chatzimichailidou, Konstantinos Petidis, Athina Pyrpasopoulou
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.2023; 68: 215.e1. CrossRef
Pneumocephalus secondary to epidural analgesia: a case report
Maira Ahmad, Shannay Bellamy, William Ott, Rany Mekhail
Journal of Medical Case Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Transnasal Endoscopic Treatment of Tension Pneumocephalus Caused by Posttraumatic or Iatrogenic Ethmoidal Damage
Goran Latif Omer, Riccardo Maurizi, Beatrice Francavilla, Kareem Rekawt Hama Rashid, Gianluca Velletrani, Hasan Mustafa Salah, Giulia Marzocchella, Mohammed Ibrahim Mohialdeen Gubari, Stefano Di Girolamo, Rong-San Jiang
Case Reports in Otolaryngology.2023; 2023: 1. CrossRef
Tension pneumocephalus as a complication of surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: case report and literature review
Mohammed A. Azab, Ahmed Hazem, Brandon Lucke-Wold
Exploration of Neuroprotective Therapy.2023; 3(4): 177. CrossRef

Guideline

Pulmonary
Liberation from mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients: Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines: Tae Sun Ha, Dong Kyu Oh, Hak-Jae Lee, Youjin Chang, In Seok Jeong, Yun Su Sim, Suk-Kyung Hong, Sunghoon Park, Gee Young Suh, So Young Park; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):1-23. Published online February 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00052

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation is one of the most crucial processes in critical care because it is the first step by which a respiratory failure patient begins to transition out of the intensive care unit and return to their own life. Therefore, when devising appropriate strategies for removing mechanical ventilation, it is essential to consider not only the individual experiences of healthcare professionals, but also scientific and systematic approaches. Recently, numerous studies have investigated methods and tools for identifying when mechanically ventilated patients are ready to breathe on their own. The Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine therefore provides these recommendations to clinicians about liberation from the ventilator.
Methods
Meta-analyses and comprehensive syntheses were used to thoroughly review, compile, and summarize the complete body of relevant evidence. All studies were meticulously assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method, and the outcomes were presented succinctly as evidence profiles. Those evidence syntheses were discussed by a multidisciplinary committee of experts in mechanical ventilation, who then developed and approved recommendations.
Results
Recommendations for nine PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions about ventilator liberation are presented in this document. This guideline includes seven conditional recommendations, one expert consensus recommendation, and one conditional deferred recommendation.
Conclusions
We developed these clinical guidelines for mechanical ventilation liberation to provide meaningful recommendations. These guidelines reflect the best treatment for patients seeking liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Citations

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Comparison of programmed sedation care with conventional care in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure
Jiantang Wang, Yuntao Li, Yujuan Han, Xinyu Yuan
Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -).2025; 194(1): 289. CrossRef
Clinical predictors of extubation failure in postoperative critically ill patients: a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study
Jun Hattori, Aiko Tanaka, Junko Kosaka, Osamu Hirao, Nana Furushima, Yuichi Maki, Daijiro Kabata, Akinori Uchiyama, Moritoki Egi, Hiroshi Morimatsu, Satoshi Mizobuchi, Yoshifumi Kotake, Ayumi Shintani, Yukiko Koyama, Takeshi Yoshida, Yuji Fujino
BMC Anesthesiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
RELAÇÃO DA FORÇA MUSCULAR PERIFÉRICA COM O DESMAME DA VENTILAÇÃO MECÂNICA
Débora Rillary Duarte Filho, Gabriella Schultz Malagute, Luciana Ferreira Rihs, Priscila Corrêa Cavalcanti
Revista Saúde Dos Vales.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

Nursing
The Glasgow Coma Scale and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score evaluation to predict patient outcomes with neurological illnesses in intensive care units in West Bank: a prospective cross-sectional study: Wourod Mahmoud Omar, Imad Rasheed Abu Khader, Salam Bani Hani, Mohammed ALBashtawy; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):408-419. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00570

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Abstract PDF

Background
Determining the clinical neurological state of the patient is essential for making decisions and forecasting results. The Glasgow Coma Scale and the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) Scale are commonly used tools for measuring behavioral consciousness. This study aims to compare scales among patients with neurological disorders in intensive care units (ICUs) in the West Bank.
Methods
A prospective cross-sectional design was employed. All patients admitted to ICUs who met inclusion criteria were involved in this study. Data were collected from from An-Najah National University, Al-Watani, and Rafedia Hospital. Both tools were used to collect data.
Results
A total of 84 patients were assessed, 69.0% of the patients were male, and the average length of stay was 6.4 days. The mean score on the Glasgow Coma scale was 11.2 on admission 11.6 after 48 hours, and 12.2 on discharge. The mean FOUR Scale score was 12.2 on admission, 12.4 after 48 hours, and 12.5 at discharge.
Conclusions
This study indicates that both the Glasgow Coma Scale and the FOUR scale are effective in predicting outcomes for neurologically deteriorated critically ill patients. However, the FOUR scale proved to be more reliable when assessing outcomes in ICU patients.

Citations

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The impact of The Quality and Safety Education (QSEN) program on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of junior nurses
Salam AlRatrout, Imad Abu Khader, Mohammed ALBashtawy, Mohammed Asia, Abdullah Alkhawaldeh, Salam Bani Hani, Majed Sulaiman Alamri
PLOS ONE.2025; 20(1): e0317448. CrossRef

Review Articles

Cardiology
Beta-blocker therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction: not all patients need it: Seung-Jae Joo; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):251-260. Published online August 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00955

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Abstract PDF

Most of the evidences for beneficial effects of beta-blockers in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were from the clinical studies published in the pre-reperfusion era when anti-platelet drugs, statins or inhibitors of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which are known to reduce cardiovascular mortality of patients with AMI were not introduced. In the reperfusion era, beta-blockers’ benefit has not been clearly shown except in patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF; ≤40%). In the era of the early reperfusion therapy for AMI, a number of patients with mildly reduced EF (>40%, <50%) or preserved EF (≥50%) become increasing. However, because no randomized clinical trials are available until now, the benefit and the optimal duration of oral treatment with beta-blockers in patients with mildly reduced or preserved EF are questionable. Registry data have not showed the association of oral beta-blocker therapy with decreased mortality in survivors without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after AMI. In the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health of in-hospital survivors after AMI, the benefit of beta-blocker therapy at discharge was shown in patients with reduced or mildly reduced EF, but not in those with preserved EF, which provides new information about beta-blocker therapy in patients without reduced EF. However, clinical practice can be changed when the results of appropriate randomized clinical trials are available. Ongoing clinical trials may help to answer the unresolved issues of beta-blocker therapy in patients with AMI.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Beta-Blockers in Patients With Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Mushood Ahmed, Areeba Ahsan, Aimen Shafiq, Hasan Ahmad, Raheel Ahmed, Jamal S. Rana, Marat Fudim, Gregg C. Fonarow
American Journal of Therapeutics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Neuroimmune Interactions and Their Role in Immune Cell Trafficking in Cardiovascular Diseases and Cancer
Yutang Wang, Jack C. Anesi, Indu S. Panicker, Darcy Cook, Prapti Bista, Yan Fang, Ernesto Oqueli
International Journal of Molecular Sciences.2025; 26(6): 2553. CrossRef
Elevated serum amylase concentrations are associated with worse in-hospital outcomes among patients with acute myocardial infarction
Marijana Mikacic, Marko Kumric, Iva Rancic Vidic, Duska Glavas, Tina Ticinovic Kurir, Josko Bozic, Josip Andelo Borovac
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
In-hospital cardiac arrest after STEMI: prevention strategies and post-arrest care
Walker Boyd, Wesley Young, Mehmet Yildiz, Timothy D. Henry, Kari Gorder
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy.2024; 22(8): 379. CrossRef
Association between Inflammation and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Ruxandra-Maria Băghină, Simina Crișan, Silvia Luca, Oana Pătru, Mihai-Andrei Lazăr, Cristina Văcărescu, Alina Gabriela Negru, Constantin-Tudor Luca, Dan Gaiță
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(17): 5088. CrossRef
Use of Early Intravenous Beta Blockers in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Without Heart Failure—Revival or Requiem?
Azka Latif, Xiaoming Jia
Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy.2024; 38(5): 973. CrossRef
Progress in Disease Modeling for Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Disease: Bridging In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches
Riya Kar, Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, Ramcharan Singh Angom
Hearts.2024; 5(4): 429. CrossRef
Optimal duration of medical therapy for patients with acute myocardial infarction
Ki Yung Boo, Seung-Jae Joo, Jae-Geun Lee, Joon-Hyouk Choi, Song-Yi Kim, Geum Ko, Hae Eun Yun, Myung Ho Jeong
Medicine.2024; 103(48): e40697. CrossRef

Pulmonary
Beyond survival: understanding post-intensive care syndrome: Lovish Gupta, Maazen Naduthra Subair, Jaskaran Munjal, Bhupinder Singh, Vasu Bansal, Vasu Gupta, Rohit Jain; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):226-233. Published online May 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01158

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Abstract PDF

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to persistent or new onset physical, mental, and neurocognitive complications that can occur following a stay in the intensive care unit. PICS encompasses muscle weakness; neuropathy; cognitive deficits including memory, executive, and attention impairments; post-traumatic stress disorder; and other mood disorders. PICS can last long after hospital admission and can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial stress for patients and their families. Several modifiable risk factors, such as duration of sepsis, delirium, and mechanical ventilation, are associated with PICS. However, due to limited awareness about PICS, these factors are often overlooked. The objective of this paper is to highlight the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and available preventive and treatment options for PICS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Post-COVID microvascular dysfunction in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors is associated with acute disease severity and persistent cognitive complaints
Noa van der Knaap, Simona Klinkhammer, Alida A. Postma, Johanna M.A. Visser-Meily, Janneke Horn, Caroline M. van Heugten, Paulien H.M. Voorter, Merel M. van der Thiel, Gerhard S. Drenthen, Walter H. Backes, Frank van Rosmalen, Susanne van Santen, Bas C.T.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences.2025; 472: 123464. CrossRef
Comparing virtual reality with traditional methods in cognitive rehabilitation in PICS syndrome
A. Despoti, I. Patsaki, A. Alexandropoulou, E. Magkouti, D. Tzoumi, N. Leventakis, G. Roussou, Α. Papathanasiou, N. Dimitriadi, P. Presvelou, S. Nanas, E. Karatzanos
Applied Neuropsychology: Adult.2025; : 1. CrossRef

Meta-analysis
The impact of ketamine on outcomes in critically ill patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials: Yerkin Abdildin, Karina Tapinova, Assel Nemerenova, Dmitriy Viderman; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):34-46. Published online February 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00829

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Abstract PDF

Background
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of ketamine in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
Methods
We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library; the search was performed initially in January but was repeated in December of 2023. We focused on ICU patients of any age. We included studies that compared ketamine with other traditional agents used in the ICU. We synthesized evidence using RevMan v5.4 and presented the results as forest plots. We also used trial sequential analysis (TSA) software v. 0.9.5.10 Beta and presented results as TSA plots. For synthesizing results, we used a random-effects model and reported differences in outcomes of two groups in terms of mean difference (MD), standardized MD, and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB tool for RCTs. Our outcomes were mortality, pain, opioid and midazolam requirements, delirium rates, and ICU length of stay.
Results
Twelve RCTs involving 805 ICU patients (ketamine group, n=398; control group, n=407) were included in the meta-analysis. The ketamine group was not superior to the control group in terms of mortality (in five studies with 318 patients), pain (two studies with 129 patients), mean and cumulative opioid consumption (six studies with 494 patients), midazolam consumption (six studies with 304 patients), and ICU length of stay (three studies with 270 patients). However, the model favored the ketamine group over the control group in delirium rate (four studies with 358 patients). This result is significant in terms of conventional boundaries (alpha=5%) but is not robust in sequential analysis. The applicability of the findings is limited by the small number of patients pooled for each outcome.
Conclusions
Our meta-analysis did not demonstrate differences between ketamine and control groups regarding any outcome except delirium rate, where the model favored the ketamine group over the control group. However, this result is not robust as sensitivity analysis and trial sequential analysis suggest that more RCTs should be conducted in the future.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Ketamine sedation in critically ill patients: Past, present and future
Sameer Sharif, Jay Prakash, Bram Rochwerg
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia.2024; 68(8): 674. CrossRef
Opioid-Free Using Ketamine versus Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia during the Intraoperative Period in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Hoon Choi, Jaewon Huh, Minju Kim, Seok Whan Moon, Kyung Soo Kim, Wonjung Hwang
Journal of Personalized Medicine.2024; 14(8): 881. CrossRef

Nursing
Specialized nursing intervention on critically ill patient in the prevention of intubation-associated pneumonia: an integrative literature review: Daniela Fradinho Almeida, Maria do Rosário Pinto, Maria Candida Durao, Helga Rafael Henriques, Joana Ferreira Teixeira; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):341-349. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00528

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Abstract PDF: Healthcare-associated infections are adverse events that affect people in critical condition, especially when hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The most prevalent is intubation-associated pneumonia (IAP), a nursing-care-sensitive area. This review aims to identify and analyze nursing interventions for preventing IAP. An integrative literature review was done using the Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and PubMed databases. After checking the eligibility of the studies and using Rayyan software, ten final documents were obtained for extraction and analysis. The results obtained suggest that the nursing interventions identified for the prevention of IAP are elevating the headboard to 30º; washing the teeth, mouth and mucous membranes with a toothbrush and then instilling chlorohexidine 0.12%–0.2% every 8/8 hr; monitoring the cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube (ETT) between 20–30 mm Hg; daily assessment of the need for sedation and ventilatory weaning and the use of ETT with drainage of subglottic secretions. The multimodal nursing interventions identified enable health gains to be made in preventing or reducing IAP. This area is sensitive to nursing care, positively impacting the patient, family, and organizations. Future research is suggested into the effectiveness of chlorohexidine compared to other oral hygiene products, as well as studies into the mortality rate associated with IAP, with and without ETT for subglottic aspiration.

Original Articles

Infection
Challenges of implementing the hour-1 sepsis bundle: a qualitative study from a secondary hospital in Indonesia: Priyo Sasmito, Satriya Pranata, Rian Adi Pamungkas, Etika Emaliyawati, Nisa Arifani; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):545-553. Published online November 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01473

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Abstract PDF: Background
Good sepsis management is key to successful sepsis therapy and optimal patient outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to determine obstacles among nurses and doctors to implementing the hour-1 sepsis bundle in a secondary hospital in Indonesia.
Methods
This was a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Data were obtained from one-on-one in-depth interviews with 13 doctors and nurses in the intensive care unit and emergency department who were purposively sampled. Data were analyzed using content analysis.
Results
Five main themes were revealed in the analysis: incomplete implementation of the hour-1 sepsis bundle, lack of knowledge about the hour-1 sepsis bundle, cost issues, lack of supporting facilities, and lack of coordination among health workers.
Conclusions
Optimizing regional health laboratories, optimizing the use of quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) and SOFA, and creating a series of sepsis protocols within the hospital are some solutions that secondary hospitals can implement to ensure appropriate management of sepsis cases. Involvement of health policyholders and hospital management is needed to address these challenges.

Infection
Methylprednisolone pulse therapy for critically ill patients with COVID-19: a cohort study: Keum-Ju Choi, Soo Kyun Jung, Kyung Chan Kim, Eun Jin Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):57-67. Published online February 7, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00941; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2023;38(2):249

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Abstract PDF

Background
The guidelines recommend the use of dexamethasone 6 mg or an equivalent dose in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who require supplemental oxygen. Given that the severity of COVID-19 varies, we investigated the effect of a pulse dose of corticosteroids on the clinical course of critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Methods
This single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted between September and December 2021, which was when the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was predominant. We evaluated the mortality and oxygenation of severe to critical COVID-19 cases between groups that received dexamethasone 6 mg for 10 days (control group) and methylprednisolone 250 mg/day for 3 days (pulse group).
Results
Among 44 patients, 14 and 30 patients were treated with control steroids and pulse steroids, respectively. There was no difference in disease severity, time from COVID-19 diagnosis to steroid administration, or use of remdesivir or antibacterial agents between the two groups. The pulse steroid group showed a significant improvement in oxygenation before and after steroid treatment (P<0.001) compared with the control steroid group (P=0.196). There was no difference in in-hospital mortality (P=0.186); however, the pulse steroid group had a lower mortality rate (23.3%) than the control steroid group (42.9%). There was a significant difference in the length of hospital stay between both two groups (P=0.039).
Conclusions
Pulse steroids showed no mortality benefit but were associated with oxygenation improvement and shorter hospital stay than control steroids. Hyperglycemia should be carefully monitored with pulse steroids.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The relationship between steroid treatment and mortality in patients with COVID-19 followed up in an intensive care unit
Huseyin Ali Ozturk, Fatih Necip Arici
PeerJ.2025; 13: e18606. CrossRef
Baricitinib and Pulse Steroids Combination Treatment in Hyperinflammatory COVID-19: A Rheumatological Approach in the Intensive Care Unit
Francesco Ferro, Gaetano La Rocca, Elena Elefante, Nazzareno Italiano, Michele Moretti, Rosaria Talarico, Erika Pelati, Katia Valentini, Chiara Baldini, Roberto Mozzo, Luigi De Simone, Marta Mosca
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World Journal of Virology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Review Articles

Nephrology
Dialysis decision in critically ill patients in intensive care unit: Harin Rhee; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(1):1-9. Published online February 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.004896

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Abstract PDF: The 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines clearly define emergent indications for kidney replacement therapy; however, whether dialysis should be initiated in critically ill patients without these indications remains unclear. This review briefly summarizes the results of recent landmark trials and discusses their limitations originating from a criteria-based approach at a single time point. Moreover, a personalized approach based on each patient’s demand-capacity balance and its future benefits as a platform for kidney support therapy in critically ill patients are discussed.

Surgery
Early detection and assessment of intensive care unit-acquired weakness: a comprehensive review: Hanan Elkalawy, Pavan Sekhar, Wael Abosena; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):409-424. Published online November 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00703

6,457 View
454 Download
5 Web of Science
6 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a serious complication in critically ill patients. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of ICU-AW are crucial for effectively preventing its associated morbidity and mortality. This article provides a comprehensive review of ICU-AW, focusing on the different methods used for its diagnosis and monitoring. Additionally, it highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in muscle assessment and early detection of ICU-AW. Furthermore, the article explores potential strategies for preventing ICU-AW. Healthcare providers who manage critically ill patients utilize diagnostic approaches such as physical exams, imaging, and assessment tools to identify ICU-AW. However, each method has its own limitations. The diagnosis of ICU-AW needs improvement due to the lack of a consensus on the appropriate approach for its detection. Nevertheless, bedside ultrasound has proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective tool for muscle assessment in the ICU. Combining the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score assessment, and ultrasound can be a convenient approach for the early detection of ICU-AW. This approach can facilitate timely intervention and prevent catastrophic consequences. However, further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Advancing Nutritional Care Through Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Critical Patients
Ana Maria Dumitriu, Cristian Cobilinschi, Bogdan Dumitriu, Sebastian Vâlcea, Raluca Ungureanu, Angela Popa, Rǎzvan Ene, Radu Țincu, Ioana Marina Grințescu, Liliana Mirea
Nutrients.2025; 17(3): 380. CrossRef
Potential diagnostic tools for intensive care unit acquired weakness: A systematic review
Chen Xin, Yubiao Gai, Lili Wei, Yanqiu Wang, Yuhong Luo, Binru Han
International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances.2025; 8: 100301. CrossRef
Characteristics of the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Septic Patients with Critical Illness Polyneuropathy - A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yanyang Zhang, Jinfu Ma, Qing Zhao, Hui Liu
The Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2024; 10(2): 130. CrossRef
Advancing critical care recovery: The pivotal role of machine learning in early detection of intensive care unit-acquired weakness
Georges Khattar, Elie Bou Sanayeh
World Journal of Clinical Cases.2024; 12(21): 4455. CrossRef
Construction and evaluation of acquired weakness nomogram model in patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit
Chen Lu, Jiang Wenjuan
DIGITAL HEALTH.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
A scoping review of preclinical intensive care unit-acquired weakness models
Qingmei Yu, Jiamei Song, Luying Yang, Yanmei Miao, Leiyu Xie, Xinglong Ma, Peng Xie, Shaolin Chen
Frontiers in Physiology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Basic science and research
Sex or gender differences in treatment outcomes of sepsis and septic shock: Seung Yeon Min, Ho Jin Yong, Dohhyung Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):207-213. Published online May 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00591

5,865 View
293 Download
1 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Gender disparities in intensive care unit (ICU) treatment approaches and outcomes are evident. However, clinicians often pay little attention to the importance of biological sex and sociocultural gender in their treatment courses. Previous studies have reported that differences between sexes or genders can significantly affect the manifestation of diseases, diagnosis, clinicians' treatment decisions, scope of treatment, and treatment outcomes in the intensive care field. In addition, numerous reports have suggested that immunomodulatory effects of sex hormones and differences in gene expression from X chromosomes between genders might play a significant role in treatment outcomes of various diseases. However, results from clinical studies are conflicting. Recently, the need for customized treatment based on physical, physiological, and genetic differences between females and males and sociocultural characteristics of society have been increasingly emphasized. However, interest in and research into this field are remarkably lacking in Asian countries, including South Korea. Through this review, we hope to enhance our awareness of the importance of sex and gender in intensive care treatment and research by briefly summarizing several principal issues, mainly focusing on sex and sex hormone-based outcomes in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis and septic shock.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Clinical predictors of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections: A healthcare system analysis
Harjinder Singh, Radhika Sheth, Mehakmeet Bhatia, Abdullah Muhammad, Candi Bachour, David Metcalf, Vivek Kak
Spartan Medical Research Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of metabolic syndrome on cardiovascular, inflammatory and hematological parameters in female mice subjected to severe sepsis
Leonardo Berto-Pereira, Raquel Pires Nakama, Lucas Felipe dos Santos, Aparecida Donizette Malvezi, Isabella Ramos Trevizani Thihara, Lucas Sobral de Rossi, Fabricio Seidy Ribeiro Inoue, Wander Rogério Pavanelli, Priscila Cassolla, Phileno Pinge-Filho, Mar
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.2024; 739: 150966. CrossRef

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