Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score for the assessment of mortality prediction in the intensive care unit: a single-centre study from Iran

Prediction Models for Dysphagia in Intensive Care Unit after Mechanical Ventilation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Dysphagia is a common condition that can independently lead to death in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), particularly those who require mechanical ventilation. Despite extensive research on the predictors of dysphagia development, consistency across these studies is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors and summarize existing prediction models for dysphagia in ICU patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

We searched five databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Studies that developed a post-extubation dysphagia risk prediction model in ICU were included. A meta-analysis of individual predictor variables was performed with mixed-effects models. The risk of bias was assessed using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST).

RESULTS

After screening 1,923 references, we ultimately included nine studies in our analysis. The most commonly identified risk predictors included in the final risk prediction model were the length of indwelling endotracheal tube ≥72 h, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score ≥15, age ≥65 years, and duration of gastric tube ≥72 h. However, PROBAST analysis revealed a high risk of bias in the performance of these prediction models, mainly because of the lack of external validation, inadequate pre-screening of variables, and improper treatment of continuous and categorical predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

These models are particularly susceptible to bias because of numerous limitations in their development and inadequate external validation. Future research should focus on externally validating the existing model in ICU patients with varying characteristics. Moreover, assessing the acceptance and effectiveness of the model in clinical practice is needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 134:517-525, 2024.

Factors and a model to predict three-month mortality in patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy from two medical centers

BACKGROUND

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication. Lacking of prognostic factors and models renders prediction of outcomes difficult. This study aims to explore factors and develop a prognostic model to predict three-month mortality of AFLP.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 78 consecutive patients fulfilling both clinical and laboratory criteria and Swansea criteria for diagnosis of AFLP. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to identify predictive factors of mortality. Predictive efficacy of prognostic index for AFLP (PI-AFLP) was compared with the other four liver disease models using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

AFLP-related three-month mortality of two medical centers was 14.10% (11/78). International normalised ratio (INR, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.446; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.324-8.970), total bilirubin (TBIL, HR = 1.005; 95% CI, 1.000-1.010), creatine (Scr, HR = 1.007; 95% CI, 1.001-1.013), low platelet (PLT, HR = 0.964; 95% CI, 0.931-0.997) at 72 h postpartum were confirmed as significant predictors of mortality. Artificial liver support (ALS, HR = 0.123; 95% CI, 0.012-1.254) was confirmed as an effective measure to improve severe patients' prognosis. Predictive accuracy of PI-AFLP was 0.874. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of liver disease models for end-stage liver disease (MELD), MELD-Na, integrated MELD (iMELD) and pregnancy-specific liver disease (PSLD) were 0.781, 0.774, 0.744 and 0.643, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TBIL, INR, Scr and PLT at 72 h postpartum are significant predictors of three-month mortality in AFLP patients. ALS is an effective measure to improve severe patients' prognosis. PI-AFLP calculated by TBIL, INR, Scr, PLT and ALS was a sensitive and specific model to predict mortality of AFLP.

Factors associated with facial pressure injury in patients receiving non-invasive positive pressure ventilation mask: A retrospective case-control study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with facial pressure injury (FPI) in patients receiving non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during hospitalisation in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify predictors of FPI.

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is a method of treating patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure. However, FPI may occur due to unsuitable nasal-oral NIPPV masks and discomfort in contact with the skin surface.

DESIGN

A retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

From January 2018 to October 2020, a total of 397 patients admitted to a national hospital in Taiwan were enrolled. Patients received NIPPV and routinely used under-mask prophylactic dressings during hospitalisation. Patients were divided into the non-FPI group (n = 357) and the FPI group (n = 40). Demographic, clinical characteristics, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores, and Braden Scale scores were collected from medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the contribution of each factor to the FPI, and odds ratios were reported. The STROBE checklist was used in this retrospective case-control study.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the groups in age, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), disease severity, Braden Scale score, length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and use of corticosteroids. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factor for FPI was the Braden Scale score [OR = 1.630 (1.176-2.260)], BMI [OR = 0.396 (0.210-1.784)] and corticosteroids [OR = 0.394 (0.159-1.811)], which were predictors of FPI in patients with NIPPV.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial pressure injury may still occur in patients who routinely use prophylactic dressings under NIPPV masks. This study provides information on continuing education training for FPI to more accurately identify high-risk and timely preventive measures to reduce FPI.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Addressing FPI-related factors to prevent facial skin damage and reduce comorbidities in patients using NIPPV masks.

Usefulness of Key Word Methods to Execute Early Requests for a Physician-Staffed Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Dispatch to Facilitate Early Medical Intervention by Physicians

OBJECTIVE

A physician-staffed helicopter emergency medical service is called a doctor helicopter (DH) in Japan. We retrospectively investigated this service using a data bank provided by the Japan DH registry system.

METHODS

The following details of the dispatch activity were collected: patient age and sex, vital signs (Japan Coma Scale [JCS], systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) at the scene measured by emergency medical technicians (EMTs), dispatch of the DH before the EMTs made contact with patients (key words group) or after (control group), and the survival outcome at 1 month.

RESULTS

During the investigation period, 28,357 patient records were analyzed (key words group, n = 13,861; control group, n = 14,496). The age, JCS, and respiratory rate were significantly smaller in the key words group than in the control group. The rates of male sex and survival in the key words group were significantly greater than those in the control group. In the multivariate analysis, dispatch of the DH after EMTs made contact with the patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.92), female sex (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.98), older age (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.97), elevated respiratory rate (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98), and high JCS (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99) were associated with a decreased 1-month survival (P > .0001).

CONCLUSION

This is the first report to describe the key words method as a potential factor influencing optimal outcomes/potential survival rates in patients evacuated by the DH using the JDRS. Our study results suggest that the firefighting central command room should consider adopting the key words method when the helicopter emergency medical service is used.

Age‑adjusted Charlson comorbidity index and in‑hospital mortality in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock: A retrospective cohort study

Evidence regarding the relationship between age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) and in-hospital mortality is limited. Therefore, the present study investigated whether there was an independent association between ACCI and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) after adjusting for other covariates (age, sex, history of disease, scoring system, in-hospital management, vital signs at presentation, laboratory findings and vasopressors). ACCI, calculated retrospectively after hospitalization between 2008 and 2019, was derived from intensive care unit (ICU) admissions at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA, USA). Patients with CS were classified into two categories based on predefined ACCI scores (low, <8; high, ≥8). Based on baseline ACCI, the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with CS was calculated using a multivariate Cox proportional risk model, and the threshold effect was calculated using a two-piece linear regression model. The in-hospital mortality rate was ~1.5 times greater in the ACCI high group compared with that in the ACCI low group [hazard ratio (HR)=1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14-1.86]. Additional analysis showed that ACCI had a curvilinear association with in-hospital mortality risk in patients with CS, with a saturation effect predicted at 4.5. When ACCI was >4.5, the risk of in-hospital CS death increased significantly with increasing ACCI (HR=1.122; 95% CI, 1.054-1.194). Overall, ACCI was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with CS. A non-linear relationship was revealed between ACCI and in-hospital mortality, where in-hospital mortality increased significantly when ACCI was >4.5.

SOFA Score in relation to Sepsis: Clinical Implications in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognostic Assessment

Purpose

To analyze the clinical significance of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic assessment of sepsis.

Methods

140 patients with sepsis from January 2020 to January 2021 were selected as the observation group, and 40 healthy people were selected as the control group. The observation group was divided into mild group, severe group, and septic shock group by single blind grouping according to the condition of the disease, and they were also divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis. Collect the fasting venous blood of the subjects in each group in the morning, compare the levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), blood creatinine (CR), and platelet count (PLT) in each group, and record and compare the patients' respiratory system oxygen partial pressure/inhaled oxygen concentration (po2/fio2), acute physiology and chronic health scoring system II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (sofa) score, q-SOFA score, and △SOFA score; Pearson analysis was used to analyze the correlation between SOFA score and other indicators; multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the prognostic risk factors of patients with sepsis; receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the value of SOFA score alone and in combination in the diagnosis, condition, and prognosis of sepsis.

Results

There were significant differences in Apache II score, SOFA score, q-SOFA score map, po2/fio2, PLT, GCS, TBIL, and serum creatinine (SCR) between the control group and the observation group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in Apache II score, SOFA score, q-SOFA score, mean arterial pressure (map) po2/fio2, PLT, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), TBIL, SCR, and △SOFA score among patients in mild, severe, and septic shock groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in age, Apache II score, SOFA score, q-SOFA score, map, po2/fio2, PLT, GCS, TBIL, SCR, and △SOFA score between survival group and death group (P < 0.05). SOFA score and q-SOFA score were significantly positively correlated with TBIL and SCR and significantly negatively correlated with po2/fio2 and PLT; △SOFA score was significantly negatively correlated with TBIL and SCR and significantly positively correlated with map, po2/fio2, PLT, and GCS. Apache II score, SOFA score, and q-SOFA score were independent risk factors for sepsis patients, and △SOFA score, po2/fio2, and GCS score were protective factors (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of sepsis combined with SOFA score and q-SOFA score was 0.880; the AUC of sepsis assessed by SOFA score, q-SOFA score, and △SOFA score was 0.929; the AUC of sepsis prognosis assessed by SOFA score, q-SOFA score, and △SOFA score was 0.900.

Conclusion

SOFA score, q-SOFA score, and △SOFA score were abnormally expressed in patients with sepsis and were risk factors for the severity of the patient's condition and prognosis. The SOFA score, q-SOFA score, and △SOFA score were risk factors for the severity and prognosis of patients with sepsis and had some value in diagnosing sepsis and assessing the condition and prognosis, of which the combined value of the three was higher.

Effect of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index on All-Cause Mortality and Readmission in Older Surgical Patients: A National Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Identifying a high-risk group of older people before surgical procedures is very important. The study aimed to explore the association between the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) and all-cause mortality and readmission among older Chinese surgical patients (age ≥65 years).

Methods

A large-scale cohort study was performed in 25 general public hospitals from six different geographic regions of China. Trained registered nurses gathered data on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. All-cause mortality was recorded when patients died during hospitalization or during the 90-day follow-up period. Readmission was also tracked from hospital discharge to the 90-day follow-up. The ACCI, in assessing comorbidities, was categorized into two groups (≥5 vs. &lt;5). A multiple regression model was used to examine the association between the ACCI and all-cause mortality and readmission.

Results

There were 3,911 older surgical patients (mean = 72.46, SD = 6.22) in our study, with 1,934 (49.45%) males. The average ACCI score was 4.77 (SD = 1.99), and all-cause mortality was 2.51% (high ACCI = 5.06% vs. low ACCI = 0.66%, P &lt; 0.001). After controlling for all potential confounders, the ACCI score was an independent risk factor for 90-day hospital readmission (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.23) and 90-day all-cause mortality (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16–1.36). Furthermore, older surgical patients with a high ACCI (≥5) had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.17, 11.85) and readmission (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.78, 2.56) compared to those with a low ACCI (&lt;5). The discrimination performance of the ACCI was moderate for mortality (AUC:0.758, 95% CI: 0.715–0.80; specificity = 0.591, sensitivity = 0.846) but poor for readmission (AUC: 0.627, 95% CI: 0.605–0.648; specificity = 0.620; sensitivity = 0.590).

Conclusions

The ACCI is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and hospital readmission among older Chinese surgical patients and could be a potential risk assessment tool to stratify high-risk older patients for surgical procedures.

Efficacy of Oxymatrine Plus Antiviral in the Treatment of Sepsis and Its Effect on the Levels of Endotoxin and Inflammatory Factors

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of oxymatrine plus antiviral therapy in the treatment of sepsis and its effects on the levels of endotoxin and inflammatory factors. Methodology. 90 patients with sepsis were selected for retrospective analysis and were assigned to receive either conventional treatment (control group) or oxymatrine plus antiviral treatment (study group). The clinical endpoint was treatment efficacy.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline patient profile between the two groups (P > 0.05). The study group showed a higher efficiency versus the control group (P < 0.05). Patients in the study group had a significantly shorter mechanical ventilation duration and ICU stay versus those in the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups had reduced Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Marshall score, levels of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) after treatment, with lower results in the study group versus the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Oxymatrine plus antiviral therapy effectively improves clinical efficacy, reduces the levels of endotoxin and inflammatory factors, protects organ function, and boosts recovery. Further clinical trials are, however, required prior to general application in clinical practice.

Risk Factors and Outcome of Sepsis in Traumatic Patients and Pathogen Detection Using Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing

Objective

Sepsis, a life-threatening clinical syndrome, is a leading cause of mortality after experiencing multiple traumas. Once diagnosed with sepsis, patients should be given an appropriate empiric antimicrobial treatment followed by the specific antibiotic therapy based on blood culture due to its rapid progression to tissue damage and organ failure. In this study, we aimed to analyze the risk factors and outcome of sepsis in traumatic patients and to investigate the performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) compared with standard microbiological diagnostics in post-traumatic sepsis.

Methods

The study included 528 patients with multiple traumas among which there were 142 cases with post-traumatic sepsis. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded. The outcome measures included mortality during the emergency intensive care unit (EICU), EICU length of stay (LOS), all-cause 28-day mortality, and total ventilator days in 28 days after admission. A total of 89 blood samples from 89 septic patients underwent standard microbiological blood cultures and 89 samples of peripheral blood (n = 21), wound secretion (n = 41), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (19), ascites (n = 5), and sputum (n = 3) underwent mNGS. Pathogen detection was compared between standard microbiological blood cultures and mNGS.

Results

The sepsis group and non-sepsis group exhibited significant differences regarding shock on admission, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, body temperature, heart rate, WBC count, neutrophil count, hematocrit, urea nitrogen, creatinine, CRP, D-D dimer, PCT, scores of APACHE II, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and Injury Severity Score (ISS) on admission to the EICU, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndromes (MODS) (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that scores of APACHE II, SOFA, and ISS on admission, and MODS were independent risk factors for the occurrence of sepsis in patients with multiple traumas. The 28-day mortality was higher in the sepsis group than in the non-sepsis group (45.07% vs. 19.17%, P < 0.001). The mortality during the EICU was higher in the sepsis group than in the non-sepsis group (P=0.002). The LOS in the EICU in the sepsis group was increased compared with the non-sepsis group (P=0.004). The total ventilator days in 28 days after admission in the sepsis group was increased compared with the non-sepsis group (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that septic shock, APACHE II score on admission, SOFA score, and MODS were independent risk factors of death for patients with post-traumatic sepsis. The positive detection rate of mNGS was 91.01% (81/89), which was significantly higher than that of standard microbiological blood cultures (39.33% (35/89)). Standard microbiological blood cultures and mNGS methods demonstrated double positive results in 33 (37.08%) specimens and double-negative results in 8 (8.99%) specimens, while 46 (51.69%) samples and 2 (2.25%) samples had positive results only with mNGS or culture alone, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study identifies risk factors for the incidence and death of sepsis in traumatic patients and shows that mNGS may serve as a better diagnostic tool for the identification of pathogens in post-traumatic sepsis than standard microbiological blood cultures.

Early Warning and Clinical Epidemiological Characteristics of Lung Injury in the Treatment of Infectious Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis by Vancomycin Based on Adaptive Niche Genetic Algorithm and Pulmonary Ultrasound Images

Adaptive niche genetic algorithm (ANGA) and lung ultrasound were combined, the death warning mathematical model was established for patients with sepsis-lung injury, and the epidemiological characteristics were analyzed to explore the efficacy of Vancomycin in the treatment of sepsis-lung injury. First, 88 sepsis patients with lung injury were selected as the research objects. General clinical data and pulmonary ultrasound results were collected. On this basis, epidemiological analysis was carried out, and the death warning model of patients with sepsis-lung injury was established based on ANGA algorithm. Then, the total cure rate, Staphylococcus aureus (SA) clearance rate, methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) clearance rate, and the incidence of adverse reactions after intravenous infusion of Vancomycin were analyzed. The results showed that the ANGA mathematical model combined with the random forest (RF) classifier proposed had better classification effect and robustness relative to the traditional principal component analysis and NGA. The early warning accuracy of the proposed ANGA + RF mathematical model was higher than 95% in contrast to that of the APACHE-II score and the SOFA score. Compared with patients in the severe group, the MRSA infection rate and the levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of SA sepsis-lung injury patients were greatly reduced, while thrombin time (TT) and D-D dimer in the death group were considerably increased (p < 0.05), and the PLT level was greatly reduced (p < 0.05). In addition, the total cure rate, SA clearance rate, and MRSA clearance rate of Vancomycin-treated SA sepsis-lung injury patients were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with patients in the conventional treatment control group. However, the probability of adverse reactions was increased notably (p < 0.05). ANGA combined with RF classifier can improve the accuracy of death warning in patients with sepsis-lung injury. Vancomycin can effectively eliminate MRSA infection rate in patients with sepsis-lung injury and improve the treatment effect of patients.

Dynamic APACHE II Score to Predict the Outcome of Intensive Care Unit Patients

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score on different days in predicting the mortality of critically ill patients to identify the best time point for the APACHE II score.

Methods

The demographic and clinical data are retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV dataset. APACHE II scores on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 of hospitalization are calculated, and their performance is evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) analysis. The cut-off for defining the high risk of mortality is determined using Youden's index. The APACHE II score on day 3 is the best time point to predict hospital mortality of ICU patients. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test is then applied to evaluate the calibration of the day 3 APACHE II score.

Results

We recruited 6,374 eligible subjects from the MIMIC-IV database. Day 3 is the optimal time point for obtaining the APACHE II score to predict the hospital mortality of patients. The best cut-off for day 3 APACHE II score is 17. When APACHE II score ≥17, the sensitivity for the non-survivors and survivors is 92.8 and 82.2%, respectively, and the positive predictive value (PPV) is 23.1%. When APACHE II socre <17, the specificity for non-survivors and survivors is 90.1 and 80.2%, respectively, and the negative predictive value (NPV) is 87.8%. When day-3 APACHE II is used to predict the hospital mortality, the AUROC is 0.743 (P <0.001). In the ≥17 group, the sensitivity of non-survivors and survivors is 92.2 and 81.3%, respectively, and the PPV is 30.3%. In the <17 group, the specificity of non-survivors and survivors is 100.0 and 80.2%, respectively, and the NPV is 81.6%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated day-3 APACHE II has a high predicting the hospital mortality (X² = 6.198, P = 0.625, consistency = 79.4%). However, the day-1 APACHE II has a poor calibration in predicting the hospital mortality rate (X² = 294.898, P <0.001).

Conclusion

Day-3 APACHE II score is an optimal biomarker to predict the outcomes of ICU patients; 17 is the best cut-off for defining patients at high risk of mortality.

Association between hospital and ICU structural factors and patient outcomes in China: a secondary analysis of the National Clinical Improvement System Data in 2019

Background

Hospital and ICU structural factors are key factors affecting the quality of care as well as ICU patient outcomes. However, the data from China are scarce. This study was designed to investigate how differences in patient outcomes are associated with differences in hospital and ICU structure variables in China throughout 2019.

Methods

This was a multicenter observational study. Data from a total of 2820 hospitals were collected using the National Clinical Improvement System Data that reports ICU information in China. Data collection consisted of a) information on the hospital and ICU structural factors, including the hospital type, number of beds, staffing, among others, and b) ICU patient outcomes, including the mortality rate as well as the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyse the association between hospital and ICU structural factors and patient outcomes.

Results

The median ICU patient mortality was 8.02% (3.78%, 14.35%), and the incidences of VAP, CRBSI, and CAUTI were 5.58 (1.55, 11.67) per 1000 ventilator days, 0.63 (0, 2.01) per 1000 catheter days, and 1.42 (0.37, 3.40) per 1000 catheter days, respectively. Mortality was significantly lower in public hospitals (β =  − 0.018 (− 0.031, − 0.005), p = 0.006), hospitals with an ICU-to-hospital bed percentage of more than 2% (β =  − 0.027 (− 0.034, -0.019), p < 0.001) and higher in hospitals with a bed-to-nurse ratio of more than 0.5:1 (β = 0.009 (0.001, 0.017), p = 0.027). The incidence of VAP was lower in public hospitals (β =  − 0.036 (− 0.054, − 0.018), p < 0.001). The incidence of CRBSIs was lower in public hospitals (β =  − 0.008 (− 0.014, − 0.002), p = 0.011) and higher in secondary hospitals (β = 0.005 (0.001, 0.009), p = 0.010), while the incidence of CAUTIs was higher in secondary hospitals (β = 0.010 (0.002, 0.018), p = 0.015).

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between specific ICU structural factors and patient outcomes. Modifying structural factors is a potential opportunity that could improve patient outcomes in ICUs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-03892-7.

Unfractionated heparin improves the clinical efficacy in adult sepsis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The anticoagulant treatment and clinical efficacy of heparin in sepsis remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the clinical efficacy of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in adult septic patients.

Method

A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, WEIPU database, CNKI database, WANFANG database was performed from inception to January 2021. We included Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the main outcome was 28 d mortality. Data analysis was performed with Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.3 software. The meta-analysis included 2617 patients from 15 RCTs.

Results

Comparing to control group, UFH could reduce 28 d mortality (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.94) especially for patient with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) > 15, (RR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.96). In UFH group, the platelet (PLT) (MD: 9.18; 95% CI: 0.68 to 17.68) was higher, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was shorter (MD: -8.01; 95% CI: − 13.84 to − 2.18) and the prothrombin time (PT) results (P > 0.05) failed to reach statistical significance. UFH decreased multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) incidence (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.84), length of stay (LOS) in ICU (MD: -4.94; 95% CI: − 6.89 to − 2.99) and ventilation time (MD: -3.01; 95% CI: − 4.0 to − 2.02). And UFH had no adverse impact on bleeding (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.23).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that UFH may reduce 28 d mortality and improve the clinical efficacy in sepsis patients without bleeding adverse effect.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01545-w.

An analysis of the treatment effect of two modes of oxygenation on patients with radiation pneumonia complicated by respiratory failure

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is widely used in the treatment of thoracic cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a non-rebreather mask (NRBM) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients with radiation pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure.

METHODS

This was a single-center randomized controlled study. Patients admitted to the EICU of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were selected and divided into NRBM and HFNC group. Arterial blood gas analysis, tidal volume, respiratory rates and the cases of patients receiving invasive assisted ventilation were collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after admission.

RESULTS

(1) The PaO2/FiO2, respiratory rates, and tidal volume between the two groups at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were different, with F values of 258.177, 294.121, and 134.372, all P< 0.01. These indicators were different under two modes of oxygenation, with F values of 40.671, 168.742, and 55.353, all P< 0.01, also varied with time, with an F value of 7.480, 9.115, and 12.165, all P< 0.01. (2) The incidence of trachea intubation within 72 h between HFNC and NRBM groups (23 [37.1%] vs. 34 [54.0%], P< 0.05). The transition time to mechanical ventilation in the HFNC and NRBM groups (55.3 ± 3.2 h vs. 45.9 ± 3.6 h, P< 0.05). (3) The risk of intubation in patients with an APACHE-II score > 23 was 2.557 times than score ⩽ 23, and the risk of intubation in the NRBM group was 1.948 times more than the HFNC group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the NRBM, HFNC can improve the oxygenation state of patients with radiation pneumonia complicated with respiratory failure in a short time, and reduce the incidence of trachea intubation within 72 h.

Ultrasound assessment of the diaphragm during the first days of mechanical ventilation compared to spontaneous respiration: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION

In critically ill patients, the diaphragm is subject to several aggressions mainly those induced by mechanical ventilation (MV). Currently, diaphragmatic ultrasound has become the most useful bedside for the clinician to evaluate diaphragm contractility.

AIM

  To examine the effects of MV on the diaphragm contractility during the first days of ventilation.

METHODS

Two groups of subjects were studied: a study group (n=30) of adults receiving MV versus a control group (n=30) of volunteers on spontaneous ventilation (SV). Using an ultrasound device, we compared the diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF). Secondly, we analysed the relationship between DTF and weaning.

RESULTS

comparatively to SV group, patients of MV group have a higher end expiratory diameter (EED) (2.09 ± 0.6 vs. 1.76 ± 0.32 mm, p=0.01) and a lower DTF (39.9 ± 12.5%  vs.  49.0 ± 20.5%, p=0.043). Fourteen among the 30 ventilated patients successfully weaned. No significant correlation was shown between DTF and weaning duration (Rho= - 0.464, p=0.09). A DTF value > 33% was near to be significantly associated with weaning success (OR=2; 95% CI= [1.07-3.7], p=0.05) with a sensitivity at 85.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

diaphragmatic contractility was altered from the first days of MV. A DTF value >32,7% was associated to the weaning success and that may be useful to predict successful weaning with sensitivity at 85.7%.

Relationship between serum zinc level and sepsis-induced coagulopathy

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether a decrease in the serum zinc level (SZL) among patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was related to sepsis-induced coagulopathy.

METHODS

All patients (≥20 years) with a diagnosis of sepsis defined by Sepsis-3 criteria, presenting to the ICU between June 2016 and July 2017, were enrolled. Demographic characteristics and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Japanese Association of Acute Medicine (JAAM) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores were recorded. Blood samples were collected upon admission and analyzed for SZL.

RESULTS

One hundred patients with sepsis (median age, 70 years) were enrolled. Patients with SOFA scores ≥8 had a significantly lower SZL compared to those with SOFA scores <8 (p < 0.001). The SZL in the DIC group (JAAM DIC score ≥4) was significantly lower than that in the non-DIC group (JAAM DIC score <4) (p < 0.001). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for prediction of sepsis-induced DIC based on SZL in patients with sepsis showed a cut-off value of 25 µg/dL for zinc level and a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 72% with AUC of 0.7 (p = 0.0065).

CONCLUSION

We observed that SZL reflects organ failure, particularly coagulopathy, in patients with sepsis.

Effect of early combined enteral and parenteral nutrition support on postoperative nutritional parameters, inflammatory immunity, and prognosis in patients with severe heart valvular disease

BACKGROUND

Postoperative rehabilitation of patients with severe valvular heart disease is very critical. Postoperative malabsorption of nutrients is prone to occur, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Early combined enteral and parenteral nutrition support plays an appreciated role in improving the physical recovery of patients after surgery.

AIM

To investigate the effect of early combined enteral and parenteral nutrition support on postoperative nutritional parameters, inflammatory immunity, and prognosis in patients with severe heart valvular disease (HVD).

METHODS

From August 2017 to October 2020, 86 patients with severe HVD at our hospital were selected for a prospective randomized controlled study. They were randomly divided into either a combined enteral and parenteral nutrition group (n = 43) or a parenteral nutrition group (n = 43). Both groups underwent heart valve replacement surgery. The parenteral group was given parenteral nutrition support 3 to 4 h after entering the ICU following anesthesia awaking, and the combination group was given both enteral and parenteral nutrition support. Both groups were treated for 1 wk. The nutritional parameters before treatment, 5 d after treatment, and 1 wk after treatment [hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and upper arm muscle circumference (AMC)], inflammatory response indicators [high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], immune function (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratio), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and prognosis (complication rate, ICU stay in hospital, total hospital stay, and hospital deaths) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The levels of serum Hb, ALB, and PA as well as TSF and AMC at 5 d and 1 wk after treatment were significantly higher in the combination group than in the parenteral nutrition group (P < 0.05). The levels of CD8+ T cells and serum hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α at 5 d and 1 wk after treatment were significantly lower, and the levels of CD4+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly higher in the combination group than in the parenteral nutrition group (P < 0.05). APACHE score, SOFA score, and the incidence of vomiting, diarrhea, and lung infections at 5 d and 1 wk after treatment in the combination group were lower than those of the parenteral nutrition group. The length of ICU hospitalization and total hospital stay were significantly shorter in the combination group than in the parenteral nutrition group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Early enteral and parenteral nutrition support can help regulate the inflammatory immune response in patients with severe HVD, reduce malnutrition, and improve the prognosis.

Risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a multicenter retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world, until now, the number of positive and death cases is still increasing. Therefore, it remains important to identify risk factors for death in critically patients.

METHODS

We collected demographic and clinical data on all severe inpatients with COVID-19. We used univariable and multivariable Cox regression methods to determine the independent risk factors related to likelihood of 28-day and 60-day survival, performing survival curve analysis.

RESULTS

Of 325 patients enrolled in the study, Multi-factor Cox analysis showed increasing odds of in-hospital death associated with basic illness (hazard ratio [HR] 6.455, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.658-25.139, P = 0.007), lymphopenia (HR 0.373, 95% CI 0.148-0.944, P = 0.037), higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on admission (HR 1.171, 95% CI 1.013-1.354, P = 0.033) and being critically ill (HR 0.191, 95% CI 0.053-0.687, P = 0.011). Increasing 28-day and 60-day mortality, declining survival time and more serious inflammation and organ failure were associated with lymphocyte count < 0.8 × 109/L, SOFA score > 3, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score > 7, PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg, IL-6 > 120 pg/ml, and CRP > 52 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Being critically ill and lymphocyte count, SOFA score, APACHE II score, PaO2/FiO2, IL-6, and CRP on admission were associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

SOFA score is superior to APACHE-II score in predicting the prognosis of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common cause of organ failure in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and is associated with increased mortality. This study aimed at determining the efficacy of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE-II) scoring systems in assessing the prognosis of critically ill patients with AKI undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). At present, APACHE-II score and SOFA score were also used to evaluate and predict the prognosis of critically ill patients with AKI.

Methods

The predictive value of SOFA and APACHE-II scores for 28- and 90-d mortality in patients with AKI undergoing CRRT were determined by multivariate analysis, sensitivity analysis, and curve-fitting analysis.

Results

A total of 836 cases were included in this study. Multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis showed that SOFA scores were associated with 28- and 90-d mortality in patients with AKI undergoing CRRT. The adjusted HR of SOFA for 28-d mortality were 1.18 (1.14, 1.21), 1.24 (1.18, 1.31), and 1.19 (1.13, 1.24) in the three models, respectively, and the adjusted HR of SOFA for 90-d mortality was 1.12 (1.09, 1.16), 1.15 (1.10, 1.19), and 1.15 (1.10, 1.19), respectively. The subgroup analysis showed that the SOFA score was associated with 28-d and 90-d mortality in patients with AKI undergoing CRRT. APACHE-II score was not associated with 28- and 90-d mortality patients with AKI undergoing CRRT. Curve fitting analysis showed that SOFA scores increased had a higher prediction accuracy for 28- and 90-d than APACHE-II.

Conclusions

The SOFA score showed a higher accuracy of mortality prediction in critically ill patients with AKI undergoing CRRT than the APACHE-II score.

Tertiary peritonitis: A disease that should not be ignored

Intra-abdominal infections can be classified into uncomplicated or complicated (peritonitis). Peritonitis is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary. Tertiary peritonitis is the less common but the most severe among peritonitis stratifications, being defined as a recurrent intra-abdominal infection that occurs 48 h after a well-succeeded control of a secondary peritonitis. This disease has a complex pathogenesis that is closely related to the capacity of the peritoneal cavity to activate immunological processes. Patients who progress to persistent peritonitis are at an increased risk of developing several infectious complications such as sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome. Moreover, tertiary peritonitis remains an important cause of hospital death mainly among patients with associated risk factors. The microbiological profile of organisms causing tertiary peritonitis is often different from that observed in other types of peritonitis. In addition, there is a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing this condition, and an appropriate and successful clinical management depends on an early diagnosis, which can be made easier with the use of clinical scores presenting a good prediction value during the intensive care unit admission. Complementarily, immediate therapy should be performed to control the infectious focus and to prevent new recurrences. In this sense, the treatment is based on initial antimicrobial therapy and well-performed peritoneal drainage.

Sex differences in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19

Millions of people infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been diagnosed with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19). The prevalence and severity of COVID-19 differ between sexes. To explain these differences, we analyzed clinical features and laboratory values in male and female COVID-19 patients. The present study included a cohort of 111 people, i.e. 36 COVID-19 patients, 54 sex- and age-matched common viral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, and 21 healthy controls. Monocyte counts, lymphocyte subset counts, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the peripheral blood were analyzed. Higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, monocyte counts, and CRP and ALT levels were found in male COVID-19 patients. Decreased lymphocyte subset counts and proportions were observed in COVID-19 patients, except for the CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell proportions. The lower CD4⁺ T cell proportions and higher CD8⁺ T cell proportions were observed in male and severe COVID-19 patients and the differences were independent of estrogen level. The CD4⁺ T cell proportion was negatively associated with the CD8⁺ T cell proportion in male COVID-19 patients; this correlation was non-significant in females. Our work demonstrates differences between sexes in circulating monocyte counts and CD4⁺ T cell and CD8⁺ T cell proportions in COVID-19 patients, independent of estrogen levels, are associated with the clinical manifestations in COVID-19 patients with high specificity.

Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality after Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a broadly-accepted treatment for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury to optimize fluid and electrolyte management. Despite intensive dialysis care, there is a high mortality rate among these patients. There is uncertainty regarding the factors associated with in-hospital mortality among patients requiring CRRT. This review evaluates how various risk factors influence the in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients who require CRRT. Five databases were surveyed to gather relevant publications up to 30 June 2020. We identified 752 works, of which we retrieved 38 in full text. Finally, six cohort studies that evaluated 1190 patients were eligible. The in-hospital mortality rate in these studies ranged from 38.6 to 62.4%. Our meta-analysis results showed that older age, lower body mass index, higher APACHE II and SOFA scores, lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decreased serum creatinine level, and increased serum sodium level were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients who received CRRT. These results suggest that there are multiple modifiable factors that influence the risk of in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients undergoing CRRT. Further, healthcare professionals should take more care when CRRT is performed on older adults.