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Background: Our objective was to identify central line (CL)-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) rates and risk factors (RF) in Asia., Methods: From 03/27/2004 to 02/11/2022, we conducted a multinational multicenter prospective cohort study in 281 ICUs of 95 hospitals in 44 cities in 9 Asian countries (China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam). For estimation of CLABSI rate we used CL-days as denominator and number of CLABSI as numerator. To estimate CLABSI RF for we analyzed the data using multiple logistic regression, and outcomes are shown as adjusted odds ratios (aOR)., Results: A total of 150,142 patients, hospitalized 853,604 days, acquired 1514 CLABSIs. Pooled CLABSI rate per 1000 CL-days was 5.08; per type of catheter were: femoral: 6.23; temporary hemodialysis: 4.08; jugular: 4.01; arterial: 3.14; PICC: 2.47; subclavian: 2.02. The highest rates were femoral, temporary for hemodialysis, and jugular, and the lowest PICC and subclavian. We analyzed following variables: Gender, age, length of stay (LOS) before CLABSI acquisition, CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, CL-device utilization ratio, CL-type, tracheostomy use, hospitalization type, ICU type, facility ownership and World Bank classifications by income level. Following were independently associated with CLABSI: LOS before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 4% daily (aOR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.04; p  < 0.0001); number of CL-days before CLABSI acquisition, rising risk 5% per CL-day (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.05-1.06; p  < 0.0001); medical hospitalization (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.04-1.39; p  = 0.01); tracheostomy use (aOR = 2.02;95% CI 1.43-2.86; p  < 0.0001); publicly-owned facility (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI 2.54-5.18; p  < 0.0001); lower-middle-income country (aOR = 1.87; 95% CI 1.41-2.47; p  < 0.0001). ICU with highest risk was pediatric (aOR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.71-4.82; p  < 0.0001), followed by medical-surgical (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI 1.62-3.75; p  < 0.0001). CL with the highest risk were internal-jugular (aOR = 3.32; 95% CI 2.84-3.88; p  < 0.0001), and femoral (aOR = 3.13; 95% CI 2.48-3.95; p  < 0.0001), and subclavian (aOR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.47-2.15; p  < 0.0001) showed the lowest risk., Conclusions: The following CLABSI RFs are unlikely to change: country income level, facility-ownership, hospitalization type, and ICU type. Based on these findings it is suggested to focus on reducing LOS, CL-days, and tracheostomy; using subclavian or PICC instead of internal-jugular or femoral; and implementing evidence-based CLABSI prevention recommendations., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: All authors declare that don’t have any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work. All authors declare that don’t have potential competing interests, such as employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding. Submission of this article implies that the work described has not been published previously, that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out, and that, if accepted, it will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, including electronically without the written consent of the copyright-holder.

Background: Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) frequently occur in the intensive care unit (ICU) and are correlated with a significant burden., Methods: We implemented a strategy involving a 9-element bundle, education, surveillance of CAUTI rates and clinical outcomes, monitoring compliance with bundle components, feedback of CAUTI rates and performance feedback. This was executed in 299 ICUs across 32 low- and middle-income countries. The dependent variable was CAUTI per 1,000 UC days, assessed at baseline and throughout the intervention, in the second month, third month, 4 to 15 months, 16 to 27 months, and 28 to 39 months. Comparisons were made using a 2-sample t test, and the exposure-outcome relationship was explored using a generalized linear mixed model with a Poisson distribution., Results: Over the course of 978,364 patient days, 150,258 patients utilized 652,053 UC-days. The rates of CAUTI per 1,000 UC days were measured. The rates decreased from 14.89 during the baseline period to 5.51 in the second month (risk ratio [RR] = 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34-0.39; P < .001), 3.79 in the third month (RR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.23-0.28; P < .001), 2.98 in the 4 to 15 months (RR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.18-0.22; P < .001), 1.86 in the 16 to 27 months (RR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.11-0.14; P < .001), and 1.71 in the 28 to 39 months (RR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.09-0.13; P < .001)., Conclusions: Our intervention, without substantial costs or additional staffing, achieved an 89% reduction in CAUTI incidence in ICUs across 32 countries, demonstrating feasibility in ICUs of low- and middle-income countries., (Copyright © 2024 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2010-December 2015 in 703 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific., Methods: During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI), we collected prospective data from 861,284 patients hospitalized in INICC hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 3,506,562 days., Results: Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the INICC medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection, 4.1 per 1,000 central line-days, was nearly 5-fold higher than the 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days reported from comparable US ICUs, the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was also higher, 13.1 versus 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, 5.07 versus 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas isolates to amikacin (29.87% vs 10%) and to imipenem (44.3% vs 26.1%), and of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (73.2% vs 28.8%) and to imipenem (43.27% vs 12.8%) were also higher in the INICC ICUs compared with CDC-NHSN ICUs., Conclusions: Although DA-HAIs in INICC ICU patients continue to be higher than the rates reported in CDC-NSHN ICUs representing the developed world, we have observed a significant trend toward the reduction of DA-HAI rates in INICC ICUs as shown in each international report. It is INICC's main goal to continue facilitating education, training, and basic and cost-effective tools and resources, such as standardized forms and an online platform, to tackle this problem effectively and systematically., (Copyright © 2016 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The role of the critical care specialist has been unequivocally established in the management of severely ill patients throughout the world. Data show that the presence of a critical care specialist in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment has reduced morbidity and mortality, improved patient safety, and reduced length of stay and costs. However, many ICUs across the world function as "open ICUs," in which patients may be admitted under a primary physician who has not been trained in critical care medicine. Although the concept of the ICU has gained widespread acceptance amongst medical professionals, hospital administrators and the general public; recognition and the need for doctors specializing in intensive care medicine has lagged behind. The curriculum to ensure appropriate training around the world is diverse but should ideally meet some minimum standards. The World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine has set up a task force to address issues concerning the training, functions, roles, and responsibilities of an ICU specialist., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Health care-associated infections from invasive medical devices in the intensive care unit (ICU) are a major threat to patient safety. Most published studies of ICU-acquired infections have come from industrialized western countries. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System report, the U.S. pooled mean rates of central venous catheter (CVC)-related bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections were 4.0 per 1000 CVC days, 5.4 per 1000 mechanical ventilator days, and 3.9 per Foley catheter days, respectively., Objective: To ascertain the incidence of device-associated infections in the ICUs of developing countries., Design: Multicenter, prospective cohort surveillance of device-associated infection by using the CDC NNIS System definitions., Setting: 55 ICUs of 46 hospitals in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and Turkey that are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)., Measurements: Rates of device-associated infection per 100 patients and per 1000 device days., Results: During 2002-2005, 21,069 patients who were hospitalized in ICUs for an aggregate 137,740 days acquired 3095 device-associated infections for an overall rate of 14.7% or 22.5 infections per 1000 ICU days. Ventilator-associated pneumonia posed the greatest risk (41% of all device-associated infections or 24.1 cases [range, 10.0 to 52.7 cases] per 1000 ventilator days), followed by CVC-related bloodstream infections (30% of all device-associated infections or 12.5 cases [range, 7.8 to 18.5 cases] per 1000 catheter days) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (29% of all device-associated infections or 8.9 cases [range, 1.7 to 12.8 cases] per 1000 catheter days). Notably, 84% of Staphylococcus aureus infections were caused by methicillin-resistant strains, 51% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, and 59% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones. The crude mortality rate for patients with device-associated infections ranged from 35.2% (for CVC-associated bloodstream infection) to 44.9% (for ventilator-associated pneumonia)., Limitations: These initial data are not adequate to represent any entire country, and likely variations in the efficiency of surveillance and institutional resources may have affected the rates that were detected., Conclusions: Device-associated infections in the ICUs of these developing countries pose greater threats to patient safety than in U.S. ICUs. Active infection control programs that perform surveillance of infection and implement guidelines for prevention can improve patient safety and must become a priority in every country.

Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become an important modality in ICU for treating patients with severe hemodynamic and respiratory failure. It helps clinicians gain time for the primary disease to recover with definitive treatment, and aids in cardio pulmonary recovery of the patient. Most of the patients who require ECMO support are quite sick and fragile. Nosocomial infection is second most common complication after hemorrhage in ECMO patients. It affects about two-third of patients receiving ECMO. There is a lack of sufficient knowledge in this particular area. More focused efforts should be made in future to combat nosocomial infection in ECMO patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to study organizational aspects, case mix, and practices in Indian intensive care units (ICUs) from 2018 to 2019, following the Indian Intensive Care Case Mix and Practice Patterns Study (INDICAPS) of 2010--2011. Methods: An observational, 4-day point prevalence study was performed between 2018 and 2019. ICU, patient characteristics, and interventions were recorded for 24 hours, and ICU outcomes till 30 days after the study day. Adherence to selected compliance measures was determined. Data were analyzed for 4,669 adult patients from 132 ICUs. Results: On the study day, mean age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were 56.9 ± 17.41 years, 16.7 ± 9.8, and 4.4 ± 3.6, respectively. Moreover, 24% and 22.2% of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) and vasopressors or inotropes (VIs), respectively. On the study days, 1,195 patients (25.6%) were infected and 1,368 patients (29.3%) had sepsis during their ICU stay. ICU mortality was 1,092 out of 4,669 (23.4%), including 737 deaths and 355 terminal discharges (TDs) from ICU. Compliance for process measures related to MV ranged between 62.7 and 85.3%, 11.2 and 47.4% for monitoring delirium, sedation, and analgesia, and 7.7 and 25.3% for inappropriate transfusion of blood products. Only 34.8% of ICUs routinely used capnography. Large hospitals with ≥500 beds, closed ICUs, the APACHE II and SOFA scores, medical admissions, the presence of cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, the presence of infection on the study day, and the need for MV or VIs were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Hospital size and closed ICUs are independently associated with worse outcomes. The proportion of TDs remains high. There is a scope for improvements in processes of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study presents a real-world scenario for prescription pattern, efficacy, and safety data on the current clinical use of intravenous fosfomycin in critically ill patients in Indian settings. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted for a period of 10 months among critically ill patients admitted to hospital's critical care unit. The primary objective of the study was to analyze the prescription pattern of intravenous fosfomycin, and the secondary objective was to evaluate the safety profile and patient outcomes. Results: A total of 309 patients were enrolled, and they were diagnosed with bacteremia (45.3%), pneumonia (15.85%), septic shock (14.24%), and urinary tract infections (UTI) (13.91%). The average dose of fosfomycin given was 11.7 ± 4.06 gm/day. The average duration of the therapy was 4.85 ± 3.59 days with a median duration of 4 days. Fosfomycin was given at 8 hourly dosing frequency to maximum (45.6%) cases. Hypokalemia was the most observed adverse event. The overall survival was seen in 55% of patients. Conclusion: Our data suggest that UTI, infection caused by Escherichia coli, and a daily dose of >12 g were associated with better clinical outcomes. The overall survival of critically ill patients receiving fosfomycin was 55%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units. Materials and methods: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635). Conclusion: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition. Clinical significance: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central venous catheter insertion is a commonly performed procedure in the operating room and intensive care unit. It is associated with many complications, some of which may be life-threatening. We report here an accidental insertion of a hemodialysis catheter into the brachiocephalic trunk, which was successfully removed by an endovascular technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pandemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome--coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) has stretched the limits of science. Ever since it emerged from the Wuhan province in China, it has spread across the world and has been fatal to about 4% of the victims. This position statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine represents the collective opinion of the experts chosen by the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this review article is not only to analyze the clinical burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care unit (ICU) setting of India, along with the patterns of prevalence and its prevention measures, but also to focus on the new anti-MRSA research molecules which are in late stage of clinical development. Background: Methicillin resistance is reported to be present in 13-47% of Staphylococcus aureus infections in India. Therapeutic options to combat MRSA are becoming less, because of emerging resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. Intensive care units are the harbinger of multidrug-resistant organisms including MRSA and are responsible for its spread within the hospital. The emergence of MRSA in ICUs is associated with poor clinical outcomes, high morbidity, mortality, and escalating treatment costs. There is an urgency to bolster the antibiotic pipeline targeting MRSA. The research efforts for antibiotic development need to match with the pace of emergence of resistance, and new antibiotics are needed to control the impending threat of untreatable MRSA infections. Review results: Fortunately, several potential antibiotic agents are in the pipeline and the future of MRSA management appears reassuring. Clinical significance: The authors believe that this knowledge may help form the basis for strategic allocation of current healthcare resources and the future needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) guidelines on Planning and Designing Intensive care (ICU) were first developed in 2001 and later updated in 2007. These guidelines were adopted in India, many developing Nations and major Institutions including NABH. Various international professional bodies in critical care have their own position papers and guidelines on planning and designing of ICUs; being the professional body of intensivists in India ISCCM therefore addresses the subject in contemporary context relevant to our clinical practice, its variability according to specialty and subspecialty, quality, resource limitation, size and location of the institution. Aim: To have a consensus document reflecting the philosophy of ISCCM to deliver safe & quality Critical Care in India, taking into consideration the requirement of regulatory agencies (national & international) and need of people at large, including promotion of training, education and skill upgradation. It also aiming to promote leadership and development and managerial skill among the critical care team. Material and Methods: Extensive review of literature including search of databases in English language, resources of regulatory bodies, guidelines and recommendations of international critical care societies. National Survey of ISCCM members and experts to understand their viewpoints on respective issues. Visiting of different types and levels of ICUs by team members to understand prevailing practices, aspiration and Challenges. Several face to face meetings of the expert committee members in big and small groups with extensive discussions, presentations, brain storming and development of initial consensus draft. Discussion on draft through video conferencing, phone calls, Emails circulations, one to one discussion Result: Based upon extensive review, survey and input of experts' ICUs were categorized in to three levels suitable in Indian setting. Level III ICUs further divided into sub category A and B. Recommendations were grouped in to structure, equipment and services of ICU with consideration of variation in level of ICU of different category of hospitals. Conclusion: This paper summarizes consensus statement of various aspect of ICU planning and design. Defined mandatory and desirable standards of all level of ICUs and made recommendations regarding structure and layout of ICUs. Definition of intensive care and intensivist, planning for strength of ICU and requirement of manpower were also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A. ACUTE HYPERCAPNIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE A1. Acute Exacerbation of COPD: Recommendations: NIV should be used in management of acute exacerbation of COPD in patients with acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory acidosis (pH = 7.25-7.35). (1A) NIV should be attempted in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (pH <7.25 & PaCO2 ≥ 45) before initiating invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) except in patients requiring immediate intubation. (2A). Lower the pH higher the chance of failure of NIV. (2B) NIV should not to be used routinely in normo- or mildly hyper-capneic patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, without acidosis (pH > 7.35). (2B) A2. NIV in ARF due to Chest wall deformities/ Neuromuscular diseases: Recommendations: NIV may be used in patients of ARF due to chest wall deformity/Neuromuscular diseases. (PaCO2 ≥ 45) (UPP) A3. NIV in ARF due to Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS): Recommendations: NIV may be used in AHRF in OHS patients when they present with acute hypercapnic or acute on chronic respiratory failure (pH 45). (3B) NIV/CPAP may be used in obese, hypercapnic patients with OHS and/or right heart failure in the absence of acidosis. (UPP) B. NIV IN ACUTE HYPOXEMIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE: B1. NIV in Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema: Recommendations: NIV is recommended in hospital patients with ARF, due to Cardiogenic pulmonary edema. (1A). NIV should be used in patients with acute heart failure/ cardiogenic pulmonary edema, right from emergency department itself. (1B) Both CPAP and BiPAP modes are safe and effective in patients with cardiogenic pulmonary edema. (1A). However, BPAP (NIV-PS) should be preferred in cardiogenic pulmonary edema with hypercapnia. (3A) B2. NIV in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Recommendations: NIV may be used over conventional oxygen therapy in mild early acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (P/F ratio <300 and >200 mmHg), under close supervision. (2B) We strongly recommend against a trial of NIV in patients with acute hypoxemic failure with P/F ratio <150. (2A) B3. NIV in ARF due to Chest Trauma: Recommendations: NIV may be used in traumatic flail chest along with adequate pain relief. (3B) B4. NIV in Immunocompromised Host: Recommendations: In Immunocompromised patients with early ARF, we may consider NIV over conventional oxygen. (2B). B5. NIV in Palliative Care: Recommendations: We strongly recommend use of NIV for reducing dyspnea in palliative care setting. (2A) B6. NIV in post-operative cases: Recommendations: NIV should be used in patients with post-operative acute respiratory failure. (2A) B6a. NIV in abdominal surgery: Recommendations: NIV may be used in patients with ARF following abdominal surgeries. (2A) B6b. NIV in bariatric surgery: Recommendations: NIV may be used in post-bariatric surgery patients with pre-existent OSA or OHS. (3A) B6c. NIV in Thoracic surgery: Recommendations: In cardiothoracic surgeries, use of NIV is recommended post operatively for acute respiratory failure to improve oxygenation and reduce chance of reintubation. (2A) NIV should not be used in patients undergoing esophageal surgery. (UPP) B6d. NIV in post lung transplant: Recommendations: NIV may be used for shortening weaning time and to avoid re-intubation following lung transplantation. (2B) B7. NIV during Procedures (ETI/Bronchoscopy/TEE/Endoscopy): Recommendations: NIV may be used for pre-oxygenation before intubation. (2B) NIV with appropriate interface may be used in patients of ARF during Bronchoscopy/Endoscopy to improve oxygenation. (3B) B8. NIV in Viral Pneumonitis ARDS: Recommendations: NIV cannot be considered as a treatment of choice for patients with acute respiratory failure with H1N1 pneumonia. However, it may be reasonable to use NIV in selected patients with single organ involvement, in a strictly controlled environment with close monitoring. (2B) B9. NIV and Acute exacerbation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Recommendations: Careful use of NIV in patients with acute Tuberculosis may be considered, with effective infection control precautions to prevent air-borne transmission. (3B) B10. NIV after planned extubation in high risk patients: Recommendation: We recommend that NIV may be used to wean high risk patients from invasive mechanical ventilation as it reduces re-intubation rate. (2B) B11. NIV for respiratory distress post extubation: Recommendations: We recommend that NIV therapy should not be used to manage respiratory distress post-extubation in high risk patients. (2B) C. APPLICATION OF NIV: Recommendation: Choice of mode should be mainly decided by factors like disease etiology and severity, the breathing effort by the patient and the operator familiarity and experience. (UPP) We suggest using flow trigger over pressure triggering in assisted modes, as it provides better patient ventilator synchrony. Especially in COPD patients, flow triggering has been found to benefit auto PEEP. (3B) D. MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT ON NIV: D1. Sedation: Recommendations: A non-pharmacological approach to calm the patient (Reassuring the patient, proper environment) should always be tried before administrating sedatives. (UPP) In patients on NIV, sedation may be used with extremely close monitoring and only in an ICU setting with lookout for signs of NIV failure. (UPP) E. EQUIPMENT: Recommendations: We recommend that portable bilevel ventilators or specifically designed ICU ventilators with non-invasive mode should be used for delivering Non--invasive ventilation in critically ill patients. (UPP) Both critical care ventilators with leak compensation and bi-level ventilators have been equally effective in decreasing the WOB, RR, and PaCO2. (3B) Currently, Oronasal mask is the most preferred interface for non-invasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure. (3B) F. WEANING: Recommendations: We recommend that weaning from NIV may be done by a standardized protocol driven approach of the unit. (2B) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: We aim to study the significance of intraoperative hyperlactatemia in reconstructive oncoplastic surgery. Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent reconstructive oncoplastic surgery with free flap for oral cancer over a 6-month period. The study population was divided into two groups based on peak lactate levels. Group N with peak lactate level less than 2 mmol/L and Group H peak lactate level more than 2 mmol/L. The various parameter studied were patient's comorbidities; intraoperative events (vasopressor requirement, blood transfusion, and duration of surgery); postoperative parameters including the need for re- exploration and duration of stay in hospital and intensive care unit. Results: The study demonstrates that intraoperative rise of lactate was not influenced by comorbidities. None of the intraoperative parameters studied influenced the lactate levels. Baseline lactate level was found to correlate with peak lactate level intraoperatively. But it was observed that there was normalization of lactate level within 24 hours postoperatively in both the groups. There was no difference in outcome parameters in the two groups. Conclusion: Intraoperative hyperlactatemia is not a significant prognostic factor for outcome in oncoplastic reconstructive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Pressure ulcers (PU) usually occur over bony prominences in hospitalized patients. But they may occur due to medical devices referred also as Medical device related pressure ulcers (MDRPU). The United States National advisory panel (NPUAP) recognizes it as an important entity. MDRPU is one of the key quality indicators of hospital care, so far no data is available on MDRPU from the Indian Sub-continent. Aim The primary objective of the study was to examine prevalence and Risk factors of MDRPU in critically sick patients. Design A Cross-sectional point prevalence study. Methods All patients above 18 years of age admitted in Intensive care units (ICU) on the date of the survey were included in the study. It was conducted in medical, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical ICUs. Demographic and MDRPU data were recorded. MDRPU was staged as per National Pressure ulcer advisory panel staging system. Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to the start of the study. Results One hundred and forty-six patients were included. The prevalence of PU was 26.0%. The prevalence of MDRPU was found to be 19.2%. MDRPUs most commonly occurred with non-invasive ventilation mask (NIV) and nasogastric tube (NGT) (20% and 12.3% respectively). MDRPUs were associated with a longer ICU Stay. Conclusions MDRPUs pose a significant burden on healthcare. Our study showed significant prevalence rate of MDRPU which is comparable to those seen internationally. There is a compelling need to have continuous audits and structured training programs among healthcare professionals to prevent MDRPUs in critically sick patients. Highlights • Overall Prevalence of MDRPU was 19.2%. • Patients with MDRPUs accounted for 73.7% of pressure ulcers. • MDRPU's were associated with Longer ICU length of stay. • NIV Mask, NGT tube were mostly frequent MDRPUs. • Patients with postural ulcers were more likely to have MDRPU in ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Intensive-care practices and settings may differ for India in comparison to other countries. While international guidelines are available to direct the use of enteral nutrition (EN), there are no recommendations specific to Indian settings. Advisory board meetings were arranged to develop the practice guidelines specific to Indian context, for the use of EN in critically ill patients and to overcome challenges in this field. Methods: Various existing guidelines, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, and review articles were reviewed for their contextual relevance and strength. A systematic grading of practice guidelines by advisory board was done based on strength of the supporting evidence. Wherever Indian studies were not available, references were taken from the international guidelines. Results: Based on the literature review, the recommendations for developing the practice guidelines were made as per the grading criteria agreed upon by the advisory board. The recommendations were to address challenges regarding EN versus parenteral nutrition; nutrition screening and assessment; nutrition in hemodynamically unstable; route of nutrition; tube feeding and challenges; tolerance; optimum calorie-protein requirements; selection of appropriate enteral feeding formula; micronutrients and immune-nutrients; standard nutrition in hepatic, renal, and respiratory diseases and documentation of nutrition practices. Conclusion: This paper summarizes the optimum nutrition practices for critically ill patients. The possible solutions to overcome the challenges in this field are presented as practice guidelines at the end of each section. These guidelines are expected to provide guidance in critical care settings regarding appropriate critical-care nutrition practices and to set up Intensive Care Unit nutrition protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis is underutilized, and there is a paucity of data reflecting the incidence of DVT in Indian Intensive Care Unit (ICU) population. We sought to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for DVT in medical and surgical ICU patients with DVT prophylaxis. Material and Methods: The ICU patients more than 18 years old, expected to be in the ICU for more than 48 h were enrolled and DVT prophylaxis were given as per risk and were observed for clinical signs of DVT along with duplex ultrasound until in ICU. The patients receiving anticoagulant for some other reasons were excluded along with those with pregnancy, congenital coagulation disorders and terminal illness. Results: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.81) in mixed populations (1.6% in medical and 0.5% in surgical). The higher DVT score (DVT (+) 10.75 ± 2.06/DVT (-) 8.75 ± 1.7 P = 0. 0264), Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score (DVT positive patient - DVT (+) 59.25 ± 15.06/DVT negative patients - DVT (-) 44.01 ± 13.74) P = 0. 0292), length of ICU stay ([DVT (+) 26.75 ± 12.87 days/DVT (-) 5.19 ± 6.18] P < 0.010), and inotropes (DVT (+) 50%/DVT (-) 12.3% P = 0. 023) were associated with DVT. Conclusion: The incidence of DVT was 0.8% with prophylaxis. High DVT and APACHE IV score were associated with DVT. Prolonged ICU stay and vasopressors were the risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrosternal chest pain is the classical symptom of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS sometimes presents with atypical symptoms and very rarely as headache as the only symptom. We present here a case where a patient who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting presented with headache and on evaluation found to have complete occlusion of right coronary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Timely decision making in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is very essential to improve the outcome of critically sick patients. Conventional scores like Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE IV) are quite cumbersome with calculations and take minimum 24 hours. Procalcitonin has shown to have prognostic value in ICU/Emergency department (ED) in disease states like pneumonia, sepsis etc. NTproBNP has demonstrated excellent diagnostic and prognostic importance in cardiac diseases. It has also been found elevated in non-cardiac diseases. We chose to study the prognostic utility of these markers on ICU admission.Settings and Design: Retrospective observational study.Materials and Methods: A Retrospective analysis of 100 eligible patients was done who had undergone PCT and NTproBNP measurements on ICU admission. Their correlations with all cause mortality, length of hospital stay, need for ventilator support, need for vasopressors were performed.Results: Among 100 randomly selected ICU patients, 28 were non-survivors. NTproBNP values on admission significantly correlated with all cause mortality (P = 0.036, AUC = 0.643) and morbidity (P = 0.000, AUC = 0.763), comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. PCT values on admission did not show significant association with mortality, but correlated well with morbidity and prolonged hospital length of stay (AUC = 0.616, P = 0.045).Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a good predictive value of NTproBNP, in terms of mortality and morbidity comparable to that of APACHE-IV score. Procalcitonin, however, was found to have doubtful prognostic importance. These findings need to be confirmed in a prospective larger study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the risk factors and outcome of patients with preexisting resistant gram-negative bacilli (GNB) with those who develop sensitive GNB in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Of the 3161 patients (n = 3,161) admitted to the ICU during the study period, 130 (4.11%) developed health care-associated infections (HAIs) with GNB and were included in the cohort study. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.8%) was the most common organism isolated followed by Klebsiella species (24.2%), E. coli (22.0%), Enterobacter species (6.1%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (5.7%), Acinetobacter species (1.3%), Serratia marcescens (0.8%), Weeksella virosa (0.4%) and Burkholderia cepacia (0.4%). Univariate analysis revealed that the following variables were significantly associated with the antibiotic-resistant GNB: females (P = 0.018), re-exploration (P = 0.004), valve surgery (P = 0.003), duration of central venous catheter (P < 0.001), duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001), duration of intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation (P = 0.018), duration of urinary catheter (P < 0.001), total number of antibiotic exposures prior to the development of resistance (P < 0.001), duration of antibiotic use prior to the development of resistance (P = 0.014), acute physiology and age chronic health evaluation score (APACHE II), receipt of anti-pseudomonal penicillins (piperacillin-tazobactam) (P = 0.002) and carbapenems (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, valve surgery (adjusted OR = 2.033; 95% CI = 1.052-3.928; P = 0.035), duration of mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR = 1.265; 95% CI = 1.055-1.517; P = 0.011) and total number of antibiotic exposure prior to the development of resistance (adjusted OR = 1.381; 95% CI = 1.030-1.853; P = 0.031) were identified as independent risk factors for HAIs in resistant GNB. The mortality rate in patients with resistant GNB was significantly higher than those with sensitive GNB (13.9% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.03). HAI with resistant GNB, in ICU following cardiac surgery, are independently associated with the following variables: valve surgeries, duration of mechanical ventilation and prior exposure to antibiotics. The mortality rate is significantly higher among patients with resistant GNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of 27-year-old female diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) following a recent Epstein--Barr virus (EBV) infection. A known case of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis on corticosteroids for last 6 months presented to the critical care unit with fever, maculopapular rash and difficulty in breathing. A rapid and correct diagnosis with the precise treatment led to complete recovery of this patient. The HLH is a rare complication of primary EBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Infection is frequent among patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Contemporary information about the types of infections, causative pathogens, and outcomes can aid the development of policies for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and resource allocation and may assist in the design of interventional studies.Objective: To provide information about the prevalence and outcomes of infection and the available resources in ICUs worldwide.Design, Setting, and Participants: Observational 24-hour point prevalence study with longitudinal follow-up at 1150 centers in 88 countries. All adult patients (aged ≥18 years) treated at a participating ICU during a 24-hour period commencing at 08:00 on September 13, 2017, were included. The final follow-up date was November 13, 2017.Exposures: Infection diagnosis and receipt of antibiotics.Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence of infection and antibiotic exposure (cross-sectional design) and all-cause in-hospital mortality (longitudinal design).Results: Among 15 202 included patients (mean age, 61.1 years [SD, 17.3 years]; 9181 were men [60.4%]), infection data were available for 15 165 (99.8%); 8135 (54%) had suspected or proven infection, including 1760 (22%) with ICU-acquired infection. A total of 10 640 patients (70%) received at least 1 antibiotic. The proportion of patients with suspected or proven infection ranged from 43% (141/328) in Australasia to 60% (1892/3150) in Asia and the Middle East. Among the 8135 patients with suspected or proven infection, 5259 (65%) had at least 1 positive microbiological culture; gram-negative microorganisms were identified in 67% of these patients (n = 3540), gram-positive microorganisms in 37% (n = 1946), and fungal microorganisms in 16% (n = 864). The in-hospital mortality rate was 30% (2404/7936) in patients with suspected or proven infection. In a multilevel analysis, ICU-acquired infection was independently associated with higher risk of mortality compared with community-acquired infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.32 [95% CI, 1.10-1.60]; P = .003). Among antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, infection with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (OR, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.43-4.06]; P = .001), Klebsiella resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems (OR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.02-1.63]; P = .03), or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08-1.81]; P = .01) was independently associated with a higher risk of death vs infection with another microorganism.Conclusions and Relevance: In a worldwide sample of patients admitted to ICUs in September 2017, the prevalence of suspected or proven infection was high, with a substantial risk of in-hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infections with carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) are increasing worldwide and are associated with high mortality. Patients transferred from outside hospitals have been reported to be at increased risk of CRO colonization and infection. The rate of subsequent CRO infection in patients colonized with CRO is unclear in a high CRO burden setting Methods Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, India instituted CRO colonization screening for patients transferred from outside hospitals for infection control purposes. From April 2018 to May 2018, patients transferred from other hospitals to the intensive care unit at Medanta were subjected to CRO colonization screening using Xpert Carba R (Cepheid) performed on the day of transfer. Subsequent recovery of CRO in cultures of blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, urine in specimens with pyuria obtained from patients without urinary catheters, pus, and tissue were considered to be indicative of CRO infection. The association of CRO colonization with subsequent CRO infection was assessed with a Fisher exact test Results Among 457 patients screened, 205 patients (45%) were found to be colonized with CRO at admission. Genes for New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) were detected in 184 (40%) patients, OXA-48 in 97 (21%) patients, VIM in 18 (4%) patients, KPC in 5 (1%) patients, and IMP1 in 5 (1%) patients; >1 carbapenemase gene was detected in 95 (21%) patients. CRO infections were observed in 25 (5%) patients including 12 with bacteremia, 7 with pneumonia, 4 with urinary tract infection, and 2 with soft-tissue infection. Among patients with CRO colonization, 17 (8%) patients developed CRO infection during the course of hospitalization; among patients without admission CRO colonization, subsequent CRO infection was found in 8 (3%) patients. CRO admission colonization was associated with subsequent clinical infection with CRO (odds ratio = 2.8, P = 0.02) Conclusion CRO colonization was found in almost half of patients transferred from outside hospitals to a large tertiary care hospital in India and was associated with subsequent CRO infection. Further work is necessary to understand the role of CRO colonization screening in infection control and antimicrobial stewardship in a setting with high CRO burden Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the retrospective analysis describing the success of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) under the ultrasound guidance in 12 patients. He relates the study by V. Rajajee and colleagues which shows the success of PDT in patients with obesity. He notes that ultrasonography in intensive care unit (ICU) contributes to the reduction of PDT complications and ensures the correct placement of the tracheostomy tube.