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

Ludwig angina

Ludwig angina: rapidly progressive gangrenous bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular space with risk of life-threatening airway compromise

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

CT Head Interpretation

The CT head scan is a computer-generated series of images from multiple X-rays taken at different levels. Fine X-ray beams passed through the subject are absorbed to different degrees by different tissues and the transmitted radiation is measured by a scanning device.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and a leading cause of infant death in the developing world. 95% of U.S. children have had a rotavirus infection by the age of 5 years.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Peritoneal Fluid Analysis

The peritoneum is a tough semi-permeable membrane lining abdominal and visceral cavities. it encloses, supports and lubricates organs within the cavity. Paracentesis is effectively the analysis of 'Ascites' - the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdomen.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Quantitative Data Types and Tests

Quantitative data is that which can be expressed numerically and is associated with a measurement scale; not all numbers constitute quantitative data (e.g. tax file number!)

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Calcium basics

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. 1.5% of body weight; 99% is in bone matrix; 1100gramm (27mmol)

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Factor VIIa

Tissue factor + VIIa + platelets -> platelet aggregation -> production of platelet-fibrin matrix -> haemostasis; used in massive transfusion senario’s to attempt to control intractable haemorrhage