The critical care literature 2017

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Emergency physicians (EPs) are increasingly providing critical care in emergency departments (EDs).
• Extended ED boarding times for critically ill patients negatively impact morbidity and mortality.
• EPs require up-to-date knowledge of critical care advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review significant 2017 critical care articles relevant to emergency department practice.
• To provide EPs with current evidence for managing critically ill patients.
• To cover key topics including sepsis, shock, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism.

Main Methods:

• Review of select important articles published in 2017.
• Selection based on clinical significance and applicability to emergency care.
• Focus on resuscitation and management of critically ill patients.

Main Results:

• The review covers critical updates on sepsis management.
• It addresses vasodilitory shock, cardiac arrest, and post-cardiac arrest care.
• It includes new insights into post-intubation sedation and pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions:

• Keeping abreast of critical care research is vital for EPs.
• This review offers a concise summary of key 2017 findings.
• Application of reviewed evidence can enhance emergency care for critically ill patients.