Biomarkers in acute lung injury–marking forward progress.
Crit Care Clin. 2011 J…

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Bedside and radiologic procedures in the critically ill obese patient.

Crit Care Clin. 2010 Oct;26(4):665-8

Authors: Olson M, Pohl C

Performance of procedures upon the obese critically ill patient in the ICU or in the radiology suite, require certain considerations. Additional staff, equipment and proper ergonomics are often necessary to perform these procedures safely for both patient and staff.

PMID: 20970054 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Vascular procedures in the critically ill obese patient.

Crit Care Clin. 2010 Oct;26(4):647-60

Authors: Rahman O, Willis L

The increasing societal prevalence of obesity is consequential to the increasing number of critically ill obese patients. Vascular procedures are an essential aspect of care in these patients. This article reviews the general, anatomic, and physiologic considerations pertaining to vascular procedures in critically ill obese patients. In addition, the use of ultrasonography for these procedures is discussed.

PMID: 20970052 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Venous thromboembolic disease and hematologic considerations in obesity.

Crit Care Clin. 2010 Oct;26(4):637-40

Authors: Craft MK, Reed MJ

Venous thromboembolic disease continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality, with obese patients who are critically ill presenting some of the most at-risk patients. As the literature evolves, it has become clear that there is a complex relationship between obesity and thrombosis and atherogenesis. It is true that many of these conditions are reversible with weight loss; however, obesity remains on the rise. Management of obese patients must incorporate and consider these intricate changes in an attempt to improve patient outcomes.

PMID: 20970050 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Acute kidney injury in the critically ill, morbidly obese patient: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in a unique patient population.

Crit Care Clin. 2010 Oct;26(4):607-24

Authors: Bucaloiu ID, Perkins RM, DiFilippo W, Yahya T, Norfolk E

The growing burden of morbid obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m²) on critical care resources translates to a significant incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in morbidly obese (MO), critically ill patients. This article examines the literature pertinent to AKI in critically ill MO patients. After a concise review of the available epidemiologic data regarding the incidence of acute renal injury in MO individuals, the authors review the limitations and available tools for estimation of renal function in the MO population (with emphasis on the critical illness). Also described are several specific types of renal injury previously described in this population that are applicable to the critical care setting. Lastly, the authors review some of the challenges and limitations in providing renal support to critically ill MO individuals, and identify potential areas for future research in this population.

PMID: 20970046 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture in obese patients.

Crit Care Clin. 2010 Oct;26(4):661-4

Authors: Strony R

The use of ultrasound to mark landmarks for diagnostic lumbar puncture has been described in emergency medicine as well as in the anesthesia literature. One of the most difficult scenarios arises when obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 present to an acute care setting, such as the emergency department or intensive care unit and require diagnostic LP. This article discusses lumbar puncture in patients with a high BMI.

PMID: 20970053 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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