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Breast Surgery

Sunday, 7 January 2018

Perceptions of Risk and Safety in the ICU: A Qualitative Study of Cognitive Processes Relating to Staffing

Perceptions of Risk and Safety in the ICU: A Qualitative Study of Cognitive Processes Relating to Staffing
D’Lima, D et al

Critical Care Medicine: January 2018 - Volume 46 - Issue 1 - p 60–70

Objectives: The aims of this study were to 1) examine individual professionals’ perceptions of staffing risks and safe staffing in intensive care and 2) identify and examine the cognitive processes that underlie these perceptions. 

Design: Qualitative case study methodology with nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists. Setting: Three mixed medical and surgical adult ICUs, each on a separate hospital site within a 1,200-bed academic, tertiary London hospital group. Subjects: Forty-four ICU team members of diverse professional backgrounds and seniority. Interventions: None. Main Results: Four themes (individual, team, unit, and organizational) were identified. Individual care provision was influenced by the pragmatist versus perfectionist stance of individuals and team dynamics by the concept of an “A” team and interdisciplinary tensions. Perceptions of safety hinged around the importance of achieving a “dynamic balance” influenced by the burden of prevailing circumstances and the clinical status of patients. Organizationally, professionals’ risk perceptions affected their willingness to take personal responsibility for interactions beyond the unit. 
Conclusions: This study drew on cognitive research, specifically theories of cognitive dissonance, psychological safety, and situational awareness to explain how professionals’ cognitive processes impacted on ICU behaviors. Our results may have implications for relationships, management, and leadership in ICU. First, patient care delivery may be affected by professionals’ perfectionist or pragmatic approach. Perfectionists’ team role may be compromised and they may experience cognitive dissonance and subsequent isolation/stress. Second, psychological safety in a team may be improved within the confines of a perceived “A” team but diminished by interdisciplinary tensions. Third, counter intuitively, higher “situational” awareness for some individuals increased their stress and anxiety. Finally, our results suggest that professionals have varying concepts of where their personal responsibility to minimize risk begins and ends, which we have termed “risk horizons” and that these horizons may affect their behavior both within and beyond the unit.

Time Course of Septic Shock in Immunocompromised and Nonimmunocompromised Patients

Time Course of Septic Shock in Immunocompromised and Nonimmunocompromised Patients

Jamme, M et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 2031–2039


Objectives: To address the impact of underlying immune conditions on the course of septic shock with respect to both mortality and the development of acute infectious and noninfectious complications. Design: An 8-year (2008–2015) monocenter retrospective study. Setting: A medical ICU in a tertiary care center. Patients: Patients diagnosed for septic shock within the first 48 hours of ICU admission were included. Patients were classified in four subgroups with respect to their immune status: nonimmunocompromised and immunocompromised distributed into hematologic or solid malignancies and nonmalignant immunosuppression. Outcomes were in-hospital death and the development of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications and ICU-acquired infections. The determinants of death and complications were addressed by multivariate competing risk analysis. Interventions: None. 
Measurements and Main Results: Eight hundred one patients were included. Among them, 305 (38%) were immunocompromised, distributed into solid tumors (122), hematologic malignancies (106), and nonmalignant immunosuppression (77). The overall 3-day, in-ICU, and in-hospital mortality rates were 14.1%, 37.3%, and 41.3%, respectively. Patients with solid tumors displayed increased in-hospital mortality (cause-specific hazard, 2.20 [95% CI, 1.64–2.96]; p < 0.001). ICU-acquired infections occurred in 211 of the 3-day survivors (33%). In addition, 95 (11.8%) and 70 (8.7%) patients exhibited severe ischemic or hemorrhagic complications during the ICU stay. There was no association between the immune status and the occurrence of ICU-acquired infections. Nonmalignant immunosuppression and hematologic malignancies were independently associated with increased risks of severe ischemic events (cause-specific hazard, 2.12 [1.14–3.96]; p = 0.02) and hemorrhage (cause-specific hazard, 3.17 [1.41–7.13]; p = 0.005), respectively. 
Conclusions: The underlying immune status impacts on the course of septic shock and on the susceptibility to ICU-acquired complications. This emphasizes the complexity of sepsis syndromes in relation with comorbid conditions and raises the question of the relevant endpoints in clinical studies.

Oxygen Thresholds and Mortality During Extracorporeal Life Support in Adult Patients

Oxygen Thresholds and Mortality During Extracorporeal Life Support in Adult Patients

Munshi, L et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 1997–2005

Objectives: Extracorporeal life support can lead to rapid reversal of hypoxemia and shock; however, it can also result in varying degrees of hyperoxia. Recent data have suggested an association between hyperoxia and mortality; however, this conclusion has not been consistent across the literature. We evaluated the association between oxygenation thresholds and mortality in three cohorts of extracorporeal life support patients. 
Design: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry. Setting: We evaluated the relationship between oxygenation measured 24 hours after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation onset and mortality (2010–2015). Patients: The extracorporeal life support cohorts were as follows: 1) veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure, 2) veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock, and 3) extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Interventions: The relationships between hypoxemia (PaO2 < 60mm Hg), normoxia (PaO2 60–100mm Hg), moderate hyperoxia (PaO2 101–300mm Hg), extreme hyperoxia (PaO2 > 300 mm Hg), and mortality were evaluated across three extracorporeal life support cohorts. 
Measurements and Main Results: Seven hundred sixty-five patients underwent veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 775 patients underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 412 underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. During veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, hypoxemia (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.09–2.57) and moderate hyperoxia (odds ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.11–2.50) were associated with increased mortality compared with normoxia. There was no association between oxygenation and mortality for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Moderate hyperoxia was associated with increased mortality during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with normoxia (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03–3.30). An exploratory analysis did not find more specific PaO2 thresholds associated with mortality within moderate hyperoxia. 
Conclusions: Moderate hyperoxia was associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hypoxemia was associated with an increased mortality in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. No association was seen between oxygenation and mortality in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation which may be due to early death driven by the underlying disease. 

Dysphagia in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients (DYnAMICS): A Prospective Observational Trial

Dysphagia in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients (DYnAMICS): A Prospective Observational Trial

Schefold, J et al

Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 2061–2069

Objectives: Swallowing disorders may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients following invasive mechanical ventilation. We investigated the incidence of dysphagia, its time course, and association with clinically relevant outcomes in extubated critically ill patients. 
Design: Prospective observational trial with systematic dysphagia screening and follow-up until 90 days or death. Settings: ICU of a tertiary care academic center. 
Patients: One thousand three-hundred four admissions of mixed adult ICU patients (median age, 66.0 yr [interquartile range, 54.0–74.0]; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, 19.0 [interquartile range, 14.0–24.0]) were screened for postextubation dysphagia. Primary ICU admissions (n = 933) were analyzed and followed up until 90 days or death. Patients from an independent academic center served as confirmatory cohort (n = 220). 
Interventions: Bedside screening for dysphagia was performed within 3 hours after extubation by trained ICU nurses. Positive screening triggered confirmatory specialist bedside swallowing examinations and follow-up until hospital discharge. 
Measurements and Main Results: Dysphagia screening was positive in 12.4% (n = 116/933) after extubation (18.3% of emergency and 4.9% of elective patients) and confirmed by specialists within 24 hours from positive screening in 87.3% (n = 96/110, n = 6 missing data). The dysphagia incidence at ICU discharge was 10.3% (n = 96/933) of which 60.4% (n = 58/96) remained positive until hospital discharge. Days on feeding tube, length of mechanical ventilation and ICU/hospital stay, and hospital mortality were higher in patients with dysphagia (all p < 0.001). The univariate hazard ratio for 90-day mortality for dysphagia was 3.74 (95% CI, 2.01–6.95; p < 0.001). After adjustment for disease severity and length of mechanical ventilation, dysphagia remained an independent predictor for 28-day and 90-day mortality (excess 90-d mortality 9.2%). 
Conclusions: Dysphagia after extubation was common in ICU patients, sustained until hospital discharge in the majority of affected patients, and was an independent predictor of death. Dysphagia after mechanical ventilation may be an overlooked problem. Studies on underlying causes and therapeutic interventions seem warranted.

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Effects of High-Flow Nasal Cannula on the Work of Breathing in Patients Recovering From Acute Respiratory Failure

Effects of High-Flow Nasal Cannula on the Work of Breathing in Patients Recovering From Acute Respiratory Failure

Delorme, M et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 1981–1988

Objectives: High-flow nasal cannula is increasingly used in the management of respiratory failure. However, little is known about its impact on respiratory effort, which could explain part of the benefits in terms of comfort and efficiency. This study was designed to assess the effects of high-flow nasal cannula on indexes of respiratory effort (i.e., esophageal pressure variations, esophageal pressure-time product/min, and work of breathing/min) in adults. 
Design: A randomized controlled crossover study was conducted in 12 patients with moderate respiratory distress (i.e., after partial recovery from an acute episode, allowing physiologic measurements). Setting: Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, QC, Canada. Subjects: Twelve adult patients with respiratory distress symptoms were enrolled in this study. 
Interventions: Four experimental conditions were evaluated: baseline with conventional oxygen therapy and high-flow nasal cannula at 20, 40, and 60 L/min. The primary outcomes were the indexes of respiratory effort (i.e., esophageal pressure variations, esophageal pressure-time product/min, and work of breathing/min). Secondary outcomes included tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute volume, dynamic lung compliance, inspiratory resistance, and blood gases. Measurements and Main Results: Esophageal pressure variations decreased from 9.8 (5.8–14.6) cm H2O at baseline to 4.9 (2.1–9.1) cm H2O at 60 L/min (p = 0.035). Esophageal pressure-time product/min decreased from 165 (126–179) to 72 (54–137) cm H2O • s/min, respectively (p = 0.033). Work of breathing/min decreased from 4.3 (3.5–6.3) to 2.1 (1.5–5.0) J/min, respectively (p = 0.031). Respiratory pattern variables and capillary blood gases were not significantly modified between experimental conditions. Dynamic lung compliance increased from 38 (24–64) mL/cm H2O at baseline to 59 (43–175) mL/cm H2O at 60 L/min (p = 0.007), and inspiratory resistance decreased from 9.6 (5.5–13.4) to 5.0 (1.0–9.1) cm H2O/L/s, respectively (p = 0.07). 
Conclusions: High-flow nasal cannula, when set at 60 L/min, significantly reduces the indexes of respiratory effort in adult patients recovering from acute respiratory failure. This effect is associated with an improvement in respiratory mechanics.

Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency (CIRCI): A Narrative Review from a Multispecialty Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)

Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency (CIRCI): A Narrative Review from a Multispecialty Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM)

Annane, D et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 2089–2098

Objective: To provide a narrative review of the latest concepts and understanding of the pathophysiology of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). Participants: A multi-specialty task force of international experts in critical care medicine and endocrinology and members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. 
Data Sources: Medline, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Results: Three major pathophysiologic events were considered to constitute CIRCI: dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, altered cortisol metabolism, and tissue resistance to glucocorticoids. The dysregulation of the HPA axis is complex, involving multidirectional crosstalk between the CRH/ACTH pathways, autonomic nervous system, vasopressinergic system, and immune system. Recent studies have demonstrated that plasma clearance of cortisol is markedly reduced during critical illness, explained by suppressed expression and activity of the primary cortisol-metabolizing enzymes in the liver and kidney. Despite the elevated cortisol levels during critical illness, tissue resistance to glucocorticoids is believed to occur due to insufficient glucocorticoid alpha-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: Novel insights into the pathophysiology of CIRCI add to the limitations of the current diagnostic tools to identify at-risk patients and may also impact how corticosteroids are used in patients with CIRCI.

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency (CIRCI) in Critically Ill Patients (Part I): Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) 2017

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency (CIRCI) in Critically Ill Patients (Part I): Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) 2017

Annane, D et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 2078–2088

Objective: To update the 2008 consensus statements for the diagnosis and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) in adult and pediatric patients. Participants: A multispecialty task force of 16 international experts in critical care medicine, endocrinology, and guideline methods, all of them members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and/or the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. 
Design/Methods: The recommendations were based on the summarized evidence from the 2008 document in addition to more recent findings from an updated systematic review of relevant studies from 2008 to 2017 and were formulated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The strength of each recommendation was classified as strong or conditional, and the quality of evidence was rated from high to very low based on factors including the individual study design, the risk of bias, the consistency of the results, and the directness and precision of the evidence. Recommendation approval required the agreement of at least 80% of the task force members. 
Results: The task force was unable to reach agreement on a single test that can reliably diagnose CIRCI, although delta cortisol (change in baseline cortisol at 60 min of < 9 μg/dL) after cosyntropin (250 μg) administration and a random plasma cortisol of < 10 μg/dL may be used by clinicians. We suggest against using plasma-free cortisol or salivary cortisol level over plasma total cortisol (conditional, very low quality of evidence). For treatment of specific conditions, we suggest using IV hydrocortisone < 400 mg/day for ≥ 3 days at full dose in patients with septic shock that is not responsive to fluid and moderate- to high-dose vasopressor therapy (conditional, low quality of evidence). We suggest not using corticosteroids in adult patients with sepsis without shock (conditional recommendation, moderate quality of evidence). We suggest the use of IV methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day in patients with early moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 < 200 and within 14 days of onset) (conditional, moderate quality of evidence). Corticosteroids are not suggested for patients with major trauma (conditional, low quality of evidence). 
Conclusions: Evidence-based recommendations for the use of corticosteroids in critically ill patients with sepsis and septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and major trauma have been developed by a multispecialty task force.

Effect of Transfusion on Mortality and Other Adverse Events Among Critically Ill Septic Patients: An Observational Study Using a Marginal Structural Cox Model

Effect of Transfusion on Mortality and Other Adverse Events Among Critically Ill Septic Patients: An Observational Study Using a Marginal Structural Cox Model

Dupuis, C et al
Critical Care Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 12 - p 1972–1980

Objectives: RBC transfusion is often required in patients with sepsis. However, adverse events have been associated with RBC transfusion, raising safety concerns. A randomized controlled trial validated the 7 g/dL threshold, but previously transfused patients were excluded. Cohort studies led to conflicting results and did not handle time-dependent covariates and history of treatment. Additional data are thus warranted to guide patient’s management. Design: To estimate the effect of one or more RBC within 1 day on three major outcomes (mortality, ICU-acquired infections, and severe hypoxemia) at day 30, we used marginal structural models. A trajectory modeling, based on hematocrit evolution pattern, allowed identification of subgroups. Secondary analyses were performed into each of them. Setting: A prospective French multicenter database. Patients: Patients with sepsis at admission. Patients with hemorrhagic shock at admission were excluded. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Overall, in our cohort of 6,016 patients, RBC transfusion was not associated with death (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.88–1.30; p = 0.52). However, RBC transfusion was associated with increased occurrence of ICU-acquired infections (hazard ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.33–3.28; p < 0.01) and of severe hypoxemia (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.14–1.47; p < 0.01). A protective effect from death by the transfusion was found in the subgroup with the lowest hematocrit level (26 [interquartile range, 24–28]) (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55–0.95; p = 0.02). Conclusions: RBC transfusion did not affect overall mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. Increased occurrence rate of ICU-acquired infection and severe hypoxemia are expected outcomes from RBC transfusion that need to be weighted with its benefits in selected patients.

A qualitative study of factors that influence active family involvement with patient care in the ICU: Survey of critical care nurses

A qualitative study of factors that influence active family involvement with patient care in the ICU: Survey of critical care nurses

Hetland, B et al
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing:  Article in Press

Family caregiver involvement may improve patient and family outcomes in the intensive care unit. This study describes critical care nurses’ approaches to involving family caregivers in direct patient care.

Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance in the ICU: A Systematic Review

Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance in the ICU: A Systematic Review

Lydon, S et al

Critical Care Medicine:  November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p e1165–e1172

Objectives: To synthesize the literature describing interventions to improve hand hygiene in ICUs, to evaluate the quality of the extant research, and to outline the type, and efficacy, of interventions described. 
Data Sources: Systematic searches were conducted in November 2016 using five electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and existing review papers were screened. 
Study Selection: English language, peer-reviewed studies that evaluated an intervention to improve hand hygiene in an adult ICU setting, and reported hand hygiene compliance rates collected via observation, were included. 
Data Extraction: Data were extracted on the setting, participant characteristics, experimental design, hand hygiene measurement, intervention characteristics, and outcomes. Interventional components were categorized using the Behavior Change Wheel. Methodological quality was examined using the Downs and Black Checklist. 
Data Synthesis: Thirty-eight studies were included. The methodological quality of studies was poor, with studies scoring a mean of 8.6 of 24 (SD= 2.7). Over 90% of studies implemented a bundled intervention. The most frequently employed interventional strategies were education (78.9%), enablement (71.1%), training (68.4%), environmental restructuring (65.8%), and persuasion (65.8%). Intervention outcomes were variable, with a mean relative percentage change of 94.7% (SD= 195.7; range, 4.3–1155.4%) from pre to post intervention. 
Conclusions: This review demonstrates that best practice for improving hand hygiene in ICUs remains unestablished. Future research employing rigorous experimental designs, careful statistical analysis, and clearly described interventions is important.

Advanced Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices for Cardiogenic Shock

Advanced Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices for Cardiogenic Shock

Miller, P. et al

Critical Care Medicine: November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p 1922–1929


To review temporary percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices for the treatment of cardiogenic shock, including current evidence, contraindications, complications, and future directions. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search was conducted with MeSH terms: cardiogenic shock, percutaneous mechanical circulatory support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Impella, and TandemHeart. 
Study Selection: Selected publications included randomized controlled trial data and observational studies describing experience with percutaneous mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock. 
Data Extraction: Studies were chosen based on strength of association with and relevance to cardiogenic shock. 
Data Synthesis: Until recently, there were few options if cardiogenic shock was refractory to vasopressors or intra-aortic balloon pump counterpulsation. Now, several percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices, including Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA), TandemHeart (CardiacAssist, Pittsburgh, PA), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, are more accessible. Compared with intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella provides greater hemodynamic support but no reduction in mortality. Similarly, TandemHeart improves hemodynamic variables but not survival. Comparative studies have been underpowered for mortality because of small sample size. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation offers the advantage of biventricular circulatory support and oxygenation, but there are significant vascular complications. Comparative studies with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have not been completed. Despite lack of randomized controlled data, there has been a substantial increase in use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support. Several ongoing prospective studies with larger sample sizes may provide answers, and newer devices may become smaller, easier to insert, and more effective. Conclusions: Mortality from cardiogenic shock remains unacceptably high despite early coronary revascularization or other therapies. Although evidence is lacking and complications rates are high, improvements and experience with percutaneous mechanical circulatory support may offer the prospect of better outcomes.

Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Phase-II: A Phase II Randomized Trial

Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Phase-II: A Phase II Randomized Trial

Okonkwo, D et al

Critical Care Medicine: November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p 1907–1914

Objectives: A relationship between reduced brain tissue oxygenation and poor outcome following severe traumatic brain injury has been reported in observational studies. We designed a Phase II trial to assess whether a neurocritical care management protocol could improve brain tissue oxygenation levels in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and the feasibility of a Phase III efficacy study. Design: Randomized prospective clinical trial. Setting: Ten ICUs in the United States. Patients: One hundred nineteen severe traumatic brain injury patients. Interventions: Patients were randomized to treatment protocol based on intracranial pressure plus brain tissue oxygenation monitoring versus intracranial pressure monitoring alone. Brain tissue oxygenation data were recorded in the intracranial pressure –only group in blinded fashion. Tiered interventions in each arm were specified and impact on intracranial pressure and brain tissue oxygenation measured. Monitors were removed if values were normal for 48 hours consecutively, or after 5 days. Outcome was measured at 6 months using the Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended. 

Prevention of Exposure Keratopathy in Critically Ill Patients: A Single-Center, Randomized, Pilot Trial Comparing Ocular Lubrication With Bandage Contact Lenses and Punctal Plugs

Prevention of Exposure Keratopathy in Critically Ill Patients: A Single-Center, Randomized, Pilot Trial Comparing Ocular Lubrication With Bandage Contact Lenses and Punctal Plugs

Bendavid, I et al

Critical Care Medicine: November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p 1880–1886

To compare the effectiveness of bandage contact lenses and punctal plugs with ocular lubricants in preventing corneal damage in mechanically ventilated and sedated critically ill patients. Design: Single-center, prospective, randomized, pilot study. Setting: Sixteen-bed, general ICU at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients: Adults admitted to the ICU and anticipated to require mechanical ventilation and continuous sedation for greater than or equal to 4 days. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive eye care with ocular lubricants (n = 38), bandage contact lenses (n = 33), or punctal plugs (n = 33). The bandage contact lenses were changed every 4 days, whereas the punctal plugs remained in situ for the entire study. Measurements and Main Results: The primary endpoint was the presence or absence of corneal damage as assessed by the grade of keratopathy. Patients were examined by an ophthalmologist blinded to the study group every 4 days and at the time of withdrawal from the study, due to cessation of sedation, discharge from the ICU, or death. The mean duration of the study was 8.6 ± 6.2 days. The grade of keratopathy in the ocular lubricant group increased significantly in both eyes (p = 0.01 for both eyes) while no worsening was noted in either the lens or punctal plugs groups. In a post hoc analysis of patients with an initially abnormal ophthalmic examination, significant healing of keratopathy was noted in the lens group (p = 0.02 and 0.018 for left and right eyes, respectively) and in the right eye of the plugs group (p = 0.005); no improvement was noted in the ocular lubricant group. Conclusions: Compared with ocular lubrication, bandage contact lenses and punctal plugs were more effective in limiting keratopathy, and their use, particularly of bandage contact lenses, was associate
with significant healing of existing lesions.

Monday, 23 October 2017

Investigating the Impact of Different Suspicion of Infection Criteria on the Accuracy of Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and Early Warning Scores

Investigating the Impact of Different Suspicion of Infection Criteria on the Accuracy of Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, and Early Warning Scores

Churpek, M M et al
Critical Care Medicine: November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p 1805–1812
Abstract

Objective: Objective:Studies in sepsis are limited by heterogeneity regarding what constitutes suspicion of infection. We sought to compare potential suspicion criteria using antibiotic and culture order combinations in terms of patient characteristics and outcomes. We further sought to determine the impact of differing criteria on the accuracy of sepsis screening tools and early warning scores. Design: Design:Observational cohort study. Setting: Setting:Academic center from November 2008 to January 2016. Patients: Patients:Hospitalized patients outside the ICU. Interventions: Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results: Measurements and Main Results:Six criteria were investigated: 1) any culture, 2) blood culture, 3) any culture plus IV antibiotics, 4) blood culture plus IV antibiotics, 5) any culture plus IV antibiotics for at least 4 of 7 days, and 6) blood culture plus IV antibiotics for at least 4 of 7 days. Accuracy of the quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, the National and Modified Early Warning Score, and the electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score were calculated for predicting ICU transfer or death within 48 hours of meeting suspicion criteria. A total of 53,849 patients met at least one infection criteria. Mortality increased from 3% for group 1 to 9% for group 6 and percentage meeting Angus sepsis criteria increased from 20% to 40%. Across all criteria, score discrimination was lowest for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.60) and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.62), intermediate for quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.65) and Modified Early Warning Score (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.67), and highest for National Early Warning Score (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.71) and electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage (median area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.73). Conclusions: Conclusions:The choice of criteria to define a potentially infected population significantly impacts prevalence of mortality but has little impact on accuracy. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was the least predictive and electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage the most predictive regardless of how infection was defined.

Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Criteria as Predictors of Critical Care Intervention Among Patients With Suspected Infection

Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Criteria as Predictors of Critical Care Intervention Among Patients With Suspected Infection

Moskowitz, A et al
Critical Care Medicine: November 2017 - Volume 45 - Issue 11 - p 1813–1819

Objectives: Objectives:The Sepsis III clinical criteria for the diagnosis of sepsis rely on scores derived to predict inhospital mortality. In this study, we introduce the novel outcome of “received critical care intervention” and investigate the related predictive performance of both the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria.
Design:This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of electronic health records. Setting: Setting:Tertiary care hospital in the United States. Patients: Patients:Patients with suspected infection who presented to the emergency department and were admitted to the hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. Interventions: Interventions:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were calculated, and their relationships to the receipt of critical care intervention and inhospital mortality were determined. 
Measurement and Main Results:A total of 24,164 patients were included of whom 6,693 (27.7%) were admitted to an ICU within 48 hours; 4,453 (66.5%) patients admitted to the ICU received a critical care intervention. Among those with quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment less than 2, 13.4% received a critical care intervention and 3.5% died compared with 48.2% and 13.4%, respectively, for quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment greater than or equal to 2. The area under the receiver operating characteristic was similar whether quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was used to predict receipt of critical care intervention or inhospital mortality (0.74 [95% CI, 0.73–0.74] vs 0.71 [0.69–0.72]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome for critical care intervention (0.69) and mortality (0.66) was lower than that for quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (p < 0.001 for both outcomes). The sensitivity of quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for predicting critical care intervention was 38%. 
Conclusions: Emergency department patients with suspected infection and low quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores frequently receive critical care interventions. The misclassification of these patients as “low risk,” in combination with the low sensitivity of quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment greater than or equal to 2, may diminish the clinical utility of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score for patients with suspected infection in the emergency department.