Fluid Management for Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Receiving Kidney Replacement Therapy: An International Survey

BACKGROUND

In critically ill patients receiving KRT, high ultrafiltration rates and persistent fluid accumulation are associated with adverse outcomes. The purpose of this international survey was to evaluate current practices and evidence gaps related to fluid removal with KRT in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This was a multinational, web-based survey distributed by seven networks comprising nephrologists and intensivists. Physicians involved in the care of critically ill patients were invited to complete a 39-question survey about fluid management practices on KRT. The survey was distributed from September 2021 to December 2021.

RESULTS

There were 757 respondents from 96 countries (response rate of 65%). Most respondents practiced adult medicine (89%) and worked in an academic center (69%). The majority (91%) reported aiming for a 0.5- to 2-L negative fluid balance per day when fluid removal is indicated, although there was important variability in what respondents considered a safe maximal target. Intensivists were more likely than nephrologists to use adjunct volume status assessment methods ( i.e. , ultrasound, hemodynamic markers, and intra-abdominal pressure), while nephrologists were more likely to deploy cointerventions aimed at improving tolerance to fluid removal ( i.e. , osmotic agents and low-temperature dialysate). There was a broad consensus that rapid decongestion should be prioritized when fluid accumulation is present, but the prevention of hypotension was also reported as a competing priority. A majority (77%) agreed that performing trials that compare fluid management strategies would be ethical and clinically relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified multiple areas of variability in current practice of fluid management for patients receiving KRT. Most nephrologists and intensivists agreed that several knowledge gaps related to fluid removal strategies should be investigated in future randomized controlled trials.

What is appropriate care? A qualitative study into the perceptions of healthcare professionals in Flemish university hospital intensive care units

Aim

This study examines when healthcare professionals consider intensive care as appropriate care.

Background

Despite attempts to conceptualize appropriate care in prior research, there is a lack of insight into its meaning and implementation in practice. This is an important issue because healthcare professionals as well as patients and relatives report inappropriate care in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a regular basis.

Methods

A qualitative study was designed, based on principles of grounded theory. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses, doctors and doctors in training from three Flemish university hospitals. Analyses followed the Quagol method; insights were gained by means of the constant comparative method.

Results

Healthcare professionals described appropriate care as socially sustainable care, high-quality care, patient-oriented care, dignified care and meaningful care. They considered it important that care is not only proportional to the expected survival and quality of life of the patient and in line with the patient's or relatives' wishes, but also that the pursuit of the care goals is proportional to the patient's suffering.Although healthcare professionals indicated the same elements of appropriate care, they were defined and interpreted in individual and therefore different ways. This diversity lies at the basis of fields of tension and frustrations among healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Appropriate care is defined and interpreted in individual and therefore different ways. In order to decide which type of care is appropriate for a specific patient, a process of open and constructive communication in a team is recommended.

Computed tomography measured epicardial adipose tissue and psoas muscle attenuation: new biomarkers to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and mortality in patients with heart disease and critically ill patients. Part I: Epicardial adipose tissue

Over the last two decades, the potential role of epicardial adipocyte tissue (EAT) as a marker for major adverse cardiovascular events has been extensively studied. Unlike other visceral adipocyte tissues (VAT), EAT is not separated from the adjacent myocardium by a fascial layer and shares the same microcirculation with the myocardium. Adipocytokines, secreted by EAT, interact directly with the myocardium through paracrine and vasocrine pathways. The role of the Randle cycle, linking VAT accumulation to insulin resistance, and the relevance of blood flow and mitochondrial function of VAT, are briefly discussed. The three available imaging modalities for the assessment of EAT are discussed. The advantages of echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are compared. The last section summarises the current stage of knowledge on EAT as a clinical marker for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The association between EAT volume and coronary artery disease (CAD) has robustly been validated. There is growing evidence that EAT volume is associated with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) assessed high-risk plaque features. The EAT CT attenuation coefficient predicts coronary events. Many studies have established EAT volume as a predictor of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Moreover, EAT thickness has been independently associated with severe aortic stenosis and mitral annular calcification. Studies have demonstrated that EAT volume is associated with heart failure. Finally, we discuss the potential role of EAT in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. In conclusion, EAT seems to be a promising new biomarker to predict MACE.

Non-Invasive Intra-Abdominal Pressure Measurement by Means of Transient Radar Method: In Vitro Validation of a Novel Radar-Based Sensor

Intra-abdominal hypertension, defined as an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) equal to or above 12 mmHg is one of the major risk-factors for increased morbidity (organ failure) and mortality in critically ill patients. Therefore, IAP monitoring is highly recommended in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to predict development of abdominal compartment syndrome and to provide a better care for patients hospitalized in the ICU. The IAP measurement through the bladder is the actual reference standard advocated by the abdominal compartment society; however, this measurement technique is cumbersome, non-continuous, and carries a potential risk for urinary tract infections and urethral injury. Using microwave reflectometry has been proposed as one of the most promising IAP measurement alternatives. In this study, a novel radar-based method known as transient radar method (TRM) has been used to monitor the IAP in an in vitro model with an advanced abdominal wall phantom. In the second part of the study, further regression analyses have been done to calibrate the TRM system and measure the absolute value of IAP. A correlation of –0.97 with a p-value of 0.0001 was found between the IAP and the reflection response of the abdominal wall phantom. Additionally, a quadratic relation with a bias of −0.06 mmHg was found between IAP obtained from the TRM technique and the IAP values recorded by a pressure gauge. This study showed a promising future for further developing the TRM technique to use it in clinical monitoring.

Increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure During Laparoscopic Pneumoperitoneum Enhances Albuminuria via Renal Venous Congestion, Illustrating Pathophysiological Aspects of High Output Preeclampsia

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) causes severe organ dysfunction. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on renal function, hypothesizing that venous congestion may increase proteinuria and fluid retention without endothelial dysfunction. Three urine samples were collected from 32 non-pregnant women undergoing laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and from 10 controls placed in Trendelenburg position for 60 min. Urine sampling was done before (PRE), during or immediately after (PER), and two hours after (POST) the procedure. Urinary albumin, protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in each sample, and ratios were calculated and compared within and between groups. During LAVH, the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) increased and persisted POST-procedure, which was not observed in controls. A positive correlation existed between the LAVH duration and the relative change in both ACR and protein/creatinine ratio (PCR) PER- and POST-procedure. Iatrogenic IAH increases urinary ACR and PCR in non-pregnant women via a process of venous congestion. This mechanism might explain the presentation of one specific subtype of late-onset preeclampsia, where no drop of maternal cardiac output is observed.

Validation study of Nexfin® continuous non-invasive blood pressure monitoring in critically ill adult patients

BACKGROUND

Nexfin® (BMEYE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is a totally non-invasive blood pressure and cardiac output (CO) monitor based on finger arterial pulse contour analysis.

METHODS

We performed an open observational study in a mix of medical-surgical-burns critically ill patients (N.=45) to validate Nexfin obtained blood pressures (MAPnex) against PiCCO (MAPfem) derived blood pressure measurements. MAPnex, MAPfem and corresponding systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured continuously and registered with a 2 hour interval during the 8-hour study period. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson regression, Bland and Altman, Concordance plot and Polar plot analysis.

RESULTS

MAPnex shows excellent correlation with MAPfem (R² 0.88, mean bias ± LA -2.3±12.4 mmHg, 14.7% error) and may be used interchangeably with invasive monitoring. The excellent MAPnex -MAPfem correlation was preserved in subgroup analysis for patients with severe hypotension, high systemic vascular resistance, low CO, hypothermia and in patients supported by inotropic/vasopressive agents. MAPnex is able to follow changes in MAPfem during the same time interval (level of concordance 85.5%). Nexfin SBP and DBP show significant correlation with PiCCO but the criteria for interchangeability were not met. Finally, polar plot analysis showed that trending capabilities were excellent when changes in MAPnex (ΔMAPnex) were compared to ΔMAPfem (96.1% of changes were within the level of 10% limits of agreement).

CONCLUSION

In this sample of critically ill patients we found a good correlation between MAPnex and invasive blood pressures obtained by PiCCO.

A Systematic Review And Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis On Intraabdominal Hypertension In Critically Ill Patients: The Wake-Up Project World Initiative on Abdominal Hypertension Epidemiology, a Unifying Project (WAKE-Up!)

Background: Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH), defined as a pathologically increase in intraabdominal pressure, is commonly found in critically ill patients. While IAH has been associated with several abdominal as well as extra-abdominal conditions, few studies have examined the occurrence of IAH in relation to mortality. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic role of IAH and its risk factors at admission in critically ill patients across a wide range of settings and countries. Data sources: An individual patient meta-analysis of all available data and a systematic review of published (in full or as abstract) medical databases and studies between 1996 and June 2012 were performed. The search was limited to "clinical trials" and "randomized controlled trials", "adults", using the terms "intraabdominal pressure", "intraabdominal hypertension" combined with any of the terms "outcome" and "mortality". All together data on 2707 patients, representing 21 centers from 11 countries was obtained. Data on 1038 patients were not analysed because of the following exclusion criteria: no IAP value on admission (n=712), absence of information on ICU outcome (n=195), age <18 or > 95 years (n=131). Results: Data from 1669 individual patients (19 centers from 9 countries) were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Presence of IAH was defined as a sustained increase in IAP equal to or above 12 mmHg. At admission the mean overall IAP was 9.9±5.0 mmHg, with 463 patients (27.7%) presenting IAH with a mean IAP of 16.3±3.4 mmHg. The only independent predictors for IAH were SOFA score and fluid balance on the day of admission. Five hundred thirteen patients (30.8%) died in intensive care. The independent predictors for intensive care mortality were IAH, SAPS II score, SOFA score and admission category. Conclusions: This systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis shows that IAH is frequently present in critically ill patients and it is an independent predictor for mortality.

Treatment of severe thallium intoxication

CASE REPORT

We report a successfully treated case of severe thallium intoxication. In spite of very high serum thallium (5,240 micrograms/L), symptomatology was minor and recovery complete. Prussian Blue was administered, diuresis was enhanced by intravenous fluids and a prolonged hemodialysis was started early. High blood flows (300 mL/min) and intravenous potassium chloride supplements, to mobilize thallium from the tissues, resulted in good clearances (96 to 150 mL/min). In order to prevent the well known complications, we recommend aggressive treatment of severe thallium intoxication.

Lung abscess due to nontyphoid Salmonella in an immunocompromised host. Case report with review of the literature

Lung abscess due to nontyphoid Salmonella (NTS) with or without other intestinal or extra-intestinal involvement is very rare. A literature review (Medline search) revealed only 20 cases including ours with this extra-intestinal manifestation of Salmonella infection. The case of a 49-year-old, HIV-positive man from Zaire is reported. Diagnosis was established by direct transthoracal CT-guided puncture of the abscess, a hitherto not reported procedure in this setting. Treatment with oral ciprofloxacin resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement. Underlying immunodeficiency seems to play an important role, but the real pathophysiological mechanisms remain unsolved. It is particularly seen in HIV-positive patients with impaired cellular immunity since Salmonella is an intracellular pathogen whose eradication involves natural killer cells and antibody-induced cellular cytotoxicity. A possible explanation is that NT-Salmonella bacteraemia is much more frequent in AIDS-patients as compared to the general population. Salmonella bacteraemia can then spread to other tissues and organs such as the lungs, but why only the lungs are involved in some cases remains unclear. The characteristics of Salmonella lung abscess is discussed and the literature reviewed.

Further evidence for the clonal nature of the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: complete haematological and cytogenetic remission induced by interferon-alpha in a case with a unique chromosomal abnormality

A 49-year-old man with the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and a unique chromosomal abnormality 46,XY,t(5;9)(q32;q33) is reported. Complete cytogenetic remission was induced by interferon alpha-2b (IFN-alpha). The beneficial action of IFN-alpha in different stem-cell disorders such as CML, HES, multiple myeloma and solid tumours such as hypernephroma or malignant melanoma suggests a common regulatory effect possibly by immunomodulation or other (immune-mediated) mechanisms, but the exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain hypothetic and unresolved. Since it has been known for some years that the genes encoding for GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 reside on the long arm of chromosome 5, it could be possible that the chromosomal translocation in our patient resulted in excess production of these cytokines, hence causing the hypereosinophilia. This case report and the results obtained from the literature review support the growing body of evidence that IFN-alpha has a major place in the long-term treatment of HES, especially in those cases resistant to conventional treatment, with cytogenetic abnormalities, or presenting as a myeloproliferative variant of HES. In those cases IFN-alpha results in lower morbidity, lower mortality and long-term survival.

Acute renal infarction and heavy marijuana smoking

The first case of acute renal infarction in a patient with heavy marijuana smoking is described. The patient had no concomitant previous medical history. There was no evidence of a primary or secondary hypercoagulable state. Underlying neoplasm was excluded. Recovery was associated with normalization of transaminases and lactic dehydrogenase but with a persistent triangular hypoechogenic area in the right kidney. The combination of marijuana-associated alterations in systemic blood pressure due to peripheral vasodilation, functional anemia and an adrenergic effect might have been the cause of the arteria renalis thrombosis in our patient, but the real underlying pathophysiological mechanism still remains unresolved.

Acute renal failure due to bilateral lymphomatous infiltrates. Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (p-EN-NHL) of the kidneys: does it really exist?

Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (p-EN-NHL) of the kidneys with acute renal failure as the only manifestation is very rare. The origin of neoplastic lymphoid cells in the kidneys, organs normally free of lymphoid tissue, is an unsolved problem. A literature review over the last ten years revealed only 9 adult cases, including ours that match the usual criteria: (1) renal failure as the initial presentation, (2) bilateral enlargement of the kidneys without obstruction and other organ or nodal involvement, (3) diagnosis only made by renal biopsy, (4) absence of other causes of renal failure, and (5) rapid improvement of renal function after radiotherapy or, as in our case, systemic chemotherapy. Autopsy on two patients confirmed that p-EN-NHL of the kidneys without dissemination does exist as a separate entity.

Orthodeoxia and platypnea in liver cirrhosis: effects of propranolol

Chronic liver disease is well known to be associated with pulmonary abnormalities. Hypoxemia, clubbing, cyanosis and hyperventilation are common. The hypoxemia in cirrhotic patients has several causes: diffuse shunts due to intrapulmonary arteriolar vasodilatation, impaired hypoxic vasoconstriction, impaired matching of ventilation to perfusion, pleural effusions and diaphragmatic dysfunction. Because of gravity, shifting of blood to the dilated precapillary beds of the lung bases results in an increased hypoxemic dyspnea when the patient is in the upright position, also known as orthodeoxia and platypnea. It has only been described in 5% of the cirrhotic patients and has not been described in a Belgian refereed journal (Medline literature search 1983-Aug 1993). It should be considered in the initial differential diagnosis of hypoxemia in patients with liver cirrhosis and dyspnea. Measuring arterial blood gases in the lying and upright position can prevent further invasive investigations, and whole body nuclide scan with technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin can confirm the diagnosis. Standard therapy with spironolactone (Aldactone) can worsen the condition and we found no additional benefit of beta-antagonists (propranolol/Inderal) in the reduction of the shunt fraction, probably because the main reason for the shunting is precapillary vasodilatation. Since there are no anatomical porto-pulmonary shunts, surgery is also inappropriate. The only therapy consists of oxygen supplements and low dose diuretics in patients with edema.

A massive, near-fatal cocaine intoxication in a body-stuffer. Case report and review of the literature

The last decade an increase has been seen in drug smuggling. Body-packing and body-stuffing are the terms used for intracorporeal concealment of illicit drugs (mainly cocaine and heroine, but sometimes also amphetamines and cannabinoids). These body-packets are especially prone to rupture. In order to avoid systemic cocaine toxicity, which can involve nearly every organ and therefore nearly every subspecialty of medicine urgent diagnosis is necessary. Obtaining a detailed history remains crucial. Further clues to diagnosis are given by the urinary drug concentrations and the benzoylecgonine/cocaine ratio in urine. Plain abdominal films, CT and contrast studies of the bowel can be helpful in identifying the package but are of limited value. In addition to activated charcoal, polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution, enteral feeding and laxatives (not paraffin) can be used to eliminate the body-package by enhancing bowel transit. Alkalinisation of gastric fluids enhances hydrolysis to cocaine's major inactive metabolite benzoylecgonine. If the package fails to progress through the gut or if mechanical obstruction occurs surgical removal is indicated. In no way endoscopic removal of the package should be attempted. Systemic symptoms should be treated by blocking the sympathetic overreactivity; this can be done with diazepam (Valium), labetalol (Trandate) or esmolol. Flumazenil (Anexate), lidocaine (Xylocaine) and pure beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) are to be avoided.