Joint effect of heat, pH and grape extract on Bacillus cereus spores survival in a rice solution.

Rice due to its high carbohydrate content, is an ideal medium for Bacillus cereus growth, a spore-producing microorganism. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of a grape extract in combination with heat treatments and different pH against B. cereus spores in a rice solution. The survivor data obtained were fitted to the Weibull survival function, and the values of parameters a and b (scale and shape indexes, respectively) were determined. Results showed that the grape extract affected the survival of B. cereus spores at 90 °C and 95 °C, reaching greater logarithmic reductions in acidic pH values. This behaviour was reflected in a parameter of the Weibull survival function which decreased as the temperature increased and at acidic pH values. In addition, a secondary model was developed by relating the logarithm of a to the independent variables (temperature and pH). A global model relating B. cereus inactivation with temperature and pH was developed, and validated by calculating the accuracy factor. The results demonstrate the usefulness of grape extract as a by-product, which can be used as an additional control measure for rice, especially when combined with mild heat treatments and acidic pH values.

Safety of outpatient adrenalectomy across 3 minimally invasive approaches at 2 academic medical centers.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient adrenalectomy has the potential to decrease costs, improve inpatient capacity, and decrease patient exposure to hospital-acquired conditions. Still, the practice has yet to be widely adopted and current studies demonstrating the safety of outpatient adrenalectomy are limited by sample size, extensive exclusion criteria, and no comparison to inpatient cases. We aimed to study the characteristics and safety of outpatient adrenalectomy using the largest such sample to date across 2 academic medical centers and 3 minimally invasive approaches. METHODS: All minimally invasive adrenalectomies were identified, starting from the time outpatient adrenalectomy was initiated at each institution. Cases involving removal of other organs, bilateral adrenalectomies, and cases in which a patient was admitted to the hospital before the day of surgery were excluded. Patient, tumor, and case characteristics were compared between outpatient and inpatient cases, and multivariable regression analysis was used to assess odds of 30-day readmission and/or complication. RESULTS: Of 203 patients undergoing minimally invasive adrenalectomy, 49% (n = 99) were performed on an outpatient basis. Outpatient disposition was more likely in the setting of lower estimated blood loss, case completion before 3 pm, and for surgery performed in the setting of nodule/mass and primary hyperaldosteronism versus Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, and metastasis (P < .05). There were no significant differences in patient age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, procedure performed, or total time under anesthesia between inpatient and outpatient cases. On adjusted analysis, outpatient adrenalectomy was not associated with increased 30-day readmission rate (odds ratio 0.23 [confidence interval 0.04-1.26] P = .09) or 30-day complication rate (odds ratio 0.21 [confidence interval 0.06-0.81] P = .02). CONCLUSION: Outpatient adrenalectomy can be performed safely without increased risk of 30-day complications or readmission in appropriately selected candidates.

Provocative Angiography, Followed by Therapeutic Interventions, in the Management of Hard-To-Diagnose Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advances in imaging and endoscopic diagnostic techniques, adequate localization of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) can be challenging. Provocative angiography (PROVANGIO) has not been part of the standard diagnostic algorithms yet. We sought to examine the ability of PROVANGIO to identify the bleeding source when conventional radiography fails. METHODS: Patients undergoing PROVANGIO for GIB during 2008-2014 were retrospectively included. Demographics and periprocedural patient characteristics were recorded. PROVANGIO was performed in a multidisciplinary setting, involving interventional radiology, surgery and anesthesiology teams, ready to intervene in case of uncontrolled bleeding. The procedure included conventional angiography of the celiac, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries (SMA, IMA) followed by a stepwise bleeding provocation with anticoagulating, vasodilating and/or thrombolytic agent administration, combined with angiography. RESULTS: Twenty-three PROVANGIO were performed. Patients were predominantly male (15, 65.2%), and hematochezia was the most common presenting symptom (12, 52.2%). Patients with a positive PROVANGIO had lower Charlson comorbidity index (1 vs. 7, p = 0.009) and were less likely to have a prior history of GIB (14.3% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.001). PROVANGIO localized bleeding in 7 (30%) patients. In 6 out of 7 patients, the bleeding source was identified in the SMA and, in one case, in the IMA distribution. The bleeding was controlled angiographically in four cases, endoscopically in one case and surgically in the remaining two. No complications related to PROVANGIO were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, PROVANGIO safely identified the bleeding source, and provided that necessary safeguards are put into place, we recommend incorporating it in the diagnostic algorithms for GIB management.

A "crush" course on rhabdomyolysis: risk stratification and clinical management update for the perioperative clinician.

Rhabdomyolysis, the release of myoglobin and other cellular breakdown products from necrotic muscle tissue, is seen in patients with crush injuries, drug overdose, malignant hyperthermia, muscular dystrophy, and with increasing frequency in obese patients undergoing routine procedures. For the perioperative clinician, managing the resultant shock, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury can present a significant challenge. Prompt recognition, hydration, and correction of metabolic disturbances may reduce or eliminate the need for long-term renal replacement therapy. This article reviews the pathophysiology and discusses key issues in the perioperative diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of rhabdomyolysis.

Gender Disparity in Trauma Surgery: Compensation, Practice Patterns, Personal Life, and Wellness.

BACKGROUND: We sought to understand differences in surgical practice, compensation, personal life, and health and wellness between male and female trauma surgeons. METHODS: An electronic survey study of members of The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma was carried out. Using univariate and bivariate analyses, we compared the differences in surgical practice, compensation, family life, and health status among female and male trauma surgeons and used chi-squared tests for categorical variables. Analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 25, IBM). RESULTS: The overall response rate was 37.4%. Women reported working more than 80 h a week more commonly (30% versus 23%; P < 0.001), yet reported lower incomes, with 57% of female surgeons reporting before-tax incomes of $300,000 or higher, compared with 83% of male surgeons (P < 0.001). These differences persisted when adjusting for academic versus nonacademic practices. Gender-based salary disparity remained significant when adjusting for the age of the respondent. Divorce rates and never married status were significantly higher for women (9% versus 4%; P < 0.001 and 19% versus 4%; P < 0.001, respectively). Women surgeons also report higher rates of not having children compared with male surgeons (48% versus 13%; P < 0.001). There were no major age-adjusted health status differences reported between male and female surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights contemporary disparities in salaries, practice, and family life between male and female trauma surgeons. Overall, trauma surgeons do not report gender-based differences in health and wellness metrics but have ongoing disparity in compensation and family life.

Propuesta de adaptación de las recomendaciones de reanimación cardiopulmonar pediátrica avanzada a la infección por coronavirus / No disponible

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Competencias en enfermeras Especialistas y en Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada / Competences of specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses

Objetivo: Analizar la distribución de competencias avanzadas en enfermeras especialistas y enfermeras de práctica avanzada y evaluar su asociación con algunas características de su perfil profesional. Método: Estudio transversal analítico multicéntrico. Se incluyeron enfermeras que ejercían como Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada y enfermeras Especialistas. Se midió su nivel de competencias avanzadas percibidas, así como variables de caracterización profesional. Resultados: Doscientas setenta y siete enfermeras participaron (149 ejercían práctica avanzada y 128 especialistas), con una media de 13,88 (11,05) años como especialista y 10,48 (5,32) años como Enfermera de Práctica Avanzada. Un 28,8% tenía nivel de máster o doctorado. El 50,2% ejercía en atención primaria, el 24,9% en hospitales y el 22,7% en salud mental. El nivel global autopercibido fue elevado en las distintas competencias, siendo las dimensiones más bajas las de investigación, práctica basada en la evidencia, gestión de la calidad y seguridad y liderazgo y consultoría. Las Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada obtuvieron mayor nivel competencial de forma global y en las dimensiones de liderazgo y consultoría, relaciones interprofesionales, gestión de cuidados y promoción de salud. No hubo diferencias en función de la experiencia o la posesión de nivel de máster o de doctorado. En las Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada el contexto de práctica no influía en los niveles competenciales, aunque en las enfermeras especialistas sí, a favor de las que ejercían en salud mental. Conclusiones: Las enfermeras especialistas y de práctica avanzada tienen competencias distintas que deberían ser gestionadas adecuadamente para el desarrollo de los servicios enfermeros avanzados y especializados

Objective: To analyse the distribution of advanced competences in specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses and to evaluate their association with some characteristics of their professional profile. Method: Multicentre analytical cross-sectional study. Nurses who worked as advanced practice nurses and specialist nurses were included. Their level of perceived advanced competences was measured, as well as sociodemographic and professional characterization variables. Results: A total of 277 nurses participated (149 practised as advanced practice nurses and 128 as specialists), with an average of 13.88 (11.05) years as a specialist and 10.48 (5.32) years as an advanced practice nurse. In the sample, 28.8% had a master's or doctorate level qualification, 50.2% worked in Primary Care, 24.9% in hospitals and 22.7% in Mental Health. The self-perceived global level was high in the different competences, the lowest dimensions being research, evidence-based practice, quality and safety management and leadership and consulting. The advanced practice nurses obtained a higher level of competence globally and in the dimensions of leadership and consulting, interprofessional relations, care management, and health promotion. There were no differences based on experience or possession of a master's degree or doctorate. In the advanced practice nurses, the practice context did not influence competence levels, although in the specialist nurses it did, in favour of those practicing in Mental Health. Conclusions: Specialist and advanced practice nurses have different competences that should be adequately managed for the development of advanced and specialist nursing services

Competences of specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses. / Competencias en enfermeras Especialistas y en Enfermeras de Práctica Avanzada.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the distribution of advanced competences in specialist nurses and advanced practice nurses and to evaluate their association with some characteristics of their professional profile. METHOD: Multicentre analytical cross-sectional study. Nurses who worked as advanced practice nurses and specialist nurses were included. Their level of perceived advanced competences was measured, as well as sociodemographic and professional characterization variables. RESULTS: A total of 277 nurses participated (149 practised as advanced practice nurses and 128 as specialists), with an average of 13.88 (11.05) years as a specialist and 10.48 (5.32) years as an advanced practice nurse. In the sample, 28.8% had a master's or doctorate level qualification, 50.2% worked in Primary Care, 24.9% in hospitals and 22.7% in Mental Health. The self-perceived global level was high in the different competences, the lowest dimensions being research, evidence-based practice, quality and safety management and leadership and consulting. The advanced practice nurses obtained a higher level of competence globally and in the dimensions of leadership and consulting, interprofessional relations, care management, and health promotion. There were no differences based on experience or possession of a master's degree or doctorate. In the advanced practice nurses, the practice context did not influence competence levels, although in the specialist nurses it did, in favour of those practicing in Mental Health. CONCLUSIONS: Specialist and advanced practice nurses have different competences that should be adequately managed for the development of advanced and specialist nursing services.

Obesity Status Affects the Relationship Between Protein Intake and Insulin Sensitivity in Late Pregnancy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between amount and type of dietary protein intake and insulin sensitivity in late pregnancy, in normal weight and overweight women (29.8 ± 0.2 weeks gestation, n = 173). A 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered following an overnight fast to estimate the metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCR, mg · kg-1 · min-1) using four different equations accounting for the availability of blood samples. Total (TP), animal (AP), and plant (PP) protein intakes were assessed using a 3-day food record. Two linear models with MCR as the response variable were fitted to the data to estimate the relationship of protein intake to insulin sensitivity either unadjusted or adjusted for early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) because of the potential of BMI to influence this relationship. There was a positive association between TP (ß = 1.37, p = 0.002) and PP (ß = 4.44, p < 0.001) intake in the last trimester of pregnancy and insulin sensitivity that weakened when accounting for early pregnancy BMI. However, there was no relationship between AP intake and insulin sensitivity (ß = 0.95, p = 0.08). Therefore, early pregnancy BMI may be a better predictor of insulin sensitivity than dietary protein intake in late pregnancy.

Interrupted versus continuous fascial closure in patients undergoing emergent laparotomy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal method of fascial closure, interrupted fascial closure (IFC) versus continuous fascial closure (CFC) has never been studied exclusively in the setting of emergency surgery. We hypothesized that IFC decreases postoperative incisional hernia development following emergent laparotomies. METHODS: Between August 2008 and September 2015, patients undergoing emergent laparotomies were consented and randomly assigned to either IFC or CFC. Patients were followed up postoperatively for at least 3 months and assessed for incisional hernia, dehiscence, or wound infection. We excluded those with trauma, elective surgery, mesh in place, primary ventral hernia, previous abdominal surgery within 30 days, or those not expected to survive for more than 48 hours. Our primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative incisional hernias. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to IFC (n = 67) or CFC (n = 69). Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. No difference was noted in the length of the abdominal incision, or the peak inspiratory pressure after the closure. The median time needed for closure was significantly longer in the IFC group (22 minutes vs. 13 minutes, p < 0.001). Thirty-seven (55.2%) IFC and 41 (59.4%) CFC patients completed their follow-up visits. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline and intraoperative characteristics between those who completed follow-ups and those who did not. The median time from the day of surgery to the day of the last follow-up was similar between IFC and CFC (233 days vs. 216 days, p = 0.67), as were the rates of incisional hernia (13.5% versus 22.0%, p = 0.25), dehiscence (2.7% vs. 2.4%, p = 1.0), and surgical site infection (16.2% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.75). CONCLUSION: There was no statistically detectable difference in postoperative hernia development between those undergoing IFC versus CFC after emergent laparotomies. However, this may be due to the relatively low sample size. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management Study, level III.

High-Fidelity Emergency Department Thoracotomy Simulator With Beating-Heart Technology and OSATS Tool Improves Trainee Confidence and Distinguishes Level of Skill.

OBJECTIVE: Resuscitative Thoracotomy or Emergency Department Thoracotomy (EDT) is a time-sensitive and potentially life-saving procedure. Yet, trainee experience with this procedure is often limited in both clinical and simulation settings. We sought to develop a high-fidelity EDT simulation module and assessment tool to facilitate trainee education. DESIGN: Using the Kern model for curricular development, a group of expert trauma surgeons identified EDT as a high-stakes, low-frequency procedure. Task analysis identified 5 key steps of EDT: (1) opening chest/rib spreader utilization; (2) pericardiotomy/cardiac repair; (3) open cardiac massage; (4) clamping aorta; and (5) control of pulmonary hilum. A high-fidelity simulator with beating-heart technology was built. The previously validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) was adapted to create the "EDT-OSATS" which assessed performance along several domains: (1) Surgical technique (key steps); (2) general skills; and (3) global rating. A pilot test was performed to compare board-certified trauma surgeons (i.e., Experts) with categorical general surgery interns (i.e., Novices). Each subject received preparatory materials, completed a presimulation quiz, performed a videotaped procedure on the EDT simulator, and completed a postmodule survey. Two independent raters scored performances using the EDT-OSATS. Groups were compared in descriptive and unadjusted analyses. We hypothesized that our EDT simulation module would distinguish between expert vs novice performance and improve trainee confidence. SETTING: Simulation laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. PARTICIPANTS: Trauma surgeons (Experts, n = 6) and categorical general surgery interns (Novices, n = 8). RESULTS: Experts scored significantly higher than Novices on nearly all components of the EDT-OSATS, including: (1) surgical technique: pericardiotomy (4.2 vs 3.4, p = 0.040), cardiac massage (3.6 vs 2.4, p = 0.028), clamping aorta (4.1 vs 3.3, p = 0.035), control of pulmonary hilum (4.8 vs 3.4, p < 0.001); (2) general skills: time/motion (4.1 vs 2.9, p = 0.011), knowledge and handling of instruments (4.3 vs 3.1, p = 0.004), and (3) global rating (3.9 vs 2.9, p = 0.026). There was no statistical difference between groups on opening chest/rib spreader utilization (3.8 vs 3.3, p = 0.352) or procedure time (204sec vs 227sec, p = 0.401), though Experts scored numerically higher than Novices on every measure. Novices reported significantly increased confidence after the simulation (3.1 vs 1.4, p = 0.001). Ninety-three percent (13/14) of participants found the simulator realistic. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel high-fidelity beating-heart EDT simulator is realistic and improves trainee confidence in this low-frequency, high-stakes emergency procedure. The EDT-OSATS tool differentiates between performances of experienced surgeons vs novice trainees on the beating-heart simulator. This training module and accompanying assessment instrument hold promise as a learning tool for clinicians who may perform emergency department thoracotomy.

Early Protein Inadequacy Is Associated With Longer Intensive Care Unit Stay and Fewer Ventilator-Free Days: A Retrospective Analysis of Patients With Prolonged Surgical Intensive Care Unit Stay.

BACKGROUND: Failure to provide adequate nutrition in the intensive care unit (ICU) may be particularly harmful for patients with prolonged critical illness. We hypothesized that early nutrition inadequacy is more influential for those requiring a longer ICU stay versus those requiring a shorter stay. METHODS: We enrolled 280 adult patients with prolonged surgical ICU stay who were receiving enteral nutrition for >72 hours. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: shortICU (<14 days) and longICU (≥14 days). Nutrition deficits at ICU days 3 and 7 were calculated. To investigate whether early nutrient deficit was associated with ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, 28-day ventilator-free days, and discharge disposition (home/rehabilitation vs death/nursing home), we performed linear and logistic regression analyses controlling for age, sex, body mass index, and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation). RESULTS: While the shortICU (n = 163) and longICU (n = 117) groups were similar in age, APACHE II, Injury Severity Score, energy/protein prescription, and enteral nutrition initiation within 48 hours, the longICU group was more commonly male (76% vs 61%, P = .007) and had higher body mass index (27.4 vs 25.6, P = .007). Significant interactions occurred: in the longICU group but not the shortICU group, protein deficits were associated with longer ICU stay and fewer 28-day ventilator-free days. CONCLUSIONS: Early protein deficits accumulating at ICU days 3 and 7 are associated with worse clinical outcomes among patients requiring longer ICU stays. Additional studies are required to confirm these findings.

Implementation of an Aggressive Enteral Nutrition Protocol and the Effect on Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Macronutrient deficiency in critical illness is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that an aggressive enteral nutrition (EN) protocol would result in higher macronutrient delivery and fewer late infections. METHODS: We enrolled adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients receiving >72 hours of EN from July 2012 to June 2014. Our intervention consisted of increasing protein prescription (2.0-2.5 vs 1.5-2.0 g/kg/d) and compensatory feeds for EN interruption. We compared the intervention group with historical controls. To test the association of the aggressive EN protocol with the risk of late infections (defined as occurring >96 hours after ICU admission), we performed a Poisson regression analysis, while controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and exposure to gastrointestinal surgery. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 213 patients, who were divided into the intervention group (n = 119) and the historical control group (n = 94). There was no difference in age, sex, BMI, admission category, or Injury Severity Score between the groups. Mean APACHE II score was higher in the intervention group (17 ± 8 vs 14 ± 6, P = .002). The intervention group received more calories (19 ± 5 vs 17 ± 6 kcal/kg/d, P = .005) and protein (1.2 ± 0.4 vs 0.8 ± 0.3 g/kg/d, P < .001), had a higher percentage of prescribed calories (77% vs 68%, P < .001) and protein (93% vs 64%, P < .001), and accumulated a lower overall protein deficit (123 ± 282 vs 297 ± 233 g, P < .001). On logistic regression, the intervention group had fewer late infections (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: In surgical ICU patients, implementation of an aggressive EN protocol resulted in greater macronutrient delivery and fewer late infections.

Hypophosphatemia in Enterally Fed Patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Common but Unrelated to Timing of Initiation or Aggressiveness of Nutrition Delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatemia has been associated with refeeding malnourished patients, but its clinical significance is unclear. We investigated the incidence of refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) and its association with early enteral nutrition (EN) administration and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a 2-year database of patients receiving EN in the SICU. RH was defined as a post-EN phosphorus (PHOS) level decrement of >0.5 mg/dL to a nadir <2.0 mg/dL within 8 days from EN initiation. We investigated the risk factors for RH and examined its association with clinical outcomes using multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 213 patients comprised our analytic cohort. Eighty-three of 213 (39%) individuals experienced RH and 43 of 130 (33%) of the remaining patients experienced non-RH hypophosphatemia (nadir PHOS level <2.0 mg/dL). Overall, there was a total 59% incidence of hypophosphatemia of any cause (N = 126). Nutrition parameters did not differ between groups; most patients were initiated on EN within 48 hours of SICU admission, and timing of EN initiation was not a significant predictor for the development of RH. The median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 21 and 24 days for those with and without RH, respectively (P = .79); RH remained a nonsignificant predictor for hospital LOS in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: RH is common in the SICU but is not related to timing or amount of EN. Hypophosphatemia is also common in the critically ill, but regardless of etiology, it was not found to be a predictor of worse clinical outcomes.

Hypophosphatemia in Enterally Fed Patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatemia has been associated with refeeding malnourished patients, but its clinical significance is unclear. We investigated the incidence of refeeding hypophosphatemia (RH) in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) and its association with early enteral nutrition (EN) administration and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a 2-year database of patients receiving EN in the SICU. RH was defined as a post-EN phosphorus (PHOS) level decrement of >0.5 mg/dL to a nadir <2.0 mg/dL within 8 days from EN initiation. We investigated the risk factors for RH and examined its association with clinical outcomes using multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 213 patients comprised our analytic cohort. Eighty-three of 213 (39%) individuals experienced RH and 43 of 130 (33%) of the remaining patients experienced non-RH hypophosphatemia (nadir PHOS level <2.0 mg/dL). Overall, there was a total 59% incidence of hypophosphatemia of any cause (N = 126). Nutrition parameters did not differ between groups; most patients were initiated on EN within 48 hours of SICU admission, and timing of EN initiation was not a significant predictor for the development of RH. The median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 21 and 24 days for those with and without RH, respectively ( P = .79); RH remained a nonsignificant predictor for hospital LOS in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: RH is common in the SICU but is not related to timing or amount of EN. Hypophosphatemia is also common in the critically ill, but regardless of etiology, it was not found to be a predictor of worse clinical outcomes.

"One-way-street" streamlined admission of critically ill trauma patients reduces emergency department length of stay.

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding remains a significant problem in many hospitals, and results in multiple negative effects on patient care outcomes and operational metrics. We sought to test whether implementing a quality improvement project could decrease ED LOS for trauma patients requiring an ICU admission from the ED, specifically by directly admitting critically ill trauma patients from the ED CT scanner to an ICU bed. This was a retrospective study comparing patients during the intervention period (2013-2014) to historical controls (2011-2013). Critically ill trauma patients requiring a CT scan, but not the operating room (OR) or Interventional Radiology (IR), were directly admitted from the CT scanner to the ICU, termed the "One-way street (OWS)". Controls from the 2011-2013 Trauma Registry were matched 1:1 based on the following criteria: Injury Severity Score; mechanism of injury; and age. Only patients who required emergent trauma consult were included. Our primary outcome was ED LOS, defined in minutes. Our secondary outcomes were ICU LOS, hospital LOS and mortality. Paired t test or Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for continuous univariate analysis and Chi square for categorical variables. Logistic regression and linear regressions were used for categorical and continuous multivariable analysis, respectively. 110 patients were enrolled in this study, with 55 in the OWS group and 55 matched controls. Matched controls had lower APACHE II score (12 vs. 15, p = 0.03) and a higher GCS (14 vs. 6, p = 0.04). ED LOS was 229 min shorter in the OWS group (82 vs. 311 min, p < 0.0001). The time between CT performed and ICU disposition decreased by 230 min in the OWS arm (30 vs. 300 min, p < 0.001). There was no difference in ED arrival to CT time between groups. Following multivariable analysis, mortality was primarily predicted by the APACHE II score (OR 1.29, p < 0.001), and not ISS, mechanism of injury, or age. After controlling for APACHE II score, there was no difference in mortality between the two cohorts (OR = 0.49, p = 0.28). Expedited admission of critically ill trauma patients immediately following CT imaging significantly reduced ED LOS by 3.82 h (229 min), without a change in ICU LOS, hospital LOS, or mortality. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of expedited admission on morbidity and mortality.

The impact of neoadjuvant therapy for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma on postoperative morbidity and mortality.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to study the impact of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) on postoperative complications following surgical resection of adenocarcinomas of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). METHODS: We compared the postoperative outcomes of 308 patients undergoing a surgery-first approach and 145 patients undergoing NAT followed by curative-intent surgery for adenocarcinomas of the stomach and GEJ from 1995-2014. RESULTS: Patients receiving NAT were more likely to be younger, have tumors of the GEJ, to undergo esophagogastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy, and to have more advanced stage disease than patients undergoing surgery first. There were no differences in overall 30-day morbidity or mortality rates between the groups, yet patients undergoing surgery first were more likely to have higher-grade complications than those undergoing NAT. Age >65 years, higher ASA score, concomitant splenectomy, more advanced tumor stage, and year of surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity, but receipt of NAT was not an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having more advanced disease and undergoing higher-risk surgical procedures, patients with adenocarcinomas of the stomach or GEJ who receive NAT prior to surgery are no more likely to suffer postoperative complications than patients treated with a surgery-first approach. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:560-564. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adjuvant Therapy Completion Rates in Patients with Gastric Cancer Undergoing Perioperative Chemotherapy Versus a Surgery-First Approach.

Delayed recovery after gastrectomy may preclude the administration of adjuvant therapy in a significant percentage of patients who undergo elective gastrectomy as the initial therapy for gastric cancer. Clinicopathologic and treatment variables of 155 patients undergoing potentially curative gastrectomy for stages Ib-IIIc gastric adenocarcinoma from 2001 to 2014 were analyzed, and rates of receipt of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients treated with either a surgery-first approach (SURG) or neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery followed by postoperative therapy (PERIOP) were compared. SURG patients (n = 93) were older and more likely to have distal tumors and to undergo distal gastrectomy and D1 lymphadenectomy than PERIOP patients (n = 62). The distribution of ASA scores was similar between groups. SURG patients were less likely than PERIOP patients to complete at least one cycle of chemotherapy (56 vs 100%, P = 0.001) and all recommended chemotherapy and radiation therapy (44 vs 66%, P = 0.013). These findings were consistent for SURG patients treated during different time periods throughout the study and for patients of poorer performance status. A significantly higher percentage of gastric cancer patients treated with perioperative chemotherapy receive some or all of the recommended components of multimodality therapy than patients treated with a surgery-first approach.

Nutrition in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: The Cost of Starting Low and Ramping Up Rates.

BACKGROUND: Calorie/protein deficit in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. It is customary to initiate enteral nutrition (EN) at a low rate and increase to goal (RAMP-UP). Increasing evidence suggests that RAMP-UP may contribute to iatrogenic malnutrition. We sought to determine what proportion of total SICU calorie/protein deficit is attributable to RAMP-UP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected registry of adult patients (N = 109) receiving at least 72 hours of EN in the SICU according to the RAMP-UP protocol (July 2012-June 2014). Subjects receiving only trophic feeds or with interrupted EN during RAMP-UP were excluded. Deficits were defined as the amount of prescribed calories/protein minus the actual amount received. RAMP-UP deficit was defined as the deficit between EN initiation and arrival at goal rate. Data included demographics, nutritional prescription/delivery, and outcomes. RESULTS: EN was started at a median of 34.0 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 16.5-53.5) after ICU admission, with a mean duration of 8.7 ± 4.3 days. The median total caloric deficit was 2185 kcal (249-4730), with 900 kcal (551-1562) attributable to RAMP-UP (41%). The protein deficit was 98.5 g (27.5-250.4), with 51.9 g (20.6-83.3) caused by RAMP-UP (53%). CONCLUSIONS: In SICU patients initiating EN, the RAMP-UP period accounted for 41% and 53% of the overall caloric and protein deficits, respectively. Starting EN immediately at goal rate may eliminate a significant proportion of macronutrient deficit in the SICU.

Adequate Nutrition May Get You Home: Effect of Caloric/Protein Deficits on the Discharge Destination of Critically Ill Surgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: Macronutrient deficit in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with worse in-hospital outcomes. We hypothesized that increased caloric and protein deficit is also associated with a lower likelihood of discharge to home vs transfer to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult surgical ICU patients receiving >72 hours of enteral nutrition (EN) between March 2012 and May 2014 were included. Patients with absolute contraindications to EN, <72-hour ICU stay, moribund state, EN prior to surgical ICU admission, or previous ICU admission within the same hospital stay were excluded. Subjects were dichotomized by cumulative caloric (<6000 vs ≥ 6000 kcal) and protein deficit (<300 vs ≥ 300 g). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon rank and χ(2) tests. To test the association of macronutrient deficit with discharge destination (home vs other), we performed a logistic regression analysis, controlling for plausible confounders. RESULTS: In total, 213 individuals were included. Nineteen percent in the low-caloric deficit group were discharged home compared with 6% in the high-caloric deficit group (P = .02). Age, body mass index (BMI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), and initiation of EN were not significantly different between groups. On logistic regression, adjusting for BMI and APACHE II score, the high-caloric and protein-deficit groups were less likely to be discharged home (odds ratio [OR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.96; P = .04 and OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.0-0.89, P = .03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In surgical ICU patients, inadequate macronutrient delivery is associated with lower rates of discharge to home. Improved nutrition delivery may lead to better clinical outcomes after critical illness.