A retrospective review of 600 patients treated for suspected sepsis in US emergency departments raises questions about antibiotic overtreatment. We examine the study’s use of hindsight, possible treatment-related harms and how its findings translate to UK practice.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease making a resurgence due to declining vaccination rates. It presents with initial symptoms like high fever and coryza, followed by a rash. Rapid isolation and appropriate use of PPE are critical for suspected cases.
A 2022 journal club examining the LOVIT trial of intravenous vitamin C in ICU patients with sepsis receiving vasopressors. It reviews death and persistent organ dysfunction outcomes, and reflects on how early enthusiasm for a treatment should be tested by stronger evidence.
A clinical overview of Ludwig's angina, from dental infection and deep neck anatomy to recognition and airway risk. The article reviews presentation, imaging and management challenges, with particular attention to how swelling can complicate assessment and securing the airway.
Before the fuller tocilizumab trial reports, Dan Horner examined the conflicting evidence available in December 2020. This appraisal considers biological plausibility, early REMAP-CAP announcements, adverse effects and the difficulty of discussing an experimental treatment when media coverage runs ahead of the data.
Does combining vitamin C, hydrocortisone and thiamine improve outcomes in septic shock? This 2020 appraisal of ACTS examines its organ dysfunction endpoint, the lack of a demonstrated benefit and how patient selection and treatment in the control group affect interpretation.