Showing papers in "Intensive Care Medicine in 2012"

International evidence-based recommendations for point-of-care lung ultrasound.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to provide evidence-based and expert consensus recommendations for lung ultrasound with focus on emergency and critical care settings. A multidisciplinary panel of 28 experts from eight countries was involved. Literature was reviewed from January 1966 to June 2011. Consensus members searched multiple databases including Pubmed, Medline, OVID, Embase, and others. The process used to develop these evidence-based recommendations involved two phases: determining the level of quality of evidence and developing the recommendation. The quality of evidence is assessed by the grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) method. However, the GRADE system does not enforce a specific method on how the panel should reach decisions during the consensus process. Our methodology committee decided to utilize the RAND appropriateness method for panel judgment and decisions/consensus. Seventy-three proposed statements were examined and discussed in three conferences held in Bologna, Pisa, and Rome. Each conference included two rounds of face-to-face modified Delphi technique. Anonymous panel voting followed each round. The panel did not reach an agreement and therefore did not adopt any recommendations for six statements. Weak/conditional recommendations were made for 2 statements, and strong recommendations were made for the remaining 65 statements. The statements were then recategorized and grouped to their current format. Internal and external peer-review processes took place before submission of the recommendations. Updates will occur at least every 4 years or whenever significant major changes in evidence appear. This document reflects the overall results of the first consensus conference on “point-of-care” lung ultrasound. Statements were discussed and elaborated by experts who published the vast majority of papers on clinical use of lung ultrasound in the last 20 years. Recommendations were produced to guide implementation, development, and standardization of lung ultrasound in all relevant settings.

The Berlin definition of ARDS: An expanded rationale, justification, and supplementary material

Abstract: Our objective was to revise the definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using a conceptual model incorporating reliability and validity, and a novel iterative approach with formal evaluation of the definition. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine identified three chairs with broad expertise in ARDS who selected the participants and created the agenda. After 2 days of consensus discussions a draft definition was developed, which then underwent empiric evaluation followed by consensus revision. The Berlin Definition of ARDS maintains a link to prior definitions with diagnostic criteria of timing, chest imaging, origin of edema, and hypoxemia. Patients may have ARDS if the onset is within 1 week of a known clinical insult or new/worsening respiratory symptoms. For the bilateral opacities on chest radiograph criterion, a reference set of chest radiographs has been developed to enhance inter-observer reliability. The pulmonary artery wedge pressure criterion for hydrostatic edema was removed, and illustrative vignettes were created to guide judgments about the primary cause of respiratory failure. If no risk factor for ARDS is apparent, however, objective evaluation (e.g., echocardiography) is required to help rule out hydrostatic edema. A minimum level of positive end-expiratory pressure and mutually exclusive PaO2/FiO2 thresholds were chosen for the different levels of ARDS severity (mild, moderate, severe) to better categorize patients with different outcomes and potential responses to therapy. This panel addressed some of the limitations of the prior ARDS definition by incorporating current data, physiologic concepts, and clinical trials results to develop the Berlin definition, which should facilitate case recognition and better match treatment options to severity in both research trials and clinical practice.

International evidence-based recommendations on ultrasound-guided vascular access

Abstract: To provide clinicians with an evidence-based overview of all topics related to ultrasound vascular access. An international evidence-based consensus provided definitions and recommendations. Medical literature on ultrasound vascular access was reviewed from January 1985 to October 2010. The GRADE and the GRADE-RAND methods were utilised to develop recommendations. The recommendations following the conference suggest the advantage of 2D vascular screening prior to cannulation and that real-time ultrasound needle guidance with an in-plane/long-axis technique optimises the probability of needle placement. Ultrasound guidance can be used not only for central venous cannulation but also in peripheral and arterial cannulation. Ultrasound can be used in order to check for immediate and life-threatening complications as well as the catheter’s tip position. Educational courses and training are required to achieve competence and minimal skills when cannulation is performed with ultrasound guidance. A recommendation to create an ultrasound curriculum on vascular access is proposed. This technique allows the reduction of infectious and mechanical complications. These definitions and recommendations based on a critical evidence review and expert consensus are proposed to assist clinicians in ultrasound-guided vascular access and as a reference for future clinical research.

The variability of critical care bed numbers in Europe

Abstract: Purpose To quantify the numbers of critical care beds in Europe and to understand the differences in these numbers between countries when corrected for population size and gross domestic product.

Contemporary extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult respiratory failure: life support in the new era.

Abstract: Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in clinical medicine for 40 years but remains controversial therapy, particularly in adult patients with severe respiratory failure. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in extracorporeal technology and clinical practice, ushering in a new era of ECMO. Many institutions adopted ECMO as rescue therapy during the recent H1N1 influenza pandemic, reigniting the controversy.

Gastrointestinal function in intensive care patients: terminology, definitions and management. Recommendations of the ESICM Working Group on Abdominal Problems

Abstract: Purpose Acute gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and failure have been increasingly recognized in critically ill patients. The variety of definitions proposed in the past has led to confusion and difficulty in comparing one study to another. An international working group convened to standardize the definitions for acute GI failure and GI symptoms and to review the therapeutic options.

Characteristics and determinants of outcome of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in intensive care units: the EUROBACT International Cohort Study

Abstract: The recent increase in drug-resistant micro-organisms complicates the management of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs). We investigated the epidemiology of HA-BSI and evaluated the impact of drug resistance on outcomes of critically ill patients, controlling for patient characteristics and infection management. A prospective, multicentre non-representative cohort study was conducted in 162 intensive care units (ICUs) in 24 countries. We included 1,156 patients [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age, 59.5 ± 17.7 years; 65 % males; mean ± SD Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II score, 50 ± 17] with HA-BSIs, of which 76 % were ICU-acquired. Median time to diagnosis was 14 [interquartile range (IQR), 7–26] days after hospital admission. Polymicrobial infections accounted for 12 % of cases. Among monomicrobial infections, 58.3 % were gram-negative, 32.8 % gram-positive, 7.8 % fungal and 1.2 % due to strict anaerobes. Overall, 629 (47.8 %) isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), including 270 (20.5 %) extensively resistant (XDR), and 5 (0.4 %) pan-drug-resistant (PDR). Micro-organism distribution and MDR occurrence varied significantly (p < 0.001) by country. The 28-day all-cause fatality rate was 36 %. In the multivariable model including micro-organism, patient and centre variables, independent predictors of 28-day mortality included MDR isolate [odds ratio (OR), 1.49; 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI), 1.07–2.06], uncontrolled infection source (OR, 5.86; 95 %CI, 2.5–13.9) and timing to adequate treatment (before day 6 since blood culture collection versus never, OR, 0.38; 95 %CI, 0.23–0.63; since day 6 versus never, OR, 0.20; 95 %CI, 0.08–0.47). MDR and XDR bacteria (especially gram-negative) are common in HA-BSIs in critically ill patients and are associated with increased 28-day mortality. Intensified efforts to prevent HA-BSIs and to optimize their management through adequate source control and antibiotic therapy are needed to improve outcomes.

Diaphragm ultrasonography to estimate the work of breathing during non-invasive ventilation

Abstract: Ultrasonography allows the direct observation of the diaphragm. Its thickness variation measured in the zone of apposition has been previously used to diagnose diaphragm paralysis. We assessed the feasibility and accuracy of this method to assess diaphragmatic function and its contribution to respiratory workload in critically ill patients under non-invasive ventilation. This was a preliminary physiological study in the intensive care unit of a university hospital. Twelve patients requiring planned non-invasive ventilation after extubation were studied while spontaneously breathing and during non-invasive ventilation at three levels of pressure support (5, 10 and 15 cmH2O). Diaphragm thickness was measured in the zone of apposition during tidal ventilation and the thickening fraction (TF) was calculated as (thickness at inspiration − thickness at expiration)/thickness at expiration. Diaphragmatic pressure–time product per breath (PTPdi) was measured from oesophageal and gastric pressure recordings. PTPdi and TF both decreased as the level of pressure support increased. A significant correlation was found between PTPdi and TF (ρ = 0.74, p < 0.001). The overall reproducibility of TF assessment was good but the coefficient of repeatability reached 18 % for inter-observer reproducibility. Ultrasonographic assessment of the diaphragm TF is a non-invasive method that may prove useful in evaluating diaphragmatic function and its contribution to respiratory workload in intensive care unit patients.

Non-invasive ventilation in community-acquired pneumonia and severe acute respiratory failure

Abstract: Purpose The use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in severe acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is controversial, and the risk factors for NIV failure in these patients are not well known. We assessed the characteristics and predictors of outcome of patients with CAP and severe ARF treated with NIV.

Consensus statement of the ESICM task force on colloid volume therapy in critically ill patients

Abstract: Purpose Colloids are administered to more patients than crystalloids, although recent evidence suggests that colloids may possibly be harmful in some patients. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine therefore assembled a task force to compile consensus recommendations based on the current best evidence for the safety and efficacy of the currently most frequently used colloids—hydroxyethyl starches (HES), gelatins and human albumin.

Usefulness of suPAR as a biological marker in patients with systemic inflammation or infection: a systematic review

Abstract: Purpose Systemic levels of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) positively correlate with the activation level of the immune system. We reviewed the usefulness of systemic levels of suPAR in the care of critically ill patients with sepsis, SIRS, and bacteremia, focusing on its diagnostic and prognostic value.

Prospectively defined indicators to improve the safety and quality of care for critically ill patients: a report from the Task Force on Safety and Quality of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)

Abstract: Objectives To define a set of indicators that could be used to improve quality in intensive care medicine.

ICU admission characteristics and mortality rates among elderly and very elderly patients

Abstract: Purpose The effect of advanced age per se versus severity of chronic and acute diseases on the short- and long-term survival of older patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remains unclear.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a frequent complication of critically ill H1N1 patients: a retrospective study

Abstract: Despite their controversial role, corticosteroids (CS) are frequently administered to patients with H1N1 virus infection with severe respiratory failure secondary to viral pneumonia. We hypothesized that invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients with H1N1 virus infection and that CS may contribute to this complication. We retrospectively selected all adult patients with confirmed H1N1 virus infection admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of two tertiary care hospitals from September 2009 to March 2011. Differences in baseline factors, risk factors, and outcome parameters were studied between patients with and without IPA. Of 40 critically ill patients with confirmed H1N1, 9 (23 %) developed IPA 3 days after ICU admission. Five patients had proven and four had probable IPA. Significantly more IPA patients received CS within 7 days before ICU admission (78 versus 23 %, p = 0.002). IPA patients also received significantly higher doses of CS before ICU admission [hydrocortisone equivalent 800 (360–2,635) versus 0 (0–0) mg, p = 0.005]. On multivariate analysis, use of CS before ICU admission was independently associated with IPA [odds ratio (OR) 14.4 (2.0–101.6), p = 0.007]. IPA was diagnosed in 23 % of critically ill patients with H1N1 virus infection after a median of 3 days after ICU admission. Our data suggest that use of CS 7 days before ICU admission is an independent risk factor for fungal superinfection. These findings may have consequences for clinical practice as they point out the need for increased awareness of IPA, especially in those critically ill H1N1 patients already receiving CS.

Mortality and long-term functional outcome associated with intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury

Abstract: Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) has been associated with increased mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We have examined whether raised ICP is independently associated with mortality, functional status and neuropsychological functioning in adult TBI patients. Data from a randomized trial of 499 participants were secondarily analyzed. The primary endpoints were mortality and a composite measure of functional status and neuropsychological function (memory, speed of information processing, executive function) over a 6-month period. The area under the curve of the ICP profile (average ICP) during the first 48 h of monitoring was the main predictor of interest. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for a priori defined confounders: age, Glasgow Coma Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale–head and hypoxia. Of the participants, 365 patients had complete 48-h ICP data. The overall 6-month mortality was 18 %. The adjusted odds ratio of mortality comparing 10-mmHg increases in average ICP was 3.12 (95 % confidence interval 1.79, 5.44; p < 0.01). Overall, higher average ICP was associated with decreased functional status and neuropsychological functioning (p < 0.01). Importantly, among survivors, increasing average ICP was not independently associated with worse performance on neuropsychological testing (p = 0.46). Average ICP in the first 48 h of monitoring was an independent predictor of mortality and of a composite endpoint of functional and neuropsychological outcome at the 6-month follow-up in moderate or severe TBI patients. However, there was no association between average ICP and neuropsychological functioning among survivors.

ECMO criteria for influenza A (H1N1)-associated ARDS: role of transpulmonary pressure

Abstract: To assess whether partitioning the elastance of the respiratory system (E RS) between lung (E L) and chest wall (E CW) elastance in order to target values of end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure (PPLATL) close to its upper physiological limit (25 cmH2O) may optimize oxygenation allowing conventional treatment in patients with influenza A (H1N1)-associated ARDS referred for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Prospective data collection of patients with influenza A (H1N1)-associated ARDS referred for ECMO (October 2009–January 2010). Esophageal pressure was used to (a) partition respiratory mechanics between lung and chest wall, (b) titrate positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to target the upper physiological limit of PPLATL (25 cmH2O). Fourteen patients were referred for ECMO. In seven patients PPLATL was 27.2 ± 1.2 cmH2O; all these patients underwent ECMO. In the other seven patients, PPLATL was 16.6 ± 2.9 cmH2O. Raising PEEP (from 17.9 ± 1.2 to 22.3 ± 1.4 cmH2O, P = 0.0001) to approach the upper physiological limit of transpulmonary pressure (PPLATL = 25.3 ± 1.7 cm H2O) improved oxygenation index (from 37.4 ± 3.7 to 16.5 ± 1.4, P = 0.0001) allowing patients to be treated with conventional ventilation. Abnormalities of chest wall mechanics may be present in some patients with influenza A (H1N1)-associated ARDS. These abnormalities may not be inferred from measurements of end-inspiratory plateau pressure of the respiratory system (PPLATRS). In these patients, titrating PEEP to PPLATRS may overestimate the incidence of hypoxemia refractory to conventional ventilation leading to inappropriate use of ECMO.

Adverse cardiac events during catecholamine vasopressor therapy: a prospective observational study

Abstract: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for adverse cardiac events during catecholamine vasopressor therapy in surgical intensive care unit patients with cardiovascular failure. The occurrence of any of seven predefined adverse cardiac events (prolonged elevated heart rate, tachyarrhythmia, myocardial cell damage, acute cardiac arrest or death, pulmonary hypertension-induced right heart dysfunction, reduction of systemic blood flow) was prospectively recorded during catecholamine vasopressor therapy lasting at least 12 h. Fifty-four of 112 study patients developed a total of 114 adverse cardiac events, an incidence of 48.2 % (95 % CI, 38.8–57.6 %). New-onset tachyarrhythmia (49.1 %), prolonged elevated heart rate (23.7 %), and myocardial cell damage (17.5 %) occurred most frequently. Aside from chronic liver diseases, factors independently associated with the occurrence of adverse cardiac events included need for renal replacement therapy, disease severity (assessed by the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II), number of catecholamine vasopressors (OR, 1.73; 95 % CI, 1.08–2.77; p = 0.02) and duration of catecholamine vasopressor therapy (OR, 1.01; 95 % CI, 1–1.01; p = 0.002). Patients developing adverse cardiac events were on catecholamine vasopressors (p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001) for longer and had longer intensive care unit stays (p < 0.001) and greater mortality (25.9 vs. 1.7 %; p < 0.001) than patients who did not. Adverse cardiac events occurred in 48.2 % of surgical intensive care unit patients with cardiovascular failure and were related to morbidity and mortality. The extent and duration of catecholamine vasopressor therapy were independently associated with and may contribute to the pathogenesis of adverse cardiac events.

A qualitative study of resilience and posttraumatic stress disorder in United States ICU nurses

Abstract: Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are at increased risk of developing psychological problems including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there are resilient individuals who thrive and remain employed as ICU nurses for many years. The purpose of this study was to identify mechanisms employed by highly resilient ICU nurses to develop preventative therapies to obviate the development of PTSD in ICU nurses. Qualitative study using semi-structured telephone interviews with randomly selected ICU nurses in the USA. Purposive sampling was used to identify ICU nurses who were highly resilient, based on the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale and those with a diagnosis of PTSD, based on the posttraumatic diagnostic scale. New interviews were conducted until we reached thematic saturation. Thirteen highly resilient nurses and fourteen nurses with PTSD were interviewed (n = 27). A constructivist epistemological framework was used for data analysis. Differences were identified in four major domains: worldview, social network, cognitive flexibility, and self-care/balance. Highly resilient nurses identified spirituality, a supportive social network, optimism, and having a resilient role model as characteristics used to cope with stress in their work environment. ICU nurses with a diagnosis of PTSD possessed several unhealthy characteristics including a poor social network, lack of identification with a role model, disruptive thoughts, regret, and lost optimism. Highly resilient ICU nurses utilize positive coping skills and psychological characteristics that allow them to continue working in the stressful ICU environment. These characteristics and skills may be used to develop target therapies to prevent PTSD in ICU nurses.

Avoiding invasive mechanical ventilation by extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal in patients failing noninvasive ventilation

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate whether extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal by means of a pumpless extracorporeal lung-assist (PECLA) device could be an effective and safe alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic pulmonary disease and acute hypercapnic ventilatory failure not responding to noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS)

Abstract: Purpose Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is used for patients with refractory heart failure with or without respiratory failure. This temporary support is provided by blood pumps which are connected to large vessels. Bleeding episodes are a typical complication in patients with ECLS. Recently, several studies illustrated that acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) can contribute to bleeding tendencies in patients with long-term ventricular assist devices (VAD). AVWS is characterized by loss of the high molecular weight (HMW) multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF) as a result of high shear stress and leads to impaired binding of VWF to platelets and to subendothelial matrix. Since ECLS and VAD share several features, we investigated patients with ECLS for AVWS.

Prospective validation of the vasoactive-inotropic score and correlation to short term outcomes in neonates and infants after cardiothoracic surgery

Abstract: Prospective validation of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and inotrope score (IS) in infants after cardiovascular surgery. Prospective observational study of 70 infants (≤90 days of age) undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. VIS and IS were assessed at 24 (VIS24, IS24), 48 (VIS48, IS48), and 72 (VIS72, IS72) h after surgery. Maximum VIS and IS scores in the first 48 h were also calculated (VIS48max and IS48max). The primary outcome was length of intubation. Additional outcomes included length of intensive care (ICU) stay and hospitalization, cardiac arrest, mortality, time to negative fluid balance, peak lactate, and change in creatinine. Based on receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was highest for VIS48 to identify prolonged intubation time. AUC for the primary outcome was higher for VIS than IS at all time points assessed. On multivariate analysis VIS48 was independently associated with prolonged intubation (OR 22.3, p = 0.002), prolonged ICU stay (OR 8.1, p = 0.017), and prolonged hospitalization (OR 11.3, p = 0.011). VIS48max, IS48max, and IS48 were also associated with prolonged intubation, but not prolonged ICU or hospital stay. None of the scores were associated with time to negative fluid balance, peak lactate, or change in creatinine. In neonates and infants, a higher VIS at 48 h after cardiothoracic surgery is strongly associated with increased length of ventilation, and prolonged ICU and total hospital stay. At all time points assessed, VIS is more predictive of poor short-term outcome than IS. VIS may be useful as an independent predictor of outcomes.

Early peak temperature and mortality in critically ill patients with or without infection

Abstract: To determine whether fever is associated with an increased or decreased risk of death in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with infection. We evaluated the independent association between peak temperature in the first 24 h after ICU admission and in-hospital mortality according to whether there was an admission diagnosis of infection using a database of admissions to 129 ICUs in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) (n = 269,078). Subsequently, we sought to confirm or refute the ANZ database findings using a validation cohort of admissions to 201 ICUs in the UK (n = 366,973). A total of 29,083/269,078 (10.8%) ANZ patients and 103,191/366,973 (28.1%) of UK patients were categorised as having an infection. In the ANZ cohort, adjusted in-hospital mortality risk progressively decreased with increasing peak temperature in patients with infection. Relative to the risk at 36.5–36.9°C, the lowest risk was at 39–39.4°C (adjusted OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.48–0.66). In patients without infection, the adjusted mortality risk progressively increased above 39.0°C (adjusted OR 2.07 at 40.0°C or above; 95% CI 1.68–2.55). In the UK cohort, findings were similar with adjusted odds ratios at corresponding temperatures of 0.77 (95% CI 0.71–0.85) and 1.94 (95% CI 1.60–2.34) for infection and non-infection groups, respectively. Elevated peak temperature in the first 24 h in ICU is associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with an infection; randomised trials are needed to determine whether controlling fever increases mortality in such patients.

Electrical impedance tomography: the holy grail of ventilation and perfusion monitoring?

Abstract: This review summarizes the state-of-the-art in electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for ventilation and perfusion imaging. EIT is a relatively new technology used to image regional impedance distributions in a cross-sectional area of the body. After the introduction, a brief overview of the recent history is provided followed by a review of the literature on regional ventilation monitoring using EIT. Several recently presented indices that are useful to extract information from EIT image streams are described. Selected experimental and clinical findings are discussed with respect to future routine applications in intensive care. Finally, past and ongoing research activities aimed at obtaining cardiac output and regional perfusion information from EIT image streams are summarized.

Arterial oxygen tension and mortality in mechanically ventilated patients.

Abstract: Early hyperoxia may be an independent risk factor for mortality in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We examined the relationship between early arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and in-hospital mortality. We retrospectively assessed arterial blood gases (ABG) with ‘worst’ alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient during the first 24 h of ICU admission for all ventilated adult patients from 150 participating ICUs between 2000 and 2009. We used multivariate analysis in all patients and defined subgroups to determine the relationship between PaO2 and mortality. We also studied the relationship between worst PaO2, admission PaO2 and peak PaO2 in a random cohort of patients. We studied 152,680 patients. Their mean PaO2 was 20.3 kPa (SD 14.6) and mean inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) was 62% (SD 26). Worst A-a gradient ABG identified that 49.8% (76,110) had hyperoxia (PaO2 > 16 kPa). Nineteen per cent of patients died in ICU and 26% in hospital. After adjusting for site, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II), age, FiO2, surgical type, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) below 15 and year of ICU admission, there was an association between progressively lower PaO2 and increasing in-hospital mortality, but not with increasing levels of hyperoxia. Similar findings were observed with a sensitivity analysis of PaO2 derived from high FiO2 (≥50%) versus low FiO2 (<50%) and in defined subgroups. Worst PaO2 showed a strong correlation with admission PaO2 (r = 0.98) and peak PaO2 within 24 h of admission (r = 0.86). We found there was an association between hypoxia and increased in-hospital mortality, but not with hyperoxia in the first 24 h in ICU and mortality in ventilated patients. Our findings differ from previous studies and suggest that the impact of early hyperoxia on mortality remains uncertain.

BAY41-6551 achieves bactericidal tracheal aspirate amikacin concentrations in mechanically ventilated patients with Gram-negative pneumonia

Abstract: Purpose To conduct a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II study of BAY41-6551 (NCT01004445), an investigational drug–device combination of amikacin, formulated for inhalation, and a proprietary Pulmonary Drug Delivery System, for the treatment of Gram-negative pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients.

Recommendations for sepsis management in resource-limited settings.

Abstract: Purpose To provide clinicians practicing in resource-limited settings with a framework to improve the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric and adult patients with sepsis.

Can changes in arterial pressure be used to detect changes in cardiac index during fluid challenge in patients with septic shock

Abstract: Response to fluid challenge is often defined as an increase in cardiac index (CI) of more than 10–15%. However, in clinical practice CI values are often not available. We evaluated whether changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) correlate with changes in CI after fluid challenge in patients with septic shock. This was an observational study in which we reviewed prospectively collected data from 51 septic shock patients in whom complete hemodynamic measurements had been obtained before and after a fluid challenge with 1,000 ml crystalloid (Hartman’s solution) or 500 ml colloid (hydroxyethyl starch 6%). CI was measured using thermodilution. Patients were divided into two groups (responders and non-responders) according to their change in CI (responders: %CI >10%) after the fluid challenge. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance test followed by a Student’s t test with adjustment for multiple comparisons. Pearson’s correlation and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were also used. Mean patient age was 67 ± 17 years and mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) upon admittance to the intensive care unit was 10 ± 3. In the 25 responders, MAP increased from 69 ± 9 to 77 ± 9 mmHg, pulse pressure (PP) increased from 59 ± 15 to 67 ± 16, and CI increased from 2.8 ± 0.8 to 3.4 ± 0.9 L/min/m2 (all p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between the changes in MAP, PP, and CI. Changes in MAP do not reliably track changes in CI after fluid challenge in patients with septic shock and, consequently, should be interpreted carefully when evaluating the response to fluid challenge in such patients.

Dobutamine for patients with severe heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract: Dobutamine is recommended for patients with severe heart failure; however uncertainty exists as to its effect on mortality. This study aims to critically review the literature to evaluate whether dobutamine, compared with placebo or standard care, is associated with lower mortality and a range of secondary outcomes, in patients with severe heart failure. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Trials Registry, the metaRegister of Controlled Trials and bibliographies of retrieved articles were searched. Randomised trials comparing dobutamine with placebo or standard care, in human, adult patients with severe heart failure, were included if they reported at least one outcome of interest. Data regarding trial validity, methodological processes and clinical outcomes were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed. Fourteen studies, with 673 participants, met the inclusion criteria and were included; 13 studies reported mortality. There was minimal heterogeneity (I 2 = 4.5%). The estimate of the odds ratio for mortality for patients with severe heart failure treated with dobutamine compared with standard care or placebo was 1.47 (95% confidence interval 0.98–2.21, p = 0.06). This meta-analysis showed that dobutamine is not associated with improved mortality in patients with heart failure, and there is a suggestion of increased mortality associated with its use, although this did not reach the conventional level of statistical significance. Further research to define the role of dobutamine in treatment of severe heart failure should be a priority.

Efficacy and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

Abstract: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is an attractive anticoagulation mode in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) because it restricts the anticoagulatory effect to the extracorporeal circuit. In recent years, several randomized controlled trials have been conducted to investigate its superiority over other anticoagulation modes. Thus, we performed a systematic review of available evidence on the efficacy and safety of RCA. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy and safety of RCA was performed. PubMed, Current Contents, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevance articles. Data on circuit life span, bleeding events, metabolic derangement, and mortality were abstracted. Mean difference was used for continuous variables, and risk ratio was used for binomial variables. The random effects or fixed effect model was used to combine these data according to heterogeneity. The software Review Manager 5.1 was used for the meta-analysis. Six studies met our inclusion criteria, which involved a total of 658 circuits. In these six studies patients with liver failure or a high risk of bleeding were excluded. The circuit life span in the RCA group was significantly longer than that in the control group, with a mean difference of 23.03 h (95% CI 0.45–45.61 h). RCA was able to reduce the risk of bleeding, with a risk ratio of 0.28 (95% CI 0.15–0.50). Metabolic stability (electrolyte and acid–base stabilities) in performing RCA was comparable to that in other anticoagulation modes, and metabolic derangements (hypernatremia, metabolic alkalosis, and hypocalcemia) could be easily controlled without significant clinical consequences. Two studies compared mortality rate between RCA and control groups, with one reported similar mortality rate and the other reported superiority of RCA over the control group (hazards ratio 0.7). RCA is effective in maintaining circuit patency and reducing the risk of bleeding, and thus can be recommended for CRRT if and when metabolic monitoring is adequate and the protocol is followed. However, the safety of citrate in patients with liver failure cannot be concluded from current analysis. The metabolic stability can be easily controlled during RCA. Survival benefit from RCA is still controversial due to limited evidence.

Clinical impact and risk factors for colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria in the intensive care unit

Abstract: The changed epidemiology of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), the spread to the community and the need for prudent use of carbapenems require updated knowledge of risk factors for colonization with ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE). An 8-month prospective study in the medical ICU of an 850-bed general and university-affiliated hospital. Of 610 patients admitted, 531 (87 %) had a rectal swab obtained at admission, showing a 15 % (82 patients) ESBL-PE carriage rate, mostly of E. coli (n = 51, 62 %); ESBL-PE caused 9 (3 %) infections on admission. By multivariable analysis, transfer from another ICU (OR = 2.56 [1, 22]), hospital admission in another country [OR = 5.28 (1.56–17.8)], surgery within the past year [OR = 2.28 (1.34–3.86)], prior neurologic disease [OR = 2.09 (1.1–4.0)], and prior administration of third generation cephalosporin (within 3–12 months before ICU admission) [OR = 3.05 (1.21–7.68)] were independent predictive factors of colonization by ESBL-PE upon ICU admission. Twenty-eight patients (13 % of those staying for more than 5 days) acquired ESBL carriage in ICU, mostly with E. cloacae (n = 13, 46 %) and K. pneumoniae (n = 10, 36 %). In carriers, ESBL-PE caused 10 and 27 % of first and second episodes of ICU-acquired infections, respectively. We found a high prevalence of ESBLE-PE colonization on admission to our ICU, even in the subgroup admitted from the community, but few first infections. Identifying risk factors for ESBL-PE colonization may help identifying which patients may warrant empiric ESBL-targeted antimicrobial drug therapy as a means to limit carbapenem use.