The Stress Response of Critical Illness: Metabolic and Hormonal Aspects

This book demonstrates how the latest insights into the physiopathology of the stress response can be integrated into clinical practice. The topic is particularly relevant since the metabolic changes triggered by acute stress, including adaptive responses such as resistance to anabolic signals, have recently been more precisely delineated. The underlying mechanisms of these changes are also now better understood. The authors analyse how these advances could result in better management and more effective prevention of the long-term clinical consequences of the alterations occurring during the acute phase. An international panel of respected experts discusses these topics and describes the management of some common clinical conditions.

Jean-Charles Preiser is currently Professor at the Department of Intensive Care of the Erasme University Hospital in Brussels. He has a long-lasting involvement in clinical research, in relation with the metabolic and nutritional aspects of critical illness. He published about 200 peer-reviewed articles, guidelines and book chapters. He is currently the associate editor of the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JPEN), Critical Care and The Annals of Intensive Care and is actually involved in international and national education programs on nutrition.