Acute and Critical Care

Original Articles

Neurosurgery
The efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Seungjoo Lee, Moinay Kim, Min-Yong Kwon, Sae Min Kwon, Young San Ko, Yeongu Chung, Wonhyoung Park, Jung Cheol Park, Jae Sung Ahn, Hanwool Jeon, Jihyun Im, Jae Hyun Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):282-293. Published online May 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00612

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
This study evaluates the effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) in treating poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), focusing on functional outcomes, mortality, and complications such as vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and hydrocephalus. Methods: Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central, up to November 2023. Nine studies involving 368 patients were selected based on eligibility criteria focusing on TH in poor-grade SAH patients. Data extraction, bias assessment, and evidence certainty were systematically performed. Results: The primary analysis of unfavorable outcomes in 271 participants showed no significant difference between the TH and standard care groups (risk ratio [RR], 0.87). However, a significant reduction in vasospasm was observed in the TH group (RR, 0.63) among 174 participants. No significant differences were found in DCI, hydrocephalus, and mortality rates in the respective participant groups. Conclusions: TH did not significantly improve primary unfavorable outcomes in poor-grade SAH patients. However, the reduction in vasospasm rates indicates potential specific benefits. The absence of significant findings in other secondary outcomes and mortality highlights the need for further research to better understand TH's role in treating this patient population.

Trauma
Comparison of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lignocaine in femoral nerve block to position fracture femur patients for central neuraxial blockade in Indian population: Manik Seth, Santvana Kohli, Madhu Dayal, Arin Choudhury; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(2):275-281. Published online May 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01606

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Abstract PDF: Background
Patients with a fractured femur experience intense pain during positioning for neuraxial block for definitive surgery. Femoral nerve block (FNB) is therefore often given prior to positioning for analgesia. In our study, we compare the onset and quality of block of 0.25% bupivacaine, 0.5% ropivacaine, and 1.5% lignocaine for FNB in fracture femur patients. Methods: Seventy-five adult femur fracture patients were equally and randomly divided into three groups to receive 15 ml of either 0.25% bupivacaine (group B), 0.5% ropivacaine (group R), or 1.5% lignocaine (group L) for FNB prior to positioning for neuraxial blockade. Onset and quality of block were assessed, as well as improvement in visual analog scale (VAS) score, ease of positioning, and patient satisfaction. Results: Percentage decrease in VAS was found to be highest in group R (82.8%) followed by groups L and B. Time to achieve a VAS of less than 4 was found to be 26.2±2.4 minutes in group B, 8.5±1.9 minutes in group R, and 4.1±0.7 minutes in group L (P<0.001). In group B, 12 patients required additional fentanyl to achieve a VAS <4. Patient positioning was reported to be satisfactory in all patients in group R and L, while in B it was satisfactory in 13 (52%) patients only. Patient acceptance of FNB was 100% in group R and L, but only 64% in group B. Conclusions: Based on our findings, 0.5% ropivacaine is a favorable choice for FNB due to early onset, ability to yield a good quality block, and good safety profile.

Trauma
The correlation between carotid artery Doppler and stroke volume during central blood volume loss and resuscitation: Isabel Kerrebijn, Sarah Atwi, Mai Elfarnawany, Andrew M. Eibl, Joseph K. Eibl, Jenna L. Taylor, Chul Ho Kim, Bruce D. Johnson, Jon-Émile S. Kenny; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):162-168. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01095

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Abstract PDF: Background
Using peripheral arteries to infer central hemodynamics is common among hemodynamic monitors. Doppler ultrasound of the common carotid artery has been used in this manner with conflicting results. We investigated the relationship between changing common carotid artery Doppler measures and stroke volume (SV), hypothesizing that more consecutively-averaged cardiac cycles would improve SV-carotid Doppler correlation. Methods: Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were recruited and studied in a physiology laboratory. Carotid artery Doppler pulse was measured with a wearable, wireless ultrasound during central hypovolemia and resuscitation induced by a stepped lower body negative pressure protocol. The change in maximum velocity time integral (VTI) and corrected flow time of the carotid artery (ccFT) were compared with changing SV using repeated measures correlation. Results: In total, 73,431 cardiac cycles were compared across 27 subjects. There was a strong linear correlation between changing SV and carotid Doppler measures during simulated hemorrhage (repeated-measures linear correlation [Rrm ]=0.91 for VTI; 0.88 for ccFT). This relationship improved with larger numbers of consecutively-averaged cardiac cycles. For ccFT, beyond four consecutively-averaged cardiac cycles the correlation coefficient remained strong (i.e., Rrm of at least 0.80). For VTI, the correlation coefficient with SV was strong for any number of averaged cardiac cycles. For both ccFT and VTI, Rrm remained stable around 25 consecutively-averaged cardiac cycles. Conclusions: There was a strong linear correlation between changing SV and carotid Doppler measures during central blood volume loss. The strength of this relationship was dependent upon the number of consecutively-averaged cardiac cycles.

Cardiology
Diagnostic accuracy of left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral versus inferior vena cava collapsibility index in predicting post-induction hypotension during general anesthesia: an observational study: Vibhuti Sharma, Arti Sharma, Arvind Sethi, Jyoti Pathania; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(1):117-126. Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00913

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Abstract PDF

Background
Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is being explored for dynamic measurements like inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI) and left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT-VTI) to guide anesthesiologists in predicting fluid responsiveness in the preoperative period and in treating post-induction hypotension (PIH) with varying accuracy. Methods: In this prospective, observational study on included 100 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, the LVOT-VTI and IVC-CI measurements were performed in the preoperative room 15 minutes prior to surgery, and PIH was measured for 20 minutes in the post-induction period. Results: The incidence of PIH was 24%. The area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the two techniques at 95% confidence interval was 0.613, 30.4%, 93.3%, 58.3%, 81.4%, 73.6% for IVC-CI and 0.853, 83.3%, 80.3%, 57.1%, 93.8%, 77.4% for LVOT-VTI, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the cutoff value for IVC-CI was >51.5 and for LVOT-VTI it was ≤17.45 for predicting PIH with odd ratio [OR] of 8.491 (P=0.025) for IVCCI and OR of 17.427 (P<0.001) for LVOT. LVOT-VTI assessment was possible in all the patients, while 10% of patients were having poor window for IVC measurements. Conclusions: We recommend the use of POCUS using LVOT-VTI or IVC-CI to predict PIH, to decrease the morbidity of patients undergoing surgery. Out of these, we recommend LVOT-VTI measurements as it has showed a better diagnostic accuracy (77.4%) with no failure rate.

Citations

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Where the Postanesthesia Care Unit and Intensive Care Unit Meet
Mary Rose Gaylor, David N. Hager, Kathleen Tyson
Critical Care Clinics.2024; 40(3): 523. CrossRef

Review Article

Surgery
Early detection and assessment of intensive care unit-acquired weakness: a comprehensive review: Hanan Elkalawy, Pavan Sekhar, Wael Abosena; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):409-424. Published online November 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00703

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Abstract PDF

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a serious complication in critically ill patients. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of ICU-AW are crucial for effectively preventing its associated morbidity and mortality. This article provides a comprehensive review of ICU-AW, focusing on the different methods used for its diagnosis and monitoring. Additionally, it highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in muscle assessment and early detection of ICU-AW. Furthermore, the article explores potential strategies for preventing ICU-AW. Healthcare providers who manage critically ill patients utilize diagnostic approaches such as physical exams, imaging, and assessment tools to identify ICU-AW. However, each method has its own limitations. The diagnosis of ICU-AW needs improvement due to the lack of a consensus on the appropriate approach for its detection. Nevertheless, bedside ultrasound has proven to be the most reliable and cost-effective tool for muscle assessment in the ICU. Combining the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score assessment, and ultrasound can be a convenient approach for the early detection of ICU-AW. This approach can facilitate timely intervention and prevent catastrophic consequences. However, further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Citations

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Characteristics of the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Septic Patients with Critical Illness Polyneuropathy - A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yanyang Zhang, Jinfu Ma, Qing Zhao, Hui Liu
The Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2024; 10(2): 130. CrossRef
Advancing critical care recovery: The pivotal role of machine learning in early detection of intensive care unit-acquired weakness
Georges Khattar, Elie Bou Sanayeh
World Journal of Clinical Cases.2024; 12(21): 4455. CrossRef
Construction and evaluation of acquired weakness nomogram model in patients with mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit
Chen Lu, Jiang Wenjuan
DIGITAL HEALTH.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Articles

Infection
Healthcare-associated infections in critical COVID-19 patients in Tunis: epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes: Ahlem Trifi, Selim Sellaouti, Asma Mehdi, Lynda Messaoud, Eya Seghir, Badis Tlili, Sami Abdellatif; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):425-434. Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00773

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted adherences to healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention protocols. Herein, we studied the characteristics of all HAIs occurring in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Methods
A retrospective, single-center cohort of critical COVID-19 patients during 2021. Microbiological samples were collected if HAI was suspected. We analyzed all factors that could potentially induce HAI, using septic shock and mortality as endpoints.
Results
Sixty-four among 161 included patients (39.7%) presented a total of 117 HAIs with an incidence density of 69.2 per 1,000 hospitalization days. Compared to the prior COVID-19 period (2013–2019), the identification of HAI increased in 2021. HAIs were classified into ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; n=38), bloodstream infection (n=32), urinary tract infection (n=24), catheter-related infection (n=12), and fungal infection (n=11). All HAIs occurred significantly earlier in the post–COVID-19 period (VAP: 6 vs. 10 days, P=0.045, in 2017 and 2021). Acinetobacter baumannii (39.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (27%) were the most commonly isolated pathogens that exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, observed in 89% and 64.5%, respectively. The HAI factors were laboratory abnormalities (odds ratio [OR], 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–26.0), cumulative steroid dose (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–4.0), and invasive procedures (OR, 20.7; 95% CI, 5.3–64.0). HAI was an independent factor of mortality (OR, 8.5; P=0.004).
Conclusions
During the COVID-19 era, the incidence of HAIs increased and MDR isolates remained frequent. A severe biological inflammatory syndrome, invasive devices, and elevated cumulative steroid dosages were related to HAIs. HAI was a significant death factor.

Nursing
Palliative care knowledge and attitudes toward end-of-life care among intensive care unit nurses in Jordan: Khaldoun Mohammad Hamdan, Ahmad M. Al-Bashaireh, Mohammad Al-Dalahmeh, Ahmad Rajeh Saifan, Maha Alkaid Albqoor, Abeer M. Shaheen; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):469-478. Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00430

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Abstract PDF: Background
There is a growing need for palliative care globally due to the rapid aging of the population and improvement in cancer survival rates. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude are vital for palliative care nurses. The study’s purpose was to examine nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care.
Methods
A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used. The study included 182 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses from Jordanian hospitals in all sectors. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the data.
Results
We measured nurses’ knowledge using the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing, and we measured nurses' attitudes using the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying scale. The mean total knowledge and attitude scores were 8.88 (standard deviation [SD], 2.52) and 103.14 (SD, 12.31), respectively. The lowest level of knowledge was in psychosocial and spiritual care (mean, 0.51±0.70). The percentage of nurses with unfavorable attitudes was 53.3%. Significant differences in knowledge and attitude levels were observed according to educational level, experience, and hospital type.
Conclusions
ICU nurses have insufficient knowledge and inappropriate attitudes toward palliative care. Knowledge of psychological and spiritual aspects of palliative care was particularly lacking as were appropriate attitudes towards communication with dying patients. Improving knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care in nursing schools and hospitals would help overcome this problem.

Cardiology
A comparative study of stored arterial versus venous blood collected using the acute normovolemic hemodilution method in coronary artery bypass grafting patients in Iran: Mojtaba Mansouri, Alireza Yazdani, Gholamreza Masoumi, Mohsen Mirmohammadsadeghi, Amir Mirmohammadsadeghi; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):353-361. Published online June 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01382

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Abstract PDF: Background
In the present study, arterial and venous blood was collected from patients who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); the blood was stored for 28 days and cellular, biomechanical, and hematological changes in blood were compared to determine whether stored arterial blood is superior to stored venous blood.
Methods
The present follow-up comparative study included 60 patients >18 years of age, with hemoglobin >14 mg/dl and ejection fraction >40% who were candidates for CABG. After induction of anesthesia, 250 ml of arterial or venous blood was drawn from patients (arterial blood group and venous blood group). Laboratory blood samples were taken at specified times from the collected blood and re-injected into the patients after CABG.
Results
Significant differences were observed in pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), and glucose values at several time points between the groups. Other parameters such as urea and creatinine did not show any significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions
Twenty-eight days of storage can have a negative effect on some of the cellular, biochemical, and hematological components of arterial and venous blood; however, the quality of stored arterial blood and venous blood does not differ significantly.

Pulmonary
Relationship between positive end-expiratory pressure levels, central venous pressure, systemic inflammation and acute renal failure in critically ill ventilated COVID-19 patients: a monocenter retrospective study in France: Pierre Basse, Louis Morisson, Romain Barthélémy, Nathan Julian, Manuel Kindermans, Magalie Collet, Benjamin Huot, Etienne Gayat, Alexandre Mebazaa, Benjamin G. Chousterman; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(2):172-181. Published online May 25, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01494

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
The role of positive pressure ventilation, central venous pressure (CVP) and inflammation on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) have been poorly described in mechanically ventilated patient secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This was a monocenter retrospective cohort study of consecutive ventilated COVID-19 patients admitted in a French surgical intensive care unit between March 2020 and July 2020. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as development of a new AKI or a persistent AKI during the 5 days after mechanical ventilation initiation. We studied the association between WRF and ventilatory parameters including positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), CVP, and leukocytes count. Results: Fifty-seven patients were included, 12 (21%) presented WRF. Daily PEEP, 5 days mean PEEP and daily CVP values were not associated with occurrence of WRF. 5 days mean CVP was higher in the WRF group compared to patients without WRF (median [IQR], 12 mm Hg [11-13] vs. 10 mm Hg [9–12]; P=0.03). Multivariate models with adjustment on leukocytes and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II confirmed the association between CVP value and risk of WRF (odd ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–4.33). Leukocytes count was also associated with occurrence of WRF in the WRF group (14 G/L [11–18]) and the no-WRF group (9 G/L [8–11]) (P=0.002). Conclusions: In mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, PEEP levels did not appear to influence occurrence of WRF. High CVP levels and leukocytes count are associated with risk of WRF.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Bidirectional pressure: a mini review of ventilator-lung-kidney interactions
Avnee Kumar, Katie Epler, Sean DeWolf, Laura Barnes, Mark Hepokoski
Frontiers in Physiology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Pulmonary
Evaluating diaphragmatic dysfunction and predicting non-invasive ventilation failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in India: Nupur B Patel, Gaurav Jain, Udit Chauhan, Ajeet Singh Bhadoria, Saurabh Chandrakar, Haritha Indulekha; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(2):200-208. Published online May 25, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01060

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Background
Baseline diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) at the initiation of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) correlates positively with subsequent intubation. We investigated the utility of DD detected 2 hours after NIV initiation in estimating NIV failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients. Methods: In a prospective-cohort design, we enrolled 60 consecutive patients with AECOPD initiated on NIV at intensive care unit admission, and NIV failure events were noted. The DD was assessed at baseline (T1 timepoint) and 2 hours after initiating NIV (T2 timepoint). We defined DD as ultrasound-assessed change in diaphragmatic thickness (ΔTDI) <20% (predefined criteria [PC]) or its cut-off that predicts NIV failure (calculated criteria [CC]) at both timepoints. A predictive-regression analysis was reported. Results: In total, 32 patients developed NIV failure, nine within 2 hours of NIV and remaining in next 6 days. The ∆TDI cut-off that predicted NIV failure (DD-CC) at T1 was ≤19.04% (area under the curve [AUC], 0.73; sensitivity, 50%; specificity, 85.71%; accuracy; 66.67%), while that at T2 was ≤35.3% (AUC, 0.75; sensitivity, 95.65%; specificity, 57.14%; accuracy, 74.51%; hazard ratio, 19.55). The NIV failure rate was 35.1% in those with normal diaphragmatic function by PC (T2) versus 5.9% by CC (T2). The odds ratio for NIV failure with DD criteria ≤35.3 and <20 at T2 was 29.33 and 4.61, while that for ≤19.04 and <20 at T1 was 6, respectively. Conclusions: The DD criterion of ≤35.3 (T2) had a better diagnostic profile compared to baseline and PC in prediction of NIV failure.

Citations

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The Application of Diaphragm Ultrasound in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review
Heng Mu, Qunxia Zhang
COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Advancing healthcare through thoracic ultrasound research in older patients
Simone Scarlata, Chukwuma Okoye, Sonia Zotti, Fulvio Lauretani, Antonio Nouvenne, Nicoletta Cerundolo, Adriana Antonella Bruni, Monica Torrini, Alberto Finazzi, Tessa Mazzarone, Marco Lunian, Irene Zucchini, Lorenzo Maccioni, Daniela Guarino, Silvia Fabbr
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research.2023; 35(12): 2887. CrossRef

Surgery
Adjuvant intravenous immunoglobulin administration on postoperative critically ill patients with secondary peritonitis: a retrospective study: Young Un Choi, Jun Gi Kim, Ji Young Jang, Tae Hwa Go, Kwangmin Kim, Keum Seok Bae, Hongjin Shim; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):21-30. Published online February 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01515; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2023;38(2):250

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Abstract PDF

Background
The use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in sepsis patients from bowel perforation is still debatable. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of IVIG as an adjuvant therapy after source control. This study aimed to analyze the effect of IVIG in critically ill patients who underwent surgery due to secondary peritonitis.
Methods
In total, 646 medical records of surgical patients who were treated for secondary peritonitis were retrospectively analyzed. IVIG use, initial clinical data, and changes in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score over the 7-day admission in the intensive care unit for sepsis check, base excess, and delta neutrophil index (DNI) were analyzed. Mortalities and periodic profiles were assessed. Propensity scoring matching as comparative analysis was performed in the IVIG group and non-IVIG group.
Results
General characteristics were not different between the two groups. The survival curve did not show a significantly reduced mortality in the IVIG. Moreover, the IVIG group did not have a lower risk ratio for mortality than the non-IVIG group. However, when the DNI were compared during the first 7 days, the reduction rate in the IVIG group was statistically faster than in the non-IVIG group (P<0.01).
Conclusions
The use of IVIG was significantly associated with faster decrease in DNI which means faster reduction of inflammation. Since the immune system is rapidly activated, the additional use of IVIG after source control surgery in abdominal sepsis patients, especially those with immunocompromised patients can be considered. However, furthermore clinical studies are needed.

Citations

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USING INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN A PATIENT WITH SEPTIC SHOCK AND MULTIPLE COMORBIDITIES: A REVIEW BASED ON A CLINICAL CASE
Nataliya Matolynets, Jacek Rolinski, Khrystyna Lishchuk-Yakymovych, Yaroslav Tolstyak
Proceeding of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

CPR/Resuscitation
Lower limb muscle matters in patients with hypoxic brain injury following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Dong-Hyun Jang, Seung Min Park, Dong Keon Lee, Dong Won Kim, Chang Woo Im, You Hwan Jo, Kui Ja Lee; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):104-112. Published online February 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.01389

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
There are conflicting results regarding the association between body mass index and the prognosis of cardiac arrest patients. We investigated the association of the composition and distribution of muscle and fat with neurologic outcomes at hospital discharge in successfully resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Methods: This prospective, single-centre, observational study involved adult OHCA patients, conducted between April 2019 and June 2021. The ratio of total skeletal muscle, upper limb muscle, lower limb muscle, and total fat to body weight was measured using InBody S10, a bioimpedance analyser, after achieving the return of spontaneous circulation. Restricted cubic spline curves with four knots were used to examine the relationship between total skeletal muscle, upper limb muscle, and lower limb muscle relative to total body weight and neurologic outcome at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess an independent association. Results: A total of 66 patients were enrolled in the study. The proportion of total muscle and lower limb muscle positively correlated with the possibility of having a good neurologic outcome. The proportion of lower limb muscle showed an independent association in the multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–13.98), and its optimal cut-off value calculated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 23.1%, which can predict a good neurological outcome. Conclusions: A higher proportion of lower limb muscle to body weight was independently associated with the probability of having a good neurologic outcome in OHCA patients.

Gastroenterology
The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography over manual aspiration for gastric reserve volume estimation in critically ill patients: Rahul Sharma, Ravi Kant Dogra, Jyoti Pathania, Arti Sharma; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(1):134-141. Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00955

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Background
Although gastric reserve volume (GRV) is a surrogate marker of gastrointestinal dysfunction and feeding intolerance, there is ambiguity in its estimation due to problems associated with its measurement. Introduction of point-of-care ultrasound as a tool for anesthetists kindled interest in its use for GRV estimation. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we recruited 57 critically ill patients and analyzed 586 samples of GRV obtained by both ultrasonography (USG) and manual aspiration. Results: The analysis showed that USG-guided GRV was significantly correlated (r=0.788, P<0.001) and in positive agreement with manual aspiration based on Bland-Altman plot, with a mean difference of 8.50±14.84 (95% confidence interval, 7.389–9.798). The upper and lower limits of agreement were 37.7 and –20.5, respectively, within the ±1.96 standard deviation (P<0.001). The respective sensitivity and positive predictive value, specificity and negative predictive value, and area under the curve of USG for feeding intolerance were 66.67%, 98.15%, and 0.82%, with 96.49% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: Ultrasonographic estimation of GRV was positively, significantly correlated and in agreement with the manual aspiration method and estimated feeding intolerance earlier. Routine use of gastric USG could avoid clinical situations where feeding status is unclear and there is high risk of aspiration and could become a standard practice of critical care.

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Correlación de volumen residual gástrico medido y ultrasonido gástrico para identificar intolerancia gástrica en pacientes neurocríticos con nutrición enteral en la unidad de cuidados intensivos
Mauricio Pérez-Macías, Roxana Vázquez-Ramírez, Marcela Pinedo-Lechuga
Medicina Crítica.2024; 38(2): 102. CrossRef
Gastrointestinal function in critically ill patients
Annika Reintam Blaser, Kaspar F. Bachmann, Adam M. Deane
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care.2023; 26(5): 463. CrossRef

Pulmonary
Agreement between two methods for assessment of maximal inspiratory pressure in patients weaning from mechanical ventilation: Emanuelle Olympia Silva Ribeiro, Rik Gosselink, Lizandra Eveline da Silva Moura, Raissa Farias Correia, Wagner Souza Leite, Maria das Graças Rodrigues de Araújo, Armele Dornelas de Andrade, Daniella Cunha Brandão, Shirley Lima Campos; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(4):592-600. Published online October 27, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00325

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Abstract PDF: Background
Respiratory muscle strength in patients with an artificial airway is commonly assessed as the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and is measured using analogue or digital manometers. Recently, new electronic loading devices have been proposed to measure respiratory muscle strength. This study evaluates the agreement between the MIPs measured by a digital manometer and those according to an electronic loading device in patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation. Methods: In this prospective study, the standard MIP was obtained using a protocol adapted from Marini, in which repetitive inspiratory efforts were performed against an occluded airway with a one-way valve and were recorded with a digital manometer for 40 seconds (MIPDM). The MIP measured using the electronic loading device (MIPELD) was obtained from repetitively tapered flow resistive inspirations sustained for at least 2 seconds during a 40-second test. The agreement between the results was verified by a Bland-Altman analysis. Results: A total of 39 subjects (17 men, 55.4±17.7 years) was enrolled. Although a strong correlation between MIPDM and MIPELD (R=0.73, P<0.001) was observed, the Bland-Altman analysis showed a high bias of –47.4 (standard deviation, 22.3 cm H2O; 95% confidence interval, –54.7 to –40.2 cm H2O). Conclusions: The protocol of repetitively tapering flow resistive inspirations to measure the MIP with the electronic loading device is not in agreement with the standard protocol using one-way valve inspiratory occlusion when applied in poorly cooperative patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation.

Pulmonary
Incidence and risk factors associated with progression to severe pneumonia among adults with non-severe Legionella pneumonia: Jin-Young Huh, Sang-Ho Choi, Kyung-Wook Jo, Jin Won Huh, Sang-Bum Hong, Tae Sun Shim, Chae-Man Lim, Younsuck Koh; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(4):543-549. Published online October 21, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00521

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Background
Legionella species are important causative organisms of severe pneumonia. However, data are limited on predictors of progression to severe Legionella pneumonia (LP). Therefore, the risk factors for LP progression from non-severe to the severe form were investigated in the present study. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that included adult LP patients admitted to a 2,700-bed referral center between January 2005 and December 2019. Results: A total of 155 patients were identified during the study period; 58 patients (37.4%) initially presented with severe pneumonia and 97 (62.6%) patients with non-severe pneumonia. Among the 97 patients, 28 (28.9%) developed severe pneumonia during hospitalization and 69 patients (71.1%) recovered without progression to severe pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed platelet count ≤150,000/mm3 (odds ratio [OR], 2.923; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.100–8.105; P=0.034) and delayed antibiotic treatment >1 day (OR, 3.092; 95% CI, 1.167–8.727; P=0.026) were significant independent factors associated with progression to severe pneumonia. Conclusions: A low platelet count and delayed antibiotic treatment were significantly associated with the progression of non-severe LP to severe LP.

Citations

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Atraumatic Splenic Rupture in Legionella pneumophila Pneumonia
Elliott Worku, Dominic Adam Worku, Salim Surani
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases.2023; 2023: 1. CrossRef
Short- and long-term prognosis of patients with community-acquired Legionella or pneumococcal pneumonia diagnosed by urinary antigen testing
Leyre Serrano, Luis Alberto Ruiz, Silvia Perez-Fernandez, Pedro Pablo España, Ainhoa Gomez, Beatriz Gonzalez, Ane Uranga, Sonia Castro, Milagros Iriberri, Rafael Zalacain
International Journal of Infectious Diseases.2023; 134: 106. CrossRef
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Frontiers in Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

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