CRITICAL ILLNESS

This study looked at whether using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (called a fiberoptic bronchoscope) to clean out the lungs could help adults with severe pneumonia who are on a breathing machine. One hundred patients were split into two groups: one got standard care, and the…

This study tested a smart, automated oxygen system (O2matic PRO100) in 300 hospitalized adults with serious injuries or illnesses. The goal was to see if the machine could keep oxygen levels in a safe range better than standard manual methods. The approach aims to prevent both to…

This study looked at whether giving a special liquid nutrition formula soon after surgery helps critically ill mothers who had a C-section and are in the ICU. 83 women participated, and the focus was on meeting their protein and energy needs in the first two days after surgery. T…

This study tested whether using a device called EyeControl-Pro, which lets patients communicate by moving their eyes, can lower the risk and severity of delirium (sudden confusion) in older adults in the intensive care unit who are on breathing machines. The trial involved 160 pa…

This study tested a new, easier way to measure blood flow in the lungs of patients who are breathing on their own with oxygen support. The goal was to see if this new method, which doesn't require patients to hold their breath, works as well as the standard method that does requi…

This study tested whether a small device called Geko, which uses mild electrical pulses to make leg muscles twitch, can prevent dangerous blood clots in critically ill adults. It compared the Geko device to standard compression boots (IPCs) in 40 ICU patients. The goal was to see…

This study tested whether a specially shaped tracheal tube cuff could better seal the airway in critically ill patients on breathing machines. Researchers wanted to see if this tapered shape reduced the leakage of stomach and mouth fluids into the lungs, a problem that can lead t…

This study looked at whether live music played in the intensive care unit (ICU) can help critically ill patients feel less pain, anxiety, and stress. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center enrolled 111 patients, along with their families and staff. They measured chan…

This study tested whether playing recordings of familiar voices (like family members) or nature sounds could help awaken critically ill comatose patients in the ICU, reduce their pain, and keep their vital signs stable. 90 patients took part, and researchers measured changes in c…

This study tested whether listening to music can lower stress and inflammation in sedated adults on breathing machines in the intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers measured stress hormones and inflammatory markers in the blood of 110 patients before and after a one-hour music se…

This study tested a new approach for critically ill patients in the ICU: an internet-based rehab program that includes family members. The goal was to see if it could improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of stigma. 204 adults took part, and the program used a structured "7P …

This study tested whether adding a painkiller called nefopam to standard care could lower the amount of strong opioids needed by ICU patients on breathing machines. 60 adults were randomly assigned to receive either nefopam or a placebo alongside usual sedation. The goal was to s…

This study tested whether critically ill patients on breathing machines could safely control their own anxiety medication (dexmedetomidine) instead of having a nurse give it. 161 adults in the ICU were randomly assigned to either self-manage their sedation or receive standard nur…

This study tested whether a medicine called guanfacine, given through an IV, can help critically ill patients in the ICU have fewer days of confusion or unconsciousness. 46 adults on breathing machines or with shock took part. The goal was to see if the drug could improve brain f…

This study tested a special device called the Liana® mobilizer to help critically ill patients on breathing support stand up more often. 40 ICU patients were randomly assigned to use the device or receive standard care. The goal was to see if the device could help patients reach …

This study tested whether adults who had been in the ICU and felt distressed about it would use a mobile app to help process those memories. 29 people used the app for 6 weeks, and the researchers checked if it was practical and acceptable. The goal was to see if this approach co…

This study tested a new computer method to check insulin resistance in real time for very sick patients in the ICU. Researchers used continuous glucose monitors to track blood sugar changes and built an algorithm to measure insulin resistance without invasive tests. The study inc…

This study looked at whether critically ill patients in the ICU need to stop liquid nutrition (tube feeding) before having their breathing tube removed. 60 adults were randomly assigned to either fast for at least 4 hours or continue feeding. The goal was to see if continuing fee…

This study checked over 4,000 ICU patients for undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes using a blood test (HbA1c). It found that many patients have these conditions without knowing, and they may face higher risks of organ failure and death. The goal was to better understand how bloo…

This study reviewed records of 1248 adults admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in 2025. Researchers wanted to see if the reason for admission (like sepsis or breathing failure) could predict who dies in the ICU, beyond what standard severity scores show. The goal is to impro…

This study looked at how different combinations of nurses and their skills in intensive care units (ICUs) affect patient survival and recovery. Researchers surveyed 294 UK ICUs, observed 6 hospitals, and analyzed 3 years of patient data. The goal was to find the best staffing mix…

This study tested a training program to help doctors reduce unconscious racial bias when talking with Black family members of seriously ill patients. Twenty-two doctors participated in simulated conversations with actors. The goal was to see if bias training could improve how doc…

This study looked at whether a combined breathing muscle training program is safe and practical for adults in the intensive care unit (ICU) who are on or recently off a ventilator. 22 patients took part, and the main goal was to see if the training could be done regularly and if …

This study looked at over 1.5 million adults admitted to French intensive care units (ICUs) between 2013 and 2019. Researchers wanted to understand trends in patient numbers, how sick they were, how long they stayed, and death rates. They found that while patients were more criti…

This study looked at 62 ICU patients to see how their feelings of anxiety, sadness, pain, and trouble breathing changed during their stay. Researchers also checked if emotional distress affected patients' thinking skills when they left the ICU. The goal was to better understand t…

This study looked at whether it is safe to reduce or stop antifungal drugs early in immunocompromised patients in the ICU who are being treated for a suspected candida infection. Researchers tracked 275 patients across 14 ICUs to see how often treatment was reduced and what facto…

This study looked at 20 critically ill patients on breathing machines to see which method of testing their ability to breathe on their own causes less muscle fatigue. Patients tried two different breathing tests, and researchers measured muscle activity using special sensors. The…

This study tested a web-based tool to support family members who make medical decisions for critically ill older adults in the ICU. Over 1,000 participants took part, including patients at high risk of death or severe disability, their family surrogates, and ICU doctors. The tool…

This study looked back at the medical records of 168 adults who survived a cardiac arrest and were treated in the ICU. Researchers checked early lab results and other data to find which factors were linked to death within 30 days and up to 6 months. The goal is to help doctors be…

This study looked at 175 critically ill adults who needed high-flow nasal oxygen and were moved within the hospital (e.g., for a CT scan or to another unit). The goal was to see how often serious problems like severe drops in oxygen or needing a breathing tube happened during the…

This study looked at whether being infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) increases the chance of intensive care unit (ICU) patients picking up multidrug-resistant bacteria. Researchers followed 368 critically ill adults to compare infection rates. The goal was…

This study looked at why many critically ill children develop stomach and gut problems. Researchers measured certain molecules in the blood and stool of 99 children to see if they are linked to poor stomach emptying and gut barrier damage. The goal was to better understand the ca…

This study looked at 60 critically ill adults in the ICU who needed a breathing tube. Researchers compared complication rates before and after a checklist was introduced. The goal was to see if the checklist helped prevent dangerous drops in oxygen or blood pressure during the pr…

This study looked at whether giving food at set times (intermittent feeding) instead of continuously can help restore natural day-night rhythms in critically ill ICU patients. Twenty-four adults were assigned to either intermittent or continuous feeding for at least 10 days. Rese…

This study looked at whether certain blood test ratios can predict the risk of death in critically ill adults in the ICU. Researchers analyzed medical records from 212 patients to see if these ratios are linked to survival. The goal is to help doctors quickly identify high-risk p…

This study observed how doctors give fluids to nearly 5,000 critically ill patients in ICUs around the world. The goal was to understand current practices and see if the way fluids are given affects patient outcomes. No new treatments were tested; instead, researchers collected d…

This study looked at 150 ICU patients on breathing machines to see if adding a brain activity monitor (pEEG) to standard sedation checks could reduce confusion (delirium), time on the ventilator, and long-term problems after ICU. Researchers compared patients who got both the bra…

This study looked at how well the body breaks down blood clots in people with sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Researchers tested 100 critically ill patients using a special blood test to find those with a 'fibrinolysis shutdown' — where clot breakdown is too slow. The goal …

This study tested whether a near-infrared light device helps nurses insert IVs more successfully on the first try in ICU patients with swollen arms. 380 adults who no longer needed a central line were randomly assigned to either the light device or the traditional feel-and-look m…

This study looked back at medical records of 238 severely burned adults who needed continuous kidney therapy (CRRT) in the intensive care unit. Researchers wanted to see how the timing of starting this therapy and the severity of kidney injury related to survival and length of ho…

This study looked at 140 critically ill patients to see if the difference between blood sugar and sugar in the fluid around cells (interstitial fluid) can help doctors understand metabolism and predict death risk. The goal was to find a simpler, less invasive way to monitor energ…

This study looked at how working in intensive care during the COVID-19 outbreak affected the mental health of doctors, nurses, and other caregivers. Over 700 healthcare workers answered surveys about post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. The goal was to underst…

This study tested two bedside scoring tools (PAWS and PEWS) to see how well they detect worsening illness in children admitted to intermediate care units. Over 3000 children took part across multiple French hospitals. The goal was to validate these scores and develop a simpler wa…

This study collected information from 964 critically ill patients in intensive care units across multiple countries to understand how doctors prescribe and monitor aminoglycoside antibiotics (tobramycin, amikacin, or gentamicin). The goal was to describe current practices and ide…

This study looked at 140 critically ill patients to see if the difference between their blood sugar and the sugar in their body tissues could help doctors understand their metabolism and predict their recovery. The researchers wanted to find a simpler, less invasive way to monito…

This study looked at 570 critically ill adults in the ICU to see if a simple blood test called the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) could predict who might die. The SII measures inflammation and immune response from a standard blood draw. Researchers found that higher SII…

This study looked at 172 patients in the intensive care unit after surgery who needed insulin. Researchers compared two different methods of giving insulin to see which one caused fewer ups and downs in blood sugar levels. The goal was to find out if using a separate line for ins…

This study looked at whether brainwave (EEG) patterns can predict delirium in severely injured trauma patients before doctors notice symptoms. Researchers monitored 73 adults in the trauma ICU over several days, comparing recordings with eyes open versus closed. The goal was to b…

This study looked at whether measuring certain markers of fungal infection in the blood could help doctors decide to stop antifungal drugs earlier in critically ill patients. The goal was to reduce the number of days patients receive these medications without increasing risk. The…

This study looked at 43 critically ill adults with acute kidney injury who received continuous kidney replacement therapy (CRRT). Researchers measured how much carnitine, vitamins, and amino acids were removed by the machine. The goal was to understand if this treatment causes nu…

This study looked at how two types of liquid food (Pediasure and Nourish) change the gut bacteria in children who are very sick in the hospital. 32 children aged 1 to 17 who already had a feeding tube took part. Researchers collected stool and saliva samples to see how the formul…

This study looked at whether using ultrasound to check the stomach and gut could help doctors feed critically ill patients more successfully. About 294 adults in the ICU took part. The goal was to see if this approach helps patients reach their calorie targets and reduces feeding…

This study looked at whether giving patients extra physiotherapy and tailored nutrition after leaving the intensive care unit (ICU) is practical and helpful. 60 adults who needed breathing support in the ICU took part. The goal was to see if this approach could increase the numbe…

This small pilot study tested whether it is possible to set personalized blood pressure targets for critically ill patients based on their brain's oxygen levels. Researchers monitored 16 ICU patients with respiratory failure or shock for 24 hours to find each patient's optimal bl…

This study looked at 28 ICU patients on breathing machines to see if a diaphragm ultrasound could detect a specific breathing problem called double triggering. Researchers compared ultrasound results to standard ventilator readings. The goal is to find better ways to monitor and …

This study tested whether giving extra amino acids through a vein and having patients cycle while in bed could prevent muscle loss during the first week in the ICU. Half of the 50 participants received the extra amino acids and cycling, while the other half received standard care…

This study tested a communication approach called time-limited trials (TLTs) for 209 critically-ill patients with advanced medical illnesses. Doctors and families agreed on a set period to try ICU treatments and then check if the patient improved. The goal was to see if this meth…

This study tested an electronic device that automatically controls the pressure in the cuff of a breathing tube in critically ill patients. The goal was to see if it keeps the pressure in a safe range better than manual checks. 18 ICU patients were monitored for 24-hour periods w…

This study looked at how ICU patients on breathing machines process protein. Researchers gave 8 patients either a standard or higher amount of protein to see which helps reduce muscle loss. The goal was to learn more about protein use in critically ill people, not to test a new t…

This study looked at how fluids and blood pressure medicines are used in over 2,500 critically ill patients on breathing machines in ICUs around the world. The goal was to understand current practices and see how they relate to patient recovery, length of stay, and survival. No n…

This study tested a program that screens older adults (60+) for memory and thinking problems after a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). About 109 people took part to see if the screening was practical and helpful. The goal was to find cognitive issues early and connect patien…

This study brought together 50 international experts to agree on what training doctors need to safely manage airways in critically ill patients. Using a structured voting process, the team identified key training requirements. The study did not test any drug or device, but aimed …

This study looked at whether adding specialty palliative care early on to standard ICU care can improve the experience for critically ill older adults (age 60+) and their families. Over 1,000 patients and their family members took part. The goal was to see if this approach leads …

This study looked at 325 adults with crush syndrome in the ICU to see if certain blood test results could predict who might die within 28 days. Researchers checked inflammation markers from routine blood work and compared them to standard severity scores. The goal was to find a s…

This study aimed to find better ways to predict kidney injury after heart surgery. Researchers tested new biomarkers in over 3,000 patients who developed kidney problems within two days of surgery. The goal was to see if these tests could identify which patients would get worse o…

This study looked at whether a substance in the blood called homocysteine can help doctors understand how severe preeclampsia is in pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Researchers measur…

This study looked at 200 critically ill patients to see if there is a link between gut injury and how well blood returns to the heart. Doctors used ultrasound to measure blood flow in the veins and gut. The goal was to better understand gut problems in the ICU, not to test a new …