ORIGINAL ARTICLE REGN-COV2, a Neutralizing Antibody Cocktail, in Outpatients with Covid-19 David M. Weinreich, Sumathi Sivapalasingam, Thomas Norton, et al N Engl J Med December 17, 2020DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2035002 Abstract BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that complications and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) may be related to high viral loads. METHODS In this ongoing, double-blind, phase 1–3 trial involving nonhospitalized patients wit...

Research Christmas 2020: House of God Estimating my equilibrium energy intake during lockdown: very introspective study R A Lewis BMJ 2020; 371: m4561 (Published 16 December 2020) doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4561 Abstract Objective To estimate the daily dietary energy intake for me to maintain a constant body weight. How hard can it be? Design Very introspective study. Setting At home. In lockdown. (Except every Tuesday afternoon a...

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Humoral Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Iceland Daniel F. Gudbjartsson, Gudmundur L. Norddahl, Pall Melsted, et al N Engl J Med 2020; 383:1724-1734DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2026116 Abstract BACKGROUND Little is known about the nature and durability of the humoral immune response to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS We measured antibodies in serum samples from 30,576 persons in Iceland, u...

Research Christmas 2020: The Citadel Patient mortality after surgery on the surgeon’s birthday: observational study Hirotaka Kato, Anupam B Jena, Yusuke Tsugawa BMJ 2020; 371: m4381(Published 10 December 2020) doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4381 Abstract Objective To determine whether patient mortality after surgery differs between surgeries performed on surgeons’ birthdays compared with other days of the year. Design Retrospective observat...

ORIGINAL ARTICLE A Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody for Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 ACTIV-3/TICO LY-CoV555 Study Group Abstract BACKGROUND LY-CoV555, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, has been associated with a decrease in viral load and the frequency of hospitalizations or emergency department visits among outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Data are needed on the effect of this antibody in patients who are hospitalized with Cov...

Research Christmas 2020: House of God The time to act is now: pseudo-systematic review Nathan Ford, Grania Brigden, Tom Ellman, et al BMJ 2020; 371:m4143 (Published 10 December 2020) doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4143  Abstract Objective To identify any medical or public health rationale for claims that the time to act is now. Design Pseudo-systematic review. Data sources PubMed. Study selection Studies that included the claim ...

Original Investigation Caring for the Critically Ill Patient Effect of a Lower vs Higher Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Strategy on Ventilator-Free Days in ICU Patients Without ARDS: A Randomized Clinical Trial Writing Committee and Steering Committee for the RELAx Collaborative Group JAMA. Published online December 9, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.23517 Abstract Importance It is uncertain whether invasive ventilation can use lower positive end-expirator...

ICU Management & Practice, Volume 20 - Issue 4, 2020 COVID-19, Corticosteroids and the Road to Enlightenment The use of corticosteroids for respiratory diseases has been a matter of discussion. Here, we present recent evidence of corticosteroids benefits for COVID-19, including improvements in mortality and ventilator-free days. More than six months riding treacherous waves in the COVID-19 storm had passed until a glimpse of a rudimentary old harbour app...

ONLINE FIRST THIS WEEK(FREE ACCESS)  Original ~ Chiumello D. et al. - Physiological and quantitative CT-scan characterization of COVID-19 and typical ARDS: a matched cohort studyNarrative Review ~ De Jong A. et al. - How to ventilate obese patients in the ICUUnderstanding the Disease ~ Jung B. et al. - Ten tips to optimize weaning and extubation success in the critically illNarrative Review ~ Goligher E.C. - Clinical strategies for implementing lung and diaphragm-...

Intensive Care Ventilators - A Primary Option For Treatment Of COVID-19 Patients In The ICU Summary &recommendations regarding ventilators Intensive care ventilators are normally found in the hospital Intensive Care Unit. This category of ventilators support lung protective ventilation recommended by several international guidelines and the World Health Organization (WHO). An intensive care ventilator must be considered as the primary option during the monito...