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The high demand for intensive care, which is predicted to further increase in the future, is contrasted by a shortage of trained intensivists and specialized nurses. Telemedicine has been heralded as a promising solution. Yet, there is considerable heterogeneity in tele-critical care when it comes to measurable effects. However, the focus has been on telemedical solutions substituting on-site intensivist functions, and outcome measures have primarily been mortality and length of stay. In a new model of telemedicine for the ICU, telemedicine could be used to increase adherence to best practice guidelines and indicators of process quality. Further, indicators of process quality, functional outcomes and quality of life measures should be incorporated in the evaluation of outcomes, as patients frequently value those higher than mere survival.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:30:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-04-01 National Health and Medical Research Council Objective: To describe fluid resuscitation practices in Brazilian intensive care units and to compare them with those of other countries participating in the Fluid-TRIPS. Methods: This was a prospective, international, cross-sectional, observational study in a convenience sample of intensive care units in 27 countries (including Brazil) using the Fluid-TRIPS database compiled in 2014. We described the patterns of fluid resuscitation use in Brazil compared with those in other countries and identified the factors associated with fluid choice. Results: On the study day, 3,214 patients in Brazil and 3,493 patients in other countries were included, of whom 16.1% and 26.8% (p < 0.001) received fluids, respectively. The main indication for fluid resuscitation was impaired perfusion and/or low cardiac output (Brazil: 71.7% versus other countries: 56.4%, p < 0.001). In Brazil, the percentage of patients receiving crystalloid solutions was higher (97.7% versus 76.8%, p < 0.001), and 0.9% sodium chloride was the most commonly used crystalloid (62.5% versus 27.1%, p < 0.001). The multivariable analysis suggested that the albumin levels were associated with the use of both crystalloids and colloids, whereas the type of fluid prescriber was associated with crystalloid use only. Conclusion: Our results suggest that crystalloids are more frequently used than colloids for fluid resuscitation in Brazil, and this discrepancy in frequencies is higher than that in other countries. Sodium chloride (0.9%) was the crystalloid most commonly prescribed. Serum albumin levels and the type of fluid prescriber were the factors associated with the choice of crystalloids or colloids for fluid resuscitation. Discipline of Anesthesiology Pain and Intensive Care Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 737, 6ºandar Critical Care and Trauma Division George Institute for Global Health Hospital Sírio-Libanês Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo Instituto de Pesquisa HCor - Hospital do Coração Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Hospital de Clínicas Mário Lioni Hospital do Rim e Hipertensão Fundação Oswaldo Ramos Hospital Samaritano Hospital Paulistano Hospital São José Instituto D’Or de Ensino e Pesquisa Hospital Municipal São José Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital Santa Rita Hospital de Base Faculdade de Medicina de São Jose do Rio Preto Hospital Unimed de Belo Horizonte Hospital Santa Lúcia Hospital Evangélico de Sorocaba Hospital PIO XII Hospital São Camilo Pompéia Hospital Alvorada Brasília Hospital Ecoville Hospital do Trabalhador Hospital Vita Batel Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” Hospital Geral Dr. César Cals Hospital Copa D’Or Associação Beneficente Hospital Unimar Hospital Casa de Saúde de Santos Hospital Estadual Getúlio Vargas Hospital e Maternidade Otaviano Neves Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer Hospital Universitário Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Lifecenter Hospital Geral de Fortaleza Hospital Municipal Dr. Moysés Deutsch (M’Boi Mirim) Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Presidente Prudente Hospital 9 de julho Hospital Estadual Rocha Faria Hospital Municipal Santa Isabel Hospital e Maternidade Municipal Dr. Odelmo Leão Carneiro Hospital Evangélico de Londrina Universidade Estadual de Londrina Hospital Samaritano João Pessoa Hospital de Caridade Astrogildo de Azevedo Vitória Apart Hospital Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Hospital do Subúrbio Hospital Renascentista Hospital Felício Rocho Hospital Municipal Irmã Dulce Hospital Universitário Júlio Müller Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso Hospital de Urgência Hospital Geral de Goiânia Fundação Doutor Amaral Carvalho Hospital Adventista de Belém Hospital Santa Juliana Hospital Dom Vicente Scherer Hospital Primavera Hospital Carlos da Silva Lacaz Hospital Escola Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí Hospital Sepaco Hospital Professor Edmundo Vasconcelos Hospital Paulo Sacramento Clínica Dom Rodrigo Complexo Hospitalar Ortotrauma de Mangabeira Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital Regional de Samambaia Hospital São Camilo Ipiranga Hospital da Restauração Instituto do Coração Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo Hospital Estadual Jayme Santos Neves Hospital SOS Cárdio Hospital da Luz Vila Mariana Hospital Maternidade e Pronto-Socorro Santa Luci Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória da Conquista Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre Hospital São Francisco de Assis Hospital Memorial São José Hospital Regional de Jundiaí Hospital Universitário Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí Hospital Regional de Presidente Prudente Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Assis Hospital de Clínicas Gaspar Vianna Hospital do Coração do Brasil Hospital Hélio Anjos Ortiz Hospital Vila da Serra Hospital Nereu Ramos Hospital Santa Maria Intensibarra Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Santo Amaro Santa Casa de Caridade de Don Pedrito Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Santana do Livramento Hospital Unimed de Macaé Hospital Municipal Pedro II Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado Hospital São Mateus Hospital IBR Hospital Uniclinic Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Paraguaçu Paulista Associação Hospitalar Beneficente São Vicente de Paulo Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo Hospital Santa Isabel Hospital Municipal Dr Jose Soares Hungria Hospital Fernandes Távora Hospital Distrital Evandro Ayres de Moura Hospital Saúde da Mulher Hospital Estadual de Urgência e Emergência de Vitória Samur Hospital e Pronto-Socorro 28 de Agosto Hospital Assunção Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria Hospital Universitário Cajuru Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Hospital Unimed de Limeira Hospital Amecor Santa Casa de Caridade de Diamantina Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade Ribeirão Preto Universidade de São Paulo HCor - Hospital do Coração Hospital Goiânia Leste Hospital Ortopédico Hospital Santa Maria Hospital Municipal Dr. Munir Rafful Hospital Jardim Amália Hospital Madre Regina Prottman Hospital Universitário São Francisco de Paula Universidade Católica de Pelotas Hospital São Joao de Deus Hospital Nossa Senhora Monte Serrat Hospital Unimed Salto Hospital Moinhos de Vento Hospital Geral de Vitória da Conquista Hospital Marcelino Champagnat Hospital São Lucas Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul Hospital Universitário Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados Hospital Português Hospital Brigadeiro Hospital Regional de Sousa Hospital das Clínicas Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ribeirão Preto Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte Hospital Adventista de Manaus Santa Casa Maringá Universidade Estadual Maringá Hospital Total Cor Hospital Universitário Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul Hospital Dom Hélder Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Hospital Anis Rassi Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas II Hospital Unimed Rio de Janeiro Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital Samaritano Rio de Janeiro São Bernardo Apart Hospital Hospital Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres Hospital Unimed ABC Hospital Municipal de Paracatu Hospital Municipal Padre Germano Lauck Hospital Santa Helena Hospital Santa Izabel Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo Hospital Tereza Ramos Hospital Alvorada Taguatinga Hospital Maternidade São José Hospital Universitário Ciências Médicas Fundação Educacional Lucas Machado Santa Casa de Belém do Pará Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Hospital Novo Atibaia BP - A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo Hospital Universitário Maria Aparecida Pedrossian Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual “Francisco Morato de Oliveira” Hospital Norte D’Or Hospital Estadual Ipiranga Hospital Universitário de Maringá Universidade Estadual de Maringá Albert Sabin Hospital e Maternidade Casa de Caridade de Carangola Irmandade de Misericórdia de Guaxupé Disciplina de Emergências Clínicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Hospital São Lucas Fundação Pio XII- Hospital de Câncer de Barretos Clínica Campo Grande Hospital das Clínicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Casa de Saúde Santa Lúcia Hospital Regional de Itapetininga São Camilo Santa Casa de Angra dos Reis Grupo Hospitalar Nossa Senhora da Conceição Irmandade Misericórdia Hospital Santa Casa de Monte Alto Hospital São Marcos Hospital Unimed de Manaus Hospital Universitário Getúlio Vargas Universidade Federal do Amazonas Casa de Saúde Campinas Hospital e Maternidade Galileo Hospital das Clínicas Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Universidade Estadual “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” National Health and Medical Research Council: APP1039312

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is an important cause of complications in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) could be an alternative to central venous catheters (CVCs) and the effect of PICCs compared with CVCs on CLABSI prevention is unknown in PICUs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether PICCs were associated with a protective effect for CLABSI when compared to CVCs in critically ill children. We have carried out a retrospective multicentre study in four PICUs in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We included patients aged 0–14 years, who needed a CVC or PICC during a PICU stay from January 2013 to December 2015. Our primary endpoint was CLABSI up to 30 days after catheter placement. We defined CLABSI based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Networks (NHSN) 2015 surveillance definitions. To account for potential confounders, we used propensity scores with inverse probability weighting. A total of 1660 devices (922 PICCs and 738 CVCs) in 1255 children were included. The overall CLABSI incidence was 2.28 (95% CI 1.70–3.07)/1000 catheter-days. After covariate adjustment using propensity scores, CVCs were associated with higher risk of CLABSI (adjHR 2.20, 95% CI 1.05–4.61; p = 0.037) compared with PICCs. In a sensitivity analysis, CVCs remained associated with higher risk of CLABSI (adjHR 2.18, 95% CI 1.02–4.64; p = 0.044) after adding place of insertion and use of parenteral nutrition to the model as a time-dependent variable. PICC should be an alternative to CVC in the paediatric intensive care setting for CLABSI prevention.

Metabolic disturbances are quite common in critically ill patients. Glycemic control appears to be an important adjuvant therapy in such patients. In addition, disorders of lipid metabolism are associated with worse prognoses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that two different glycemic control protocols have on lipid profile and metabolism. We evaluated 63 patients hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock, over the first 72 h of intensive care. Patients were randomly allocated to receive conservative glycemic control (target range 140–180 mg/dl) or intensive glycemic control (target range 80–110 mg/dl). Serum levels of low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were determined. In both groups, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol were below normal, whereas those of free fatty acids, triglycerides, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were above normal. At 4 h after admission, free fatty acid levels were higher in the conservative group than in the intensive group, progressively decreasing in both groups until hour 48 and continuing to decrease until hour 72 only in the intensive group. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels were elevated in both groups throughout the study period. Free fatty acids respond to intensive glycemic control and, because of their high toxicity, can be a therapeutic target in patients with sepsis.

Inorganic apparent strong ion difference (SIDai) improves chloride-associated acidosis recognition in dysnatremic patients. We investigated whether the difference between sodium and chloride (Na(+)-Cl(-)) or the ratio between chloride and sodium (Cl(-)/Na(+)) could be used as SIDai surrogates in mixed and dysnatremic patients.Two arterial blood samples were collected from 128 patients. Physicochemical analytical approach was used. Correlation, agreement, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were measured to examine whether Na(+)-Cl(-) and Cl(-)/Na(+) could be used instead of SIDai in the diagnosis of acidosis.Na(+)-Cl(-) and Cl(-)/Na(+) were well correlated with SIDai (R = 0.987, P0.001 and R = 0.959, P0.001, respectively). Bias between Na(+)-Cl(-) and SIDai was high (6.384 with a limit of agreement of 4.463-8.305 mEq/L). Accuracy values for the identification of SIDai acidosis (38.9 mEq/L) were 0.989 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.980-0.998) for Na(+)-Cl(-) and 0.974 (95% CI, 0.959-0.989) for Cl(-)/Na(+). Receiver operator characteristic curve showed that values revealing SIDai acidosis were less than 32.5 mEq/L for Na(+)-Cl(-) and more than 0.764 for Cl(-)/Na(+) with sensitivities of 94.0% and 92.0% and specificities of 97.0% and 90.0%, respectively. Na(+)-Cl(-) was a reliable SIDai surrogate in dysnatremic patients.Na(+)-Cl(-) and Cl(-)/Na(+) are good tools to disclose SIDai acidosis. In patients with dysnatremia, Na(+)-Cl(-) is an accurate tool to diagnose SIDai acidosis.

The use of echocardiography in the intensive care unit for patients in shock allows the accurate measurement of several hemodynamic variables in a noninvasive way. By using echocardiography as a hemodynamic monitoring tool, the clinician can evaluate several aspects of shock states, such as cardiac output and fluid responsiveness, myocardial contractility, intracavitary pressures, and biventricular interactions. However, to date, there have been few guidelines suggesting an objective hemodynamic-based examination in the intensive care unit, and most intensivists are usually not familiar with this tool. In this review, we describe some of the most important hemodynamic parameters that can be obtained at the bedside with transthoracic echocardiography.

To describe the composition of metabolic acidosis in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock at intensive care unit admission and throughout the first 5 days of intensive care unit stay.Prospective, observational study.Twelve-bed intensive care unit.Sixty patients with either severe sepsis or septic shock.None.Data were collected until 5 days after intensive care unit admission. We studied the contribution of inorganic ion difference, lactate, albumin, phosphate, and strong ion gap to metabolic acidosis. At admission, standard base excess was -6.69 +/- 4.19 mEq/L in survivors vs. -11.63 +/- 4.87 mEq/L in nonsurvivors (p.05); inorganic ion difference (mainly resulting from hyperchloremia) was responsible for a decrease in standard base excess by 5.64 +/- 4.96 mEq/L in survivors vs. 8.94 +/- 7.06 mEq/L in nonsurvivors (p.05); strong ion gap was responsible for a decrease in standard base excess by 4.07 +/- 3.57 mEq/L in survivors vs. 4.92 +/- 5.55 mEq/L in nonsurvivors with a nonsignificant probability value; and lactate was responsible for a decrease in standard base excess to 1.34 +/- 2.07 mEq/L in survivors vs. 1.61 +/- 2.25 mEq/L in nonsurvivors with a nonsignificant probability value. Albumin had an important alkalinizing effect in both groups; phosphate had a minimal acid-base effect. Acidosis in survivors was corrected during the study period as a result of a decrease in lactate and strong ion gap levels, whereas nonsurvivors did not correct their metabolic acidosis. In addition to Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and serum creatinine level,inorganic ion difference acidosis magnitude at intensive care unit admission was independently associated with a worse outcome.Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock exhibit a complex metabolic acidosis at intensive care unit admission, caused predominantly by hyperchloremic acidosis,which was more pronounced in nonsurvivors. Acidosis resolution in survivors was attributable to a decrease in strong ion gap and lactate levels.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness, from the funding body's point of view, of real-time ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion compared to the traditional method, which is based on the external anatomical landmark technique. Methods: A theoretical simulation based on international literature data was applied to the Brazilian context, i.e., the Unified Health System (Sistema Unico de Saude - SUS). A decision tree was constructed that showed the two central venous catheter insertion techniques: real-time ultrasonography versus external anatomical landmarks. The probabilities of failure and complications were extracted from a search on the PubMed and Embase databases, and values associated with the procedure and with complications were taken from market research and the Department of Information Technology of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Each central venous catheter insertion alternative had a cost that could be calculated by following each of the possible paths on the decision tree. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated by dividing the mean incremental cost of real-time ultrasound compared to the external anatomical landmark technique by the mean incremental benefit, in terms of avoided complications. Results: When considering the incorporation of real-time ultrasound and the concomitant lower cost due to the reduced number of complications, the decision tree revealed a final mean cost for the external anatomical landmark technique of 262.27 Brazilian reals (R$) and for real-time ultrasound of R$187.94. The final incremental cost of the real-time ultrasound-guided technique was -R$74.33 per central venous catheter. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was -R$2,494.34 due to the pneumothorax avoided. Conclusion: Real-time ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion was associated with decreased failure and complication rates and hypothetically reduced costs from the view of the funding body, which in this case was the SUS.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A contusão miocárdica está freqüentemente associada ao trauma torácico fechado. Seu correto diagnóstico é um constante desafio aos profissionais que trabalham em unidades de emergência, devido aos seus sintomas inespecíficos e a ausência de exames subsidiários com precisão para fazer o diagnóstico. Dentre os diversos métodos diagnósticos estudados, tem-se destacado nos últimos anos o papel dos indicadores de necrose miocárdica troponina I e troponina T. Por serem proteínas constituintes do aparelho de regulação contrátil celular, são liberadas na corrente sanguínea somente após a perda da integridade de membrana dos miócitos e, portanto, são altamente específicas para detectar lesão miocárdica. CONTEUDO: Foi realizada uma revisão de estudos clínicos nas bases eletrônicas de dados MedLine e LILACS, no período de janeiro de 1980 a novembro de 2006, sobre a importância da dosagem seriada de troponina como instrumento diagnóstico e preditor de evolução clínica desfavorável nos pacientes com contusão miocárdica. CONCLUSÕES: Embora exista maior especificidade das troponinas I e T quando comparadas aos indicadores tradicionais, CKMB massa e CPK total, esses dois indicadores apresentarem sensibilidade e valor preditivo positivo baixos para diagnosticar contusão miocárdica. Pacientes que apresentam alterações eletrocardiográficas, elevação de troponinas, ou ambas, devem permanecer em observação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), por no mínimo 24 horas, período em que se desenvolve a maioria das complicações decorrentes da contusão miocárdica. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Myocardial contusion is often associated with blunt chest trauma. Its diagnosis is challenging to the professionals who work in emergency department due to nonspecific symptoms and the lack of auxiliary exams with enough accuracy to diagnose. Among the available diagnostic tools, the biomarkers of myocardial injury troponin I and troponin T have stood out. Troponins are proteins of the citocellular apparatus, released into the bloodstream only after the disruption of myocytes cellular membrane. Therefore they are highly specific to detect myocardial injuries. CONTENTS: We performed a clinical review using the electronic databases MedLine and LILACS from January 1980 to November 2006 about the importance of a serial measurement of troponin I and T as a diagnostic tool as well as predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome in patients with myocardial contusion after a blunt chest trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Although troponins I and T are more specific than usual biomarkers CKMB and CK, these two first biomarkers show a low sensitivity and positive predictive value to diagnosis myocardial contusion. Patients with ECG abnormalities, troponins elevations or both should remain in an intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 hours, period in which they cam develop most of the complications related to myocardial contusion.

esta restrito a alguns poucos grupos, e o uso da ECMO, na maioria dos servicos, e apenas eventual.A incorporacao de novas modalidades terapeuticas, especialmente quando sao invasivas ou incorrem em risco significativo ao paciente, torna-se um dilema na decisao da equipe assistencial. Mesmo quando existem dados sobre sua eficacia em estudos controlados, e natural que o medico e a equipe multidisciplinar hesi-tem em tomar uma atitude ainda pouco difundida em seu meio.

Although metabolic alkalosis is a common occurrence, no study has evaluated its prevalence, associated factors or outcomes in critically ill patients. This is a retrospective study from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II database. From 23,529 adult patient records, 18,982 patients met the inclusion criteria. Serum bicarbonate levels demonstrated a U-shaped association with mortality with knots at 25 and 30 mEq/l. Of the total included patients, 5,565 (29.3 %) had at least one serum bicarbonate level measurement >30 mEq/l. The majority were exposed to multiple factors that are classically associated with metabolic alkalosis (mainly diuretic use, hypernatremia, hypokalemia and high gastric output). Patients with increased serum bicarbonate exhibited increased ICU LOS, more days on mechanical ventilation and higher hospital mortality. After multivariate adjustment, each 5-mEq/l increment in the serum bicarbonate level above 30 mEq/l was associated with an odds ratio of 1.21 for hospital mortality. The association between increased serum bicarbonate levels and mortality occurs independently of its possible etiologies. An increased serum bicarbonate level is common in critically ill patients; this can be attributed to multiple factors in the majority of cases, and its presence and duration negatively influence patient outcomes.

To evaluate whether a multifaceted, centrally coordinated quality improvement program in a network of hospitals can increase compliance with the resuscitation bundle and improve clinical and economic outcomes in an emerging country setting. This was a pre- and post-intervention study in ten private hospitals (1,650 beds) in Brazil (from May 2010 to January 2012), enrolling 2,120 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The program used a multifaceted approach: screening strategies, multidisciplinary educational sessions, case management, and continuous performance assessment. The network administration and an external consultant provided performance feedback and benchmarking within the network. The primary outcome was compliance with the resuscitation bundle. The secondary outcomes were hospital mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain, and cost-effectiveness. The proportion of patients who received all the required items for the resuscitation bundle improved from 13 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 8–18 %] at baseline to 62 % (95 % CI 54–69 %) in the last trimester (p

Objective: The current definition of severe sepsis and septic shock includes a heterogeneous profile of patients. Although the prognostic value of hyperlactatemia is well established, hyperlactatemia is observed in patients with and without shock. The present study aimed to compare the prognosis of septic patients by stratifying them according to two factors: hyperlactatemia and persistent hypotension. Methods: The present study is a secondary analysis of an observational study conducted in ten hospitals in Brazil (Rede Amil - SP). Septic patients with initial lactate measurements in the first 6 hours of diagnosis were included and divided into 4 groups according to hyperlactatemia (lactate >4mmol/L) and persistent hypotension: (1) severe sepsis (without both criteria); (2) cryptic shock (hyperlactatemia without persistent hypotension); (3) vasoplegic shock (persistent hypotension without hyperlactatemia); and (4) dysoxic shock (both criteria). ABSTRACT Results: In total, 1,948 patients were analyzed, and the sepsis group represented 52% of the patients, followed by 28% with vasoplegic shock, 12% with dysoxic shock and 8% with cryptic shock. Survival at 28 days differed among the groups (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acute Paco(2) temporal variation on the standard base excess (SBE) value in critically ill patients.A total of 265 patients were prospectively observed; 158 were allocated to the modeling group, and 107 were allocated to the validation group. Two models were developed in the modeling group (one including and one excluding Paco(2) as a variable determinant of SBE), and both were tested in the validation group.In the modeling group, the mathematical model including SIDai, SIG, l-lactate, albumin, phosphate, and Paco(2) had a predictive superiority in comparison with the model without Paco(2) (R(2) = 0.978 and 0.916, respectively). In the validation group, the results were confirmed with significant F change statistics (R(2) change = 0.059, P.001) between the model with and without Paco(2). A high correlation (R = 0.99, P.001) and agreement (bias = -0.25 mEq/L, limits of agreement 95% = -0.72 to 0.22 mEq/L) were found between the model-predicted SBE value and the SBE calculated using the Van Slyke equation.Acute Paco(2) temporal variation is related to SBE changes in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The amount of metabolic acidosis measured through the standard base excess (SBE) has been shown to be an outcome marker and its improvement has been associated with better survival. We studied the mechanism of standard base excess variation in the first three days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay through the evaluation of independent variables of physico-chemical approach. METHODS: Data were retrieved from our prospective collected data base from patients with diagnosis of septic shock, daily up to the third day after the ICU admission. Single correlations between SBE and independent variables were performed as well as a mathematical multilinear model was built to disclose the SBE variation determinants. RESULTS: We have shown that in septic shock patients the standard base excess variation during the first three days of ICU stay is weakly correlated to strong ion gap (SIG), lactate, creatinin and PaCO2 when individually analyzed. Analyzing concomitantly those independent variables, we built a mathematical model with a stepwise multilinear regression composed by apparent strong ion difference (SIDa), SIG, PaCO2, albumin and diuresis that resulted in a R² coefficient of 0.866 to determine SBE variation. CONCLUSIONS: Variations of metabolic acidosis measured through the standard base excess in septic shock patients when analyzed until the third day after intensive care unit admission, is resultant of interaction of several independent determinants as PaCO2, diuresis, SIG, SIDa and albumin. JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A acidose metabólica diagnosticada pela mensuração do standard base excess (SBE) é indicadora de maior mortalidade e sua melhora temporal é associada à maior sobrevida em pacientes críticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi esclarecer o mecanismo de variação do SBE, em pacientes com choque séptico, durante os três primeiros dias de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), através da avaliação físico-química do equilíbrio ácido básico. MÉTODO: Os dados foram coletados de pacientes com choque séptico a partir de um banco de dados, prospectivamente, diariamente até o terceiro dia de internação na UTI. Correlações entre o SBE e outras variáveis físico-químicas independentes foram realizadas, assim como um modelo matemático multilinear foi desenhado para revelar os determinantes independentes da variação do SBE. RESULTADOS: A variação do SBE em pacientes sépticos nos primeiros três dias de internação na UTI foi fracamente correlacionado ao strong ion gap (SIG), lactato, albumina, creatinina e PaCO2 quando analisados individualmente. Quando analisados de forma concomitante, as variáveis albumina, strong ion difference (SIDa), SIG, PaCO2 e diurese foram independentemente associados à variação do SBE com um coeficiente de determinação de 0,866. CONCLUSÔES: A variação do SBE durante os três primeiros dias de internação na UTI foi resultante da interação de alguns fatores independentes como PaCO2, diurese, SIG, SIDa e albumina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To correlate standard base excess (SBE) with serum lactate level and demonstrate the independent prognostic significance of each one. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we retrieved data from 333 patients of our prospectively collected database of 7-bed medical intensive care unit of a 1800-bed university hospital. RESULTS: The results have shown a poor correlation between SBE and lactate, r = - 0.358, p < 0.001, and an independent prognostic significance of each one when analyzed concomitantly, odds ratio (95% Confidence interval) = 0.996 (0.992 - 0.999) to standard base excess and 1.000 (1.000 - 1.002) to lactate at entrance; and odds ratio (95% Confidence interval ) = 0.990 (0.985 - 0.994) to standard base excess and 1.003 (1.001 - 1.005) to lactate after 24 hours. The accuracy of standard base excess was close to lactate to determine in-intensive care unit death. CONCLUSIONS: The lactic component of the metabolic acidosis is not the major determinant of standard base excess. Serum lactate and SBE are independent outcome predictors in critically ill patients. JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Correlacionar o excesso de bases padronizado com o nível sérico de lactato e demonstrar a independência entre eles em relação a significância prognóstica. MÉTODO: Em uma avaliação retrospectiva,nós recuperamos os dados de 333 pacientes de nosso banco de dados prospectivamente coletado em uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínica de 7 leitos de um hospital universitário terciário de 1800 leitos. RESULTADOS: Nos resultados, achamos uma pobre correlação entre o excesso de bases padronizado e lactato, r = - 0,358, p < 0,001, e uma independente significância prognóstica de cada um quando analisados concomitantemente, odds ratio (Intervalo de confiança 95%) = 0,996 (0,992 - 0,999) para o excesso de bases padronizado e 1,000 (1,000 - 1,002) para o lactato na admissão; e odds ratio (Intervalo de confiança 95%) = 0,990 (0,985 - 0,994) para o excesso de bases padronizado e 1,003 (1,001 - 1,005) para o lactato após 24 horas da admissão. A acurácia do excesso de bases padronizado foi semelhante à do lactato em prever morte na internação na unidade de terapia intensiva. CONCLUSÕES: O componente láctico do excesso de bases padronizado não é o maior determinante deste. O nível de lactato sérico e o excesso de bases padronizado são preditore independentes de mortalidade em pacientes críticos.

Background Metabolic acidosis is highly prevalent in critically ill patients with acute renal failure. Little is known about the mechanisms by which renal replacement therapy intervenes in such cases. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of hemodialysis in acidosis correction in intensive care unit patients, with an emphasis on chloride levels in plasma and dialysate. Methods We studied 19 intermittent hemodialysis procedures in 17 acidotic patients. The patients were grouped by procedure type (conventional or sustained low-efficiency dialysis) and by predialysis plasma chloride level (higher or lower than the dialysate chloride concentration). Immediately before and after each procedure, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The Stewart method was used to calculate the strong ion difference and strong ion gap. Results The patients presented acidosis related to hyperchloremia, hyperphosphatemia, and high unmeasured anions. Hypoalbuminemia had an alkalinizing effect. Hemodialysis corrected acidosis mainly by reducing phosphate and unmeasured anions. In the group as a whole, chloride levels did not change after dialysis. However, when analyzed according to predialysis plasma chloride, the high-chloride group presented a reduction in plasma chloride, resulting in better base excess improvement (Δ standard base excess) than in the low-chloride group. Among the determinants of acid-base status, the only factors correlating with Δ SBE were Δ strong ion gap and Δ chloride. Conclusion The serum chloride/dialysate chloride relationship during hemodialysis has an important impact on acidosis control.

The use of echocardiogram performed by intensivists, as a modality of hemodynamic monitoring, is becoming increasingly frequent in ICUs worldwide. Several training programs and curriculums have been proposed to avoid the misuse and misinterpretation of this tool. However, until now, there have been few reports validating this type of training. The aim of the present study is to compare these measurements in order to evaluate the efficacy of our institutional training program.

Applying a quantitative methodology, we described the acid – base status of severe septic patients in the first 5 days after admission to the ICU.

Intensive glycemic control has been widely discussed in critical care patients. It remains unclear whether intensive insulin therapy also improves the prognosis of patients in a medical ICU, who often are more severely ill than are patients in a surgical ICU and have a higher risk of death. Recently, medical patients have been investigated, as a special group. We decided to study possible differences in lipid profile in septic shock patients during the first 72 hours and correlate it with different organ dysfunctions.

The widening of the QTc is a mortality predictor in acute coronary syndromes and cerebral vascular accident.

Pathophysiological human studies in sepsis are difficult to perform due to ethical and methodological concerns. In this context, animal models of severe sepsis can be useful to better understand this condition and to test new therapeutic interventions.

A 41-year-old man, with chronic liver disease caused by long-term HBV infection (Child–Pugh C), presented to the Emergency Department complaining of bilateral loss of visual fields and dysphasia for 3 days. CT scan and MRI revealed multiple brain abscesses. Stereothacic biopsies revealed fungal infection and amphotericin B treatment was begun with initial improvement. The patient died a few days later as a consequence of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to ruptured esophageal varices. The final microbiologic analyses disclosed infection by Penicillium spp.

Base excess (BE) and lactate (LAC) have been used to monitor ICU patients. Each results from different pathophysiological derangements in perfusion, inflammation and renal function. The individual significance of BE or LAC to predict the outcome of the critically ill patients is still uncertain and was the focus of this retrospective study.

Introduction Oversedation frequently occurs in ICUs. We aimed to evaluate a minimal sedation policy, using sedative consumption as a monitoring tool, in a network of ICUs targeting decrement of oversedation and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration. Methods A prospective quality improvement project was conducted in ten ICUs within a network of nonteaching hospitals in Brazil during a 2-year period (2010 to 2012). In the first 12 months (the preintervention period), we conducted an audit to identify sedation practice and barriers to current guideline-based practice regarding sedation. In the postintervention period, we implemented a multifaceted program, including multidisciplinary daily rounds, and monthly audits focusing on sedative consumption, feedback and benchmarking purposes. To analyze the effect of the campaign, we fit an interrupted time series (ITS). To account for variability among the network ICUs, we fit a hierarchical model. Results During the study period, 21% of patients received MV (4,851/22,963). In the postintervention period, the length of MV was lower (3.91 ± 6.2 days versus 3.15 ± 4.6 days; mean difference, −0.76 (95% CI, −1.10; −0.43), P