Sodium Bicarbonate for ICU Acidosis: New Evidence Supporting a Controversial Therapy
In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we break down a 2025 study from Intensive Care Medicine that emulates a target trial on the use of sodium bicarbonate in ICU patients with metabolic acidosis. With over 6,000 patients across 12 Australian ICUs, the study reveals a small but significant reduction in mortality and RRT use with bicarbonate therapy. Tune in to learn how this could transform our clinical approach to acidemia in the critically ill patients.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link)My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Blank SP, Blank RM, Laupland KB, Tabah A, Gill D, Kumar A, White K, Attokaran A, Luke S, Whebell S, Garrett P, McCullough J, McIlroy P, Ramanan M; Queensland Critical Care Research Network (QCCRN). Sodium bicarbonate administration for metabolic acidosis in the intensive care unit: a target trial emulation. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Jun;51(6):1-9. doi: 10.1007/s00134-025-07979-x. Epub 2025 Jun 10. PMID: 40493225; PMCID: PMC12208957.
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Predicting Mortality in a Pulmonary Embolism: What the Data Really Tells Us
In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a comprehensive 2025 meta-analysis on mortality risk factors in pulmonary embolism. Learn which clinical signs, biomarkers, and imaging findings most strongly predict outcomes — and how they can guide triage and therapy decisions in acute PE cases. A must-listen for anyone managing thromboembolic disease in the critically ill patients.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookAmazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link)My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: You W, Fan XY, Chen Y, Wang XL, Song J, Nie CC, Dong Q. Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism-A Meta-Analysis. J Intensive Care Med. 2025 May 5:8850666251326539. doi: 10.1177/08850666251326539. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40320917.
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Hyponatremia Correction: Is Going Too Slow Riskier Than You Think?
In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a 2025 NEJM-Evidence study analyzing over 21,000 cases of severe hyponatremia to determine the safest and most effective correction rates. Learn why moderate correction (8–10 mmol/L/day) may actually reduce mortality, and how central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) remains rare even with faster correction. The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link)My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Seethapathy H, Zhao S, Ouyang T, Passos C, Sarang A, Cheung PW, Waikar SS, Steele DJR, Kalim S, Allegretti AS, Ayus JC, Nigwekar SU. Severe Hyponatremia Correction, Mortality, and Central Pontine Myelinolysis. NEJM Evid. 2023 Oct;2(10):EVIDoa2300107. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2300107. Epub 2023 Sep 26. PMID: 38320180.
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Why Low Hemoglobin Spells Trouble in Cardiogenic Shock
In this episode, we analyze a June 2025 study from the Journal of Intensive Care, which shows that lower hemoglobin levels at admission are strongly associated with worse outcomes in cardiogenic shock. We dive into the data from the FRENSHOCK registry, uncover key subgroup findings, and discuss implications for transfusion strategies. Could this shift how we manage anemia in shock? Tune in and find out.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link)My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Cherbi M, Levy B, Merdji H, Puymirat E, Bonnefoy E, Vardon F, Elbaz M, Morel O, Leurent G, Lamblin N, Gerbaud E, Gautier P, Roubille F, Delmas C. Hemoglobin in cardiogenic shock: the lower, the poorer survival. J Intensive Care. 2025 Jun 23;13(1):36. doi: 10.1186/s40560-025-00805-y. PMID: 40551259.
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Valproic Acid for ICU Delirium: A New Tool for Agitation Management?
In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we reviews a 2024 multicenter study on valproic acid for hyperactive delirium and agitation in ICU patients. The findings show that VPA may help reduce sedation needs, improve ventilator synchrony, and resolve delirium without major adverse effects. Tune in for practical insights into this emerging option for complex critical care cases.The Vasopressor & Inotrope HandbookI have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy. Amazon: https://amzn.to/47qJZe1 (Affiliate Link)My Store: https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook (Use "podcast" to save 10%)Citation: Nuti O, Merchan C, Ahuja T, Arnouk S, Papadopoulos J, Katz A. Valproic Acid for Hyperactive Delirium and Agitation in Critically Ill Patients. J Intensive Care Med. 2025 May;40(5):519-527. doi: 10.1177/08850666241302760. Epub 2024 Dec 8. PMID: 39648603.
Sobre Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd
Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd is a podcast that reviews evidence-based strategies to care for the critically ill patient in the Intensive Care Unit and other topics in Medicine. It is hosted by Eddy Joe Gutierrez, MD, a board-certified critical care physician.
In each episode, Dr. Gutierrez discusses the latest research and best practices in Intensive Care Medicine. He also shares his own insights and experiences as an Intensivist/Critical Care physician.
The podcast is designed for healthcare professionals who want to stay up-to-date with evidence-based medicine.
Ouça Saving Lives Podcast: Critical Care w/eddyjoemd, Sereno - Meditação e Relaxamento e muitos outros podcasts de todo o mundo com o aplicativo o radio.net