Occupational risks associated with chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin (CKDnt) in Brazil: it is time to dig deeper into a neglected problem / Riscos ocupacionais associados à doença renal crônica de origem não tradicional (DRCnt) no Brasil: é hora de nos aprofundarmos em um problema negligenciado

Abstract In the past decades, an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with environmental and occupational factors (heat stress from high workloads in hot temperatures and exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides and metals), which has been termed CKD of non-traditional origin (CKDnt). This descriptive review aims to present recent evidence about heat stress, pesticides, and metals as possible causes of CKDnt and provide an overview of the related Brazilian regulation, enforcement, and health surveillance strategies. Brazilian workers are commonly exposed to extreme heat conditions and other CKDnt risk factors, including increasing exposure to pesticides and metals. Furthermore, there is a lack of adequate regulation (and enforcement), public policies, and strategies to protect the kidney health of workers, considering the main risk factors. CKDnt is likely to be a significant cause of CKD in Brazil, since CKD's etiology is unknown in many patients and several conditions for its development are present in the country. Further epidemiological studies may be conducted to explore causal associations and estimate the impact of heat, pesticides, and metals on CKDnt in Brazil. Moreover, public policies should prioritize reducing workers´ exposure and promoting their health and safety.

Resumo Nas últimas décadas, uma epidemia de doença renal crônica (DRC) tem sido associada a fatores ambientais e ocupacionais (estresse térmico decorrente de cargas de trabalho elevadas em altas temperaturas e exposição a produtos químicos, como agrotóxicos e metais), denominada DRC de origem não tradicional (DRCnt). Esta revisão descritiva tem como objetivo apresentar evidências recentes sobre estresse térmico, agrotóxicos e metais como possíveis causas de DRCnt e fornecer uma visão geral das estratégias brasileiras de regulamentação, fiscalização e vigilância sanitária relacionadas. Os trabalhadores brasileiros são comumente expostos a condições extremas de calor e outros fatores de risco de DRCnt, incluindo o aumento da exposição a agrotóxicos e metais. Além disso, há uma falta de regulamentação e fiscalização, políticas públicas e estratégias adequadas para proteger a saúde renal dos trabalhadores em relação aos principais fatores de risco. É provável que a DRCnt seja uma causa significativa de DRC no Brasil, uma vez que a etiologia da doença é desconhecida em muitos pacientes e diversas condições para seu desenvolvimento estão presentes no país. Estudos epidemiológicos devem ser realizados para explorar associações causais e estimar o impacto do calor, dos agrotóxicos e dos metais na DRCnt no Brasil. Além disso, as políticas públicas devem priorizar a redução da exposição dos trabalhadores e a promoção de sua saúde e segurança.

Custo-Efetividade da Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea Venoarterial no Choque Cardiogênico Refratário: Um Estudo na Perspectiva Brasileira / Cost-Utility of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: A Brazilian Perspective Study

Resumo Fundamento O choque cardiogênico (CC) refratário está associado com altas taxas de mortalidade, e o uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venoarterial (VA-ECMO, do inglês venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) como uma opção terapêutica tem gerado discussões. Nesse sentido, sua custo-efetividade, principalmente em países de baixa e média renda como o Brasil, continua incerto.Objetivos: Conduzir uma análise de custo-efetividade na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para avaliar a custo-efetividade de VA-ECMO combinado com o tratamento padrão em comparação ao tratamento padrão isolado em pacientes adultos com CC refratário. Métodos Acompanhamos uma coorte de pacientes com CC refratário tratados com VA-ECMO em centros de assistência terciária do sul brasileiro. Coletamos dados de desfechos e custos hospitalares. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática para complementar nossos dados e usamos o modelo de Markov para estimar a razão de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) por ano de vida ajustado pela qualidade (QALY) e por ano de vida ganho. Resultados Na análise do caso-base, a VA-ECMO gerou uma RCEI de Int$ 37 491 por QALY. Análises de sensibilidade identificaram o custo de internação, o risco relativo de sobrevida, e a sobrevida do grupo submetido à VA-ECMO como principais variáveis influenciando os resultados. A análise de sensibilidade probabilística mostrou um benefício do uso de VA-ECMO, com uma probabilidade de 78% de custo-efetividade no limiar recomendado de disposição a pagar. Conclusões Nosso estudo sugere que, dentro do SUS, VA-ECMO pode ser uma terapia custo-efetiva para o CC refratário. Contudo, a escassez de dados sobre a eficácia e de ensaios clínicos recentes que abordem seus benefícios em subgrupos específicos de pacientes destaca a necessidade de mais pesquisas. Ensaios clínicos rigorosos, incluindo perfis diversos de pacientes, são essenciais para confirmar a custo-efetividade com uso de VA-ECMO e assegurar acesso igualitário a intervenções médicas avançadas dentro dos sistemas de saúde, especialmente em países com desigualdades socioeconômicas como o Brasil.

Abstract Background Refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with high mortality rates, and the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a therapeutic option has generated discussions. Therefore, its cost-effectiveness, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil, remains uncertain.Objectives: To conduct a cost-utility analysis from the Brazilian Unified Health System perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of VA-ECMO combined with standard care compared to standard care alone in adult refractory CS patients. Methods We followed a cohort of refractory CS patients treated with VA-ECMO in tertiary care centers located in Southern Brazilian. We collected data on hospital outcomes and costs. We conducted a systematic review to supplement our data and utilized a Markov model to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and per life-year gained. Results In the base-case analysis, VA-ECMO yielded an ICER of Int$ 37,491 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses identified hospitalization cost, relative risk of survival, and VA-ECMO group survival as key drivers of results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis favored VA-ECMO, with a 78% probability of cost-effectiveness at the recommended willingness-to-pay threshold. Conclusions Our study suggests that, within the Brazilian Health System framework, VA-ECMO may be a cost-effective therapy for refractory CS. However, limited efficacy data and recent trials questioning its benefit in specific patient subsets highlight the need for further research. Rigorous clinical trials, encompassing diverse patient profiles, are essential to confirm cost-effectiveness and ensure equitable access to advanced medical interventions within healthcare systems, particularly in socio-economically diverse countries like Brazil.

Liposarcoma gigante mediastinal. Cirugía radical con abordaje Clamshell y manejo en la Unidad de Cuidados Críticos / Giant Mediastinal Liposarcoma. Radical Surgery with Clamshell Approach and Management in Critical Care Unit

Se presenta a un paciente con liposarcoma mediastinal gigante con dolor torácico, disnea, cuyos estudios por imágenes revelaban la presencia de una gran tumoración de 42 cm en su diámetro mayor que abarcaba todo el mediastino, comprometía ambas cavidades torácicas, rechazaba los pulmones, corazón y grandes vasos. La biopsia con aguja cortante bajo guía ecográfica fue informada como liposarcoma. El paciente tuvo resección completa del tumor mediante la incisión Clamshell. En el post operatorio inmediato, presentó shock circulatorio más disfunción multiorgánica (DOMS): plaquetopenia, insuficiencia renal aguda con necesidad de soporte dialítico, injuria hepática. El soporte y monitoreo especializado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) permitió mejoría clínica y buena evolución. Salió de alta en buenas condiciones.

We present a patient with giant mediastinal liposarcoma with chest pain, dyspnea, whose imaging studies revealed the presence of a large tumor measuring 42 cm in its greatest diameter that covered the entire mediastinum, involved both thoracic cavities, rejected the lungs, heart and big glasses. The sharp needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance was reported as liposarcoma. The patient had complete resection of the tumor through the Clamshell incision. In the immediate postoperative period, he presented circulatory shock plus multiple organ dysfunction (DOMS): plateletopenia, acute renal failure with the need for dialytic support, liver injury. Specialized support and monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) allowed clinical improvement and good evolution. He was discharged in good condition.

Shock séptico: complicación atípica de duplicación del tracto alimentario / Septic shock: an atypical complication of alimentary tract duplication

Las duplicaciones del tracto alimentario son un conjunto heterogéneo de anomalías congénitas del tubo digestivo. Su forma de presentación es variada, y pueden desarrollar distintas complicaciones libradas a su evolución natural. La infección es una complicación poco frecuente, pero que no puede desconocerse por la gravedad que implica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 2 años de edad, previamente sana, con una complicación atípica de una duplicación del tracto alimentario: un shock séptico. Consultó inicialmente por distensión y dolor abdominal asociado a una masa abdominal palpable. Los estudios imagenológicos evidenciaron una formación líquida parcialmente tabicada en el hemiabdomen derecho. Durante la internación, se presentó una infección intratumoral, que evolucionó al shock séptico. Respondió favorablemente al tratamiento médico del shock, y se realizó la exéresis quirúrgica posteriormente. La anatomía patológica confirmó la duplicación del tracto alimentario.

Alimentary tract duplications are heterogenous congenital anomalies of the digestive tract. Their form of presentation is varied, and they may lead to different complications, depending on their natural course. Infection is a rare complication, but it cannot be ignored because of its severity. Here we describe the case of an otherwise healthy 2-year-old girl with an atypical complication of alimentary tract duplication: septic shock. She initially consulted due to abdominal distension and pain associated with a palpable abdominal mass. The imaging studies showed a partial fluid septation in the right side of the abdomen. During hospitalization, an intratumoral infection developed, which progressed to septic shock. The patient responded favorably to medical treatment for shock, and surgical resection was subsequently performed. The pathology report confirmed the presence of alimentary tract duplication.

Skin care for toxic shock syndrome: case report / Cuidados com a pele na síndrome do choque tóxico: relato de caso / Cuidado de la piel en el síndrome de shock tóxico: reporte de caso

Objetivo: A síndrome do choque tóxico (SCT) é uma condição multissistêmica grave, causada por Staphylococcus aureus ou Streptococcus pyogenes,e o manejo inicial e contínuo das lesões de pele é essencial para o controle da infecção. Este relato teve o objetivo de descrever os cuidados com a pele nessa síndrome. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino com abscesso no quadril que evoluiu com febre e hipotensão e consequente transferência para a Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Foi diagnosticado com choque séptico de provável foco no quadril, imediatamente abordado cirurgicamente para tratamento local da infecção. Apresentou insuficiência renal, além de disfunção multissistêmica (hepática e cardíaca), instabilidade hemodinâmnica e lesões disseminadas de pele. Com o isolamento do Staphylococcus aureus, iniciou-se clindamicina e o diagnóstico foi de SCT, uma vez que apresentou lesões epidermolíticas desde o início do quadro. Foram iniciadas medidas de recuperação cutânea com a sulfadiazina de prata e, posteriormente, com hidrofibra com prata com restauração do epitélio em 8 dias. Após 10 dias da pele restaurada, o paciente recebeu alta da UTI para enfermaria com manutenção do tratamento proposto. Conclusão: Neste caso, o uso da hidrofibra obteve uma performancesatisfatória, contudo ainda há necessidade de estudos robustos que comprovem tal eficácia. (AU)

Objective: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe multisystemic condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and initial management of skin lesions is essential for infection control. This article aimed to describe skin care for TSS. Case report: We report a man with a hip abscess who developed fever and hypotension and was subsequently transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU). He was diagnosed with septic shock, probably of hip origin, and was immediately treated surgically for local infection control. He presented with renal failure besides multiple organ dysfunction (hepatic and cardiac), hemodynamic instability, and disseminated skin lesions. With the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, clindamycin was initiated, and the diagnosis was TSS due to epidermolytic lesions since the onset of the condition. Cutaneous recovery measures were initiated with silver sulfadiazine, followed by silver hydrofiber with skin recovery in 8 days. After 10 days of skin recovery, the patient was discharged from the ICU to the ward with maintenance of the proposed treatment. Conclusion: In this case, the use of hydrofiber showed satisfactory performance; however, robust studies are needed to confirm such efficacy. (AU)

Objetivo: El síndrome de shock tóxico (SST) es una afección multisistémica grave causada por Staphylococcus aureuso Streptococcus pyogenes, y el tratamiento inicial y continuo de las lesiones cutáneas es esencial para controlar la infección. Este informe tuvo como objetivo describir los cuidado de la piel en este síndrome. Reporte del caso:Paciente masculino con absceso en la cadera que desarrolló fiebre e hipotensión y fue tranferido a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Se diagnosticó shock séptico, probablemente focalizado en la cadera, por lo que fue inmediatamente abordado quirúrgicamente para tratamiento local de la infección. Presentó insuficiencia renal además de disfunción multisistémica (hepática y cardiaca), inestabilidad hemodinámica y lesiones cutáneas diseminadas. Con el aislamiento de Staphylococcus aureus, se inició clindamicina y el diagnóstico fue SST, ya que presentaba lesiones epidermolíticas desde el inicio del cuadro. Se iniciaron medidas de recuperación cutánea con sulfadiazina de plata y, posteriormente, se optó por hidrofibra con plata, con restauración del epitelio en 8 días. Después de 10 días de piel restaurada, el paciente fue dado de alta de la UCI a planta con mantenimiento del tratamiento propuesto. Conclusión: Alcen este caso, el uso de hidrofibra obtuvo un desempeño satisfactorio, sin embargo, aún se necesitan estudios robustos para probar tal eficacia. (AU)

Significado biológico y utilidad clínica del lactato en la sepsis / Biological significance and clinical utility of lactate in sepsis

La sepsis es un problema global de salud y la progresión hacia el shock séptico se asocia con un incremento marcado de la morbimortalidad. En este escenario, el aumento del lactato plasmático demostró ser un indicador de gravedad y un predictor de mortalidad, y suele interpretarse casi exclusivamente como marcador de baja perfusión tisular. Sin embargo, últimamente se produjo un cambio de paradigma en la exégesis del metabolismo y propiedades biológicas del lactato. En efecto, la adaptación metabólica al estrés, aun con adecuado aporte de oxígeno, puede justificar la elevación del lactato circulante. Asimismo, otras consecuencias fisiopatológicas de la sepsis, como la disfunción mitocondrial, se asocian con el desarrollo de hiperlactatemia sin que necesariamente se acompañen de baja perfusión tisular. Interpretar el origen y la función del lactato puede resultar de suma utilidad clínica en la sepsis, especialmente cuando sus niveles circulantes fundamentan las medidas de reanimación.

Sepsis is a global health problem; progression to septic shock is associated with a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. In this setting, increased plasma lactate levels demonstrated to be an indicator of severity and a predictor of mortality, and are usually interpreted almost exclusively as a marker of low tissue perfusion. However, a recent paradigm shift has occurred in the exegesis of lactate metabolism and its biological properties. Indeed, metabolic adaptation to stress, even with an adequate oxygen supply, may account for high circulating lactate levels. Likewise, other pathophysiological consequences of sepsis, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, are associated with the development of hyperlactatemia, which is not necessarily accompanied by low tissue perfusion. Interpreting the origin and function of lactate may be of great clinical utility in sepsis, especially when circulating lactate levels are the basis for resuscitative measures.

Desfechos Hospitalares do Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST em Pacientes Positivos para COVID-19 que Passaram por Intervenção Percutânea Primária / In-Hospital Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Positive Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Intervention

Resumo Fundamento A infecção concomitante por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) e o infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) estão associados ao aumento de desfechos adversos hospitalares. Objetivos O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as diferenças angiográficas, de procedimentos, laboratoriais e prognósticas em pacientes positivos e negativos para COVID-19 com IAMCSST submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICP). Métodos Realizamos um estudo observacional retrospectivo e unicêntrico entre novembro de 2020 e agosto de 2022 em um hospital de nível terciário. De acordo com o seu estado, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos (positivo ou negativo para COVID-19). Todos os pacientes foram internados por IAMCSST confirmado e foram tratados com ICP primária. Os desfechos hospitalares e angiográficos foram comparados entre os dois grupos. P-valores bilaterais <0,05 foram aceitos como estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Dos 494 pacientes com IAMCSST inscritos nesse estudo, 42 foram identificados como positivos para COVID-19 (8,5%) e 452, como negativos. Os pacientes que testaram positivos para COVID-19 tiveram um tempo isquêmico total maior do que os pacientes que testaram negativos para COVID-19 (p = 0,006). Além disso, esses pacientes apresetaram um aumento na trombose de stent (7,1% vs. 1,7%, p = 0,002), no tempo de internação (4 dias vs. 3 dias, p = 0,018), no choque cardiogênico (14,2% vs. 5,5%, p = 0,023) e na mortalidade hospitalar total e cardíaca (p <0,001 e p = 0,032, respectivamente). Conclusões Pacientes com IAMCSST com infecções concomitantes por COVID-19 foram associados ao aumento de eventos cardíacos adversos maiores. Mais estudos são necessários para compreender os mecanismos exatos dos desfechos adversos nesses pacientes.

Abstract Background Concomitant coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with increased adverse in-hospital outcomes. Objectives This study aimded to evaluate the angiographic, procedural, laboratory, and prognostic differences in COVID-19-positive and negative patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between November 2020 and August 2022 in a tertiary-level hospital. According to their status, patients were divided into two groups (COVID-19 positive and negative). All patients were admitted due to confirmed STEMI and treated with primary PCI. In-hospital and angiographic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Two-sided p-values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results Of the 494 STEMI patients enrolled in this study, 42 were identified as having a positive dagnosis for COVID-19 (8.5%), while 452 were negative. The patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had a longer total ischemic time than did those who tested negative for COVID-19 (p=0.006). Moreover, these patients presented an increase in stent thrombosis (7.1% vs. 1.7%, p=0.002), length of hospitalization (4 days vs. 3 days, p= 0.018), cardiogenic shock (14.2% vs. 5.5 %, p= 0.023), and in-hospital total and cardiac mortality (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). Conclusions Patients with STEMI with concomitant COVID-19 infections were associated with increased major adverse cardiac events. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of adverse outcomes in these patients.

Uso de la tomografía corporal total en pacientes con heridas de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables: ¿Rompiendo paradigmas de atención inicial? / Whole-body computed tomography in hemodynamically unstable patients with gunshot wounds: A paradigm shift in trauma management?

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el impacto del uso de la tomografía corporal total en la evaluación de los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables atendidos en un centro de referencia de trauma. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio analítico, retrospectivo, con base en un subanálisis del registro de la Sociedad Panamericana de Trauma ­ Fundación Valle del Lili. Se incluyeron los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego atendidos entre 2018 y 2021. Se excluyeron los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo, trauma leve y en condición in extremis. Resultados. Doscientos pacientes cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad, 115 fueron estudiados con tomografía corporal total y se compararon con 85 controles. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria en el grupo de tomografía fue de 4/115 (3,5 %) vs 10/85 (12 %) en el grupo control. En el análisis multivariado se identificó que la tomografía no tenía asociación significativa con la mortalidad (aOR=0,46; IC95% 0,10-1,94). El grupo de tomografía tuvo una reducción relativa del 39 % en la frecuencia de cirugías mayores, con un efecto asociado en la disminución de la necesidad de cirugía (aOR=0,47; IC95% 0,22-0,98). Conclusiones. La tomografía corporal total fue empleada en el abordaje inicial de los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables. Su uso no se asoció con una mayor mortalidad, pero sí con una menor frecuencia de cirugías mayores.

Introduction. This study aims to assess the impact of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) in the evaluation of patients with penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) who are hemodynamically unstable and treated at a trauma referral center. Methods. An analytical, retrospective study was conducted based on a subanalysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society-FVL registry. Patients with GSW treated between 2018 and 2021 were included. Patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma, minor trauma, and those in extremis were excluded. Patients with and without WBCT were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the frequency of major surgeries (thoracotomy, sternotomy, cervicotomy, and/or laparotomy) during initial care. Results. Two hundred eligible patients were included, with 115 undergoing WBCT and compared to 85 controls. In-hospital mortality in the WBCT group was 4/115 (3.5%) compared to 10/85 (12%) in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that WBCT was not significantly associated to mortality (aOR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.10-1.94). The WBCT group had a relative reduction of 39% in the frequency of major surgeries, with an associated effect on reducing the need for surgery (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.22-0.98). Conclusions. Whole-body computed tomography was employed in the initial management of patients with penetrating firearm projectile injuries and hemodynamic instability. The use of WBCT was not associated with mortality but rather with a reduction in the frequency of major surgery.

Insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a mordedura de serpiente. La visión del intensivista: Reporte de caso / Heart failure secondary to a snake bite. The intensivist's vision: Case Report

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El accidente ofídico es una enfermedad desatendida que afecta a los países tropicales. América Latina es la segunda región después de África, con mayor número de casos a nivel mundial. Su curso clínico incluye lesiones locales hasta afectaciones sistémicas como lesiones renales, hematológicas y neurológicas. Las complicaciones cardiacas son raras, especialmente en pacientes que no tienen factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Hay reportes de infarto agudo de miocardio, pero existe poca información sobre la insuficiencia cardíaca debida a Bothrops spp. Reporte de caso: Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 25 años sin factores de riesgo cardiovascular que fue admitido en la unidad de cuidados intensivos y desarrolló insuficiencia cardíaca con choque cardiogénico y fallo multiorgánico secundario a una mordedura de serpiente. Conclusiones: Aunque el curso clínico característico de un accidente ofídico bothrópico y sus manifestaciones sistémicas están principalmente relacionadas con anomalías de la coagulación, hay complicaciones cardiovasculares dentro de su presentación clínica que, aunque raras, si no se detectan prontamente y no se manejan adecuadamente, están asociadas con alta morbilidad y mortalidad.

ABSTRACT Background: Ophidic accident is a neglected disease that affects tropical countries. Latin America is the second region after Africa, with the most cases worldwide. Local lesions accompany its clinical course up to systemic affectations such as renal, hematological, and neurological lesions. Cardiac complications are rare, especially in patients who do not have cardiovascular risk factors. There are reports of acute myocardial infarction, but there is little information about heart failure due to Bothrops spp. Case report: We present the case of a 25-year-old man without cardiovascular risk factors who was admitted to the intensive care unit and developed heart failure with cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure secondary to a snake bite. Conclusions: Although the characteristic clinical course of a bothropic ophidian accident and its systemic manifestations are mainly related to coagulation abnormalities, there are cardiovascular complications within its clinical presentation that, although rare, if not detected promptly and not adequately managed, are associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Megacolon tóxico: A propósito de un caso / Toxic Megacolon. Case Report

RESUMEN El megacolon tóxico es una enfermedad mortal, que se presenta, con mayor frecuencia, como una complicación de la inflamación intestinal, infecciones e isquemia intestinal. Se caracteriza por la presencia de diarrea sanguinolenta, distensión abdominal, signos de toxicidad sistémica y, en estudios de imagen, se observa dilatación colónica segmentaria. Para el diagnóstico, según los criterios de Jalan, se tiene en cuenta la dilatación colónica más de 6 cm, tres de los siguientes: fiebre, taquicardia, leucocitosis o anemia, y cualquiera de los siguientes criterios: hipotensión, hipovolemia, trastorno electrolítico y estado mental alterado. En este artículo, se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer que ingresa por cuadro de dolor abdominal y diarrea crónica con estudio de imagen, en la que se visualiza dilatación de todo el marco colónico. Se realizan los estudios correspondientes y se diagnostica megacolon tóxico por colitis ulcerativa, por lo que recibe tratamiento médico con evolución favorable. Es dado de alta y reingresa por shock séptico, se realizan estudios y se identifica infección por Clostridium difficile. Se inicia tratamiento antibiótico, pero presenta evolución desfavorable, lo que ocasionó el fallecimiento de la paciente. El presente caso representa la alta mortalidad de esta enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Toxic megacolon is a fatal disease, most commonly occurring as a complication of inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and intestinal ischemia. It is characterized by the presence of bloody diarrhea, abdominal distension, signs of systemic toxicity, and segmental colonic dilation is observed in imaging studies. For the diagnosis, according to the Jalan criteria, colonic dilation of more than 6 cm is taken into account, three of the following: fever, tachycardia, leukocytosis or anemia, and any of the following criteria: hypotension, hypovolemia, electrolyte disorder and altered mental status. This article presents the case of a female patient who was admitted with abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea with an imaging study showing dilation of the entire colonic framework. The corresponding studies were carried out which indicated that she had a toxic megacolon due to colitis. ulcerative, receives medical treatment with favorable evolution, is discharged and readmitted for septic shock, studies are performed and Clostridium difficile infection is identified, antibiotic treatment is started but the evolution is unfavorable, which caused the death of the patient. The present case represents the high mortality of this disease.

Prokaryotic expression and functional analysis of molecular chaperone Acr2 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To express the molecular chaperone Acr2 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)in E.coli and analyze the function. Methods The recombinant plasmid pET-28a-Acr2 was transformed into competent E. coli BL21(DE3),and induced by IPTG. The expressed His-Acr2 protein was purified by Ni-NTA chromatography and SuperdexTM200 10/300 GL gel filtration chromatography to obtain Acr2 protein. The Acr2 protein was refolded by spontaneous refolding and reassembly after thermal denaturation(100 ℃ for 15 min)and chemical denaturation(8 mol/L urea,37 ℃ for 4 h).The secondary structure of Acr2 protein before and after denaturation-renaturation was detected by circular dichroism spectroscopy and non-denaturing SDS-PAGE,and the molecular chaperone function of Acr2 protein in vitro was detected by substrate binding assay. Results The purified Acr2 protein had the relative molecular mass of about 232 000,the purity of over 90%,and the concentration of about 2 mg/mL,which recovered its natural secondary structure after denaturationrenaturation,and formed stable complexes with the denatured malate dehydrogenase(MDH)at 48 ℃. Conclusion The Acr2protein can restore its natural molecular conformation with molecular chaperone activity in vitro after denaturation-renaturation treatment,providing a new strategy for the preparation of Mtb protein antigen with natural activity.

Effect of vitamin C intravenous injection on prognosis of patients with sep-sis or septic shock:A Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C intravenous injection in the treatment of patients with sepsis.Methods PubMed,Embase,Scopus,Cochrane Library,and Clinical Trial databases were retrieved,with a retrieval period from database establishment to December 2022.English literatures on randomized controlled trial(RCT)of vitamin C intravenous injection for the treatment of sepsis or septic shock were collected.Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 15.0 software after literature screening,extraction,and evalua-tion of the bias risk included in the studies by two researchers independently.Results A total of 16 RCT studies involving 3 301 patients were included in the analysis.In terms of main outcomes,the 28-day mortality of patients in the vitamin C treatment group was slightly lower than that of the control group,but the difference was not statis-tically significant(RR=0.86,95％CI[0.72-1.03],P=0.10;I2=44％,P=0.10).In terms of secondary out-comes,vitamin C intravenous injection can reduce the duration of vasoactive drug usage time(MD=-23.44,95％CI[-30.53--16.35],P＜0.01;I2=0,P=0.97),but has no significant effect on the 90-day mortality,inten-sive care unit mortality,hospital mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,difference in estimated sequential organ failure assessment score at 72 hour,length of stay in ICU,and total length of hospital stay of patients(P＞0.05).Conclusion Intravenous vitamin C injection can significantly reduce vasoactive drug usage time,but the available evidence is insufficient to support that intravenous vitamin C can improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis or septic shock.More high-quality,multicenter randomized controlled trial is needed to provide more substantial evidence about the efficacy of vitamin C in treating sepsis or septic shock.

Application of thromboelastography in the prediction of deep vein thrombosis after high-energy ankle injury surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the application value of thromboelastography (TEG) in the prediction of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after high-energy ankle injury surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 62 patients undergoing high-energy ankle injury surgery who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the occurrence of lower limb DVT, the patients were divided into a control group (without lower limb DVT, n = 42) and an observation group (with lower limb DVT, n = 20). The conventional coagulation function indicators and TEG parameters were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to investigate the value of classic coagulation function indicators and TEG parameters in the prediction of lower limb DVT after high-energy ankle injury surgery. Results:The activated partial thromboplastin time in the observation group was (33.29 ± 3.40) seconds, which was significantly shorter than (35.66 ± 3.36) seconds in the control group ( t = 2.59, P < 0.05). The levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer in the observation group were (3.83 ± 0.46) g/L and (1.77 ± 0.43) g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (3.47 ± 0.51) g/L and (1.56 ± 0.35) g/L, respectively, in the control group ( P = -2.68, -.05, both P < 0.05). Prothrombin time and thrombin time showed no significant differences between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Coagulation reaction time and cell agglutination formation time in the observation group were (3.80 ± 0.83) minutes and (3.38 ± 0.51) minutes, respectively, which were significantly lower than (4.49 ± 1.21) minutes and (3.82 ± 0.55) minutes in the control group ( t = 2.30, 2.96, both P < 0.05). The maximum clot strength and coagulation rate (α angle) in the observation group were (78.69 ± 9.22) mm and (83.37 ± 9.30) °, respectively, which were significantly greater than (68.33 ± 9.10) mm and (71.25 ± 8.35) ° in the control group ( t = -4.17, -5.15, both P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis found that the area under the ROC curve describing the prediction of combined indexes for lower limb DVT was 0.983, which was significantly greater than the area under the ROC curve describing the prediction of a single index for lower limb DVT (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, coagulation reaction time, red blood cell agglutination formation time, maximum clot strength, and α angle are significantly different between patients with DVT in the lower limb after surgery for an ankle injury and those without DVT. The combination of these indicators can serve as the basis for preventing and treating thrombosis in patients after high-energy ankle injury surgery, demonstrating remarkable practical advantages.

Resuscitation effect of sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution on traumatic hemorrhagic shock in patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the resuscitation effect of sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution on traumatic hemorrhagic shock in patients.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 70 patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock who were admitted to Yiwu Central Hospital between February 2021 and February 2022. The patients were randomly assigned to a control group ( n = 35) and an observation group ( n = 35) using the random number table method. Both groups received routine treatment. The control group was given adequate resuscitation by intravenous injection of a compound sodium chloride injection, while the observation group received restricted resuscitation with sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution. Related clinical indicators, coagulation function, lactate levels, hemorheological indicators, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results:The blood oxygen saturation, shock index, pulse pressure difference, and urine output in the observation group were (76.53 ± 2.56)%, (0.43 ± 0.07), (38.56 ± 6.52) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), and (35.62 ± 4.21) mL/h, respectively. These values were all superior to those in the control group [(65.32 ± 3.21)%, (1.21 ± 0.13), (23.56 ± 4.23) mmHg, (23.65 ± 5.68) mL/h, t = 16.15, 31.25, 11.42, 10.06, all P < 0.001]. The prothrombin time, fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time in the observation group were (17.65 ± 0.83) seconds, (1.69 ± 0.89) g/L, (39.68 ± 0.52) seconds, and (17.86 ± 0.74) seconds, respectively. These values were significantly superior to those in the control group [(14.56 ± 0.86) seconds, (1.32 ± 0.23) g/L, (35.26 ± 0.16) seconds, and (16.02 ± 0.05) seconds, t = 15.30, 2.38, 48.06, 14.68, all P < 0.05]. The lactate level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(2.24 ± 0.53) mmol/L vs. (2.94 ± 0.78) mmol/L, t = 4.39, P < 0.05]. The platelet cohesion, red blood cell deformability, and blood viscosity in each group were significantly reduced, and these indices in the observation group were superior to those in the control group ( t = 13.71, 5.64, 5.67, all P < 0.001). The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (8.6% (3/35) vs. 60.0% (21/35), χ2 = 10.08, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Restricted resuscitation with sodium bicarbonate Ringer's solution can improve clinical indicators, coagulation function, and lactate levels in patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock. It can effectively improve hemodynamic indicators and reduce the incidence of complications. It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Coronary intravascular lithotripsy for calcified coronary artery calcification-systematic review of researches / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Coronary artery calcification commonly results in reduced vascular compliance,facilitating incomplete stent expansion and in-stent restenosis after stent implantation,thereby leading to the failure of interventional treatment.Conventional approaches to managing calcified lesions are constrained by the intricate nature and properties of calcified plaques,which frequently pose challenges in their manipulation,consequently giving rise to numerous approaches complications and an elevated likelihood of adverse cardiovascular events following the procedure.Percutaneous coronary intraluminal shock wave balloon catheter angioplasty,also known as coronary intravascular lithotripsy,utilizing a balloon catheter system,demonstrates the capacity to safely and efficiently modify superficial and deep-seated calcifications,regardless of their concentric or eccentric nature.This intervention significantly enhances vascular compliance,thereby facilitating subsequent interventional therapies.Presently,coronary intravascular lithotripsy has emerged as a crucial approach in the management of coronary artery calcification.This article primarily offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanism of intravascular lithotripsy and the research pertaining to the treatment of coronary artery calcification.

Evaluation of pain,functional activity,and plantar pressure in the treatment of plantar fasciitis with Ki-nesio taping combined with extra corporeal shack wave therapy / 中国康复医学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of Kinesio taping combined with extracorporeal shock wave and the plantar pressure evaluation in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Method:A total of 67 patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis were randomly divided into the control group(ESWT group)and the experimental group(KT combined group).The patients in the two groups were given the same health education and extracorporeal shock wave treatment(ESWT),and the experimental group was treated with Kinesio taping(KT).The pain and functional activity were evaluated by pain visual analogue scale and AOFAS ankle and hind-foot function scale;The insole plantar pressure measuring system was used to mea-sure the peak pressure values of each plantar regions.The clinical efficacy and plantar pressure of the affected side were compared before treatment,the 3rd week of treatment and 5th week of treatment. Result:There was no significant difference in various indcators of the measurements between the two groups before treatment(P＞0.05).The score of pain rating,functional activity scale score and plantar pressure of pa-tients in both groups were significantly improved at the 3rd week and the 5th week of treatment(P＜0.05),com-pared with those before treatment.At the 3rd week of treatment,there was no significant difference between the two groups in pain degree and functional activity scale score(P＞0.05),but there was statistical difference in plantar pressure analysis(P＜0.05).The peak force weight ratio of the medial heel in the KT combined group was significantly greater than that in the control group.At the 5th week of treatment,there were statisti-cally significant differences between the two groups in the score of pain rating,functional activity scale score and plantar pressure(P＜0.05).The KT combined treatment group was significantly better than the control group in the pain improvement and functional activity,and the weight bearing of the middle foot and hind foot was also significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion:Compared with the simple extracorporeal shock wave therapy,the combination of KT therapy can better relieve pain,improve the function of hind foot,correct abnormal foot weight bearing,and improve the gait of patients.

New research direction of organ dysfunction caused by hemorrhagic shock: mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control / 中华危重病急救医学

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is one of the leading causes of death among young adults worldwide. Multiple organ dysfunction in HS is caused by an imbalance between tissue oxygen supply and demand, which is closely related to the poor prognosis of patient. Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the key mechanisms contributing to multiple organ dysfunction in HS, while mitochondrial quality control regulates mitochondrial function through a series of processes, including mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, mitochondrial-derived vesicles, and mitochondrial protein homeostasis. Modulating mitochondrial quality control can improve organ dysfunction. This review aims to summarize the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on organ function in HS and discuss the potential mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control, providing insights into the injury mechanisms underlying HS and guiding clinical management.

Review and prospects of international clinical research in critical care medicine in 2023 / 中华危重病急救医学

The main clinical research advances of critical care in 2023 includes: new trials of Chinese herbal medicine, hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12), methylene blue as well glucocorticoids have shown the potential to improve outcomes of patients with sepsis and septic shock; international committees launched new global definition and managing recommendations for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Besides, a cluster of new evidences has emerged in many aspects as following: fluid control strategy in sepsis (restrictive/liberative), antibiotic infusion strategy (continuous/intermittent), oxygen-saturation targets for mechanical ventilation (conservative/liberative), blood pressure targets after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (hypotension/hypertension), blood pressure targets after successful stroke thrombectomy (intensive/conventional), and nutritional support strategies (low protein-calories/conventional protein-calories, fasting/persistent feeding before extubation). Thus, given above progress, carrying out high -quality domestic multi-center clinical registration researches, constructing shareable standardized databases, as well raising public awareness of sepsis, should be the essential steps to improve our level of intensive care medicine.

Establishing a prognostic prediction model for patients with septic shock based on the completion time of fluid resuscitation and the negative fluid balance volumes / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the relationship between the completion time of fluid resuscitation as well as negative fluid balance volumes and the prognosis of patients with septic shock, and to try to construct a prediction model based on the completion time of fluid resuscitation and negative fluid balance volumes, and to verify the predictive efficacy of the model on the prognosis of patients with septic shock.Methods:Patients with septic shock admitted to Wuxi People's Hospital from April 2020 to April 2023 were selected. The general data (gender, age, body mass index, infection site), pathological indicators on admission, the difference of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) between admission and 24 hours after fluid resuscitation, the completion time of fluid resuscitation and negative fluid balance volume were recorded. Multivariate Logistic analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of the prognosis of patients with septic shock, and a nomogram model was established. Bootstrap method was used for internal validation of the model. The consistency index, calibration curve and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) were used to evaluate the accuracy and prediction efficiency of the model.Results:A total of 96 patients with septic shock were enrolled, 38 patients died and 58 patients survived at 28 days. Compared with the survival group, the difference of APACHEⅡscore, SOFA score, the proportion of fluid resuscitation completed within 1 to 3 hours, and the proportion of negative fluid balance volume -500 to -250 mL per day in the death group were lower, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that the completion time of fluid resuscitation was a risk factor for the prognosis of patients with septic shock [odds ratio ( OR) = 26.285, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 9.984-76.902, P < 0.05]. The difference of APACHEⅡscore ( OR = 0.045, 95% CI was 0.015-0.131), SOFA score ( OR = 0.056, 95% CI was 0.019-0.165) between admission and 24 hours after fluid resuscitation, and negative fluid balance volume ( OR = 0.043, 95% CI was 0.015-0.127) were protective factors for the prognosis of patients with septic shock (all P < 0.05). The model validation results showed that the consistency index was 0.681 (95% CI was 0.596-0.924), indicating good discrimination. The calibration curve showed that the calibration curve fitted well with the ideal curve. The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity of the nomogram model for predicting the death of patients with septic shock was 83.7%, the specificity was 97.2%, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.931 (95% CI was 0.846-0.985), indicating that the model had good prediction efficiency. Conclusion:The completion time of fluid resuscitation and negative fluid balance volumes are related to the prognosis of septic shock patients, and the alignment diagram model improve the identification of the risk of death in septic shock patients.

Protective effect of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave combined with ultrasound microbubble post-conditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the myocardial protective effect of extracorporeal cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) combined with sulfur hexafluoride microbubble post-conditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) in rats, and to provide theoretical support for clinical treatment of MI/RI.Methods:A total of 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (Sham group), MI/RI group (IR group), CSWT group (IR+ SW group), and CSWT combined with sulfur hexafluoride microbubble treatment group (IR+ SW+ MB group), with 8 rats in each group. Therapeutic intervention was performed in IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day after modeling. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) of the rats were measured by echocardiography before and after treatment. On the 7th day, myocardial fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by TUNEL staining. The myocardial apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, BAX, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Cleaved-Caspase-9 in the infarct boundary area were detected by Western blot. The differences of the above indexes among different groups were compared.Results:①There was no significant change in heart rhythm and heart rate among the groups before and after treatment, and there was no significant difference in heart rate ( P>0.05). ②The echocardiographic results after treatment showed that, compared with IR group, LVEDD and LVESD in IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group decreased in turn, while LVEF and LVFS increased in turn with significant differences between each two groups (all P<0.05). ③Compared with IR group, the degrees of myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis in IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group were alleviated in turn, and the relief in IR+ SW+ MB group was the most obvious. Quantitative analysis showed that compared with IR group, the proportions of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group decreased in turn, and there were significant differences between each two groups (all P<0.05). ④The results of Western blot detection showed that compared with IR group, the levels of Bcl-2 in IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group increased in turn, while the levels of BAX and the activation level of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein decreased in turn. These differences were all statistically significant between each two groups (all P<0.05) except for the activation level of Caspase-3 protein between IR+ SW group and IR+ SW+ MB group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:CSWT combined with sulfur hexafluoride microbubble therapy can improve left ventricular remodeling and left ventricular systolic function by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.