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Updated: Jan 27, 2026
05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
957
The Crashing Obese Patient.
Brian K Parker1, Sara Manning2, Michael E Winters2
1University of Texas San Antonio, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio, Texas.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 19, 2019
Summary
Resuscitating critically ill obese patients requires special considerations for emergency physicians (EPs). Understanding unique challenges in intubation, ventilation, circulation, and medications is vital to reduce patient morbidity and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Critically ill patients require emergency physician (EP) intervention.
- Obese patients present unique resuscitation challenges due to altered physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline critical resuscitation components for crashing obese patients in the emergency department.
- To highlight pearls and pitfalls for EPs managing obese patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological changes in obese patients relevant to resuscitation.
- Focus on key interventions: intubation, mechanical ventilation, circulatory support, and pharmacotherapy.
Main Results:
- Obesity impacts anatomy, metabolic demand, and cardiopulmonary reserve.
- Specific adaptations are needed for airway management and positive pressure ventilation.
- Pharmacokinetic alterations necessitate adjusted dosing strategies.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with obesity-specific resuscitation techniques is imperative for EPs.
- Minimizing morbidity and mortality in crashing obese patients relies on specialized knowledge.
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