Immediate Hypersensitivity to Contrast Agents: The French 5-year CIRTACI Study.

BACKGROUND: Iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast media (ICM; GBCM) induce immediate hypersensitivity (IH) reactions. Differentiating allergic from non-allergic IH is crucial; allergy contraindicates the culprit agent for life. We studied frequency of allergic IH among ICM or GBCM reactors. METHODS: Patients were recruited in 31 hospitals between 2005 and 2009. Clinical symptoms, plasma histamine and tryptase concentrations and skin tests were recorded. Allergic IH was diagnosed by intradermal tests (IDT) with the culprit CM diluted 1:10, "potentially allergic" IH by positive IDT with pure CM, and non-allergic IH by negative IDT. FINDINGS: Among 245 skin-tested patients (ICM = 209; GBCM = 36), allergic IH to ICM was identified in 41 (19.6%) and to GBCM in 10 (27.8%). Skin cross-reactivity was observed in 11 patients with ICM (26.8%) and 5 with GBCM (50%). Allergy frequency increased with clinical severity and histamine and tryptase concentrations (p < 0.0001). Cardiovascular signs were strongly associated with allergy. Non-allergic IH was observed in 152 patients (62%) (ICM:134; GBCM:18). Severity grade was lower (p < 0.0001) and reaction delay longer (11.6 vs 5.6 min; p < 0.001). Potentially allergic IH was diagnosed in 42 patients (17.1%) (ICM:34; GBCM:8). The delay, severity grade, and mediator release were intermediate between the two other groups. INTERPRETATION: Allergic IH accounted for < 10% of cutaneous reactions, and > 50% of life-threatening ones. GBCM and ICM triggered comparable IH reactions in frequency and severity. Cross-reactivity was frequent, especially for GBCM. We propose considering skin testing with pure contrast agent, as it is more sensitive than the usual 1:10 dilution criteria.

Cryptogenic hemoptysis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: characteristics and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Hemoptysis is a common presenting symptom and cause of hospitalization in the department of respiratory diseases. In a number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting with this symptom, investigations fail to reveal a precise etiology. Little data are available regarding characteristics and outcome of COPD patients presenting with cryptogenic hemoptysis (CH). OBJECTIVES: Our study goal was to assess the functional characteristics of these subjects, the risk factors for CH and the severity of hemoptysis, as well as long-term outcome. METHODS: For more than 1 year, we enrolled and followed a group of 39 consecutive COPD patients admitted to our center with CH. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 2003, 39 patients with COPD were admitted for CH in which investigation failed to reveal an etiology. The mean age was 51.3 years. All subjects were active smokers. Twenty-one patients (54%) had at least 1 risk factor for prolonged bleeding. Patients with more severe airflow obstruction tended to have more severe bleeding. Bronchoscopy appeared as useful as a computed tomography in locating the bleeding site. Arterial embolization succeeded in controlling bleeding in all patients who underwent angiography. One patient experienced a relapse in bleeding at 2 months. One developed lung cancer after 1 year. Thirty-four patients were followed for an average of 5 years. Only 2 subjects experienced recurrent hemoptysis. None died. CONCLUSIONS: CH in patients with COPD is associated with a favorable short- and long-term outcome when managed with timely angiographic embolization. Long-term incidence of lung cancer was uncommon after an episode of CH, and recurrences of hemoptysis were rare.

Procalcitonin as a prognostic factor in severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the value of procalcitonin in predicting mortality in patients with an exacerbation of COPD. This study evaluated the clinical and biological predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with a severe acute exacerbation of COPD. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted of consecutive patients with severe acute exacerbation of COPD requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. At ICU admission, data were collected on the patients' clinical condition, blood leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the risk factors for ICU mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were included in this study. Mean age was 67 years. The mean simplified acute physiology score was 43. Sixty-five per cent of study patients had chronic respiratory insufficiency. Bacteria were cultured at levels considered significant in 36% of study patients. Logistic organ dysfunction score (hazard ratio (95% CI) = 1.19 (1.03-1.37), P = 0.013), rapidly fatal underlying disease (3.33 (1.40-7.87), P = 0.003) and procalcitonin level (1.01 (1-1.03), P = 0.018) were independently associated with increased risk for ICU mortality. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation use before intubation was independently associated with reduced risk for ICU mortality (0.34 (0.14-0.84), P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe acute exacerbation of COPD requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation, logistic organ dysfunction score, rapidly fatal underlying disease and procalcitonin are independently associated with increased risk for ICU mortality. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation use before intubation was independently associated with reduced risk for ICU mortality.

Factors predicting bacterial involvement in severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Strategies aiming at reducing antibiotic use are required in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although antibiotic treatment is recommended in patients with severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a bacterial etiology is found in only a half of these patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine factors predicting bacterial isolation in severe acute exacerbations of COPD. METHODS: All patients with severe acute exacerbation of COPD requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation were included in this prospective observational cohort study. At ICU admission, information on endotracheal aspirate purulence and hyperthermia was collected. In all patients, Gram stain and quantitative endotracheal aspirate culture (positive at 10(6) cfu/ml) were performed. In addition, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were measured. RESULTS: Ninety-eight severe acute exacerbations of COPD requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation were studied. Forty-nine bacteria were isolated at significant threshold in 40 exacerbations. Streptococcus pneumoniae (16%), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (16%) and Hemophilus influenzae (14%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. PCT >0.5 ng/ml and positive Gram stain of endotracheal aspirate were independently associated with bacterial isolation in severe acute exacerbation of COPD. Positive Gram stain and PCT >0.5 ng/ml had a negative predictive value >95%. Similar results were found after excluding patients with prior antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: Positive Gram stain of endotracheal aspirate and PCT >0.5 ng/ml are independently associated with bacterial isolation in severe acute exacerbation of COPD. These results could be helpful for future interventional studies aiming at reducing antibiotic use in these patients.

Impact of antifungal treatment on Candida-Pseudomonas interaction: a preliminary retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: A pathogenic interaction between Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has recently been demonstrated. In addition, experimental and clinical studies identified Candida spp. tracheobronchial colonization as a risk factor for P. aeruginosa pneumonia. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of antifungal treatment on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or tracheobronchial colonization due to P. aeruginosa. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational case-control study conducted in a 30-bed ICU during a 1-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and two patients intubated and ventilated for longer than 48 h with tracheobronchial colonization by Candida spp. Routine screening for Candida spp. and P. aeruginosa was performed at ICU admission and weekly. Antifungal treatment was based on medical staff decisions. Patients with P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization were matched (1:2) with patients without P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization. In case and control patients, risk factors for P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (35%) received antifungal treatment. Nineteen patients (18%) developed a P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization, and all were successfully matched. Antifungal treatment [31% vs 60%; p=0.037, OR (95% CI)=0.67 (0.45-0.90)], and duration of antifungal treatment (7+/-11 vs 14+/-14 days; p=0.045, in case and control patients respectively) were significantly associated with reduced risk for P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization. Antifungal treatment was the only variable independently associated with P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization (OR=0.68, 95% CI=0.49-0.90, p=0.046). CONCLUSION: In patients with Candida spp. tracheobronchial colonization, antifungal treatment may be associated with reduced risk for P. aeruginosa VAP or tracheobronchial colonization.

Multiple-drug-resistant bacteria in patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Prevalence, risk factors, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence, risk factors, and effect on outcome of multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, cohort study. SETTING: Thirty-bed medical intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital. METHODS: All chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute exacerbation who required intubation and mechanical ventilation for >48 hrs were eligible during a 4-yr period. Patients with pneumonia or other causes of acute respiratory failure were not eligible. In all patients, quantitative tracheal aspirate was performed at ICU admission (positive at 10 colony-forming units [cfu]/mL). MDR bacteria were defined as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ceftazidime- or imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacilli. All patients received empirical antibiotic treatment at ICU admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine variables associated with MDR bacteria and variables associated with ICU mortality. RESULTS: A total of 857 patients were included, and 304 bacteria were isolated (>/=10 cfu/mL) in 260 patients (30%), including 75 MDR bacteria (24%) in 69 patients (8%). When patients with MDR bacteria were compared with patients without MDR bacteria, previous antimicrobial treatment (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2-4.7; p = .013) and previous intubation (OR, 31; 95% CI, 12-82; p < .001) were independently associated with MDR bacteria. When patients with bacteria other than MDR or patients with no bacteria were used as a reference group, these risk factors were still independently associated with MDR bacteria. Although ICU mortality rate was higher in patients with MDR bacteria than in patients without MDR bacteria (44% vs. 25%; p = .001; OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8), MDR bacteria were not independently associated with ICU mortality. Inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment (88% vs. 5%; p = <.001; OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.8-12) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (23% vs. 5%; p = <.001; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1-1.8) rates were significantly higher in patients with MDR bacteria than in patients with bacteria other than MDR. Inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment was independently associated with increased ICU mortality (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 1.9-30; p = .003). CONCLUSION: MDR bacteria are common in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Previous antimicrobial treatment and previous intubation are independent risk factors for MDR bacteria. Although MDR bacteria are not independently associated with ICU mortality, inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality in these patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment is cost-effective in these patients.

Endocan, a new endothelial marker in human sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: a) To evaluate in septic patients the blood levels of endocan, a circulating proteoglycan, which regulates leukocyte function-associated antigen-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interactions in vitro; b) to determine whether endocan could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in sepsis in the intensive care unit; and c) to study kinetics of endocan secretion by endothelial cells in vitro after stimulation by soluble mediators involved in sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of the University Hospitals of Lille, France, and Geneva, Switzerland. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to the intensive care unit over a 6-month period with clinical evidence of severe sepsis or septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In vitro, we showed a sustained endocan secretion by endothelial cells after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Circulating levels of endocan measured in 63 patients admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis were significantly elevated compared with 20 healthy donors and seven patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome: 2.71 +/- 4.88 ng/mL vs. 0.77 +/- 0.44 ng/mL vs. 0.68 +/- 1.03 ng/mL (median +/- interquartile range, p < .001). Endocan levels were higher in patients with septic shock (6.11 +/- 12.99 ng/mL, n = 22) than in patients with severe sepsis (1.97 +/- 7.8 ng/mL, n = 12) or sepsis (1.95 +/- 1.63 ng/mL, n = 29). Measurement of endocan at intensive care unit admission revealed higher levels in nonsurvivors (n = 12) than in patients still alive 10 days later (n = 51, 6.98 +/- 13.8 vs. 2.45 +/- 4.09, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in septic patients, endocan blood level is related to the severity of illness and the outcome of the patient and may represent a novel endothelial cell dysfunction marker.

Impact of ventilator-associated pneumonia on outcome in patients with COPD.

PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) on outcome in patients with COPD. METHODS: Prospective, observational, case-control study conducted in a 30-bed ICU during a 5-year period. All COPD patients who required intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV) for > 48 h were eligible. VAP diagnosis was based on clinical, radiographic, and quantitative microbiologic criteria. Patients with unconfirmed VAP were excluded, as well as patients with ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis without subsequent VAP. Matching (1:1) criteria included MV duration before VAP occurrence, age +/- 5 years, simplified acute physiology score II on ICU admission +/- 5, and ICU admission category. Variables associated with ICU mortality were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,241 patients were eligible; 181 patients (14%) were excluded, including 133 patients for VAT and 48 patients for unconfirmed VAP. VAP developed in 77 patients (6%), and all were successfully matched. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated bacteria (31%). ICU mortality rate (64% vs 28%), duration of MV (24 +/- 15 d vs 13 +/- 11 d [+/- SD]), and ICU stay (26 +/- 17 d vs 15 +/- 13 d) were significantly (< 0.001) higher in case patients than in control patients. VAP was the only variable independently associated with ICU mortality (odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2 to 18.6; p < 0.001). In VAP patients who received corticosteroids during their ICU stay compared with those who did not receive corticosteroids, mortality rate (50% vs 82%; OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.7; p = 0.002), duration of MV (21 +/- 14 d vs 27 +/- 16 d, p = 0.043), and ICU stay (22 +/- 16 d vs 31 +/- 18 d, p = 0.006) were significantly lower. CONCLUSION: VAP is associated with increased mortality rates and longer duration of MV and ICU stay in COPD patients.