Nine treatments of 1000 mL therapeutic phlebotomy in a subject with polycythemia: A case report.

Large-volume therapeutic phlebotomy is the mainstay of hemochromatosis treatment and offers an opportunity to investigate the hemodynamic changes during acute hypovolemia. An otherwise healthy 64-year-old male with hemochromatosis participated. On nine separate visits, 1000 mL therapeutic phlebotomy was performed. On one occasion, pre- and post-phlebotomy orthostatic challenge with 27° reverse Trendelenburg position was administered. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume were measured continuously during the procedures. The patient's tolerance to the interventions was continuously evaluated. The procedures were well tolerated by the patient. Mean arterial pressure was maintained during hemorrhage and following phlebotomy in both supine and reverse Trendelenburg positions, primarily through an increase in heart rate and systemic vascular resistance. The present study found that 1000 mL therapeutic phlebotomy in a patient with hemochromatosis may be acceptably and safely used to model hemorrhage. The approach demonstrates high clinical applicability and ethically robustness in comparison with volunteer studies.

Corticosteroids and superinfections in COVID-19 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and characteristics of superinfections in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, and the impact of dexamethasone as standard therapy. METHODS: This multicentre, observational, retrospective study included patients ≥ 18 years admitted from March 1st 2020 to January 31st 2021 with COVID-19 infection who received mechanical ventilation. Patient characteristics, clinical characteristics, therapy and survival were examined. RESULTS: 155/156 patients (115 men, mean age 62 years, range 26-84 years) were included. 67 patients (43%) had 90 superinfections, pneumonia dominated (78%). Superinfections were associated with receiving dexamethasone (66% vs 32%, p<0.0001), autoimmune disease (18% vs 5.7%, p<0.016) and with longer ICU stays (26 vs 17 days, p<0,001). Invasive fungal infections were reported exclusively in dexamethasone-treated patients [8/67 (12%) vs 0/88 (0%), p<0.0001]. Unadjusted 90-day survival did not differ between patients with or without superinfections (64% vs 73%, p=0.25), but was lower in patients receiving dexamethasone versus not (58% vs 78%, p=0.007). In multiple regression analysis, superinfection was associated with dexamethasone use [OR 3.7 (1.80-7.61), p<0.001], pre-existing autoimmune disease [OR 3.82 (1.13-12.9), p=0.031] and length of ICU stay [OR 1.05 p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill COVID-19 patients, dexamethasone as standard of care was strongly and independently associated with superinfections.

Effects of patient-level risk factors, departmental allocation and seasonality on intrahospital patient transfer patterns: network analysis applied on a Norwegian single-centre data set.

OBJECTIVES: Describe patient transfer patterns within a large Norwegian hospital. Identify risk factors associated with a high number of transfers. Develop methods to monitor intrahospital patient flows to support capacity management and infection control. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study of linked clinical data from electronic health records. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital in the Greater Oslo Region, Norway. PARTICIPANTS: All adult (≥18 years old) admissions to the gastroenterology, gastrointestinal surgery, neurology and orthopaedics departments at Akershus University Hospital, June 2018 to May 2019. METHODS: Network analysis and graph theory. Poisson regression analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was network characteristics at the departmental level. We describe location-to-location transfers using unweighted, undirected networks for a full-year study period. Weekly networks reveal changes in network size, density and key categories of transfers over time. Secondary outcome was transfer trajectories at the individual patient level. We describe the distribution of transfer trajectories in the cohort and associate number of transfers with patient clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 17 198 hospital stays. Network analysis demonstrated marked heterogeneity across departments and throughout the year. The orthopaedics department had the largest transfer network size and density and greatest temporal variation. More transfers occurred during weekdays than weekends. Summer holiday affected transfers of different types (Emergency department-Any location/Bed ward-Bed ward/To-From Technical wards) differently. Over 75% of transferred patients followed one of 20 common intrahospital trajectories, involving one to three transfers. Higher number of intrahospital transfers was associated with emergency admission (transfer rate ratio (RR)=1.827), non-prophylactic antibiotics (RR=1.108), surgical procedure (RR=2.939) and stay in intensive care unit or high-dependency unit (RR=2.098). Additionally, gastrosurgical (RR=1.211), orthopaedic (RR=1.295) and neurological (RR=1.114) patients had higher risk of many transfers than gastroenterology patients (all effects: p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Network and transfer chain analysis applied on patient location data revealed logistic and clinical associations highly relevant for hospital capacity management and infection control.

A single-centre, prospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU for mechanical ventilatory support.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rates in COVID-19 patients in need of mechanical ventilation are high, with wide variations between countries. Most studies were retrospective, and results may not be generalizable due to differences in demographics, healthcare organization and surge capacity. We present a cohort of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients from a resource-rich, publicly financed healthcare system. METHODS: Prospective study from a tertiary hospital. Consecutive SARS-CoV-2 positive adult patients admitted to the ICU for mechanical ventilation from 10 March 2020 to 04 May 2020 were included. Triage and treatment were protocolized. High-dose dalteparin was adjusted by D-dimer. Demographics, treatments and high-resolution physiological variables were collected. Outcomes were 30-day and hospital mortality. Data are medians (quartiles). RESULTS: Of the 1484 persons in the hospital catchment area testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, 201 (13.5%) were hospitalized. Thirty-eight (19%) patients were mechanically ventilated, of whom five (13%) died. Of the 163 patients treated with supplemental oxygen, eight (5%) died. In ventilated patients (75% males, age 61 (53-70) years), severe, moderate and mild ARDS was present in 25%, 70% and 5%. Tidal volume ≤8 mL/kg ideal bodyweight was achieved in 34 (94%) patients. Proning and neuromuscular blockers were used in 19 (54%) and 20 (61%) patients. Duration of ventilation was 12 days (8-23). D-dimer peaked at 3.8 mg/L (2.1-5.3), and maximum dalteparin dose was 15 000 IU/24 h (10 000-15 000). Despite organizational changes, a high degree of adherence to treatment protocols was achieved. CONCLUSION: In a prospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients treated in a resource-rich, publicly financed healthcare system, mortality was considerably lower than previously reported in retrospective studies.

Postoperative pain course after paediatric tonsillectomy: A prospective observational study comparing one behavioural and one numerical pain assessment tool.

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric tonsillectomy is often performed as outpatient surgery, although postoperative pain may be severe and protracted. This prospective observational study evaluated two paediatric pain assessment tools for use in telephone interviews with parents. METHODS: ASA I-II children, ≥1 and < 13 years, undergoing outpatient tonsillectomy were recruited. Anaesthesia (propofol-remifentanil) and intraoperative analgesia were standardized. Sedating premedication was not given. Before discharge, a "smiley face" numerical pain assessment tool was introduced to parents. In telephone interviews on postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and 14, parents scored their childrens pain numerically (0-10) and on the behavioural Postoperative Pain Measure for Parents (PPMP, 0-15). Number of analgesic doses (paracetamol/ibuprofen) per 24 h was noted. Values are median (quartiles). RESULTS: 22 consecutive children were included, age 4 (3-6) years. Parents had administered analgesics to 100%, 95%, 80%, and 5% of children at the four interview times. Numerical pain scores were 3.5 (1-7) at hospital discharge, and 5.5 (3-7), 3 (2-6), 3.5 (0-6), and 0 (0-0) on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14, respectively. In 12/22 children, pain declined to a value of 1 (0-2) on day 7. In 6/22 children pain initially declined, but surged to 5.5 (4-7) on day 7. Significant, protracted pain (9 (6-10) on day 7) was reported in 3/22 children. Behavioural (PPMP) scores were positively correlated to numerical pain scores (day 3: R2 = 0.48, day 7: R2 = 0.31, day 14: R2 = 0.85). With increasing age, children systematically had lower behavioural pain scores for the same numerical pain score (0.61 per years age; p < 0.023). CONCLUSION: In structured telephone interviews, parents effectively pain scored their children after outpatient tonsillectomy. Numerical and behavioural pain scores correlated well, however age-dependent. Pain courses varied considerably, and a majority of children had significant pain. Pain after paediatric tonsillectomy should be assessed and treatment individualised.

Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Provides Prognostic Information Superior to Established Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Unselected Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a strong prognostic marker in sepsis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prognostic value of GDF-15 in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unknown. METHODS: Consecutive, hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and symptoms of COVID-19 were enrolled in the prospective, observational COVID Mechanisms Study. Biobank samples were collected at baseline, day 3 and day 9. The primary end point was admission to the intensive care unit or death during hospitalization, and the prognostic performance of baseline and serial GDF-15 concentrations were compared with that of established infectious disease and cardiovascular biomarkers. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients enrolled, 35 (28%) reached the primary end point; these patients were older, more often had diabetes, and had lower oxygen saturations and higher National Early Warning Scores on baseline. Baseline GDF-15 concentrations were elevated (>95th percentile in age-stratified healthy individuals) in 97 (79%), and higher concentrations were associated with detectable SARS-CoV-2 viremia and hypoxemia (both P<0.001). Patients reaching the primary end point had higher concentrations of GDF-15 (median, 4225 [IQR, 3197-5972] pg/mL versus median, 2187 [IQR, 1344-3620] pg/mL, P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.70-0.86). The association between GDF-15 and the primary end point persisted after adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation (P<0.001) and was superior and incremental to interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, D-dimer, cardiac troponin T, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Increase in GDF-15 from baseline to day 3 was also greater in patients reaching the primary end point (median, 1208 [IQR, 0-4305] pg/mL versus median, -86 [IQR, -322 to 491] pg/mL, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GDF-15 is elevated in the majority of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and higher concentrations are associated with SARS-CoV-2 viremia, hypoxemia, and worse outcome. The prognostic value of GDF-15 was additional and superior to established cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04314232.

Internal Carotid Artery Blood Flow Response to Anesthesia, Pneumoperitoneum, and Head-up Tilt during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about how implementation of pneumoperitoneum and head-up tilt position contributes to general anesthesia-induced decrease in cerebral blood flow in humans. We investigated this question in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hypothesizing that cardiorespiratory changes during this procedure would reduce cerebral perfusion. METHODS: In a nonrandomized, observational study of 16 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, internal carotid artery blood velocity was measured by Doppler ultrasound at four time points: awake, after anesthesia induction, after induction of pneumoperitoneum, and after head-up tilt. Vessel diameter was obtained each time, and internal carotid artery blood flow, the main outcome variable, was calculated. The authors recorded pulse contour estimated mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) index, cardiac index, end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), bispectral index, and ventilator settings. Results are medians (95% CI). RESULTS: Internal carotid artery blood flow decreased upon anesthesia induction from 350 ml/min (273 to 410) to 213 ml/min (175 to 249; -37%, P < 0.001), and tended to decrease further with pneumoperitoneum (178 ml/min [127 to 208], -15%, P = 0.026). Tilt induced no further change (171 ml/min [134 to 205]). ETCO2 and bispectral index were unchanged after induction. MAP decreased with anesthesia, from 102 (91 to 108) to 72 (65 to 76) mmHg, and then remained unchanged (Pneumoperitoneum: 70 [63 to 75]; Tilt: 74 [66 to 78]). Cardiac index decreased with anesthesia and with pneumoperitoneum (overall from 3.2 [2.7 to 3.5] to 2.3 [1.9 to 2.5] l · min · m); tilt induced no further change (2.1 [1.8 to 2.3]). Multiple regression analysis attributed the fall in internal carotid artery blood flow to reduced cardiac index (both HR and SV index contributing) and MAP (P < 0.001). Vessel diameter also declined (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, internal carotid artery blood flow declined with anesthesia and with pneumoperitoneum, in close association with reductions in cardiac index and MAP. Head-up tilt caused no further reduction. Cardiac output independently affects human cerebral blood flow.

Acute kidney injury in trauma patients admitted to the ICU: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search of studies on AKI according to RIFLE, AKIN, or KDIGO criteria in trauma patients admitted to the ICU (PROSPERO CRD42017060420). We searched PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, UpToDate, and NICE through 3 December 2018. Data were collected on incidence of AKI, risk factors, renal replacement therapy (RRT), renal recovery, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Pooled analyses with random effects models yielded mean differences, OR, and RR, with 95% CI. RESULTS: Twenty-four observational studies comprising 25,182 patients were included. Study quality (Newcastle-Ottawa scale) was moderate. Study heterogeneity was substantial. Incidence of post-traumatic AKI in the ICU was 24% (20-29), of which 13% (10-16) mild, 5% (3-7) moderate, and 4% (3-6) severe AKI. Risk factors for AKI were African American descent, high age, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high Injury Severity Score, abdominal injury, shock, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, high APACHE II score, and sepsis. AKI patients had 6.0 (4.0-7.9) days longer ICU LOS and increased risk of death [RR 3.4 (2.1-5.7)] compared to non-AKI patients. In patients with AKI, RRT was used in 10% (6-15). Renal recovery occurred in 96% (78-100) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: AKI occurred in 24% of trauma patients admitted to the ICU, with an RRT use among these of 10%. Presence of AKI was associated with increased LOS and mortality, but renal recovery in AKI survivors was good.

Respiratory pump maintains cardiac stroke volume during hypovolemia in young, healthy volunteers.

Spontaneous breathing has beneficial effects on the circulation, since negative intrathoracic pressure enhances venous return and increases cardiac stroke volume. We quantified the contribution of the respiratory pump to preserve stroke volume during hypovolemia in awake, young, healthy subjects. Noninvasive stroke volume, cardiac output, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure (Finometer) were recorded in 31 volunteers (19 women), 19-30 yr old, during normovolemia and hypovolemia (approximating 450- to 500-ml reduction in central blood volume) induced by lower-body negative pressure. Control-mode noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation was employed to reduce the effect of the respiratory pump. The ventilator settings were matched to each subject's spontaneous respiratory pattern. Stroke volume estimates during positive-pressure ventilation and spontaneous breathing were compared with Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Values are overall medians. During normovolemia, positive-pressure ventilation did not affect stroke volume or cardiac output. Hypovolemia resulted in an 18% decrease in stroke volume and a 9% decrease in cardiac output ( P < 0.001). Employing positive-pressure ventilation during hypovolemia decreased stroke volume further by 8% ( P < 0.001). Overall, hypovolemia and positive-pressure ventilation resulted in a reduction of 26% in stroke volume ( P < 0.001) and 13% in cardiac output ( P < 0.001) compared with baseline. Compared with the situation with control-mode positive-pressure ventilation, spontaneous breathing attenuated the reduction in stroke volume induced by moderate hypovolemia by 30% (i.e., -26 vs. -18%). In the patient who is critically ill with hypovolemia or uncontrolled hemorrhage, spontaneous breathing may contribute to hemodynamic stability, whereas controlled positive-pressure ventilation may result in circulatory decompensation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maintaining spontaneous respiration has beneficial effects on hemodynamic compensation, which is clinically relevant for patients in intensive care. We have quantified the contribution of the respiratory pump to cardiac stroke volume and cardiac output in healthy volunteers during normovolemia and central hypovolemia. The positive hemodynamic effect of the respiratory pump was abolished by noninvasive, low-level positive-pressure ventilation. Compared with control-mode positive-pressure ventilation, spontaneous negative-pressure ventilation attenuated the fall in stroke volume by 30%.

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is preserved during isometric handgrip and head-down tilt in healthy volunteers.

In healthy humans, cerebral blood flow (CBF) is autoregulated against changes in arterial blood pressure. Spontaneous fluctuations in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and CBF can be used to assess cerebral autoregulation. We hypothesized that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is affected by changes in autonomic activity, MAP, and cardiac output (CO) induced by handgrip (HG), head-down tilt (HDT), and their combination. In thirteen healthy volunteers, we recorded blood velocity by ultrasound in the internal carotid artery (ICA), HR, MAP and CO-estimates from continuous finger blood pressure, and end-tidal CO2 . Instantaneous ICA beat volume (ICABV, mL) and ICA blood flow (ICABF, mL/min) were calculated. Wavelet synchronization index γ (0-1) was calculated for the pairs: MAP-ICABF, CO-ICABF and HR-ICABV in the low (0.05-0.15 Hz; LF) and high (0.15-0.4 Hz; HF) frequency bands. ICABF did not change between experimental states. MAP and CO were increased during HG (+16% and +15%, respectively, P < 0.001) and during HDT + HG (+12% and +23%, respectively, P < 0.001). In the LF interval, median γ for the MAP-ICABF pair (baseline: 0.23 [0.12-0.28]) and the CO-ICABF pair (baseline: 0.22 [0.15-0.28]) did not change with HG, HDT, or their combination. High γ was observed for the HR-ICABV pair at the respiratory frequency, the oscillations in these variables being in inverse phase. The unaltered ICABF and the low synchronization between MAP and ICABF in the LF interval suggest intact dynamic cerebral autoregulation during HG, HDT, and their combination.

Seasonality in trauma admissions - Are daylight and weather variables better predictors than general cyclic effects?

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a leading global cause of death, and predicting the burden of trauma admissions is vital for good planning of trauma care. Seasonality in trauma admissions has been found in several studies. Seasonal fluctuations in daylight hours, temperature and weather affect social and cultural practices but also individual neuroendocrine rhythms that may ultimately modify behaviour and potentially predispose to trauma. The aim of the present study was to explore to what extent the observed seasonality in daily trauma admissions could be explained by changes in daylight and weather variables throughout the year. METHODS: Retrospective registry study on trauma admissions in the 10-year period 2001-2010 at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Norway, where the amount of daylight varies from less than 6 hours to almost 19 hours per day throughout the year. Daily number of admissions was analysed by fitting non-linear Poisson time series regression models, simultaneously adjusting for several layers of temporal patterns, including a non-linear long-term trend and both seasonal and weekly cyclic effects. Five daylight and weather variables were explored, including hours of daylight and amount of precipitation. Models were compared using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: A regression model including daylight and weather variables significantly outperformed a traditional seasonality model in terms of AIC. A cyclic week effect was significant in all models. CONCLUSION: Daylight and weather variables are better predictors of seasonality in daily trauma admissions than mere information on day-of-year.

Effects on nutritional care practice after implementation of a flow chart-based nutrition support protocol in an intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition (EN) is associated with improved outcome in critically ill patients and is more affordable. We compared nutritional care practice in our ICU before and after modification of our nutrition support protocol: Several comprehensive documents were substituted with one flow chart and early EN was encouraged. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Nutritional data were collected from admission up to 7 days in 25 patients before and 25 patients after protocol modification. RESULTS: The percentage of patients receiving EN within 72 hr of admission increased from 64% before to 88% after protocol modification. Cumulative percentage energy from EN during ICU days 1-4 increased from 26-89% of total kcal. Overall amount of nutrition administered enterally increased, with a corresponding marked decline in use of parenteral nutrition. Pre-modification, >80% of patients received >65% of their calculated nutrition requirements by ICU Day 4; post-modification this goal was achieved by Day 7.

Respiration-related cerebral blood flow variability increases during control-mode non-invasive ventilation in normovolemia and hypovolemia.

PURPOSE: Increased variability in cerebral blood flow (CBF) predisposes to adverse cerebrovascular events. Oscillations in arterial blood pressure and PaCO2 induce CBF variability. Less is known about how heart rate (HR) variability affects CBF. We experimentally reduced respiration-induced HR variability in healthy subjects, hypothesizing that CBF variability would increase. METHODS: Internal carotid artery (ICA) blood velocity was recorded by Doppler ultrasound in ten healthy subjects during baseline, control-mode, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), i.e., with fixed respiratory rate, hypovolemia induced by lower body negative pressure, and combinations of these. ICA beat volume (ICABV) and ICA blood flow (ICABF) were calculated. HR, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), respiratory frequency (RF), and end-tidal CO2 were recorded. Integrals of power spectra at each subject's RF ± 0.03 Hz were used to measure variability. Phase angle/coherence measured coupling between cardiovascular variables. RESULTS: Control-mode NIV reduced HR variability (-56%, p = 0.002) and ICABV variability (-64%, p = 0.006) and increased ICABF variability (+140%, p = 0.002) around RF. NIV + hypovolemia reduced variability in HR and ICABV by 70-80% (p = 0.002) and doubled ICABF variability (p = 0.03). MAP variability was unchanged in either condition. Respiration-induced HR and ICABV oscillations were in inverse phase and highly coherent (coherence >0.9) during baseline, but this coherence decreased during NIV, in normovolemia and hypovolemia (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Controlling respiration in awake healthy humans reduced HR variability and increased CBF variability in hypovolemia and normovolemia. We suggest respiration-induced HR variability to be a mechanism in CBF regulation. Maintaining spontaneous respiration in patients receiving ventilatory support may be beneficial also for cerebral circulatory purposes.

Internal carotid artery blood flow in healthy awake subjects is reduced by simulated hypovolemia and noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

Intact cerebral blood flow (CBF) is essential for cerebral metabolism and function, whereas hypoperfusion in relation to hypovolemia and hypocapnia can lead to severe cerebral damage. This study was designed to assess internal carotid artery blood flow (ICA-BF) during simulated hypovolemia and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in young healthy humans. Beat-by-beat blood velocity (ICA and aorta) were measured by Doppler ultrasound during normovolemia and simulated hypovolemia (lower body negative pressure), with or without PPV in 15 awake subjects. Heart rate, plethysmographic finger arterial pressure, respiratory frequency, and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were also recorded. Cardiac index (CI) and ICA-BF were calculated beat-by-beat. Medians and 95% confidence intervals and Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples were used to test the difference between conditions. Effects on ICA-BF were modeled by linear mixed-effects regression analysis. During spontaneous breathing, ICA-BF was reduced from normovolemia (247, 202-284 mL/min) to hypovolemia (218, 194-271 mL/min). During combined PPV and hypovolemia, ICA-BF decreased by 15% (200, 152-231 mL/min, P = 0.001). Regression analysis attributed this fall to concurrent reductions in CI (ß: 43.2, SE: 17.1, P = 0.013) and ETCO2 (ß: 32.8, SE: 9.3, P = 0.001). Mean arterial pressure was maintained and did not contribute to ICA-BF variance. In healthy awake subjects, ICA-BF was significantly reduced during simulated hypovolemia combined with noninvasive PPV Reductions in CI and ETCO2 had additive effects on ICA-BF reduction. In hypovolemic patients, even low-pressure noninvasive ventilation may cause clinically relevant reductions in CBF, despite maintained arterial blood pressure.

National Early Warning Score (NEWS) as an emergency department predictor of disease severity and 90-day survival in the acutely dyspneic patient - a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was designed to detect deteriorating patients in hospital wards, specifically those at increased risk of ICU admission, cardiac arrest, or death within 24 h. NEWS is not validated for use in Emergency Departments (ED), but emerging data suggest it may be useful. A criticism of NEWS is that patients with chronic poor oxygenation, e.g. severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), will have elevated NEWS also in the absence of acute deterioration, possibly reducing the predictive power of NEWS in this subgroup. We wanted to prospectively evaluate the usefulness of NEWS in unselected adult patients emergently presenting in a Norwegian ED with respiratory distress as main symptom. METHODS: In respiratory distressed patients, NEWS was calculated on ED arrival, after 2-4 h, and the next day. Manchester Triage Scale (MTS) category, age, gender, comorbidity (ASA score), ICU-admission, ventilatory support, and discharge diagnoses were noted. Survival status was tracked for >90 days through the Population Registry. Data are medians (25-75th percentiles). Factors predicting 90-day survival were analysed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 246 patients; 71 years old (60-80), 89 % home-dwelling, 74 % ASA 3-4, 72 % MTS 1-2, 88 % admitted to hospital. NEWS on arrival was 5 (3-7). NEWS correlated closely with MTS category and maximum in-hospital level of care (ED, ward, high-dependency unit, ICU). Sixteen patients died in-hospital, 26 died after discharge within 90 days. Controlled for age, ASA score, and COPD, a higher NEWS on ED arrival predicted poorer 90-day survival. Increased NEWS also correlated with decreased 30-day- and in-hospital survival and a decreased probability for home-dwelling patients to be discharged directly home. DISCUSSION: In respiratory distressed patients, NEWS on ED arrival correlated closely with triage category and need of ICU admission and predicted long-term out-of-hospital survival controlled for age, comorbidity, and COPD. CONCLUSIONS: NEWS should be explored in the ED setting to determine its role in clinical decision-making and in communication along the acute care chain.

Sudden survival improvement in critical neurotrauma: An exploratory analysis using a stratified statistical process control technique.

BACKGROUND: Outcome after trauma depends on patient characteristics, quality of care, and random events. The TRISS model predicts probability of survival (Ps) adjusted for Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), mechanism of injury, and age. Quality of care is often evaluated by calculating the number of "excess" survivors, year by year. In contrast, the Variable Life-Adjusted Display (VLAD) technique allows rapid detection of altered survival. VLAD adjusts each death or survival by the patient's risk status and graphically displays accumulated number of unexpected survivors over time. We evaluated outcome changes and their time relation to trauma service improvements. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study of the total 2001-2011 trauma population from a Level I trauma centre. Outcome was 30-day survival. Ps was calculated with the TRISS model, 2005 coefficients. VLAD graphs were created for the entire population and for subpopulations stratified by ISS level, ISS body region (Head/Neck, Face, Chest, Abdomen/Pelvic contents, Extremities/Pelvic girdle, External), and maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (maxAIS) score in each region. Piecewise linear regression identified VLAD graph breakpoints. RESULTS: 12,191 consecutive trauma patients (median age 35 years, 72% males, 91% blunt injury, 41% ISS≥16) formed the dataset. Their VLAD graph indicated performance equal to TRISS predicted survival until a sudden improvement in late 2004. From then survival remained improved but unchanged through 2011. Total number of excess survivors was 141. Inspection of subgroup VLAD graphs showed that the increased survival mainly occurred in patients having at least one Head/Neck AIS 5 injury. The effect was present in both isolated and multitraumatised maxAIS 5 Head/Neck trauma. The remaining trauma population showed unchanged survival, superior to TRISS predicted, throughout the study period. Important general and neurotrauma-targeted improvements in our trauma service could underlie our findings: A formalised trauma service, damage control resuscitation protocols, structured training, increased helicopter transfer capacity, consultant-based neurosurgical assessment, a doubling of emergency neurosurgical procedures, and improved neurointensive care. CONCLUSIONS: Stratified VLAD enables continuous, high-resolution system analysis. We encourage trauma centres to explore their data and to monitor future system changes.

A field evaluation of real-life motor vehicle accidents: presence of unrestrained objects and their association with distribution and severity of patient injuries.

Moving objects may pose an added threat to car occupants in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). However, to our knowledge, there have only been two case studies published on the subject. For the present study, accident reports and photo documentation from MVAs were collected on-scene by dedicated paramedics. Emergency medical service personnel on-scene were interviewed as necessary. Potentially harmful unrestrained objects in the involved motor vehicles (MVs) were identified and categorised by type, weight and hardness. Seatback offset by unrestrained objects was noted. The patient injury distribution (Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) body regions) and severity (AIS severity scores and New Injury Severity Score (NISS) scores) were retrospectively determined from hospital and autopsy records, and their potential relationship to unrestrained objects was explored. A total of 190 accidents involving 338 MVs and 618 individuals were included. In total, 327 individuals (53%) were injured, and 61 (10%) died. 37 of 61 were not autopsied. The mean NISS was 17 (median 8, interquartile range (IQR) 1-27). Unrestrained objects were reported for 133 motor vehicles (39%) involving 293 individuals. 35% of the unrestrained objects found in the passenger compartment weighed >2 kg. In the boot, 32% of objects weighed >20 kg. Seatback offset associated with unrestrained objects was found for 45 individuals (15%). Unrestrained objects originally located in the boot (heavy luggage, groceries and tyres were the most frequently reported) had moved into the passenger compartment on impact in 27 cases, 24 of which were associated with seatback offset. An in-depth analysis was performed on 24 patients whose injuries were highly likely to be associated with unrestrained objects, as indicated by accident reports and medical documentation. Nineteen (79%) were involved in frontal collisions, and 12 (50%) died on-scene. The mean NISS was 51.7 (median 51, IQR 27-75) in the 17 (71%) patients with seatback offset and 37.2 (median 41, IQR 22.5-50) in the 7 (29%) without seatback offset. Seatback offset was associated with more severe head and thoracic injuries and an increased incidence of abdominal and pelvic injuries. Patients injured by unrestrained objects while sitting in unharmed car seats predominantly suffered head, cervical spine and thoracic injuries. Our results indicate a need for public information campaigns. The development of car backseats that can better sustain hits from heavy objects in the cargo boot is an important area for the motor vehicle production industry to explore.