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Background: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 may develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, including acute kidney injury (AKI). We report the incidence, risk factors, associations, and outcomes of AKI and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between March 2020 and May 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for the development of AKI and use of RRT. The primary outcome was 60-day mortality after ICU admission. Results: 101 (50.2%) patients developed AKI (72% on the first day of invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV]), and thirty-four (17%) required RRT. Risk factors for AKI included higher baseline Cr (OR 2.50 [1.33–4.69], p = 0.005), diuretic use (OR 4.14 [1.27–13.49], p = 0.019), and IMV (OR 7.60 [1.37–42.05], p = 0.020). A higher C-reactive protein level was an additional risk factor for RRT (OR 2.12 [1.16–4.33], p = 0.023). Overall 60-day mortality was 14.4% {23.8% (n = 24) in the AKI group versus 5% (n = 5) in the non-AKI group (HR 2.79 [1.04–7.49], p = 0.040); and 35.3% (n = 12) in the RRT group versus 10.2% (n = 17) in the non-RRT group, respectively (HR 2.21 [1.01–4.85], p = 0.047)}. Conclusions: AKI was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and occurred early in association with IMV. One in 6 AKI patients received RRT and 1 in 3 patients treated with RRT died in hospital. These findings provide important prognostic information for clinicians caring for these patients.

Hospitals are constantly searching for opportunities to improve efficiency, and telehealth (TH) has recently emerged as a strategy to assist in patient flow. We evaluated two methods of dietary counseling offered to patients in the time period between the medical and final hospital discharge. Counseling was given eitherThis study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial where patients were randomized to receive dietary counselingA total of 159 patients were randomized to receive dietary counselingAlthough the FTF group had a greater overall satisfaction relative to the TH group, TH proved to be a useful tool for dietary counseling.The trial has only Institutional Review Board approval (protocol 2685-16).

Background Acute kidney injury is a common complication in solid organ transplants, notably liver transplantation. The MELD is a score validated to predict mortality of cirrhotic patients, which is also used for organ allocation, however the influence of this allocation criteria on AKI incidence and mortality after liver transplantation is still uncertain. Methods This is a retrospective single center study of a cohort of patients submitted to liver transplant in a tertiary Brazilian hospital: Jan/2002 to Dec/2013, divided in two groups, before and after MELD implementation (pre-MELD and post MELD). We evaluate the differences in AKI based on KDIGO stages and mortality rates between the two groups. Results Eight hundred seventy-four patients were included, 408 in pre-MELD and 466 in the post MELD era. The proportion of patients that developed AKI was lower in the post MELD era (p 0.04), although renal replacement therapy requirement was more frequent in this group (p p p Conclusion Liver transplants performed in the post MELD era had a lower incidence of AKI, although there were more cases requiring dialysis. 1-year mortality was lower in the post MELD era, suggesting that patient care was improved during this period.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed by residents of the first and second-year of a general surgery residency program. We studied the primary total cost of treatment and complication rates as primary outcomes, comparing the groups operated by senior and resident surgeons. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in a training hospital of large surgical volume in Brazil, in the period between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019. The study population comprised patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy due to uncomplicated chronic calculous cholecystitis or to the presence of gallbladder polyps with surgical indication. We divided the cases into three groups, based on the graduation of the main surgeon at the time of the procedure: first-year residents (R1), second-year residents (R2), and trained general surgeons (GS). Results: during the study period, 1,052 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed, of which 1,035 procedures met the inclusion criteria, with 78 (7.5%) patients operated on with the participation of first-year residents (R1), 500 (48.3%) patients with the participation of second-year residents (R2), and 457 (44.2%) with the participation of senior surgeons only. There was no difference in conversion rates, complications, and reporting of adverse events between groups. We observed a significant difference regarding hospitalization costs (p = 0.003), with a higher mean for the patients operated with the participation of R1, of US$ 2,671.13, versus US$ 2,414.60 and US$ 2,396.24 for the procedures performed by senior surgeons and R2, respectively. Conclusions: laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the participation of residents is safe, even in their first years of training. There is an additional cost of about 10% in the treatment of patient operated with the participation of first-year residents. There was no significant difference in the cost of the group operated by second-year residents. RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade e segurança da realização de colecistectomias laparoscópicas por residentes do primeiro e segundo ano do programa de cirurgia geral. Foram estudados como desfechos primários o custo médio total de tratamento e os índices de complicações, comparando os grupos operados por cirurgiões seniores e residentes. Métodos: trata-se de estudo de coorte retrospectivo de pacientes submetidos a colecistectomias laparoscópicas realizadas em hospital escola de grande volume cirúrgico, no Brasil, no período entre 01 de junho de 2018 e 31 de maio de 2019. A população do estudo compreendeu pacientes que realizaram colecistectomias eletivas por colecistite calculosa crônica não complicada ou por presença de pólipos de vesícula biliar com indicação cirúrgica. Os casos foram divididos em 3 grupos, baseados na graduação do cirurgião principal no momento do procedimento: residentes do primeiro ano (R1), residentes do segundo ano (R2) e cirurgiões formados (CG). Resultados: no período do estudo, foram realizadas 1.052 colecistectomias videolaparoscópicas, sendo que, após aplicados os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos no estudo 1.035 procedimentos, com 78 (7,5%) pacientes operados com a participação de residentes do primeiro ano (R1), 500 (48,3%) pacientes com a participação de residentes do segundo ano (R2) e 457 (44,2%) apenas com a participação somente de cirurgiões seniores. Não houve diferença nas taxas de conversão, de complicações e de notificações de eventos adversos entre os grupos. Foi evidenciada diferença com relação aos custos de internação (p= 0,003), sendo observado maior custo médio de internação para os pacientes operados com participação dos R1, com custo médio de US$ 2.671,13, versus US$ 2.414,60 e US$ 2.396,24 das operações realizadas pelos cirurgiões seniores e R2, respectivamente. Conclusões: é segura a realização de colecistectomia videolaparoscópica com a participação de residentes, mesmo em seus primeiros anos de formação. Existe custo adicional de cerca de 10% no tratamento de pacientes operados com a participação de residentes do primeiro ano. Não foi observada diferença significativa no custo do grupo operado por residentes do segundo ano.

Background Online spaced education (OSE) is a method recognized for promoting long-term knowledge retention, changing behaviors and improving outcomes for students and healthcare professionals. However, there is little evidence about its impacts on patient education. Objectives The aim of this research was to compare knowledge retention using educational brochure and OSE on individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to verify the impact of educational methods on fall outcome. Methods Individuals with MS (n = 230) were randomly assigned to two types of patient education—educational brochure (control) and OSE (intervention). During 12 weeks, the intervention group received multiple-choice tests on fall prevention. Knowledge retention, behavior change and fall incidence were assessed before intervention and after 3 and 6 months. The participants’ satisfaction with the education method was also evaluated. Results Knowledge retention was similar between groups, and behavior change was observed in both groups. There was a significant reduction in fall rate in the intervention group, from 0.60 to 0.27 at 6 months (P Conclusion Individuals demonstrated significant improvement in fall rate outcome in both groups with no significant difference. In regard to test scores and satisfaction, results were similar between groups.

Background/Aims:Continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) are initially employed in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in ICU setting. After the period of serious illness, hemodialysis is usually used as a mode of transition from CRRT. Intermittent hemodiafiltration (HDF) is not commonly applied in this scenario.Objectives:To evaluate the feasibility of using HDF as transition therapy after CVVHDF in critically patients with AKI.Methods:An observational and prospective pilot study was conducted in ICU patients with dialysis-requiring AKI. Patients were initially treated with CVVHDF and, after medical improvement, those who still needed renal replacement therapy were switched to HDF treatment.Results:Ten Patients underwent 53 HDF sessions (mean of 5.3 sessions/patient). The main cause of renal dysfunction was sepsis ( N = 7; 70%). The APACHE II mean score was 27.6 ± 6.9. During HDF treatment, the urea reduction ratio was 64.5 ± 7.5%, for β-2 microglobulin serum levels the percentage of decrease was 42.0 ± 7.8%, and for Cystatin C was 36.2 ± 6.9%. Five episodes of arterial hypotension occurred (9.4% of sessions). There were 20 episodes of electrolytic disturbance (37.7% of sessions), mainly hypophosphatemia. No pyrogenic or suggestive episode of bacteremia was observed.Conclusion:Hemodiafiltration was safe and efficient to treat critically ill patients with acute kidney injury during the transition phase from continuous to intermittent dialysis modality. Special attention should be paid regarding the occurrence of electrolytic disturbance, mainly hypophosphatemia.

A crescente complexidade das investigacoes modernas e inovadoras tem levantado questoes importantes relacionadas ao compliance (governanca) e a conduta responsavel na pesquisa. A abrangencia dos itens a serem administrados aumentou muito, de forma a incluir grande variedade de questoes, desde autoria, plagio, gestao de dados, confidencialidade, direitos de patentes, conflitos de interesse, ate conduta etica, bem-estar animal e aspectos sociais das pesquisas sendo feitas.() Todos esses fatores tem sobrecarregado a rotina diaria de laboratorios experimentais, centros de pesquisa clinica e [...]

Objective: To determine whether pre-hospital statin use is associated with lower renal replacement therapy requirement and/or death during intensive care unit stay. Methods: Prospective cohort analysis. We analyzed 670 patients consecutively admitted to the intensive care unit of an academic tertiary-care hospital. Patients with ages ranging from 18 to 80 years admitted to the intensive care unit within the last 48 hours were included in the study. Results: Mean age was 66±16.1 years old, mean body mass index 26.6±4/9kg/m2 and mean abdominal circumference was of 97±22cm. The statin group comprised 18.2% of patients and had lower renal replacement therapy requirement and/or mortality (OR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.18-0.93; p=0.03). The statin group also had lower risk of developing sepsis during intensive care unit stay (OR: 0.42; 95%CI: 0.22-0.77; p=0.006) and had a reduction in hospital length-of-stay (14.7±17.5 days versus 22.3±48 days; p=0.006). Statin therapy was associated with a protective role in critical care setting independently of confounding variables, such as gender, age, C-reactive protein, need of mechanical ventilation, use of pressor agents and presence of diabetes and/or coronary disease. Conclusion: Statin therapy prior to hospital admission was associated with lower mortality, lower renal replacement therapy requirement and sepsis rates.

Background Influenza A H1N1 infections carry a significant mortality risk. This study describes inpatients with suspected and confirmed Influenza A H1N1 infection who were prescribed oseltamivir, the risk factors associated with infection, the association between infection and mortality, and the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in infected patients. Methods This study was a matched case-control study of hospitalized patients who underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for Influenza A H1N1 and were treated with oseltamivir from 2009 to 2015 in a tertiary care hospital. Cases (patients with positive Influenza A H1N1 testing) were matched 1:1 to controls (patients with negative test results). Results A total of 1405 inpatients who underwent PCR testing and received treatment with oseltamivir were identified in our study and 157 patients confirmed Influenza A H1N1. Almost one third of patients with Influenza A H1N1 were diagnosed in the pandemic period. There was no difference in mortality between cases and controls. Immunocompromised status, requirement of vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation, acute hemodialysis, albumin administration, surgical procedures and thoracic procedures and length of stay were associated with increased risk of death in Influenza A H1N1 infected patients. Conclusions We found no increased risk of mortality for patients with proven Influenza A H1N1 when compared to similar patients without confirmed Influenza. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3492-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Second opinions may improve quality of patient care. The primary objective of this study was to determine the concordance between first and second diagnoses and opinions regarding need for spinal surgery among patients with back or neck pain that have been recommended spinal surgery. Methods We performed a prospective observational study of patients who had been recommended for spinal surgery and received a second opinion between May 2011 and May 2012 at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on the advice of their health insurance company. A physiatrist and orthopaedic surgeon independently performed the second assessment. If both agreed surgery was indicated, or consensus could not be reached, participants attended a spine review panel for a final recommendation. Descriptive analyses compared diagnoses and management plans of the first and second opinions. Results Of 544 referred patients, 16 (2.9%) did not meet inclusion criteria, 43 (7.9%) refused participation and 485 were included. Diagnoses differed from the first opinion for 290 (59.8%). Diagnoses of cervical and lumbar radiculopathy were concordant in 36/99 (36.4%) and 116/234 (49.6%) respectively. The second opinion was for conservative treatment for 168 (34.6%) participants, 27 (5.6%) were not considered to have a spine condition, and 290 (59.8%) were referred to the review board. 60 participants did not attend the board review and therefore did not receive a final recommendation. Board review was conservative treatment for an additional 67 participants, 20 were not considered to have a spine condition and 143 participants were recommended surgery. Overall, 33.6% received a final opinion of surgery (143/425) although only 66 (15.5%) received the same surgical recommendation, 235 (55.3%) were advised to have conservative treatment, and 47 (11.1%) were not considered to have a spinal diagnosis. Conclusions We found a large discordance between first and second opinions regarding diagnosis and need for spinal surgery. This suggests that obtaining a second opinion could reduce potentially unnecessary surgery. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN07143259 . Registered 21 November 2011.

Background Monitoring of hand hygiene is an important part of the improvement of hospital quality indicators. Methods This study was prospectively performed over a 14-week (electronic observer) period from December 3, 2013-March 9, 2014, to evaluate hand hygiene compliance in an adult step-down unit. We compared electronic handwash counters with the application of radiofrequency identification (RFID - ZigBee; i-Healthsys, Sao Carlos, Brazil) (electronic observer), which counts each activation of the alcohol gel dispenser to direct observation (human observer) using the iScrub application. Results For the overall time period of simultaneous electronic and human observation, we found that the electronic observer identified 414 hand hygiene episodes, whereas the human observers identified 448 episodes. Therefore, we found 92% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90%-95%) overall concordance (414/448), with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .87 (95% CI, 0.77-0.92). Conclusion Our RFID (ZigBee) system showed good accuracy (92%) and is a useful method to monitor hand hygiene compliance.

Background Hand hygiene (HH) is widely regarded as the most effective preventive measure for health care-associated infection. However, there is little robust evidence on the best interventions to improve HH compliance or whether a sustained increase in compliance can reduce rates of health care-associated infection. Methods To evaluate the effectiveness of a real-time feedback to improve HH compliance in the inpatient setting, we used a quasiexperimental study comparing the effect of real-time feedback using wireless technology on compliance with HH. The study was conducted in two 20-bed step-down units at a private tertiary care hospital. Phase 1 was a 3-month baseline period in which HH counts were performed by electronic handwash counters. After a 1-month washout period, a 7-month intervention was performed in one step-down unit while the other unit served as a control. Results HH, as measured by dispensing episodes, was significantly higher in the intervention unit (90.1 vs 73.1 dispensing episodes/patient-day, respectively, P = .001). When the intervention unit was compared with itself before and after implementation of the wireless technology, there was also a significant increase in HH after implementation (74.5 vs 90.1 episodes/patient-day, respectively, P = .01). There was also an increase in mean alcohol-based handrub consumption between the 2 phases (68.9 vs 103.1 mL/patient-day, respectively, P = .04) in the intervention unit. Conclusion We demonstrated an improvement in alcohol gel usage via implementation of real-time feedback via wireless technology.

Background Despite the importance of hand hygiene in the health care setting, there are no studies evaluating hand hygiene compliance at hospital entrances. Methods The study was prospectively performed over a 33-week period from March 30, 2014-November 15, 2014, to evaluate hand hygiene compliance in 2 hospital reception areas. We compared electronic handwash counters with the application of radiofrequency identification (GOJO SMARTLINK) (electronic observer) that counts each activation of alcohol gel dispensers to direct observation (human observer) via remote review of video surveillance. Results We found low hand hygiene compliance rates of 2.2% (99/4,412) and 1.7% (140/8,277), respectively, at reception areas A and D, detected by direct observation. Using the electronic observer, we measured rates of 17% (15,624/91,724) and 7.1% (51,605/730,357) at reception areas A and D, respectively. For the overall time period of simultaneous electronic and human observation, the human observer captured 1% of the hand hygiene episodes detected by the electronic observer. Conclusions Our study showed very low hand hygiene compliance in hospital reception areas, and we found an electronic hand hygiene system to be a useful method to monitor hand hygiene compliance.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Genetic variations in TGF-beta and IFN-gamma may interfere with proinflammatory cytokine production and, consequently, may be involved with inflammatory diseases, as acute kidney injury (AKI). We considered that genetic polymorphisms of these cytokines may have a crucial role in the outcome of critically ill patients. To investigate whether the genetic polymorphisms of rs1800470 (codon 10 T/C), rs1800471 (codon 25 C/G) from the TGF-beta, and rs2430561 (+874 T/A) from IFN-gamma may be a risk factor for ICU patients to the development of AKI and/or death. in a prospective nested case-control study, were included 139 ICU patients who developed AKI, 164 ICU patients without AKI, and 244 healthy individuals. We observed a higher frequency to T/A genotype for IFN-gamma (intermediate producer phenotype) and higher frequency of TT GG and TC GG genotype (high producer) for TGF-beta polymorphism in overall population. However, these polymorphisms have not been shown as a predictor of risk for AKI and death. We found an increased prevalence of high and intermediate producer phenotypes from TGF-beta and IFN-gamma, respectively, in patients in ICU setting. However, the studied genetic polymorphism of the TGF-beta and IFN-gamma was not associated as a risk factor for AKI or death in our population. Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Div Nephrol, São Paulo, Brazil Hosp Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil Tufts Univ New England Med Ctr, Boston, MA USA Univ Nove Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Div Nephrol, São Paulo, Brazil FAPESP: 07/58363-0 Web of Science

Positive deviance (PD) can be a strategy for the improvement of hand hygiene (HH) compliance.This study was conducted in 8 intensive care units and 1 ward at 7 tertiary care, private, and public hospitals. Phase 1 was a 3-month baseline period (from August to October 2011) in which HH counts were performed by observers using iPods (iScrub program). From November 2011 to July 2012, phase 2, a PD intervention was performed in all the participating centers. We evaluated the consumption of HH products (alcohol gel and chlorhexidine) and the incidence density of health care-associated infections.There was a total of 5,791 HH observations in the preintervention phase and 11,724 HH observations in the intervention phase (PD). A statistically significant difference was found in overall HH compliance with 46.5% in the preintervention phase and 62.0% in the PD phase (P.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of density of device-associated infections per 1,000 patient-days and also in the median of length of stay between the preintervention phase and the PD phase (13.2 vs 7.5 per 1,000 patient-days, respectively, P = .039; and 11.0 vs 6.8 days, respectively, P.001, respectively).PD demonstrated great promise for improving HH in multiple inpatient settings and was associated with a decrease in the median length of stay and the incidence of device-associated HAIs.

O artigo tem por objetivo rastrear sintomatologia de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT) em profissionais que prestaram ajuda humanitária à população haitiana, após o terremoto de 2010. Estudo transversal. A sintomatologia de TEPT foi avaliada pela Escala Impacto do Evento - Revisada (IES-R). Os participantes foram 32 brasileiros (idade m = 37.58 +/- 7.01), 22 estadosunidenses (idade m = 33.67 +/- 8.03) e 12 equatorianos (idade m = 44.80 +/- 15.88) e não apresentaram sintomatologia de TEPT. A relação entre as variáveis experiência prévia em situação de desastre e escore total da IES-R [F(2) = 4.34, p = 0.017] bem como experiência prévia em situação de desastre e subescala intrusão [F(2) = 3.94, p = 0.024] foram significantes nos modelos de regressão linear. Experiência prévia se mostrou preditor significante para escore total da IES-R (p < 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que vivências atuais podem ser potencializadas pelas memórias de experiências anteriores, aumentando a probabilidade de desenvolvimento de TEPT. Portanto, o cuidado com a saúde mental dos profissionais deve favorecer a precoce identificação do fator de risco experiência prévia, não permitindo que a iniciativa voluntária se sobreponha aos critérios seletivos e aos cuidados específicos. The scope of this article is to screen the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the professionals who provided humanitarian aid for the Haitian population after the 2010 earthquake. It involvess a cross-sectional study. The Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) was used for screening symptoms of PTSD. The participants included 32 Brazilians (mean age = 37.58 +/-7.01), 22 Americans (mean age =33.67 +/-8.03) and 12 Ecuadorians (mean age = 44.80 +/- 15.88). The professionals did not have PTSD symptoms. The relationship between prior experience variables in disaster situations and the total score of the IES-R (F (2) = 4.34, p = 0.017), as well as prior experience in disaster situations and the intrusion subscale (F (2) = 3.94, p = 0.024) were significant in linear regression models. The number of prior experiences was revealed as a significant predictor for the total score of IES (p < 0.05). The results showed that current experiences can be exacerbated by memories of prior experiences, increasing the likelihood of developing PTSD. Therefore the mental health care of the professionals should foster the early identification of prior experience risk factors, thereby not permitting voluntary initiative to transcend selective criteria and specific care.

Biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT) have been studied to guide duration of antibiotic therapy. We aimed to assess whether a decrease in PCT levels could be used to reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with a proven infection without risking a worse outcome. We assessed 265 patients with suspected sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock in our ICU. Of those, we randomized 81 patients with a proven bacterial infection into 2 groups: an intervention group in which the duration of the antibiotic therapy was guided by a PCT protocol and a control group in which there was no PCT guidance. In the per-protocol analysis, the median antibiotic duration was 9 days in the PCT group (n = 20) versus 13 days in the non-PCT group (n = 31), P = 0.008. This study demonstrates that PCT can be a useful tool for limiting antimicrobial therapy in ICU patients with documented bacterial infection.

Summary Background Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has shown increasing incidence, morbidity, and mortality in recent years. We assessed the number of CDAD tests requested, CDAD positivity rates, the use of alcohol-based hand rubs, and antimicrobial utilization. Methods We collected information on every adult patient (>18 years) who developed diarrhea and had a positive stool test for C. difficile toxin from June 2005 to December 2009 at a tertiary care hospital. A time-series analysis was performed using monthly data on the incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) (i.e., cases of infection per 1000 patient-days), as well as the consumption of alcohol-based hand rubs (in liters/1000-patient days) and antibiotics (in defined daily doses per 1000 patient-days). Results The mean number of annual requests for C. difficile tests was 1031, and the rates per 1000 patient-days for each year from 2005 to 2009 were 0.30, 0.46, 0.39, 0.31, and 0.40 overall in the hospital, and 0.18, 0.10, 0.53, 0.38, and 0.37 in the intensive care unit (ICU). The use of alcohol-based hand rubs per 1000 patient-days increased from 37.4 to 73.0, and from 41.5 to 129.4 in the hospital and in the ICU, respectively. Conclusions The incidence of CDI in the hospital and ICU remained low, despite the increased use of alcohol-based hand rubs and antimicrobials.

Anemia is a common feature in critically ill patients. Serum soluble-Fas (sFas) levels are associated with anemia in chronic kidney disease. It is possible that sFas levels are also associated with anemia in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. The study aims to investigate the relationship between serum levels of sFas, erythropoietin (Epo), inflammatory cytokines, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in critically ill patients with AKI. We studied 72 critically ill patients with AKI (AKI group; n = 53) or without AKI (non-AKI group; n = 19), and 18 healthy volunteers. Serum sFas, Epo, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, iron status, and Hb concentration were analyzed in all groups. We also investigated the correlation between these variables in the AKI group. Critically ill patients (AKI and non-AKI groups) had higher serum levels of Epo than healthy volunteers. Hb concentration was lower in the AKI group than in the other groups. Serum sFas, IL-6, TNF-α, and ferritin levels were higher in the AKI group. Hb concentration correlated negatively with serum IL-6 (r = -0.37, P = 0.008), sFas (r = -0.35, P = 0.01), and Epo (r = -0.27, P = 0.04), while serum sFas correlated positively with iron levels (r = 0.36, P = 0.008) and IL-6 (r = 0.28, P = 0.04) in the AKI group. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for markers of inflammation and iron stores, only serum sFas levels (P = 0.03) correlated negatively with Hb concentration in the AKI group. Serum Epo and inflammatory cytokine levels are elevated in critically ill patients with or without AKI. Serum levels of sFas are elevated and independently associated with anemia in critically ill patients with AKI.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o custo estimado do tratamento de patologias da coluna aos verificados para esse tratamento dentro de um centro especializado. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a avaliação dos custos médios de tratamento de 399 pacientes encaminhados por uma fonte pagadora para avaliação e tratamento no Centro de Referência de Tratamento da Coluna Vertebral do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Todos os pacientes apresentavam indicação de tratamento cirúrgico antes de serem encaminhados para avaliação. Do total de pacientes encaminhados, apenas 54 foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico e 112 a tratamento conservador com fisioterapia motora e acupuntura. Os custos dos dois tratamentos foram calculados com base em uma tabela previamente acordada de valores de reembolso para cada etapa do tratamento. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tratados de forma não cirúrgica apresentaram custo médio de tratamento de R$ 3.245,16, enquanto os pacientes tratados com cirurgia apresentaram custo médio de R$ 36.590,16. O custo total estimado da coorte de pacientes tratados foi de R$ 2.339.326,09, o que representa uma diminuição de 158,5% em relação ao custo total projetado desses mesmos pacientes, caso fosse realizada a indicação inicial de tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento realizado dentro de um centro especializado em tratamento de patologias da coluna apresenta, globalmente, custos menores do que os observados regularmente. OBJECTIVE: To compare the estimated cost of treatment of spinal disorders to those of this treatment in a specialized center. METHODS: An evaluation of average treatment costs of 399 patients referred by a Health Insurance Company for evaluation and treatment at the Spine Treatment Reference Center of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. All patients presented with an indication for surgical treatment before being referred for assessment. Of the total number of patients referred, only 54 underwent surgical treatment and 112 received a conservative treatment with motor physical therapy and acupuncture. The costs of both treatments were calculated based on a previously agreed table of values for reimbursement for each phase of treatment. RESULTS: Patients treated non-surgically had an average treatment cost of US$ 1,650.00, while patients treated surgically had an average cost of US$ 18,520.00. The total estimated cost of the cohort of patients treated was US$ 1,184,810.00, which represents a 158.5% decrease relative to the total cost projected for these same patients if the initial type of treatment indicated were performed. CONCLUSION: Treatment carried out within a center specialized in treating spine pathologies has global costs lower than those regularly observed.

Background. The diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) increases concern that asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. difficile may be diagnosed with CDI. Methods. A matched case control study was conducted in inpatients in a tertiary care center. The first 50 patients with diarrhea and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test beginning February 1, 2015, were identified as cases. Control patients were hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics, but with no diarrhea, housed in a room as close as possible to each case during the same admission time. A convenience sample of healthcare workers who cared for C. difficile infected patients was also tested. Results. We found two positive PCR results for C. difficile in controls (4.1%). None of these healthcare workers were positive for C. difficile by PCR. There was no difference between groups with respect to overall antibiotic use before the requested PCR for Clostridium difficile (p=0.359). The majority of cases had a high proportion of gastrointestinal disorders (71.4%) compared with control (8.2%), p<0.001. Patients with neoplasia had a higher chance of being identified as cases (p=0.041). Conclusions. PCR should not be the only diagnostic tool but should be complementary to other methods and to the medical history.

Background Several factors influence the outcomes in acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In this scenario, continuous renal replacement therapies (CRRT) are used to control metabolic derangements and blood volume. Knowing this fact, it may be possible to change the course of the disease and decrease the high mortality rate observed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the main risk factors for death in AKI patients needing CRRT. Results This was a prospective, observational cohort study of ICU patients (N = 183) with AKI who underwent continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) as their initial dialysis modality choice. The patients were predominantly male (62.8%) and their median age was 65 (55–76) years. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (39.3%), hypertension (32.8%), diabetes (24%), and cirrhosis (20.7%). The main cause of AKI was sepsis (52.5%). At beginning of CVVHDF, 152 patients (83%) were using vasopressors. The median SAPS 3 and SOFA score at ICU admission was 61 (50–74) and 10 (7–12), respectively. The dialysis dose delivered was 33.2 (28.9–38.7) ml/kg/h. The median time between ICU admission and CVVHDF initiation was 2 (1–4) days. The median cumulative fluid balance during the CVVHDF period was -1838 (-5735 +2993) ml. The mortality rate up to90 days was 58%. The independent mortality risk factors in propensity score model were: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 3.44[1.14–10.4; p = 0.028]), hematologic malignancy (OR = 5.14[1.66–15.95; p = 0.005]), oliguria (OR = 2.36[1.15–4.9; p = 0.02]), positive daily fluid balance during CVVHDF (OR = 4.55[2.75–13.1; p

Objective To compare the estimated cost of treatment of spinal disorders to those of this treatment in a specialized center. Methods An evaluation of average treatment costs of 399 patients referred by a Health Insurance Company for evaluation and treatment at the Spine Treatment Reference Center of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. All patients presented with an indication for surgical treatment before being referred for assessment. Of the total number of patients referred, only 54 underwent surgical treatment and 112 received a conservative treatment with motor physical therapy and acupuncture. The costs of both treatments were calculated based on a previously agreed table of values for reimbursement for each phase of treatment. Results Patients treated non-surgically had an average treatment cost of US$ 1,650.00, while patients treated surgically had an average cost of US$ 18,520.00. The total estimated cost of the cohort of patients treated was US$ 1,184,810.00, which represents a 158.5% decrease relative to the total cost projected for these same patients if the initial type of treatment indicated were performed. Conclusion Treatment carried out within a center specialized in treating spine pathologies has global costs lower than those regularly observed.

Background Central venous catheters are significant risk factors for bloodstream infection (BSI), which are directly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study for the time period of July 2011–June 2014 in patients with central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) to determine the microbiological profile and antimicrobial adequacy of patients with CLABSI in a tertiary hospital. Results One hundred and twenty-one CLABSI cases were identified. Ninety-two percent (n = 111) of patients had monomicrobial BSI. Gram-negative bacteria were the most prevalent (49%, n = 63), with Klebsiella spp. predominating (30%, n = 19). Among the Gram-positive bacteria (n = 43, 33%), coagulase-negative staphylococci was the major pathogen (58%, n = 25), and all isolates were methicillin resistant. Antimicrobial therapy was assessed as adequate in 81% (n = 98) of cases. In-hospital mortality was 36% (n = 43 cases). Conclusion Our CLABSI patients had a high mortality, although antimicrobial therapy was appropriate. Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for almost half of the cases and there was a high rate of bacteria resistance to extended-spectrum antibiotics.

Background Many controversies exist regarding the management of dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (D-AKI). No clear evidence has shown that the choice of dialysis modality can change the survival rate or kidney function recovery of critically ill patients with D-AKI. Methods We conducted a retrospective study investigating patients (≥16 years old) admitted to an intensive care unit with D-AKI from 1999 to 2012. We analyzed D-AKI incidence, and outcomes, as well as the most commonly used dialysis modality over time. Outcomes were based on hospital mortality, renal function recovery (estimated glomerular filtration rate-eGFR), and the need for dialysis treatment at hospital discharge. Results In 1,493 patients with D-AKI, sepsis was the main cause of kidney injury (56.2%). The comparison between the three study periods, (1999–2003, 2004–2008, and 2009–2012) showed an increased in incidence of D-AKI (from 2.56 to 5.17%; p = 0.001), in the APACHE II score (from 20 to 26; p

Background The number of medication errors occurring in healthcare is large and many are preventable. To analyze medication errors and evaluate whether Positive Deviance is effective in reducing them. Methods The study was divided into three phases: (2011- Phase I, control period; 2012 - Phase II, manager intervention, and 2013 - Phase III, frontline healthcare worker intervention). In Phases II and III, the Positive Deviance method (PD) was used to mitigate medication errors classified as “C” and higher according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP). The errors reported were compared across the three study phases, as well as by the location of the hospital unit, shift, cause, consequence, and the professional associated with the error. Results A total of 4013 reported medication errors were analyzed. The largest number of errors occurred at the time the medications were administered, accounting for 35.5 % of errors in Phase I; 43.1 % in Phase II, and 55.6 % in Phase III. Nursing staff was most commonly associated with errors; 46.4 % of errors in Phase I, 48.5 % in Phase II, and 58.7 % in Phase III. With each intervention, a decrease was observed in the reported error rate of 0.12 (CI 95 %, 0.18 to 0.07). Conclusion Positive Deviance proved to be effective, primarily when healthcare professionals who were involved in errors participated, as was observed in Phase III of this study.

Background Many approaches have been taken to increase compliance with hand hygiene by health care professionals. We evaluated a nurse call system used as a tool in a positive deviance (PD) approach to improving compliance. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental study between September 2008 and December 2010 in 2 step-down units (SDUs). The consumption of alcohol-based sanitizers for hand hygiene was monitored by electronic handwash counters installed in each room as of January 2009. The number of nurse visits to patient rooms was measured by the nurse call system, which provides information on each instance of nursing care provided to the patients. Results The use of alcohol hand rubs was increased in both units after implementation of the PD approach, with higher rates sustained for more than 2 years. The rate of device-related infections showed a decreasing trend, especially for catheter-associated urinary infection in the east SDU. In both units, the ratio of alcohol hand rub uses to nurse visits was >2.5, indicating increased use of alcohol rubs, especially in the east SDU, which had a ratio of 3 for 2010. Conclusions The PD approach to hand hygiene produced increased compliance, as measured by increased consumption of alcohol hand sanitizer, an improved ratio of alcohol hand rub uses to nurse visits, and a reduced rate of device-related infections, with results sustained over 2 years.

Objectives Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) impose a significant economic burden for patients admitted to the intensive care unit for adults (AICU). The objectives of the study were to evaluate the excess length of stay and extra costs attributable to CLABSIs diagnosed in the AICU. Methods Cases were selected as patients admitted to AICU from 2006 through 2009, who developed a CLABSI episode. These were matched (1:1) with appropriate controls. Matching criteria were selected to exclude other factors that could influence cost and care practices. The length of stay and resources used between AICU admission and discharge and until hospital discharge or death were measured. Incremental costs and lengths of stay were calculated for each pair of patients. Results Thirty cases and 30 controls were included in the study. A CLABSI episode resulted in an additional 10.5 days in the AICU and 9.1 days after AICU discharge, totaling an additional 19.6 days. The incremental cost associated with a CLABSI episode was US $65,993 in the AICU and US $23,893 after AICU discharge, totaling an incremental cost of US $89,886. Conclusions By avoiding CLABSI events, cost offsets would be expected for payers with revenue losses to providers. An approach of sharing the gains resulting from preventive measures could be used to incentivize providers to maintain those investments, benefiting patients who will have a reduced risk of CLABSI development.

Background When properly employed, the prophylactic use of antimicrobials is associated with a reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs). We found that the appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis was only 50.5% (53/105) among patients undergoing surgery in the adult intensive care unit of our hospital. In 2001, a protocol was designed to improve compliance with recommended practice. Methods We used a prospective interventional study and a case control study carried out between 2001 and 2007, including follow-up and daily intervention to improve compliance with antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines and to monitor antimicrobial consumption and SSI rates. Cases of noncompliance to the prophylaxis protocol (group I) were matched to controls (group II) with appropriate prophylaxis and compared with regards to type of surgery, operative duration, intraoperative antimicrobial use, type of antimicrobial used, length of hospital stay, severity of illness, comorbidities, invasive devices, possible adverse reactions, and death. Results Compliance with antimicrobial prophylaxis metrics reached 85%; however, we were unable to detect a change in SSI rate or consumption and cost of antimicrobials. Inappropriate use was not associated with higher likelihood of death. There were no other significant differences between the 2 groups. Conclusion Our intervention increased compliance with appropriate antimicrobial surgical prophylaxis with no negative impact on patient safety.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common health care‒associated infections in the critical care setting.A quasi-experimental study involving multiple interventions to reduce the incidence of CAUTI was conducted in a medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and in 2 step-down units (SDUs). Between June 2005 and December 2007 (phase 1), we implemented some Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‒recommended evidence-based practices. Between January 2008 and July 2010 (phase 2), we intervened to improve compliance with these practices at the same time that performance monitoring was being done at the bedside, and we implemented the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's bladder bundle for all ICU and SDU patients requiring urinary catheters.There was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of CAUTI in the ICU, from 7.6 per 1,000 catheter-days (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6-8.6) before the intervention to 5.0 per 1,000 catheter-days (95% CI, 4.2-5.8; P.001) after the intervention. There also was a statistically significant reduction in the rate of CAUTI in the SDUs, from 15.3 per 1,000 catheter-days (95% CI, 13.9-16.6) before the intervention to 12.9 per 1,000 catheter-days (95% CI, 11.6-14.2) after the intervention (P = .014).Our findings suggest that reducing CAUTI rates in the ICU setting is a complex process that involves multiple performance measures and interventions that can be applied to SDU settings as well.

Urinary α-glutathione S-transferase (α-GST) and π-glutathione S-transferase (π-GST) are promising proximal and distal tubular leakage markers for early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI).To examine the performance of these markers for predicting the composite of dialysis requirement or in-hospital death in patients with an established diagnosis of AKI.Prospective cohort study of 245 adults with AKI. A single urinary α-GST and π-GST measurement was obtained at time of nephrology consultation.Overall, urinary π-GST performed better than α-GST for prediction of dialysis requirement (AUC 0.59 vs. 0.56), and the composite outcome (AUC 0.58 vs. 0.56). In subgroup analyses, π-GST displayed better discrimination for prediction of dialysis requirement in patients with baseline eGFR60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (AUC 0.61) and oliguria (AUC 0.72). Similarly, α-GST performed better in patients with stage-1 (AUC 0.66) and stage-2 AKI (AUC 0.80).In patients with an established diagnosis of AKI, a single urinary π-GST measurement performed better than α-GST at predicting dialysis requirement or death, but neither marker had good prognostic discrimination.

Background Prevention of health care-associated infections is well described in critical care. However, surveillance in step-down unit (SDU) patients who need intermediate care with bilevel mechanical ventilation pressure through tracheotomy needs to be better understood. We evaluated the implementation of preventive measures in SDU over 2 different periods on device (bilevel mechanical ventilation)-associated pneumonia. Methods A quasi-experimental, interrupted time series study was conducted in SDUs. Interventions were implemented to optimize the prevention of pneumonia associated with tracheostomy and evaluated in 2 phases. From January to October of 2007 (phase 1), some practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were implemented, and the epidemiology unit carried out surveillance for pneumonia associated with tracheostomy. From November of 2007 to August of 2008 (phase 2) the same practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were followed, but, in addition, the assessment of these processes as well as bedside interventions were initiated. Results The mean incidence density of tracheostomy associated pneumonia per 1,000 tracheostomy-days in the SDUs was 6.0 in phase 1 and 0.7 in phase 2, P = .002. Conclusion Reducing pneumonia associated with tracheostomy is a continuous multidisciplinary process that involves the measurement of multiple performance metrics.

Purpose To assess the in vitro effects of simvastatin on IL-10 and TNF-α secretion from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of critically ill patients with and without acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods PBMC were collected from 63 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and from 20 healthy controls. Patients were divided in 3 subgroups: with AKI, with sepsis and without AKI and with AKI and sepsis. After isolation by ficoll-gradient centrifugation cells were incubated in vitro with LPS 1 ng/mL, simvastatin (10−8M) and with LPS plus simvastatin for 24 h. TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations on cells surnatant were determined by ELISA. Results Cells isolated from critically ill patients showed a decreased spontaneous production of TNF-α and IL-10 compared to healthy controls (6.7 (0.2–12) vs 103 (64–257) pg/mL and (20 (13–58) vs 315 (105–510) pg/mL, respectively, p

Background There is a paucity of data evaluating whether positive deviance (PD) can sustain improvement in hand hygiene compliance. Methods An observational study comparing the effect of PD on compliance with hand hygiene was conducted in two 20-bed step-down units (SDUs) at a private tertiary care hospital. In a 3-month baseline period (April-June 2008), hand hygiene counts were performed by electronic handwashing counters. Between July 1, 2008, and November 30, 2009, (East SDU) and between September 30, 2008, and December 2009 (West SDU), PD was applied in both units. Results There was more than a 2-fold difference in the number of alcohol gel aliquots dispensed per month from April 2008 (before PD) to November 2009 (last month in PD) in the East SDU. There was also a 2-fold difference in the number of alcohol gel aliquots dispensed per month from September 2008 (before PD) to December 2009 (last month in PD) in the West SDU. The difference in the rate of health care‒associated infections (HAIs) between the baseline period and 2009 was statistically significant in the East SDU (5.8 vs 2.8 per 1,000 device-days; P = .008) and in the West SDU (3.7 vs 1.7 per 1,000 device-days; P = .023). Conclusions PD was responsible for a sustained improvement in hand hygiene in the inpatient setting and was associated with a decrease in the incidence of device-associated HAIs.

Metabolic acid–base disorders, especially metabolic acidosis, are common in critically ill patients who require renal replacement therapy. Continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) achieves profound changes in acid–base status, but metabolic acidosis can remain unchanged or even deteriorate in some patients. The objective of this study is to understand the changes of acid–base variables in critically ill patients with septic associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) during CVVHDF and to determine how they relate to clinical outcome. Observational study of 200 subjects with SA-AKI treated with CVVHDF for at least 72 hours. Arterial blood gases and electrolytes and other relevant acid–base variables were analyzed using quantitative acid–base chemistry. Survivors and nonsurvivors had similar demographic characteristics and acid–base variables on day one of CVVHDF. However, during the next 48 hours, the resolution of acidosis was significantly different between the 2 groups, with an area under the ROC curve for standard base excess (SBE) and mortality of 0.62 (0.54–0.70), this was better than APACHE II score prediction power. Quantitative physicochemical analysis revealed that the majority of the change in SBE was due to changes in Cl and Na concentrations. Survivors of SA-AKI treated with CVVHDF recover hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis more rapidly than nonsurvivors. Further study is needed to determine if survival can be improved by measures to correct acidosis more rapidly. Abbreviations: AG = anion gap, APACHE = Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, CVVHDF = continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration, ROC = receiver operator characteristics, SA-AKI = sepsis associated acute kidney injury, SIDa, SIDe = strong ion difference, SIG = strong ion gap.

At the time of admission, the patient’s temperature was 36.8 ° C. His pulse was 72 beats per minute and blood pressure was 120 ! 65 mm Hg. His respiratory rate was 28 breaths per minute and oxygen saturation was 88% at ambient air. Pulmonary auscultation revealed rales in both pulmonary bases, which were more intense in the right lung. After 2 h of hospitalization, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) with respiratory failure where he was intubated (with the presence of hematic fluid on the orotracheal tube), placed under mechanical ventilation and implanted with a central venous catheter and an invasive arterial pressure monitoring system. Empirical antibiotic therapy with vancomycin, imipenem and clarithromycin was instituted. The initial cardiac evaluation showed a normal echocardiogram and an absence of variation of the diameter of the inferior vena cava. The cardiac markers (troponin and CK-MB) were normal. Lactate levels were normal, as was the central venous oxygen saturation. The central venous pressure was 20 mm Hg, and there were no significant variations in the arterial pressure curve during the respiratory cycle. The computed tomography (CT) of the thorax (without contrast) showed multiple foci of sparse alveolar conCase Presentation

This work explored the role of inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COXs) in modulating the inflammatory response triggered by acute kidney injury.C57Bl/6 mice were used.Animals were treated or not with indomethacin (IMT) prior to injury (days -1 and 0).Animals were subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion and sacrificed at 24 h after reperfusion. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, reactive oxygen species (ROS), kidney myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) levels were analyzed. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, t-bet, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1beta, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) messenger RNA (mRNA) were studied. Cytokines were quantified in serum.IMT-treated animals presented better renal function with less acute tubular necrosis and reduced ROS and MPO production. Moreover, the treatment was associated with lower expression of TNF-alpha, PGE(2), PGES, and t-bet and upregulation of HO-1 and IL-10. This profile was mirrored in serum, where inhibition of COXs significantly decreased interferon (IFN)-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-12 p70 and upregulated IL-10.COXs seem to play an important role in renal ischemia and reperfusion injury, involving the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of neutrophils, and ROS production. Inhibition of COX pathway is intrinsically involved with cytoprotection.