Background: The underlying burden of medical co-morbidity is often the main driver of ICU transfer of patients initially admitted to the medical wards (1). The role of non-patient related factors is unclear, as are the mortality and economic data associated with ICU transfer from the medical ward. The purpose of this analysis was to identify [...]

Background: Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the most common cause of wide complex tachycardia and a potentially fatal cardiac rhythm disorder. Ventricular arrhythmias, including VT, cause approximately 25% of sudden cardiac deaths. Some studies have proposed a dose-response relationship between VT burden and risk of mortality; however, these studies may have been limited by the inclusion [...]

Background: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a non-invasive oxygen delivery system commonly used in emergency rooms, pediatric intensive care units (PICU), and pediatric wards for respiratory illnesses. Previously, HFNC was strictly managed in the ICU, but this is becoming less common as more pediatric wards have initiated its use. Questions have arisen regarding the [...]

Background: The diagnostic yield and therapeutic consequences of daily routine chest x-rays are very low. Several studies show discontinuation of daily routine chest x-rays does not affect ICU length of stay, readmission rate, or hospital mortality.We hereby present results of an educational intervention at a tertiary care university medical center to avoid daily routine chest [...]

Background: In March 2020, with a precipitous surge of cases within a three-week period, the hospital infrastructure crumbled–COVID-19 impacted New York with unparalleled intensity. The unrelenting volume of patients coupled with the prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays of COVID patients led to a rapid expansion from two medical ICUs at our two academic centers [...]

Case Presentation: A 65 year old male with a history of diabetes mellitus type II complicated by neuropathy presented with profound facial and oropharyngeal edema after ingesting his usual medications. He was hemodynamically stable and without urticaria on exam. The patient could not speak and his airway was deemed compromised, so he underwent urgent nasopharyngeal [...]

Background: Glycemic control is crucial in the intensive care setting to reduce morbidity and adverse outcomes.1 The debate over methods for achieving this control highlights the risks of hypoglycemia and unclear management parameters.2 Continuous glucose monitoring software, like Glucommander, helps manage blood sugar safely and prevents hypoglycemic events.3,4 Generally, maintaining euglycemia with insulin improves outcomes [...]

Background: Korean children are often treated in intensive care units (ICUs) rather than in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). However, pediatric critical care (PCC) in ICUs other than in PICUs may have an effect on patient outcome. The objective of this study is to compare the PCC outcomes of pediatric patients in the PICU than [...]