Impact of COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder in ICU survivors: a prospective observational comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) can affect one in five ICU survivors. At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, admission to the ICU for COVID-19 was stressful due to the severity of this disease. This study assessed whether admission to the ICU for COVID-19 was associated with a higher prevalence of PTSD compared with other causes of ICU admission after adjustment for pre-ICU psychological factors.

METHODS

This prospective observational comparative cohort study included 31 ICUs. Eligible patients were adult ICU survivors hospitalized during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in France, regardless of the reason for admission. The prevalence of presumptive diagnosis of PTSD at 6 months was assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Sociodemographics, clinical data, history of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ]), and exposure to potentially traumatic events (Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 [LEC-5]) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 778 ICU survivors included during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in France, 417 and 361 were assigned to the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cohorts, respectively. Fourteen (4.9%) and 11 (4.9%), respectively, presented with presumptive diagnosis of PTSD at 6 months (p = 0.976). After adjusting for age, sex, severity score at admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, ICU duration, CTQ and LEC-5, COVID-19 status was not associated with presumptive diagnosis of PTSD using the PCL-5. Only female sex was associated with presumptive diagnosis of PTSD. However, COVID-19 patients reported significantly more intrusion and avoidance symptoms than non-COVID patients (39% vs. 29%, p = 0.015 and 27% vs. 19%, p = 0.030), respectively. The median PCL-5 score was higher in the COVID-19 than non-COVID-19 cohort (9 [3, 20] vs. 4 [2, 16], p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Admission to the ICU for COVID-19 was not associated with a higher prevalence of PTSD compared with admission for another cause during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in France. However, intrusion and avoidance symptoms were more frequent in COVID-19 patients than in non-COVID-19 patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT03991611, registered on June 19, 2019.

Prospective comparison of prognostic scores for prediction of outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: results of the AfterROSC1 multicentric study

BACKGROUND

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a heterogeneous entity with multiple origins and prognoses. An early, reliable assessment of the prognosis is useful to adapt therapeutic strategy, tailor intensity of care, and inform relatives. We aimed primarily to undertake a prospective multicentric study to evaluate predictive performance of the Cardiac Arrest Prognosis (CAHP) Score as compare to historical dataset systematically collected after OHCA (Utstein style criteria). Our secondary aim was to evaluate other dedicated scores for predicting outcome after OHCA and to compare them to Utstein style criteria.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data from 24 French and Belgium Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between August 2020 and June 2022. All cases of non-traumatic OHCA (cardiac and non-cardiac causes) patients with stable return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and comatose at ICU admission (defined by Glasgow coma score ≤ 8) on ICU admission were included. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at day 90 after cardiac arrest, assessed by phone interviews. A wide range of developed scores (CAHP, OHCA, CREST, C-Graph, TTM, CAST, NULL-PLEASE, and MIRACLE2) were included, and their accuracies in predicting poor outcome at 90 days after OHCA (defined as mRS ≥ 4) were determined using the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the calibration belt.

RESULTS

During the study period, 907 patients were screened, and 658 were included in the study. Patients were predominantly male (72%), with a mean age of 61 ± 15, most having collapsed from a supposed cardiac cause (64%). The mortality rate at day 90 was 63% and unfavorable neurological outcomes were observed in 66%. The performance (AUROC) of Utstein criteria for poor outcome prediction was moderate at 0.79 [0.76-0.83], whereas AUROCs from other scores varied from 0.79 [0.75-0.83] to 0.88 [0.86-0.91]. For each score, the proportion of patients for whom individual values could not be calculated varied from 1.4% to 17.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients admitted to ICUs after a successfully resuscitated OHCA, most of the scores available for the evaluation of the subsequent prognosis are more efficient than the usual Utstein criteria but calibration is unacceptable for some of them. Our results show that some scores (CAHP, sCAHP, mCAHP, OHCA, rCAST) have superior performance, and that their ease and speed of determination should encourage their use. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04167891.

Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Encephalopathy and Coma: An International Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To report the prevalence of acute encephalopathy and outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19, and to identify determinants of 90-day outcomes.

METHODS

Data from adults with severe COVID-19 and acute encephalopathy were prospectively collected for patients requiring intensive care unit management in 31 university or university-affiliated in six countries (France, USA, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, Brazil) between March and September of 2020. Acute encephalopathy was defined, as recently recommended, as subsyndromal delirium or delirium, or as a comatose state in case of severely decreased level of consciousness. Logistic multivariable regression was performed to identify factors associated with 90-day outcomes. A Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score (GOS-E) of 1-4 was considered a poor outcome (indicating death, vegetative state, or severe disability).

RESULTS

Of 4060 patients admitted with COVID-19, 374 (9.2%) experienced acute encephalopathy at or prior to the ICU admission. A total of 199/345 (57.7%) patients had a poor outcome at 90-day follow-up as evaluated by the GOS-E (29 patients were lost to follow-up). On multivariable analysis, age >70 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.01, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.25-7.15), presumed fatal comorbidity (3.98, 1.68-9.44), Glasgow Coma Scale score <9 before/at ICU admission ICU admission (2.20, 1.22-3.98), vasopressor/inotrope support during ICU stay (3.91, 1.97-7.76), renal replacement therapy during ICU stay (2.31, 1.21-4.50), and CNS ischemic or hemorrhagic complications as acute encephalopathy etiology (3.22, 1.41-7.82) were independently associated with higher odds of poor 90-day outcome. Status epilepticus, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome were associated with lower odds of poor 90-day outcome (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

and Relevance: In this observational study, we found a low prevalence of acute encephalopathy at ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. Over a half of patients with COVID-19 presenting with acute encephalopathy had poor outcomes as evaluated by GOS-E. Determinants of poor 90-day outcome were dominated by older age, comorbidities, degree of impairment of consciousness before/at ICU admission, association with other organ failures, and acute encephalopathy etiology.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04320472.

Electrocardiographic Changes at the Early Stage of Status Epilepticus: First Insights From the ICTAL Registry

OBJECTIVES

To describe early electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities after status epilepticus (SE) and evaluate their association with 90-day neurological outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of a multicenter, national prospective registry between February 2018 and June 2020.

SETTING

Sixteen ICUs in France, IctalGroup Research Network.

PATIENTS

Adults with available ECG performed less than or equal to 24 hours after the onset of SE and less than or equal to 12 hours after its resolution.

INTERVENTION

Double-blinded review of all ECGs was performed by two independent cardiologists. ECGs were categorized as normal/abnormal and then with minor/major early ECG abnormalities according to the Novacode ECG Classification system.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among 155 critically ill patients with SE, early ECG abnormalities were encountered in 145 (93.5%), categorized as major in 91 of 145 (62.8%). In addition to sinus tachycardia, the main abnormalities were in the ST segment (elevation [16.6%] or depression [17.9%]) or negative T waves (42.1%). Major early ECG abnormalities were significantly associated with respiratory distress and sinus tachycardia at the scene and hyperlactatemia at ICU admission. By multivariable analysis, three variables were significantly associated with 90-day poor outcome: age, preexisting ultimately fatal comorbidity, and cerebral insult as the cause of SE. Early major ECG abnormalities were not independently associated with 90-day functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, early ECG abnormalities in the acute phase of SE were frequent, often unrecognized and were associated with clinical and biological stigma of hypoxemia. Although they were not independently associated with 90-day functional outcome, ECG changes at the early stage of SE should be systematically evaluated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03457831 .

The association of prior paracetamol intake with outcome of very old intensive care patients with COVID-19: results from an international prospective multicentre trial

BACKGROUND

In the early COVID-19 pandemic concerns about the correct choice of analgesics in patients with COVID-19 were raised. Little data was available on potential usefulness or harmfulness of prescription free analgesics, such as paracetamol. This international multicentre study addresses that lack of evidence regarding the usefulness or potential harm of paracetamol intake prior to ICU admission in a setting of COVID-19 disease within a large, prospectively enrolled cohort of critically ill and frail intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

This prospective international observation study (The COVIP study) recruited ICU patients ≥ 70 years admitted with COVID-19. Data on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, prior paracetamol intake within 10 days before admission, ICU therapy, limitations of care and survival during the ICU stay, at 30 days, and 3 months. Paracetamol intake was analysed for associations with ICU-, 30-day- and 3-month-mortality using Kaplan Meier analysis. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were used to stratify 30-day-mortality in subgroups for patient-specific characteristics using logistic regression.

RESULTS

44% of the 2,646 patients with data recorded regarding paracetamol intake within 10 days prior to ICU admission took paracetamol. There was no difference in age between patients with and without paracetamol intake. Patients taking paracetamol suffered from more co-morbidities, namely diabetes mellitus (43% versus 34%, p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (70% versus 65%, p = 0.006) and had a higher score on Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS; IQR 2-5 versus IQR 2-4, p < 0.001). Patients under prior paracetamol treatment were less often subjected to intubation and vasopressor use, compared to patients without paracetamol intake (65 versus 71%, p < 0.001; 63 versus 69%, p = 0.007). Paracetamol intake was not associated with ICU-, 30-day- and 3-month-mortality, remaining true after multivariate adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

Paracetamol intake prior to ICU admission was not associated with short-term and 3-month mortality in old, critically ill intensive care patients suffering from COVID-19.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This prospective international multicentre study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier "NCT04321265" on March 25, 2020.

Noninvasive ventilation in COVID-19 patients aged ≥ 70 years-a prospective multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a promising alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with a particular importance amidst the shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the use of NIV in Europe and factors associated with outcomes of patients treated with NIV.

METHODS

This is a substudy of COVIP study-an international prospective observational study enrolling patients aged ≥ 70 years with confirmed COVID-19 treated in ICU. We enrolled patients in 156 ICUs across 15 European countries between March 2020 and April 2021.The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Cohort included 3074 patients, most of whom were male (2197/3074, 71.4%) at the mean age of 75.7 years (SD 4.6). NIV frequency was 25.7% and varied from 1.1 to 62.0% between participating countries. Primary NIV failure, defined as need for endotracheal intubation or death within 30 days since ICU admission, occurred in 470/629 (74.7%) of patients. Factors associated with increased NIV failure risk were higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (OR 3.73, 95% CI 2.36-5.90) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) on admission (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06-2.00). Patients initially treated with NIV (n = 630) lived for 1.36 fewer days (95% CI - 2.27 to - 0.46 days) compared to primary IMV group (n = 1876).

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of NIV use varies across European countries. Higher severity of illness and more severe frailty were associated with a risk of NIV failure among critically ill older adults with COVID-19. Primary IMV was associated with better outcomes than primary NIV. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04321265 , registered 19 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Multicentre observational status-epilepticus registry: protocol for ICTAL

INTRODUCTION

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common life-threatening neurological emergency that can cause long-term impairments. Overall outcomes remain poor. Major efforts are required to clarify the epidemiology of SE and the determinants of outcomes, thereby identifying targets for improved management.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

ICTAL Registry is a multicentre open cohort of critically ill patients with convulsive, non-convulsive or psychogenic non-epileptic SE. Observational methods are applied to collect uniform data. The goal of the ICTAL Registry is to collect high-quality information on a large number of patients, thereby allowing elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in mortality and morbidity. The registry structure is modular, with a large core data set and the opportunity for research teams to create satellite data sets for observational or interventional studies (eg, cohort multiple randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional studies and short-term and long-term longitudinal outcome studies). The availability of core data will hasten patient recruitment to studies, while also decreasing costs. Importantly, the vast amount of data from a large number of patients will allow valid subgroup analyses, which are expected to identify patient populations requiring specific treatment strategies. The results of the studies will have a broad spectrum of application, particularly given the multidisciplinary approach used by the IctalGroup research network.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The ICTAL Registry protocol was approved by the ethics committee of the French Intensive Care Society (#CE_SRLF 19-68 and 19-68a). Patients or their relatives/proxies received written information to the use of the retrospectively collected and pseudonymised data, in compliance with French law. Prospectively included patients receive written consent form as soon as they recover decision-making competency; if they refuse consent, they are excluded from the registry. Data from the registry will be disseminated via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03457831.

Identifying early indicators of secondary peritonitis in critically ill patients with cirrhosis

Ascitic fluid infection (AFI) is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. We aimed to identify early indicators of secondary peritonitis (SP), which requires emergency surgery, and to describe the outcomes of SP and spontaneous bacterial/fungal peritonitis (SBFP). Adults with cirrhosis and AFI admitted to 16 university or university-affiliated ICUs in France between 2002 and 2017 were studied retrospectively. Cases were identified by searching the hospital databases for relevant ICD-10 codes and hospital charts for AFI. Logistic multivariate regression was performed to identify factors associated with SP. Secondary outcomes were short- and long-term mortality and survivors' functional outcomes. Of 178 included patients (137 men and 41 women; mean age, 58 ± 11 years), 21 (11.8%) had SP, confirmed by surgery in 16 cases and by abdominal computed tomography in 5 cases. Time to diagnosis exceeded 24 h in 7/21 patients with SP. By multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with SP were ascitic leukocyte count > 10,000/mm³ (OR 3.70; 95%CI 1.38-9.85; P = 0.009) and absence of laboratory signs of decompensated cirrhosis (OR 4.53; 95%CI 1.30-15.68; P = 0.017). The 1-year mortality rates in patients with SBFP and SP were 81.0% and 77.5%, respectively (Log-rank test, P = 0.92). Patients with SP vs. SBFP had no differences in 1-year functional outcomes. This multicenter retrospective study identified two indicators of SP as opposed to SBFP in patients with cirrhosis. Using these indicators may help to provide early surgical treatment.

Comparison of prognostic factors between bacteraemic and non-bacteraemic critically ill immunocompetent patients in community-acquired severe pneumococcal pneumonia: a STREPTOGENE sub-study

Background

The presence of bacteraemia in pneumococcal pneumonia in critically ill patients does not appear to be a strong independent prognostic factor in the existing literature. However, there may be a specific pattern of factors associated with mortality for ICU patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to compare the factors associated with mortality, according to the presence of bacteraemia or not on admission, for patients hospitalised in intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of data from the prospective, observational, multicentre STREPTOGENE study in immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care in France between 2008 and 2012 for pneumococcal CAP. Patients were divided into two groups based on initial blood culture (positive vs. negative) for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The primary outcome was hospital mortality, which was compared between the two groups using odds ratios according to predefined variables to search for a prognostic interaction present in bacterial patients but not non-bacteraemic patients. Potential differences in the distribution of serotypes between the two groups were assessed. The prognostic consequences of the presence or not of initial bi-antibiotic therapy were assessed, specifically in bacteraemic patients.

Results

Among 614 included patients, 274 had a blood culture positive for S. pneumoniae at admission and 340 did not. The baseline difference between the groups was more frequent leukopaenia (26% vs. 14%, p = 0.0002) and less frequent pre-hospital antibiotic therapy (10% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.024) for the bacteraemic patients. Hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.11). We did not observe any prognostic factors specific to the bacteraemic patient population, as the statistical comparison of the odds ratios, as an indication of the association between the predefined prognostic parameters and mortality, showed them to be similar for the two groups. Bacteraemic patients more often had invasive serotypes but less often serotypes associated with high case fatality rates (p = 0.003). The antibiotic regimens were similar for the two groups. There was no difference in mortality for patients in either group given a beta-lactam alone vs. a beta-lactam combined with a macrolide or fluoroquinolone.

Conclusion

Bacteraemia had no influence on the mortality of immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP, regardless of the profile of the associated prognostic factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00936-z.

Frailty is associated with long-term outcome in patients with sepsis who are over 80 years old: results from an observational study in 241 European ICUs

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the most frequent reasons for acute intensive care unit (ICU) admission of very old patients and mortality rates are high. However, the impact of pre-existing physical and cognitive function on long-term outcome of ICU patients ≥ 80 years old (very old intensive care patients (VIPs)) with sepsis is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate both the short- and long-term mortality of VIPs admitted with sepsis and assess the relation of mortality with pre-existing physical and cognitive function.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

241 ICUs from 22 European countries in a six-month period between May 2018 and May 2019.

SUBJECTS

Acutely admitted ICU patients aged ≥80 years with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score ≥ 2.

METHODS

Sepsis was defined according to the sepsis 3.0 criteria. Patients with sepsis as an admission diagnosis were compared with other acutely admitted patients. In addition to patients' characteristics, disease severity, information about comorbidity and polypharmacy and pre-existing physical and cognitive function were collected.

RESULTS

Out of 3,596 acutely admitted VIPs with SOFA score ≥ 2, a group of 532 patients with sepsis were compared to other admissions. Predictors for 6-month mortality were age (per 5 years): Hazard ratio (HR, 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.25, P < 0.0001), SOFA (per one-point): HR, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.14-1.17, P < 0.0001) and frailty (CFS > 4): HR, 1.34 (95% CI, 1.18-1.51, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial long-term mortality in VIPs admitted with sepsis. Frailty, age and disease severity were identified as predictors of long-term mortality in VIPs admitted with sepsis.

Comparison of a preventive or curative strategy of fluid removal on the weaning of mechanical ventilation: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised open-label parallel-group trial

INTRODUCTION

Fluid overload is associated with a poor prognosis in the critically ill patients, especially at the time of weaning from mechanical ventilation as it may promote weaning failure from cardiac origin. Some data suggest that early administration of diuretics would shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation. However, this strategy may expose patients to a higher risk of haemodynamic and metabolic complications. Currently, there is no recommendation for the use of diuretics during weaning and there is an equipoise on the timing of their initiation in this context.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing two strategies of fluid removal during weaning in 13 French intensive care units (ICU). The preventive strategy is initiated systematically when the fluid balance or weight change is positive and the patients have criteria for clinical stability; the curative strategy is initiated only in case of weaning failure documented as of cardiac origin. Four hundred and ten patients will be randomised with a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation, defined as the number of days between randomisation and successful extubation (alive without reintubation nor tracheostomy within the 7 days after extubation) at day 28. Secondary outcomes include daily and cumulated fluid balance, metabolic and haemodynamic complications, ventilator-associated pneumonia, weaning complications, number of ventilator-free days, total duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in ICU and mortality in ICU, in hospital and, at day 28. A subgroup analysis for the primary outcome is planned in patients with kidney injury (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes class 2 or more) at the time of randomisation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the ethics committee (Comité de Protection des Personnes Paris 1) and patients will be included after informed consent. The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04050007.

PROTOCOL VERSION

V.1; 12 March 2019.

Acute cholangitis in intensive care units: clinical, biological, microbiological spectrum and risk factors for mortality: a multicenter study

Background

Little is known on the outcome and risk factors for mortality of patients admitted in Intensive Care units (ICUs) for Acute cholangitis (AC).

Methods

Retrospective multicenter study included adults admitted in eleven intensive care units for a proven AC from 2005 to 2018. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 382 patients were included, in-hospital mortality was 29%. SOFA score at admission was 8 [5–11]. Biliary obstruction was mainly related to gallstone (53%) and cancer (22%). Median total bilirubin and PCT were respectively 83 µmol/L [50–147] and 19.1 µg/L [5.3–54.8]. Sixty-three percent of patients (n  = 252) had positive blood culture, mainly Gram-negative bacilli (86%) and 14% produced extended spectrum beta lactamase bacteria. At ICU admission, persisting obstruction was frequent (79%) and biliary decompression was performed using therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (76%) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (21%). Adjusted mortality significantly decreased overtime, adjusted OR for mortality per year was 0.72 [0.54–0.96] (p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, factors at admission associated with in-hospital mortality were: SOFA score (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.05–1.24] by point, p = 0.001), lactate (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.08–1.36], by 1 mmol/L, p < 0.001), total serum bilirubin (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.12–1.41], by 50 μmol/L, p < 0.001), obstruction non-related to gallstones (p < 0.05) and AC complications (OR 2.74 [95% CI 1.45–5.17], p = 0.002). Time between ICU admission and biliary decompression > 48 h was associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 2.73 [95% CI 1.30–6.22], p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In this large retrospective multicenter study, we found that AC-associated mortality significantly decreased overtime. Severity of organ failure, cause of obstruction and local complications of AC are risk factors for mortality, as well as delayed biliary drainage > 48 h.

Outcome of patients treated with molecular adsorbent recirculating system albumin dialysis: A national multicenter study

Background and Aim

The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) is the most widely used device to treat liver failure. Nevertheless, data from widespread real‐life use are lacking.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study conducted in all French adult care centers that used MARS between 2004 and 2009. The primary objective was to evaluate patient survival according to the liver disease and listing status. Factors associated with mortality were the secondary objectives.

Results

A total of 383 patients underwent 393 MARS treatments. The main indications were acute liver failure (ALF, 32.6%), and severe cholestasis (total bilirubin >340 μmol/L) (37.2%), hepatic encephalopathy (23.7%), and/or acute kidney injury–hepatorenal syndrome (22.9%) most often among patients with chronic liver disease. At the time of treatment, 34.4% of the patients were listed. Overall, the hospital survival rate was 49% (95% CI: 44–54%) and ranged from 25% to 81% depending on the diagnosis of the liver disease. In listed patients versus those not listed, the 1‐year survival rate was markedly better in the setting of nonbiliary cirrhosis (59% vs 15%), early graft nonfunction (80% vs 0%), and late graft dysfunction (72% vs 0%) (all P < 0.001). Among nonbiliary cirrhotic patients, hospital mortality was associated with the severity of liver disease (HE and severe cholestasis) and not being listed for transplant. In ALF, paracetamol etiology and ≥3 MARS sessions were associated with better transplant‐free survival.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that MARS should be mainly used as a bridge to liver transplantation. Survival was correlated with being listed for most etiologies and with the intensity of treatment in ALF.

Long-term Quality of Life in Adult Patients Surviving Purpura Fulminans: An Exposed-Unexposed Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of patients surviving the acute phase of purpura fulminans (PF) has not been evaluated.

METHODS

This was a French multicenter exposed-unexposed cohort study enrolling patients admitted in 55 intensive care units (ICUs) for PF from 2010 to 2016. Adult patients surviving the acute phase of PF (exposed group) were matched 1:1 for age, sex, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II with septic shock survivors (unexposed group). HR-QOL was assessed during a phone interview using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the activity of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) scales. The primary outcome measure was the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven survivors of PF and 37 of septic shock were phone-interviewed at 55 (interquartile range [IQR], 35-83) months and 44 (IQR, 35-72) months, respectively, of ICU discharge (P = .23). The PCS of the SF-36 was not significantly different between exposed and unexposed patients (median, 47 [IQR, 36-53] vs 54 [IQR, 36-57]; P = .18). There was also no significant difference between groups regarding the mental component summary of the SF-36, and the HAD, IES-R, ADL and IADL scales. Among the 37 exposed patients, those who required limb amputation (n = 12/37 [32%]) exhibited lower PCS (34 [IQR, 24-38] vs 52 [IQR, 42-56]; P = .001) and IADL scores (7 [IQR, 4-8] vs 8 [IQR, 7-8]; P = .021) compared with nonamputated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term HR-QOL does not differ between patients surviving PF and those surviving septic shock unrelated to PF. Amputated patients have an impaired physical HR-QOL but a preserved mental health.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT03216577.

Do Not Use Water Jets on Skin Hematoma

Morel-Lavallée lesions are posttraumatic hemolymphatic collections related to shearing injury of variable mechanism (severe trauma or low-velocity crush injury), resulting in disruption of interfacial planes between subcutaneous soft tissue and muscle and perforating lymphatics and blood vessels. A 69-y-old woman, without medical history, was admitted to the emergency ward for important pain located from her behind to the anterior face of the thighs. Physical examination revealed large semirecent hematoma with a large soft fluctuant area with hypermobility of the skin and cutaneous hyperesthesia, spreading from her behind to the anterior face of her thigs. Her symptoms were typical of a Morel-Lavallée lesion. The ultrasound examination revealed hypoechoic heterogeneous compressible fluid containing fat debris with irregular margins and lobular shape, localized between subcutaneous fat and deep fascia, without flow on color Doppler, confirming the acute Morel-Lavallée lesion. After evacuation by needle puncture, the collection reappearance was probably due to hemolymphatic fluid corresponding to type 1 of the Mellado and Bencardino classification of Morel-Lavallée lesions. Patients and Physicians should be aware of the worsening effects of balneotherapy on skin hematoma to prevent dramatic extension of Morel-Lavallée lesions.

Bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in the ICU and effectiveness of sanitization

Extra-European studies report high rates of multi-drug resistant bacteria colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in intensive care units. We aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial colonization of healthcare workers' mobile phones in an intensive care unit in France and the effectiveness of a sanitization product. We designed a prospective, monocentric study in a 15-bed intensive care unit within a 300-bed private hospital. Bacterial colonization was assessed on 56 healthcare workers' mobile phones immediately before and 5 min after sanitization of the phones with bactericidal wipes. The mobile phones of 42 administrative staff acted as controls. All mobile phones in both groups were colonized. Healthcare workers' phones had a higher number of different bacterial species per phone (2.45 ± 1.34 vs. 1.81 ± 0.74, p = 0.02). Colonization with pathogens did not differ significantly between healthcare workers' and controls' phones (39.3% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.37). Excluding coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen found in both groups (19.6% and 11.9%, p = 0.41). Only one healthcare workers' mobile phone was colonized by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and no other multi-drug resistant bacteria was detected. No covariate was associated with pathogen colonization. After sanitization, 8.9% of mobile phones were sterilized, and colonization with pathogenic bacteria decreased (21.4% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.04) as did the number of CFUs/mL (367 ± 404 vs. 733 ± 356, p < 0.001). Colonization of intensive care unit healthcare workers' and administrative staff's mobile phones was similar. Colonization with pathogens was frequent but colonization with multi-drug resistant bacteria was rare. Disinfecting the phones with bactericidal wipes is not completely effective. Specific sanitization protocols and recommendations regarding the management of healthcare workers' mobile phones in intensive care units should be developed. Additionally, good hand hygiene after touching mobile phones should be kept in mind to prevent cross-infections.

Host-pathogen interactions and prognosis of critically ill immunocompetent patients with pneumococcal pneumonia: the nationwide prospective observational STREPTOGENE study

PURPOSE

To assess the relative importance of host and bacterial factors associated with hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (PCAP).

METHODS

Immunocompetent Caucasian ICU patients with PCAP documented by cultures and/or pneumococcal urinary antigen (UAg Sp) test were included in this multicenter prospective study between 2008 and 2012. All pneumococcal strains were serotyped. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 614 patients, 278 (45%) had septic shock, 270 (44%) had bacteremia, 307 (50%) required mechanical ventilation at admission, and 161 (26%) had a diagnosis based only on the UAg Sp test. No strains were penicillin-resistant, but 23% had decreased susceptibility. Of the 36 serotypes identified, 7 accounted for 72% of the isolates, with different distributions according to age. Although antibiotics were consistently appropriate and were started within 6 h after admission in 454 (74%) patients, 116 (18.9%) patients died. Independent predictors of hospital mortality in the adjusted analysis were platelets ≤ 100 × 10⁹/L (OR, 7.7; 95% CI, 2.8-21.1), McCabe score ≥ 2 (4.58; 1.61-13), age > 65 years (2.92; 1.49-5.74), lactates > 4 mmol/L (2.41; 1.27-4.56), male gender and septic shock (2.23; 1.30-3.83 for each), invasive mechanical ventilation (1.78; 1-3.19), and bilateral pneumonia (1.59; 1.02-2.47). Women with platelets ≤ 100 × 10⁹/L had the highest mortality risk (adjusted OR, 7.7; 2.8-21).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients with PCAP, age, gender, and organ failures at ICU admission were more strongly associated with hospital mortality than were comorbidities. Neither pneumococcal serotype nor antibiotic regimen was associated with hospital mortality.

Are third-generation cephalosporins unavoidable for empirical therapy of community-acquired pneumonia in adult patients who require ICU admission? A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) are recommended for empirical antibiotic therapy of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients requiring ICU admission. However, their extensive use could promote the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Our aim was to assess whether the use of 3GCs in patients with CAP requiring ICU admission was justified.

METHODS

We assessed all patients with CAP who required ICU admission during a 7-year period. We recorded empirical and definitive antibiotic therapies and susceptibility of causative pathogens. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C) susceptibilities as well as amikacin susceptibility of A/C-resistant strains were recorded.

RESULTS

From January 2007 to March 2014, 391 patients were included in the study. Empirical 3GCs were used in 215 patients (55%). Among 267 patients with microbiologically documented CAP (68%), 241 received a beta-lactam as definitive therapy, and of those, 3CGs were chosen for 43 patients (18%). Amoxicillin or A/C was active against isolated pathogens in 159 patients (66%), while 39 patients (16%) required a beta-lactam with a broader spectrum than 3GCs. Ninety-four per cent of A/C-resistant strains were amikacin susceptible.

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU patients with CAP, 3GCs given on an empirical basis are changed, according to microbiological documentation, for another beta-lactam in 82% of cases especially to A/C in the absence of resistance risk factor. In patients evidencing risk factors for A/C-resistant strains infection, 3GCs or antipseudomonal beta-lactams including carbapenem associated with amikacin in the most severe patients seem a relevant empirical antibiotic therapy. This strategy could decrease 3GCs' use.

Prognosis of cirrhotic patients admitted to intensive care unit: a meta-analysis

Background

The best predictors of short- and medium-term mortality of cirrhotic patients receiving intensive care support are unknown.

Methods

We conducted meta-analyses from 13 studies (2523 cirrhotics) after selection of original articles and response to a standardized questionnaire by the corresponding authors. End-points were in-ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month mortality in ICU survivors. A total of 301 pooled analyses, including 95 analyses restricted to 6-month mortality among ICU survivors, were conducted considering 249 variables (including reason for admission, organ replacement therapy, and composite prognostic scores).

Results

In-ICU, in-hospital, and 6-month mortality was 42.7, 54.1, and 75.1%, respectively. Forty-eight patients (3.8%) underwent liver transplantation during follow-up. In-ICU mortality was lower in patients admitted for variceal bleeding (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.36–0.59; p < 0.001) and higher in patients with SOFA > 19 at baseline (OR 8.54; 95% CI 2.09–34.91; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.93). High SOFA no longer predicted mortality at 6 months in ICU survivors. Twelve variables related to infection were predictors of in-ICU mortality, including SIRS (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.64–3.65; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.57), pneumonia (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.47–3.22; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.69), sepsis-associated refractory oliguria (OR 10.61; 95% CI 4.07–27.63; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.76), and fungal infection (OR 4.38; 95% CI 1.11–17.24; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.85). Among therapeutics, only dopamine (OR 5.57; 95% CI 3.02–10.27; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.68), dobutamine (OR 8.92; 95% CI 3.32–23.96; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.86), epinephrine (OR 5.03; 95% CI 2.68–9.42; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.77), and MARS (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.22–3.53; p = 0.007; PPV = 0.58) were associated with in-ICU mortality without heterogeneity. In ICU survivors, eight markers of liver and renal failure predicted 6-month mortality, including Child–Pugh stage C (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.44–4.10; p < 0.001; PPV = 0.57), baseline MELD > 26 (OR 3.97; 95% CI 1.92–8.22; p < 0.0001; PPV = 0.75), and hepatorenal syndrome (OR 4.67; 95% CI 1.24–17.64; p = 0.022; PPV = 0.88).

Conclusions

Prognosis of cirrhotic patients admitted to ICU is poor since only a minority undergo liver transplant. The prognostic performance of general ICU scores decreases over time, unlike the Child–Pugh and MELD scores, even recorded in the context of organ failure. Infection-related parameters had a short-term impact, whereas liver and renal failure had a sustained impact on mortality.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13613-017-0249-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Toe-to-room temperature gradient correlates with tissue perfusion and predicts outcome in selected critically ill patients with severe infections

Background

Microcirculatory disorders leading to tissue hypoperfusion play a central role in the pathophysiology of organ failure in severe sepsis and septic shock. As microcirculatory disorders have been identified as strong predictive factors of unfavourable outcome, there is a need to develop accurate parameters at the bedside to evaluate tissue perfusion. We evaluated whether different body temperature gradients could relate to sepsis severity and could predict outcome in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Method

We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital in France. During a 10-month period, all consecutive adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock who required ICU admission were included. Six hours after initial resuscitation (H6), we recorded the hemodynamic parameters and four temperature gradients: central-to-toe, central-to-knee, toe-to-room and knee-to-room.

Results

We evaluated 40 patients with severe sepsis (40/103, 39 %) and 63 patients with septic shock (63/103, 61 %). In patients with septic shock, central-to-toe temperature gradient was significantly higher (12.5 [9.2; 13.8] vs 6.9 [3.4; 12.0] °C, P < 0.001) and toe-to-room temperature gradient significantly lower (1.2 [−0.3; 5.2] vs 6.0 [0.6; 9.5] °C, P < 0.001) than in patients with severe sepsis. Overall ICU mortality rate due to multiple organ failure (MOF) was 21 %. After initial resuscitation, toe-to-room temperature gradient was significantly lower in patients dead from MOF than in the survivors (−0.2 [−1.1; +1.3] °C vs +3.9 [+0.5; +7.2] °C, P < 0.001) and the difference in gradients increased during the first 24 h. Furthermore, toe-to-room temperature gradient was related to tissue perfusion parameters such as arterial lactate level (r = −0.54, P < 0.0001), urine output (r = 0.37, P = 0.0002), knee capillary refill time (r = −0.42, P < 0.0001) and mottling score (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Toe-to-room temperature gradient reflects tissue perfusion at the bedside and is a strong prognosis factor in critically ill patients with severe infections.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13613-016-0164-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Diagnostic ultrasound in pneumothorax]

For a long time the lung has been regarded as inaccessible to ultrasound. However, recent clinical studies have shown that this organ can be examined by this technique, which appears, in some situations, to be superior to thoracic radiography. The examination does not require special equipment and is possible using a combination of simple qualitative signs: lung sliding, the presence of B lines and the demonstration of the lung point. The lung sliding corresponds to the artefact produced by the movement of the two pleural layers, one against the other. The B lines indicate the presence of an interstitial syndrome. The presence of lung sliding and/or B lines has a negative predictive value of 100% and formally excludes a pneumothorax in the area where the probe has been applied. The presence of the lung point is pathognomonic of pneumothorax but the sensitivity is no more than 60%. Ultrasound is therefore a rapid and simple means of excluding a pneumothorax (lung sliding or B lines) and of confirming a pneumothorax when the lung point is visible. The question that remains is whether ultrasound can totally replace radiography in the management of this disorder.

Exploration of skin perfusion in cirrhotic patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Skin perfusion alterations are early and strong predictors of death in patients with septic shock. Cirrhosis is associated with systemic vasodilation and increases mortality from septic shock. We aimed at assessing whether the mottling score and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) could be used as early predictors of death in cirrhotic patients with septic shock.

METHODS

This observational study included cirrhotic patients with septic shock. Each 6 h during the first 24 h, we collected data reflecting macrocirculation (mean arterial pressure, heart rate, central venous pressure, and cardiac output) and organ perfusion (arterial lactate, urinary output, ScvO2, mottling score, thenar, and knee StO2). Data of 75 non-cirrhotic patients with previously reported septic shock were used as control.

RESULTS

42 cirrhotic patients were included. Mortality at day 14 was 71%. At H6, parameters reflecting macrocirculation were not associated with mortality, whereas higher arterial lactate and mottling score were associated with death. Mottling score was the strongest predictor of mortality (sensitivity=0.63, specificity=1, OR=42.4 (2.3-785.9)). At H6, knee StO2 decreased in non-survivors and predicted death (sensitivity=0.45, specificity=1). In comparison with control, mottling kinetic was different in cirrhotic patients (delayed mottling appearance in non-survivors, earlier mottling disappearance in survivors). Knee StO2 and skin perfusion, assessed by laser-Doppler, were higher in cirrhotic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Mottling score and knee StO2 at H6 were very specific predictors of death in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock. Their sensitivity was lower in cirrhotic patients due to delayed mottling appearance and higher knee StO2 related to higher skin perfusion.

Multiplex PCR performed of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increases pathogen identification rate in critically ill patients with pneumonia: a pilot study

Background

In critically ill patients with pneumonia, accurate microorganism identification allows appropriate antibiotic treatment. In patients undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), direct examination of the fluid using Gram staining provides prompt information but pathogen identification accuracy is low. Culture of BAL fluid is actually the reference, but it is not available before 24 to 48 h. In addition, pathogen identification rate observed with direct examination and culture is decreased when antibiotic therapy has been given prior to sampling. We therefore assessed, in critically ill patients with suspected pneumonia, the performance of a multiplex PCR (MPCR) to identify pathogens in BAL fluid. This study is a prospective pilot observation.

Methods

We used a MPCR detecting 20 types of microorganisms. Direct examination, culture, and MPCR were performed on BAL fluid of critically ill patients with pneumonia suspicion. The final diagnosis of infective pneumonia was retained after the medical chart was reviewed by two experts. Pathogen identification rate of direct examination, culture, and MPCR in patients with confirmed pneumonia was compared.

Results

Among the 65 patients with pneumonia suspicion, the diagnosis of pneumonia was finally retained in 53 cases. Twenty nine (55%) were community-acquired pneumonia and 24 (45%) were hospital acquired. Pathogen identification rate with MPCR (66%) was greater than with culture (40%) and direct examination (23%) (p =0.01 and p <0.001, respectively). When considering only the microorganisms included in the MPCR panel, the pathogen identification rate provided by MPCR reached 82% and was still higher than with culture (35%, p <0.001) and direct examination (21%, p <0.001). Pathogen identification rate provided by MPCR was not modified in the case of previous antibiotic treatment (66% vs. 64%, NS) and was still better than with culture (23%, p <0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study suggest that in critically ill patients, MPCR performed on BAL fluid could provide higher identification rate of pathogens involved in pneumonia than direct examination and culture, especially in patients having received antimicrobial treatment.

Peripheral microcirculatory exploration during mechanical ventilation weaning

BACKGROUND

Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a daily challenge in intensive care patients. Our objective was to explore microcirculatory perfusion during mechanical ventilation weaning and to evaluate its predictive value on the weaning outcome.

METHODS

Prospective observational study. All consecutive patients, older than 18 years, under mechanical ventilation that met the criteria for weaning were enrolled. Patients underwent a T-piece Spontaneous Breath Trial (SBT) for 60 minutes and the usual clinical parameters were recorded every 5 minutes. Microcirculatory perfusion was evaluated using the mottling score and the Tissue Oxygen Saturation (StO2) measured by Near Infrared Spectroscopy technology on the thenar and knee area.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were studied (age: 67±15 years, men: 40, SAPS II: 47±15) after a duration of mechanical ventilation of 3 (1-6) days. Forty-five patients succeeded the first SBT. The mottling score severity recorded just before ventilator disconnection (baseline) was associated with weaning failure (P=0.03). Moreover, the mottling score increase during SBT was significantly associated with weaning failure (80% vs. 28%, P=0.001; Odds ratio 10.5 [2.0-54.8]). Baseline thenar StO2 was not different according to weaning outcome (failure 76±13% vs. success 77±7%, P=0.90) whereas baseline knee StO2 was significantly lower in patients who failed the first SBT (67±13% vs. 75±12%, P<0.01). This difference was apparent since the very beginning of the SBT and lasted throughout the trial (P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In unselected mechanically ventilated patients undergoing SBT, mottling score and knee StO2 are early predictors of weaning failure.

Prognostic scores for cirrhotic patients admitted to an intensive care unit: which consequences for liver transplantation?

Mortality is increased in cirrhotic patients admitted in ICU whatever the admission reason. Prognosis scores assessed in critically ill cirrhotic patients in ICU can be classified in three main categories: liver-specific (CTP and MELD) scores, general (SAPS II and APACHE) scores, and organ failure (OSF and SOFA) scores. The components of the liver-specific scores can be influenced by the acute disease indicating the admission to ICU but those of the non liver-specific scores can be influenced by the underlying liver cirrhosis. Many studies reported that organ failure scores are the best predictors of outcome in cirrhotic patients in ICU. We may wonder if cirrhotic patients with acute organ failures should receive prioritization for organ allocation to save their life or should be denied for a potential futile LT. According to recent studies, the SOFA score is associated with a higher risk of death for patients waiting for LT but could not be associated with a worse outcome after LT. It becomes of paramount importance to correctly identify the cirrhotic patients who will maximally benefit from LT after admission to ICU. The EASL-CLIF Consortium defines the CLIF-SOFA score, redefining the SOFA score with cut-off levels based on mortality prediction. The CLIF-SOFA could represent the ideal score in ICU since it is based on organ failures with cut-off values specifically identified in cirrhotic patients. The validation of the CLIF-SOFA score in critically ill cirrhotic patients admitted to ICU and its usefulness to identify patients who could benefit from LT should be the next steps.

Alteration of skin perfusion in mottling area during septic shock

BACKGROUND

Mottling score has been reported to be a strong predictive factor during septic shock. However, the pathophysiology of mottling remains unclear.

METHODS

In patients admitted in ICU for septic shock, we measured on the same area the mean skin perfusion by laser Doppler, the mottling score, and variations of both indices between T1 (6 hours after vasopressors were started) and T2 (24 hours later).

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were included, SAPS II was 56 [37-71] and SOFA score at T1 was 10 [7-12]. The mean skin surface area analyzed was 4108 ± 740 mm2; 1184 ± 141 measurements were performed over each defined skin surface area. Skin perfusion was significantly different according to mottling score and decreased from 37 [31-42] perfusion units (PUs) for a mottling score of [0-1] to 22 [20-32] PUs for a mottling score of [2-3] and 23 [16-28] for a score of [4-5] (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.05). We analyzed skin perfusion changes during resuscitation in each patient and together with mottling score variations between T1 and T2 using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Among the 14 patients included, mottling score increased (worsened) in 5 patients, decreased (improved) in 5 patients, and remained stable in 4 patients. Baseline skin perfusion at T1 was arbitrarily scored 100%. Mean skin perfusion significantly decreased in all the patients whose mottling score worsened from 100% baseline to 63.2 ± 10.7% (P = 0.001), mean skin perfusion significantly increased in all patients whose mottling score improved from 100% baseline to 172.6 ± 46.8% (P = 0.001), and remained stable in patients whose mottling score did not change (100.5 ± 6.8%, P = 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that mottling score variations and skin perfusion changes during septic shock resuscitation were correlated, providing additional evidence that mottling reflects skin hypoperfusion.

Prediction of evolution toward brain death upon admission to ICU in comatose patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage using simple signs

The aim of the study was to identify the predictors of brain death (BD) upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) of comatose patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Patients admitted in our ICU from 2002 to 2010 for spontaneous ICH and placed under mechanical ventilation were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 72 patients, 49% evolved to BD, 39% died after withdrawal of life support, and 12% were discharged alive. The most discriminating characteristics to predict BD were included in two models; Model 1 contained ≥3 abolished brainstem responses [adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 8.4 (2.4, 29.1)] and the swirl sign on the baseline CT-scan [adjusted OR = 5.0 (1.6, 15.9)] and Model 2 addressed the abolition of corneal reflexes [unilateral/bilateral: adjusted OR = 4.2 (0.9, 20.1)/8.8 (2.4, 32.3)] and the swirl sign on the baseline CT-scan [adjusted OR = 6.2 (1.9, 20.0)]. Two scores predicting BD were created (sensitivity: 0.89 and 0.88, specificity: 0.68 and 0.65). Risk of evolution toward BD was classified as low (corneal reflexes present and no swirl sign), high (≥1 corneal reflexes abolished and swirl sign), and intermediate. Simple signs at ICU admission can predict BD in comatose patients with ICH and could increase the potential for organ donation.

Determinants of recovery from severe posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Few outcome data are available about posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We studied 90-day functional outcomes and their determinants in patients with severe PRES.

DESIGN

70 patients with severe PRES admitted to 24 ICUs in 2001-2010 were included in a retrospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5 (good recovery) on day 90.

MAIN RESULTS

Consciousness impairment was the most common clinical sign, occurring in 66 (94%) patients. Clinical seizures occurred in 57 (81%) patients. Median mean arterial pressure was 122 (105-143) mmHg on scene. Cerebral imaging abnormalities were bilateral (93%) and predominated in the parietal (93%) and occipital (86%) white matter. Median number of brain areas involved was 4 (3-5). Imaging abnormalities resolved in 43 (88%) patients. Ischaemic and/or haemorrhagic complications occurred in 7 (14%) patients. The most common causes were drug toxicity (44%) and hypertensive encephalopathy (41%). On day 90, 11 (16%) patients had died, 26 (37%) had marked functional impairments (GOS, 2 to 4), and 33 (56%) had a good recovery (GOS, 5). Factors independently associated with GOS<5 were highest glycaemia on day 1 (OR, 1.22; 95%CI, 1.02-1.45, p = 0.03) and time to causative-factor control (OR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.04-10.46, p = 0.04), whereas GOS = 5 was associated with toxaemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia/eclampsia) (OR, 0.06; 95%CI, 0.01-0.38, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

By day 90 after admission for severe PRES, 44% of survivors had severe functional impairments. Highest glycaemia on day 1 and time to causative-factor control were strong early predictors of outcomes, suggesting areas for improvement.

Comparison of superior vena cava and femoroiliac vein pressure according to intra-abdominal pressure

Background

Previous studies have shown a good agreement between central venous pressure (CVP) measurements from catheters placed in superior vena cava and catheters placed in the abdominal cava/common iliac vein. However, the influence of intra-abdominal pressure on such measurements remains unknown.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. We enrolled patients who had indwelling catheters in both superior vena cava (double lumen catheter) and femoroiliac veins (dialysis catheter) and into the bladder. Pressures were measured from all the sites, CVP, femoroiliac venous pressure (FIVP), and intra-abdominal pressure.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled (age 62 ± 14 years; SAPS II 62 (52–76)). Fifty complete sets of measurements were performed. All of the studied patients were mechanically ventilated (PEP 3 cmH₂0 (2–5)). We observed that the concordance between CVP and FIVP decreased when intra-abdominal pressure increased. We identified 14 mmHg as the best intra-abdominal pressure cutoff, and we found that CVP and FIVP were significantly more in agreement below this threshold than above (94% versus 50%, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

We reported that intra-abdominal pressure affected agreement between CVP measurements from catheter placed in superior vena cava and catheters placed in the femoroiliac vein. Agreement was excellent when intra-abdominal pressure was below 14 mmHg.

An integrated approach for prescribing fewer chest x-rays in the ICU

Chest x-rays (CXRs) are the main imaging tool in intensive care units (ICUs). CXRs also are associated with concerns inherent to their use, considering both healthcare organization and patient perspectives. In recent years, several studies have focussed on the feasibility of lowering the number of bedside CXRs performed in the ICU. Such a decrease may result from two independent and complementary processes: a raw reduction of CXRs due to the elimination of unnecessary investigations, and replacement of the CXR by an alternative technique. The goal of this review is to outline emblematic examples corresponding to these two processes. The first part of the review concerns the accumulation of evidence-based data for abandoning daily routine CXRs in mechanically ventilated patients and adopting an on-demand prescription strategy. The second part of the review addresses the use of alternative techniques to CXRs. This part begins with the presentation of ultrasonography or capnography combined with epigastric auscultation for ensuring the correct position of enteral feeding tubes. Ultrasonography is then also presented as an alternative to CXR for diagnosing and monitoring pneumothoraces, as well as a valuable post-procedural technique after central venous catheter insertion. The combination of the emblematic examples presented in this review supports an integrated global approach for decreasing the number of CXRs ordered in the ICU.

Mottling score predicts survival in septic shock

BACKGROUND

Experimental and clinical studies have identified a crucial role of microcirculation impairment in severe infections. We hypothesized that mottling, a sign of microcirculation alterations, was correlated to survival during septic shock.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. All consecutive patients with septic shock were included during a 7-month period. After initial resuscitation, we recorded hemodynamic parameters and analyzed their predictive value on mortality. The mottling score (from 0 to 5), based on mottling area extension from the knees to the periphery, was very reproducible, with an excellent agreement between independent observers [kappa = 0.87, 95% CI (0.72-0.97)].

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included. The SOFA score was 11.5 (8.5-14.5), SAPS II was 59 (45-71) and the 14-day mortality rate 45% [95% CI (33-58)]. Six hours after inclusion, oliguria [OR 10.8 95% CI (2.9, 52.8), p = 0.001], arterial lactate level [<1.5 OR 1; between 1.5 and 3 OR 3.8 (0.7-29.5); >3 OR 9.6 (2.1-70.6), p = 0.01] and mottling score [score 0-1 OR 1; score 2-3 OR 16, 95% CI (4-81); score 4-5 OR 74, 95% CI (11-1,568), p < 0.0001] were strongly associated with 14-day mortality, whereas the mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure and cardiac index were not. The higher the mottling score was, the earlier death occurred (p < 0.0001). Patients whose mottling score decreased during the resuscitation period had a better prognosis (14-day mortality 77 vs. 12%, p = 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

The mottling score is reproducible and easy to evaluate at the bedside. The mottling score as well as its variation during resuscitation is a strong predictor of 14-day survival in patients with septic shock.

Colorimetric capnography, a new procedure to ensure correct feeding tube placement in the intensive care unit: an evaluation of a local protocol

PURPOSE

Radiography is the criterion standard method to ensure correct placement of a feeding tube. Recently, excellent results were reported using a combination of colorimetric capnography and epigastric auscultation, but the impact of this technique has not been studied to date. Objectives were to assess whether our local procedure, using colorimetric capnography to ensure proper feeding tube placement, improves the patient's care, satisfies nurses, and decreases costs compared with the standard procedure requiring systematic radiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a monocentric prospective observational study in a medical intensive care unit over a 4-month period. Feeding tube placement was assessed by colorimetric capnography and epigastric auscultation. Radiography was performed when epigastric auscultation was inconclusive.

RESULTS

A total of 69 feeding tubes were placed in 44 patients. Radiography was required in 10.1% of the cases. The new procedure decreased costs ($33.37 ± 13.96 vs $45.92, P < .0001) and was less time consuming (11.6 ± 20.5 minutes vs 87.3 ± 45.2 minutes, P < .0001) than using systematic radiography. All nurses reported confidence in the procedure, which improved the organization of their care.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of colorimetric capnography and epigastric auscultation to confirm feeding tube placement improves nurse's organization of care, saves time, and decreases costs.

Assessment of adrenal function in cirrhotic patients: salivary cortisol should be preferred

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Adrenal insufficiency is a common disorder among cirrhotic patients. Adrenal function is usually assessed with serum total cortisol assays. Free cortisol (active fraction) represents only 10% of serum total cortisol, the remaining 90% being linked to cortisol-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin. In cirrhotic patients, the synthesis of these proteins is reduced, which could lead to an overestimation of the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency. Salivary cortisol assessment adequately reflects free cortisol plasma concentration. However, this method has never been validated in cirrhotic patients. The objectives of this report were to assess the following parameters by a prospective observational study: (1) correlation between salivary, serum total and free cortisol, (2) adrenal insufficiency prevalence using salivary and serum assays, (3) parameters associated with a discrepancy between both tests, and (4) adrenal insufficiency risk factors among cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

Salivary and serum total cortisol were assessed before and 1h following an injection of corticotropin (250 microg) in patients hospitalized for cirrhosis complications without shock. CBG was measured and free cortisol was assessed by the Coolens formula.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were included in the study (Child-Pugh C: 68.2%). Free cortisol was more strongly correlated with salivary than with serum total cortisol (Spearman coefficient=0.91 vs. 0.76, respectively, p<0.001). Among included patients, 9.1% had adrenal insufficiency according to salivary cortisol and 33.0% had adrenal insufficiency according to serum total cortisol (p=0.001). Hypoalbuminemia was the only factor associated with a discrepancy between the results of both tests. Adrenal insufficiency risk factors were ascites and low HDL-cholesterol plasma concentration.

CONCLUSION

Using serum total cortisol assays overstate adrenal insufficiency prevalence among cirrhotic patients, mainly because of inaccurate concentrations related to hypoalbuminemia. Salivary cortisol assays should be preferably used in these patients.

Pleural ultrasound compared with chest radiographic detection of pneumothorax resolution after drainage

BACKGROUND

Pleural ultrasonography (PU) is more sensitive than chest radiograph (CXR) for diagnosing pneumothorax and could be useful for detecting resolution of pneumothorax after drainage. The aim of this prospective double-blind observational study was to assess PU accuracy during pneumothorax follow-up after drainage.

METHODS

All patients hospitalized with pneumothorax requiring drainage were eligible. After drainage, residual pneumothorax was assessed by CXR and PU (1) 24 h after bubbling in the aspiration device had stopped, (2) 6 h after clamping the pleural catheter, and (3) 6 h after removing the pleural catheter. Pneumothorax indicated by PU but not CXR was confirmed by CT scan or by aspiration of > 10 mL of air.

RESULTS

Forty-four unilateral pneumothoraces were studied (primary spontaneous: 70.5%), and 162 pairs of examinations (CXR and PU) were performed. Twenty residual pneumothoraces were detected by both CXR and PU. Furthermore, PU suspected 14 pneumothoraces that were not identified by CXR; 13 were confirmed. All of these pneumothoraces resulted in therapeutic intervention. Thus, 39% (13/33) of the confirmed residual pneumothoraces were missed by CXR. In patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the positive predictive value of PU for residual pneumothorax diagnosis was 100%; for other pneumothoraces, this value ranged from 90% in the absence of a lung point to 100% when a lung point was observed. PU results were obtained faster than results from CXR (35 +/- 34 min vs 71 +/- 56 min, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of PU is excellent for detecting residual pneumothorax during pneumothorax follow-up after drainage.

Possible mechanisms involved in the discrepancy of hepatic and aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthases during the development of cirrhosis in rats

BACKGROUND/AIM

In cirrhosis, systemic nitric oxide (NO) overproduction and hepatic NO hypoproduction lead to arterial vasodilatation and portal hypertension. The mechanisms involved in these alterations in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-derived NO production in hepatic and systemic vasculature remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of eNOS and its major modulators in the liver and aorta during the development of cirrhosis in rats.

METHODS

Activated eNOS and Akt and expressions, and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expressions were measured before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after bile duct ligation. Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured.

RESULTS

Activated aortic eNOS increased at week 1, whereas it began to decrease at week 3 in the liver. Aortic expression of Cav-1 decreased at week 3 while hepatic expression increased by four-fold. Activated aortic Akt increased progressively while in the liver it gradually decreased during the development of cirrhosis. HDL levels decreased during the first week and decreased thereafter. The hepatic expression of SR-BI decreased.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the modulation of Akt and Cav-1 is inverted in the liver and the aorta during the development of cirrhosis. In addition, decreased HDL levels may play a role in reduced hepatic eNOS activity.