Search

Background and Objective: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) plays a critical role in antimicrobial removal, particularly for low-molecular-weight drugs with low plasma protein binding, low distribution volume and hydrophilicity. Medium cut-off (MCO) membranes represent a new generation in dialysis technology, enhancing diffusive modality efficacy and increasing the cut-off from 30 to 45 kDa, crucial for middle molecule removal. This monocentric randomized crossover pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of continuous haemodialysis with MCO membrane (MCO-CVVHD) on the removal of piperacillin, tazobactam and meropenem compared with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration with standard high-flux membrane (HFM-CVVHDF). Methods: Twenty patients were randomized to undergo MCO-CVVHD followed by HFM-CVVHDF or vice versa. Extraction ratio (ER), effluent clearance (Cleff) and treatment efficiency were assessed at various intervals. Antibiotic nadir plasma levels were measured for both treatment days. Results: HFM-CVVHDF showed greater ER compared with MCO-CVVHD for meropenem (β = − 8.90 (95% CI − 12.9 to − 4.87), p < 0.001) and tazobactam (β = − 8.29 (95% CI − 13.5 to − 3.08), p = 0.002) and Cleff for each antibiotic (meropenem β = − 10,206 (95% CI − 14,787 to − 5787), p = 0.001); tazobactam (β = − 4551 (95% CI − 7781 to − 1322), p = 0.012); piperacillin (β = − 3913 (95% CI − 6388 to − 1437), p = 0.002), even if the carryover effect influenced the Cleff for meropenem and tazobactam. No difference was observed in nadir plasma concentrations or efficiency for any antibiotic. Piperacillin (β = − 38.1 (95% CI − 47.9 to − 28.3), p < 0.001) and tazobactam (β = − 4.45 (95% CI − 6.17 to − 2.72), p < 0.001) showed lower nadir plasma concentrations the second day compared with the first day, regardless the filter type. Conclusion: MCO demonstrated comparable in vivo removal of piperacillin, tazobactam and meropenem to HFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter, published in the Journal of Anesthesia, Analgesia & Critical Care, discusses the environmental impact of anesthetic gases (AG) and the awareness of anesthesiologists regarding this issue. The study found that AG accounted for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in healthcare systems. The researchers analyzed data from their university center and found that AG use did not decrease over the years, despite recommendations to consider alternative methods. They also conducted a survey among anesthesiologists and found that while most believed total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) could substitute AG in a significant number of cases, many were unaware of the environmental impact of AG. The study suggests that there is room for improvement in reducing AG use and increasing awareness among anesthesiologists. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) incidence, rate, and risk factors vary in literature due to differences in populations, catheters, diagnostic methods, and statistical approaches. The aim of this single-center, prospective, observational study was to assess incidence, incidence rate (IR), cumulative incidence, and risk factors by means of IR ratio (IRR) of asymptomatic CRT in a non-oncologic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) population. CRT development was assessed daily by means of ultrasound screening. The proportions of patients and catheters developing CRT and CRT incidence rates, expressed as the number of events per catheter-days (cd), were calculated. Kalbfleisch and Prentice's method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of CRTs. Univariate and multivariable Poisson regression models were fitted to calculate IRR in risk factors analysis. Results: Fifty (25%, 95% CI 19–31) out of 203 included patients, and 52 (14%, 95% CI 11–18) out of 375 catheters inserted developed CRT [IR 17.7 (13.5–23.2) CRTs/1000*cd], after 5 [3–10] days from insertion. Forty-six CRTs (88%) were partial thrombosis. All CRTs remained asymptomatic. Obesity and ECMO support were patient-related protective factors [IRR 0.24 (0.10–0.60), p = 0.002 and 0.05 (0.01–0.50), p = 0.011, respectively]. The internal jugular vein had higher CRT IR than other sites [20.1 vs. 5.9 CRTs/1000*cd, IRR 4.22 (1.22–14.63), p = 0.023]. Pulmonary artery catheter and left-side cannulation were catheter-related risk factors [IRR 4.24 (2.00–9.00), p < 0.001 vs. central venous catheters; IRR 2.69 (1.45–4.98), p = 0.002 vs. right cannulation, respectively]. No statistically significant effect of the number of simultaneously inserted catheters [IRR 1.11 (0.64–1.94), p = 0.708] and of the catheterization length [IRR 1.09 (0.97–1.22), p = 0.155] was detected. The ICU length of stay was longer in CRT patients (20 [15–31] vs. 6 [4–14] days, p < 0.001), while no difference in mortality was observed. Conclusions: CRTs are frequent but rarely symptomatic. This study suggests that obesity and ECMO are protective factors, while pulmonary artery catheter, internal jugular vein and left-side positioning are risk factors for CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pro‐protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a proenzyme primarily known to regulate low‐density lipoprotein receptor re‐uptake on hepatocytes. Whether PCSK9 can concurrently trigger inflammation or not remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential association between circulating levels of PCSK9 and mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Methods: Plasma PCSK9 levels at days 1, 2 and 7 were measured in 958 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock previously enrolled in the Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. Correlations between levels of PCSK9 and pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a biomarker of disease severity, were evaluated with ranked Spearman's coefficients. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of PCSK9 levels at day 1 with 28‐ and 90‐day mortality. Results: Median plasma PCSK9 levels were 278 [182–452] ng mL−1 on day 1. PCSK9 correlated positively with PTX3 at the three time‐points, and patients with septic shock within the first quartile of PCSK9 showed higher levels of PTX3. Similar mortality rates were observed in patients with severe sepsis across PCSK9 quartiles. Patients with septic shock with lower PCSK9 levels on day 1 (within the first quartile) showed the highest 28‐ and 90‐day mortality rate as compared to other quartiles. Conclusion: In our sub‐analysis of the ALBIOS trial, we found that patients with septic shock presenting with lower plasma PCSK9 levels experienced higher mortality rate. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a complex and heterogeneous disease. The pathogenesis and the complications of the disease are not fully elucidated, and increasing evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 causes a systemic inflammatory disease rather than a pulmonary disease. The management of hospitalized patients in COVID-19 dedicated units is advisable for segregation purpose as well as for infection control. In this article we present the standard operating procedures of our COVID-19 high dependency unit of the Policlinico Hospital, in Milan. Our high dependency unit is based on a multidisciplinary approach. We think that the multidisciplinary involvement of several figures can better identify treatable traits of COVID-19 disease, early identify patients who can quickly deteriorate, particularly patients with multiple comorbidities, and better manage complications related to off-label treatments. Although no generalizable to other hospitals and different healthcare settings, we think that our experience and our point of view can be helpful for countries and hospitals that are now starting to face the COVID-19 outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction are consequences of mechanical ventilation and are determinants of clinical outcomes. We hypothesize that partial preservation of diaphragm function, such as during assisted modes of ventilation, will restore diaphragm thickness. We also aim to correlate the changes in diaphragm thickness and function to outcomes and clinical factors.Methods: This is a prospective, multicentre, observational study. Patients mechanically ventilated for more than 48 h in controlled mode and eventually switched to assisted ventilation were enrolled. Diaphragm ultrasound and clinical data collection were performed every 48 h until discharge or death. A threshold of 10% was used to define thinning during controlled and recovery of thickness during assisted ventilation. Patients were also classified based on the level of diaphragm activity during assisted ventilation. We evaluated the association between changes in diaphragm thickness and activity and clinical outcomes and data, such as ventilation parameters.Results: Sixty-two patients ventilated in controlled mode and then switched to the assisted mode of ventilation were enrolled. Diaphragm thickness significantly decreased during controlled ventilation (1.84 ± 0.44 to 1.49 ± 0.37 mm, p < 0.001) and was partially restored during assisted ventilation (1.49 ± 0.37 to 1.75 ± 0.43 mm, p < 0.001). A diaphragm thinning of more than 10% was associated with longer duration of controlled ventilation (10 [5, 15] versus 5 [4, 8.5] days, p = 0.004) and higher PEEP levels (12.6 ± 4 versus 10.4 ± 4 cmH2O, p = 0.034). An increase in diaphragm thickness of more than 10% during assisted ventilation was not associated with any clinical outcome but with lower respiratory rate (16.7 ± 3.2 versus 19.2 ± 4 bpm, p = 0.019) and Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (37 ± 11 versus 44 ± 13, p = 0.029) and with higher Pressure Muscle Index (2 [0.5, 3] versus 0.4 [0, 1.9], p = 0.024). Change in diaphragm thickness was not related to diaphragm function expressed as diaphragm thickening fraction.Conclusion: Mode of ventilation affects diaphragm thickness, and preservation of diaphragmatic contraction, as during assisted modes, can partially reverse the muscle atrophy process. Avoiding a strenuous inspiratory work, as measured by Rapid Shallow Breathing Index and Pressure Muscle Index, may help diaphragm thickness restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In ICU patients, digestive tract colonization by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative (G−) bacteria is a significant risk factor for the development of infections. In patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), colonization by MDR bacteria and risk of subsequent nosocomial infections (NIs) have not been studied yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, etiology, risk factors, impact on outcome of gastrointestinal colonization by MDR G− bacteria, and risk of subsequent infections in patients undergoing ECMO. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data: 105 consecutive patients, treated with ECMO, were admitted to the ICU of an Italian tertiary referral center (San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy) from January 2010 to November 2015. Rectal swabs for MDR G− bacteria were cultured at admission and twice a week. Only colonization and NIs by MDR G− bacteria were analyzed. Results: Ninety-one included patients [48.5 (37–56) years old, 63% male, simplified acute physiology score II 37 (32–47)] underwent peripheral ECMO (87% veno-venous) for medical indications (79% ARDS). Nineteen (21%) patients were colonized by MDR G− bacteria. Male gender (OR 4.03, p = 0.029) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) before ECMO > 3 days (OR 3.57, p = 0.014) were associated with increased risk of colonization. Colonized patients had increased odds of infections by the colonizing germs (84% vs. 29%, p < 0.001, OR 12.9), longer ICU length of stay (LOS) (43 vs. 24 days, p = 0.002), MV (50 vs. 22 days, p < 0.001) and ECMO (28 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001), but did not have higher risk of death (survival rate 58% vs. 67%, p = 0.480, OR 0.68). Infected patients had almost halved ICU survival (46% vs. 78%, p < 0.001, OR 4.11). Conclusions: In patients undergoing ECMO for respiratory and/or circulatory failure, colonization by MDR G− bacteria is frequent and associated with more the tenfold odds for subsequent infection. Those infections are associated with an increased risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the study related to the assessment of airway driving pressure and respiratory system mechanics during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist. It discusses the electrical activity of the diaphragm and the driving pressure developed by the ventilator and the respiratory muscles.

Background The long pentraxin PTX3 is a key component of the humoral arm of innate immunity related to sepsis severity and mortality. We evaluated the clinical and prognostic significance of circulating PTX3 in the largest cohort ever reported of patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Materials and methods Plasma PTX3 was measured on days 1, 2 and 7 after randomization of 958 patients to albumin or crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in the multicentre Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis (ALBIOS) trial. We tested the association of PTX3 and its changes over time with clinical severity, prevalent and incident organ dysfunctions, 90-day mortality and treatment. Results PTX3 was high at baseline (72 [33-186] ng/mL) and rose with the severity and number of organ dysfunctions ( P < 0·001) and the incidence of subsequent new failures. The PTX3 concentration dropped from day 1 to 7, but this decrease was less pronounced in patients with septic shock ( P = 0·0004). Higher concentrations of PTX3 on day 1 predicted incident organ dysfunctions. Albumin supplementation was associated with lower levels of PTX3 in patients with septic shock ( P = 0·005) but not in those without shock. In a fully adjusted multivariable model, PTX3 on day 7 predicted 90-day mortality. Smaller drops in PTX3 predicted higher 90-day mortality. Conclusions In severe sepsis and septic shock, early high PTX3 predict subsequent new organ failures, while a smaller drop in circulating PTX3 over time predicts an increased risk of death. Patients with septic shock show lower levels of PTX3 when assigned to albumin than to crystalloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]