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Objective: To investigate whether goal-directed albumin substitution during surgery and postanesthesia care to maintain a serum albumin concentration >30 g/L can reduce postoperative complications. Background: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with numerous postoperative complications. Since albumin has important physiological functions, substitution of patients with hypoalbuminemia is worth considering. Methods: We conducted a single-center, randomized, controlled, outcome assessor--blinded clinical trial in adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 3 to 4 or undergoing high-risk surgery. Patients, whose serum albumin concentration dropped <30 g/L were randomly assigned to goal-directed albumin substitution maintaining serum concentration >30 g/L or to standard care until discharge from the postanesthesia intermediate care unit. Standard of care allowed albumin substitution in hemodynamic instable patients with serum concentration <20 g/L, only. Primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications ≥2 according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification in at least 1 of 9 domains (pulmonary, infectious, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal, wound, pain, and hematological) until postoperative day 15. Results: Of 2509 included patients, 600 (23.9%) developed serum albumin concentrations <30 g/L. Human albumin 60 g (40--80 g) was substituted to 299 (99.7%) patients in the intervention group and to 54 (18.0%) in the standard care group. At least 1 postoperative complication classified as Clavien-Dindo Classification ≥ 2 occurred in 254 of 300 patients (84.7%) in the intervention group and in 262 of 300 (87.3%) in the standard treatment group (risk difference -2.7%, 95% CI, -8.3% to 2.9%). Conclusion: Maintaining serum albumin concentration of > 30 g/L perioperatively cannot generally be recommended in high-risk noncardiac surgery patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) has the potential to improve patient outcomes following acute stroke. The optimal duration and intensity of mobilization for patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in the ICU remain unclear. Objective: To assess the effect of mobilization dose in the ICU on adverse discharge disposition in patients after stroke. Design: This is an international, prospective, observational cohort study of critically ill stroke patients (November 2017–September 2019). Duration and intensity of mobilization was quantified daily by the mobilization quantification score (MQS). Setting: Patients requiring ICU‐level care were enrolled within 48 hours of admission at four separate academic medical centers (two in Europe, two in the United States). Participants: Participants included individuals (>18 years old) admitted to an ICU within 48 hours of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke onset who were functionally independent at baseline. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome was adverse discharge disposition. Results: Of the patients screened, 163 were eligible for inclusion in the study. One patient was subsequently excluded due to insufficient data collection (n = 162). The dose of mobilization varied greatly between centers and patients, which could not be explained by patients' comorbidities or disease severity. High dose of mobilization (mean MQS > 7.3) was associated with a lower likelihood of adverse discharge (adjusted odds ratio, [aOR]: 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.31; p <.01). Conclusion: The increased use of mobilization acutely in the ICU setting may improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frailty is a state of reduced functional capacities in older people that can be reversed through multimodal therapy concepts. The effect of preoperative prehabilitation on frailty has been examined, but the heterogeneity of exercise regimens has prevented conclusive evidence. This scoping review analyses prehabilitation interventions, particularly exercise methods, published in trials for prefrail and frail elderly patients. We identified studies evaluating prehabilitation for frail elderly using the framework of Arksey and O'Malley. Five scientific databases were searched until March 2022. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers. Data extraction included, but was not limited to, study design, intervention protocol of the prehabilitation including exercise therapy and additional interventions, and safety of the reported exercise concepts. Nineteen studies were included, offering an insight into the utilized prehabilitation concepts for exercise. All study interventions were based around exercise programs, potentially with complementary interventions. Twelve studies based their exercise programs on a combination of endurance and strength training. Breathing exercises were prescribed in five studies, flexibility routines in five, and one study included balance training. Further interventions included nutritional counselling/supplementation in nine studies, smoking/alcohol cessation in five, in addition to two physiological and three medical/pharmaceutical interventions. Prehabilitation for the frail elderly is safe and feasible. The general concept of prehabiliation for frail patients is promising. An exercise program should focus on improving the patient's endurance and strength, considering the positive effects that can be provided by breathing exercises and other additional interventions, such as nutritional support or lifestyle counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate is the main intracellular anion essential for numerous biological processes. Symptoms of hypophosphatemia are non-specific, yet potentially life-threatening. This systematic review process was initiated to gain a global insight into hypophosphatemia, associated morbidity and treatments. A systematic review was conducted (PROSPERO CRD42020163191). Nine clinically relevant questions were generated, seven for adult and two for pediatric critically ill patients, and prevalence of hypophosphatemia was assessed in both groups. We identified trials through systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. For all research questions, we identified 2727 titles in total, assessed 399 full texts, and retained 82 full texts for evidence synthesis, with 20 of them identified for several research questions. Only 3 randomized controlled trials were identified with two of them published only in abstract form, as well as 28 prospective and 31 retrospective studies, and 20 case reports. Relevant risk of bias regarding selection and comparability was identified for most of the studies. No meta-analysis could be performed. The prevalence of hypophosphatemia varied substantially in critically ill adults and children, but no study assessed consecutive admissions to intensive care. In both critically ill adults and children, several studies report that hypophosphatemia is associated with worse outcome (prolonged length of stay and the need for respiratory support, and higher mortality). However, there was insufficient evidence regarding the optimal threshold upon which hypophosphatemia becomes critical and requires treatment. We found no studies regarding the optimal frequency of phosphate measurements, and regarding the time window to correct hypophosphatemia. In adults, nutrient restriction on top of phosphate repletion in patients with refeeding syndrome may improve survival, although evidence is weak. Evidence on the definition, outcome and treatment of clinically relevant hypophosphatemia in critically ill adults and children is scarce and does not allow answering clinically relevant questions. High quality clinical research is crucial for the development of respective guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early mobilisation within 72 hours of intensive care unit admission counteracts complications caused by critical illness. The effect of different interventions on intensive care unit length of stay and other outcomes is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of various early mobilisation interventions within 72 hours of admission to the intensive care unit on length of stay and other outcomes. A systematic review and (network) meta-analysis examining the effect of early mobilisation on length of stay in the intensive care unit and other outcomes, conducting searches in four databases. Randomised controlled trials were included from inception to 10/08/2022. Early mobilisation was defined as interventions that initiates and/or supports passive/active range-of-motion exercises within 72 hours of admission. In multi-arm studies, interventions used in other studies were declared as early intervention and were included in subgroup meta-analysis. Risk-of-bias was assessed using RoB2. Of 29,680 studies screened, 18 studies with 1923 patients (three high, eleven some, four low risk-of-bias) and seven discriminable interventions of early mobilisation met inclusion criteria. Early mobilisation alone (WMD 0.78 days, 95 %CI [−1.38;-0.18], 11 studies, n = 1124) and early mobilisation with early nutrition (WMD −1.19 days, 95 %CI [−2.34;-0.03], 1 study, n = 100) were able to significantly shorten length of stay. Early mobilisation alone could also substantially shorten hospital length of stay (WMD -1.05 days, 95 %CI [−1.74;-0.36], 8 studies, n = 977). This effect in hospital length of stay was furthermore seen in the early intervention group compared with standard care (WMD −1.71 days, 95 %CI [−2.99;-0.43], 14 studies, n = 1587). Also, functionality and quality of life could significantly be improved by an early start of mobilisation. In the network meta-analysis, early mobilisation alone and early mobilisation with early nutrition demonstrated a significant effect on intensive care length of stay. Early mobilisation could also reduce hospital length of stay and positively influence functionality and quality of life. Early mobilisation and early mobilisation with early nutrition seemed to be beneficial compared to other interventions like cycling on intensive care length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The German network for Early Mobilization is an open network to distribute knowledge to clinicians. • Monthly newsletters may support implementation of evidence based knowledge. • The Network conducted 14 different research projects in its eight-year existence. • According to participants, membership improved personal development and career. • Membership in the Network led to a perceived quality improvement on workplaces. Professional networks support health care providers in implementing evidence based knowledge. The German Network for Early Mobilization in Intensive Care Units (ICU) was founded in 2011 and serves for more than 300 critical care team members today. The mobilization network is connected to other professional networks and contributed to the development of national guidelines and quality indicators. Several research projects were conducted. Members of the mobilization network perceived benefits for themselves and their workplace. The network increased participants' knowledge and contributed to quality improvement projects on ICUs. Without having significant resources, this network development may serve as an example for other networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]