Introduction: The spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens is a serious problem and challenge for the whole medical community. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in immunocompromised patients have a severe course and may be fatal. Increasingly, these bacteria are exhibiting resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, which have been used as so-called drugs of last resort. The emergence of the new coronavirus and the pandemic that it has caused require changes to protect against the spread of the new SARS-CoV-2. These changes paradoxically may contribute to the spread of other infections. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library databases were searched using relevant keywords. A literature review of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. A written review protocol was not prepared. Results: 1016 studies in scientific databases were searched. After rejecting duplicate studies, 964 results were obtained. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were then applied, and studies were qualitatively analyzed. Finally, 11 studies were included in the review. The results of infected patients were from six countries. The prevalence of CRKP in Covid-19 patients ranged from 0.35–53%. The majority of CRKP infected patients were male (85%), with a mean age of 61 years. Among isolates, the predominant genes were KPC, OXY-48, CTX-M, TEM, NDM and SHV. Conclusion: The results presented in our review indicate the necessity of paying attention to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in patients with COVID-19. In order to prevent the increase of bacterial resistance, rational antibiotic therapy should be used, as well as continuous control and surveillance of hospital infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Introduction: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NFS) is a generalized disorder occurring in people with kidney failure. This new disease entity can lead to significant disability or even death. Gadolinium-associated systemic fibrosis is related to exposure to contrast agents used for magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study was to review the literature in available scientific databases on NFS—complication after gadolinium-containing contrast agents. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched using adequate key words. A literature review of the described cases of NSF occurrence after exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast agents was performed. A review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A review written protocol was not drafted. Results: Originally, 647 studies were searched in scientific databases. After rejecting the duplicate results, 515 results were obtained. Finally, nine studies were included in the review. A total of 173 cases with NSF were included in the analysis. The majority of patients were undergoing dialysis. The contrast agent used for MRI was most often gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine. The time from exposure to NSF symptoms was from two days to three years. Three authors pointed out other factors in their papers that could potentially influence the occurrence of NSF. These included: metabolic acidosis, ongoing infection, higher doses of erythropoietin and higher serum concentrations of ionized calcium and phosphate. Since 2008, the number of reported cases of NSF has decreased significantly. More recent guidelines and reports indicate that not all contrast agents are associated with the same risk of developing NSF. Conclusions: Most NSF occurs after exposure to linear contrast agents. Therefore, it is recommended to limit their use, especially in dialyzed patients and patients with a GFR < 30 mL/min.

Introduction: The incidence of delirium in the intensive care unit is high, although it may differ according to the specific characteristics of the unit. Despite the rapid development of research on delirium in recent years, the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the clinical presentation of delirium are still subject to hypotheses. The aim of this review was to describe the incidence of delirium in cardiac arrest survivors and the clinical impact of delirium on patient outcomes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in the second quarter of 2022. The number of articles retrieved during each search test was limited to studies conducted between 2010 and 2020. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The last search was conducted in May 2022. Results: A total of 537 records was initially obtained from the databases. After discarding duplicates, selecting titles and abstracts, and then analyzing full-text articles, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of delirium in the cardiac arrest survivor population ranged from 8% to as high as 100%. The length of stay in ICU and hospital was significantly longer in patients with delirium than those without. Ninety-eight percent of patients had cognitive or perceptual impairment and psychomotor impairment. Of the seven studies included in the analysis, the RASS, CAM, and NuDesc scales were used to diagnose delirium. Potential risk factors that may influence the duration of delirium include age and time since resuscitation; propofol use shortened the duration of delirium. Conclusion: the incidence of delirium in ICU patients who survived CA is high. Cardiac arrest is an additional predisposing factor for delirium. In cardiac arrest survivors, the occurrence of delirium prolongs the duration of ICU and hospital stay and adversely affects functional outcomes. The most common type of delirium among this population was hypoactive delirium. A large percentage of patients manifested symptoms such as cognitive or perception impairment, psychomotor impairment, and impaired concentration and attention.

Background and objectives: National medical records indicate that approximately 350,000–700,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. The guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) indicate that in addition to resuscitation, it is important—in the case of so-called defibrillation rhythms—to perform defibrillation as quickly as possible. The aim of this study was to assess the use of public automated external defibrillators in out of hospital cardiac arrest in Poland between 2008 and 2018. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty cases of use of an automated external defibrillator placed in a public space between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. The study material consisted of data on cases of use of an automated external defibrillator in adults (over 18 years of age). Only cases of automated external defibrillators (AED) use in a public place other than a medical facility were analysed, additionally excluding emergency services, i.e., the State Fire Service and the Volunteer Fire Service, which have an AED as part of their emergency equipment. The survey questionnaire was sent electronically to 1165 sites with AEDs and AED manufacturers. A total of 298 relevant feedback responses were received. Results: The analysis yielded data on 120 cases of AED use in a public place. Conclusions: Since 2016, there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency of use of AEDs located in public spaces. This is most likely related to the spread of public access to defibrillation and increased public awareness.

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced consciousness is a newly recognized phenomenon with an increasing incidence. A return of consciousness during cardiopulmonary resuscitation affects up to 0.9% of cases. Patients may also experience physical pain associated with chest compressions, as most victims of cardiac arrest who are subjected to resuscitative efforts sustain ribs or sternum fractures. Methods: A rapid review was carried out from August 2021 to December 2022. Results: Thirty-two articles were included in the rapid review. Of these, eleven studies focused on the return of consciousness during CPR, and twenty-one on CPR-induced chest injuries. Conclusion: A small number of studies that have dealt with the return of consciousness associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation made it hard to clearly determine how often this occurs. There were more studies that dealt with chest trauma during resuscitation, but no study considered the use of analgesics. Of note, there was no standardized therapeutic approach as far as the use of analgesics and/or sedatives was considered. This is probably due to the lack of guidelines for analgesic management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and peri-resuscitative period.

(1) Objective: Paramedics as a profession are a pillar of the State Medical Rescue system. The basic difference between a specialist and a basic team is the composition of members. The aim of the study was to benchmark the effectiveness of performing advanced resuscitation procedures undertaken by two- and three-person basic emergency medical teams in adults under simulated conditions. (2) Design: The research was observational. 200 two- and three-people basic emergency medical teams were analyzed during advanced resuscitation procedures, ALS (Advanced Life Support) in adults under simulated conditions. (3) Method: The study was carried out among professionally active and certified paramedics. It lasted over two years. The study took place under simulated conditions using prepared scenarios. (4) Results: In total, 463 people took part in the study. The analysis of the survey results indicates that the efficiency of three-person teams is superior to the activities performed by two-person teams. Three-person teams were quicker to perform rescue actions than two-person teams. The two-person teams were much quicker to assess the condition of victims than the three-person teams. The three-person teams were more likely to check an open airway. The three-person teams were more efficient in assessing the heart rhythm and current condition of victims. It was demonstrated that three-person teams were more effective during electrotherapy. The analysis demonstrated that three-person teams were significantly faster and more efficient in chest compressions. Three-person teams were less likely to use emergency airway techniques than two-person teams. The results indicate that three-person teams administered the first dose of adrenaline significantly faster than two-person teams. For the “call for help”, the three-person teams were found to be more effective. (5) Conclusion: Paramedics in three-person teams work more effectively, make a proper assessment of heart rhythm and monitor when taking advanced actions. The quality of ventilation and BLS in both groups studied is insufficient. Numerous errors have been observed in two-person teams during pharmacotherapy.