Outcome of after-hours surgery: Setting, skill and timing may explain the outcome:

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Fake news and patient-family-physician interaction in critical care: concepts, beliefs and potential countermeasures

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SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and Eisenmenger’s Syndrome: doubling the challenge

Eisenmenger’s syndrome (ES) is the most severe phenotype of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) secondary to congenital heart disease. In these cases, a significant systemic-to-pulmonary (left-to-right) shunting triggers the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and pulmonary hypertension. In cases of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in patients with ES, high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy should be considered as a first-line approach in order to avoid pulmonary complications and right ventricular overload related to positive pressure ventilation. Here, we report a case of HFNC use in a patient with COVID-19 infection and ES

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, resistance, and treatment of infections by Candida auris

Candida spp. infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Candida auris is an emerging multi-drug-resistant fungus that is rapidly spreading worldwide. Since the first reports in 2009, many isolates across five continents have been identified as agents of hospital-associated infections. Independent and simultaneous outbreaks of C. auris are becoming a major concern for healthcare and scientific community. Moreover, laboratory misidentification and multi-drug-resistant profiles, rarely observed for other non-albicans Candida species, result in difficult eradication and frequent therapeutic failures of C. auris infections. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and comprehensive report of the global spread of C. auris, focusing on clinical and microbiological characteristics, mechanisms of virulence and antifungal resistance, and efficacy of available control, preventive, and therapeutic strategies

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, resistance, and treatment of infections by Candida auris

Abstract Candida spp. infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Candida auris is an emerging multi-drug-resistant fungus that is rapidly spreading worldwide. Since the first reports in 2009, many isolates across five continents have been identified as agents of hospital-associated infections. Independent and simultaneous outbreaks of C. auris are becoming a major concern for healthcare and scientific community. Moreover, laboratory misidentification and multi-drug-resistant profiles, rarely observed for other non-albicans Candida species, result in difficult eradication and frequent therapeutic failures of C. auris infections. The aim of this review was to provide an updated and comprehensive report of the global spread of C. auris, focusing on clinical and microbiological characteristics, mechanisms of virulence and antifungal resistance, and efficacy of available control, preventive, and therapeutic strategies

The right interface for the right patient in noninvasive ventilation: a systematic review

Introduction Research in the field of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has contributed to the development of new NIV interfaces. However, interface tolerance plays a crucial role in determining the beneficial effects of NIV therapy. Areas covered This systematic review explores the most significant scientific research on NIV interfaces, with a focus on the potential impact that their design might have on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. The rationale on the choice of the right interface among the wide variety of devices that are currently available is discussed here. Expert opinion The paradigm 'The right mask for the right patient' seems to be difficult to achieve in real life. Ranging from acute to chronic settings, the gold standard should include the tailoring of NIV interfaces to patients' needs and preferences. However, such customization may be hampered by issues of economic nature. High production costs and the increasing demand represent consistent burdens and have to be considered when dealing with patient-tailored NIV interfaces. New research focusing on developing advanced and tailored NIV masks should be prioritized; indeed, interfaces should be designed according to the specific patient and clinical setting where they need to be used