This multicenter RCT compared video laryngoscopy (VL) to direct laryngoscopy (DL) in 1417 critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation in emergency departments and ICUs. First-attempt intubation success was higher with VL (85.1% vs. 70.8%; absolute risk difference 14.3%, 95% CI 9.9–18.7, p<0.001). Severe complications were similar between groups. Findings suggest VL improves first-attempt intubation success, particularly for less experienced operators, and supports its routine use in critical care settings.

In a phase 3 multicenter RCT of ICU patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia, hydrocortisone significantly reduced 28-day mortality (6.2% vs. 11.9%; absolute difference -5.6%, 95% CI -9.6 to -1.7, P = 0.006). It also lowered rates of intubation (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40–0.86) and vasopressor use (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.82). Rates of hospital-acquired infections and GI bleeding were similar. Hydrocortisone shows promise as an adjunctive therapy in this setting.

This multicenter RCT evaluated early low-calorie, low-protein nutrition (6 kcal/kg/day, 0.2–0.4 g/kg/day protein) versus standard targets (25 kcal/kg/day, 1.0–1.3 g/kg/day) in 3036 ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation and vasopressors for shock. Mortality at 90 days was similar (41.3% vs. 42.8%; p=0.41), but time to ICU discharge readiness was faster in the low group (median 8.0 vs. 9.0 days; HR 1.12, p=0.015). The low group had fewer gastrointestinal complications. Findings suggest a restrictive nutrition strategy may expedite recovery without affecting survival.

In a randomized trial of comatose patients resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, 36-hour vs. 72-hour device-based fever prevention showed no significant differences in mortality or severe disability/coma. Limitations included unmasked interventions and modest fever prevention efficacy. The results suggest no added benefit to extending device-based fever prevention beyond 36 hours

In a multicenter trial of 1563 patients with sepsis-induced hypotension, restrictive fluid strategy (early vasopressor use, minimal fluids) showed no significant difference in 90-day mortality compared to liberal fluid strategy (fluid-predominant approach) (14.0% vs. 14.9%; P = 0.61). Secondary outcomes were also similar. Restrictive fluid strategy was safe, with few complications. Results suggest either approach is viable, but findings are limited to early sepsis management.

In a multicenter trial of 969 high-risk extubation failure patients, spontaneous-breathing trials with PSV did not significantly increase ventilator-free days at day 28 compared to T-piece trials (median 27 days for both; P = 0.31). Extubation and reintubation rates were similar between groups. Findings suggest that either PSV or T-piece can be used for spontaneous-breathing trials in high-risk patients, with outcomes influenced by prophylactic noninvasive ventilation practices.

In a multicenter RCT of 1000 ICU patients with delirium, haloperidol did not significantly improve days alive and out of the hospital at 90 days compared to placebo (mean 35.8 vs. 32.9 days; adjusted difference 2.9 days; 95% CI -1.2 to 7.0; P = 0.22). Mortality was lower but not statistically significant (36.3% vs. 43.3%). Serious adverse reactions were similar. Haloperidol may aid in managing hyperactive delirium but does not improve long-term outcomes.

In a single-center, cluster-randomized trial of 2541 mechanically ventilated adults, there was no significant difference in ventilator-free days at day 28 between lower (88–92%), intermediate (92–96%), or higher (96–100%) oxygen-saturation targets (median 20 vs. 21 vs. 21 days; P = 0.81). Mortality and adverse events were similar across groups. The findings suggest no clear benefit or harm from varying oxygen saturation targets, supporting flexibility in clinical practice.

In a multicenter trial of 249 comatose patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), hypothermic temperature control (32–34°C) did not significantly improve 180-day mortality (72.5% vs. 71.2%; RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.79–1.40, P = 0.822) or functional outcomes (22.5% vs. 23.7%; RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.78–1.44, P = 0.822) compared to normothermia (36–37.5°C). While the study was underpowered, it supports maintaining normothermia and avoiding fever in post-IHCA care.

In a multicenter RCT of 249 patients with acute pancreatitis, aggressive fluid resuscitation did not significantly reduce rates of moderately severe or severe pancreatitis (22.1% vs. 17.3%; RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.78–2.18, P = 0.32) but was associated with higher fluid overload risk (20.5% vs. 6.3%; RR 2.85, 95% CI 1.36–5.94, P = 0.004). The trial was terminated early for safety concerns. Moderate fluid resuscitation is safer and recommended in this population.

In a randomized trial of 789 comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, targeting a higher MAP (77 mm Hg) did not significantly improve the composite outcome of death or severe disability (34% vs. 32%; HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.84–1.37, P = 0.56) compared to a lower MAP (63 mm Hg). Mortality, functional outcomes, and adverse events were similar. Findings suggest no benefit in targeting MAP >65 mm Hg in post-cardiac arrest care.

In a randomized trial of 789 comatose adults after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a restrictive oxygenation target (Pao2 68–75 mm Hg) did not significantly improve the composite outcome of mortality or severe disability/coma at 90 days compared to a liberal target (Pao2 98–105 mm Hg) (32% vs. 33.9%; HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75–1.21, P = 0.69). Mortality, functional scores, and adverse events were similar. Findings suggest no benefit to restrictive oxygen targets in this setting.