1
|
Pagonis A, Chalkias A, Mavrovounis G, Tourlakopoulos K, Marsitopoulos K, Papagiannakis N, Kechagia M, Makri E, Tsolaki V, Daniil Z, Gourgoulianis K, Pantazopoulos I. Evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic ability of ischemia modified albumin in COVID-19. Heart Lung 2024; 66:16-22. [PMID: 38520986 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with COVID-19 can rapidly deteriorate and develop acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Prominent features of the disease include severe inflammation, endotheliitis, and thrombosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic effectiveness of ischemia modified albumin (ΙΜΑ) in a cohort of COVID-19 patients. METHODS This prospective observational study included adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test, who were hospitalized specifically for COVID-19. The outcomes of interest were progression to severe acute respiratory failure during the index hospitalization defined as partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen lower or equal to 150, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital mortality. Admission IMA levels were determined using the commercially available "IMA Assay Kit" method (Abbexa LTD, Cambridge, UK). Adults without SARS-CoV-2 infection were used as controls. RESULTS 135 COVID-19 patients and 64 controls were included. Admission IMA levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls [[24.38 (11.94) ng/ml vs. 14.69 (3.52) ng/ml, p < 0.01]. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of admission IMA showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 94% (p < 0.0001) for COVID-19 diagnosis (cut-off value: 17.5 ng/ml; sensitivity: 90.37%; specificity: 87.5%). Admission IMA was also associated with mortality (AUC: 68%, p = 0.01). However, it was not associated with severe acute respiratory failure (AUC: 47%, p = 0.53) or ICU admission (AUC: 58%, p = 0.41). CONCLUSION Admission IMA was significantly increased in COVID-19 patients and was associated with in-hospital mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Pagonis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chalkias
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Georgios Mavrovounis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Papagiannakis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Kechagia
- Hematology Laboratory, Sismanoglio General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Oikonomou E, Pantelidis P, Gialamas I, Kalogeras K, Zakynthinos E, Vavuranakis M, Siasos G. Unveiling the Role of Endothelial Dysfunction: A Possible Key to Enhancing Catheter Ablation Success in Atrial Fibrillation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2317. [PMID: 38396990 PMCID: PMC10889579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation, a prevalent type of arrhythmia, is increasingly contributing to the economic burden on healthcare systems. The development of innovative treatments, notably catheter ablation, has demonstrated both impressive and promising outcomes. However, these treatments have not yet fully replaced pharmaceutical approaches, primarily due to the relatively high incidence of atrial fibrillation recurrence post-procedure. Recent insights into endothelial dysfunction have shed light on its role in both the onset and progression of atrial fibrillation. This emerging understanding suggests that endothelial function might significantly influence the effectiveness of catheter ablation. Consequently, a deeper exploration into endothelial dynamics could potentially elevate the status of catheter ablation, positioning it as a primary treatment option for atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Panteleimon Pantelidis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Ioannis Gialamas
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeras
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (P.P.); (I.G.); (K.K.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tsolaki V, Siempos II. Monotherapy or Combination Therapy for Septic Shock? A Debate on Steroids. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024. [PMID: 38354067 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202401-0175ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- University Hospital of Larissa, Critical Care Department, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ilias I Siempos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 68993, Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Karavidas N, Vazgiourakis V, Papanikolaou J, Parisi K, Zygoulis P, Makris D, Zakynthinos E. Comprehensive temporal analysis of right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients. Ann Intensive Care 2024; 14:25. [PMID: 38345712 PMCID: PMC10861421 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-024-01241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac injury is frequently reported in COVID-19 patients, the right ventricle (RV) is mostly affected. We systematically evaluated the cardiac function and longitudinal changes in severe COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and assessed the impact on survival. METHODS We prospectively performed comprehensive echocardiographic analysis on mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ARDS patients, using 2D/3D echocardiography. We defined left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction as ejection fraction (EF) < 40%, or longitudinal strain (LS) > - 18% and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction if two indices among fractional area change (FAC) < 35%, tricuspid annulus systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) < 1.6 cm, RV EF < 44%, RV-LS > - 20% were present. RV afterload was assessed from pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), PASP/Velocity Time Integral in the right ventricular outflow tract (VTIRVOT) and pulmonary acceleration time (PAcT). TAPSE/PASP assessed the right ventriculoarterial coupling (VACR). RESULTS Among 176 patients included, RV dysfunction was common (69%) (RV-EF 41.1 ± 1.3%; RV-FAC 36.6 ± 0.9%, TAPSE 20.4 ± 0.4mm, RV-LS:- 14.4 ± 0.4%), usually accompanied by RV dilatation (RVEDA/LVEDA 0.82 ± 0.02). RV afterload was increased in most of the patients (PASP 33 ± 1.1 mmHg, PAcT 65.3 ± 1.5 ms, PASP/VTIRVOT, 2.29 ± 0.1 mmHg/cm). VACR was 0.8 ± 0.06 mm/mmHg. LV-EF < 40% was present in 21/176 (11.9%); mean LV-EF 57.8 ± 1.1%. LV-LS (- 13.3 ± 0.3%) revealed a silent LV impairment in 87.5%. A mild pericardial effusion was present in 70(38%) patients, more frequently in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Survivors presented significant improvements in respiratory physiology during the 10th ICU-day (PaO2/FiO2, 231.2 ± 11.9 vs 120.2 ± 6.7 mmHg; PaCO2, 43.1 ± 1.2 vs 53.9 ± 1.5 mmHg; respiratory system compliance-CRS, 42.6 ± 2.2 vs 27.8 ± 0.9 ml/cmH2O, all p < 0.0001). Moreover, survivors presented significant decreases in RV afterload (PASP: 36.1 ± 2.4 to 20.1 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.0001, PASP/VTIRVOT: 2.5 ± 1.4 to 1.1 ± 0.7, p < 0.0001 PAcT: 61 ± 2.5 to 84.7 ± 2.4 ms, p < 0.0001), associated with RV systolic function improvement (RVEF: 36.5 ± 2.9% to 46.6 ± 2.1%, p = 0.001 and RV-LS: - 13.6 ± 0.7% to - 16.7 ± 0.8%, p = 0.001). In addition, RV dilation subsided in survivors (RVEDA/LVEDA: 0.8 ± 0.05 to 0.6 ± 0.03, p = 0.001). Day-10 CRS correlated with RV afterload (PASP/VTIRVOT, r: 0.535, p < 0.0001) and systolic function (RV-LS, 0.345, p = 0.001). LV-LS during the 10th ICU-day, while ΔRV-LS and ΔPASP/RVOTVTI were associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 improvements in RV function, RV afterload and RV-PA coupling at day 10 were associated with respiratory function and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Nikitas Karavidas
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - John Papanikolaou
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Trikala, Karditsis 56, 42131, Trikala, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Parisi
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paris Zygoulis
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Papoutsi E, Kremmydas P, Tsolaki V, Kyriakoudi A, Routsi C, Kotanidou A, Siempos II. Racial and ethnic minority participants in clinical trials of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Intensive Care Med 2023; 49:1479-1488. [PMID: 37847403 PMCID: PMC10709247 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-023-07238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is growing interest in improving the inclusiveness of racial and ethnic minority participants in trials of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With our study we aimed to examine temporal trends of representation and mortality of racial and ethnic minority participants in randomized controlled trials of ARDS. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of eight ARDS Network and PETAL Network therapeutic clinical trials, published between 2000 and 2019. We classified race/ethnicity into "White", "Black", "Hispanic", or "Other" (including Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander participants). RESULTS Of 5375 participants with ARDS, 1634 (30.4%) were Black, Hispanic, or Other race participants. Representation of racial and ethnic minority participants in trials did not change significantly over time (p = 0.257). However, among participants with moderate to severe ARDS (i.e., partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio < 150), the difference in mortality between racial and ethnic minority participants and White participants decreased over time. In the five most recent trials, including 2923 participants with ARDS, there were no statistically significant differences in mortality between racial/ethnic groups, even after adjusting for potential confounders. In these five most recent trials, mortality was 31% for White, 31.9% for Black, 30.3% for Hispanic, and 37.1% for Other race participants (p = 0.633). CONCLUSION Representation of racial and ethnic minority participants in ARDS trials from North America, published between 2000 and 2019, did not change over time. Black and Hispanic participants with ARDS may have similar mortality as White participants within trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papoutsi
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kremmydas
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Kyriakoudi
- First Department of Respiratory Medicine, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Routsi
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias I Siempos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676, Athens, Greece.
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tsironikos GI, Potamianos P, Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Tatsioni A, Bargiota A. Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions during Pregnancy on Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in High-Risk Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Published RCTs. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7038. [PMID: 38002654 PMCID: PMC10672732 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until now, it is uncertain whether lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can prevent gestational diabetes mellites (GDM) in high-risk pregnant women. OBJECTIVE This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of dietary interventions and/or exercise interventions during pregnancy for preventing GDM in high-risk pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected after a search in CENTRAL, Scopus, and PubMed. Synthesis was performed for the outcome of GDM in women with any identified GDM risk factor. Separate meta-analyses (MA) were performed to assess the efficacy of either nutrition or physical activity (PA) interventions or both combined compared with standard prenatal care for preventing GDM. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as meta-regressions against OR, were performed to assess potentional heterogeneity. Overall quality, the quality of RCTs, and publication bias were also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 13,524 participants comprising high-risk pregnant women in 41 eligible RCTs were analyzed for GDM. Women receiving only a nutrition intervention during pregnancy were less likely to experience GDM compared with women following standard prenatal care. Among 3109 high-risk pregnant women undergoing only dietary intervention for preventing GDM, 553 (17.8%) developed GDM; however, the result of the MA was marginally not significant (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.51, 1.03; p-value 0.07), (Q 21.29, p-value 0.01; I2 58% (95%CI 10, 78%)). Subgroup analyses demonstrated an effect for studies that were conducted in Great Britain (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.49, 0.81; p-value 0.003), and in Spain (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.27, 0.94; p-value 0.03), for studies with forms of the Mediterranean diet as the intervention's component (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.46, 0.81; p-value 0.0005), and for studies including a motivation arm in the intervention (OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.58, 0.87; p-value 0.0008). Among 2742 high-risk pregnant women being analyzed for GDM outcome after receiving only an exercise intervention, 461 (16.8%) were diagnosed with GDM. Women after receiving PA intervention were less likely to develop GDM (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.51, 0.80; p-value < 0.0001), (Q 11.27, p-value 0.51; I2 0% (95%CI 0, 99%)). Finally, 1308 (17%) cases of GDM were diagnosed among 7673 high-risk pregnant women undergoing both diet and PA intervention. Women in the group of mixed lifestyle intervention had a significant reduction in incidence of GDM (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.55, 0.90; p-value 0.005), (Q 50.32, p-value < 0.0001, I2 66%, (95% CI 44, 79%)). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study support the efficacy of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy for preventing GDM in high-risk women if an exercise component is included in the intervention arm, either alone, or combined with diet. A combined lifestyle intervention including physical exercise and a Mediterranean diet accompanied by motivation support may be considered the most effective way to prevent GDM among high-risk women during pregnancy. Future research is needed to strengthen these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios I. Tsironikos
- Department of Medicine, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Petros Potamianos
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece;
| | - George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athina Tatsioni
- Department of Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Alexandra Bargiota
- Department of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Oikonomou E, Vavouranakis M, Siasos G, Zakynthinos E. New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in the Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6989. [PMID: 38002603 PMCID: PMC10672690 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12226989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most frequently encountered cardiac arrhythmia observed in patients with COVID-19 infection, particularly in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. The purpose of the present review is to delve into the occurrence of NOAF in COVID-19 and thoroughly review recent, pertinent data. However, the causality behind this connection has yet to be thoroughly explored. The proposed mechanisms that could contribute to the development of AF in these patients include myocardial damage resulting from direct virus-induced cardiac injury, potentially leading to perimyocarditis; a cytokine crisis and heightened inflammatory response; hypoxemia due to acute respiratory distress; disturbances in acid-base and electrolyte levels; as well as the frequent use of adrenergic drugs in critically ill patients. Additionally, secondary bacterial sepsis and septic shock have been suggested as primary causes of NOAF in ICU patients. This notion gains strength from the observation of a similar prevalence of NOAF in septic non-COVID ICU patients with ARDS. It is plausible that both myocardial involvement from SARS-CoV-2 and secondary sepsis play pivotal roles in the onset of arrhythmia in ICU patients. Nonetheless, there exists a significant variation in the prevalence of NOAF among studies focused on severe COVID-19 cases with ARDS. This discrepancy could be attributed to the inclusion of mixed populations with varying degrees of illness severity, encompassing not only patients in general wards but also those admitted to the ICU, whether intubated or not. Furthermore, the occurrence of NOAF is linked to increased morbidity and mortality. However, it remains to be determined whether NOAF independently influences outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 ICU patients or if it merely reflects the disease's severity. Lastly, the management of NOAF in these patients has not been extensively studied. Nevertheless, the current guidelines for NOAF in non-COVID ICU patients appear to be effective, while accounting for the specific drugs used in COVID-19 treatment that may prolong the QT interval (although drugs like lopinavir/ritonavir, hydrochlorothiazide, and azithromycin have been discontinued) or induce bradycardia (e.g., remdesivir).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.Z.); (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.Z.); (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Manolis Vavouranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.Z.); (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.Z.); (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mavrovounis G, Kontou M, Tsiotsikas O, Mermiri M, Tsolaki V, Beltsios E, Gourgoulianis K, Chalkias A, Pantazopoulos I. From flatline to lifeline: A scoping review of the Lazarus phenomenon. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 72:44-57. [PMID: 37480591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Lazarus phenomenon or autoresuscitation (autoROSC) is the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after the termination of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts. PURPOSE The purpose of the current scoping review is to present the available data in the literature regarding autoROSC. METHODS We reviewed four scientific databases to identify all studies which reported autoROSC cases in patients who underwent CPR. We then extracted all information relevant to CPR and autoROSC. The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. RESULTS We identified 66 studies describing 76 autoROSC cases. The majority of cardiac arrests were in-hospital (44, 57.89%). Median time from termination of CPR to autoROSC was 5 min. Regarding the outcome, 52 (77.61%) patients died and 11 (14.47%) patients had intact neurological outcome. A higher mortality rate was identified in patients with respiratory comorbidities. Overall, 24 (31.58%) patients survived. CONCLUSION AutoROSC is probably an under-reported event in the medical community. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the phenomenon and actively monitor for it, when appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Mavrovounis
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Marina Kontou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Orestis Tsiotsikas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Mermiri
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Beltsios
- Department of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Street, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Chalkias
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece; Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Karavidas N, Paraskeva I, Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V. Enterocutaneous Fistula in a COVID-19 Obese Patient During Prolonged Prone Position for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Cureus 2023; 15:e47212. [PMID: 38021961 PMCID: PMC10653124 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prone position (PP) has been widely used in patients under mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), usually for many hours per day. Complications are not rare, although most of them are mild. To our knowledge, we report the first case of enterocutaneous fistula after prolonged use of PP in the literature. Morbid obesity; yielding increased abdominal wall pressure when the patient was prone; pre-existing intestinal hernias; and increased vasopressor doses for septic shock due to secondary infections resulted in necrosis of the small intestine, the abdominal wall, and the skin leading to enterocutaneous fistula. Clinicians managing patients with COVID-19 should keep in mind this complication, especially when proning obese patients with a history of intestinal surgery, as the presence of intestinal hernias might be missed during a clinical examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikitas Karavidas
- Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
| | | | | | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GRC
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Zarogiannis S, Zygoulis P, Kalomenidis I, Jagirdar R, Triantafyllou I, Gourgoulianis KI, Makris D, Zakynthinos E. Pleural Fluid-to-Blood BNP Ratio May Contribute to Prognosis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Clin Pract 2023; 13:1111-1122. [PMID: 37736935 PMCID: PMC10514826 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract13050099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) seems to be produced from malignant mesothelial cells other than cardiomyocytes. We aimed to evaluate whether an increased pleural fluid-to-blood BNP ratio in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) could facilitate prognosis beyond diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with MPM were included (observational study). One- and two-year survival and factors affecting it were tested. To evaluate the prognostic significance of the natriuretic peptide precursor B (NPPB) gene expression in MPM, we constructed a survival curve from data derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas. RESULTS Nineteen consecutive patients with MPM were included (age: 67 (61, 80), male 78.9%). One- and two-year survival were 52.6% and 31.6%, respectively. Age, performance status, and the other variables tested did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. Non-survivors presented higher pleural fluid BNP in two years (699 (210, 5000) vs. 379.5 (5, 567), p = 0.036) and BNP ratios than survivors (1-year: 28.75 (4.05, 150.24) vs. 3.49 (0.3, 26) p = 0.001, 2-years: 22.8 (2.42, 150.24) vs. 3.49 (0.3, 7.76), p = 0.001). One- and two-year survival rates in patients with BNP ratios above/equal to the median value (8.82) were 20% and 0%, and 88.9% and 66.7%, respectively, in patients with BNP ratios below 8.82 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). MPM patients with low NPPB expression presented significantly higher survival rates compared to patients with higher expressions (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION A high pleural fluid/blood BNP ratio, an easily performed in everyday practice, costless biomarker seems to predict poorer survival better than the commonly reported prognostic factors in MPM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (P.Z.); (D.M.); (E.Z.)
| | - George E. Zakynthinos
- Third Cardiology Clinic, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sotirios Zarogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (S.Z.); (R.J.)
| | - Paris Zygoulis
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (P.Z.); (D.M.); (E.Z.)
| | - Ioannis Kalomenidis
- 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Rajesh Jagirdar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (S.Z.); (R.J.)
| | - Ioannis Triantafyllou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, School of Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larisa, 41335 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (P.Z.); (D.M.); (E.Z.)
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (P.Z.); (D.M.); (E.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Oikonomou E, Vavouranakis M, Siasos G, Zakynthinos E. Metabolic Syndrome and Atrial Fibrillation: Different Entities or Combined Disorders. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1323. [PMID: 37763092 PMCID: PMC10533132 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia are all clusters of an entity called "Metabolic Syndrome". The global trends of this syndrome's incidence/prevalence continue to increase reciprocally, converting it into a massive epidemic problem in the medical community. Observing the risk factors of atrial fibrillation, a medical condition that is also converted to a scourge, almost all parts of the metabolic syndrome are encountered. In addition, several studies demonstrated a robust correlation between metabolic syndrome and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. For atrial fibrillation to develop, a combination of the appropriate substrate and a trigger point is necessary. The metabolic syndrome affects the left atrium in a multifactorial way, leading to atrial remodeling, thus providing both the substrate and provoking the trigger needed, which possibly plays a substantial role in the progression of atrial fibrillation. Due to the remodeling, treatment of atrial fibrillation may culminate in pernicious sequelae, such as repeated catheter ablation procedures. A holistic approach of the patient, with simultaneous treatment of both entities, is suggested in order to ensure better outcomes for the patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George E. Zakynthinos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Manolis Vavouranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, “Sotiria” Chest Diseases Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.O.); (M.V.); (G.S.)
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Mezourlo, 41335 Larissa, Greece; (V.T.); (E.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Papanikolaou J, Karavidas N, Vazgiourakis V, Papadonta ME, Zygoulis P, Pantazopoulos I, Makris D, Zakynthinos E. Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Deescalation in COVID-19-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Unloads the Right Ventricle, Improving Hemodynamics and Oxygenation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:205-208. [PMID: 37236626 PMCID: PMC10395492 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202301-0154le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - John Papanikolaou
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Trikala, Thessaly, Greece; and
| | - Nikitas Karavidas
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Paris Zygoulis
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Department of Emergency Medicine, General University Hospital of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stamatiou R, Vasilaki A, Tzini D, Tsolaki V, Zacharouli K, Ioannou M, Fotakopoulos G, Sgantzos M, Makris D. Critical-Illness: Combined Effects of Colistin and Vasoactive Drugs: A Pilot Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1057. [PMID: 37370376 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colistin is often used as a last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in critically ill patients in intensive care units. Nonetheless, its side effects, including myopathy, require careful monitoring. Vasoconstrictive drugs are also used in intensive care to increase blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs, which can be compromised in critically ill patients. The exact mechanism of colistin-induced muscle toxicity is of significant interest due to its potential intensive-care clinical implications. Colistin alone or in combination with vasoconstrictive agents was administrated in non-septic and LPS-induced septic animals for 10 days. Histopathological evaluation of the gastrocnemius muscle and dot-blot protein tissue analysis were performed. Increased intramuscular area, de-organization of the muscle fibers and signs of myopathy were observed in colistin-treated animals. This effect was ameliorated in the presence of vasoconstrictive drugs. Administration of colistin to septic animals resulted in a decrease of AMPK and cyclin-D1 levels, while it had no effect on caspase 3 levels. Vasoconstrictive drugs' administration reversed the effects of colistin on AMPK and cyclin D1 levels. Colistin's effects on muscle depend on septic state and vasoconstriction presence, highlighting the need to consider these factors when administering it in critically ill patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodopi Stamatiou
- Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Vasilaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tzini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantina Zacharouli
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Ioannou
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Larissa, 41500 Larisa, Greece
| | - Markos Sgantzos
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Papanikolaou J, Vazgiourakis V, Parisi K, Fotakopoulos G, Makris D, Zakynthinos E. Levosimendan in the Treatment of Patients with Severe Septic Cardiomyopathy. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1346. [PMID: 37374128 DOI: 10.3390/life13061346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The optimal treatment of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) remains questionable. The aim of the study was to compare the treatment of SCM based on levosimendan versus the best available therapy. (2) Methods: We conducted an observational study including patients with severe septic cardiomyopathy and circulatory failure. (3) Results: Fourteen patients (61%) received levosimendan, and nine received other treatments. The patients in the levosimendan group were more severely ill [APACHE II: 23.5 (14, 37) vs. 14 (13, 28), respectively, p = 0.012], and there was a trend for more decompensated LV function depicted by the LVEF [15% (10, 20) vs. 25% (5, 30), respectively, p = 0.061]. However, they presented a significantly higher increase in LVEF after seven days [15% (10, 20) to 50% (30, 68) (p < 0.0001) vs. 25% (5, 30) to 25% (15, 50) (p = 0.309), and a significantly higher decrease in lactate levels during the first 24 h [4.5 (2.5, 14.4) to 2.85 (1.2, 15), p = 0.036 vs. 2.9 (2, 18.9) to 2.8 (1, 15), p = 0.536]. Seven-day survival (64.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.424) and ICU survival (50% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.172) were higher in the first group, although differences did not reach statistical significance. The degree of left ventricular impairment and the magnitude of EF improvement by the seventh-day post-SCM onset were associated with mortality in regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: Our study presents main hemodynamic data supporting the possible efficacy of levosimendan treatment in patients with severe SCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Third Cardiology Clinic, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Parisi
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Neurosurgical Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, 44110 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Myrianthefs P, Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V, Makris D. Aerosolized Antibiotics to Manage Ventilator-Associated Infections: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050801. [PMID: 37237704 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infectious complications in critically ill patients cover a wide spectrum of one disease process (respiratory infection), initiating from tracheal tube and/or tracheobronchial colonization, to ventilator associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP occurence has been associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity (ventilator days, as well as length of ICU and hospital stay) and ICU mortality. Therefore, treatments that aim at VAP/VAT incidence reduction are a high priority. AIM The aim of the present review is to discuss the current literature concerning two major aspects: (a) can aerosolized antibiotics (AA) administered in a pre-emptive way prevent the occurrence of ventilator-associated infections? and (b) can VAT treatment with aerosolized avert the potential evolution to VAP? RESULTS There were identified eight studies that provided data on the use of aerosolized antibiotics for the prevention of VAT/VAP. Most of them report favorable data on reducing the colonisation rate and the progression to VAP/VAT. Another four studies dealt with the treatment of VAT/VAP. The results support the decrease in the incidence to VAP transition and/or the improvement in signs and symptoms of VAP. Moreover, there are concise reports on higher cure rates and microbiological eradication in patients treated with aerosolized antibiotics. Yet, differences in the delivery modality adopted and resistance emergence issues preclude the generalisability of the results. CONCLUSION Aerosolized antibiotic therapy can be used to manage ventilator-associated infections, especially those with difficult to treat resistance. The limited clinical data raise the need for large randomized controlled trials to confirm the benefits of AA and to evaluate the impact on antibiotic selection pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Myrianthefs
- "Agioi Anargyroi" General Hospital, School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 14564 Athens, Greece
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Third Cardiology Clinic, University of Athens, Sotiria Hospital, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Avgeri K, Zakynthinos E, Tsolaki V, Sgantzos M, Fotakopoulos G, Makris D. Quality of Life and Family Support in Critically Ill Patients following ICU Discharge. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081106. [PMID: 37107940 PMCID: PMC10138299 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU), critically ill patients may present cognitive dysfunction and physical disability. OBJECTIVES To investigate the quality of life (QoL) of patients following discharge from ICU, physical performance and lung function and to assess the role of support by family members and friends. METHODS This prospective study was conducted in the University Hospital of Larissa Greece between 2020 and 2021. Patients hospitalized at the ICU for at least 48 h were included and assessed at hospital discharge, at 3 and at 12 months later. The research implements of the study were a dedicated questionnaire and the SF-36 health questionnaire for the appraisal of the QoL. Lung function changes were assessed by spirometry and physical performance by the 6-min walking test (6MWT). RESULTS One hundred and forty-three participants were included in the study. The mean (SD) of the physical and mental health SF-36 scores at hospital discharge, 3 and 12 months were 27.32 (19.59), 40.97 (26.34) and 50.78 (28.26) (p < 0.0001) and 42.93 (17.00), 55.19 (23.04) and 62.24 (23.66), (p < 0.0001), respectively. The forced expiratory volume in one second and 6MWT significantly improved over 12 months. Patients who were supported by two or more family members or patients who were visited by their friends >3 times/week presented better scores in the physical and mental SF36 domains at 12 months. CONCLUSION This study shows that the quality of life of Greek patients who were discharged from the ICU can be positively affected both by the support they receive from their family environment and friends.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Avgeri
- Department of Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Markos Sgantzos
- Department of Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Demosthenes Makris
- Department of Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Doudakmanis C, Stamatiou R, Makri A, Loutsou M, Tsolaki V, Ntolios P, Zakynthinos E, Makris D. Relationship Between Intra-Abdominal pressure and microaspiration of gastric contents in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients. J Crit Care 2023; 74:154220. [PMID: 36502581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2022.154220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and microaspiration of oro-gastric content in mechanically-ventilated patients has not yet been established. Microaspiration is proposed as one of the causes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We aimed to investigate whether mechanically-ventilated patients with increased IAP present evidence of lung microaspiration by assessing pepsin levels in bronchial secretions and evaluated the relationship between pepsin and VAP. 68 mechanically-ventilated patients and 10 control subjects were recruited from an academic ICU in Greece. IAP, pH, pepsin and total protein levels, in bronchial secretions, were assessed within 14 days. Patients underwent assessment for timely VAP diagnosis based on clinical, radiological and laboratory criteria. Pepsin and total protein levels were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls. Pepsin values correlated significantly with IAP (r = 0.61, ***p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that IAP was an independent risk factor for increased pepsin values in bronchial secretions [OR95%CI 1.463(1.061-1.620), *p = 0.014]. Pepsin values were higher in patients with VAP, while IAP was independently associated with VAP. There was an indication towards increased VAP in patients with increased pepsin. In conclusion, our results show that pepsin in bronchial secretions may be elevated when IAP is increased, indicating microaspiration and potentially VAP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Loutsou
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paschalis Ntolios
- Department of Pneumonology, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Faropoulos K, Tsolaki V, Georgakopoulou VE, Trakas I, Tarantinos K, Papalexis P, Spandidos DA, Aravantinou-Fatorou A, Mathioudakis N, Trakas N, Lavdas E, Fotakopoulos G. Value of sildenafil treatment for the prevention of vasospasm‑related delayed ischemic neurological deficits and delayed brain infarction following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Med Int (Lond) 2023; 3:19. [PMID: 37032716 PMCID: PMC10080186 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral vasospasm (CV) or delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) constitutes the main reason for the unfavorable outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The present retrospective cohort study, through an evaluation with computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP), aimed to examine the utility of an intravenous or oral administration of sildenafil in preventing DCI that develops due to vasospasm in these patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, which included 34 patients in a tertiary care hospital. Of these patients, 18 were males (52.9%), and the median age was 54.4 years. Of these patients, 18 (52.9%) had undergone surgery, and 16 (47.1%) had an endovascular procedure. CTP was performed on the 3rd to the 6th day. The clinical outcome was documented at 30 days using a CT scan and a complete neurological evaluation, including the Glasgow Coma Scale assessment. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients who developed an ischemic event at 1 month between those who did not receive sildenafil compared to those who received sildenafil (P<0.05). In addition, the multivariate analysis revealed that cerebral blood flow was an independent factor for detecting an ischemic event in 1 month (P=0.001). On the whole, the findings of the present study indicate that the intravenous or oral administration of sildenafil may be beneficial for the prevention of DCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence to: Dr Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Trakas
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Tarantinos
- First Department of Pulmonology, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Aravantinou-Fatorou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Lavdas
- Department of Medical Radiological Technologists, Technological Education Institute of Athens, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41221 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Baka M, Bagka D, Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Diakaki C, Mantzarlis K, Makris D. Hemodynamic and Respiratory Changes following Prone Position in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients: A Clinical Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030760. [PMID: 36769411 PMCID: PMC9917844 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available for the oxygenation changes following prone position in relation to hemodynamic and pulmonary vascular variations in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), using reliable invasive methods. We aimed to assess oxygenation and hemodynamic changes between the supine and prone posture in patients with ARDS and identify parameters associated with oxygenation improvement. METHODS Eighteen patients with ARDS under protective ventilation were assessed using advanced pulmonary artery catheter monitoring. Physiologic parameters were recorded at baseline supine position, 1 h and 18 h following prone position. RESULTS The change in the Oxygenation Index (ΔOI) between supine and 18 h prone significantly correlated to the concurrent change in shunt fraction (r = 0.75, p = 0.0001), to the ΔOI between supine and 1 h prone (r = 0.73, p = 0.001), to the supine acute lung injury score and the OI (r = -0.73, p = 0.009 and r = 0.69, p = 0.002, respectively). Cardiac output did not change between supine and prone posture. Moreover, there was no change in pulmonary pressure, pulmonary vascular resistances, right ventricular (RV) volumes and the RV ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS The present investigation provides physiologic clinical data supporting that oxygenation improvement following prone position in ARDS is driven by the shunt fraction reduction and not by changes in hemodynamics. Moreover, oxygenation improvement was not correlated with RV or pulmonary circulation changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Baka
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41111 Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitra Bagka
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41111 Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41111 Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Chrysi Diakaki
- 2nd Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Demosthenes Makris
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, 41111 Larissa, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Karavidas N, Zygoulis P, Zakynthinos GE, Vazgiourakis V, Tsolaki V. A 43-Year-Old Woman With Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Acute Circulatory Failure. Chest 2023; 163:e37-e42. [PMID: 36628683 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nikitas Karavidas
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paris Zygoulis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, School of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Faropoulos K, Tsolaki V, Georgakopoulou VE, Trakas I, Tarantinos K, Papalexis P, Spandidos DA, Aravantinou-Fatorou A, Mathioudakis N, Trakas N, Fotakopoulos G. Efficacy of combined intravenous plus intrathecal nimodipine administration in patients with severe cerebral vasospasm post‑aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort study. Med Int (Lond) 2022; 3:3. [PMID: 36699659 PMCID: PMC9829231 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2022.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and the ensuing cerebral vasospasm (CV) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) comprise the main reasons for morbidity and mortality in affected patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the use of combined intravenous (IV) and intrathecal (IT) nimodipine therapy for preventing permanent neurological deterioration and DCI in patients suffering from CV post-hemorrhage. The evaluation was performed using computed tomography perfusion and transcranial doppler ultrasound. The present retrospective cohort study analyzed 14 out of 146 patients diagnosed with vasospasm due to spontaneous or aSAH. These patients were divided into two groups as follows: i) The IV group, which included patients treated with only IV nimodipine; and ii) the IV + IT group, which included patients who received IV nimodipine in combination with IT nimodipine. Of the 14 patients, 7 patients were males (50%), and the mean age was 50.9 years (SD ±19 years). In total, 6 patients [42.8%; 5 (35.7%) from group A and 1 (7.1%) from group B], who experienced clinical symptoms with severe CV, were administered intra-arterial calcium channel therapy or/and IT nimodipine following the early identification of symptomatic vasospasm. The rate of adverse ischemic events was lower with IT nimodipine management during the 1 month of follow-up (6 vs. 2 events; odds ratio, 15.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-218.31; P=0.031). On the whole, the findings of the present study suggest that the combined use of IT nimodipine with IV admission for patients post-aSAH who developed severe CV is a safe procedure that may prevent permanent neurological deterioration and delay unfavorable ischemic incidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General University Hospital of Larisa, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece,Correspondence to: Dr Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, 11527 Athens, Greece NULL
| | - Ilias Trakas
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Tarantinos
- First Department of Pulmonology, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Aravantinou-Fatorou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larisa, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Tsikrika A, Tsolaki V. Life-Threatening Hypotension in a Brain-Injured, Multi-Trauma Patient With Unilateral Adrenal Gland Damage: How a Single Hydrocortisone Dose Revealed Relative Corticosteroid Insufficiency. Cureus 2022; 14:e32843. [PMID: 36694505 PMCID: PMC9867564 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a multi-trauma, brain-injured young patient with unilateral adrenal gland injury presenting with refractory shock. Acute adrenal insufficiency was revealed after an abrupt hemodynamic response to a corticosteroid; the resistant shock was quickly resolved with IV hydrocortisone. Although available data do not support the use of empiric steroids in trauma patients (with or without brain injury), this case demonstrates that adrenal insufficiency must be considered in the differential diagnosis when shock exists; adrenal gland injury, even unilateral, may play an additional factor. In these cases, an urgent decision is required in order to influence the outcome.
Collapse
|
23
|
Nana P, Dakis K, Spanos K, Tsolaki V, Karavidas N, Zakynthinos G, Kouvelos G, Giannoukas A, Matsagkas M. COVID-19 related peripheral arterial thrombotic events in intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit patients: A retrospective case series. Vascular 2022:17085381221140159. [PMID: 36395575 PMCID: PMC9679328 DOI: 10.1177/17085381221140159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 associated arterial thrombosis has been attributed to multiple inflammation and coagulation mechanisms. The aim of this study was to report the experience of a tertiary center on COVID-19 patients managed for acute peripheral arterial thrombosis. METHODS A single-center case series was conducted, including retrospectively collected data from all COVID-19 patients presenting arterial thrombosis, from March 2020 to February 2022. Intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU cases were included. The primary outcomes were mortality, successful revascularization, and amputation at 30 days. RESULTS Twenty patients presented peripheral arterial thrombosis (90% males, mean age 65 years (16-82 years)). Eighteen were diagnosed with the Delta variant and none was previously vaccinated. All cases presented acute lower limb ischemia; in 20% with bilateral involvement. Nine patients were hospitalized in the ward while 11 in the ICU. From the non-ICU cases, five presented Rutherford IIb and four cases, Rutherford's IIa ischemia. Six cases underwent revascularization (67%). Two of them were finally amputated (33%) and two died during hospitalization (33%). Two revascularizations were considered successful (33%). The ICU group presented mainly with Rutherford's III ischemia (54.5%). The mortality in the ICU cohort was 72.7%. Only one patient underwent successful revascularization and two were amputated in this subgroup. Early mortality was 50% for the total cohort while the type of management was not related to mortality. CONCLUSIONS Covid-19 related arterial thrombosis in non-vaccinated population is associated with 50% early mortality; increased up to 72% in the ICU patients. The amputation rate was 20% while only 40% of the revascularizations were considered successful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petroula Nana
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dakis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Spanos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikitas Karavidas
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George Kouvelos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Giannoukas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Miltiadis Matsagkas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xourgia E, Katsaros DE, Xixi NA, Tsolaki V, Routsi C, Zakynthinos SG, Kotanidou A, Siempos II. Mortality of intubated patients with COVID-19 during first and subsequent waves: a meta-analysis involving 363660 patients from 43 countries. Expert Rev Respir Med 2022; 16:1101-1108. [DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2022.2145950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Xourgia
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E. Katsaros
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoleta A. Xixi
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Christina Routsi
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros G. Zakynthinos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias I. Siempos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tsolaki V, Aravantinou-fatorou A, Georgakopoulou VE, Spandidos DA, Papalexis P, Mathioudakis N, Tarantinos K, Trakas N, Sklapani P, Fotakopoulos G. Early diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm associated with cerebral ischemia following subarachnoid hemorrhage: Evaluation of computed tomography perfusion and transcranial doppler as accurate methods. Med Int (Lond) 2022; 2:34. [PMID: 36699155 PMCID: PMC9829237 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2022.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral vasospasm (CV) constitutes a major post-operative complication and source of morbidity in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The early detection of CV in SAH may be difficult both clinically and radiographically. The present pilot study thus aimed to evaluate the practicability of the technique in a tertiary healthcare setting and to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of various diagnostic computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) aspects in predicting the clinical outcome of patients with SAH (traumatic and aneurysmal). A retrospective study including 34 patients in a tertiary care hospital was thus conducted. The results revealed that of the 34 patients, 18 (52.9%) were males, and the mean age was 54.4±18.5 years (16-85 years old; range, 69 years). In total, 15 (44.1%) patients had traumatic SAH following traumatic brain injury (TBI), 11 (33.3%) had aneurysmal SAH, and 8 patients (23.6%) presented with TBI without SAH as controls. CTP was performed on the third to the sixth day, and 15-20 min prior to CPT, a transcranial Doppler ultrasound was performed. Clinical outcomes were documented at 30 days using a CT scan and a complete neurological evaluation, including Glasgow Coma Scale assessment. The results of a multivariate analysis revealed that cerebral blood flow (CBF) was an independent factor for detecting an ischemic event in 1 month (P=0.003). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that CTP, and consequently CBF, is a considerable index that may identify the onset of cerebral ischemia in patients with SAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General University Hospital of Larisa, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Aravantinou-fatorou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece,Correspondence to: Dr Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou, Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Kyriakos Tarantinos
- First Department of Pulmonology, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Sklapani
- Department of Cytology, Mitera Hospital, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, General University Hospital of Larisa, 41221 Larisa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Makris D, Tsolaki V, Robertson R, Dimopoulos G, Rello J. The future of training in intensive care medicine: A European perspective. J Intensive Med 2022; 3:52-61. [PMID: 36789360 PMCID: PMC9923960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ross Robertson
- Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larisa 41110, Greece
| | - George Dimopoulos
- Third Department of Critical Care, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 12462, Greece
| | - Jordi Rello
- CRIPS Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut of Research, Barcelona 08035, Spain,Clinical Research, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes 30029, France,Medical School, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Campus Sant Cugat, Sant Cugat del Valles, Barcelona 08195, Spain,Corresponding author: Jordi Rello, CRIPS Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut of Research, Barcelona 08035, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Grapsa E, Adamos G, Andrianopoulos I, Tsolaki V, Giannakoulis VG, Karavidas N, Giannopoulou V, Sarri K, Mizi E, Gavrielatou E, Papathanakos G, Mantzarlis KD, Mastora Z, Magira E, Koulouras V, Kotanidou A, Siempos II. Association Between Vaccination Status and Mortality Among Intubated Patients With COVID-19-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2235219. [PMID: 36205996 PMCID: PMC9547321 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.35219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although vaccination substantially reduces the risk of severe COVID-19, it is yet unknown whether vaccinated patients who develop COVID-19 and require invasive mechanical ventilation have lower mortality than controls. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between COVID-19 vaccination status and mortality among critically ill patients who require invasive mechanical ventilation owing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This multicenter cohort study was performed between June 7, 2021, and February 1, 2022, among 265 consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 in academic intensive care units who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation owing to ARDS. EXPOSURES Patients in the full vaccination group had completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series more than 14 days but less than 5 months prior to intubation. This time threshold was chosen because guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a booster dose beyond that time. The remaining patients (ie, those who were unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated <14 days or >5 months before intubation) comprised the control group. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was time from intubation to all-cause intensive care unit mortality. A Cox proportional hazards regression model including vaccination status, age, comorbid conditions, and baseline Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score on the day of intubation was used. RESULTS A total of 265 intubated patients (170 men [64.2%]; median age, 66.0 years [IQR, 58.0-76.0 years]; 26 [9.8%] in the full vaccination group) were included in the study. A total of 20 patients (76.9%) in the full vaccination group received the BNT162b2 vaccine, and the remaining 6 (23.1%) received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Patients in the full vaccination group were older (median age, 72.5 years [IQR, 62.8-80.0 years] vs 66.0 years [IQR, 57.0-75.0 years]) and more likely to have comorbid conditions (24 of 26 [92.3%] vs 160 of 239 [66.9%]), including malignant neoplasm (6 of 26 [23.1%] vs 18 of 239 [7.5%]), than those in the control group. Full vaccination status was significantly associated with lower mortality compared with controls (16 of 26 patients [61.5%] died in the full vaccination group vs 163 of 239 [68.2%] in the control group; hazard ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.32-0.94]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, full vaccination status was associated with lower mortality compared with controls, which suggests that vaccination might be beneficial even among patients who were intubated owing to COVID-19-related ARDS. These results may inform discussions with families about prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Grapsa
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Adamos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vassilis G. Giannakoulis
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikitas Karavidas
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Giannopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Sarri
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Mizi
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Evdokia Gavrielatou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Papathanakos
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos D. Mantzarlis
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zafeiria Mastora
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Magira
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Koulouras
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias I. Siempos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Papadonta ME, Bardaka F, Fotakopoulos G, Pantazopoulos I, Makris D, Zakynthinos E. Neuromuscular Blockade in the Pre- and COVID-19 ARDS Patients. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091538. [PMID: 36143323 PMCID: PMC9504585 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) accounts for a quarter of mechanically ventilated patients, while during the pandemic, it overwhelmed the capacity of intensive care units (ICUs). Lung protective ventilation (low tidal volume, positive-end expiratory pressure titrated to lung mechanics and oxygenation, permissive hypercapnia) is a non-pharmacological approach that is the gold standard of management. Among the pharmacological treatments, the use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), although extensively studied, has not yet been well clarified. The rationale is to minimize the risk for lung damage progression, in the already-injured pulmonary parenchyma. By abolishing rigorous spontaneous efforts, NMBAs may decrease the generation of high transpulmonary pressures that could aggravate patients’ self-inflicted lung injury. Moreover, NMBAs can harmonize the patient–ventilator interaction. Recent randomized controlled trials reported contradictory results and changed the clinical practice in a bidirectional way. NMBAs have not been documented to improve long-term survival; thus, the current guidance suggests their use only in patients in whom a lung protective ventilation protocol cannot be applied, due to asynchrony or increased respiratory efforts. In the present review, we discuss the published data and additionally the clinical practice in the “war” conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerning NMBA use in the management of patients with ARDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2413502964
| | - George E. Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
- Third Department of Cardiology, Sotiria General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eirini Papadonta
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Fotini Bardaka
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Fotakopoulos
- Neurosurgical Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pantazopoulos
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Konstantinos F, Tsolaki V, Georgakopoulou VE, Aravantinou A, Fotakopoulos G. Value of Combination Therapy With Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) for Migraine to Prevent Ischemic Stroke in Young Women. Cureus 2022; 14:e26972. [PMID: 36000114 PMCID: PMC9389468 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to systematically assess the efficacy of a combination of levetiracetam and sumatriptan as a preventive treatment for migraine and stroke in young women. This was a retrospective study with 342 female patients, who experienced migraines. All patients were divided into three groups: Group A (124 patients (36.2%) with triptan (sumatriptan) monotherapy), Group B (111 patients (32.4%) with a combined triptan and antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy with levetiracetam (LEV)), and Group C (107 (31.2%) patients with placebo treatment), in a 1.4:1.1:1 ratio respectively. Significant differences were found in Group B when compared with Groups A and C with respect to the use of combination hormonal contraception, smoking, a family history of migraine, and seizures. The results of this study suggested that combination treatment with levetiracetam and sumatriptan was more effective in preventing migraines and reducing the risk of stroke in young women than sumatriptan monotherapy.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zakynthinos GE, Dimeas IE, Sinis SI, Tsolaki V, Daniil Z, Gourgoulianis KI. Recurrent Pleuritic Chest Pain, Lobar Consolidation, and Pleural Effusion in a 50-Year-Old Woman. Chest 2022; 162:e37-e41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
|
31
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE. Simulation to minimise patient self-inflicted lung injury: are we almost there? Br J Anaesth 2022; 129:150-153. [PMID: 35729011 PMCID: PMC9551385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational modelling has been used to enlighten pathophysiological issues in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using a sophisticated, integrated cardiopulmonary model. COVID-19 ARDS is a pathophysiologically distinct entity characterised by dissociation between impairment in gas exchange and respiratory system mechanics, especially in the early stages of ARDS. Weaver and colleagues used computational modelling to elucidate factors contributing to generation of patient self-inflicted lung injury, and evaluated the effects of various spontaneous respiratory efforts with different oxygenation and ventilatory support modes. Their findings indicate that mechanical forces generated in the lung parenchyma are only counterbalanced when the respiratory support mode reduces the intensity of respiratory efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, General University of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, General University of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gavrielatou E, Vaporidi K, Tsolaki V, Tserlikakis N, Zakynthinos GE, Papoutsi E, Maragkuti A, Mantelou AG, Karayiannis D, Mastora Z, Georgopoulos D, Zakynthinos E, Routsi C, Zakynthinos SG, Schenck EJ, Kotanidou A, Siempos II. Rapidly improving acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19: a multi-centre observational study. Respir Res 2022; 23:94. [PMID: 35422037 PMCID: PMC9008400 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Before the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rapidly improving acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mostly defined by early extubation, had been recognized as an increasingly prevalent subphenotype (making up 15–24% of all ARDS cases), associated with good prognosis (10% mortality in ARDSNet trials). We attempted to determine the prevalence and prognosis of rapidly improving ARDS and of persistent severe ARDS related to COVID-19. Methods We included consecutive patients with COVID-19 receiving invasive mechanical ventilation in three intensive care units (ICU) during the second pandemic wave in Greece. We defined rapidly improving ARDS as extubation or a partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2:FiO2) greater than 300 on the first day following intubation. We defined persistent severe ARDS as PaO2:FiO2 of equal to or less than 100 on the second day following intubation. Results A total of 280 intubated patients met criteria of ARDS with a median PaO2:FiO2 of 125.0 (interquartile range 93.0–161.0) on day of intubation, and overall ICU-mortality of 52.5% (ranging from 24.3 to 66.9% across the three participating sites). Prevalence of rapidly improving ARDS was 3.9% (11 of 280 patients); no extubation occurred on the first day following intubation. ICU-mortality of patients with rapidly improving ARDS was 54.5%. This low prevalence and high mortality rate of rapidly improving ARDS were consistent across participating sites. Prevalence of persistent severe ARDS was 12.1% and corresponding mortality was 82.4%. Conclusions Rapidly improving ARDS was not prevalent and was not associated with good prognosis among patients with COVID-19. This is starkly different from what has been previously reported for patients with ARDS not related to COVID-19. Our results on both rapidly improving ARDS and persistent severe ARDS may contribute to our understanding of trajectory of ARDS and its association with prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02015-8.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Zygoulis P, Bardaka F, Malita A, Aslanidis V, Zakynthinos E, Makris D. Ultrasonographic Confirmation of Nasogastric Tube Placement in the COVID-19 Era. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030337. [PMID: 35330337 PMCID: PMC8949067 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is a daily routine in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and misplacement of the NGT can cause serious complications. In COVID-19 ARDS patients, proning has emerged the need for frequent NGT re-evaluations. The gold standard technique, chest X-ray, is not always feasible. In the present study we report our experience with the use of ultrasonographic confirmation of NGT position. Methods: A prospective study in 276 COVID-19 ARDS patients admitted after intubation in the ICU. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed using longitudinal or sagittal epigastric views. Examinations were performed during the initial NGT placement and every time the patients returned to the supine position after they had been proned or whenever critical care physicians or nurses considered that reconfirmation was necessary. Results: Ultrasonographic confirmation of correct NGT placement was feasible in 246/276 (89.13%) patients upon ICU admission. In 189/246 (76.8%) the tube could be visualized in the stomach (two parallel lines), in 172/246 (69.9%) the ultrasonographic whoosh test (“flash” due to air instillation through the tube, seen with ultrasonography) was evident, while in 164/246 (66.7%) both tests confirmed correct NGT placement. During ICU stay 590 ultrasonographic NGT evaluations were performed, and in 462 (78.14%) cases correct NGT placement were confirmed. In 392 cases, a chest X-ray was also ordered. The sensitivity of ultrasonographic NGT confirmation in these cases was 98.9%, specificity 57.9%, PPV 96.2%, and NPV 3.8%. The time for the full evaluation was 3.8 ± 3.4 min. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic confirmation of correct NGT placement is feasible in the initial placement, but also whenever needed thereafter, especially in the COVID-19 era, when changes in posture have become a daily practice in ARDS patients.
Collapse
|
34
|
Pantazopoulos I, Kolonia K, Laou E, Mermiri M, Tsolaki V, Koutsovasilis A, Zakynthinos G, Gourgoulianis K, Arnaoutoglou E, Chalkias A. Video Laryngoscopy Improves Intubation Times With Level C Personal Protective Equipment in Novice Physicians: A Randomized Cross-Over Manikin Study. J Emerg Med 2021; 60:764-771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
35
|
Tsolaki V, Makris D, Zoumpounelli S, Mpagka D, Mantzarlis K, Deskata K, Zakynthinos E. A Middle-Aged Woman With Viral ARDS and Acute Establishment of Shock on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation. Chest 2021; 159:e441-e445. [PMID: 34099167 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece.
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Stamatia Zoumpounelli
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Dimitra Mpagka
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mantzarlis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Konstantina Deskata
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE. Timing of Intubation in Covid-19 ARDS: What "time" really matters? Crit Care 2021; 25:173. [PMID: 34020689 PMCID: PMC8139220 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Critical Care Department, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Mezourlo, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V. Renal failure in COVID-19 ARDS: Could it be partially avoided? Aust Crit Care 2021; 34:523. [PMID: 33707068 PMCID: PMC7877212 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Medicine, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Medicine, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Koukoubani T, Makris D, Daniil Z, Paraforou T, Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos E, Papanikolaou J. The role of antimicrobial resistance on long-term mortality and quality of life in critically ill patients: a prospective longitudinal 2-year study. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021; 19:72. [PMID: 33658021 PMCID: PMC7927260 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the recent era, antimicrobial resistance has been identified as one of the most important threats to human health worldwide. The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens (ABRP) in the modern intensive care unit (ICU) also represents a “nightmare scenario” with unknown clinical consequences. In the Greek ICU, in particular, gram negative ABRPs are now considered endemic. However, the possible longitudinal impact of ABRPs on long-term outcomes of ICU patients has not yet been determined. Methods In this two-year (January 2014-December 2015) single-centre observational longitudinal study, 351 non-neurocritical ICU patients ≥ 18 year-old were enrolled. Patients’ demographic, clinical and outcome data were prospectively collected. Quality-adjusted life years (QALY) were calculated at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after ICU admission. Results Fifty-eight patients developed infections due to ABRP (ABRP group), 57 due to non-ABRP (non-ABRP group), and 236 demonstrated no infection (no-infection group) while in ICU. Multiple regression analysis revealed that multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score (OR: 0.676, 95%CI 0.584–0.782; P < 0.001) and continuous renal replacement therapy (OR: 4.453, 95%CI 1.805–10.982; P = 0.001) were the only independent determinants for ABRP infections in ICU. Intra-ICU, 90-day and 2-year mortality was 27.9%, 52.4% and 61.5%, respectively. Compared to the non-ABRP and no-infection group, the ABRP group demonstrated increased intra-ICU, 90-day and 2-year mortality (P ≤ 0.022), worse 2-year survival rates in ICU patients overall and ICU survivor subset (Log-rank test, P ≤ 0.046), and poorer progress over time in 2-year QALY kinetics in ICU population overall, ICU survivor and 2-year survivor subgroups (P ≤ 0.013). ABRP group was further divided into multi-drug and extensively-drug resistant subgroups [MDR (n = 34) / XDR (n = 24), respectively]. Compared to MDR subgroup, the XDR subgroup demonstrated increased ICU, 90-day and 2-year mortality (P ≤ 0.031), but similar 90-day and 2-year QALYs (P ≥ 0.549). ABRP infections overall (HR = 1.778, 95% CI 1.166–2.711; P = 0.008), as well as XDR [HR = 1.889, 95% CI 1.075–3.320; P = 0.027) but not MDR pathogens, were independently associated with 2-year mortality, after adjusting for several covariates of critical illness. Conclusions The present study may suggest a significant association between ABRP (especially XDR) infections in ICU and increased mortality and inability rates for a prolonged period post-discharge that requires further attention in larger-scale studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Department of Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Department of Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Theoniki Paraforou
- Department of Critical Care, General Hospital of Trikala, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Department of Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - John Papanikolaou
- Department of Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, 41110, Larissa, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vazgiourakis V, Zakynthinos GE, Tsolaki V. Letter by Vazgiourakis et al Regarding Article, "Spectrum of Cardiac Manifestations in COVID-19: A Systematic Echocardiographic Study". Circulation 2021; 143:e749-e750. [PMID: 33646831 PMCID: PMC7924915 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.120.049322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Greece
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Mantzarlis K, Vazgiourakis V, Makris D. Pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lancet Respir Med 2020; 9:e2. [PMID: 33197390 PMCID: PMC7831959 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(20)30506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa 41110, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mantzarlis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Vasileios Vazgiourakis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa 41110, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Mantzarlis K, Makris D. Increased mortality among hypertensive COVID-19 patients: Pay a closer look on diuretics in mechanically ventilated patients. Heart Lung 2020; 49:894-895. [PMID: 32693957 PMCID: PMC7309809 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mantzarlis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE, Mantzarlis K. Right ventricular dilation: The additive effect of mechanical ventilation on pulmonary embolism in Covid-19 patients. Thromb Res 2020; 196:25-26. [PMID: 32823172 PMCID: PMC7399711 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2020.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mantzarlis
- Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos GE. Heart -COVID-19 Lung Interactions: More Common Cause for Right Ventricular Dysfunction Than We Thought. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:1856-1857. [PMID: 32762889 PMCID: PMC7398674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
44
|
|
45
|
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Tsolaki V, Siempos I, Magira E, Kokkoris S, Zakynthinos GE, Zakynthinos S. PEEP levels in COVID-19 pneumonia. Crit Care 2020; 24:303. [PMID: 32505186 PMCID: PMC7275848 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-020-03049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Ilias Siempos
- Intensive Care Unit, Evangelismos General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Magira
- Intensive Care Unit, Evangelismos General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Kokkoris
- Intensive Care Unit, Evangelismos General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George E Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, Evangelismos General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Papanikolaou J, Ntalapascha M, Makris D, Koukoubani T, Tsolaki V, Zakynthinos G, Gourgoulianis K, Zakynthinos E. Diastolic dysfunction in men with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome but without cardiovascular or oxidative stress-related comorbidities. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2020; 13:1753466619880076. [PMID: 31566076 PMCID: PMC6769220 DOI: 10.1177/1753466619880076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to evaluate whether the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) per se affects the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients without comorbidities. Methods: A total of 42 patients with first-diagnosed severe OSAS [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 30] and 25 controls (AHI < 5), having been referred for snoring to the Sleep Laboratory Department of our tertiary Hospital, were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were absence of any cardiovascular or oxidative stress-related comorbidities, and age between 20 and 70 years. Clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and polysomnographic data were recorded prospectively. Diastolic dysfunction diagnosis and grading was based on 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations. Results: Severe OSAS was associated with significantly increased prevalence and degree of diastolic dysfunction (26/42; 61.9%) compared with controls (7/25; 28%) (p = 0.007). AHI ⩾ 55 (dichotomous value of severe OSAS subset) was also characterized by greater prevalence and degree of diastolic dysfunction compared with 30 < AHI < 55 patients (p = 0.015). In the severe OSAS subset, age >45 years-old, height <1.745 m, body-mass index (BMI) >27.76 kg m−2, OSAS severity (AHI > 57.35), oxidative stress (overnight reduction of reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio < 18.44%), and BMI/height ratio > 16.155 kg m−3 (an index describing ‘dense’, short-heavy patients) presented significant diagnostic utility in identifying diastolic dysfunction in ROC-curve analysis (0.697 ⩾ AUC ⩾ 0.855, 0.001 ⩽ p ⩽ 0.018). In binary logistic regression model, advanced age (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.025–1.477; p = 0.026) and AHI (OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.007–1.253; p = 0.036) showed independent association with diastolic dysfunction in severe OSAS. Conclusions: The present prospective study may suggest that severe OSAS is significantly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction; OSAS clinical severity exerts a positive influence on (and possibly constitutes an independent risk factor of) LV diastolic dysfunction. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplementary material section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Papanikolaou
- Department of Critical Care, University Hospital of Larissa, Biopolis, Larissa, 41110, Greece
| | | | - Demosthenes Makris
- Department of Critical Care, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Critical Care, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - George Zakynthinos
- Department of Critical Care, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tsolaki V, Zarogiannis S, Zygoulis P, Kalomenidis I, Jagirdar R, Makris D, Daniil Z, Magkouta S, Triantafyllou I, Papanikolaou J, Gourgoulianis KI, Zakynthinos E. Malignant mesothelioma cells secrete natriuretic peptides: Data and diagnostic clinical implications. Respirology 2020; 25:1060-1065. [PMID: 32124515 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Mesothelial cells and cardiomyocytes have shared embryonic mesodermal origin. Cardiomyocytes release BNP under stretch. We searched whether malignant mesothelioma cells also secrete BNP and if so, this has a meaningful impact. METHODS Part I: Prospectively, patients with pleural lesions on CT having malignant mesothelioma effusions (MME, n = 13) were compared to patients with malignant effusions with pleural lesions (MEa, n = 14). Age-matched patients with ME without pleural lesions (MEb, n = 16) and non-malignant effusions (NME, n = 25) were analysed. Part II: Retrospectively, samples from patients with mesothelioma (n = 14), lung cancer (n = 8) or heart failure (n = 9) were used. BNP was measured in pleural fluid and blood/plasma. Part III: BNP was assessed in the culture supernatants of benign (MeT-5A) and malignant mesothelioma cell lines (M14K-epithelioid, MSTO-biphasic and ZL34-sarcomatoid) (n = 10 per cell line in three different biological replicates). RESULTS In vitro, BNP concentration was significantly higher in the supernatant of all malignant cell lines than benign ones (P < 0.01), denoting BNP's production from the former. The pleural fluid to blood BNP ratio in MME was extremely high in Part I and Part II subjects (28.3 ± 12.1 and 25.9 ± 8.6, respectively) versus 1.1 ± 0.3 and 0.4 ± 0.1 in Part I ME and NME, respectively (P < 0.0001), and 0.8 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.1 in Part II ME and NME, respectively (P < 0.0001). BNP ratio ≥2.11 in Part I had 92% sensitivity and 94.5% specificity for MME (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION BNP is secreted from malignant mesothelial cells. In clinical practice, the pleural fluid to blood BNP ratio can help in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotirios Zarogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paris Zygoulis
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kalomenidis
- 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, 'Evangelismos Hospital', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rajesh Jagirdar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Demosthenes Makris
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sofia Magkouta
- 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, 'Evangelismos Hospital', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Triantafyllou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, School of Sciences, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
| | - John Papanikolaou
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Epaminondas Zakynthinos
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Larissa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Karapetsa M, Tsolaki V, Arabatzis M, Petinaki E, Velegraki A, Zakynthinos E. Septic shock due to Candida famata (Debaryomyces hansenii) candidemia in an ICU immunocompetent trauma-patient. J Infect Public Health 2019; 12:594-597. [PMID: 30635251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis related to Candida famata (C. famata) fungemia is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. Moreover, septic shock has not been reported due to this yeast. A previously healthy young multi-trauma male, presented septic shock from C. famata, after he had been admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to haemorrhagic shock. Risk factors for candidemia in ICU patients are the presence of a central venous catheter (CVC), Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, immunosuppression and the length of ICU stay. The presence of CVCs, prior use of antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization, disruption of skin flora and immunocompromised states have been identified as predisposing risk factors for C. famata fungemia. It is worth noting that the present case concerns a non-immunocompromised patient, but long ICU stay and brain injury may indicate a state of immunoparalysis. Identification of the yeast was performed by partial amplification and sequencing of the 26S ribosomal DNA gene [hypervariable region D1/D2; partial sequencing of the act1 gene confirmed the identity of the strain as Debaryomyces hansenii (GenBank submission ID: 1688297)] The patient quickly recovered from sepsis after initiation of amphotericin B and was discharged on the 60th day.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karapetsa
- Department of Intensive Care, University Hospital of Thessaly Biopolis, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsolaki
- Department of Intensive Care, University Hospital of Thessaly Biopolis, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Michael Arabatzis
- Mycology Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Dermatology-Venereology, Medical School, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efi Petinaki
- Department of Microbiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aristea Velegraki
- Mycology Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tsolaki V, Karvouniaris M, Manoulakas E, Kotlia P, Karadontas V, Fotakopoulos G, Zakynthinos E, Makris D. Intraventricular CNS treatment with Colistin-Tigecycline combination: A case series. J Crit Care 2018; 47:338-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|