Diastolic dysfunction is common and is a major predictor of mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock.

IMPORTANCE End-of-life decisions occur daily in intensive care units (ICUs) around the world, and these practices could change over time.OBJECTIVE To determine the changes in end-of-life practices in European ICUs after 16 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Ethicus-2 was a prospective observational study of 22 European ICUs previously included in the Ethicus-1 study (1999)(2000). During a self-selected continuous 6-month period at each ICU, consecutive patients who died or had any limitation of life-sustaining therapy from September 2015 until October 2016 were included. Patients were followed up until death or until 2 months after the first treatment limitation decision.

Ultrasound is a useful adjunct to arterial catheter insertion and increases the rate of success at first attempt. The technique is easy to learn and may reduce the time taken to insert the catheter.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and right ventricular dilatation are the echocardiographic variables correlating best with concomitant high-sensitivity troponin-T concentrations. Left ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic dysfunction seem to explain the association of troponin with mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock.

The cohorting of patients with dedicated staff, combined with implementation of focused active surveillance, effectively terminated the epidemic spread of CRKP. Cohorting reduced cross-infection within the hospital, and active surveillance allowed for earlier detection of carrier status. Both interventions should be considered in attempts to contain a hospital epidemic.