Proactive screening algorithm for early onset pneumonia in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a before-after implementation study.

INTRODUCTION: Early Onset Pneumonia (EOP) occurs in around 50% of critically ill patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), and is associated with increased morbidity. Prompt diagnosis of EOP in these patients is difficult because of targeted temperature management and the post-cardiac arrest syndrome. We hypothesized that an algorithm for proactive screening of EOP would improve patient outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a single-center observational study comparing the outcomes of mechanically-ventilated adult patients with OHCA, before (study period 1) and after (study period 2) implementation of an algorithm for proactive diagnosis of EOP, including an early distal pulmonary specimen. An inverse probability treatment weighted (IPTW) multivariable regression was performed to identify independent parameters associated with duration of mechanical ventilation. A subgroup analysis was conducted in patients alive on day 5 after ICU admission. RESULTS: Over the 4-year study period, 190 patients (99 and 91 for study periods 1 and 2, respectively) were enrolled. The overall incidence of EOP was 57.4% and was similar between both study periods. Although there was no difference in the time-interval to antibiotic initiation, study period 2 was independently associated with higher SpO2/FiO2 ratios on days 3 and 4. We also observed a decrease in mechanical ventilation time in study period 2 (4.5 [1 - 11.3] versus 3 [2 - 5.8] days; p = 0.07), and this reached statistical significance in the subgroup analysis of patients alive at day 5 (10 [5 - 17] versus 5 [3 - 9] days, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients with OHCA, proactive diagnosis of EOP was not associated with a significant change in the time to antibiotic initiation. Further research is warranted to better define optimal diagnosis and management of EOP in this setting.

Hormographiella aspergillata pulmonary infections: Detection and identification of the fungus using pan-fungal PCR assays and DNA sequencing.

Hormographiella aspergillata is a basidiomycete exceptionally involved in invasive fungal infections (IFI). We report a case of H. aspergillata pulmonary infection in a 30-year-old female in a context of pancytopenia and relapsed of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She presented with fever, thoracic pain, left pleural effusion and pneumonia, diagnosed on chest X-ray and CT-scan. Direct examination of a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimen performed on day (d) 10 was negative, while the culture was positive on d30. H. aspergillata was suspected, considering macroscopic and microscopic examination. Its identification was confirmed using Microflex® Bruker mass spectrometry and pan-fungal (PF)-PCR assay followed by DNA sequencing. After this initial diagnosis, the patient was monitored for 2.8 years. She was treated with liposomal amphotericin B and/or voriconazole until switching to isavuconazole on d298 due to side-effects. This antifungal treatment was maintained until d717 and then discontinued, the patient being considered as cured. Over this follow-up period, the patient was submitted to recurrent pulmonary sampling. Each time, cultures were negative, while PF - PCR assays and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of H. aspergillata. The present case-report is the 32nd observation of H. aspergillata invasive infection showing that this IFI is still infrequent. Fifteen have occurred in patients with AML, which appears as the most frequent underlying disease favoring this IFI. Six recent case-reports in addition to ours highlight PF-PCR assays and DNA sequencing as relevant diagnostic tools that must be included in routine diagnosis and monitoring of IFI, specifically those due to rare basidiomycetes.

Anti-Factor-Xa and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Concordance and Outcomes in Adults Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Secondary Analysis of the Pilot Low-Dose Heparin in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the concordance between activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and anti-factor-Xa (anti-Xa) in adults undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to identify the factors associated with discordant paired aPTT/anti-Xa. DESIGN: Pre-planned secondary analysis of the Low-Dose Heparin in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation pilot randomized unblinded, parallel-group controlled trial. SETTING: Two ICUs in two university hospitals. PATIENTS: Thirty-two critically ill patients who underwent ECMO and who had at least one paired aPTT and anti-Xa assay performed at the same time. INTERVENTIONS: We analyzed the concordance between aPTT and anti-Xa and identified factors associated with discordant paired aPTT/anti-Xa based on their respective therapeutic ranges. We also compared biological parameters between heparin resistance episode and no heparin resistance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 32 patients who were included in this study, 24 (75%) had at least one discordant paired aPTT/anti-Xa. Of the 581 paired aPTT/anti-Xa that were analyzed, 202 were discordant. The aPTT was relatively lower than anti-Xa in 66 cases (32.7%) or relatively higher than anti-Xa in 136 cases (67.3%). Thirty-three heparin resistance episodes were identified in six patients (19%). CONCLUSIONS: In these critically ill patients undergoing ECMO, one third of paired aPTT/anti-Xa measures was discordant. Coagulopathy and heparin resistance might be the reasons for discordance. Our results support the potential importance of routinely monitoring both tests in this setting.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit.

Importance: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite multiple randomized clinical trials of hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds for transfusion, little is known about how these thresholds are incorporated into current practice. Objective: To evaluate and describe ICU RBC transfusion practices worldwide. Design, Setting, and Participants: International, prospective, cohort study that involved 3643 adult patients from 233 ICUs in 30 countries on 6 continents from March 2019 to October 2022 with data collection in prespecified weeks. Exposure: ICU stay. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the occurrence of RBC transfusion during ICU stay. Additional outcomes included the indication(s) for RBC transfusion (consisting of clinical reasons and physiological triggers), the stated Hb threshold and actual measured Hb values before and after an RBC transfusion, and the number of units transfused. Results: Among 3908 potentially eligible patients, 3643 were included across 233 ICUs (median of 11 patients per ICU [IQR, 5-20]) in 30 countries on 6 continents. Among the participants, the mean (SD) age was 61 (16) years, 62% were male (2267/3643), and the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 3.2 (IQR, 1.5-6.0). A total of 894 patients (25%) received 1 or more RBC transfusions during their ICU stay, with a median total of 2 units per patient (IQR, 1-4). The proportion of patients who received a transfusion ranged from 0% to 100% across centers, from 0% to 80% across countries, and from 19% to 45% across continents. Among the patients who received a transfusion, a total of 1727 RBC transfusions were administered, wherein the most common clinical indications were low Hb value (n = 1412 [81.8%]; mean [SD] lowest Hb before transfusion, 7.4 [1.2] g/dL), active bleeding (n = 479; 27.7%), and hemodynamic instability (n = 406 [23.5%]). Among the events with a stated physiological trigger, the most frequently stated triggers were hypotension (n = 728 [42.2%]), tachycardia (n = 474 [27.4%]), and increased lactate levels (n = 308 [17.8%]). The median lowest Hb level on days with an RBC transfusion ranged from 5.2 g/dL to 13.1 g/dL across centers, from 5.3 g/dL to 9.1 g/dL across countries, and from 7.2 g/dL to 8.7 g/dL across continents. Approximately 84% of ICUs administered transfusions to patients at a median Hb level greater than 7 g/dL. Conclusions and Relevance: RBC transfusion was common in patients admitted to ICUs worldwide between 2019 and 2022, with high variability across centers in transfusion practices.

Prophylactic platelet transfusion response in critically ill patients: a prospective multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Response to prophylactic platelet transfusion is suspected to be inconsistent in critically ill patients questioning how to optimize transfusion practices. This study aimed to describe prophylactic platelet transfusion response, to identify factors associated with a suboptimal response, to analyse the correlation between corrected count increment and platelet count increment and to determine the association between poor platelet transfusion response and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This prospective multicentre observational study recruited patients who received at least one prophylactic platelet transfusion in one of the nine participating intensive care units for a period up to 16 months. Poor platelet transfusion response was defined as a corrected count increment (CCI) that adjusts for platelet dose and body surface area, less than 7 at 18-24 h after platelet transfusion. Factors associated with poor platelet transfusion response were assessed in a mixed-effect model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in patients with and without haematology malignancy and chemotherapy. RESULTS: Poor platelet transfusion response occurred in 349 of the 472 (73.9%) prophylactic platelet transfusions and in 141/181 (77.9%) patients. The mixed-effect model identified haemoglobin at ICU admission (odds ratio (OR): 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-0.89]) and body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.93 [0.89-0.98]) being positively and independently associated with platelet transfusion response, while a haematological malignancy (OR 1.93 [1.09-3.43]), sepsis as primary ICU admission diagnosis (OR: 2.81 [1.57-5.03]), SOFA score (OR 1.10 [1.03; 1.17]) and maximum storage duration of platelet (OR: 1.24 [1.02-1.52]) were independently associated with a suboptimal platelet increment. Clinical outcomes did not differ between groups, nor the requirement for red blood cells. Poor platelet transfusion response was found in 93.5% of patients with haematology malignancy and chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of critically ill patients, of whom more than half had bone marrow failure, almost three quarters of prophylactic platelet transfusions led to suboptimal platelet increment measured 18 to 24 h following platelet transfusion. Platelet storage duration was the only factor associated with poor platelet response that may be accessible to intervention. Trial registration in October 2017: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03325140.

The place of new antibiotics for Gram-negative bacterial infections in intensive care: report of a consensus conference.

INTRODUCTION: New beta-lactams, associated or not with beta-lactamase inhibitors (NBs/BIs), can respond to the spread of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriales and nonfermenting carbapenem-resistant bacteria. The risk of emergence of resistance to these NBs/BIs makes guidelines necessary. The SRLF organized a consensus conference in December 2022. METHODS: An ad hoc committee without any conflict of interest (CoI) with the subject identified the molecules (ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam and cefiderocol); defined 6 generic questions; drew up a list of subquestions according to the population, intervention, comparison and outcomes (PICO) model; and reviewed the literature using predefined keywords. The quality of the data was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Seven experts in the field proposed their own answers to the questions in a public session and answered questions from the jury (a panel of 10 critical-care physicians without any CoI) and the public. The jury then met alone for 48 h to write its recommendations. Due to the frequent lack of powerful studies that have used clinically important criteria of judgment, the recommendations were formulated as expert opinions as often as necessary. RESULTS: The jury provided 17 statements answering 6 questions: (1) Is there a place in the ICU for the probabilistic use of new NBs/IBs active against Gram-negative bacteria? (2) In the context of documented infections with sensitivity to several of these molecules, are there pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, ecological or medico-economic elements for prioritization? (3) What are the possible combinations with these molecules and in what context? (4) Should we integrate these new molecules into a carbapenem-sparing strategy? (5) What pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are available to optimize their mode of administration in critically ill patients? (6) What are the dosage adaptations in cases of renal insufficiency, hepatocellular insufficiency or obesity? CONCLUSION: These recommendations should optimize the use of NBs/BIs in ICU patients.

Postoperative transfusion hemoglobin threshold and functional recovery after high-risk oncologic surgery: A randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Robust evidence to inform best transfusion management after major oncologic surgery, where postoperative recovery might impact treatment regimens for cancer, is lacking. We conducted a study to validate the feasibility of a larger trial comparing liberal versus restrictive red blood cells (RBC) transfusion strategies after major oncologic surgery. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a two-center, randomized, controlled, study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit after major oncologic surgery. Patients whose hemoglobin level dropped below 9.5 g/dL, were randomly assigned to immediately receive a 1-unit RBC transfusion (liberal) or delayed until the hemoglobin level dropped below 7.5 g/dL (restrictive). The primary outcome was the median hemoglobin level between randomization to day 30 post-surgery. Disability-free survival was evaluated by the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. RESULTS: 30 patients were randomized (15 patients/group) in 15 months with a mean recruitment rate of 1.8 patients per month. The median hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the liberal group than in the restrictive group: 10.1 g/dL (IQR 9.6-10.5) versus 8.8 g/dL (IQR 8.3-9.4), p < .001, and RBC transfusion rates were 100% versus 66.7%, p = .04. The disability-free survival was similar between groups: 26.7% versus 20%, p = 1. DISCUSSION: Our results support the feasibility of a phase 3 randomized controlled trial comparing the impact of liberal versus restrictive transfusion strategies on the functional recovery of critically ill patients following major oncologic surgery.

Clinical and microbiological features of drowning-associated pneumonia: a retrospective multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Pneumonia is the most frequent infectious complication in patients who have experienced drowning that requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission. We aimed to describe clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic data as well as predictors and impacts of such pneumonia on patients' outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicentre study (2013-2020) of 270 consecutive patients admitted for drowning to 14 ICUs in Western France. Their baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared according to the occurrence of drowning-associated pneumonia (DAP), defined as pneumonia diagnosed within 48 hours of ICU admission. A Cox regression model was used to compare survival on day 28, and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for DAP. Microbiological characteristics and empirical antibacterial treatment were also analysed. RESULTS: Among the 270 patients admitted to the ICU for drowning, 101 (37.4%) and 33 (12.2%) experienced pneumonia and microbiologically proven DAP, respectively. The occurrence of pneumonia was associated with higher severity scores at ICU admission (median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, 34 [interquartile range {IQR}, 25-55] vs. 45 [IQR, 28-67]; p 0.006) and longer ICU length of stay (2 days [IQR, 1-3] vs. 4 days [IQR, 2-7]; p < 0.001). The 28-day mortality rate was higher among these patients (29/101 [28.7%] vs. 26/169 [15.4%]; p 0.013). Microbiologically proven DAP remained associated with higher 28-day mortality after adjustments for cardiac arrest and water salinity (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.06-3.28]; p 0.03). A microbiological analysis of respiratory samples showed a high proportion of gram-negative bacilli (23/56; 41.1%), with a high prevalence of amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance (12/33; 36.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia is a common complication in patients admitted in the ICU for drowning and is associated with increased mortality.

Ten actions to achieve gender equity among intensivists: the French Society of Intensive Care (FICS) model.

In our recent survey, we aimed to collect information on perceived inequity as well as professional and personal fulfillment among women intensivists in France. For the 371 respondents out of the 732 persons who received the survey, the findings were unequivocal: for one-third of the respondents, being a woman was considered as an obstacle to careers or academic advancement, and for two thirds, pregnancy was viewed as a barrier to their career advancement. Gender discrimination had been experienced by 55% of the respondents. In 2019, to promote and achieve gender equity in the French Intensive Care Society (FICS), ten actions were initiated and are detailed in the present manuscript together with supporting data: (1) creation of a working group: the FEMMIR group; (2) promotion of mentorship; (3) implementation of concrete sponsorship; (4) transparency and public reporting of gender ratios in editorial boards; (5) workshops dedicated to unconscious gender bias; (6) workshops dedicated to improved women assertiveness; (7) role models; (8) creation of educational/information programs for young intensivists; (9) development of research on gender inequity and, as a perspective; and (10) development of a wide-ranging program. This review is aimed at providing a toolbox of organizational best practices designed to achieve gender equity. It is particularly important to share promising practical action engaged in our FEMMIR group with other concerned professionals around the world.

Fungal infections in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 during the first wave: the French multicentre MYCOVID study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe COVID-19 have emerged as a population at high risk of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, to our knowledge, the prevalence of IFIs has not yet been assessed in large populations of mechanically ventilated patients. We aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and mortality associated with IFIs in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 under intensive care. METHODS: We performed a national, multicentre, observational cohort study in 18 French intensive care units (ICUs). We retrospectively and prospectively enrolled adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and requiring mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome, with all demographic and clinical and biological follow-up data anonymised and collected from electronic case report forms. Patients were systematically screened for respiratory fungal microorganisms once or twice a week during the period of mechanical ventilation up to ICU discharge. The primary outcome was the prevalence of IFIs in all eligible participants with a minimum of three microbiological samples screened during ICU admission, with proven or probable (pr/pb) COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) classified according to the recent ECMM/ISHAM definitions. Secondary outcomes were risk factors of pr/pb CAPA, ICU mortality between the pr/pb CAPA and non-pr/pb CAPA groups, and associations of pr/pb CAPA and related variables with ICU mortality, identified by regression models. The MYCOVID study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04368221. FINDINGS: Between Feb 29 and July 9, 2020, we enrolled 565 mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. 509 patients with at least three screening samples were analysed (mean age 59·4 years [SD 12·5], 400 [79%] men). 128 (25%) patients had 138 episodes of pr/pb or possible IFIs. 76 (15%) patients fulfilled the criteria for pr/pb CAPA. According to multivariate analysis, age older than 62 years (odds ratio [OR] 2·34 [95% CI 1·39-3·92], p=0·0013), treatment with dexamethasone and anti-IL-6 (OR 2·71 [1·12-6·56], p=0·027), and long duration of mechanical ventilation (>14 days; OR 2·16 [1·14-4·09], p=0·019) were independently associated with pr/pb CAPA. 38 (7%) patients had one or more other pr/pb IFIs: 32 (6%) had candidaemia, six (1%) had invasive mucormycosis, and one (<1%) had invasive fusariosis. Multivariate analysis of associations with death, adjusted for candidaemia, for the 509 patients identified three significant factors: age older than 62 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1·71 [95% CI 1·26-2·32], p=0·0005), solid organ transplantation (HR 2·46 [1·53-3·95], p=0·0002), and pr/pb CAPA (HR 1·45 [95% CI 1·03-2·03], p=0·033). At time of ICU discharge, survival curves showed that overall ICU mortality was significantly higher in patients with pr/pb CAPA than in those without, at 61·8% (95% CI 50·0-72·8) versus 32·1% (27·7-36·7; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: This study shows the high prevalence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and candidaemia and high mortality associated with pr/pb CAPA in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. These findings highlight the need for active surveillance of fungal pathogens in patients with severe COVID-19. FUNDING: Pfizer.

Nationwide retrospective study of critically ill adults with sickle cell disease in France.

Little is known about patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The goals of this study were to assess outcomes in patients admitted to the ICU for acute complications of SCD and to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes. This multicenter retrospective study included consecutive adults with SCD admitted to one of 17 participating ICUs. An adverse outcome was defined as death or a need for life-sustaining therapies (non-invasive or invasive ventilation, vasoactive drugs, renal replacement therapy, and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Factors associated with adverse outcomes were identified by mixed multivariable logistic regression. We included 488 patients admitted in 2015-2017. The main reasons for ICU admission were acute chest syndrome (47.5%) and severely painful vaso-occlusive event (21.3%). Sixteen (3.3%) patients died in the ICU, mainly of multi-organ failure following a painful vaso-occlusive event or sepsis. An adverse outcome occurred in 81 (16.6%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 13.3%-19.9%) patients. Independent factors associated with adverse outcomes were low mean arterial blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.027), faster respiratory rate (aOR, 1.09; 95% CI 1.05-1.14; p < 0.0001), higher haemoglobin level (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.48; p = 0.038), impaired creatinine clearance at ICU admission (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.98; p < 0.0001), and red blood cell exchange before ICU admission (aOR, 5.16; 95% CI 1.16-22.94; p = 0.031). Patients with SCD have a substantial risk of adverse outcomes if they require ICU admission. Early ICU admission should be encouraged in patients who develop abnormal physiological parameters.

Clinical spectrum and risk factors for mortality among seawater and freshwater critically ill drowning patients: a French multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Drowning is a global threat and one of the leading causes of injury around the world. The impact of drowning conditions including water salinity on patients' prognosis remains poorly explored in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study on patients admitted to 14 ICUs in the west of France from January 2013 to January 2020. We first compared demographic and clinical characteristics at admission as well as clinical courses of these patients according to the salinity of drowning water. Then, we aimed to identify variables associated with 28-day survival using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Of the 270 consecutive included patients, drowning occurred in seawater in 199 patients (73.7%) and in freshwater in 71 patients (26.3%). Day-28 mortality was observed in 55 patients (20.4%). Freshwater was independently associated with 28-day mortality (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) 1.84 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.03-3.29], p = 0.04). A higher proportion of freshwater patients presented psychiatric comorbidities (47.9 vs. 19.1%; p < 0.0001) and the etiology of drowning appeared more frequently to be a suicide attempt in this population (25.7 vs. 4.2%; p < 0.0001). The other factors independently associated with 28-day mortality were the occurrence of a drowning-related cardiac arrest (aHR 11.5 [95% CI 2.51-52.43], p = 0.0017), duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (aHR 1.05 [95% CI 1.03-1.07], p < 0.0001) and SOFA score at day 1 (aHR 1.2 [95% CI 1.11-1.3], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large multicenter cohort, freshwater drowning patients had a poorer prognosis than saltwater drowning patients. Reasons for such discrepancies include differences in underlying psychiatric comorbidity, drowning circumstances and severities. Patients with initial cardiac arrest secondary to drowning remain with a very poor prognosis.

Transfusion strategies in bleeding critically ill adults: a clinical practice guideline from the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine.

PURPOSE: To develop evidence-based clinical practice recommendations regarding transfusion practices and transfusion in bleeding critically ill adults. METHODS: A taskforce involving 15 international experts and 2 methodologists used the GRADE approach to guideline development. The taskforce addressed three main topics: transfusion support in massively and non-massively bleeding critically ill patients (transfusion ratios, blood products, and point of care testing) and the use of tranexamic acid. The panel developed and answered structured guideline questions using population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) format. RESULTS: The taskforce generated 26 clinical practice recommendations (2 strong recommendations, 13 conditional recommendations, 11 no recommendation), and identified 10 PICOs with insufficient evidence to make a recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of massively and non-massively bleeding critically ill adult patients and identifies areas where further research is needed.

Transfusion-related respiratory complications in intensive care: A diagnosis challenge.

Transfusion-related respiratory complications can be challenging to diagnose especially in mechanically-ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the concurrent respiratory symptoms associated with the patients' primary diagnoses. In this narrative review, transfusion-related respiratory complications, including transfusion-associated dyspnea (TAD), transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), and transfusion-related allergic reaction (TRAR), are briefly presented in light of the recent consensus or experts' definitions; and the diagnosis issues for ICU patients are discussed. Acute respiratory failure occurring during, or within 6 to 24hours, of transfusion might be a transfusion-related respiratory complication. The recent updated definitions for TRALI and TACO should assist clinicians to differentiate between possible diagnoses. The issues for ICU clinicians are first to recognize the acute respiratory deterioration and the possible causality between the deterioration and blood transfusion and secondly to make the proper diagnosis. This remains challenging for mechanically-ventilated patients. Clinical assessment to identify ICU patients at particular risk of transfusion-related respiratory complications and non-invasive investigation tools could be beneficial and may help to remind clinicians to be alert to the link between transfusion and worsening of respiratory symptoms in these vulnerable critically ill patients.