{"title":"Insertion of chest drain for pneumothorax","authors":"Sameer Sharma, Afshin Alijani","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.02.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.02.021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insertion of a chest drain for pneumothorax either through open or Seldinger's technique is commonly performed. Clinicians must develop a clear understanding of the indications, anatomical landmarks, and procedural steps to achieve successful patient outcomes. This article will focus on the technical aspects of chest drain insertion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 165-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147448530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Self-assessment","authors":"Vijayanand Nadella","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.02.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2026.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 174-175"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147448531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ischaemic cardiogenic shock","authors":"Vinay Bharatula, Aidan Burrell","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recognition of cardiogenic shock in the setting of myocardial ischaemia has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Resuscitative efforts should focus on stabilizing circulatory and respiratory function, with early restoration of coronary blood flow to avoid multi-organ dysfunction and death. The associated mortality rate remains approximately 40–50%, and few therapeutic strategies have proven to reduce short- and long-term morbidity and mortality to date. This article highlights several key strategies in the management of ischaemic cardiogenic shock, including the use of early echocardiography to confirm diagnosis, and culprit-only lesion strategy of early revascularization. Furthermore, we appraise the variety of mechanical cardiac supports (MCS) that are increasingly being used to assist the management of ischaemic cardiogenic shock in those cases refractory to pharmacological intervention. Despite the publication of several new trials on the topic, the optimal timing for deployment, mode superiority and mortality benefit associated with MCS remains to be determined and hopefully ongoing studies will answer these questions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 87-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anaesthetic records","authors":"Callum Clark, Jonathan E. Dickerson","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Record-keeping during the perioperative period by anaesthetists is a fundamental part of modern anaesthetic practice. This article explores the numerous functions of the anaesthetic record, and highlights the practice guidelines governing their suggested content. The advantages and disadvantages of an electronic record-keeping system are also explored.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 71-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Maintenance of anaesthesia","authors":"Sophia Angelov, Gabriella Iohom","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Key goals for the maintenance phase of general anaesthesia are the provision of surgical anaesthesia while maintaining physiological parameters at levels that preserve organ function and avoid injury. Maintenance can be achieved with either inhaled or intravenous anaesthetic agents. A good understanding of the physiochemical properties of these agents is necessary for effective manipulation of depth of anaesthesia at any stage. Drugs suitable for total intravenous anaesthesia are mainly those with short context-sensitive half-times, such as propofol, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine. Target-controlled infusion pumps utilize three-compartment models in complex calculations to achieve the desired effect-site concentration. Monitoring during anaesthesia has been proven to reduce risk in the perioperative period. Sustained vigilance and good exchange of information at handover between anaesthetists are other essential aspects of safe anaesthesia during the maintenance phase.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 63-66"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protective mechanisms of the body","authors":"David Sterling, Jason McClure","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The human body has acquired mechanisms to support life against the continual onslaught of pathogenic, physical and chemical threats. The first defences are the physical barriers of the skin and mucosae, both of which have unique adaptations to protect these vulnerable ports of entry. Our second line of defence is held by the innate immune system, a network of antigen non-specific phagocytes, antimicrobial peptides, natural killer cells and inflammatory mediators. Finally, our third line of defence is formed by our adaptive acquired immunity which provides antigen-tailored responses and the formation of immunologic memory.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 113-115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Intermediary metabolism","authors":"Shamsun Sultana, Jason McClure","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolism encompasses the totality of chemical reactions occurring within the body's cells, which are broadly classified into anabolic, catabolic, and amphibolic pathways. Intermediary metabolism refers to the interconnected network of these reactions, where nutrients are converted into energy and building blocks for biosynthesis. Anabolic pathways synthesize complex molecules from simpler precursors, e.g. glycogen synthesis from glucose. These pathways are divergent and require energy, which is derived from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis into adenosine diphosphate and inorganic phosphate. Conversely, catabolic pathways break down complex macromolecules into simpler units, releasing energy in a convergent fashion. Catabolism proceeds in three stages: hydrolysis of macromolecules into their monomers, conversion of monomers into intermediates such as acetyl-CoA, and the oxidation of these intermediates through the electron transport chain, producing reduced coenzymes that drive ATP synthesis. Amphibolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, integrate both anabolic and catabolic functions, highlighting the interconnectedness of cellular metabolism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 122-132"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Databases in clinical practice","authors":"Nicholas R Plummer","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A database is a structured collection of data. Databases allow clinical data to be stored in a reliable and accessible way for clinical care, research, and quality improvement. Understanding how such clinical data is stored, accessed, and analysed is no longer a niche skill but a core professional competency. This article builds on the foundational principles of relational databases and SQL to explore the expanding landscape of NoSQL databases which are increasingly used for analysing complex, unstructured data in areas like precision medicine and operational research, and situates this knowledge within the contemporary UK context, explaining the architecture and clinical implications of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 67-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The management of pulmonary embolism","authors":"Dinesh Giritharan, Juan C Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant cause of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality, frequently requiring critical care services. Critically ill patients are also at increased risk of developing venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) and acute PE. Critical care clinicians should therefore be confident in their approach to the patient with suspected and diagnosed PE. Furthermore, the co-morbid conditions in this patient group may present additional challenges both in diagnosis (e.g. safe access to radiology) and management (e.g. absolute and relative contraindications to anticoagulation/thrombolysis in critically ill patients). This brief review summarizes the evidence base behind current diagnostic and treatment strategies and draws upon this to suggest a simple algorithm for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed PE, particularly tailored to patients within a critical care setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 96-103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Shock: causes, assessment and investigation","authors":"Li Theng Novia Tan, Lucy Dockrell","doi":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpaic.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shock is a life-threatening clinical state in which cellular hypoxia develops due to an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand resulting in end organ dysfunction. It is the end result of a number of pathophysiological processes, and multiple processes may coexist. Shock may be reversible in early stages; however, if appropriate treatment is delayed the effects become irreversible, resulting in multiorgan failure and death. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with shock, its significance has been emphasized in medical education and public health campaigns globally in recent years. Early recognition and timely interventions to treat shock and address the underlying cause(s) are essential to improve outcomes. This article provides an overview of shock syndromes, presents an approach to assessment and investigations, and reviews the management of shock in a general context. It is beyond the scope of one article to discuss the vast subject of shock in as much depth as it deserves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45856,"journal":{"name":"Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine","volume":"27 2","pages":"Pages 78-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}