OLA strategy for ARDS: Its effect on mortality depends on achieved recruitment (PaO2/FiO2) and mechanical power. Systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression / Estrategia OLA para el SDRA: su efecto en la mortalidad depende del reclutamiento alcanzado (PaO2/FiO2) y la potencia mecánica. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis con metarregresión

Objective: The “Open Lung Approach” (OLA), that includes high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure coupled with limited tidal volumes, is considered optimal for adult patients with ARDS. However, many previous meta-analyses have shown only marginal benefits of OLA on mortality but with statistical heterogeneity. It is crucial to identify the most likely moderators of this effect. To determine the effect of OLA strategy on mortality of ventilated ARDS patients. We hypothesized that the degree of recruitment achieved in the control group (PaO2/FiO2 ratio on day 3 of ventilation), and the difference in Mechanical Power (MP) or Driving Pressure (DP) between experimental and control groups will be the most likely sources of heterogeneity. Design: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO database. We searched only for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). GRADE guidelines were used for rating the quality of evidence. Publication bias was assessed. For the Meta-analysis, we used a Random Effects Model. Sources of heterogeneity were explored with Meta-Regression, using a priori proposed set of possible moderators. For model comparison, Akaike's Information Criterion with the finite sample correction (AICc) was used. Patients: Fourteen RCTs were included in the study. Results: Evidence of publication bias was detected, and quality of evidence was downgraded. Pooled analysis did not show a significant difference in the 28-day mortality between OLA strategy and control groups. Overall risk of bias was low. The analysis detected statistical heterogeneity. The two “best” explicative meta-regression models were those that used control PaO2/FiO2 on day 3 and difference in MP between experimental and control groups. The DP and MP models were highly correlated. Conclusions: There is no clear benefit of OLA strategy on mortality of ARDS patients, with significant heterogeneity among RCTs. ... (AU)

Objetivo: La Estrategia Open Lung (EOL), que incluye niveles elevados de presión positiva teleespiratoria junto con volumen corriente bajo, es considerada como el «patrón oro» para los pacientes adultos con SDRA. Sin embargo, varios metaanálisis previos han mostrado únicamente beneficios marginales de la EOL en la disminución de la mortalidad, aunque con gran heterogeneidad estadística. Es crucial identificar los moderadores más probables, así como determinar el efecto de la estrategia EOL en la mortalidad de los pacientes ventilados con SDRA. La hipótesis fue que el grado de reclutamiento alcanzado en el grupo control (cociente PaO2/FiO2 en el día3 de ventilación) y la diferencia en potencia mecánica (MP) o driving pressure (DP) entre el grupo experimental y el grupo control son la fuente más probable de heterogeneidad. Diseño Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de acuerdo con la declaración PRISMA, y se registró en la base de datos PROSPERO (N.° CRD42020179778). Se seleccionaron únicamente ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA). Se estratificó la calidad de la evidencia de acuerdo con la metodología GRADE. Se evaluó el sesgo de publicación. Para el metaanálisis se utilizó el modelo de efectos aleatorios. Se exploraron las fuentes de heterogeneidad mediante metarregresión utilizando a priori un conjunto establecido de posibles moderadores. Para el modelo de comparación se utilizó el criterio de información de Akaike con la corrección para muestras pequeñas (AICc). Pacientes Se incluyeron 14 ECA en el estudio. Resultados Se detectó un sesgo de publicación, y la calidad fue degradada. El análisis combinado no mostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mortalidad en el día28 entre la estrategia EOL y los grupos control. El riesgo total de sesgo fue bajo. El análisis detectó heterogeneidad estadística. ... (AU)

OLA strategy for ARDS: Its effect on mortality depends on achieved recruitment (PaO2/FiO2) and mechanical power. Systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: The "Open Lung Approach" (OLA), that includes high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure coupled with limited tidal volumes, is considered optimal for adult patients with ARDS. However, many previous meta-analyses have shown only marginal benefits of OLA on mortality but with statistical heterogeneity. It is crucial to identify the most likely moderators of this effect. To determine the effect of OLA strategy on mortality of ventilated ARDS patients. We hypothesized that the degree of recruitment achieved in the control group (PaO2/FiO2 ratio on day 3 of ventilation), and the difference in Mechanical Power (MP) or Driving Pressure (DP) between experimental and control groups will be the most likely sources of heterogeneity. DESIGN: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO database. We searched only for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). GRADE guidelines were used for rating the quality of evidence. Publication bias was assessed. For the Meta-analysis, we used a Random Effects Model. Sources of heterogeneity were explored with Meta-Regression, using a priori proposed set of possible moderators. For model comparison, Akaike's Information Criterion with the finite sample correction (AICc) was used. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Fourteen RCTs were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Not applicable. RESULTS: Evidence of publication bias was detected, and quality of evidence was downgraded. Pooled analysis did not show a significant difference in the 28-day mortality between OLA strategy and control groups. Overall risk of bias was low. The analysis detected statistical heterogeneity. The two "best" explicative meta-regression models were those that used control PaO2/FiO2 on day 3 and difference in MP between experimental and control groups. The DP and MP models were highly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear benefit of OLA strategy on mortality of ARDS patients, with significant heterogeneity among RCTs. Mortality effect of OLA is mediated by lung recruitment and mechanical power.

OLA strategy for ARDS: Its effect on mortality depends on achieved recruitment (PaO2/FiO2) and mechanical power. Systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

OBJECTIVE: The "Open Lung Approach" (OLA), that includes high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure coupled with limited tidal volumes, is considered optimal for adult patients with ARDS. However, many previous meta-analyses have shown only marginal benefits of OLA on mortality but with statistical heterogeneity. It is crucial to identify the most likely moderators of this effect. To determine the effect of OLA strategy on mortality of ventilated ARDS patients. We hypothesized that the degree of recruitment achieved in the control group (PaO2/FiO2 ratio on day 3 of ventilation), and the difference in Mechanical Power (MP) or Driving Pressure (DP) between experimental and control groups will be the most likely sources of heterogeneity. DESIGN: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO database. We searched only for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). GRADE guidelines were used for rating the quality of evidence. Publication bias was assessed. For the Meta-analysis, we used a Random Effects Model. Sources of heterogeneity were explored with Meta-Regression, using a priori proposed set of possible moderators. For model comparison, Akaike's Information Criterion with the finite sample correction (AICc) was used. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Fourteen RCTs were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Not applicable. RESULTS: Evidence of publication bias was detected, and quality of evidence was downgraded. Pooled analysis did not show a significant difference in the 28-day mortality between OLA strategy and control groups. Overall risk of bias was low. The analysis detected statistical heterogeneity. The two "best" explicative meta-regression models were those that used control PaO2/FiO2 on day 3 and difference in MP between experimental and control groups. The DP and MP models were highly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clear benefit of OLA strategy on mortality of ARDS patients, with significant heterogeneity among RCTs. Mortality effect of OLA is mediated by lung recruitment and mechanical power.

Corticosteroids for the prevention and treatment of post-extubation stridor in neonates, children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Post-extubation stridor may prolong length of stay in the intensive care unit, particularly if airway obstruction is severe and re-intubation proves necessary. Corticosteroids, however, may be associated with adverse effects ranging from hypertension to hyperglycemia, and a more systematic assessment of the efficacy of this therapy is indicated prior to widespread adoption of this practice. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether corticosteroids are effective in preventing or treating post-extubation stridor in critically ill infants, children, or adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and reference lists of articles. The most recent searches were conducted in April 2007. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trial comparing administration of corticosteroids by any route with placebo in infants, children, or adults receiving mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube in an intensive care unit. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials involving 2230 people were included: five in adults, two in neonates, three in children. All but one examined use of steroids for the prevention of post-extubation stridor; the remaining one concerned treatment of existing post-extubation stridor in children. Patients were drawn from heterogeneous medical/surgical populations. Dexamethasone given intravenously at least once prior to extubation was the most common steroid regimen utilized (uniformly in neonates and children). In neonates the two studies found heterogeneous results, but there was an overall non significant reduction in post extubation stridor (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.07 to 2.32). This decrease was seen only in the study on high-risk patients treated with multiple doses of steroids around the time of extubation. In children, the two studies were clinically heterogeneous. One study included children with underlying airway abnormalities and the other excluded this group. Prophylactic corticosteroids tended to reduce reintubation and significantly reduced post-extubation stridor in the study that included children with underlying airway abnormalities (N = 62) but not in the study that excluded these children (N = 153). In five adult studies (total N = 1873), there was a non significant trend for prophylactic corticosteroid administration to reduce the risk of re-intubation (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.39) and post extubation stridor (RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.20 to 1.19). These reductions were largely due to two studies that utilized repeated doses of methylprednisolone 12 to 24 hours prior to extubation. Side effects were uncommon and could not be aggregated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Using corticosteroids to prevent (or treat) stridor after extubation has not proven effective for neonates, children or adults. However, given the consistent trends towards benefit, this intervention does merit further study.

Cholangiopathy associated with portal hypertension: diagnostic evaluation and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of biliary changes due to portal hypertension. We ascertained the incidence of such changes on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and determined the reliability of biochemistry, ultrasonography (US) and hepatobiliary radionuclide scan in detecting this type of cholangiopathy. METHODS: Forty-two patients with portal hypertension were studied. RESULTS: Cholangiopathy was detected by cholangiography in 17 of 20 patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. Abnormalities (mainly strictures and caliber irregularity) were seen in the common bile duct (5) and common hepatic duct (7) and in the right (8) and left (11) hepatic ducts (mainly dilatation). One of 11 patients with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis had a dilated right hepatic duct. Three of 11 patients with cirrhosis had pruned intrahepatic ducts. Eight patients with portal venous obstruction had elevated alkaline phosphatase levels; two had elevated bilirubin levels. US detected gallbladder varices (11) and choledochal varices (9) in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. Biliary abnormalities were detected on hepatobiliary scintigraphy in 16 of 17 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cholangiopathy associated with portal hypertension occurs exclusively in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction. It rarely leads to functional obstruction; jaundice does not occur in the absence of functional blockage. Elevated alkaline phosphatase level (after excluding bile duct calculi), presence of gallbladder varices on US, and abnormal radionuclide scans are reliable in detecting these lesions.

Percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) in the management of pancreatic pseudocysts otherwise meriting surgical intervention. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients with pancreatic pseudocysts (five following acute pancreatitis and nine with chronic pancreatitis) were subjected to PCD. For uncomplicated chronic pseudocysts, an algorithm using endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography to demonstrate ductal communication with obstruction was followed. Five patients had complicated pseudocysts and nine uncomplicated cysts persisting > 6 weeks and > 6 cm in size. RESULTS: All uncomplicated and two complicated pseudocysts resolved in 6-58 days (mean 19.7). No recurrences were seen. Three patients with complicated cysts had pancreatic fistulae; two of these were treated by surgery and one by pancreatic stenting. Sepsis required sump drainage in two patients. Four patients required early surgery: two for pancreatic fistula and one each for hemorrhage and residual cyst. Two patients were subjected later to pancreatico-jejunostomy for pain of chronic pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute pseudocysts and uncomplicated noncommunicating chronic pseudocysts respond to PCD. In complicated chronic pseudocysts, sepsis may be controlled by PCD.

Pseudomyxoma peritoneii.

A middle aged male patient presented with gradual distension of the abdomen. Imaging modalities showed classical features of pseudomyxoma peritoneii which was confirmed by aspiration cytology. Details of the case are described and relevant literature is reviewed.

Percutaneous sump drainage of pancreatic abscess.

Pigtail drainage often falls to drain thick, infected collections. Percutaneous wide-bore sump drainage has been successfully used in such cases. We report one such case of pancreatic abscess which was successfully managed using an indigenously made percutaneous sump drain.

Organoaxial volvulus of the stomach following corrective surgery for gastric outlet obstruction.

We report an unusual complication following vagotomy and pyloroplasty for chronic gastric outlet obstruction. Persistence of increased gastric aspirate led to the diagnosis of organoaxial volvulus of the stomach on barium studies. We postulate that laxity of the gastric suspensory ligaments after gastric decompression and postoperative adhesion were responsible for its development.