A Case of Metastatic Melanoma Post Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

With the rising prevalence of organ transplantation, clinicians must be aware of the many potential complications that may arise. One such complication is post-transplantation melanoma. Herein, we present a case of advanced metastatic melanoma following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).  This is a 54-year-old cirrhotic male who underwent OLT that was complicated by metastatic melanoma. Despite adherence to yearly screening guidelines and timely radiation and immunotherapy, the disease course was rapidly progressive and fatal. This case aims to highlight the risk of post-transplantation melanoma and the potential need for screening modifications to identify melanoma earlier in its development.  The association between organ transplantation and melanoma is well-reported, but the underlying risks and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. One potential risk factor is post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy, which may result in fatally aggressive melanoma. Understanding the potential mortality risks in transplant patients, modifications to peri-transplant screening guidelines, and immunosuppressive therapy may be lifesaving.

Ultrasound-guided Axillary Artery Catheter Placement and Associated Complications in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Arterial catheter placement for hemodynamic monitoring is commonly performed in critically ill patients. The radial and femoral arteries are the two sites most frequently used; there is limited data on the use of the axillary artery for this purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of complications from ultrasound-guided axillary artery catheter placement in critically ill patients. METHODS: A retrospective study at a tertiary care center of patients admitted to an intensive care unit who had ultrasound-guided axillary artery catheter placement during admission. Primary outcome of interest was catheter related complications, including bleeding, vascular complications, compartment syndrome, stroke or air embolism, catheter malfunction, and need for surgical intervention. RESULTS: This study identified 88 patients who had an ultrasound-guided axillary artery catheter placed during their admission. Of these 88, nine patients required multiple catheters placed, for a total of 99 axillary artery catheter placement events. The median age was 64 [IQR 48, 71], 41 (47%) were female, and median body mass index (BMI) was 26 [IQR 22, 30]. The most common complication was minor bleeding (11%), followed by catheter malfunction (2%), and vascular complications (2%). Univariate analyses did not show any association between demographics and clinical variables, and complications related to axillary arterial catheter. CONCLUSION: The most common complication found with ultrasound-guided axillary artery catheter placement was minor bleeding, followed by catheter malfunction, and vascular complications. Ultrasound-guided axillary arterial catheters are an alternative in patients in whom radial or femoral arterial access is difficult or not possible to achieve.

Efficacy and safety of phospholipid nanoparticles (VBI-S) in reversing intractable hypotension in patients with septic shock: a multicentre, open-label, repeated measures, phase 2a clinical pilot trial.

Background: Since the 1990's attempts to favorably modulate nitric oxide (NO) have been unsuccessful. We hypothesized that because NO is lipophilic it would preferentially localize into intravascularly infused hydrophobic nanoparticles, thereby reducing its bioavailability and adverse effects without inhibiting its production. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of a fluid comprised of hydrophobic phospholipid nanoparticles (VBI-S) that reversibly absorb NO in the treatment of hypotension of patients in severe septic shock. Methods: This is a multicentre, open-label, repeated measures, phase 2a clinical pilot trial done at six hospital centers in the USA. Patients in severe septic shock were enrolled after intravenous fluid therapy had failed to raise mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) to at least the generally accepted level of 65 mmHg, requiring the use of vasopressors. The primary endpoint of this study is the proportion of patients in whom MAP increased by at least 10 mmHg. VBI-S was administered intravenously to patients as boluses of 100 ml, 200 ml, 400 ml, and 800 ml at 999 ml/min until the blood pressure goal was reached after which the infusion was stopped, and the MAP was recorded. All patients who received any volume of VBI-S were included in the primary and safety analysis. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04257136. Findings: Between February 17, 2020 and January 3, 2023, 20 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. In all 20 (100%) patients, the goal of increasing MAP by at least 10 mmHg using VBI-S was achieved (p = 0.0087, effect size = 0.654). Mean VBI-S volume required to meet the primary goal was 561.0 ± 372.3 ml. The goal of lowering vasopressor dose was also achieved (p = 0.0017). Within 48 h or less after VBI-S, there was a statistically significant improvement in oxygenation, serum creatinine, clotting variables, procalcitonin, lactic acid, and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. At 24 h and 48 h following administration of VBI-S, 12/15 (80%) and 9/12 (75%) patients developed hyperlipidemia, respectively. No severe adverse events of VBI-S were observed, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Interpretation: These preliminary findings suggest the safety and efficacy of VBI-S in treating hypotension in patients with septic shock. However, a definitive mortality benefit cannot be demonstrated without a randomized controlled study. Funding: The Naval Medical Research Command-Naval Advanced Medical Development program via the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium.

Prolonged Anaphylaxis to Pfizer Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine: A Case Report and Mechanism of Action.

BACKGROUND: In response to the devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, several vaccine prototypes have been developed, with the Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2) platform being the first to receive emergency use authorization. Although taken to market on an unprecedented timeline, the safety profile of the drug during clinical trials was shown to be favorable. Shortly after release, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrated a higher-than-average rate of anaphylaxis to the vaccine that has been the cause for concern for safety officials and the general public alike. Here, we present a unique case of protracted anaphylaxis in a recipient of the BNT162b2. CASE SUMMARY: The patient is a 55-year-old female with a history of multiple allergic reactions who presented with respiratory distress and hives after receiving the first dose of the BNT162b2, despite premedication with IV steroids and diphenhydramine. The refractory nature of her reaction was demonstrated by edema of her tongue (visualized on nasolaryngoscopy), requiring an epinephrine infusion for nearly 3 days. She was discharged from the hospital with instructions not to receive the second dose of the vaccine. CONCLUSION: Although the exact etiology of anaphylaxis secondary to this messenger RNA-based vaccine is not completely clear, our literature search and review of the patient's course support either polyethylene glycol versus other excipient-related allergy as a possible cause. Based on the protracted nature to our patient's anaphylaxis, critical care management for patients with a true anaphylactic reaction to BNT162b2 may require monitoring for an extended period of time.

Evaluation of a Device Combining an Inferior Vena Cava Filter and a Central Venous Catheter for Preventing Pulmonary Embolism Among Critically Ill Trauma Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of a novel device that combines an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter and central venous catheter (CVC) for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE) in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical trial, the device was inserted at the bedside without fluoroscopy and subsequently retrieved before transfer from the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary efficacy endpoint was freedom from clinically significant PE or fatal PE 72 hours after device removal or discharge, whichever occurred first. Secondary endpoints were incidence of acute proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT), catheter-related thrombosis, catheter-related bloodstream infections, major bleeding events, and clinically significant thrombus (occupying > 25% of volume of filter) detected by cavography before retrieval. RESULTS: The device was placed in 163 critically ill patients with contraindications to anticoagulation; 151 (93%) were critically ill trauma patients, 129 (85%) had head or spine trauma, and 102 (79%) had intracranial bleeding. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved for all 163 (100%) patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.8%-100%, P < .01). Diagnosis of new or worsening acute proximal DVT was time dependent with 11 (7%) occurring during the first 7 days. There were no (0%) catheter-related bloodstream infections. There were 5 (3.1%) major bleeding events. Significant thrombus in the IVC filter occurred in 14 (8.6%) patients. Prophylactic anticoagulation was not initiated for a mean of 5.5 days ± 4.3 after ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: This novel device prevented clinically significant and fatal PE among critically ill trauma patients with low risk of complications.

Critical care management and intensive care unit outcomes following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

AIM: To study the early postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) management and complications in the first 2 wk of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: Our study is a retrospective, observational study performed at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, quaternary care hospital in New York City. All adult patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2012 and admitted to ICU postoperatively were studied. Fifty-one patients came to the ICU postoperatively out of 170 who underwent CRS and HIPEC therapy during the study period. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of the 170 patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC therapy, 51 (30%) came to the ICU postoperatively. Mean ICU length of stay was 4 d (range 1-60 d) and mean APACHE II score was 15 (range 7-23). Thirty-one/fifty-one (62%) patients developed postoperative complications. Aggressive intraoperative and postoperative fluid resuscitation is required in most patients. Hypovolemia was seen in all patients and median amount of fluids required in the first 48 h was 6 L (range 1-14 L). Thirteen patients (25%) developed postoperative hypotension with seven requiring vasopressor support. The major cause of sepsis was intraabdominal, with 8 (15%) developing anastomotic leaks and 5 (10%) developing intraabdominal abscess. The median survival was 14 mo with 30 d mortality of 4% (2/51) and 90 d mortality of 16% (8/51). One year survival was 56.4% (28/51). Preoperative medical co morbidities, extent of surgical debulking, intraoperative blood losses, amount of intra op blood products required and total operative time are the factors to be considered while deciding ICU vs non ICU admission. CONCLUSION: Overall, ICU outcomes of this study population are excellent. Triage of these patients should consider preoperative and intraoperative factors. Intensivists should be vigilant to aggressive postop fluid resuscitation, pain control and early detection and management of surgical complications.

Enteral nutrition administration in a surgical intensive care unit: Achieving goals with better strategies.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of an enteral feeding protocol on administration of nutrition to surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients initiated on enteral nutrition (EN) support during their stay in a 14 bed SICU. Data collected over a seven-day period included date of tube feed initiation, rate initiated, subsequent hourly rates, volume provided daily, and the nature and length of interruptions. The six months prior to implementation of the feeding protocol (pre-intervention) and six months after implementation (post-intervention) were compared. One hundred and four patients met criteria for inclusion; 53 were pre-intervention and 51 post-intervention. RESULTS: Of the 624 patients who received nutrition support during the review period, 104 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Of the 104 patients who met criteria outlined for inclusion, 64 reached the calculated goal rate (pre = 28 and post = 36). The median time to achieve the goal rate was significantly shorter in the post-intervention phase (3 d vs 6 d; P = 0.01). The time to achieve the total recommended daily volume showed a non-significant decline in the post-intervention phase (P = 0.24) and the overall volume administered daily was higher in the post-intervention phase (61.6% vs 53.5%; P = 0.07). While the overall interruptions data did not reach statistical significance, undocumented interruptions (interruptions for unknown reasons) were lower in the post-intervention phase (pre = 23/124, post = 9/96; P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: A protocol delineating the initiation and advancement of EN support coupled with ongoing education can improve administration of nutrition to SICU patients.

Getting to zero: Reduction in the incidence of multidrug-resistant organism infections using an integrated infection control protocol in an intensive care unit.

Environmental cleaning is a vital component of infection control. We describe the use of an integrated infection control protocol in an intensive care unit and its influence on multidrug-resistant organism infection rates. Sustained reductions in multidrug-resistant organism infections can be achieved if individual processes and weaknesses in intensive care unit environments are identified and addressed in a systematic and comprehensive manner.

Family experience survey in the surgical intensive care unit.

The experience of critical care is stressful for both patients and their families. This is especially true when patients are not able to make their own care decisions. This article details the creation of a Family Experience Survey in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) to capture and improve overall experience. Kolcaba's "Enhanced Comfort Theory" provided the theoretical basis for question formation, specifically in regards to the four aspects of comfort: "physical," "psycho-spiritual," "sociocultural" and "environmental." Survey results were analyzed in real-time to identify and implement interventions needed for issues raised. Overall, there was a high level of satisfaction reported especially with quality of care provided to patients, communication and availability of nurses and doctors, explanations from staff, inclusion in decision making, the needs of patients being met, quality of care provided to patients and cleanliness of the unit. It was noted that 'N/A' was indicated for cultural needs and spiritual needs, a chaplain now rounds on all patients daily to ensure these services are more consistently offered. In addition, protocols for doctor communication with families, palliative care consults, daily bleach cleaning of high touch areas in patient rooms and nurse-led progressive mobility have been implemented. Enhanced comfort theory enabled the opportunity to identify and provide a more 'broad' approach to care for patients and families.

Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: critical care management.

Pulmonary hypertension is common in critical care settings and in presence of right ventricular failure is challenging to manage. Pulmonary hypertension in pregnant patients carries a high mortality rates between 30-56%. In the past decade, new treatments for pulmonary hypertension have emerged. Their application in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension may hold promise in reducing morbidity and mortality. Signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension are nonspecific in pregnant women. Imaging workup may have undesirable radiation exposure. Pulmonary artery catheter remains the gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension, although its use in the intensive care unit for other conditions has slowly fallen out of favor. Goal-directed bedside echocardiogram and lung ultrasonography provide attractive alternatives. Basic principles of managing pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular failure are maintaining right ventricular function and reducing pulmonary vascular resistance. Fluid resuscitation and various vasopressors are used with caution. Pulmonary-hypertension-targeted therapies have been utilized in pregnant women with understanding of their safety profile. Mainstay therapy for pulmonary embolism is anticoagulation, and the treatment for amniotic fluid embolism remains supportive care. Multidisciplinary team approach is crucial to achieving successful outcomes in these difficult cases.

Sinus bradycardia associated with daclizumab in liver transplant recipients: report of 3 cases.

Daclizumab is a commonly used immunosuppressive agent for prophylaxis of solid organ rejection. Although rare, the cardiovascular adverse effects of daclizumab include sinus tachycardia, hypotension, and hypertension. Here, we report 3 patients who developed significant and prolonged sinus bradycardia after receiving daclizumab following orthotopic liver transplant. Daclizumab should be considered a possible cause of bradycardia following its administration in orthotopic liver transplant.

Effect of lower limb compression devices on thermodilution cardiac output measurement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether lower limb (calf) sequential compression devices (SCDs) have a significant effect on thermodilution cardiac output measurements using a pulmonary artery catheter. DESIGN: Prospective clinical investigation. SETTING: Surgical and neurosurgical intensive care units in a university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 43 patients with pulmonary artery catheters and bilateral lower limb SCDs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac output was measured (average of three) when the SCDs were off (T1), during the first 2-4 secs of the inflation cycle (T2), during seconds 4-8 of the inflation cycle (T3), and when the SCDs were off again (T4). Cardiac output measurements were consistently lower when measured during the SCD inflation cycle. The decrease in cardiac output ranged from 7.58% to 49.5%, with a mean reduction of 24.51% in the first 2-4 seconds and 20.61% during seconds 4-8 (p < .001). Two patients displayed an increase in cardiac output during the inflation cycle; one patient had an increase of 2.78% and the other an increase of 13.5%. In 11 patients, measurements were also made using a pulse contour-analysis cardiac output device, but no changes in pulse contour-analysis cardiac output were observed during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: Thermodilution cardiac output measurements via a pulmonary artery catheter should not be done during the inflation cycle of lower limb SCDs because they produce a falsely low cardiac output.

Feasibility and potential clinical utility of goal-directed transthoracic echocardiography performed by noncardiologist intensivists using a small hand-carried device (SonoHeart) in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the clinical applicability of a small, handheld, portable transthoracic echocardiography device by noncardiologist intensivists. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. After 10 one-hour tutorials, intensivists performed a limited transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (2-4 views, without Doppler or M-mode) examination with the 5.6-lb SonoHeart Echo System (SonoSite, Bethell, WA) on critically ill patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. After initial cardiac clinical assessment in 90 patients, a limited TTE was performed by an intensivist to assess left ventricular (LV) function and LV volume status. Each study was immediately reviewed and repeated by an echocardiographer to determine the technical quality of the TTE and the accuracy of the intensivist's interpretation. Data were analyzed and presented in proportions using descriptive statistics. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit of an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety critically ill adult patients. INTERVENTIONS: After initial cardiac clinical assessment, a limited TTE was performed by an intensivist to assess LV size and function, to rule out significant pericardial effusions, and to estimate circulatory volume. RESULTS: Intensivists successfully performed a diagnostic limited TTE in 94% of patients and interpreted their studies correctly in 84%. Limited TTE provided new cardiac information and changed management in 37% of patients. TTE added useful information in an additional 47% of patients but did not alter immediate management. The mean "goal-directed TTE" acquisition time was 10.5 +/- 4.2 minutes. CONCLUSION: After a brief formal training in using this handheld echocardiographic system in intensive care unit patients, surgical intensivists successfully performed and correctly interpreted a limited TTE in critically ill patients. Limited TTE provided new information and altered management in a significant number of patients. This study supports incorporating bedside goal-directed, limited TTE into intensivists' training programs.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) has been described after bone marrow, lung, heart-lung, and renal transplantation, but rarely after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We report a case of BOOP after OLT to emphasize BOOP as an under diagnosed and treatable cause of nonresolving pneumonia, which may not be preventable by maintenance low-dose prednisone. A 48-year-old man was hospitalized for dyspnea and cough one month after OLT. Among his medications were tacrolimus and prednisone. Physical examination was significant for lung crepitations and bilateral leg edema. Chest x-ray revealed bilateral infiltrates. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated bilateral diffuse infiltrates with areas of sparing and nodularities. Bronchoscopy was normal and bronchoalveolar lavage was negative. Lung biopsy was performed and demonstrated serpiginous plugs of fibroblastic tissue filling the alveolar spaces, focal fibrosis of some alveolar septa, and reactive pneumocytic hyperplasia consistent with BOOP. Methylprednisolone was continued with clinical improvement and weaning from the ventilator, but subsequent sepsis and multisystem organ failure finally led to the patient's death.

Intravenous iloprost increases mesenteric blood flow in experimental acute nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an intravenously administered synthetic epoprostenol analog, iloprost, in nonocclusive acute mesenteric ischemia induced by cardiac tamponade. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study. SETTING: Animal research laboratory at a university medical center. SUBJECTS: Ten Yorkshire pigs (weight range, 20-25 kg). INTERVENTIONS: Nonocclusive acute mesenteric ischemia was induced by pericardial tamponade. Pigs were randomized to receive either a low-dose, continuous intravenous infusion of iloprost (0.075 microg/kg/min) or an equivalent volume of normal saline to serve as the control. Infusion of iloprost or saline was continued after pericardial tamponade was reversed. METHODS: Ten anesthetized and ventilated pigs underwent laparotomy and thoracotomy. A pulmonary artery catheter was inserted, a magnetic flow probe was positioned around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and cannulation of the pericardial space was performed. Pericardial tamponade was induced by injecting 5% dextrose in water into the pericardial space until blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery decreased to half of baseline. After 60 mins, animals received either a continuous intravenous infusion of iloprost at 0.075 microg/kg/min (n = 6) or an equal volume of normal saline (n = 4) for 60 mins. Pericardial fluid was then removed, and iloprost or normal saline infusion was continued for another 60 mins. MEASUREMENTS: Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, SMA blood flow, ileal Pco2, ileal intramucosal pH, and serum lactate levels of mixed venous blood and mesenteric venous blood were recorded at baseline, after pericardial tamponade was induced, during the iloprost or normal saline infusion with pericardial tamponade, and after removal of pericardial fluid (reperfusion period). RESULTS: Iloprost infusion increased SMA blood flow by 60% in this model of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (from 168 +/- 41 to 269 +/- 76 mL/min; p <.05). The effect of iloprost infusion was more prominent after the tamponade (422 +/- 87 mL/min in the iloprost group vs. 232 +/- 111 mL/min in the control group; p <.05). Increased mesenteric perfusion decreased intestinal mucosal hypercarbia, leading to improvement of intramucosal pH.

Multicenter Experience Using a New Prototype Transnasal Transesophageal Echocardiography Probe.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an invaluable diagnostic tool, particularly in patients with inadequate transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. In addition, continuous TEE has been used to monitor ventricular and valvular performance in the intensive care unit and the operating room. However, current generation transesophageal probes have limitations in the critical care setting due to their size. Recently, a prototype miniaturized transesophageal probe was developed to overcome these limitations. This probe was used by five medical centers for 194 examinations. A large proportion of these patients were in the intensive care unit (43%), as well as mechanically ventilated (39%). Seventy percent (70%) of the subjects in this study were intubated nasally with the prototype probe, with a success rate of 88.5%. Oral intubation was successful in every case. Subject tolerance was good, and 25% of the patients were intubated for > 1 h. Nasal intubation with the probe was more likely in intensive care patients, ventilated subjects, and patients who were intubated for > 1 hour. TEE with this miniaturized probe is feasible and safe even in multi-instrumented critical care patients. This probe provides adequate diagnostic imaging capabilities and may allow imaging over prolonged periods of time, making it suitable for the serial monitoring of ventricular performance.