Springer Verlag

Over the last two decades, the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has reduced the need for endotracheal ventilation, thus decreasing the rate of ventilation-induced complications. Thus, NIV has decreased both intubation rates and mortality rates in specific subsets of patients with acute respiratory failure (for example, patients with hypercapnia, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, immune deficiencies, or post-transplantation acute respiratory failure). Despite the increased use of NIV in clinical practice, there is still a need for more educational tools to improve clinicians' knowledge of the indications and contraindications for NIV, the factors that predict failure or success, and also what should be considered when starting NIV. This book has the dual function of being a "classical" text where the major findings in the literature are discussed and highlighted, as well as a practical manual on the tricks and pitfalls to consider in NIV application by both beginners and experts. For example, setting the ventilatory parameters; choosing the interfaces, circuits, and humidification systems; monitoring; and the "right" environment for the "right" patient will be discussed to help clinicians in their choices.

Resuscitation is a two-stage process comprising the achievement/maintenance of spontaneous circulation and post-resuscitation management. The approach is complex and multifaceted and entails the integration of new physiological insights, pharmacological options, and technological advances. The purpose of this volume, written by top experts in the field, is to promote, share, and disseminate new advances in resuscitation and post-resuscitation care. The issues addressed are wide ranging and of great topical interest or controversy. They include priorities of intervention, quality of resuscitation, use of mechanical supports, new defibrillation strategies, prevention of organ damage, strategies in cases of sudden cardiac death, new pharmacological treatments, and post-resuscitation care, including temperature management and prediction and improvement of outcome after cardiac arrest. Particular attention is devoted to up-to-date evidence from the most recent experimental and clinical trials on resuscitation science and to gold standard evidence-based resuscitation and post-resuscitation treatments and interventions. In addition, organizational models and integrated care systems for trauma are considered, and critical care education and the process of guideline development are reviewed.

A growing number of people suffer from so-called resistant hypertension, that is to say, high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. This disorder is of great current interest and importance for public health, being a common clinical problem faced by both primary care clinicians and specialists. Furthermore, as older age and obesity are among the strongest risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension, the incidence of resistant hypertension will likely increase as the population becomes more elderly and heavier. While the prognosis of resistant hypertension is unknown, cardiovascular risk is undoubtedly increased since patients often have a history of long-standing, severe hypertension complicated by multiple other cardiovascular risk factors. This volume, compiled by a panel of world-renowned experts, offers a comprehensive exploration of resistant hypertension, covering epidemiology, complex diagnostic aspects, and the therapeutic options currently available, with due attention to overall treatment strategies. New therapeutic agents and procedures, such as renal denervation and baroreceptor stimulation, are also described. In addition, the book addresses the economic aspects of resistant hypertension and the role of the different professional figures, from GPs to hypertension specialists, in dealing with it.