Association of donor hepatectomy time with liver transplantation outcomes: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged donor hepatectomy time may be implicated in early and late complications of liver transplantation. AIM: To evaluate the impact of donor hepatectomy time on outcomes of liver transplant recipients, mainly early allograft dysfunction. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included brain-dead donors and adult liver graft recipients. Donor-recipient matching was obtained through a crossover list. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded for both donors and recipients. Donor hepatectomy, cold ischemia, and warm ischemia times were recorded. Primary outcome was early allograft dysfunction. Secondary outcomes included need for retransplantation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and patient and graft survival at 12 months. RESULTS: From January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 243 patients underwent a liver transplant from a brain-dead donor. Of these, 57 (25%) developed early allograft dysfunction. The median donor hepatectomy time was 29 (23-40) min. Patients with early allograft dysfunction had a median hepatectomy time of 25 (22-38) min, whereas those without it had a median time of 30 (24-40) min (P = 0.126). CONCLUSION: Donor hepatectomy time was not associated with early allograft dysfunction, graft survival, or patient survival following liver transplantation.

Colistin versus polymyxin B for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of colistin (administered as colistimethate sodium-CMS) and polymyxin B (PMB) for the treatment of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort included hospitalized adult patients with CRKP BSIs from a single tertiary-care hospital. A univariate analysis comparing CMS and PMB groups was carried out and an inverse-probability propensity score (IPPS) was created. An IPPS-adjusted Cox regression model for 30-day mortality was performed including covariates potentially associated with mortality. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients with CRKP BSI (87 were KPC-producing isolates) were included. The 30-day mortality was 42.0 %:17/46 (38.8 %) and 25/54 (44.6 %) patients of CMS and PMB groups, respectively, P = 0.54 (incidence rate, 18.9 and 21.7/1000 patients-day in CMS and PMB groups, respectively, P = 0.62). No statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality rate was observed in a model adjusted for Pitt bacteremia score, high-risk primary site and IPPS, which included age, intensive care unit admission, minimal inhibitory concentration, previous colonization by CRKP, diabetes mellitus, malignancy, neutropenia, meropenem use before BSI, adjuvant therapy with meropenem and amikacin, and time to start polymyxin. Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in 52.0 % of patients, with no significant differences between groups (47.8 % and 57.4 % for CMS and PMB, respectively, P = 0.83). In-hospital mortality was 47,7 % and 50.0 % in CMS and PMB groups, respectively, P = 0.82. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in 30-day mortality and AKI rates among patients with CRKP BSI treated with PMB or CMS.

Does liraglutide alleviate inflammation in brain-dead donors? A randomized clinical trial.

Brain death triggers an inflammatory cascade that damages organs before procurement, adversely affecting the quality of grafts. This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of liraglutide compared to placebo in attenuating brain death-induced inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress. We conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial with brain-dead donors. Fifty brain-dead donors were randomized to receive subcutaneous liraglutide or placebo. The primary outcome was the reduction in IL-6 plasma levels. Secondary outcomes were changes in other plasma pro-inflammatory (IL-1ß, interferon-γ, TNF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), expression of antiapoptotic ( BCL2 ), endoplasmic reticulum stress markers ( DDIT3/CHOP , HSPA5/BIP ), and antioxidant ( superoxide dismutase 2 , uncoupling protein 2 ) genes, and expression TNF, DDIT3, and superoxide dismutase 2 proteins in liver biopsies. The liraglutide group showed lower cytokine levels compared to the placebo group during follow-up: Δ IL-6 (-28 [-182, 135] vs. 32 [-10.6, 70.7] pg/mL; p = 0.041) and Δ IL-10 (-0.01 [-2.2, 1.5] vs. 1.9 [-0.2, 6.1] pg/mL; p = 0.042), respectively. The administration of liraglutide did not significantly alter the expression of inflammatory, antiapoptotic, endoplasmic reticulum stress, or antioxidant genes in the liver tissue. Similar to gene expression, expressions of proteins in the liver were not affected by the administration of liraglutide. Treatment with liraglutide did not increase the organ recovery rate [OR = 1.2 (95% CI: 0.2-8.6), p = 0.82]. Liraglutide administration reduced IL-6 and prevented the increase of IL-10 plasma levels in brain-dead donors without affecting the expression of genes and proteins related to inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, or oxidative stress.

Association between prolonged corticosteroids use in COVID-19 and increased mortality in hospitalized patients: a retrospective study with inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of early use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to compare hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received short-course corticosteroid treatment with those who received prolonged-course corticosteroid treatment to determine whether prolonged use of corticosteroids improves clinical outcomes, including mortality. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including adult patients with positive testing for Sars-CoV-2 hospitalized for more than 10 days. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the duration of treatment with corticosteroids: a short-course (10 days) and a prolonged-course (longer than 10 days) group. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was used to evaluate whether prolonged use of corticosteroids improved outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital infection and the association of different doses of corticosteroids with hospital mortality. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the nonlinear association between mortality and dose and duration of corticosteroids use. RESULTS: We enrolled 1,539 patients with COVID-19. Among them, 1127 received corticosteroids for more than 10 days (prolonged-course group). The in-hospital mortality was higher in patients that received prolonged course corticosteroids (39.5% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). The IPTW revealed that prolonged use of corticosteroids significantly increased mortality [relative risk (RR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.24-1.89]. In comparison to short course treatment, the cubic spline analysis showed an inverted U-shaped curve for mortality, with the highest risk associated with the prolonged use at 30 days (RR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.21-1.78). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged course of treatment with corticosteroids in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was associated with higher mortality.

COVID-19-Induced Fatal Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in a Healthy Young Patient.

Since the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, findings indicate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) might induce autoimmune disorders. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a devastating disease if not emergently treated. It presents with severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and neurologic findings with or without renal insufficiency. The antibody-mediated reduced activity of the disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) induces the accumulation of ultrahigh-molecular-weight multimers of von Willebrand factor, leading to platelet aggregation and thrombosis. TTP can be an unusual presentation of COVID-19 disease mediated by the virus-induced immune response. We report a case of a healthy young patient presenting with the classic TTP pentad a few days after a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. The patient was initially treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and fresh frozen plasma until she was transferred to a tertiary care facility and plasma exchange was available. She evolved with a malignant ischemic vascular accident and was declared brain-dead 24 hours after the first plasma exchange section.

Elevated Extracellular HSP72 and Blunted Heat Shock Response in Severe COVID-19 Patients.

AIMS: We hypothesized that critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and insulin resistance would present a reduced Heat Shock Response (HSR), which is a pathway involved in proteostasis and anti-inflammation, subsequently leading to worse outcomes and higher inflammation. In this work we aimed: (i) to measure the concentration of extracellular HSP72 (eHSP72) in patients with severe COVID-19 and in comparison with noninfected patients; (ii) to compare the HSR between critically ill patients with COVID-19 (with and without diabetes); and (iii) to compare the HSR in these patients with noninfected individuals. METHODS: Sixty critically ill adults with acute respiratory failure with SARS-CoV-2, with or without diabetes, were selected. Noninfected subjects were included for comparison (healthy, n = 19 and patients with diabetes, n = 22). Blood samples were collected to measure metabolism (glucose and HbA1c); oxidative stress (lypoperoxidation and carbonyls); cytokine profile (IL-10 and TNF); eHSP72; and the HSR (in vitro). RESULTS: Patients with severe COVID-19 presented higher plasma eHSP72 compared with healthy individuals and noninfected patients with diabetes. Despite the high level of plasma cytokines, no differences were found between critically ill patients with COVID-19 with or without diabetes. Critically ill patients, when compared to noninfected, presented a blunted HSR. Oxidative stress markers followed the same pattern. No differences in the HSR (extracellular/intracellular level) were found between critically ill patients, with or without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that patients with severe COVID-19 have elevated plasma eHSP72 and that their HSR is blunted, regardless of the presence of diabetes. These results might explain the uncontrolled inflammation and also provide insights on the increased risk in developing type 2 diabetes after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Polymorphisms in ACE1, TMPRSS2, IFIH1, IFNAR2, and TYK2 Genes Are Associated with Worse Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19.

Although advanced age, male sex, and some comorbidities impact the clinical course of COVID-19, these factors only partially explain the inter-individual variability in disease severity. Some studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms contribute to COVID-19 severity; however, the results are inconclusive. Thus, we investigated the association between polymorphisms in ACE1, ACE2, DPP9, IFIH1, IFNAR2, IFNL4, TLR3, TMPRSS2, and TYK2 and the clinical course of COVID-19. A total of 694 patients with COVID-19 were categorized as: (1) ward inpatients (moderate symptoms) or patients admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU; severe symptoms); and (2) survivors or non-survivors. In females, the rs1990760/IFIH1 T/T genotype was associated with risk of ICU admission and death. Moreover, the rs1799752/ACE1 Ins and rs12329760/TMPRSS2 T alleles were associated with risk of ICU admission. In non-white patients, the rs2236757/IFNAR2 A/A genotype was associated with risk of ICU admission, while the rs1799752/ACE1 Ins/Ins genotype, rs2236757/IFNAR2 A/A genotype, and rs12329760/TMPRSS2 T allele were associated with risk of death. Moreover, some of the analyzed polymorphisms interact in the risk of worse COVID-19 outcomes. In conclusion, this study shows an association of rs1799752/ACE1, rs1990760/IFIH1, rs2236757/IFNAR2, rs12329760/TMPRSS2, and rs2304256/TYK2 polymorphisms with worse COVID-19 outcomes, especially among female and non-white patients.

Association of uteroglobin-related protein 1 with smoke inhalation injury severity. / Associação entre proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina e gravidade da lesão por inalação de fumaça.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum uteroglobin-related protein 1 expression early after smoke inhalation injuries and its association with the severity of inhalation injury in burned patients. METHODS: Smoke or chemical inhalation injury is associated with morbidity and mortality. The consequences of inhalation result from an inflammatory response. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 is an anti-inflammatory protein and may improve lung inflammation. We hypothesized that uteroglobin-related protein 1 levels could reflect disease severity and predict outcome in patients with inhalation injury. Sixteen patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to smoke inhalation injury were prospectively included in the study. Plasma was collected upon intensive care unit admission and within 24 hours of the inhalation injury. Bronchoscopies were carried out in all patients to assess the severity of inhalation injury within 72 hours. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 plasma levels were determined in duplicate with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean age was 23 ± 5 years, and the inhalation injury distribution was as follows: three of grade 1, four of grade 2, and nine of grade 3. The level of uteroglobin-related protein 1 was related to inhalation severity (grade 1: 0.389 ± 0.053 arbitrary units versus grade 2: 0.474 ± 0.0423 arbitrary units versus grade 3: 0.580 ± 0.094 arbitrary units; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Plasma levels of uteroglobin-related protein 1 are associated with the degree of lung inhalation injury.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão sérica da proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina na fase inicial após lesões por inalação de fumaça e sua associação com a gravidade da lesão por inalação em pacientes queimados. MÉTODOS: A lesão por inalação de fumaça ou produtos químicos se associa com morbidade e mortalidade. As consequências da inalação resultam de uma resposta inflamatória. A proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina é anti-inflamatória e pode melhorar a inflamação pulmonar. Nossa hipótese é que os níveis de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina podem refletir a gravidade da doença e predizer o desfecho em pacientes com lesão por inalação. Incluíram-se prospectivamente neste estudo 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo decorrente de lesão por inalação de fumaça. Em todos os pacientes, colheu-se amostra de plasma quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, para avaliar a gravidade da lesão por inalação dentro de 72 horas. Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foram determinados em duplicata por meio de ensaio de imunoabsorção ligado à enzima. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 23 ± 5 anos, e a distribuição da lesão por inalação foi: três em grau 1, quatro em grau 2 e nove em grau 3. O nível de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foi relacionado ao grau de severidade (grau 1: 0,389 ± 0,053 unidade arbitrária versus grau 2: 0,474 ± 0,0423 unidade arbitrária versus grau 3: 0,580 ± 0,094 unidade arbitrária; p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina se associam com o grau da lesão pulmonar por inalação.

Brazilian guidelines for the management of brain-dead potential organ donors. The task force of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network, and the General Coordination of the National Transplant System. / Diretrizes brasileiras para o manejo de potenciais doadores de órgãos em morte encefálica. Uma força-tarefa composta por Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network e Coordenação Geral do Sistema Nacional de Transplantes.

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to updating the recommendations for brain-dead potential organ donor management. METHODS: A group of 27 experts, including intensivists, transplant coordinators, transplant surgeons, and epidemiologists, answered questions related to the following topics were divided into mechanical ventilation, hemodynamics, endocrine-metabolic management, infection, body temperature, blood transfusion, and checklists use. The outcomes considered were cardiac arrests, number of organs removed or transplanted as well as function / survival of transplanted organs. The quality of evidence of the recommendations was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to classify the recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 19 recommendations were drawn from the expert panel. Of these, 7 were classified as strong, 11 as weak and 1 was considered a good clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Despite the agreement among panel members on most recommendations, the grade of recommendation was mostly weak.

OBJETIVO: Fornecer recomendações para nortear o manejo clínico do potencial doador em morte encefálica. MÉTODOS: O presente documento foi formulado em dois painéis compostos por uma força tarefa integrada por 27 especialistas de diferentes áreas que responderam a questões dirigidas aos seguintes temas: ventilação mecânica, hemodinâmica, suporte endócrino-metabólico, infecção, temperatura corporal, transfusão sanguínea, e uso de checklists. Os desfechos considerados foram: parada cardíaca, número de órgãos retirados ou transplantados e função/sobrevida dos órgãos transplantados. A qualidade das evidências das recomendações foi avaliada pelo sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTADOS: Foram geradas 19 recomendações a partir do painel de especialistas. Dessas, 7 foram classificadas como fortes, 11 fracas e uma foi considerada boa prática clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da concordância entre os membros do painel em relação à maior parte das recomendações, o grau de recomendação é fraco em sua maioria.

Copeptin and stress-induced hyperglycemia in critically ill patients: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Copeptin, an equimolar indicator of serum antidiuretic hormone levels, has been associated with higher mortality in critically ill patients and with the development of diabetes in the general population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of copeptin levels with glycemic parameters in critically ill patients and to compare the time-course of copeptin in survivors and non-survivors. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS: From June to October 2019, critically ill patients were prospectively enrolled and followed for 90 days. MEASUREMENTS: Plasma copeptin levels were determined at intensive care unit (ICU) admission (copeptin T1), 24 h (copeptin T2), and 48 h (copeptin T3) after study entry. Blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were measured. ICU, in-hospital, and 90-day mortality, and length of stay in the ICU and hospital were evaluated. RESULTS: 104 patients were included. No significant correlation was detected between copeptin levels and blood glucose (r = -0.17, p = 0.09), HbA1c (r = 0.01, p = 0.9), glycemic gap (r = -0.16, p = 0.11), and stress hyperglycemia ratio (r = -0.14, p = 0.16). Copeptin T3 levels were significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors at hospital discharge (561 [370-856] vs 300 [231-693] pg/mL, p = 0.015) and at 90 days (571 [380-884] vs 300 [232-698] pg/mL, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: No significant correlations were found between copeptin levels and glycemic parameters, suggesting that copeptin is not a relevant factor in the induction of hyperglycemia during critical illness. Copeptin levels at ICU day 3 were higher in survivors than in non-survivors.

Associação entre proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina e gravidade da lesão por inalação de fumaça / Association of uteroglobin-related protein 1 with smoke inhalation injury severity

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão sérica da proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina na fase inicial após lesões por inalação de fumaça e sua associação com a gravidade da lesão por inalação em pacientes queimados. Métodos: A lesão por inalação de fumaça ou produtos químicos se associa com morbidade e mortalidade. As consequências da inalação resultam de uma resposta inflamatória. A proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina é anti-inflamatória e pode melhorar a inflamação pulmonar. Nossa hipótese é que os níveis de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina podem refletir a gravidade da doença e predizer o desfecho em pacientes com lesão por inalação. Incluíram-se prospectivamente neste estudo 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo decorrente de lesão por inalação de fumaça. Em todos os pacientes, colheu-se amostra de plasma quando da admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, para avaliar a gravidade da lesão por inalação dentro de 72 horas. Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foram determinados em duplicata por meio de ensaio de imunoabsorção ligado à enzima. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 23 ± 5 anos, e a distribuição da lesão por inalação foi: três em grau 1, quatro em grau 2 e nove em grau 3. O nível de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina foi relacionado ao grau de severidade (grau 1: 0,389 ± 0,053 unidade arbitrária versus grau 2: 0,474 ± 0,0423 unidade arbitrária versus grau 3: 0,580 ± 0,094 unidade arbitrária; p = 0,007). Conclusão: Os níveis plasmáticos de proteína 1 relacionada à uteroglobulina se associam com o grau da lesão pulmonar por inalação.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate serum uteroglobin-related protein 1 expression early after smoke inhalation injuries and its association with the severity of inhalation injury in burned patients. Methods: Smoke or chemical inhalation injury is associated with morbidity and mortality. The consequences of inhalation result from an inflammatory response. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 is an anti-inflammatory protein and may improve lung inflammation. We hypothesized that uteroglobin-related protein 1 levels could reflect disease severity and predict outcome in patients with inhalation injury. Sixteen patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to smoke inhalation injury were prospectively included in the study. Plasma was collected upon intensive care unit admission and within 24 hours of the inhalation injury. Bronchoscopies were carried out in all patients to assess the severity of inhalation injury within 72 hours. Uteroglobin-related protein 1 plasma levels were determined in duplicate with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean age was 23 ± 5 years, and the inhalation injury distribution was as follows: three of grade 1, four of grade 2, and nine of grade 3. The level of uteroglobin-related protein 1 was related to inhalation severity (grade 1: 0.389 ± 0.053 arbitrary units versus grade 2: 0.474 ± 0.0423 arbitrary units versus grade 3: 0.580 ± 0.094 arbitrary units; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Plasma levels of uteroglobin-related protein 1 are associated with the degree of lung inhalation injury.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism among patients with severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation compared to other causes of respiratory failure: a prospective cohort study.

Previous studies have suggested that COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to investigate the incidence of VTE among mechanically ventilated adults with COVID-19 pneumonia, compared to patients with respiratory failure related to other causes. Prospective study that enrolled critically ill adults with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia between June 2, 2020 and August 11, 2020. Critically ill adults with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia who required mechanical ventilation within 24 h after hospital admission were followed until death or hospital discharge. Sequential ultrasonography screening of the lower extremities and catheter insertion sites, as well as testing for plasma biochemical markers, were performed at the intensive care unit admission, day 3, day 7, and day 14. The primary outcome was a composite of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and thrombosis at the central catheter insertion sites. We enrolled 70 patients, including 57 patients with COVID-19 and 13 patients without COVID-19, and all patients completed follow-up. The incidence of the primary outcome was higher among patients with COVID-19 than among patients with respiratory failure related to other etiologies (36.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.023). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that VTE was independently associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis (odds ratio: 6.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-68.07) and D-dimer concentration (1-ng/mL increase, odds ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.30). The incidence of VTE was higher among critically ill mechanically ventilated patients, relative to among patients with respiratory failure related to other causes.

Diretrizes brasileiras para o manejo de potenciais doadores de órgãos em morte encefálica. Uma força-tarefa composta por Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network e Coordenação Geral do Sistema Nacional de Transplantes / Brazilian guidelines for the management of brain-dead potential organ donors. The task force of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network, and the General Coordination of the National Transplant System

RESUMO Objetivo: Fornecer recomendações para nortear o manejo clínico do potencial doador em morte encefálica. Métodos: O presente documento foi formulado em dois painéis compostos por uma força tarefa integrada por 27 especialistas de diferentes áreas que responderam a questões dirigidas aos seguintes temas: ventilação mecânica, hemodinâmica, suporte endócrino-metabólico, infecção, temperatura corporal, transfusão sanguínea, e uso de checklists. Os desfechos considerados foram: parada cardíaca, número de órgãos retirados ou transplantados e função/sobrevida dos órgãos transplantados. A qualidade das evidências das recomendações foi avaliada pelo sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Resultados: Foram geradas 19 recomendações a partir do painel de especialistas. Dessas, 7 foram classificadas como fortes, 11 fracas e uma foi considerada boa prática clínica. Conclusão: Apesar da concordância entre os membros do painel em relação à maior parte das recomendações, o grau de recomendação é fraco em sua maioria.

Abstract Objective: To contribute to updating the recommendations for brain-dead potential organ donor management. Methods: A group of 27 experts, including intensivists, transplant coordinators, transplant surgeons, and epidemiologists, answered questions related to the following topics were divided into mechanical ventilation, hemodynamics, endocrine-metabolic management, infection, body temperature, blood transfusion, and checklists use. The outcomes considered were cardiac arrests, number of organs removed or transplanted as well as function / survival of transplanted organs. The quality of evidence of the recommendations was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to classify the recommendations. Results: A total of 19 recommendations were drawn from the expert panel. Of these, 7 were classified as strong, 11 as weak and 1 was considered a good clinical practice. Conclusion: Despite the agreement among panel members on most recommendations, the grade of recommendation was mostly weak.

Brazilian guidelines for the management of brain-dead potential organ donors. The task force of the AMIB, ABTO, BRICNet, and the General Coordination of the National Transplant System.

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to updating the recommendations for brain-dead potential organ donor management. METHOD: A group of 27 experts, including intensivists, transplant coordinators, transplant surgeons, and epidemiologists, joined a task force formed by the General Coordination Office of the National Transplant System/Brazilian Ministry of Health (CGSNT-MS), the Brazilian Association of Intensive Care Medicine (AMIB), the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation (ABTO), and the Brazilian Research in Intensive Care Network (BRICNet). The questions were developed within the scope of the 2011 Brazilian Guidelines for Management of Adult Potential Multiple-Organ Deceased Donors. The topics were divided into mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, endocrine-metabolic management, infection, body temperature, blood transfusion, and use of checklists. The outcomes considered for decision-making were cardiac arrest, number of organs recovered or transplanted per donor, and graft function/survival. Rapid systematic reviews were conducted, and the quality of evidence of the recommendations was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Two expert panels were held in November 2016 and February 2017 to classify the recommendations. A systematic review update was performed in June 2020, and the recommendations were reviewed through a Delphi process with the panelists between June and July 2020. RESULTS: A total of 19 recommendations were drawn from the expert panel. Of these, 7 were classified as strong (lung-protective ventilation strategy, vasopressors and combining arginine vasopressin to control blood pressure, antidiuretic hormones to control polyuria, serum potassium and magnesium control, and antibiotic use), 11 as weak (alveolar recruitment maneuvers, low-dose dopamine, low-dose corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, glycemic and serum sodium control, nutritional support, body temperature control or hypothermia, red blood cell transfusion, and goal-directed protocols), and 1 was considered a good clinical practice (volemic expansion). CONCLUSION: Despite the agreement among panel members on most recommendations, the grade of recommendation was mostly weak. The observed lack of robust evidence on the topic highlights the importance of the present guideline to improve the management of brain-dead potential organ donors.

Acetazolamide Intoxication in an Elderly Patient with Diabetes and Chronic Renal Failure after Cataract Surgery.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, are widely used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Severe metabolic acidosis is a rare complication of acetazolamide use, and life-threatening acidosis occurs most commonly in elderly patients, in patients with advanced renal failure, and in patients with diabetes. We describe an unusual case of an elderly patient with diabetic nephropathy and chronic renal failure who presented to the emergency department with severe metabolic acidosis and coma after exposure to high doses of acetazolamide in the postoperative period of ophthalmic surgery. As symptoms of acetazolamide intoxication and uremia are similar, high suspicion is required to detect excessive plasma drug concentrations and intoxication in patients presenting with concomitant uremia. Clinical symptoms are potentially reversible with prompt diagnosis and treatment, including supportive treatment, bicarbonate therapy, and renal replacement therapy. Hemodialysis is particularly helpful in the management of acetazolamide overdose as the medication is dialyzable.

Brain death-induced cytokine release is not associated with primary graft dysfunction: a cohort study. / A liberação de citocinas induzida pela morte cerebral não está associada à disfunção primária do enxerto: um estudo de coorte.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between donor plasma cytokine levels and the development of primary graft dysfunction of organs transplanted from deceased donors. METHODS: Seventeen deceased donors and the respective 47 transplant recipients were prospectively included in the study. Recipients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients who developed primary graft dysfunction; and group 2, patients who did not develop primary graft dysfunction. Donor plasma levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ assessed by ELISA were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine organs were retrieved, and 48 transplants were performed. Donor plasma cytokine levels did not differ between groups (in pg/mL): TNF, group 1: 10.8 (4.3 - 30.8) versus group 2: 8.7 (4.1 - 33.1), p = 0.63; IL-6, group 1: 1617.8 (106.7 - 5361.7) versus group 2: 922.9 (161.7 - 5361.7), p = 0.56; IL-1ß, group 1: 0.1 (0.1 - 126.1) versus group 2: 0.1 (0.1 - 243.6), p = 0.60; and IFN-γ, group 1: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.2) versus group 2: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.1), p = 0.93). Similar findings were obtained when kidney transplants were analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: In this sample of transplant recipients, deceased donor plasma cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ were not associated with the development of primary graft dysfunction.

OBJETIVO: Examinar a associação entre os níveis de citocinas no plasma do doador e o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto de órgãos transplantados a partir de doadores falecidos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo de forma prospectiva 17 doadores falecidos e os respectivos 47 pacientes receptores de transplante. Os receptores foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1, de pacientes que desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto, e grupo 2, de pacientes que não desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto. Os níveis de TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, e IFN-γ, avaliados por meio de ELISA, foram comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Obtiveram-se 69 órgãos, sendo realizados 48 transplantes. Os níveis plasmáticos de citocinas nos doadores não diferiram entre os grupos (em pg/mL): TNF no grupo 1, com 10,8 (4,3 - 30,8) versus no grupo 2, com 8,7 (4,1 - 33,1), com valor de p = 0,63; IL-6 no grupo 1: 1.617,8 (106,7 - 5.361,7) versus no grupo 2: 922,9 (161,7 - 5.361,7), com p = 0,56; IL-1ß, no grupo 1: 0,1 (0,1 - 126,1) versus no grupo 2: 0,1 (0,1 - 243,6), com p = 0,60; e IFN-γ, no grupo 1: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,2) versus no grupo 2: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,1), p = 0,93). Obtivemos resultados similares ao examinar separadamente os casos de transplante renal. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra de receptores de transplante, os níveis plasmáticos das citocinas TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß e IFN-γ nos doadores não se associaram com o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto.

A liberação de citocinas induzida pela morte cerebral não está associada à disfunção primária do enxerto: um estudo de coorte / Brain death-induced cytokine release is not associated with primary graft dysfunction: a cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar a associação entre os níveis de citocinas no plasma do doador e o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto de órgãos transplantados a partir de doadores falecidos. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo de forma prospectiva 17 doadores falecidos e os respectivos 47 pacientes receptores de transplante. Os receptores foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1, de pacientes que desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto, e grupo 2, de pacientes que não desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto. Os níveis de TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, e IFN-γ, avaliados por meio de ELISA, foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Obtiveram-se 69 órgãos, sendo realizados 48 transplantes. Os níveis plasmáticos de citocinas nos doadores não diferiram entre os grupos (em pg/mL): TNF no grupo 1, com 10,8 (4,3 - 30,8) versus no grupo 2, com 8,7 (4,1 - 33,1), com valor de p = 0,63; IL-6 no grupo 1: 1.617,8 (106,7 - 5.361,7) versus no grupo 2: 922,9 (161,7 - 5.361,7), com p = 0,56; IL-1β, no grupo 1: 0,1 (0,1 - 126,1) versus no grupo 2: 0,1 (0,1 - 243,6), com p = 0,60; e IFN-γ, no grupo 1: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,2) versus no grupo 2: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,1), p = 0,93). Obtivemos resultados similares ao examinar separadamente os casos de transplante renal. Conclusão: Nesta amostra de receptores de transplante, os níveis plasmáticos das citocinas TNF, IL-6, IL-1β e IFN-γ nos doadores não se associaram com o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the association between donor plasma cytokine levels and the development of primary graft dysfunction of organs transplanted from deceased donors. Methods: Seventeen deceased donors and the respective 47 transplant recipients were prospectively included in the study. Recipients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients who developed primary graft dysfunction; and group 2, patients who did not develop primary graft dysfunction. Donor plasma levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ assessed by ELISA were compared between groups. Results: Sixty-nine organs were retrieved, and 48 transplants were performed. Donor plasma cytokine levels did not differ between groups (in pg/mL): TNF, group 1: 10.8 (4.3 - 30.8) versus group 2: 8.7 (4.1 - 33.1), p = 0.63; IL-6, group 1: 1617.8 (106.7 - 5361.7) versus group 2: 922.9 (161.7 - 5361.7), p = 0.56; IL-1β, group 1: 0.1 (0.1 - 126.1) versus group 2: 0.1 (0.1 - 243.6), p = 0.60; and IFN-γ, group 1: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.2) versus group 2: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.1), p = 0.93). Similar findings were obtained when kidney transplants were analyzed separately. Conclusion: In this sample of transplant recipients, deceased donor plasma cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were not associated with the development of primary graft dysfunction.