Comparison of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and intensive care unit-acquired acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational cohort study

Comparison of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and intensive care unit-acquired acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational cohort study

Critical Care 2015, 19:384

Kao, Kuo-Chin et al



Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a syndrome characterized by diffuse pulmonary edema and severe hypoxemia that usually occurs after an injury such as sepsis, aspiration and pneumonia. Little is known about the relation between the setting where the syndrome developed and outcomes in ARDS patients.
Methods: This is a 1-year prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary referred hospital. ARDS was defined by the Berlin criteria. Community-acquired ARDS, hospital-acquired ARDS and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired ARDS were defined as ARDS occurring within 48 hours of hospital or ICU admission, more than 48 hours after hospital admission and ICU admission. The primary and secondary outcomes were short- and long- term mortality rates and ventilator-free and ICU-free days.
Results: Of the 3002 patients screened, 296 patients had a diagnosis of ARDS, including 70 (23.7 %) with community-acquired ARDS, 83 (28 %) with hospital-acquired ARDS, and 143 (48.3 %) with ICU-acquired ARDS. The overall ICU mortality rate was not significantly different in mild, moderate and severe ARDS (50 %, 50 % and 56 %, p = 0.25). The baseline characteristics were similar other than lower rate of liver disease and metastatic malignancy in community-acquired ARDS than in hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age, sequential organ function assessment score and community-acquired ARDS were independently associated with hospital mortality. For community-acquired, hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS, ICU mortality rates were 37 % 61 % and 52 %; hospital mortality rates were 49 %, 74 % and 68 %. The ICU and hospital mortality rates of community-acquired ARDS were significantly lower than hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001). The number of ventilator-free days was significantly lower in ICU-acquired ARDS than in community-acquired and hospital-acquired ARDS (11 ± 9, 16 ± 9, and 14 ± 10 days, p = 0.001). The number of ICU-free days was significantly higher in community-acquired ARDS than in hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS (8 ± 10, 4 ± 8, and 3 ± 6 days, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Community-acquired ARDS have lower short- and long-term mortality rates than hospital-acquired or ICU-acquired ARDS.

Extracorporeal decarboxylation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and ARDS enables effective control of intracranial pressure

Extracorporeal decarboxylation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and ARDS enables effective control of intracranial pressure

Critical Care 2015, 19:381

Munoz-Bendix, c. et al


Introduction: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with concomitant impairment of oxygenation and decarboxylation represents a complex problem in patients with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Permissive hypercapnia is not an option to obtain and maintain lung-protective ventilation in the presence of elevated ICP. Pumpless extracorporeal lung assist (pECLA) devices (iLA Membrane Ventilator; Novalung, Heilbronn, Germany) can improve decarboxylation without aggravation associated with invasive ventilation. In this pilot series, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of pECLA in patients with ARDS and elevated ICP after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Methods: The medical records of ten patients (eight male, two female) with severe ARDS and severe TBI concurrently managed with external ventricular drainage in the neurointensive care unit (NICU) were retrospectively analyzed. The effect of pECLA on enabling lung-protective ventilation was evaluated using the difference between plateau pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure, defined as driving pressure (ΔP), during the 3 days preceding the implant of pECLA devices until 3 days afterward. The ICP threshold was set at 20 mmHg. To evaluate effects on ICP, the volume of daily cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage needed to maintain the set ICP threshold was compared pre- and postimplant.
Results: The ΔP values after pECLA implantation decreased from a mean 17.1 ± 0.7 cm/H 2 O to 11.9±0.5 cm/H 2 O (p = 0.011). In spite of this improved lung-protective ventilation, carbon dioxide pressure decreased from 46.6 ± 3.9 mmHg to 39.7 ± 3.5 mmHg (p = 0.005). The volume of daily CSF drainage needed to maintain ICP at 20 mmHg decreased significantly from 141.5 ± 103.5 ml to 62.2 ± 68.1 ml (p = 0.037). Conclusions: For selected patients with concomitant severe TBI and ARDS, the application of pECLA is safe and effective. pECLA devices improve decarboxylation, thus enabling lung-protective ventilation. At the same time, potentially detrimental hypercapnia that may increase ICP is avoided. Larger prospective trials are warranted to further elucidate application of pECLA devices in NICU patients.

An Environmental Scan for Early Mobilization Practices in U.S. ICUs

An Environmental Scan for Early Mobilization Practices in U.S. ICUs

Critical Care Medicine: November 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 11 - p 2360–2369

Bakhru, RN. Et al


Objective: Early mobilization improves patient outcomes. However, diffusion of this intervention into standard ICU practice is unknown. Dissemination and implementation efforts may be guided by an environmental scan to detail readiness for early mobilization, current practice, and barriers to early mobilization. Design: A telephone survey. Setting: U.S. ICUs. Subjects: Five hundred randomly selected U.S. ICUs stratified by regional hospital density and hospital size. Interventions: None.
Measurements and Main Results: We surveyed 687 ICUs for a 73% response rate (500 ICUs); 99% of respondents were nursing leadership. Fifty-one percent of hospitals reported an academic affiliation. Surveyed ICUs were most often mixed medical/surgical (58%) or medical (22%) with a median of 16 beds (12–24). Thirty-four percent reported presence of a dedicated physical and/or occupational therapy team for the ICU. Overall, 45% of ICUs reported early mobilization practice; two thirds of ICUs with early mobilization practice reported using a written early mobilization protocol. In ICUs with early mobilization practice, 52% began the intervention at admission and 74% enacted early mobilization for both ventilated and nonventilated patients. Early mobilization was provided a median of 6 days per week, twice daily. Factors independently associated with early mobilization protocols include dedicated physical/occupational therapy (odds ratio, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.13–5.22; p < 0.01), American Hospital Association region 2 (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.04–10.64; p = 0.04), written sedation protocol (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.25–4.45; p < 0.01), daily multidisciplinary rounds (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.29–4.15; p < 0.01), and written daily goals for patients (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.02–4.64; p = 0.04). Commonly cited barriers included equipment, staffing, patient and caregiver safety, and competing priorities. In ICUs without early mobilization adoption, 78% have considered implementation but cite barriers including competing priorities and need for further planning. Conclusions: Diffusion regarding benefits of early mobilization has occurred, but adoption into practice is lagging. Mandates for multidisciplinary rounds and formal sedation protocols may be necessary strategies to increase the likelihood of successful early mobilization implementation. Methods to accurately assess and compare institutional performance via practice audit are needed.

Diagnosis and management of inhalation injury: an updated review

Diagnosis and management of inhalation injury: an updated review

Critical Care 2015, 19:351 

Walker, PF. et al.


In this article we review recent advances made in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of inhalation injury. Historically, the diagnosis of inhalation injury has relied on nonspecific clinical exam findings and bronchoscopic evidence. The development of a grading system and the use of modalities such as chest computed tomography may allow for a more nuanced evaluation of inhalation injury and enhanced ability to prognosticate. Supportive respiratory care remains essential in managing inhalation injury. Adjuncts still lacking definitive evidence of efficacy include bronchodilators, mucolytic agents, inhaled anticoagulants, nonconventional ventilator modes, prone positioning, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Recent research focusing on molecular mechanisms involved in inhalation injury has increased the number of potential therapies.

Aspirin as a potential treatment in sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome

Aspirin as a potential treatment in sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome

Critical Care 2015, 19:374 

Toner, P. et al.


Sepsis is a common condition that is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and health-care cost. Pulmonary and non-pulmonary sepsis are common causes of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mortality from ARDS remains high despite protective lung ventilation, and currently there are no specific pharmacotherapies to treat sepsis or ARDS. Sepsis and ARDS are characterised by activation of the inflammatory cascade. Although there is much focus on the study of the dysregulated inflammation and its suppression, the associated activation of the haemostatic system has been largely ignored until recently. There has been extensive interest in the role that platelet activation can have in the inflammatory response through induction, aggregation and activation of leucocytes and other platelets. Aspirin can modulate multiple pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the development of multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis and ARDS. This review will discuss the role of the platelet, the mechanisms of action of aspirin in sepsis and ARDS, and aspirin as a potential therapy in treating sepsis and ARDS. 

Fluid balance and mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multicenter prospective epidemiological study

Fluid balance and mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a multicenter prospective epidemiological study

Critical Care 2015, 19:371
Wang N et al


Introduction: Early and aggressive volume resuscitation is fundamental in the treatment of hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients and improves patient survival. However, one important consequence of fluid administration is the risk of developing fluid overload (FO), which is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). We evaluated the impact of fluid balance on mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with AKI.
Methods: The data were extracted from the Beijing Acute Kidney Injury Trial. This trial was a prospective, observational, multicenter study conducted in 30 ICUs among 28 tertiary hospitals in Beijing, China, from 1 March to 31 August 2012. In total, 3107 patients were admitted consecutively, and 2526 patients were included in this study. The data from the first 3 sequential days were analyzed. The AKI severity was classified according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. The daily fluid balance was recorded, and the cumulative fluid balance was registered at 24, 48, and 72 h. A multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression to determine the impact of fluid balance on mortality in patients with AKI.
Results: Among the 2526 patients included, 1172 developed AKI during the first 3 days. The mortality was 25.7 % in the AKI group and 10.1 % in the non-AKI group (P < 0.001). The daily fluid balance was higher, and the cumulative fluid balance was significantly greater, in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group. FO was an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI (odds ratio 4.508, 95 % confidence interval 2.900 to 7.008, P < 0.001) and increased the severity of AKI. Non-surviving patients with AKI had higher cumulative fluid balance during the first 3 days (2.77 [0.86–5.01] L versus 0.93 [−0.80 to 2.93] L, P < 0.001) than survivors did. Multivariate analysis revealed that the cumulative fluid balance during the first 3 days was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality. Conclusions: In this multicenter ICU study, the fluid balance was greater in patients with AKI than in patients without AKI. FO was an independent risk factor for the incidence of AKI and increased the severity of AKI. A higher cumulative fluid balance was an important factor associated with 28-day mortality following AKI.

Ventilator-derived carbon dioxide production to assess energy expenditure in critically ill patients: proof of concept

Ventilator-derived carbon dioxide production to assess energy expenditure in critically ill patients: proof of concept

Critical Care 2015, 19:370

Stapel, SN. et al


Introduction: Measurement of energy expenditure (EE) is recommended to guide nutrition in critically ill patients. Availability of a gold standard indirect calorimetry is limited, and continuous measurement is unfeasible. Equations used to predict EE are inaccurate. The purpose of this study was to provide proof of concept that EE can be accurately assessed on the basis of ventilator-derived carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ) and to determine whether this method is more accurate than frequently used predictive equations.
Methods: In 84 mechanically ventilated critically ill patients, we performed 24-h indirect calorimetry to obtain a gold standard EE. Simultaneously, we collected 24-h ventilator-derived VCO 2 , extracted the respiratory quotient of the administered nutrition, and calculated EE with a rewritten Weir formula. Bias, precision, and accuracy and inaccuracy rates were determined and compared with four predictive equations: the Harris–Benedict, Faisy, and Penn State University equations and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guideline equation of 25 kcal/kg/day.
Results: Mean 24-h indirect calorimetry EE was 1823 ± 408 kcal. EE from ventilator-derived VCO 2 was accurate (bias +141 ± 153 kcal/24 h; 7.7 % of gold standard) and more precise than the predictive equations (limits of agreement −166 to +447 kcal/24 h). The 10 % and 15 % accuracy rates were 61 % and 76 %, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the Harris–Benedict, Faisy, and ESPEN guideline equations. Large errors of more than 30 % inaccuracy did not occur with EE derived from ventilator-derived VCO 2 . This 30 % inaccuracy rate was significantly lower than that of the predictive equations.
Conclusions: In critically ill mechanically ventilated patients, assessment of EE based on ventilator-derived VCO 2 is accurate and more precise than frequently used predictive equations. It allows for continuous monitoring and is the best alternative to indirect calorimetry.

Arterial Catheter Use in the ICU: A National Survey of Antiseptic Technique and Perceived Infectious Risk

Arterial Catheter Use in the ICU: A National Survey of Antiseptic Technique and Perceived Infectious Risk


Critical Care Medicine: November 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 11 - p 2346–2353


Cohen, David M. et al


Objectives: Recent studies have shown that the occurrence rate of bloodstream infections associated with arterial catheters is 0.9–3.4/1,000 catheter-days, which is comparable to that of central venous catheters. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published new guidelines recommending the use of limited barrier precautions during arterial catheter insertion, consisting of sterile gloves, a surgical cap, a surgical mask, and a small sterile drape. The goal of this study was to assess the attitudes and current infection prevention practices used by clinicians during insertion of arterial catheters in ICUs in the United States. Design: An anonymous, 22-question web-based survey of infection prevention practices during arterial catheter insertion. Setting: Clinician members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Subjects: Eleven thousand three hundred sixty-one physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses who elect to receive e-mails from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: There were 1,265 responses (11% response rate), with 1,029 eligible participants after exclusions were applied. Only 44% of participants reported using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended barrier precautions during arterial catheter insertion, and only 15% reported using full barrier precautions. The mean and median estimates of the incidence density of bloodstream infections associated with arterial catheters were 0.3/1,000 catheter-days and 0.1/1,000 catheter-days, respectively. Thirty-nine percent of participants reported that they would support mandatory use of full barrier precautions during arterial catheter insertion. Conclusions: Barrier precautions are used inconsistently by critical care clinicians during arterial catheter insertion in the ICU setting. Less than half of clinicians surveyed were in compliance with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Clinicians significantly underestimated the infectious risk posed by arterial catheters, and support for mandatory use of full barrier precautions was low. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal preventive strategies for reducing bloodstream infections associated with arterial catheters.

Ten Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Pain Management in the ICU

Ten Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Pain Management in the ICU

Critical Care Medicine: November 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 11 - p 2468–2478


Sigakis, Matthew J. G.et al


Objectives: The aim of this article is to expose common myths and misconceptions regarding pain assessment and management in critically ill patients that interfere with effective care. We comprehensively review the literature refuting these myths and misconceptions and describe evidence-based strategies for improving pain management in the ICU. Data Sources: Current peer-reviewed academic journals, as well as standards and guidelines from professional societies. Study Selection: The most current evidence was selected for review based on the highest degree of supportive evidence. Data Extraction: Data were obtained via medical search databases, including OvidSP, and the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database via PubMed. Data Synthesis: After a comprehensive literature review, conclusions were drawn based on the strength of evidence and the most current understanding of pain management practices in ICU. Conclusions: Myths and misconceptions regarding management of pain in the ICU are prevalent. Review of current evidence refutes these myths and misconceptions and provides insights and recommendations to ensure best practices. 

Rapid Diagnosis of Infection in the Critically Ill, a Multicenter Study of Molecular Detection in Bloodstream Infections, Pneumonia, and Sterile Site Infections

Rapid Diagnosis of Infection in the Critically Ill, a Multicenter Study of Molecular Detection in Bloodstream Infections, Pneumonia, and Sterile Site Infections

Critical Care Medicine: November 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 11 - p 2283–2291

Vincent, Jean-Louis et al.



Objective: Early identification of causative microorganism(s) in patients with severe infection is crucial to optimize antimicrobial use and patient survival. However, current culture-based pathogen identification is slow and unreliable such that broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used to insure coverage of all potential organisms, carrying risks of overtreatment, toxicity, and selection of multidrug-resistant bacteria. We compared the results obtained using a novel, culture-independent polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry technology with those obtained by standard microbiological testing and evaluated the potential clinical implications of this technique. 
Design: Observational study. Setting: Nine ICUs in six European countries. Patients: Patients admitted between October 2013 and June 2014 with suspected or proven bloodstream infection, pneumonia, or sterile fluid and tissue infection were considered for inclusion. Interventions: None. 
Measurements and Main Results: We tested 616 bloodstream infection, 185 pneumonia, and 110 sterile fluid and tissue specimens from 529 patients. From the 616 bloodstream infection samples, polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry identified a pathogen in 228 cases (37%) and culture in just 68 (11%). Culture was positive and polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry negative in 13 cases, and both were negative in 384 cases, giving polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 69%, and negative predictive value of 97% at 6 hours from sample acquisition. The distribution of organisms was similar with both techniques. Similar observations were made for pneumonia and sterile fluid and tissue specimens. Independent clinical analysis of results suggested that polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry technology could potentially have resulted in altered treatment in up to 57% of patients. 
Conclusions: Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry provides rapid pathogen identification in critically ill patients. The ability to rule out infection within 6 hours has potential clinical and economic benefits.

Double-Blind Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Dopamine Versus Epinephrine as First-Line Vasoactive Drugs in Pediatric Septic Shock

Double-Blind Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Dopamine Versus Epinephrine asFirst-Line Vasoactive Drugs in Pediatric Septic Shock


Critical Care Medicine: November 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 11 - p 2292–2302



Ventura, Andréa M. C. et al


Objectives: The primary outcome was to compare the effects of dopamine or epinephrine in severe sepsis on 28-day mortality; secondary outcomes were the rate of healthcare–associated infection, the need for other vasoactive drugs, and the multiple organ dysfunction score. Design: Double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial from February 1, 2009, to July 31, 2013. Setting: PICU, Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Patients: Consecutive children who are 1 month to 15 years old and met the clinical criteria for fluid-refractory septic shock. Exclusions were receiving vasoactive drug(s) prior to hospital admission, having known cardiac disease, having already participated in the trial during the same hospital stay, refusing to participate, or having do-not-resuscitate orders.
Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either dopamine (5–10 μg/kg/min) or epinephrine (0.1–0.3 μg/kg/min) through a peripheral or intraosseous line. Patients not reaching predefined stabilization criteria after the maximum dose were classified as treatment failure, at which point the attending physician gradually stopped the study drug and started another catecholamine.
Measurements and Main Results: Physiologic and laboratory data were recorded. Baseline characteristics were described as proportions and mean (± SD) and compared using appropriate statistical tests. Multiple regression analysis was performed, and statistical significance was defined as a p value of less than 0.05. Baseline characteristics and therapeutic interventions for the 120 children enrolled (63, dopamine; 57, epinephrine) were similar. There were 17 deaths (14.2%): 13 (20.6%) in the dopamine group and four (7%) in the epinephrine group (p = 0.033). Dopamine was associated with death (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.1–37.8; p = 0.037) and healthcare–associated infection (odds ratio, 67.7; 95% CI, 5.0–910.8; p = 0.001). The use of epinephrine was associated with a survival odds ratio of 6.49.
Conclusions: Dopamine was associated with an increased risk of death and healthcare–associated infection. Early administration of peripheral or intraosseous epinephrine was associated with increased survival in this population. Limitations should be observed while interpreting these results

Rehospitalizations Following Sepsis: Common and Costly

Rehospitalizations Following Sepsis: Common and Costly

Critical Care Medicine: October 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 10 - p 2085–2093


Chang, Dong W. et al.

Objective: Although recent studies have shown that 30-day readmissions following sepsis are common, the overall fiscal impact of these rehospitalizations and their variability between hospitals relative to other high-risk conditions, such as congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction, are unknown. The objectives of this study were to characterize the frequency, cost, patient-level risk factors, and hospital-level variation in 30-day readmissions following sepsis compared with congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. 
Design: A retrospective cohort analysis of hospitalizations from 2009 to 2011. Setting: All acute care, nonfederal hospitals in California. Patients: Hospitalizations for sepsis (n = 240,198), congestive heart failure (n = 193,153), and acute myocardial infarction (n = 105,684) identified by administrative discharge codes. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcomes were the frequency and cost of all-cause 30-day readmissions following hospitalization for sepsis compared with congestive heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. Variability in predicted readmission rates between hospitals was calculated using mixed-effects logistic regression analysis. The all-cause 30-day readmission rates were 20.4%, 23.6%, and 17.7% for sepsis, congestive heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction, respectively. The estimated annual costs of 30-day readmissions in the state of California during the study period were $500 million/yr for sepsis, $229 million/yr for congestive heart failure, and $142 million/yr for acute myocardial infarction. The risk- and reliability-adjusted readmission rates across hospitals ranged from 11.0% to 39.8% (median, 19.9%; interquartile range, 16.1–26.0%) for sepsis, 11.3% to 38.4% (median, 22.9%; interquartile range, 19.2–26.6%) for congestive heart failure, and 3.6% to 40.8% (median, 17.0%; interquartile range, 12.2–20.0%) for acute myocardial infarction. Patient-level factors associated with higher odds of 30-day readmission following sepsis included younger age, male gender, Black or Native American race, a higher burden of medical comorbidities, urban residence, and lower income. 
Conclusion: Sepsis is a leading contributor to excess healthcare costs due to hospital readmissions. Interventions at clinical and policy levels should prioritize identifying effective strategies to reduce sepsis readmissions

Variations in the Operational Process of Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy

Variations in the Operational Process of Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy

Critical Care Medicine: October 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 10 - p e450–e457  


van Beinum, A. et al.

Objective: The process of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy remains poorly described in the current literature despite its importance for patient comfort and optimal end-of-life care. We conducted a structured review of the published literature to summarize patterns of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy processes in adult ICUs. Data Sources: Electronic journal databases were searched from date of first issue until April 2014. Study Selection: Original research articles describing processes of life-support therapy withdrawal in North American, European, and Australian ICUs were included. Data Extraction: From each article, we extracted definitions of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, descriptions and order of interventions withdrawn, drugs administered, and timing from withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy until death. Data Synthesis: Fifteen articles met inclusion criteria. Definitions of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy varied and focused on withdrawal of mechanical ventilation; two studies did not present operational definitions. All studies described different aspects of process of life-support therapy withdrawal and measured different time periods prior to death. Staggered patterns of withdrawal of life-support therapy were reported in all studies describing order of interventions withdrawn, with vasoactive drugs withdrawn first followed by gradual withdrawal of mechanical ventilation. Processes of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy did not seem to influence time to death.
Conclusions: Further description of the operational processes of life-sustaining therapy withdrawal in a more structured manner with standardized definitions and regular inclusion of measures of patient comfort and family satisfaction with care is needed to identify which patterns and processes are associated with greatest perceived patient comfort and family satisfaction with care

Validation and analysis of prognostic scoring systems for critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU

Validation and analysis of prognostic scoring systems for critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU


Critical Care 2015, 19:364


Campbell J et al.


Introduction: The number of patients admitted to ICU who have liver cirrhosis is rising. Current prognostic scoring tools to predict ICU mortality have performed poorly in this group. In previous research from a single centre, a novel scoring tool which modifies the Child-Turcotte Pugh score by adding Lactate concentration, the CTP + L score, is strongly associated with mortality. This study aims to validate the use of the CTP + L scoring tool for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis, and to determine significant predictive factors for mortality with this group of patients. This study will also explore the use of the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) score in this cohort.
Methods: A total of 84 patients admitted to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary ICU between June 2012 and Dec 2013 with cirrhosis were included. An additional cohort of 115 patients was obtained from two ICUs in London (St George’s and St Thomas’) collected between October 2007 and July 2009. Liver specific and general ICU scoring tools were calculated for both cohorts, and compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was utilised to determine the most predictive factors affecting mortality within these patient groups.
Results: Within the Glasgow cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified as Lactate (p < 0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.0048), PaO 2 /FiO 2 Ratio (p = 0.032) and PT ratio (p = 0.012). Within the London cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were Lactate (p < 0.001), PT ratio (p < 0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.027), PaO 2 /FiO 2 Ratio (p = 0.0011) and Ascites (p = 0.023). The CTP + L and RFH scoring tools had the highest ROC value in both cohorts examined.
Conclusion: The CTP + L and RFH scoring tool are validated prognostic scoring tools for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis.