[Generalized secondary peritonitis: predictors of in-hospital mortality and survival and mortality evolutive links]. / Peritonitis secundaria generalizada: predictores de mortalidad y sobrevida, y vinculantes evolutivos de mortalidad.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of mortality predictors and evolutive variables linked with in-hospital death can help us to optimize corrective procedures. OBJECTIVES: To identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and survival, and independent evolutive links with death in patients with generalized secondary peritonitis (GSP). METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two patients admitted into the hospital due to GSP were followed until in-hospital death or hospital discharge. Mortality and survival predictors were identified from several variables evaluated at the time of admission and evolutive links to death from evolutive variables. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 16.5%. Independent mortality predictors were APACHE II > or =16 [OR=31,9 (IC 95% 10.5-96,5)] and chronic renal failure history, with specificity (1) An appropriate nutritional condition was the only survival predictor [OR = 0.2 (IC 95% 0.1-0.6)]. The highest contribution to APACHE II predictive power came from the deterioration of blood tests values and vital signs, followed by age, sensory condition, and medical history. Independent evolutive links to mortality were multiorganic dysfunction involving three or more organs [OR = 63.2 (IC 95% 18.4-217)], hemodynamic failure and septic shock, and necessity of vital support with mechanical ventilation and/or inotropic/vasoconstrictor drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In generalized secondary peritonitis the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality are APACHE II score > or =16 and chronic renal failure history, not very useful due to the low prevalence. The only independent survival predictor is an appropriate nutritional status. The evolutive links to mortality are multiorganic dysfunction involving three or more organs, hemodynamic failure and septic shock, and necessity of vital-support with mechanical ventilation and/or inotropic/vasoconstrictor agents.

The clinical course of patients with septic abortion admitted to an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical course, complications, and outcome of patients with septic abortion admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: In this retrospective study, the records of 63 patients with septic abortion admitted to the ICU of a university hospital in Argentina between 1985 and 1995 were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 28.5 years, and 33% had had previous abortions. The mean gestational age was 10.5 weeks. The first ICU day Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II mean score was 13.9. Acute renal failure developed in 73% (46 of 63) of the patients, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in 31% (15 of 49), and septic shock in 32% (20 of 63). Blood cultures were positive in 24% (15 of 62). Twelve patients died (19%). Eight of the deaths occurred during the first 48 h of the ICU admission. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher median number of organ failures (1.0 vs 4.0, p<0.0001), mean first ICU day SOFA scores (6.6 vs 10.0, p=0.0059), and mean APACHE II scores (12.7 vs 20.2, p=0.0003), and were more likely to have septic shock (18 vs 92%, p<0.0001), and receive dopamine (37 vs 83%, p=0.0040), mechanical ventilation (8 vs 83%, p<0.0001), and pulmonary artery catheter (8 vs 41%, p=0.0026). CONCLUSIONS: Although it is an avoidable complication, septic abortion requiring admission to the ICU is associated with high morbidity and mortality.