Acute and Critical Care

Images in critical care

Pulmonary
Acute lung injury following occupational exposure to nitric acid: Ji Hoon Jang, Sung Yeon Hwang, Chi Ryang Chung, Gee Young Suh, Ryoung-Eun Ko; Acute Crit Care. 2021;36(4):395-396. Published online November 26, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01557

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Erratum

Primary Invasive Intestinal Aspergillosis in a Non-Severely Immunocompromised Patient: Eunmi Gil, Tae Sun Ha, Gee Young Suh, Chi Ryang Chung, Chi-Min Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(3):263-263. Published online August 30, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.129.e01; Corrects: Acute Crit Care 2016;31(2):129

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Original Article

Infection/Pharmacology
Clinical Effectiveness and Nephrotoxicity of Aerosolized Colistin Treatment in Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pneumonia: Seung Yong Park, Mi Seon Park, Chi Ryang Chung, Ju Sin Kim, Seoung Ju Park, Heung Bum Lee; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(3):208-220. Published online August 30, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.00129

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Abstract PDF

Background
Colistin (polymyxin E) is active against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB). However, the effectiveness of inhaled colistin is unclear. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of aerosolized colistin for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by MDR-GNB.
Methods
In this retrospective longitudinal study, we evaluated the medical records of 63 patients who received aerosolized colistin treatment for VAP caused by MDR-GNB in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) from February 2012 to March 2014.
Results
A total of 25 patients with VAP caused by MDR-GNB were included in this study. The negative conversion rate was 84.6% after treatment, and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 11 patients (44%, AKI group). The average length of MICU stay and colistin treatment- related factors, such as daily and total cumulative doses and administration period, were not significantly different between groups. In-hospital mortality tended to be higher in the AKI group (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis showed that a body mass index less than 18 was an independent risk factor of mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 21.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-302.23; p = 0.02). Notably, AKI occurrence was closely related to the administration of more than two nephrotoxic drugs combined with aerosolized colistin (OR = 15.03, 95% CI 1.40-161.76; p = 0.025) and septic shock (OR = 8.10, 95% CI 1.40-161.76; p = 0.04).
Conclusions
The use of adjunctive aerosolized colistin treatment appears to be a relatively safe and effective option for the treatment of VAP caused by MDR-GNB. However, more research on the concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs with aerosolized colistin will be necessary, as this can be an important risk factor of development of AKI.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Aerosolized antibiotics in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia
Yun Jung Jung, Eun Jin Kim, Young Hwa Choi
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2022; 37(1): 1. CrossRef
Changes in Renal Function by Nebulized Colistimethate Treatment
Hye Jin Ahn, Yoo Jin Jung, Jae Song Kim, Soo Hyun Kim, Eun Sun Son
Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy.2017; 27(2): 92. CrossRef

Case Reports

Infection
Primary Invasive Intestinal Aspergillosis in a Non-Severely Immunocompromised Patient: Eunmi Gil, Tae Sun Ha, Gee Young Suh, Chi Ryang Chung, Chi-Min Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):129-133. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.129; Correction in: Acute Crit Care 2016;31(3):263

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Abstract PDF

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is most commonly seen in patients with risk factors, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy, prolonged neutropenia, corticosteroids, transplantation and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. IA commonly occurs in the respiratory tract. Extrapulmonary aspergillosis is usually a part of a disseminated infection, and primary invasive intestinal aspergillosis is very rare. Herein, we report a case of an immunocompetent 53-year-old male who suffered recurrent septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) and was finally diagnosed as invasive intestinal aspergillosis without dissemination. IA is rarely considered for patients who do not have an immune disorder. Thus, when such cases do occur, the diagnosis is delayed and the clinical outcome is often poor. However, there is a growing literature reporting IA cases in patients without an immune disorder, mostly among ICU patients. Primary intestinal aspergillosis should be considered for critically ill patients, especially with severe disrupted gastrointestinal mucosal barrier.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Aspergillus fumigatus cholangitis in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma: case report and review of the literature
Kathrin Rothe, Sebastian Rasch, Nina Wantia, Alexander Poszler, Joerg Ulrich, Christoph Schlag, Wolfgang Huber, Roland M. Schmid, Dirk H. Busch, Tobias Lahmer
Infection.2021; 49(1): 159. CrossRef

Cardiology
Use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in a Patient with Septic Shock and Septic Cardiomyopathy Who Was Placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygen Support: Sun Hye Shin, Hyun Lee, Aeng Ja Choi, Kylie Hae Jin Chang, Gee Young Suh, Chi Ryang Chung; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2016;31(2):123-128. Published online May 31, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2016.31.2.123

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Abstract PDF: Although shock in sepsis is usually managed successfully by conventional medical treatment, a subset of cases do not respond and may require salvage therapies such as veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) support as well as an attempt to remove endotoxins. However, there are limited reports of attempts to remove endotoxins in patients with septic shock on VA ECMO support. We recently experienced a case of septic shock with severe myocardial injury whose hemodynamic improvement was unsatisfactory despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Since the cause of sepsis was acute pyelonephritis and blood cultures grew gram-negative bacilli, we additionally applied polymyxin B direct hemoperfusion (PMX-DHP) to the ECMO circuit and were able to successfully taper off vasopressors and wean off ECMO support. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first adult case in which PMX-DHP in addition to ECMO support was successfully utilized in a patient with septic shock. This case indicates that additional PMX-DHP therapy may be beneficial and technically feasible in patients with septic shock with severe myocardial injury refractory to ECMO support.

Infection
Disseminated Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis in Immunocompromised Disease: Tae Sun Ha, Chi-Min Park, Jeong Hoon Yang, Yang Hyun Cho, Chi Ryang Chung, Kyeongman Jeon, Gee Young Suh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(4):323-328. Published online November 30, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.4.323

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Abstract PDF

Mucormycosis is an uncommon opportunistic fungal infection mostly affecting immunocompromised patients and gastrointestinal mucormycosis is a rare and life-threatening. We describe a 31-year-old man with a history of idiopathic cyclic neutropenia who developed perforations of the stomach and intestine and intra-abdominal bleeding due to disseminated gastrointestinal mucormycosis after the initial operation.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Fatal Case of Disseminated Intestinal Mucormycosis in a Patient with Vibrio Sepsis
Seungwoo Chung, Hyun-Jung Sung, Jong Won Chang, Ile Hur, Ho Cheol Kim
Journal of Acute Care Surgery.2021; 11(3): 133. CrossRef
Gastric Mucormycosis Followed by Traumatic Cardiac Rupture in an Immunocompetent Patient
Sang Won Lee, Hyun Seok Lee
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2016; 68(2): 99. CrossRef

Infection/Surgery
Refractory Septic Shock Treated with Nephrectomy under the Support of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Young Kun Lee, Jeong Am Ryu, Jeong Hoon Yang, Chi-Min Park, Gee Young Suh, Kyeongman Jeon, Chi Ryang Chung; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(3):176-179. Published online August 31, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.3.176

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Abstract PDF: Conventional medical therapies have not been very successful in treating adults with refractory septic shock. The effects of direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory septic shock remain uncertain. A 66-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department and suffered from sepsis-induced hemodynamic collapse. For hemodynamic improvement, we performed direct hemoperfusion using polymyxin B. Computed tomography scan of this patient revealed emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), for which he underwent emergent nephrectomy with veno-arterial ECMO support. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of EPN with refractory septic shock using polymyxin B hemoperfusion and nephrectomy under the support of ECMO.

Original Article

Pulmonary
Factors Affecting Invasive Management after Unplanned Extubation in an Intensive Care Unit: A Lan Lee, Chi Ryang Chung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Chi-Min Park, Gee Young Suh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2015;30(3):164-170. Published online August 31, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2015.30.3.164

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Abstract PDF

Background
Unplanned extubation (UE) of patients requiring mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with poor outcomes for patients and organizations. This study was conducted to assess the clinical features of patients who experienced UE and to determine the risk factors affecting reintubation after UE in an ICU.
Methods
Among all adult patients admitted to the ICU in our institution who required mechanical ventilation between January 2011 and December 2013, those in whom UE was noted were included in the study. Data were categorized according to noninvasive or invasive management after UE.
Results
The rate of UE was 0.78% (the number of UEs per 100 days of mechanical ventilation). The incidence of self-extubation was 97.2%, while extubation was accidental in the remaining patients. Two cases of cardiac arrest combined with respiratory arrest after UE were noted. Of the 214 incidents, 54.7% required invasive management after UE. Long duration of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-1.75; p = 0.000) and high ICU mortality (OR 4.39; 95% CI 1.33-14.50; p = 0.015) showed the most significant association with invasive management after UE. In multivariate analysis, younger age (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99; p = 0.005), medical patients (OR 4.36; 95% CI 1.95-9.75; p = 0.000), use of sedative medication (OR 4.95; 95% CI 1.97-12.41; p = 0.001), large amount of secretion (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.01-7.02; p = 0.049), and low PaO2/FiO2 ratio (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.000) were independent risk factors of invasive management after UE.
Conclusions
To prevent unfavorable clinical outcomes, close attention and proper ventilatory support are required for patients with risk factors who require invasive management after UE.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Re-Intubation Among Critical Care Patients: A Scoping Review
Thandar Soe Sumaiyah Jamaludin, Mohd Said Nurumal, Nur Syila Syahida Syaziman, Syuhada Suhaimi, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARE SCHOLARS.2021; 4(Supp1): 93. CrossRef

Case Reports

Cardiology/Pulmonary
Complicated Pulmonary Pseudocyst Following Traumatic Lung Injury Rescued by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Sung Bum Park, Dae Sang Lee, Jeong Am Ryu, Jong Ho Cho, Yang Hyun Cho, Chi Ryang Chung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Gee Young Suh, Chi Min Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(3):201-206. Published online August 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.3.201

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Abstract PDF: Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma that usually appears immediately in children or young adults and is characterized by a single or multiple pulmonary cystic lesions on chest radiography and has spontaneous resolution of the radiologic manifestations. However, we experienced a case of a delayed complicated pulmonary pseudocyst in a 17-year-old boy following severe traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome rescued by Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this case, the pseudocyst appeared on the 12th day after trauma and transformed into an infected cyst. Veno-venous ECMO was successfully maintained for 20 days without anticoagulation.

Cardiology
Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Optimal Organ Donation: Jeong Hoon Yang, Yang Hyun Cho, Chi Ryang Chung, Kyeongman Jeon, Chi Min Park, Gee Young Suh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(3):194-196. Published online August 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.3.194

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Abstract PDF

We report a case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for donor organ preservation in a brain-dead patient following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A 43-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. Spontaneous circulation was restored after 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ECMO was implemented because of hemodynamic deterioration. The patient then underwent coronary angiography and was implanted with a drug-eluting stent because of occlusion at the proximal portion of the right coronary artery. After 144 hours, brain death was established, and ECMO support for optimal oxygen delivery was sustained until organ retrieval after consent for donation was received from the family. Liver and kidneys were successfully transplanted to three recipients, respectively.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for the Support of a Potential Organ Donor with a Fatal Brain Injury before Brain Death Determination
Sung Wook Chang, Sun Han, Jung Ho Ko, Jae-Wook Ryu
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2016; 31(2): 169. CrossRef
The Use of Extracorporeal Circulation in Suspected Brain Dead Organ Donors with Cardiopulmonary Collapse
Hyun Lee, Yang Hyun Cho, Kiick Sung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Chi Ryang Chung, Kyeongman Jeon, Gee Young Suh
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2015; 30(12): 1911. CrossRef

Original Articles

Cardiology
Inter-Hospital Transportation of Patients on Extracorporeal Life Support: A Single Center Experience: Yang Hyun Cho, Ji Hyuk Yang, Jin Ho Choi, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Chi Ryang Chung, Gee Young Suh; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(2):83-87. Published online May 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.83

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Abstract PDF

Background
Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is an effective life-saving tool for patients in refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. Although transportation of patients on ECLS is challenging, it is necessary in some instances. We report our initial experience of transporting patients on ECLS.
Methods
The study period was between January 2004 and August 2013. We reviewed our ECLS database and identified four patients who were transported to our institution on ECLS. We excluded patients who were not transported by our ECLS team.
Results
There were no clinically significant events during transportation. ECLS indications included acute respiratory distress syndrome in two patients, stress-induced cardiomyopathy induced by pneumonia sepsis in one patient, and cardiac arrest caused by amyloid cardiomyopathy in another patient. One patient was transported by helicopter and three patients were transported in an oversized ambulance. Three patients were successfully weaned off ECLS and discharged without significant complications.
Conclusions
Inter-hospital transport can be safely performed by an experienced ECLS team. Successful transport may improve patient outcome and the ECLS programs of both referring and referral hospitals.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Outcomes of Urgent Interhospital Transportation for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients
Jun Tae Yang, Hyoung Soo Kim, Kun Il Kim, Ho Hyun Ko, Jung Hyun Lim, Hong Kyu Lee, Yong Joon Ra
Journal of Chest Surgery.2022; 55(6): 452. CrossRef
Outcomes of transported and in-house patients on extracorporeal life support: a propensity score-matching study
Heemoon Lee, Kiick Sung, Gee Young Suh, Chi Ryang Chung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Keumhee Chough Carriere, Joong Hyun Ahn, Yang Hyun Cho
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Inter-Facility Transport on Extracorporeal Life Support: Clinical Outcomes and Comparative Analysis with In-house Patients
Tae Hee Hong, Heemoon Lee, Jae Jun Jung, Yang Hyun Cho, Kiick Sung, Ji-Hyuk Yang, Young-Tak Lee, Su Hyun Cho, R.N.
The Korean Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.2017; 50(5): 363. CrossRef

Pulmonary/Surgery
Safety and Feasibility of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Performed by Intensive Care Trainee: Daesang Lee, Chi Ryang Chung, Sung Bum Park, Jeong Am Ryu, Joongbum Cho, Jeong Hoon Yang, Chi Min Park, Gee Young Suh, Kyeongman Jeon; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(2):64-69. Published online May 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.64

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Abstract PDF

Background
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) performed by an intensivist in critically ill patients is currently popular. Many studies support the safety and feasibility of PDT. However, there is limited data on the safety and feasibility of PDT performed by intensive care trainees.
Methods
To evaluate the safety and feasibility of PDT performed by intensive care trainees and to compare these with those performed by intensivists, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and adverse events of all prospectively registered patients who underwent PDT by ICT or intensivists in intensive care units (ICUs) from August 2010 to August 2013.
Results
In the study period, 203 patients underwent PDT in ICUs; 139 (68%) by trainees and 64 (32%) by intensivists. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics including demographics, laboratory findings, and parameters of mechanical ventilation between the two groups. Procedure times and outcomes of the patients were not different between the two groups. The majority of complications observed in 24 hours after PDT were bleeding; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (trainee 10.8% vs. intensivist 9.4%, p = 0.758). There was no procedure-related death in the two groups.
Conclusions
PDT performed by intensive care trainees was safe and feasible. However, further well-designed studies should be conducted to confirm our results.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Comparison of Conventional Surgical Tracheostomy and Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit
Sungdae Lim, Hyun Park, Ja Myoung Lee, Kwangho Lee, Won Heo, Soo-Hyun Hwang
Korean Journal of Neurotrauma.2022; 18(2): 246. CrossRef
Prediction of successful de-cannulation of tracheostomised patients in medical intensive care units
Chul Park, Ryoung-Eun Ko, Jinhee Jung, Soo Jin Na, Kyeongman Jeon
Respiratory Research.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Severe pain-related adverse events of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy performed by a neurointensivist compared with conventional surgical tracheostomy in neurocritically ill patients
Yong Oh Kim, Chi Ryang Chung, Chi-Min Park, Gee Young Suh, Jeong-Am Ryu
BMC Neurology.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Is percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with bronchoscopic guidance better than without?
Jinsun Chang, Hong-Joon Shin, Yong-Soo Kwon, Yu-Il Kim, Sung-Chul Lim, Tae-Ok Kim
Acute and Critical Care.2020; 35(2): 127. CrossRef
Safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter performed by an intensive care trainee
Yongwoo Lee, Jeong-Am Ryu, Yong Oh Kim, Eunmi Gil, Young-Mok Song
Journal of Neurocritical Care.2020; 13(1): 41. CrossRef
Safety and Feasibility of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Performed by a Neurointensivist Compared with Conventional Surgical Tracheostomy in Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit
John Kwon, Yong Oh Kim, Jeong-Am Ryu
Journal of Neurointensive Care.2019; 2(2): 64. CrossRef
Safety and Feasibility of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in the Neurocritical Care Unit
Dong Hyun Lee, Jin-Heon Jeong
Journal of Neurocritical Care.2018; 11(1): 32. CrossRef
Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Critically Ill Patients Taking Antiplatelet Agents
Sung-Jin Nam, Ji Young Park, Hongyeul Lee, Taehoon Lee, Yeon Joo Lee, Jong Sun Park, Ho Il Yoon, Jae Ho Lee, Choon-Taek Lee, Young-Jae Cho
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2014; 29(3): 183. CrossRef
Is Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Safe to Perform in the Intensive Care Unit?
Jae Hwa Cho
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2014; 29(2): 57. CrossRef

Case Report

Gastroenterology/Pulmonary
Respiratory Complications Associated with Insertion of Small-Bore Feeding Tube in Critically Ill Patients: Jeong Am Ryu, Joongbum Cho, Sung Bum Park, Daesang Lee, Chi Ryang Chung, Jeong Hoon Yang, Kyeongman Jeon, Gee Young Suh, Chi Min Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(2):131-136. Published online May 31, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.2.131

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Abstract PDF

Small-bore flexible feeding tubes decrease the risk of ulceration of the nose, pharynx, and stomach compared with large-bore and more rigid tubes. However, small-bore feeding tubes have more respiratory system complications, such as pneumothorax, hydropneumothorax, bronchopleural fistula, and pneumonia, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is important to confirm the correct position of feeding tubes. Chest X-ray is the gold standard to detect tracheal malpositioning of the feeding tube. We present three cases in which intubated patients exhibited an altered mental state. An assistant guide wire was used at the insertion of small-bore feeding tubes. These conditions are thought to be potential risk factors for tracheobronchial malpositioning of feeding tubes.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Clinical usefulness of capnographic monitoring when inserting a feeding tube in critically ill patients: retrospective cohort study
Jeong-Am Ryu, Kyoungjin Choi, Jeong Hoon Yang, Dae-Sang Lee, Gee Young Suh, Kyeongman Jeon, Joongbum Cho, Chi Ryang Chung, Insuk Sohn, Kiyoun Kim, Chi-Min Park
BMC Anesthesiology.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Nutritional Assessment of ICU Inpatients with Tube Feeding
Yu-Jin Kim, Jung-Sook Seo
Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association.2015; 21(1): 11. CrossRef
Respiratory Complications of Small-Bore Feeding Tube Insertion in Critically Ill Patients
Kyoung-Jin Choi, Jeong-Am Ryu, Chi-Min Park
JOURNAL OF ACUTE CARE SURGERY.2015; 5(1): 28. CrossRef

Review

Hormonal Changes in Critical Condition: Heung Bum Lee, Chi Ryang Chung; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2010;25(3):123-129.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2010.25.3.123

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Abstract PDF

When disease or trauma progresses to a critical state, the reaction of the endocrine system in creating homeostasis is essential for survival. The association between the severity of hormonal changes and outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality has led to the challenge of development of several endocrine treatments. During sepsis, nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis is observed in the neurons and glial cells of the cerebrovascular centers of the autonomic nervous system. It is probably one of the components of the circulatory dysfunction of sepsis. The regulation of different organs was neither linear nor independent however organs were found to behave as biological oscillators coupled to each other through neurological or hormonal communication pathways. Sepsis, because of systemic inflammatory responsive syndrome, disrupts these communication pathways and leads to organ failures. Endocrine hormonal issues related to the intensive care setting are common challenges to ICU specialists. Disruptions of the endocrine system in sepsis are characterized by 1) an increase in cortisol plasma levels with a loss of the circadian rhythm of its secretion; 2) hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and rise in hyperglycemic hormones secretion; 3) relative vasopressin deficiency; and 4) euthyroid sick syndrome or non-thyroidal illness syndrome. This article discusses the dynamic changes of four main endocrine axes: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, insulin, vasopressin and thyroid during grave states of disease, when a patient is in critical condition.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The Changing Pattern of Blood Glucose Levels and Its Association with In-hospital Mortality in the Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia
Ki Tae Kim, Byung Kook Lee, Hyoung Youn Lee, Geo Sung Lee, Yong Hun Jung, Kyung Woon Jeung, Hyun Ho Ryu, Byoeng Jo Chun, Jeong Mi Moon
Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine.2012; 27(4): 255. CrossRef

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