Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd

Episodios

• Albumin in Critically Ill Patients: Evidence, Indications, and the 5% vs 25% Debate 08.04.2026 30m

  Albumin is one of those topics where everyone has an opinion, but very few people actually look at the cost-benefit data. In this lecture, I’m breaking down why the 5% albumin you’re hanging might be a waste of money, and where the 25% concentration actually moves the needle in septic shock and cardiac surgery.In this episode, we cover: The "Cool" Science: Where does this stuff come from? (Cold Cohn Fractionation). The Price Tag: Why your hospital administrator cringes when you order it.Sepsis & Septic Shock: What the SAFE and ALBIOS trials actually showed vs. the "statistical gymnastics" used to find a benefit.Cardiac Surgery: Does it help the kidneys or hurt them? (Comparing ALBICS-AKI and HAS-FLAIR II). The Lasix Combo: Is there a real mortality benefit to the albumin-lasix "concoction"?Citations: All data points have PubMed IDs listed in the slides. Please read these for yourself. Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. I’m an ICU physician, but I’m not your physician.Timestamps:0:00 Intro & Disclaimers 1:45 How Albumin is made (and why the glass bottles?) 4:30 Electrolyte breakdown: Sodium and Chloride concerns 6:00 The actual cost vs. Saline/LR 9:15 Why our patients' albumin levels drop in the first place 12:30 Sepsis survival: The statistical gymnastics 16:00 Septic Shock & 20% Albumin 19:00 Early Resuscitation: Should you wait 6 hours?22:30 Cardiac Surgery: The AKI controversy 26:15 Albumin & Lasix: Does it actually work? 29:00 Final Verdict: Is 5% Albumin dead?Citations: https://eddyjoemd.com/albumin-in-critically-ill/The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)
• Peripheral Vasopressors, Practically Safe: What a 250-Patient Prospective Cohort Means for Your Unit 12.11.2025 7m

  A new prospective multicenter cohort of 250 patients with shock examines the safety and outcomes of peripheral vasopressor administration. Extravasation events were rare and clustered only after several days of infusion, while norepinephrine use and simple physiologic markers correlated with survival. In this episode, I translate the findings into bedside guardrails—which sites and gauges to use, how to monitor, and when to pivot to a central line.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation:Petros A, Melkie A, Kotiso KS, Kebede D, Oljira CF, Assefa Gemechu F, Yusuf H, Abebe S, Ashagre A, Bekele A, Yohannes A, Etesa EK, Bedru M, Gebremariam TH. Peripheral line for vasopressor administration: Prospective multicenter observational cohort study for survival and safety. PLoS One. 2025 Oct 13;20(10):e0333275. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333275. PMID: 41082535; PMCID: PMC12517475.
• CCBs and Oxygenation: Why the Sat Falls After the Drip 08.11.2025 7m

  Intravenous dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can quietly worsen oxygenation by blunting hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. In this episode, we break down the bedside mechanism, which agents are implicated, who’s at highest risk (post-op atelectasis, obesity, pneumonia, focal ARDS, COPD), how soon it happens, and exactly what to do.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citations:Weir EK, López-Barneo J, Buckler KJ, Archer SL. Acute oxygen-sensing mechanisms. N Engl J Med. 2005 Nov 10;353(19):2042-55. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra050002. PMID: 16282179; PMCID: PMC2803102.Weir EK, Olschewski A. Role of ion channels in acute and chronic responses of the pulmonary vasculature to hypoxia. Cardiovasc Res. 2006 Sep 1;71(4):630-41. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2006.04.014. Epub 2006 Apr 27. PMID: 16828723.Lumb AB, Slinger P. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction: physiology and anesthetic implications. Anesthesiology. 2015 Apr;122(4):932-46. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000569. PMID: 25587641.Timour G, Fréderic V, Olivier S, Shango DN. Nicardipine-induced acute respiratory failure: Case report and literature review. Clin Case Rep. 2023 May 1;11(5):e7186. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.7186. PMID: 37143457; PMCID: PMC10151601.McMurtry IF, Davidson AB, Reeves JT, Grover RF. Inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by calcium antagonists in isolated rat lungs. Circ Res. 1976 Feb;38(2):99-104. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.38.2.99. PMID: 1245025.Simonneau G, Escourrou P, Duroux P, Lockhart A. Inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by nifedipine. N Engl J Med. 1981 Jun 25;304(26):1582-5. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198106253042606. PMID: 7231503.Kennedy T, Summer W. Inhibition of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by nifedipine. Am J Cardiol. 1982 Oct;50(4):864-8. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(82)91246-2. PMID: 7124646.Chrétien B, Decros JB, Suard F, Dolladille C, Fischer MO, Alexandre J, Descamps R. Hypoxia Associated With Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study in VigiBase. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2023 Sep;114(3):686-692. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2970. Epub 2023 Jun 29. PMID: 37309986.Burghuber OC. Nifedipine attenuates acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration. 1987;52(2):86-93. doi: 10.1159/000195309. PMID: 3671896.Suard F, Mombrun M, Fischer MO, Hanouz JL, Decros JB, Derville S, Gakuba C, Al Issa G, Menard C, Chretien B, Descamps R. Oxygenation Effects of Antihypertensive Agents in Intensive Care: A Prospective Comparative Study of Nicardipine and Urapidil. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Mar;117(3):742-748. doi: 10.1002/cpt.3509. Epub 2024 Nov 27. PMID: 39604146.
• Timing Is Everything: Early Inotropes and Survival in Cardiogenic Shock 05.11.2025 5m

  In this episode of Saving Lives: Critical Care Conversations, we discuss new evidence from the University of Pennsylvania that challenges how we time inotropic therapy in acute decompensated heart failure–related cardiogenic shock.This retrospective cohort study found that patients who received inotropes within eight hours of meeting SCAI stage C criteria had a 28-day mortality of 17%, compared to 33% in those who received them later. Early inotrope use was also associated with less vasopressor dependence and quicker access to echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring.We’ll explore what this means for emergency and critical care practice—how recognizing hypoperfusion early, even in normotensive patients, may improve survival. We’ll also touch on the role of SCAI and SHARC criteria in timely shock identification and management.Because in cardiogenic shock, the difference between early and delayed therapy might be the difference between life and death.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Greenwood JC, Ratnayake C, Shabbir M, Opitz S, Jang DH, Choi WJ, Panebianco NL, Shofer FS, Augoustides JGT, Bakker J, Wald JW, Abella BS. Timing of inotropic support is associated with mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure-associated cardiogenic shock. Intensive Care Med Exp. 2025 Oct 31;13(1):111. doi: 10.1186/s40635-025-00806-z. PMID: 41174190; PMCID: PMC12579036.
• Should You Avoid the Right IJ for Central Lines in Critically Ill Patients? 17.08.2025 8m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, Eddy Joe breaks down a 2025 Journal of Critical Care study examining how the choice of the internal jugular vein for initial central line placement impacts outcomes when patients later need hemodialysis catheters. You'll learn why using the left IJV first may reduce the need for repeat procedures and complications. Essential insights for optimizing central line strategy in the ICU.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Gharaibeh KA, Abdelhafez MO, Guedze KEB, Siddiqi H, Hamadah AM, Verceles AC. Impact of initial jugular vein insertion site selection for central venous catheter placement on hemodialysis catheter complications. J Crit Care. 2025 Jun;87:155011. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.155011. Epub 2025 Jan 3. PMID: 39755012.
• Acetazolamide + Furosemide: Boosting Diuretic Response & Fighting Alkalosis in the ICU 12.08.2025 9m

  In this episode, we dive into a new pilot RCT exploring the addition of acetazolamide to furosemide in critically ill patients. We break down the study’s methods, findings, and practical implications for fluid management in the ICU. Could this inexpensive, decades-old drug be the key to sustaining diuresis and preventing metabolic alkalosis? Tune in to find out.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Maeda A, Brown A, Spano S, Chaba A, Phongphithakchai A, Hikasa Y, Pattamin N, Kitisin N, Nübel J, Nielsen B, Holmes J, Peck L, Young H, Eastwood G, Bellomo R, Neto AS. Furosemide with adjunctive acetazolamide vs furosemide only in critically ill patients: A pilot two-center randomized controlled trial. J Crit Care. 2025 Apr;86:155002. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.155002. Epub 2024 Dec 16. PMID: 39689380.
• Methylprednisolone vs. Hydrocortisone: Which Can Save More Lives in Severe Pneumonia? 19.07.2025 5m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a July 2025 study from the Journal of Intensive Care comparing methylprednisolone and hydrocortisone for severe pneumonia treatment. The discussion focuses on how these findings may influence clinical decisions, particularly for patients with septic shock. The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Sato T, Sasabuchi Y, Inokuchi R, Aso S, Yasunaga H, Doi K. Mortality of severe pneumonia treated with methylprednisolone versus hydrocortisone: a propensity-matched analysis. J Intensive Care. 2025 Jul 15;13(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s40560-025-00810-1. PMID: 40665428; PMCID: PMC12261853.
• Sodium Bicarbonate for ICU Acidosis: New Evidence Supporting a Controversial Therapy 03.07.2025 6m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we break down a 2025 study from Intensive Care Medicine that emulates a target trial on the use of sodium bicarbonate in ICU patients with metabolic acidosis. With over 6,000 patients across 12 Australian ICUs, the study reveals a small but significant reduction in mortality and RRT use with bicarbonate therapy. Tune in to learn how this could transform our clinical approach to acidemia in the critically ill patients.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Blank SP, Blank RM, Laupland KB, Tabah A, Gill D, Kumar A, White K, Attokaran A, Luke S, Whebell S, Garrett P, McCullough J, McIlroy P, Ramanan M; Queensland Critical Care Research Network (QCCRN). Sodium bicarbonate administration for metabolic acidosis in the intensive care unit: a target trial emulation. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Jun;51(6):1-9. doi: 10.1007/s00134-025-07979-x. Epub 2025 Jun 10. PMID: 40493225; PMCID: PMC12208957.
• Predicting Mortality in a Pulmonary Embolism: What the Data Really Tells Us 01.07.2025 6m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a comprehensive 2025 meta-analysis on mortality risk factors in pulmonary embolism. Learn which clinical signs, biomarkers, and imaging findings most strongly predict outcomes — and how they can guide triage and therapy decisions in acute PE cases. A must-listen for anyone managing thromboembolic disease in the critically ill patients.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: You W, Fan XY, Chen Y, Wang XL, Song J, Nie CC, Dong Q. Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism-A Meta-Analysis. J Intensive Care Med. 2025 May 5:8850666251326539. doi: 10.1177/08850666251326539. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40320917.
• Hyponatremia Correction: Is Going Too Slow Riskier Than You Think? 26.06.2025 5m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a 2025 NEJM-Evidence study analyzing over 21,000 cases of severe hyponatremia to determine the safest and most effective correction rates. Learn why moderate correction (8–10 mmol/L/day) may actually reduce mortality, and how central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) remains rare even with faster correction. The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Seethapathy H, Zhao S, Ouyang T, Passos C, Sarang A, Cheung PW, Waikar SS, Steele DJR, Kalim S, Allegretti AS, Ayus JC, Nigwekar SU. Severe Hyponatremia Correction, Mortality, and Central Pontine Myelinolysis. NEJM Evid. 2023 Oct;2(10):EVIDoa2300107. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2300107. Epub 2023 Sep 26. PMID: 38320180.
• Why Low Hemoglobin Spells Trouble in Cardiogenic Shock 25.06.2025 6m

  In this episode, we analyze a June 2025 study from the Journal of Intensive Care, which shows that lower hemoglobin levels at admission are strongly associated with worse outcomes in cardiogenic shock. We dive into the data from the FRENSHOCK registry, uncover key subgroup findings, and discuss implications for transfusion strategies. Could this shift how we manage anemia in shock? Tune in and find out.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Cherbi M, Levy B, Merdji H, Puymirat E, Bonnefoy E, Vardon F, Elbaz M, Morel O, Leurent G, Lamblin N, Gerbaud E, Gautier P, Roubille F, Delmas C. Hemoglobin in cardiogenic shock: the lower, the poorer survival. J Intensive Care. 2025 Jun 23;13(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s40560-025-00805-y. PMID: 40551259.
• Valproic Acid for ICU Delirium: A New Tool for Agitation Management? 20.06.2025 6m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we reviews a 2024 multicenter study on valproic acid for hyperactive delirium and agitation in ICU patients. The findings show that VPA may help reduce sedation needs, improve ventilator synchrony, and resolve delirium without major adverse effects. Tune in for practical insights into this emerging option for complex critical care cases.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Nuti O, Merchan C, Ahuja T, Arnouk S, Papadopoulos J, Katz A. Valproic Acid for Hyperactive Delirium and Agitation in Critically Ill Patients. J Intensive Care Med. 2025 May;40(5):519-527. doi: 10.1177/08850666241302760. Epub 2024 Dec 8. PMID: 39648603.
• Chloride, pH, and Fluid Choices: Should Labs Guide Resuscitation Strategy? 23.03.2025 7m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we discuss a study from Intensive Care Medicine that explores whether baseline serum chloride and pH affect outcomes with balanced fluids versus saline. The findings from the PLUS trial show no significant interaction, but intriguing trends suggest that hyperchloremic patients may benefit more from balanced fluids. The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Ramanan M, Hammond N, Billot L, Delaney A, Devaux A, Finfer S, Li Q, Micallef S, Venkatesh B, Young PJ, Myburgh J; PLUS Investigators. Serum chloride concentration and outcomes in adults receiving intravenous fluid therapy with a balanced crystalloid solution or 0.9% sodium chloride. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Feb;51(2):249-258. doi: 10.1007/s00134-024-07764-2. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39928118.
• Normosol-R vs. Lactated Ringer’s: Do Buffered Crystalloids Impact ICU Outcomes? 27.02.2025 8m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we break down a randomized trial from CHEST (2025) comparing Normosol-R vs. Lactated Ringer’s in critically ill adults. Learn whether acetate/gluconate-buffered fluids offer advantages over lactate-buffered solutions regarding acid-base balance, kidney function, and mortality. Tune in to hear how this study impacts critical care fluid management!The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Qian ET, Brown RM, Jackson KE, Wang L, Stollings JL, Freundlich RE, Wanderer JP, Siew ED, Bernard GR, Self WH, Casey JD, Rice TW, Semler MW; Pragmatic Critical Care Research Group. Normosol-R versus Lactated Ringers in the Critically Ill: A Randomized Trial. Chest. 2025 Feb 17:S0012-3692(25)00165-5. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2025.02.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39971001.
• Lactated Ringer’s vs. 0.9% Saline in Sepsis: Does Fluid Choice Affect Survival? 26.02.2025 11m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a 2025 study from Critical Care Medicine comparing lactated Ringer’s and normal saline for initial fluid resuscitation in sepsis-induced hypotension. The findings suggest that LR may improve survival and increase hospital-free days compared to NS, supporting current guidelines favoring balanced crystalloids. Tune in for a deep dive into the study’s results and clinical implications!The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Gelbenegger G, Shapiro NI, Zeitlinger M, Jilma B, Douglas IS, Jorda A. Lactated Ringer's or Normal Saline for Initial Fluid Resuscitation in Sepsis-Induced Hypotension. Crit Care Med. 2025 Feb 19. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006601. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39969246.
• Cardiogenic Shock: Insights on Mortality and Management 14.01.2025 8m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a nationwide study on cardiogenic shock in general ICUs, recently published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care. Discover why non-ischemic heart failure now leads cardiogenic shock admissions, which patient groups face the highest mortality, and how early ICU intervention can improve outcomes. Stay tuned for critical insights into managing this high-risk population. The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link) My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%) Citation: Citation: Guido T, Giovanni T, Elena G, Anna Z, Michele Z, Stefano F. Cardiogenic shock in general intensive care unit: a nationwide prospective analysis of epidemiology and outcome. Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2024 Dec 3;13(11):768-778. doi: 10.1093/ehjacc/zuae108. PMID: 39302432.
• Reducing ICU Delirium: The Role of Sleep Interventions 07.01.2025 8m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we explore a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Journal of Critical Care on sleep interventions in ICU patients. We learn about the effectiveness of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies in reducing delirium and discover how improving sleep could transform critical care outcomes. The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link) My Store: ⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%) Citation: Teng J, Qin H, Guo W, Liu J, Sun J, Zhang Z. Effectiveness of sleep interventions to reduce delirium in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Crit Care. 2023 Dec;78:154342. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2023.154342. Epub 2023 Jun 9. PMID: 37302381.
• Sepsis Order Sets: Potentially Enhancing Outcomes and Reducing Costs in Care 02.01.2025 7m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we dive into the latest research from CHEST, exploring how sepsis order sets can improve care value. Learn about the impact of these sets on reducing mortality, lowering hospital costs, and their role in streamlining sepsis management. Discover why order sets can be a game-changer for hospitals and society in addressing sepsis care. The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)My Store: ⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%) Citation: Dale CR, Chiu ST, Schoepflin Sanders S, Stowell CJ, Steel TL, Liao JM, Barnes JI. Sepsis Order Set Use Associated With Increased Care Value. Chest. 2024 Nov;166(5):1046-1055. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.05.032. Epub 2024 Jun 19. PMID: 38906463; PMCID: PMC11638543.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Is It the Future of ICU Glycemic Control? 23.12.2024 8m

  In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, Eddy Joe breaks down a study comparing continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) to conventional point-of-care monitoring in ICU patients. Learn how CGMS improves glycemic control, reduces variability, and eases nursing workloads, even without reducing mortality. The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: ⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠ (Affiliate Link) My Store: ⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%) Citation: Chu C, Li J, Yang X, Zhao H, Wu Z, Xu R, Gao J. Continuous glucose monitoring versus conventional glucose monitoring in the ICU: A randomized controlled trial. J Crit Care. 2024 Dec;84:154894. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.154894. Epub 2024 Aug 5. PMID: 39106581.
• Propofol Infusion Syndrome: A Rare but Deadly Complication in ICU Sedation 21.12.2024 10m

  In this episode of The Saving Lives Podcast, we explore Propofol Infusion Syndrome (PRIS), looking at this complication's incidence, laboratory, and clinical manifestations. Hat tip to the authors. The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link) My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%) Citation: Li WK, Chen XJC, Altshuler D, Islam S, Spiegler P, Emerson L, Bender M. The incidence of propofol infusion syndrome in critically-ill patients. J Crit Care. 2022 Oct;71:154098. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2022.154098. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35724444. @eddyjoemd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Although great care has been taken to ensure that the information in this post is accurate, eddyjoemd, LLC shall not be held responsible or in any way liable for the continued accuracy of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies or for any consequences arising therefrom.