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Organ donation following circulatory determination of death (DCDD) has contributed significantly to the donor pool in several countries. In India, majority of deceased donations happen following brain death (BD). While existing legislation allows for DCDD, there have been only few reports of kidney transplantation following DCDD from India. This document, prepared by a multidisciplinary group of experts, reviews international best practices in DCDD and outlines the path for DCDD in India. Ethical, medical, legal, economic, procedural, and logistic challenges unique to India have been addressed. The practice of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) in India, laid down by the Supreme Court of India, is time-consuming, possible only in patients in a permanent vegetative state, and too cumbersome for day-to-day practice. In patients where continued medical care is futile, the procedure for WLST is described. In controlled DCDD (category-III), decision for WLST is independent of and delinked from the subsequent possibility of organ donation. Families that are inclined toward organ donation are explained the procedure including the timing and location of WLST, consent for antemortem measures, no-touch period, and the possibility of stand-down and return to the intensive care unit (ICU) without donation. In donation following neurologic determination of death (DNDD), if cardiac arrest occurs during the process of BD declaration, the protocol for DCDD category-IV has been described in detail. In DCDD category-V, organ donation may be possible following unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation of cardiac arrest in the ICU. An outline of organ-specific requisites for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantation following DCDD and techniques, such as normothermic regional perfusion (nRP) and ex vivo machine perfusion, has been provided. The outcomes of transplantation following DCDD are comparable to those following DBDD or living donor transplantation. Documents and checklists necessary for successful execution of DCDD in India are described., How to Cite This Article: Seth AK, Mohanka R, Navin S, Gokhale AGK, Sharma A, Kumar A, et al . Organ Donation after Circulatory Determination of Death in India: A Joint Position Paper. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(4):421-438., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2022; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

With more than 23 million infections and more than 814,000 deaths worldwide, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still far from over. Several classes of drugs including antivirals, antiretrovirals, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antibiotics have been tried with varying levels of success. Still, there is lack of any specific therapy to deal with this infection. Although less than 30% of these patients require intensive care unit admission, morbidity and mortality in this subgroup of patients remain high. Hence, it becomes imperative to have general principles to guide intensivists managing these patients. However, as the literature emerges, these recommendations may change and hence, frequent updates may be required. How to cite this article: Juneja D, Savio RD, Srinivasan S, Pandit RA, Ramasubban S, Reddy PK, et al . Basic Critical Care for Management of COVID-19 Patients: Position Paper of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Part-I. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S244-S253., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

In a resource-limited country like India, rationing of scarce critical care resources might be required to ensure appropriate delivery of care to the critically ill patients suffering from COVID-19 infection. Most of these patients require critical care support because of respiratory failure or presence of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. As there is no pharmacological therapy available, respiratory support in the form of supplemental oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation remains mainstay of care in intensive care units. As there is still dearth of direct evidence, most of the data are extrapolated from the experience gained from the management of general critical care patients. How to cite this article: Juneja D, Savio RD, Srinivasan S, Pandit RA, Ramasubban S, Reddy PK, et al. Basic Critical Care for Management of COVID-19 Patients: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Part II. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S254-S262., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has very high rates of hospital-related transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs), mandating the need for careful intensive care unit (ICU) designing, optimization of staff resources, implementation of vigorous infection control practices, environmental disinfection, meticulous sample collection, and criteria for staff quarantine. Most of the ICUs are not designed to deal with airborne viral infections and require redesigning for the safety of HCWs and patients. Infection control practices related to the prevention of spread of COVD-19 are unique and are well described. The training of staff on infection control practices reduces the infection rate among HCWs significantly. Adequate staffing not only helps in infection control but also prevents burnout of the staff. In case of infection to HCW, the staff must be assessed systematically, and institute's infection control committee should guide for isolation period as well as return to work based upon standard recommendations. This article focuses on infection control and prevention measures required in ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. How to cite this article: Sharma J, Nasa P, Reddy KS, Kuragayala SD, Sahi S, Gopal P, et al . Infection Prevention and Control for ICU during COVID-19 Pandemic: Position Paper of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S280-S289., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

How to cite this article: Khasne RW, Kulkarni PA, Kulkarni AP. Landmark Papers on Blood and Component Transfusion Therapy in the Critically Ill: A Critical Analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(Suppl 3):S207-S211., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2019; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Neurocritical care is an ever growing specialty with paradigm changes being the norm. Some of the established practices like triple H therapy for SAH and steroids in pyogenic meningitis have seen major changes in published evidence. This article evaluates the evidence published over the last few years which resulted in a change in the authors approach to and practice of neuro intensive care., How to Cite This Article: Samavedam S. Ten Papers that Changed My Practice in Neurocritical Care. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(Suppl 2):S165-S168., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. About 3-4% of hospitalized TB patients require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU); the mortality in these patients is around 50-60%. There is limited literature on the evaluation and management of patients with TB who required ICU admission. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) constituted a working group to develop a position paper that provides recommendations on the various aspects of TB in the ICU setting based on available evidence. Seven domains were identified including the categorization of TB in the critically ill, diagnostic workup, drug therapy, TB in the immunocompromised host, organ support, infection control, and post-TB sequelae. Forty-one questions pertaining to these domains were identified and evidence-based position statements were generated, where available, keeping in focus the critical care aspects. Where evidence was not available, the recommendations were based on consensus. This position paper guides the approach to and management of critically ill patients with TB., How to Cite This Article: Chacko B, Chaudhry D, Peter JV, Khilnani G, Saxena P, Sehgal IS, et al . isccm Position Statement on the Approach to and Management of Critically Ill Patients with Tuberculosis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S67-S91., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).)

Malaria is a worldwide health concern, but a great majority of cases occur in tropical countries like India. With almost 95% of Indian population living in malaria endemic regions, India contributes to most of the global malaria cases and deaths, outside of African countries. Despite significant advances towards malaria control and eradication, mortality associated with severe malaria remains particularly high. Changing epidemiology, vulnerable patient population, overlapping symptomatology, and limited availability of parenteral preparations of artemisinin derivatives pose significant challenges in management of severe malaria. Further, the dearth of large-scale randomized trials from the developing countries makes it difficult to establish evidence-based guidelines pertaining to their situation. Thus, this position paper aims to provide guidance to critical care physicians across the country on managing patients with severe malaria in intensive care units (ICUs)., How to Cite This Article: Hegde A, Chhallani AK, Gupta B, Kadapatti K, Karnad D, Maheshwarappa HM, et al . ISCCM Position Statement on the Management of Severe Malaria in Intensive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S59-S66., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).)

Introduction: Providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patient is challenging for the healthcare providers (HCP). COVID-19 cases have specific CPR requirements, which differ from standard resuscitation efforts., Objective: This paper aims to evaluate whether online learning can be an effective methodology for imparting information on the management of cardiopulmonary arrest in COVID-19 patients due to a novel virus unknown to HCP based on evaluation of knowledge acquisition and satisfaction of the nurses in the new area of medicine and virology., Methodology: In a single-arm, one group before and after design, from a cohort of 160 nurses trained in comprehensive cardiac life support (CCLS) formulated by the Indian Resuscitation Council (IRC), 73 nurses participated in the study. After obtaining informed consent through the email from the nurses, baseline data including demographic profile and knowledge related to CPR in COVID-19 patients were collected. An online intervention spread over 1 week was given using a validated e-learning module. The online intervention was found to be effective (pre- and post-intervention knowledge score 13.65 ± 3.01 vs 19.92 ± 1.94, p = 0.001). The majority of nurses were highly satisfied with the content and the training methodology (37.23 ± 4.70)., Conclusion: A well-structured, online study material can be used in imparting knowledge and demonstrating the basic and essential skills to nurses, required for giving CPR to COVID-19 patients., How to Cite This Article: Joshi P, Das S, Thomas M, Mawar S, Garg R, Shariff A, et al. Dissemination of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training for Nurses Treating Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients: A Single-arm Pre-experimental Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(3):327-330., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2022; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

The respiratory care (RC) discipline in Yemen emerged 15 years ago. Although there have been significant advancements in the domain, no documented history is available regarding its development and progress over the years. This paper highlights the history and development of the RC field in Yemen and highlights the major events that took place during these times that shaped the development of the RC discipline. A detailed, comprehensive review and assessment were conducted through direct communication, personal interviews, and the review of existing documents in the hospital's archives, academic institutes, Ministry of Public Health and Population, and other relevant resources. The gathered data were evaluated for relevance and grouped on a thematic basis. So far, this is the first paper on the comprehensive history and development of the RC discipline in Yemen. How to cite this article: Hamilah SN, Ahmari MAI, Alsabri MA, Alrubaiee GG. Respiratory Care Profession in Yemen: Past, Present, and Future. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(8):890-895., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2021; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Since the diagnosis of the first case of COVID-19 in December 2019, there have been reports of several healthcare workers infected with COVID-19. It has changed the infection control practices of most ICUs all over the world. Prevention is better than cure is definitely proven true as there is no definite cure for COVID-19 yet. Personal protective equipment and hand hygiene are a must while handling any suspected COVID-19 patient. Apart from that, there are several other things, which should be followed in ICU and specifically while caring for a patient on ventilator. There are a large number of interventions done while treating any critically ill patient in ICU, which can generate aerosols and exaggerate spread of COVID-19, which include high-flow nasal cannula, NIV, nebulization, suctioning, bag and mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and bronchoscopy. We will be reviewing those things beyond PPE and hand hygiene along with the rationale of each of them, which can help to minimize the risk of exposure to healthcare workers and other patients in the surrounding. It will help not only to prevent COVID-19 transmission but also to reduce overall nosocomial infection rate. As per our knowledge, this will be the first paper reviewing innovative ideas to minimize the risk of infection in a comprehensive manner. How to cite this article: Shah V, Tyagi N, Trivedi D. Extra Precautions while Caring for a Suspected COVID-19 Patient in an ICU beyond PPE and Hand Hygiene. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(3):331-336., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2021; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Critical care in the era of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection has multiple challenges including management of the patient, underlying comorbidities, and the complications. With no end in sight to the pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) practitioners and hospital administrators have to join hands to prepare for the long battle ahead. Critically ill COVID-19 patients need imaging or image-guided interventions in one form or the other including X-rays, ultrasonography (USG), echocardiography (ECHO), and CT scan. These patients often require renal replacement therapy (RRT) for either the preexisting chronic renal insufficiency or acutely developing kidney injury. Another important component of care is transfer of the patient to and fro from the ICU or to higher care centers. Most of the ICUs are equipped with modern facilities but with increasing number of patients a large number of makeshift arrangements are being made for managing these patients. This position paper outlines important tips to formulate protocols and procedures for critically ill patients, who are managed in the ICU. How to cite this article: Pande RK, Bhalla A, Myatra SN, Yaddanpuddi LN, Gupta S, Sahoo TK, et al . Procedures in COVID-19 Patients: Part-II. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S272-S279., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes severe hypoxemia which fulfills the criteria of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) but is not accompanied by typical features of the syndrome. The combination of factors including low P/F ratios, high A-a gradient, relatively preserved lung mechanics, and normal pulmonary pressures may imply a process occurring on the vascular side of the alveolar-capillary unit. The scant but rapidly evolving data available on the pathophysiology are seemingly conflicting, indicating the relative dominance of intrapulmonary shunting or dead space in different studies. In this hypothesis paper, we attempt to gather and explain these observations within a unified conceptual framework by invoking the relative contributions of microvascular thrombosis, along with two proposed vascular mechanisms of capillary flow redistribution and flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA). How to cite this article: Nitsure M, Sarangi B, Shankar GH, Reddy VS, Walimbe A, Sharma V, et al. Mechanisms of Hypoxia in COVID-19 Patients: A Pathophysiologic Reflection. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(10):967-970., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected nearly all nations globally. The highly contagious nature of the disease puts the healthcare workers at high risk of acquiring infection, especially while handling airway and performing aerosol-generating procedures. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, through this position paper, aims to provide guidance for safe airway management to all healthcare workers dealing with airway in COVID-19 patients., How to Cite This Article: Praveen Kumar G, Kulkarni AP, Govil D, Dixit SB, Chaudhry D, Samavedam S, et al. Airway Management and Related Procedures in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: Position Statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(8):630-642., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

A 41-year-old lady who presented with sudden-onset severe headache diagnosed to have ruptured supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Her cardiac echocardiography showed features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. After stabilizing her cardiac condition, she underwent craniotomy and clipping of aneurysm. Both cardiac and neurological catastrophes were managed by the joint team with excellent outcome. This paper emphasizes the need for high-quality combined care., How to Cite This Article: Tripathy LN, Rana I, Saha A, Dixit R. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Ruptured Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(5):363-364., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Background: Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) guidelines on Planning and Designing Intensive care (ICU) were first developed in 2001 and later updated in 2007. These guidelines were adopted in India, many developing Nations and major Institutions including NABH. Various international professional bodies in critical care have their own position papers and guidelines on planning and designing of ICUs; being the professional body of intensivists in India ISCCM therefore addresses the subject in contemporary context relevant to our clinical practice, its variability according to specialty and subspecialty, quality, resource limitation, size and location of the institution. Aim: To have a consensus document reflecting the philosophy of ISCCM to deliver safe & quality Critical Care in India, taking into consideration the requirement of regulatory agencies (national & international) and need of people at large, including promotion of training, education and skill upgradation. It also aiming to promote leadership and development and managerial skill among the critical care team. Material and Methods: Extensive review of literature including search of databases in English language, resources of regulatory bodies, guidelines and recommendations of international critical care societies. National Survey of ISCCM members and experts to understand their viewpoints on respective issues. Visiting of different types and levels of ICUs by team members to understand prevailing practices, aspiration and Challenges. Several face to face meetings of the expert committee members in big and small groups with extensive discussions, presentations, brain storming and development of initial consensus draft. Discussion on draft through video conferencing, phone calls, Emails circulations, one to one discussion Result: Based upon extensive review, survey and input of experts' ICUs were categorized in to three levels suitable in Indian setting. Level III ICUs further divided into sub category A and B. Recommendations were grouped in to structure, equipment and services of ICU with consideration of variation in level of ICU of different category of hospitals. Conclusion: This paper summarizes consensus statement of various aspect of ICU planning and design. Defined mandatory and desirable standards of all level of ICUs and made recommendations regarding structure and layout of ICUs. Definition of intensive care and intensivist, planning for strength of ICU and requirement of manpower were also described., How to Cite This Article: Rungta N, Zirpe KG, Dixit SB, Mehta Y, Chaudhry D, Govil D, et al. Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine Experts Committee Consensus Statement on ICU Planning and Designing, 2020. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 1):S43-S60., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2020; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Introduction: End-of-life care (EOLC) is an increasingly important concern in the management of terminally ill patients. Effective EOLC depends significantly on the physicians working in the critical care units. Thus, adequate knowledge of critical care professionals regarding EOLC is important. We conducted this study to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of doctors working in critical care units toward EOLC., Materials and Methods: Doctors working in critical care units were invited to fill paper-based questionnaire. The validated questionnaire was constructed based on the existing literature on EOLC and expert opinion. The questionnaire comprised four sections: demographic details, experience with EOLC situations, general awareness of EOLC, and specific awareness of EOLC in clinical practice. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive analysis., Results: Most respondents had not counseled more than five families regarding EOLC over 1 month. Majority of the respondents (81.7%) had heard of EOLC; the major source of information being their work in the concerned specialty. Only 29.2% of the respondents applied EOLC principles in their clinical practice. Main barriers were lack of information and training. Only 20.3% of the respondents were aware of Indian guidelines about EOLC. Majority of the respondents disagree regarding the usage of critical care units and resuscitation of terminally ill patients and were in favor of home care. One-third respondents felt uncomfortable in discussing EOLC issues with the families. Half of the respondents felt that they were only somewhat competent in managing EOLC issues. Most respondents opined that training and education in medical curriculum for terminally ill patients are lacking and were in strong favor of inclusion of specific training for the same., Conclusion: The EOLC needs to be an integral part of critical care management and teaching curriculum. An integral referral system may also be an option for various advance disease patients getting treatment from critical care specialists for EOLC decision., How to Cite This Article: Agrawal K, Garg R, Bhatnagar S. Knowledge and Awareness of End-of-life Care among Doctors Working in Intensive Care Units at a Tertiary Care Center: A Questionnaire-based Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(12):568-573., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2019; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Background and Aim: Intensive-care practices and settings differ for India in comparison to other countries. While guidelines are available to direct the use of enteral nutrition (EN), there are no recommendations specific to nutritional management of EN in dysglycemic patients, specific to patients in Indian critical care settings. Advisory board meetings were arranged to develop the practice guidelines specific to the Indian context, for the use of EN in dysglycemic critically ill patients and to overcome challenges in this field., Materials and Methods: Two advisory board meetings were organized to review various existing guidelines, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials and review articles, for their contextual relevance and strength. Three rounds of Delphi voting were done to arrive at consensus on certain recommendations. A systematic grading of practice guidelines by the advisory board was done based on strength of the consensus voting and reviewed supporting evidences., Results: Based on the literature review, the recommendations for developing the practice guidelines were made as per the grading criteria agreed upon by the advisory board. The recommendations were to address challenges regarding prediction and assessment of dysglycemia (DG), acceptable glycemic targets in such settings, general nutritional aspects pertaining to DG nutrition, and nutrition in various superspecialty cases in critical care settings, where DG is commonly encountered., Conclusion: This paper summarizes the optimum EN practices for managing DG in critically ill patients. The practical solutions to overcome the challenges in this field are presented as practice guidelines at the end of each section. These guidelines are expected to provide guidance for EN management in dysglycemic critically ill patients. These guidelines also outline the model glycemic control task force and its roles in nutrition care as well as an intensive care unit DG nutrition protocol., How to Cite This Article: Mehta Y, Mithal A, Kulkarni A, Reddy BR, Sharma J, Dixit S, et al . Practice Guidelines for Enteral Nutrition Management in Dysglycemic Critically Ill Patients: A Relook for Indian Scenario. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(12):594-603., Competing Interests: Source of support: The outcome of a series of two advisory board meetings, three rounds of Delphi voting, and one online survey supported by Abbott Nutrition International, India Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2019; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Purpose: Patients receiving colistin for carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) infections generally have multiple risk factors for nephrotoxicity, so it might be possible that colistin may be erroneously blamed for the nephrotoxicity., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed case records of patients who received colistin and those who received antibiotics other than colistin [carbapenem or β-lactam-β-lactamases inhibitors (βL-βLI)] for gram-negative bacteremia. Those patients with preexisting renal failure and those who received antibiotics for <72 hours were excluded from the study. Nephrotoxicity was assessed using the risk of renal dysfunction, injury to the kidney, failure of kidney function, loss of kidney function, end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE) criteria., Results: Out of the 222 patients, the colistin arm had 118 and the noncolistin arm had 104 patients. Even though the colistin arm had significantly higher number of sicker patients with neutropenia (40.7% vs 14.4%, p = 0.0001), mechanical ventilation (0.0001), having lines (0.0001), on inotropes (0.003), receiving other nephrotoxic drugs (0.0001), and higher Pitt score ( p = 0.0001), there was no significant difference in the nephrotoxicity between the two arms (10.2% vs 9.6%, p = 0.89). Logistical regression showed a higher Pitt bacteremia score ( p = 0.03) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index ( p = 0.02), but not colistin administration ( p = 0.32), were independently associated with nephrotoxicity., Conclusion: Administration of colistin was not associated with higher rates of nephrotoxicity than carbapenems or βL-βLI agents., How to Cite This Article: Ghafur A, Bansal N, Devarajan V, Raja T, Easow J, Raja MA, et al. Retrospective Study of Nephrotoxicity Rate among Adult Patients Receiving Colistin Compared to β-lactam Antibiotics. IJCCM 2019;23(11):518-522., Competing Interests: Source of support: Part of the data was sourced from the colistin-based combination therapy study we did earlier, utilizing educational grants from AstraZeneca and Glenmark pharmaceuticals. Grant providers had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, or paper writing. Conflict of interest: All the authors have seen the final manuscript and approve it for submission. Abdul Ghafur has received advisory fee, lecture fees, or consultancy fees from Cipla, Biomerioux, Glenmark, Astellas, Sun Pharma, Pfizer, MSD, and Abbott. Some of these companies manufacture colistin. Other authors have no competing interests in the publication of this manuscript to declare., (Copyright © 2019; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

The modern-day health-care firmament is fighting one of its biggest battles of mistrust, the seeds of which have been sown over the years and the roots seem to run deep. There is a substantial misunderstanding about the complexities of intensive care treatments, especially the life support interventions. A critically ill patient on ventilator is often perceived by the families to be dead. Such misconceptions have a huge negative impact on the already friable doctor-patient relationship. The paper presents an overview of the problem and deliberates on the possible theories of such misunderstandings and chariness. An attempt is made to suggest the steps that could be taken to address this complicated issue., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background and Aim: Intensive-care practices and settings may differ for India in comparison to other countries. While international guidelines are available to direct the use of enteral nutrition (EN), there are no recommendations specific to Indian settings. Advisory board meetings were arranged to develop the practice guidelines specific to Indian context, for the use of EN in critically ill patients and to overcome challenges in this field., Methods: Various existing guidelines, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, and review articles were reviewed for their contextual relevance and strength. A systematic grading of practice guidelines by advisory board was done based on strength of the supporting evidence. Wherever Indian studies were not available, references were taken from the international guidelines., Results: Based on the literature review, the recommendations for developing the practice guidelines were made as per the grading criteria agreed upon by the advisory board. The recommendations were to address challenges regarding EN versus parenteral nutrition; nutrition screening and assessment; nutrition in hemodynamically unstable; route of nutrition; tube feeding and challenges; tolerance; optimum calorie-protein requirements; selection of appropriate enteral feeding formula; micronutrients and immune-nutrients; standard nutrition in hepatic, renal, and respiratory diseases and documentation of nutrition practices., Conclusion: This paper summarizes the optimum nutrition practices for critically ill patients. The possible solutions to overcome the challenges in this field are presented as practice guidelines at the end of each section. These guidelines are expected to provide guidance in critical care settings regarding appropriate critical-care nutrition practices and to set up Intensive Care Unit nutrition protocols., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Aluminum phosphide (ALP) poisoning is one of the major causes of suicidal deaths. Toxicity by ALP is caused by the liberation of phosphine gas, which rapidly causes cell hypoxia due to inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, leading to circulatory failure. Treatment of ALP toxicity is mainly supportive as there is no specific antidote. We recently managed 7 cases of ALP poisoning with severe hemodynamic effects. Patients were treated with supportive measures including gastric lavage with diluted potassium permanganate, coconut oil and sodium-bicarbonate first person account should be avoided in a scientific paper. Intravenous magnesium sulfate, proper hemodynamic monitoring and vasopressors. Four out of 7 survived thus suggesting a role of such supportive measures in the absence of specific antidote for ALP poisoning.

Critical care services in Nigeria and other West African countries had been hampered by economic reversals resulting in low wages, manpower flight overseas, government apathy towards funding of hospitals, and endemic corruption. Since then things have somewhat improved with the government's willingness to invest more in healthcare, and clampdown on resource diversion in some countries like Nigeria. Due to the health needs of these countries, including funding and preventive medicine, it may take a long time to reach reasonably high standards. Things are better than they were several years ago and that gives cause for optimism, especially with the debt cancellation by Western nations for most countries in the region. Since most of the earlier studies have been done by visiting doctors, mainly outside the West African subregion, this paper seeks to present a view of the challenges faced by providers of critical care services in the region, so that people do not have to rely on anecdotal evidence for future references.