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Waveform capnography is a noninvasive measurement of ventilation and perfusion commonly employed in the prehospital setting. It is easy to apply, and modern cardiac monitors are equipped with the necessary ports and capability to display results. Despite its ease of use, end-tidal CO2 monitoring has not yet achieved widespread adoption within the hospital setting. It is routinely used in the emergency department and by anesthesiologists, but its application could support ICU management in critically ill patients. Its use is routinely supported by multiple professional societies, and it has been recommended as a requirement in all cardiac arrests. Careful analysis of the waveform and expired carbon dioxide can guide therapy for patients experiencing respiratory emergencies, hemodynamic compromise, metabolic acidosis, and shock due to trauma, hypovolemia, or sepsis. Use of capnography throughout the hospital could improve patient outcomes and prevent unidentified deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focused on the experiences of women who underwent medical termination of their pregnancies. The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research design with a sample of 20 pregnant women. Data were collected between April and June 2022 using a personal information form and a semistructured individual interview. The qualitative data were analyzed into 4 categories: "psychosocial impacts," "impacts on functionality," "coping," and "expectations." These categories comprised 8 themes and 24 subthemes. Nurses play a crucial role in adopting family-centered approaches to offer holistic care. They should prioritize providing physical care throughout the medical termination, while also assessing the psychological impact of fetal loss. Perinatal palliative care and bereavement counseling should be integrated into care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of common medical emergencies that can occur in pregnant patients. We summarize the key diagnostic and management steps for each emergency to assist health care professionals in identifying and treating these potentially life-threatening conditions. The medical emergencies discussed in this article include postpartum hemorrhage: hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; acute fatty liver of pregnancy: amniotic fluid embolism: pulmonary embolism; acute respiratory distress syndrome, and shock. Each condition is described in detail, with a focus on the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment options. The information presented in this review article is based on current best practices and guidelines from leading medical organizations. We hope this article will serve as a valuable resource for health care professionals who care for pregnant patients and help improve outcomes for these patients in emergency situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, with motor vehicle collisions and falls being the most common causes. Even though 94% of patients survive the initial injury and corresponding hospitalization, their life expectancy is reduced secondary to the long-term complications that stem from their injury. Every patient should be approached in the same manner (i.e., as if they have a spinal cord injury) until proven otherwise to prevent additional injury. Important considerations that should take place in the emergency department include the patient's airway, the presence of shock, and the prevention of complications secondary to the primary injury. This article briefly summarizes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of spinal cord injuries and the therapies that may be recommended and initiated following a thorough assessment of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shock is a life-threatening condition of circulatory failure that causes an imbalance between cellular oxygen supply and demand resulting in organ dysfunction. It is important to recognize promptly as it is reversible in earlier stages but will transition to an irreversible phase if left untreated. This will result in multiorgan failure and subsequent death. The clinician should therefore consider shock in the differential for all patients with new organ failure. This article will review the pathophysiology, classification, evaluation, and management of shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition with a high rate of morbidity and mortality if it is not recognized and treated in a timely fashion. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful tool that can help clinicians make prompt diagnosis. We present a case where we diagnosed massive PE through visualizing an intracardiac thrombus in transit, and we highlight some important ultrasonographic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed whether a high CO2 gap predicts mortality in adult critically ill patients with circulatory shock.Data Sources: A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases from inception to October 2019.Study Selection: Studies from adult (age ≥ 18 yr) ICU patients with shock reporting CO2 gap and outcomes of interest. Case reports and conference abstracts were excluded.Data Extraction: Data extraction and study quality assessment were performed independently in duplicate.Data Synthesis: We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess methodological study quality. Effect sizes were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was mortality (28 d and hospital). Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, use of renal replacement therapy, use of vasopressors and inotropes, and association with cardiac index, lactate, and central venous oxygen saturation.Conclusions: We included 21 studies (n = 2,155 patients) from medical (n = 925), cardiovascular (n = 685), surgical (n = 483), and mixed (n = 62) ICUs. A high CO2 gap was associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.30-3.82; p = 0.004) in patients with shock, but only those from medical and surgical ICUs. A high CO2 gap was associated with higher lactate levels (mean difference 0.44 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.20-0.68 mmol/L; p = 0.0004), lower cardiac index (mean difference, -0.76 L/min/m; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.49 L/min/m; p = 0.00001), and central venous oxygen saturation (mean difference, -5.07; 95% CI, -7.78 to -2.37; p = 0.0002). A high CO2 gap was not associated with longer ICU or hospital length of stays, requirement for renal replacement therapy, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, or higher vasopressors and inotropes use. Future studies should evaluate whether resuscitation aimed at closing the CO2 gap improves mortality in shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical, emotional, and financial impact of a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) can be devastating. This article discusses the pathophysiology of TSCI, medical and surgical management during the acute and subacute phases of injury, and nursing care for patients with TSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fluid boluses aiming to improve the cardiac output and oxygen delivery are commonly administered in children with shock. An increased mean arterial pressure in addition to resolution of tachycardia and improved peripheral perfusion are often monitored as clinical surrogates for improvement in cardiac output. The objective of our study is to describe changes in cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and their relationship to other indices of cardiovascular performance.Objective: The objective of our study is to describe changes in cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and their relationship to other indices of cardiovascular performance.Design, Setting, Patients, and Interventions: We prospectively analyzed hemodynamic data from children in the cardiac ICU who received fluid bolus (10mL/kg of Ringers-Lactate over 30 min) for management of shock and/or hypoperfusion within 12h of cardiac surgery. Cardiac index responders and mean arterial pressure-responders were defined as CI ≥10% and mean arterial pressure ≥10%, respectively. We evaluated the gradient for venous-return (mean systemic filling pressure-central venous pressure), arterial load properties (systemic vascular resistance index and elastance index) and changes in vasopressor support after fluid bolus.Measurements and Main Results: Fifty-seven children between 1 month and 16 years (median Risk adjustment after congenital heart surgery Model for Outcome Surveillance in Australia and New Zealand score of 3.8 (interquartile range 3.7-4.6) received fluid bolus. Cardiac index-responsiveness and mean arterial pressure-responsiveness rates were 33% and 56%, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between changes in mean arterial pressure and cardiac index (r = 0.035, p = 0.79). Although the mean systemic filling pressure - central venous pressure and the number of cardiac index-responders after fluid bolus were similar, the arterial load parameters did not change in mean arterial pressure-nonresponders. Forty-three patients (75%) had a change in Vasoactive-Inotrope Score after the fluid bolus, of whom 60% received higher level of vasoactive support.Conclusions: The mean arterial pressure response to fluid bolus in cardiac ICU patients was unpredictable with a poor relationship between cardiac index-responsiveness and mean arterial pressure-responsiveness. Because arterial hypotension is frequently a trigger for administering fluids and changes in blood pressure are commonly used for tracking changes in cardiac output, we suggest a cautious and individualized approach to repeat fluid bolus based solely on lack of mean arterial pressure response to the initial fluid, since the implications include decreased arterial tone even if the cardiac index increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) examination is used for patients with hypotension without clear cause or undifferentiated hypotension. In the emergency department setting, clinicians may perform the RUSH examination to supplement the physical assessment and differentiate the diagnosis of hypovolemic, obstructive, cardiogenic, and distributive forms of shock. The key elements of the RUSH examination are the pump, tank, and pipes, meaning potentially causes of the hypotension are examined within the heart, vascular volume and integrity, and the vessels themselves. Clinicians follow a systemic protocol to seeking evidence of specific conditions including heart failure exacerbation, cardiac tamponade, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and deep vein thrombosis. Because ultrasonography is a user-dependent skill, the advanced practice nurse in the emergency department should be educated regarding the RUSH protocol and prepared to implement the examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) examination is used for patients with hypotension without clear cause or undifferentiated hypotension. In the emergency department setting, clinicians may perform the RUSH examination to supplement the physical assessment and differentiate the diagnosis of hypovolemic, obstructive, cardiogenic, and distributive forms of shock. The key elements of the RUSH examination are the pump, tank, and pipes, meaning potentially causes of the hypotension are examined within the heart, vascular volume and integrity, and the vessels themselves. Clinicians follow a systemic protocol to seeking evidence of specific conditions including heart failure exacerbation, cardiac tamponade, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and deep vein thrombosis. Because ultrasonography is a user-dependent skill, the advanced practice nurse in the emergency department should be educated regarding the RUSH protocol and prepared to implement the examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Capillary refill time is a noninvasive method to assess tissue perfusion to determine shock status. Capillary refill time is defined as the time required to regain skin color after blanching pressure is applied. Although common methods to measure capillary refill time depend on clinicians' visual assessment, a new approach using a pulse oximeter waveform analysis exists, referred to as full finger reperfusion time. We aim to evaluate reproducibility and validity of the novel full finger reperfusion time measurement using clinicians' visual capillary refill time assessment as a reference standard.Design: Prospective observational study.Setting: PICUs and operating suites at a large academic children's hospital.Patients: Ninety-nine children 1-12 years old with various skin color tones.Interventions: Each child had 10 measurements, including five full finger reperfusion time and five clinician capillary refill time, alternating second and third digits.Measurements and Main Results: Eighteen children had prolonged capillary refill time (> 2 s) and four children with capillary refill time greater than 3 seconds. Four-hundred eighty-five data pairs were analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficient of full finger reperfusion time within each patient was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.68-0.83), demonstrating good reproducibility. Correlation coefficient between full finger reperfusion time and clinician capillary refill time was moderate: r = 0.37 (p < 0.0001; 95% CI, 0.29-0.44) for the pairs and r = 0.52 (p < 0.0001; 95% CI, 0.36-0.65) for patient average. Bland-Altman plot showed a consistent difference between full finger reperfusion time and clinician capillary refill time (full finger reperfusion time 1.14 s longer). Weak association was found between force and full finger reperfusion time (β = -0.033 ± 0.016; 95% CI, -0.065 to -0.0016; p = 0.04), finger thickness (β = -0.20 ± 0.089; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.19; p = 0.03), except for color tone (p = 0.31). Finger temperature was associated with full finger reperfusion time (β = -0.18 ± 0.041; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.0999; p < 0.0001).Conclusions: Full finger reperfusion time demonstrated good reproducibility. Full finger reperfusion time showed moderate correlation with clinician capillary refill time. Full finger reperfusion time was 1.14 seconds longer than capillary refill time. Future studies should focus on the clinical value of full finger reperfusion time as a monitoring device for hemodynamics in critically ill children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the preload dependence of femoral maximal change in pressure over time (dP/dtmax) during volume expansion in preload dependent and independent critically ill patients.Design: Retrospective database analysis.Setting: Two adult polyvalent ICUs.Patients: Twenty-five critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure.Interventions: Thirty-five fluid infusions of 500 mL normal saline.Measurements and Main Results: Changes in femoral dP/dtmax, systolic, diastolic, and pulse femoral arterial pressure were obtained from the pressure waveform analysis using the PiCCO2 system (Pulsion Medical Systems, Feldkirchen, Germany). Stroke volume index was obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution. Statistical analysis was performed comparing results before and after volume expansion and according to the presence or absence of preload dependence (increases in stroke volume index ≥ 15%). Femoral dP/dtmax increased by 46% after fluid infusion in preload-dependent cases (mean change = 510.6 mm Hg·s; p = 0.005) and remained stable in preload-independent ones (mean change = 49.2 mm Hg·s; p = 0.114). Fluid-induced changes in femoral dP/dtmax correlated with fluid-induced changes in stroke volume index in preload-dependent cases (r = 0.618; p = 0.032), but not in preload-independent ones. Femoral dP/dtmax strongly correlated with pulse and systolic arterial pressures and with total arterial stiffness, regardless of the preload dependence status (r > 0.9 and p < 0.001 in all cases).Conclusions: Femoral dP/dtmax increased with volume expansion in case of preload dependence but not in case of preload independence and was strongly related to pulse pressure and total arterial stiffness regardless of preload dependence status. Therefore, femoral dP/dtmax is not a load-independent marker of left ventricular contractility and should be not used to track contractility in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To characterize the association between the use of physiologic assessment (central venous pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, stroke volume variation, pulse pressure variation, passive leg raise test, and critical care ultrasound) with fluid and vasopressor administration 24 hours after shock onset and with in-hospital mortality.Design: Multicenter prospective cohort study between September 2017 and February 2018.Settings: Thirty-four hospitals in the United States and Jordan.Patients: Consecutive adult patients requiring admission to the ICU with systolic blood pressure less than or equal to 90 mm Hg, mean arterial blood pressure less than or equal to 65 mm Hg, or need for vasopressor.Interventions: None.Measurement and Main Results: Of 1,639 patients enrolled, 39% had physiologic assessments. Use of physiologic assessment was not associated with cumulative fluid administered within 24 hours of shock onset, after accounting for baseline characteristics, etiology and location of shock, ICU types, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III, and hospital (beta coefficient, 0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.15). In multivariate analysis, the use of physiologic assessment was associated with a higher likelihood of vasopressor use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45-2.71) and higher 24-hour cumulative vasopressor dosing as norepinephrine equivalent (beta coefficient, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.55). The use of vasopressor was associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.27-2.78). In-hospital mortality was not associated with the use of physiologic assessment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.63-1.18).Conclusions: The use of physiologic assessment in the 24 hours after shock onset is associated with increased use of vasopressor but not with fluid administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Little is known about frailty that develops following critical illness. We sought to describe the prevalence of newly acquired frailty, its clinical course, and the co-occurrence of frailty with disability and cognitive impairment in survivors of critical illness.Design: Longitudinal prospective cohort study.Setting: Medical and surgical ICUs at five U.S. centers.Patients: Adult patients treated for respiratory failure and/or shock.Measurements and Main Results: We measured frailty with the Clinical Frailty Scale at baseline (i.e., study enrollment) and at 3 and 12 months postdischarge. We constructed alluvial diagrams to describe the course of frailty and Venn diagrams to describe the overlap of frailty with disability in activities of daily living and cognitive impairment. We included 567 participants a median (interquartile range) of 61 years old (51-70 yr old) with a high severity of illness (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II of 23). Frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale scores ≥ 5) was present in 135 of 567 (24%) at baseline, 239 of 530 (45%) at 3 months, and 163 of 445 (37%) at 12 months. Of those with frailty at 3- or 12-month follow-up, 61% were not frail at baseline. Transition to a worse frailty state occurred in 242 of 530 of patients (46%) between baseline and 3 months and in 179 of 445 of patients (40%) between baseline and 12 months. There were 376 patients with frailty, disability, or cognitive impairment at 3-month follow-up. Of these, 53 (14%) had frailty alone. At 12 months, 276 patients had frailty, disability, or cognitive impairment, 37 (13%) of whom had frailty alone.Conclusions: Frailty is common among survivors of critical illness. In the majority, frailty is newly acquired. Roughly one in seven had frailty without co-occurring disability or cognitive impairment. Studies to understand outcomes of frailty that develops as the result of a critical illness and to identify modifiable risk factors for this potentially reversible syndrome are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Delirium, a heterogenous syndrome, is associated with worse long-term cognition after critical illness. We sought to determine if duration of motoric subtypes of delirium are associated with worse cognition.Design: Secondary analysis of prospective multicenter cohort study.Setting: Academic, community, and Veteran Affairs hospitals.Patients: Five-hundred eighty-two survivors of respiratory failure or shock.Interventions: We assessed delirium and level of consciousness using the Confusion Assessment Method-ICU and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale daily during hospitalization. We defined a day with hypoactive delirium as a day with positive Confusion Assessment Method-ICU and corresponding Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score less than or equal to 0 and a day with hyperactive delirium as a day with positive Confusion Assessment Method-ICU and corresponding Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score greater than 0. At 3 and 12 months, we assessed global cognition with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neurologic Status and executive function with the Trail Making Test Part B. We used multivariable regression to examine the associations between days of hypoactive and hyperactive delirium with cognition outcomes. We allowed for interaction between days of hypoactive and hyperactive delirium and adjusted for baseline and in-hospital covariates.Measurements and Results: Hypoactive delirium was more common and persistent than hyperactive delirium (71% vs 17%; median 3 vs 1 d). Longer duration of hypoactive delirium was associated with worse global cognition at 3 (-5.13 [-8.75 to -1.51]; p = 0.03) but not 12 (-5.76 [-9.99 to -1.53]; p = 0.08) months and with worse executive functioning at 3 (-3.61 [-7.48 to 0.26]; p = 0.03) and 12 (-6.22 [-10.12 to -2.33]; p = 0.004) months; these associations were not modified by hyperactive delirium. Hyperactive delirium was not associated with global cognition or executive function in this cohort.Conclusions: Longer duration of hypoactive delirium was independently associated with worse long-term cognition. Assessing motoric subtypes of delirium in the ICU might aid in prognosis and intervention allocation. Future studies should consider delineating motoric subtypes of delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report explores the novel use of angiotensin II (Giapreza) for the treatment of vasodilation in the setting of a tricyclic overdose. The purpose of this case is to describe how the use of angiotensin II can improve hemodynamic parameters and result in a dose reduction of other catecholamine vasopressors in vasodilatory shock. The use of angiotensin II is new to clinical practice and has the potential to change outcomes for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Vasopressin has achieved common usage for the treatment of catecholamine-requiring and catecholamine-resistant shock. Diabetes insipidus is a syndrome characterized by excretion of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine. To date, very few reports of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion have been published; the majority of previous reports describe neurosurgical patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the occurrence rate of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion among patients treated with vasopressin infusion for shock.Design: Retrospective analysis of electronic health records of patients receiving continuous vasopressin infusion for the treatment of shock within a 5-year period (2012-2016).Setting: Medical, surgical, and cardiothoracic ICUs within one academic medical center.Patients: One-thousand eight-hundred ninety-six patients received vasopressin infusion for the treatment of shock.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: The occurrence rate of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion was 1.53% among all patients. Sixteen of 29 patients with diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion had undergone cardiothoracic intervention, such as coronary artery bypass graft and valve replacement surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and placement of ventricular assist devices. No neurosurgical patients were identified in our cohort. In a control group of patients receiving norepinephrine but not vasopressin infusion for treatment of shock, criteria for diabetes insipidus were observed in two of 1,320 subjects (0.15%).Conclusions: Despite a paucity of published reports, diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion appears not to be a rare phenomenon, and is likely to be encountered by intensivists who regularly employ vasopressin for the treatment of vasoplegic shock. Previous reports consisted predominantly of neurosurgical patients. Our findings demonstrate the occurrence of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion among patients with septic shock as well as vasoplegic shock after cardiothoracic intervention. The mechanism of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion remains to be elucidated but may involve transient downregulation of V2 receptors induced by exposure to supraphysiological doses of vasopressin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To systematically review the literature and synthesize evidence concerning the effects of vasopressin and its analogs compared with other vasopressors in distributive shock, focusing on renal outcomes.Data Sources: We performed a systematic review in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases.Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials that compared vasopressin and its analogs with other vasopressors and reported renal outcomes in adult patients with distributive shock.Data Extraction: Paired reviewers independently screened citations, conducted data extraction and assessed risk of bias. Three prespecified subgroup analyses were conducted. Three main outcomes related to acute renal failure were analyzed: the need for renal replacement therapy, acute kidney injury incidence, and acute kidney injury-free days. I test was used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies. Substantial heterogeneity was defined as I greater than 50%. A random-effects model with Mantel-Haenszel weighting was used for all analyses. Heterogeneity was explored using subgroup analysis. The quality of evidence for intervention effects was summarized using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42017054324).Data Synthesis: Three-thousand twenty-six potentially relevant studies were identified, and 30 articles were reviewed in full. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 2,833 individuals. Of these, 11 studies (2,691 individuals) were suitable for quantitative meta-analysis. Overall, the evidence was of low to moderate quality. Patients who received vasopressin and its analogs had a reduced need for renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 0.59 [0.37-0.92]; p = 0.02; I = 49%) and a lower acute kidney injury incidence (odds ratio, 0.58 [0.37-0.92]; p = 0.02; I = 63%). These results should be interpreted with caution, due to excessive heterogeneity. Acute kidney injury-free data was not pooled, since the small number of studies and extreme heterogeneity.Conclusions: In patients with distributive shock, vasopressin and its analogs use is associated with a reduced need for renal replacement therapy and lower acute kidney injury incidence. These results are supported by high risk of bias evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the frequency of co-occurring newly acquired cognitive impairment, disability in activities of daily livings, and depression among survivors of a critical illness and to evaluate predictors of being free of post-intensive care syndrome problems.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Medical and surgical ICUs from five U.S. centers.Patients: Patients with respiratory failure or shock, excluding those with preexisting cognitive impairment or disability in activities of daily livings.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: At 3 and 12 months after hospital discharge, we assessed patients for cognitive impairment, disability, and depression. We categorized patients into eight groups reflecting combinations of cognitive, disability, and mental health problems. Using multivariable logistic regression, we modeled the association between age, education, frailty, durations of mechanical ventilation, delirium, and severe sepsis with the odds of being post-intensive care syndrome free. We analyzed 406 patients with a median age of 61 years and an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II of 23. At 3 and 12 months, one or more post-intensive care syndrome problems were present in 64% and 56%, respectively. Nevertheless, co-occurring post-intensive care syndrome problems (i.e., in two or more domains) were present in 25% at 3 months and 21% at 12 months. Post-intensive care syndrome problems in all three domains were present in only 6% at 3 months and 4% at 12 months. More years of education was associated with greater odds of being post-intensive care syndrome free (p < 0.001 at 3 and 12 mo). More severe frailty was associated with lower odds of being post-intensive care syndrome free (p = 0.005 at 3 mo and p = 0.048 at 12 mo).Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort study, one or more post-intensive care syndrome problems were present in the majority of survivors, but co-occurring problems were present in only one out of four. Education was protective from post-intensive care syndrome problems and frailty predictive of the development of post-intensive care syndrome problems. Future studies are needed to understand better the heterogeneous subtypes of post-intensive care syndrome and to identify modifiable risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with shockable rhythms can be improved with early defibrillation. Although shockable OHCA accounts for only ≈25% of overall arrests, ≈60% of public OHCAs are shockable, offering the possibility of restoring thousands of individuals to full recovery with early defibrillation by bystanders. We sought to determine the association of bystander automated external defibrillator use with survival and functional outcomes in shockable observed public OHCA.Methods: From 2011 to 2015, the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium prospectively collected detailed information on all cardiac arrests at 9 regional centers. The exposures were shock administration by a bystander-applied automated external defibrillator in comparison with initial defibrillation by emergency medical services. The primary outcome measure was discharge with normal or near-normal (favorable) functional status defined as a modified Rankin Score ≤2. Survival to hospital discharge was the secondary outcome measure.Results: Among 49 555 OHCAs, 4115 (8.3%) observed public OHCAs were analyzed, of which 2500 (60.8%) were shockable. A bystander shock was applied in 18.8% of the shockable arrests. Patients shocked by a bystander were significantly more likely to survive to discharge (66.5% versus 43.0%) and be discharged with favorable functional outcome (57.1% versus 32.7%) than patients initially shocked by emergency medical services. After adjusting for known predictors of outcome, the odds ratio associated with a bystander shock was 2.62 (95% confidence interval, 2.07-3.31) for survival to hospital discharge and 2.73 (95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.44) for discharge with favorable functional outcome. The benefit of bystander shock increased progressively as emergency medical services response time became longer.Conclusions: Bystander automated external defibrillator use before emergency medical services arrival in shockable observed public OHCA was associated with better survival and functional outcomes. Continued emphasis on public automated external defibrillator utilization programs may further improve outcomes of OHCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stabilize critically ill patients, emergency and critical care medicine providers often require rapid diagnosis and intervention. The demand for a safe, timely diagnostic device, alongside technological innovation, led to the advent of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). POCUS allows the provider to gain invaluable clinical information with a high level of accuracy, leading to better clinical decision-making and improvements in patient safety. We have outlined the history of POCUS adaptation in emergency and critical care medicine and various clinical applications of POCUS described in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knops et al[1] reported in I Circulation i the shock efficacy in 426 patients with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) compared with 423 patients with transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (TV-ICD), using a prespecified secondary ad hoc analysis of the PRAETORIAN trial (A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of Subcutaneous and Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy), which has shown noninferiority of S-ICD compared with TV-ICD in the rate of inappropriate shocks and complications. The authors did not find any difference in the shock efficacy of S-ICD compared with TV-ICD, with the total number of appropriate shocks not different between the 2 groups. [Extracted from the article]

Low inappropriate shock rates in patients with single- and dual/triple-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators using a novel suite of detection algorithms: PainFree SST trial primary results. They found no statistical differences in the inappropriate shock rate between these subgroups.[4] Last, when we look only at the inappropriate shock rate, the benefits of the S-ICD are disregarded. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: To describe patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, disease course including viral replication patterns, and outcomes of critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory infection from the Middle East respiratory syndrome and to compare these features with patients with severe acute respiratory infection due to other etiologies.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Patients admitted to ICUs in 14 Saudi Arabian hospitals.Patients: Critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (n = 330) admitted between September 2012 and October 2015 were compared to consecutive critically ill patients with community-acquired severe acute respiratory infection of non-Middle East respiratory syndrome etiology (non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection) (n = 222).Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Although Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection patients were younger than those with non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (median [quartile 1, quartile 3] 58 yr [44, 69] vs 70 [52, 78]; p < 0.001), clinical presentations and comorbidities overlapped substantially. Patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection had more severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2/FIO2: 106 [66, 160] vs 176 [104, 252]; p < 0.001) and more frequent nonrespiratory organ failure (nonrespiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score: 6 [4, 9] vs 5 [3, 7]; p = 0.002), thus required more frequently invasive mechanical ventilation (85.2% vs 73.0%; p < 0.001), oxygen rescue therapies (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 5.8% vs 0.9%; p = 0.003), vasopressor support (79.4% vs 55.0%; p < 0.001), and renal replacement therapy (48.8% vs 22.1%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, Middle East respiratory syndrome was independently associated with death compared to non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (adjusted odds ratio, 5.87; 95% CI, 4.02-8.56; p < 0.001).Conclusions: Substantial overlap exists in the clinical presentation and comorbidities among patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection from other etiologies; therefore, a high index of suspicion combined with diagnostic testing is essential component of severe acute respiratory infection investigation for at-risk patients. The lack of distinguishing clinical features, the need to rely on real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from respiratory samples, variability in viral shedding duration, lack of effective therapy, and high mortality represent substantial clinical challenges and help guide ongoing clinical research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this descriptive, one-group posttest study was to explore the nursing staff's perception of the benefits of using high-fidelity simulation during mandated obstetrical hemorrhage mock code training. In addition, the use of video-assisted debriefing was used to enhance the nursing staff's evaluation of their communication and teamwork processes during a simulated obstetrical crisis. The convenience sample of 84 members of the nursing staff consented to completing data collection forms and being videotaped during the simulation. Quantitative results for the postsimulation survey showed that 93% of participants agreed or totally agreed that the use of SimMan made the simulation more realistic and enhanced learning and that debriefing and the use of videotaped playback improved their evaluation of team communication. Participants derived greatest benefit from reviewing their performance on videotape and discussing it during postsimulation debriefing. Simulation with video-assisted debriefing offers hospital educators the ability to evaluate team processes and offer support to improve teamwork with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes during obstetrical hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Septic Shock 3.0 definition could alter treatment comparisons in randomized controlled trials in septic shock. Our first hypothesis was that the vasopressin versus norepinephrine comparison and 28-day mortality of patients with Septic Shock 3.0 definition (lactate > 2 mmol/L) differ from vasopressin versus norepinephrine and mortality in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial. Our second hypothesis was that there are differences in plasma cytokine levels in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial for lactate less than or equal to 2 versus greater than 2 mmol/L.Design: Retrospective analysis of randomized controlled trial.Setting: Multicenter ICUs.Methods: We compared vasopressin-to-norepinephrine group 28- and 90-day mortality in Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial in lactate subgroups. We measured 39 cytokines to compare patients with lactate less than or equal to 2 versus greater than 2 mmol/L.Patients: Patients with septic shock with lactate greater than 2 mmol/L or less than or equal to 2 mmol/L, randomized to vasopressin or norepinephrine.Interventions: Concealed vasopressin (0.03 U/min.) or norepinephrine infusions.Measurements and Main Results: The Septic Shock 3.0 definition would have decreased sample size by about half. The 28- and 90-day mortality rates were 10-12 % higher than the original Vasopressin and Septic Shock Trial mortality. There was a significantly (p = 0.028) lower mortality with vasopressin versus norepinephrine in lactate less than or equal to 2 mmol/L but no difference between treatment groups in lactate greater than 2 mmol/L. Nearly all cytokine levels were significantly higher in patients with lactate greater than 2 versus less than or equal to 2 mmol/L.Conclusions: The Septic Shock 3.0 definition decreased sample size by half and increased 28-day mortality rates by about 10%. Vasopressin lowered mortality versus norepinephrine if lactate was less than or equal to 2 mmol/L. Patients had higher plasma cytokines in lactate greater than 2 versus less than or equal to 2 mmol/L, a brisker cytokine response to infection. The Septic Shock 3.0 definition and our findings have important implications for trial design in septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective multi-center study.Objective: This study was conducted to clarify the incidence and neurological outcomes of fall-related deterioration of subjective symptoms in patients undergoing surgical treatment.Summary Of Background Data: The evidence that minor trauma, including falls, increases the risk of worsening cervical myelopathy is insufficient.Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgery for cervical myelopathy at 12 participating institutes was conducted. Patients who had undergone surgery for symptomatic cervical myelopathy from January 2012 to December 2013 and completed at least 1-year follow-up were included in this study. Data were collected by chart review and a questionnaire that included numbers of recalled falls during the last preoperative year and first postoperative year, circumstances of falls, and whether the patient had experienced fall-related deterioration of subjective symptoms.Results: A total of 360 eligible patients were recruited into the study. Of these, 177 (49%) reported at least one fall during the last preoperative year, and 105 (29%) experienced fall-related deterioration of subjective symptoms. Forty (11%) reported deterioration of numbness in the arms or legs, and 65 (18%) reported deterioration of motor deficits. Incidences of falls and fall-related deterioration of symptoms decreased significantly after surgery. Patients who experienced fall-related deterioration of motor deficits showed significantly worse surgical outcomes as assessed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score compared with those who did not experience deterioration. The optimal cut-off for preoperative JOA score in predicting an increased risk of fall-related deterioration in motor deficits was 8.Conclusion: Patients with cervical myelopathy commonly experienced preoperative fall-related deterioration of subjective symptoms, associated with significantly worse neurological outcomes. Surgical treatment significantly reduced the incidence of both falls and fall-related deterioration of subjective symptoms.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiogenic shock occurs in up to 5% to 10% of acute myocardial infarctions(MI) and is associated with high short- and long-term mortality risk. Since its introduction into clinical practice >50 years ago, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsion has been used empirically to provide hemodynamic support in patients undergoing coronary revascularization in the setting of MI and cardiogenic shock. In the landmark SHOCK (Should We Emergently Revascularize Occluded Coronaries for Cardiogenic Shock) trial, conducted between 1993 and 1998, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) were placed in 86% of participants, irrespective of the assigned management strategy.1 Although expert opinion supported clinical benefit of IABP use in cardiogenic shock, the first large randomized, multi-center trial of IABP, published in 2012, upended this conventional wisdom. The IABP-SHOCK II(Intra-aortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II) trial randomly assigned 600 participants planned for early revascularization of acute MI complicated by cardiogenic shock to either IABP placement or no IABP placement.2 The primary end point was 30-day all-cause mortality. At 30 days, all-cause mortality was 40%, with no difference between patients randomized to receive an IABP versus those who were not. There were no differences between treatment groups in secondary outcomes, including bleeding, ischemic complications, stroke, time to hemodynamic stabilization, intensive care unit length of stay, and the dose and duration of catecholamine therapy. A previous intermediate-term report of IABP-SHOCK II trial outcomes demonstrated no difference between treatment groups for allcause mortality at 12 months.3 In this issue of Circulation, Thiele et al4 report the 6-year results of the IABPSHOCK II randomized trial. At 6 years of follow-up, all-cause mortality was high and did not differ between the IABP and control groups (66.3% versus 67.0%) in intention-to-treat, per-protocol, and as-treated analyses. No signal for benefit associated with IABP use was observed in any prespecified or post hoc subgroups. There were no differences in the frequency of recurrent MI, repeat revascularization, stroke, or cardiovascular rehospitalization between the 2 groups. Quality of life, measured by the EuroQol 5D questionnaire and New York Heart Association classification, was favorable in survivors of cardiogenic shock. Four of 5 survivors had New York Heart Association Class I or II symptoms, with no difference between patients randomly assigned to IABP and no IABP therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: During critical illness, impaired endothelial vascular reactivity predicts prolonged acute brain dysfunction, but relationships between endothelial activation, blood-brain barrier/neurological injury, and acute brain dysfunction, including delirium, remain unexamined. We tested the hypothesis that elevated plasma markers of endothelial activation and blood-brain barrier/neurological injury are associated with delirium duration during critical illness.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Medical and surgical ICUs in an academic medical center.Patients: Adults in acute respiratory failure and/or shock.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: We enrolled subjects within 72 hours of organ failure diagnosis in the ICU. We measured plasma concentrations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, E-selectin, and angiopoietin-2 as markers of endothelial activation and S100B as a marker of blood-brain barrier/neurological injury in blood collected at enrollment. We assessed patients for delirium and coma twice daily after enrollment using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale. Among 134 patients with a median (interquartile) age of 57 years (46-66 yr) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II of 26 (19-31), delirium occurred in 94 patients (70%) with a median duration of 2 days (0-4 d). Higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p = 0.002), E-selectin (p = 0.02), and S100B (p < 0.001) concentrations were associated with fewer delirium/coma-free days after adjusting for age, Charlson comorbidity index, modified Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and severe sepsis. Similarly, higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (p = 0.007) and S100B (p = 0.01) concentrations were associated with longer delirium duration in survivors. Adjusting for S100B did not alter plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and E-selectin associations with delirium, suggesting that these associations were not mediated by blood-brain barrier/neurological injury.Conclusions: Elevated plasma markers of endothelial activation and blood-brain barrier/neurological injury during critical illness are associated with prolonged delirium after biomarker measurement. Future research is needed to determine whether these processes have pathophysiologic roles in delirium and whether therapies targeted at the endothelium or blood-brain barrier can prevent and/or treat delirium during critical illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In acute respiratory distress syndrome, conservative fluid management increases ventilator-free days without affecting mortality. Response to fluid management may differ based on patients' initial central venous pressure. We hypothesized that initial central venous pressure would modify the effect of fluid management on outcomes.Design: Retrospective analysis of the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial, a multicenter randomized trial comparing conservative with liberal fluid management in acute respiratory distress syndrome. We examined the relationship between initial central venous pressure, fluid strategy, and 60-day mortality in univariate and multivariable analysis.Setting: Twenty acute care hospitals.Patients: Nine hundred thirty-four ventilated acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with a central venous pressure available at enrollment, 609 without baseline shock (for whom fluid balance was managed by the study protocol).Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Among patients without baseline shock, those with initial central venous pressure greater than 8 mm Hg experienced similar mortality with conservative and liberal fluid management (18% vs 18%; p = 0.928), whereas those with central venous pressure of 8 mm Hg or less experienced lower mortality with a conservative strategy (17% vs 36%; p = 0.005). Multivariable analysis demonstrated an interaction between initial central venous pressure and the effect of fluid strategy on mortality (p = 0.031). At higher initial central venous pressures, the difference in treatment between arms was predominantly furosemide administration, which was not associated with mortality (p = 0.122). At lower initial central venous pressures, the difference between arms was predominantly fluid administration, with additional fluid associated with increased mortality (p = 0.013).Conclusions: Conservative fluid management decreases mortality for acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with a low initial central venous pressure. In this population, the administration of IV fluids seems to increase mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Myocardial dysfunction is a frequent complication in patients with severe sepsis and can worsen the prognosis. We investigated whether circulating biomarkers related to myocardial function and injury predicted outcome and were associated with albumin replacement.Design: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial about albumin replacement in severe sepsis or septic shock (the Albumin Italian Outcome Sepsis trial).Setting: Forty ICUs in Italy.Patients: Nine hundred and ninety-five patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.Interventions: Randomization to albumin and crystalloid solutions or crystalloid solutions alone.Measurements and Main Results: Plasma concentrations of N- terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were measured 1, 2, and 7 days after enrollment. We tested the relationship of single marker measurements or changes over time with clinical events, organ dysfunctions, albumin replacement, and ICU or 90-day mortality in the overall population and after stratification by shock. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were abnormal in 97.4% of the patients and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in 84.5%, with higher concentrations in those with shock. After extensive adjustments, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations predicted ICU or 90-day mortality, better than high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T. Early changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide or high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T concentrations were independently associated with subsequent mortality in patients with shock. Patients given albumin had significantly higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels; in addition, early rise in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was associated with a better outcome in this subgroup.Conclusions: Circulating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T are frequently elevated in severe sepsis or septic shock and have relevant prognostic value, which may be important in monitoring the clinical efficacy of supporting therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and time course of systemic endotoxemia following severe multiple trauma, to define its risk factors, and to explore the correlation between post-trauma endotoxemia and organ dysfunction.Design: Prospective single-center cohort study.Setting: Emergency department and ICU of adult tertiary care level I trauma center.Patients: Forty-eight severely injured (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) patients, admitted to ICU within 24 hours of injury.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Endotoxemia was not evident on initial presentation, but developed subsequently in 75% of patients, even in the absence of Gram-negative infection. Nonsurviving patients had higher endotoxin levels than survivors on day 1 (endotoxemia, 0.48 vs 0.28; p = 0.048). Shock at admission, or surgery within the first 48 hours after trauma, was associated with higher endotoxin levels and predicted subsequent maximal endotoxemia, after adjusting for other significant covariates. Maximal endotoxemia levels were higher in patients who developed organ dysfunction, reflected in a cumulative Multiple Organ Dysfunction Score greater than 25, and patients with an intermediate endotoxemia level (≥ 0.4) had more cardiovascular dysfunction.Conclusions: It is the first study to detect increasing levels of endotoxemia following multiple trauma. Shock and early surgery predict the development of endotoxemia; endotoxemia is particularly associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. However, Gram-negative infections are uncommon in these patients, suggesting that the gastrointestinal tract is the dominant reservoir of endotoxin. Endotoxin may be an appropriate therapeutic target in patients who have sustained severe multiple trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of an 88-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis. She underwent elective transcatheter aortic valve replacement due to surgical risk. The patient had angiography and computed tomography which shows the curve in the patient's distal part of the aortic arch. The patient received blood transfusion through a chest drainage tube.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that interhospital transfer causes significant delays in the administration of appropriate antibiotics and compliance with the completion of Surviving Sepsis Bundle elements.Design: Single-center retrospective cohort study.Setting: A comprehensive 60,000-visit emergency department at a 711-bed Midwestern academic medical center.Patients: Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock treated between 2009 and 2014 were identified by International Classification of Diseases,9th Revision, Clinical Modification, codes, then divided into two cohorts: 1) transfer patients who arrived at the tertiary academic center after receiving care in a local community hospital and 2) control patients who presented directly to the tertiary academic center emergency department.Interventions: None.Measurement and Main Results: One hundred ninety-three patients were included. Transfer patients were more likely to require surgery in the hospital (p < 0.001) and require ICU care (p = 0.001) but had similar illness severity based on (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, 17.7 vs 17.5; p = 0.662). Antibiotic administration at 1 and 3 hours was comparable between the two cohorts, but initial antibiotic appropriateness was lower in transfer patients (34% vs 79%; p < 0.001). Transfer patients were less likely to have fluid resuscitation started by 3 hours (54% vs 89%; p < 0.001), but they were not less likely to receive an adequate fluid bolus (30 mL/kg) by the time of hospital admission (p = 0.056). There were no differences in ICU length of stay or mortality.Conclusions: Interhospital transfer significantly delays administration of appropriate initial antibiotics and resuscitation therapy. Future studies are needed to identify strategies of providing regional sepsis care prior to transfer to tertiary centers and to continue care pathways during the interhospital transfer process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the contribution of endotoxemia to the severity of postcardiac arrest shock.Design: A prospective monocentric study.Setting: A tertiary hospital in Paris, France.Patients: Patients admitted in our ICU after a successfully resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Endotoxin measurement was performed in the 12 hours following return of spontaneous circulation using the endotoxin activity assay. Endotoxin level was classified as low (< 0.4 endotoxin activity), intermediate (0.4 to < 0.6 endotoxin activity), or high (≥ 0.6 endotoxin activity) according to manufacture guidelines. Severity of shock was assessed by the vasopressor-free days and by the mean daily dose of vasopressor to insure a mean arterial pressure of 65-75 mm Hg. Among 92 patients included in the study, 60 presented a postcardiac arrest shock. Endotoxemia level was higher in patients with postcardiac arrest shock. Among these patients, by multivariate linear regression, high endotoxin class (adjusted estimate -2.0; 95% CI, -3.90 to -0.11), public place of cardiac arrest (adjusted estimate, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.007 to 2.93), and time to return of spontaneous circulation (adjusted estimate -0.08; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.03) were independently associated with the number of vasopressor-free days. Furthermore, high endotoxin class (adjusted estimate, 97.95; 95% CI, 20.5 to 175.4) and a nonshockable rhythm (adjusted estimate, 59.9; 95% CI, 6.2 to 113.7) were the sole factors independently associated with the mean daily dose of vasopressors.Conclusions: In patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest with a postcardiac arrest shock, high level of endotoxemia is independently associated with duration of postcardiac arrest shock and the amount of vasopressive drugs. Whether treatment targeting endotoxemia could be beneficial in the management of postcardiac arrest shock needs to be studied in further randomized controlled studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the 2015 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) international evidence evaluation, participated by the ILCOR First Aid Task Force, with a focus on first aid. Medical topics that were reviewed include the influence of recovery position on mortality, incidence of aspiraton and incidence of cardiac arrest, positioning of patients who receive first aid for shock, and oxygen administration for first aid.

The article explores the research study by Farris et al. regarding the benefits of the 28-day functional outcomes for pediatric patients suffering from severe sepsis using mechanical ventilation and vasopressor infusion. The research mentions the role of evidence-based nursing and promotion of pediatric medical education and practices for children with sepsis. The research also highlights the benefits of hydrocortisone therapy for patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Objectives: Microcirculatory alterations are associated with adverse outcome in subsets of critically ill patients. The prevalence and significance of microcirculatory alterations in the general ICU population are unknown. We studied the prevalence of microcirculatory alterations in a heterogeneous ICU population and its predictive value in an integrative model of macro- and microcirculatory variables.Design: Multicenter observational point prevalence study.Setting: The Microcirculatory Shock Occurrence in Acutely ill Patients study was conducted in 36 ICUs worldwide.Patients: A heterogeneous ICU population consisting of 501 patients.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: Demographic, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were collected in all ICU patients who were 18 years old or older. Sublingual Sidestream Dark Field imaging was performed to determine the prevalence of an abnormal capillary microvascular flow index (< 2.6) and its additional value in predicting hospital mortality. In 501 patients with a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 15 (10-21), a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 5 (2-8), and a hospital mortality of 28.4%, 17% exhibited an abnormal capillary microvascular flow index. Tachycardia (heart rate > 90 beats/min) (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.67-4.39; p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (odds ratio, 0.979; 95% CI, 0.963-0.996; p = 0.013), vasopressor use (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11-3.07; p = 0.019), and lactate level more than 1.5 mEq/L (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.28-3.62; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for hospital mortality, but not abnormal microvascular flow index. In reference to microvascular flow index, a significant interaction was observed with tachycardia. In patients with tachycardia, the presence of an abnormal microvascular flow index was an independent, additive predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.30-8.06; p = 0.011). This was not true for nontachycardic patients nor for the total group of patients.Conclusions: In a heterogeneous ICU population, an abnormal microvascular flow index was present in 17% of patients. This was not associated with mortality. However, in patients with tachycardia, an abnormal microvascular flow index was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety of the hemoglobin-based nitric oxide scavenger, pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene, against placebo in patients with vasopressor-dependent distributive shock. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label study. SETTING: Sixty-one participating ICUs in six European countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and United Kingdom). PATIENTS: All patients admitted with distributive shock, defined as the presence of at least two systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, persisting norepinephrine dependence and evidence of organ dysfunction/hypoperfusion despite adequate fluid resuscitation. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive 0.25 mL/kg/hr pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene (20 mg Hb/kg/hr) or an equal volume of placebo, infused for up to 150 hours, in addition to conventional vasopressor therapy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study was stopped after interim analysis showed higher mortality in the pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene group and an increased prevalence of adverse events. At this time, 377 patients had been randomized to pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene (n = 183) or placebo (n = 194). Age, gender, type of patient (medical/surgical), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were similar between groups. Twenty-eight-day mortality rate was 44.3% in the pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene group versus 37.6% in the placebo group (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.85-1.95; p = 0.227). In patients with higher organ dysfunction scores (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment > 13), mortality rates were significantly higher in the pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene group when compared with those in placebo-treated patients (60.9% vs 39.2%; p = 0.014). Survivors who received pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene had a longer vasopressor-free time (21.3 vs 19.7 d; p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized, controlled phase III trial in patients with vasopressor-dependent distributive shock, administration of a pyridoxalated hemoglobin solution decreased the need for vasopressors but was associated with a trend to increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the influence of early recognition of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on outcomes such as mortality, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, and cost. It offers a review of studies on SIRS, sepsis and septic shock, and rapid response teams. The study found that unplanned intensive care unit admissions were reduced after intervention with a cost savings of about 250,000 dollars.

Objective: Measurement of blood pressure is fundamental for the management of patients in shock, yet the physiological basis and meaning of blood pressure measurements are complex and often not well understood. This article is in two parts: part 1 deals with the mechanical and physiological aspects of blood pressure and its measurement and part 2 deals with the role of changes in regional resistances in the determination of tissue perfusion and bedside approaches to management of shock. Data Source and Selection: This review is based on physiological principles from texts and experimental studies which elucidate some of the key principles. The views expressed are the author's synthesis of the views of others and his own opinions. Data Synthesis: Arterial blood pressure is a major determinant of regional flow and is often used as a surrogate indicator of tissue perfusion, but in reality, it is a poor indicator of blood flow. Blood pressure is determined by cardiac output (total flow) and total vascular resistance. Distribution of flow for a given blood pressure is dependent on the relative values of resistances in different vascular beds. If this distribution of resistances were known, this would be the ideal guide to therapy. Unfortunately, regional resistances cannot be assessed in the clinical setting, and so we are left with blood pressure as a guide to therapy. Conclusions: This article discusses the implications of these points and explores factors that need to be taken into account when designing empiric trials to determine appropriate blood pressure targets for patients in shock. Even if well-studied empirically developed guidelines become available, it likely still will be important to individualize patient management and approaches for this are discussed too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major health care problems affecting millions of people around the world each year. To aid in early identification and treatment of patients with sepsis, one Midwestern health care system has developed and implemented a computer-assisted sepsis alert system. Despite some limitations, the program has been moderately successful in identifying patients whose condition is declining, and it is having an overall positive effect on patient care. Program modifications continue with experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]