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

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis: autoimmune disruption of post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors at NMJ; up to 80% of functional receptors loss; typically young woman; may have thymus hyperplasia; prevalence = 14.2 cases per 100,000

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE)

Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus (NCSE) is a persistent change in the level of consciousness, behaviour, autonomic function, and sensorium from baseline associated with continuous epileptiform EEG changes, but without major motor signs

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Airway exchange catheter

Airway exchange catheter; aka airway exchange guide; examples include the Cook Airway Exchange Catheter and the Aintree Intubation Catheter

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

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.

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

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…

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Modes of Ventilation

Modes of Ventilation. Classification based on the following: Initiation; Cycle; Limit; and Pressure Regulated Volume Control

CCC Critical Care compendium 340

Vancomycin

Vancomycin: glycopeptide derivative; impairs cell wall synthesis of gram +ve bacteria