A-a gradient
A-a gradient is calculated as PAO2 – PaO2. A normal A–a gradient for a young adult non-smoker breathing air, is between 5–10 mmHg.
Category CCC
The LITFL Critical Care Compendium is a comprehensive collection of pages concisely covering the core topics and controversies of critical care.
Mechanical Ventilation Overview
Basics of mechanical ventilation by Todd Fraser
Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation
INDICATIONS A – protection and patencyB – respiratory failure (hypercapnic or hypoxic), increase FRC, decrease WOB, secretion management/ pulmonary toilet, to facilitate bronchoscopyC – minimise oxygen consumption and optimize oxygen delivery (e.g. sepsis)D – unresponsive to pain, terminate seizure, prevent…
Modes of Ventilation
Modes of Ventilation. Classification based on the following: Initiation; Cycle; Limit; and Pressure Regulated Volume Control
Neuromuscular Blockade in ARDS
The use of neuromuscular blockade in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is controversial. Renewed interest since the French ACURASYS trial in 2010
Intralipid and lipid rescue therapy
Intralipid and lipid rescue therapy as an antidote of last resort in cardiotoxic overdoses of lipophilic agents (best described for bupivacaine)
Vancomycin
Vancomycin: glycopeptide derivative; impairs cell wall synthesis of gram +ve bacteria
Warfarin
Warfarin: anticoagulant; prevents the synthesis of vitamin K dependent clotting factors; II, VII, IX & X in liver; prevents the reduction of vitamin K 2, 3-epoxide -> vitamin K
Intracardiac Masses Echocardiography
Intracardiac Masses Echocardiography
LV function echocardiography
Left ventricular Function and Haemodynamic Assessment Echocardiography
Infective Endocarditis Echocardiography
TOE superior to TTE (90% vs 50% sensitive); echocardiographic findings are part of the major and minor criteria for diagnosis of infective endocarditis