Association of severe postpartum hemorrhage and development of psychological disorders: Results from the prospective and multicentre HELP MOM study

OBJECTIVE

Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading preventable cause of worldwide maternal morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for psychological disorders following PPH are currently unknown. HELP-MOM study aimed to determine the incidence and identify risk factors for psychological disorders following PPH.

METHODS

HELP-MOM study was a prospective, observational, national, and multicentre study including patients who experienced severe PPH requiring sulprostone. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of psychological disorders (anxiety and/or post-traumatic disorder and/or depression) following PPH, assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after delivery using HADS, IES-R, and EPDS scales.

RESULTS

Between November 2014 and November 2016, 332 patients experienced a severe PPH and 236 (72%) answered self-questionnaires at 1, 3, and 6 months. A total of 161 (68%) patients declared a psychological disorder following severe PPH (146 (90.1%) were screened positive for anxiety, 96 (58.9%) were screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder, and 94 (57.7%) were screened positive for post-partum depression). In multivariable analysis, the use of intra-uterine tamponnement balloon was associated with a lower risk to be screened positive for psychological disorder after severe PPH (OR = 0.33 [IC95% 0.15-0.69], p = 0.004, and after propensity score matching (OR=0.34 [IC95% 0.12-0.94], p = 0.04)). Low hemoglobin values during severe PPH management were associated with a higher risk of being screened positive for psychological disorders. Finally, we did not find differences in desire or pregnancy between patients without or with psychological disorders occurring in the year after severe PPH.

DISCUSSION

Severe PPH was associated with significant psychosocial morbidity including anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and depression. This should engage a psychological follow-up. Large cohorts are urgently needed to confirm our results.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov under number NCT02118038.

Predictive Performance of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin, Liver Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein, and Cystatin C for Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Severely Ill Patients

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition in severely ill patients associated with poor outcomes. We assessed the associations between urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (uLFABP), and urinary cystatin C (uCysC) concentrations and patient outcomes.

Methods

We assessed the predictive performances of uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC measured in the early phase of intensive care unit (ICU) management and at discharge from the ICU in severely ill patients for short- and long-term outcomes. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI during ICU stay; secondary outcomes were 28-day and 1-yr allcause mortality.

Results

In total, 1,759 patients were admitted to the ICU, and 728 (41.4%) developed AKI. Median (interquartile range, IQR) uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC concentrations on admission were 147.6 (39.9-827.7) ng/mL, 32.4 (10.5-96.0) ng/mL, and 0.33 (0.12-2.05) mg/L, respectively. Biomarker concentrations on admission were higher in patients who developed AKI and associated with AKI severity. Three hundred fifty-six (20.3%) and 647 (37.9%) patients had died by 28 days and 1-yr, respectively. Urinary biomarker concentrations at ICU discharge were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. The areas under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) of uLFABP for the prediction of AKI, 28-day mortality, and 1-yr mortality (0.70 [0.67-0.72], 0.63 [0.59-0.66], and 0.57 [0.51-0.63], respectively) were inferior to those of the other biomarkers.

Conclusions

uNGAL, uLFABP, and uCysC concentrations on admission were associated with poor outcomes. However, their predictive performance, individually and in combination, was limited. Further studies are required to confirm our results.

Early post-operative lactate increase following kidney transplant is associated with delayed graft function: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a frequent complication following kidney transplant. This study aimed to assess the association between early post-operative lactate variation and DGF.

METHODS

This was a single center, retrospective cohort study between February 2021 and December 2022 in Saint-Louis Hospital (APHP, France). Venous lactate levels were measured immediately (H0) and 4 h (H4) after kidney transplant. The primary outcome was the occurrence of DGF (need for renal replacement therapy between transplantation and day 7). Secondary outcome was the occurrence of complications (i.e., death, vascular thrombosis, hemorrhagic shock, urological complications (hematoma, urinoma), local or systemic infection) between transplant and day 7.

RESULTS

Two hundred 12 patients were included, and 38 (17.9%) developed DGF. Venous lactate variation between H0 and H4 was higher in patients who developed DGF (-30 (IQR -83, -6)% vs. -15 (IQR -62, -11)%, p = .037), but the variation of level was more often positive (corresponding to an increased lactate production over time between H0 and H4) in patients who developed DGF ((28(85%) vs. 94(62%), p = .011). In multivariate logistic regression, positive venous lactate level variation between H0 and H4 was strongly associated with a reduced risk of developing DGF (OR .30 [.09-.79], p = .024). We did not find any association between post-operative hyperlactatemia and occurrence of complications between transplant and day 7.

DISCUSSION

DGF is a frequent complication following kidney transplantation. Its early prediction could help physicians optimize treatment and protect the kidney. Early venous lactate variation after kidney transplant could help to predict the occurrence of DGF.

New insights in acute heart failure

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a clinical complex disease and a worldwide issue due to its inconsistent diagnosis and poor prognosis. The cornerstone of pathophysiology of AHF is systemic venous congestion, which is led by the underlying structural and functional cardiac condition. Systemic venous congestion is a major target for AHF management because it causes symptoms and organs dysfunction, and is associated with poor prognosis. The mainstay of decongestive therapy is diuresis with intravenous loop diuretics combined with other diuretics including thiazides when necessary, and non-invasive ventilation. The presence of unresolved congestion at discharge can lead heart failure related rehospitalization, and careful follow-up is required especially during "vulnerable phase", several months after discharge. The updated recommendation for management of AHF has been provided by latest guidelines from European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Failure Society of America. Several large studies have currently demonstrated the benefits of guideline-directed oral medical therapies, and trials are ongoing on medication such as selective sodium-glucose transport proteins 2 inhibitors and protocols for congestive therapy. This review aimed to summarize the latest insights in AHF, based primarily on the most recent guidelines and large randomized controlled trials.

Ketamine restriction correlates with reduced cholestatic liver injury and improved outcomes in critically ill patients with burn injury

Background & Aims

Ketamine-associated cholestatic liver injury is reported in patients with severe burn injury, but its association with patient outcome is unclear. We investigated the relationship between ketamine exposure, cholestatic liver injury, and outcome of critically ill patients with burn injury.

Methods

In a retrospective study, patients with severe burn injury were analysed across two periods: unrestricted ketamine prescription (ketamine-liberal) and capped ketamine dosage (ketamine-restricted). The primary endpoint was cholestatic liver injury, and the secondary endpoint was 3-month mortality. Binary logistic regression models and the revised electronic causality assessment method were used to measure the strength of associations and causality assessment, respectively.

Results

Of 279 patients (median age 51 [IQR 31-67] years; 63.1% men; burned surface area 28.5%, IQR 20-45%), 155 (56%) were in the ketamine-liberal group, and 124 (44%) were in the ketamine-restricted group, with comparable clinical characteristics, except for ketamine exposure (median doses 265.0 [IQR 0-8,021] mg and 20 [IQR 0-105] mg, respectively; p <0.001). A dose- and time-dependent relationship was observed between ketamine exposure and cholestatic liver injury. Ketamine restriction was associated with a reduced risk of cholestatic liver injury (adjusted odds ratio 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.50; p = 0.003) and with a higher probability of 3-month survival (p = 0.035). The revised electronic causality assessment method indicated that ketamine was probably and possibly the cause of cholestatic liver injury for 14 and 10 patients, respectively. Cholangitis was not observed in the ketamine-restricted group. In propensity-matched patients, the risk of 3-month mortality was higher (adjusted odds ratio 9.92, 95% CI 2.76-39.05; p = 0.001) in patients with cholestatic liver injury and ketamine exposure ≥10,000 mg. Other sedative drugs were not associated with liver and patient outcome.

Conclusions

In this cohort, ketamine restriction was associated with less cholestatic liver injury and reduced 3-month mortality.

Impact and implications

In a cohort of 279 critically ill patients with burn injury, ketamine was associated with a risk of liver bile duct toxicity. The risk was found to be dependent on both the dosage and duration of ketamine use. A restriction policy of ketamine prescription was associated with a risk reduction of liver injury and 3-month mortality. These findings have implications for the analgesia and sedation of critically ill patients with ketamine, with higher doses raising safety concerns.

Optimization of Evidence-Based Heart Failure Medications After an Acute Heart Failure Admission: A Secondary Analysis of the STRONG-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Rapid Optimization, Helped by N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Testing of Heart Failure Therapies (STRONG-HF) trial strived for rapid uptitration aiming to reach 100% optimal doses of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) within 2 weeks after discharge from an acute heart failure (AHF) admission.

Objective

To assess the association between degree of GDMT doses achieved in high-intensity care and outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the STRONG-HF randomized clinical trial, conducted from May 2018 to September 2022. Included in the study were patients with AHF who were not treated with optimal doses of GDMT before and after discharge from an AHF admission. Data were analyzed from January to October 2023.

Interventions

The mean percentage of the doses of 3 classes of HF medications (renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) relative to their optimal doses was computed. Patients were classified into 3 dose categories: low (<50%), medium (≥50% to <90%), and high (≥90%). Dose and dose group were included as a time-dependent covariate in Cox regression models, which were used to test whether outcomes differed by dose.

Main Outcome Measures

Post hoc secondary analyses of postdischarge 180-day HF readmission or death and 90-day change in quality of life.

Results

A total of 515 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [13.4] years; 311 male [60.4%]) assigned high-intensity care were included in this analysis. At 2 weeks, 39 patients (7.6%) achieved low doses, 254 patients (49.3%) achieved medium doses, and 222 patients (43.1%) achieved high doses. Patients with lower blood pressure and more congestion were less likely to be uptitrated to optimal GDMT doses at week 2. As a continuous time-dependent covariate, an increase of 10% in the average percentage optimal dose was associated with a reduction in 180-day HF readmission or all-cause death (primary end point: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.98; P = .01) and a decrease in 180-day all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.95; P = .007). Quality of life at 90 days, measured by the EQ-5D visual analog scale, improved more in patients treated with higher doses of GDMT (mean difference, 0.10; 95% CI, -4.88 to 5.07 and 3.13; 95% CI, -1.98 to 8.24 points in the medium- and high-dose groups relative to the low-dose group, respectively; P = .07). Adverse events to day 90 occurred less frequently in participants with HIC who were prescribed higher GDMT doses at week 2.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this post hoc analysis of the STRONG-HF randomized clinical trial show that, among patients randomly assigned to high-intensity care, achieving higher doses of HF GDMT 2 weeks after discharge was feasible and safe in most patients.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03412201.

Epidemiologic features and outcomes associated with caustic ingestion among adults admitted in intensive care unit from 2013 to 2019: a French national observational study

PURPOSE

Caustic ingestion is a potential life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Data on patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for severe caustic ingestion are lacking. We aimed to describing epidemiological features and outcomes of patients admitted to ICU for caustic ingestion in France.

METHODS

In a retrospective, observational, and multicenter study, data from the national French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Informations (PMSI) database were analysed from 2013 to 2019. In-hospital mortality rate (primary outcome) and in-ICU complications (secondary outcomes) were reported and analysed.

RESULTS

569 patients (289 males (50.8%), with median age of 49 years [interquartile (26-62)] were admitted in 65 French ICU for severe caustic ingestion. Five hundred and thirteen patients (90%) were admitted for intentional caustic ingestion. The median length of stay in ICU was 14.0 [4.0-31.0] days. In-hospital mortality occurred in 56 patients (9.8%). In multivariate analysis, age and simplified acute physiology score II were associated with in-hospital mortality age of 40-59 years [OR = 15.3 (2.0-115.3)], age of 60-79 years [OR = 23.6 (3.1-182.5)], and age > 80 years [OR = 37.0 (4.2-328.6)] and SAPS 2 score [OR = 1.0018 (1.003-1.033), p < 0.001]. During ICU stay, 423 complications (74%) were reported in 505 patients (89%). Infectious (244 (42.9%)), respiratory (207 (36.4%)), surgical 62 (10.9%), haemorrhagic (64 (11.2%)) and thrombo-embolic and (35 (6.2%)) complications were the most frequently reported during ICU stay.

CONCLUSION

ICU admission for severe caustic ingestion is associated with 9.8% mortality and 74% complications. Age > 40 years and SAPS 2 score were independently associated with mortality.

Performance evaluation of a PCR panel (FilmArray® Pneumonia Plus) for detection of respiratory bacterial pathogens in respiratory specimens: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Accuracy and timing of antibiotic therapy remain a challenge for lower respiratory tract infections. New molecular techniques using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction, including the FilmArray® Pneumonia Plus Panel [FAPP], have been developed to address this. The aim of this study is to evaluate the FAPP diagnostic performance for the detection of the 15 typical bacteria of the panel from respiratory samples in a meta-analysis from a systematic review.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022, and selected any study on the FAPP diagnostic performance on respiratory samples compared to the reference standard, bacterial culture. The main outcome was the overall diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity and specificity. We calculated the log Diagnostic Odds Ratio and analyzed performance for separate bacteria, antimicrobial resistance genes, and according to the sample type. We also reported the FAPP turnaround time and the out-of-panel bacteria number and species. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021226280).

RESULTS

From 10 317 records, we identified 30 studies including 8 968 samples. Twenty-one were related to intensive care. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 94% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 91-95] and 98% [95%CI 97-98], respectively. The log Diagnostic Odds Ratio was 6.35 [95%CI 6.05-6.65]. 9.3% [95%CI 9.2-9.5] of bacteria detected in culture were not included in the FAPP panel.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review reporting the FAPP evaluation revealed a high accuracy. This test may represent an adjunct tool for pulmonary bacterial infection diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship. Further evidence is needed to assess the impact on clinical outcome.

Acute heart failure: current pharmacological treatment and perspectives

Acute heart failure (AHF) represents the most frequent cause of unplanned hospital admission in patients older than 65 years. Symptoms and clinical signs of AHF (e.g. dyspnoea, orthopnoea, oedema, jugular vein distension, and variation of body weight) are mostly related to systemic venous congestion secondary to various mechanisms including extracellular fluids, increased ventricular filling pressures, and/or auto-transfusion of blood from the splanchnic into the pulmonary circulation. Thus, the initial management of AHF patients should be mostly based on decongestive therapies on admission followed, before discharge, by rapid implementation of guideline-directed oral medical therapies for heart failure. The therapeutic management of AHF requires the identification and rapid diagnosis of the disease, the diagnosis of the cause (or triggering factor), the evaluation of severity, the presence of comorbidities, and, finally, the initiation of a rapid treatment. The most recent guidelines from ESC and ACC/AHA/HFSA have provided updated recommendations on AHF management. Recommended pharmacological treatment for AHF includes diuretic therapy aiming to relieve congestion and achieve optimal fluid status, early and rapid initiation of oral therapies before discharge combined with a close follow-up. Non-pharmacological AHF management requires risk stratification in the emergency department and non-invasive ventilation in case of respiratory failure. Vasodilators should be considered as initial therapy in AHF precipitated by hypertension. On the background of recent large randomized clinical trials and international guidelines, this state-of-the-art review describes current pharmacological treatments and potential directions for future research in AHF.

Subclinical and clinical acute kidney injury share similar urinary peptide signatures and prognosis

PURPOSE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and severe condition in intensive care units (ICUs). In 2020, the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) group proposed a new stage of AKI, referred to as stage 1S, which represents subclinical disease (sAKI) defined as a positive biomarker but no increase in serum creatinine (sCr). This study aimed to determine and compare the urinary peptide signature of sAKI as defined by biomarkers.

METHODS

This is an ancillary analysis of the prospective, observational, multinational FROG-ICU cohort study. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome definition (AKIKDIGO). sAKI was defined based on the levels of the following biomarkers, which exceeded the median value: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL, uNGAL), cystatin C (pCysC, uCysC), proenkephalin A 119-159 (pPENKID) and liver fatty acid binding protein (uLFABP). Urinary peptidomics analysis was performed using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. Samples were collected at the time of study inclusion.

RESULTS

One thousand eight hundred eighty-five patients had all biomarkers measured at inclusion, which included 1154 patients without AKI (non-AKIKDIGO subgroup). The non-AKIKDIGO subgroup consisted of individuals at a median age of 60 years [48, 71], among whom 321 (27.8%) died. The urinary peptide signatures of sAKI, regardless of the biomarkers used for its definition, were similar to the urinary peptide signatures of AKIKDIGO (inflammation, haemolysis, and endothelial dysfunction). These signatures were also associated with 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Biomarker-defined sAKI is a common and severe condition observed in patients within intensive care units with a urinary peptide signature that is similar to that of AKI, along with a comparable prognosis.

Management of Acute Right Ventricular Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute right ventricular failure (RVF) is a frequent condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. This review aims to provide a current overview of the pathophysiology, presentation, and comprehensive management of acute RVF.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acute RVF is a common disease with a pathophysiology that is not completely understood. There is renewed interest in the right ventricle (RV). Some advances have been principally made in chronic right ventricular failure (e.g., pulmonary hypertension). Due to a lack of precise definition and diagnostic tools, acute RVF is poorly studied. Few advances have been made in this field. Acute RVF is a complex, frequent, and life-threatening condition with several etiologies. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the key diagnostic tool in search of the etiology. Management includes transfer to an expert center and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) in most severe cases, etiological treatment, and general measures for RVF.

Plasma and Urinary Biomarkers Improve Prediction of Mortality through 1 Year in Intensive Care Patients: An Analysis from FROG-ICU

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the value of blood and urine biomarkers in addition to routine clinical variables in risk stratification of patients admitted to ICU.

METHODS

Multivariable prognostic models were developed in this post hoc analysis of the French and EuRopean Outcome ReGistry in Intensive Care Units study, a prospective observational study of patients admitted to ICUs. The study included 2087 patients consecutively admitted to the ICU who required invasive mechanical ventilation or a vasoactive agent for more than 24 h. The main outcome measures were in-ICU, in-hospital, and 1 year mortality.

RESULTS

Models including only SAPS II or APACHE II scores had c-indexes for in-hospital and 1 year mortality of 0.64 and 0.65, and 0.63 and 0.61, respectively. The c-indexes for a model including age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were higher at 0.69 and 0.67, respectively. Models utilizing available clinical variables increased the c-index for in-hospital and 1 year mortality to 0.80 and 0.76, respectively. The addition of biomarkers and urine proteomic markers increased c-indexes to 0.83 and 0.78.

CONCLUSIONS

The commonly used scores for risk stratification in ICU patients did not perform well in this study. Models including clinical variables and biomarkers had significantly higher predictive values.

Comparison of a short versus long-course antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

For ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the safety of short-course versus long-course antibiotic therapy is still debated, especially regarding documented VAP due to non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB). The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the rates of recurrence and relapse of VAP in patients receiving short-course (≤8 days) and long-course (≥10-15 days) of antibiotic therapy.

METHODS

The protocol for this study was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42022365138). We performed an electronic search of the relevant literature and limited our search to data published from 2000 until September 1, 2022. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the United States National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, National Institutes of Health PubMed/MEDLINE, web of science and Google Scholar databases. The primary endpoint was the recurrence and relapses of VAP, secondary endpoints were 28-day mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, number of extra-pulmonary infections and length of ICU stay.

FINDINGS

We identified five relevant studies involving 1069 patients (530 patients in the short-course group and 539 patients in the long-course group). The meta-analysis did not reveal any significant difference between short and long-course antibiotic therapy for recurrence and relapses of VAP (odd ratio "OR" = 1.48, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.96, 2.28], p = 0.08 and OR = 1.45, 95% CI [0.94, 2.22], p = 0.09, respectively), including those due to NF-GNB (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [0.93, 3.33], p = 0.05 and OR = 1.76, 95% CI [0.93, 3.33], p = 0.08, respectively). No difference was found for 28 days-mortality (OR = 1.24, 95% CI [0.92, 1.67], p = 0.16), mechanical ventilation duration, number of extra-pulmonary infections and length of ICU stay. However, short-course therapy significantly increased the number of antibiotic-free days.

INTERPRETATION

Our meta-analysis showed that short-course antibiotic therapy did not result in increased number of recurence and relapses of VAP, suggesting that short-course should be preferred to reduce the exposure to antibiotics.

FUNDING

None.

Efficacy of almitrine as a rescue therapy for refractory hypoxemia in COVID and non-COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome. A retrospective monocenter study

BACKGROUND

Almitrine, a drug enhancing hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, has been proposed as a rescue therapy for refractory hypoxemia in COVID related acute respiratory distress syndrome (C-ARDS). We aimed at investigating the response to almitrine depending on the cause of ARDS (COVID vs. non-COVID).

METHODS

Monocenter retrospective study from 2014 to 2021. All patients diagnosed with moderate to severe ARDS and treated with almitrine as rescue therapy for refractory hypoxemia were studied. Factor independently associated with oxygenation response to almitrine infusion were determined.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with ARDS and treated with almitrine were analyzed, 36 (60%) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and 24 (40%) due to other causes. Baseline PaO2/FiO2 was 78 [61-101] mmHg, 76% had at least one prone positioning before the start of almitrine infusion. Median PaO2/FiO2 increased by +38 [7-142] mmHg (+61% [10-151]) after almitrine infusion. PaO2/FiO2 increased by +134 [12-186] mmHg in non-COVID ARDS (NC-ARDS) and by +19 [8-87] mmHg in C-ARDS. The increase in PaO2/FiO2 was lower in C-ARDS than in NC-ARDS (P=0.013). In multivariable analysis, C-ARDS, non-invasive ventilation and concomitant use of norepinephrine were independently associated with a decreased oxygenation response to almitrine infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reports a highly variable response to almitrine infusion in ARDS patients with refractory hypoxemia. Independent factors associated with a reduced oxygenation response to almitrine infusion were: COVID ARDS, concomitant use of norepinephrine, and non-invasive ventilatory strategy.

Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 and bio-adrenomedullin levels are associated with impaired outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a prospective international multicentre study

Introduction

Dipeptidyl peptidase-3 (DPP3) is a protease involved in the degradation of several cardiovascular mediators. Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) is a peptide essential for regulation of endothelial barrier function. In different shock-pathologies, both biomarkers are associated with disease severity, organ dysfunction and mortality. Associations with outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients are unknown. The objectives of the present study were to investigate associations of bio-ADM and "circulating DPP3" (cDPP3) with short-term outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients (n=80).

Methods

A multicentre prospective cohort study was performed. The primary end-point was 28-day mortality. Secondary end-points included different severities of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

cDPP3 levels were mainly associated with 28-day mortality; Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) of 0.69 (0.56-0.82, p=0.023), 0.77 (0.64-0.90, p<0.001) and 0.81 (0.65-0.96, p<0.001) at admission, day 3 and day 7, respectively. In contrast, bio-ADM levels were mainly associated with AKI, with AUROCs of 0.64 (0.51-0.77, p=0.048), 0.75 (0.64-0.86, p<0.001) and 0.83 (0.74-0.93, p<0.001) for day 1, 3 and 7, respectively. Interestingly, patients with high levels of both cDPP3 and bio-ADM at day 7 had an additionally increased risk of 28-day mortality (hazard ratio 11.8; 95% CI 2.5-55.3, p<0.001).

Conclusions

cDPP3 and bio-ADM responses were associated with short-term mortality and AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients, respectively. These findings suggest that treatment with specific antibodies modulating cDPP3 or bio-ADM-related pathways may improve outcome of COVID-19.

Two-lung ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in prone position: A systematic review

Esophageal cancer surgery is still carrying a high risk of morbidity and mortality. That is why some anesthesia strategies have tried to reduce those postoperative complications. In this systematic review performed in accordance with the PRISMA-S guidelines (PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022310385)), we aimed to investigate the safety and advantages of two-lung ventilation (TLV) over one-lung ventilation (OLV) in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in the prone position. Seven trials, with a total number of 1710 patients (765 patients with TLV versus 945 patients with OLV) were included. Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were similar between TLV and OLV when realised for esophagectomy. Interestingly, we observed no difference in changes in intraoperative respiratory parameters, operative duration, thoraco-conversion rate, number of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative heart rate and respiratory rate between TLV and OLV. TLV brings better results in terms of intraoperative oxygen arterial pressure (PaO₂) during the thoracic time, postoperative oxygenation, PaO2 on inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO₂) ratio, duration of thoracic surgery, preoperative time, blood loss, temperature on postoperative day-1, and C-reactive protein dosage. Our study highlighted the safety of TLV for MIE in prone position when compared to OLV. Interestingly, we found better intra and postoperative ventilation parameters. The choice of ventilation modality did not influence clinical outcome after surgery and the quality of oncological resection. Large randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

The association of biological sex and long-term outcomes in patients with acute dyspnea at the emergency department

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Marked differences have been described between women and men in disease prevalence, clinical presentation, response to treatment and outcomes. However, such data are scarce in the acutely ill. An awareness of differences related to biological sex is essential for the success of clinical care and outcomes in patients presenting with acute dyspnea, the most frequent cause of emergency department (ED) admission.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of biological sex on 1-year all-cause mortality in patients presenting with acute dyspnea to the ED.

DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive adult patients presenting with acute dyspnea in two Lithuanian EDs were included. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data and medication use at discharge were collected. Follow-up at 1 year was performed via national data registries.

OUTCOMES MEASURE AND ANALYSIS

The primary outcome of the study was 1-year all-cause mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) for 1-year mortality according to biological sex were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model, with and without adjustment for the following confounders: age, systolic blood pressure, creatinine, sodium and hemoglobin.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 1455 patients were included. Women represented 43% of the study population. Compared to men, women were older [median (interquartile range [IQR]) age 74 (65-80) vs. 68 (59-77) years, P < 0.0001]. The duration of clinical signs before admission was shorter for women [median (IQR) duration 4 (1-14) vs. 7(2-14) days, P = 0.006]. Unadjusted 1-year all-cause mortality was significantly lower in women (21 vs. 28%, P = 0.001). Adjusted HR of 1-year all-cause mortality was lower in women when compared to men [HR 0.68 (0.53-0.88), P = 0.0028]. Additional sensitivity analyses confirmed the survival benefit for women in subgroups including age greater and lower than 75 years, the presence of comorbidities and causes of dyspnea (cardiac or noncardiac).

CONCLUSION

Women have better 1-year survival than men after the initial ED presentation for acute dyspnea. Understanding the biological sex-related differences should lead toward precision medicine, and improve clinical decision-making to promote gender equality in health.

Usefulness of lactate albumin ratio at admission to predict 28-day mortality in critically ill severely burned patients: A retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Lactate albumin ratio (LAR) has been used as a prognostic marker associated with organ failure in critically ill septic patients. LAR and its association with outcomes has never been studied in burned patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of LAR to predict 28-day mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study including all burn patients hospitalized in intensive care unit. The primary endpoint was the 28-day mortality.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred thirty four patients were screened, and 471 were included between June 2012 and December 2018. Briefly, the population study was mainly composed by men (249, 59.1%), the median age, TBSA burned, full thickness, ABSI and IGS2 were 52 [34-68], 20 [10-40], 8 [1-23], 7 [5-9] and 25 [15-40] respectively. Fifty-two patients (12.4%) died at day 28 after admission. At admission, the LAR level was lower in 28-day survivors compared non-survivors (0.05 [0.04, 0.08] vs 0.12 [0.07, 0.26], p < 0.001 respectively). In multivariate analysis accounting for ABSI, LAR levels at admission> 0.13 was independently associated with 28-day mortality (adjusted OR = 3.98 (IC95 1.88-8.35)). The ability of LAR at admission to discriminate 28-day mortality showed an AUC identical when compared to SOFA and ABSI scores (0.81 (IC95 0.74-0.88), 0.80 (IC95 0.72-0.85) and (0.85 (IC95 0.80-0.90), p < 0.05, respectively). Patients with LAR levels ≥ 0.13 at admission had higher 28-day mortality (40.6% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001, HR 7.39 (IC95 4.28-12.76)).

CONCLUSION

At admission, LAR is an easy and reliable marker independently associated to 28-day mortality in patients with severe burn injury, but prediction by LAR does not perform better than lactate level alone.

Inotropes and vasopressors are associated with increased short-term mortality but not long-term survival in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

Limited information is currently available on the impact of vasoactive medications in intensive care (ICU) and long-term outcomes. The main objective of our study was to describe the association between the use of inotropes and/or vasopressors and ICU mortality. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the association between the use of vasoactive drugs and in-hospital as well as 1-year all-cause mortality in ICU survivors.

METHODS

FROG-ICU was a prospective, observational, multi-centre cohort designed to investigate long-term mortality of critically ill adult patients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between the use of inotropes and/or vasopressors and ICU mortality, as well as in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality in a propensity-score matched cohort.

RESULTS

The study included 2087 patients, 939 of whom received inotropes and/or vasopressors during the initial ICU stay. Patients treated with vasoactive medications were older and had a more severe clinical presentation. In a propensity score-matched cohort of 1201 patients, ICU mortality was higher in patients who received vasoactive medications (HR of 1.40 [1.10 - 1.78], p = 0.007). One thousand six hundred thirty-five patients survived the index ICU hospitalisation. There was no significant difference according to the use of inotropes and/or vasopressors in the propensity-score matched cohort on in-hospital mortality (HR of 0.94 [0.60 - 1.49], p = 0.808) as well as one-year all-cause mortality (HR 0.94 [0.71 - 1.24], p = 0.643).

CONCLUSION

Inotropic and/or vasopressor therapy is a strong predictor of in-ICU death. However, the use of inotropes and/or vasopressors during ICU admission was not associated with a worse prognosis after ICU discharge.

Monitoring circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) predicts improvement of organ failure and survival in sepsis: a prospective observational multinational study

Background

Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a cytosolic enzyme involved in the degradation of various cardiovascular and endorphin mediators. High levels of circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) indicate a high risk of organ dysfunction and mortality in cardiogenic shock patients.

Methods

The aim was to assess relationships between cDPP3 during the initial intensive care unit (ICU) stay and short-term outcome in the AdrenOSS-1, a prospective observational multinational study in twenty-four ICU centers in five countries. AdrenOSS-1 included 585 patients admitted to the ICU with severe sepsis or septic shock. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included organ failure as defined by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, organ support with focus on vasopressor/inotropic use and need for renal replacement therapy. cDPP3 levels were measured upon admission and 24 h later.

Results

Median [IQR] cDPP3 concentration upon admission was 26.5 [16.2–40.4] ng/mL. Initial SOFA score was 7 [5–10], and 28-day mortality was 22%. We found marked associations between cDPP3 upon ICU admission and 28-day mortality (unadjusted standardized HR 1.8 [CI 1.6–2.1]; adjusted HR 1.5 [CI 1.3–1.8]) and between cDPP3 levels and change in renal and liver SOFA score (p = 0.0077 and 0.0009, respectively). The higher the initial cDPP3 was, the greater the need for organ support and vasopressors upon admission; the longer the need for vasopressor(s), mechanical ventilation or RRT and the higher the need for fluid load (all p < 0.005). In patients with cDPP3 > 40.4 ng/mL upon admission, a decrease in cDPP3 below 40.4 ng/mL after 24 h was associated with an improvement of organ function at 48 h and better 28-day outcome. By contrast, persistently elevated cDPP3 at 24 h was associated with worsening organ function and high 28-day mortality.

Conclusions

Admission levels and rapid changes in cDPP3 predict outcome during sepsis.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02393781. Registered on March 19, 2015.

Adrecizumab: an investigational agent for the biomarker-guided treatment of sepsis

Introduction: Sepsis is a major health problem with a high incidence and mortality. ADM, a free-circulating peptide mainly expressed and secreted by vascular endothelial cells, shows vasodilatory properties and causes hypotension when present in higher concentrations during sepsis. Areas covered: Adrecizumab (ADZ) (HAM 8101) is a humanized targeted therapy directed against the N-terminus of adrenomedullin (ADM). ADZ inhibits excessive circulating sepsis-induced ADM and stimulates protective effects on the endothelial barrier, and decreases interstitial vasodilatory effects. ADZ demonstrated a promising safety profile in healthy subjects in phase I studies. According to these results, a phase II proof of concept study enrolling 300 septic patients is currently in course (NCT03085758). Expert opinion: ADZ is the first humanized antibody directed against ADM. The main interest of ADZ is its potential use as a 'biomarker-guided therapy' in septic patients with high circulating ADM. ADZ is increasingly seen as a potential adjunct therapy to restore endothelial function in septic shock. A positive pivotal phase III trial is indeed needed to convince the intensive care community to prescribe ADZ in septic shock patients. Further, it would be of interest to see whether ADZ might also benefit other critical diseases such as cardiogenic shock where endothelial dysfunction has also been described.

Inhibition of circulating dipeptidyl-peptidase 3 restores cardiac function in a sepsis-induced model in rats: A proof of concept study

Sepsis is a global economic and health burden. Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is elevated in the plasma of septic patients. The highest levels of circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) are found in non-survivor septic shock patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of inhibiting cDPP3 by a specific antibody, Procizumab (PCZ), on cardiac function in an experimental model of sepsis, the caecal ligature and puncture (CLP) model. Rats were monitored by invasive blood pressure and echocardiography. Results are presented as mean ± SD, with p <0.05 considered significant. PCZ rapidly restored left ventricular shortening fraction (from 39 ± 4% to 51 ± 2% before and 30 min after PCZ administration (p = 0.004)). Cardiac output and stroke volume were higher in the CLP + PCZ group when compared to the CLP + PBS group (152 ± 33 mL/min vs 97 ± 25 mL/min (p = 0.0079), and 0.5 ± 0.1 mL vs 0.3 ± 1.0 mL (p = 0.009), respectively) with a markedly reduced plasma DPP3 activity (138 ± 70 U/L in CLP + PCZ group versus 735 ± 255 U/L (p = 0.048) in the CLP + PBS group). Of note, PCZ rapidly reduced oxidative stress in the heart of the CLP + PCZ group when compared to those of the CLP + PBS group (13.3 ± 8.2 vs 6.2 ± 2.5 UI, p = 0.005, 120 min after administration, respectively). Our study demonstrates that inhibition of cDPP3 by PCZ restored altered cardiac function during sepsis in rats.

Performance of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel for identifying bacterial pathogens causing pneumonia in critically ill patients with COVID-19

The FilmArray® Pneumonia Plus (FA-PP) panel can provide rapid identifications and semiquantitative results for many pathogens. We performed a prospective single-center study in 43 critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in which we performed 96 FA-PP tests and cultures of blind bronchoalveolar lavage (BBAL). FA-PP detected 1 or more pathogens in 32% (31/96 of samples), whereas culture methods detected at least 1 pathogen in 35% (34/96 of samples). The most prevalent bacteria detected were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 14) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 11) on both FA-PP and culture. The FA-PP results from BBAL in critically ill patients with COVID-19 were consistent with bacterial culture findings for bacteria present in the FA-PP panel, showing sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of 95%, 99%, 82%, and 100%, respectively. Median turnaround time for FA-PP was 5.5 h, which was significantly shorter than for standard culture (26 h) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results (57 h).

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is associated with Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19

The pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients is still poorly understood. SARS-CoV-2 has been suggested to modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In this series of COVID-19 critically ill patients, we report evidence of activation of the RAAS in COVID-19 patients with AKI.

Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase-3 at admission is associated with circulatory failure, acute kidney injury and death in severely ill burn patients

Background

Dipeptidyl peptidase-3 (DPP3) is a metallopeptidase which cleaves bioactive peptides, notably angiotensin II, and is involved in inflammation regulation. DPP3 has been proposed to be a myocardial depressant factor and to be involved in circulatory failure in acute illnesses, possibly due to angiotensin II cleavage. In this study, we evaluated the association between plasmatic DPP3 level and outcome (mortality and hemodynamic failure) in severely ill burn patients.

Methods

In this biomarker analysis of a prospective cohort study, we included severely ill adult burn patients in two tertiary burn intensive care units. DPP3 was measured at admission (DPP3_admin) and 3 days after. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were hemodynamic failure and acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

One hundred and eleven consecutive patients were enrolled. The median age was 48 (32.5–63) years, with a median total body surface area burned of 35% (25–53.5) and Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) of 8 (7–11). Ninety-day mortality was 32%. The median DPP3_admin was significantly higher in non-survivors versus survivors (53.3 ng/mL [IQR 28.8–103.5] versus 27.1 ng/mL [IQR 19.4–38.9]; p < 0.0001). Patients with a sustained elevated DPP3 had an increased risk of death compared to patients with high DPP3_admin but decreased levels on day 3. Patients with circulatory failure had higher DPP3_admin (39.2 ng/mL [IQR 25.9–76.1] versus 28.4 ng/mL [IQR 19.8–39.6]; p = 0.001) as well as patients with AKI (49.7 ng/mL [IQR 30.3–87.3] versus 27.6 ng/mL [IQR 19.4–41.4]; p = 0.001). DPP3_admin added prognostic value on top of ABSI (added chi² 12.2, p = 0.0005), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at admission (added chi² 4.9, p = 0.0268), and plasma lactate at admission (added chi² 6.9, p = 0.0086) to predict circulatory failure within the first 48 h.

Conclusions

Plasma DPP3 concentration at admission was associated with an increased risk of death, circulatory failure, and AKI in severely burned patients. Whether DPP3 plasma levels could identify patients who would respond to alternative hemodynamic support strategies, such as intravenous angiotensin II, should be explored.

Adrecizumab, a non-neutralizing anti-adrenomedullin antibody, improves haemodynamics and attenuates myocardial oxidative stress in septic rats

Background

Sepsis still represents a major health issue, with persistent high morbidity and mortality rates. Cardiovascular dysfunction occurs frequently during sepsis. Adrenomedullin has been identified as a key mediator in vascular tone regulation. A non-neutralizing anti-adrenomedullin antibody, Adrecizumab, may improve haemodynamic dysfunction during caecal ligation and puncture-induced septic shock in a murine model. Our objective was to determine the role of Adrecizumab on haemodynamics in a rat model of sepsis.

Methods

For the induction of sepsis, caecal ligation and puncture were performed in Wistar male rats. Single blinded administration of Adrecizumab (2 mg/kg) or placebo was injected i.v. 24 h after the surgery, and norepinephrine was infused as the standard of care. There were > 7 animals per group. Invasive blood pressure and cardiac function (by echocardiography) were assessed until 3 h after Adrecizumab injection.

Results

A single therapeutic injection of Adrecizumab in septic rats induced rapid haemodynamic benefits with an increase in systolic blood pressure in septic-Adrecizumab rats versus untreated-septic rats (p = 0.049). The shortening fraction did not differ between the untreated-septic and septic-Adrecizumab groups. However, cardiac output increased during the 3 h after a single dose of Adrecizumab compared to untreated septic rats (p = 0.006). A single dose of Adrecizumab resulted in similar haemodynamics to the continuous administration of norepinephrine.

Three hours after a single injection of Adrecizumab, there was no change in the inflammatory phenotype (TNFα, IL-10) in the hearts of the septic rats. By contrast, 3 h after a single Adrecizumab injection, free-radical production decreased in the hearts of septic-Adrecizumab vs untreated septic rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In a rat model of sepsis, a single therapeutic injection of Adrecizumab rapidly restored haemodynamic parameters and blunted myocardial oxidative stress. Currently, a proof-of-concept and dose-finding phase II trial (Adrenoss-2) is ongoing in patients with septic shock and elevated concentrations of circulating bio-adrenomedullin.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40635-019-0255-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors continuation versus discontinuation on outcome after major surgery: protocol of a multicenter randomized, controlled trial (STOP-or-NOT trial)

BACKGROUND

Chronic treatment of hypertension or heart failure very often includes an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) as renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) treatments. To stop or not to stop these medications before major surgery remains an unresolved issue. The lack of evidence leads to conflicting guidelines with respect to RASi management before major surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a strategy of RASi continuation or discontinuation on perioperative complications in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, open-labeled randomized controlled trial in > 30 French centers. In the experimental group, RASi will be continued while the treatment will be stopped 48 h before the surgery in the control arm. The primary endpoint is a composite endpoint of major complications after surgery. An endpoint adjudication committee will review clinical data and adjudicate efficacy endpoints while blinded to the assigned study drug group. Main analysis will be by intention-to-treat comparing the composite outcome measure at 28 days in the two groups. A total of 2222 patients are planned to detect an absolute complications difference of 5%.

DISCUSSION

The results of the trial should provide robust evidence to anesthesiologists and surgeons regarding management of RASi before major non-cardiac surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03374449 . Registered on 11 December 2017.

Low cardiac index and stroke volume on admission are associated with poor outcome in critically ill burn patients: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Impact of early systemic hemodynamic alterations and fluid resuscitation on outcome in the modern burn care remains controversial. We investigate the association between acute-phase systemic hemodynamics, timing of fluid resuscitation and outcome in critically ill burn patients.

Methods

Retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted in a university hospital. Forty critically ill burn patients with total body surface area (TBSA) burn-injured >20 % with invasive blood pressure and cardiac output monitoring (transpulmonary thermodilution technique) within 8 h from trauma were included. We retrospectively examined hemodynamic variables during the first 24 h following admission, and their association with 90-day mortality.

Results

The median (interquartile range 25th–75th percentile) TBSA, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Abbreviated Burn Severity Index of the study population were 41 (29–56), 31 (23–50) and 9 (7–11) %, respectively. 90-Day mortality was 42 %. There was no statistical difference between the median pre-hospital and 24-h administered fluid volume in survivors and non-survivors. On admission, stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), oxygen delivery index and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly lower in patients who died despite similar fluid resuscitation volume. ROC curves comparing the ability of initial SV, CI, MAP and lactate to discriminate 90-day mortality gave areas under curves of, respectively, 0.89 (CI 0.77–1), 0.77 (CI 0.58–0.95), 0.73 (CI 0.53–0.93) and 0.78 (CI 0.63–0.92); (p value <0.05 for all). In multivariate analysis, SAPS II and initial SV were independently associated with 90-day mortality (best cutoff value for SV was 27 mL, sensitivity 92 %, specificity 69 %). During 24 h, no interaction was found between time and outcome regarding macrocirculatory parameters changes. Hemodynamic parameters improved during the first 24-h resuscitation in all patients but patients who died had lower SV and CI on admission, which remained through the first 24 h.

Conclusion

Low initial SV and CI were associated with poor outcome in critically ill burn patients. Very early hemodynamic monitoring may in help detecting under-resuscitated patients. Future prospective interventional studies should explore the impact of early goal-directed therapy in these specific patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13613-016-0192-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.