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Objectives: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction characterized by complex pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. Vitamin D deficiency is frequently observed in sepsis and associated with worse outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D-to-PTH ratio, systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) on mortality in septic shock patients with vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, vitamin D insufficiency was defined as vitamin D levels between 12-20 ng/ml and vitamin D deficiency as < 12 ng/ml. The SII is calculated by multiplying the neutrophil count with the platelet count and dividing the result by the lymphocyte count (N*P/L), and the PNR is calculated by dividing the platelet count by the neutrophil count (P/N). We used receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, logistic regression analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine the association between SII, PNR, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D-to-PTH ratio and early mortality within 7-days. Results: This study consisted of 39 patients with septic shock. While 11(28%) of patients had vitamin D insufficiency, 28(72%) had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was associated with higher levels of SII and PNR than vitamin D deficiency. ROC analysis showed that 0.077 and 67 are cut-off values with the highest sensitivity and specificity for the vitamin D-to-PTH ratio (AUC: 0.77, p=0.01) and SII (AUC: 0.78, p=0.008) to predict early mortality. Both cut-off values were significantly associated with mortality in logistic regression analysis. SII higher than 67 and vitamin D-to-PTH ratio higher than 0.077 were associated with survival in 7-days (91% vs. 60%, p=0.004, and 91% vs. 63%, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion: SII was significantly suppressed in patients with vitamin D deficiency which was associated with increased mortality in septic shock. In addition, the decreased level of vitamin D-to-PTH ratio, which could be an indicator of immune balance, may be associated with early mortality in the intensive care unit.

Purpose We aimed to evaluate the relation between admission COVID-19 associated hyperinflammatory syndrome (cHIS) score and intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes. Materials and Methods Patients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 admitted to our ICU between 20th March 2020-15th June 2021 were included. Patients who received immunomodulatory treatment except corticosteroids were excluded. Main outcomes were ICU mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement after ICU admission. Results Three hundred and seventy patients with a median (IQR) age of 66 (56-77) were analyzed. Median admission cHIS score was 3 (2-4). A cHIS score ≥3 was found to be associated with ICU mortality (sensitivity = 0.63, specificity = 0.50; p 2/FiO2 ratio than others (n = 171) (p Conclusion Critically-ill COVID-19 patients with admission cHIS score ≥3 have worse disease severity and outcomes than other patients.

Background/Objectives: Thiamine plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism. The aim of the study was to determine serial whole blood TPP concentrations in critically ill patients receiving chronic diuretic treatment before ICU admission and to correlate TPP levels with clinically determined serum phosphorus concentrations. Subjects/Methods: This observational study was performed in 15 medical ICUs. Serial whole blood TPP concentrations were measured by HPLC at baseline and at days 2, 5 and 10 after ICU admission. Results: A total of 221 participants were included. Of these, 18% demonstrated low TPP concentrations upon admission to the ICU, while 26% of participants demonstrated low levels at some point during the 10-day study period. Hypophosphatemia was detected in 30% of participants at some point during the 10-day period of observation. TPP levels were significantly and positively correlated with serum phosphorus levels at each time point (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Our results show that 18% of these critically ill patients exhibited low whole blood TPP concentrations on ICU admission and 26% had low levels during the initial 10 ICU days, respectively. The modest correlation between TPP and phosphorus concentrations suggests a possible association due to a refeeding effect in ICU patients requiring chronic diuretic therapy. © 2023 Elsevier Inc.

Objective: Laser-based tissue perfusion monitoring techniques have been increasingly used in animal and human research to assess blood flow. However, these techniques use arbitrary units, and knowledge about their comparability is scarce. This study aimed to model the relationship between laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI), for measuring tissue perfusion over a wide range of blood flux values. Methods: Fifteen healthy volunteers (53% female, median age 29 [IQR 22–40] years) were enrolled in this study. We performed iontophoresis with sodium nitroprusside on the forearm to induce regional vasodilation to increase skin blood flux. Besides, a stepwise vascular occlusion was applied on the contralateral upper arm to reduce blood flux. Both techniques were compared using a linear mixed model analysis. Results: Baseline blood flux values measured by LSCI were 33 ± 6.5 arbitrary unit (AU) (Coefficient of variation [CV] = 20%) and by LDPI 60 ± 11.5 AU (CV = 19%). At the end of the iontophoresis protocol, the regional blood flux increased to 724 ± 412% and 259 ± 87% of baseline measured by LDPI and LSCI, respectively. On the other hand, during the stepwise vascular occlusion test, the blood flux reduced to 212 ± 40% and 412 ± 177% of its baseline at LDPI and LSCI, respectively. A strong correlation was found between the LSCI and LDPI instruments at increased blood flux with respect to baseline skin blood flux; however, the correlation was weak at reduced blood flux with respect to baseline. Discussion: LSCI and LDPI instruments are highly linear for blood flux higher than baseline skin blood flux; however, the correlation decreased for blood flux lower than baseline. This study's findings could be a basis for using LSCI in specific patient populations, such as burn care.

There is no ideal method for determination of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. We compared the effects of end-expiratory lung volume (EELV)-guided versus PaO2-guided PEEP determination on respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during the first 48 hours in moderate to severe ARDS. Twenty-two patients with moderate to severe ARDS admitted to an academic medical ICU were assigned to PaO2-guided (n = 11) or to EELV-guided PEEP determination (n = 11) group. First, an incremental PEEP trial was performed by increasing PEEP by 3 cmH2O steps from 8 to 20 cmH2O and in each step EELV and lung mechanics were measured in both groups. Then, oxygenation and respiratory mechanics were measured under the determined PEEP at 4, 12, 24, and 48th hours. After the incremental PEEP trial, over the 48 hours of the study period, in the EELV-guided group PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 increased (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02; respectively), whereas they did not change in PaO2-guided group (p = 0.09 and p = 0.27; respectively). In all patients, the median value of EELV change (��EELV) during incremental PEEP trial was 25%. In patients with ��EELV > 25% (n = 11) PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 and Cs increased over time in 48 hours (p = 0.03, p p = 0.04; respectively), whereas they did not change in those with ��EELV ��� 25% (n = 11) (p = 0.73, p = 0.51, and p = 0.73; respectively). Compared to PaO2-guided PEEP determination, EELV-guided PEEP determination resulted in greater improvement in oxygenation over time. Patients who had > 25% improvement in EELV during a PEEP trial had greater improvement in oxygenation and compliance over 48 hours. Supplemental data for this article is available online at

Although we have enough and cumulative information about acute effects of COVID-19, our knowledge is extremely limited about long-term consequences of COVID-19, in terms of its impacts and burdens on patients, families and the health system. Considering the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms affecting all of the organ systems in critically-ill COVID-19 patients who are admitted to intensive care units, the development of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is inevitable. This situation brings along the development of long-COVID. These patients should be followed regarding cognitive, physical and psychiatric aspects and necessary specialist referrals should be carried out. In this article, we are presenting the experience and recommendations of our center, as a guide for the establishment process of post-intensive care outpatient clinics for the critically-ill patients who required intensive care admission due to COVID-19 and could be discharged.

Medical nutrition therapy is one of the core components of the patient management, although its implication is still limited in daily practice globally. Clinicians are in need of guidance that will ease the application of medical nutrition therapy. The first treatment choice in medical nutrition therapy is the use of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) after or concomitant with dietary interventions. The pre and post-graduate curriculum for medical nutrition therapy is limited in most regions, worldwide. A report that is short, clear, and having clear-cut recommendations that will guide the primary healthcare professionals in indications, choice, practical application, follow-up, and stopping ONS would facilitate the application and success of medical nutrition therapy. KEPAN is the Clinical Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society of Turkey and is an active member of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). In this study, we present the KEPAN ONS consensus report on optimal ONS use in medical nutrition therapy as outlined by works of academicians experienced in clinical application of ONS (eight working group academicians and 19 expert group academicians). This report provides 22 clear-cut recommendations in a question-answer format. We believe that this report could have a significant impact in the ideal use of ONS in the context of medical nutrition therapy when clinicians manage everyday patients. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.

Funder: European society of Intensive Care Medicine, Funder: European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), Funder: Norva Dahlia foundation and the Redcliffe Hospital Private Practice Trust Fund, Background The study aimed to describe the epidemiology and outcomes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HABSIs) between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critically ill patients. Methods We used data from the Eurobact II study, a prospective observational multicontinental cohort study on HABSI treated in ICU. For the current analysis, we selected centers that included both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critically ill patients. We performed descriptive statistics between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in terms of patients’ characteristics, source of infection and microorganism distribution. We studied the association between COVID-19 status and mortality using multivariable fragility Cox models. Results A total of 53 centers from 19 countries over the 5 continents were eligible. Overall, 829 patients (median age 65 years [IQR 55; 74]; male, n = 538 [64.9%]) were treated for a HABSI. Included patients comprised 252 (30.4%) COVID-19 and 577 (69.6%) non-COVID-19 patients. The time interval between hospital admission and HABSI was similar between both groups. Respiratory sources (40.1 vs. 26.0%, p < 0.0001) and primary HABSI (25.4% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.006) were more frequent in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients had more often enterococcal (20.5% vs. 9%) and Acinetobacter spp. (18.8% vs. 13.6%) HABSIs. Bacteremic COVID-19 patients had an increased mortality hazard ratio (HR) versus non-COVID-19 patients (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.49–2.45). Conclusions We showed that the epidemiology of HABSI differed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Enterococcal HABSI predominated in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with HABSI had elevated risk of mortality. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.org number NCT03937245. Registered 3 May 2019.

Objective To quantitatively evaluate computed tomography (CT) parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software in different clinical severity groups during the disease course. Methods From March 11 to April 15, 2020, 51 patients (age, 18-84 years; 28 men) diagnosed and hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia with a total of 116 CT scans were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 31), and severe (n = 8) groups based on clinical severity. An AI-based quantitative CT analysis, including lung volume, opacity score, opacity volume, percentage of opacity, and mean lung density, was performed in initial and follow-up CTs obtained at different time points. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to find the diagnostic ability of quantitative CT parameters for discriminating severe from nonsevere pneumonia. Results In baseline assessment, the severe group had significantly higher opacity score, opacity volume, higher percentage of opacity, and higher mean lung density than the moderate group (all P ≤ 0.001). Through consecutive time points, the severe group had a significant decrease in lung volume (P = 0.006), a significant increase in total opacity score (P = 0.003), and percentage of opacity (P = 0.007). A significant increase in total opacity score was also observed for the mild group (P = 0.011). Residual opacities were observed in all groups. The involvement of more than 4 lobes (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 65.26%), total opacity score greater than 4 (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 64.21), total opacity volume greater than 337.4 mL (sensitivity, 80.95%; specificity, 84.21%), percentage of opacity greater than 11% (sensitivity, 80.95%; specificity, 88.42%), total high opacity volume greater than 10.5 mL (sensitivity, 95.24%; specificity, 66.32%), percentage of high opacity greater than 0.8% (sensitivity, 85.71%; specificity, 80.00%) and mean lung density HU greater than -705 HU (sensitivity, 57.14%; specificity, 90.53%) were related to severe pneumonia. Conclusions An AI-based quantitative CT analysis is an objective tool in demonstrating disease severity and can also assist the clinician in follow-up by providing information about the disease course and prognosis according to different clinical severity groups.

This study investigated the efficacy of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the intensive care unit.Totally, 23 patients were enrolled in the study. High-flow nasal oxygen therapy was administered with a predefined protocol. Vital signs, Visual Analog Scale for dyspnea, and arterial blood gas parameters were recorded at the beginning under low-flow oxygen support therapy and the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. High-flow nasal oxygen therapy duration, intensive care unit length of stay, and intensive care unit, in-hospital, and 60-day mortality were recorded as outcomes and compared according to the presence of pneumonia upon admission.In 12 patients (52.2%), pneumonia was present. High-flow nasal oxygen therapy was applied for a median of 57 hours [49.2-104.5]. Overall decreases were detected in heart rate (P = .001), respiratory rate (P.001), and Visual Analog Scale for dyspnea (P = .001) during the first 24 hours of the therapy. Although there was an increase in PaCO2 (P = .001), pH increased (P.001) over time too. No change in partial arterial oxygen pressure (P = .63) and partial arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (P = .22) was noted. Nineteen patients (77%) were successfully weaned from high-flow nasal oxygen therapy. While the high-flow nasal oxygen therapy failure rate was 23%, the in-hospital and 60-day mortality rates were 8.6%. Outcomes were not different between patients with and without pneumonia.High-flow nasal oxygen therapy was efficient in relieving respiratory distress and well-tolerated with no adverse out- come in severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has rapidly spread worldwide and resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The disease raised an unprecedented demand for intensive care support due to severe pulmonary dysfunction and multiorgan failure. Although the pulmonary system is the potential target of the COVID-19, recent reports have demonstrated that COVID-19 profoundly influences the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. Research studies on cadavers have shown that direct heart and kidney injury can be frequently seen in patients deceased due to COVID-19 infection. On the other hand, functional or structural dysfunction of the heart may deteriorate the renal function and vice versa. This concept is already known as the cardiorenal syndrome and may play a role in COVID-19. Proactive monitoring of micro- and macrohemodynamics could allow prompt correction of circulatory dysfunction and can be of pivotal importance in the prevention of acute kidney injury. Moreover, type and amount of fluid therapy and vasoactive drug support could help manage these patients either with or without mechanical ventilator support. This brief review outlines the current evidence regarding the COVID-19-related renal and cardiorenal complications and discusses potential hemodynamic management strategies.

Background Despite the COVID-19 pandemic has been going on over 5 months, there is yet to be a standart management policy for all patients including to those mild-to-moderate cases. We evaluated the role of a combined effort of early hospitalization in combination with early antiviral therapy with COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care university hospital. Materials and Methods This was a prospective, observational, single center study on probable/confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital COVID-19 wards between March 20- April 30, 2020. Critically-ill patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) at the time of admission were excluded. The demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected. Results We included 174 consecutive probable/confirmed COVID-19 adult patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine wards of the University Adult Hospital between March 20 and April 30, 2020. The median age was 45.5 (19-92) years and 91 patients (52.3% ) were male. 120 (69%) were confirmed microbiologically, 41 (23.5%) radiologically diagnosed and, 13 (7.5%) were clinically suspected (negative microbiological and radiological findings compatible with COVID-19). According to WHO definitions, 35 (20.1%) had mild, 107 (61.5%) moderate disease, and 32 (18.4%) had severe pneumonia. Of 130/171 ( 74.3%) showed pneumonia; 80 were typical, 50 indeterminate infiltration for COVID-19. Patients admitted within a median of 3 days (0-14 days) after symptoms appear. The median duration of hospitalization was 4 days (0 - 28 days). In this case series, 13.2% patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine alone, 64.9% with hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, and 18.4% with regimens including favipiravir. A total of 15 patients (8.5%) were transferred to the ICU. Four patients died (2.2%). Conclusion In our series, early of 174 patients admitted to the hospital wards for COVID-19, 69% confirmed with PCR and/or antibody test. On the admission nearly one fifth of the patients had severe diseases. 95.4% of the patients received HQ alone or in combination. The overall case fatality rate was 2.2%.

BACKGROUND: Aerosol therapy is commonly used by intensivists during invasive mechanical ventilation. More information is needed to optimize outcomes. The first aim of this study was to assess the deposition of salbutamol on components of a closed mechanical ventilation system, both in the presence and absence of biofilm generated by Acinetobacter baumannii. The second aim was to evaluate the deposition of salbutamol, using a single dose and a double dose, delivered via a jet nebulizer placed between the flexible tube and the heat and moisture exchanger. METHODS: A mechanical ventilator was connected to a standard system, and a jet nebulizer was placed between the heat and moisture exchanger and the flexible tube. Clinical isolates of A.baumanii were used to generate a biofilm layer on the endotracheal tube. Two amounts of salbutamol were delivered via the jet nebulizer. An analytical liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to evaluate salbutamol deposition. RESULTS: The presence of a biofilm on the endotracheal tube had no impact on salbutamol deposition (P = .83). There was no difference in surface deposition of salbutamol on component parts of the closed system in a comparison of a single dose and a double dose delivered via a jet nebulizer. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that an A.baumannii biofilm had no impact on the extent of salbutamol deposition. Salbutamol deposition was comparatively low and could be delivered without removal of the heat and moisture exchanger.

COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported as an important cause of mortality in critically ill patients with an incidence rate ranging from 5% to 35% during the first and second pandemic waves.We aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors for CAPA by a screening protocol and outcome in the critically ill patients during the third wave of the pandemic.This prospective cohort study was conducted in two intensive care units (ICU) designated for patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care university hospital between 18 November 2020 and 24 April 2021. SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive adult patients admitted to the ICU with respiratory failure were included in the study. Serum and respiratory samples were collected periodically from ICU admission up to CAPA diagnosis, patient discharge or death. ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria were used to diagnose and classify CAPA cases.A total of 302 patients were admitted to the two ICUs during the study period, and 213 were included in the study. CAPA was diagnosed in 43 (20.1%) patients (12.2% probable, 7.9% possible). In regression analysis, male sex, higher SOFA scores at ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation and longer ICU stay were significantly associated with CAPA development. Overall ICU mortality rate was higher significantly in CAPA group compared to those with no CAPA (67.4% vs 29.4%, p .001).One fifth of critically ill patients in COVID-19 ICUs developed CAPA, and this was associated with a high mortality.

Objectives To evaluate the presence of chronic critical illness (CCI) in COVID-19 patients and compare clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with and without CCI admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods It was a retrospective, observational study at a university hospital ICU. Patients were accepted as CCI if they had prolonged ICU stay (≥14 days) and got ≥1 score for cardiovascular sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and ≥2 score in other parameters on day 14 of ICU admission which was described as persistent organ dysfunction. Results 131 of 397 (33%) patients met CCI criteria. CCI patients were older ( p = 0.003) and frailer ( p 2/FiO2 ratio was lower ( p 2/FiO2 Discussion One-third of the COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were considered as CCI with significantly higher ICU and hospital mortality.

Amaç: Akut solunum yetmezliği (ASY) sürecinde kas zayıflığı gelişimi sıktır. Bu çalışmanda yoğun bakımda ASY nedeni ile tek başına standart medikal tedavi (SMT) ve SMT’ye ek olarak noninvaziv mekanik ventilasyon (NIV) uygulanan olgularda kas kuvveti ve fonksiyonel bağımsızlığı karşılaştırılmak amaçlandı. Yöntem: Çalışmaya ASY ile izlenen 32 olgu (19 NIV ve 13 SMT) dahil edildi. Olguların özellikleri kaydedildi. Periferal kas kuvveti için Medical Research Council Skalası (MRC) kullanıldı ve el kavrama kuvveti ölçüldü. Fonksiyonel bağımsızlık düzeyi Barthel İndeksi (Bİ) ile değerlendirildi. Sonuçlar: NIV grubunda proksimal kas kuvveti (omuz abduktorleri) distal ekstremite kas kuvvetinden (el bileği ekstansorleri) anlamlı olarak daha düşüktü (p=0,030). Her iki grupta, proksimal alt ekstremite kas kuvveti (kalça fleksiyonu), distal ekstremite kas kuvveti (ayak bileği)’nden anlamlı olarak daha azdı (p=0,002). NIV grubunun Bİ toplam puanı SMT grubundan anlamlı olarak daha düşüktü (p=0,016). Bİ puanı, MRC toplam puanı (r=0,633) ve el kavrama kuvveti (r=0,629) ile ilişkiliydi (p, Purpose: Development of muscle weakness is common in the course of acute respiratory failure (ARF). This study aimed to compare muscle strength and physical function in subjects with ARF undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) added to standard medical treatment (SMT) and SMT only in the intensive care unit. Methods: Thirty-two subjects with ARF (19 NIV and 13 SMT) were included. Subject characteristics were recorded. Peripheral muscle strength was measured using the Medical Research Council Scale (MRC) and handgrip strength. Functional independence was evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI). Results: In the NIV group, proximal muscle strength (shoulder abduction) was significantly lower than distal limb strength (wrist extension) (p=0.030). In both groups, proximal lower limb strength (hip flexion) was also significantly lower than distal limb strength (ankle dorsiflexion) (p=0.002). The BI total score was significantly lower in the NIV group than that of the SMT group (p=0.016). The BI score was significantly related to the MRC sum score (r=0.633) and handgrip strength (r=0.629, p

The disease course of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) seems milder as compared with adults, however, actual reason of the pathogenesis still remains unclear. There is a growing interest on possible relationship between pathogenicity or disease severity and biomarkers including cytokines or chemokines. We wondered whether these biomarkers could be used for the prediction of the prognosis of COVID‐19 and improving our understanding on the variations between pediatric and adult cases with COVID‐19. The acute phase serum levels of 25 cytokines and chemokines in the serum samples from 60 COVID‐19 pediatric (n = 30) and adult cases (n = 30) including 20 severe or critically ill, 25 moderate and 15 mild patients and 30 healthy pediatric (n = 15) and adult (n = 15) volunteers were measured using commercially available fluorescent bead immunoassay and analyzed in combination with clinical data. Interferon gamma‐induced protein 10 (IP‐10) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)−3β levels were significantly higher in patient cohort including pediatric and adult cases with COVID‐19 when compared with all healthy volunteers (p ≤ .001 in each) and whereas IP‐10 levels were significantly higher in both pediatric and adult cases with severe disease course, MIP‐3β were significantly lower in healthy controls. Additionally, IP‐10 is an independent predictor for disease severity, particularly in children and interleukin‐6 seems a relatively good predictor for disease severity in adults. IP‐10 and MIP‐3β seem good research candidates to understand severity of COVID‐19 in both pediatric and adult population and to investigate possible pathophysiological mechanism of COVID‐19.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate visual and software-based quantitative assessment of parenchymal changes and normal lung parenchyma in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The secondary aim of the study was to compare the radiologic findings with clinical and laboratory data. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) between March 11, 2020 and April 15, 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and laboratory findings of patients with abnormal findings on chest CT and PCR-evidence of COVID-19 infection were recorded. Visual quantitative assessment score (VQAS) was performed according to the extent of lung opacities. Software-based quantitative assessment of the normal lung parenchyma percentage (SQNLP) was automatically quantified by a deep learning software. The presence of consolidation and crazy paving pattern (CPP) was also recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation between quantitative radiologic assessments, and clinical and laboratory findings, as well as to determine the predictive utility of radiologic findings for estimating severe pneumonia and admission to intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were enrolled. Both VQAS and SQNLP were significantly correlated with multiple clinical parameters. While VQAS >8.5 (sensitivity, 84.2%; specificity, 80.3%) and SQNLP 9.5 (sensitivity, 93.3%; specificity, 86.5%) and SQNLP

We retrospectively evaluated five maternal mortality cases that occurred in our institution within the last 10 years. Rate of maternal mortality was 24.5 per 100000 live births. Maternal mortality causes were cardiopulmonary failure secondary to veno-occlusive disease, septic shock secondary to osteosarcoma, pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to metastatic breast cancer, septic shock secondary to cholecystitis, and postpartum hemorrhage secondary to Niemann–Pick disease. Four out of five cases were evaluated as indirect maternal mortality cases. Three out of five cases ended up with a healthy newborn, while other cases ended up with abortus and postpartum exitus.

Background/aim Lack of early predictors of acute kidney injury is currently delaying timely diagnosis.This study was done to evaluate the relationship between mild to moderate proteinuria and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and 28-day mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Material and methods This observational, retrospective study was conducted in the internal medicine ICU. A total of 796 patients were screened and 525 patients were used for this analysis. Proteinuria was measured by urine dipstick test. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Results Patients with dipstick urine protein positivity on admission had higher proportion of AKI and 28-day mortality compared to dipstick urine protein negative group [164 (59.6%) vs. 111 (44.4%) and 101 (36.7%) vs. 54 (21.6%), P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively]. Urine dipstick protein positivity was also a significant predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min (hazard ratio: 1.988, 95% confidence interval 1.380–2.862). Conclusion Proteinuria before ICU admission is a risk factor for development of AKI within seven days of ICU stay and also is a risk factor for 28-day mortality, even in patients with GFR > 60 mL/min.

The results and the complications following SARS-CoV2 infection in individuals with primary immunodeficiency(PID) remain unclear. The objective of this study is to report the course, follow-up, outcome of COVID 19 in 26 patients with PIDs from a tertiary PID center in Turkey. Infection mortality rate was found to be %7.69 which is eight times higher than infection mortality rate (%0.97) in general population in Turkey. Although it is clear that mortality in patients with PID is higher than in the normal population, it is difficult to suggest a more risky group among primary immunodeficiencies for COVID-19 with a complicated course according to the data published so far. The groups are quite heterogeneous regarding age, sex and comorbidities, but it is remarkable that patients who underwent HSCT with curative treatment had an uncomplicated course despite comorbidities. Future studies as metaanalysis getting data together may help to get a more reliable conclusion.

Background: There are limited data on long-term outcome and mortality predictors of COVID-19 from different parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of 90-day mortality in critically-ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Turkish ICUs. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study was performed in 26 ICUs in Turkey. All patients with confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection, requiring more than 24 hours of ICU follow-up were included in the study. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory variables, respiratory support, treatment types, and survival data were recorded. Results: A total of 421 patients were included in the study. The median age was 67 (IQR: 57-76) years, and 251 patients (59.6%) were men. 90-day mortality rate was 55.1%. Factors independently associated with 90-day mortality were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (HR 4.09 [95% CI: 2.20-7.63]), admission lactate level > 2 mmol/L (2.78 [1.93-4.01]), age ≥ 60 years (2.45 [1.48-4.06)]), having cardiac arrhythmia during ICU stay (2.01 [1.27-3.20]), receiving vasopressor treatment (1.94 [1.32-2.84]), positive fluid balance of ≥ 600 ml/per day during ICU follow-up (1.68 [1.21-2.34]), admission PaO2/FiO2 ratio of ≤ 150 mmHg (1.66 [1.18-2.32], and baseline ECOG score ≥ 1 (1.42 [1.00-2.02]. Conclusion: This study has shown that long-term mortality was high in critically-ill COVID-19 patients in Turkish ICUs. Invasive mechanical ventilation, high lactate level, older age, presence of cardiac arrhythmia, need for vasopressor treatment, positive fluid balance, severe hypoxemia and not having fully-active performance were related with mortality.

Introduction Respiratory virus infections may cause serious respiratory failure requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and the outcome in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) due to viral infections comparing etiological agents. Materials and methods ARF patients with positive viral serology were retrospectively recruited. Cohort was evaluated with regard to subgroups as influenza and other respiratory viruses (ORV), as well as survivors and nonsurvivors. Result Out of 938 admitted patients, 319 were followed as ARF and only 149 patients had viral respiratory panel results. In 49 patients with ARF, 52 positive viral results were detected and 47 patients with single positive viral isolates of either influenza or ORV were included. Among them, 62% had ORV with quite similar characteristics with influenza group apart from diabetes mellitus which was encountered more in influenza group (p= 0.02). Overall ICU mortality was 32% and there was no difference between the two groups (p= 0.42). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was independently associated with ICU mortality (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.51; p= 0.02). Conclusions This study emphasizes to consider the possibility of other respiratory viruses for the cause of ARF with similar characteristics and mortality as influenza species.

Background: Influenza can cause severe acute respiratory illness (SARI), which occurs as local outbreaks or seasonal epidemics with high intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality rates. Mortality is mainly due to SARI. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients admitted to ICU due to influenza-related SARI in 2017–2018 flu season in Turkey. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted in 13 ICUs with a total of 216 beds from 6 cities in Turkey. All adult patients (over 18 years) admitted to the ICUs in 2017–2018 flu season (between September 1, 2017, and April 30, 2018) because of SARI and with a positive nasopharyngeal swab for influenza were included in the study. Results: A total of 123 cases were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 64.5 ± 17.5 years, and 66 (53.7%) patients were older than 65 years. The ICU mortality was 33.9%, and hospital mortality was 35.6%. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), acute kidney injury (AKI), hematologic malignancy, and >65 years of age were the factors affecting mortality in influenza. Conclusion: SARI due to influenza carries a high mortality rate, and IMV, AKI, presence of hematologic malignancy, and older age are independent risk factors for mortality.