EDIC Part I study guide
EDIC Part I · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The European Diploma in Intensive Care (EDIC) Part I is the written, theory-focused stage of a two-part diploma examination long associated with ESICM, the European society of intensive care medicine. Candidates are typically physicians training in, or recently qualified in, intensive care medicine who want an internationally recognised benchmark of core critical care knowledge, often alongside national specialty examinations. The EDIC Part I study guide has 14 sections and about 3,043 words.
01Acute Kidney Injury
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) questions test KDIGO criteria, the prerenal–intrinsic–postrenal approach, urine microscopy and renal replacement timing. KDIGO: SCr rise ≥26.5 µmol/L in 48 h, or ≥1.5× baseline within 7 days, or urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h for 6 h.
237 words, about 1 min02Acute Respiratory Failure
Acute respiratory failure questions test ABG interpretation, ARDS Berlin criteria, lung-protective ventilation and non-invasive support. Type 1 hypoxaemic failure: PaO2 <8 kPa on air.
249 words, about 1 min03Anaesthesia & Peri-operative Medicine
Anaesthesia and peri-operative medicine tests preoperative risk stratification, medication management and recognition of rare anaesthetic crises. Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI): ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, insulin-treated diabetes, creatinine 177 µmol/L, high-risk surgery.
232 words, about 1 min04Cardiovascular Dynamics
Cardiovascular dynamics tests shock classification, haemodynamic monitoring and fluid responsiveness. MAP = CO × SVR; CO = HR × SV.
231 words, about 1 min05Data Science
Data science tests diagnostic test interpretation, hypothesis testing, study validity and common statistical traps. Sensitivity = TP/(TP+FN); specificity = TN/(TN+FP); PPV = TP/(TP+FP); NPV = TN/(TN+FN).
222 words, about 1 min06Ethics
Ethics tests consent and capacity, end-of-life decisions, resource allocation and research conduct in intensive care. Four principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.
233 words, about 1 min07Feeding
Feeding tests enteral nutrition timing, energy and protein targets, refeeding syndrome and parenteral nutrition indications. Start enteral nutrition within 24–48 h in haemodynamically stable ICU patients.
224 words, about 1 min08Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation tests early mobilisation, sedation and delirium management, ICU-acquired weakness and post-intensive care syndrome. ABCDEF bundle: Assess and treat pain, Both spontaneous awakening and breathing trials, Choice of sedation, Delirium monitoring, Early mobility, Family engagement.
208 words, about 1 min09Endocrinology & Metabolism
Endocrinology and metabolism tests diabetic emergencies, adrenal and thyroid crises, sodium disorders and stress hyperglycaemia. DKA: glucose 13.9 mmol/L, ketonaemia, pH <7.3 or bicarbonate <18 mmol/L, raised anion gap.
227 words, about 1 min10Health Services Research & Outcome
Health services research tests study design, bias, outcome measures and quality improvement. Randomisation reduces confounding; intention-to-treat preserves randomisation; per-protocol analysis can bias results.
199 words, under 1 min11Infection
Infection tests sepsis definitions, antibiotic timing, source control and infection prevention. Sepsis-3: suspected infection plus SOFA increase ≥2.
212 words, about 1 min12Neuro-Intensive Care
Neuro-intensive care tests traumatic brain injury, intracranial pressure, status epilepticus and subarachnoid haemorrhage. CPP = MAP − ICP; target 60–70 mmHg in TBI and ICP <22 mmHg.
199 words, under 1 min13Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacology tests altered pharmacokinetics in critical illness, drug dosing, interactions and toxicology. Sepsis increases volume of distribution for hydrophilic drugs; loading doses may need to be higher.
190 words, under 1 min14Systemic Inflammation and Sepsis
Systemic inflammation and sepsis tests pathophysiology, Sepsis-3, resuscitation bundles and immunology. Sepsis: dysregulated host response to infection causing life-threatening organ dysfunction, with SOFA ≥2.
180 words, under 1 min