eCritCare Podcast

#Epi 123 - SWITCH Trial - Decompressive Craniectomy with Medical treatment Vs Best medical treatment for Deep intra-cerebral haemorrhage

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published SWITCH trial which compared the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy with best medical treatment v...

#Epi 122 - Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Critically Ill patients

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the etiology of diaphragmatic dysfunction, its management and strategies for prevention. 

# Epi 121 - AMIKINHAL Trial - Inhaled Amikacin to prevent Ventilator associated pneumonia

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT AMIKINHAL, which tested the efficacy of inhaled amikacin in preventing VAP in ICU patients who ...

#Epi 120 - NICO Trial - Intubation in Acute Drug Overdose - Does GCS matter?

23 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recently published RCT in JAMA "NICO trial", which evaluated the role of GCS based intubation vs non-invasive airway manag...

#Epi 119 - The role of IV Thyroxine in Brain Dead Organ Donor

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT in NEJM, which challenged the current dogma regarding the role of IV thyroxine in potential org...

#Epi 118 - ECLS Shock Trial - Extra-corporeal support in Cardiogenic shock post-MI

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT "ECLS-Shock" trial in NEJM. This trial tested the benefit of instituting early extra-corporeal ...

#Epi 117 - ELAN Trial - Early Vs Late Anticoagulation in Ischaemic stroke post -AF

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recently published landmark RCT which compared the timing for initiation of oral anticoagulation in patients who presented...

#Epi 116 - Steroids in Community Acquired Pneumonia

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding the usage of steroids in Community-acquired pneumonia. This controversy arose after the CAPE-C...

#Epi 115 - ICU Journal Club - MERCY Trial

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recently published RCT "MERCY Trial" which evaluated the efficacy of continuous infusion vs intermittent dosing strategy o...

#Episode 114- ICU Journal Club - PATCH Trial

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT "PATCH Trial", which evaluated the efficacy of pre-hospital tranexamic acid in patients with se...

#Episode 113- ICU Journal Club - RESCUE-ASDH Trial

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recenetly published RCT, which compared the role of craniotomy vs decompressive craniectomy in managing acute SDH.

#Episode 112- ICU Journal Club - PACER Trial

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published non-inferiority RCT "PACER Trial", which evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic platelet transfusio...

#Episode 111- Selective Digestive Decontamination - To be or Not to be

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Ian Seppelt, one of the lead investigators of SuDDICU, shares his insights and talks about the rationale for SDD in ICU. He also...

#Episode 110- High Flow Nasal Cannula Vs NIV in High risk patients

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deeper into the controversy surrounding using high-flow nasal cannula vs NIV in high-risk patients to prevent reintubation. T...

#Episode 109- CAPE-COD Trial - Hydrocortisone in Community Acquired Pneumonia

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recently published RCT, which demonstrated the mortality benefit in Community-acquired pneumonia.

#Episode 108- INCEPTION Trial - ECMO CPR in OHCA due to Shockable Rhythm

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT in NEJM, which evaluated the efficacy of ECMO CPR ( eCPR) in patients with OHCA secondary to a ...

#Episode 107- CLOVERS Trial - Restrictive fluid with early vasopressors vs liberal fluid in Septic shock

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published CLOVERs trial, which compared fluid dominant vs vasopressor-dominant resuscitation strategies for p...

#Episode 106- BOX Trial - Oxygenation targets in OHCA Comatose Survivors

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss another RCT which evaluated the efficacy of restrictive Vs liberal oxygenation targets in comatose OHCA survivors.  The t...

#Episode 105- DOSE VF Trial - Double Sequential Early Defibrillation in OHCA

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published DOSE VF trial, which evaluated the efficacy of early double sequential defibrillation strategy over...

#Episode 104- TEAM Trial - Early Mobilisation in Intensive care patietns

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT "TEAM trial", which evaluated the role of early mobilisation in mechanically ventilated intensi...

#Episode 103- SETPOINT 2 Trial - Early vs Late Tracheostomy in ICU patients with Stroke

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the SETPOINT 2 trial, which evaluated the controversy around the timing of tracheostomy. 

#Episode 102- WATERFALL Trial - Fluid resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a recently published randomised controlled trial evaluating the role of aggressive fluid resuscitation strategy in mild ac...

Episode 101- Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in Intensive Care

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode to discuss the evidence behind the use of tranexamic acid for various indications in intensive care. 

Episode 100- Oxygen Therapy in Intensive Care

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In our landmark 100th episode, we discuss the controversy around one of the most commonly used drugs in intensive care, i.e. Oxygen. In this episode, ...

Episode 99- Targeted Temperature Management in TBI

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the role of therapeutic hypothermia and targeted temperature management in severe TBI. We dive deeper into the available l...

Episode 98- Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the controversies around the definitions, diagnostic criteria, investigations and management of ventilator-associated pneu...

Episode 97- CLASSIC Trial - Liberal vs Restrictive fluid in Septic Shock

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published trial evaluating the efficacy of liberal vs restrictive fluid resuscitation strategy in patients wi...

Episode 96: LOVIT Trial - final nail in the coffin for Vit C in Septic Shock?

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT evaluating the role of IV Vitamin C in patients with septic shock.  This trial has given us a ...

Episode 95: Resuscitation targets in Septic Shock

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the evidence behind each target used in resuscitating a patient with septic shock. 

Episode 94: ICU Journal Club - eCPR in OOHCA

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the landmark trial published in JAMA, which evaluated the efficacy of eCPR over standard strategy. We believe although a w...

Episode 93: ICU Journal Club - Noradrenaline vs Adrenaline in OHCA patients

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the evidence behind the choice of adrenaline vs noradrenaline in patients who achieved ROSC (return of spontaneous circula...

Episode 92: NIV in COVID-19

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the controversy surrounding the use of NIV in hypoxemic respiratory failure in severe COVID-19. The results of the RECOVER...

Episode 91: ICU journal Club - Long term outcomes in COVID- MONITOR-IC Study

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published trial on long term outcomes in COVID patients. 

Episode 90: ICU journal Club - PLUS Study

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a recently published PLUS study comparing saline solution with Plasmalyte-148. This study demonstrated no significant mort...

Episode 89: ICU journal Club - MICHELLE Trial

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published RCT evaluating the role of extended thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19.

Episode 88: Omicron Variant - Facts and Challenges

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by healthcare systems and the patterns emerging from the current COVID-19 pandemic wave caused by the...

Episode 87: ICU journal Club - COVID HighFlow Trial

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss a recently published trial comparing conventional oxygen therapy and high flow nasal oxygen therapy. 

Episode 86: Glycemic Control in ICU

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss the controversy surrounding glycemic control in intensive care. We discuss the target range, the ideal amount of time spen...

Episode 85: ICU Journal Club - Controlling Study

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the CONTROLLING study which compared the novel strategy of individualised glycemic control vs conventional glucose control...

Episode 84: Early Vs Delayed RRT

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deeper into the controversy around the timing of initiation of RRT in Intensive Care. 

Episode 83: ICU Journal Club - COVID Steroid 2

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The controversy around the dose of steroid dose in COVID-19 still exists. In this podcast, we discuss the recently published RCT COVID Steroid 2 and d...

Episode 82: Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines 2021

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss some of the key recommendations and the rationale behind them from recently published SSCG 2021. 

Episode 81: Role of Hyperventilation in ICP Control

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hyperventilation has been used to control raised ICP for decades. However, the evidence behind it is very weak. In this podcast, we discuss the recent...

Episode 80: ICP monitoring in TBI

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the evidence behind the dogmatic practice of routinely using ICP monitoring in patients with traumatic brain injury admitt...

Episode 79: ICU Journal Club - Low vs high oxygenation Targets

19 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The debate over low vs high oxygenation targets continue. In this podcast, we discuss the recently published trial in JAMA which evaluates the effect ...

Episode 77: Long COVID- Long road ahead ?

29 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the controversies around the long term sequelae of COVID-19. We dive deeper into the available evidence and suggest the ne...

Episode 77: ICU Journal Club- BASIC Study

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss another landmark study called BASIC, which evaluated the superiority of balanced salt solution over 0.9% saline in critica...

Episode 76: Remdesivir & Tocilizumab in COVID-19 - have we gone too far?

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The evidence for the use of Remdesivir in COVID-19 is conflicting. Different guidelines have suggested contradictory recommendations on its use in COV...

Episode 75: Stopping Nasogastric Feeds in ICU- Time for a CHANGE

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No standard protocol exists to decrease or eliminate preoperative fasting times for adult ICU patients with cuffed endotracheal tubes; however, multip...

Episode 74: Mechanical Power - Paradigm Shift in ARDS

04 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about the novel concept called mechanical power in ventilating patients with ARDS. This concept has led to a new debate as to...

Episode 73: ICU Journal Club- TTM 2 trial

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss the recently published landmark RCT -TTM2. This trial has answered the important question and forced us to reconsider our ...

Episode 72: Driving Pressure & Elastance - New Drivers in ARDS

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The recent study published by Golligher et al have challenged the dogma of setting 6-8 ml/kg Vt for all patients with ARDS. In this study, the authors...

Episode 71: ICU Journal Club- COAST trial

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oxygen is a precious commodity. COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us of the significance of Oxygen and we need to be mindful that Oxygen is a drug. It ha...

Episode 70: Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major problem across the globe. Various treatment options are emerging and we are desperate to achieve some normal...

Episode 69: Thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recently published RCTs and various guidelines have given us conflicting results w.r.t optimal dose of thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19. I...

Episode 68: VITT - Vaccine Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Different Vaccines were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic at unprecedented speed using different platforms. However, recent reports raised concer...

Episode 67: ICU Journal Club - ULTRA Trial

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss another landmark trial that has answered the very relevant question regarding the use of anti-fibrinolytic treatment in su...

Episode 66: Neuromuscular Blockade in ICU

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The use of neuromuscular blockade is not uncommon however, it's associated with many complications such as the increased risk of ICU acquired weakness...

Episode 65: transfusion Thresholds in Intensive Care

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Restrictive Vs Liberal transfusion strategy debate has come to the surface after the publication of the REALITY trial. In this podcast, we dive deeper...

Episode 64: ICU Journal Club - REALITY Trial

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hemoglobin targets in patients with myocardial infarction are still debatable. In this episode, we discuss the landmark REALITY trial, which explores ...

Episode 63: Tocilizumab Fairytale in COVID-19

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss recently published practice-changing trials RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP. These trials have clearly demonstrated the difference ...

Episode 62: Oxygen Therapy - The circle of uncertainty

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join us to dive deeper into the recent controversy around oxygen therapy and its proposed targets in ICU patients. In this episode, we compare 3 landm...

Episode 61: COVID-19 Vaccines - Comprehensive Review

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss the challenges and the evidence behind different technological platforms used to produce COVID-19 vaccines. 

Episode 60: COVID-19 Vaccine - The Mystery of Hope

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The year 2020 has been a challenging year for most of us. We all are eagerly waiting to get out of this pandemic. Recently published trial on COVID-19...

Episode 59: Lactate in Sepsis

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

High lactate levels are uniformly associated with poor clinical outcomes, including mortality. However, there is considerable interest and conflict of...

Episode 58: ICU Journal Club - RICH trial

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode, where we discuss the recently published trial in JAMA. This trial explores the efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation o...

Episode 57: Critical Appraisal of Surviving Sepsis Guidelines

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss some of the controversial recommendations from surviving sepsis guidelines and talk about the rational approach in adoptin...

Episode 56: EBM - The Process of forming Guidelines

25 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss what the importance of guidelines is, how they are formed and what does GRADE methodology involve. 

Episode 55: EBM - How to Interpret a Meta-analysis

17 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deeper to understand how to interpret a meta-analysis, which is usually situated at the top of the pyramid of Evidence-based ...

Episode 54: EBM - How to Interpret an RCT

04 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss how one should interpret an RCT, which is considered as the gold standard while practising evidence-based medicine.

Episode 53: Steroid Story in COVID-19

20 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The role of steroids in COVID-19 has been endorsed after the publication of RECOVERY trial. However,  whether we should change our practices based on...

Episode 52- Prone positioning in ARDS

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prone positioning was first proposed in the 1970s as a method to improve gas exchange in ARDS. Subsequent observations of dramatic improvement in oxyg...

Episode 51- ICU Journal Club - STARRT-AKI Trial

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss a recently published landmark trial START-AKI trial. This trial explores the benefit of accelerated renal replacement stra...

Episode 50- Top 10 Practice Changing Trials in Intensive Care

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in our Golden jubilee episode, where we discuss top 10 trials published in last two decades that helped to change the practices in Intensive c...

Episode 49- Cytokine Storm in COVID-19

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The cytokine storm, arising from a dysregulated host response, has captivated mainstream and scientific media in recent times with its possible role l...

Episode 48- ICU Journal Club - HALT-IT Trial

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tranexamic acid has been thought to be the wonder drug for stopping the active bleeding and has recently been proven life-saving in certain subgroups ...

Episode 47- Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis in COVID-19

11 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Recently published RCT in NEJM has raised more questions on the use of HCQ for post-exposure prophylaxis in COVID-19. This trial is more provocative t...

Episode 46- ICU Journal Club - RECOVERY Trial

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The majority of guidelines for COVID-19 recommended against the use of steroids. However, RECOVERY trial has challenged this opinion by proving that l...

Episode 45- ICU Journal Club - VIOLET Trial

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The routine use of Vit D in critically ill patients is debatable. The VIOLET trial published in NEJM in December 2019 has given us some clear answers ...

Episode 44- Neuromuscular Blockade in ARDS

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Management of ARDS comprises of multi-modal approach that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The evidence on non-pharmaco...

Episode 43- ICU Journal Club - Convalescent Plasma in COVID-19

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The recently published trial in JAMA has suggested that the treatment with convalescent plasma in COVID-19 is feasible and can be used as a potential ...

Episode 42- ICU Journal Club - ACCT Trial

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we discuss another landmark trial published in NEJM on the use of Remdesivir in COVID-19. This trial has raised more questions than p...

Episode 41- ICU Journal Club - Hydroxychloroquine and Macrolide in COVID-19

24 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss multi-national registry data on the efficacy of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine with or without macrolides in COVID-19 pat...

Episode 40- Preventing Transmission of COVID-19 in Intensive Care

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID-19 pandemic has posed a very difficult challenge to the entire ICU community i.e. how to prevent transmission to health care workers while perfo...

Episode 39- ICU Journal Club - Remdesivir in COVID-19

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Remdesisvir has thought to be the new CURE for COVID-19. In this podcast, we discuss the recent evidence available on the efficacy of Remdesivir in CO...

Episode 38- ICU Journal Club - Connecting Dots in COVID-19

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The literature published from various countries has helped us to understand the disease pattern in COVID-19 pandemic. In this podcast, we discuss the ...

Episode 37- ICU Journal Club - Novel Therapies and Diagnostic Tools in COVD-19

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we summarise the key literature published in last week w.r.t novel therapies in COVID-19.

Episode 36- ICU Journal Club - COVID-19 Controversies

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss current controversies w.r.t treatment of COVID -19 patients and summarise the literature available till date.

Episode 35- Management of Critically ill COVID-19 patient

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss how to manage critically ill patient diagnosed with COVID-19. This podcast based on current recommendations from various s...

Episode 34- ICU Journal Club - 65 Trial

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Vasopressor administration to maintain higher map in patients 65 years of age has become a dogma. In this podcast, we discuss recently published 65 tr...

Episode 33 - Hyperoxemia in ICU

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Oxygen is the most commonly used drug in Intensive care. However, the targets for oxygen therapy titration are arbitrary. In this podcast, we discuss ...

Episode 32- ICU Journal Club - NONSEDA Trial

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sedation in ICU is practised so commonly that thinking of any mechanically ventilated patient without sedation is impossible. This trial published in ...

Episode 31 - De-resuscitation in ICU

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The accumulation of a positive fluid balance is a frequent occurrence in critically ill patients. As Paracelsus said, " All things are poisons, nothin...

Episode 30- ICU Journal Club - VITAMINS Trial

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This Randomised controlled trial explored the role of HAT therapy in patients with septic shock admitted to ICU.

Episode 29 - Permissive Hypercapnia in ARDS

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lung protective ventilation has become the cornerstone of the management of ARDS patient. As a consequence, hypercapnia is inevitable. However, permis...

Episode 26 - ICU Journal Club- PEPTIC Trial

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we discuss the landmark PEPTIC study, which compared PPIs vs H2 Receptor antagonists in mechanically ventilated patients.

Episode 27 - Driving pressure Vs Low Tidal Volume in ARDS

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Recently there has been a growing interest in driving pressure as a significant parameter for titration in mechanical ventilation for ARDS patients. I...

Episode 26 - ICU Journal Club- EFFORT Trial

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The malnutrition in hospitalised patients has a potentially severe impact on their overall outcomes. EFFORT trial, published in Lancet explored whethe...

Episode 25 - Thrombolysis in Submassive PE

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The role of thrombolysis in submassive PE remains controversial to date. In this podcast, Dr Chacko & I dive deeper to explore the current evidence on...

Episode 24 - ICU Journal Club- High Wean Study

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Liberating high-risk patients from mechanical ventilation poses a unique challenge to all intensive care physicians. The use of high flow has increase...