Using augmented intelligence to improve long term outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: For augmented intelligence (AI) tools to realize their potential, critical care clinicians must ensure they are designed to improve long-term outcomes. This overview is intended to align professionals with the state-of-the art of AI. RECENT FINDINGS: Many AI tools are undergoing preliminary assessment of their ability to support the care of survivors and their caregivers at multiple time points after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. The domains being studied include early identification of deterioration (physiological, mental), management of impaired physical functioning, pain, sleep and sexual dysfunction, improving nutrition and communication, and screening and treatment of cognitive impairment and mental health disorders.Several technologies are already being marketed and many more are in various stages of development. These technologies mostly still require clinical trials outcome testing. However, lacking a formal regulatory approval process, some are already in use. SUMMARY: Plans for long-term management of ICU survivors must account for the development of a holistic follow-up system that incorporates AI across multiple platforms. A tiered post-ICU screening program may be established wherein AI tools managed by ICU follow-up clinics provide appropriate assistance without human intervention in cases with less pathology and refer severe cases to expert treatment.

Anesthetic approach to pregnant patients with malaria: a narrative review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Anesthesiologists play an important role in the management of labor and delivery during acute malaria infection. The peripartum anesthesia considerations for such cases remain unclear. FINDINGS: Important peripartum considerations include the severity of thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy, hemodynamic status and cardiac disease, and the likelihood of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Several antimalarial drugs may interact with perioperative medications, causing hypoglycemia, methemoglobinemia, or QT prolongation. Labor should usually not be induced. Patient volume status should be optimized pre-induction, but fluids should be administered with caution given the risk of cerebral edema. In case of CNS involvement intracranial pressure should be maintained. Case reports describe the successful use of neuraxial anesthesia but this approach requires further confirmation of safety. Despite the risks accompanying airway management in pregnancy, in some cases, general anesthesia was preferred due to the chance of CNS infection and disease complications. Tight postoperative assessments of neurological and bleeding status are indicated regardless of the mode of delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the prevalence of malaria, the perioperative risk and preferred mode of anesthesia for pregnant patients with acute malaria remain under-researched and outcome data are limited.