Ventilator-associated pneumonia is one of the most severe complications of critically ill patients that need mechanical respiratory support, as it poses a significant risk of prolonging hospitalization, disability, and even death. This is why physicians worldwide target newer methods for prevention, early diagnosis, and early target treatment for this condition. There are few methods for a quick etiological diagnosis of pneumonia, especially point of care, and most are only readily available in some intensive care units. This is why a new, simple, and cheap method is needed for determining the bacteria that might be infectious in a particular patient. The manner in question is sonication. Method: In this prospective, observational, single-center study, endotracheal cannula specimens will be collected from at least 100 patients in our intensive care unit. This specimen will be submitted to a specific sonication protocol for bacteria to dislodge the biofilm inside the cannula. The resulting liquid will be seeded on growth media, and then a comparison will be made between the germs in the biofilm and the ones in the tracheal secretion of the patient. The primary purpose is to determine the bacteria before the appearance of a manifest infection.

The alarming spread of the novel Coronavirus necessitated the cessation of elective therapeutic procedures in most health-care facilities. This strategy has limited the spread of the virus, but with a huge socio-economic impact. For this reason, the resumption of elective surgery in the context of the coronavirus pandemic is a difficult, but necessary process. Addressing this delicate situation requires interdisciplinary collaboration, so as to ensure high quality medical care for all patients, with consideration to protection of the staff involved in the care of the surgical patient.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare thrombotic microangiopathy, affecting preferentially young women in their fourth decade. Intensive care admission is often required due to organ dysfunction development risk and for specific critical care measures (Plasma Exchange-PEX). In this article, we will discuss our experience with PEX in the treatment of TTP. Case report: A previously healthy 13-year-old female presented with neurological impairment, and suspicion of stroke. The head computed tomography (CT) scan revealed absence of acute intracranian pathology, and biological evaluation displayed severe thrombocytopenia and haemolytic anemia. After 24 hours, the neurological symptoms were remitted and suspicion of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was raised. The presence of ADAMTS-13 antibodies and Moschcowitz’s pentad confirmed the diagnosis. Discussions: The distinctiveness of this case lies in the development of the disease in a 13-year-old person, though TTP usually occurs after the age of 40. The exact cause of ADAMTS-13 low activity could not be established. The use of a high dose of steroids and of plasma exchange is considered to be the first line therapy, with the use of monoclonal antibodies in refractory cases, as it was in our case. Conclusions: The primary end points of our management was to prevent organ damage and to achieve a platelet count greater than 150 000 /µL, as well as a normal or an almost normal lactate dehydrogenase. We achieved this by using high dose corticosteroid therapy, filtration of approximately 50 liters of plasma in 14 PEX session and by administration of monoclonal antibodies.