ICU MASTER GUIDE
mkdir -p /home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide && ls /home/daytona/workspace/β¦
~/icu-master-guide/create_icu_guide.js
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// βββ COVER PAGE βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
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new Paragraph({
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...["1. Mechanical Ventilation & ARDS", "2. Hemodynamic Monitoring & Shock", "3. Sepsis & Septic Shock", "4. Sedation, Analgesia & Delirium", "5. Vasopressors & Vasoactive Drugs", "6. Organ Support: Renal, Cardiac & Hepatic", "7. ICU Bundles & Quick-Reference Tables"].map(item =>
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// βββ SECTION 1: MECHANICAL VENTILATION βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
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h2("Goals of Mechanical Ventilation"),
body("Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-sustaining therapy in which a mechanical device provides partial or full support for patients with respiratory failure. The main goals are:"),
bullet("Maintain adequate gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal)", null),
bullet("Rest the respiratory muscles and decrease the oxygen cost of breathing", null),
bullet("Minimise iatrogenic injury (ventilator-induced lung injury, infection, oxygen toxicity)", null),
body("Modern strategies accept permissive hypercapnia and mild hypoxaemia to avoid lung injury. A conservative oxygen target (PaO2 70-100 mmHg, SpO2 94-98%) is at least as good as liberal therapy. Further reducing SpO2 target to 90% is not beneficial. (Goldman-Cecil Medicine, 12th block)"),
spacer(),
h2("Indications for Intubation"),
body("Clinical decision - not dictated by any single ABG value. Intubate if:"),
bullet("Declining mental status (GCS β€ 8 or rapidly falling)", null),
bullet("Inability to protect airway / loss of airway reflexes", null),
bullet("Respiratory fatigue: RR > 35, accessory muscle use, paradoxical breathing", null),
bullet("Worsening acidosis pH < 7.25 despite NIV trial", null),
bullet("Refractory hypoxaemia (PaO2/FiO2 < 150 on high-flow O2)", null),
bullet("Haemodynamic instability: MAP < 65 or hypotension requiring vasopressors", null),
spacer(),
h2("Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV / NIPPV)"),
body("Preferred in COPD exacerbation with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in cooperative patients WITHOUT:"),
subbullet("Marked decreased mental status"),
subbullet("Hypotension or haemodynamic instability"),
subbullet("Inability to tolerate tight-fitting face mask"),
body("Reassess at 30-120 minutes: if pH worsens, mental status declines, or oxygenation worsens β intubate."),
spacer(),
h2("Ventilator Modes"),
makeTable(
["Mode", "Description", "Use Case"],
[
["Volume Control (VC)", "Fixed tidal volume delivered at set rate regardless of effort. Guarantees minute ventilation.", "Paralysed / heavily sedated patients; severe ARDS"],
["Pressure Control (PC)", "Fixed inspiratory pressure; tidal volume varies with lung compliance.", "When precise pressure limits are needed (ARDS, air leak)"],
["SIMV", "Set breaths + patient-triggered spontaneous breaths. Weaning mode historically.", "Less preferred now; may cause dyssynchrony"],
["Pressure Support (PS)", "Patient-triggered; clinician sets support pressure only. Used during weaning.", "SBT, weaning, spontaneously breathing patients"],
["CPAP", "Continuous positive pressure; no mandatory breaths.", "Spontaneously breathing patients; post-extubation support"],
["APRV (Bi-Vent)", "High Phigh sustained with brief Plow releases. Recruits lung.", "Refractory ARDS; requires expertise"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Initial Ventilator Settings"),
makeTable(
["Parameter", "Initial Setting", "Target / Comment"],
[
["FiO2", "Start 1.0, wean down", "SpO2 94-98% (PaO2 70-100 mmHg)"],
["Tidal Volume (Vt)", "6 mL/kg IBW", "Reduce to 4-6 mL/kg in ARDS"],
["RR", "12-18 breaths/min", "Adjust to target pH 7.35-7.45"],
["PEEP", "5-8 cmH2O (start)", "Higher in ARDS (see ARDS table)"],
["I:E Ratio", "1:2 (standard)", "Extend expiration in COPD (1:3 or 1:4)"],
["Plateau Pressure (Pplat)", "β€ 30 cmH2O", "Limit to minimise volutrauma"],
["Driving Pressure", "< 15 cmH2O", "Pplat - PEEP; strongest mortality predictor"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("ARDS: Berlin Definition & Management"),
callout("ARDS = Acute onset bilateral pulmonary infiltrates + PaO2/FiO2 < 300 on β₯5 cmH2O PEEP + NOT explained by cardiac failure", NAVY),
spacer(),
makeTable(
["Severity", "PaO2/FiO2 (P/F Ratio)", "Mortality"],
[
["Mild", "200-300 mmHg", "~27%"],
["Moderate", "100-200 mmHg", "~32%"],
["Severe", "< 100 mmHg", "~45%"]
]
),
spacer(),
h3("Lung-Protective Ventilation in ARDS"),
bullet("Tidal volume 6 mL/kg IBW (reduce to 4 mL/kg if Pplat > 30 cmH2O)", "Vt"),
bullet("Plateau pressure β€ 30 cmH2O", "Pplat"),
bullet("Driving pressure (Pplat - PEEP) < 15 cmH2O", "DP"),
bullet("PEEP: titrate with FiO2 using ARDSNet PEEP/FiO2 table (higher PEEP in moderate-severe)", "PEEP"),
bullet("Prone positioning β₯ 12 hrs/day in moderate-severe ARDS (P/F < 150) - reduces mortality by ~16%", "Prone"),
bullet("Neuromuscular blockade (cisatracurium 48 hrs) facilitates proning and reduces dyssynchrony", "NMB"),
bullet("VV-ECMO if refractory (P/F < 80 despite optimal settings) in experienced centres", "ECMO"),
spacer(),
h2("Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention Bundle"),
bullet("Head of bed elevation 30-45Β°", null),
bullet("Daily sedation interruption + spontaneous breathing trial (SBT)", null),
bullet("Oral decontamination with chlorhexidine", null),
bullet("Subglottic secretion drainage (if intubation > 48-72 hrs expected)", null),
bullet("Stress ulcer prophylaxis (H2 blocker or PPI)", null),
bullet("DVT prophylaxis (LMWH or UFH)", null),
spacer(),
h2("Weaning & Extubation"),
body("Perform daily SBT once the following are met:"),
subbullet("Underlying cause improving"),
subbullet("FiO2 β€ 0.4, PEEP β€ 5-8 cmH2O"),
subbullet("Haemodynamically stable (off or low vasopressors)"),
subbullet("Patient arousable, able to follow simple commands"),
subbullet("Intact cough/gag reflex, secretions manageable"),
body("SBT methods: T-piece 30-120 min OR low-level PS (5-8 cmH2O). Extubate if tolerated. Failure criteria: RR > 35, SpO2 < 90%, HR change > 20%, signs of distress."),
body("Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) = RR / Vt (L). RSBI < 105 predicts successful extubation."),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 2: HEMODYNAMIC MONITORING & SHOCK ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
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spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("Classification of Shock"),
makeTable(
["Type", "CI", "SVR", "PAOP", "SvO2", "Examples"],
[
["Cardiogenic", "β", "β", "β", "β", "AMI, cardiomyopathy, severe valvular disease"],
["Hypovolaemic", "β", "β", "β", "β", "Haemorrhage, GI loss, burns, DI"],
["Distributive (Septic)", "N-β", "β", "N-β", "N-β", "Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic shock"],
["Obstructive", "β", "β-N", "N-β", "N-β", "PE, tension pneumothorax, tamponade"]
]
),
body("CI = Cardiac Index; SVR = Systemic Vascular Resistance; PAOP = Pulmonary Artery Occlusion Pressure; SvO2 = Mixed venous O2 saturation. (Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics, Table 8-5)"),
spacer(),
h2("Haemodynamic Monitoring Modalities"),
makeTable(
["Method", "Parameters", "Invasiveness", "Clinical Use"],
[
["Arterial Line (A-line)", "Continuous BP, pulse pressure variation (PPV)", "Invasive arterial", "All shocked patients; guide fluid responsiveness"],
["Central Venous Catheter (CVC)", "CVP, ScvO2", "Central venous", "Drug delivery; CVP unreliable for preload in isolation"],
["Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC)", "CO, CI, PAOP, SVR, SvO2", "Highly invasive", "Complex cardiac/ARDS; NOT routine in ARDS"],
["Echocardiography (TTE/TOE)", "LV/RV function, IVC, tamponade", "Non-invasive/semi", "First-line bedside assessment of all shocked patients"],
["Pulse Contour Analysis (PiCCO, LiDCO)", "CO, SVV, ITBV", "Minimally invasive", "Goal-directed fluid therapy; ICU haemodynamics"],
["Point-of-Care Lactate", "Tissue perfusion marker", "Non-invasive", "Serial lactate-guided resuscitation"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Fluid Responsiveness"),
body("Not all shocked patients are fluid-responsive. Giving fluid to non-responders causes harm. Predict fluid responsiveness before giving a fluid challenge:"),
bullet("Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) > 13% on controlled MV β fluid responsive", "Static"),
bullet("Stroke Volume Variation (SVV) > 10-15% β fluid responsive", "Dynamic"),
bullet("Passive Leg Raise (PLR) test: raise legs 45Β° β auto-transfusion of ~300 mL. If CO increases β₯ 10% within 60 seconds β fluid responsive. Rapidly reversible.", "PLR"),
bullet("End-expiratory occlusion test (EEOT): 15-sec pause β if CO rises β₯ 5% β fluid responsive", "EEOT"),
body("CVP alone is a POOR predictor of fluid responsiveness and should not be used in isolation to guide resuscitation."),
spacer(),
h2("Cardiogenic Shock"),
callout("Definition: Persistent hypotension (SBP < 90 for > 30 min or MAP < 60) with reduced CI (<2.2 L/min/m2) and elevated filling pressures (PAOP > 18 mmHg)", DARK),
spacer(),
h3("Management Priorities"),
bullet("Identify and treat cause: AMI (emergency PCI), arrhythmia (cardioversion), tamponade (pericardiocentesis)", null),
bullet("Avoid excessive fluid (causes pulmonary oedema)", null),
bullet("Inotropes: Dobutamine first-line (2.5-20 mcg/kg/min); add norepinephrine if hypotensive", null),
bullet("Mechanical circulatory support: IABP (reduces afterload), Impella, VA-ECMO for refractory cases", null),
bullet("Treat pulmonary oedema: diuresis once BP stable, consider vasodilators (nitrates) if BP allows", null),
spacer(),
h2("Hypovolaemic / Haemorrhagic Shock"),
makeTable(
["Class", "Blood Loss", "HR", "BP", "RR", "Mental Status"],
[
["I", "< 15% (< 750 mL)", "< 100", "Normal", "14-20", "Normal/anxious"],
["II", "15-30% (750-1500 mL)", "100-120", "Normal", "20-30", "Mildly anxious"],
["III", "30-40% (1500-2000 mL)", "120-140", "Decreased", "30-40", "Confused"],
["IV", "> 40% (> 2000 mL)", "> 140", "Very low", "> 35", "Lethargic/obtunded"]
]
),
body("Massive haemorrhage protocol (MHP): 1:1:1 ratio (pRBC:FFP:Platelets). Damage control resuscitation. Avoid crystalloid excess. Target: SBP 80-90 in penetrating trauma (permissive hypotension) until surgical control. Tranexamic acid within 3 hours if traumatic haemorrhage."),
spacer(),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 3: SEPSIS ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
function section3() {
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alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: TEAL, fill: TEAL },
spacing: { before: 100, after: 0 }
}),
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SEPSIS & SEPTIC SHOCK", bold: true, size: 34, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: NAVY, fill: NAVY },
spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("Sepsis-3 Definitions (2016)"),
callout("SEPSIS: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. SOFA score increase β₯ 2 from baseline in a patient with suspected/confirmed infection.", DARK),
spacer(),
callout("SEPTIC SHOCK: Sepsis + vasopressor requirement to maintain MAP β₯ 65 mmHg + Lactate > 2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation. Hospital mortality > 40%.", RED),
spacer(),
body("qSOFA (bedside screening tool): Altered mentation + RR β₯ 22 + SBP β€ 100. Score β₯ 2 β investigate further for sepsis."),
body("SOFA score includes: Respiratory (PaO2/FiO2), Coagulation (platelets), Liver (bilirubin), Cardiovascular (MAP/vasopressors), CNS (GCS), Renal (creatinine/urine output)."),
spacer(),
h2("Surviving Sepsis Campaign: 1-Hour Bundle"),
callout("The 2021 SSC guidelines recommend treating sepsis as a MEDICAL EMERGENCY - bundle completion within 1 hour", AMBER),
spacer(),
makeTable(
["Action", "Detail"],
[
["Measure lactate", "Remeasure if initial lactate > 2 mmol/L. Target < 2 mmol/L."],
["Blood cultures x2", "Before antibiotics. Do NOT delay antibiotics for cultures."],
["Broad-spectrum antibiotics", "Within 1 hour of recognition. Reassess when micro results available."],
["IV fluid resuscitation", "30 mL/kg IV crystalloid within first 3 hours if hypotension or lactate β₯ 4 mmol/L"],
["Vasopressors", "If MAP remains < 65 mmHg despite fluid. Target MAP β₯ 65 mmHg."]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Source Control"),
body("Identify and control infection source promptly. Imaging (CT/US) to find occult focus. Interventions: drain abscess, debride infected tissue, remove infected lines/devices. Timing: as soon as feasible, ideally within 6-12 hours."),
body("Sepsis mimics (25% of 'septic' ICU admissions): heart failure, PE, COPD exacerbation, mesenteric ischaemia, vasculitis, adrenal insufficiency. Continuous re-evaluation is imperative."),
spacer(),
h2("Antimicrobial Therapy in Sepsis"),
makeTable(
["Source", "Empiric Coverage", "Common Agents"],
[
["Unknown / community", "Gram +ve + Gram -ve Β± anaerobes", "Pip-tazo + vancomycin (if MRSA risk)"],
["Healthcare/hospital", "Extended spectrum GNR + MRSA", "Meropenem + vancomycin Β± antifungal"],
["Urine (UTI/pyelonephritis)", "Enterobacteriaceae", "Ceftriaxone or pip-tazo (local resistance guided)"],
["Pneumonia (CAP)", "S. pneumoniae, atypicals", "Beta-lactam + macrolide OR respiratory FQ"],
["Pneumonia (HAP/VAP)", "MRSA, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter", "Anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam + vancomycin/linezolid"],
["Intra-abdominal", "GNR + anaerobes", "Pip-tazo OR meropenem (severe)"],
["Neutropaenic fever", "Pseudomonas, Candida", "Cefepime or pip-tazo + consider antifungal"]
]
),
body("De-escalate to targeted therapy once cultures available. Procalcitonin can guide duration (stop when < 0.5 ng/mL or falls > 80% from peak). Typical duration: 5-7 days for most infections."),
spacer(),
h2("Corticosteroids in Septic Shock"),
body("Hydrocortisone 200 mg/day (continuous infusion or 50 mg q6h) if shock persists despite adequate fluids AND vasopressors (norepinephrine β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min). Associated with faster shock reversal; survival benefit uncertain. Taper once vasopressors weaned."),
spacer(),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 4: SEDATION & DELIRIUM βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
function section4() {
return [
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SECTION 4", bold: true, size: 20, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: TEAL, fill: TEAL },
spacing: { before: 100, after: 0 }
}),
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SEDATION, ANALGESIA & DELIRIUM", bold: true, size: 34, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: NAVY, fill: NAVY },
spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("PADIS Guidelines (2018) Framework"),
body("Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep disruption (PADIS). The 2018 SCCM PADIS guidelines form the modern framework for ICU sedation management."),
callout("Core Principle: Analgesia-first (A1C). Treat pain before sedation. Aim for LIGHT sedation (RASS -1 to 0). Avoid benzodiazepines as first-line sedatives.", DARK),
spacer(),
h2("Sedation-Agitation Scales"),
makeTable(
["RASS Score", "Description", "Action"],
[
["+4 Combative", "Violent, immediate danger to staff", "Bolus + consider paralysis if on MV"],
["+3 Very Agitated", "Pulls tubes, aggressive", "Titrate sedation up"],
["+2 Agitated", "Frequent purposeless movement", "Increase sedation"],
["+1 Restless", "Anxious but not aggressive", "Reassess, treat pain first"],
["0 Alert & Calm", "Target for most ICU patients", "Maintain; daily SBT"),
["-1 Drowsy", "Briefly awakens to voice (>10 sec eye contact)", "Acceptable; assess if appropriate"],
["-2 Light Sedation", "Briefly awakens (<10 sec)", "Assess if deep sedation necessary"],
["-3 Moderate Sedation", "Movement without eye contact", "Consider DSI trial"],
["-4 Deep Sedation", "No response to voice, moves to physical", "Justify ongoing deep sedation"],
["-5 Unarousable", "No response to physical stimulation", "Paralysed or near-death"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Analgesic Agents"),
makeTable(
["Drug", "Dose (IV)", "Onset/Duration", "Notes"],
[
["Fentanyl", "25-100 mcg bolus; 25-200 mcg/hr infusion", "Rapid / 30-60 min", "Preferred in renal failure; lipophilic, accumulates"],
["Morphine", "2-4 mg bolus; 2-5 mg/hr", "5-10 min / 3-4 hrs", "Avoid in renal failure (active metabolite); histamine release"],
["Hydromorphone", "0.2-0.6 mg bolus; 0.2-0.6 mg/hr", "5-15 min / 3-4 hrs", "More potent than morphine; use in opioid-tolerant"],
["Remifentanil", "0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min", "1-3 min / 5-10 min", "Ultra-short acting; rapid emergence; risk of hyperalgesia"],
["Ketamine", "0.1-0.5 mg/kg/hr (analgesia)", "1-2 min", "Opioid-sparing; bronchodilator; dissociative at higher doses"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Sedative Agents"),
makeTable(
["Drug", "Dose (IV)", "Mechanism", "Notes"],
[
["Propofol", "5-50 mcg/kg/min", "GABA-A agonist", "Fast on/off; monitor for PRIS (triglycerides, gap, rhabdo). Preferred non-benzo sedative."],
["Dexmedetomidine", "0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/hr", "Alpha-2 agonist", "Cooperative sedation, patient arousable. Reduces delirium, shortens MV duration. First-line for light sedation."],
["Midazolam", "0.02-0.1 mg/kg/hr", "Benzo/GABA-A", "Accumulates; associated with increased delirium and prolonged MV. Avoid as first-line in ICU."],
["Lorazepam", "1-4 mg q2-6h PRN or infusion", "Benzo/GABA-A", "Longer-acting; propylene glycol toxicity with infusions. Avoid as first-line."],
["Ketamine", "0.5-2 mg/kg/hr", "NMDA antagonist", "Minimal respiratory depression; useful in intractable bronchospasm. Watch for emergence reactions."]
]
),
body("Fentanyl-dominant sedation is associated with increased delirium, composite delirium/death, and longer MV duration compared with propofol- or midazolam-dominant regimens (Miller's Anesthesia 10e)."),
body("Dexmedetomidine compared to benzodiazepines: reduces delirium incidence and shortens MV duration (Harrison's, 2025)."),
spacer(),
h2("Daily Sedation Interruption (DSI)"),
body("Stop all sedative infusions once daily at a set time. Assess patient. If agitated or at risk, restart at half the previous dose and titrate. Paired with daily SBT. Reduces ventilator days and ICU length of stay."),
body("DSI may not be necessary if the team uses light sedation protocol (RASS -1 to 0) consistently."),
spacer(),
h2("ICU Delirium"),
callout("Delirium affects 60-80% of mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Associated with increased mortality, prolonged MV, long-term cognitive impairment, and higher cost.", RED),
spacer(),
h3("Screening Tools"),
bullet("CAM-ICU (Confusion Assessment Method - ICU): Acute onset change in mental status + inattention + disorganised thinking OR altered LOC. Sensitivity ~80%, Specificity ~96%.", null),
bullet("ICDSC (Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist): 8-item scale; score β₯ 4 = delirium.", null),
spacer(),
h3("Delirium Types"),
bullet("Hyperactive: Agitation, pulling tubes, disorganised. Easier to recognise.", null),
bullet("Hypoactive: Drowsy, withdrawn, slow responses. More common (70%+) and often missed. Worse prognosis.", null),
bullet("Mixed: Both components alternate.", null),
spacer(),
h3("ABCDEF Bundle (Delirium Prevention)"),
bullet("Assess, prevent and manage PAIN", "A"),
bullet("Both SAT (Spontaneous Awakening Trial) + SBT (Spontaneous Breathing Trial)", "B"),
bullet("Choice of sedation/analgesia (light, non-benzo)", "C"),
bullet("Delirium monitoring (CAM-ICU) and management", "D"),
bullet("Early mobility and Exercise", "E"),
bullet("Family engagement and empowerment", "F"),
spacer(),
h3("Pharmacological Management of Delirium"),
body("Haloperidol (IV or PO) remains commonly used despite lack of mortality benefit in RCTs. Quetiapine may reduce agitation. Treat underlying cause (infection, metabolic, medication). Dexmedetomidine is preferred for sedation when delirium is present."),
body("Benzodiazepines are a major modifiable risk factor for delirium - use only for alcohol/benzo withdrawal, seizures, or procedural sedation."),
spacer(),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 5: VASOPRESSORS βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
function section5() {
return [
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SECTION 5", bold: true, size: 20, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: TEAL, fill: TEAL },
spacing: { before: 100, after: 0 }
}),
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "VASOPRESSORS & VASOACTIVE DRUGS", bold: true, size: 34, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: NAVY, fill: NAVY },
spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("Receptor Pharmacology Overview"),
makeTable(
["Receptor", "Location / Effect", "Agonists"],
[
["Alpha-1 (Ξ±1)", "Vasoconstriction (βSVR), βBP", "Norepinephrine, phenylephrine, epinephrine"],
["Beta-1 (Ξ²1)", "βHR, βcontractility, βCO", "Norepinephrine (modest), epinephrine, dobutamine, dopamine"],
["Beta-2 (Ξ²2)", "Vasodilation, bronchodilation", "Epinephrine (low dose), salbutamol"],
["Dopamine (D1/D2)", "Renal/splanchnic vasodilation (D1); βprolactin (D2)", "Dopamine (low dose)"],
["V1 (Vasopressin)", "Vasoconstriction via V1; renal water retention via V2", "Vasopressin, terlipressin"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Vasopressor & Inotrope Drug Reference"),
makeTable(
["Drug", "Receptors", "Dose Range", "Primary Effect", "Key Indications / Notes"],
[
["Norepinephrine", "Ξ±1 βββ, Ξ²1 β", "0.01-3 mcg/kg/min", "ββSVR, mild βCO", "FIRST-LINE vasopressor in septic shock. Fewer arrhythmias than dopamine."],
["Epinephrine", "Ξ±1 ββ, Ξ²1 βββ, Ξ²2 ββ", "0.01-1 mcg/kg/min", "βCO ββ, βHR ββ, βSVR", "Anaphylaxis (IM 0.5 mg), cardiogenic shock add-on, cardiac arrest (1 mg IVB)"],
["Dopamine", "D1 (low), Ξ²1 (mod), Ξ±1 (high)", "1-20 mcg/kg/min", "Dose-dependent mixed", "Avoid in septic shock (higher arrhythmia rate). Use only in selected bradycardia."],
["Dobutamine", "Ξ²1 βββ, Ξ²2 β", "2.5-20 mcg/kg/min", "βCO, βSVR", "Cardiogenic shock with low CO; add to NE. Can worsen hypotension alone."],
["Vasopressin", "V1 βββ", "0.01-0.04 units/min (fixed)", "βSVR, βNE requirements", "Adjunct to NE when dose β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min. NOT titrated - fixed dose."],
["Phenylephrine", "Ξ±1 βββ (pure)", "0.5-6 mcg/kg/min", "ββSVR, βCO (reflex brady)", "Avoid in septic shock (βCO). Use in: vasodilatory shock + tachycardia, neurogenic shock."],
["Milrinone", "PDE3 inhibitor", "0.125-0.75 mcg/kg/min", "βCO, βSVR (inovasodilator)", "Cardiogenic shock; RV failure. Reduces afterload. Caution in hypotension."],
["Levosimendan", "Ca2+ sensitiser + PDE3", "Loading + 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min", "βcontractility, βafterload", "Acute decompensated HF; NOT recommended per SSC 2021."]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Vasopressor Escalation Algorithm in Septic Shock"),
callout("Step 1: IV fluid 30 mL/kg crystalloid (check fluid responsiveness)", DARK),
callout("Step 2: Start NOREPINEPHRINE via CVC. Target MAP β₯ 65 mmHg", NAVY),
callout("Step 3: If NE β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min β Add VASOPRESSIN 0.03 units/min (fixed)", TEAL),
callout("Step 4: If MAP still < 65 or persistent shock β Add EPINEPHRINE; consider HYDROCORTISONE 200 mg/day", AMBER),
callout("Step 5: If cardiogenic component β Add DOBUTAMINE or consider MCS (IABP/Impella/VA-ECMO)", RED),
spacer(),
h2("Common ICU Vasopressor Pitfalls"),
bullet("Dopamine is NOT first-line in septic shock - causes more arrhythmias and no mortality benefit", null),
bullet("Phenylephrine reduces CO by reflex bradycardia - avoid in cardiogenic shock", null),
bullet("Vasopressin must be used at fixed dose (0.03-0.04 u/min) - do NOT titrate like other pressors", null),
bullet("High-dose epinephrine causes lactic acidosis (beta-2 mediated lactate production) - do not use elevated lactate as resuscitation failure", null),
bullet("Dobutamine alone in hypotension will worsen BP - always pair with a vasopressor", null),
spacer(),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 6: ORGAN SUPPORT ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
function section6() {
return [
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SECTION 6", bold: true, size: 20, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: TEAL, fill: TEAL },
spacing: { before: 100, after: 0 }
}),
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "ORGAN SUPPORT: RENAL, CARDIAC & HEPATIC", bold: true, size: 34, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: NAVY, fill: NAVY },
spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in ICU"),
h3("KDIGO Staging"),
makeTable(
["Stage", "Serum Creatinine", "Urine Output"],
[
["1", "1.5-1.9x baseline OR β₯ 26.5 umol/L rise within 48 hrs", "< 0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6-12 hours"],
["2", "2.0-2.9x baseline", "< 0.5 mL/kg/hr for β₯ 12 hours"],
["3", "β₯ 3.0x baseline OR Cr β₯ 354 umol/L OR RRT initiated", "< 0.3 mL/kg/hr for β₯ 24 hrs OR anuria β₯ 12 hrs"]
]
),
spacer(),
h3("AKI Management Principles"),
bullet("Identify and remove precipitating cause (sepsis, nephrotoxins, obstruction, hypovolaemia)", null),
bullet("Optimise haemodynamics: MAP β₯ 65 mmHg (may target 75-80 in known CKD or hypertension)", null),
bullet("Avoid nephrotoxins: NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, IV contrast (if alternatives available), ACEi/ARB", null),
bullet("Balanced crystalloids (Lactated Ringer's / Plasmalyte) preferred over normal saline to reduce hyperchloraemic acidosis", null),
bullet("Monitor fluid balance closely: avoid both hypovolaemia and fluid overload", null),
bullet("Nutrition: Protein 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day; no protein restriction in AKI (worsens outcomes)", null),
spacer(),
h3("Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)"),
body("Indications (absolute): refractory hyperkalaemia (K+ > 6.5), refractory acidosis (pH < 7.1), refractory fluid overload, uraemia (encephalopathy, pericarditis, bleeding)."),
makeTable(
["Modality", "Rate/Duration", "Advantage", "Disadvantage"],
[
["IHD (Intermittent Haemodialysis)", "3-4 hrs, 3-7x/week", "Efficient solute removal", "Haemodynamic instability; not for shock"],
["CRRT (Continuous RRT)", "24 hrs/day continuous", "Haemodynamically stable; fluid removal controllable", "Requires anticoagulation; immobility; filter clotting"],
["SLED (Sustained Low-Efficiency)", "6-12 hrs daily", "Compromise: efficiency + stability", "Less widely available"],
["PD (Peritoneal Dialysis)", "Dwell/drain cycles", "No vascular access needed", "Slow; limited in critically ill; infection risk"]
]
),
body("CRRT is preferred in haemodynamically unstable ICU patients. KDIGO recommends RRT when AKI causes life-threatening electrolyte, acid-base, or fluid disturbances not manageable by other means."),
spacer(),
h2("Cardiac Support in ICU"),
h3("Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Overview"),
makeTable(
["Device", "Mechanism", "CO Support", "Indications"],
[
["IABP (Intra-aortic Balloon Pump)", "Counterpulsation: inflates in diastole, deflates in systole", "Modest (0.5 L/min)", "Cardiogenic shock (adjunct); limited evidence"],
["Impella CP/5.0", "Microaxial pump: LV β aorta", "Up to 5.5 L/min", "Cardiogenic shock; high-risk PCI"],
["VA-ECMO", "Extracorporeal oxygenation + perfusion", "Full cardiac + respiratory support", "Refractory cardiogenic shock; cardiac arrest (E-CPR); severe ARDS + haemodynamic failure"]
]
),
spacer(),
h3("Post-Cardiac Arrest Care"),
bullet("Targeted Temperature Management (TTM): 32-36Β°C for 24+ hours. Fever avoidance (< 37.7Β°C) in comatose patients post-ROSC.", null),
bullet("Avoid hyperoxia: PaO2 target 70-100 mmHg (wean FiO2 quickly after ROSC)", null),
bullet("Haemodynamic targets: MAP β₯ 65-80 mmHg; avoid hypotension (SBP < 90)", null),
bullet("CAG/PCI: emergent PCI if STEMI or suspected culprit lesion on ECG/clinical features", null),
bullet("Neurological prognostication: not before 72 hours post-arrest (or 72 hrs after TTM rewarming)", null),
spacer(),
h2("Acute Hepatic Failure (ALF) in ICU"),
callout("ALF = Acute liver injury + encephalopathy + coagulopathy (INR β₯ 1.5) in patient WITHOUT prior liver disease, within 26 weeks of onset", DARK),
spacer(),
bullet("Monitor: ICP monitoring if Grade III-IV encephalopathy (controversial); target CPP > 50 mmHg", null),
bullet("Lactulose / rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy", null),
bullet("N-acetylcysteine (NAC): for ALL ALF (even non-paracetamol) - improves transplant-free survival", null),
bullet("Coagulopathy: correct only for procedures or active bleeding; do NOT prophylactically correct INR", null),
bullet("Hypoglycaemia: frequent monitoring; 10% dextrose infusion to maintain glucose 5-10 mmol/L", null),
bullet("Infections: broad-spectrum antibiotics for proven/highly suspected infection; antifungals if deteriorating", null),
bullet("Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS): terlipressin + albumin (20% 1 g/kg loading); consider MARS/SPAD dialysis", null),
bullet("Transplant evaluation: early contact with liver transplant centre for ALF with poor prognosis criteria (King's College Criteria or MELD > 30)", null),
spacer(),
new Paragraph({ children: [new PageBreak()] })
];
}
// βββ SECTION 7: QUICK REFERENCE & BUNDLES ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
function section7() {
return [
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "SECTION 7", bold: true, size: 20, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: TEAL, fill: TEAL },
spacing: { before: 100, after: 0 }
}),
new Paragraph({
children: [new TextRun({ text: "ICU BUNDLES & QUICK-REFERENCE TABLES", bold: true, size: 34, color: WHITE })],
alignment: AlignmentType.CENTER,
shading: { type: ShadingType.SOLID, color: NAVY, fill: NAVY },
spacing: { before: 0, after: 200 }
}),
h2("ICU Admission Checklist"),
makeTable(
["Category", "Action"],
[
["Lines & Monitoring", "A-line, CVC, IDC with urometer, SpO2, continuous ECG, capnography if ventilated"],
["Airway", "Confirm ETT position (XR), cuff pressure 20-30 cmH2O, secure ETT"],
["Ventilation", "Set initial settings (Vt 6 mL/kg IBW, check Pplat β€ 30), FiO2 titrate"],
["Haemodynamics", "ECHO/POCUS assessment, IV access x2, resuscitation if needed"],
["Labs", "ABG, FBC, U&E, LFT, coags, lactate, blood cultures, ECG, CXR"],
["Medications", "DVT prophylaxis, stress ulcer PX, insulin protocol, home medications review"],
["Sedation", "Analgesia-first protocol, RASS target, daily SAT + SBT plan"],
["Nutrition", "EN within 24-48 hrs; dietitian referral; protein 1.2-2 g/kg/day"],
["Skin", "Pressure area care, regular turns, heel protection"],
["Communication", "Goals of care discussion; next-of-kin contact; advance care planning review"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Acid-Base Quick Reference"),
makeTable(
["Disorder", "pH", "PaCO2", "HCO3-", "Compensation", "Common Causes"],
[
["Metabolic Acidosis", "β", "β (compensated)", "ββ", "Winter's: PaCO2 = 1.5ΓHCO3 + 8 (Β±2)", "DKA, lactic acidosis, renal failure, toxins"],
["Metabolic Alkalosis", "β", "β (compensated)", "ββ", "PaCO2 rises 0.7 per 1 mmol/L HCO3 rise", "Vomiting, diuretics, hypokalaemia"],
["Respiratory Acidosis", "β", "ββ", "β (renal)", "Acute: HCO3 +1/10 mmHg CO2; Chronic: +3.5", "COPD, hypoventilation, CNS depression"],
["Respiratory Alkalosis", "β", "ββ", "β (renal)", "Acute: HCO3 -2/10 mmHg CO2; Chronic: -5", "Anxiety, PE, sepsis (early), altitude, MV"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Common ICU Electrolyte Emergencies"),
makeTable(
["Electrolyte", "Emergency Threshold", "Management"],
[
["Hyperkalaemia", "K+ > 6.5 mEq/L or ECG changes", "Ca gluconate 1g IV (membrane stabilise); Insulin-dextrose; Salbutamol neb; Kayexalate; RRT if refractory"],
["Hypokalaemia", "K+ < 2.5 or arrhythmia", "IV KCl: max 20 mEq/hr via CVC; replace Mg simultaneously (target Mg > 0.8)"],
["Hypernatraemia", "Na > 155 (symptomatic)", "Free water deficit = 0.6 Γ wt Γ (Na/140 -1). Correct β€ 0.5 mEq/L/hr. Use D5W or enterally"],
["Hyponatraemia", "Na < 120 or seiz/coma", "3% NaCl: 100 mL bolus (repeat x2 if seizure). Correct β€ 10-12 mEq/day to avoid ODS"],
["Hypocalcaemia", "iCa < 1.0 mmol/L", "Ca gluconate 1-2g IV over 10-20 min; recheck"],
["Hypomagnesaemia", "Mg < 0.5 mmol/L", "MgSO4 2-4g IV over 20-60 min; replace pre-emptively when K+ low"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Normal ICU Haemodynamic Values"),
makeTable(
["Parameter", "Normal Range", "Comment"],
[
["MAP", "65-100 mmHg", "Target β₯ 65 in sepsis; β₯ 75-80 in known HTN/CKD"],
["CVP", "2-8 mmHg", "Poor predictor of preload; do NOT use in isolation"],
["PCWP/PAOP", "4-12 mmHg", "Elevated in cardiogenic shock; low in hypovolaemic"],
["CI (Cardiac Index)", "2.2-4.0 L/min/m2", "< 2.2 = cardiogenic shock"],
["SVR", "800-1200 dyn.s/cm5", "Elevated in hypovolaemic/cardiogenic; low in sepsis"],
["SvO2", "60-75%", "< 65% = increased O2 demand or poor delivery"],
["ScvO2", "β₯ 70%", "Surrogate for SvO2 via CVC"],
["Lactate", "< 2 mmol/L", "Elevated = tissue hypoperfusion or altered metabolism"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("Common Drug Infusion Reference"),
makeTable(
["Drug", "Standard Concentration", "Usual Range", "Special Instructions"],
[
["Norepinephrine", "4 mg in 250 mL (16 mcg/mL) or 8/250 (32 mcg/mL)", "0.01-3 mcg/kg/min", "Central line only; titrate to MAP target"],
["Vasopressin", "20 units in 100 mL (0.2 u/mL)", "0.01-0.04 units/min (FIXED)", "Fixed dose - not titrated; add-on to NE"],
["Dobutamine", "250 mg in 250 mL (1000 mcg/mL)", "2.5-20 mcg/kg/min", "Monitor for tachycardia and hypotension"],
["Propofol (2%)", "200 mg/20 mL pre-filled", "5-50 mcg/kg/min", "Max 4 mg/kg/hr; check TGs every 48-72 hrs"],
["Dexmedetomidine", "200 mcg in 50 mL (4 mcg/mL)", "0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/hr", "Bradycardia and hypotension; no loading in ICU"],
["Insulin", "50 units in 50 mL NS (1 unit/mL)", "Per protocol", "Target glucose 7.8-10 mmol/L (avoid < 4)"],
["Heparin (UFH)", "25,000 u in 250 mL (100 u/mL)", "Per APTT protocol", "DVT/PE/AF/circuits; check HIT if platelets β"],
["Amiodarone", "300 mg load then 900 mg/24 hr", "See protocol", "Central line preferred; phlebitis peripherally"]
]
),
spacer(),
h2("End-of-Life & Goals of Care in ICU"),
body("Early goals-of-care discussions improve patient/family satisfaction, reduce ICU length of stay, and prevent non-beneficial interventions."),
bullet("Establish ceiling of care: CPR yes/no, intubation, vasopressors, dialysis, ECMO", null),
bullet("Identify surrogate decision-maker if patient lacks capacity", null),
bullet("Document Advance Care Directives and prior wishes", null),
bullet("Palliative care consultation for complex symptom management or withdrawal planning", null),
bullet("Proportionate care: transition goals from curative to comfort when appropriate", null),
bullet("Symptom management during withdrawal: opioids for dyspnoea (do NOT withhold); midazolam for distress", null),
spacer(),
h2("References & Sources"),
body("This guide is compiled from the following authoritative textbooks:"),
bullet("Goldman-Cecil Medicine, International Edition (2 Volume Set)", null),
bullet("Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition (2025)", null),
bullet("Miller's Anesthesia, 2-Volume Set, 10th Edition", null),
bullet("Barash, Cullen, and Stoelting's Clinical Anesthesia, 9th Edition", null),
bullet("The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics", null),
bullet("Fishman's Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders, 2-Volume Set", null),
bullet("Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine, 2-Volume", null),
bullet("Fischer's Mastery of Surgery, 8th Edition", null),
body("Supplemented by: Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 Guidelines, SCCM PADIS Guidelines 2018, KDIGO AKI Guidelines 2012, Berlin ARDS Definition 2012."),
spacer()
];
}
// βββ ASSEMBLE DOCUMENT βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
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styles: {
default: {
document: {
run: { font: "Calibri", size: 20, color: DARK }
}
}
},
numbering: {
config: [
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{ level: 0, format: LevelFormat.BULLET, text: "\u2022", alignment: AlignmentType.LEFT, style: { paragraph: { indent: { left: 360, hanging: 260 } } } },
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sections: [
{
headers: {
default: new Header({
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new Paragraph({
children: [
new TextRun({ text: "ICU MASTER GUIDE | Critical Care Reference for Residents & Registrars", size: 16, color: NAVY }),
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border: { bottom: { style: BorderStyle.SINGLE, size: 4, color: NAVY } }
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children: [
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Packer.toBuffer(doc).then(buffer => {
fs.writeFileSync("/home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide/ICU_Master_Guide_2026.docx", buffer);
console.log("SUCCESS: Document written.");
}).catch(err => {
console.error("ERROR:", err);
process.exit(1);
});
cd /home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide && node create_icu_guide.js 2>&1
~/icu-master-guide/create_icu_guide.js
Successfully replaced 1 instance(s) of the string in '/home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide/create_icu_guide.js'
cd /home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide && node create_icu_guide.js 2>&1
~/icu-master-guide/create_icu_guide.js
Successfully replaced 1 instance(s) of the string in '/home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide/create_icu_guide.js'
cd /home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide && node create_icu_guide.js 2>&1
python /home/daytona/skills/docx/scripts/office/validate.py /home/daytona/workspβ¦
python3 -c "import zipfile; z=zipfile.ZipFile('/home/daytona/workspace/icu-masteβ¦
ls -lh /home/daytona/workspace/icu-master-guide/ICU_Master_Guide_2026.docx
ICU Master Guide 2026
Word Document Β· DOCX
| Section | Key Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 - Mechanical Ventilation & ARDS | Goals of MV, indications for intubation, NIV criteria, ventilator modes, initial settings, Berlin ARDS definition + lung-protective strategies, prone positioning, VAP bundle, weaning/extubation criteria, RSBI |
| 2 - Hemodynamic Monitoring & Shock | 4-type shock classification table (with CI/SVR/PAOP/SvO2), monitoring modalities (A-line, CVC, PAC, ECHO, PiCCO), fluid responsiveness (PPV, PLR, EEOT), cardiogenic shock Mx, haemorrhagic shock classification + MHP |
| 3 - Sepsis & Septic Shock | Sepsis-3 definitions, qSOFA/SOFA, 1-hour SSC bundle, source control, empiric antibiotic table by source, corticosteroids |
| 4 - Sedation, Analgesia & Delirium | PADIS framework, full RASS scale, analgesic + sedative drug tables (propofol/dexmedetomidine/midazolam), DSI, CAM-ICU, ABCDEF bundle, delirium types and management |
| 5 - Vasopressors & Vasoactive Drugs | Receptor pharmacology, full drug table (NE, epinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, vasopressin, phenylephrine, milrinone), step-by-step vasopressor escalation algorithm, common pitfalls |
| 6 - Organ Support | KDIGO AKI staging, AKI management, RRT modalities (IHD/CRRT/SLED/PD), MCS devices (IABP/Impella/VA-ECMO), post-cardiac arrest care (TTM, oxygenation, PCI), ALF diagnosis and management including HRS |
| 7 - Quick Reference & Bundles | ICU admission checklist, acid-base quick reference with compensation formulas, electrolyte emergency management, normal haemodynamic values, drug infusion reference table, goals-of-care/end-of-life framework |
Word document is not downloadable.give directly here in text
| Criterion | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Declining GCS | GCS β€ 8 or rapidly falling |
| Inability to protect airway | Loss of cough/gag reflex |
| Respiratory fatigue | RR > 35, accessory muscle use, paradoxical breathing |
| Worsening acidosis on NIV | pH < 7.25 despite NIV trial |
| Refractory hypoxaemia | PaO2/FiO2 < 150 on high-flow O2 |
| Haemodynamic instability | MAP < 65 requiring vasopressors |
| Mode | Description | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Volume Control (VC) | Fixed Vt at set rate regardless of patient effort. Guarantees minute ventilation. | Paralysed/heavily sedated; severe ARDS |
| Pressure Control (PC) | Fixed inspiratory pressure; Vt varies with compliance. | When strict pressure limits needed |
| SIMV | Set rate + patient-triggered spontaneous breaths. | Largely historical; dyssynchrony risk |
| Pressure Support (PSV) | Patient-triggered; set support pressure only. No mandatory breaths. | Weaning, SBT, spontaneously breathing |
| CPAP | Continuous positive pressure; no mandatory breaths. | Post-extubation support; OSA |
| APRV (BiVent) | Sustained Phigh with brief Plow releases. Recruits lung. | Refractory ARDS; requires expertise |
| Parameter | Initial Setting | Target / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FiO2 | Start 1.0, wean down | SpO2 94-98% (PaO2 70-100 mmHg) |
| Tidal Volume (Vt) | 6 mL/kg IBW | Reduce to 4-6 mL/kg in ARDS |
| Respiratory Rate | 12-18 breaths/min | Adjust to target pH 7.35-7.45 |
| PEEP | 5-8 cmH2O (start) | Higher in ARDS (titrate with ARDSNet table) |
| I:E Ratio | 1:2 (standard) | Extend to 1:3 or 1:4 in COPD |
| Plateau Pressure (Pplat) | Measure after each change | β€ 30 cmH2O |
| Driving Pressure | Pplat - PEEP | < 15 cmH2O (strongest mortality predictor) |
ARDS = Acute onset (within 1 week) + bilateral pulmonary infiltrates + PaO2/FiO2 < 300 on β₯ 5 cmH2O PEEP + NOT fully explained by cardiac failure or fluid overload
| Severity | P/F Ratio | Approximate Mortality |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 200-300 mmHg | ~27% |
| Moderate | 100-200 mmHg | ~32% |
| Severe | < 100 mmHg | ~45% |
| Strategy | Target | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Vt | 6 mL/kg IBW (reduce to 4 if Pplat > 30) | Prevents volutrauma |
| Pplat | β€ 30 cmH2O | Prevents barotrauma |
| Driving Pressure | < 15 cmH2O | Best mortality predictor |
| PEEP | Titrate with ARDSNet PEEP/FiO2 table | Prevents atelectrauma; use higher PEEP in moderate-severe |
| Prone positioning | β₯ 12 hrs/day if P/F < 150 | Reduces mortality ~16% (PROSEVA trial) |
| Neuromuscular blockade | Cisatracurium 48 hrs in severe ARDS | Facilitates proning, reduces dyssynchrony |
| VV-ECMO | If P/F < 80 despite optimal settings | Experienced centres only |
| Permissive hypercapnia | pH β₯ 7.20 acceptable | Allows lower Vt to limit injury |
| FiO2 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEEP | 5 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 18-24 |
| Type | CI | SVR | PAOP | SvO2 | Classic Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiogenic | β | β | β | β | AMI, cardiomyopathy, severe valvular disease, myocarditis |
| Hypovolaemic | β | β | β | β | Haemorrhage, GI loss, burns, DI, severe vomiting/diarrhoea |
| Distributive (Septic) | N-β | β | N-β | N-β | Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic, adrenal crisis |
| Obstructive | β | β-N | N-β | N-β | Massive PE, tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade |
| Method | Parameters Obtained | Invasiveness | Key Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arterial Line (A-line) | Continuous BP, pulse pressure variation (PPV), waveform | Arterial (radial/femoral) | All shocked patients; guide fluid responsiveness |
| Central Venous Catheter (CVC) | CVP, ScvO2, drug delivery | Central venous | CVP unreliable alone; ScvO2 > 70% target |
| Pulmonary Artery Catheter (PAC) | CO, CI, PAOP, SVR, SvO2 | Highly invasive | Complex cardiac; NOT routine in ARDS |
| Bedside ECHO (TTE/TOE) | LV/RV function, IVC, pericardial fluid | Non/semi-invasive | First-line in ALL shocked patients |
| Pulse Contour (PiCCO/LiDCO) | CO, SVV, ITBV, EVLW | Minimally invasive | Goal-directed therapy; ICU haemodynamics |
| Point-of-Care Lactate | Tissue perfusion marker | Non-invasive | Serial lactate-guided resuscitation |
Key concept: Not all shocked patients benefit from fluids. Giving fluid to non-responders causes harm (pulmonary oedema, AKI, coagulopathy). Assess fluid responsiveness FIRST.
| Test | Threshold for Fluid Responsiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) | > 13% | Requires controlled MV; no arrhythmias |
| Stroke Volume Variation (SVV) | > 10-15% | Same requirements as PPV |
| Passive Leg Raise (PLR) | CO β β₯ 10% within 60 sec | Auto-transfusion ~300 mL; rapidly reversible; works in AF/SB |
| End-expiratory Occlusion (EEOT) | CO β β₯ 5% | 15-second hold; needs MV |
| Mini-fluid challenge | CO β β₯ 10% after 100 mL colloid | Safer than full 500 mL challenge |
Definition: Persistent hypotension (SBP < 90 for > 30 min OR MAP < 60) + reduced CI (< 2.2 L/min/m2) + elevated filling pressures (PAOP > 18 mmHg) + signs of hypoperfusion
| Priority | Action |
|---|---|
| Identify cause | Emergency PCI for AMI, cardioversion for arrhythmia, pericardiocentesis for tamponade |
| Avoid excess fluid | Risk of flash pulmonary oedema |
| Inotropes | Dobutamine 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min first-line; add norepinephrine if hypotensive |
| Diuretics | Only once BP stabilised; furosemide to relieve congestion |
| Mechanical support | IABP β Impella CP/5.0 β VA-ECMO for escalating refractory shock |
| Class | Blood Loss | HR | BP | RR | Mental Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | < 15% (< 750 mL) | < 100 | Normal | 14-20 | Normal / anxious |
| II | 15-30% (750-1500 mL) | 100-120 | Normal | 20-30 | Mildly anxious |
| III | 30-40% (1500-2000 mL) | 120-140 | Decreased | 30-40 | Confused |
| IV | > 40% (> 2000 mL) | > 140 | Very low | > 35 | Lethargic / obtunded |
SEPSIS: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Operational definition: SOFA score increase β₯ 2 from baseline with suspected/confirmed infection.
SEPTIC SHOCK: Sepsis + vasopressor requirement to maintain MAP β₯ 65 mmHg + Lactate > 2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation. Hospital mortality > 40%.
| Organ | Parameter | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory | PaO2/FiO2 | > 400 | 300-400 | 200-300 | 100-200 + MV | < 100 + MV |
| Coagulation | Platelets (Γ10Β³/uL) | > 150 | 100-150 | 50-100 | 20-50 | < 20 |
| Liver | Bilirubin (umol/L) | < 20 | 20-32 | 33-101 | 102-204 | > 204 |
| Cardiovascular | MAP/vasopressors | MAP β₯ 70 | MAP < 70 | Dopa β€5 or Dobu | Dopa >5 or NE/Epi β€0.1 | Dopa >15 or NE/Epi >0.1 |
| CNS | GCS | 15 | 13-14 | 10-12 | 6-9 | < 6 |
| Renal | Creatinine (umol/L) / UO | < 110 | 110-170 | 171-299 | 300-440 or < 500 mL/d | > 440 or < 200 mL/d |
Treat sepsis as a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Bundle completion within 1 hour of recognition.
| # | Action | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure lactate | Target < 2 mmol/L. Remeasure if initial > 2. |
| 2 | Blood cultures x2 | BEFORE antibiotics. Do NOT delay antibiotics for cultures. |
| 3 | Broad-spectrum antibiotics | Within 1 hour of recognition. Reassess when micro results available. |
| 4 | IV fluid resuscitation | 30 mL/kg IV crystalloid if hypotension OR lactate β₯ 4 mmol/L. Reassess after. |
| 5 | Vasopressors | If MAP < 65 mmHg despite fluid. Start norepinephrine. |
| Source | Empiric Coverage | Preferred Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown / Community | Gram +ve + Gram -ve Β± anaerobes | Pip-tazo 4.5g q6h + Vancomycin (if MRSA risk) |
| Healthcare / Hospital | Extended GNR + MRSA | Meropenem 1g q8h + Vancomycin Β± antifungal |
| Urinary tract | Enterobacteriaceae | Ceftriaxone 1g daily (or pip-tazo if resistant) |
| CAP (Pneumonia) | S. pneumoniae, atypicals | Beta-lactam + Macrolide OR Respiratory FQ |
| HAP/VAP | Pseudomonas, MRSA, Acinetobacter | Anti-pseudomonal BL (cefepime/pip-tazo/meropenem) + Vancomycin |
| Intra-abdominal | GNR + anaerobes | Pip-tazo 4.5g q6h OR Meropenem (severe) |
| Neutropaenic fever | Pseudomonas, Candida | Cefepime OR Pip-tazo Β± Antifungal |
| CNS (Meningitis) | S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, Listeria | Ceftriaxone + Ampicillin + Dexamethasone |
| Skin/SSTI (severe) | MRSA, GAS, GNR | Pip-tazo + Vancomycin; consider IVIG in necrotising fasciitis |
Core principle (A1C - Analgesia First): Treat pain BEFORE adding sedation. Target LIGHT sedation (RASS -1 to 0). AVOID benzodiazepines as first-line sedatives.
| Score | Label | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| +4 | Combative | Violent, immediate danger to staff | Bolus + consider paralysis if on MV |
| +3 | Very Agitated | Pulling lines/tubes, aggressive | Urgent sedation titration |
| +2 | Agitated | Frequent purposeless movements | Increase sedation |
| +1 | Restless | Anxious, not aggressive | Reassess; treat pain first |
| 0 | Alert & Calm | Target for most ICU patients | Maintain |
| -1 | Drowsy | Awakens to voice (> 10 sec eye contact) | Acceptable; reassess |
| -2 | Light Sedation | Awakens briefly (< 10 sec) | Assess if appropriate |
| -3 | Moderate Sedation | Movement, no eye contact | Consider DSI trial |
| -4 | Deep Sedation | No response to voice, moves to physical stimuli | Justify ongoing deep sedation |
| -5 | Unarousable | No response to any stimulation | Paralysis or near-death |
| Drug | IV Dose | Onset / Duration | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fentanyl | 25-100 mcg bolus; 25-200 mcg/hr infusion | Rapid (1-2 min) / 30-60 min | Preferred in renal failure; lipophilic - accumulates with prolonged infusion |
| Morphine | 2-4 mg bolus; 2-5 mg/hr | 5-10 min / 3-4 hrs | Avoid in renal failure (active metabolite M6G accumulates); histamine release |
| Hydromorphone | 0.2-0.6 mg bolus; 0.2-0.6 mg/hr | 5-15 min / 3-4 hrs | More potent than morphine; useful in opioid-tolerant patients |
| Remifentanil | 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min | 1-3 min / 5-10 min | Ultra-short; rapid emergence; risk of tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia |
| Ketamine | 0.1-0.5 mg/kg/hr (analgesia dose) | 1-2 min | Opioid-sparing; bronchodilator; minimal respiratory depression; dissociative at higher doses |
| Paracetamol | 1g IV q6h | 30-60 min | Opioid-sparing adjunct; safe in most ICU patients |
| Pregabalin / Gabapentin | Enteral 75-300 mg BD | Enteral only | Neuropathic pain; opioid-sparing; caution in renal failure |
| Drug | IV Dose | Mechanism | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propofol | 5-50 mcg/kg/min | GABA-A agonist | Fast on/off; preferred non-benzo; monitor for PRIS (TGs β, metabolic acidosis, rhabdo, cardiac failure) - max 4 mg/kg/hr |
| Dexmedetomidine | 0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/hr | Alpha-2 agonist | Cooperative sedation - patient arousable; reduces delirium; shortens MV duration; SE: bradycardia, hypotension. First-line for light sedation. |
| Midazolam | 0.02-0.1 mg/kg/hr | Benzodiazepine | Accumulates in renal/hepatic failure; associated with β delirium and prolonged MV. Avoid as first-line. |
| Lorazepam | 1-4 mg q2-6h or infusion | Benzodiazepine | Propylene glycol toxicity with prolonged infusions; long-acting. Avoid as first-line. |
| Ketamine (sedation) | 0.5-2 mg/kg/hr | NMDA antagonist | Minimal respiratory depression; useful in bronchospasm or haemodynamically unstable patients |
Evidence: Fentanyl-dominant sedation is associated with increased delirium, increased composite delirium/death, longer MV duration, and longer ICU stay compared to propofol- or midazolam-dominant sedation (Miller's Anesthesia 10e). Dexmedetomidine reduces delirium and shortens MV duration compared with benzodiazepines (Harrison's 2025).
Rare but fatal. More likely at doses > 4 mg/kg/hr for > 48 hrs.
Affects 60-80% of mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Associated with increased mortality, prolonged MV, long-term cognitive impairment ("post-ICU syndrome"), and higher healthcare costs.
| Tool | Method | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| CAM-ICU | Acute change + Inattention + Disorganised thinking OR Altered LOC | Any positive = delirium |
| ICDSC | 8-item checklist (LOC, inattention, disorientation, hallucinations, agitation, mood, sleep, symptom fluctuation) | Score β₯ 4 = delirium |
| Type | Features | Prevalence | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperactive | Agitation, pulling tubes, disorganised, combative | ~25% | Better recognised |
| Hypoactive | Drowsy, withdrawn, slowed responses, flat affect | ~50% | Most common; worse prognosis; often MISSED |
| Mixed | Both components alternating | ~25% | Variable |
| Letter | Action |
|---|---|
| A | Assess, prevent, and manage PAIN (NRS β€ 3 target) |
| B | Both SAT (Spontaneous Awakening Trial) + SBT (Spontaneous Breathing Trial) paired daily |
| C | Choice of sedation: light sedation, non-benzo preferred |
| D | Delirium: monitor with CAM-ICU every shift; non-pharmacological measures |
| E | Early mobility and Exercise: passive ROM β active β sitting β walking |
| F | Family engagement: familiar faces, reorientation, photos, communication boards |
| Receptor | Effect | Key Agonists |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-1 (Ξ±1) | Vasoconstriction (βSVR, βBP) | Norepinephrine, phenylephrine, epinephrine |
| Beta-1 (Ξ²1) | βHR, βcontractility, βCO | Norepinephrine (modest), epinephrine, dobutamine, dopamine (moderate dose) |
| Beta-2 (Ξ²2) | Vasodilation, bronchodilation | Epinephrine (low dose), salbutamol |
| Dopamine D1 | Renal/splanchnic vasodilation | Dopamine (low dose 1-3 mcg/kg/min) |
| V1 (vasopressin) | Vasoconstriction (non-adrenergic) | Vasopressin, terlipressin |
| Drug | Receptors | Dose Range | Primary Effect | Key Indications & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norepinephrine | Ξ±1 +++, Ξ²1 + | 0.01-3 mcg/kg/min | ββSVR, mild βCO | FIRST-LINE vasopressor in septic shock. Fewer arrhythmias than dopamine. Central line. |
| Epinephrine | Ξ±1 ++, Ξ²1 +++, Ξ²2 ++ | 0.01-1 mcg/kg/min | ββCO, ββHR, βSVR | Anaphylaxis (IM 0.5 mg first), cardiogenic shock add-on, cardiac arrest (1 mg IVB q3-5 min) |
| Dopamine | D1 (low), Ξ²1 (mod), Ξ±1 (high) | 1-20 mcg/kg/min | Dose-dependent | Avoid in septic shock (higher arrhythmia rate, no mortality advantage). Reserve for specific bradycardia. |
| Dobutamine | Ξ²1 +++, Ξ²2 + | 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min | βCO, βSVR | Cardiogenic shock with low CO. Add to norepinephrine. Can worsen hypotension if used alone. |
| Vasopressin | V1 +++ | 0.01-0.04 units/min (FIXED) | βSVR, βNE requirements | Add-on to NE when dose β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min. NOT titrated - fixed dose. |
| Phenylephrine | Ξ±1 +++ (pure Ξ±) | 0.5-6 mcg/kg/min | ββSVR, βCO (reflex brady) | Avoid in septic/cardiogenic shock (reduces CO). Use in: vasodilatory shock with tachycardia; neurogenic shock; as an infusion bridge. |
| Milrinone | PDE3 inhibitor | 0.125-0.75 mcg/kg/min | βCO, βSVR (inovasodilator) | RV failure, cardiogenic shock. Reduces LV afterload. Caution in hypotension and renal failure. |
| Levosimendan | Ca2+ sensitiser + PDE3 | Loading + 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min | βcontractility, βafterload | Acute decompensated HF. NOT recommended by SSC 2021 in septic shock. |
STEP 1 βββΊ IV fluid 30 mL/kg balanced crystalloid
Reassess with dynamic fluid responsiveness test (PLR/PPV)
β
STEP 2 βββΊ Start NOREPINEPHRINE via central line
Target MAP β₯ 65 mmHg
Titrate 0.01-0.5 mcg/kg/min
β
STEP 3 βββΊ If NE dose reaches β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min:
Add VASOPRESSIN 0.03 units/min (FIXED, do not titrate)
β
STEP 4 βββΊ If MAP still < 65 or refractory shock:
Add EPINEPHRINE 0.01-0.5 mcg/kg/min
Add HYDROCORTISONE 200 mg/day IV
β
STEP 5 βββΊ If cardiogenic component (low CI, βPAOP):
Add DOBUTAMINE 2.5-10 mcg/kg/min
Consider MCS: IABP β Impella β VA-ECMO
| Pitfall | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Using dopamine first-line in septic shock | Use norepinephrine - fewer arrhythmias, equivalent outcomes |
| Titrating vasopressin like other pressors | Vasopressin is FIXED dose (0.03-0.04 u/min) - never titrate |
| Using phenylephrine in cardiogenic shock | Phenylephrine causes reflex bradycardia and reduces CO - avoid |
| High-dose epinephrine causing elevated lactate | Epinephrine causes beta-2 mediated lactate production - do not interpret as resuscitation failure |
| Dobutamine alone in hypotensive patient | Always pair dobutamine with a vasopressor - it will worsen BP alone |
| Delaying vasopressors while giving litres of fluid | Start vasopressor early if MAP < 65 after initial fluid bolus |
EPINEPHRINE IS THE DRUG OF CHOICE - do not delay
| Stage | Serum Creatinine | Urine Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5-1.9x baseline OR β₯ 26.5 umol/L rise in 48 hrs | < 0.5 mL/kg/hr for 6-12 hours |
| 2 | 2.0-2.9x baseline | < 0.5 mL/kg/hr for β₯ 12 hours |
| 3 | β₯ 3.0x baseline OR Cr β₯ 354 umol/L OR RRT initiated | < 0.3 mL/kg/hr for β₯ 24 hrs OR anuria β₯ 12 hrs |
| Priority | Action |
|---|---|
| Identify cause | Sepsis, hypovolaemia, nephrotoxins, obstruction, contrast, cardiorenal |
| Optimise haemodynamics | MAP β₯ 65 mmHg (target 75-80 in known CKD/hypertension) |
| Remove nephrotoxins | Stop NSAIDs, aminoglycosides, ACEi/ARB, contrast where alternatives exist |
| Fluid choice | Balanced crystalloids (LR/Plasmalyte) over normal saline |
| Fluid balance | Monitor closely; avoid both hypovolaemia AND fluid overload |
| Nutrition | Protein 1.2-2.0 g/kg/day; do NOT restrict protein in AKI |
| Diuretics | Furosemide to manage fluid overload only; does NOT prevent AKI or reduce need for RRT |
| Indication | Detail |
|---|---|
| A - Acidosis | pH < 7.1-7.15 refractory to medical management |
| E - Electrolytes | K+ > 6.5 mEq/L refractory to medical treatment |
| I - Intoxications | Dialysable toxins: salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol, lithium |
| O - Overload (fluid) | Refractory pulmonary oedema unresponsive to diuretics |
| U - Uraemia | Encephalopathy, pericarditis, uraemic bleeding (pleuritis) |
| Modality | Duration | Advantage | Disadvantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IHD (Intermittent Haemodialysis) | 3-4 hrs, 3-7x/week | Efficient solute removal | Haemodynamic instability | Stable patients |
| CRRT (Continuous RRT) | 24 hrs/day | Haemodynamically gentle; precise fluid control | Anticoagulation needed; immobility; circuit clotting | Haemodynamically unstable ICU patients |
| SLED (Sustained Low-Efficiency) | 6-12 hrs/session | Balance of efficiency + stability | Less availability | Moderate instability |
| Peritoneal Dialysis | Continuous cycles | No vascular access; simpler | Slow; peritonitis risk; limited in critically ill | Resource-limited settings |
| Device | Mechanism | CO Augmentation | Indications | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IABP | Balloon counterpulsation: inflates diastole, deflates systole | ~0.5 L/min | Cardiogenic shock adjunct; high-risk PCI | Limited mortality benefit (IABP-SHOCK II); still widely used |
| Impella CP | Microaxial pump: LV β aorta | Up to 3.5 L/min | Cardiogenic shock; high-risk PCI support | Requires skilled insertion; watch for haemolysis |
| Impella 5.0/5.5 | Same; larger catheter | Up to 5.5 L/min | Profound cardiogenic shock | Surgical cutdown; max support |
| VA-ECMO | Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass | Full cardiac + respiratory support | Refractory cardiogenic shock; ECPR; BiV failure; ARDS + haemodynamic failure | Risk: LV distension, limb ischaemia, bleeding, infection |
| Domain | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 32-36Β°C for β₯ 24 hrs, then fever prevention (< 37.7Β°C) | TTM2 trial: 33Β°C vs 37Β°C - no difference; avoid fever |
| Oxygenation | PaO2 70-100 mmHg; SpO2 94-98% | Avoid hyperoxia post-ROSC (β reperfusion injury) |
| Ventilation | PaCO2 35-45 mmHg | Hypocapnia associated with worse neurological outcome |
| Haemodynamics | MAP β₯ 65-80 mmHg; SBP β₯ 90 mmHg | Hypotension strongly associated with poor neuro outcome |
| Coronary angiography | Emergent PCI if STEMI or suspected culprit | Non-STEMI: selective PCI approach (COACT/TOMAHAWK) |
| Glucose | 7.8-10 mmol/L | Avoid hypoglycaemia |
| Seizures | Continuous EEG monitoring in comatose | Treat electrographic seizures |
| Prognostication | Not before 72 hrs post-arrest (or 72 hrs post rewarming) | Multi-modal: SSEP, EEG, CT brain, NSE, clinical exam |
ALF = Acute liver injury + hepatic encephalopathy + coagulopathy (INR β₯ 1.5) without prior liver disease, within 26 weeks of onset
| Cause | % in Western Countries |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose | ~50% |
| Indeterminate / seronegative hepatitis | ~15% |
| Viral hepatitis (HBV, HAV, HEV) | ~10% |
| Drug-induced (non-paracetamol DILI) | ~10% |
| Autoimmune hepatitis | ~5% |
| Others (Budd-Chiari, Wilson's, malignancy) | ~10% |
| Complication | Management |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol OD | N-acetylcysteine (NAC) IV: 150 mg/kg over 1 hr, then 50 mg/kg over 4 hrs, then 100 mg/kg over 16 hrs. Give NAC to ALL ALF regardless of cause. |
| Hepatic encephalopathy | Lactulose (grade I-II). Rifaximin. Head elevation 30Β°. Avoid sedatives. Grade III-IV: consider ICU intubation. |
| Coagulopathy | Do NOT correct INR prophylactically (it is the prognostic marker). Correct only for procedures or active bleeding with FFP/VitK/platelets/cryoprecipitate. |
| Hypoglycaemia | Monitor Q1-2H. IV 50% dextrose bolus or 10% dextrose infusion. Target glucose 5-10 mmol/L. |
| Cerebral oedema / ICP | ICP monitoring in Grade III-IV. Target CPP > 50-60 mmHg. Hypertonic saline / mannitol for ICP crises. Nurse at 30Β°. |
| Infection | Low threshold for broad-spectrum antibiotics. Antifungals if deteriorating. |
| AKI / Hepatorenal Syndrome | Terlipressin + Albumin 20% (1 g/kg loading). CRRT preferred RRT. |
| Nutrition | Early enteral nutrition. Protein 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day (do NOT restrict protein). |
| Category | Actions |
|---|---|
| Airway | Confirm ETT position (CXR), cuff pressure 20-30 cmH2O, secure ETT, note depth at teeth |
| Breathing | Set initial ventilator settings, check Pplat β€ 30, FiO2 titrate to SpO2 94-98% |
| Circulation | A-line, CVC/PICC, ECHO/POCUS assessment, IV access x2, resuscitation if needed |
| Monitoring | SpO2, continuous ECG, capnography, IBP, urine output hourly, temperature |
| Lines | IDC with urometer, NGT (confirm position), consider PA catheter if complex |
| Labs | ABG, FBC, U&E, LFT, coagulation panel, lactate, blood cultures, troponin, ECG, CXR |
| Medications | DVT prophylaxis, stress ulcer prophylaxis, insulin protocol, review home medications |
| Sedation | Analgesia-first protocol, set RASS target, plan for DSI + SBT next morning |
| Nutrition | Enteral nutrition within 24-48 hrs (if haemodynamically stable), dietitian referral |
| Skin/Pressure | Pressure area care, regular turns, heel protection, moisture barrier creams |
| Communication | Goals of care discussion, next-of-kin contact, advance care planning review |
| Disorder | pH | PaCO2 | HCO3- | Compensation | Common ICU Causes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Acidosis | β | β (compensated) | ββ | Winter's: PaCO2 = 1.5ΓHCO3 + 8 (Β±2) | DKA, lactic acidosis, renal failure, toxins (ASA, methanol) |
| Metabolic Alkalosis | β | β (compensated) | ββ | PaCO2 rises 0.7 per 1 mmol/L HCO3 rise | Vomiting, NG suction, diuretics, hypokalaemia, over-alkalinisation |
| Respiratory Acidosis | β | ββ | β (renal) | Acute: HCO3 +1 per 10 mmHg CO2; Chronic: +3.5 | COPD, hypoventilation, CNS depression, neuromuscular disease |
| Respiratory Alkalosis | β | ββ | β (renal) | Acute: HCO3 -2 per 10 mmHg CO2; Chronic: -5 | Anxiety, PE, sepsis (early), pregnancy, altitude, iatrogenic over-ventilation |
| Electrolyte | Emergency Threshold | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperkalaemia | K+ > 6.5 or ECG changes | 1. Ca gluconate 1g IV (membrane stabilise, immediate). 2. Insulin 10u + Dextrose 50g IV (shifts K+ into cells). 3. Salbutamol 10-20 mg neb. 4. Sodium bicarbonate (if acidotic). 5. Kayexalate / patiromer (eliminates K+). 6. RRT if refractory. |
| Hypokalaemia | K+ < 2.5 or arrhythmia | IV KCl max 20 mEq/hr via CVC. Replace Mg simultaneously (target Mg > 0.8 mmol/L). |
| Hypernatraemia | Na > 155 (symptomatic) | Free water deficit = 0.6 Γ wt(kg) Γ (Na/140 -1). Correct β€ 0.5 mEq/L/hr (max 10 mEq/day). Use D5W IV or enteral free water. |
| Hyponatraemia | Na < 120 or seizure/coma | 3% NaCl: 100-150 mL bolus IV over 10-20 min (repeat x2 if ongoing seizure). Correct β€ 10-12 mEq/day (max 8 mEq in high ODS risk). Restrict free water. |
| Hypocalcaemia | iCa < 1.0 mmol/L | Ca gluconate 1-2g IV over 10-20 min; recheck. Replace Mg if also low. |
| Hypomagnesaemia | Mg < 0.5 mmol/L | MgSO4 2-4g IV over 20-60 min. Replace pre-emptively when K+ is low (refractory hypokalaemia). |
| Hypophosphataemia | PO4 < 0.3 mmol/L (severe) | IV sodium or potassium phosphate 0.3-0.6 mmol/kg over 6-12 hrs. Critical in refeeding syndrome. |
| Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Note |
|---|---|---|
| MAP | 65-100 mmHg | Target β₯ 65 in sepsis; β₯ 75-80 in CKD/hypertension |
| CVP | 2-8 mmHg | Poor predictor of preload; do NOT use alone |
| PCWP/PAOP | 4-12 mmHg | β in cardiogenic; β in hypovolaemic |
| CI (Cardiac Index) | 2.2-4.0 L/min/m2 | < 2.2 = cardiogenic shock |
| SVR | 800-1200 dyn.s/cm5 | β in hypovolaemic/cardiogenic; β in sepsis |
| SvO2 | 60-75% | < 65% = β O2 demand or poor delivery |
| ScvO2 | β₯ 70% | Surrogate via CVC; target in sepsis |
| Lactate | < 2 mmol/L | β = tissue hypoperfusion (or epi infusion) |
| CO | 4-8 L/min | Varies with body size; use CI |
| Drug | Standard Concentration | Usual Range | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norepinephrine | 4-8 mg in 250 mL (16-32 mcg/mL) | 0.01-3 mcg/kg/min | Central line ONLY; titrate to MAP target |
| Vasopressin | 20 units in 100 mL (0.2 u/mL) | 0.01-0.04 units/min (FIXED) | Fixed dose; adjunct to NE; NOT titrated |
| Epinephrine | 3 mg in 50 mL (60 mcg/mL) | 0.01-1 mcg/kg/min | Central preferred; watch tachycardia, lactate |
| Dobutamine | 250 mg in 250 mL (1000 mcg/mL) | 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min | Monitor for tachycardia and βBP |
| Propofol 2% | 200 mg/20 mL pre-filled | 5-50 mcg/kg/min | Max 4 mg/kg/hr; check TGs every 48-72 hrs |
| Dexmedetomidine | 200 mcg in 50 mL (4 mcg/mL) | 0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/hr | No loading dose in ICU; watch bradycardia |
| Midazolam | 15 mg in 50 mL (0.3 mg/mL) | 0.02-0.1 mg/kg/hr | Accumulates; prefer propofol/dex |
| Morphine | 50 mg in 50 mL (1 mg/mL) | 1-5 mg/hr | Avoid in renal failure |
| Fentanyl | 1000 mcg in 50 mL (20 mcg/mL) | 25-200 mcg/hr | Preferred opioid in renal failure |
| Insulin (actrapid) | 50 units in 50 mL NS (1 u/mL) | Per protocol | Target glucose 7.8-10 mmol/L |
| UFH (heparin) | 25,000 u in 250 mL (100 u/mL) | Per APTT protocol | Monitor HIT if platelets drop > 50% |
| Amiodarone | 300 mg load, then 900 mg/24 hrs | See local protocol | Central line preferred; hypotension with rapid IV |
| Furosemide | 250 mg in 50 mL (5 mg/mL) | 2-40 mg/hr | Titrate to urine output target; deafness with high doses |
| Labetalol | 200 mg in 200 mL (1 mg/mL) | 1-4 mg/min (acute) | Hypertensive emergency; avoid in reactive airways |
| GTN (nitroglycerin) | 50 mg in 50 mL (1 mg/mL) | 0.5-10 mg/hr | For ACS, acute HF, hypertensive emergency; headache |
| Score | Purpose | Components | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| APACHE II | Mortality prediction on admission | 12 physiological variables + age + chronic health | Score > 25 = high mortality risk |
| SOFA | Organ dysfunction in sepsis | 6 organ systems (resp, coag, liver, CVS, CNS, renal) | Used for Sepsis-3 diagnosis |
| SAPS II | Severity scoring | 15 variables | Commonly used in Europe |
| CPIS | Ventilator-associated pneumonia | Temp, WCC, secretions, CXR, PaO2/FiO2, culture | Score β₯ 6 suggests VAP |
| GCS | Neurological status | Eye, verbal, motor (E4V5M6 = 15) | Must report components, not just total |
| RASS | Sedation depth | -5 to +4 | Target 0 to -1 in most ICU patients |
| CAM-ICU | Delirium screening | Acute change + inattention + disorganised thinking/LOC | Screen every shift |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| D - Don't panic | Call for help immediately; activate rapid response if needed |
| E - EXAMINE | Full primary survey: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (GCS), Exposure |
| T - Tube check | Confirm ETT position, patency, cuff pressure, ventilator circuit |
| E - Equipment | Vent alarms, monitor leads, IV lines, pumps (vasopressor disconnection?) |
| R - Review vitals trend | When did it start? What changed in last 1-2 hrs? |
| I - Investigations | Urgent ABG, 12-lead ECG, portable CXR, point-of-care U/S (POCUS) |
| O - Oxygenation | Increase FiO2 to 1.0 temporarily; suction ETT; consider hand-bagging |
| R - Rule out | Tension pneumothorax (decompress if suspected), PE, acute MI, tamponade |
| A - ABG interpretation | Oxygenation + ventilation + acid-base status |
| T - Treat | Directed intervention based on findings |
| E - Escalate | Senior/ICU consultant review; consider advanced monitoring |
Early goals-of-care conversations improve patient/family satisfaction, reduce non-beneficial interventions, and align care with patient values.
Opd master guide
| Category | SBP (mmHg) | DBP (mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | AND | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | AND | < 80 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130-139 | OR | 80-89 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | β₯ 140 | OR | β₯ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | AND/OR | > 120 |
| Cause | Clue | Investigation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary hyperaldosteronism | Hypokalaemia, resistant HTN | Aldosterone:renin ratio |
| Renovascular HTN | Young female, abdominal bruit, flash pulmonary oedema | Renal Doppler US / MRA |
| Phaeochromocytoma | Episodic HTN, headache, sweating, palpitations | Plasma/urine metanephrines |
| Cushing's syndrome | Central obesity, striae, proximal myopathy | 24-hr urinary cortisol / dexamethasone suppression test |
| Obstructive sleep apnoea | Snoring, daytime somnolence, obese | Sleep study (polysomnography) |
| Hypothyroidism / Hyperthyroidism | Thyroid symptoms | TSH |
| CKD | Elevated creatinine, proteinuria | eGFR, urine ACR |
| Coarctation of aorta | Radio-femoral delay, young patient | CT aortography |
| Indication | First-Line Agent | Avoid / Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Uncomplicated Stage 1 HTN | ACEi OR CCB OR Thiazide diuretic | - |
| Black / Afro-Caribbean | CCB or Thiazide (ACEi less effective as monotherapy) | ACEi monotherapy less effective |
| Diabetes with proteinuria | ACEi or ARB (renoprotective) | NSAIDs |
| Diabetes without proteinuria | ACEi/ARB or CCB or Thiazide | - |
| Heart failure with HFrEF | ACEi (or ARB if intolerant) + Beta-blocker + MRA | CCB (non-DHP); avoid in decompensated HF |
| Post-MI | Beta-blocker + ACEi | - |
| Angina | Beta-blocker or CCB (DHP) | - |
| Atrial fibrillation (rate control) | Beta-blocker or rate-limiting CCB (diltiazem/verapamil) | - |
| CKD with proteinuria | ACEi or ARB | NSAIDs; avoid dual RAAS blockade |
| Pregnancy | Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nifedipine | ACEi, ARBs (teratogenic) |
| Isolated systolic HTN (elderly) | CCB or Thiazide-type diuretic | High-dose beta-blockers |
| Resistant HTN (4th agent) | Spironolactone 25-50 mg (most evidence) | - |
| Class | Examples | Mechanism | Key Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors | Ramipril, Lisinopril, Perindopril | Block ACE β β Angiotensin II | Dry cough (10-20%), angioedema, hyperkalaemia, β creatinine |
| ARBs | Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan | Block AT1 receptor | Hyperkalaemia, β creatinine; no cough |
| Calcium channel blockers (DHP) | Amlodipine, Felodipine, Nifedipine | β Ca2+ entry β vasodilation | Ankle oedema, flushing, headache |
| CCB (non-DHP) | Diltiazem, Verapamil | β Ca2+ β vasodilation + rate control | Bradycardia, constipation (verapamil), AV block |
| Thiazide diuretics | Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone | β Na+ reabsorption DCT | Hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hyperuricaemia, glucose intolerance |
| Beta-blockers | Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Carvedilol | β HR, β CO, β renin | Bradycardia, bronchospasm (avoid in asthma), fatigue, sexual dysfunction |
| Alpha-1 blockers | Doxazosin | Ξ±1 blockade β vasodilation | Postural hypotension, especially first dose |
| MRA | Spironolactone, Eplerenone | Aldosterone receptor blockade | Hyperkalaemia, gynaecomastia (spiro), menstrual irregularities |
| Central agents | Methyldopa, Clonidine | Central Ξ±2 agonism | Sedation, dry mouth, rebound HTN if stopped abruptly |
| Patient Group | BP Target |
|---|---|
| General adult (< 65 yrs) | < 130/80 mmHg (ACC/AHA) |
| General adult β₯ 65 yrs | SBP < 130 mmHg (if tolerated) |
| Diabetes | < 130/80 mmHg |
| CKD without proteinuria | < 140/90 mmHg |
| CKD with proteinuria | < 130/80 mmHg |
| Pregnancy (chronic HTN) | 120-160 / 80-105 mmHg |
| Stroke prevention | < 130/80 mmHg |
| Intervention | Expected SBP Reduction |
|---|---|
| Sodium restriction (< 2g/day sodium) | 5-6 mmHg |
| DASH diet (fruits, veg, low saturated fat) | 8-14 mmHg |
| Weight reduction (per 10 kg loss) | 5-20 mmHg |
| Aerobic exercise (30 min, 5x/week) | 4-9 mmHg |
| Alcohol limitation (β€ 2 drinks/day men, β€ 1 women) | 2-4 mmHg |
| Smoking cessation | Reduces CVD risk (BP effect modest) |
| Test | Diabetes | Prediabetes | Normal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) | β₯ 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) | 5.6-6.9 mmol/L (IFG) | < 5.6 mmol/L |
| 2-hr OGTT (75g glucose) | β₯ 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) | 7.8-11.0 mmol/L (IGT) | < 7.8 mmol/L |
| HbA1c | β₯ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) | 5.7-6.4% (39-47) | < 5.7% |
| Random glucose + symptoms | β₯ 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) | - | - |
| Patient Group | HbA1c Target |
|---|---|
| General adult, younger, few comorbidities | < 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) |
| Motivated patients, short disease duration, no CVD | < 6.5% (47 mmol/mol) |
| Elderly, frail, multiple comorbidities, high hypoglycaemia risk | < 8.0% (64 mmol/mol) |
| Established CVD or high CVD risk | < 7.0% with SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA |
| Pregnancy (gestational diabetes / pre-existing DM) | FBG < 5.3, 1-hr < 7.8, 2-hr < 6.7 mmol/L |
| Class | Examples | Mechanism | HbA1c Reduction | Key Benefits | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biguanides | Metformin | β hepatic glucose output; β insulin sensitivity | 1.0-1.5% | Cheap; weight neutral; CV benefit (UKPDS); first-line | Lactic acidosis (rare, mainly in renal failure - hold if eGFR < 30); GI side effects; hold before contrast |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Canagliflozin | Block SGLT2 in proximal tubule β glucosuria | 0.5-1.0% | CV mortality benefit (EMPA-REG); HF hospitalisation β; CKD progression β; weight loss | UTI/genital infections; DKA (euglycaemic); volume depletion; avoid eGFR < 30-45 |
| GLP-1 Receptor Agonists | Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Exenatide, Dulaglutide | Incretin effect β β insulin, β glucagon, slow gastric emptying, β appetite | 1.0-1.5% | CV mortality benefit (LEADER, SUSTAIN); weight loss 3-5+ kg; once weekly options | Nausea/vomiting; pancreatitis (rare); avoid in personal/family history of MTC; injectable (except oral semaglutide) |
| DPP-4 inhibitors | Sitagliptin, Saxagliptin, Vildagliptin, Alogliptin | Block DPP-4 β β incretin levels | 0.5-0.8% | Weight neutral; well tolerated; safe in elderly; oral | Nasopharyngitis; joint pain; saxagliptin may β HF hospitalisations |
| Sulfonylureas | Glipizide, Gliclazide, Glibenclamide, Glimepiride | β insulin secretion (sulfonyl receptor Ξ²-cell) | 1.0-1.5% | Cheap; potent; oral | Hypoglycaemia (especially glibenclamide); weight gain; avoid in renal failure |
| Thiazolidinediones | Pioglitazone | PPARΞ³ agonist β β insulin sensitivity | 0.5-1.4% | Durable effect; NAFLD benefit; CV benefit (PROactive) | Weight gain; oedema; HF (contraindicated in NYHA III-IV); fractures; bladder cancer risk (pioglitazone) |
| Insulin | Basal (glargine, detemir, degludec), Bolus (aspart, lispro), Premixed | Exogenous insulin replacement | Unlimited | Required in T1DM; use in advanced T2DM | Hypoglycaemia; weight gain; injection site issues |
| Meglitinides | Repaglinide, Nateglinide | Short-acting insulin secretagogues | 0.5-1.0% | Flexible dosing with meals; useful in irregular meal patterns | Hypoglycaemia; weight gain; multiple daily dosing |
| Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors | Acarbose | Delay carbohydrate absorption in gut | 0.5-0.8% | No hypoglycaemia; modestly lowers postprandial glucose | Flatulence, diarrhoea; poor tolerability |
STEP 1: LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
Diet, exercise, weight loss (5-10% of body weight)
ALL PATIENTS - continue throughout
β
STEP 2: START METFORMIN (if eGFR β₯ 30 and no contraindications)
500 mg OD with food; titrate to 1g BD over 4-8 weeks
β (if HbA1c not at target after 3 months)
STEP 3: ADD A SECOND AGENT based on patient profile:
βββ Established CVD / High CVD risk β SGLT2i or GLP-1 RA
βββ Heart failure β SGLT2i (empagliflozin or dapagliflozin)
βββ CKD β SGLT2i (if eGFR β₯ 25) or GLP-1 RA
βββ Weight loss needed β GLP-1 RA or SGLT2i
βββ Hypoglycaemia risk (elderly, erratic meals) β DPP-4i
βββ Cost priority β Sulfonylurea (gliclazide preferred)
β (if still not at target)
STEP 4: TRIPLE THERAPY or INSULIN INITIATION
Basal insulin (glargine/degludec) starting 10 units at bedtime
Titrate by 2 units every 3 days targeting FBG 4-7 mmol/L
| Parameter | Frequency | Target |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Every 3 months until stable; then 6-monthly | Individualised (see above) |
| Fasting blood glucose | Each visit; SMBG daily-weekly at home | 4.0-7.0 mmol/L (fasting) |
| Renal function (eGFR, ACR) | Annually (more frequently if CKD or ACEi/ARB/SGLT2i) | ACR < 3 mg/mmol; eGFR trends |
| Lipids (fasting) | Annually | LDL < 1.8 mmol/L if CVD risk high |
| Blood pressure | Each visit | < 130/80 mmHg |
| Weight / BMI / waist | Each visit | β by 5-10% if overweight |
| Foot examination | Annually (monofilament + pulses) | 10g monofilament sensation intact |
| Eye screening (dilated fundus) | At diagnosis; then annually | No retinopathy / stable |
| Dental review | Annually | Periodontal disease β HbA1c |
| Immunisations | Influenza annually; pneumococcal, Hep B | - |
| Complication | Screening | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic nephropathy | Annual urine ACR + eGFR | ACEi/ARB; SGLT2i; BP control; low protein diet |
| Diabetic retinopathy | Annual dilated fundoscopy | Laser photocoagulation; intravitreal anti-VEGF (DME); glucose + BP control |
| Peripheral neuropathy | Annual monofilament, vibration, ankle reflexes | Glucose control; pregabalin / duloxetine / amitriptyline for pain |
| Autonomic neuropathy | Postural BP, heart rate variability, gastroparesis symptoms | Metoclopramide (gastroparesis); midodrine (orthostasis); bladder US |
| Diabetic foot | Annual foot exam; ABI if claudication | Podiatry; offloading; wound care; ABX for infection; vascular surgery if PAD |
| NAFLD/NASH | LFTs, liver ultrasound | Weight loss; GLP-1 RA / pioglitazone; avoid alcohol |
| CVD (macro) | 10-yr ASCVD risk; ECG; stress test if symptoms | Statin + ACEi/ARB; aspirin in secondary prevention; SGLT2i/GLP-1 RA |
| Severity | Blood Glucose | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Mild-Moderate (conscious) | < 4.0 mmol/L (< 70 mg/dL) | 15g fast-acting carbohydrate (4 glucose tablets / 150 mL juice); recheck in 15 min; repeat if still low (15-15 rule) |
| Severe (unconscious/unable to swallow) | Any | IM glucagon 1 mg OR IV dextrose 10% 200 mL (or 50% dextrose 50 mL via large vein) |
| Post-recovery | Any | Give longer-acting snack; review medication; identify cause |
| Type | Lipid Abnormality | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Hypercholesterolaemia | β LDL-C | FH, diet, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome |
| Hypertriglyceridaemia | β TG | Obesity, alcohol, DM, renal disease, drugs (steroids, thiazides, beta-blockers) |
| Mixed hyperlipidaemia | β LDL + β TG | Type 2 DM, metabolic syndrome, CKD |
| Low HDL | β HDL | Smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, DM, anabolic steroids |
| Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) | Very high LDL (> 5 mmol/L) + family history | LDLR, ApoB, PCSK9 mutations |
| Risk Category | LDL Target | When to Start Drug Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Very High Risk (established ASCVD, DM + end-organ damage) | < 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) AND β₯ 50% reduction | Immediately |
| High Risk (10-yr ASCVD risk β₯ 10%, FH, DM without EOD) | < 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) | If lifestyle fails after 3 months |
| Moderate Risk (10-yr risk 5-10%) | < 2.6 mmol/L | Lifestyle first; add drug if not achieved |
| Low Risk (10-yr risk < 5%) | < 3.0 mmol/L | Lifestyle; drug if significantly elevated |
| Intensity | Agents | LDL Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| High intensity | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg; Rosuvastatin 20-40 mg | β₯ 50% |
| Moderate intensity | Atorvastatin 10-20 mg; Rosuvastatin 5-10 mg; Simvastatin 20-40 mg; Pravastatin 40-80 mg | 30-49% |
| Low intensity | Simvastatin 10 mg; Pravastatin 10-20 mg | < 30% |
| Drug | Mechanism | LDL Reduction | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ezetimibe | Inhibits NPC1L1 β β intestinal cholesterol absorption | Additional 15-20% | Add to statin if LDL not at target; statin intolerance |
| PCSK9 inhibitors | Evolocumab, Alirocumab - monoclonal Ab β β LDL receptor | 50-60% additional | Very high-risk ASCVD not at target despite max statin + ezetimibe; FH |
| Fibrates | Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil - PPARΞ± agonist β β TG, β HDL | Mainly β TG 30-50% | Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (TG > 5.6 mmol/L); avoid gemfibrozil with statins |
| Omega-3 FA | Icosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - Vascepa/Icosapent ethyl | β TG 20-30%; β MACE (REDUCE-IT) | High-risk patients with TG 1.5-5.6 on statin; EPA only (not DHA+EPA combination) |
| Bile acid sequestrants | Cholestyramine, Colesevelam - bind bile acids in gut | 15-25% LDL reduction | Statin-intolerant; pregnancy-safe; constipating |
| Bempedoic acid | Inhibits ATP citrate lyase β β cholesterol synthesis | 15-25% LDL | Statin intolerance (does NOT cause myopathy) |
| Side Effect | Features | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Myalgia | Muscle pain without CK elevation (3-5% patients) | Switch statin; lower dose; CoQ10 (limited evidence); try alternate-day dosing |
| Myopathy / Rhabdomyolysis | Muscle pain + CK > 10x ULN; dark urine | STOP statin immediately; IV fluids; RRT if AKI |
| Hepatotoxicity | LFT elevation (< 1%) | Recheck LFT; stop if > 3x ULN; usually reversible |
| New-onset DM | Modest increase (10-13%) in T2DM risk | Statin benefit outweighs risk in high-risk patients; monitor glucose |
| Drug interactions | Simvastatin/lovastatin + CYP3A4 inhibitors (amlodipine, erythromycin, itraconazole, grapefruit) | Use pravastatin or rosuvastatin (less CYP3A4) |
Key 2024 change: ICS/formoterol (e.g. budesonide/formoterol) as PREFERRED reliever at ALL steps (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever - AIR strategy). SABA-only relief is NO LONGER recommended as preferred option.
| Step | Preferred Controller | Preferred Reliever | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 (Intermittent symptoms < 2x/month) | No daily controller needed | Low-dose ICS/formoterol as needed | OR as-needed ICS+SABA (take ICS with each SABA use) |
| Step 2 (Symptoms > 2x/month but not daily) | Low-dose ICS daily | Low-dose ICS/formoterol as needed | LTRA alternative if ICS not accepted (note montelukast neuropsychiatric warnings) |
| Step 3 (Daily symptoms, any night waking) | Low-dose ICS/LABA | Low-dose ICS/formoterol as needed | Medium-dose ICS alternative if LABA not tolerated |
| Step 4 (Symptoms most days, weekly night waking) | Medium-dose ICS/LABA | Low-dose ICS/formoterol as needed | Add LAMA (tiotropium); consider LTRA add-on |
| Step 5 (Severe uncontrolled on Step 4) | High-dose ICS/LABA + add-ons | Low-dose ICS/formoterol as needed | Biologic therapy; refer specialist |
| Dose Level | Budesonide | Beclomethasone (CFC-free) | Fluticasone propionate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 200-400 mcg/day | 200-500 mcg/day | 100-250 mcg/day |
| Medium | 400-800 mcg/day | 500-1000 mcg/day | 250-500 mcg/day |
| High | > 800 mcg/day | > 1000 mcg/day | > 500 mcg/day |
| Drug | Brand Example | Inhaler Type | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol (SABA) | Ventolin | pMDI / Nebuliser | Reliever; acute bronchospasm |
| Budesonide (ICS) | Pulmicort | DPI (Turbuhaler) | Controller |
| Budesonide/Formoterol (ICS/LABA) | Symbicort | DPI / pMDI | Controller + AIR reliever |
| Fluticasone/Salmeterol (ICS/LABA) | Seretide | DPI / pMDI | Controller only (NOT for AIR strategy) |
| Fluticasone/Vilanterol (ICS/LABA) | Breo Ellipta | DPI once daily | Controller |
| Tiotropium (LAMA) | Spiriva Respimat | SMI | Add-on controller Step 4-5 |
| Montelukast (LTRA) | Singulair | Oral tablet | Alternative/add-on (neuropsychiatric warnings) |
| Mepolizumab, Benralizumab (anti-IL-5) | Nucala, Fasenra | SC injection | Severe eosinophilic asthma Step 5 |
| Dupilumab (anti-IL-4/13) | Dupixent | SC injection | Severe eosinophilic / type 2 asthma Step 5 |
| Omalizumab (anti-IgE) | Xolair | SC injection | Severe allergic asthma Step 5 (IgE-mediated) |
| Domain | Well Controlled | Partly Controlled | Uncontrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime symptoms | β€ 2x/week | > 2x/week | β₯ 3 features of partly controlled |
| Night waking | None | Any | - |
| Reliever use | β€ 2x/week | > 2x/week | - |
| Activity limitation | None | Any | - |
| Severity | Features | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Mild-Moderate | SpO2 > 94%, can speak in sentences, RR < 25, HR < 110 | Salbutamol 2.5-5 mg neb (or 4-8 puffs MDI + spacer) q20 min x3; Prednisolone 40-50 mg oral |
| Severe | SpO2 90-94%, can't complete sentences, RR β₯ 25, HR β₯ 110, PEFR 33-50% | Salbutamol + ipratropium neb; O2; IV or oral prednisolone 40-50 mg; ADMIT |
| Life-threatening | SpO2 < 90%, silent chest, cyanosis, exhaustion, altered consciousness, PEFR < 33% | As above + IV Mg sulphate 2g over 20 min; ICU referral; may need intubation |
| GOLD Grade | FEV1 % predicted | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | β₯ 80% | Mild |
| 2 | 50-79% | Moderate |
| 3 | 30-49% | Severe |
| 4 | < 30% | Very severe |
| Group | First-line Treatment | Escalation |
|---|---|---|
| A (low symptoms, low exacerbations) | Short-acting bronchodilator PRN (SABA or SAMA) | Switch class if insufficient |
| B (high symptoms, low exacerbations) | Long-acting bronchodilator (LAMA preferred; or LABA) | LAMA + LABA combination |
| E (frequent exacerbations) | LAMA + LABA | Add ICS if eosinophils β₯ 300 cells/uL; Roflumilast if FEV1 < 50% + chronic bronchitis; Azithromycin for recurrent exacerbations |
ICS in COPD: Indicated only in Group E with blood eosinophils β₯ 300 (or β₯ 100 + frequent exacerbations). ICS increases pneumonia risk - do NOT use routinely.
| Class | Drug Examples | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SABA | Salbutamol, Terbutaline | 4-6 hrs | As-needed reliever; also used in acute exacerbation |
| SAMA | Ipratropium | 6-8 hrs | Alternative/add-on to SABA in mild disease |
| LABA | Salmeterol, Formoterol, Indacaterol, Olodaterol | 12-24 hrs | Maintenance; combine with LAMA |
| LAMA | Tiotropium, Umeclidinium, Aclidinium, Glycopyrronium | 12-24 hrs | Preferred long-acting in COPD (reduces exacerbations more than LABA) |
| LAMA+LABA | Umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro), Tiotropium/olodaterol (Stiolto), Glycopyrronium/indacaterol (Ultibro) | Once or twice daily | Preferred combination if LABA alone insufficient |
| ICS+LABA | Fluticasone/salmeterol, Budesonide/formoterol | Twice daily | Only in high eosinophil COPD + frequent exacerbations |
| Triple (ICS+LAMA+LABA) | Fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol (Trelegy), Budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol (Breztri) | Once daily | IMPACT trial showed mortality benefit |
| Intervention | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Smoking cessation | Single most important intervention; slows FEV1 decline |
| Pulmonary rehabilitation | Reduces breathlessness, improves exercise tolerance and QoL |
| Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) | Survival benefit if PaO2 < 55 mmHg at rest (or < 60 + polycythaemia/RHF). β₯ 15 hrs/day |
| Influenza + Pneumococcal vaccination | Reduces exacerbation frequency and severity |
| Nutritional support | BMI < 21 in COPD increases mortality; supplemental feeding |
| Self-management plan | Written action plan for exacerbations; reduces hospitalisation |
| TSH | Free T4 | Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| β | β | Overt hypothyroidism |
| β | Normal | Subclinical hypothyroidism |
| β | β | Central hypothyroidism (check for pituitary disease) |
| β | β | TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma / thyroid hormone resistance |
| Treatment | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbimazole | First-line for Graves', MNG, toxic adenoma | Block thyroid hormone synthesis. Start 20-40 mg/day; titrate. Agranulocytosis (0.3%) - warn patient to seek urgent FBC if fever/sore throat |
| Propylthiouracil (PTU) | Pregnancy (first trimester); thyroid storm | Also blocks peripheral T4βT3 conversion. More liver toxicity than carbimazole. |
| Beta-blocker (Propranolol / Atenolol) | Symptomatic relief (palpitations, tremor, anxiety) | Use while awaiting euthyroid state; does not treat underlying cause |
| Radioactive iodine (I-131) | Definitive treatment for Graves', MNG, toxic adenoma | Contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding; may worsen ophthalmopathy; leads to hypothyroidism in most |
| Thyroidectomy | Large goitre, suspected malignancy, failed medical therapy, patient preference | Requires euthyroid state first; lifelong levothyroxine after total thyroidectomy |
| Drug | Indication | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin 75-100 mg | All stable CAD (antiplatelet) | Lifelong; replace with clopidogrel 75 mg if intolerant |
| Statin (high-intensity) | All stable CAD (secondary prevention) | Atorvastatin 40-80 mg; target LDL < 1.8 mmol/L |
| ACE inhibitor / ARB | All CAD + DM, HF, CKD, or post-MI | Reduces MACE and remodelling |
| Beta-blocker | Post-MI; angina symptom control; HFrEF | Atenolol 25-100 mg; bisoprolol 2.5-10 mg; metoprolol |
| GTN (sublingual spray/tablet) | Acute angina relief | 400 mcg spray under tongue PRN; sit down; repeat after 5 min; if no relief after 2 doses β call ambulance |
| Long-acting nitrate | Frequent angina; add-on | Isosorbide mononitrate; nitrate-free interval β₯ 8 hrs to avoid tolerance |
| CCB (DHP) | Angina + HTN; vasospastic angina; beta-blocker intolerant | Amlodipine 5-10 mg; nifedipine LA |
| Ivabradine | Symptomatic angina + HR > 70 in sinus rhythm despite BB | If BB contraindicated or maximum dose |
| Ranolazine | Add-on for refractory angina | Inhibits late INa; no HR or BP effect |
| Drug Class | Examples | Starting Dose | Target Dose | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACEi / ARB / ARNi | Ramipril, Enalapril; Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) | Ramipril 1.25-2.5 mg BD; Entresto 24/26 mg BD | Ramipril 5 mg BD; Entresto 97/103 mg BD | β Mortality 16-27% (CONSENSUS, SOLVD, PARADIGM-HF) |
| Beta-blocker | Carvedilol, Bisoprolol, Metoprolol succinate (only these 3) | Bisoprolol 1.25 mg OD | Bisoprolol 10 mg OD | β Mortality 34% (MERIT-HF, CIBIS-II) |
| MRA | Spironolactone, Eplerenone | Spironolactone 25 mg OD | Spironolactone 50 mg OD | β Mortality 30% (RALES, EPHESUS) |
| SGLT2 inhibitor | Empagliflozin 10 mg, Dapagliflozin 10 mg | 10 mg OD (fixed dose) | 10 mg OD | β CV death/HF hospitalisations 25% (DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced) |
| Strategy | When to Choose | Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Rate control | Permanent AF; elderly, less symptomatic; first approach | Beta-blocker (bisoprolol, metoprolol) OR rate-limiting CCB (diltiazem, verapamil); digoxin as add-on |
| Rhythm control | Symptomatic despite rate control; younger patients; first AF episode; HF with AF | DCCV; antiarrhythmics (flecainide, propafenone for no structural heart disease; amiodarone for HF/structural disease); catheter ablation |
| Risk Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Congestive Heart Failure | 1 |
| Hypertension | 1 |
| Age β₯ 75 years | 2 |
| Diabetes | 1 |
| Stroke / TIA / Thromboembolism | 2 |
| Vascular disease (prior MI, PAD, aortic plaque) | 1 |
| Age 65-74 years | 1 |
| Sex category (Female) | 1 |
| Step | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Non-pharmacological (always) | Weight loss (knee OA); physiotherapy; exercise (water aerobics, cycling); walking aids; footwear modification; joint protection |
| Topical (first-line pharmacological) | Topical NSAID (diclofenac gel); Topical capsaicin for knee/hand OA |
| Oral analgesics | Paracetamol 1g QDS (modest benefit; trial 4-8 weeks); oral NSAIDs (ibuprofen 400 mg TDS with food; consider PPI gastroprotection; avoid in CKD, CVD, elderly) |
| Intra-articular injections | Corticosteroid (short-term, max 3-4x/year; 3-month effect); Hyaluronic acid (evidence modest) |
| Strong opioids | Last resort; avoid long-term; tramadol short-term bridge |
| Surgery | Total knee / hip arthroplasty when quality of life severely impaired and conservative failed |
| Drug | Starting Dose | Monitoring | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate (MTX) | 7.5-10 mg weekly (oral or SC) | LFT, FBC every 4-8 weeks | First-line DMARD. Always add folic acid 5 mg/week (not same day as MTX). Contraindicated in pregnancy; alcohol + hepatotoxicity |
| Hydroxychloroquine | 200-400 mg OD | Annual retinal screening (after 5 yrs) | Mild RA; add-on; safe in pregnancy |
| Sulfasalazine | 500 mg OD β 1-1.5g BD | FBC, LFT monthly x6 months then 6-monthly | Combination with MTX. Orange discolouration of urine. |
| Leflunomide | 20 mg OD | LFT, FBC; BP | Alternative to MTX; long half-life (washout with cholestyramine if needed) |
| Triple therapy | MTX + HCQ + SSZ | Combined monitoring | Equivalent to anti-TNF in some studies |
| Anti-TNF (biologic) | Etanercept, Adalimumab, Infliximab, Certolizumab, Golimumab | TB screen before starting; FBC, LFT | Use when MTX + 1 csDMARD failed; biologic-DMARD combination preferred |
| JAK inhibitors (targeted synthetic) | Tofacitinib 5 mg BD; Baricitinib 4 mg OD; Upadacitinib 15 mg OD | Lipid profile, CBC, LFT; VTE risk | Oral; use after DMARD failure; caution - VTE, MACE risk; avoid in smokers > 65 yrs |
| IL-6 inhibitors | Tocilizumab, Sarilumab | FBC, LFT, lipids | Can be used without MTX; suppresses CRP (masks infection fever) |
| Step | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle | Weight loss; elevate head of bed; avoid triggers (fatty food, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, late meals); avoid lying down for 3 hrs after meals |
| Step 1 (Mild, intermittent) | Antacids / alginates PRN (Gaviscon); H2 blocker PRN (famotidine 20 mg) |
| Step 2 (Frequent symptoms) | PPI: Omeprazole 20-40 mg OD (or Lansoprazole 30 mg, Pantoprazole 40 mg, Esomeprazole 20-40 mg) - taken 30 min before breakfast for 4-8 weeks |
| Step 3 (Refractory / Barrett's) | Double-dose PPI BD; investigate; specialist referral |
| Long-term | Use lowest effective PPI dose; step-down to H2B or PRN; annual review of need |
| Step | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Education + reassurance | Explain benign nature; address fears of serious disease; dietary diary |
| Dietary | Low-FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) - 70% response; 2-phase (elimination then reintroduction); dietitian referral |
| IBS-C | Increase soluble fibre (ispaghula husk); macrogol laxatives; linaclotide 290 mcg OD; prucalopride |
| IBS-D | Loperamide 2 mg PRN; Colestyramine (if post-cholecystectomy bile acid diarrhoea); Rifaximin 550 mg TDS x 2 weeks |
| Pain | Antispasmodics (mebeverine 135 mg TDS; hyoscine butylbromide 10 mg TDS); peppermint oil |
| Psychological | CBT; gut-directed hypnotherapy; antidepressants (low-dose TCA - amitriptyline 10-25 mg nocte for pain and diarrhoea; SSRI for constipation and anxiety) |
| Type | Organism | Antibiotic | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncomplicated cystitis (non-pregnant women) | E. coli (most common) | Nitrofurantoin 100 mg BD (macrocrystals); OR Trimethoprim 200 mg BD; OR Fosfomycin 3g single dose | 5 days (nitrofurantoin/trimethoprim); Single dose (fosfomycin) |
| Uncomplicated cystitis (pregnant) | E. coli | Nitrofurantoin (avoid near term); Cefalexin 500 mg TDS; Amoxicillin/clavulanate 625 mg TDS (if sensitive) | 7 days |
| Pyelonephritis (mild-moderate, outpatient) | E. coli, Klebsiella | Ciprofloxacin 500 mg BD (or co-amoxiclav 625 mg TDS if sensitive); guided by local resistance | 7-14 days |
| Male UTI / Prostatitis | E. coli | Ciprofloxacin 500 mg BD (good prostate penetration); or trimethoprim | 4 weeks (prostatitis) |
| Recurrent UTI (β₯ 2/6 months or β₯ 3/year) | - | Low-dose prophylaxis (nitrofurantoin 50 mg nocte or trimethoprim 100 mg nocte); post-coital (single dose if sex-related); topical oestrogen (post-menopausal); D-mannose | - |
| Condition | Cause | Antibiotic? | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common cold (viral URTI) | Rhinovirus | NO | Symptomatic: paracetamol, decongestants (pseudoephedrine/xylometazoline), saline nasal rinse; self-limiting 7-10 days |
| Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis | Mostly viral; Group A Strep 20-30% | Only if bacterial (Centor/FeverPAIN score high) | Phenoxymethylpenicillin (pen V) 500 mg QDS x 10 days; Amoxicillin 500 mg TDS x 5-7 days (NOT if suspected mono) |
| Acute sinusitis | Viral; secondary bacterial | Only if > 10 days, severe, or deterioration | Amoxicillin 500 mg TDS x 5-7 days; co-amoxiclav if first-line fails; nasal saline irrigation; intranasal steroid |
| Acute otitis media | Viral > S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae | Adults: Amoxicillin 500 mg TDS x 5 days if bacterial signs; most resolve without ABX | Paracetamol; analgesia; delayed prescription approach acceptable in mild adult cases |
| Influenza | Influenza A/B | Oseltamivir 75 mg BD x 5 days if: high risk, severe, within 48 hrs of symptoms | Annual vaccination; rest, hydration, paracetamol |
| Score | Severity | Management |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Low | Outpatient antibiotics |
| 2 | Moderate | Consider hospitalisation |
| 3-5 | High | Admit (ICU if 4-5) |
| Severity | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Mild | Watchful waiting + psychoeducation; exercise prescription; low-intensity CBT (self-help, guided online CBT); recheck at 2-4 weeks |
| Moderate | Antidepressant medication + high-intensity CBT; combined treatment superior |
| Severe | Antidepressant + specialist referral; inpatient if suicide risk; CBT; consider ECT in refractory |
| Class | Examples | Starting Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSRI (first-line) | Sertraline (safest in IHD/elderly), Escitalopram, Citalopram, Fluoxetine | Sertraline 50 mg OD; Escitalopram 10 mg OD | 4-6 weeks for effect; treat for β₯ 6 months after remission (2 years if recurrent) |
| SNRI | Venlafaxine, Duloxetine | Venlafaxine 75 mg OD; Duloxetine 60 mg OD | More effective in anxiety + depression; Venlafaxine elevates BP at high doses; Duloxetine for pain + depression |
| TCA | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline | 10-25 mg nocte | Not first-line (anticholinergic, cardiotoxic in overdose); amitriptyline used for neuropathic pain, IBS, insomnia |
| NASSA | Mirtazapine | 15-30 mg nocte | Sedating (useful for insomnia, anxiety, poor appetite); weight gain |
| RIMA | Moclobemide | 150 mg BD | MAOI; fewer dietary interactions; NEVER combine with SSRIs (serotonin syndrome) |
| Augmentation | Add quetiapine 50-150 mg; lithium; aripiprazole; add CBT | When 2 antidepressants failed | Refer to psychiatry |
| Treatment | Evidence |
|---|---|
| CBT | First-line for all anxiety disorders; most durable effect |
| SSRI / SNRI | First-line pharmacotherapy; sertraline, escitalopram, venlafaxine; 12+ weeks minimum; continue 6-12 months in remission |
| Buspirone | GAD; non-addictive; onset 2-4 weeks; does not cause sedation or dependence |
| Pregabalin | GAD; rapid effect; watch for dependence and misuse potential |
| Beta-blockers | Propranolol 10-40 mg PRN for situational anxiety / performance anxiety (not GAD) |
| Benzodiazepines | Short-term only (2-4 weeks max); risk of dependence; avoid as long-term treatment |
| Cancer | Screening Test | Population | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorectal (CRC) | FIT (faecal immunochemical test); colonoscopy if positive | Age 45-75 (ACS); 50-75 (USPSTF) | FIT annually; colonoscopy every 10 yrs |
| Breast | Mammography | Women 40-74 (average risk) | Every 1-2 years |
| Cervical | Pap smear + HPV co-test | Women 21-65 | Age 21-29: Pap q3 yrs; Age 30-65: co-test q5 yrs or Pap alone q3 yrs |
| Lung | Low-dose CT (LDCT) | Age 50-80, β₯ 20 pack-year smoking, current smoker or quit < 15 yrs | Annually |
| Prostate (PSA) | PSA with counselling | Men β₯ 50 (shared decision-making); β₯ 40 if high risk (Afro-Caribbean, FH) | Every 1-2 yrs (if elected) |
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | One-time abdominal US | Male, ever-smoker, age 65-75 | Once |
| Skin | Clinical skin exam | High-risk (fair skin, FH melanoma, atypical naevi) | Annually |
| Osteoporosis | DEXA scan | Women β₯ 65; men β₯ 70; younger if risk factors (steroids, FH, low BMI) | Every 2-5 yrs (based on T-score) |
| Vaccine | Indication | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | All adults; priority: elderly β₯ 65, pregnant, immunocompromised, HCWs, chronic disease | Annually |
| Pneumococcal (PCV20/PPSV23) | All adults β₯ 65; adults with DM, CLD, CKD, asplenia, immunocompromised | PCV20 once; or PCV15 then PPSV23 (1 year apart) |
| COVID-19 booster | All adults; annual booster for high-risk | Per current local guidance |
| Shingles (Shingrix) | Adults β₯ 50 | 2 doses, 2-6 months apart |
| Td/Tdap (Tetanus) | All adults | Booster every 10 years; Tdap once (if not given as adult) |
| MMR | Adults born after 1957 without documented immunity | 1-2 doses |
| Hepatitis B | Healthcare workers; adults without immunity | 3-dose series (0, 1, 6 months) |
| HPV | Adults up to age 45 (shared decision) | 2-3 doses (age-dependent) |
| 10-yr Risk | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 5% | Low | Lifestyle counselling; consider statin only if LDL very high or risk enhancers present |
| 5-7.4% | Borderline | Clinician-patient discussion; consider risk enhancers (Lp(a), hs-CRP, CAC score); lifestyle |
| 7.5-19.9% | Intermediate | Moderate-intensity statin + lifestyle |
| β₯ 20% | High | High-intensity statin; consider ezetimibe if LDL not at goal |
| Drug | Mechanism | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alendronate (first-line) | Bisphosphonate - inhibit osteoclasts | 70 mg oral weekly (or 10 mg daily) | Take fasting with full glass of water; stay upright 30 min; oesophageal irritation; ONJ (rare); atypical femur fractures with very long use |
| Risedronate | Bisphosphonate | 35 mg weekly or 150 mg monthly | Similar to alendronate; less GI irritation |
| Zoledronic acid | IV bisphosphonate | 5 mg IV yearly | Annual infusion; post-hip fracture reduces mortality; flu-like reaction 1st dose (premedicate NSAIDs) |
| Denosumab | RANKL inhibitor (anti-monoclonal Ab) | 60 mg SC every 6 months | Do NOT stop abruptly (rebound vertebral fractures); continue or switch to bisphosphonate |
| Teriparatide / Abaloparatide | PTH analogue - anabolic | 20 mcg SC daily (teriparatide) | Builds new bone; max 2 years; use in severe osteoporosis or bisphosphonate failure |
| Romosozumab | Anti-sclerostin - anabolic + antiresorptive | 210 mg SC monthly | 12 months only; avoid if prior MI/stroke; follow with antiresorptive |
| Calcium + Vitamin D | Bone mineral support | Ca 1000-1200 mg/day; Vit D 800-1000 IU/day | Adjunct to all treatments; Vitamin D 25-OH target > 50 nmol/L |
| Error | Prevention |
|---|---|
| NSAIDs in CKD, CVD, elderly | Use paracetamol; always add PPI if NSAID essential |
| ACEi + ARB combination | Avoid dual RAAS blockade (AKI, hyperkalaemia) |
| Metformin in eGFR < 30 | Hold; use alternative antidiabetic |
| Quinolone + QT-prolonging drugs | Check ECG; avoid if QTc > 450 ms |
| Warfarin interactions (broad) | Check INR 5-7 days after ANY new drug; educate patient |
| Amiodarone causing thyroid dysfunction | Check TFT before and every 6 months |
| Statins + CYP3A4 inhibitors (grapefruit, macrolides) | Use fluvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin |
| Benzodiazepines in elderly | Increased fall risk, cognitive impairment; use short-term only |
| Antipsychotics in elderly with dementia | Increased mortality and stroke risk |
| Antibiotics without indication | Antimicrobial stewardship - culture first when possible |
OPD CHRONIC DISEASE REVIEW CHECKLIST
1. HISTORY UPDATE
β‘ Symptom change since last visit
β‘ New symptoms / events (hospitalisation, ER visits)
β‘ Medication adherence / side effects
β‘ New medications from other providers
β‘ Lifestyle: diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol
2. EXAMINATION
β‘ BP (bilateral if first visit)
β‘ Weight / BMI / waist circumference
β‘ Relevant focused exam (heart, lungs, abdomen, feet, skin)
3. INVESTIGATIONS REVIEW
β‘ Results due from last visit
β‘ Schedule next monitoring bloods / imaging
4. MEDICATIONS
β‘ Optimise / escalate if targets not met
β‘ Check drug interactions
β‘ Deprescribe if appropriate
5. PREVENTIVE CARE
β‘ Vaccinations up to date?
β‘ Screening due (cancer, DEXA, eye, foot exam)?
β‘ CVD risk calculated and acted on?
6. EDUCATION & SELF-MANAGEMENT
β‘ Reinforce lifestyle goals
β‘ Written action plan (asthma, DM, HF)
β‘ When to seek emergency care
7. FOLLOW-UP PLAN
β‘ Next appointment date and reason
β‘ Specialist referral if needed
β‘ Correspondence: GP letter / discharge summary
Build a clinical examination skills reference (vital sign assessment, organ-system exams)? Create a pharmacology quick-reference (drug doses and interactions)?
| Route | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | 36.1 - 37.2Β°C | Most practical; affected by recent food/drink |
| Axillary | 35.9 - 36.7Β°C | ~0.5Β°C lower than oral; least accurate |
| Tympanic | 36.4 - 37.6Β°C | Quick; inaccurate if poor technique or wax |
| Rectal | 36.6 - 37.9Β°C | Gold standard; ~0.5Β°C higher than oral |
| Temporal artery | 36.4 - 37.4Β°C | Non-invasive; good correlation with core |
| Parameter | Normal | Abnormal |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 60-100 bpm | Bradycardia < 60; Tachycardia > 100 |
| Rhythm | Regular | Irregular - regular (bigeminy); irregularly irregular (AF) |
| Volume | Normal | Thready (β CO, hypovolaemia); Bounding (β CO, CO2 retention, AR, AV fistula) |
| Character | Normal upstroke and fall | See below |
| Pulse Character | Description | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Collapsing (water-hammer) | Rapid upstroke, abrupt collapse; best felt with wrist elevated | Aortic regurgitation, high-output states (thyrotoxicosis, anaemia, AV fistula) |
| Slow-rising (anacrotic) | Slow upstroke, sustained peak, late peak | Aortic stenosis |
| Bisferiens | Double peak in systole | Severe AS + AR; HOCM |
| Alternans | Alternating strong and weak beats (regular rhythm) | Severe LV failure |
| Paradoxus | Inspiratory fall in SBP > 10 mmHg | Cardiac tamponade, severe asthma, constrictive pericarditis |
| Bigeminal | Coupled beats (normal then ectopic) | Ventricular bigeminy |
| Phase | Sound | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| I | First clear tapping sound | Systolic BP |
| II | Soft swishing / murmur | - |
| III | Louder tapping returns | - |
| IV | Sound muffles | Diastolic (use in pregnancy / aortic regurgitation) |
| V | Sound disappears | Diastolic (standard) |
1.4 = non-compressible (calcified vessels - diabetics, elderly)
| Rate | Classification |
|---|---|
| < 12 | Bradypnoea (opioids, CNS injury, hypothyroidism) |
| 12-20 | Normal |
| 20-24 | Mildly elevated |
| β₯ 25 | Tachypnoea (significant clinical concern) |
| Pattern | Description | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Kussmaul | Deep, rapid, laboured (hyperpnoea) | Metabolic acidosis (DKA, uraemia) |
| Cheyne-Stokes | Cyclical waxing-waning with apnoeic episodes | HF, stroke, uraemia, altitude |
| Biot's (ataxic) | Irregular with random apnoeas | Raised ICP, medullary damage |
| Apnoeustic | Prolonged inspiratory pause | Pontine lesion |
| Paradoxical | Abdomen moves in during inspiration | Diaphragmatic paralysis, severe COPD |
| SpO2 | PaO2 approx. | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 99-95% | > 80 mmHg | Normal |
| 94-90% | 60-80 mmHg | Mild hypoxaemia; investigate |
| 89-85% | 50-60 mmHg | Moderate hypoxaemia; O2 supplementation needed |
| < 85% | < 50 mmHg | Severe hypoxaemia; urgent intervention |
| Scale | Description | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) | 0-10 (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable) | Conscious, cooperative adult |
| VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) | 100 mm line | Research; some clinical settings |
| Wong-Baker FACES | Illustrated faces 0-10 | Children β₯ 3 years, cognitive impairment |
| CPOT (Critical Care Pain Observation Tool) | Behavioural - facial, body movement, muscle tension, vocalisation | Mechanically ventilated / non-verbal ICU patients |
| FLACC | Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (0-10) | Children 2 months - 7 years |
| Feature | JVP | Carotid |
|---|---|---|
| Pulsation character | Double waveform (a + v) | Single outward pulse |
| Compressibility | Obliterates with pressure | Does not obliterate |
| Posture effect | Decreases when sitting up | No change |
| Inspiration effect | Normally decreases | No change |
| Hepatojugular reflux | Can elevate with RUQ pressure | No change |
| Wave | Corresponds To | Abnormality |
|---|---|---|
| a wave | Atrial contraction | Absent in AF; Giant a = tricuspid stenosis, pulmonary HTN; Cannon a = complete heart block |
| c wave | Tricuspid valve closure | Small; often not seen |
| x descent | Atrial relaxation | Absent in AF; prominent in cardiac tamponade |
| v wave | Venous filling (atrial filling with TV closed) | Giant v = tricuspid regurgitation |
| y descent | Tricuspid opens; ventricular filling | Rapid y = constrictive pericarditis; Absent y = tamponade |
| Area | Location | Best Heard |
|---|---|---|
| Aortic | 2nd ICS, right sternal edge | AS, AR |
| Pulmonary | 2nd ICS, left sternal edge | PS, pulmonary hypertension, P2 loudness |
| Erb's point | 3rd ICS, left sternal edge | AR (lean forward, expiration) |
| Tricuspid | 4th-5th ICS, left sternal edge | TS, TR |
| Mitral (Apex) | 5th ICS, MCL | MS (left lateral decubitus), MR, S3, S4 |
| Sound | Timing | Cause | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | Start of systole | Closure of mitral + tricuspid valves | Loud S1 = MS, tachycardia; Soft S1 = long PR, MR, LV failure |
| S2 | End of systole | Closure of aortic (A2) then pulmonary (P2) | Normal split widens on inspiration; Fixed split = ASD; Paradoxical split (widens on expiration) = LBBB, AS |
| S3 | Early diastole | Rapid ventricular filling - LV wall vibration | Pathological in adults > 40. LV failure, volume overload (MR, AR). Low-pitched; best at apex; left lateral decubitus |
| S4 | Late diastole (pre-systolic) | Atrial contraction into stiff ventricle | LVH, AS, hypertension, HCM. Low-pitched; best at apex. Absent in AF |
| Opening snap (OS) | Early diastole (after A2) | Mitral valve leaflet opening in MS | High-pitched; short A2-OS interval = severe MS |
| Ejection click | Early systole (after S1) | Bicuspid aortic valve, aortic root dilation, PS | High-pitched; varies with respiration (pulmonary click decreases on inspiration) |
| Mid-systolic click | Mid-systole | Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) | Moves with posture changes |
| Pericardial rub | Systolic + diastolic | Pericarditis | Scratchy, leathery, 3-component; positional; may disappear with effusion |
| Murmur | Timing | Location | Radiation | Quality | Manoeuvres |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aortic Stenosis (AS) | Ejection systolic | RUSB (aortic area) | Carotids | Harsh, crescendo-decrescendo | β with squatting; β with Valsalva; slow-rising pulse; quiet A2 |
| Aortic Regurgitation (AR) | Early diastolic | LLSB (Erb's point) | - | High-pitched, blowing; decrescendo | Best: sitting forward, held expiration; collapsing pulse; wide pulse pressure |
| Mitral Regurgitation (MR) | Pansystolic | Apex | Axilla | Blowing, harsh | β with squatting, handgrip; β with Valsalva |
| Mitral Stenosis (MS) | Mid-diastolic (rumble) | Apex | - | Low-pitched rumble; presystolic accentuation if sinus rhythm | Best: left lateral decubitus; bell; preceded by OS |
| Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) | Pansystolic | LLSB | - | Blowing | β with inspiration (Carvallo's sign) |
| Pulmonary Stenosis (PS) | Ejection systolic | LUSB | - | Harsh | Ejection click; wide split S2 |
| VSD | Pansystolic | LLSB (3rd-4th ICS LSE) | - | Harsh, loud | Thrill common |
| HOCM | Late systolic ejection | LLSB + apex | - | Crescendo | β with Valsalva / standing; β with squatting (opposite of AS) |
| MVP | Late systolic | Apex | - | Preceded by mid-systolic click | Click moves earlier with standing/Valsalva |
| Manoeuvre | Effect on preload/afterload | Murmurs increased | Murmurs decreased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valsalva (straining) | β venous return β β preload | HOCM, MVP (click earlier) | Most others (AS, MR, VSD) |
| Release of Valsalva | β venous return | Most murmurs | HOCM, MVP |
| Squatting | β preload + β afterload | AS, MR, AR, VSD | HOCM, MVP (click later) |
| Standing | β preload | HOCM, MVP | AS, MR |
| Handgrip isometric | β afterload | MR, AR, VSD | AS, HOCM |
| Inspiration | β right heart filling | TR, PS (right-sided) | MR, AS (left-sided) |
| Sign | Mechanism | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Cyanosis (central) | β SaO2 | Respiratory failure, RβL shunt |
| Cyanosis (peripheral) | β blood flow | Peripheral vasoconstriction, HF, Raynaud's |
| CO2 retention (flap) | Asterixis on outstretched hands | Hypercapnoea (COPD Type II, hepatic) |
| Finger clubbing | ? chronic hypoxia/platelet activation | Lung cancer, IPF, bronchiectasis, CF, empyema (NOT COPD or asthma) |
| Tar staining | Nicotine - index/middle finger nails | Smoking-related disease |
| Plethora + engorged veins | SVC obstruction | Lung cancer, lymphoma |
| Note | Quality | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Resonant | Normal hollow sound | Normal lung |
| Hyper-resonant | Drum-like, hollow | Pneumothorax, emphysema, large bulla |
| Dull | Thud-like, reduced resonance | Consolidation (pneumonia), collapse, solid tumour |
| Stony dull | Flat, extremely dull (like percussing thigh) | Pleural effusion |
| Sound | Character | Normal Location | Abnormal When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vesicular | Soft, rustling; inspiration > expiration; no pause | All lung fields | Diminished: effusion, pneumothorax, collapse, obesity, poor effort |
| Bronchial | Hollow, tubular; expiration = inspiration; gap between | Trachea/main bronchi normally | Heard peripherally = consolidation, above effusion |
| Bronchovesicular | Intermediate | Central areas | - |
| Sound | Old Term | Character | Mechanism | Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crackles (fine) | Fine crepitations | Short, high-pitched, end-inspiratory, like velcro | Reopening of small airways / alveoli | Pulmonary oedema (bibasal), IPF (bibasal, "velcro"), early pneumonia |
| Crackles (coarse) | Coarse crepitations | Low-pitched, bubbling, early inspiratory | Secretions in large airways | Pneumonia, bronchiectasis, COPD; clear with cough |
| Wheeze (expiratory) | Rhonchi | Musical, high-pitched, expiratory | Airway narrowing | Asthma, COPD, cardiac asthma (HF) |
| Wheeze (inspiratory) | Stridor | Harsh, high-pitched, inspiratory | Upper airway/large airway obstruction | Croup, epiglottitis, foreign body, tumour, tracheal stenosis |
| Pleural rub | - | Leathery, creaking, both phases | Inflamed pleural surfaces | Pleuritis, pulmonary infarction (PE) |
| Bronchophony | - | Enhanced voice sounds (say "99") | Consolidation transmits sound better | Pneumonia, collapse |
| Aegophony | - | "Ee" sounds like "Ay" (say "ee") | Compressed lung above effusion | Pleural effusion |
| Whispering pectoriloquy | - | Whispered "1-2-3" clearly heard | Consolidation | Pneumonia |
| Sign | Consolidation | Pleural Effusion | Pneumothorax | COPD | Fibrosis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trachea | Central | Deviated away (large) | Deviated away (tension) | Central | Central |
| Expansion | Reduced (ipsilateral) | Reduced (ipsilateral) | Reduced (ipsilateral) | Reduced (bilateral) | Reduced (bilateral) |
| Percussion | Dull | Stony dull | Hyper-resonant | Hyper-resonant | Dull |
| Breath sounds | Bronchial | Absent / Reduced | Absent | Vesicular (β) / Wheeze | Vesicular (β) |
| Added sounds | Coarse crackles | Pleural rub (edge) | None | Wheeze, coarse crackles | Fine crackles (velcro) |
| Vocal resonance | Increased | Reduced | Reduced | Reduced | Increased |
| Liver Character | Causes |
|---|---|
| Smooth, soft, tender | Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic), CCF, Budd-Chiari |
| Smooth, firm, non-tender | Fatty liver, early cirrhosis, haematological (leukaemia, lymphoma) |
| Hard, irregular, nodular | Metastatic carcinoma, advanced cirrhosis (HCC), polycystic liver |
| Pulsatile | Tricuspid regurgitation |
| Size | Causes |
|---|---|
| Mild-Moderate | Infection (EBV, CMV, malaria, TB, IE), Portal HTN, Rheumatoid (Felty), SLE, haemolytic anaemia |
| Massive (crosses midline, into pelvis) | Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), myelofibrosis, chronic malaria (Tropical splenomegaly syndrome), Gaucher's disease, thalassaemia major |
| Finding | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|
| Normal (every 5-10 sec) | Normal peristalsis |
| Hyperactive / high-pitched tinkling | Early/resolving obstruction; gastroenteritis |
| High-pitched with rushes | Mechanical obstruction |
| Absent (silent abdomen) | Paralytic ileus, peritonitis (late), post-op |
| Component | Score | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Opening | 4 | Spontaneous |
| 3 | To voice | |
| 2 | To pain | |
| 1 | None | |
| Verbal | 5 | Oriented |
| 4 | Confused | |
| 3 | Words | |
| 2 | Sounds | |
| 1 | None | |
| Motor | 6 | Obeys commands |
| 5 | Localises | |
| 4 | Withdraws | |
| 3 | Abnormal flexion (decorticate) | |
| 2 | Extension (decerebrate) | |
| 1 | None |
| CN | Name | Test | Normal Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Olfactory | Identify familiar smell (coffee, vanilla) each nostril | Correctly identifies smell |
| II | Optic | Visual acuity (Snellen), visual fields (confrontation), colour vision, pupil reaction (direct + consensual), fundoscopy | VA 6/6; full fields; pupils react equally |
| III, IV, VI | Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens | Extraocular movements (H-pattern); lid position; pupil size and reaction | Full conjugate gaze; no nystagmus; ptosis absent |
| V | Trigeminal | Facial sensation (V1 forehead, V2 cheek, V3 chin) - sharp/soft; corneal reflex (afferent V1, efferent VII); masseter and temporalis power | Symmetric sensation; jaw opens midline; corneal reflex intact |
| VII | Facial | Raise eyebrows, close eyes tightly, blow cheeks, show teeth, smile | Symmetric; wrinkled forehead |
| VIII | Vestibulocochlear | Whisper test each ear; Weber (tuning fork midline); Rinne (fork on mastoid then air) | Hears whisper; Weber central; Rinne positive (AC > BC) |
| IX, X | Glossopharyngeal, Vagus | Say "Ah" - palate elevation; gag reflex; voice (hoarseness - recurrent laryngeal); swallowing | Uvula midline; symmetric palate rise; voice clear |
| XI | Accessory | Shoulder shrug (trapezius); head turn against resistance (SCM) | Full power bilaterally |
| XII | Hypoglossal | Tongue protrusion; tongue movements | Midline protrusion; no wasting/fasciculation |
| Sign | Description | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Miosis (small, reactive) | Bilateral small pupils | Opioids, pontine lesion, organophosphate, Horner syndrome |
| Mydriasis (large, non-reactive) | Bilateral dilated pupils | Anticholinergics, sympathomimetics, brain death |
| Unequal (anisocoria) | Unilateral dilation, non-reactive | CN III palsy (blown pupil) - uncal herniation, posterior communicating artery aneurysm |
| Horner syndrome | Unilateral miosis + ptosis + anhidrosis | Sympathetic chain interruption (Pancoast tumour, carotid dissection, stroke) |
| RAPD (Marcus Gunn) | Affected pupil dilates on swinging torch to it | Optic nerve disease (optic neuritis, severe glaucoma) |
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | No contraction |
| 1 | Flicker / trace of contraction |
| 2 | Full ROM with gravity eliminated |
| 3 | Full ROM against gravity; no resistance |
| 4 | Movement against some resistance (4- = slight, 4 = moderate, 4+ = strong) |
| 5 | Normal power |
| Level | Movement | Nerve Root |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder abduction | Deltoid | C5 |
| Elbow flexion | Biceps | C5-C6 |
| Elbow extension | Triceps | C7 |
| Wrist extension | Extensor carpi radialis | C6-C7 |
| Finger extension | EDC | C7 |
| Finger abduction | Dorsal interossei | C8-T1 |
| Hip flexion | Iliopsoas | L1-L2 |
| Knee extension | Quadriceps | L3-L4 |
| Knee flexion | Hamstrings | L5-S1 |
| Ankle dorsiflexion | Tibialis anterior | L4-L5 |
| Ankle plantarflexion | Gastrocnemius | S1-S2 |
| Big toe extension | EHL | L5 |
| Reflex | Elicit | Root | Abnormal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biceps | Tap biceps tendon | C5-C6 | β = LMN; β = UMN |
| Brachioradialis (supinator) | Tap brachioradialis | C6 | Inverted = C5/6 cord lesion |
| Triceps | Tap triceps tendon | C7 | β = LMN |
| Knee (patella) | Tap patellar tendon | L3-L4 | β = LMN; β = UMN |
| Ankle | Tap Achilles tendon | S1-S2 | β = LMN, DPN |
| Plantar (Babinski) | Stroke lateral sole | - | Flexion (normal); Extension + fanning = UMN (Babinski +ve) |
| Abdominal reflexes | Stroke each quadrant toward umbilicus | T8-T12 | Absent = UMN lesion, MS, obesity |
| Jaw jerk | Tap jaw (mandible) | CN V | Brisk = bilateral UMN above foramen magnum (cervical myelopathy, MND) |
| Modality | Pathway | How to Test | Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | Spinothalamic (contralateral) | Neurotip/broken orange stick; "sharp or dull?" | Tract lesion (syringomyelia, Brown-SΓ©quard) |
| Temperature | Spinothalamic (contralateral) | Cold tuning fork; warm/cold tubes | As above |
| Vibration | Dorsal column (ipsilateral) | 128 Hz tuning fork on bony prominences (toes, ankle, knee, iliac crest) | DM neuropathy, subacute combined degeneration (B12), dorsal column disease |
| Proprioception | Dorsal column (ipsilateral) | Move distal phalanx up/down; patient reports direction with eyes closed | B12 deficiency, tabes dorsalis, peripheral neuropathy |
| Light touch | Both (predominantly dorsal column) | Cotton wool; eyes closed | - |
| Two-point discrimination | Dorsal column (cortical) | Two-point discriminator device | Parietal lobe lesion |
| Dermatome | Region |
|---|---|
| C2 | Occiput |
| C4 | Shoulder cap / clavicle |
| C6 | Thumb |
| C7 | Middle finger |
| C8 | Little finger |
| T4 | Nipple line |
| T10 | Umbilicus |
| L1 | Inguinal ligament |
| L3 | Medial knee |
| L4 | Medial calf / medial foot |
| L5 | Dorsum of foot / big toe |
| S1 | Lateral foot / little toe / heel |
| S3-S5 | Perianal / saddle area |
| Gait | Characteristics | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Hemiplegic | Circumduction of leg; arm flexed | UMN lesion (stroke, tumour) |
| Scissor | Both legs circumduct; crossed | Bilateral UMN (MS, CP, cervical myelopathy) |
| Parkinsonian | Shuffling, small steps, stooped, reduced arm swing, festination, en-bloc turn | Parkinson's disease |
| Cerebellar (ataxic) | Wide-based, staggering, cannot tandem walk | Cerebellar disease, alcohol, hypothyroidism |
| Sensory ataxic | High stepping, foot slap, worse in dark | Posterior column disease (B12, tabes, DPN) |
| Foot drop (steppage) | High stepping to avoid tripping | L4/5, common peroneal nerve palsy |
| Trendelenburg | Pelvis drops on unsupported side when standing on one leg | Weak hip abductors (gluteus medius) - hip pathology, L5 |
| Waddling | Exaggerated side-to-side trunk movement | Bilateral hip disease, proximal myopathy |
| Antalgic | Shortened stance phase on painful side | Hip, knee, ankle pain |
| Apraxic (frontal) | "Feet glued to floor"; shuffling start; preserved on lying | Frontal lobe disease (NPH, vascular dementia) |
| Feature | UMN | LMN |
|---|---|---|
| Wasting | No (late disuse atrophy) | Yes (early, prominent) |
| Fasciculations | No | Yes |
| Tone | Spasticity (increased) | Flaccidity (decreased) |
| Reflexes | Brisk / Hyperreflexia | Diminished / Absent |
| Plantar | Extensor (Babinski +ve) | Flexor (normal) |
| Power | Pyramidal pattern (extensors weak in arm, flexors weak in leg) | Distribution follows nerve/root/anterior horn |
| Sign | Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
|---|---|---|
| HR | Bradycardia | Tachycardia / AF |
| Skin | Dry, coarse, cool, pale | Warm, moist, velvety |
| Hair | Dry, brittle, loss of outer eyebrows | Fine, thinning |
| Reflexes | Slow-relaxing | Brisk; fine tremor |
| Nails | Brittle | Thyroid acropachy, onycholysis (Plummer's nails) |
| Eyes | Periorbital oedema | Exophthalmos, lid lag, lid retraction (Graves') |
| Weight | Gain | Loss |
| Bowel | Constipation | Diarrhoea |
| Deformity | Description | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Ulnar deviation | Fingers deviate ulnarly at MCPs | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Swan neck | PIP hyperextension + DIP flexion | RA, lupus |
| Boutonnière | PIP flexion + DIP hyperextension | RA |
| Z-thumb | IP flexion + MCP hyperextension | RA |
| Heberden's nodes | DIP osteophytes (bony) | Osteoarthritis |
| Bouchard's nodes | PIP osteophytes (bony) | Osteoarthritis |
| Tophi | Whitish deposits | Gout (chronic tophaceous) |
| Telescoping digit | Digit shortens/extends | Psoriatic arthritis (arthritis mutilans) |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Strong Inhibitors | Ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole (azoles), clarithromycin, erythromycin, ritonavir (protease inhibitors), grapefruit juice, verapamil, diltiazem, amiodarone |
| Moderate Inhibitors | Aprepitant, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin |
| Inducers | Rifampicin (strongest), carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, St John's Wort, efavirenz |
| Major Substrates | Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, warfarin, midazolam, alprazolam, amlodipine, nifedipine, codeineβmorphine, fentanyl, sildenafil, oestrogen, testosterone, most HIV PIs |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Inhibitors | Fluoxetine, paroxetine (potent), bupropion, quinidine, amiodarone, duloxetine, methadone |
| Inducers | Dexamethasone, rifampicin (weak) |
| Substrates | Codeine (β morphine conversion), tramadol, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, haloperidol, risperidone, metoprolol, timolol, tamoxifen |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Inhibitors | Fluconazole, amiodarone, miconazole, valproate |
| Inducers | Rifampicin, carbamazepine |
| Substrates | Warfarin (S-enantiomer - most important!), phenytoin, losartan, celecoxib, ibuprofen, tolbutamide, glipizide |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Inhibitors | Omeprazole, esomeprazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, fluconazole |
| Inducers | Rifampicin, carbamazepine |
| Substrates | Clopidogrel (prodrug β active), PPIs, diazepam, phenytoin, escitalopram |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Inhibitors | Fluvoxamine (potent), ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, amiodarone |
| Inducers | Smoking, rifampicin, carbamazepine, omeprazole, cruciferous vegetables |
| Substrates | Clozapine, olanzapine, theophylline, caffeine, warfarin (R-enantiomer), haloperidol, ramelteon |
| Role | Drug |
|---|---|
| Inhibitors (β absorption/brain levels) | Amiodarone, verapamil, erythromycin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, quinidine, ciclosporin |
| Inducers (β absorption) | Rifampicin, St John's Wort |
| Substrates | Digoxin, dabigatran, apixaban, rivaroxaban, loperamide, many chemotherapy agents, fexofenadine |
| Increases INR (β bleeding risk) | Decreases INR (β clot risk) |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics: metronidazole, fluconazole, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, trimethoprim | Rifampicin (most potent reducer) |
| Amiodarone (potent - INR can triple) | Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone |
| Aspirin / NSAIDs (also β GI bleed) | St John's Wort |
| Omeprazole, cimetidine | Sucralfate (absorption) |
| Statins (mild - simvastatin, fluvastatin) | Cholestyramine |
| Thyroid hormones (catabolise clotting factors) | Chronic alcohol (induction); acute alcohol βINR |
| Acute alcohol | Vitamin K-rich foods (large amounts) |
| Allopurinol | - |
| Miconazole (oral gel - very significant) | - |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apixaban, Rivaroxaban (CYP3A4 + P-gp substrates) | Rifampicin | β DOAC level β β clot risk | Avoid; use warfarin |
| Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (azoles, ritonavir) | β DOAC level β β bleeding | Avoid combination; use warfarin if strong inhibitor | |
| Dabigatran (P-gp substrate only) | Amiodarone, verapamil | β dabigatran level | Reduce dabigatran dose |
| Rifampicin | β dabigatran level | Avoid | |
| All DOACs | Aspirin / NSAIDs (pharmacodynamic) | β Bleeding (additive) | Use PPI; minimise NSAID use |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Clopidogrel | Omeprazole / esomeprazole (CYP2C19 inhibition) | β Active metabolite β β antiplatelet effect. Use pantoprazole. |
| Clopidogrel | NSAIDs, corticosteroids | β GI bleeding risk |
| Aspirin | Ibuprofen (taken first, same day) | Ibuprofen blocks aspirin's COX-1 binding. Take aspirin β₯ 30 min before ibuprofen or use paracetamol. |
| Ticagrelor | Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole) | β Ticagrelor β β bleeding |
| Ticagrelor | Rifampicin, carbamazepine | β Ticagrelor β β antiplatelet effect |
| Ticagrelor | Simvastatin > 40 mg | β Statin levels via CYP3A4 inhibition |
| Combination | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|
| ACEi + ARB (dual RAAS blockade) | β AKI, β hyperkalaemia - no mortality benefit | AVOID in all but nephrotic syndrome/HF (specialist-only) |
| ACEi/ARB + NSAIDs | β AKI ("triple whammy" + diuretic) | Avoid; use paracetamol |
| ACEi/ARB + K+-sparing diuretics / MRA | Hyperkalaemia | Monitor K+ closely |
| Beta-blocker + non-DHP CCB (verapamil/diltiazem) | Bradycardia, heart block, cardiac arrest | CONTRAINDICATED in combination |
| Beta-blocker + clonidine | If BB stopped first β severe rebound HTN from clonidine | Taper clonidine after stopping BB or stop BB first |
| Alpha-blocker + PDE5i (sildenafil) | Severe hypotension | Avoid; if necessary: wait 4 hrs; use lowest dose |
| Thiazide + lithium | Thiazide reduces renal Li clearance β Li toxicity | Monitor Li levels; use loop diuretic if diuretic essential |
| Statin | Interaction | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simvastatin / Lovastatin (CYP3A4 substrates) | Azole antifungals, macrolides, protease inhibitors | Myopathy / rhabdomyolysis | Hold statin during antibiotic course; use fluvastatin or pravastatin |
| Amiodarone | Myopathy (cap simvastatin β€ 20 mg) | Use rosuvastatin | |
| Grapefruit juice (> 1 litre/day large amounts) | β statin levels | Avoid grapefruit with simvastatin/lovastatin | |
| Fluvastatin | CYP2C9 interactions (fluconazole) | β Fluvastatin | |
| Rosuvastatin | Antacids β absorption; ciclosporin β levels | - | - |
| All statins | Fibrates (especially gemfibrozil) | β Myopathy risk | Use fenofibrate instead of gemfibrozil if combination needed |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any SSRI/SNRI/TCA | MAOIs (including linezolid, methylene blue) | SEROTONIN SYNDROME - life-threatening | 14-day washout between SSRIs and MAOIs; 5 weeks for fluoxetine (long half-life) |
| SSRI + Tramadol | Additive serotonergic effect | Serotonin syndrome risk | Use alternative opioid |
| SSRI + Lithium | Additive serotonergic | Serotonin syndrome | Monitor Li levels; use with caution |
| SSRIs | Aspirin/NSAIDs (β platelet serotonin) | β GI bleeding 3-fold | Add PPI if on both |
| Fluoxetine/paroxetine | Tamoxifen (CYP2D6 inhibition) | β Tamoxifen efficacy | Use sertraline or citalopram instead |
| TCA (amitriptyline) | Class Ia antiarrhythmics (quinidine), antihistamines, antipsychotics | QT prolongation / torsades | Avoid; ECG monitoring |
| TCA | Anticholinergics (oxybutynin, antihistamines) | Additive anticholinergic: confusion, retention, constipation | Avoid in elderly |
| Venlafaxine | Other serotonergic drugs | Serotonin syndrome | Same cautions as SSRIs |
| Mirtazapine | Alcohol / sedatives | β CNS depression | Avoid alcohol |
| Antibiotic | Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronidazole | Alcohol | Disulfiram-like reaction (severe flushing, nausea, vomiting) | No alcohol during and 48 hrs after |
| Warfarin (CYP2C9 inhibition) | ββ INR | Reduce warfarin; monitor INR | |
| Lithium | β Li levels | Monitor Li | |
| Fluoroquinolones (cipro/levo) | Antacids, Fe, Zn, milk (divalent cations) | β Absorption of quinolone | Take 2 hrs before or 6 hrs after antacids |
| Class IA/III antiarrhythmics, TCAs, antipsychotics | QT prolongation | Avoid combination; ECG monitoring | |
| Theophylline (ciprofloxacin CYP1A2) | β Theophylline β toxicity | Reduce theophylline dose by 30-50% | |
| Warfarin | β INR | Monitor INR | |
| Clarithromycin / Erythromycin | Statins (CYP3A4 inhibition) | Myopathy | Hold or switch statin during course |
| Warfarin | β INR | Monitor INR | |
| Colchicine (severe - CYP3A4 + P-gp) | Colchicine toxicity - potentially fatal | AVOID in renal/hepatic impairment; reduce colchicine dose | |
| QT-prolonging drugs | β QT | ECG monitoring | |
| Rifampicin | Warfarin, DOACs, OCP, corticosteroids, phenytoin, ciclosporin, tacrolimus | Markedly β levels | Alternative contraception; adjust doses; frequent monitoring |
| Linezolid | SSRIs, MAOIs, serotonergic drugs | Serotonin syndrome | Discontinue serotonergic drugs; 2-week washout |
| Aminoglycosides | Loop diuretics (frusemide) | β Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity | Monitor levels; avoid combination if possible |
| Neuromuscular blocking agents | Enhanced NMB | Caution post-op |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenytoin | Carbamazepine, valproate | Complex - inhibits or induces; monitor levels | Monitor phenytoin levels |
| Warfarin | Initially β INR then β INR (as induces CYP) | Monitor closely at initiation | |
| OCP | β OCP levels β contraceptive failure | Use higher-dose OCP or alternative | |
| Azoles, isoniazid, amiodarone | β Phenytoin levels β toxicity (nystagmus, ataxia, diplopia) | Monitor levels | |
| Carbamazepine | Many drugs (CYP3A4 inducer) | β Warfarin, OCP, statins, ciclosporin, valproate | Check all drug interactions; non-hormonal contraception |
| Lithium | β Li neurotoxicity (without β Li levels) | Monitor closely | |
| Valproate | Lamotrigine | β Lamotrigine metabolism β lamotrigine toxicity | Reduce lamotrigine dose by 50% |
| Aspirin (in children) | β Free valproate | Monitor | |
| Lithium | NSAIDs, thiazides, ACEi/ARB | β Li levels β toxicity (tremor, GI, confusion, renal failure) | Avoid NSAIDs; use paracetamol; monitor Li if thiazide essential |
| Haloperidol (high dose) | Severe neurotoxicity | Use lowest effective dose of both | |
| Amiodarone, SSRIs | β Li levels or serotonin syndrome | Monitor |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciclosporin | Azoles, diltiazem, verapamil, macrolides, grapefruit | ββ Ciclosporin levels β nephrotoxicity | Monitor levels; avoid or reduce ciclosporin dose |
| Rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin | ββ Ciclosporin β transplant rejection | Avoid; if unavoidable increase ciclosporin dose + monitor | |
| Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) | β Statin levels β myopathy | Use low-dose pravastatin or fluvastatin | |
| NSAIDs | β Nephrotoxicity | Avoid | |
| Methotrexate | NSAIDs (especially high-dose) | β MTX renal excretion β MTX toxicity (GI, bone marrow) | Avoid high-dose NSAIDs; short course low-dose NSAIDs sometimes used in RA with caution |
| Trimethoprim / co-trimoxazole | β MTX toxicity (folate antagonism) | AVOID | |
| Probenecid | β MTX levels | AVOID | |
| Alcohol | β Hepatotoxicity | AVOID - alcohol prohibited | |
| Azathioprine | Allopurinol | ββ Azathioprine toxicity (bone marrow suppression) | AVOID; if essential, reduce azathioprine dose by 75% |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfonylureas | Fluconazole (CYP2C9 inhibition) | β SU levels β hypoglycaemia | Monitor glucose; reduce SU dose |
| NSAIDs, aspirin (displacement + renal) | β Hypoglycaemia risk | Monitor | |
| Alcohol | Disulfiram-like reaction (chlorpropamide) + β hypoglycaemia | Caution with alcohol | |
| Metformin | Iodinated contrast media | Risk of lactic acidosis (especially in eGFR < 60 or dehydrated) | Hold metformin on day of contrast; restart 48 hrs after if renal function stable |
| Alcohol (binge) | β Lactic acidosis risk | Avoid binge drinking | |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | Diuretics | β Volume depletion / hypotension | Monitor BP; sick day rule (hold if unwell/dehydrated) |
| Insulin/SU | β DKA risk (euglycaemic DKA) | Educate patient; hold SGLT2i peri-operatively (at least 3-4 days before surgery) | |
| Insulin | Beta-blockers | Mask hypoglycaemia symptoms (blunts tachycardia warning) | Cardioselective BB preferred; patient education; sweating remains as warning |
| GLP-1 RA | Oral medications (delayed gastric emptying) | β Absorption rate of oral drugs | Take critical medications (levothyroxine, antibiotics) β₯ 1 hr before GLP-1 RA injection or dose |
| Drug | Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digoxin | Amiodarone, verapamil, diltiazem, quinidine, spironolactone | β Digoxin levels β toxicity (nausea, vision changes, bradycardia, heart block, arrhythmia) | Reduce digoxin dose by 50% when adding amiodarone; monitor levels |
| Hypokalaemia (loop/thiazide diuretics) | β Digoxin toxicity even at normal levels | Maintain K+ 4.0-5.0 mmol/L | |
| Rifampicin, antacids, cholestyramine | β Digoxin levels | Monitor levels; separate dosing | |
| Amiodarone | Warfarin (CYP2C9 inhibition) | ββ INR (can triple) | Reduce warfarin by 30-50%; monitor INR closely for months |
| Simvastatin | Myopathy (cap at 20 mg) | Use rosuvastatin β€ 10 mg | |
| QT-prolonging drugs | β QT β Torsades de Pointes | Avoid antipsychotics, quinolones, TCAs with amiodarone if possible | |
| Ciclosporin, tacrolimus | β Immunosuppressant levels | Monitor levels | |
| Beta-blockers | Verapamil / diltiazem IV | Heart block / asystole | NEVER give IV verapamil/diltiazem to patient on beta-blocker |
| Insulin / SU | Mask hypoglycaemia | Educate diabetic patients | |
| Ivabradine | CYP3A4 inhibitors (diltiazem, verapamil) | β Ivabradine β β bradycardia | AVOID; use amlodipine instead for rate control + ivabradine combination |
| Nitrates | PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) | Severe hypotension | ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED - 24-48 hrs washout for sildenafil, 48+ hrs for tadalafil |
Risk of Torsades de Pointes (TdP) increases with: Multiple QT drugs combined, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, bradycardia, female sex, congenital LQTS.
| Class | Common Drugs |
|---|---|
| Antiarrhythmics | Amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, flecainide |
| Antibiotics | Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin |
| Antipsychotics | Haloperidol, droperidol, quetiapine, ziprasidone, chlorpromazine |
| Antidepressants | TCA (amitriptyline), citalopram/escitalopram (high dose), venlafaxine |
| Antiemetics | Domperidone, ondansetron (IV > oral), metoclopramide |
| Antifungals | Fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole |
| Antihistamines | Terfenadine, astemizole (withdrawn in many countries) |
| Others | Methadone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine |
| Drug | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | 500-1000 mg q4-6h (max 4g/day) | PO/IV | Reduce to 2g/day in hepatic disease / < 50 kg / malnourished |
| Ibuprofen | 200-400 mg TDS with food (max 1200 mg/day OPD; 2400 mg/day hospital) | PO | Add PPI; avoid in CKD, CCF, > 65 yrs caution |
| Naproxen | 250-500 mg BD (max 1250 mg/day) | PO | Longer-acting; similar cautions |
| Diclofenac | 50 mg TDS (max 150 mg/day) | PO / topical | High cardiovascular risk among NSAIDs |
| Celecoxib | 100-200 mg OD-BD | PO | COX-2 selective; β GI risk but β CV risk |
| Codeine | 15-60 mg q4h PRN (max 240 mg/day) | PO | No efficacy in poor CYP2D6 metabolisers; prodrug |
| Tramadol | 50-100 mg q4-6h (max 400 mg/day; 300 mg if > 75 yrs) | PO/IV | Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs |
| Morphine | 2-5 mg q4h (titrate) | PO / SC / IV | Avoid in eGFR < 30; active metabolite M6G accumulates |
| Oxycodone | 5-10 mg q4h (titrate) | PO | 1.5x more potent than oral morphine |
| Gabapentin | Start 100-300 mg nocte; titrate to 300-1200 mg TDS | PO | Neuropathic pain; reduce in renal failure |
| Pregabalin | Start 75 mg BD; titrate to 150-300 mg BD | PO | Faster onset than gabapentin; reduce in renal failure |
| Amitriptyline | 10-25 mg nocte; titrate up to 75-150 mg | PO | Neuropathic pain / IBS / insomnia |
| Duloxetine | 30-60 mg OD (up to 120 mg/day) | PO | Neuropathic pain + depression/anxiety |
| Drug | Starting Dose | Usual Range | Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amlodipine | 5 mg OD | 5-10 mg OD | 10 mg/day | Ankle oedema; long half-life |
| Ramipril | 1.25-2.5 mg OD | 2.5-10 mg OD | 10 mg/day | Check K+/Cr at 2 weeks; dry cough |
| Lisinopril | 2.5-5 mg OD | 5-40 mg OD | 40 mg/day | |
| Losartan | 50 mg OD | 50-100 mg OD | 100 mg/day | No cough |
| Perindopril | 2-4 mg OD | 4-8 mg OD | 8 mg/day | |
| Bisoprolol | 2.5-5 mg OD | 5-10 mg OD | 20 mg/day | |
| Atenolol | 25-50 mg OD | 50-100 mg OD | 100 mg/day | Avoid asthma/COPD |
| Indapamide | 1.25-2.5 mg mane | 1.25-2.5 mg OD | 2.5 mg/day | Preferred thiazide-type |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | 12.5-25 mg OD | 12.5-50 mg OD | 50 mg/day | |
| Doxazosin | 1 mg nocte (first-dose hypotension) | 1-8 mg OD | 16 mg/day | Benign prostatic hyperplasia benefit |
| Spironolactone | 25 mg OD | 25-100 mg OD | 100 mg/day | Monitor K+; 4th-line in resistant HTN |
| Methyldopa | 250 mg BD | 250-500 mg TDS | 3g/day | Pregnancy hypertension |
| Drug | Starting Dose | Usual Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin | 500 mg OD with meals | 500-1000 mg BD/TDS (max 3g/day) | Hold if eGFR < 30; GI side effects; take with food |
| Gliclazide (MR) | 30 mg OD | 30-120 mg OD | Modified release; less hypoglycaemia |
| Glipizide | 2.5-5 mg OD | 5-20 mg/day | |
| Sitagliptin | 100 mg OD (reduce in CKD) | 100 mg OD (50 mg if eGFR 30-50; 25 mg if < 30) | |
| Empagliflozin | 10 mg OD | 10-25 mg OD | Hold if eGFR < 30; sick day rules |
| Dapagliflozin | 10 mg OD | 10 mg OD | Hold if eGFR < 25 (DM); < 45 (HF) |
| Semaglutide SC | 0.25 mg weekly x4 weeks | 0.5-1-2 mg weekly | GI nausea; weight loss; CV benefit |
| Semaglutide PO | 3 mg OD x4 weeks β 7 mg β 14 mg | 14 mg OD | Take on empty stomach; 30 min before food |
| Liraglutide | 0.6 mg SC daily x 1 week | 1.2-1.8 mg SC OD | |
| Dulaglutide | 0.75 mg SC weekly | 0.75-1.5 mg SC weekly | |
| Pioglitazone | 15-30 mg OD | 15-45 mg OD | Avoid in HF; oedema |
| Glargine (basal insulin) | 10 units SC nocte | Titrate: +2 units q3 days if FBG > 7 | Target FBG 4-7 mmol/L |
| Aspart / Lispro (bolus) | 4-6 units with meals | Titrate to postprandial glucose | 1 unit per 15g carbohydrate (approximate) |
| Drug | Dose | LDL Reduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin | 10-80 mg nocte | 37-54% (dose-dependent) | High-intensity at 40-80 mg; take any time of day |
| Rosuvastatin | 5-40 mg nocte | 38-55% | Less CYP3A4 dependent |
| Simvastatin | 10-40 mg nocte | 28-41% | AVOID > 40 mg; multiple interactions |
| Pravastatin | 10-80 mg nocte | 22-34% | Fewest interactions (not CYP3A4); safe in pregnancy (Category B) |
| Fluvastatin | 20-80 mg | 22-35% | CYP2C9; fewest drug interactions overall |
| Ezetimibe | 10 mg OD | Additional 15-20% | Give at any time; + statin for additive benefit |
| Fenofibrate | 145-160 mg OD | TG β 30-50%; HDL β | Triglyceridaemia; β serum Cr (non-pathological) |
| Evolocumab | 140 mg SC q2w or 420 mg SC monthly | Additional 50-60% on top of statin | PCSK9 inhibitor; very high-risk ASCVD + FH |
| Alirocumab | 75-150 mg SC q2w | Additional 50-60% | Same class |
| Drug | Starting Dose | Usual Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sertraline | 50 mg OD | 50-200 mg OD | Safest SSRI in IHD; take morning or evening |
| Escitalopram | 10 mg OD | 10-20 mg OD | Well-tolerated; use β€ 10 mg in > 65 yrs / hepatic disease |
| Fluoxetine | 20 mg OD | 20-60 mg OD | Long half-life (5 weeks); potent CYP2D6 inhibitor |
| Paroxetine | 20 mg OD | 20-60 mg OD | Most anticholinergic SSRI; discontinuation syndrome; avoid in elderly |
| Venlafaxine | 37.5-75 mg OD (XR) | 75-225 mg OD | Monitor BP at doses > 150 mg; β risk hypertension |
| Duloxetine | 30-60 mg OD | 60-120 mg OD | Neuropathic pain + depression + anxiety |
| Mirtazapine | 15 mg nocte | 15-45 mg nocte | Sedating; weight gain; useful in poor appetite/insomnia |
| Amitriptyline | 10-25 mg nocte | 25-150 mg nocte | NOT first-line for depression; used for neuropathic pain, IBS, migraine prophylaxis |
| Diazepam | 2-5 mg TDS PRN | Not for long-term | Alcohol withdrawal; max 2-4 weeks anxiolysis |
| Lorazepam | 0.5-2 mg PRN | Short-term only | Faster onset; shorter half-life than diazepam |
| Buspirone | 5-10 mg BD/TDS | 15-30 mg/day | Non-addictive; delayed onset (2-4 weeks); for GAD |
| Pregabalin | 25-50 mg BD | 75-300 mg BD | GAD; dependence potential; reduce in renal failure |
| Clonazepam | 0.25-0.5 mg BD | 1-4 mg/day | Panic disorder; seizures; dependence risk |
| Drug | Dose | Indication | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | 20-40 mg OD (30 min before breakfast) | GORD, peptic ulcer, PPI gastroprotection | CYP2C19 inhibitor; interacts with clopidogrel |
| Pantoprazole | 20-40 mg OD | GORD, peptic ulcer | Fewer drug interactions (prefer with clopidogrel) |
| Lansoprazole | 15-30 mg OD | GORD | |
| Esomeprazole | 20-40 mg OD | GORD, Barrett's | |
| Ranitidine (H2B) | 150 mg BD or 300 mg nocte | GORD, peptic ulcer, PUD | Less potent than PPI |
| Famotidine | 20 mg BD or 40 mg nocte | GORD (step-down from PPI) | |
| Metoclopramide | 10 mg TDS (max 5 days) | Nausea, gastroparesis | AVOID long-term (tardive dyskinesia); caution in young women |
| Ondansetron | 4-8 mg PO/IV/IM q8h | Chemotherapy/post-op nausea | QT prolongation with IV doses |
| Loperamide | 2-4 mg after loose stool (max 16 mg/day) | Acute / IBS-D diarrhoea | Not for infective diarrhoea with fever/bloody stools |
| Macrogol (PEG) | 1-3 sachets OD (adjust) | Constipation, bowel prep | Safe in pregnancy, elderly |
| Lactulose | 15-30 mL BD | Constipation, hepatic encephalopathy | Onset 2-3 days; bloating |
| Senna | 1-2 tablets nocte | Constipation | Stimulant laxative; short-term |
| Ispaghula (Fybogel) | 1 sachet BD (with water) | Constipation, IBS-C | Soluble fibre; take with full glass of water; takes 2-3 days |
| Cholestyramine | 4g 1-6 times/day | Bile acid diarrhoea, hyperlipidaemia | Many drug interactions (take other drugs 1 hr before or 4 hrs after) |
| Drug | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol (SABA) | 100-200 mcg (1-2 puffs) PRN; 2.5-5 mg neb (acute) | Inhaler / neb | Tachycardia, tremor, hypokalaemia with high doses |
| Ipratropium (SAMA) | 20-40 mcg (1-2 puffs) QDS; 250-500 mcg neb | Inhaler / neb | Dry mouth, urinary retention, angle closure glaucoma |
| Salmeterol (LABA) | 50 mcg BD (combined with ICS only) | DPI | NEVER use LABA without ICS in asthma |
| Formoterol | 6-12 mcg BD (combined); 12 mcg BD COPD | Inhaler | Rapid onset allows use as reliever in ICS/formoterol combination |
| Tiotropium (LAMA) | 18 mcg OD (HandiHaler) or 2.5 mcg OD (Respimat) | DPI/SMI | Dry mouth, urinary retention; rinse mouth after |
| Budesonide/formoterol | 160/4.5-320/9 mcg BD (COPD) or 100/6-200/6 mcg (asthma) | DPI (Turbuhaler) | Rinse mouth (ICS) |
| Prednisolone (oral) | 40-50 mg OD x 5 days (asthma exacerbation); 30-40 mg x 5 days (AECOPD) | PO | Short course; no taper needed for β€ 3 weeks |
| Theophylline (COPD) | 200-400 mg SR BD | PO | Narrow therapeutic index; monitor levels (10-20 mg/L); many interactions |
| Montelukast | 10 mg nocte | PO | Neuropsychiatric adverse effects (FDA black box); discuss with patient |
| Roflumilast | 250 mcg OD x 4 weeks β 500 mcg OD | PO | COPD only; weight loss, diarrhoea, depression risk; avoid in severe psychiatric illness |
| Drug | eGFR Threshold | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Metformin | < 30 mL/min | Stop |
| Metformin | 30-45 mL/min | Continue with monitoring; review dose |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | < 25-30 mL/min | Stop (DM indication); can use dapagliflozin in HF if eGFR β₯ 20 |
| Dabigatran | < 30 mL/min | Contraindicated |
| Rivaroxaban | < 15 mL/min | Avoid |
| Apixaban | CrCl < 25 mL/min | Avoid (limited data) |
| Gabapentin | eGFR < 60 | Reduce dose (significant accumulation) |
| Pregabalin | eGFR < 60 | Reduce dose |
| Morphine | eGFR < 30 | Avoid; use fentanyl or hydromorphone (with care) |
| Codeine | eGFR < 30 | Avoid; accumulation of active metabolite |
| NSAIDs | eGFR < 30 (caution < 60) | Avoid |
| Digoxin | eGFR 10-50: reduce dose; < 10: avoid | Reduce dose; monitor levels |
| Aminoglycosides | Any renal impairment | Reduce dose + extend interval; monitor levels |
| Nitrofurantoin | eGFR < 30 | Avoid (ineffective + toxic) |
| Lithium | eGFR < 30 | Avoid; if CKD use with extreme caution + frequent levels |
| Sitagliptin | eGFR 30-50: 50 mg OD; < 30: 25 mg OD | Dose reduce |
| Allopurinol | eGFR < 30 | Start at 50-100 mg OD; titrate slowly |
| Spironolactone | eGFR < 30 | Avoid (hyperkalaemia) |
| Trimethoprim | eGFR < 30 | Avoid or reduce dose |
| Colchicine | eGFR 10-30 | Reduce dose; avoid if < 10 |
| Category | Safe | Caution (2nd/3rd trimester) | Contraindicated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analgesics | Paracetamol (all trimesters) | Codeine (occasional, short-term) | NSAIDs (esp. 3rd trimester - premature duct closure); aspirin high-dose |
| Antihypertensives | Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nifedipine | - | ACEi, ARBs (teratogenic), atenolol (IUGR) |
| Antidiabetics | Insulin (first-line in pregnancy) | Metformin (some evidence of safety; used in GDM in many countries) | SGLT2i, GLP-1 RA, DPP-4i (insufficient safety data) |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicillin, Cefalexin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin (base - not estolate) | - | Tetracyclines (dental/bone), Fluoroquinolones (cartilage), Trimethoprim (1st trim - folate antagonist), Aminoglycosides (VIII nerve) |
| Antifungals | Clotrimazole (topical) | - | Oral fluconazole > 150 mg (teratogenicity reports), itraconazole |
| Anticoagulants | LMWH, UFH (do NOT cross placenta) | - | Warfarin (especially 6-12 weeks - warfarin embryopathy; also near delivery); DOACs (no safety data) |
| Antidepressants | SSRI (generally; paroxetine - cardiac malformations, avoid in 1st trim) | SNRI | Paroxetine (1st trim), Lithium (1st trim - Ebstein's anomaly), TCA high dose |
| Antiepileptics | Lamotrigine (lowest teratogenicity risk), Levetiracetam | - | Valproate (highest risk - neural tube defects, autism; AVOID in women of childbearing age if possible), phenytoin, carbamazepine (neural tube) |
| Thyroid | Levothyroxine (essential; dose β ~30%) | PTU (1st trimester only) | Carbimazole (1st trimester - aplasia cutis); I-131 (absolutely contraindicated) |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisolone (for maternal conditions; minimal placental transfer) | - | Dexamethasone/betamethasone (used for fetal lung maturity 24-34 weeks - short course) |
| Statins | Avoid all (teratogenic animal data) | - | All statins (Category X) |
| Antimalarials | Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine (safe; continue in lupus) | - | Primaquine (haemolysis) |
Extra caution required: small dose changes cause large effect changes; frequent monitoring mandatory.
| Drug | Therapeutic Range | Toxic Signs | Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digoxin | 0.6-1.2 ng/mL (some HF: 0.5-0.9) | Nausea, xanthopsia, bradycardia, heart block, arrhythmia | Levels 6-12 hrs post-dose; K+, Mg, renal function |
| Lithium | 0.6-1.0 mmol/L (maintenance); 0.8-1.2 mmol/L (acute) | Tremor, polyuria/polydipsia, cognitive slowing β confusion, ataxia, convulsions (toxicity) | 12-hr post-dose level; renal function, TFT 6-monthly |
| Phenytoin | 10-20 mg/L | Nystagmus, ataxia, diplopia, drowsiness (dose-related); gingival hyperplasia, teratogenesis | Trough levels; monitor more frequently with drug interactions |
| Theophylline | 10-20 mg/L | Nausea, palpitations, tachycardia β seizures, arrhythmias (toxicity) | Trough level; monitor with smoking changes, antibiotics |
| Warfarin | INR 2-3 (most); 2.5-3.5 (mechanical valve) | Bleeding (bruising, haematuria, GI, intracranial) | INR weekly until stable; then monthly |
| Vancomycin | AUC/MIC 400-600 (modern monitoring) | Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity; Red man syndrome (infusion rate) | AUC-based monitoring; renal function |
| Aminoglycosides | Gentamicin: peak 5-10 mcg/mL, trough < 2 mcg/mL | Nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity (irreversible) | Peak + trough levels; renal function daily |
| Methotrexate | Level at 24/48/72 hrs in high-dose protocols | Mucositis, bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity | LFT, FBC; leucovorin rescue in high-dose protocols |
| Cyclosporin | Varies by indication (100-400 ng/mL) | Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hypertension, gingival hyperplasia | Trough levels; renal function, BP |
| Drug/Class | Reason to Stop |
|---|---|
| Benzodiazepines (any) | β Fall risk, cognitive impairment, respiratory depression |
| Long-acting sulfonylureas (glibenclamide) | Prolonged hypoglycaemia; use gliclazide MR |
| NSAIDs without PPI | β GI bleed; β renal failure; fluid retention |
| NSAIDs in CKD eGFR < 50 | β Nephrotoxicity |
| Digoxin > 125 mcg/day | β Toxicity in elderly (reduced renal clearance) |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Anticholinergic (urinary retention, confusion, constipation, falls) |
| Anticholinergics (oxybutynin, tolterodine old formulations) | Cognitive impairment; urinary retention |
| Antipsychotics in dementia | β Mortality, β stroke |
| Proton pump inhibitors > 8 weeks without indication | β C. difficile, fractures, hypomagnesaemia |
| Muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine) | Sedation, anticholinergic, fall risk |
| Nitrofurantoin for UTI if eGFR < 30 | Ineffective + pulmonary toxicity |
| First-generation antihistamines (chlorphenamine) | Anticholinergic; excessive sedation |
| Sliding scale insulin without basal | Erratic glycaemic control; β hypoglycaemia |
| Drug/Class | Indication in Elderly |
|---|---|
| Statin + antithrombotic in established ASCVD | Secondary prevention (unless limited life expectancy < 1 yr) |
| ACEi in HFrEF | Reduces mortality even in elderly |
| Beta-blocker in stable HF | GDMT; even well-tolerated in elderly |
| Vitamin D + calcium supplement | If risk of osteoporosis / deficiency (housebound, limited sun) |
| Bisphosphonate + Vit D in corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis | If on prednisolone β₯ 7.5 mg/day for β₯ 3 months |
| Anticoagulation in AF (CHA2DS2-VASc β₯ 2) | Age itself is a risk factor |
| PPI with antiplatelet or anticoagulant + NSAID | GI protection |
| Annual influenza vaccine | Reduces pneumonia morbidity |
| Drug | Adjustment Required |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Reduce dose to 2g/day max (2.5g/day if mild liver disease); AVOID in severe hepatic failure |
| NSAIDs | AVOID in cirrhosis (β risk of hepatorenal syndrome, GI bleed) |
| Opioids (morphine, codeine) | Reduce dose; increase interval; accumulation of metabolites; use with great caution |
| Metformin | Avoid in hepatic failure (β lactic acidosis risk) |
| Statins | Use with caution in active liver disease; avoid if LFT > 3x ULN |
| Warfarin | β Sensitivity (reduced clotting factor synthesis); reduce dose |
| Benzodiazepines | Precipitate hepatic encephalopathy; use with extreme caution |
| Rifampicin | Hepatotoxic; monitor LFTs; avoid in significant liver disease |
| Azathioprine | Hepatotoxic; monitor LFTs |
| Methotrexate | Hepatotoxic; contraindicated in significant liver disease |
| Antifungals (azoles) | Hepatotoxic; monitor LFTs |
| Feature | Serotonin Syndrome | Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Serotonergic drug excess (SSRI + MAOI, SSRI + tramadol, linezolid) | Dopamine blockade (antipsychotics, metoclopramide withdrawal of L-dopa) |
| Onset | Hours | Days-weeks |
| Neuromuscular | Tremor, clonus, hyperreflexia, myoclonus | Lead-pipe rigidity ("plastic") |
| Autonomic | Tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, hypertension, diarrhoea | Tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, urinary incontinence |
| Mental status | Agitation, confusion | Confusion, stupor, coma |
| CK | Mildly elevated | Markedly elevated (rhabdomyolysis) |
| Temp | Elevated | Markedly elevated (often > 40Β°C) |
| Treatment | Stop offending drug; cyproheptadine; benzodiazepines; ICU if severe | Stop antipsychotic; bromocriptine / dantrolene; active cooling; ICU; benzos |
Clinical management protocols,Drug dilutions + ventilator settings ,Scoring systems + organ support + drugs
1. 12-lead ECG β Activate cath lab immediately if STEMI
2. IV access x2
3. Aspirin 300 mg PO (loading; 75 mg daily thereafter)
4. P2Y12 inhibitor loading:
- Ticagrelor 180 mg PO (preferred if going for primary PCI)
- OR Clopidogrel 600 mg PO (if ticagrelor unavailable)
- OR Prasugrel 60 mg (age < 75, weight > 60 kg, no prior stroke/TIA)
5. Heparin: UFH 60 units/kg IV bolus (max 4000 units)
6. O2 only if SpO2 < 94%
7. GTN sublingual 400 mcg (if SBP > 90; CONTRAINDICATED if inferior MI with RV involvement - check V4R)
8. Morphine 2-4 mg IV if pain not controlled by GTN (use judiciously - MORTAL registry: morphine delays P2Y12 absorption)
| Strategy | Time Target | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Primary PCI (preferred) | Door-to-balloon β€ 90 min (β€ 60 min if transferred from PCI centre) | All STEMI where achievable within 120 min |
| Fibrinolysis | Door-to-needle β€ 30 min | When PCI not achievable within 120 min of first medical contact |
| Rescue PCI | Within 3-24 hrs post-fibrinolysis | If fibrinolysis failed (< 50% ST resolution at 60-90 min) |
| Agent | Dose | Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Alteplase (tPA) | 15 mg IV bolus β 0.75 mg/kg over 30 min (max 50 mg) β 0.5 mg/kg over 60 min (max 35 mg). Total max 100 mg | IV infusion; double-lumen preferred |
| Tenecteplase (TNK) | Weight-based single IV bolus: < 60 kg: 30 mg; 60-69 kg: 35 mg; 70-79 kg: 40 mg; 80-89 kg: 45 mg; β₯ 90 kg: 50 mg | Single bolus over 5-10 seconds |
| Streptokinase | 1.5 million units in 100 mL NS over 60 min | IV infusion; pre-medicate with hydrocortisone 100 mg; cannot repeat (antibodies form) |
| Reteplase | 10 units IV bolus; repeat 10 units after 30 min | Two boluses |
1. Aspirin 75-100 mg OD lifelong
2. P2Y12 inhibitor x 12 months (ticagrelor 90 mg BD preferred; clopidogrel 75 mg OD if cost concern)
3. Beta-blocker: Start within 24 hrs if haemodynamically stable (metoprolol 25-50 mg BD; bisoprolol 2.5-5 mg OD)
4. ACE inhibitor: Start within 24 hrs (ramipril 2.5 mg BD β 5 mg BD)
5. High-intensity statin: Atorvastatin 80 mg OD (start immediately)
6. Aldosterone antagonist: Eplerenone 25β50 mg OD if LVEF β€ 35% + DM or HF (avoid if K+ > 5.0 or Cr > 220)
| Risk | Strategy |
|---|---|
| High risk (GRACE > 140 or any high-risk feature) | Invasive strategy: coronary angiography within 24 hrs |
| Intermediate risk | Invasive strategy within 72 hrs |
| Low risk (GRACE β€ 108, no high-risk features, normal troponin x2) | Conservative (non-invasive); stress test before discharge |
| Profile | Perfusion | Congestion | Intervention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm & Wet (most common) | Good | Yes | Diuretics + vasodilators |
| Cold & Wet | Poor | Yes | Diuretics + inotropes + vasopressors; may need MCS |
| Warm & Dry | Good | No | Volume (if truly volume-depleted HF) |
| Cold & Dry | Poor | No | Cautious volume; inotropic support |
POSITION: Sit upright (reduces preload, improves diaphragmatic excursion)
OXYGEN: Target SpO2 β₯ 94-96%
- HFNC (High-Flow Nasal Cannula): 30-60 L/min, FiO2 0.4-0.8
- NIV (CPAP 5-15 cmH2O): Reduces preload + afterload; reduces intubation need
- Intubation if: unable to protect airway, pH < 7.25, exhausted, GCS < 12
DIURETICS (cornerstone of decongestion):
- Furosemide IV: If not on oral diuretic β 40 mg IV bolus
- If on chronic furosemide β Give at LEAST equivalent IV dose (or 2.5x oral dose)
- Reassess at 2-4 hrs: urine output target β₯ 100-150 mL/hr
- If inadequate response: Double dose OR continuous infusion (5-40 mg/hr)
- Add metolazone 2.5-5 mg OD oral for diuretic resistance (sequential nephron blockade)
- Add spironolactone 25-50 mg if refractory
VASODILATORS (if SBP > 110 mmHg):
- GTN (nitroglycerin): Start 0.5-1 mg/hr IV; titrate to SBP > 100 mmHg
- Sodium nitroprusside: 0.3-10 mcg/kg/min (cyanide toxicity with prolonged use; protect from light)
INOTROPES (Cold profile / cardiogenic shock component):
- Dobutamine 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min IV (β CO; causes tachycardia)
- Milrinone 0.125-0.75 mcg/kg/min (β CO + β afterload; caution in hypotension)
- Levosimendan 0.05-0.2 mcg/kg/min with 12 mcg/kg loading over 10 min (if available)
MONITORING: Hourly urine output; creatinine + electrolytes BD; daily weight
| Scenario | Target | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Most hypertensive emergencies | Reduce MAP by β€ 25% in first hour, then 160/100 over next 2-6 hrs, then normalise over 24-48 hrs | Avoid rapid drops (ischaemia) |
| Ischaemic stroke (no thrombolysis) | Do NOT treat unless BP > 220/120 | Autoregulation impaired |
| Ischaemic stroke (thrombolysis planned) | Reduce to < 185/110 before tPA; maintain < 180/105 during/after | Strict control |
| Haemorrhagic stroke | SBP target < 140 mmHg | Within 1 hr |
| Acute aortic dissection | SBP < 120 mmHg AND HR < 60 bpm | Urgently within minutes |
| Eclampsia | < 160/105 | Urgently |
| Drug | Dose | Onset | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labetalol | 20-80 mg IV bolus q10 min (max 300 mg) OR 2 mg/min infusion | 5-10 min | Most hypertensive emergencies; aortic dissection (with nitroprusside); avoid in asthma, decompensated HF, cocaine |
| Esmolol | 500 mcg/kg loading over 1 min β 50-300 mcg/kg/min infusion | 1-2 min | Aortic dissection; perioperative; peri-intubation |
| Nicardipine | 5-15 mg/hr IV infusion; titrate q5-15 min | 5-15 min | Hypertensive encephalopathy; stroke; post-op; pregnancy-safe |
| Clevidipine | Start 1-2 mg/hr; double q90 sec; max 32 mg/hr | 2-4 min | Very titratable CCB; post-cardiac surgery |
| GTN (Nitroglycerin) | 0.5-10 mg/hr IV | 2-5 min | AHF + hypertension; ACS + hypertension; avoid in severe AS |
| Sodium Nitroprusside | 0.3-10 mcg/kg/min (protect from light) | Seconds | Aortic dissection (with beta-blocker); hypertensive emergency with HF. Cyanide toxicity with prolonged high doses |
| Hydralazine | 5-20 mg IV bolus slowly; repeat q20 min | 10-20 min | Eclampsia / pre-eclampsia; unpredictable effect; reflex tachycardia |
| Phentolamine | 1-5 mg IV bolus; repeat q5-15 min OR infusion | 1-2 min | Phaeochromocytoma crisis; cocaine-induced hypertension; clonidine withdrawal |
| MgSO4 | 4-6g IV over 15-20 min loading β 1-2 g/hr infusion | 30-60 min | Eclampsia (anticonvulsant; some antihypertensive effect) |
| Feature | DKA | HHS |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | Typically 14-35 mmol/L | Often > 35 mmol/L (can be extreme) |
| pH | < 7.3 | β₯ 7.3 |
| Bicarbonate | < 15 mmol/L | > 15 mmol/L |
| Ketones | Strongly positive (urine/blood) | Absent or mildly positive |
| Anion gap | Elevated (> 12) | Normal or mildly elevated |
| Osmolality | Usually < 320 mOsm/kg | Often > 320 mOsm/kg |
| Onset | Hours | Days-weeks |
| Mortality | 0.5-2% | Up to 15% (elderly) |
HOUR 0-1:
- 0.9% NaCl 1000 mL over 60 minutes (regardless of BP)
- If shocked: Give 500 mL boluses; reassess
HOUR 1-4:
- If hypernatraemia or corrected Na > 145: Use 0.45% NaCl
- If Na normal: Continue 0.9% NaCl at 250-500 mL/hr
- Rate: Aim to replace ~50% of estimated deficit in first 12 hrs
WHEN GLUCOSE < 14 mmol/L:
- Switch to 5% or 10% Dextrose + 0.45% NaCl ("Dextrose-saline")
- Continue insulin infusion (do NOT stop just because glucose normalises)
- Goal: Keep glucose 8-12 mmol/L until acidosis resolved
TOTAL DEFICIT: Typically 4-8 litres in DKA; 8-10+ litres in HHS
FIXED RATE INSULIN INFUSION (FRIII):
- Start ONLY after K+ confirmed β₯ 3.5 mmol/L
- Rate: 0.1 units/kg/hr (e.g. 70 kg patient = 7 units/hr)
- Preparation: 50 units Actrapid in 50 mL NS (1 unit/mL) via syringe driver
- If glucose not falling β₯ 3 mmol/L/hr in first hour: Double rate
- Do NOT use bolus insulin in DKA (worsens hypokalaemia and hypoglycaemia)
WHEN TO STOP INSULIN INFUSION:
- pH > 7.3 AND bicarbonate > 18 mmol/L AND blood ketones < 0.6 mmol/L
- Patient eating and drinking
- Overlap SC insulin 30-60 min BEFORE stopping infusion to prevent rebound ketosis
K+ < 3.5 mmol/L: STOP insulin; Replace K+ (20-40 mEq/hr via CVC) until β₯ 3.5 before starting
K+ 3.5-5.5 mmol/L: Add 20-40 mEq KCl per litre of IV fluid; recheck every 2-4 hrs
K+ > 5.5 mmol/L: No K+ replacement; insulin will lower K+; monitor closely
Target: Maintain K+ 4.0-5.0 mmol/L throughout
FREQUENCY OF MONITORING:
- Blood glucose: hourly
- Blood ketones: hourly until < 0.6 mmol/L
- U&E (K+): Every 2-4 hrs
- ABG/VBG: Every 4 hrs
- ECG: At presentation (hypokalaemia/hyperkalaemia changes)
1. Slower fluid replacement (aim to correct over 48 hrs to avoid cerebral oedema)
- 0.9% NaCl initially (despite hypernatraemia - fluid is hypotonic relative to the patient)
- Switch to 0.45% NaCl if corrected Na normalising and glucose still high
2. Low-dose insulin: Start at 0.05 units/kg/hr (lower than DKA); fluids are primary treatment
3. Begin insulin only after adequate fluid resuscitation (first 1-2 hrs without insulin)
4. Glucose target: Reduce by 3-4 mmol/L/hr; target 14-16 mmol/L initially
5. DVT prophylaxis: LMWH mandatory (extremely high VTE risk in HHS)
6. Identify and treat precipitant (infection, stroke, MI, drugs)
- Protect airway (lateral decubitus, suction)
- O2 high-flow
- IV access + blood glucose (give 50 mL 50% dextrose if hypoglycaemic)
- Thiamine 100 mg IV before dextrose if alcohol-related/malnourished
- Time the seizure from onset
BENZODIAZEPINES (give immediately if seizure still active):
IV ACCESS AVAILABLE:
- Lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg IV (max 4 mg) at 2 mg/min
- Repeat once after 5-10 min if seizure continues
- OR Diazepam 10 mg IV slowly (max 20 mg total); shorter acting; less preferred
NO IV ACCESS:
- Midazolam 10 mg IM (preferred if no IV) OR buccal midazolam 10 mg
- OR Diazepam 10-20 mg PR (rectal)
- OR Intranasal midazolam 5-10 mg (each nostril)
If seizure continues despite TWO doses of benzodiazepine:
Choose ONE:
1. LEVETIRACETAM 60 mg/kg IV (max 4500 mg) over 10 min β Preferred (fewer interactions, safer)
2. VALPROATE 40 mg/kg IV (max 3000 mg) at 6 mg/kg/min β Avoid if mitochondrial disease, pregnancy, liver disease
3. PHENYTOIN/FOSPHENYTOIN 20 mg/kg PE IV at 50 mg/min (max 1500 mg) β Cardiac monitoring required (QT, hypotension, bradycardia); AVOID in absence/myoclonic SE
4. LACOSAMIDE 200-400 mg IV over 15 min β Emerging evidence; good safety profile
REQUIRE ICU AND RSI:
- Midazolam infusion: 0.05-2 mg/kg/hr IV (bolus 0.2 mg/kg loading)
- OR Propofol infusion: 1-5 mg/kg/hr IV (bolus 2 mg/kg) β Max 5 mg/kg/hr; PRIS risk
- OR Thiopental (thiopentone): 3-5 mg/kg IV induction β 3-5 mg/kg/hr infusion β Most potent; prolonged sedation
- OR Ketamine: 1.5 mg/kg bolus β 1.2-5 mg/kg/hr β Emerging evidence; NMDA antagonism; minimal respiratory depression
MONITORING: EEG (continuous if available); target burst suppression pattern
CONTINUE: Levetiracetam/valproate as maintenance AED alongside anaesthetic
Stroke onset β Door: immediate
Door β CT: < 25 minutes
CT β Interpretation: < 20 minutes
Door β Needle (tPA): < 60 minutes
Door β Groin puncture (thrombectomy): < 90 minutes
| Scenario | BP Target |
|---|---|
| No tPA, no EVT | Do NOT treat if < 220/120 (permissive HTN for penumbra perfusion) |
| Pre-tPA | Must be < 185/110 |
| Post-tPA (first 24 hrs) | < 180/105 |
| After 24 hrs (all) | < 140/90 |
| Haemorrhagic stroke | < 140 mmHg SBP within 1 hr if SBP 150-220 |
| Severe neurological deficit (NIHSS > 15) or MLS | Individualise with neurosurgery/neurology |
| Variable | Points |
|---|---|
| BUN β₯ 6.5-7.9 mmol/L | 2 |
| BUN 8-9.9 mmol/L | 3 |
| BUN 10-24.9 mmol/L | 4 |
| BUN β₯ 25 mmol/L | 6 |
| Hb 12-12.9 g/dL (female) / 12-12.9 g/dL (male) | 1 |
| Hb 10-11.9 g/dL | 3 |
| Hb < 10 g/dL | 6 |
| SBP 100-109 | 1 |
| SBP 90-99 | 2 |
| SBP < 90 | 3 |
| HR β₯ 100 bpm | 1 |
| Presentation: Melaena | 1 |
| Presentation: Syncope | 2 |
| Hepatic disease | 2 |
| Cardiac failure | 2 |
RESUSCITATION:
- IV access x2 large-bore
- FBC, U&E, LFT, coags, group & crossmatch
- IV fluid resuscitation: 0.9% NaCl or balanced crystalloid
- Blood transfusion: Target Hb β₯ 70 g/L (80 g/L if ACS or haemodynamically unstable)
- RESTRICT transfusion (liberal transfusion β portal pressure + rebleeding in cirrhosis)
- Reverse anticoagulation: Vitamin K + PCC (4F-PCC) for warfarin; DOAC reversal agents if available
PHARMACOLOGICAL:
- PPI: Omeprazole/pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus β 8 mg/hr infusion (pre-endoscopy high-dose if waiting)
- If variceal bleed suspected: Terlipressin 2 mg IV then 1-2 mg q4-6h (or octreotide 50 mcg bolus β 50 mcg/hr for 3-5 days)
- Prophylactic antibiotics in cirrhosis: Ceftriaxone 1g IV daily x 7 days (reduces bacterial translocation + rebleeding)
ENDOSCOPY TIMING:
- Urgent (within 12 hrs): Haemodynamic instability, active bleeding, known/suspected varices
- Early (within 24 hrs): All other significant UGIB
ENDOSCOPIC HAEMOSTASIS:
- Peptic ulcer: Dual therapy (injection adrenaline 1:10,000 + thermal/clipping)
- Varices: Band ligation (oesophageal); TIPSS if refractory
POST-ENDOSCOPY (PUD):
- Oral PPI BD x 8 weeks
- H. pylori testing and eradication (urea breath test or biopsy CLO test)
- Stop NSAIDs; switch to COX-2 + PPI if anti-inflammatory essential
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Clinical signs of DVT | 3 |
| PE more likely than alternative diagnosis | 3 |
| HR > 100 bpm | 1.5 |
| Immobilisation β₯ 3 days or surgery in last 4 weeks | 1.5 |
| Previous DVT/PE | 1.5 |
| Haemoptysis | 1 |
| Active malignancy | 1 |
| Category | Features | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Massive / High-Risk | Haemodynamic instability (hypotension, shock, cardiac arrest) | Systemic thrombolysis (if no contraindication); surgical embolectomy; catheter-directed therapy |
| Submassive / Intermediate-High | Normal BP + RV dysfunction on ECHO or CT + elevated troponin | Anticoagulate; consider thrombolysis if deteriorating (monitor closely); ICU admission |
| Intermediate-Low | Normal BP + RV dysfunction OR elevated troponin (not both) | Anticoagulate; ward admission |
| Low-Risk | Low PESI; normal RV; normal troponin | Anticoagulate; consider outpatient if PESI class I-II + no contraindication |
| Agent | Dosing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LMWH (enoxaparin) | 1 mg/kg SC BD or 1.5 mg/kg OD | First-line parenteral; avoid if eGFR < 15; reduce if eGFR 15-30; anti-Xa monitoring in obesity/renal |
| UFH infusion | 80 units/kg bolus β 18 units/kg/hr; titrate APTT 60-100 sec | Use in massive PE (rapid reversibility); renal failure |
| Rivaroxaban (DOAC) | 15 mg BD x 21 days then 20 mg OD (with food) | No parenteral needed; avoid if CrCl < 15 |
| Apixaban (DOAC) | 10 mg BD x 7 days then 5 mg BD | No parenteral needed; avoid if CrCl < 25 |
| Dabigatran | Requires 5-10 days of parenteral first then 150 mg BD | Avoid CrCl < 30 |
| Warfarin | Start with LMWH/UFH; overlap β₯ 5 days until INR 2-3 for 24 hrs | Use in renal failure, pregnancy (2nd-3rd trim), mechanical valves |
1. Measure lactate (remeasure if > 2 mmol/L)
2. Blood cultures x2 BEFORE antibiotics
3. Broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour
4. 30 mL/kg IV crystalloid if MAP < 65 or lactate β₯ 4 mmol/L
5. Norepinephrine if MAP < 65 despite fluid
Initial: Broad-spectrum (meropenem Β± vancomycin)
At 48-72 hours: REVIEW cultures
- Culture positive + sensitivities: Narrow to most targeted agent
- Culture negative + improving: Consider stopping or narrowing
- Procalcitonin < 0.5 ng/mL or β > 80% from peak: Consider stopping
Typical durations:
- Bacteraemia (non-endocarditis): 7-14 days (Staph aureus minimum 14 days)
- Pneumonia (HAP/VAP): 7 days
- Intra-abdominal (post-source control): 4-7 days
- UTI/pyelonephritis: 7-14 days
- Endocarditis (streptococcal): 4 weeks; Staph aureus native valve: 4-6 weeks; prosthetic: 6 weeks
BAG 1: 150 mg/kg in 200 mL 5% Dextrose over 1 HOUR
BAG 2: 50 mg/kg in 500 mL 5% Dextrose over 4 HOURS
BAG 3: 100 mg/kg in 1000 mL 5% Dextrose over 16 HOURS
Total dose: 300 mg/kg over 21 hours
If ALF persists: Continue 100 mg/kg/24 hr until INR < 2 and encephalopathy resolved
Preparation: NAC 200 mg/mL concentrate; dilute as above in 5% Dextrose (NOT saline)
Anaphylactoid reactions (in Bag 1 - most common): Flushing, urticaria, angioedema
Management: Stop infusion; antihistamine (chlorphenamine 10 mg IV); if resolved, restart at slower rate
NOT true anaphylaxis; do NOT give adrenaline routinely
KEY PRINCIPLES:
- Central line for all vasopressors, high-concentration potassium, hypertonic saline, TPN
- Syringe drivers: Usually 50 mL
- Volumetric pumps: Usually 50-250 mL bags
- Label ALL infusions with: Drug name, concentration (mg/mL or mcg/mL), preparation time, expiry
- Double-check with second nurse before starting any high-risk infusion
STANDARD CONCENTRATION (syringe driver):
8 mg in 40 mL NS or 5% Dextrose = 200 mcg/mL
ALTERNATIVE (higher concentration for fluid restriction):
16 mg in 40 mL NS = 400 mcg/mL
INFUSION RATE CALCULATION:
Rate (mL/hr) = Dose (mcg/kg/min) Γ Weight (kg) Γ 60 / Concentration (mcg/mL)
EXAMPLE: 70 kg patient at 0.2 mcg/kg/min, 200 mcg/mL concentration:
Rate = 0.2 Γ 70 Γ 60 / 200 = 4.2 mL/hr
DOSE RANGE: 0.01-3 mcg/kg/min
CENTRAL LINE ONLY
STANDARD CONCENTRATION:
3 mg in 50 mL NS = 60 mcg/mL (syringe driver)
OR 6 mg in 100 mL NS = 60 mcg/mL (pump)
INFUSION RATE:
Rate (mL/hr) = Dose (mcg/kg/min) Γ Weight Γ 60 / Concentration
ANAPHYLAXIS (IM): Epinephrine 1:1000 β 0.5 mg IM (0.5 mL)
CARDIAC ARREST (IV): Epinephrine 1:10,000 β 1 mg IV (10 mL)
ICU INFUSION: 0.01-1 mcg/kg/min
CONCENTRATION: 400 mg in 250 mL NS = 1600 mcg/mL
OR 200 mg in 250 mL NS = 800 mcg/mL
DOSE-DEPENDENT EFFECTS:
1-3 mcg/kg/min: "Renal dose" - dopaminergic (β renal blood flow - NOT proven to prevent AKI)
3-10 mcg/kg/min: Beta-1 dominant (β CO, β HR)
> 10 mcg/kg/min: Alpha-1 dominant (vasoconstriction)
RATE (mL/hr) = Dose Γ Weight Γ 60 / Concentration
CONCENTRATION: 250 mg in 250 mL NS = 1000 mcg/mL
OR 500 mg in 250 mL = 2000 mcg/mL
DOSE RANGE: 2.5-20 mcg/kg/min
RATE (mL/hr) = Dose Γ Weight Γ 60 / Concentration
EXAMPLE: 70 kg at 5 mcg/kg/min, 1000 mcg/mL:
= 5 Γ 70 Γ 60 / 1000 = 21 mL/hr
NOTE: Often needs vasopressor added if causes hypotension
CONCENTRATION: 20 units in 100 mL NS = 0.2 units/mL
OR 40 units in 40 mL NS = 1 unit/mL (syringe driver)
DOSE: 0.01-0.04 units/min (FIXED RATE - not titrated)
- Standard dose in septic shock: 0.03 units/min
RATE CALCULATION for 1 unit/mL:
Rate (mL/hr) = Dose (units/min) Γ 60
At 0.03 units/min: Rate = 0.03 Γ 60 = 1.8 mL/hr
CONCENTRATION: 10 mg in 100 mL NS = 100 mcg/mL
OR 20 mg in 100 mL = 200 mcg/mL
LOADING (optional, often omitted to avoid hypotension): 50 mcg/kg over 10 min
MAINTENANCE: 0.125-0.75 mcg/kg/min
RATE (mL/hr) = Dose Γ Weight Γ 60 / Concentration
EXAMPLE: 70 kg at 0.5 mcg/kg/min, 100 mcg/mL:
= 0.5 Γ 70 Γ 60 / 100 = 21 mL/hr
AVAILABLE AS: 1% (10 mg/mL) or 2% (20 mg/mL) in lipid emulsion
COMMON SYRINGE DRIVER: Use 2% propofol undiluted (20 mg/mL)
OR diluted: 500 mg (50 mL of 1%) = 10 mg/mL (no further dilution needed)
DOSE: 5-50 mcg/kg/min (0.3-3 mg/kg/hr)
ICU sedation range: Usually 0.3-4 mg/kg/hr
RATE (mL/hr) using 10 mg/mL:
= Dose (mg/kg/hr) Γ Weight (kg) / 10
EXAMPLE: 70 kg at 1 mg/kg/hr:
= 1 Γ 70 / 10 = 7 mL/hr
MAXIMUM: 4 mg/kg/hr (PRIS risk above this)
Monitor triglycerides every 48-72 hrs (propofol contains 1.1 kcal/mL from lipid)
CONCENTRATION: 200 mcg in 50 mL NS = 4 mcg/mL (standard syringe driver)
OR 400 mcg in 100 mL = 4 mcg/mL (pump)
NO LOADING DOSE in ICU (causes bradycardia/hypotension)
MAINTENANCE: 0.2-1.5 mcg/kg/hr
RATE (mL/hr) using 4 mcg/mL:
= Dose (mcg/kg/hr) Γ Weight / 4
EXAMPLE: 70 kg at 0.7 mcg/kg/hr:
= 0.7 Γ 70 / 4 = 12.25 mL/hr
CONCENTRATION: 15 mg in 50 mL NS = 0.3 mg/mL (syringe driver)
OR 50 mg in 50 mL = 1 mg/mL
DOSE: 0.02-0.1 mg/kg/hr
RATE (mL/hr) using 0.3 mg/mL:
= Dose (mg/kg/hr) Γ Weight / 0.3
BOLUS (procedural): 1-2.5 mg IV slowly (titrate)
INTUBATION INDUCTION (high risk): 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV
STATUS EPILEPTICUS: 0.2 mg/kg IV or 10 mg IM
CONCENTRATION: 50 mg in 50 mL NS = 1 mg/mL (syringe driver)
OR 10 mg in 10 mL (1 mg/mL) pre-filled
INFUSION: 1-5 mg/hr
BOLUS: 2-4 mg IV slowly q1-2h PRN
PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA (PCA): Bolus 1 mg; lockout 5-10 min
AVOID in eGFR < 30 (active metabolite M6G accumulates)
CONCENTRATION: 1000 mcg in 50 mL NS = 20 mcg/mL (syringe driver)
OR 500 mcg in 100 mL = 5 mcg/mL
INFUSION: 25-200 mcg/hr (1.25-10 mL/hr using 20 mcg/mL)
BOLUS: 25-100 mcg IV slowly
PREFERRED in renal failure (no active metabolites)
Lipophilic: Accumulates with prolonged infusion
CONCENTRATION (analgesia): 500 mg in 500 mL NS = 1 mg/mL
(procedural sedation): 200 mg in 20 mL NS = 10 mg/mL (undiluted is 50 mg/mL)
SUB-DISSOCIATIVE ANALGESIA: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg/hr infusion OR 0.15-0.3 mg/kg IV bolus
PROCEDURAL SEDATION/RSI INDUCTION: 1-2 mg/kg IV (30-60 sec onset)
IM (when no IV): 4-6 mg/kg IM (2-4 min onset)
Co-administer midazolam 1-2 mg or propofol 10-20 mg to reduce emergence reactions
VT/VF ARREST: 300 mg IV bolus undiluted (or in 20 mL 5% Dextrose)
β If VF/pVT persists after 3rd shock: 300 mg IV
β After ROSC: 150 mg supplemental dose
POST-ARREST / STABLE VT:
Loading: 300 mg in 250 mL 5% Dextrose over 1 hr (preferred central line - peripheral causes phlebitis/extravasation)
Maintenance: 900 mg in 500 mL 5% Dextrose over 23 hrs
LONG-TERM ORAL: 200 mg TDS x 1 week β 200 mg BD x 1 week β 200 mg OD (maintenance)
NOTE: Amiodarone contains 37% iodine; affects thyroid function, lungs, liver, cornea, skin (photosensitivity)
Half-life: 40-55 DAYS - interactions persist long after stopping
PREPARATION: 6 mg in 2 mL (3 mg/mL) pre-filled syringe
β Always give via LARGE peripheral vein (antecubital) or central line
β Immediately followed by 10-20 mL NS rapid flush
DOSE:
First dose: 6 mg rapid IV bolus
If no conversion at 2 min: 12 mg rapid IV bolus
If no conversion at 2 min: 18 mg (or 12 mg) rapid IV bolus
NOTE: Half-life < 10 seconds. Tell patient: "Chest tightness and feeling of doom - brief and normal"
CONTRAINDICATED: Severe asthma, pre-excitation AF/flutter (WPW + AF β ventricular fibrillation)
VT/VF: 1-1.5 mg/kg IV bolus; repeat 0.5-0.75 mg/kg q5-10 min (max 3 mg/kg total)
INFUSION: 2 g in 500 mL NS = 4 mg/mL; Run at 1-4 mg/min (15-60 mL/hr)
TOXICITY SIGNS: Perioral tingling β confusion β seizures β cardiac arrest
PREPARATION: 25,000 units in 250 mL NS = 100 units/mL
WEIGHT-BASED PROTOCOL (VTE treatment / ACS):
Loading bolus: 80 units/kg IV (max 10,000 units)
Infusion: 18 units/kg/hr (max 1,800 units/hr)
APTT TARGET: 60-100 seconds (or 1.5-2.5 Γ control)
DOSE ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON APTT:
APTT < 35 sec: 80 units/kg bolus + increase rate by 4 units/kg/hr
APTT 35-45 sec: 40 units/kg bolus + increase rate by 2 units/kg/hr
APTT 46-70 sec: No change
APTT 71-90 sec: Decrease rate by 2 units/kg/hr
APTT > 90 sec: Hold 1 hr then decrease rate by 3 units/kg/hr
CHECK APTT: 6 hours after initiation; 6 hours after each rate change; then daily once stable
REVERSAL: Protamine sulphate 1 mg per 100 units heparin given in last 2 hours (max 50 mg IV over 10 min)
TREATMENT DOSE:
1 mg/kg SC BD (standard, most common)
OR 1.5 mg/kg SC OD (acceptable for DVT without PE)
PROPHYLAXIS: 40 mg SC OD (20 mg OD if eGFR 15-30)
RENAL ADJUSTMENT:
eGFR 15-30: Reduce to 1 mg/kg OD (BD dosing); consider anti-Xa monitoring
eGFR < 15: Use UFH (enoxaparin relatively contraindicated)
ANTI-Xa MONITORING (4 hrs post dose, BD regimen): Target 0.6-1.0 IU/mL
REVERSAL: Protamine 1 mg per 1 mg enoxaparin (reverses ~60-80% anti-Xa activity)
STEMI: 15 mg bolus β 0.75 mg/kg over 30 min (max 50 mg) β 0.5 mg/kg over 60 min (max 35 mg)
Total max 100 mg
ISCHAEMIC STROKE: 0.9 mg/kg (max 90 mg): 10% as bolus over 1 min; 90% over 60 min
MASSIVE PE: 100 mg over 2 hours (10 mg bolus then 90 mg over 2 hrs)
In arrest: 50 mg IV bolus
CATHETER/CENTRAL LINE OCCLUSION: 1-2 mg instilled into catheter for 30-60 min then aspirate
CONCENTRATION OPTIONS:
10 mmol in 100 mL NS = 0.1 mmol/mL (peripheral line acceptable)
20 mmol in 100 mL NS = 0.2 mmol/mL (peripheral line - SLOW, irritant; prefer central)
40 mmol in 100 mL NS = 0.4 mmol/mL (CENTRAL LINE ONLY)
MAXIMUM INFUSION RATES:
Peripheral: 10 mmol/hr (with ECG monitoring)
Central: Up to 20 mmol/hr (with continuous ECG monitoring; ICU only)
NEVER give as undiluted bolus (cardiac arrest)
STANDARD REPLACEMENT (mild-moderate hypokalaemia):
20-40 mmol KCl in 1L NS or Hartmann's over 2-4 hours
Reassess K+ after replacement
SEVERE HYPOKALAEMIA (K+ < 2.5 or arrhythmia):
20-40 mmol/hr via CVC with continuous cardiac monitoring
Replace Mg2+ simultaneously
CONCENTRATION: Available as 10% (1g/10 mL = 100 mg/mL) and 50% (1g/2 mL = 500 mg/mL)
HYPOMAGNESAEMIA:
2-4g (8-16 mmol) in 100 mL NS over 20-60 min
Repeat if required; check levels 4 hrs post-infusion
ECLAMPSIA / PRE-ECLAMPSIA:
Loading: 4g (4g = 8 mL of 50% MgSO4 diluted to 100 mL) over 10-15 min
Maintenance: 1-2 g/hr (2-4 mL/hr of 50% MgSO4 in 50 mL pump)
TORSADES de Pointes (pulseless): 2g IV bolus (undiluted or diluted to 10 mL)
Pulsed (stable): 2g over 10-15 min
TOXICITY MONITORING:
Therapeutic: 2-3.5 mmol/L
Loss of DTRs: 3.5-5 mmol/L (early toxicity warning)
Respiratory paralysis: 5-7.5 mmol/L
Cardiac arrest: > 7.5 mmol/L
ANTIDOTE: Calcium gluconate 1g IV slowly (10 mL of 10%) - always have at bedside
8.4% NaHCO3: 1 mmol/mL (1g = 12 mmol HCO3)
4.2% NaHCO3: 0.5 mmol/mL (used in children)
DOSE FOR SEVERE ACIDOSIS (pH < 7.1 in non-ventilated or life-threatening hyperkalaemia):
Dose (mmol) = Base deficit Γ Weight Γ 0.3 (replace 50% of deficit initially)
Give 50-100 mmol (50-100 mL of 8.4%) IV over 30-60 min; recheck ABG
CARDIAC ARREST:
50 mmol (50 mL of 8.4%) IV bolus - only for hyperkalaemic arrest, TCA overdose, or prolonged arrest
HYPERKALAEMIA WITH ACIDOSIS:
50-100 mmol IV over 30 min (shifts K+ into cells; temporary measure)
NOTE: Do NOT mix with calcium (precipitates); do NOT mix with adrenaline (inactivation)
CALCIUM GLUCONATE 10%: 1g/10 mL = 0.23 mmol Ca2+ per mL = 2.3 mmol per 10 mL
CALCIUM CHLORIDE 10%: 1g/10 mL = 0.68 mmol Ca2+ per mL (3x more Ca2+ than gluconate)
HYPOCALCAEMIA:
Ca Gluconate: 1-2g (10-20 mL) IV over 10-20 min
Repeat if necessary; check iCa 1 hr post-infusion
HYPERKALAEMIC CARDIAC TOXICITY (QRS widening, sine wave, VF):
Ca Chloride 10% 10 mL (1g) IV over 2-5 min via CENTRAL LINE (very irritating peripherally)
OR Ca Gluconate 10% 30 mL (3g) IV over 2-5 min peripherally
Onset: 1-3 minutes; Duration: 30-60 minutes (does NOT lower K+ - membrane stabiliser only)
Repeat in 5 min if ECG not improving
MASSIVE TRANSFUSION (citrate chelation):
Ca Gluconate 1g IV after every 4 units of blood products
ANTIDOTE FOR MgSO4 TOXICITY:
Ca Gluconate 1g IV slowly (always at bedside when giving Mg infusion)
3% NaCl: 514 mmol/L sodium (vs. 154 mmol/L in 0.9% NaCl)
Available pre-made or prepare: 40 mL of 30% NaCl + 460 mL NS = 3% NaCl in 500 mL (check local pharmacy)
SEVERE SYMPTOMATIC HYPONATRAEMIA (seizure/coma):
100-150 mL of 3% NaCl over 10-20 min
Repeat x2 if seizures continue (total 3 x 150 mL = 450 mL)
Then reassess: Target 5 mmol/L rise in Na in 1 hr; then slow correction β€ 10-12 mEq/day
RAISED ICP / CEREBRAL OEDEMA (3% NaCl):
1.5-3 mL/kg IV bolus over 15-20 min
Repeat if ICP > 20 cmH2O
CENTRAL LINE PREFERRED for > 2% concentrations
Correct Na no faster than 1-2 mmol/L/hr; maximum 10-12 mmol/L in 24 hrs (ODS risk)
TARGET: 7.8-10 mmol/L (NICE-SUGAR trial; tight control 4.5-6 = β mortality)
PREPARATION: 50 units Actrapid/Humulin R in 50 mL NS = 1 unit/mL
INFUSION ALGORITHM:
BGL > 14 mmol/L: Start at 4-6 units/hr
BGL 10-14 mmol/L: Start at 2-4 units/hr
BGL 7.8-10 mmol/L: Maintain; no change
BGL 4.0-7.7 mmol/L: Reduce rate by 50%
BGL < 4.0 mmol/L: STOP insulin; give 50-100 mL 50% dextrose IV; recheck in 15 min
MONITORING: BGL hourly until stable (3 readings in range); then 2-hourly
ENTERAL FEEDS: Do NOT stop insulin if feeds temporarily interrupted (β rebound hyperglycaemia risk); reduce rate and give 10% Dextrose to maintain glucose
| Antibiotic | Dilution | Infusion Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piperacillin-tazobactam 4.5g | 250 mL NS | Over 4 hrs (extended infusion) OR 30 min | Extended infusion β pharmacodynamic target attainment for resistant organisms |
| Meropenem 1-2g | 100-200 mL NS | Over 30 min (standard) or 3-4 hrs (extended) | Extended infusion for resistant organisms (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter) |
| Vancomycin | 1g in 250 mL NS (4 mg/mL) | At least 1 hr per 500 mg (1g over β₯ 60 min; 1.5g over β₯ 90 min) | Red Man Syndrome if too fast (not true allergy); treat: slow rate + antihistamine |
| Ceftriaxone 1-2g | 50-100 mL NS | Over 30 min | Do NOT mix with calcium-containing fluids (precipitates) |
| Ampicillin 2g | 100 mL NS | Over 30 min | Rapid infusion = seizure risk |
| Aminoglycosides (gentamicin) | 50-200 mL NS | Over 30-60 min | Once-daily preferred; trough < 1 mg/L |
| Metronidazole 500 mg | Pre-mixed 100 mL | Over 20-30 min | |
| Fluconazole 200-400 mg | Pre-mixed 200-400 mL | Over 1-2 hrs | Max 10 mL/min |
| Acyclovir 5-10 mg/kg | 100-200 mL NS | Over 1 hr minimum | Rapid infusion β nephrotoxicity; ensure adequate hydration |
| Linezolid 600 mg | Pre-mixed 300 mL | Over 30-120 min |
| Clinical Scenario | Preferred Mode |
|---|---|
| Acute respiratory failure, sedated/paralysed | Volume Control (VC-AC) or Pressure Control (PC-AC) |
| ARDS | Volume Control (ensures Vt and Pplat control) |
| COPD exacerbation (intubated) | Volume Control or PSV (minimise auto-PEEP) |
| Weaning / recovering patient | Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) |
| Neuromuscular disease | AC (full support while weak) |
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β FiO2 β Start 1.0; wean to SpO2 94-98% β
ββββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β PEEP β 5 cmH2O (start); titrate per table β
ββββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β I:E Ratio β 1:2 (standard); 1:3-4 in COPD β
ββββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Inspiratory Flow β 60 L/min (VC); adjust I-time in PC β
ββββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Trigger Sensitivityβ -1 to -2 cmH2O (pressure trigger) β
β β 2 L/min (flow trigger) β
ββββββββββββββββββββββ΄βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Male IBW (kg) = 50 + 0.91 Γ (height cm - 152.4)
Female IBW (kg) = 45.5 + 0.91 Γ (height cm - 152.4)
Quick reference (Male):
160 cm = 57 kg; 165 cm = 62 kg; 170 cm = 66 kg; 175 cm = 71 kg; 180 cm = 75 kg
Quick reference (Female):
155 cm = 50 kg; 160 cm = 55 kg; 165 cm = 59 kg; 170 cm = 64 kg; 175 cm = 68 kg
IMMEDIATELY CHECK:
β SpO2: Target 94-98% (88-92% in COPD/Type 2 RF)
β Pplat (plateau pressure): β€ 30 cmH2O
β Driving pressure (DP = Pplat - PEEP): < 15 cmH2O
β Auto-PEEP: Perform expiratory hold manoeuvre; if > 5 cmH2O β increase I:E ratio, reduce RR, bronchodilate
β Tidal volume delivered: Should be close to set volume
β ABG: At 30-60 min; adjust RR and FiO2
ALARM SETTINGS:
High Paw alarm: Set 10 cmH2O above PIP (or 40-45 cmH2O)
Low Vt alarm: 80% of set Vt
Low RR alarm: 8-10 /min
Apnoea alarm: 20-30 seconds
Low FiO2 alarm: 5% below set
TARGET PARAMETERS:
Vt: 6 mL/kg IBW (may reduce to 4 mL/kg)
Pplat: β€ 30 cmH2O
Driving pressure (Pplat - PEEP): < 15 cmH2O
Mechanical Power: Minimise (β power = β VILI)
pH: 7.30-7.45 (accept 7.20-7.30 with permissive hypercapnia)
SpO2: 88-95%
PaO2: 55-80 mmHg
PEEP TITRATION TABLE (Lower PEEP / Higher FiO2 table):
ββββββββββββββββ¬βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β FiO2 β 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 β
ββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β PEEP (cmH2O) β 5 5 8 8 10 10 10 12 14 18 18-24 β
ββββββββββββββββ΄βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
PEEP TITRATION TABLE (Higher PEEP / Lower FiO2 table - for moderate-severe ARDS):
ββββββββββββββββ¬βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β FiO2 β 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.8 0.9 β
ββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β PEEP (cmH2O) β 5 8 10 12 14 14 16 16 18 20 22 22-24 β
ββββββββββββββββ΄βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
RESCUE STRATEGIES (if P/F < 150 despite above):
1. Prone positioning: β₯ 16 hrs/day (PROSEVA trial: 28% vs 32.8% mortality at 28 days)
2. Neuromuscular blockade: Cisatracurium 37.5 mg loading β 15 mg/hr; use β€ 48 hrs
3. Recruitment manoeuvres: PEEP step-up (controversial; careful with haemodynamics)
4. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO): 5-20 ppm (improves oxygenation; no mortality benefit; bridge to ECMO)
5. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV): Not recommended as primary (oscillate trial)
6. VV-ECMO: P/F < 80 despite optimal settings β₯ 1-2 hrs; experienced centres
GOALS: Prevent dynamic hyperinflation (auto-PEEP); allow adequate expiratory time
MODE: Volume Control (VC-AC) usually; pressure control acceptable
KEY SETTINGS FOR COPD:
Vt: 6-8 mL/kg IBW (less concern for Pplat unless > 30)
RR: Start at 12/min (lower than standard - need time to exhale)
I:E Ratio: 1:3 to 1:4 (or longer - allow full expiration)
Inspiratory flow rate: 60-80+ L/min (faster inspiration = more expiratory time)
PEEP: Intrinsic PEEP (auto-PEEP) often present; set external PEEP at ~80% of measured auto-PEEP (to stent open airways; reduce WOB)
DETECTING AUTO-PEEP:
Perform expiratory hold manoeuvre (Pexp hold): Value displayed = total PEEP (intrinsic + external)
Subtract set PEEP = auto-PEEP value
Normal: < 2-3 cmH2O; Concerning: > 5-8 cmH2O
MANAGE AUTO-PEEP:
β RR; β Inspiratory flow rate; β I:E ratio
Bronchodilators (nebulised salbutamol + ipratropium via circuit)
Paralyse if patient fighting (allows ventilator dyssynchrony resolution)
TARGETS:
pH: 7.30-7.40 (accept chronic hypercapnia - do NOT normalise PCO2 rapidly)
PaCO2: Patient's BASELINE (often 50-65 mmHg in severe COPD)
SpO2: 88-92% (type 2 respiratory failure; avoid O2 excess β β V/Q mismatch)
INDICATIONS: Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (best evidence), OSA, post-extubation support
SETTINGS:
Pressure: Start 5-10 cmH2O; titrate to SpO2 β₯ 94% and clinical improvement
Max 15-20 cmH2O (higher usually poorly tolerated)
FiO2: Titrate to SpO2 target
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Haemodynamic instability, unable to protect airway, vomiting/high aspiration risk, facial trauma, agitation
INDICATIONS: COPD exacerbation (type 2 RF), obesity hypoventilation, NMD, post-extubation
SETTINGS:
IPAP (Inspiratory PAP): Start 12-16 cmH2O; titrate up to 20-22 cmH2O
EPAP (Expiratory PAP): Start 4-5 cmH2O; can increase to 8-10 cmH2O
Pressure Support = IPAP - EPAP (target 8-10 cmH2O minimum)
Rise time: 0.1-0.3 sec (fast rise for COPD; slower for OHS)
Back-up rate: 10-12 /min
FiO2/Supplemental O2: Titrate to SpO2 88-92% (COPD)
MONITORING:
30-60 min post-initiation ABG
Leak monitoring (excessive leak β poor triggering β dyssynchrony)
REASSESS at 30-120 min: If pH worsening, altered LOC, SpO2 < 90% β intubate
INDICATIONS: Hypoxaemic respiratory failure (type 1), post-extubation, COVID-19 ARDS (mild), immunocompromised avoiding intubation
SETTINGS:
Flow: Start 30-40 L/min; titrate to 50-60 L/min as needed
FiO2: Start 0.4-0.6; titrate to SpO2 92-96%
Temperature: 37Β°C (humidified)
ROX INDEX (Respiratory Oxygenation Index): SpO2/FiO2 / RR
ROX > 4.88 at 2, 6, and 12 hrs β Low risk of HFNC failure
ROX < 3.85 β High risk; prepare for intubation
SPONTANEOUS AWAKENING TRIAL (SAT):
Criteria to start SAT: FiO2 β€ 0.5, PEEP β€ 8, no active seizures, not on NMB
Action: STOP sedative infusions; observe for 30 min
SAT Pass: Alert, follows commands (RASS -1 to +1), no agitation, RR < 35
SAT Fail: Agitation, anxiety, SpO2 < 88%, RR > 35, respiratory distress β Restart at 50% dose
IF SAT PASSES β IMMEDIATELY START SBT
SPONTANEOUS BREATHING TRIAL (SBT):
Options:
1. T-piece (patient disconnected from vent; breathing spontaneously)
2. PSV 5-8 cmH2O + PEEP 5 cmH2O (preferred - safer, more physiological)
Duration: 30-120 minutes
SBT PASS CRITERIA (ALL must be met):
SpO2 β₯ 90% on FiO2 β€ 0.4
RR < 35 breaths/min
HR < 140 or < 20% change from baseline
SBP 90-180 mmHg
No excessive use of accessory muscles
No agitation, diaphoresis, or marked distress
RSBI (RR/Vt in L) < 105
IF SBT PASSES β EXTUBATE
IF SBT FAILS β Return to pre-SBT settings; identify cause; retry tomorrow
RSBI = RR (breaths/min) Γ· Vt (litres)
During T-piece or low PSV: Record RR and Vt over 1 minute
< 80: Very likely to succeed
80-105: Likely to succeed
> 105: Likely to fail
> 130: Very likely to fail
Note: RSBI is a GUIDE - use clinical judgement; not a sole criterion
HIGH RISK FOR REINTUBATION (use prophylactic HFNC or NIV):
- Chronic respiratory disease (COPD, OHS)
- Obesity (BMI > 35)
- Age > 65
- Prolonged ventilation (> 72 hrs)
- Cardiac failure
- Weak cough / secretion burden
- Failed extubation attempt
HFNC POST-EXTUBATION: 40-60 L/min, FiO2 match pre-extubation
BiPAP POST-EXTUBATION (COPD/OHS): IPAP 12-16, EPAP 4-5, FiO2 as needed
EXTUBATION TO BiPAP/HFNC reduces reintubation by ~14% in high-risk patients
| Variable | Measured | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature (Β°C) | β₯ 41 or < 30 = 4 pts; 39-40.9 = 3; 38.5-38.9 = 1; 36-38.4 = 0; 34-35.9 = 1; 32-33.9 = 2; 30-31.9 = 3; < 29 = 4 | |
| Mean Arterial Pressure | β₯ 160 or < 49 = 4; 130-159 = 3; 110-129 = 2; 70-109 = 0; 50-69 = 2 | |
| Heart Rate | β₯ 180 or < 40 = 4; 140-179 or 40-54 = 3; 110-139 = 2; 70-109 = 0; 55-69 = 2 | |
| Respiratory Rate | β₯ 50 or < 6 = 4; 35-49 = 3; 25-34 = 1; 12-24 = 0; 10-11 = 1; 6-9 = 2 | |
| Oxygenation | PaO2 (if FiO2 < 0.5) or A-a gradient (if FiO2 β₯ 0.5): varies 0-4 | |
| Arterial pH | < 7.15 or β₯ 7.7 = 4; 7.15-7.24 or 7.6-7.69 = 3; 7.25-7.32 or 7.5-7.59 = 2; 7.33-7.49 = 0 | |
| Serum Na+ | β₯ 180 or < 111 = 4; etc. | |
| Serum K+ | β₯ 7.0 or < 2.5 = 4; etc. | |
| Serum Creatinine (double if acute RF) | β₯ 305 = 4; 170-304 = 3; 130-169 = 2; 53-129 = 0; < 53 = 2 | |
| Haematocrit | β₯ 60 or < 20 = 4; etc. | |
| WBC (Γ1000/mmΒ³) | β₯ 40 or < 1 = 4; 20-39.9 = 2; 15-19.9 = 1; 3-14.9 = 0; 1-2.9 = 2 | |
| GCS (15 - GCS score) | Maximum 12 points if GCS 3 |
| APACHE II Score | Approximate ICU Mortality |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | < 5% |
| 5-9 | 8% |
| 10-14 | 15% |
| 15-19 | 25% |
| 20-24 | 40% |
| 25-29 | 55% |
| 30-34 | 65% |
| β₯ 35 | > 80% |
| Organ | Parameter | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory | PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg) | > 400 | 300-400 | 200-300 | 100-200 + MV | < 100 + MV |
| Coagulation | Platelets (Γ10Β³/uL) | > 150 | 100-150 | 50-100 | 20-50 | < 20 |
| Liver | Bilirubin (umol/L) | < 20 | 20-32 | 33-101 | 102-204 | > 204 |
| Cardiovascular | MAP / Vasopressors | MAP β₯ 70 | MAP < 70 | Dopa β€ 5 or Dobu any | Dopa > 5 or Nor/Epi β€ 0.1 | Dopa > 15 or Nor/Epi > 0.1 |
| CNS | Glasgow Coma Scale | 15 | 13-14 | 10-12 | 6-9 | < 6 |
| Renal | Creatinine (umol/L) or UO | < 110 | 110-170 | 171-299 | 300-440 or < 500 mL/d | > 440 or < 200 mL/d |
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Altered mentation (any new confusion) | 1 |
| RR β₯ 22 breaths/min | 1 |
| SBP β€ 100 mmHg | 1 |
| Component | Response | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Opening | Spontaneous | 4 |
| To voice | 3 | |
| To pain | 2 | |
| None | 1 | |
| Verbal | Oriented (person, place, time) | 5 |
| Confused (conversation but disoriented) | 4 | |
| Inappropriate words (random) | 3 | |
| Incomprehensible sounds (moaning) | 2 | |
| None | 1 | |
| Motor | Obeys commands | 6 |
| Localises pain | 5 | |
| Withdraws to pain | 4 | |
| Abnormal flexion - Decorticate (wrist flexion) | 3 | |
| Extension - Decerebrate (arm extension, pronation) | 2 | |
| None | 1 |
| Item | What is Tested | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1a. Level of consciousness | Alert to unresponsive (0-3) | 3 |
| 1b. LOC questions | Month/age (0-2) | 2 |
| 1c. LOC commands | Open/close eyes; grip/release (0-2) | 2 |
| 2. Gaze | Normal/partial/forced deviation (0-2) | 2 |
| 3. Visual fields | Normal to bilateral blindness (0-3) | 3 |
| 4. Facial palsy | Normal to complete (0-3) | 3 |
| 5-6. Motor arm/leg | No drift to no movement (0-4 each, bilateral) | 8 |
| 7. Limb ataxia | Absent/1 limb/2 limbs (0-2) | 2 |
| 8. Sensory | Normal to severe loss (0-2) | 2 |
| 9. Language (aphasia) | Normal to mute/global (0-3) | 3 |
| 10. Dysarthria | Normal to mute (0-2) | 2 |
| 11. Extinction/Inattention | Normal to profound (0-2) | 2 |
| Risk Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Congestive heart failure | 1 |
| Hypertension | 1 |
| Age β₯ 75 | 2 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 1 |
| Stroke/TIA/thromboembolism (prior) | 2 |
| Vascular disease (MI, PAD, aortic plaque) | 1 |
| Age 65-74 | 1 |
| Sex category (female) | 1 |
| Score (Male / Female) | Annual Stroke Risk | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (M) / 1 (F) | ~0% | No anticoagulation |
| 1 (M) / 2 (F) | ~1-2% | Consider anticoagulation (individualise) |
| β₯ 2 (M) / β₯ 3 (F) | β₯ 2-3% | Anticoagulate (DOAC preferred) |
| Letter | Factor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| H | Uncontrolled Hypertension (SBP > 160) | 1 |
| A | Abnormal renal function (Cr > 200 or dialysis) OR liver function (cirrhosis, bilirubin > 2x, AST/ALT > 3x) | 1 each (max 2) |
| S | Stroke history | 1 |
| B | Bleeding history or predisposition (anaemia) | 1 |
| L | Labile INR (time in therapeutic range < 60%) | 1 |
| E | Elderly (age > 65) | 1 |
| D | Drugs (antiplatelets, NSAIDs) OR alcohol (β₯ 8 units/week) | 1 each (max 2) |
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Confusion (new) | 1 |
| Urea > 7 mmol/L (BUN > 19 mg/dL) | 1 |
| Respiratory rate β₯ 30/min | 1 |
| Blood pressure: SBP < 90 OR DBP β€ 60 mmHg | 1 |
| Age β₯ 65 years | 1 |
| Score | Mortality | Management |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | < 3% | Outpatient antibiotics |
| 2 | 9% | Consider admission; short stay |
| 3-4 | 17% | Admit; consider HDU |
| 5 | 57% | ICU consideration |
| 6-month Risk | Score | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Low | β€ 108 | Non-invasive management acceptable |
| Intermediate | 109-140 | Early invasive (within 72 hrs) |
| High | > 140 | Urgent invasive (within 24 hrs) |
| Variable | 1 Point | 2 Points | 3 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilirubin (umol/L) | < 34 | 34-50 | > 50 |
| Albumin (g/L) | > 35 | 28-35 | < 28 |
| PT prolongation (seconds) / INR | < 4 / < 1.7 | 4-6 / 1.7-2.3 | > 6 / > 2.3 |
| Ascites | None | Mild | Severe |
| Encephalopathy | None | Grade 1-2 | Grade 3-4 |
| Class | Score | 1-year Survival | 2-year Survival |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (well compensated) | 5-6 | 100% | 85% |
| B (significant compromise) | 7-9 | 80% | 60% |
| C (decompensated) | 10-15 | 45% | 35% |
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Active cancer (treatment within 6 months or palliative) | 1 |
| Paralysis/paresis/recent plaster immobilisation of lower extremity | 1 |
| Bedridden β₯ 3 days or major surgery within 12 weeks | 1 |
| Localised tenderness along deep vein system | 1 |
| Entire leg swollen | 1 |
| Calf swelling β₯ 3 cm compared to asymptomatic leg | 1 |
| Pitting oedema confined to symptomatic leg | 1 |
| Collateral superficial veins (non-varicose) | 1 |
| Alternative diagnosis at least as likely as DVT | -2 |
MELD = 3.78 Γ ln[Bilirubin mg/dL] + 11.2 Γ ln[INR] + 9.57 Γ ln[Creatinine mg/dL] + 6.43
MELD-Na = MELD + 1.32 Γ (137 - Na) - [0.033 Γ MELD Γ (137 - Na)]
Score interpretation:
< 10: Low risk; 6-month mortality < 5%
10-19: Intermediate
20-29: ~20% 3-month mortality
30-39: 50% 3-month mortality
β₯ 40: > 70% 3-month mortality
MELD β₯ 15: Liver transplant listing should be considered (benefit outweighs risks)
ACCESS: Vascath (large-bore dual-lumen CVC): Femoral/Jugular/Subclavian
- Femoral: Easier insertion; higher infection risk; restrict mobility
- Jugular: Acceptable flow; patient more mobile
- Subclavian: Avoid if possible (stenosis risk for future AVF)
- Dialysis catheter minimum 13.5 Fr (12 Fr may suffice)
MACHINE SETUP:
Blood flow rate: 100-200 mL/min (optimal 150-200 for CVVHDF)
Effluent dose: 20-25 mL/kg/hr (standard); up to 35 mL/kg/hr in sepsis (AKI-EAT trial - no benefit > 25)
Example (70 kg): 70 Γ 25 = 1750 mL/hr effluent target
ANTICOAGULATION OPTIONS:
1. REGIONAL CITRATE (preferred - lowest bleeding risk):
Citrate in blood line: 4% trisodium citrate at 2-3x blood flow rate (mL/min)
Post-filter calcium: CaCl2 infusion into return line to maintain iCa 1.1-1.3 mmol/L
Monitor: Post-filter iCa (target 0.25-0.35 mmol/L = adequate chelation); systemic iCa (target 1.1-1.3)
Citrate toxicity: Systemic iCa < 0.9 with total Ca:iCa ratio > 2.5 β reduce citrate, give more Ca
2. UFH: Bolus 2000-4000 units; infusion 5-15 units/kg/hr; target circuit APTT 45-60 sec (systemic APTT 40-50)
3. HEPARIN-FREE: Used if HIT or very high bleed risk; short filter life (6-12 hrs typically); regular saline flushes 100-150 mL/hr
REPLACEMENT FLUID: Lactate-based (Prismasol, HF32) or bicarbonate-based (Prismocitrate or separate HCO3 bags)
Bicarbonate-based preferred in liver failure (cannot metabolise lactate to bicarbonate)
FLUID BALANCE TARGET:
Set "net fluid removal" = desired hourly fluid balance
Example: Patient is +3 litres, target -100 mL/hr over next 30 hrs
If haemodynamically unstable: Run at Β±0 balance until stable; then initiate negative balance
ELECTROLYTE MONITORING:
iCa, K+, Mg, Na, phosphate every 6 hrs (CRRT removes all electrolytes - frequently need replacement)
Add KCl and MgSO4 to replacement fluid as needed
Phosphate replacement often needed (phosphate < 0.8 β replace)
| Problem | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Filter clotting early (< 8 hrs) | Inadequate anticoagulation; high haematocrit; inadequate blood flow | β Citrate/heparin; β blood flow; pre-dilution ratio |
| High transmembrane pressure (TMP) | Filter fouling; membrane clotting; high blood urea | Consider filter change; β pre-dilution |
| Repeated circuit clotting | HIT? | HIT screen; switch to argatroban or prostacyclin |
| Electrolyte disturbances | CRRT replacing all solutes | Adjust electrolytes in replacement fluid |
INSERTION: Femoral artery; balloon positioned in descending aorta 2 cm below left subclavian
BALLOON SIZE: 25-50 mL (based on patient height)
TIMING:
Inflation: At dicrotic notch (aortic valve closure = start of diastole) β β diastolic coronary filling
Deflation: Just before aortic valve opening (end-diastole) β β LV afterload (β systolic work)
TRIGGERS: ECG (R-wave triggered); Arterial pressure; Paced mode; Asynchronous
RATIO: 1:1 (augment every beat); can reduce to 1:2 or 1:3 when weaning
COMPLICATIONS:
Limb ischaemia (most common): Check hourly circulation of affected limb
Thrombocytopenia (mechanical platelet destruction): Check platelets daily
Aortic dissection, thromboembolism, infection
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Aortic regurgitation (β regurgitant volume)
Aortic dissection / severe aortic atherosclerosis
Bilateral ilio-femoral disease (access issue)
CIRCUIT: Venous drainage (usually femoral vein) β Oxygenator β Arterial return (usually femoral artery)
SETTINGS:
Blood flow: 3-6 L/min (60-80% of estimated cardiac output)
Gas flow (sweep): 3-6 L/min (controls CO2 removal; β sweep = β PaCO2)
FiO2 (blender): 0.6-1.0 (controls oxygenation at membrane)
Heparin: UFH infusion to target ACT 160-200 sec (or APTT 60-80 sec)
MONITORING:
LV venting: If LV not ejecting β LV distension risk (β pre-load from VA return)
Signs: No pulse pressure on arterial line; CXR pulmonary oedema not improving
Action: Impella or atrial septostomy to decompress LV
North-South syndrome: Differential cyanosis if native cardiac output partially recovers but hypoxaemic
Upper body (native CO) = desaturated; Lower body (ECMO return) = well oxygenated
Action: β ECMO flow; add VV limb (VAV ECMO); intranasal O2
COMPLICATIONS:
Limb ischaemia: Distal perfusion catheter in femoral artery
Bleeding: Cannulation sites, haemolysis
Infection
Stroke/thromboembolism
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
| Drug | Type | Dose | Duration | Reversal | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Succinylcholine (Suxamethonium) | Depolarising | 1.5 mg/kg IV for RSI | 10-15 min | None needed (spontaneous) | RSI (fastest onset 45-60 sec). AVOID: hyperkalaemia, crush injury > 48 hrs, burns, prolonged immobilisation, denervation injuries, malignant hyperthermia risk |
| Rocuronium | Non-depolarising | RSI: 1.2 mg/kg; Maintenance: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg; Infusion: 5-12 mcg/kg/min | RSI dose: ~40 min | Sugammadex 16 mg/kg (immediate reversal at RSI dose!) | RSI (onset 60-75 sec at 1.2 mg/kg); ICU paralysis |
| Vecuronium | Non-depolarising | 0.1 mg/kg IV bolus; 0.05-0.1 mg/kg/hr infusion | 25-40 min/bolus | Neostigmine 50 mcg/kg + atropine OR Sugammadex 4 mg/kg | ICU paralysis; ARDS |
| Cisatracurium | Non-depolarising | 0.15 mg/kg loading; 1-3 mcg/kg/min infusion | 45-60 min/bolus | Neostigmine 50 mcg/kg + atropine | Preferred for ARDS NMB (organ-independent Hofmann elimination; no accumulation in hepatic/renal failure) |
| Atracurium | Non-depolarising | 0.5 mg/kg loading; 5-10 mcg/kg/min | 30-45 min/bolus | Neostigmine + atropine | ICU paralysis; organ-independent elimination; histamine release with rapid bolus |
Reversal of ROCURONIUM specifically:
Routine reversal (TOF β₯ 2 twitches): 2 mg/kg IV
Deeper block (1-2 twitches): 4 mg/kg IV
RSI dose reversal (immediate): 16 mg/kg IV (complete reversal in 3 min)
Do NOT use neostigmine for reversal of succinylcholine or for deep block
PRE-OXYGENATION: 3-5 min 100% O2 via NRM; HFNC 60 L/min if available (apnoeic oxygenation)
INDUCTION AGENTS:
ββββββββββββββββββββ¬βββββββββββββββββββ¬βββββββββββββββββββββ¬ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β Drug β Dose β Onset β Best For β
ββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββΌββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Ketamine β 1.5-2 mg/kg IV β 45-60 sec β Haemodynamic instability; asthma; β
β β (1-1.5 mg/kg β β trauma; analgesic + anaesthetic β
β β in shocked pt) β β properties β
ββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββΌββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Etomidate β 0.3 mg/kg IV β 30-60 sec β Haemodynamic instability; IHD β
β β β β NOTE: Single dose adrenal β
β β β β suppression; avoid in sepsis? β
ββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββΌββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Propofol β 1-2 mg/kg IV β 30-45 sec β Stable patient; β ICP; active β
β β (reduce in β β status epilepticus β
β β elderly/unwell) β β AVOID if haemodynamically unstableβ
ββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββΌββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Thiopental β 3-5 mg/kg IV β 30-45 sec β Status epilepticus; β ICP β
β β (1-2 mg/kg sick) β β AVOID: Hypotension; no reversal β
ββββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββΌβββββββββββββββββββββΌββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β Midazolam β 0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV β 1-2 min β When other agents unavailable; β
β β β β slow onset; haemodynamic instab. β
ββββββββββββββββββββ΄βββββββββββββββββββ΄βββββββββββββββββββββ΄ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
PARALYTIC (SUCCINYLCHOLINE vs ROCURONIUM):
Succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg (first choice if no contraindication): Onset 45-60 sec; Duration 10-15 min
Rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg (if succinylcholine contraindicated or preferred): Onset 60-75 sec; Duration ~40 min
POST-INTUBATION:
Confirm position: Waveform capnography (gold standard) + bilateral auscultation + CXR
Start sedation/analgesia immediately
Set initial ventilator settings (see ventilator section)
| Indication | Drug | Dose | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Septic shock | Hydrocortisone | 200 mg/day IV (50 mg q6h or 200 mg/24hr continuous) | Until vasopressors weaned Β± 3 days taper | Start if NE β₯ 0.25 mcg/kg/min; + fludrocortisone 50 mcg OD (APROCCHSS) |
| ARDS (moderate-severe) | Dexamethasone | 20 mg OD x 5 days β 10 mg OD x 5 days | 10 days total | DEXA-ARDS trial; reduces ventilator days; use early (< 14 days from onset) |
| Meningitis (bacterial) | Dexamethasone | 0.15 mg/kg IV q6h | 4 days | Give BEFORE or with first antibiotic dose; reduces mortality and hearing loss in pneumococcal meningitis |
| Spinal cord injury (acute) | Methylprednisolone | 30 mg/kg IV over 15 min β 5.4 mg/kg/hr x 23 hrs | 24 hrs if within 3-8 hrs | Controversial; not universally recommended; discuss with spine team |
| Anaphylaxis | Hydrocortisone | 200 mg IV | Single dose (repeat BD x 24 hrs) | Secondary to epinephrine; reduces biphasic reaction risk |
| Severe COPD exacerbation | Prednisolone | 40 mg PO OD | 5 days | No benefit from longer courses |
| Severe asthma exacerbation | Prednisolone | 40-50 mg PO or hydrocortisone 100 mg IV q6h | 5-7 days (oral) | IV if unable to swallow |
| Cerebral oedema (tumour) | Dexamethasone | 8-16 mg loading β 4-8 mg q6h IV/PO | Taper when possible | Reduces vasogenic oedema; NOT for ischaemic stroke oedema |
| ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) | Dexamethasone | 40 mg PO OD x 4 days | Per cycle | Or prednisolone 1-2 mg/kg/day |
| Pneumocystis pneumonia (severe) | Prednisolone | 40 mg BD x 5 days β 40 mg OD x 5 days β 20 mg OD x 11 days | 21 days | If PaO2 < 70 mmHg or A-a gradient > 35 mmHg; reduces mortality |
| Poison / Drug | Antidote | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | N-Acetylcysteine | 150 mg/kg/hr β 50 mg/kg/4hr β 100 mg/kg/16hr | Start if above treatment line; most effective within 8 hrs |
| Opioids | Naloxone | 0.4-2 mg IV/IM/SC/intranasal; repeat q2-3 min | Duration 30-90 min (shorter than most opioids) β infusion 2/3 of reversal dose per hour |
| Benzodiazepines | Flumazenil | 0.2 mg IV over 30 sec; repeat 0.1 mg q1 min (max 1 mg) | Short duration (1-2 hrs); risk of precipitating seizures in BZD-dependent patients |
| Heparin (UFH) | Protamine sulphate | 1 mg per 100 units UFH (max 50 mg over 10 min) | 100% reversal; anaphylaxis risk (fish allergy, previous protamine) |
| Warfarin | Vitamin K + PCC | Vitamin K 5-10 mg IV slow + 4-factor PCC (Beriplex/Octaplex) 25-50 IU/kg | PCC for urgent reversal (INR > 1.5 + bleeding or urgent surgery); check INR 15 min post-PCC |
| Dabigatran | Idarucizumab | 5g IV (2 Γ 2.5g vials) | Complete reversal in minutes; indicated for life-threatening bleeding or urgent surgery |
| Apixaban/Rivaroxaban | Andexanet alfa | Low dose: 400 mg bolus + 480 mg infusion; High dose: 800 mg + 960 mg | For life-threatening bleeding; very expensive; PCC 50 IU/kg is alternative |
| Digoxin | Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind/DigiFab) | 1 vial = 0.5 mg digoxin; number of vials = serum digoxin (ng/mL) Γ weight (kg) / 100 | Life-threatening arrhythmia or acute massive overdose; post-administration levels falsely elevated |
| Beta-blocker overdose | Glucagon | 3-10 mg IV bolus β 3-5 mg/hr infusion | Activates adenylyl cyclase via non-beta receptor pathway; high-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy 1 unit/kg/hr more effective |
| Calcium channel blocker OD | High-dose insulin euglycaemic therapy (HIET) + Calcium + Intralipid | Insulin 1 unit/kg bolus β 0.5-2 units/kg/hr + 20% IV glucose (maintain BGL 8-14) | HIET most effective; calcium reverses acute hypotension; intralipid 20% 1.5 mL/kg bolus for refractory arrest (lipid sink) |
| Organophosphate / Nerve agent | Atropine + Pralidoxime | Atropine 2-4 mg IV q5-10 min (titrate to drying secretions, not tachycardia); Pralidoxime 1-2g IV over 15-30 min (within 24-48 hrs) | Atropine first; pralidoxime regenerates acetylcholinesterase |
| Cyanide | Hydroxocobalamin | 5g IV over 15 min (repeat twice for severe poisoning = 15g) | Alternative: Sodium thiosulphate 12.5g IV over 10 min; Dicobalt edetate in UK |
| Carbon monoxide | 100% O2 | High-flow O2 via NRM; consider HBO (hyperbaric O2) | HBO if LOC, seizure, neurological deficit, pregnancy, carboxyHb > 25-40% |
| Methanol / Ethylene glycol | Fomepizole OR Ethanol + Dialysis | Fomepizole 15 mg/kg IV loading β 10 mg/kg q12h | Fomepizole inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase; prevents formation of formic acid (methanol) / oxalic acid (EG); HAEMODIALYSIS for severe cases |
| TCA (tricyclic antidepressant) | Sodium bicarbonate | 1-2 mmol/kg IV bolus; repeat until QRS < 120 ms + haemodynamic improvement | Target serum pH 7.45-7.55 (alkalisation narrowed QRS + β protein binding) |
| Methylene blue | Methylene blue (antidote for methaemoglobinaemia) | 1-2 mg/kg IV over 5 min (can repeat) | Reduces metHb (< 30% for SNRI/dapsone/nitrates); AVOID if G6PD deficiency (causes haemolysis) |
| Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) | Argatroban OR Fondaparinux OR Danaparoid | Argatroban: 2 mcg/kg/min infusion (reduce in liver failure); target APTT 1.5-3Γ normal | STOP heparin immediately; DOAC alternative in non-critically ill |
WARFARIN bleeding:
Minor: Vitamin K 1-5 mg PO
Major: Vitamin K 5-10 mg IV + 4F-PCC 25-50 IU/kg IV
Life-threatening / CNS bleed: 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg + Vitamin K 10 mg IV
DOAC bleeding:
Dabigatran: Idarucizumab 5g IV
Apixaban/Rivaroxaban: Andexanet alfa OR 4F-PCC 50 IU/kg (off-label but widely used)
HEPARIN (UFH): Protamine 1 mg per 100 units UFH in last 2 hours
ENOXAPARIN: Protamine 1 mg per 1 mg enoxaparin (60-80% reversal)
NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCKADE:
Rocuronium/Vecuronium routine: Neostigmine 50 mcg/kg + Glycopyrrolate 10 mcg/kg (at TOF β₯ 2)
Rocuronium/Vecuronium (any depth): Sugammadex 2-4-16 mg/kg
Succinylcholine: No reversal (wait for spontaneous recovery)
OPIOID: Naloxone 0.4-2 mg IV (repeat / infuse as needed)
BENZODIAZEPINE: Flumazenil 0.2-1 mg IV (use with caution; short-acting)
DIGOXIN: DigiFab/Digibind (dose by serum level and weight)
| Insulin | Brand Examples | Onset | Peak | Duration | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting | Aspart (NovoRapid), Lispro (Humalog), Glulisine (Apidra) | 5-15 min | 1-2 hrs | 3-5 hrs | Meal-time bolus (give with meals); pump therapy |
| Short-acting | Actrapid, Humulin R | 30-60 min | 2-4 hrs | 6-8 hrs | IV infusion (DKA/ICU); SC 30 min before meals |
| Intermediate | NPH (Protaphane, Humulin N) | 2-4 hrs | 4-10 hrs | 12-18 hrs | Twice-daily regimen; less predictable than analogues |
| Long-acting | Glargine (Lantus, Toujeo), Detemir (Levemir) | 2-4 hrs | Flat (minimal peak) | 20-24 hrs | Once-daily basal insulin; Toujeo (300 units/mL) = 24+ hrs |
| Ultra-long acting | Degludec (Tresiba) | 1-4 hrs | Flat | > 42 hrs | Once-daily; very stable; flexible timing |
| Premixed | Novomix 30 (30% aspart + 70% NPA), Humulin M3 | Biphasic | Biphasic | 12-18 hrs | BD with meals; less flexible |
MCRODRIP CALCULATION:
Drops/min = Volume (mL) Γ Drop factor (gtt/mL) / Time (min)
Standard giving set: 20 gtt/mL
Microdrip/Burette: 60 gtt/mL
INFUSION RATE:
mL/hr = Dose (mcg/kg/min) Γ Weight (kg) Γ 60 / Concentration (mcg/mL)
LOADING DOSE:
Loading dose (mg) = Target concentration Γ Volume of distribution Γ Weight (kg)
CLEARANCE AND MAINTENANCE DOSE:
Maintenance dose = Target steady state Γ Clearance
RENAL DOSING (Cockroft-Gault for creatinine clearance):
CrCl (mL/min) = [(140 - age) Γ Weight (kg)] / [72 Γ Serum Cr (mg/dL)]
Γ 0.85 for females
BODY SURFACE AREA (BSA):
Mosteller formula: BSA (mΒ²) = β(Height(cm) Γ Weight(kg) / 3600)
Normal BSA ~1.73 mΒ² (reference for drug dosing)
OSMOLALITY:
Calculated = 2ΓNa + Glucose (mmol/L) + Urea (mmol/L)
Normal: 275-295 mOsm/kg
Osmol gap = Measured - Calculated (normal < 10)
Elevated osmol gap: Methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, mannitol, propylene glycol
ANION GAP:
AG = Na - (Cl + HCO3); Normal 8-12 mEq/L
Corrected AG = AG + 2.5 Γ (4.0 - albumin g/dL)
DELTA RATIO (in high AG metabolic acidosis):
Delta ratio = (AG - 12) / (24 - HCO3)
< 0.4: Pure normal AG acidosis
0.4-0.8: Mixed HAGMA + normal AG acidosis
1.0-2.0: Pure HAGMA
> 2.0: HAGMA + concurrent metabolic alkalosis