Critical Care Practitioner

Jonathan Downham: Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, Teaching, Sharing and Interviewing.
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE
  • EVERY TWO MONTHS

As I Learn, You Learn Too

  1. 13 JAN

    Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease Part 2

    We return to our 48-year-old patient: jaundiced, hypotensive, drowsy, and bleeding. In decompensated cirrhosis, every treatment targets a disrupted system — splanchnic vasodilation, portal hypertension, toxin accumulation, and renal hypoperfusion.Although these patients look fluid overloaded, they are effectively hypovolaemic. Start with small aliquots of balanced crystalloid, avoiding 0.9% saline. In hepatorenal syndrome or tense ascites, 20% albumin is […] The post Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease Part 2 appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    14 min

  2. 8 JAN

    Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease

    In this episode, I walk through the real-world critical care management of acute decompensated alcohol-related liver disease, using a high-risk ICU case to anchor the discussion. The focus is on understanding the underlying physiology—portal hypertension, rebalanced haemostasis, hepatic encephalopathy, infection, and hepatorenal syndrome—and translating that physiology into clear first-hour priorities at the bedside.  Listeners are […] The post Decompensated Alcohol Related Liver Disease appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    14 min

  3. 13/11/2025

    Non Invasive Ventilation

    This episode offers a structured, bedside-focused exploration of Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD, aligned with NICE NG115 and BTS/ICS 2016 guidance. Aimed at early-career critical care nurses, it breaks the topic down into physiology, practical setup, monitoring, and escalation.Key Topics CoveredMechanisms behind acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD.How NIV improves […] The post Non Invasive Ventilation appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    15 min

  4. 31/10/2025

    HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State)

    HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State) is the quiet counterpart to DKA. It develops slowly in older type 2 diabetics with residual insulin, leading to extreme hyperglycaemia and dehydration without ketosis. In this 2-hour deep dive, Jonathan explains why HHS kills through water loss and hyperviscosity rather than acid, and how to manage it safely.Key Learning Points:·         Pathophysiology: Relative […] The post HHS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State) appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    32 min

  5. 24/10/2025

    DKA- Fluids, Potassium and Insulin

    The post DKA- Fluids, Potassium and Insulin appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    23 min

  6. 13/10/2025

    Hypophosphatemia in Critical Care

    Summary:In this episode, we spotlight a stealthy ICU disruptor — hypophosphataemia. Based on a 2024 narrative review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, we explore why phosphate matters, how it goes missing in critically ill patients, and why you should care even when it’s just “a little low.”What’s Covered:The vital role of phosphate in energy, […] The post Hypophosphatemia in Critical Care appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    6 min

  7. 01/10/2025

    DKA in Critical Care

    The post DKA in Critical Care appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    9 min

  8. 24/09/2025

    Mobilisation in Critical Care- Barriers and Culture

    Mobilisation in the ICU raises two big questions: is it safe, and will staff embrace it?In this discussion, Jonathan explores both sides of the story:Safety first:Large prevalence studies show mobilisation is happening, though often inconsistently.A systematic review of 1,800+ sessions found serious adverse events in only 0.6% — most minor and short-lived.Even patients on CRRT can safely mobilise […] The post Mobilisation in Critical Care- Barriers and Culture appeared first on Critical Care Practitioner.

    5 min
See All (204)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

As I Learn, You Learn Too

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Downham: Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, Teaching, Sharing and Interviewing.
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Copyright
    © Copyright: Critical Care Practitioner 2014
  • Show Website
    Critical Care Practitioner

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