There is currently a lack of universally accepted criteria for gastrointestinal (GI) failure or dysfunction in critical care. Moreover, the clinical assessment of intestinal function is notoriously difficult and thus often goes unrecognized, contributing to poor outcomes. A recent grading system has been proposed to define acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) in conjunction with other organ function scores (e.g., SOFA). Ultrasonography has become widely accepted as a diagnostic tool for GI problems and pathology. We propose a sonographic examination of the abdomen, using the GUTS protocol (gastrointestinal and urinary tract sonography) in critically ill patients as part of the point-of-care ultrasound evaluation in patients with AGI. This article reviews possible applications of ultrasonography that may be relevant to monitor the GI function in critically ill patients. The GI ultrasound protocol (GUTS) focuses on four gastrointestinal endpoints: gastrointestinal diameter, mucosal thickness, peristalsis, and blood flow. Moreover, it is possible to examine the urinary tract and kidney function. Real-time ultrasound with the GUTS protocol is a simple, inexpensive, bedside imaging technique that can provide anatomical and functional information of the GI tract. Further studies are needed to investigate the utility of GUTS with other parameters, such as GI biomarkers, AGI class, and clinical outcomes.

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Background: Intravenous fluid therapy is essential in the management of hospitalized patients, especially in those with acute or critical illness. It has been proposed four premises, four indications, four questions, and four phases for guidance of this fluid therapy. Objective: The objective of this manuscript is to review these new concepts of intravenous fluid therapy. Conclusion: These phases of intravenous fluid resuscitation coexist continuously and with a variability observed on fluid balance, is meant as a dynamic process, not as a temporary fixed pattern or a time scale and which must be individualized to the clinical context of patient.

These phases of intravenous fluid resuscitation coexist continuously and with a variability observed on fluid balance, is meant as a dynamic process, not as a temporary fixed pattern or a time scale and which must be individualized to the clinical context of patient.

Currently glucose can no longer be regarded as an innocent element in critical patients; both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia increase morbidity and mortality of patients. Protocols and better instruments for continuous measurement are necessary to achieve the metabolic control of our patients.