The ICM Literature Hit Parade

© James Austin 2003
Last updated 28 March 2009

The following ‘Top 100 references' are based on no objective ranking whatsoever, but purely my subjective opinion as to what is topical or useful to know about for the DICM exam. Preference has been given to papers that have been asked in the actual exam (underlined); meta-analyses and systematic reviews; ‘household names' in ICU literature; recent papers; and papers describing new drugs or forthcoming major studies. Low priority has been given to teaching reviews (with a few exceptions), animal or lab studies, and foreign-language or ‘minor' journals. No attempt has been made to cover the realm of ICM literature evenly.

Feel free to disagree with my Hit Parade – I'd welcome any suggestions for items that should be included, emailed to austin@dicm.co.uk . Please include: enough detail to locate the reference; your reason why it should be in the Top 100; and (ideally) your vote for which of the existing entries to drop in place of the new candidate. I'll do my best to update the list if and when anything ‘hot' hits the journals, but no promises!

By request, references that have been added in the most recent update are now marked new-small.gif. References that have been discarded to make way for new 'hits' can be found here . If you're really that interested, you can download an Excel spreadsheet of all ICM Hit Parade references, past and present, from this page here .

References are arranged by topic, rather than any hypothetical order of importance. Links are included to PubMed, and to free online full text where available.

HOW TO READ THE LITERATURE

Read this series of five articles from CCM before anything else! An excellent guide to critical analysis of journal stuff, as well as a practical critique of five useful papers. If you want more detail, JAMA has a similar series called Users' Guide to Evidence-based Practice (link updated).

Cook DJ, Hebert PC, Heyland DK, Guyatt GH, Brun-Buisson C et al.
How to use an article on therapy or prevention: pneumonia prevention using subglottic secretion drainage.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1502-1513.
PubMed Abstract

Jaeschke RZ, Meade MO, Guyatt GH, Keenan SP, Cook DJ.
How to use diagnostic test articles in the intensive care unit: diagnosing weanability using f/Vt.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1514-1521.
PubMed Abstract

Meade MO, Cook DJ, Kernerman P, Bernard G.
How to use articles about harm: the relationship between high tidal volumes, ventilating pressures, and ventilator-induced lung injury.
Critical Care Medicine 1997; 25: 1915-1922.
PubMed Abstract

Cook DJ, Levy MM, Heyland DK.
How to use a review article: prophylactic endoscopic sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.
Critical Care Medicine 1998; 26: 692-700.
PubMed Abstract

Keenan SP, Guyatt GH, Sibbald WJ, Cook DJ, Heyland DK, Jaeschke RZ.
How to use articles about diagnostic technology: gastric tonometry.
Critical Care Medicine 1999; 27: 1726-1731.
PubMed Abstract

ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES

National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death new-small.gif
Trauma: Who cares?
NCEPOD 2007 Report
Who came up with that title?!
NCEPOD downloads

Levy MM, Rapoport J, Lemeshow S, Chalfin DB, Phillips G, Danis M. new-small.gif
Association between critical care physician management and patient mortality in the intensive care unit.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2008; 148: 801-9
Shock, horror and endless correspondence - "They must have missed something!"
PubMed Abstract AIM Full Text

Winters BD, Pham JC, Hunt EA, Guallar E, Berenholtz S, Pronovost PJ.
Rapid response systems: a systematic review.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 1238-43
METs: do they work or don't they?
PubMed Abstract

Harrison DA, Brady AR, Rowan K.
Case mix, outcome and length of stay for admissions to adult, general critical care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Case Mix Programme Database.
Critical Care 2004; 8: R99-111
Every British intensivist should know something about ICNARC! OK, maybe not the Scots........
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

Priestap FA, Martin CM.
Impact of intensive care unit discharge time on patient outcome.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 2946-51
Worried about pushing patients out at night to make beds? Well, you should.........
PubMed Abstract

Taylor B, Kemp V, Goldhill D, Waldmann C
Critical care contingency planning: phased responses and triaging framework.
Journal of the Intensive Care Society 2008: 9: 16-19
How will your ICU respond when the flu pandemic hits?
JICS Full Text

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT

Eichacker PQ, Gerstenberger EP, Banks SM, Cui X, Natanson C
Meta-analysis of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome trials testing low tidal volumes.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2002 166: 1510-4.
A meta-analysis that explains why low-Vt works in some studies (e.g. ARDSNET ) and not others!
PubMed (no abstract available) AJRCCM Full Text

Fernandez R, Trenchs X, Klamburg J, Castedo J, Serrano JM et al.
Prone positioning in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter randomized clinical trial.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 1487-91
Add to this not one , not two , but three meta-analyses in the three months preceding this, and you have a cold topic getting hot again!
PubMed Abstract

Talmor D, Sarge T, Malhotra A, O'Donnell CR, Ritz R new-small.gif
Mechanical ventilation guided by esophageal pressure in acute lung injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008: 359; 2095-10
Oh, so narrowly missed a significant mortality benefit - why, oh why did they stop early? 
PubMed Abstract

Wiedemann HP, Wheeler AP, Bernard GR, Thompson BT, Hayden D et al, for ARDSNET
Comparison of two fluid-management strategies in acute lung injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 354: 2564-75.
Read the editorial and extensive correspondence as well
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Girard TD, Kress JP, Fuchs BD, Thomason JW, Schweickert WD et al.
Efficacy and safety of a paired sedation and ventilator weaning protocol for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care (Awakening and Breathing Controlled trial): a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2008; 371: 126-34.
NNT = 7.4 for mortality! PubMed Abstract

Burns KE, Adhikari NK, Meade MO.
A meta-analysis of noninvasive weaning to facilitate liberation from mechanical ventilation.
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 53: 305-15.
Can't get them off the ventilator? Just extubate to mask BiPAP
PubMed Abstract CJA Full Text Cochrane Full Text

Esteban A, Frutos-Vivar F, Ferguson ND, Arabi Y, Apezteguia C et al.
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for respiratory failure after extubation.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 350: 2542-2560
......But it's no good waiting for respiratory failure to set in - NIV too late only makes things worse!
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Peter JV, Moran JL, Phillips-Hughes J, Graham P, Bersten AD.
Effect of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: a meta-analysis.
Lancet 2006; 367: 1155-63.
Hmmm.... I think I'd rather have the CPAP than the BiPAP, thanks
PubMed Abstract

Adhikari NK, Burns KE, Friedrich JO, Granton JT, Cook DJ, Meade MO.
Effect of nitric oxide on oxygenation and mortality in acute lung injury: systematic review and meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2007; 334: 779-86
A disappointing performance from 1992's Molecule Of The Year
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Meduri GU, Marik PE, Chrousos GP, Pastores SM, Arlt W et al. new-small.gif
Steroid treatment in ARDS: a critical appraisal of the ARDS network trial and the recent literature.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34 : 61-9
Meduri tells them how it should be done.....
PubMed Abstract

Peter JV, John P, Graham PL, Moran JL, George IA, Bersten A new-small.gif
Corticosteroids in the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults: meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2008; 336: 1006-9.
And after three rounds of Meduri vs ARDS-NET, it's .... too close to call!
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Salluh JI, Póvoa P, Soares M, Castro-Faria-Neto HC, Bozza FA, Bozza PT new-small.gif
The role of corticosteroids in severe community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review.
Critical Care 2008; 12: R76
A fairly luke-warm conclusion for what seemed like very positive findings?
PubMed Abstract  Critical Care Full Text

Fan T, Wang G, Mao B, Xiong Z, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wang L, Yang S new-small.gif
Prophylactic administration of parenteral steroids for preventing airway complications after extubation in adults: meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled trials.
British Medical Journal 2008; 337: 1088-91
More steroids, anyone? A medical student provides the decider in Roberts et al vs the Cochrane Review ......
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Canadian Critical Care Trials Group; Heyland D, Dodek P, Muscedere J, Day A.
A randomized trial of diagnostic techniques for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 2619-30
How you diagnose it makes no difference...............
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Safdar N, Dezfulian C, Collard HR, Saint S
Clinical and economic consequences of ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 2184-93.
........ but actually having it certainly does!
PubMed Abstract

Blot F, Similowski T, Trouillet JL, Chardon P, Korach JM et al. new-small.gif
Early tracheotomy versus prolonged endotracheal intubation in unselected severely ill ICU patients.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 1779-87
Blot et al. stealing a march on TracMan
PubMed Abstract

Colebourn CL, Barber V, Young JD.
Use of helium-oxygen mixture in adult patients presenting with exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.
Anaesthesia 2007; 62: 34-42.
Heliox: it's good (but not VERY good).............
PubMed Abstract

Chalwin RP, Moran JL, Graham PL.
The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of the adult respiratory distress syndrome: review and quantitative analysis.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 2008; 36: 152-61.
We're still waiting in suspense for CESAR to get published - but here's a sneak peek ... PubMed Abstract

Müller T, Lubnow M, Philipp A, Bein T, Jeron A et al. new-small.gif
Extracorporeal pumpless interventional lung assist in clinical practice: determinants of efficacy.
European Respiratory Journal 2009; 33: 551-8
And now: pocket ECMO! (no batteries required)
PubMed Abstract

HAEMODYNAMIC THERAPY

Shah MR, Hasselblad V, Stevenson LW, Binanay C, O'Connor CM et al.
Impact of the pulmonary artery catheter in critically ill patients: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2005; 294; 1664-70
Bottom line: it doesn't kill people, and it doesn't help either.....
PubMed Abstract JAMA Full Text (free but requires registration)

Rivers E, Nguyen B, Havstad S, Ressler J, Muzzin A, Knoblich B et al.
Early goal-directed therapy in the treatment of severe sepsis and septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2001; 345: 1368-1377.
Goal-directed therapy does work, if you hit them soon enough ............
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Jones AE, Brown MD, Trzeciak S, Shapiro NI, Garrett JS et al.; Emergency Medicine Shock Research Network new-small.gif
The effect of a quantitative resuscitation strategy on mortality in patients with sepsis: a meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 2934-9
Like the Daddy of goal-directed therapy said before : it only works if you hit 'em early!
PubMed Abstract

Leone M, Martin C.
Vasopressor use in septic shock: an update.
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 2008; 21: 141-7.
So we still don't know which inotrope to use....
PubMed Abstract

Póvoa PR, Carneiro AH, Ribeiro OS, Pereira AC; on behalf of the Portuguese Community-Acquired Sepsis Study Group. new-small.gif
Influence of vasopressor agent in septic shock mortality. Results from the Portuguese Community-Acquired Sepsis Study (SACiUCI study).
Critical Care Medicine 2009; 37: 410-416
... but maybe it shouldn't be noradrenaline...?
PubMed Abstract

Russell JA, Walley KR, Singer J, Gordon AC, Hébert PC et al.: the VASST Investigators
Vasopressin versus norepinephrine infusion in patients with septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 877-87.
It's here, it's VASST, it's ... a bit inconclusive, really
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Pearse RM, Belsey JD, Cole JN, Bennett ED.
Effect of dopexamine infusion on mortality following major surgery: individual patient data meta-regression analysis of published clinical trials.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 1323-9.
Dopexamine: the dark horse of inotropes!
PubMed Abstract

Archan S, Toller W.
Levosimendan: current status and future prospects.
Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology 2008; 21: 78-84.
LIDO , RUSSLAN , CASINO , SURVIVE , REVIVE and BELIEF - just has to be a cardiology topic!
PubMed Abstract

Gheorghiade M, Konstam MA, Burnett JC Jr, Grinfeld L, Maggioni AP, et al. (EVEREST Investigators).
Short-term clinical effects of tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin antagonist, in patients hospitalized for heart failure: the EVEREST Clinical Status Trials.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2007; 297: 1332-43
Encouraging - but what about the real outcomes .............?
PubMed Abstract JAMA Full Text

Topol EJ.
Nesiritide - not verified.
New England Journal of Medicine 2005; 353: 113-6.
The forthcoming ETNA trial could determine whether Nesiritide makes it into Europe - or will ASCEND get there first?.
PubMed (no abstract) NEJM Full Text

FLUID AND TRANSFUSION THERAPY

The SAFE Study Investigators
A comparison of albumin and saline for fluid resuscitation in the intensive care unit.
New England Journal of Medicine 2004; 350: 2247-2256
"See? Told you albumin was safe!" "See? Told you it was no better than crystalloid!"
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Vincent JL, Sakr Y, Reinhart K, Sprung CL, Gerlach H, Ranieri VM; the 'Sepsis Occurrence in Acutely Ill Patients' investigators
Is albumin administration in the acutely ill associated with increased mortality? Results of the SOAP study.
Critical Care 2005; 9: R745-54.
Albumin: SAFE as SOAP?
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

SAFE Study Investigators; Myburgh J, Cooper DJ, Finfer S, Bellomo R, Norton R et al.
Saline or albumin for fluid resuscitation in patients with traumatic brain injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 874-84.
So what do the Lund protocol guys have to say about that?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Walsh TS, Saleh EE.
Anaemia during critical illness.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 97: 278-291
An excellent review of a core DICM exam topic
PubMed Abstract BJA Full Text

Marik PE, Corwin HL. new-small.gif
Efficacy of red blood cell transfusion in the critically ill: a systematic review of the literature.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 2667-74
A massive cohort meta-analysis to back up the findings of the TRICC Study
PubMed Abstract

Aronson D, Dann EJ, Bonstein L, Blich M, Kapeliovich M et al. new-small.gif
Impact of red blood cell transfusion on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
American Journal of Cardiology 2008; 102: 115-9
Isn't it funny how someone always publishes a key paper just a couple of months after someone else does a comprehensive review ?
PubMed Abstract

Marik PE, Corwin HL. new-small.gif
Acute lung injury following blood transfusion: expanding the definition.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 3080-4
An up-to-date review of a popular exam topic
PubMed Abstract

NUTRITION

Heyland DK, Dhaliwal R, Drover JW, Gramlich L, Dodek P; Canadian Critical Care Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee.
Canadian clinical practice guidelines for nutrition support in mechanically ventilated, critically ill adult patients.
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2003; 27: 355-73
Everything you ever wanted to know about ICU nutrition, with an evidence base!
PubMed Abstract

Simpson F, Doig GS.
Parenteral vs. enteral nutrition in the critically ill patient: a meta-analysis of trials using the intention to treat principle.
Intensive Care Medicine 2005; 31: 12-23.
TPN is better. Better than enteral nutrition, or better than nothing?
PubMed Abstract

Petrov MS, van Santvoort HC, Besselink MG, van der Heijden GJ, Windsor JA, Gooszen HG. new-small.gif
Enteral nutrition and the risk of mortality and infectious complications in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Archives of Surgery 2008; 143: 1111-7
At last - the surgeons leading the way in feeding pancreatitis patients!
PubMed Abstract

Marik PE, Zaloga GP. new-small.gif
Immunonutrition in critically ill patients: a systematic review and analysis of the literature.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 1980-90
State-of-the-art, from an immunonutrition enthusiast
PubMed Abstract

Pontes-Arruda A, Demichele S, Seth A, Singer P. new-small.gif
The use of an inflammation-modulating diet in patients with acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome: a meta-analysis of outcome data.
Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2008; 32: 596-605
Break out the Oxepa!
PubMed Abstract

Angstwurm MW, Engelmann L, Zimmermann T, Lehmann C, Spes CH, Abel P et al.
Selenium in Intensive Care (SIC): results of a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple-center study in patients with severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 118-26
Another win for anti-oxidants...........
PubMed Abstract

INFECTION

Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE, Light B, Parrillo JE et al.
Duration of hypotension before initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic shock.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1589-96.
Door-to-antibiotic time: "time is cytokine"!
PubMed Abstract

Pronovost P, Needham D, Berenholtz S, Sinopoli D, Chu H, Cosgrove S et al.
An intervention to decrease catheter-related bloodstream infections in the ICU.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 2725-32.
Wow. Why would implementing good aseptic technique cause such an ethical controversy ?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

De Smet AM, Kluytmans JA, Cooper BS, Mascini EM, Benus RF et al. new-small.gif
Decontamination of the digestive tract and oropharynx in ICU patients.
New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 360: 20-31
How much more evidence do we need to start doing SDD routinely?
PubMed Abstract

Chan EY, Ruest A, Meade MO, Cook DJ.
Oral decontamination for prevention of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.
British Medical Journal 2007; 334: 889.
Halves the incidence of VAP, but no change in mortality or length-of-stay.
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Uzzan B, Cohen R, Nicolas P, Cucherat M, Perret GY.
Procalcitonin as a diagnostic test for sepsis in critically ill adults and after surgery or trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Critical Care Medicine 2006; 34: 1996-2003.
It all depends on which meta-analysis you read (or how high your standards are ....)
PubMed Abstract

Bai Y, Gao J, Zou DW, Li ZS.
Prophylactic antibiotics cannot reduce infected pancreatic necrosis and mortality in acute necrotizing pancreatitis: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 2008; 103: 104-10.
Once again, it all depends on which meta-analysis you read...
PubMed Abstract

Besselink MG, van Santvoort HC, Buskens E, Boermeester MA, van Goor H et al.; Dutch Acute Pancreatitis Study Group.
Probiotic prophylaxis in predicted severe acute pancreatitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Lancet 2008; 371: 651-9
Well, we may not be sure about antibiotics, but at least we know where we stand on probiotics!
PubMed Abstract

Watkinson PJ, Barber VS, Dark P, Young JD.
The use of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in adult intensive care unit patients: Systematic review.
Clinical Nutrition 2007; 26: 182-92
No more yoghurt for you, Mrs Robinson.................
PubMed Abstract

Shittu A, Lin J
Newer anti-staphylococcal agents: in-vitro studies and emerging trends in Staphylococcus aureus resistance
Wounds 2006; 18: 129-146
New antibiotics coming soon to an ICU near you - but how long until that devious Staph finds a new anti-antibiotic?
Wounds Full Text

Playford EG, Webster AC, Sorrell TC, Craig JC.
Antifungal agents for preventing fungal infections in non-neutropenic critically ill and surgical patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2006; 57: 628-38
Add to that not one but two meta-analyses on (nearly) the same subject from CCM, and you have a hot topic ...........
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

Huang L, Quartin A, Jones D, Havlir DV.
Intensive care of patients with HIV infection.
New England Journal of Medicine 2006; 355: 173-81.
A 'hot topic' from the 2006 exam - two months before this review came out!
PubMed (no abstract) NEJM Full Text

METABOLIC AND CYTOKINE THERAPIES IN SEPSIS

Eichacker PQ, Natanson C.
Increasing evidence that the risks of rhAPC may outweigh its benefits.
Intensive Care Medicine 2007; 33: 396-9
After disappointing results from ADDRESS , ENHANCE and RESOLVE , is the tide turning against APC........?
PubMed (no abstract)

Finfer S, Ranieri VM, Thompson BT, Barie PS, Dhainaut JF et al. new-small.gif
Design, conduct, analysis and reporting of a multi-national placebo-controlled trial of activated protein C for persistent septic shock.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 1935-47
Once again, that nice sweet Dr Finfer will make it all safe, with PROWESS-SHOCK....
PubMed Abstract

Kreymann KG, de Heer G, Nierhaus A, Kluge S.
Use of polyclonal immunoglobulins as adjunctive therapy for sepsis or septic shock
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 2677-85
A new study , two conflicting meta-analyses , and two editorials , all in one issue of CCM - new hot topic?
PubMed Abstract

The NICE-SUGAR Study Investigators new-small.gif
Intensive versus conventional glucose control in intensive care patients
New England Journal of Medicine 'Online First' March 24 2009
The end of tight glucose control as we know it? Read the editorial as well.
NEJM Full Text

Brunkhorst FM, Engel C, Bloos F, Meier-Hellmann A, Ragaller M et al.: German Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet).
Intensive insulin therapy and pentastarch resuscitation in severe sepsis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 125-39.
The VISEP trial: two completely unrelated studies combined into one! Here's a damning indictment .
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Sprung CL, Annane D, Keh D, Moreno R, Singer M et al.: CORTICUS Study Group.
Hydrocortisone therapy for patients with septic shock.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 358: 111-24.
So what was the difference between CORTICUS and Annane's (previous) study ?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Dellinger RP, Levy MM, Carlet JM, Bion J, Parker MM et al.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2008.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 17-60.
Critical Care Medicine 2008; 36: 296-327.
Less aPC, less steroids, WAY more text than 2004.....
PubMed Abstract (ICM) PubMed Abstract (CCM) ICM Full Text

RENAL SUPPORT

Friedrich JO, Adhikari N, Herridge MS, Beyene J.
Meta-analysis: low-dose dopamine increases urine output but does not prevent renal dysfunction or death.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2005; 142: 510-24
Is this the final, final nail in the coffin of renal-dose dopamine?
PubMed Abstract AIM Full Text

Morelli A, Ricci Z, Bellomo R, Ronco C, Rocco M, Conti G et al.
Prophylactic fenoldopam for renal protection in sepsis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 2451-6.
Is this the new renal dopamine? Not only does it reduce renal failure, it may even improve mortality...
PubMed Abstract

Ho KM, Sheridan DJ.
Meta-analysis of frusemide to prevent or treat acute renal failure.
British Medical Journal 2006; 333: 420 - 425
Treating oliguria with frusemide is like - um - p---ing in the wind.....?
PubMed Abstract BMJ Full Text

Kelly AM, Dwamena B, Cronin P, Bernstein SJ, Carlos RC.
Meta-analysis: effectiveness of drugs for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy.
Annals of Internal Medicine 2008; 148: 284-94.
N-acetylcysteine, sure - NaBic, yes - Vitamin C? - Theophylline?!
PubMed Abstract AIM Full Text

VA/NIH Acute Renal Failure Trial Network: Palevsky PM, Zhang JH, O'Connor TZ, Chertow GM, Crowley ST et al. new-small.gif
Intensity of renal support in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 359: 7-20
But this was rather different to Ronco's study ......?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Tolwani AJ, Campbell RC, Stofan BS, Lai KR, Oster RA, Wille KM. new-small.gif
Standard versus high-dose CVVHDF for ICU-related acute renal failure.
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 2008; 19: 1046-8
Hang on - lower mortality, but higher rate of ESRF? Hopefully the RENAL Trial will soon make it all clear
PubMed Abstract

Pannu N, Klarenbach S, Wiebe N, Manns B, Tonelli M; Alberta Kidney Disease Network.
Renal replacement therapy in patients with acute renal failure: a systematic review.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2008; 299: 793-805.
The sum total of all we know about RRT, contained in one systematic review.
PubMed Abstract

HEAD INJURY

Edwards P, Arango M, Balica L, Cottingham R, El-Sayed H, Farrell B, Fernandes J et al. CRASH trial collaborators.
Final results of MRC CRASH, a randomised placebo-controlled trial of intravenous corticosteroid in adults with head injury-outcomes at 6 months.
Lancet. 2005; 365: 1957-9.
Oh well, that answers that one then........... now for CRASH 2
PubMed Abstract

Peterson K, Carson S, Carney N.
Hypothermia treatment for traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Neurotrauma 2008; 25: 62-71.
Well, pneumonia we can treat - death we haven't quite mastered
PubMed Abstract

Mauritz W, Steltzer H, Bauer P, Dolanski-Aghamanoukjan L, Metnitz P new-small.gif
Monitoring of intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: an Austrian prospective multicenter study.
Intensive Care Medicine 2008; 34: 1208-15
More (circumstantial) evidence that ICP monitoring does not help improve outcome - but don't let that stop you !
PubMed Abstract

Tisdall MM, Smith M.
Cerebral microdialysis: research technique or clinical tool.
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006; 97: 18-25
Is this the monitoring of the future? (and it's not just for brains .....)
PubMed Abstract BJA Full Text

Grande PO.
The "Lund Concept" for the treatment of severe head trauma - physiological principles and clinical application.
Intensive Care Medicine 2006; 32: 1475-84.
A sudden burst of journal interest in the Lund Concept - but still no RCT...............?
PubMed Abstract

Cotton BA, Snodgrass KB, Fleming SB, Carpenter RO, Kemp CD et al.
Beta-blocker exposure is associated with improved survival after severe traumatic brain injury.
Journal of Trauma 2007; 62: 26-33; discussion 33-5.
Perhaps beta-blockers are the key element of Lund therapy? Supportive evidence from Arbabi et al .
PubMed Abstract Muchow RD, Resnick DK, Abdel MP, Munoz A, Anderson PA. new-small.gif
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the clearance of the cervical spine in blunt trauma: a meta-analysis.
Journal of Trauma 2008; 64: 179-89
MRI? Hassle? If it means getting rid of the collar and log-rolling, I'll take it!
PubMed Abstract

RESUSCITATION

Nolan J and Baskett P
European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation 2005
Resuscitation 2005; 67: Supplement 1
For the process and evidence behind the current guidelines (CoSTR), see Volume 67 (2-3) of the same journal
Resuscitation TOC ERC summary (changes only) ERC full guidelines (3.92MB pdf)
Download any or all of the above in bite-sized chunks from the ERC page

Cheung KW, Green RS, Magee KD.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of therapeutic hypothermia as a neuroprotectant in post cardiac arrest patients.
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 2006; 8: 329-37.
Even the Canadians say 'keep them cold'.....!
PubMed Abstract CJEM Full Text

Böttiger BW, Arntz HR, Chamberlain DA, Bluhmki E, Belmans A, et al.; TROICA Trial Investigators new-small.gif
Thrombolysis during resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
New England Journal of Medicine 2008; 359 : 2651-62
The long-awaited TROICA Trial - what an anti-climax! 
PubMed Abstract

Mentzelopoulos SD, Zakynthinos SG, Tzoufi M, Katsios N, Papastylianou A et al. new-small.gif
Vasopressin, epinephrine, and corticosteroids for in-hospital cardiac arrest.
Archives of Internal Medicine 2009; 169: 15-24
And you thought vasopressin doesn't work for cardiac arrest? Just add steroid!
PubMed Abstract 

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Calandra T, Cohen J; International Sepsis Forum Definition of Infection in the ICU Consensus Conference.
The international sepsis forum consensus conference on definitions of infection in the intensive care unit.
Critical Care Medicine 2005; 33: 1538-48.
Know these definitions by heart!
PubMed Abstract

Tan T, Brett S, Stokes T on behalf of the Guidelines Development Group. new-small.gif
Rehabilitation after critical illness: summary of NICE guidance.
British Medical Journal 2009; 338: 767-9
There's life after ICU.......
PubMed (no abstract)

Cheatham ML, Malbrain ML, Kirkpatrick A, Sugrue M, Parr M, De Waele J et al. new-small.gif
Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. II. Recommendations.
Intensive Care Medicine 2007; 33: 951-62
A sequel to this one ...
PubMed Abstract

Riker RR, Shehabi Y, Bokesch PM, Ceraso D, Wisemandle W et al. for the SEDCOM Study Group new-small.gif
Dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for sedation of critically ill patients: a randomized trial.
Journal of the American Medical Association 2009; 301: 489-99
Less delirium, less ventilator time, shorter ICU stay? Make it so!
PubMed Abstract

Hassanein TI, Tofteng F, Brown RS Jr, McGuire B, Lynch P et al. new-small.gif
Randomized controlled study of extracorporeal albumin dialysis for hepatic encephalopathy in advanced cirrhosis.
Hepatology 2007; 46: 1853-62.
... and a pretty strong trend towards improved survival - in the short term, at least....
PubMed Abstract Hepatology Full Text

Stravitz RT, Kramer AH, Davern T, Shaikh AO, Caldwell SH et al. new-small.gif
Intensive care of patients with acute liver failure: recommendations of the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 2498-508
Fancy managing the coagulation of a hypothermic liver failure patient for transplantation?
Pubmed Abstract

Spahn DR, Cerny V, Coats TJ, Duranteau J, Fernandez-Mondejar E, Gordini G et al.
Management of bleeding following major trauma: a European guideline.
Critical Care 2007; 11: R17
Forget Factor VIIa - control the bleeding fast!
PubMed Abstract Critical Care Full Text

Stanworth SJ, Birchall J, Doree CJ, Hyde C.
Recombinant factor VIIa for the prevention and treatment of bleeding in patients without haemophilia.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007; CD005011.
Aprotonin 's dying , NovoSeven's struggling - anyone for tranexamic acid?
For further reviews on this hot topic (Factor VIIa), see this issue of Critical Care .
PubMed Abstract Cochrane Full Text

Corwin HL, Gettinger A, Fabian TC, May A, Pearl RG et al.: EPO Critical Care Trials Group.
Efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in critically ill patients.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 965-76.
I don't get it: EPO increases thromboses, doesn't reduce transfusions, but appears to reduce mortality?
PubMed Abstract NEJM Full Text

Pawar KS, Bhoite RR, Pillay CP, Chavan SC, Malshikare DS, Garad SG.
Continuous pralidoxime infusion versus repeated bolus injection to treat organophosphorus pesticide poisoning: a randomised controlled trial.
Lancet 2006; 368: 2136-41
Following so soon after Peter's meta-analysis , could this be a new Hot Topic.........?
PubMed Abstract

Greenwood BM.
Corticosteroids for acute bacterial meningitis.
New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357: 2507-9.
Steroids for meningitis? Yes if you're in the First World , no if you're in Malawi , maybe if you're in Vietnam
PubMed (no abstract) NEJM Full Text

Lin MT, Albertson TE
Genomic polymorphisms in sepsis
Critical Care Medicine 2004; 32: 569-579
If molecular medicine is The Future, then here's your horoscope .........
PubMed Abstract

Munger MA.
New agents for managing hyponatremia in hospitalized patients.
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 2007: 64: 253-65
Remember the EVEREST studies ? Well, here's another use for AVP-antagonists!
PubMed Abstract

Stein PD, Woodard PK, Weg JG, Wakefield TW, Tapson VF et al.: PIOPED II Investigators.
Diagnostic pathways in acute pulmonary embolism: recommendations of the PIOPED II Investigators.
Radiology 2007; 242: 15-21.
By far the most commonly missed fatal diagnosis.
PubMed (no abstract) Radiology Full Text

Arabi Y, Gomersall CD, Ahmed QA, Boynton BR, Memish ZA.
The critically ill avian influenza A (H5N1) patient.
Critical Care Medicine 2007; 35: 1397-403
Still a potential hot topic...........
PubMed Abstract

If, after all that, you still haven't had enough of ICM literature, then you are a 'journal junkie'. For a further fix, see:

Baltussen A, Kindler CH
Citation classics in critical care medicine
Intensive Care Medicine 2004; 30: 902-910
This is a list of the most-cited articles in both the critical care literature, and general medical literature relevant to critical care. The authors also provide some analytic statistics, and a discussion of the utility of 'citation ranking'. Should you try and read all these papers for the DICM as well (there are 119 in total, although of course several of them also appear above)? I would argue not: the most-cited papers are not necessarily the ones that you are most likely to be asked about. In particular, recent 'hot topics' will not yet have accumulated many citations; while many older papers have become such basic knowledge in intensive care that reading the original description is likely to be of historical interest only. Of note is that 11 of the 15 most-cited papers in the critical care literature are about scoring systems - presumably every time someone uses a scoring system in their study, the original paper picks up another citation. But do by all means read the paper itself; and the list of most-cited papers is available below as a Word document.
PubMed Abstract Citation List

Finally, for a bit of light entertainment, try:

Bartlett RH.
Alice in intensiveland. Being an essay on nonsense and common sense in the ICU, after the manner of Lewis Carroll.
Chest 1995; 108: 1129-39.
Of course, none of us would do anything that silly, would we? Like giving frusemide for oliguria, or subtracting the PEEP from the CVP.........
PubMed (no abstract) Chest Full Text

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