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

Handwashing in ICU

Handwashing in ICU: nosocomial infection associated with -> increased health costs -> increased morbidity and mortality

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is endorsed by the WHO as the single most important element of strategies to preventing healthcare associated infection (HAI). It is the responsibility of every healthcare worker

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Healthcare Associated Infections

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are infections acquired in healthcare facilities and infections that occur as a result of healthcare interventions, which may manifest after people leave the healthcare facility

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

HIV and AIDS

OVERVIEW HIV = retrovirus infection -> infection of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+) and progressively destroys them -> immunosuppression 40 million patients in the world 2 types: HIV 1 and HIV 2 (West Africa) modes of transmission: sexual intercourse, mother to child…

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Influenza

OVERVIEW caused by influenza A and B viruses CLINICAL FEATURES fever (>38 C)+/- one systemic symptoms (myalgia)+/- one respiratory symptoms-> 70% chance of having influenza INVESTIGATIONS nasopharyneal viral swab MANAGEMENT Active Treatment neuraminidase inhibitors are of no benefit unless started…

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Abnormal LFTs Post Vascular Surgery

CAUSES pre-existing liver disease (+/- exacerbation) drug induced (paracetamol, statins, amiodarone, antibiotics, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, ranitidine, volatiles) ischaemic (post clamping above hepatic artery, thrombosis, embolic, hypotension) surgical injury nutrition (TPN, EN) acalculous cholecystitis transfusion related hepatitis ASSESSMENT History pre-operative liver function…

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Fluid administration device flow rates

Rapid fluid administration is potentially life-saving in the resuscitation setting; flow rates achieved depend on the devices used in fluid administration, largely in agreement with Poiseuille's law