Episode 1 – December 2025

Top Hot Critical Care Trials, Papers and Shouts!

A festive graphic featuring the text 'CRITICALCARE NORTHAMPTON.COM' with a red background and decorative elements like a Christmas tree and snowflakes.

Here is the inaugural edition of the hottest critical care trials and papers currently generating buzz across sites like Critical Care Reviews, EMCrit/PulmCrit, REBEL EM, LITFL, The Bottom Line, and others. Ranked by a combination of recency (December 2025 publications/presentations), volume of discussions (web hits, X posts, blog mentions), and impact (e.g., practice-changing potential, presentations at major meetings).

There are many fantastic sites, run by some very dedicated people out there, who are constantly curating information to make all of this noise listenable! You know who you are…….thank you!

Jump Links!

Click the buttons, then the pics for the trial to read more!

ANDROMEDA-SHOCK 2
PROTECTION
VICTORY
2025 AHA ACLS Guidelines 
SCOPE-DKA Trial 
SqUID
UK-ROX Trial 
RESCUE-3
TARGET Protein
MARCH

RSI Trial

Illustration of two animated medicine vials representing ketamine and etomidate, competing in a boxing ring under the banner 'RSI Trial'.
Large pragmatic RCT comparing ketamine vs etomidate for induction in critically ill adults undergoing emergency intubation. No difference in 28-day mortality, but more peri-intubation cardiovascular collapse with ketamine.

Ranking stats: Highest buzz – ~20 web results + 15+ high-engagement X posts (e.g., 200-800 likes/reposts), presented at CCR Down Under, multiple podcasts/blogs (EMCrit, PulmCrit).

ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-2 

Image featuring the title 'ANDROMEDA Shock 2' over a backdrop of a starry galaxy.
Multicenter RCT of personalized hemodynamic resuscitation targeting capillary refill time vs usual care in early septic shock. Superior composite outcome (mortality, organ support duration, hospital stay) driven by reduced vital support time

Ranking stats: Strong recent surge – 15+ web results + 10+ X posts (500-800 likes), EMCrit deep dives, international collaboration highlighted.

PROTECTION

A cartoon heart character holding a vitamin bottle, expressing concern with a worried facial expression. The word 'PROTECTION' is prominently displayed on the heart.
Multinational RCT of perioperative IV amino acids vs placebo in cardiac surgery patients. Reduced incidence of acute kidney injury.

Ranking stats: ~10 web results + ongoing discussions in nephro/critical care communities; older (2024) but still referenced in 2025 reviews.

VICTORY

A cartoonish orange character with wide eyes and a surprised expression, holding two remote controls, with the word 'VICTORY' written on its body. Smoke is rising from the top of the orange.
Ongoing phase III multicenter RCT of high-dose IV vitamin C (200 mg/kg/day for 96h) vs placebo in severe burn patients (>20% TBSA). Primary: time to alive hospital discharge. Results anticipated soon for CCR26 presentation.

Ranking stats: CCR “12 Days” tease; building hype for potential 2026 results.

2025 AHA ACLS Guidelines 

An illustration of a cartoon heart being held by two gloved hands, featuring a sad expression and visible veins, with an ACLS sign and a US flag in the background.
Updated guidelines emphasizing team dynamics, epinephrine timing, capnography, and post-arrest care refinements.

Ranking stats: Broad discussion – EMCrit podcast + guideline summaries; widespread adoption talks in late 2025.

SCOPE-DKA Trial 

An IV stand displaying two fluid bags labeled 'Plasmalyte' in blue and 'N Saline' in red, with a sign underneath reading 'SCOPE-DKA'.
Cluster-crossover RCT comparing Plasmalyte-148 vs normal saline in severe DKA. Suggested faster acidosis resolution with balanced crystalloid.

Ranking stats: Featured in REBEL EM (Oct 2025 posts); DKA management buzz

SqUID

A cartoon octopus holding a sign that says 'Debating whether to use normal insulin or fast acting SQUID'.
Subcutaneous fast-acting insulin protocol for mild-moderate DKA in non-ICU settings. Reduced ED length of stay and ICU admissions vs IV insulin

Ranking stats: Paired with SCOPE-DKA in REBEL EM series; practical ED/ICU interest.

UK-ROX Trial 

Illustration of a respiratory mask labeled 'UK-ROX' over a blue silhouette of the United Kingdom, symbolizing a clinical trial related to oxygen therapy.
Conservative vs liberal oxygen therapy in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. Results presented/discussed widely.

Ranking stats: Presented/discussed at CCR meetings; oxygenation debates.

RESCUE-3 Trial 

Illustration of the RESCUE-3 trial showing transvenous diaphragm stimulation to aid weaning from ventilators, with a focus on the lungs and respiratory system.
Temporary transvenous diaphragm neurostimulation for ventilator weaning.

Ranking stats: CCR presentation; weaning innovation.

TARGET Protein Trial 

Illustration depicting the concept of augmented protein in ICU patients with a colorful, flowing design, including the label 'TARGET Protein'.
Augmented enteral protein in critical illness.

MARCH

Cartoon soldier character in military attire, smiling and stepping over a green puddle, with the words 'MARCH Trial' prominently displayed.
UK pragmatic phase 3 RCT evaluating mucoactives (carbocisteine, hypertonic saline, or both) added to usual airway clearance in ventilated adults with acute respiratory failure. Primary: duration of mechanical ventilation.

Ranking stats: Fresh announcement (Dec 28) on CCR site; building anticipation for June 2026 presentation – emerging as a “hot upcoming” with site-specific traction.

Others to Watch

CLASSIC Trial 

Ongoing discussions – Fluid restriction in septic shock. Trial Info

ENCOMPASS Trial 

Early mobilization/communication strategies post-ICU. Trial Discussion (CCR)

TARTARE-2S Trial 

Targeted tissue perfusion vs macrocirculatory-guided care in septic shock. Crit Care Med

MULTI-CAP Trial 

Multiplex PCR + procalcitonin to reduce antibiotics in CAP. Intensive Care Med

REMAP-CAP Updates

Ongoing adaptive platform trial domains (e.g., steroids in CAP).Intensive Care Med

4D Trial

Dexmedetomidine for hyperactive delirium in non-intubated ICU patients. Intensive Care Med

TIMING Trial 

Necrotizing pancreatitis drainage – Early vs delayed catheter drainage. Intensive Care Med

Oxy-PICU Trial

Conservative oxygenation in critically ill children. Lancet

STICKY Trial

Catheter dressing fixation to prevent failure. Crit Care Med

ABC Post-ICU Trial 

Anemia management with transfusion post-ICU. Edin Univ

This list will be updated fortnightly with fresh discussions.

Stay tuned for Episode 2!

Have a great 2026!

JW and Team x

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