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Background In this prospective observational study, we evaluated the effects of fluid bolus (FB) on venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide tension (PvaCO2) in 42 adult critically ill patients with pre-infusion PvaCO2 > 6 mmHg. Results FB caused a decrease in PvaCO2, from 8.7 [7.6−10.9] mmHg to 6.9 [5.8−8.6] mmHg (p < 0.01). PvaCO2 decreased independently of pre-infusion cardiac index and PvaCO2 changes during FB were not correlated with changes in central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) whatever pre-infusion CI. Pre-infusion levels of PvaCO2 were inversely correlated with decreases in PvaCO2 during FB and a pre-infusion PvaCO2 value < 7.7 mmHg could exclude a decrease in PvaCO2 during FB (AUC: 0.79, 95%CI 0.64–0.93; Sensitivity, 91%; Specificity, 55%; p < 0.01). Conclusions Fluid bolus decreased abnormal PvaCO2 levels independently of pre-infusion CI. Low baseline PvaCO2 values suggest that a positive response to FB is unlikely., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background: Whether Intensive Care Unit (ICU) clinicians display unconscious bias towards cancer patients is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of critically ill patients with and without perceptions of excessive care (PECs) by ICU clinicians in patients with and without cancer. Methods: This study is a sub-analysis of the large multicentre DISPROPRICUS study. Clinicians of 56 ICUs in Europe and the United States completed a daily questionnaire about the appropriateness of care during a 28-day period. We compared the cumulative incidence of patients with concordant PECs, treatment limitation decisions (TLDs) and death between patients with uncontrolled and controlled cancer, and patients without cancer. Results: Of the 1641 patients, 117 (7.1%) had uncontrolled cancer and 270 (16.4%) had controlled cancer. The cumulative incidence of concordant PECs in patients with uncontrolled and controlled cancer versus patients without cancer was 20.5%, 8.1%, and 9.1% (p < 0.001 and p = 0.62, respectively). In patients with concordant PECs, we found no evidence for a difference in time from admission until death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.60–1.72 and HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.49–1.54) and TLDs (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.33–1.99 and HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.27–1.81) across subgroups. In patients without concordant PECs, we found differences between the time from admission until death (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.58–3.15 and 1.66, 95% CI 1.28–2.15), without a corresponding increase in time until TLDs (NA, p = 0.3 and 0.7) across subgroups. Conclusions: The absence of a difference in time from admission until TLDs and death in patients with concordant PECs makes bias by ICU clinicians towards cancer patients unlikely. However, the differences between the time from admission until death, without a corresponding increase in time until TLDs, suggest prognostic unawareness, uncertainty or optimism in ICU clinicians who did not provide PECs, more specifically in patients with uncontrolled cancer. This study highlights the need to improve intra- and interdisciplinary ethical reflection and subsequent decision-making at the ICU., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: le.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Purpose We assessed the security and efficiency of intravenously injected agitated saline in conjunction with transthoracic echocardiography to identify recirculation in patients supported with a venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) device. Materials and Methods We injected agitated saline 4 consecutive times separated by an interval of 5 minutes in 2 patients supported by VV ECMO. In both patients, the drainage cannula was placed in the left femoral vein, and the return cannula was placed in the right internal jugular vein. Echocardiography was performed during the injection and until the bubbles disappeared. The security of the method was assessed by evaluating the mechanical function of the ECMO and the efficiency of the oxygenator. The value of this method was assessed by visualizing the increase of inferior vena cava's echogenicity as well as by measuring the time required for this change to occur after the injection of agitated saline at different ECMO output levels. Results We did not observe any change in ECMO, oxygenation function, or the hemodynamic status of patients after the 4 injections of agitated saline. The echogenicity of the inferior vena cava increased more rapidly as the ECMO's output increased. The recirculation phenomenon was noted even with low levels of ECMO output ( Conclusions Transthoracic echocardiography in conjunction with agitated saline administration may be a safe and easily applicable method to evaluate a recirculation phenomenon in patients supported with VV ECMO.

We present a case of a 21-year-old Caucasian woman at 27 weeks of pregnancy who was admitted to the obstetric department for pre-term labor. She received 10 mg of nifedipine 4 times in 1 h, according to the internal protocol. Shortly after, she brutally deteriorated with pulmonary edema and hypoxemia requiring transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) for mechanical ventilation. She finally improved and was successfully extubated after undergoing a percutaneous valvuloplasty of the mitral valve. This case illustrates a severe cardiogenic shock after administration of nifedipine for premature labor in a context of unknown rheumatic mitral stenosis. Nifedipine induces a reflex tachycardia that reduces the diastolic period and thereby precipitates pulmonary edema in case of mitral stenosis. This case emphasizes the fact that this drug may be severely harmful and should never be used before a careful physical examination and echocardiography if valvular heart disease is suspected.

Whether the quality of the ethical climate in the intensive care unit (ICU) improves the identification of patients receiving excessive care and affects patient outcomes is unknown., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The proportion of elderly patients admitted to the ICU is increasing. Mortality rates are known to increase with age but the impact of age on outcomes after circulatory shock has not been well defined.We performed a secondary analysis of data from a large randomized trial comparing the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine on outcome in the ICU. Patients were separated into not old (75 years), old (75-84 years), and very old (≥85 years).Of the 1,679 patients included in the initial trial, 1,651 had sufficient age data available: 1,157 (70%) were not old, 410 (25%) were old, and 84 (5%) were very old. There were minor differences among the age groups in the APACHE II score calculated without the age component (not old, 17 ± 9; old, 18 ± 9; very old, 19 ± 9; p = 0.047), but SOFA scores were similar (not old, 9 ± 4; old, 9 ± 3; very old, 9 ± 3; p = 0.76). Mortality rates were higher in old and very old patients at 28 days, at hospital discharge, and after 6 and 12 months. Most very old patients were dead at 6 (92%) and 12 months (97%). Mortality rates increased with age in all types of shock. Using multivariable analysis, the risk of death was higher in very old patients as compared to not old (adjusted OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.2-0.56, p0.001).Ageing is independently associated with higher mortality rates in patients with circulatory failure, whatever the etiology. By 1 year after admission, most patients 85 years of age and older were dead.

We investigated the association between cerebral perfusion perturbations in sepsis with possible cognitive decline (CD) after patients' discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU).We studied 28 patients with sepsis and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL) scores ≥5 who were discharged from a university ICU institution. We evaluated cerebral circulatory parameters (pulsatility index (PI) and cerebral blood flow index (CBFi) was calculated based on the measured velocity of the middle cerebral artery. Use of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) test was performed daily, and either the Mini Mental State Examination test (MMSE) or Clock Drawing test was performed at ICU discharge. CD was categorized as persistent coma, positive CAM-ICU test at discharge, MMSE24, or an abnormal Clock test.Patients had a median pre-ICU IADL score of 6.3 (95% CI 5.9-6.7). Fourteen patients (50%) had CD at discharge. Two were in persistent coma despite sepsis resolution. Information recall was the most affected mental function of the other 12 patients. Only on the first day, patients with CD had higher PI and lower CBFi compared to those without CD (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.02; 363 ± 170 vs. 499 ± 133, p = 0.03, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed delirium, but not PI, as an independent prognostic factor for CD (OR: 29.62, 95%CI 1.91-458.01, p = 0.01).Delirium, but not cerebral perfusion alterations, is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in septic patients who were discharged from the ICU.

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between plasma citrulline and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, survival, inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP]), inotrope use, serum levels of prealbumin and albumin, and renal failure in the critically ill patient.This prospective observational single-center controlled study included 91 adult patients over a 2-year period. Inclusion criteria were patients staying in the intensive care unit for48 hours. Patients' renal status was categorized as those with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR)60 mL/min without renal support, a GFR60 mL/min with renal support, a GFR60 mL/min without renal support, and a GFR60 mL/min with renal support. Plasma citrulline concentrations were categorized into 3 groups: low (0-15 µmol/L), medium (16-35 µmol/L), and high (36 µmol/L). The relationship between the recorded parameters and these different cut-off values of plasma citrulline concentrations was analyzed.Ninety-one patients (34% female and 66% male) with a mean (SD) age of 69.3 (11.9) years, a mean (SD) body mass index of 24.8 (5.34) kg/m(2), a mean (SD) APACHE II score of 22.4 (7.92), a mean (SD) SOFA score of 8 (4.4), and a mean (SD) plasma citrulline of 21.7 (13.1) µmol/L were enrolled. Only patients with intestinal dysfunction had low plasma citrulline level15 µmol/L (P = .014). No correlations between serum levels of CRP, albumin, or prealbumin; renal failure; inotrope use; SOFA score; and APACHE II score were found with plasma citrulline level.Low plasma citrulline levels in patients correlate well with intestinal dysfunction.

We report a rare case of fulminant congestive heart failure with fatal outcome in a 21-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A young woman was admitted in the intensive care unit for pericardial tamponade associated with disseminated coagulopathy and refractory shock secondary to multiple coronary aneurysms. Post-mortem examination revealed significant multiple coronary lesions with aneurysms of the interventricular and right coronary arteries, responsible of muscular necrosis, thrombosis of the coronary sinus, and significant pericardial infiltration with hemorrhagic fluid. We describe a refractory cardiac failure with extensive coronary artery involvements, which is very uncommon in young patients with SLE: few cases have been previously described in the literature. We report a rare case of fulminant congestive heart failure with fatal outcome in a young woman with SLE related to extensive coronary involvements.

BACKGROUND Both dopamine and norepinephrine are recommended as first-line vasopressor agents in the treatment of shock. There is a continuing controversy about whether one agent is superior to the other. METHODS In this multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned patients with shock to receive either dopamine or norepinephrine as first-line vasopressor therapy to restore and maintain blood pressure. When blood pressure could not be maintained with a dose of 20 μg per kilogram of body weight per minute for dopamine or a dose of 0.19 μg per kilogram per minute for norepinephrine, open-label norepinephrine, epinephrine, or vasopressin could be added. The primary outcome was the rate of death at 28 days after randomization; secondary end points included the number of days without need for organ support and the occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS The trial included 1679 patients, of whom 858 were assigned to dopamine and 821 to norepinephrine. The baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. There was no significant between-group difference in the rate of death at 28 days (52.5% in the dopamine group and 48.5% in the norepinephrine group; odds ratio with dopamine, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.42; P = 0.10). However, there were more arrhythmic events among the patients treated with dopamine than among those treated with norepinephrine (207 events [24.1%] vs. 102 events [12.4%], P

Background. There is uncertainty on the effect of different dialysis modalities for the treatment of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). This controlled clinical trial performed in the framework of the multicentre SHARF 4 study (Stuivenberg Hospital Acute Renal Failure) aimed to investigate the outcome in patients with AKI, stratified according to severity of disease and randomized to different treatment options. Methods. This was a multicentre prospective randomized controlled trial with stratification according to severity of disease expressed by the SHARF score. ICU patients were eligible for inclusion when serum creatinine was >2 mg/dL, and RRT was initiated. The selected patients were randomized to intermittent (IRRT) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Results. A total of 316 AKI patients were randomly assigned to IRRT (n = 144) or CRRT (n = 172). The mean age was 66 (range 1896); 59% were male. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed a mortality of 62.5% in IRRT compared to 58.1% in CRRT (P = 0.430). No difference between IRRT and CRRT could be observed in the duration of ICU stay or hospital stay. In survivors, renal recovery at hospital discharge was comparable between both groups. Multivariate analysis, including the SHARF score, APACHE II and SOFA scores for correction of disease severity, showed no difference in mortality between both treatment modalities. This result was confirmed in pre-specified subgroup analysis (elderly, patients with sepsis, heart failure, ventilation) and after exclusion of possible confounders (early mortality, delayed ICU admission). Conclusions. Modality of RRT, either CRRT or IRRT, had no impact on the outcome in ICU patients with AKI. Both modalities need to be considered as complementary in the treatment of AKI (Clinical Trial: SHARF 4, NCT00322933 [ClinicalTrials.gov] , http://ClinicalTrials.gov).

Transcranial Doppler can detect cerebral perfusion alteration in septic patients. We correlate static Transcranial Doppler findings with clinical signs of sepsis-associated encephalopathy., Journal Article, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Objective Serious discrepancies between glycemia measurements obtained with an Accutrend Sensor (Boehringer Mannheim GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) type analyzer (based on a glucose dehydrogenase enzymatic reaction) and measurements obtained in the laboratory by a reference method (hexokinase) have been found in an insulin-requiring, diabetic, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patient treated with icodextrin 7.5% (Extraneal; Baxter Healthcare SA, Castlebar, Ireland), a new osmotic agent for peritoneal dialysis. We therefore investigated the respective role of the Analyzer and of the glucose polymer in this hitherto undescribed problem. Design Glycemia was measured simultaneously on venous blood using a reference laboratory technique, and on capillary blood using the Accutrend Sensor glucose analyzer in three groups of CAPD patients: 6 patients on Extraneal for at least 1 week, 6 patients receiving their first Extraneal exchange, and 8 patients never exposed to Extraneal. In the first group of patients, glycemia was also measured with another analyzer (Glucocard; Menarini Diagnostics, Firenze, Italy) using a different enzymatic reaction (glucose oxidase). In a separate study, whole blood of a normal subject was spiked with concentrated solutions of glucose and icodextrin and some of its metabolites (maltose, maltotriose, maltopentaose). Once again, comparative measurements of glycemia were performed with the Accutrend Sensor, with two other kits using a glucose dehydrogenase enzyme reaction, and with the hexokinase reference method. Results In 6 CAPD patients treated with once-daily exchanges with Extraneal for a minimum of 7 consecutive days, we confirmed overestimation of glycemia by the Accutrend Sensor of 65 ± 26 mg/dL compared to reference values (p < 0.01), and of 69; I: 25 mg/dL (p < 0.001) compared to measurements obtained with the Glucocard monitor. In 6 other CAPD patients studied at the end of one single icodextrin exchange, overestimation of 61 ± 11 mg/dL was already present (p < 0.001). On the other hand, in 8 CAPD patients never treated with icodextrin, there was no discrepancy between the Accutrend Sensor readings and reference values. The measurements in spiked blood confirmed that only the Accutrend Sensor overestimates glycemia in the presence of maltose and glucose polymers. The overestimation decreased as the molecular size of the saccharides added to blood increased. There was no overestimation when other kits using a dehydrogenase enzyme were tested. Conclusion The overestimation observed is probably related to the presence of oligosaccharides (mainly maltose), derivatives of glucose polymers present in Extraneal and absorbed via the peritoneal route, in the blood of patients treated with icodextrin. The glucose dehydrogenase characterizing the Accutrend Sensor, an enzyme of the pyrroloquinolinequinone class, very likely reacts with the free reducing group of the glucose molecule located at the end of each saccharide chain. This would not be the case for the Glucocard monitor using glucose oxidase, for other kits using glucose dehydrogenase, and for the reference method based on hexokinase. The Accutrend Sensor type of analyzers are therefore not suitable for regular monitoring of glycemia in diabetic PD patients treated with icodextrin.

A 47-year-old woman with Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) and an implanted pacemaker for complete heart block was admitted to the intensive care unit following a cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia (torsade de pointes) in the setting of QT prolongation. Complete heart blocks and ventricular tachycardia are implicated as mechanisms of sudden deaths in KSS; such patients may require pacemaker implantation and implantation of an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

A novel approach to increasing erythropoietin (EPO) using oxygen (O2) (the 'normobaric oxygen paradox') has been reported in healthy volunteers. We investigated whether the EPO increase is sufficient to induce erythropoiesis by comparing two protocols of O2 administration., Journal Article, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

INTRODUCTION: Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen known to infect the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Infection severity can range from sub-clinical pulmonary infection to acute respiratory distress syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 62-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our hospital for acute respiratory failure. Serum samples obtained every week starting from the day of admission showed clear-cut seroconversion for C. pneumoniae antibodies. All other cultures obtained during the first days of hospitalization were negative. Despite maximal ventilatory support (high positive end expiratory pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen of 1.0, nitric oxide inhalation, neuromuscular blocking agents and prone positioning), our patient remained severely hypoxemic, which led us to initiate an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and hemodiafiltration were withdrawn on day 12. Our patient was extubated on day 18 and discharged from our Intensive Care Unit on day 20. He went home a month later. CONCLUSION: We describe the first published case of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to C. pneumoniae infection successfully treated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a very useful tool in this syndrome. A quick and specific method for the definite diagnosis of Chlamydophila infection should be developed., JOURNAL ARTICLE, SCOPUS: re.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of blood insulin measurements on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) pathways. METHODS All patients admitted to the emergency department within 12 months for acute, retrosternal, constrictive chest pain lasting for more than 30 minutes; cardiogenic pulmonary edema; electrocardiogram ST changes; and echographic alterations were included. The study parameters were clinical (age, sex, blood pressure, presence of pulmonary rales and gallop), including classic laboratory tests associated with troponin T, blood insulin levels, and hemoglobin A1C, and echographic values. These were taken on admission and throughout hospital stay. All patients underwent a coronary angiography for ACS diagnosis confirmation as well as treatment intention. RESULTS Sixty patients were included in the study. Abnormal blood insulin levels were present on admission in 47% of the population. Blood insulin level was significantly correlated to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction coronary perfusion score (Spearman Rank, 0.55, P < 0.0001). Abnormal insulinemia was normalized with reperfusion. Insulin was administered essentially to the 16 patients with hypoinsulinemia. Patients with hypoinsulinemia seem to have the most severe coronary lesions and highest Killip score. CONCLUSIONS In ACS, insulin levels are altered in half of the patients. After the investigators noted its tight correlation with the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction coronary flow score, its determination could be important in ACS for triggering emergency coronary angiography for percutaneous coronary intervention. This could modify the critical pathways of ACS patients in the emergency department.

Ventilator weaning protocols have been published during the past 20 years. Although patients fulfill weaning criteria, they may still experience extubation failure. Risk factors include respiratory muscle weakness. This is accompanied by peripheral muscle weakness. The aim of the study is to evaluate the possible relation between peripheral (hand) muscle strength and extubation success in ICU patients.

We present the case of an 82-year-old man admitted to our hospital for muscle weakness. He was under simvastatin 20 mg per day and was given pulse itraconazole therapy 8 days before the onset of symptoms for onychomycosis. He developed severe rhabdomyolysis inducing an acute renal failure necessitating renal replacement therapy. He eventually fully recovered. Given the possible concurrent use of simvastatin and itraconazole, awareness of this potential interaction is clinically important.

The tongue is well irrigated by the lingual and submandibular arteries along with numerous collaterals that are invariably present. This rich vascular supply makes tongue necrosis exceptional. Tongue necrosis has been reported in giant cell arteritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, malignant tumors, previous radiation to the neck, intraarterial injections, emboli, ergotism, essential thrombocytosis, and calciphylaxis [1–3, 5]. We report a case of tongue necrosis due to a combination of different vasoconstrictive agents in the intensive care setting.

We describe the case of a 46-year-old man admitted for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the context of cirrhosis. A deep bleeding duodenal ulcer was treated by sclerotherapy. Abdominal pain and fever lead us to perform an abdominal computed tomography, which demonstrated emphysematous cholecystitis. An emergency cholecystectomy was performed and antimicrobial therapy initiated. The patient recovered uneventfully. Links between ulcers and emphysematous cholecystitis are discussed., Case Reports, Journal Article, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Introduction: Outcome studies in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) have focused on differences between modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT). The outcome of conservative treatment, however, has never been compared with RRT.Methods: Nine Belgian intensive care units (ICUs) included all adult patients consecutively admitted with serum creatinine >2 mg/dl. Included treatment options were conservative treatment and intermittent or continuous RRT. Disease severity was determined using the Stuivenberg Hospital Acute Renal Failure (SHARF) score. Outcome parameters studied were mortality, hospital length of stay and renal recovery at hospital discharge.Results: Out of 1,303 included patients, 650 required RRT (58% intermittent, 42% continuous RRT). Overall results showed a higher mortality (43% versus 58%) as well as a longer ICU and hospital stay in RRT patients compared to conservative treatment. Using the SHARF score for adjustment of disease severity, an increased risk of death for RRT compared to conservative treatment of RR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.3) was found. Additional correction for other severity parameters (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)), age, type of AKI and clinical conditions confirmed the higher mortality in the RRT group.Conclusions: The SHARF study showed that the higher mortality expected in AKI patients receiving RRT versus conservative treatment can not only be explained by a higher disease severity in the RRT group, even after multiple corrections. A more critical approach to the need for RRT in AKI patients seems to be warranted. © 2010 Elseviers et al. licensee BioMed Central Ltd., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

It is important for ICU physicians to predict the mortality of acute renal failure (ARF) in the first 24–48 hours. For this the SHARF II score at 0 and 48 hours has been developed [1]. This study will look at short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality with different modes of treatment in ARF.

An 81-year-old woman with a previous history of hyperthyroidism treated with 10 mg/day thiamazole presented with episodes of syncope. On admission, her ECG showed ectopic ventricular beats and a prolonged QT interval (QTc 520 ms). Torsades de pointes was recorded while she was having another syncope attack. A thyroid function test showed a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 72.7 AU/ml (range 0.3–4.0 AU/ml), free triiodothyronine (T3) 1.6 pg/ml (2.1–5.3 pg/ml) and free thyroxin (T4) 0.3 ng/dl (0.8–2.0 ng/dl), pointing to secondary hypothyroidism. We thought that this was the cause of her torsades de pointes and so we initially treated her intravenously with liothyronine 25 Ag/day and levothyroxine 50 Ag/day and subsequently orally with thyroxin 50 Ag/day, later increased to 75 Ag/day [1–5]. Our diagnosis was sustained by the absence of a long QT interval on a previous ECG while a thyroid test was slightly abnormal, with a shortened QT interval and the absence of recurrent tachyarrhythmias after thyroid replacement therapy. The arrhythmia never recurred and the patient’s QT interval returned to normal. We would

To the Editor .—A recent case of one of our patients who presented with a septicemia caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides 15 days after the consumption of raw mussels prompted us to add P shigelloides to the list of the bacterial infections associated with fish and shellfish consumption, published in the August 1989 issue of theArchives. 1 Indeed, P shigelloides has been recognized as the cause of isolated cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis, often severe, after ingestion of seafood. 2-6 Cases of extraintestinal illness have also been caused by P shigelloides : meningitis and septicemia in neonates, sometimes associated with the presence of P shigelloides in the feces of the mother, 7,8 probably secondary to seafood consumption, 8 and septicemia in adults, also sometimes preceded by seafood consumption. 9 These extraintestinal infections are rarely reported, but are severe and often fatal. 2 Consequently, it seems to us that P shigelloides , a