Protocol-Driven ICU Care for Complex and Life-Threatening Conditions

The Department of Critical Care Medicine follows structured, evidence-based protocols for the management of complex medical, cardiac, respiratory, neurological and post-operative emergencies.

Sepsis & Septic Shock Management

Sepsis and septic shock require rapid diagnosis and immediate treatment. ICU care may include microbiological investigations, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, haemodynamic monitoring, vasopressor support, respiratory support and management of associated organ dysfunction.

The critical care team continuously reassesses treatment response and organ function to guide further escalation or de-escalation of therapy.

ARDS & Severe Respiratory Failure

Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and severe respiratory failure receive advanced respiratory support based on disease severity. Management can include lung-protective mechanical ventilation, prone positioning and other advanced strategies.

In selected cases of refractory respiratory failure, VV-ECMO may be considered where conventional ventilatory support is insufficient.

Cardiogenic Shock & Acute Cardiac Emergencies

The ICU provides advanced care for cardiogenic shock, acute coronary syndromes, severe heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias. Management may involve continuous haemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive medications, cardiac imaging and mechanical circulatory support such as IABP or ECMO when clinically indicated.

CLD & Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure

Patients with Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) may require intensive care for complications including hepatic encephalopathy, severe infections, bleeding, circulatory instability, respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction.

Management is coordinated with gastroenterology, hepatology and transplant teams as required.

Post-Operative Critical Care

Patients undergoing high-risk cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurological, oncological, transplant or other major surgical procedures may require post-operative ICU care for advanced monitoring, ventilatory support, haemodynamic stabilisation and early detection of complications.

Neurological Emergencies

The ICU provides multidisciplinary support for patients with acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus and other severe neurological emergencies. Care may involve neurological monitoring, ventilatory support, seizure control, haemodynamic management and collaboration with neurology and neurosurgery teams.