The Profile of Early Sedation Depth and Clinical Outcomes of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Korea

Background@#Current international guidelines recommend against deep sedation as it is associated with worse outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, in Korea the prevalence of deep sedation and its impact on patients in the ICU are not well known. @*Methods@#From April 2020 to July 2021, a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal, noninterventional cohort study was performed in 20 Korean ICUs. Sedation depth extent was divided into light and deep using a mean Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale value within the first 48 hours. Propensity score matching was used to balance covariables; the outcomes were compared between the two groups. @*Results@#Overall, 631 patients (418 [66.2%] and 213 [33.8%] in the deep and light sedation groups, respectively) were included. Mortality rates were 14.1% and 8.4% in the deep and light sedation groups (P = 0.039), respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that time to extubation (P < 0.001), ICU length of stay (P = 0.005), and death P = 0.041) differed between the groups. After adjusting for confounders, early deep sedation was only associated with delayed time to extubation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence inter val [CI], 0.55– 0.80; P < 0.001). In the matched cohort, deep sedation remained significantly associated with delayed time to extubation (HR, 0.68; 95% 0.56–0.83; P < 0.001) but was not associated with ICU length of stay (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79–1.13; P = 0.500) and in-hospital mortality (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.65–2.17; P = 0.582). @*Conclusion@#In many Korean ICUs, early deep sedation was highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients and was associated with delayed extubation, but not prolonged ICU stay or in-hospital death.

The Association Between Tachycardia and Mortality in Septic Shock Patients According to Serum Lactate Level: A Nationwide Multicenter Cohort Study

Background@#This study aimed to evaluate whether the effect of tachycardia varies according to the degree of tissue perfusion in septic shock. @*Methods@#Patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care units were categorized into the tachycardia (heart rate > 100 beats/min) and non-tachycardia (≤ 100 beats/min) groups. The association of tachycardia with hospital mortality was evaluated in each subgroup with low and high lactate levels, which were identified through a subpopulation treatment effect pattern plot analysis. @*Results@#In overall patients, hospital mortality did not differ between the two groups (44.6% vs. 41.8%, P = 0.441), however, tachycardia was associated with reduced hospital mortality rates in patients with a lactate level ≥ 5.3 mmol/L (48.7% vs. 60.3%, P = 0.030; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.99, P = 0.045), not in patients with a lactate level < 5.3 mmol/L (36.5% vs. 29.7%, P = 0.156; adjusted OR, 1.39, 95% CI, 0.82–2.35, P = 0.227). @*Conclusion@#In septic shock patients, the effect of tachycardia on hospital mortality differed by serum lactate level. Tachycardia was associated with better survival in patients with significantly elevated lactate levels.

Antibiogram of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Based on Sepsis Onset Location in Korea: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Background@#Administration of adequate antibiotics is crucial for better outcomes in sepsis. Because no uniform tool can accurately assess the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, a local antibiogram is necessary. We aimed to describe the antibiogram of MDR bacteria based on locations of sepsis onset in South Korea. @*Methods@#We performed a prospective observational study of adult patients diagnosed with sepsis according to Sepsis-3 from 19 institutions (13 tertiary referral and 6 universityaffiliated general hospitals) in South Korea. Patients were divided into four groups based on the respective location of sepsis onset: community, nursing home, long-term-care hospital, and hospital. Along with the antibiogram, risk factors of MDR bacteria and drug-bug match of empirical antibiotics were analyzed. @*Results@#MDR bacteria were detected in 1,596 (22.7%) of 7,024 patients with gram-negative predominance. MDR gram-negative bacteria were more commonly detected in long-termcare hospital- (30.4%) and nursing home-acquired (26.3%) sepsis, whereas MDR grampositive bacteria were more prevalent in hospital-acquired (10.9%) sepsis. Such findings were consistent regardless of the location and tier of hospitals throughout South Korea. Patients with long-term-care hospital-acquired sepsis had the highest risk of MDR pathogen, which was even higher than those with hospital-acquired sepsis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.75) after adjustment of risk factors. The drug-bug match was lowest in patients with long-term-care hospital-acquired sepsis (66.8%). @*Conclusion@#Gram-negative MDR bacteria were more common in nursing home- and long-term-care hospital-acquired sepsis, whereas gram-positive MDR bacteria were more common in hospital-acquired settings in South Korea. Patients with long-term-care hospitalacquired sepsis had the highest the risk of MDR bacteria but lowest drug-bug match of initial antibiotics. We suggest that initial antibiotics be carefully selected according to the onset location in each patient.

Analysis of Cancer Patient Decision-Making and Health Service Utilization after Enforcement of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act in Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to confirm the decision-making patterns for life-sustaining treatment (LST) and analyze medical service utilization changes after enforcement of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act. @*Materials and Methods@#Of 1,237 patients who completed legal forms for life-sustaining treatment (hereafter called the LST form) at three academic hospitals and died at the same institutions, 1,018 cancer patients were included. Medical service utilization and costs were analyzed using claims data. @*Results@#The median time to death from completion of the LST form was three days (range, 0 to 248 days). Of these, 517 people died within two days of completing the document, and 36.1% of all patients prepared the LST form themselves. The frequency of use of the intensive care unit, continuous renal replacement therapy, and mechanical ventilation was significantly higher when the families filled out the form without knowing the patient’s intention. In the top 10% of the medical expense groups, the decision-makers for LST were family members rather than patients (28% patients vs. 32% family members who knew and 40% family members who did not know the patient’s intention). @*Conclusion@#The cancer patient’s own decision-making rather than the family’s decision was associated with earlier decision-making, less use of some critical treatments (except chemotherapy) and expensive evaluations, and a trend toward lower medical costs.

Change in management and outcome of mechanical ventilation in Korea: a prospective observational study

Background/Aims@#There are few studies describing contemporary status of mechanical ventilation in Korea. We investigated changes in management and outcome of mechanical ventilation in Korea. @*Methods@#International, prospective observational cohort studies have been conducted every 6 years since 1998. Korean intensive care units (ICUs) participated in 2010 and 2016 cohorts. We compared 2016 and 2010 Korean data. @*Results@#Two hundred and twenty-six patients from 18 ICUs and 275 patients from 12 ICUs enrolled in 2016 and 2010, respectively. In 2016 compared to 2010, use of non-invasive ventilation outside ICU increased (10.2% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.001). Pressure-control ventilation was the most common mode in both groups. Initial tidal volume (7.1 mL/kg vs. 7.4 mL/kg, p = 0.372) and positive end-expiratory pressure (6 cmH2O vs. 6 cmH2O, p = 0.141) were similar, but peak pressure (22 cmH2O vs. 24 cmH2O, p = 0.011) was lower in 2016. More patients received sedatives (70.7% vs. 57.0%, p = 0.002) and analgesics (86.5% vs. 51.1%, p < 0.001) in 2016. The awakening (48.4% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.002) was more frequently attempted in 2016. The accidental extubation rate decreased to one tenth of what it was in 2010 (1.1% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001). The ICU mortality did not change (31.4% 35.6%, p = 0.343) but ICU length of stay showed a decreasing trend (9 days vs. 10 days, p = 0.054) in 2016. @*Conclusions@#There were temporal changes in care of patients on mechanical ventilation including better control of pain and agitation, and active attempt of awakening.

Effect of corticosteroid therapy in the early phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a propensitymatched cohort study

Background/Aims@#It is unclear whether corticosteroid use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) improves survival. This study aimed to investigate whether the administration of corticosteroids to patients in the early phase of moderate to severe ARDS is associated with improved outcomes. @*Methods@#We analyzed the data of patients who received corticosteroids within 7 days of the onset of ARDS between June 2006 and December 2015 at a single tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 565 patients admitted with moderate to severe ARDS were eligible. The outcomes of patients treated with methylprednisolone 40 to 180 mg/day or equivalent (n = 404) were compared to those who did not receive steroids (n = 161). The primary and secondary outcomes were 28- and 90-day mortality rates, respectively. Propensity scores were used to adjust for baseline covariates. @*Results@#The overall mortality at 28 days was not significantly different between the corticosteroid-treated and control groups (43.8% vs. 41%, p = 0.541). At 90 days, the overall mortality rate was higher in the corticosteroid-treated group than in the control group (59.2% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.021). However, on propensity score matching, corticosteroid therapy was not associated with a higher 28-day mortality rate (odds ratio, 1.031; 95% confidence interval, 0.657 to 1.618; p = 0.895) and 90 days (odds ratio, 1.435; 95% confidence interval, 0.877 to 2.348; p = 0.151). @*Conclusions@#Corticosteroid therapy was not associated with 28- or 90-day mortality in the early phase of moderate to severe ARDS on propensity score matching analysis.

Assisted Breathing with a Diaphragm Pacing System: A Systematic Review

Purpose@#Patients with respiratory failure associated with neurological dysfunction often require mechanical ventilator support, which poses increased economic burden and ventilator-associated complications. A diaphragm pacing system (DPS) is an implanted device that provides respiratory support for such patients. In this systematic review, we reviewed the literature to assess the safety and efficacy of DPS for patients with respiratory failure resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or cervical spinal cord injuries. @*Materials and Methods@#The following databases were searched from July 10 to July 30, 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochran library, KoreaMed, Research Information Sharing Service, Korean studies Information Service System, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, and Korean Medical database. The abstracts and full texts of the searched articles were reviewed by two reviewers. @*Results@#The search keywords generated 197 articles: two randomized controlled trials, two case-control studies, and one case report involving patients with ALS; one cohort study, one case-control study, and two case reports involving patients with cervical spine injury; and one case report involving patients with both conditions were included. The primary outcome was safety profile (complications and adverse event) and efficacy (overall survival and sleep improvement). Complications and adverse events were more common in patients with ALS and spinal cord injury receiving DPS than in controls. Efficacy outcomes were inconsistent across ALS studies. @*Conclusion@#Based on safety and efficacy results, we do not support using DPS to manage respiratory failure in patients with ALS or cervical spine injury.

Derivation and validation of modified early warning score plus SpO2/FiO2 score for predicting acute deterioration of patients with hematological malignancies

Background/Aims@#Scoring systems play an important role in predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission or estimating the risk of death in critically ill patients with hematological malignancies. We evaluated the modified early warning score (MEWS) for predicting ICU admissions and in-hospital mortality among at-risk patients with hematological malignancies and developed an optimized MEWS. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed derivation cohort patients with hematological malignancies who were managed by a medical emergency team (MET) in the general ward and prospectively validated the data. We compared the traditional MEWS with the MEWS plus SpO2/FiO2 (MEWS_SF) score, which were calculated at the time of MET contact. @*Results@#In the derivation cohort, the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were 0.81 for the MEWS (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to 0.87) and 0.87 for the MEWS_SF score (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.92) for predicting ICU admission. The AUROC curves were 0.70 for the MEWS (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.77) and 0.76 for the MEWS_SF score (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.83) for predicting in-hospital mortality. In the validation cohort, the AUROC curves were 0.71 for the MEWS (95% CI, 0.66 to 0.77) and 0.83 for the MEWS_SF score (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.87) for predicting ICU admission. The AUROC curves were 0.64 for the MEWS (95% CI, 0.57 to 0.70) and 0.74 for the MEWS_SF score (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.80) for predicting in-hospital mortality. @*Conclusions@#Compared to the traditional MEWS, the MEWS_SF score may be a useful tool that can be used in the general ward to identify deteriorating patients with hematological malignancies.

The quick sepsis-related organ failure score has limited value for predicting adverse outcomes in sepsis patients with liver cirrhosis

Background/Aims@#The quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a newly developed risk stratification tool, which has been presented along with a new sepsis definition, to classify infected patients outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). We evaluated the clinical usefulness of qSOFA for predicting adverse outcomes in sepsis patients with liver cirrhosis. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective cohort study to assess the utility of qSOFA in sepsis patients with liver cirrhosis for whom medical emergency teams (METs) were activated in general wards at an academic tertiary care hospital between March 2008 and December 2015. qSOFA, Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), modified early warning score (MEWS), and sequential (sepsis- related) organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated according to data at MET activation. @*Results@#Of 188 patients, 69 (36.7%) had a qSOFA score of 0 or 1 point and 119 (63.3%) had ≥ 2 points. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for ICU transfer on the SOFA (AUROC, 0.691; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.615 to 0.767) or MEWS (AUROC, 0.663; 95% CI, 0.586 to 0.739) were significantly higher compared to those for qSOFA (AUROC, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.507 to 0.671) or SIRS (AUROC, 0.533; 95% CI, 0.451 to 0.616). @*Conclusions@#Our findings suggest that qSOFA score may have limited utility in predicting adverse outcomes in sepsis patients with liver cirrhosis at MET activation. Either MEWS or another screening tool is needed for detecting early sepsis in these patients.

Iatrogenic Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background@#Opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS) may occur following the reduction or discontinuation of opioid analgesics. In critically ill pediatric patients, OWS is a common and clinically significant condition. However, OWS in adult patients has not been assessed in detail. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical features of OWS in mechanically ventilated patients treated in an adult intensive care unit (ICU). @*Methods@#This study was a retrospective evaluation of data from patients treated in the medical ICU for > 3 days and who received only one type of opioid analgesic. OWS was assessed over a 24 hours period from discontinuation or reduction (by > 50%) of continuous opioid infusion. OWS was defined as the presence of ≥ 3 central nervous system or autonomic nervous system symptoms. @*Results@#In 126 patients treated with remifentanil (n = 58), fentanyl (n = 47), or morphine (n = 21), OWS was seen in 31.0%, 36.2%, and 9.5% of patients, respectively (P = 0.078). The most common symptom was a change in respiratory rate (remifentanil, 94.4%; fentanyl, 76.5%; morphine, 100%). Multivariate Cox-proportional hazards model showed that OWS was negatively associated with morphine treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.037–0.743) and duration of opioid infusion (HR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.451–0.712). @*Conclusion@#OWS is not uncommon in mechanically ventilated adult patients who received continuous infusion of opioids for > 3 days. The use of morphine may be associated with a decreased risk of OWS.

Effects of Appointing a Full-Time Neurointensivist to Run a Closed-Type Neurological Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate whether appointing a full-time neurointensivist to manage a closed-type neurological intensive care unit (NRICU) improves the quality of critical care and patient outcomes. METHODS: This study included patients admitted to the NRICU at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Two time periods were defined according to the presence of a neurointensivist in the preexisting open-type NRICU: the before and after periods. Hospital medical records were queried and compared between these two time periods, as were the biannual satisfaction survey results for the families of patients. RESULTS: Of the 15,210 patients in the neurology department, 2,199 were admitted to the NRICU (n=995 and 1,204 during the before and after periods, respectively; p<0.001). The length of stay was shorter during the after than during the before period in both the NRICU (3 vs. 4 days; p<0.001) and the hospital overall (12.5 vs. 14.0 days; p<0.001). Neurological consultations (2,070 vs. 3,097; p<0.001) and intrahospital transfers from general intensive care units to the NRICU (21 vs. 40; p=0.111) increased from the before to after the period. The mean satisfaction scores of the families of the patients also increased, from 78.3 to 89.7. In a Cox proportional hazards model, appointing a neurointensivist did not result in a statistically significant change in 6-month mortality (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.652–1.031; p=0.089). CONCLUSIONS: Appointing a full-time neurointensivist to manage a closed-type NRICU had beneficial effects on quality indicators and patient outcomes.

Erratum: Effect of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

There is a spelling mistake of an author's name, and the authors want to change to Min Gee Lee from Min Gi Lee.

Effect of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitamin D modulates innate and adaptive immune responses, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in hospitalized patients with pneumonia. We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and its effect on the clinical outcomes of ARDS. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 108 patients who had a measured serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) at the time of diagnosis with ARDS. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on 25(OH)D3 levels of 20 ng/mL and stratified by quartiles of 25(OH)D3 levels. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 59.4 years old; 77 (71.3%) were male. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 103 patients (95.4%). The mean 25(OH)D3 level was 8.3 ± 7.0 ng/mL. Neither in-hospital mortality (40.0% vs. 68.0%) nor 6-month mortality (40.0% vs. 71.8%) significantly differed between groups. There were no significant differences in 25(OH)D3 level between survivors (8.1 ± 7.6 ng/mL) and non-survivors (8.5 ± 6.8 ng/mL, p = 0.765). There were no trends toward a difference in mortality among quartiles of 25(OH)D3 levels. However, 25(OH)D3 levels were inversely related with length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay among in-hospital survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in Korean patients with ARDS. However, levels of vitamin D were not associated with mortality. A large, prospective study is needed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency on clinical outcomes of ARDS.

Serial Changes in Mannose-Binding Lectin in Patients with Sepsis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to infection. We investigated whether serial changes in MBL levels are associated with the prognosis of patients diagnosed with septic shock, and correlated with cytokine levels. METHODS: We enrolled 131 patients with septic shock in the study. We analyzed the serum samples for MBL and cytokine levels at baseline and 7 days later. Samples on day 7 were available in 73 patients. RESULTS: We divided the patients with septic shock into four groups according to serum MBL levels ( < 1.3 µg/mL or ≥1.3 µg/mL) on days 1 and 7. Patients with low MBL levels on day 1 and high MBL levels on day 7 showed a favorable prognosis for 28-day survival (odds ratio, 1.96, 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.87; p=0.087). The high MBL group on day 7 showed a significant decrease in monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels compared with the low MBL group on day 7. CONCLUSION: The increase in MBL levels of patients with septic shock may suggest a favorable prognosis and attenuate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

Acute Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Right Heart Failure Following Total Knee Replacement Surgery / 대한내과학회지

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening condition characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal insufficiency, neurological abnormalities, and fever. Cardiac involvement is not uncommon and can be fatal; however, right ventricular heart involvement after surgery is rare. Here, we report a case of TTP presenting with right ventricular heart failure after total knee replacement surgery. TTP was successfully treated with four rounds of plasma exchange. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged after 11 weeks.

The effect of an improvement of experience and training in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management on clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND/AIMS@#The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is spreading rapidly, with successful procedures reported in the ECMO for Severe Adult Respiratory failure (CESAR) trial and treatment of the H1N1 pandemic. However, ECMO is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to show that increased experience and improved teamwork through education may reduce the mortality rate associated with ECMO.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was performed. Data were collected from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011. The data were divided into two periods: 2009/2010 (period 1) and 2011 (period 2). The protocol and training program were applied during period 2.@*RESULTS@#Seventy-six patients were included. The most common disease requiring ECMO support was pneumonia (43.4%). ECMO was applied within 7 days in 76.3% of patients. The primary outcomes, such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital mortality rates, were higher during period 1 (91.3%) than period 2 (66.7%, p = 0.013). A multivariate analysis revealed that ECMO weaning failure was the only factor associated with ICU and hospital mortality (ICU mortality: hazard ratio [HR], 11.349; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.281 to 100.505; p = 0.029; hospital mortality: HR, 17.976; 95% CI, 2.263 to 142.777; p = 0.006).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The mortality rate associated with the ECMO procedure decreased following the ECMO training program. However, applying the training program to ECMO management is not an independent factor for the mortality rate. Further studies should be performed to help reduce the mortality rate associated with ECMO.

Clinical efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula compared to noninvasive ventilation in patients with post-extubation respiratory failure

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Post-extubation respiratory failure (PERF) is associated with poor clinica l outcomes. High-f low nasa l cannula (HF NC) ox ygen therapy has been used in patients with respiratory failure, but the clinical benefit in patients with PERF remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of HFNC compared to noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with PERF. METHODS: A historic retrospective cohort analysis was performed in 28 beds in the medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a single medical center in South Korea. In total, 73 patients with PERF were enrolled: 39 patients who underwent NIV from April 2007 to March 2009 and 34 patients who received HFNC from April 2009 to May 2011. RESULTS: The rate of avoidance of reintubation was not different between the HFNC group (79.4%) and NIV group (66.7%, p = 0.22). All patients with HFNC tolerated the device, whereas five of those with NIV did not tolerate treatment (p = 0.057). The mean duration of ICU stay was significantly shorter in the HFNC group than in the NIV group (13.4 days vs. 20.6 days, p = 0.015). There was no difference in ICU or in-hospital mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: HFNC is likely to be as effective as, and better tolerated than, NIV for treatment of PERF.

Comparison of Morphine and Remifentanil on the Duration of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation / 대한구급학회지

No abstract available.

Effect of Timing of Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders on the Clinical Outcome of Critically Ill Patients / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Many physicians hesitate to discuss do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders with patients or family members in critical situations. In the intensive care unit (ICU), delayed DNR decisions could cause unintentional cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patient distress, and substantial cost. We investigated whether the timing of DNR designation affects patient outcome in the medical ICU. METHODS: We enrolled retrospective patients with written DNR orders in a medical ICU (13 bed) from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. The patients were divided into two groups: early DNR patients for whom DNR orders were implemented within 48 h of ICU admission, and late DNR patients for whom DNR orders were implemented more than 48 h after ICU admission. RESULTS: Herein, 354 patients were admitted to the medical ICU and among them, 80 (22.6%) patients had requested DNR orders. Of these patients, 37 (46.3%) had designated DNR orders within 48 hours of ICU admission and 43 (53.7%) patients had designated DNR orders more than 48 hours after ICU admission. Compared with early DNR patients, late DNR patients tended to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining management (18.9% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.072). DNR consent forms were signed by family members instead of the patients. Septic shock was the most common cause of medical ICU admission in both the early and late DNR patients (54.1% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.131). There was no difference in in-hospital mortality (83.8% vs. 81.4%, p = 0.779). Late DNR patients had longer ICU stays than early DNR patients (7.4 ± 8.1 vs. 19.7 ± 19.2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes are not influenced by the time of DNR designation in the medical ICU. The late DNR group is associated with a longer length of ICU stay and a tendency of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. However, further studies are needed to clarify the guideline for end-of-life care in critically ill patients.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Severe Acute Respiratory Failure / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Administering extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome has substantially increased over the last decade, however administering ECMO to patients with hematologic malignancies may carry a particularly high risk. Here, we report the clinical outcomes of patients with hematologic malignancies and severe acute respiratory failure who were treated with ECMO. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with hematologic malignancies and severe acute respiratory failure who were treated with ECMO at the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital between March 2010 and April 2015.