Concurrent hospitalization of a married couple presenting with distinct symptoms but diagnosed with a life-threatening infectious disease

ABSTRACT We described the cases of a married couple hospitalized for distinct symptoms and developed a neuroparalytic syndrome with rapid progression. In Case 1, a 75-year-old woman was admitted for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blurred vision. The patient developed acute respiratory failure, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia. She died on day 15 because of an acute abdomen. In Case 2, her husband, a 71-year-old man, was admitted for diplopia. The patient developed abdominal distension and slurred speech. Later, he developed bilateral ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, and mydriasis. Botulism was suspected, and both patients received botulinum antitoxin. Our male patient survived but underwent prolonged rehabilitation.

Estudo randomizado para avaliação da terapia guiada por metas em cirurgia cardíaca de alto risco / A randomized controlled trial to evaluate goal directed therapy in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Introdução: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da terapia guiada por metas (TGM) sobre desfechos em pacientes de alto risco submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo randomizado que avaliou 126 pacientes submetidos às cirurgias de revascularização do miocárdio ou valvar internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Cirúrgica (UTI) do Instituto do Coração da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Os pacientes foram randomizados para um algoritmo de terapia guiada por metas (grupo TGM, n=62) ou grupo controle (n=64). No grupo TGM, um índice cardíaco superior a 3 L/min/m2 foi utilizado como alvo através de fluidos, inotrópicos e transfusão de concentrado de hemácias, com início após desmame da circulação extracorpórea e com término após 8 horas de admissão na UTI. Resultados: O desfecho primário foi um composto de mortalidade e complicações maiores em 30 dias. Os pacientes do grupo TGM receberam maior volume (mediana e intervalo interquartílico) de fluidos em relação ao grupo controle [1000 (625 - 1500) vs. 500 (500 - 1000) mL (P < 0,001)], e não houve diferença na administração de inotrópicos ou hemotransfusão. A incidência do desfecho primário foi menor no grupo TGM (27,4 vs. 45,3%, p=0,037). O grupo TGM apresentou menor incidência de infecção (12,9 vs. 29,7%, P=0,002) síndrome do baixo débito cardíaco (6,5 vs. 26,6%, P=0.002). Foram também observados menor dose acumulada de dobutamina (12 vs. 19 mg/Kg, P=0,003), menor tempo de internação na UTI (3 [3-4] vs. 5 [4-7] dias; P < 0,001) e no hospital (9 [8-16] vs. 12 [9-22] dias, P=0,049) no grupo TGM comparado ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença nas taxas de mortalidade em 30 dias. (4,8% vs. 9,4%, respectivamente; P = 0,492). Conclusão: A estratégia de terapia guiada por metas através de fluidos, inotrópicos e transfusão sanguínea reduziu a incidência de complicações maiores em 30 dias em pacientes de alto risco submetidos a cirurgia cardíaca.

Introduction: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of goal-directed therapy on outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial that evaluated 126 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass or valve repair in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Heart Institute/Faculty of Medicine of University of Sao Paulo. Patients were randomized to a cardiac output-guided hemodynamic therapy algorithm (GDT group, n=62) or to usual care (n=64). In the GDT arm, a cardiac index of greater than 3 L/min/m2 was targeted with intravenous fluids, inotropes and red blood cell transfusion starting from cardiopulmonary bypass and ending eight hours after arrival to the ICU. Results: The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day mortality and major postoperative complications. Patients from the GDT group received a greater median (interquartile range) volume of intra-venous fluids than the usual care group [1000 (625 - 1500) vs. 500 (500 - 1000) mL (P<0.001)], with no differences in the administration of either inotropes or red blood cell transfusions. The primary outcome was reduced in the GDT group (27.4 vs. 45.3%, p=0.037). The GDT group had a lower incidence of infection (12.9 vs. 29.7%, P=0.002) and low cardiac output syndrome (6.5 vs. 26.6%, P=0.002). We also observed lower ICU cumulative dosage of dobutamine (12 vs. 19 mg/Kg, P=0.003) and a shorter ICU (3 [3-4] vs. 5 [4-7] days; P < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (9 [8-16] vs. 12 [9-22] days, P=0.049) in the GDT compared to the usual care group. There were no differences in 30-day mortality rates (4.8% vs. 9.4%, respectively; P = 0.492). Conclusions: Goal directed therapy using fluids, inotropes and blood transfusion reduced 30-day major complications in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Terapia de reposição volêmica durante artroplastia de quadril usando hidroxietilamido (130/0, 4) comparado com Ringer lactato diminui transfusão de sangue alogênico e infecção pós-operatória / Volume replacement therapy during hip arthroplasty using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0. 4) compared to lactated Ringer decreases allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection / Terapia de reposición volémica durante la artroplastia de cadera usando hidroxietilalmidón (130/0, 4): comparado con lactato de Ringer reduce la transfusión de sangre alogénica y la infección posoperatoria

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O hidroxietilamido 130/0,4 (HES 130/0,4) é considerado um expansor plasmático efetivo quando comparado com cristaloides. Há controvérsia sobre sua superioridade em relação à otimização hemodinâmica e sobre possíveis efeitos prejudiciais na coagulação. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos do HES 130/0,4 com os da solução de Ringer lactato durante artroplastia de quadril em pacientes adultos sob raquianestesia e levou em consideração sangramento intraoperatório, parâmetros hemodinâmicos, coagulograma, necessidade de transfusão e desfechos clínicos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo randômico e controlado, 48 pacientes agendados para artroplastia de quadril com raquianestesia foram alocados em dois grupos: 24 receberam uma pré-carga de HES 130/0,4 (15 mL.kg-1) e 24 receberam uma pré-carga de solução de Ringer lactato (30 mL. kg-1) antes da cirurgia. Mensurações hemodinâmicas, concentração de hemoglobina, parâmetros bioquímicos e testes de coagulação foram avaliados em três períodos durante o procedimento cirúrgico. Os pacientes receberam acompanhamento médico durante a internação e até 30 dias no período pós-operatório. O principal fator foi a necessidade de transfusão de hemácias entre os grupos durante a internação. Os fatores secundários foram parâmetros hemodinâmicos, tempo de internação, mortalidade e ocorrência de complicações clínicas. no período pós-operatório. O principal fator foi a necessidade de transfusão de hemácias entre os grupos durante a internação. Os fatores secundários foram parâmetros hemodinâmicos, tempo de internação, mortalidade e ocorrência de complicações clínicas. RESULTADOS: A transfusão de hemácias foi necessária em 17% dos pacientes do grupo HES e em 46% dos pacientes do grupo Ringer lactato (p = 0,029). Infecções pós-operatórias foram observadas com mais frequência no grupo de Ringer lactato (17%) em comparação com o grupo HES (0), p = 0,037. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação à mortalidade, ao tempo de internação e às complicações clínicas, exceto infecção. CONCLUSÕES: Durante a artroplastia de quadril, os pacientes tratados com hemodiluição hipervolêmica normal com hidroxietilamido 130/0,4 precisaram de menos transfusão e apresentaram índice menor de infecção em comparação com os pacientes que receberam Ringer lactato.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 is considered an effective plasma expander when compared to crystalloids. There is controversy around its superiority regarding hemodynamic optimization and about possible detrimental effects on coagulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HES 130/0.4 to lactated Ringer solution during hip arthroplasty in adult patients under spinal anesthesia regarding intraoperative bleeding, hemodynamic parameters, coagulation profile, transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 48 patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty with spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups: 24 patients were allocated to receive a preload of 15 mL.kg-1 of HES 130/0.4 and 24 patients received a preload of 30 mL.kg-1 lactated Ringer solution before surgery. Hemodynamic measurements, hemoglobin concentrations, biochemical parameters and coagulation tests were evaluated in three periods during surgical procedure. Patients received medical follow-up during their hospital stay and up to postoperative 30 days. Primary outcome was the requirement of red blood cell transfusion between groups during hospital stay. Secondary outcome were hemodynamic parameters, length of hospital stay, mortality and occurrence of clinical postoperative complications. RESULTS: Red blood cell transfusion was required in 17% of patients in the HES group and in 46% in the Ringer group (p = .029). Postoperative infections were more frequently observed in the Ringer group (17%) compared to the HES group (0), p = .037. There were no significant differences between groups in mortality, hospital length of stay and clinical complications other than infection. Conclusions: During hip arthroplasty, patients treated with hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 required less transfusion and presented lower infection rate compared to patients who received lactated Ringer.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El hidroxietilalmidón 130/0,4 (HES 130/0,4) está considerado como un expansivo plasmático efectivo cuando se le compara con los cristaloides. Existen controversias sobre su superioridad con relación a la optimización hemodinámica y sobre posibles efectos perjudiciales en la coagulación. El objetivo de este estudio, fue comparar los efectos del HES 130/0,4 con los de la solución de lactato de Ringer durante la artroplastia de cadera en pacientes adultos bajo raquianestesia, considerando el sangramiento intraoperatorio, los parámetros hemodinámicos, el coagulograma, la necesidad de transfusión y los resultados clínicos. MÉTODOS: En este estudio aleatorio y controlado, 48 pacientes citados para la artroplastia de cadera con raquianestesia fueron aleatoriamente divididos en dos grupos: 24 pacientes fueron ubicados para recibir una pre-carga de HES 130/0,4 (15 mL.kg-1) y 24 pacientes recibieron una pre-carga de solución de lactato de Ringer (30 mL.kg-1) antes de la cirugía. Las medidas hemodinámicas, concentración de hemoglobina, parámetros bioquímicos y los test de coagulación fueron evaluados en tres períodos durante el procedimiento quirúrgico. Los pacientes recibieron un acompañamiento médico durante el ingreso y de 30 días en el período del postoperatorio. El principal factor fue la necesidad de transfusión de hematíes entre los grupos durante el ingreso. Los factores secundarios fueron los parámetros hemodinámicos, tiempo de ingreso, mortalidad y aparecimiento de complicaciones clínicas. RESULTADOS: La transfusión de hematíes fue necesaria en un 17% de los pacientes del grupo HES y en un 46% de los pacientes del grupo lactato de Ringer (p = 0,029). Las infecciones postoperatorias fueron observadas con más frecuencia en el grupo lactato de Ringer (17%) en comparación con el grupo HES (0), p = 0,037. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos con relación a la mortalidad, tiempo de ingreso y complicaciones clínicas, excepto en la infección. Conclusiones: Durante la artroplastia de cadera, los pacientes tratados con hemodilución hipervolémica normal con hidroxietilalmidón 130/0.4 necesitaron menos transfusión y presentaron un índice menor de infección en comparación con los pacientes que recibieron lactato de Ringer.

High levels of B-type natriuretic peptide predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation in adult patients after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE: The failure to wean from mechanical ventilation is related to worse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the serum level of B-type natriuretic peptide is a predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of 101 patients who underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. B-type natriuretic peptide was measured postoperatively after intensive care unit admission and at the end of a 60-min spontaneous breathing test. The demographic data, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, fluid balance, need for vasopressor or inotropic support, and length of the intensive care unit and hospital stays were recorded. Weaning failure was considered as either the inability to sustain spontaneous breathing after 60 min or the need for reintubation within 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients studied, 12 patients failed the weaning trial. There were no differences between the groups in the baseline or intraoperative characteristics, including left ventricular function, EuroSCORE and lengths of the cardiac procedure and cardiopulmonary bypass. The B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly higher at intensive care unit admission and at the end of the breathing test in the patients with weaning failure compared with the patients who were successfully weaned. In a multivariate model, a high B-type natriuretic peptide level at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial was the only independent predictor of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: A high B-type natriuretic peptide level is a predictive factor for the failure to wean from mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery. These findings suggest that optimizing ventricular function should be a goal during the perioperative period.

Diaphragmatic pacing stimulation in spinal cord injury: anesthetic and perioperative management

OBJECTIVE: The standard therapy for patients with high-level spinal cord injury is long-term mechanical ventilation through a tracheostomy. However, in some cases, this approach results in death or disability. The aim of this study is to highlight the anesthetics and perioperative aspects of patients undergoing insertion of a diaphragmatic pacemaker. METHODS: Five patients with quadriplegia following high cervical traumatic spinal cord injury and ventilator-dependent chronic respiratory failure were implanted with a laparoscopic diaphragmatic pacemaker after preoperative assessments of their phrenic nerve function and diaphragm contractility through transcutaneous nerve stimulation. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01385384. RESULTS: The diaphragmatic pacemaker placement was successful in all of the patients. Two patients presented with capnothorax during the perioperative period, which resolved without consequences. After six months, three patients achieved continuous use of the diaphragm pacing system, and one patient could be removed from mechanical ventilation for more than 4 hours per day. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a diaphragmatic phrenic system is a new and safe technique with potential to improve the quality of life of patients who are dependent on mechanical ventilation because of spinal cord injuries. Appropriate indication and adequate perioperative care are fundamental to achieving better results.