The Yearbook compiles the most recent, widespread developments of experimental and clinical research and practice in one comprehensive reference book. The chapters are written by well recognized experts in their field of intensive care and emergency medicine. It is addressed to everyone involved in internal medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pediatrics, intensive care and emergency medicine. (With approximately 90 contributions.)

Sepsis and Inflammation

The Molecular Genetics of Sepsis: Clinical Epidemiology Considerations
The Role of Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 During Endotoxemia and Bacterial Infection
The Apoptotic Response of the Lymphoid Immune System to Trauma, Shock, and Sepsis
Modulation of Neutrophil Function in Sepsis
Trauma-Induced Immunosuppression: Pathogenesis and Treatment
The Influence of Nutrition on Mucosal Immunology and Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules
Intestinal Microcirculation: Changes in Sepsis and Effect of Vasoactive Manipulation
Microvascular Permeability in Experimental Sepsis: Mechanisms, Modulation and Management
Infectious Challenges
Catheter-Related Infections in the ICU
Ecological Impact of Beta-lactam Treatment on Normal Human Intestinal Microflora
Non-Pharmacologic Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Fungal Infections
Fungal Infections in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
Candida: Some Thoughts
Steroid Therapy
Clinical Impact of Glucocorticoid Pharmacodynamics
Corticosteroids in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Corticosteroid Therapy in Critical Illness: A Changing Paradigm
Pathophysiology of Lung Injury
Alveolar Epithelial Barrier: Acute Lung Injury
Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity in Man: Emerging Concepts in Pathogenesis and Prevention
Fibrosis in ARDS: How Close is the Link between Inflammation and Fibroproliferation?
The Clinical Relevance of Exhaled Nitric Oxide: A Critical Review
Acute Respiratory Failure
Hypoxemia and Mortality in the ICU
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in the ICU
Optimal Positioning for the Adult Intensive Care Patient while Prone
Mechanical Ventilation
Utilization of Mechanical Ventilation in Critical Care
Respiratory Physiology as a Basis for the Managementof Acute Lung Injury
High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation: A Tool to Decrease Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury?
Extubation Failure
Non-invasive Ventilation: Why Does It Fail?
Surgery
Reducing the Morbidity and Mortality of High-Risk Surgical Patients
Causes of Oxygenation Impairment During Anesthesia
Respiratory Function in Obese Patients in the Peri-operative Period
Post-operative Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction
Abdominal Crises
Novel Strategies for the Management of Severe Acute Pancreatitis
The Hepatorenal Syndrome
Sedation
Sedation in the Intensive Care Environment
Intensive Care Sedation: The Alpha-2 Agonists
Intravenous Fluids
Fluid Therapy: Present Controversies
Crystalloids versus Colloids in the Treatment of Hypovolemic Shock
Human Albumin on the ICU: Can We Live Without It?
Intra-operative Use of Hypertonic Solutions
Adverse Effects of Colloids on Renal Function
Should Old Red Cells be Transfused in Critically Ill Patients?
Current Status of Artificial Oxygen Carriers
Emergencies
Intensive Care in a Forward Deployed Military Field Surgical Combat Support Hospital
Diagnosis of Traumatic Aortic Injuries
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperosmolar Emergencies
Neurology
Conservative and Invasive Treatment of Space-Occupying Hemispheric Stroke
Thrombolytic Therapy for Intraventricular and Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage
Cerebral Function in Vegetative State studied by Positron Emission Tomography
Cardiovascular Crises
Evaluation of Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins in Ischemic Heart Disease
Coronary Thrombosis and Myocardial Infarction
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tachycardias
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Lessons from the Past and Trends for the Future
Effects of Catecholamine Therapy on Regional Perfusion in Septic Shock
ICU Monitoring
Evaluation of Cardiac Output and Cardiac Preload
Transesophageal Echocardiography: The Relationship between Pressure, Flow and Function
Respiratory Changes in Arterial Pressure in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
The Study of the Microcirculation using Orthogonal Polarization Spectral Imaging
Assessment of Tissue Oxygenation in the Critically Ill
Blood Gas Monitoring with Optodes
Interpretation of Changes in Regional and Mucosal PCO2, Gradients: The Haldane Effect
The Meaning of Lactate
Routine Assessment of Tissue Metabolism in the Critically Ill
ICU Costs
The Costs of Infection in the ICU
Costs of Antibiotic Therapy: Maximizing Effectiveness While Minimizing Cost
Clinical Pathways as a Tool for 'Intelligent' Rationing in Intensive Care
2000 and Beyond
The Constraints and Necessity of Teaching Emergency Medicine to Medical Students
ICU Organization: Does it Matter?
Training of Young Intensivists in Management Skills for the New Millennium
Outcome Prediction in Intensive Care
Critical Care in the Elderly: The Final Challenge.