Pathophysiology of the critical patient

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

The teaching of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology is a fundamental cornerstone for understanding the critically ill patient. It aims to connect basic knowledge, such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology, to situations of cardio-circulatory failure and their different manifestations. The pedagogical approach is based on four main commitments: linking basic sciences with clinical practice, fostering critical thinking and medical reasoning, providing an integrated and progressive understanding of complex entities such as shock states, and addressing therapeutics, from pharmacology to mechanical support. The objective is to equip students with a solid understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, tools for analyzing clinical situations, and the ability to bridge theory and practice for improved patient care.

The course syllabus includes general introduction, fundamental concepts, covering cardiovascular anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, and applied cell biology; the pathophysiology of the critically ill patient; shock states, including definitions, classification, pathophysiological mechanisms, hemodynamic and metabolic indices, and ischemia-reperfusion; and finally, therapeutic management, including medical treatments such as inotropes, vasopressors, and volume optimization, as well as mechanical supports, including ECMO, Impella, LVAD, and other devices.

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

Knowledge of normal and pathological respiratory physiology is the cornerstone of understanding respiratory failure.
Respiratory pathophysiology class includes respiratory control, mechanical properties of the respiratory system and respiratory exchanges in normal and pathological conditions.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Acute renal insufficiency is frequent in intensive care units, especially after cardivascular surgery and threatens the patient's good health and his prognosis. Pathophysiological mechanisms of acute kidney injury, diagnosis procedure and medical management, including drug adaptation, will be reminded in this course withan up to date on this topic performed.

This course intends to be very practical for people who wants to improve his knowledge in this field and become an expert with renal therapies.

Extrarenal therapies to replace absence (or very poor) of renal function will be explained (peritoneal dialysis, continuous hemofiltration, hemodialysis). Principle, indications and practical use of plasmapheresis will also be detailed. The advantages inconvenients and economic  interest of each technic is made.

The specificities of the pediatric patient and the immediate management of the renal transplant patient will be detailed.

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

By the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to master fundamental knowledge in cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and applied cell biology, understand the pathophysiology of the critically ill patient, including different shock states, their mechanisms, hemodynamic and metabolic indices, and ischemia-reperfusion phenomena, develop a critical and structured reasoning ability to integrate this knowledge for analyzing complex clinical situations, know and apply therapeutic options, including medical treatments such as inotropes, vasopressors, or volume optimization, as well as mechanical supports such as ECMO, Impella, or LVAD, and finally, effectively link theory and practice while clearly communicating analyses and decisions to contribute efficiently to patient care.

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

From basic knowledge of respiratory physiology, this course aims at a better understanding of pathological conditions encountered by the respiratory system.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

This formation is devoted to any people who want to get formation in perfusion and technics used to treat severe renal diseases or some particular disorders : ARF, CRF, management of renal failure, renal replacement technique.

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

The prerequisites for this teaching unit include basic knowledge in cell biology and biochemistry, general physiology, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory, as well as human anatomy, along with a basic understanding of vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Corequisites include parallel courses in cardiovascular pharmacology, mechanical support techniques, and clinical methodology.

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

The basics in anatomy and respiratory physiology were acquired during the previous cursus of nurse specialised in emergency and intensive care

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Nurses or doctors

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

The teaching is primarily based on ex cathedra lectures, providing a structured presentation of fundamental knowledge in anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, and biochemistry, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of shock states and cardio-circulatory failure.  Multimedia resources, such as diagrams, illustrations, and videos, are used to facilitate understanding and memorization of complex mechanisms. Directed readings may also be provided to reinforce self-directed learning and offer regular feedback on students' comprehension.

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

The acquisition of knowledge is done on the basis of theoretical reminders and specific clinical situations.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Demonstration of procedures of hemodialysis, continuous hemofiltration and plasmapheresis are organized in the dialysis and intensive care units

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

Face-to-face course

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

This is a face-to-face ex cathedra course in order to promote discussions with students as much as possible.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face to face

Pr Fr. Jouret 

In collaboration with Dr B. Dubois, Pr P. Delanaye, Dr L. Weekers, Dr L. Collard

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège

Other site(s) used for course materials
- PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)


Further information:

To support this course, several digital platforms and resources can be used. Scientific literature is accessible via PubMed, as well as other databases such as ScienceDirect or SpringerLink. Consultation of specialized websites and professional societies, such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), ESICM, and the Society for Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), providing guidelines, e-learning modules, and clinical case studies, is encouraged. The university platform eCampus centralizes course documents and materials.

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

The presentations are available on the my ulg website of my course.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

The diaporama introduced during lesson will be available on the MyUlg website and/or eCampus.

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

The exam consists in multiple choice questions with justification of the answers.

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )


Additional information:

Written exam

Part I : Cardiovascular pathophysiology

Philippe Morimont

Paul Massion


Liège University Hospital 
Intensive Care Unit
Cardiovascular Section

Email:

philippe.morimont@uliege.be

Paul.Massion@chuliege.be


Secretariat phone: +32 4 3237495

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

E Brasseur

Edmond.Brasseur@chuliege.be

 

Part III : Renal pathology, hemofiltration and dialysis of critical patient

Prof. François JOURET, Division of Nephrology, CHU Liège

Road 466, Tour 1, 6th floor

Tél. : +32 (0)4 323 85 34

courriel : francois.jouret@uliege.be

Part II : Respiratory pathophysiology

cours 1
anatomopathology

cours 8
cours 8

cours 9
cours 9