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Skeletal muscle area (SMA) in the computed tomography (CT) at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level is a proxy for whole-body muscle mass but is only performed for clinical reasons. Ultrasound is a promising tool to determine muscle mass at the bedside. It is still unclear how well ultrasound and which ultrasound measuring points can predict CT L3 SMA.This prospective observational trial included 200 non-critically ill patients, who underwent an abdominal CT scan for any clinical reason within 48 h before the ultrasound examination. Ultrasound muscle thickness was evaluated at 3 measuring points on the thigh and 2 measuring points on the upper arm with minimal compression. On the CT scan, the entire L3 SMA was measured based on Hounsfield units. Using a model selection algorithm based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and clinical considerations, a linear prediction model for CT L3 SMA based on the ultrasound muscle thickness and other independent variables was fitted and assessed with cross-validation.67,5% and 32,5% of the patients were from surgical and medical wards, respectively. Mean ultrasound muscle thickness values were between 2,2 and 3,6 cm on the thigh and between 1,4 and 2,8 cm on the upper arm. All ultrasound muscle thickness values were higher in men than in women (P 0,05). CT L3 SMA was 40 cmOne single ultrasound measuring point at the thigh together with sex, height and weight very well predicts CT L3 SMA across different clinical populations. Ultrasound is a safe and bedside method to measure muscle thickness longitudinally to monitor the effects of nutrition and physical therapy.

Background Kidney function is an important aspect for patient outcome after heart transplantation (HTX). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by changes in serum creatinine (SCr) and diuresis with risk/injury/failure/loss/end stage (RIFLE), acute kidney injury network (AKIN), or kidney disease: improving global outcomes (KDIGO) scores. Methods We investigated the effect of perioperative AKI on 1-year mortality after HTX over a period of 10 years at a single-center university hospital. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analyzed the association between 1-year mortality and potential risk factors. Receiver operating curves for 1-year mortality were calculated to determine sensitivity and specificity of scores. Results Sixty of 346 patients (17%) died within the first year. Acute kidney injury was a predictor of mortality only in the high-risk AKI groups of all scores: Hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for RIFLE F: 7.164 (3.307-15.523); KDIGO/AKIN stage 3: 3.492 (2.006-6.081). Within each score, we identified patient groups, which had no elevated risk for an adverse outcome despite their allocation to the milder forms of AKI. In multivariable regression analysis, primary graft dysfunction was the predominant perioperative risk factor for 1-year mortality. Conclusions In contrast to other patient cohorts, mild forms of perioperative AKI are of subordinate influence on patient outcome in HTX.

Background and objectives A knowledge of baseline serum creatinine (bSCr) is mandatory for diagnosing and staging AKI. With often missing values, bSCr is estimated by back-calculation using several equations designed for the estimation of GFR, assuming a “true” GFR of 75 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . Using a data set from a large cardiac surgery cohort, we tested the appropriateness of such an approach and compared estimated and measured bSCr. Moreover, we designed a novel data-driven model (estimated serum creatinine [eSCr]) for estimating bSCr. Finally, we analyzed the extent of AKI and mortality rate misclassifications. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Data for 8024 patients (2833 women) in our cardiac surgery center were included from 1997 to 2008. Measured and estimated bSCr were plotted against age for men and women. Patients were classified to AKI stages defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) group. Results were compared with data from another cardiac surgery center in Zurich, Switzerland. Results The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formulae describe higher estimated bSCr values in younger patients, but lower values in older patients compared with the measured bSCr values in both centers. The Pittsburgh Linear Three Variables formula correctly describes the increasing bSCr with age, however, it underestimates the overall bSCr level, being in the range of the 25% quantile of the measured values. Our eSCr model estimated measured bSCr best. AKI stage 1 classification using all formulae, including our eSCr model, was incorrect in 53%–80% of patients in Vienna and in 74%–91% in Zurich; AKI severity (according to KDIGO stages) and also mortality were overestimated. Mortality rate was higher among patients falsely classified into higher KDIGO stages by estimated bSCr. Conclusions bSCr values back-estimated using currently available eGFR formulae are inaccurate and cannot correctly classify AKI stages. Our model eSCr improves the prediction of AKI but to a still inadequate extent.

Linear mixed models for quadriceps mean MRC a Table S1A. Linear mixed model for quadriceps mean MRC from the first postoperative day for a maximum of 14 postoperative days (51 patients, 219 observations) Days of ICU and hospital discharge, where no NMES was applied anymore, were excluded in this model. Table S1B. Linear mixed model for quadriceps mean MRC on four important study days (51 patients, 130 observations). (PDF 89.3 kb)

Time variation of MLT and mean MRC of all muscle groups in individual patients. Days of ICU and hospital discharge are included. (PDF 837 kb)

Identification of causes and immediate adjustment to treatment of acute thrombocytopenia occurring in patients in the intensive care unit is required to avoid imminent complications. Hence it is important to train awareness and clinical decision making of students in the medical curriculum. Therefore, real-life cases were transferred into an interactive eLearning platform comprising the steps of patient assessment and therapeutic decisions. Heparin-induced platelet count decrease is an immune-mediated prothrombotic disorder, resulting from an adverse drug reaction (Kelton and Warkentin, 2008). After cardiac surgery antibodies against circulating heparin—platelet factor (PF) four complexes develop in up to 50%. Patients experience a risk of 1–5% to acquire clinical symptoms of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) (Warkentin et al., 2000; Linkins et al., 2012). Due to complications, mortality rates are high and amount to 5–10% (Kelton and Warkentin, 2008; Kelton et al., 2013). As clinical teaching case a 59-year-old male patient is presented, who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the General Hospital of Vienna on extracorporeal life support (ECMO). The man underwent bypass surgery six days ago in a peripheral hospital and is concomitantly suffering from an active infection. On the fourth day at ICU a platelet count decrease has been noticed.

Preoperative renal insufficiency is an important predictor of mortality after cardiac surgery. This retrospective cohort study was designed to identify the optimal cut-off for baseline serum creatinine (bSCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to predict survival. Furthermore, we investigated the potential confounding effect of other perioperative risk indicators on short- and long-term survival.Data of 9490 cardiac surgical patients were prospectively collected between 1997 and 2008 (follow up to 2010) at the Medical University Vienna. We identified bSCr cut-off values and calculated uni- and multivariate hazard models for short- and long-term survival and compared the results with a validation set from Zurich. The estimated survival curves defined a distinct period of increased mortality until 150 days.Cut-off values of115 µmol litre(-1) for bSCr and ≤50 ml min(-1) for eGFR were identified. Increased bSCr, associated with higher mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.43-2.80, P0.0001], was present in 19.5% of patients and remained predictive for short- (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.38-1.83, P=0.0027) and long-term survival (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.32-1.62, P0.0001) in the multivariate hazard models. A cut-off of120 µmol litre(-1) for bSCr was determined for the validation set. Decreased eGFR was present in 23.6% (HR 2.86, 95% CI 2.67-3.06, P0.0001).In our patients, increased bSCr was an independent predictor of mortality, which may critically influence risk evaluation and perioperative treatment guidance.

UNLABELLED Since 1993, we have progressively adopted three techniques to reduce transfusion requirements during major orthopedic surgery: red-cell scavenging, acute normovolemic hemodilution, and active patient warming. We retrospectively evaluated all 821 elective hip and knee arthroplasties performed in our institution beginning with July 1993. Target minimal hematocrits were guided by patient ages and cardiovascular status. The first approximately 500-mL blood loss was replaced with crystalloid at a ratio of 3 mL for each milliliter of blood loss. Additional blood loss was replaced with colloid, hemodilution blood (when available), and scavenged red cells (when available). Allogenic transfusions were then administered as necessary to maintain target hematocrits, which were prospectively defined based on the patient ages and cardiovascular health. Univariate analysis was applied initially. Significant predictors of transfusion requirement were subsequently entered into a stepwise multiple regression to account for confounding factors, including age, type of anesthesia (regional versus general) and type of surgery (primary versus hardware replacement). Postoperative hemoglobin concentrations were similar over the years of study and among the patients given each treatment. During the study period, allogenic blood requirements decreased from 1.3 +/- 1.7 U/patient to 0.6 +/- 1.4 U/patient (mean +/- SD). Both univariate and regression analyses indicated that each treatment significantly reduced transfusion requirements (P < 0.05). We conclude that red-cell scavenging, hemodilution, and active cutaneous warming each reduce allogenic blood requirements during hip and knee arthroplasties. IMPLICATIONS We retrospectively evaluated three strategies to reduce overall blood loss: red-cell scavenging, acute normovolemic hemodilution, and active patient warming. During the study period, allogenic blood requirements decreased by a factor of 2. Each treatment contributed to this reduction. We therefore conclude that each treatment reduces allogenic blood requirements during hip and knee arthroplasties.

Background The proportion of older donors and recipients is constantly rising in heart transplantation (HTX). The impact of age on different outcomes after HTX has been studied; however, effects of interaction between donor and recipient age remain elusive. Methods This retrospective cohort study comprised 1,190 patients who underwent HTX between 1984 and 2011 at the Medical University Vienna. Multivariable models consisted of a basic set that included donor age, recipient age, and transplant eras and were adjusted for 2 sets of 6 possible confounders and 3 mediator variables. Cox models were used to estimate the risk of death. To search for age-related effects on the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), we applied cause-specific Cox models and proportional sub-distribution hazard models for competing risk data. Results Survival was 80%, 77%, 69%, and 56% after 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Donor age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.2), recipient age (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.2), admission from intensive care unit to HTX (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2–1.9), and diabetes (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7) were identified as significant independent risk factors for death. Significant risk factors for CAV were donor age (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3–1.5) and male recipient sex (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.2). Recipient age was inversely associated with initiation of CAV (HR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8–1.0). Analysis of the interaction between donor and recipient age was not significant for death ( p = 0.8) or CAV ( p = 0.6). Conclusions We found no interaction between donor and recipient age negatively affecting mortality and CAV. The identified independent risk factors may have implications for allocation strategies in elderly recipients.

Background: Before clinical treatment and during transportation, the analgesic therapy offered to patients with painful knee trauma may be quite insufficient. We hypothesize that a femoral nerve blockade for analgesia can be administered in a preclinical setting at the injury site and provides better pain relief than intravenous metamizole, whose analgesic effect is comparable with that of opioids. Methods: After an initial clinical investigation, 52 patients were randomized according to computer-generated codes; 26 patients received a femoral nerve blockade and 26 received metamizole. The treatment was started at the injury site and the level of pain on the 100-mm visual analog scale was assessed at the beginning and the end of treatment. Results: Pain and anxiety scores were significantly reduced by half in the femoral nerve blockade group; peripheral vasoconstriction was noted in 26 patients at the injury site and dropped to six at the time of arrival at the hospital. Two of 26 patients in the blockade group did not benefit from the treatment. In the metamizole group, pain and anxiety did not decrease significantly; vasoconstriction persisted in all patients. Conclusion: Patients with painful knee trauma benefited from femoral nerve blockade administered before hospitalization. The treatment can be administered safely in the preclinical setting and provides effective analgesia.

Analgesia at the location of the accident and on transport for femoral trauma is often delayed or insufficient. In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, we evaluated the preclinical use of femoral nerve blockade for reducing pain and anxiety compared with IV analgesia using metamizol.Patients with painful femoral trauma, such as fracture or severe contusion, were randomized to receive at the site of the accident a femoral nerve blockade (n = 31) or IV analgesia with metamizol (n = 31). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain and anxiety. Variables were assessed at baseline, during transport and upon arrival at the hospital.In patients receiving the femoral nerve blockade, pain values decreased by half from VAS 86 +/- 6 mm at the site of the accident to VAS 41 +/- 15 mm during transport. Anxiety decreased by half from VAS 84 +/- 11 mm to VAS 39 +/- 14 mm. Heart rate decreased by 20 +/- 5 bpm. In the metamizol group, pain, anxiety, and heart rate did not decrease (P0.001). Time of treatment was 7.4 +/- 3.5 min longer in the femoral nerve blockade group.Preclinically administered femoral nerve blockade effectively decreases pain, anxiety, and heart rate after femoral trauma. Regional blockade is an option for out-of-hospital analgesia administered by a trained physician.

BACKGROUND:Analgesia at the location of the accident and on transport for femoral trauma is often delayed or insufficient. In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, we evaluated the preclinical use of femoral nerve blockade for reducing pain and anxiety compared with IV analgesia using meta

The alpha subunits of the stimulatory and inhibitory G proteins, Gs alpha and Gi alpha, activate transmembrane-signaling systems involved in the control of cell proliferation. We have investigated the pattern of expression of Gi alpha subtypes and Gi alpha-mediated proliferative responses in the human thyroid. Human thyroid membranes contain two subtypes of Gi alpha, Gi alpha-1 and Gi alpha-2, as assessed by using specific antibodies. The expression of Gi alpha-1 is under tight control by thyrotropin in vivo and in primary cultures of thyroid epithelial cells. In contrast, Gi alpha-1 is expressed in the absence of thyrotropin in thyroid autonomous adenoma, an endocrine-active tumor, and its levels are not regulated by thyrotropin in thyroid epithelial cells prepared from these tumors. If thyroid epithelial cells are treated with pertussis toxin to block signal transduction via Gi, the mitogenic response to serum factors is reduced. These observations demonstrate that Gi subtypes transmit growth stimuli in the human thyroid. The constitutive expression of Gi alpha-1 in autonomous adenoma may allow for the unregulated stimulation of thyroid cell proliferation by a yet unidentified signaling pathway and, thus, be causally related to autonomous growth of thyroid cells.