The critical care literature 2018

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Emergency physicians (EPs) are the first responders for critically ill patients.
• Critical care hours in emergency departments (EDs) have increased significantly.
• Prolonged ED boarding times for intensive care unit (ICU) patients negatively impact outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key critical care articles published in 2018.
• To provide EPs with updated knowledge on resuscitation and management of critically ill patients.
• To highlight advancements relevant to ED clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Review of selected important articles from 2018.
• Focus on studies with significant findings and clinical applicability in the ED.
• Topics include cardiac arrest, post-arrest care, septic shock, rapid sequence intubation, mechanical ventilation, fluid resuscitation, and metabolic acidosis.

Main Results:

• The review covers critical updates in managing cardiac arrest and septic shock.
• Key findings on rapid sequence intubation and mechanical ventilation are discussed.
• Guidance on fluid resuscitation and metabolic acidosis management is provided.

Conclusions:

• EPs must stay informed about critical care advancements.
• Knowledge of recent developments can improve resuscitation and management in the ED.
• This review offers a concise summary of 2018 critical care literature relevant to EPs.