Three case based discussions to stimulate youCerebral Challenge (247) - January 23, 2012

This tutorial discusses the indications for, insertion of and care for tracheostomy, focussing on percutaneous tracheostomy in the critical care settingTracheostomy (241) - October 17, 2011

Renal failure (RF) is common in cirrhotic patients. Intensive care units frequently encounter patients with cirrhosis referred for organ support. Categorisation of renal failure, although sometimes difficult, is important for therapeutic and prognostic reasons and to support decision making.Hepatorenal syndrome (240) - October 10, 2011

Guillain Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This tutorial describes evidence based critical care management of the condition.Guillain-Barre Syndrome (238) - August 29, 2011

Worldwide, sepsis is among the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. This tutorial explores the early recognition, diagnosis and management of sepsis and septic shock in pregnancy.Maternal Sepsis (235) - August 8, 2011

Delirium is a common and important complication of critical illness. It is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality as well as longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs. This article will provide an evidence based review of this condition including its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.Delirium in Critical Care (232) - July 18, 2011

Massive haemoptysis is a rare but life threatening event. This tutorial discusses management and investigation of it.Massive Haemoptysis (225) - May 30, 2011

This article will review the basic principles underlying IABP counterpulsation, the device’s indications, contraindications, techniques for insertion and operating instructions. Understanding the basic principles, physiological effects, appropriate set-up and potential complications of the IABP are essential for improving patient outcomesIntra-aortic Balloon Pump Counter-pulsation (220) - April 25, 2011

This tutorial will look at the background to CPET, its physiology, practicalities of performing the test and evidence supporting its use in pre-operative risk stratification. It will not cover direct interpretation of raw CPET data.Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (217) - March 14, 2011

This Cerebral Challenge is reprinted from Update in Anaesthesia 26 and presents three clinical cases based around ECGs and radiological investigations. Each case is presented in turn followed by discussion at the end.Intensive Care Cerebral Challenge (215) - February 28, 2011

H1N1: What it is and what to do when your patients have it.Intensive care management of pandemic (H1N1) Influenza (209) - January 17, 2011

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) kills 90% of its victims before they reach hospital. This tutorial discusses evidence from randomised controlled trials supporting the use of induced hypothermia in carefully groups to improve outcome.Management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests with induced hypothermia (206) - November 22, 2010

Enhanced recovery is a combination of elements of care for elective surgery which aims to optimise pre-operative preparation for surgery, avoid iatrogenic problems, minimise the stress response to surgery, speed recovery and return to normal function. Enhanced recovery after surgery (204) - November 8, 2010

This is the third and final tutorial of the critical care microbiology series. It aims to cover healthcare-associated infections for which the ICU population is at specific risk, viz. ventilator-associated pneumonia and catheter-related bloodstream infections.Antibiotics in Critical Care 3 – Critical Care-associated infections (202) - October 25, 2010

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of striated muscle. There are many causes that all ultimately progress to myocyte necrosis and release of intracellular contents into the circulation. This can produce life-threatening complications including hyperkalaemia and acute kidney injury (AKI)Rhabdomyolysis (198) - September 27, 2010

This tutorial discusses the aetiology and diagnosis of acute kidney injury and describes the management of this from conservative to renal replacement therapy.Renal replacement therapy in critical care (194) - August 30, 2010

This tutorial covers the risk factors and pathophysiology of pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, and goes on to discuss prevention and management.Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents (192) - August 16, 2010

This tutorial will briefly review the pharmacology of Sevoflurane before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using it to provide conscious sedation in patients and the methods that may be employed to do so.Conscious sedation with sevoflurane (188) - July 19, 2010

This tutorial reviews the assessment and peri-operative management of paediatric patients with asthma.Childhood asthma and anaesthesia (187) - July 12, 2010

The first of a two part series on cardiac output monitoring, this tutorial covers basic cardiac terminology, physiological concepts and the physical principles underlying ultrasound and echocardiography (ECHO).Cardiac output monitoring – part 1 (183) - June 14, 2010

This is the second part of the series on critical care microbiology and focuses on common organisms encountered in intensive care practice, in particular those which are common nosocomial pathogens and are problematic by virtue of resistance.Critical care microbiology 2 – microbiology challenges in critical care (182) - June 7, 2010

MRI is the technique of choice for many neurological, cardiovascular, oncological and musculoskeletal conditions. This tutorial discusses the principles behind its use and implications for the anaesthetist.Understanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging (177) - May 3, 2010

This tutorial is aimed at educating the reader on the aetiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical features, and the anaesthetic management of a patient affected with malariaMalaria for the Anaesthetist (176) - April 26, 2010

Timely recognition and prompt management of acutely unwell surgical patients can have a significant impact on their outcome. The following tutorial suggests a systematic approach to deal with this group of patients.Recognition and management of the acutely ill surgical patient (170) - February 15, 2010

A practical guide to intubating sick children for the adult anaesthetist or intensive care specialist.Intubation of sick children (169) - February 8, 2010

This tutorial is intended as a basic overview of antibiotics with particular reference to critical care practice. It is not intended to be exhaustive but to serve as a “meet the drugs” introduction to 16 common drugs or drug classes. It is the first of three tutorials on the topic of intensive care microbiology; the second focuses on the detailed use, indications and side-effects of these drugs and the third looks at common ICU infections and their treatment- “meet the bugs”.Antibiotics in Critical Care – An introduction (168) - February 1, 2010

This tutorial addresses the management of spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhageManagement of subarachnoid haemorrhage (163) - December 7, 2009

The final tutorial in this three part series looks further at common abnormalities seen on the intensive care unit.Interpretation of the chest radiograph – part 3 (154) - October 5, 2009

Part two in this three part series looks at common CXR abnormalities seen on the intensive care unit.Interpretation of the chest radiograph – part 2 (150) - September 7, 2009

Introduction to the interpretation of chest radiography in critical care. The first in a three part series, this tutorial covers technical aspects and common abnormalities of the chest radiograph.Interpretation of the chest radiograph – part 1 (146) - August 10, 2009