Microbiology
Viral infections
Viral infections in the ICU require timely diagnosis and effective management to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Common viral pathogens, such as influenza, COVID-19, and herpesviruses, necessitate rapid diagnostic tools and targeted antiviral therapies. Supportive care and infection control measures are crucial for managing these infections in critically ill patients.
Severe dengue is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and intensive management. Early recognition, careful fluid management, and supportive care are essential to prevent complications and improve outcomes in ICU patients.
Ebola-related critical illness presents significant challenges in the ICU, requiring specialized management to improve survival. Aggressive supportive care, experimental therapies, and strict infection control measures are essential for managing this highly lethal infection effectively.
Overview of viral infections in ICU
Viral infections
Update in Viral Infections in the Intensive Care Unit
Paraskevi C. Fragkou et al., Frontiers in Medicine (2021)
What’s inside
This article provides an update on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of viral infections in critically ill patients, focusing on emerging viruses and advancements in treatment.
Why it’s relevant
Viral infections, including emerging pathogens, are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in ICU patients, requiring timely and effective interventions.
Key focus
- Common viral pathogens in the ICU (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, herpesviruses)
- Diagnostic tools, including molecular testing and serology
- Antiviral therapies and supportive care strategies
- Infection control measures and vaccination
Takeaway
The article highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis, targeted antiviral therapy, and preventive measures to manage viral infections in critically ill patients effectively.
Viral infections
Viral infections in critical care: a narrative review
A. Conway Morris et al., Anaesthesia (2023)
What’s inside
This narrative review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of viral infections in critical care settings, with a focus on emerging viruses and their impact on ICU patients.
Why it’s relevant
Viral infections are a growing concern in ICUs, particularly with the emergence of novel pathogens, and require effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Key focus
- Common and emerging viral pathogens in critical care (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, RSV)
- Challenges in diagnosing viral infections in critically ill patients
- Current antiviral therapies and supportive care approaches
- Infection prevention and control measures
Takeaway
The review underscores the need for rapid diagnostics, effective antiviral treatments, and robust infection control practices to manage viral infections in critically ill patients.
Viral infections
How to approach and treat viral infections in ICU patients
Theodoros Kelesidis et al., BMC Infectious Diseases (2014)
What’s inside
This article provides a practical approach to diagnosing and treating viral infections in ICU patients, focusing on common pathogens and evidence-based management strategies.
Why it’s relevant
Viral infections in critically ill patients can lead to severe complications, making timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment essential for improving outcomes.
Key focus
- Common viral infections in the ICU (e.g., influenza, herpesviruses, respiratory viruses)
- Diagnostic tools, including PCR and serological testing
- Antiviral therapies and their appropriate use
- Supportive care and infection control measures
Takeaway
The article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, targeted antiviral therapy, and comprehensive supportive care to effectively manage viral infections in ICU patients.
Viral pneumonia/pneumonitits
For literature on viral pneumonia/pneumonitis, see here.
Severe arboviral infections
Dengue
Severe dengue
Severe dengue in the intensive care unit
Alexandre Mestre Tejo et al., Journal of Intensive Medicine (2024)
What’s inside
This article reviews the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of severe dengue in ICU patients, providing evidence-based recommendations for critical care.
Why it’s relevant
Severe dengue is a life-threatening condition with high mortality, requiring prompt recognition and intensive management to prevent complications.
Key focus
- Pathophysiology and progression to severe dengue (e.g., plasma leakage, hemorrhage)
- Clinical features and diagnostic criteria for severe dengue
- Management strategies, including fluid resuscitation and hemodynamic support
- Prevention of complications and long-term outcomes
Takeaway
The article highlights the importance of early recognition, careful fluid management, and supportive care to improve outcomes in patients with severe dengue in the ICU.
Ebola
Ebola
Treatment of Ebola-related critical illness
Peter Kiiza et al., Intensive Care Medicine (2020)
What’s inside
This article reviews the management of Ebola-related critical illness, focusing on treatment strategies, supportive care, and infection control in ICU settings.
Why it’s relevant
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a highly lethal infection with significant critical care challenges, requiring specialized management to improve survival.
Key focus
- Clinical presentation and complications of Ebola-related critical illness
- Supportive care strategies, including fluid and electrolyte management
- Experimental therapies and antiviral treatments
- Infection prevention and control measures for healthcare workers
Takeaway
The article emphasizes the importance of aggressive supportive care, experimental therapies, and strict infection control to manage Ebola-related critical illness effectively.
HIV-related critical illness
For HIV-related disease please have a look here.