Kinetics of serum procalcitonin in patients with acute mesenteric ischemia and bowel infarction after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The present study reports perioperative changes in PCT levels occuring in cardiac patients with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) undergoing laparotomy. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that PCT kinetics may confirm the presence of AMI after cardiac surgery, distinguishing between bowel infarction and diffuse ischemia.

METHODS

PCT values from adult patients undergoing laparotomy for AMI after elective or urgent cardiac surgery (January 2010 - December 2019) were determinated at the ICU admission after cardiac surgery, 24 hours later and at the onset of clinical symptoms. Patients affected by diffuse intestinal ischemia with no need for bowel resection were allocated to Group A (n.8), patients presented with intestinal necrosis requiring small or large bowel resection were allocated to Group B (n.12).

RESULTS

At the beginning of the abdominal symptoms, PCT levels increased in both group, compared to those immediately after cardiac surgery. The PCT increasing resulted much more evident in patients presenting with intestinal necrosis - Group B (20.65 ng/ml [IQR8.47-34.5] vs. 4.31 ng/ml [IQR 8.47-34.5], p <0.05), rather than in those with diffuse ischemia - Group A (13.25 ng/ml [IQR 5.97-27.65] vs. 10.4 ng/ml [IQR 3.68-14.05], p 0.260). This trend was confirmed in the subgroup of patients undergoing CVVHD and in patients who experience AMI recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing PCT values after cardiac surgery are proportional to the severity of wall ischemia and high levels of PCT are predictive of intestinal necrosis. Routine PCT monitoring after cardiac surgery should be considered extremely useful in suggesting the possibility of abdominal complications, alerting medical staff to the need of prompt treatment.

Combined Renal-Pulmonary Extracorporeal Support with Low Blood Flow Techniques: A Retrospective Observational Study (CICERO Study)

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure frequently present concomitant lung and kidney injury, within a multiorgan failure condition due to local and systemic mediators. To face this issue, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) systems have been integrated into continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) platforms to provide a combined organ support, with efficient clearance of CO2 with very low extracorporeal blood flows (<400 mL/min).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate efficacy and safety of combined ECCO2R-CRRT support with PrismaLung®-Prismaflex® in patients affected by hypercapnic respiratory acidosis associated with AKI in a second level intensive care unit.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective observational study enrolling patients submitted to PrismaLung®-Prismaflex® due to mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aeCOPD). The primary endpoints were the shift to protective ventilation and extubation of mechanically ventilated patients and the shift to invasive mechanical ventilation of patients receiving noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Clinical-laboratoristic data and operational characteristics of ECCO2R-CRRT were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 12/17 patients on mechanical ventilation shifted to protective ventilation, CO2 clearance was satisfactorily maintained during the whole observational period, and pH was rapidly corrected. Treatment prevented NIV failure in 4 out of 5 patients. No treatment-related complications were recorded.

CONCLUSION

ECCO2R-CRRT was effective and safe in patients with aeCOPD and ARDS associated with AKI.

Towards a better comprehension of acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiac surgery. An analysis of 33 patients

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) after cardiac surgery is a rare but serious complication associated to high mortality. The time of onset is the key point to correctly evaluate the clinical scenarios.

METHODS

Data from adult patients who underwent laparotomy for AMI after elective or urgent cardiac surgery were reviewed (January 2005 - December 2019) to report their anatomoclinical features in relationship to time of onset. Early events (within 48 hours) were allocated to Group 1, whereas late onsets were allocated to Group 2.

RESULTS

The incidence of risk factors for non occlusive mesenteric ischemia was higher in Group 1 (chronic renal failure 80% vs 38.8%, P <0.05, use of inotropes 60% vs 5.5%, P <0.01, early oligo-anuria requiring CRRT 80% vs 16.6%, P <0.01, prolonged ventilation 46.6% vs 5.5%, P <0.05), where a significative occurrence of postoperative de novo atrial fibrillation was noted in Group 2 (55% vs 5.5%, P <0.01). The number of patients who required bowel resection was proportionally higher in the Group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Two well distinct categories of AMI after cardiac surgery can be classified. The first consists of patients with well-known risk factors developing ischemia as a result of severe visceral hypoperfusion The second consists of patients with low comorbidity who experience late AMI as a consequence of "trigger events", mainly de novo atrial fibrillation. This classification may be useful to better alert the medical staff to the possibility of bowel ischemia at any time after cardiac surgery, promoting early diagnosis and treatment.

KEY WORDS

Mesenteric ischemia, Cardiovascular pathology.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with the Adsorbing Filter oXiris in Septic Patients: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal treatment may be useful during sepsis, but definitive recommendations are lacking. Aim of this study is to review retrospectively the medical records of septic patients submitted to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with the adsorbing membrane oXiris and evaluate (1) the safety of the device, (2) the cardiorenal response, and (3) the immunological response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 60 septic patients submitted to CRRT with the membrane oXiris from April 2011 to December 2018 have been reviewed. The adsorbing membrane oXiris® (Baxter, IL, USA) was used through a Prisma plataform (Prismaflex - Baxter, IL, USA). At basal time (T0), at 24 h (T1), and at the end of the treatment (T2) were analyzed the clinical data, the cytokines, and the time course of endotoxin.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included in the study. In total, 85% of patients had acute kidney injury (AKI). Every CRRT treatment was of 72 ± 13 h, with the consumption of 3.2 ± 1 filters. No AE events were reported. The main cardiorenal and respiratory parameters improved with a decrease of the noradrenaline dosage. Cytokines, procalcitonin, and endotoxin activity assay decreased too. SOFA total improved from 12.4 ± 2 to 9 ± 2.

CONCLUSION

In sepsis/septic shock patients with AKI, CRRT with the adsorbing membrane oXiris may be safe and improves the cardiorenal - function and the clinical condition. The effect on cytokines and endotoxin may explain in part these results. A RCT is warranted to confirm these data.

Sepsis Management with a Blood Purification Membrane: European Experience

BACKGROUND

Septic shock is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Endotoxins and cytokine levels are associated with the occurrence and severity of AKI, and different blood purification devices are available to remove them from circulation. One such device, oXiris, is a hollow-fibre purification filter that clears both endotoxins and cytokines. Due to limited evidence, clinical use of this device is not currently advocated in guidelines. However, clinics do regularly use this device, and there is a critical need for guidance on the application of it in sepsis with and without AKI.

METHOD

A modified Delphi-based method was used to collate -European experts' views on the indication(s), initiation and discontinuation criteria and success measures for oXiris.

RESULTS

A panel of 14 participants was selected based on known clinical expertise in the areas of critical care and sepsis management, as well as their experience of using the oXiris blood purification device. The participants used different criteria to initiate treatment with oXiris in sepsis patients with and without AKI. Septic shock with AKI was the priority patient population, with oXiris used to rapidly improve haemodynamic parameters. Achieving haemodynamic stability within 72 h was a key factor for determining treatment success.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of established guidelines, users of hollow-fibre purification devices such as oXiris may benefit from standardised approaches to selecting patients and initiating and terminating treatment, as well as measuring success. Further evidence in the form of randomised clinical trials is urgently required.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of HEMOPATCH Topical Sealant in Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Hemostasis is a critical component of all surgical procedures and especially cardiac surgery. In addition to traditional means, topical hemostatic agents have been reported to be extremely effective in terminating bleeding during cardiac procedures. We compared a hemostatic matrix sealant agent (HEMOPATCH Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL) with alternative topical hemostatic treatment in patients undergoing ascending aorta surgery with moderate bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following sample size calculation, in a prospective randomized study design, 85 patients were treated with HEMOPATCH matrix sealant and 85 patients received alternative treatment (dry or wet gauze compression or similar [control group]). The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients with successful hemostasis within three minutes of HEMOPATCH or traditional treatment application. Other study outcome measures were postoperative blood loss and the rate of transfusion of blood products.

RESULTS

A statistically higher rate of successful hemostasis within three minutes was observed in the HEMOPATCH group (97.6% [83/85] vs. 65.8% [56/85] in the control group; p< 0.001). The percentages of patients with postoperative bleeding and the rate of transfusion were lower in the HEMOPATCH group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HEMOPATCH is effective in terminating bleeding in patients undergoing ascending aorta cardiac procedures. Fewer patients treated with HEMOPATCH required blood transfusion. The cost-utility profile of HEMOPATCH should be addressed in dedicated trials.

Renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury: controversy and consensus

Renal replacement therapies (RRTs) represent a cornerstone in the management of severe acute kidney injury. This area of intensive care and nephrology has undergone significant improvement and evolution in recent years. Continuous RRTs have been a major focus of new technological and treatment strategies. RRT is being used increasingly in the intensive care unit, not only for renal indications but also for other organ-supportive strategies. Several aspects related to RRT are now well established, but others remain controversial. In this review, we review the available RRT modalities, covering technical and clinical aspects. We discuss several controversial issues, provide some practical recommendations, and where possible suggest a research agenda for the future.

Acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiac surgery. Role of the abdominal compartment syndrome treatment

BACKGROUND

The management of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been included as a standard of care in our therapeutic algorithm after diagnosis of acute mesentheric ischemia (AMI), following cardiac surgery. This report is an updated review of our results compared to previous experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational, cohort study on a series of 26 patients (20 males, 6 females, mean age 75.2 years, min 64, max 83) who developed AMI, out of 7.719 patients undergoing cardiac operations (january 2005 - December 2014). The initial treatment consisted of laparotomy with abdominal decompression and temporary abdominal closure, performing visceral resections just in case of gangrenous tracts and providing for a "secondlook" during the variable period of resuscitation and vacuum assisted dressing.

RESULTS

A non-occlusive mesentheric ischemia with diffuse visceral underperfusion was confirmed in every case. Temporary abdominal closure was applied to treat ACS in every case, 13 patients required associated resection of gangrenous tracts (50%). Seventeen patients died following first operation as a consequence of multiple organ failure (65.4%). Nine patients survived (34.6%) and underwent re-establishment of intestinal continuity and definitive closure of abdominal wall within 30 DAYS.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

AMI occuring after cardiac surgery is associated with an increase of intra-abdominal pressure and subsequent ACS. Basing on this case series, an early ACS treatment using open abdomen techniques may be results in a better outcome of critically injured cardiac patients. These results compared favourably with literature experiences (mortality rate > 85%).

KEY WORDS

Abdominal compartment syndrome, Acute mesentheric ischemia, Cardiac surgery.

Emergency treatment of a salmonella-infected abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with spondylodiscitis

AIM

To report surgical treatment of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) associated with spondylodiscitis due to Salmonella in emergency setting.

CASE REPORT

A 69-year-old male with an history of hypertension, presented with a ruptured AAA infected by nontyphoidal Salmonella (type H), associated with spondylodiscitis. Patient underwent an emergency operation consisting in surgical debridment of infected tissue and aortic replacement with a prosthetic Dacron graft impregnated with Gentamycine. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged at day 20 after the index procedure in good clinical condition. antimicrobial therapy was continued for 8 weeks. A CT scan and nuclear medicine studies performed two months later demonstrated minimal sign of residual aortitis. A CT scan 21 months after the procedure showed complete anatomic resolution of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

A rare but increasing number of aneurysms as a consequence of Salmonellosis can be observed with a high rate of morbidity and mortality, mainly in patients with a concurrent infection of the spine and paravertebral tissue. Combined antimicrobial therapy and one-stage surgical treatment can be associated with good outcome.

KEYWORDS

Abdominal aorta aneurysm, Mycotic aortic aneurysms, Salmonellosis, Spondylodiscitis.

Mechanical ventilation affects inflammatory mediators in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Respiratory support for patients recovering from cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery uses large tidal volumes and a minimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure. Recent data indicate that these ventilator settings might cause pulmonary and systemic inflammation in patients with acute lung injury. We examined the hypothesis that high tidal volumes and low levels of positive end-expiratory pressure might worsen the inflammatory response associated to cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Forty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass were randomized to be ventilated after cardiopulmonary bypass disconnection with high tidal volume/low positive end-expiratory pressure (10-12 mL/kg and 2-3 cm H2O, respectively) or low tidal volume/high positive end-expiratory pressure (8 mL/kg and 10 cm H2O, respectively). Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma. Samples were taken before sternotomy (time 0), immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass separation (time 1), and after 6 hours of mechanical ventilation (time 2).

RESULTS

Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and plasma significantly increased at time 1 in both groups but further increased at time 2 only in patients ventilated with high tidal volume/low positive end-expiratory pressure. Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in the plasma at time 2 were higher with high tidal volume/low positive end-expiratory pressure than with low tidal volume/high positive end-expiratory pressure.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical ventilation might be a cofactor able to influence the inflammatory response after cardiac surgery.

Cardioprotection with volatile anesthetics: mechanisms and clinical implications

Cardiac surgery and some noncardiac procedures are associated with a significant risk of perioperative cardiac morbid events. Experimental data indicate that clinical concentrations of volatile general anesthetics protect the myocardium from ischemia and reperfusion injury, as shown by decreased infarct size and a more rapid recovery of contractile function on reperfusion. These anesthetics may also mediate protective effects in other organs, such as the brain and kidney. Recently, a number of reports have indicated that these experimentally observed protective effects may also have clinical implications in cardiac surgery. However, the impact of the use of volatile anesthetics on outcome measures, such as postoperative mortality and recovery in cardiac and noncardiac surgery, is yet to be determined.

Preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin is cardioprotective in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

AIM

The cardioprotective effects afforded by volatile anesthetics, i.e. isoflurane, during heart surgery may be due to preconditioning of the myocardium through the activation of KATP channels. The aims of this study were to establish whether glibenclamide prevents the isoflurane-induced cardioprotection in diabetic patients undergoing coronary surgery (CABG) and whether this cardioprotective effect can be restored by preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin therapy.

METHODS

We enrolled 60 patients undergoing CABG. Twenty consecutive non-diabetic patients were randomized to receive conventional anesthesia (CA) or conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane (ISO) (added to the inspired oxygen before starting cardiopulmonary bypass); 40 consecutive diabetic patients in chronic treatment with oral glibenclamide were randomized to conventional anesthesia (G-CA), conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane (G-ISO), conventional anesthesia after shifting to insulin (I-CA) or conventional anesthesia plus isoflurane after shifting to insulin (I-ISO). Serum levels of cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and CK-MB, as markers of ischemic injury, were obtained 1, 24, 48 and 96 hours, postoperatively.

RESULTS

Postoperative peak levels of CTnI and CK-MB were lower in ISO than in CA (0.5+/-0.3 vs 2.8+/-2.2 ng/ml, p<0.05 and 61+/-27 vs 79+/-28 U/L, p<0.05, respectively), as well as in I-CA and I-ISO than G-CA and G-ISO groups (0.5+/-0.7 and 0.7+/-0.9 vs 3.5+/-3 and 2.7+/-2.5 ng/ml, p<0.05; 47+/-7 and 41+/-5 vs 85+/-28 and 50+/-23 U/L, p<0.05, respectively). No significant differences were detected in postoperative hemodynamic variables or in-hospital outcome.

CONCLUSION

This prospective randomized study shows a cardioprotective effect of preoperative administration of isoflurane during CABG. Such an effect is prevented by glibenclamide, but can be restored in diabetic patients by preoperative shift from glibenclamide to insulin.

Early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia after cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to identify significant risk factors and eventual clinical markers associated with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) after cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

The study was retrospectively performed on a group of 19 patients (group A) undergoing cardiac surgery between January 1991 and December 1999, who developed AMI within 30 days of their hospitalization. A control group of 48 patients (group B) was compared in order to define preoperative and operative risk factors for AMI.

RESULTS

At the abdominal operation, a non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia was found in every case. In-hospital mortality was 84.2% (16/19). Compared to the control, there was a significant difference in aortic cross-clamp time (p<0.001) and use of inotropic drugs (p<0.01). Postoperatively, the studied group (group A) had a significantly higher mean value of the enzymatic serum levels at any time.

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion for mesenteric ischemia after cardiopulmonary bypass should be considered in patients with conditions of hypoperfusion. The early laboratory signs of AMI might be searched during the first postoperative hours.

Effect of lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema on right ventricular function

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) can improve the functional capacity of selected patients with severe emphysema. Hypothesized physiologic effects of LVRS include an improvement in right ventricular function, although this has not been investigated in detail. To help clarify this issue, we used fast-thermistor thermodilution at rest and during submaximal upright exercise in 12 patients, before and 6 mo after bilateral LVRS. Preoperatively, all patients had severe airflow obstruction, with a mean FEV(1) of 0.69 L and an RV-to-TLC ratio of 0.67. Six months after LVRS, significant improvements occurred in respiratory function measures (+0.39 L in FEV(1), p < 0.002; and +/- 0.15 in RV/TLC ratio, p < 0.002) and in right ventricular function indexes measured at rest (+0.21 L in cardiac index [CI], p < 0.01; and +3.0 ml in stroke volume, p < 0.01) and during exercise (+0.9 L in CI, p < 0.002; +10.0 ml in stroke volume index, p < 0.002; and +20% in ejection fraction [EF], p < 0.002). A significant correlation was found between pre- to postoperative changes in the EF response to exercise and changes in the RV/TLC ratio (R = -0.68; p = 0.01). We conclude that a significant improvement in right ventricular performance, particularly during exercise, can occur 6 mo after bilateral LVRS.

Cardiac function and oxygen balance in septic patients during continuous hemofiltration

The aim of this work was to study hemodynamic, oximetric and metabolic parameters in septic patients during continuous hemofiltration, in order to determine whether the changes in hemodynamic parameters can influence the oxygen utilization in peripheral tissues. 29 multiple organ failure patients with septic shock were studied during the first 48 h of continuous hemofiltration: 18 were submitted to CAVH and 11 patients were treated with CAVHD to correct ARF and fluid overload. Our data show that RVEF improves and REDVI reduces progressively during treatment, together with a significant reduction of the cardiac index after 48 h of CAVH(D). There were no significant variations in oxygen tissue parameters, while plasma lactate was reduced significantly. In conclusion, our data confirm that continuous hemofiltration may be useful in septic patients to correct fluid overload and ARF, without affecting hemodynamic stability and oxygen balance. Moreover, in septic patients, this technique improves hemodynamics, reduces the filling pressure in the right heart and reduces hyperdynamic response as CI and SVRI, without any negative effects on O2 balance.

Recovery of LV contractility in man is enhanced by preischemic administration of enflurane

BACKGROUND

Volatile anesthetics enhance postischemic functional recovery in animal models; this effect has not been investigated in man.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients undergoing coronary surgery were randomized to enflurane administration (0.5% to 2%) for 5 minutes to reduce systolic blood pressure by 20% to 25% immediately before cardioplegic arrest. Left ventricular contractility was assessed by pressure-area relations using echocardiographic automated border detection during inflow occlusion before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Linear regression analysis in 16 patients with paired data sets assessed changes in contractility.

RESULTS

The relation was highly linear (r = 0.95+/-0.02). A change of slope versus the change in x intercept was detected in controls (mean difference, 16.1 mm Hg/cm2, 95% confidence limits, 5.9 to 26.3; 2.2 cm2, 95% confidence limits, -1.1 to 5.5; p = 0.007), which was different from those of treated patients (mean difference, 0.7 mm Hg/cm2, 95% confidence limits, -2.2 to 3.7; -0.06 cm2, 95% confidence limits, -1.6 to 1.5; p > 0.2). Analysis of covariance in the overall group confirmed a significant effect of treatment (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Enflurane enhances postischemic functional recovery, possibly through pharmacologic preconditioning of myocardium.

Unilateral thoracoscopic reduction pneumoplasty for asymmetric emphysema

OBJECTIVE

We prospectively analyzed the surgical and functional results of unilateral thoracoscopic reduction pneumoplasty which we performed by choice in patients with asymmetric emphysema.

METHODS

Between October 1995 and June 1997, 119 emphysematous patients were examined and 34 were operated upon. Among these, 14 selected patients with asymmetric distribution of emphysema in the lungs underwent unilateral reduction pneumoplasty (ten right, and four left). There were 13 males and one female, with a mean age of 62 years. Eligibility criteria included bullous and non-bullous end-stage emphysema with severe limitation to daily activity.

RESULTS

No patient required conversion to thoracotomy. Mean operative time ranged between 70 and 240 min with a mean of 103 min. There was no postoperative mortality but five patients developed one or more complications: five prolonged air leaks (>7 days); two pulmonary infections; one empyema. No patient required postoperative mechanical ventilation. Median hospital stay was 8 days. At the 3-month follow-up the mean FEV1 increased from 0.8 l to 1.2 l (P < 0.001). Mean FVC increased from 2.6 l to 2.9 l (P < 0.001). The Medical Research Council dyspnea score decreased from a mean of 3.2 to 1.8 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetric distribution is a frequent finding in patients with severe emphysema. Unilateral thoracoscopic reduction pneumoplasty may represent an ideal approach in this selected group of patients.