[Obesity in intensive care].

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities are increasing worldwide, leading to a rising proportion of obese patients in hospitals and intensive care units. This trend is causing a significant additional burden on our healthcare system. An obese patient requiring intensive care treatment presents major challenges for the entire team, not only in terms of economic aspects but also medically, in nursing care, and in physiotherapy. Additionally, psychosocial and organizational factors play a role that must be considered. For nursing and physiotherapy, appropriate aids such as lifters, special large hospital beds, suitable rooms, and adequate staffing should be provided. The medical challenges include intubation and airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, vascular access, adequate nutrition, appropriate dosing of medication, and difficult ultrasound conditions at the bedside. Furthermore, this patient population has an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and thrombosis, which increase the overall care requirements and further challenge the intensive care setting.