Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd

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 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: 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.

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 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: 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.

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 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: 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.

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 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: 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.

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 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.