Clinical parameters for the early detection of complications in patients with blunt hepatic and/or splenic injury undergoing non-operative management.

BACKGROUND: Complications arising during non-operative management (NOM) of blunt hepatic and/or splenic trauma, particularly in cases of severe injury, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the initial detection of complications during NOM. Although many institutions advocate routine in-hospital follow-up scans to improve success rates, others recommend a more selective approach. The use of follow-up CT remains a subject of ongoing debate, with no validated guidelines available regarding the timing, effectiveness, or intervals of follow-up imaging. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the clinical parameters for the early detection of complications in patients with blunt hepatic and/or splenic injury undergoing NOM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with blunt hepatic and/or splenic trauma treated at Songklanagarind Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, from 2013 to 2022. We assessed all patients indicated for non-operative management and examined their clinical parameters and complications. RESULTS: Of 542 patients with blunt hepatic and/or splenic injuries, 315 (58%) were managed non-operatively. High-grade hepatic injuries were significantly associated with complications, as determined through a multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for factors such as contrast blush findings, age, sex, and injury severity score (ISS) (adjusted OR = 7.69, 95% CI 1.59-37.13; p = 0.011). Among the patients with complications (n = 27), 17 (63%) successfully underwent non-operative management. Notably, eight patients presented with clinical symptoms prior to the diagnosis of complications, while only two patients had no clinical symptoms before the diagnosis. Tachycardia, abdominal pain, decreased hematocrit levels, and fever were significant indicators of complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Routine CT to detect complications may not be necessary in patients with asymptomatic low-grade blunt hepatic injuries. By contrast, in those with isolated blunt hepatic injuries that are managed non-operatively, high-grade injuries, the presence of a contrast blush on initial imaging, and the patient's age may warrant consideration for routine follow-up CT scans. Clinical symptoms and laboratory observations during NOM, such as tachycardia, abdominal pain, decreased hematocrit levels, and fever, are significantly associated with complications. These symptoms necessitate further management, regardless of the initial injury severity, in patients with blunt hepatic and/or splenic injuries undergoing NOM.

Acute portal vein thrombosis in an isolated, blunt, minor liver injury near the porta hepatis.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) secondary to blunt abdominal trauma associated with liver injury is extremely rare in healthy individuals as well as in minor liver injury, and it carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, acute asymptomatic PVT is difficult to diagnose. We present a young trauma patient with isolated minor liver injury associated with acute PVT. A 27-year-old man presented to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision. His primary survey findings were unremarkable. His secondary survey showed a large contusion (7 cm × 7 cm) at the epigastrium with marked tenderness and localized guarding. The CT angiography of the whole abdomen revealed liver injury grade 3 in hepatic segments 2/3 and 4b (according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma classification) extending near the porta hepatis with patent hepatic and portal veins and without other solid organ injury. The follow-up CT of the whole abdomen on post-injury day 7 showed a 1.8-cm thrombus in the left portal vein with patent right portal and hepatic veins, and a decreased size of the hepatic lacerations. A liver function test was repeated on post-injury day 4, and it revealed improved transaminitis. The patient received intravenous anticoagulant therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin according to weight-based dosing for treatment. The CT of the whole abdomen performed 2 weeks after anticoagulant therapy showed small residual thrombosis in the left portal vein. The patient received intravenous anticoagulant therapy for a total 3 months. On the follow-up visits at 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the injury, the patients did not have any detectable abnormal symptoms. PVT post-blunt minor liver injury is an extremely rare complication. If the thrombosis is left untreated, serious morbidity and mortality can ensue. However, its diagnosis in asymptomatic patients is still challenging. Periodic imaging is necessary for highly suspected PVT, especially in liver injury with lacerations close to the porta hepatis, even in cases of a minor injury.

Age as the Impact on Mortality Rate in Trauma Patients.

Background: Globally, the fastest-growing population is that of older adults. Geriatric trauma patients pose a unique challenge to trauma teams because the aging process reduces their physiologic reserve. To date, no agreed-upon definition exists for the geriatric trauma patients, and the appropriate age cut point to consider patients at increased risk of mortality is unclear. Objectives: To determine the age cut point at which age impacts the mortality rate in trauma patients in Thailand. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort and prognostic analysis study conducted in trauma patients ≥40 years. Patient data were retrieved from the trauma registry database and hospital information system in Songklanagarind Hospital. The estimated sample size of 1,509 patients was calculated based on the trauma registry data. The age with the maximum mortality rate was used as the cut point to define the elderly population. Hospital cost, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, gender, precomorbidity, mechanism of injury, injury severity score (ISS), and trauma and injury severity score were analyzed for any correlation with mortality, and whether or not they were associated with elderly trauma patients. Results: A total of 1,523 trauma patients ≥40 years were included in the study. The median age in both the survival and death groups was 61 years, with gender in both groups being similar (p value = 0.259). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) showed that increasing age was significantly associated with mortality (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07; p value <0.001). In the age group of 70 to 79 years and >80 years, the odds of mortality were significantly increased (OR 3.29, 95% CI, 1.24-8.68; p value = 0.016 and OR 3.29, 95% CI, 1.27-12.24; p value = 0.018, respectively). Conclusion: Age is a significant risk factor for mortality in trauma patients. The mortality significantly increased at the age of 70 and higher.

Massive Blood Transfusion for Trauma Score to Predict Massive Blood Transfusion in Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Massive blood loss is the most common cause of immediate death in trauma. A massive blood transfusion (MBT) score is a prediction tool to activate blood banks to prepare blood products. The previously published scoring systems were mostly developed from settings that had mature prehospital systems which may lead to a failure to validate in settings with immature prehospital systems. This research aimed to develop a massive blood transfusion for trauma (MBTT) score that is able to predict MBT in settings that have immature prehospital care. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort that collected data from trauma patients who met the trauma team activation criteria. The predicting parameters included in the analysis were retrieved from the history, physical examination, and initial laboratory results. The significant parameters from a multivariable analysis were used to develop a clinical scoring system. The discrimination was evaluated by the area under a receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve. The calibration was demonstrated with Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit, and an internal validation was done. RESULTS: Among 867 patients, 102 (11.8%) patients received MBT. Four factors were associated with MBT: a score of 3 for age ≥60 years; 2.5 for base excess ≤-10 mEq/L; 2 for lactate >4 mmol/L; and 1 for heart rate ≥105 /min. The AuROC was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91). At the cut point of ≥4, the positive likelihood ratio of the score was 6.72 (95% CI: 4.7-9.6, p < 0.001), the sensitivity was 63.6%, and the specificity was 90.5%. Internal validation with bootstrap replications had an AuROC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The MBTT score has good discrimination to predict MBT with simple and rapidly obtainable parameters.

Intravenous Fluid of Choice in Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous fluid therapy plays a role in maintaining the hemodynamic status for tissue perfusion and electrolyte hemostasis during surgery. Recent trials in critically ill patients reported serious side effects of some types of fluids. Since the most suitable type of fluid is debatable, a consensus in perioperative patients has not been reached. METHOD: We performed a systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared two or more types of fluids in major abdominal surgery. The outcomes were related to bleeding, hemodynamic status, length of hospital stay, and complications, such as kidney injury, electrolyte abnormality, major cardiac adverse event, nausea, vomiting, and mortality. A literature search was performed using Medline and EMBASE up to December 2019. The data were pooled to investigate the effect of fluid on macrocirculation and intravascular volume effect. RESULTS: Forty-three RCTs were included. Eighteen fluids were compared: nine were crystalloids and nine were colloids. The results were categorized into macrocirculation and intravascular volume effect, microcirculation, anti-inflammatory parameters, vascular permeability, renal function (colloids), renal function and electrolytes (crystalloids), coagulation and bleeding, return of bowel function, and postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV). We found that no specific type of fluid led to mortality and every type of colloid was equivalent in volume expansion and did not cause kidney injury. However, hydroxyethyl starch and dextran may lead to increased bleeding. Normal saline can cause kidney injury which can lead to renal replacement therapy, and dextrose fluid can decrease PONV. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, it is safe to give a balanced crystalloid as the maintenance fluid and give a colloid, such as HES130/0.4, 4% gelatin, or human albumin, as a volume expander.

Acute kidney injury risk prediction score for critically-ill surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been a global increase in the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), including among critically-ill surgical patients. AKI prediction score provides an opportunity for early detection of patients who are at risk of AKI; however, most of the AKI prediction scores were derived from cardiothoracic surgery. Therefore, we aimed to develop an AKI prediction score for major non-cardiothoracic surgery patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: The data of critically-ill patients from non-cardiothoracic operations in the Thai Surgical Intensive Care Unit (THAI-SICU) study were used to develop an AKI prediction score. Independent prognostic factors from regression analysis were included as predictors in the model. The outcome of interest was AKI within 7 days after the ICU admission. The AKI diagnosis was made according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)-2012 serum creatinine criteria. Diagnostic function of the model was determined by area under the Receiver Operating Curve (AuROC). Risk scores were categorized into four risk probability levels: low (0-2.5), moderate (3.0-8.5), high (9.0-11.5), and very high (12.0-16.5) risk. Risk of AKI was presented as likelihood ratios of positive (LH+). RESULTS: A total of 3474 critically-ill surgical patients were included in the model; 333 (9.6%) developed AKI. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age, high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) non-renal score, emergency surgery, large volume of perioperative blood loss, less urine output, and sepsis were identified as independent predictors for AKI. Then AKI prediction score was created from these predictors. The summation of the score was 16.5 and had a discriminative ability for predicting AKI at AuROC = 0.839 (95% CI 0.825-0.852). LH+ for AKI were: low risk = 0.117 (0.063-0.200); moderate risk = 0.927 (0.745-1.148); high risk = 5.190 (3.881-6.910); and very high risk = 9.892 (6.230-15.695), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The function of AKI prediction score to predict AKI among critically ill patients who underwent non-cardiothoracic surgery was good. It can aid in early recognition of critically-ill surgical patients who are at risk from ICU admission. The scores could guide decision making for aggressive strategies to prevent AKI during the perioperative period or at ICU admission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR20190408004, registered on April 4, 2019.

Correlation between Maximum Clot Firmness in FIBTEM and Fibrinogen Level in Critical Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Both fibrinogen level and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) are accurate tests to demonstrate a bleeding tendency. FIBTEM® is one type of ROTEM test to determine the function of fibrinogen. An advantage of FIBTEM is helping physicians make proper decisions for blood component transfusions. However, the correlation between fibrinogen level and FIBTEM is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate a correlation between maximum clot firmness (MCF) in FIBTEM and fibrinogen level in critical trauma patients. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 87 patients who visited the emergency department between May 2017 and January 2019 in Songklanagarind Hospital. Blood specimens were sent for both ROTEM evaluation and fibrinogen level. The data were analysed with STATA program version 12.1. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were enrolled in the study over the 21-month period. The patients consisted of 73 males (83.9%) with a median age of 40 years. Seventy-three patients (83.9%) were still alive. The following equation from FIBTEM MCF was used to predict fibrinogen level: fibrinogen level = 138 + (15.2 × FIBTEM MCF) (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient of 0.52, P < 0.001). The results showed a good correlation of FIBTEM MCF to predict patients with hypofibrinogenemia (area under ROC curve = 0.81). Patients with normal fibrinogen levels received significantly fewer units of all types of blood components. CONCLUSION: FIBTEM MCF had poor prediction of fibrinogen level; however, it can help to identify patients who have hypofibrinogenemia.

Prediction of massive transfusion in trauma patients in the surgical intensive care units (THAI-SICU study).

PURPOSE: After damage control surgery, trauma patients are transferred to intensive care units to restore the physiology. During this period, massive transfusion might be required for ongoing bleeding and coagulopathy. This research aimed to identify predictors of massive blood transfusion in the surgical intensive care units (SICUs). METHODS: This is an analysis of the THAI-SICU study which was a prospective cohort that was done in the 9-university-based SICUs in Thailand. The study included only patients admitted due to trauma mechanisms. Massive transfusion was defined as received ≥10 units of packed red blood cells on the first day of admission. Patient characteristics and physiologic data were analyzed to identify the potential factors. A multivariable regression was then performed to identify the significant model. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients (5%) received massive transfusion in the SICUs. The factors that significantly predicted massive transfusion were an initial sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) ≥9 (risk difference (RD) 0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.22, p = 0.01); intra-operative blood loss ≥ 4900 mL (RD 0.33, 95% CI: 0.04-0.62, p = 0.02) and intra-operative blood transfusion ≥ 10 units (RD 0.45, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.84, p = 0.02). The probability to have massive transfusion was 0.976 in patients who had these 3 factors. CONCLUSION: Massive blood transfusion in the SICUs occurred in 5%. An initial SOFA ≥9, intra-operative blood loss ≥4900 mL, and intra-operative blood transfusion ≥10 units were the significant factors to predict massive transfusion in the SICUs.

Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens with Compartment Syndrome.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major healthcare problem that results in significant mortality, morbidity, and expenditure of resources. It compounds with pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of acute DVT characterized by marked swelling of the extremities with pain and cyanosis, which in turn may lead to arterial ischemia and ultimately gangrene with high amputation and mortality rates. The key in treating such patients is to provide quick and effective treatment to save the limbs and the patient.

Combination of blood lactate level with assessment of blood consumption (ABC) scoring system: A more accurate predictor of massive transfusion requirement.

PURPOSE: Exsanguination is the most common leading cause of death in trauma patients. The massive transfusion (MT) protocol may influence therapeutic strategies and help provide blood components in timely manner. The assessment of blood consumption (ABC) score is a popular MT protocol but has low predictability. The lactate level is a good parameter to reflect poor tissue perfusion or shock states that can guide the management. This study aimed to modify the ABC scoring system by adding the lactate level for better prediction of MT. METHODS: The data were retrospectively collected from 165 trauma patients following the trauma activated criteria at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. The ABC scoring system was applied in all patients. The patients who had an ABC score ≥2 as the cut point for MT were defined as the ABC group. All patients who had a score ≥2 with a lactate level >4 mmol/dL were defined as the ABC plus lactate level (ABC + L) group. The prediction for the requirement of massive blood transfusion was compared between the ABC and ABC + L groups. The ability of ABC and ABC + L groups to predict MT was estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Among 165 patients, 15 patients (9%) required massive blood transfusion. There were no significant differences in age, gender, mechanism of injury or initial vital signs between the MT group and the non-MT group. The group that required MT had a higher Injury Severity Score and mortality. The sensitivity and specificity of the ABC scoring system in our institution were low (81%, 34%, AUC 0.573). The sensitivity and specificity were significantly better in the ABC + L group (92%, 42%, AUC = 0.745). CONCLUSION: The ABC scoring system plus lactate increased the sensitivity and specificity compared with the ABC scoring system alone.

Increased resistance to tissue plasminogen activator-induced fibrinolysis in healthy subjects from Thailand.

: There is significant variability in blood coagulation among world populations. In particular, there may exist important differences in regulation of the fibrinolytic system in Asian populations that contribute to diseases of thrombosis and hemostasis. To investigate this issue, we compared fibrinogen concentration, plasma clot formation, and fibrinolytic resistance of healthy Asian subjects from Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand (Thai) vs. healthy North American subjects from Seattle, Washington, USA (SEA). Citrated plasma samples were obtained from healthy adult volunteers. Fibrinogen concentration was measured in plasma by the method of Clauss to examine for baseline differences of fibrinogen concentration. Samples were then standardized to 2.8 mg/ml fibrinogen using physiological buffer for each sample prior to fibrinolytic testing using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to examine for differences of clot lysis not attributable to fibrinogen concentration alone. Clot lysis was examined with ROTEM extrinsic pathway activation in the presence of 0, 0.5, and 1.0 µg/ml of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of tPA and study group on ROTEM parameters. N = 49 Thai samples were compared with N = 58 SEA samples. Mean (SD) fibrinogen concentration was significantly increased for the Thai group at 4.03 (0.79) mg/ml vs. the SEA group at 3.66 (0.70) mg/ml (t test P = 0.014). After standardization of all samples to equivalent fibrinogen concentration, there were no differences in clot formation between groups without tPA. There was a significant effect of increasing tPA concentration on all ROTEM parameters except for clotting time. There were significant individual differences for amplitude at 10 min and lysis onset time, where amplitude at 10 min was significantly increased and lysis onset time was significantly prolonged for Thai vs. SEA at tPA concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 µg/ml. Variability in thrombosis and hemostasis in Asians vs. other populations is likely to involve differences of fibrinogen concentration and regulation of clot lysis.

Chylothorax after Blunt Chest Trauma: A Case Report.

Traumatic chylothorax after blunt chest trauma alone is considered rare. Our patient was a 27-year-old female who was in a motorcycle accident and sustained blunt thoracic and traumatic thoracic aortic injuries with T1-T2 vertebral subluxation. She underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair from T4 to T9 without any thoracic or spinal surgery. On postoperative day 7, the drainage from her left chest turned into a milky-white fluid indicative of chyle leakage. The patient was treated conservatively for 2 weeks and then the chest drain was safely removed. The results show that traumatic chylothorax can be successfully managed with conservative treatment.

A review in emergency central venous catheterization.

Central venous catheterization is widely used in the emergency setting. This review aims to assess central venous catheterization from the perspectives of types of catheters, sites of insertion, and techniques. In emergency conditions, non-tunneled catheters are preferred because the technique for its insertion is not complicated and less time-consuming. The size of catheter depends on the purpose of catheterization. For example, a large bore catheter is needed for rapid infusion. The ideal catheterization site should bear fewer thromboses, lower infectious rate, and fewer mechanical complications. Thus the femoral vein should be avoided due to a high rate of colonization and thrombosis while the subclavian vein seems to exhibit fewer infectious complications compared with other sites. The ultrasound-guided technique increases the success rate of insertion while decreases the mechanical complications rate.

Characteristics of Creatine Kinase Elevation in Trauma Patients and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyolysis in general trauma patients is a cause of acute kidney injury. However, there are limited data on prevalence, risk factors and the dynamics of creatine kinase (CK) as a surrogate marker for rhabdomyolysis. AIM: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of CK elevation in general trauma patients and identify the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI). METHOD: A retrospective study of trauma patients at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2009 to August 2014 using CK, clinical characteristics and trauma severity as predictors and AKI as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network, 2005 criteria as the outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 372 patients included in the study, the prevalence of rhabdomyolysis was 40.3%, the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 19.5 and 7% had AKI. The CK level peaked at 40 hours after admission with a rate change of 50.98 U/L/h. An initial mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg, ISS ≥ 25 and CK elevation > 1,000 U/L/h were independently associated with AKI. CONCLUSION: Traumatic rhabdomyolysis resulting in AKI occurs in patients with a high peak CK with an increasing rate of change and a high ISS. These parameters could identify patients who needed close monitoring of CK and renal function.

Cost of Critically Ill Surgical Patients in Thailand: A Prospective Analysis of a Multicenter THAI-SICU Study.

Objective: To quantify the total cost per admission and daily cost of critically ill surgical patients and cost attributable to Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, invasive mechanical ventilation and major complications in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) including sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury (ALI), acute kidney injury (AKI), cardiac arrest, and myocardial infarction. Material and Method: A multicentre, prospective, observational, cost analysis study was carried out in SICU of five university hospitals in Thailand. Patients of age over 18 admitted to SICU (more than 6 hours) from 18 April 2011 to 30 November 2012 were recruited.The total SICU cost per admission (in Thai baht currency year 2011-2012) were recorded using hospital accounting database. Average daily SICU cost was calculated from total ICU cost divided by the ICU length of stay. The occurrence of sepsis, major cardiac and respiratory complications and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation were studied. Results: A total of 3,055 patients with 12,592 ICU-days admitted to SICU during the study period. The median (IQR) ICU- length of stay was 2 (1, 4) days. The median (IQR) total SICU cost per admission was 44,055 (29,950-73,694) Thai baht. The median (IQR) daily cost was 18,777 (13,650-22,790) Thai baht. There was a variation of total and daily SICU cost across ICUs. For each of APACHE II score increases, cost increases with a median (IQR) of 1,731.755 (1,507.418-1,956.093) Thai baht. Invasive mechanically ventilated patients had higher cost than non-ventilated patients with a median (IQR) 15,873.4 (15,631.13-16,115.67) Thai baht. The patient with any complications listed here (sepsis, ARDS, ALI, AKI, myocardial infarction) had higher costs of care than ones who had none. Conclusion: Cost of critically ill surgical patients in the public university hospital in Thailand was varied. The complications occurred in ICU increased the cost. To quantify the resource consumption of individual patient admitted to SICU, the costing method and cost components must be verified.

Modalities in Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism Occurrence in Critically Ill Surgical Patients (THAI-SICU Study).

Objective: This report aimed to demonstrate the current modality of venous thrombomebolism (VTE) prophylaxis at the University-based critical, surgical care units (SICUs) and the occurrence of VTE during SICUs admission. Material and Method: The data were analyzed from a multicenter prospective observational study that was conducted in 9 university based SICUs in Thailand (THAI-SICU study). VTE prophylaxis and occurrence were recorded daily and VTE events which included deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were collected only after symptomatic events occurred and confirmed the diagnosis by Doppler ultrasonographic examination or other imaging modalities. Results: A total of 385 in 4,652 cases (8.3%) received VTE prophylaxis. The modalities of VTE prophylaxis were significant difference depended on the admission diagnosis, patient age, and severity of diseases. The result of total VTE occurrence was 18 patients (0.4%) and mortality was 4 in 18 patients (22.2%). Of these, DVT occurred in 14 patients (0.3%) and mortality was 3 of 14 patients (21.4%), and the PE occurred in 4 patients (0.1%) and mortality was 1 of 4 patients (25.0%). Conclusion: The VTE prophylaxis rate was low in Thai University based SICUs. Although the overall incidence of symptomatic VTE in the SICUs low, the mortality rate was high in this cohort.

Incidence, Outcomes and Risk Factors for Mortality of Symptomatic upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Surgical Critical Ill Patients (THAI SICU Study).

Objective: This multicenter university-based study reports the incidence, outcomes and defined risk factors for mortality of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) patients in the surgical intensive care units (ICU) patients in Thailand. Material and Method: This is part of a multicenter prospective observational study in the ICU in Thailand (THAI-SICU study). Patients who had a clinical presentation of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage or an endoscopic diagnosis from April 2011 to January 2013 were enrolled into this sub-study. Results: A total of 4,652 patients were analyzed. Fifty-five patients (1.18%) had symptomatic UGIH during ICU admission. The median age (interquartile range, IQR) was 72 (63-78) years old and the median APACHE II score (IQR) was 17 (13-22). In a comparison between the UGIH patients who survived and those who non-survived APACHE II score were higher in the non-survivors. The ICU mortality rate and 28-day mortality rate in these patients were 30.91% and 40%, respectively. In multivariable model, UGIH was significantly associated with 28-day mortality [adjusted odds ratio, OR, (95% confidence interval, CI): 1.99 (1.02 to 3.88); p = 0.043] and ICU length of stay [adjusted coefficient (95% CI): 9.36 (8.03 to 10.70); p<0.001]. Regarding the exploratory model, the significant risk factors for non-survived of UGIH patients were coagulopathy especially platelet count <50,000 [OR (95% CI): 3.96 (1.07-14.67); p = 0.039] and INR >1.5 [5 (1.04-23.98); p = 0.044], renal failure [6.48 (1.37-30.61); p = 0.018], APACHE II score [1.11 (1.02-1.22); p = 0.020] and vasopressor use [5.78 (1.6-37.18); p = 0.013]. Conclusion: The incidence of symptomatic UGIH in the THAI-SICU study was 1.18% and UGIH was associated with higher 28-day mortality rate and prolonged ICU length of stay. The risk factors for mortality were coagulopathy, renal failure, APACHE II score and vasopressor use.

Incidence and Prognostic Factors for Mortality of Abdominal Hypertension in Critically Ill Surgical Patients in THAI-SICU Study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prognostic factors of mortality in intra-abdominal hypertension that developed during admission in the surgical intensive care units in Thailand. Material and Method: This was a prospective observational study in nine university-based surgical intensive care units in Thailand. (THAI-SICU) The suspected patients who had the intra-abdominal pressure more than 12 mmHg were defined as intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). The patients were followed until discharge. Results: Among 4,652 cases, a total of 71 cases (1.5%) developed IAH. The average age was 53.05+20.26 years. The median APACHE II score was 13 (9-15). Eighteen patients received surgical decompression as treatment. Metabolic acidosis (pH <7.2) and abdominal aortic surgery were the significant factors for mortality in intra-abdominal hypertension patients. Conclusion: The incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension in the critical surgical care units was low in this cohort. Intraabdominal hypertension in patients who previously received abdominal aortic surgery and who had concomitant acidosis was the independent risk factor of mortality.

A multi-center Thai university-based surgical intensive care units study (THAI-SICU study): methodology and ICU characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Although there were two large intra-operative observational studies on Thai surgical patients (THAI and THAI-AIMS), there has been no available study on critically ill surgical patients regarding their adverse events and outcomes. A THAI-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) study has been established for monitoring the occurrence of these adverse events and outcomes in the SICU. The objective of this report is to describe the methodology of the THAI-SICU study and participating SICUs' characteristics as well as the early recruitment results on patients enrolled in the present study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study is designed as a multi-center, prospective, observational study. This report describes the method of case record form development and summarizes their collected parameters as well as the adverse event surveillance variables. All of nine SICU characteristics are described regarding their management systems, physicians' and nurses' work patterns. The final group of enrolled patients is reported. RESULTS: A total of nine university-based SICUs were included in the present study. All participating hospitals are residency training centers. Four of the SICUs, fulltime directors are anesthesiologists. Only one hospital's SICU is directed by a surgeon. Two SICUs were closed ICUs, three were mandatory consulting units, one was an elective consultation unit and the remaining three ICUs had no directors. Most of the participating SICUs had heterogeneity of surgical specialty patients. Six SICUs had regular resident rotations and only two of the SICUs had critical care fellowship training. There were significant differences regarding the nursing workload among the ICUs. The patient to registered nurse ratio ranged from 0.9-2.0. After a total of 19.7 months of a recruitment period, the total number of patient admissions was 6,548 (1,894 patients were excluded). A total cohort of 4,654 patients was included for further analytical processes. CONCLUSION: There were differences in ICU management systems, physician and specialist coverage, nurse burdens, nurse sparing, and types of patients admitted in the university based SICUs. This presentation is the pioneer multi-center study on Thai SICUs in which adverse events and outcomes are reported.

Damage control resuscitation for massive hemorrhage.

Hemorrhage is the second most common cause of death among trauma patients and almost half of the deaths occur within 24 hours after arrival. Damage control resuscitation is a new paradigm for patients with massive bleeding. It consists of permissive hypotension, hemostatic resuscitation and transfusion strategies, and damage control surgery. Permissive hypotension seems to have better results before the bleeding is controlled. The strategy of fluid resuscitation is minimizing crystalloid infusion and increasing early transfusion with a high ratio of fresh frozen plasma to packed red cells. Damage control surgery is done when the patient's condition is unfit for definitive surgery. Hemorrhage and contamination control with temporary abdominal closure is performed before transferring the patients to intensive care unit and the operating room for a permanent laparotomy.