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The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).Mortality attributable to COVID-19 remains considerably high, with case fatality rates as high as 8-11%. Early medical intervention in patients who are seriously and critically ill with COVID-19 reduces fatal outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that could help clinicians determine which patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at a higher risk of developing the most adverse outcomes, which include intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive ventilation, and death. In COVID-19 patients experiencing the most severe form of the disease, tests of liver function are frequently abnormal and liver enzymes are found to be elevated. For this reason, we examine the most promising liver biomarkers for COVID-19 prognosis in an effort to help clinicians predict the risk of ARDS, ICU admission, and death at hospital admission. In patients meeting hospitalization criteria for COVID-19, serum albumin < 36 g/L is an independent risk factor for ICU admission, with an AUC of 0.989, whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values > 365 U/L accurately predict death with an AUC of 0.943.The clinical scores COVID-GRAM and SOFA that include measures of liver function such as albumin, LDH, and total bilirubin are also good predictors of pneumonia development, ICU admission, and death, with AUC values ranging from 0.88 to 0.978.Thus, serum albumin and LDH, together with clinical risk scores such as COVID-GRAM and SOFA, are the most accurate biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Sociedad Medica del Hospital General de Mexico. Published by Permanyer.
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Introduction: We have previously described decreased renal perfusion in acute kidney injury (AKI) due to critical COVID-19 [1]. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of plasma expansion with a standardized fluid bolus on renal perfusion in patients with AKI compared to similar patients without AKI. Method(s): A case control study design was used to investigate group differences before and after a standardized intervention. ICU-treated COVID-19 patients without underlying kidney disease were assigned to two groups based on KDIGO Creatinine criteria for AKI. Renal perfusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using phase contrast and arterial spin labeling before and directly after plasma expansion with 7.5 ml/kg Ringer's Acetate (Baxter). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was recorded before plasma infusion and compared with maximum value after. Data was analyzed with a mixed model repeated measures ANOVA for all kidneys using a random effect to account for research subjects. Result(s): Nine patients with AKI and eight without were included in the study. Patients in both groups were of similar mean age and weight, 66 (SD 8) years and 94 (SD 22) kg in AKI group and 64 (SD 15) years and 93 (SD 20) kg in patients without AKI. The response to plasma expansion was similar with increased MAP by 18 (CI 8-28) mmHg and 20 (CI 10-31) mmHg respectively (Table 1). Total renal perfusion and cortical perfusion was not significantly changed by plasma expansion, however there was a reduction of medullary perfusion in patients without AKI (Table 1). Conclusion(s): Plasma expansion with a standardized fluid bolus did not increase renal perfusion in critically ill patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.
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Asymmetric cerebral perfusion can occur when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) flow competes with native cardiac circulation. It is unclear whether this phenomenon associates with brain injury. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) provides continuous, laser-based, non-invasive, bedside monitoring of relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF). This study measured rCBF in ECMO patients via DCS to determine whether comatose patients experience asymmetric cerebral perfusion. Adults receiving ECMO for any indication were prospectively recruited from 12/2019-3/2021. Patients with prior neurologic injury, scalp/facial lacerations, and SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded. DCS monitoring was performed daily during ECMO support with sensors placed on bilateral foreheads. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was continuously recorded from the bedside monitor. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was assessed by clinical staff multiple times daily with sedation pauses, if possible, per standard of care. rCBF was calculated by comparing continuous cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements to the daily median CBF, then averaged at each MAP value. Daily rCBF asymmetry was calculated by summing the absolute difference of rCBF between the two hemispheres at each MAP value, normalized for the total MAP range experienced by the patient that day. Twelve subjects were enrolled in this study (ages 21-78, 6 with cardiac arrest, 4 with acute heart failure, 2 with ARDS) and grouped by maximum GCS motor (GCS-M) score during ECMO, with 3 "comatose" subjects (GCS-M <= 4), and 9 "awake" subjects (GCS-M > 4). DCS was performed over 66 sessions with a mean duration of 131.83 +/- 1.13 minutes. Comatose subjects exhibited more rCBF asymmetry than awake subjects (0.28 +/- 0.06 mmHg-1 vs. 0.10 +/- 0.001 mmHg-1, p=0.045). No difference in asymmetry was noted between patients with or without cardiac arrest. We found that comatose ECMO subjects exhibited higher inter-hemispheric rCBF asymmetry over a range of blood pressures than awake subjects. Though our comatose sample is small, further validation of this finding and its causes, such as cerebrovascular dysregulation, is warranted.
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Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) recipients are particularly vulnerable to cardiac- and non-cardiac related complications. COVID- 19 pandemic disorganized virtually all aspects of life, affecting the health care systems and impeded its availability. Yet, patients with advanced heart failure (HF) implanted with LVADs had to cope with restricted access to specialized HF centers and as well as COVID-19 infection. The course of COVID-19 in LVAD population is largely unknown. Aim(s): We sought to verify whether there are any differences in COVID- 19 course in LVAD recipients implanted before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): Between October 2015 and December 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era=group 1) 71 patients and since January 2020 to December 2021 (COVID-19 era=group 2) 31 patients were implanted with LVAD in a tertiary center in Poland. Of note, at the beginning of COVID-19 era (since 1st/Jan/2020) there were alive 39 (55%) previously implanted LVAD patients. The censor date for this analysis was 31st December 2021. Result(s): COVID-19 occurred in a similar percentage in both groups (group 1 - 39% vs. group 2 - 32%;p=0,4;however, more patients from group 1 required hospitalization [12 (80%) vs. 6 (60%);p<0.05] (Table 1). Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were lower in the group 1 in comparison to group 2 (86.5 vs. 95% and 69 vs. 79 mmHg;respectively, both p<0.05);however, respiratory and heart rates were similar. There were significant differences of white blood count (WBC) and their subpopulations between both groups. As for inflammatory markers, both procalcytonine and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly higher in the group 1 (3.6 vs. 06 ng/ml and 112.5 vs. 87 pg/ml;respectively;both p<0.05);however CRP levels were similar. All patients from group 1 required oxygen therapy [12 (100%) vs. 4 (66.7%);p<0.05]. Intravenous inotropes were also more commonly used in patients from group 1 [10 (83%) vs. 2 (33%);p<0.05];however, other standard COIVD-19 therapies were similarly utilized in both groups. Two (5.1%) patients from group 1 and 1 (3.2%) patient from group 2 (p=0.29) died due to COVID-19. There were also no differences between non-COVID-19 related deaths between the groups (p=0,63). The vaccination rate against COVID-19 was similar in both groups - 65.7%. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 infections were common in LVAD recipients. Although clinical and laboratory profiles of LVAD recipients implanted before COVID-19 pandemic were worse in comparison to those who were implanted more recently, the actual survival rates were found to be similar. Surprisingly, only two-thirds of LVAD patients decided to undertake vaccine against COVID-19. These initial and single-center observations need to be interpreted with caution until more thorough analyses on more LVAD patients will be released.
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A 5-month-old, intact male, yellow Labrador retriever was presented with a 24-hour history of anorexia and vomiting. Abdominal imaging revealed the presence of a mechanical obstruction in the jejunum and peritoneal effusion. Cytologic evaluation and culture of the effusion prior to surgery identified a suppurative exudate with bacteria consistent with septic peritonitis and suspected to be related to the intestinal lesion. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a segment of jejunum was circumferentially severely constricted by an off-white, fibrous band of tissue. Resection and anastomosis of the strangulated segment of jejunum and excision of the constricting band provided resolution of the clinical signs. The dog made a complete recovery. Histologic evaluation revealed the band to be composed of fibrovascular and smooth muscle tissue, consistent with an idiopathic anomalous congenital band. No other gastrointestinal lesions were observed, either grossly at surgery or histologically in the resected segment of intestine. To our knowledge, a similar structure has not been reported in the veterinary literature.Copyright © 2022 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. All rights reserved.
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Aim: Troponin I is an important prognostic marker in critically ill patients with COVID-19, similar to cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of troponin I levels for mortality in geriatric patients transferred to the intensive care unit for COVID-19 pneumonia according to age group. Material(s) and Method(s): Seventy-four patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were grouped according to age (Group 1:65-74 years, Group 2: 75-84 years, and Group 3: >= 85 years) and retrospectively analyzed. Demographics, clinical findings, laboratory results upon admission to the intensive care unit, and outcomes were compared among the groups. Predictive value of troponin I levels upon admission to intensive care unit (Troponin Iicu), difference in troponin levels between general wards and intensive care unit (Troponin Idiff), C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, procalcitonin, and D-dimer levels for mortality were also investigated. Result(s): The mortality rate was 74.3% for the patients overall, and increased, albeit insignificantly, with increasing age. Neither Troponin Iicu nor Troponin Idiff was predictive for mortality for any of the age groups or for the patients overall. Ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein levels were predictive for mortality for patients overall (p= 0.016, p= 0.001, p= 0.013, and p < 0.001, respectively). Discussion(s): For geriatric patients, troponin I levels at the time of the first admission to the ICU are not sufficient to predict mortality alone and should be evaluated together with other parameters.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: Severe sepsis is a life-threatening end organ dysfunction resulting from dysregulated host response to infection and poses a significant burden to healthcare systems worldwide. Since the advent of CoVID-19, cytokine release syndrome has also been attributed to clinical deterioration presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury of infected individuals. Objective(s): To determine the clinical outcome of Severe and Critical COVID-19 patients who underwent hemoperfusion compared with patients who did not undergo hemoperfusion. Method(s): This study entailed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged >= 18 and < 90 years old admitted at University of Santo Tomas Hospital who were diagnosed with Severe or Critical COVID-19. Subjects were grouped between those who underwent hemoperfusion (HP group) using HA 330 cartridge and those who did not undergo the procedure (non-HP). Demographic and clinical data collected for both groups included age, sex, comorbidities present, time to initiation of hemoperfusion, total hemoperfusion time, use of other medications specifically: immunomodulator and anti-viral drugs, antibiotics and steroid, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac rate, oxygen saturation, arterial blood gas, complete blood count, oxygen requirement, inotropic score, serum creatinine, urine output, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), Interleukin-6 values and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score were compared from baseline and after 4 sessions of hemoperfusion for the HP group. The clinical outcomes: length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality and time to off high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) between two groups were also compared. Result(s): A total of 98 cases were included, 49 subjects underwent hemoperfusion using HA 330 and 49 patients did not undergo hemoperfusion. Demographic data is similar between both groups. Baseline clinical data between Hemoperfusion and non-Hemoperfusion group did not show statistical difference. However, Baseline LDH, HsCRP, Ferritin, IL-6, PF ratio and APACHE II score were statistically different between two groups. Effect on Disease Severity Length of hospital stay and time to off HFNC was shorter in the non-HP group vs the HP group, median of 13 days vs 18 days (p-value 0.003) and 107 hours vs 222 hours (p- value <0.001), respectively. There is also no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between two groups. [Formula presented] [Formula presented] [Formula presented] Conclusion(s): This retrospective study did not show survival benefit with the use of hemoperfusion. Undergoing hemoperfusion did not show a significant effect on changes in disease severity as represented by no significant difference seen in APACHE II score, PF ratio, acute kidney injury, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Hemoperfusion also has no significant effect in terms of decreasing the values of inflammatory markers LDH, ferritin, and IL-6. A large, multi-center, randomized clinical trial is warranted to truly determine the clinical benefit of hemoperfusion not only in severe to critical COVID-19 but also in severe sepsis and conditions that trigger systemic inflammatory response and cytokine storm. *This abstract was also submitted for the ISN Frontiers:Infections and the Kidneys congress. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023
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Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), is an acute, life-threatening emergent disease involving the skin and mucous membranes with serious systemic complications. It is characterized by widespread epidermal sloughing. Drugs are the most common triggers of TEN, but infection, vaccination, radiation therapy and malignant neoplasms can all induce it in susceptible patients. We report two cases in whom a hair dye and a COVID-19 vaccine (BioNTech, Pfizer) were believed to be the causative agents. These patients have to undergo repeated debridements of the necrotic tissue. In this manuscript the anesthetic management of TEN patients is discussed. Detailed preoperative evaluation, aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement, avoidance of hypothermia during debridement, minimizing anesthetic agents and limiting traumatic procedures are key points in the management.Copyright © 2023 Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS. All rights reserved.
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Aim: In this study, we aimed tto compare the 30-day mortality prediction abilities of the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), CURB-65, pneumonia severity index (PSI), A-DROP, Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society severity criteria, and I-ROAD scores in patients aged over 80 years admitted to the intensive care unit with COVID-19 pneumonia. Material(s) and Method(s): The study was conducted with a single-center retrospective observational design and included patients aged 80 years and older who were admitted to the intensive care unit due to COVID-19 pneumonia between March 2020 and August 2021. Patient demographic data, imaging findings, blood test results, discharge status, length of stay in the intensive care unit, duration of mechanical ventilation, inotropic drug administration status, presence/ absence of mortality and vital signs at the time of admission were obtained from the hospital automation system. Then, the above-mentioned scores were calculated and compared statistically. Result(s): The study was completed with 119 patients, 60 (50.4%) women and 59 (49.6%) men. The mean age of all patients was 84 (80-98) years, and the mortality rate was 84.03% (n=100). Among the scoring systems, I-ROAD had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value (0.703), APACHE II had the highest specificity (94%), and A-DROP had the highest sensitivity (64%). Discussion(s): According to our results, the I-ROAD scoring system is an effective tool that can be used in the prediction of mortality related to COVID-19 pneumonia among intensive care patients aged >=80.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Background: Post COVID19 condition occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS Cov2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID19 with symptoms that last for up to at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, but also arterial hypertension (AH) and generally have an impact on everyday function. Aim: COVID 19 pneumonia initiates new onset AH and aggravates the structural and functional myocardium remodeling in the long term after hospitalization. Methods: The study population /initially questioned 1500 patients for symptoms after acute COVID 19 pneumonia / included 220 patients without history of any disease, mean age of 45 ± 12 years, male 145 (43 ± 10 years) female 75 (52 ± 14 years). The global longitudinal strain (GLS) was extracted for left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle(RV) and AMBP analysis, mean arterial pressure (MAP)and heart rate HR were performed at baseline /30-40 days after acute infection/ 3rd and 12th months follow up. CMR was performed at 3rd (3mFU) and 12th months (12mFU) also to confirm our resulst. Results: From initial population /1500 pts/ self-reported symptoms at 12mFU are 1265 (84.6 %) and 235 /15.4 %) are symptom free at 12mFU. At 3mFU HR and MAP increased significantly / from 75 ± 6 beats /min to 88 ± 12 beats/ min, 109 ± 15 mmHg to 118 ± 19mmHg. Sys BP increased slightly at 3mFU /128 ± 14, p = 0.6/ and continue at 12mFU / 129 ± 12, p = 0.7/. Diastolic BP increased significantly at 12mFU /86 ± 12.3 to 91 ± 10.0, p > 0.01/ and AH presence at 3mFU in 143 (65%)up to 161(73%) at 12mFU. Symptoms of heart failure with preserved EF were found at 3mFU in 91 pts (41%) and in 99 pts (45%) at 12mFU. Echocardiography showed predominantly decrease of the load on the right heart at 3mFU and 12mFU (RV FAC % p < 0.019, TAPSE p < 0.05, RVOT VTI p < 0.01). LV function showd increased EDD, ESD, EDV, ESV, and decreased EF and GLS at 3mFU and slightly improvement at 12mFU. Despite normal EF, GLS / 18.5 %, p < 0.01) and segmental LS in all apical and mid anteroseptal, inferoseptal and basal anteroseptal and inferoseptal levels (16% to 18%, p < 0.01) and RV (22.3% to 24%) at 12mFU shown diminished and still preserved values. Conclusion: New onset AH is one of major symptoms after COVID 19 and remains at 12mFU. Despite of satisfactory improvement of conventional parameters for LV and RV function, GLS indicate worsening of the LV systolic function.
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Objectives: Blood pressure variability (BPV) plays an important role in hypertensive patients, and frequently associated with organ damage. Although hypertension is the most common comorbidity in COVID-19, the impact of BPV and therapeutic target of BPV to outcome in COVID-19 patients with hypertension remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between BPV and severity of COVID-19, in-hospital mortality, hypertensive status,, and efficacy of antihypertensives in suppress hypertensive covid-19 patient's BPV. Design and method: This was a cohort retrospective study that enrolled 351 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Subjects were classified according to the presence of hypertension, the severity of COVID-19, and BPV status. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was measured at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during hospitalization, and BPV was calculated as the coefficient of variation of MAP (MAPCV). MAPCV values above the median were defined as high BPV. We compared the hypertensive status, COVID-19 severity, in-hospital mortality and antihypertensive agents between the BPV groups. Results: The mean age was 53.85 ± 18.84 years-old. Subjects with high BPV were significantly associated with hypertension status (PR = 1.38;95%CI = 1.13- 1.70;p = 0.003) or severe COVID-19 (PR = 1.39;95%CI = 1.09-1.76;p = 0.005). In laboratory findings, high BPV group had higher CRP (55.15 ± 50.80 vs 97.79 ± 77.17), higher creatinine cerum (1.80 ± 3.15 vs 0.91 ± 0.14) and high BPV status also significantly increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.30;95%CI = 1.73-3,86;p = <0.001). Patients with combination of severe COVID-19 status, hypertension (+) and high BPV status had the highest risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 3.51;95%CI = 2.32-4,97;p < 0.001) compared to other combination status of groups. In COVID-19 patients with hypertension, combination teraphy with CCB as well as CCB monoteraphy significantly decreased BPV (PR = 0.50;95%CI = 0.27-0.93;p = 0.004) and mortality (HR = 0.17;95%CI = 0.05-0.56;p = 0.004). Conclusions: High BPV was associated with hypertensive status and severe COVID-19, and these factors together increased in-hospital mortality. CCB are antihypertensive agents that were potentially effective in suppressing BPV and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
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Introduction: COVID-19 can lead to acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring admission to intensive care unit (ICU). This study analyzes COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU, according to the initial respiratory support. Its main aim is to determine if the use of combination therapy: high-flow oxygen system with nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), is effective and safe in the treatment of these patients. Methods: Retrospective observational study with a prospective database. All COVID-19 patients, admitted to the ICU, between March 11, 2020, and February 12, 2022, and who required HFNC, NIV, or endotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation (ETI-IMV) were analyzed. HFNC failure was defined as therapeutic escalation to NIV, and NIV failure as the need for ETI-IMV or death in the ICU. The management of patients with non-invasive respiratory support included the use of combined therapy with different devices. The study period included the first six waves of the pandemic in Spain. Results: 424 patients were analyzed, of whom 12 (2.8%) received HFNC, 397 (93.7%) NIV and 15 (3.5%) ETI-IMV as first respiratory support. PaO2/FiO2 was 145 ± 30, 119 ± 26 and 117 ± 29 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.003). HFNC failed in 11 patients (91.7%), who then received NIV. Of the 408 patients treated with NIV, 353 (86.5%) received combination therapy with HFNC. In patients treated with NIV, there were 114 failures (27.9%). Only the value of SAPS II index (p = 0.001) and PaO2/FiO2 (p < 0.001) differed between the six analyzed waves, being the most altered values in the 3rd and 6th waves. Hospital mortality was 18.7%, not differing between the different waves (p = 0.713). Conclusions: Severe COVID-19 ARF can be effectively and safely treated with NIV combined with HFNC. The clinical characteristics of the patients did not change between the different waves, only showing a slight increase in severity in the 3rd and 6th waves, with no difference in the outcome. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
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Background & Aims: Bacterial infections affect survival of patients with cirrhosis. Hospital-acquired bacterial infections present a growing healthcare problem because of the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an infection prevention and control programme and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) measures on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and a set of secondary outcomes, including the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms, empiric antibiotic treatment failure, and development of septic states in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: The infection prevention and control programme was a complex strategy based on antimicrobial stewardship and the reduction of patient's exposure to risk factors. The COVID-19 measures presented further behavioural and hygiene restrictions imposed by the Hospital and Health Italian Sanitary System recommendations. We performed a combined retrospective and prospective study in which we compared the impact of extra measures against the hospital standard. Results: We analysed data from 941 patients. The infection prevention and control programme was associated with a reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (17 vs. 8.9%, p <0.01). No further reduction was present after the COVID-19 measures had been imposed. The impact of the infection prevention and control programme remained significant even after controlling for the effects of confounding variables (odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.73, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the adoption of the programme reduced the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms and decreased rates of empiric antibiotic treatment failure and the development of septic states. Conclusions: The infection prevention and control programme decreased the incidence of hospital-acquired infections by nearly 50%. Furthermore, the programme also reduced the prevalence of most of the secondary outcomes. Based on the results of this study, we encourage other liver centres to adopt infection prevention and control programmes. Impact and implications: Infections are a life-threatening problem for patients with liver cirrhosis. Moreover, hospital-acquired infections are even more alarming owing to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study analysed a large cohort of hospitalised patients with cirrhosis from three different periods. Unlike in the first period, an infection prevention programme was applied in the second period, reducing the number of hospital-acquired infections and containing multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the third period, we imposed even more stringent measures to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, these measures did not result in a further reduction in hospital-acquired infections.
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Preeclampsia (PE), new onset hypertension (HTN) during pregnancy, is associated with placental ischemia and chronic inflammation that includes increased CD4+ T cells, B cells secreting agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1AA), and activation of the complement system. Previous studies have shown AT1-AA is produced in patients with COVID-19 infection. Interestingly, having had COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with increased incidence of developing a PE phenotype during pregnancy. We have previously shown an important role for B cell depletion or AT1AA inhibition to attenuate HTN in rat models of PE. Collectively, this data suggests B cells contribute to PE development and that B cells may increase incidence of PE in patients with a history (Hx) of COVID-19 during pregnancy through production of the AT1AA. We hypothesize B cells from PE or CV Hx PE patients produce AT1AA resulting in HTN and complement activation in pregnancy. Placental B cells were isolated from normal pregnant (NP), PE, normotensive (NT) CV Hx, or PE CV Hx patients at delivery. B cells were transferred i.p. into pregnant athymic rats at gestation (GD) 12. On GD18, carotid catheters were inserted. On GD19, blood pressure was measured and tissues collected. PE B cell recipients had increased Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) (115+/-3 mmHg n=6) compared to NP B cell recipients (97+/-4 mmHg n=6 p<0.05). PE B cell recipients had increased AT1AA (20+/-2 DELTABPM n=4) compared to NP B cell recipients (6+/-1 DELTABPM n=4 p<0.05). PE B cell recipients had increased markers of complement activation such as reduced plasma C4 (1302+/-169 mug/mL n=4) and C3 (516+/-45 mug/mL n=4) compared to recipients of NP B cells (2348+/-338 mug/mL n=4 p<0.05) and (790+/-66 mug/mL n=4 p<0.05) respectively. CV Hx PE B cell recipients had elevated MAP (108+/-3 mmHg n=4) compared to CV Hx NT B cell recipients (101+/-7 mmHg n=4) and increased AT1AA (24+/-3 DELTABPM n=3) compared to CV Hx NT B cell Recipients (4+/-1 DELTABPM n=4 p<0.05). Collectively, this study demonstrates an important role for B cells to cause HTN during pregnancy;and indicates that B cells contribute to a higher incidence of PE in women with a Hx of CV infection during pregnancy possibly by secreting AT1-AA.
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SESSION TITLE: Outcomes Across COVID-19 SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original Inv PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm PURPOSE: ED clinicians play a critical role in the early detection and management of septic shock. Intravenous fluid (IVF) resuscitation is a central component of the recommended treatment for septic shock (SEP-1), but experts have expressed concerns that excessive fluid administration to patients with COVID-19 could lead to poor clinical outcomes due to the development of ARDS like lung physiology. COVID-19 status is often unknown in the first several hours after ED arrival and withholding adequate IVF resuscitation to patients with septic shock is known to be harmful. Our objective was to evaluate whether adult ED patients meeting criteria for septic shock (≥2 SIRS + initial lactate ≥4 or Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) <65) who receive 30ml/kg of IV fluids in the ED have poor clinical outcomes, if they are later found to have COVID-19, compared to adult ED patients with non-COVID-19 septic shock. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study we analyzed EHR of adult patients who visited any of 3 EDs within a single academic health system in Rhode Island. We included patients who had a discharge diagnosis of septic shock and presented to the ED between February 15 -September 30, 2020. The exposure was the receipt of 30ml/kg of IVF and outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ventilator receipt, and inpatient mortality. We used multivariate logistic regression and adjusted for fluid volume, age, receipt of antibiotics, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Of 278 patients with septic shock, 39 (14%) were COVID positive. 15 (38%) COVID positive patients received 30ml/kg IVF per SEP-1 bundle compared to 163 (68%) of COVID negative patients. The overall inpatient mortality rate of COVID positive septic shock patients (n=25, 64%) was three times higher as compared to COVID negative septic shock patients (n=51, 21%). Receipt of 30ml/kg IVF in the ED did not increase the odds of ICU admission [AOR 0.46 (0.07-3.26), p = 0.43], receipt of ventilator [AOR 0.40 (0.07-2.28), p=0.30], or inpatient mortality [AOR 0.15 (0.020-1.10), p=0.06] in patients who were COVID positive. However, in COVID negative patients, receipt of 30ml/kg IVF in the ED significantly reduced the odds of ICU admission [AOR 0.50 (0.27-0.93), p=0.029], receipt of ventilator [AOR 0.41 (0.22-0.74), p=0.003] and inpatient mortality [AOR 0.44 (0.22-0.87), p=0.018]. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal and timely fluid resuscitation per the SEP-1 bundle reduces the odds of unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock who test negative for COVID-19, while causing no increased odds of harm to patients with COVID-19 and septic shock. Replication of our work in a post-vaccination cohort and during waves with different variants is advisable as the clinical outcomes may vary. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Early fluid resuscitation in patients diagnosed with septic shock in the ED appears to be a safe strategy even in patients that are later diagnosed with COVID-19. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Natalie Davoodi No relevant relationships by Elizabeth Goldberg No relevant relationships by Richa Nahar
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Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has been responsible for one of the largest global viral outbreaks in recent years.1 Admissions to intensive care units (ICU) have increased. A common consequence of prolonged ICU admission is ICUacquired weakness (ICUAW).2 Rehabilitation in ICU is well established to be beneficial in combating ICUAW and should be started as early as clinically possible.3 Objectives: This study aimed to explore the haemodynamic effects of initial active rehabilitation in this complex patient population. Methods: During April to June 2020, continuous, prospective cardiovascular and respiratory data (heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured for fifteen minutes before, during and for 30 minutes after the initial active rehabilitation session. Active rehabilitation was defined as a sit over the edge of the bed with assistance from therapists as theminimumachieved in the session. The length of the active rehabilitation session, the type of rehabilitation and reason for stopping the session were recorded. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established a priori. Data were analysed via non-parametric ANOVA. Results: Initial active physiotherapy rehabilitation was observed in 23 patients (17 male, median age 45 years (IQR 36,51)). Median length of mechanical ventilation prior to starting active rehabilitation was 34 days (IQR 26,40). Four patients were receiving extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and three patients had been extubated prior to rehabilitation. All patients achieved a sit over the edge of the bed with one patient progressing to a stand. Median length of treatment time was 11 minutes (IQR 8,14). Group analysis did not identify any statistically significant changes in HR (p=0.975), SBP (p=0.907), DBP (p=0.783), MAP (p=0.625) or SpO2 (p=0.666) across the four study periods. There was no clinically significant change across the variables (range -0.5% reduction to 5.9% increase) with minimal changes in cardiovascular changes. No medical intervention such as titration of medication or additional ventilatory support was required during the sessions or as reason for stopping. Conclusion: This service evaluation suggests that initial active rehabilitation in a group of critically ill adults with COVID-19 at a specialist centre can be performed safely without detrimental cardiovascular changes.
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Introduction: Rapid sequence induction requires quick and single attempt intubation to secure airway without any untoward complications. As the number of attempts increase, risk of desaturation and aspiration increase which is potentially life threatening. In such circumstances, miscalculation may cost loss of time which may prove fatal. Various adjuncts and techniques have been devised to prevent such calamities. Aim: To compare ease of intubation with angulated stylet versus distally preloaded bougie for rapid sequence intubation in elective general anaesthesia procedures. Materials and Methods: This randomised trial was conducted in 100 patients belonging to 18-60 years of age from November 2019 to October 2020. Patients were intubated using rapid sequence including cricoid pressure by either styletted endotracheal tube (Group S) or distally preloaded bougie (Group B), for surgeries performed under general anaesthesia. The primary outcome was to determine mean time to intubation (TTI) and number of attempts, while secondary outcomes were haemodynamic responses to intubation and complications. Data comparison between independent groups in this normally distributed data was done using student -t test while intragroup analysis was done using chi-square test. Results: A total of hundred patients were randomized into two groups- group S (mean age: 41.12 years) and group B (mean age: 37.34 years), of 50 patients each. Number of intubation attempts with stylet were single in 82%, two in 18% cases while with preloaded bougie, it was 80% and 14%, respectively (p-value=0.196). Time to intubation was 22.16 seconds (group S) versus 33.78 seconds (group B) (p-value <0.05). The haemodynamic assessments revealed that tachycardia, hypertension and increased End tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was seen for 10 minutes immediately post induction in both the groups, though the intergroup difference was non significant. The incidence of sore throat was higher with stylet than bougie, though non-significant (p-value=0.118). Conclusion: Stylet should be preferred for ease of intubation in rapid sequence inductions. However, the insertion and removal of stylet must be done cautiously to prevent postoperative sore throat.
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Background: Most of the time propofol and ketamine have been used as an induction agent in adult surgical patients but propofol may cause cardiorespiratory depression while ketamine increases heart rate and arterial blood pressure. On the other hand, the clinical effects of propofol and ketamine seem to be complementary. Ketofol is most commonly used for procedural sedation hence exploring its effectiveness for induction will be paramount for the clinical care of surgical patients. Objective: This study aims to compare the hemodynamic changes between ketofol and propofol within 30 min after induction of general anesthesia for elective surgical patients. Methodology: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial was done on 62 patients aged between 18 and 65 years and the American Society of Anesthesiologist class I & II those have been allocated randomly into ketofol and propofol groups. A change in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate within 30mins was followed for both groups. After the normal distribution of data was tested analytic statistics were calculated for variables in the study using Mixed ANOVA, Independent samples T-test, and Mann Whitney U test as appropriate, and for categorical data Chi-square test or fisher's exact test was used for analysis. P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant with a power of 90%. Results: Both the mean systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased in the propofol group immediately after induction, at 5th minute, 10th minute, and 15th minute compared to the baseline value with a statistically significant value of (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in mean heart rate in the ketofol group immediately after induction and on the 5th minute after induction compared to the baseline value (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022 respectively). Conclusion and recommendations: We conclude the administration of ketofol (0.75 mg/kg of ketamine and 1.5 mg/kg of propofol) for induction of general anesthesia has better hemodynamic stability than propofol during the first 30 min after induction. We recommend to researchers to do further randomize controlled trials, with invasive blood pressure measurement and multicenter study.
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Case Report A Rare Presentation of Multivessel Vasospastic Angina in the Setting of Septic Shock Background Prinzmetal or vasospastic angina is an unusual but important consideration when evaluating a patient with chest pain. Unlikely acute coronary syndromes (ACS) which primarily occur as a result of coronary artery occlusion, prinzmetal angina occurs angina occurs mainly as a result of coronary artery vasospasm. We present the unusual case of a patient who suffered cardiac arrest and was found to have >90% occlusion in multiple coronary arteries on a left heart catheterization (LHC) performed within 60 minutes. Case presentation Patient is a 70-year-old female who was initially being treated in the hospital for COVID-19. She spent a few days in the ICU due to requiring high flow nasal cannula but was transferred to the floor after she was weaned down to 3L/min via regular nasal cannula. On day of arrest, patient had increasing oxygen requirements and was on ventimask immediately prior to the code blue. Patient received 2 rounds of CPR and her initial rhythm was found to be ventricular fibrillation. Pt was defibrillated and ROSC was immediately achieved. EKG showed ST elevations in inferior leads. Patient was, however, alert and oriented x3 on initial evaluation by critical care team. She was not intubated after the arrest. She was transferred to the intensive care unit, given 300 mg intravenous amiodarone and therapeutic dose lovenox. On LHC, her left anterior descending artery (mid/ distal portion), distal diagonal vessel, left circumflex artery (mid portion), distal portion of the obtuse marginal and right coronary artery were found to be severely spasmodic. Patient had recurrence of angina after the catheterization which was transiently relieved with nitro. Patient had sustained relief of angina after starting nitro drip. Patient was also started on amiodarone drip upon transfer back to the ICU. Discussion The obvious side-effect of our therapeutic treatment was hypotension that was initially responsive to intravenous fluids. Patient, however, became hypoxic a few hours later and needed to be diuresed to return to baseline oxygen requirement. Patient was then started on norepinephrine drip with goal to maintain mean arterial pressure above 65. After patient was loaded with amiodarone, nitro drip was discontinued. She was then transitioned to oral amiodarone. She was started on isosorbide dinitrate prior discontinuing nitro drip. Patient's blood pressure stabilized as her per oral intake improved and norepinephrine drip soon thereafter. Novel presentations require novel treatment and creative thinking lead to the decision to continue nitro drip to keep her stable, even if it meant the simultaneous use of an anti-hypertensive and a pressor. It is possible that COVID-19 served as a trigger for such a global vasospasm event. Patient was restarted on her home medication of long-acting nitrates which were held on admission due to hypotension.
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Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of routine chronic disease monitoring and management via outpatient visits was deferred, revealing a disruption in care delivery. We demonstrate that an established remote care delivery program enabled delivery of uninterrupted, effective care. Methods: The team-based Digital Care Transformation (DCT) program remotely manages hypertension via monitoring home blood pressure (BP) readings that are automatically transmitted, using a team of navigators who follow expert-designed titration algorithms. We examined all patients enrolled in this program during the first six months of the health emergency in Boston (3/15- 9/15/2020) to assess outcomes at a cutoff one year into the pandemic (3/15/2021). We also assessed healthcare utilization by analyzing monthly PCP and non-PCP visits, as well as BPs measured, in the year prior to enrollment compared to the study year 3/15/2020 - 3/15/2021. Results: 651 patients were enrolled and transmitted a home baseline BP during the first week. 475 patients (73%) had sustained hypertension according to home BPs. PCP visits decreased by 50% and non-PCP visits by 40% over this period (both p<0.001.) The weekly mean BP at program baseline was 145/84 + 15/9 mmHg, and at program exit was 135/79 + 15/10 mmHg (p<0.001.) Assessing the 240 patients who completed all follow-up, maintenance BP was 125/73 + 7/7 mmHg (p<0.001.) Control was reached with a mean 2.3 medication titrations. While in the program, patients received an average of 8.2 phone calls/month and recorded 32.4 individual BP measurements monthly. Conclusions: While in-person clinical care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased dramatically, an established remote health delivery program continued to deliver effective BP reduction and achieve clinical targets. Further study is warranted to understand the role remote care can play in hypertension management as we exit the pandemic.