Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a rapidly developing technology that has the potential to revolutionize emergency and critical care medicine. The use of POCUS can improve patient care by providing real-time clinical information. However, appropriate usage and proper training are crucial to ensure patient safety and reliability. This article discusses the various applications of POCUS in emergency and critical care medicine, the importance of training and education, and the future of POCUS in medicine.

Pneumonia is related to oral health of the elderly and intensive care unit patients. However, studies on the relationship between overall oral health and pneumonia in the general population have been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between oral health and pneumonia using a nationwide population-based Korean cohort database. Data from 122,251 participants who underwent health screening and oral examinations in 2004 or 2005 were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between oral health and pneumonia. The risk of pneumonia increased significantly in groups with a higher number of dental caries and missing teeth, with respective adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.265 (1.086–1.473; p = 0.0025) and 1.218 (1.113–1.332; p < 0.0001), and decreased significantly in frequent tooth brushing and regular professional dental cleaning groups, with respective adjusted HRs and 95% CI of 0.853 (0.786–0.926; p = 0.0001) and 0.920 (0.855–0.990; p = 0.0255). In addition, regardless of age and comorbidities, oral health status and oral hygiene behaviors were associated with pneumonia. The results indicate that improved oral health may reduce the risk of pneumonia in the general population.

Extracorporeal blood purification is a technique for reducing elevated levels of inflammatory mediators and/or endotoxins in critically ill patients with sepsis or other hyperinflammatory conditions. The oXiris filter combines endotoxin adsorption, cytokine adsorption, hemofiltration, and anti-thrombosis, and an emerging body of evidence demonstrates its use in critical care patients with hyperinflammatory conditions and acute kidney injury (AKI). A group of Asia-Pacific experts convened to formulate consensus statements for the use of the oXiris filter based on a comprehensive review of publications. After evaluation using a Delphi methodology, 17 statements achieved consensus (three recommendations and 14 practice points). These offer guidance on the initiation, monitoring, and evaluation of treatment with the oXiris filter in patients with sepsis, septic shock, severe COVID-19, or other hyperinflammatory states. We also recommend using the oXiris filter in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery who are at risk for developing AKI. Other statements discuss modality, dosage, filter lifespan, anticoagulation, and combining the oXiris filter set with other extracorporeal therapies. Taken together, our statements offer targeted guidance for clinicians on the use of the oXiris filter across different patient populations. Additionally, we highlight the limitations of the current evidence base and identify key areas requiring further research.