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Introduction: In Colombia, postpartum hemorrhage is the second leading cause of death in pregnant women at a rate of 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. After childbirth, 8.2% of Latin American women are expected to have postpartum hemorrhage. Objective: To describe nursing care delivered to women with postpartum hemorrhage to reduce the risk of hypovolemic shock by means of an integrative literature review. Materials and Methods: Following the approach suggested by Sasso, de Campos and Galvão, an integrative literature review was conducted on ClinicalKey, LILACS, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Cochrane Library, PubMed and ScieELO Google Scholar databases. Articles published in the last five years in Spanish, English and Portuguese were selected and classified by their level of evidence and degree of recommendation. This is a low-risk research due to its documentary nature. Results: 41 articles were finally selected and classified into clinical picture, nursing care and challenges in OBGYN care. Discussion: Nursing professionals should identify barriers to care by evaluating institutional problem-solving capacity and analyzing maternal death cases. Using misoprostol and oxytocin or only carbetocin and ergometrine-oxytocin is suggested based on the quantity of blood loss. Conclusions: Performing a physical examination is important to recognize signs of hemodynamic instability and hypovolemic shock. Nursing diagnoses and interventions focus on providing quality patient care to prevent certain complications such as death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole body ischemia and reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest leads to the massive inflammation clinically manifested in the post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Previous studies on the inflammatory effect on circulatory failure after cardiac arrest have either investigated a selected patient group or a limited part of the inflammatory mechanisms. We examined the association between cardiac arrest characteristics and inflammatory biomarkers, and between inflammatory biomarkers and circulatory failure after cardiac arrest, in an unselected patient cohort.Methods: This was a prospective study of 50 consecutive patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Circulation was invasively monitored from admission until day five, whereas inflammatory biomarkers, i.e. complement activation, cytokines and endothelial injury, were measured daily. We identified predictors for an increased inflammatory response, and associations between the inflammatory response and circulatory failure.Results: We found a marked and broad inflammatory response in patients after cardiac arrest, which was associated with clinical outcome. Long time to return of spontaneous circulation and high lactate level at admission were associated with increased complement activation (TCC and C3bc), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) and endothelial injury (syndecan-1) at admission. These biomarkers were in turn significantly associated with lower mean arterial blood pressure, lower cardiac output and lower systemic vascular resistance, and increased need of circulatory support in the initial phase. High levels of TCC and IL-6 at admission were significantly associated with increased 30-days mortality.Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers, including complement activation, cytokines and endothelial injury, were associated with increased circulatory failure in the initial period after cardiac arrest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgent surgery should not be performed preferably for at least 72 hours after a cardiac arrest to minimize the risk for additional perfusion-related organ injury. However, in peculiar circumstances, especially in a military setting, emergency surgery may be necessary in selected patients to save health and life. A previously healthy 34-year-old soldier developed multiple splinter injuries and mangled injury to his right arm after a missile attack. Due to heavy shelling and enemy fire, he bled profusely and could not be immediately evacuated to the medical aid post. After reaching the first-aid post, he was navigated through various medical echelons before reaching our center (Level III) where he was resuscitated and limb-salvage surgery was done. En route to the hospital, he suffered a cardiac arrest, was resuscitated, and had the second arrest on arrival. He was revived within 3 minutes and rushed to the operation theatre, where damage control surgery was done, including a brachial artery anastomosis. After the initial surgery, he was air-evacuated to the nearest tertiary center, where he was further managed by the vascular surgeon and cardiologist and made a full recovery. Immediate hemostasis of culprit injury is mandatory to make fluid resuscitation effective. Administering effective CPR, volume replenishment using crystalloids and whole blood, balanced anesthesia, damage control surgery, and teamwork can save patients' limbs and lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Enfermería en Cardiologia is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Enfermeria en Cardiologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rationale: Peptic ulcer disease and variceal bleeding are two of the most common causes of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. GI bleeding can present with symptoms of hemodynamic instability such as tachycardia and shock. Patient's Concern: A 33-year-old man with confusion and hypotension (blood pressure: 70/40 mmHg and pulse rate: 140/min) was brought by emergency medical services from home to the emergency department without any companion. The patient was in undifferentiated shock. His hypotension was assessed with inferior vena cava (IVC) size and collapsibility, and rapid ultrasound in shock and hypotension (RUSH) protocol was used to investigate the cause of his shock. Following the RUSH protocol when scanning the IVC, parts of the stomach were seen in its vicinity and suspended heterogeneous particles were observed in the fluid. After seeing these particles, we suspected GI bleeding. Diagnosis: Endoscopy confirmed GI bleeding. Interventions: After placing an orogastric tube and suction, about 2 L of coffee-ground fluid with clots was removed. We started intravenous proton-pump inhibitors 80 mg bolus, followed by a continuous infusion of 8 mg/h. The patient received about 2 L of normal saline and 2 units of packed red blood cells to correct his hypotension. Outcomes: After being admitted to the GI ward and treated for three days, the patient was discharged from the hospital with a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL and continued to have an outpatient follow-up at the clinic. Lessons: The use of gastric ultrasound in conjunction with the RUSH protocol can help to diagnose undifferentiated hypotensive shock. The components of the RUSH exam are the heart (H), IVC (I), Morrison's/FAST abdominal views with the aorta (MA), and pulmonary and pipes scanning (P), and can be memorized with the mnemonic: HI-MAP. We would like to introduce a new mnemonic: Hi-MAPS, adding stomach (S) to the RUSH protocol in undifferentiated hypotension and shock to evaluate upper GI bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a woman aged in her 70s who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and transferred to the hospital (Oita University Hospital, Oita, Japan) because of persistent dyspnea for 3 days. She had several pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, including patent foramen ovale and ventricular septal defect. It notes that she was successfully treated for acetaminophen induced non-anaphylactic shock.

Thick soft-tissue and redundant skin folds seen in obese patients may lead to difficulties during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. Here, we describe the case of a morbidly obese patient (298 kilograms) in respiratory failure and shock in whomwe performed central venous catheterization via the mid-thigh femoral vein to administer fluids and drugs, while also executing a tracheostomy. We found that CVC insertion via the mid-thigh femoral vein is a fast and feasible alternate procedure in cases where catheterization of the internal jugular vein or the subclavian vein are challenging or contraindicated. Importantly, we show that dressings were clean and easy to maintain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our present study was a qualitative investigation intending to explore the emotional journey of wives whose spouse has been diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, using a phenomenological design. Semi-structured face to face interviews were conducted with 5 wives of already diagnosed Bipolar I Disorder patients to uncover their lived experience in terms of the emotional journey they had had. For data analysis, we used Hycner's explicitation process. Moreover, for data verification we employed the strategies of frequent debriefing sessions peer review and member checks. Our analysis revealed six major themes encapsulating the participants emotional journey. These included Shock, Betrayal and the Incomprehensible, Apprehensions and Uncertainty, Anger and Irritability, Loneliness and Helplessness, Compassion and Acceptance and Reconciliation. It became clear to us that wives of individuals diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder are on a continuous emotional journey dealing with the burden, stress, complications, uncertainty and making many sacrifices along the way. Our study highlighted many culture specific factors of the phenomenon. This insightful exploration has opened up new horizons to conceptualize the challenges of wives dealing with an ailing spouse in the context of a Pakistani society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Racial disparities are central in the national conversation about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) , with Black/African Americans being disproportionately affected. We assessed risk factors for death from COVID-19 among Black inpatients at an urban hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. We reviewed the electronic medical records of patients positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (the COVID-19 virus) on qualitative polymerase chain reaction assay who were admitted between 8 March 2020 and 6 May 2020. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results The case fatality rate was 29.1% (122/419). The mean duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization was 5.3 (3.9) days. The incidence of altered mental status on presentation was higher among patients who died than those who survived, 43% vs 20.0%, respectively (P  < .0001). From multivariable analysis, the odds of death increased with age (≥60 years), admission from a nursing facility, Charlson score, altered mental status, higher C-reactive protein on admission, need for mechanical ventilation, presence of shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Conclusions These demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors may help healthcare providers identify Black patients at highest risk for severe COVID-19–associated outcomes. Early and aggressive interventions among this at-risk population may help mitigate adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal anaemia is a relatively rare occurrence, with a varied aetiology. Although it may cause a reduction in fetal activity, or the development of hydrops detected by chance on ultrasound scanning, it may also present with stillbirth, or neonatal anaemia (with or without newborn haemodynamic compromise). Broadly speaking, anaemia is caused by one, or a combination, of the following problems: (i) a failure of red cell production; (ii) accelerated red cell destruction; (iii) loss of red blood cells (bleeding). This is also the case for fetal anaemia. Anaemia caused by an acute loss of blood will be accompanied by hypotension and shock, and a significant risk of sudden death, or critical neurological and visceral ischaemia. Conversely, the chronic development of anaemia in the fetus carries no risk of haemodynamic compromise, but will eventually lead to high output cardiac failure, hypoxia, metabolic acidosis and hydrops. The management of fetal anaemia will be determined by the underlying cause, the severity, and the gestation. A conservative 'wait and see' approach is suitable in select cases, whereas immediate delivery is mandated in others. Intrauterine transfusion is a highly successful treatment, but is not always considered appropriate, carries some degree of risk, and requires subspecialist skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors of urosepsis patients admitted to two intensive care units in Shanghai, China. Methods: Clinical data from patients diagnosed with urosepsis were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed from ICU in two regional medical centers from January 2015 to December 2019. Results: Two hundred two patients were included in the subsequent analysis eventually, with an average age of 72.02 ± 9.66 years, 79.21% of the patients were female and the mortality rate of 15.84%.The proportion of patients with chronic underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension was relatively high (56.44, 49.50%, respectively), and the incidence of shock was also high (41.58%) correspondingly. The most common pathogen isolated was Escherichia coli (79.20%), of which the extended-spectrumβ-lactamases (ESBLs)(+) accounted for 42.57%. In multivariate analysis, the strongest predictors for death were mechanical ventilation (OR 7.260, 95% CI 2.200–23.963; P = 0.001),chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 5.140, 95% CI 1.596–16.550; P = 0.006), APACHE II score (OR 1.321, 95% CI 1.184–1.473; P < 0.001) and lactate (OR 1.258, 95% CI 1.037–1.527; P = 0.020). Both APACHE II score and lactate had the ideal predictive value, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.858 and 0.805 respectively. Conclusion: The patients with urosepsis were characterized by a higher proportion of female, older age, more percentage of comorbidities in this region, and patients with ESBLs (+) Escherichia coli infection were more prone to shock. Mechanical ventilation, comorbidity with CKD, APACHE II score and lactate were independent risk factors for death in urosepsis patient, but lactate level and APACHE II score had better predictive value for prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High levels of arterial oxygen pressures (PaO2) have been associated with increased mortality in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), but there is limited information regarding possible mechanisms linking hyperoxia and death in this setting, notably with respect to its hemodynamic consequences. We aimed therefore at evaluating a possible association between PaO2, circulatory failure and death during ECPR.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 44 consecutive cardiac arrest (CA) patients treated with ECPR to determine the association between the mean PaO2 over the first 24 h, arterial blood pressure, vasopressor and intravenous fluid therapies, mortality, and cause of deaths.Results: Eleven patients (25%) survived to hospital discharge. The main causes of death were refractory circulatory shock (46%) and neurological damage (24%). Compared to survivors, non survivors had significantly higher mean 24 h PaO2 (306 ± 121 mmHg vs 164 ± 53 mmHg, p < 0.001), lower mean blood pressure and higher requirements in vasopressors and fluids, but displayed similar pulse pressure during the first 24 h (an index of native cardiac recovery). The mean 24 h PaO2 was significantly and positively correlated with the severity of hypotension and the intensity of vasoactive therapies. Patients dying from circulatory failure died after a median of 17 h, compared to a median of 58 h for patients dying from a neurological cause. Patients dying from neurological cause had better preserved blood pressure and lower vasopressor requirements.Conclusion: In conclusion, hyperoxia is associated with increased mortality during ECPR, possibly by promoting circulatory collapse or delayed neurological damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary therapy option for refractory cardiac or respiratory failure. Preliminary study suggests that ECMO aids in the recovery of end-organ function by maintaining systemic perfusion. Methods: A retrospective IRB approved database research and chart review was performed on patients initiated on veno-arterial (VA-) ECMO between September 2010 and April 2019. End-organ injury markers were compared between the pre-ECMO period, defined as markers recorded before ECMO initiation, and the pre-decannulation period, defined as markers prior to ECMO decannulation. Data was expressed with mean ± standard deviation, or median [quartile 1, quartile 3] and compared between Pre-ECMO and per-decannulation period. Results: Among the 159 VA-ECMO patients, 100 patients (63%) survived ECMO with mean ECMO duration 10 ± 7 days. Within the survival group, 78 patients (49%) weaned to recovery, and 22 patients (14%) weaned off to durable implantable devices. Compared to the pre-ECMO period, the pre-decannulation period significantly improved in pH (7.23 ± 0.19 vs. 7.40 ± 0.09; p < 0.001) and lactate (5.5 [2.3, 9.0] vs. 1.6 [0.9, 2.3]; p < 0.001), and serum creatinine (1.4 [1.1, 2.1] vs. 1.1 [0.8, 1.7]; p < 0.001). Significant changes were noted in ventilation parameters as well, such as FiO2 (100 [100, 100] vs. 50 [50, 50]; p < 0.001), PaO2 (88 [62, 135], 126 [87, 162]; p < 0.001) and PEEP (8.0 [5.0, 12.0] vs. 5.0 [5.0, 8.0]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Maintaining perfusion with VA-ECMO utilization on indicated patients demonstrated improvements in end-organ functions. Survival rates of VA-ECMO patients were also optimistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: Hemorrhage is a leading cause of early mortality following trauma. A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) to guide resuscitation while bleeding is definitively controlled may improve outcomes. Prompts to initiate massive transfusion (MT) include shock index (SI) and the Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) score. Objective: To compare SI with the ABC score for association with transfusion requirement, need for emergency hemorrhage interventions, and early mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of trauma MTP activations at our Level I trauma center was conducted from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016. The study data were obtained from the Trauma Registry and the blood bank. An SI cutoff of 1.0 was chosen for comparison with the positive ABC score. Results: The study cohort included 146 patients. Shock index ≥ 1 had significant association with MT requirement (p =.002) whereas a positive ABC score did not (p =.65). More patients with SI ≥ 1 required bleeding control interventions (67% surgery, 47% interventional radiology) than patients having a positive ABC score (49% surgery, 29% interventional radiology). For geriatric patients who received MT, 65% had SI ≥ 1 but only 30% had a positive ABC score. Three-hour mortality following emergency department arrival was similar (60% SI ≥ 1, 62% positive ABC score). Conclusion: Shock index ≥ 1 outperformed a positive ABC score for association with MT requirement. Shock index is a simple tool registered nurses can independently utilize to anticipate MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Shock-index (SI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) are metrics for identifying children and adults with hemodynamic instability following injury. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the quality of these metrics as predictors of outcomes following pediatric injury.Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search in Pubmed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL to identify studies describing the association between shock metrics on the morbidity and mortality of injured children and adolescents. We used the data presented in the studies to calculate the sensitivity and specificity for each metric. This study was registered with Prospero, protocol CRD42020162971.Results: Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. seven studies evaluated SI or SIPA score, an age-corrected version of SI, as predictors of outcomes following pediatric trauma, with one study comparing SIPA score and SBP and one study comparing SI and SBP. The remaining eight studies evaluated SBP as the primary indicator of shock. The median sensitivity for predicting mortality and need for blood transfusion was highest for SI, followed by SIPA, and then SBP. The median specificity for predicting these outcomes was highest for SBP, followed by SIPA, and then SI.Conclusions: Common conclusions were that high SIPA scores were more specific than SI and more sensitive than SBP. SIPA score had better discrimination for severely injured children compared to SI and SBP. An elevated SIPA was associated with a greater need for blood transfusion and higher in-hospital mortality. SIPA is specific enough to exclude most patients who do not require a blood transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Despite its increasing use in neonates, the literature on the use of vasopressin (VP) in neonates is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the systemic and pulmonary effects of VP in neonates and to assess its safety among them. Study Design  This retrospective study enrolled all neonates in two level III neonatal intensive care units in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who had received VP therapy between 2011 and 2016. Infants with congenital malformations/chromosomal disorders were excluded. The changes in cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters were collected from patient charts. The primary outcome was the mean blood pressure (MBP) post-VP initiation. Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), pH, urine output, lactate, base deficit (BD), mean airway pressure (MAP), and oxygen requirement. Results  A total of 33 episodes from 26 neonates were analyzed. The postnatal age at VP initiation was 14 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 4–25), and the median starting dose was 0.3 mU/kg/min (IQR: 0.2–0.5). MBP improved significantly after VP initiation from 28 to 39 mm Hg 24 hours after VP initiation (p  < 0.001). Similar changes are observed with SBP and DBP. VIS declined from 15 to 6 at 24 hours, while pH, lactate, BD, and oxygen requirement improved significantly. While urine output marginally improved, there were no changes to MAP 24 hours post-VP initiation. Hyponatremia was observed in 21 episodes (64%) and severe hyponatremia in 7 episodes (33%). Conclusion  VP appears to be a promising rescue therapy in catecholamine resistant shock or refractory pulmonary hypertension in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late‐onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is a serious complication in preterm infants and is increasing in Japan. The underlying pathophysiology is thought to be relative adrenal insufficiency and it is more likely to develop at a young gestational age (GA) and in low birthweight (BW) infants. BW to placental weight ratio (BPR) is an index of pregnancy outcomes and early neonatal morbidity. We aimed to analyze the relationship between LCC and potential predicting factors including BPR. Methods: This retrospective study included 261 singletons born before 32 weeks of gestation between 2007 and 2017. Perinatal data, including the placental weight and BPR, were collected from medical records and were assessed for their relationship with LCC. Propensity score analysis was performed and matched factors were GA and BW. Results: Sixty‐seven infants (25.7%) had LCC (median GA 27.4 weeks). GA and BW differed significantly between the LCC and non‐LCC groups (P < 0.001, respectively). The placental weight and BPR of the LCC group were significantly lower than those of the non‐LCC group, while Z‐score of BPR did not differ significantly between the groups. After propensity score matching, there was a significant difference in the incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (grades III–IV; P = 0.042), but no differences in BPR and Z‐score of BPR between the groups. Conclusion: In the propensity score analysis matched for GA and BW, there was no significant difference in perinatal factors including BPR between the LCC and non‐LCC groups, except for incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the fears associated with contracting COVID-19, the pandemic has forced families across the United States to quickly transition to new patterns of living. These transitions present new stressors, including health-related concerns, new demands placed on families by lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, and the possibility of losing a job or inability to pay bills. Such stressors have the potential to disrupt collaboration between coparents in addition to basic family functioning. Drawing upon a family systems perspective, the current study thus sought to examine links between COVID-19–related stressors and family cohesion through coparental functioning. A total of 1,003 parent/caregivers (97% from the United States; 82% Caucasian, 74% female; M = 40.9 years old, SD = 8.5; Mincome = $83,631, SDincome = $36,320) of school-age children completed an initial online survey from the end of March to the end of April of 2020. Of the initial sample, a total of 685 parents/caregivers completed weekly diaries for a month. Based on multilevel modeling, results suggested that, at the between-family level, coparental conflict mediated the impact of the stress of parenting/work demands and financial stress on family cohesion. At the within-family level, weekly spikes in health-related stress were associated with corresponding spikes in coparental conflict, which, in turn, were associated with drops in family cohesion. Results from the current study suggest that beyond the fears associated with contracting the COVID-19 virus, other key stressors associated with the emerging pandemic played a role in increasing coparental conflict, ultimately exacerbating family functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study sought to recognize differences in clinical disease manifestations of spondylodiscitis depending on the causative bacterial species. Methods: We performed an evaluation of all spondylodiscitis cases in our clinic from 2013–2018. 211 patients were included, in whom a causative bacterial pathogen was identified in 80.6% (170/211). We collected the following data; disease complications, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, abscess occurrence, localization of the infection (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, disseminated), length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality rates depending on the causative bacterial species. Differences between bacterial detection in blood culture and intraoperative samples were also recorded. Results: The detection rate of bacterial pathogens through intraoperative sampling was 66.3% and could be increased by the results of the blood cultures to a total of 80.6% (n = 170/211). S. aureus was the most frequently detected pathogen in blood culture and intraoperative specimens and and was isolated in a higher percentage cervically than in other locations of the spine. Bacteremic S. aureus infections were associated with an increased mortality (31.4% vs. overall mortality of 13.7%, p = 0.001), more frequently developing complications, such as shock, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction. Comorbidities, abscesses, length of stay, sex, and laboratory parameters all showed no differences depending on the bacterial species. Conclusion: Blood culture significantly improved the diagnostic yield, thus underscoring the need for a structured diagnostic approach. MSSA spondylodiscitis was associated with increased mortality and a higher incidence of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program study aiming to understand the potential risks associated with virtual care for children. It discusses two cases that highlight adverse events possibly related to virtual care and emphasizes the need to assess the burden and nature of these events.

Sengstaken–Blakemore tubes (SBTs) are rarely used in Australia, because of improved access to endoscopy and interventional radiology, as well as overall lower rate of variceal haemorrhage from improvements in primary prophylaxis. SBT's use is associated with significant rate of serious complications, such as oesophageal perforation, mucosal necrosis, aspiration pneumonia and respiratory compromise secondary to external compression of the trachea. As such, SBT is currently only recommended for use in life‐threatening variceal haemorrhage, where endoscopic, embolization and pharmacologic therapy have been unsuccessful or are unavailable. No data exist for its use in Australasia but one area that it could be indicated is for hemodynamically unstable patients in remote setting, where long transfer times often means delayed access to endoscopy. We present a case of SBT insertion in retrieval medicine and discuss placement in the management of an unstable upper gastrointestinal bleed, complicating factors such as lack of radiology to confirm balloon position, the impact of flight altitude on balloon pressures, the maintenance of traction in flight and logistics of long flight times across the state of Queensland. This is the first case report of SBT use in the Australian aeromedical environment. It is also the first one where SBT has been used for duodenal bleeding, although the source of bleeding was unknown prior to insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug Use, Shock, and Hyperkalemia (BRASH) syndrome is a clinical condition frequently seen in emergency services but with low diagnostic awareness. In cases of the syndrome, its cause was determined to be the synergistic effect of hyperkalemia due to renal failure and the use of AV nodal blocker drugs. The common features of patients diagnosed with BRASH syndrome are moderately elevated potassium levels and symptomatic bradycardia with various ECG findings (such as junctional bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and sinus bradycardia). Detection of these findings is very important in the diagnosis process. In this case report, we aimed to reveal the important points in the diagnosis of BRASH syndrome, ECG findings, and treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 30-year-old Caucasian female with with past medical history of multifocal ectopic Purkinje related premature contractions syndrome. Topics include presence of scar on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) receiving a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD); and S-ICD constituting a novel approach for prevention of SCD resulting from ventricular arrhythmias in selected patients.

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]

Background: Circulatory failure frequently occurs after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and is part of post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). The aim of this study was to investigate circulatory disturbances in PCAS by assessing the circulatory trajectory during treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This was a prospective single-center observational cohort study of patients after OHCA. Circulation was continuously and invasively monitored from the time of admission through the following five days. Every hour, patients were classified into one of three predefined circulatory states, yielding a longitudinal sequence of states for each patient. We used sequence analysis to describe the overall circulatory development and to identify clusters of patients with similar circulatory trajectories. We used ordered logistic regression to identify predictors for cluster membership. Results: Among 71 patients admitted to the ICU after OHCA during the study period, 50 were included in the study. The overall circulatory development after OHCA was two-phased. Low cardiac output (CO) and high systemic vascular resistance (SVR) characterized the initial phase, whereas high CO and low SVR characterized the later phase. Most patients were stabilized with respect to circulatory state within 72 h after cardiac arrest. We identified four clusters of circulatory trajectories. Initial shockable cardiac rhythm was associated with a favorable circulatory trajectory, whereas low base excess at admission was associated with an unfavorable circulatory trajectory. Conclusion: Circulatory failure after OHCA exhibits time-dependent characteristics. We identified four distinct circulatory trajectories and their characteristics. These findings may guide clinical support for circulatory failure after OHCA. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02648061 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the shock index (SI) (heart rate/systolic blood pressure) and heart rate (HR) are a helpful indicator in the management of postpartum blood loss, there are few reports of SI in pregnant women complicated with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). The purpose of this study was to examine whether SI and HR would be a clinically helpful indicator, and to detect the cutoff value for judging abnormal obstetric bleeding. Methods: This was a retrospective case–control study in 107 patients with HDP in a singleton tertiary perinatal medical facility. The values of postpartum highest SI (peak SI) and highest HR (peak HR), and the amount of bleeding until peak SI and peak HR were retrospectively examined and analyzed. We used the receiver operating characteristic analysis to assess the diagnostic value of peak SI and peak HR for judging abnormal obstetric bleeding. Results: Peak SI and peak HR were significantly related to the amount of bleeding up to peak SI and up to peak HR. The cutoff values of peak SI with blood loss volumes above 500 ml, 1000 ml, and 1500 ml were 0.77, 0.76, and 0.99, respectively. The cutoff values of peak HR with blood loss volumes above 500 ml, 1000 ml, and 1500 ml were 97, 98, and 103, respectively. Conclusion: In cases of pregnant women complicated with HDP, both SI and HR were probably useful indicators in the management of postpartum blood loss. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambulatory electroencephalogram (AEEG) can be a cost-effective and valuable alternative to in-patient long-term EEG monitoring. A potential benefit of AEEG is that it allows monitoring in the patient's unique home environment. While this can be more affordable and convenient for the patient, it can also present unique challenges for the reviewer. Unlike long-term monitoring in an epilepsy unit, the AEEG recording occurs in a less controlled environment and most often without immediate EEG technical assistance during the recording. As a result, unique EEG artifacts can occur with AEEG. Their recognition and correct interpretation are crucial for proper EEG analysis. This report presents a case of a patient who underwent a 72-hour AEEG to evaluate symptoms initially concerning for subclinical seizures. During the AEEG recording, the patient had a tactile encounter with an electric fence. This tactile event resulted in a unique, not previously reported, pattern clouding an otherwise normal study. By conducting a brief review of the most common non-physiologic environmental artifacts encountered in modern EEG monitoring, we aim to emphasize the importance of patient education to prevent artifactual pollution. This knowledge can facilitate planning and help avoid environmental influences that may create artifacts when recording in an uncontrolled setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effect from individual component in combinations of steroid, ascorbic acid, and thiamine on outcomes in adults with sepsis and septic shock with component network meta-analysis (NMA). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1980 to March 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) that studied the use of glucocorticoid, fludrocortisone, ascorbic acid, and thiamine in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Citations screening, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two authors. The primary outcome was short-term mortality. Secondary outcomes were longer-term mortality, time to resolution of shock and duration of mechanical ventilation. Thirty-three RCTs including 9898 patients presented on short-term mortality. In additive component NMA, patients on ascorbic acid alone (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.97) or the combination of glucocorticoid and fludrocortisone (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.99) had lower short-term mortality, but only the latter was associated with improved long-term mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.98). The use of glucocorticoid or the combination of glucocorticoid, ascorbic acid and thiamine hastened resolution of shock. Component NMA showed glucocorticoid (MD − 0.96, 95% CI − 1.61 to − 0.30) but not ascorbic acid or thiamine shortened the time to resolution of shock. Glucocorticoid shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD − 1.48, 95% CI − 2.43 to − 0.52). In adults with sepsis and septic shock, the combination of glucocorticoid and fludrocortisone improved short-term and longer-term mortality. Glucocorticoid shortened the time to resolution of shock and duration of mechanical ventilation. There was no strong evidence supporting the routine use of thiamine and ascorbic acid, but they were associated with minimal adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysms though uncommon can result in life-threatening spontaneous acute gastrointestinal or intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Celiac artery pseudoaneurysm in a background of chronic pancreatitis is a very rare event. Digital Subtraction Angiography is an important adjunct in the diagnosis and follow-up with the advantage of providing therapeutic options along with giving other details regarding the site, size, and flow characteristics. It has replaced emergency surgical procedures with the added advantage of fewer postoperative complications and lower morbidity and mortality. An urgent surgical intervention remains the only option when such endovascular management fails, not feasible, or is unavailable. Surgical options include proximal arterial ligation or a pancreatic resection, depending on the location of the pseudoaneurysm. We report a case of a 35-year-old gentleman, a known patient of chronic pancreatitis, who presented to our emergency with clinical features of hypovolemic shock and was diagnosed to have celiac artery pseudoaneurysm. Following a failed endovascular coiling, he was successfully managed with operative celiac artery ligation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Chest compressions delivered by a load distributing band (LDB) induce artefacts in the electrocardiogram. These artefacts alter shock decisions in defibrillators. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the first reliable shock decision algorithm during LDB compressions.Methods: The study dataset comprised 5813 electrocardiogram segments from 896 cardiac arrest patients during LDB compressions. Electrocardiogram segments were annotated by consensus as shockable (1154, 303 patients) or nonshockable (4659, 841 patients). Segments during asystole were used to characterize the LDB artefact and to compare its characteristics to those of manual artefacts from other datasets. LDB artefacts were removed using adaptive filters. A machine learning algorithm was designed for the shock decision after filtering, and its performance was compared to that of a commercial defibrillator's algorithm.Results: Median (90% confidence interval) compression frequencies were lower and more stable for the LDB than for the manual artefact, 80 min-1 (79.9-82.9) vs. 104.4 min-1 (48.5-114.0). The amplitude and waveform regularity (Pearson's correlation coefficient) were larger for the LDB artefact, with 5.5 mV (0.8-23.4) vs. 0.5 mV (0.1-2.2) (p < 0.001) and 0.99 (0.78-1.0) vs. 0.88 (0.55-0.98) (p < 0.001). The shock decision accuracy was significantly higher for the machine learning algorithm than for the defibrillator algorithm, with sensitivity/specificity pairs of 92.1/96.8% (machine learning) vs. 91.4/87.1% (defibrillator) (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Compared to other cardiopulmonary resuscitation artefacts, removing the LDB artefact was challenging due to larger amplitudes and lower compression frequencies. The machine learning algorithm achieved clinically reliable shock decisions during LDB compressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge of resistance patterns is essential to choose empirical treatment. We aimed to determine the risk factors for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARM) in intraabdominal infections (IAI) and their impact on mortality. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with bacteremia from IAI origin in a single hospital between January 2006 and July 2017. Results: A total of 1485 episodes were recorded, including 381 (25.6%) due to ARM. Independent predictors of ARM were cirrhosis (OR 2; [95% CI 1.15–3.48]), immunosuppression (OR 1.49; 1.12–1.97), prior ceftazidime exposure (OR 3.7; 1.14–11.9), number of prior antibiotics (OR 2.33; 1.61–3.35 for 1 antibiotic), biliary manipulation (OR 1.53; 1.02–2.96), hospital-acquisition (OR 2.77; 1.89–4) and shock (OR 1.48; 1.07–2). Mortality rate of the whole cohort was 11.1%. Age (OR 1.03; 1.01–1.04), cirrhosis (OR 2.32; 1.07–4.38), urinary catheter (OR 1.99; 1.17–3.38), ultimately (OR 2.28; 1.47–3.51) or rapidly (OR 13.3; 7.12–24.9) fatal underlying disease, nosocomial infection (OR 2.76; 1.6–4.75), peritonitis (OR 1.95, 1.1–3.45), absence of fever (OR 2.17; 1.25–3.77), shock (OR 5.96; 3.89–9.13), and an ARM in non-biliary infections (OR 2.14; 1.19–3.83) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Source control (OR 0.24; 0.13–0.44) and 2015–2017 period (OR 0.29; 0.14–0.6) were protective. Conclusion: Biliary manipulation and septic shock are predictors of ARM. The presence of an ARM from a non-biliary focus is a poor-prognosis indicator. Source control continues to be of paramount importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are known to be characterized by an endothelial cell dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship are, however, poorly understood. In this work, we aimed to investigate human circulating IFN-α in patients with septic shock-induced DIC and tested the potential role of endothelial Stat1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) as a therapeutic target in a mouse model of sepsis. For this, circulating type I, type II, and type III IFNs and procoagulant microvesicles were quantified in a prospective cohort of patients with septic shock. Next, we used a septic shock model induced by cecal ligation and puncture in wild-type mice, in Ifnar1 (type I IFN receptor subunit 1)-knockout mice, and in Stat1 conditional knockout mice. In human samples, we observed higher concentrations of circulating IFN-α and IFN-α1 in patients with DIC compared with patients without DIC, whereas concentrations of IFN-β, IFN-γ, IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2, and IFN-λ3 were not different. IFN-α concentration was positively correlated with CD105 microvesicle concentrations, reflecting endothelial injury. In Ifnar1-/- mice, cecal ligation and puncture did not induce septic shock and was characterized by lesser endothelial cell injury, with lower aortic inflammatory cytokine expression, endothelial inflammatory-related gene expression, and fibrinolysis. In mice in which Stat1 was specifically ablated in endothelial cells, a marked protection against sepsis was also observed, suggesting the relevance of an endothelium-targeted strategy. Our work highlights the key roles of type I IFNs as pathogenic players in septic shock-induced DIC and the potential pertinence of endothelial STAT1 as a therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shock is the leading cause of death in multi-trauma patients and must be detected at an early stage to improve prognosis. Many parameters are used to predict clinical condition and outcome in trauma. Computed tomography (CT) signs of hypovolemic shock in trauma patients are not clear yet, requiring further research. The flatness index of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a helpful method for this purpose.Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study which included adult multi-trauma patients (>18 years) who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) and underwent a thoraco-abdominal CT from 2017 through 2018. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the flatness index of IVC can be used to determine the hypovolemic shock at an early stage in multi-trauma patients, and to establish its relations with shock parameters. The patients' demographic features, trauma mechanisms, vitals, laboratory values, shock parameters, and clinical outcome within 24 hours of admission were recorded.Results: Total of 327 (229 males with an average age of 40.9 [SD = 7.93]) patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the flatness index of IVC within genders (P = .134) and trauma mechanisms (P = .701); however, the flatness index of IVC was significantly higher in hypotensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≤90 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≤60 mmHg; P = .015 and P = .019), tachycardic (P = .049), and hypoxic (SpO2 ≤%94; P <.001) patients. The flatness index of IVC was also higher in patients with lactate ≥ 2mmol/l (P = .043) and patients with Class III hemorrhage (P = .003). A positive correlation was determined between lactate level and the flatness index of IVC; a negative correlation was found between Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Revised Trauma Score (RTS) with the flatness index of IVC (for each of them, P <.05).Conclusion: The flatness index of IVC may be a useful method to determine the hypovolemic shock at an early stage in multi-trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with cirrhosis have immune dysfunction, altered inflammatory response, and hemodynamic changes which increase risk of septic shock and potentially prolong management with fluids, vasopressors, and other therapies. Due to limited available guidance, this study aimed to characterize vasopressor use in patients with cirrhosis in relation to patients without cirrhosis in septic shock. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort analysis of 122 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic medical center from January 2015 to November 2017. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of cirrhosis and matched based on severity of illness scoring. The primary outcome was vasopressor duration. Secondary comparisons included total vasopressor requirement, length of hospital and ICU stay, in-hospital mortality, change in organ function, and discharge disposition. Results: The group with cirrhosis had significantly longer median (interquartile range [IQR]) durations of vasopressor therapy compared with the group without cirrhosis (86.0 [42.0-164.5] vs 39.0 [14.5-82.0] hours; P = 0.003) leading to increased median (IQR) vasopressor exposure (71.7 [15.5-239.5] vs 24.7 [5.3-77.9] mg norepinephrine [NE] equivalents; P = 0.003). No difference was found in in-hospital mortality between groups. However, regression analysis showed vasopressor exposure was associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusion and Relevance: Patients with cirrhosis in septic shock have increased vasopressor durations and overall requirements compared with patients without cirrhosis. Increased durations and requirements is associated with poorer outcomes independent of presence of cirrhosis. Future studies are needed to improve vasopressor treatment strategies and end points utilized in cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Evidence on risk for adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among pregnant women is still emerging. We examined the association between COVID-19 at delivery and adverse pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and severe illness, and whether these associations differ by race/ethnicity, and describe discharge status by COVID-19 diagnosis and maternal complications. Methods Data from 703 hospitals in the Premier Healthcare Database during March–September 2020 were included. Adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) overall and stratified by race/ethnicity were estimated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Proportion not discharged home was calculated by maternal complications, stratified by COVID-19 diagnosis. Results Among 489 471 delivery hospitalizations, 6550 (1.3%) had a COVID-19 diagnosis. In adjusted models, COVID-19 was associated with increased risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (aRR, 34.4), death (aRR, 17.0), sepsis (aRR, 13.6), mechanical ventilation (aRR, 12.7), shock (aRR, 5.1), intensive care unit admission (aRR, 3.6), acute renal failure (aRR, 3.5), thromboembolic disease (aRR, 2.7), adverse cardiac event/outcome (aRR, 2.2), and preterm labor with preterm delivery (aRR, 1.2). Risk for any maternal complications or for any severe illness did not significantly differ by race/ethnicity. Discharge status did not differ by COVID-19; however, among women with concurrent maternal complications, a greater proportion of those with (vs without) COVID-19 were not discharged home. Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of implementing recommended prevention strategies to reduce risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and further inform counseling and clinical care for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we describe the case of a 5-year-old male with SARS-CoV-2 associated MIS-C with progressive respiratory failure and vasoplegic shock requiring extracorporeal support. At presentation, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 was negative, however, SARS-CoV2 antibody testing was positive. Multiple inflammatory markers and cardiac biomarkers were elevated. Echocardiogram demonstrated mildly depressed left ventricular function and no coronary anomalies noted. The patient required mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and eventually extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for profound circulatory shock and progressive respiratory failure. During his clinical course, recovery of cardiac function was demonstrated however, a middle cerebral artery infarct and left frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage was suffered which ultimately the patient succumbed to. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest previously healthy child who had multi-system hyperinflammatory syndrome requiring ECMO support and the first case of SARS-CoV-2 related pediatric stroke. Clinical Trial Registration: None [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  This study aims to characterize the experience of prognostic uncertainty for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents. Study Design  We conducted a qualitative interview study of current and former NICU parents regarding their experience with prognostic uncertainty in the NICU. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a grounded theory methodology. Results  Twenty-four parents were interviewed before achieving thematic saturation. Three phases of the parental experience of prognostic uncertainty emerged: shock, gray daze, and looking forward. These phases often, but not always, occurred sequentially. In shock, parents felt overwhelmed by uncertainty and were unable to visualize a future for their family. In gray daze, parents felt frustrated by the continued uncertainty. While accepting the possibility of a future for their family, they could not conceptualize a path by which to achieve it. In looking forward, parents accepted uncertainty as inevitable and incorporated it into their vision of the future. Conclusion  While each parent experienced the prognostic uncertainty in the neonatal intensive care unit in their own way, we found three common experiential phases. By understanding how a parent experiences prognostic uncertainty in these phases, providers may become better able to communicate and form therapeutic relationships with parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To To determine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing open surgical repairmen of abdominal aortic aneurisms (AAA), infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurisms (IAA) and pararenal abdominal aortic aneurisms (PAA). Methods: A case series involving the review of 75 patient records with AAA, 55 with IAA and 20 with PAA over a period of 5 years. Results: No intraoperatory mortality was detected in the 56 cases of elective surgeries for AAA, IAA and PAA. In cases of rupture AAA, the intraoperatory mortality was 31.6% (3/10 IAA and 3/9 PAA). Transient renal dysfunction KDIGO stage I in 14% of IAA and 33% of PAA. There was a need for re interventions in 9% all of them successful (4% early and 5% late). Conclusions: Elective open surgical repairmen of AAA, IAA and PAA can be performed at low intraoperatory risk for both morbidity and need for re intervention. In patients with rupture AAA, shock was associated with intraoperatory mortality. These results are similar to those reported from foreign specialized centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractory distributive shock is associated with excessive mortality in critically ill patients. Non-adrenergic vasopressors, including methylene blue, are often considered as an adjuvant therapy to the usual, catecholamine-based vasopressor treatment. In this narrative review we summarize the current scientific evidence on the use of methylene blue in the treatment of refractory distributive shock in different clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Emergency & Intensive Care Medicine / Çocuk Acil ve Voğun Bakım Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery / Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. Cholera is gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio cholerae. It presents with vomiting, severe secretory diarrhoea, and dehydration. It can cause severe complications with severe electrolyte imbalances and oligoanuric acute kidney injury due to acute tubular necrosis secondary to dehydration or infection itself. However, cholera presenting with significant proteinuria and acute kidney injury has not been reported. Hence, this study was conducted. Aims and Objectives. This aim of this study was to assess clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of AKI in cholera patients; to correlate proteinuria with AKI in cholera patients; and to compare cholera patients with normal kidney function and those with AKI. Material and Methods. It was a retrospective observational study involving patients with cholera. Information regarding cholera patients with acute kidney injury, proteinuria, and prognosis were collected. Results. Most of the patients had significant vomiting, moderate-to-severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and hypovolaemic shock. Cholera caused severe complications such as severe electrolyte imbalances including hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia, acute kidney injury, and proteinuria secondary to dehydration or infection. A surprising finding noted was the lack of significant association between the onset of acute kidney injury and usual risk factors such as hypovolaemic shock and dehydration. It was found that proteinuria had influenced the onset of acute kidney injury, but it did not influence recovery. As there was complete recovery in kidney function, none of the cases required kidney biopsy. There was no mortality noted. Conclusions. This study points towards the rare occurrence of proteinuria and acute kidney injury in Vibrio cholerae infection with spontaneous remission of kidney disease with appropriate therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tidal volume challenge pulse pressure variation (TVC-PPV) is considered one of the recent reliable dynamic indices of fluid responsiveness (FR); also, passive leg raising (PLR)-induced changes in cardiac output (CO) detected by echocardiography are considered a reliable reversible self-fluid challenge test; many patients share eligibility for both tests. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of both tests for the prediction of FR in mechanically ventilated patients with hemodynamic instability. Methods: We studied 46 patients. Hemodynamic parameters including PPV and CO (detected by velocity time integral (VTI) using echocardiography) recorded at tidal volume (VT) of 6 mL/kg/ideal body weight (IBW) in semi-recumbent position then recorded again after one-minute increase in TV from 6 to 8 mL/kg/IBW then recorded with PLR at TV of 6 mL/kg/IBW and finally with actual volume expansion in semi-recumbent position by 4 ml/kg bolus of crystalloid solution to define actual responders with increase of cardiac output of 15% or more. Results: Sixteen patients were responders, and thirty patients were nonresponders; responders had significant increase in PPV with TVC 6 to 8 ml/kg/IBW with best cutoff value of 3.5 with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 93.9%. PLR test-induced changes in CO had a sensitivity of 93.9% and a specificity of 86.7% with statistically best cutoff value of 6.5% increase in CO, but sensitivity was 75% at cutoff value of 10% increase in CO. Other parameters like PPV, PPV changes with PLR test, and PPV changes with fluid expansion were less sensitive indicators. Conclusion: FR in patients with hemodynamic instability and mechanically ventilated with low tidal volume strategy can be efficiently predicted when PPV increases more than 3.5 with tidal volume challenge and when PLR induces 6.5% increase in CO monitored through VTI method by Doppler echocardiography, and both tests are equally reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S‐ICDs) avoid complications secondary to transvenous leads, but inappropriate shocks (ISs) are frequent. Furthermore, IS data from patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) with an S‐ICD are scarce. Objective: We aimed to establish the frequency and predictors of IS in this population. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics, automated screening test data, device programming, and IS occurrence in adult patients with BrS with an S‐ICD. Results: Thirty‐nine patients were enrolled (69% male, mean age at diagnosis 46 ± 13 years, mean age at implantation 48 ± 13 years). During a mean follow‐up of 26 ± 21 months, 18% patients experienced IS. Patients with IS were younger at the time of diagnosis (36 ± 8 vs. 48 ± 13 years, p =.018) and S‐ICD implantation (38 ± 9 vs. 50 ± 23 years, p =.019) and presented with spontaneous type 1 Brugada electrocardiogram pattern more frequently at diagnosis or during follow‐up (71% vs. 25%, p =.018). During automated screening tests, patients with IS showed lower QRS voltage in the primary vector in the supine position (0.58 ± 0.26 vs. 1.10 ± 0.35 mV, p =.011) and lower defibrillator automated screening score in the primary vector in the supine (123 ± 165 vs. 554 ± 390 mV, p =.005) and standing (162 ± 179 vs. 486 ± 388 mV, p =.038) positions. Age at diagnosis was the only independent predictor of IS (hazard ratio = 0.873, 95% confidence interval: 0.767–0.992, p =.037). Conclusion: IS was a frequent complication in patients with BrS with an S‐ICD. Younger age was independently associated with IS. A more thorough screening process might help prevent IS in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Centhaquine (Lyfaquin®) showed significant safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical phase I and II studies. Methods: A prospective, multicentric, randomized phase III study was conducted in patients with hypovolemic shock, systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 90 mmHg, and blood lactate levels ≥ 2 mmol/L. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the centhaquine group (n = 71) or the control (saline) group (n = 34). Every patient received standard of care (SOC) and was followed for 28 days. The study drug (normal saline or centhaquine 0.01 mg/kg) was administered in 100 mL of normal saline infusion over 1 h. The primary objectives were to determine changes (mean through 48 h) in SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), blood lactate levels, and base deficit. The secondary objectives included the amount of fluids, blood products, and vasopressors administered in the first 48 h, duration of hospital stay, time in intensive care units, time on ventilator support, change in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and the proportion of patients with 28-day all-cause mortality. Results: The demographics of patients and baseline vitals in both groups were comparable. The cause of hypovolemic shock was trauma in 29.4 and 47.1% of control group and centhaquine group patients, respectively, and gastroenteritis in 44.1 and 29.4%, respectively. Shock index (SI) and quick sequential organ failure assessment at baseline were similar in the two groups. An equal amount of fluids and blood products were administered in both groups during the first 48 h of resuscitation. A lesser amount of vasopressors was needed in the first 48 h of resuscitation in the centhaquine group. An increase in SBP from baseline was consistently higher up to 48 h (12.9% increase in area under the curve from 0 to 48 h [AUC0–48]) in the centhaquine group than in the control group. A significant increase in pulse pressure (48.1% increase in AUC0–48) in the centhaquine group compared with the control group suggests improved stroke volume due to centhaquine. The SI was significantly lower in the centhaquine group from 1 h (p = 0.032) to 4 h (p = 0.049) of resuscitation. Resuscitation with centhaquine resulted in a significantly greater number of patients with improved blood lactate (control 46.9%; centhaquine 69.3%; p = 0.03) and the base deficit (control 43.7%; centhaquine 69.8%; p = 0.01) than in the control group. ARDS and MODS improved with centhaquine, and an 8.8% absolute reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality was observed in the centhaquine group. Conclusion: Centhaquine is an efficacious resuscitative agent for treating hypovolemic shock. The efficacy of centhaquine in distributive shock is being explored. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry, India; ctri.icmr.org.in, CTRI/2019/01/017196; clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04045327. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with obesity are at higher risk for community-acquired and nosocomial infections. However, no study has specifically evaluated the relationship between obesity and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Research Question: Is obesity associated with an increased incidence of VAP?Study Design and Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of the Impact of Early Enteral vs Parenteral Nutrition on Mortality in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation and Catecholamines (NUTRIREA2) open-label, randomized controlled trial performed in 44 French ICUs. Adults receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support for shock and parenteral nutrition or enteral nutrition were included. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 at ICU admission. VAP diagnosis was adjudicated by an independent blinded committee, based on all available clinical, radiologic, and microbiologic data. Only first VAP episodes were taken into account. Incidence of VAP was analyzed by using the Fine and Gray model, with extubation and death as competing risks.Results: A total of 699 (30%) of the 2,325 included patients had obesity; 224 first VAP episodes were diagnosed (60 and 164 in obese and nonobese groups, respectively). The incidence of VAP at day 28 was 8.6% vs 10.1% in the two groups (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI 0.63-1.14; P = .26). After adjustment on sex, McCabe score, age, antiulcer treatment, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment at randomization, the incidence of VAP remained nonsignificant between obese and nonobese patients (hazard ratio, 0.893; 95% CI, 0.66-1.2; P = .46). Although no significant difference was found in duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay, 90-day mortality was significantly lower in obese than in nonobese patients (272 of 692 [39.3%] patients vs 718 of 1,605 [44.7%]; P = .02). In a subgroup of patients (n = 123) with available pepsin and alpha-amylase measurements, no significant difference was found in rate of abundant microaspiration of gastric contents, or oropharyngeal secretions between obese and nonobese patients.Interpretation: Our results suggest that obesity has no significant impact on the incidence of VAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]