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Abstract: We report a case of spontaneous hepatic rupture secondary to HELLP syndrome. A favourable evolution was observed after massive transfusion and surgical management limited to hepatic packing. Subcapsular hepatic haematoma is a rare complication of preeclampsia occurring mainly in the context of HELLP syndrome. A high maternal and foetal mortality is observed. Different therapeutic options are presented including medical, surgical and radiological interventions. A unique strategy cannot be defined. Multidisciplinary approach seems mandatory. Surgery should remain as less aggressive as possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Analgesia after pharyngolaryngeal surgery is commonly provided through the i.v. route. The aim of the study was to compare cervical epidural administration of fentanyl with the i.v. route for postoperative analgesia after pharyngolaryngeal surgery., Methods: In a randomized double-blind study 42 patients received fentanyl via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) either through the i.v. route (PCA-IV group, n=22) or through the cervical epidural route (PCA-Epid group, n=20). Identical PCA settings were used in the two groups (bolus dose: 1.5 microg kg(-1), bolus: 25 microg, lockout interval: 10 min, maximum cumulative dose: 400 microg per 4 h). Analgesia at rest and during swallowing was evaluated using a visual analogue scale., Results: Analgesia at rest was better in the PCA-Epid group than in the PCA-IV group but only 2 and 6 h after surgery (P<0.02). There was no difference in analgesia during swallowing. Cumulative doses of fentanyl were similar {PCA-Epid group: 1412 microg (912), PCA-IV group: 1287 microg (1200) [median (IQR)]}. The Pa(o(2)) showed a significant decrease between the preoperative and postoperative period, but this decrease was identical in the two groups [PCA-IV-group: 11.47 (2.4) kPa vs 8.27 (0.9) kPa; PCA-Epid group: 11.33 (1.9) kPa vs 9.20 (2.4) kPa for preoperative and postoperative period respectively]., Conclusions: The study results show that cervical epidural analgesia provides marginally better pain relief at rest with no decrease in the fentanyl consumption. The use of the cervical epidural administration of fentanyl is questionable because of the possible complications of the technique.

A massive release of troponin Ic and CKMB was described in a patient during septic shock. According to experimental animal models previously described, this release of biological markers by myocardial tissue could be due to an inflammatory process of myocardial tissue during septic shock without myocardial infarction in non cardiac critically ill patients.

Objective: To investigate the respective contribution of endogenous and exogenous transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the colonization of lungs in the mechanically ventilated patient, to estimate the role of P. aeruginosa colonization in the occurrence of severe infections, and to extrapolate appropriate control measures for the prevention of P. aeruginosa ventilator-associated pneumonia., Design: Prospective study of the presence of P. aeruginosa (in stomach fluid, throat specimens, stool, and sputum) on admission, twice a week throughout the patient's stay, and in their environment. O-serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and arbitrarily-primed polymerase chain reaction were used to characterize the strains., Setting: The two intensive care units (ICUs 1 and 2) of a university hospital., Patients: During a 6-month period, 59 patients were included (21 in ICU 1 and 38 in ICU 2)., Results: P. aeruginosa was isolated in 26 patients, including ten pneumonia cases and seven colonizations on admission. The incidence of acquired colonization was statistically different between the two ICUs: 5.5 and 20.5 per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation, in ICUs 1 and 2, respectively. Endogenous acquisition was the main origin of P. aeruginosa colonization (21 of 26 patients) and the upper respiratory tract was the main bacterial reservoir in broncho-pulmonary colonization and infection. However, during the 6-month period of the study, a multidrug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa O:11, isolated in the sink of the room of 12 patients, was found responsible for two colonizations (1 digestive, 1 throat/lungs) and one pneumonia. As a whole, from 26 cases of colonization/infection with P. aeruginosa, 5 were related to an exogenous contamination (environmental reservoir in 4 patients and cross-contamination in one patient)., Conclusions: These results emphasize the need for applying various infection control measures to prevent colonization of patients with P. aeruginosa, including strategies to limit the potential of sinks from acting as a source or reservoir for this bacterium.

Objectives: To assess the respective value of ultrasonography (US) and morphine cholescintigraphy (MC) in the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC)., Design and Setting: Prospective study in an intensive care unit of a university hospital., Patients and Intervention: Twenty-eight patients with clinically and biologically suspected of AAC. US was performed at the bedside and less than 12 h later MC. US was considered positive if three major criteria were present: wall thickness greater than 4 mm, hydrops, sludge; MC results were regarded as positive if the gallbladder could not be visualized. These latter patients underwent cholecystectomy and the diagnosis of AAC was confirmed through histopathological study., Measurements and Main Results: Sensitivity of US and MC, respectively, was 50% and 67%, specificity 94% and 100%, positive predictive value 86% and 100%, negative predictive value 71% and 80%, and accuracy 75% and 86%. The correlation between US and MC findings was 71%, with chi = 0.31. By Bayesian analysis the probability of disease if the MC finding was positive was 100% regardless of US results. A positive US finding was associated with a 86% probability of disease, but with a probability of only 66% in case of negative MC results. MC is thus superior to US for confirming AAC in selected critically ill patients. Nevertheless, US is an easy, noninvasive, and effective method of bedside screening. The combination of the two imaging tests improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces false-positive and false-negative rates. Poor agreement between the two tests leads to better diagnostic complementarity.

Thirty-two intensive care unit patients (78% on long-term total parenteral nutrition) suspected of having acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) were studied prospectively. All of these patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography and cholescintigraphy with technetium-99m mebrofenin. Morphine sulphate (0.04 mg/kg) was administered only if the gallbladder was not visualised after 1 h (16 patients). The final diagnosis was reached after clinical improvement, or upon the discovery of another aetiology for the symptoms presented, or on the basis of histopathology following cholecystectomy (when this was performed). We analysed the contribution of individual cholescintigraphic findings (I: non-visualisation of the gallbladder during the first 60 min of the examination; II: persistent non-visualisation of the gallbladder 30 min following morphine administration; III: non-visualisation of the small bowel for at least 90 min) and their various combinations. We obtained a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity rate 100% using the interpretative criteria "I and II or III". Excluding obstructive syndrome ("I and II"), the sensitivity and specificity figures were 70% and 100% respectively (28 patients). We had no false-positive results in our patient population. Cholescintigraphy was found to complement ultrasonography, which had either good sensitivity (93%) and poor specificity (17%), when at least two of the three major signs were present (sludge, thickened wall, gallbladder distension), or poor sensitivity (36%) and good specificity (89%) when all three signs were present. We conclude that cholescintigraphy is a useful tool for early diagnosis of AAC in critically ill patients, in whom ultrasonography alone does not provide enough information to permit a sufficiently early decision regarding the use of surgery.

Inspiratory muscle unloading decreases ventilatory drive. In this study, we examined the time course of this effect in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving two modes of ventilatory support: pressure support ventilation (PSV), during which each cycle was assisted, and biphasic positive airway pressure (BIPAP), set up in such a manner that one spontaneous breath took place between two consecutive pressure-assisted breaths. The first breath following the switch from spontaneous breathing to PSV was associated with an increase in tidal volume (VT) and a drop in mean transdiaphragmatic pressure (mean Pdi) and inspiratory work (WI) performed per liter but with unchanged values of esophageal occlusion pressure at 100 ms (Pes 0.1), diaphragmatic electrical activity (EMGdi), and WI performed by breath. The same phenomena were observed for the assisted breath of BIPAP as compared with the preceding spontaneous breath. During the subsequent breaths of PSV, Pes 0.1, EMGdi, and WI performed per breath decreased progressively up to the sixth to eighth breaths, and VT returned to pre-PSV values. We conclude that in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the decrease in ventilatory drive associated with PSV takes place from the first breath onwards but requires six to eight breaths to be fully achieved. During BIPAP, as a consequence of the kinetics of the PSV-induced downregulation of ventilatory drive, assisted breaths following spontaneous breaths are characterized by an enhanced inspiratory efficiency.

Objectives: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a relatively common and potentially serious adverse complication of heparin treatment. After heparin withdrawal initiation of an alternative anticoagulant is often indicated. Org 10172 or Orgaran is a mixture of several non-heparin low molecular weight glycosaminoglycans with proven antithrombotic efficacy. Unlike low molecular weight heparins, Org 10172 has a low cross reaction rate (about 10%) with the heparin-dependent antibody., Methods: We present nine patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia. Org 10172 was prescribed to treat or to prevent a thromboembolic event., Results: Seven patients required further parenteral anticoagulant at diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Org 10172 was given at prophylactic doses for three patients with a high thrombosis risk and at therapeutic doses for four patients who presented either a venous or an arterial thrombosis related to thrombocytopenia. Two patients presented heparin-induced thrombocytopenia four to six years earlier and needed a parenteral anticoagulation treatment in a post-operative period., Conclusion: For the nine patients, Org 10172 was a safe and effective antithrombotic treatment. However, strict monotoring of the platelet count is absolutely mandatory during Org 10172 therapy.

A young woman without remarkable medical history, experienced a life threatening anaphylactoid reaction after induction of general anaesthesia for an emergency curettage. Hypersensitivity reaction involving IgE antibodies against suxamethonium was proven by positive skin test and detection of specific IgE by radio-immuno assay. After intensive therapy for 2 to 3 hours, the patient exhibited rhabdomyolysis localized on both calves. This complication, which required fasciotomies, did not result in renal failure. Local and general outcome was good. Rhabdomyolysis was due to compartmental ischaemia following shock and local external compression in the lithotomy position.

A 48-yr-old patient was admitted to the ICU for cardiogenic shock and acute renal failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. A heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) occurred during haemodialysis with unfractioned heparin (UFH) as the anticoagulant. The dialysers, the circuits and the catheters were recurrently thrombosing and the platelet count decreased to 9 G.L-1 on postoperative day 7. UFH was discontinued. Attempts to substitute UFH with a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) failed, due to the presence of a high cross-reactivity rate of LMWH with the heparin-dependent antibody. Intermittent haemodialysis without anticoagulation using a predilution of the dialysers failed also and resulted in recurrent clotting. After informed consent of the patient, a new natural heparinoid Orgaran (Org 10172, Organon, Oss Holland) was administered. This agent is a mixture of several non heparin low molecular weight glycosaminoglycans, with proven anticoagulant efficacy, low cross-reactivity with the HIT antibody, and a half-time prolonged over 18-25 hours. The treatment regimen consisted in a i.v. bolus of 40-45 IU.kg-1 prior to each dialysis procedure, performed every two days. The platelet count increased to 200 G.L-1, seven days after discontinuing heparin injection, and remained stable during the administration of Orgaran. No other thrombosis occurred again. Each procedure of four hours duration was monitored with the plasma anti-Xa activity and APTT test. The mean anti-Xa plasma concentrations (0.44 +/- 0.55 IU.mL-1, 30 min after injection of Orgaran) were well correlated with APTT test (r = 0.73, p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Open cholecystectomy is associated with characteristic changes in pulmonary function showing a restrictive pattern. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without opening of the peritoneal cavity could be an alternative in reducing postoperative respiratory dysfunction. Having given their informed consent, 13 healthy ASA1 patients (age: 41 +/- 18 yrs) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this study, in order to assess their postoperative pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FRC], forced expiratory volume [FEV1], functional residual capacity [FRC]) before operation (T0) and 4 h (T4), 24 h (T24), 48 h (T48) after surgery. Anaesthesia technique was the same associating propofol-atracurium-fentanyl, 50% N2O/O2. Ventilation was adapted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure up to 30-35 mmHg. Postoperative analgesic regimen consisted of paracetamol-ketoprofen. Mean length of surgery was 84 +/- 15 min; mean duration of anaesthesia was 110 +/- 24 min. An immediate and harmonious restrictive breathing pattern developed postoperatively. Postoperative FVC measured 65% (T4), 63% (T24), 72% (T48) of preoperative function (p < 0.025); postoperative FEV1 measured respectively 60, 66 and 75% of preoperative function (p > 0.001), without change in FEV1/CV and FRC; a significant hypoxia occurred (T0: 86 mmHg, T4: 80 mmHg, T24: 75 mmHg, T48: 81 mmHg [p < 0.05]). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy resulted in less postoperative respiratory dysfunction than conventional cholecystectomy, as previously reported; this restrictive pattern observed without changes in FRC was similar to that following lower abdominal surgery.

Cervical epidural anaesthesia (CEA) results in an effective sensory blockade of the superficial cervical (C1/C4) and brachial plexus (C5/T1-T2). It is used both intraoperatively and in the treatment of postoperative or chronic pain. The approach to the epidural space at the C7-T1 interspace is not technically difficult. Patients are placed in the sitting position, increasing the negative pressure in the epidural space, with the head flexed on the thorax, in order to open the lowest cervical interspace. A 18-gauge Tuohy needle is inserted by a midline approach into the C6-C7 or C7-T1 interspace. A catheter may be inserted and left in place for postoperative analgesia. Local anaesthetics are administered either alone, or in combination with opiates. The CEA blocks the cardiac sympathetic fibers and consequently decreases heart rate, cardiac output and contractility. The mean blood pressure is unchanged or decreased, depending on peripheral systemic vascular resistance changes. The baroreflex activity is also partly impaired. Sympathetic blockade also decreases myocardial ischaemia. The cardiovascular changes induced by CEA are also partly due to the systemic effect of the local anaesthetic. The respiratory effects are minimal and depend on the extent of the blockade and the concentration of the local anaesthetic. A moderate restrictive syndrome occurs. Since the phrenic nerves originate from C3 to C5, ventilation may be impaired by CEA. Extension of the block may also impair intercostal muscle function, with a risk of respiratory failure when a CEA is used in patients with compromised respiratory function. The potential specific complications, mainly cardiovascular and respiratory, are the exacerbation of the effects of CEA. Side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension and acute ventilatory failure in relation to respiratory muscle paralysis, may be observed. Close monitoring of haemodynamics, respiratory rate and level blockade is required. Cervical epidural anaesthesia may be used either alone, or in combination with general anaesthesia depending on the surgical procedure. This technique seems to be effective in carotid artery surgery since sensitive and reliable information on cerebral function may be obtained. It is also for shoulder and upper limb surgery as well as for pharyngolaryngeal surgery, providing efficient operative anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia. CEA is used for relief of chronic pain in the head and neck or cancer pain due to Pancoast-Tobias syndrome. It seems to be effective for treating pain in patients with unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction.

72-year-old patient underwent an elective transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) performed with a spinal anaesthesia. The irrigation solution contained glycine at a concentration of 15 g.l-1. The patient's level of consciousness deteriorated over the next 4 hours. He went in an areflexic coma with pupillary areflexia and left mydriasis. The diagnosis of TUR syndrome was substantiated by a sodium blood concentration of 98 mmol.l-1, an osmotic gap of 48 mosmol.kg-1 and blood ammonia at 415 mumol.l-1. To investigate the pathophysiological role of glycine and its metabolites, their concentrations were measured by chromatography and spectrometry in plasma and CSF 8, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Glycine and its metabolites (serine, alanine, glyoxylic acid and glycolic acid) accumulated during the postoperative period in both blood and CSF. The central nervous system is in direct contact with these neurotropic compounds. Glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, whereas glyoxylic acid and glycolic acid are considered as to be neurotoxic.

Chronic microaspiration through a tracheal cuff is the main culprit in the penetration and colonization of the lower respiratory tract. A total of 145 patients intubated for more than 3 days were randomly assigned to a double nosocomial pneumonia (NP) prevention: 1--Prevention of aspiration by hourly subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) with a specific endotracheal tube (HI-LO Evac tube, Mallinckrodt); 2--Prevention of gastric colonization using either sucralfate or antacids. Four random groups were defined, similar in age and severity of illness. Subglottic secretion drainage treatment was associated with: a) a twice lower incidence of NP (no-SSD: 29.1%, SSD: 13%); b) a prolonged time of onset of NP (no-SSD: 8.3 +/- 5 days, SSD: 16.2 +/- 11 days); c) a decrease in the colonization rate from admission to end-point day in tracheal aspirates (no-SSD: +21.3%, SSD: +6.6%) and in subglottic secretions (no-SSD: +33.4%, SSD: +2.1%). Sucralfate was not associated with a significantly lower incidence of NP (antacids: 23.6%, sucralfate: 17.8%), but with a lower increase in the colonization rate in subglottic and gastric aspirates, from admission to end-point day.

Among 1532 ICU patients we analysed 295 elderly patients (19%) aged more than 70-years-old. We determined prospectively the immediate and subsequent one-year outcome with a study of the predictive value of their ICU admission parameters. Then we followed the ICU survivors over the year after discharge (1, 6, 12 months) by quality of life questionnaires. ICU mortality was 26.7%; SAPS was the only predictor of short term mortality. On ICU discharge, 216 elderly were followed at 1, 6, 12 months; the one-year cumulative mortality was 49% from ICU discharge, majority of deaths occurring over the first month. Age, previous health status and SAPS had a predictor value of one-year mortality for ICU survivors. 103 patients were alive at one year: 88% returned to home, 72% had a relatively good functional status allowing an independent life, and 82% had the same or improved functional status.

We studied the intrahepatic diffusion of ceftriaxone, a new third generation, very potent cephalosporin with a long serum half-life. Sixteen patients had percutaneous liver biopsy for suspected liver disease or protracted fever of unknown origin. Serum samples and liver biopsy specimens were taken simultaneously. Serial determinations of ceftriaxone concentrations showed that the hepatic half-life was significantly shorter than the serum half-life. We suggest that ceftriaxone be used in higher or more closely spaced doses for the treatment of liver infections.

In a thirty months prospective study, 61 patients treated in an Intensive Care Unit received erythromycin (E) (3 g/24 h) and latamoxef (L) (2 g/24 h) as soon as acute peritonitis was surgically confirmed. Five days later, E + L were stopped and nitro-imidazol (NI) was prescribed while searching for a possible infection. The severity of the illness was assessed by clinical study of organ failures and by use of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS). 21 patients died (34%): among them 8 of the 19 with postoperative peritonitis. Average SAPS was 17.8 (+/- 4.1) while it was 13 in 631 ICU treated patients (mortality: 22%). Every patient needed mechanical ventilation; pré or per-operative shock has been noted in 41 (67%) and 27 had developed acute renal failure (44%). During E + L, 6 patients died because of an irreversible shock and twice the treatment was not efficient on the isolated bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus). No more shock developed post-operatively. During NI, 11 secondary infections (20%) were diagnosed (bacteremia = 6, urinary tractus infection = 4, reactivated arthritis = 1). The bacteria were Streptococcus (n = 6) with Enterococcus (n = 5), Staphylococcus (n = 3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 2): they were still respectively sensitive to ampicillin, methicillin and ticarcillin. The association E + L was clinically and biologically well tolerated.