qSOFA combined with suPAR for early risk detection and guidance of antibiotic treatment in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sepsis guidelines suggest immediate start of resuscitation for patients with quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) 2 or 3. However, the interpretation of qSOFA 1 remains controversial. We investigated whether measurements of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) may improve risk detection when qSOFA is 1.

METHODS

The study had two parts. At the first part, the combination of suPAR with qSOFA was analyzed in a prospective cohort for early risk detection. At the second part, the double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) SUPERIOR evaluated the efficacy of the suPAR-guided medical intervention. SUPERIOR took place between November 2018 and December 2020. Multivariate stepwise Cox regression was used for the prospective cohort, while univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used for the RCT. Consecutive admissions at the emergency department (ED) with suspected infection, qSOFA 1 and suPAR ≥ 12 ng/mL were allocated to single infusion of placebo or meropenem. The primary endpoint was early deterioration, defined as at least one-point increase of admission Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score the first 24 h.

RESULTS

Most of the mortality risk was for patients with qSOFA 2 and 3. Taking the hazard ratio (HR) for death of patients with qSOFA = 1 and suPAR < 12 ng/mL as reference, the HR of qSOFA = 1 and suPAR ≥ 12 ng/mL for 28-day mortality was 2.98 (95% CI 2.11-3.96). The prospective RCT was prematurely ended due to pandemia-related ED re-allocations, with 91 patients enrolled: 47 in the placebo and 44 in the meropenem arm. The primary endpoint was met in 40.4% (n = 19) and 15.9% (n = 7), respectively (difference 24.5% [5.9-40.8]; odds ratio 0.14 [0.04-0.50]). One post hoc analysis showed significant median changes of SOFA score after 72 and 96 h equal to 0 and - 1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining qSOFA 1 with the biomarker suPAR improves its prognostic performance for unfavorable outcome and can help decision for earlier treatment. Trial registration EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT, 2018-001008-13) and Clinical-Trials.gov (NCT03717350). Registered 24 October 2018.

ESCAPE: An Open-Label Trial of Personalized Immunotherapy in Critically lll COVID-19 Patients

Background

Macrophage activation-like syndrome (MALS) and complex immune dysregulation (CID) often underlie acute respiratory distress (ARDS) in COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the effect of personalized immunotherapy on clinical improvement of critical COVID-19.

Methods

In this open-label prospective trial, 102 patients with ARDS by SARS-CoV-2 were screened for MALS (ferritin >4,420 ng/mL) and CID (ferritin ≤4,420 ng/mL and low human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression on CD14-monocytes). Patients with MALS or CID with increased aminotransferases received intravenous anakinra; those with CID and normal aminotransferases received tocilizumab. The primary outcome was ≥25% decrease in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and/or 50% increase in the respiratory ratio by day 8; 28-day mortality, change of SOFA score by day 28, serum biomarkers, and cytokine production by mononuclear cells were secondary endpoints.

Results

The primary study endpoint was met in 58.3% of anakinra-treated patients and in 33.3% of tocilizumab-treated patients (p: 0.01). Most patients in both groups received dexamethasone as standard of care. No differences were found in secondary outcomes, mortality, and SOFA score changes. Ferritin decreased among anakinra-treated patients; interleukin-6, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, and HLA-DR expression increased among tocilizumab-treated patients. Survivors by day 28 who received anakinra were distributed to lower severity levels of the WHO clinical progression scale. Greater incidence of secondary infections was found with tocilizumab treatment.

Conclusion

Immune assessment resulted in favorable anakinra responses among critically ill patients with COVID-19 and features of MALS.

An open label trial of anakinra to prevent respiratory failure in COVID-19

Background:

It was studied if early suPAR-guided anakinra treatment can prevent severe respiratory failure (SRF) of COVID-19.

Methods:

A total of 130 patients with suPAR ≥6 ng/ml were assigned to subcutaneous anakinra 100 mg once daily for 10 days. Primary outcome was SRF incidence by day 14 defined as any respiratory ratio below 150 mmHg necessitating mechanical or non-invasive ventilation. Main secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality and inflammatory mediators; 28-day WHO-CPS was explored. Propensity-matched standard-of care comparators were studied.

Results:

22.3% with anakinra treatment and 59.2% comparators (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.20–0.46) progressed into SRF; 30-day mortality was 11.5% and 22.3% respectively (hazard ratio 0.49; 95% CI 0.25–0.97). Anakinra was associated with decrease in circulating interleukin (IL)−6, sCD163 and sIL2-R; IL-10/IL-6 ratio on day 7 was inversely associated with SOFA score; patients were allocated to less severe WHO-CPS strata.

Conclusions:

Early suPAR-guided anakinra decreased SRF and restored the pro-/anti-inflammatory balance.

Funding:

This study was funded by the Hellenic Institute for the Study of Sepsis, Technomar Shipping Inc, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, and the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme.

Clinical trial number:

NCT04357366.

People infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can develop severe respiratory failure and require a ventilator to keep breathing, but this does not happen to every infected individual. Measuring a blood protein called suPAR (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) may help identify patients at the greatest risk of developing severe respiratory failure and requiring a ventilator. Previous investigations have suggested that measuring suPAR can identify pneumonia patients at highest risk for developing respiratory failure. The protein can be measured by taking a blood sample, and its levels provide a snapshot of how the body’s immune system is reacting to infection, and of how it may respond to treatment.

Anakinra is a drug that forms part of a class of medications called interleukin antagonists. It is commonly prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to reduce pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Kyriazopoulou et al. investigated whether treating COVID-19 patients who had developed pneumonia with anakinra could prevent the use of a ventilator and lower the risk of death.

The findings show that treating COVID-19 patients with an injection of 100 milligrams of anakinra for ten days may be an effective approach because the drug combats inflammation. Kyriazopoulou et al. examined various markers of the immune response and discovered that anakinra was able to improve immune function, protecting a significant number of patients from going on a ventilator. The drug was also found to be safe and cause no significant adverse side effects.

Administering anakinra decreased of the risk of progression into severe respiratory failure by 70%, and reduced death rates significantly. These results suggest that it may be beneficial to use suPAR as an early biomarker for identifying those individuals at highest risk for severe respiratory failure, and then treat them with anakinra. While the findings are promising, they must be validated in larger studies.

Necrotizing Soft-Tissue Infection and Necrotizing Fasciitis in Adults of a Single Center: Review, Current Concepts and Challenges

Background: The aim of this work is to assess the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients treated for necrotizing soft-tissue infection/necrotizing fasciitis (NSTI/NF) and determine their outcomes. Patients and Methods: During the period 1/2012-12/2019 24 adults (18 males, 6 females, aged 33-91 years/mean age 52.4 years) with NSTI/NF were treated. Comorbidities were encountered in 20 (83.3%). Eighteen patients (Group I) presented late, with gangrene and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (9) or septic shock/ organ dysfunction (9). Six patients (Group II) presented early, with local pain, fever, and erythema. Affected areas included perineum-scrotum- external genitalia- abdominal wall or thigh, extremities-trunk, and gluteofemoral area in Group I, and scrotum, extremities, and labium majus in Group II. Results: Intensive resuscitation and antibiotics were started immediately. All patients had a CT scan and underwent surgery within 4 hours from admission. All necrotic soft tissues were aggressively excised. Additionally, patients underwent Hartmann’s colectomy (3) or colostomy (3), thoracostomy (1), opening of compartments of extremities (2), and extrapelvic drainage (1).Wounds were packed open; specimens were sent for Gram stain/cultures and histology. From Group I, 14 remained intubated for 2-10 days, and 15 required 1-5 further limited debridements or incisions (mean 2). Histologically, tissue necrosis was confirmed in all patients, NF in 18. Infection was polymicrobial in 20. Antibiotics were modulated based on culture results. Four Group I diabetics with extended perineal NF died due to uncontrolled sepsis (16.66%). Survivors received antibiosis for 10-18 days (mean, 15), were helped with nutritional support, and they had a planned wound closure or reconstruction. Their mean hospitalization was 28 days (range, 12-46). Conclusion: Improving diagnosis of NSTI/NF requires awareness for early recognition and prompt initiation of aggressive treatment, particularly for lesions extended beside perineum. Unfavourable outcome is affected by the delayed or inadequate surgery and the degree of multiple organ dysfunction on admission.

Evaluating patients' unmet needs in hidradenitis suppurativa: Results from the Global Survey Of Impact and Healthcare Needs (VOICE) Project

BACKGROUND

A needs assessment for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) will support advancements in multidisciplinary care, treatment, research, advocacy, and philanthropy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate unmet needs from the perspective of HS patients.

METHODS

Prospective multinational survey of patients between October 2017 and July 2018.

RESULTS

Before receiving a formal HS diagnosis, 63.7% (n = 827) of patients visited a physician ≥5 times. Mean delay in diagnosis was 10.2 ± 8.9 years. Patients experienced flare daily, weekly, or monthly in 23.0%, 29.8%, and 31.1%, respectively. Most (61.4% [n = 798]) rated recent HS-related pain as moderate or higher, and 4.5% described recent pain to be the worst possible. Access to dermatology was rated as difficult by 37.0% (n = 481). Patients reported visiting the emergency department and hospital ≥5 times for symptoms in 18.3% and 12.5%, respectively. An extreme impact on life was reported by 43.3% (n = 563), and 14.5% were disabled due to disease. Patients reported a high frequency of comorbidities, most commonly mood disorders. Patients were dissatisfied with medical or procedural treatments in 45.9% and 34.6%, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Data were self-reported. Patients with more severe disease may have been selected.

CONCLUSION

HS patients have identified several critical unmet needs that will require stakeholder collaboration to meaningfully address.

Evaluation of stapled hemorrhoidopexy for hemorrhoidal disease: 14-year experience from 800 cases

AIM

The object of the present study was to assess results and document both the need for reoperations and the long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Eight hundred patients with symptomatic grades II-IV hemorroidal disease (HD), mean age 52.3 years, were surgically managed from January 1999 to March 2013. One hundred and eight displayed comorbidity of other anal pathology. All patients underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) or double SH, combined with accessory anal procedures in 90 cases. Distance from dentate line to staple line and width of resected doughnut were recorded. Postoperative pain was measured.

RESULTS

Mean measured distance of staple to dentate line was 2.6 cm. Mean hospital stay was 1.2 days. All patients were clinically examined at 1, 4 and 12 weeks, scheduled to be monitored annually for three years and instructed thereafter to contact us for any anorectal problem. Early procedure-related complications that required reintervention occurred in 20 patients (2.5%). Patient satisfaction at 12 weeks was high (98.5%). Thirty-two patients (4%) developed late procedure-related complications that required surgery, with 24 (3%) displaying the most important recurrence. Quite low stapling caused severe pain or stenosis; inadequate mucosectomy was related to stenosis or recurrence. A learning curve was observed over time leading to significant reduction in late reoperations.

CONCLUSION

Considerable experience of SH in the treatment of grades II-IV HD confirms it as safe and effective procedure with sustained favorable results. Meticulous technique is essential to avoid complications and improve outcomes in terms of low recurrence and reintervention rates.