Patricia Kritek

Jan 16, 2025 | jwatch.org | Patricia Kritek

Patricia Kritek, MD, reviewing The data are relatively convincing for hypoxemic respiratory failure but are less so for COPD exacerbations with hypercarbia. Avoiding intubation is a priority for patients with acute respiratory failure. Data support use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for patients with some types (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] exacerbations), but NIV can be uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate.

Jan 14, 2025 | jwatch.org | Patricia Kritek

Patricia Kritek, MD, reviewing Two reports suggest that a daily trial, as opposed to several in a day, is better. Invasive mechanical ventilation can be lifesaving, but it also confers risks. Liberating a patient from a ventilator is a priority in the intensive care unit (ICU). One key to this process is the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) - a short period of time when a patient is observed while receiving minimal ventilator support.

Jul 10, 2024 | jwatch.org | Patricia Kritek

Patricia Kritek, MD, reviewing Mechanically ventilated patients' physical function was not improved with regular use of cycle ergometry. Many patients leave the intensive care unit (ICU) with substantial physical limitations related to immobility and critical illness. Despite early studies that suggested benefits related to early mobilization and physical therapy, more-recent trials have had mixed results (e.g., NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 15 2022 and 2022; 387:1747).

May 16, 2024 | jwatch.org | Patricia Kritek

Patricia Kritek, MD, reviewing Mortality and recurrent pneumonia didn't differ in patients who were treated for median durations of 6 days or 14 days. Early, appropriate antibiotics are essential to successfully managing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, antibiotics often are continued past the guideline-recommended 7- to 8-day course.

Apr 2, 2024 | jwatch.org | Patricia Kritek