Critical Care

Ventilator Asynchronies

Ventilator Asynchronies  Ventilator asynchrony refers to a mismatch between the patient’s neural respiratory drive and the ventilator’s delivered breath (trigger, flow, cycling, or mode). It leads to: ↑ Work of breathing (WOB) Patient discomfort Sedation escalation Delirium Prolonged mechanical ventilation Increased ICU stay Possibly increased mortalityAsynchrony is present in up to 20–40% of ventilated ICU […]

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WEANING FROM MECHANICAL VENTILATION

WEANING FROM MECHANICAL VENTILATION WHY WEANING IS IMPORTANT Complications of Delayed Weaning Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) Diaphragmatic disuse atrophy (VIDD) ICU-acquired weakness (CIP/CIM) Increased ICU length of stay Higher mortality Increased sedation exposure Complications of Premature Weaning Reintubation Aspiration Hemodynamic instability Increased mortality (especially if reintubation within 48 hrs) CLASSIFICATION OF WEANING  1️⃣ Simple Weaning Successful

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)  ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a diffuse inflammatory lung injury characterized by: Increased alveolar-capillary permeability Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema Severe hypoxemia Reduced lung compliance Leading to acute respiratory failure requiring oxygen or ventilatory support. Berlin Definition (2012) — Diagnostic Criteria Criterion Requirement Timing Within 1 week of clinical insult or

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Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax Pneumothorax = Presence of air in the pleural space causing partial or complete collapse of the lung. Normal pleural pressure is negative relative to atmosphere. When air enters pleural space: Negative pressure is lost Lung recoils inward Chest wall expands outward Ventilation decreases Severe cases → hemodynamic compromise Classification Type Mechanism Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

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Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB)  Definition Upper GI bleeding refers to hemorrhage originating proximal to the ligament of Treitz (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). Anatomical Classification Site Examples Esophagus Varices, Mallory–Weiss tear, esophagitis Stomach Peptic ulcer, erosive gastritis, malignancy Duodenum Peptic ulcer, Dieulafoy lesion Etiology 1. Non-Variceal UGIB (≈ 80–85%) Peptic Ulcer Disease (most common) Duodenal ulcer >

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Refeeding Syndrome

Refeeding Syndrome  Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal metabolic complication that occurs after rapid reintroduction of nutrition (especially carbohydrates) in malnourished or starved patients, characterized by acute shifts of phosphate, potassium, magnesium, fluids, and vitamins (notably thiamine) due to insulin surge. Core hallmark: Hypophosphatemia after refeeding. diagnosis of exclusion Pathophysiology  1️⃣ Starvation State ↓ Insulin,

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Pleural Effusion

Pleural Effusion  Normal Pleural Space Contains 5–15 mL fluid Produced mainly by parietal pleura Absorbed via pleural lymphatics Functions as a lubricant allowing lung movement Pleural effusion develops when:Fluid formation > Fluid removal Etiology Transudative Pleural Effusion Cause Mechanism Heart failure(~80% of transudates) Increased hydrostatic pressure Cirrhosis (hepatic hydrothorax)(~13% of transudates) Ascitic fluid migration Nephrotic

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Ascites

Ascites  Normal peritoneal cavity contains <50 mL fluid which is usually not visible on routine abdominal ultrasound. Clinically detectable ascites usually requires >1.5 L fluid. Most common cause worldwide: Liver cirrhosis (~80–85% cases). Epidemiology Among patients with cirrhosis: Ascites is the most common complication. Approximately 50% develop ascites within 10 years of diagnosis. Development of

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ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION  Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by: Irregularly irregular rhythm(One exception to these criteria is that if AF is combined with heart block, then the ventricular response may be regular.) No distinct P waves(If it is unclear whether there are P waves or fibrillation waves, consider obtaining a Lewis Lead ECG) Fibrillatory

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Hepatorenal Syndrome

Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) Definition Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a functional, potentially reversible acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension(Ascites), in the absence of intrinsic renal disease or structural kidney damage. Epidemiology  Occurs in advanced decompensated cirrhosis (often Child-Pugh C) Triggers: Refractory ascites Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) Large-volume paracentesis without

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