Category CCC

The LITFL Critical Care Compendium is a comprehensive collection of pages concisely covering the core topics and controversies of critical care.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Unresolved sepsis

When a 'septic' patient fails to improve despite initial therapy, it is important to 'stop and think' and systematically consider the multiple possible reasons why 'the antibiotic is not working'

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondria are the intracellular organelles that produce the bulk of the body’s energy currency (ATP). they are derived from endosymbiotic prokaryotes around the time of the origin of eukaryotic cells

CCC Critical Care Compendium 680

Large bowel obstruction
 DDx

In an adult, large bowel obstruction is cancer until proven otherwise. Key radiological features are dilated bowel loops that are peripheral, contain haustra and contain faeces.

CCC Critical Care Compendium 680

Scrotal mass

Differential diagnosis of the scrotal mass. See also scrotal pain and inguinal mass (in abdominal mass)

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Pulmonary mechanics

Determining compliance and resistance within a respiratory system is important during the management of mechanical ventilation.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Oxygen-Haemoglobin Dissociation Curve

sigmoid shape of the oxy-Hb dissociation curve results from the allosteric interactions of the globin monomers that make up the haemoglobin tetramer as each one binds O2. Multiple factors can affect the affinity of Hb for oxygen, thus causing the curve to shift to the left (increased oxygen affinity) or to the right (decreased O2 affinity)

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Hyperkalaemia CCC

Clinical Cases Hyperkalaemia DDx Hyperkalaemia management Hyperkalemia Case Study Causes of HYPERkalaemia Serum potassium levels above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mmol/L) 1) Increased potassium intake (rare) Oral (potassium supplements) IV (transfusion of stored blood, supplement infusions) 2) Increased production Tissue…

CCC Critical Care Compendium 680

Facial twitches DDx

Recurrent facial twitches are most commonly due to hemifacial spasm, but this needs to be distinguished from other causes.