Latitudinal variation in thermal performance of the common coral Pocillopora spp.

Understanding how tropical corals respond to temperatures is important to evaluating their capacity to persist in a warmer future. We studied the common Pacific coral Pocillopora over 44° of latitude, and used populations at three islands with different thermal regimes to compare their responses to temperature using thermal performance curves (TPCs) for respiration and gross photosynthesis. Corals were sampled in the local autumn from Moorea, Guam and Okinawa, where mean±s.d. annual seawater temperature is 28.0±0.9°C, 28.9±0.7°C and 25.1±3.4°C, respectively. TPCs for respiration were similar among latitudes, the thermal optimum (Topt) was above the local maximum temperature at all three islands, and maximum respiration was lowest at Okinawa. TPCs for gross photosynthesis were wider, implying greater thermal eurytopy, with a higher Topt in Moorea versus Guam and Okinawa. Topt was above the maximum temperature in Moorea, but was similar to daily temperatures over 13% of the year in Okinawa and 53% of the year in Guam. There was greater annual variation in daily temperatures in Okinawa than Guam or Moorea, which translated to large variation in the supply of metabolic energy and photosynthetically fixed carbon at higher latitudes. Despite these trends, the differences in TPCs for Pocillopora spp. were not profoundly different across latitudes, reducing the likelihood that populations of these corals could better match their phenotypes to future more extreme temperatures through migration. Any such response would place a premium on high metabolic plasticity and tolerance of large seasonal variations in energy budgets.

Prácticas de analgosedación y delirium en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas: Encuesta 2013-2014 / Management of analgesia, sedation and delirium in Spanish Intensive Care Units: A national two-part survey

Objetivo: Conocer la práctica clínica real de las UCI españolas en relación con la analgosedación y delirium, y valorar cómo se ajusta a las recomendaciones actuales. Diseño: Estudio transversal descriptivo elaborado mediante encuesta nacional sobre prácticas de analgosedación y delirium de los pacientes ingresados en UCI los días 16 de noviembre de 2013 y 16 de octubre de 2014. Se envió un cuestionario a través de Internet con el aval de la SEMICYUC. Ámbito: UCI tanto públicas como privadas de todo el territorio nacional. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 166 UCI y a 1.567 pacientes. El 61,4% de las UCI contaban con un protocolo de sedación. El 75% de las UCI monitorizaban la sedación y agitación, con RASS como la escala empleada con mayor frecuencia. El dolor se monitorizaba en algo más de la mitad de las UCI, pero las escalas conductuales eran de muy baja implantación. El delirium también presentaba un bajo nivel diagnóstico. Entre los pacientes en ventilación mecánica el midazolam continuaba siendo un sedante de muy amplio uso. Conclusiones: Esta encuesta es la primera realizada en España sobre analgosedación y delirium y nos muestra una fotografía sobre estas prácticas, señala algunos aspectos como los relacionados con la monitorización y usos de escalas, junto con el manejo del delirium, en los que los resultados del estudio animan a desarrollar proyectos docentes que acerquen la práctica clínica real a las recomendaciones nacionales e internacionales

Objective: To know the real clinical practice of Spanish ICUs in relation to analgesia, sedation and delirium, with a view to assessing adherence to current recommendations. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on a national survey on analgesia, sedation and delirium practices in patients admitted to intensive care on 16 November, 2013 and 16 October, 2014. An on-line questionnaire was sent with the endorsement of the SEMICYUC. Setting: Spanish ICUs in public and private hospitals. Results: A total of 166 ICUs participated, with the inclusion of 1567 patients. The results showed that 61.4% of the ICUs had a sedation protocol, and 75% regularly monitored sedation and agitation - the RASS being the most frequently used scale. Pain was monitored in about half of the ICUs, but the behavioral scales were very little used. Delirium monitoring was implemented in few ICUs. Among the patients on mechanical ventilation, midazolam remained a very commonly used agent. Conclusions: This survey is the first conducted in Spain on the practices of analgesia, sedation and delirium. We identified specific targets for quality improvement, particularly concerning the management of sedation and the assessment of delirium

Management of analgesia, sedation and delirium in Spanish Intensive Care Units: A national two-part survey. / Prácticas de analgosedación y delirium en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas: Encuesta 2013-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To know the real clinical practice of Spanish ICUs in relation to analgesia, sedation and delirium, with a view to assessing adherence to current recommendations. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on a national survey on analgesia, sedation and delirium practices in patients admitted to intensive care on 16 November, 2013 and 16 October, 2014. An on-line questionnaire was sent with the endorsement of the SEMICYUC. SETTING: Spanish ICUs in public and private hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 166 ICUs participated, with the inclusion of 1567 patients. The results showed that 61.4% of the ICUs had a sedation protocol, and 75% regularly monitored sedation and agitation - the RASS being the most frequently used scale. Pain was monitored in about half of the ICUs, but the behavioral scales were very little used. Delirium monitoring was implemented in few ICUs. Among the patients on mechanical ventilation, midazolam remained a very commonly used agent. CONCLUSIONS: This survey is the first conducted in Spain on the practices of analgesia, sedation and delirium. We identified specific targets for quality improvement, particularly concerning the management of sedation and the assessment of delirium.

Síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca. Perfil, diferencias en evolución clínica y pronóstico. Estudio ESBAGA / Low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Profile, differences in clinical course and prognosis. The ESBAGA study

OBJETIVOS: Análisis del perfil clínico, la evolución y las diferencias en morbimortalidad en el síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco (SBGC) en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca, según los 3 subgrupos de diagnóstico definidos en el Consenso SEMICYUC 2012. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo multicéntrico. Ámbito: UCI de hospitales españoles con cirugía cardiaca. PACIENTES: Muestra consecutiva de 2.070 pacientes intervenidos de cirugía cardiaca. Análisis de 137 pacientes con SBGC. INTERVENCIONES: No se realiza intervención. RESULTADOS: Edad 68,3±9,3 años, 65,2% varones, con un EuroSCORE II de 9,99±13. Los antecedentes a destacar fueron: NYHA III-IV (52,9%), FEVI<35% (33,6%), IAM (31,9%), HTP severa (21,7%), estado crítico preoperatorio (18,8%), cirugía cardiaca previa (18,1%) y ACTP/stent (16,7%). Según subgrupos, 46 pacientes cumplían criterios hemodinámicos de SBGC (grupo A), 50 criterios clínicos (grupo B) y el resto (n=41) fueron shock cardiogénico (grupo C). En la evolución, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los subgrupos en el tiempo de ventilación mecánica (114,4, 135,4 y 180,3min, para A, B y C, respectivamente, p < 0,001), la necesidad de reemplazo renal (11,4, 14,6 y 36,6%, p = 0,007), el fracaso multiorgánico (16,7, 13 y 47,5%) y la mortalidad (13,6, 12,5 y 35,9%, p = 0,01). La media de lactato máximo fue mayor en los pacientes con shock cardiogénico (p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONES: La evolución clínica de estos pacientes con SBGC conlleva una elevada morbimortalidad. Encontramos diferencias entre los subgrupos en el curso clínico postoperatorio y la mortalidad

OBJECTIVES: An analysis is made of the clinical profile, evolution and differences in morbidity and mortality of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, according to the 3 diagnostic subgroups defined by the SEMICYUC Consensus 2012. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: ICUs of Spanish hospitals with cardiac surgery. PATIENTS: A consecutive sample of 2,070 cardiac surgery patients was included, with the analysis of 137 patients with LCOS. INTERVENTIONS: No intervention was carried out. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 68.3±9.3 years (65.2% males), with a EuroSCORE II of 9.99±13. NYHA functional class III-IV (52.9%), left ventricular ejection fraction<35% (33.6%), AMI (31.9%), severe PHT (21.7%), critical preoperative condition (18.8%), prior cardiac surgery (18.1%), PTCA/stent placement (16.7%). According to subgroups, 46 patients fulfilled hemodynamic criteria of LCOS (group A), 50 clinical criteria (group B), and the rest (n=41) presented cardiogenic shock (group C). Significant differences were observed over the evolutive course between the subgroups in terms of time subjected to mechanical ventilation (114.4, 135.4 and 180.3min in groups A, B and C, respectively; P<.001), renal replacement requirements (11.4, 14.6 and 36.6%; P=.007), multiorgan failure (16.7, 13 and 47.5%), and mortality (13.6, 12.5 and 35.9%; P=.01). The mean maximum lactate concentration was higher in cardiogenic shock patients (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical evolution of these patients leads to high morbidity and mortality. We found differences between the subgroups in terms of the postoperative clinical course and mortality

Low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Profile, differences in clinical course and prognosis. The ESBAGA study. / Síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca. Perfil, diferencias en evolución clínica y pronóstico. Estudio ESBAGA.

OBJECTIVES: An analysis is made of the clinical profile, evolution and differences in morbidity and mortality of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, according to the 3 diagnostic subgroups defined by the SEMICYUC Consensus 2012. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: ICUs of Spanish hospitals with cardiac surgery. PATIENTS: A consecutive sample of 2,070 cardiac surgery patients was included, with the analysis of 137 patients with LCOS. INTERVENTIONS: No intervention was carried out. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 68.3±9.3 years (65.2% males), with a EuroSCORE II of 9.99±13. NYHA functional class III-IV (52.9%), left ventricular ejection fraction<35% (33.6%), AMI (31.9%), severe PHT (21.7%), critical preoperative condition (18.8%), prior cardiac surgery (18.1%), PTCA/stent placement (16.7%). According to subgroups, 46 patients fulfilled hemodynamic criteria of LCOS (group A), 50 clinical criteria (group B), and the rest (n=41) presented cardiogenic shock (group C). Significant differences were observed over the evolutive course between the subgroups in terms of time subjected to mechanical ventilation (114.4, 135.4 and 180.3min in groups A, B and C, respectively; P<.001), renal replacement requirements (11.4, 14.6 and 36.6%; P=.007), multiorgan failure (16.7, 13 and 47.5%), and mortality (13.6, 12.5 and 35.9%; P=.01). The mean maximum lactate concentration was higher in cardiogenic shock patients (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical evolution of these patients leads to high morbidity and mortality. We found differences between the subgroups in terms of the postoperative clinical course and mortality.

Impact of harmful use of alcohol on the sedation of critical patients on mechanical ventilation: A multicentre prospective, observational study in 8 Spanish intensive care units / Impacto del consumo de riesgo de alcohol en la sedación de pacientes críticos en ventilación mecánica: Estudio observacional prospectivo, multicéntrico en 8 unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) Españolas

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a history of harmful use of alcohol (HUA) on sedoanalgesia practices and outcomes in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV). METHODS: A prospective, observational multicentre study was made of all adults consecutively admitted during 30 days to 8 Spanish ICUs. Patients on MV > 24 h were followed-up on until discharge from the ICU or death. Data on HUA, smoking, the use of illegal (IP) and medically prescribed psychotropics (MPP), sedoanalgesia practices and their related complications (sedative failure [SF] and sedative withdrawal [SW]), as well as outcome, were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: A total of 23.4% (119/509) of the admitted patients received MV >24h; 68.9% were males; age 57.0 (17.9) years; APACHE II score 18.8 (7.2); with a medical cause of admission in 53.9%. Half of them consumed at least one psychotropic agent (smoking 27.7%, HUA 25.2%; MPP 9.2%; and IP 7.6%). HUA patients more frequently required PS (86.7% vs. 64%; p < 0.02) and the use of >2 sedatives (56.7% vs. 28.1%; p < 0.02). HUA was associated to an eightfold (p < 0.001) and fourfold (p < 0.02) increase in SF and SW, respectively. In turn, the duration of MV and the stay in the ICU was increased by 151h (p < 0.02) and 4.4 days (p < 0.02), respectively, when compared with the non-HUA group. No differences were found in terms of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: HUA may be associated to a higher risk of SF and WS, and can prolong MV and the duration of stay in the ICU in critical patients. Early identification could allow the implementation of specific sedation strategies aimed at preventing these complications

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto del consumo enólico de riesgo (HUA) en las prácticas de sedoanalgesia y la evolución de pacientes en ventilación mecánica (MV). MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo observacional multicéntrico de todos los adultos ingresados consecutivamente durante 30 días en 8 UCIs españolas. Los pacientes en MV > 24h fueron evaluados hasta el alta de UCI o exitus. Se registró el HUA, consumo de tabaco, psicótropos ilegales (IP) o bajo prescripción médica (MPP) las prácticas de sedoanalgesia y sus complicaciones asociadas (Fracaso de Sedación/SF y Síndrome de Privación/SW) así como datos sobre la evolución clínica. Resultados: El 23.4% (119/509) de los ingresados, requirieron VM ≥ 24 h: Varones 68.9%; Edad 57.0 (17.9) años; APACHEII 18.8 (7.2); Ingreso por causa medica 53.9%. La mitad consumían al menos un psicotrópico (tabaco: 27.7%; HUA: 25.2%; PPM: 9.2%; PI: 7.6%). Los pacientes con HUA requirieron más frecuentemente PS (86.7% vs. 64%; p < 0.02) y doble sedación (56.7% vs. 28.1%; p < 0.02). El HUA se asoció a incidencias 8 (p < 0.001) y 4 (p < 0.02) veces superiores de SF y SW y prolongó en 151 (p < 0.02) horas y 4.4 (p < 0.02) días, el tiempo de VM y estancia media en UCI respectivamente respecto al grupo no-HUA. No se encontraron diferencias en la mortalidad. Conclusiones: El HUA podría asociarse a un mayor riesgo de SF y WS y prolongar los tiempos de MV y LOS en los pacientes críticos. Su identificación precoz permitiría implementar estrategias específicas de sedación orientadas a prevenir estas complicaciones

Impact of harmful use of alcohol on the sedation of critical patients on mechanical ventilation: A multicentre prospective, observational study in 8 Spanish intensive care units.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a history of harmful use of alcohol (HUA) on sedoanalgesia practices and outcomes in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV). METHODS: A prospective, observational multicentre study was made of all adults consecutively admitted during 30 days to 8 Spanish ICUs. Patients on MV >24h were followed-up on until discharge from the ICU or death. Data on HUA, smoking, the use of illegal (IP) and medically prescribed psychotropics (MPP), sedoanalgesia practices and their related complications (sedative failure [SF] and sedative withdrawal [SW]), as well as outcome, were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: A total of 23.4% (119/509) of the admitted patients received MV >24h; 68.9% were males; age 57.0 (17.9) years; APACHE II score 18.8 (7.2); with a medical cause of admission in 53.9%. Half of them consumed at least one psychotropic agent (smoking 27.7%, HUA 25.2%; MPP 9.2%; and IP 7.6%). HUA patients more frequently required PS (86.7% vs. 64%; p<0.02) and the use of >2 sedatives (56.7% vs. 28.1%; p<0.02). HUA was associated to an eightfold (p<0.001) and fourfold (p<0.02) increase in SF and SW, respectively. In turn, the duration of MV and the stay in the ICU was increased by 151h (p<0.02) and 4.4 days (p<0.02), respectively, when compared with the non-HUA group. No differences were found in terms of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: HUA may be associated to a higher risk of SF and WS, and can prolong MV and the duration of stay in the ICU in critical patients. Early identification could allow the implementation of specific sedation strategies aimed at preventing these complications.

5-year mortality in cardiac surgery patients with low cardiac output syndrome treated with levosimendan: prognostic evaluation of nt-probnp and c-reactive protein.

AIM: To determine the clinical risk factors predictive of the 5--year mortality in patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after cardiac surgery. In addition, to assess the influence of inflammation and myocardial dysfunction severity, as measured by C--reactive protein (CRP) and N--terminal pro--brain natriuretic peptide (NT--proBNP) concentrations, on outcome. METHODS: We studied 30 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and developed postoperative LCOS requiring inotropic support for longer than 48 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. All patients received a 24--hour infusion of levosimendan after study enrolment. We measured the following at baseline, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days: clinical data, serum NT--proBNP and serum CRP levels. Patients were followed--up at 5 years for death by any cause. A risk--adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for statistical analysis. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. RESULTS: The 5--year mortality was 36.6% (n = 11). The predictors of 5--year mortality were the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy (HR = 36.909; 95% CI: 1.901-716.747; P = 0.017), a higher central venous pressure (CVP) at 48 hours (HR = 2.686; 95% CI: 1.383-5.214; P = 0.004), and lower CRP levels on day 7 (HR = 0.963; 95% CI: 0.933-0.994; P = 0.021). NT--proBNP levels showed a trend to higher initial levels in survivors without statistical significance, but were not associated with 5--year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of dilated cardiomyopathy, elevated CVP at 48 h and reduced CRP levels on day 7 predicted 5--year mortality in patients who developed postoperative LCOS after cardiac surgery. NT--proBNP levels in the first postoperative week were not predictors of long--term outcomes.

Predictors of long-term mortality in patients with cirrhosis undergoing cardiac surgery.

AIM: Little is known regarding the long-term outcome in cirrhotic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative and postoperative mortality risk factors and to determine the best predictors of long-term outcome. METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive cirrhotic patients requiring cardiac surgery between January 2004 and January 2009 were prospectively studied at our institution. Seven patients (12%) died. A complete follow-up was performed in the whole survival group until November 2012 (mean 46±28 months). Variables usually measured on admission and during the first 24 h of the postoperative period were evaluated together with cardiac surgery scores (Parsonnet, EuroSCORE), liver scores (Child-Turcotte-Pugh, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, United Kingdom End-Stage Liver Disease score), and ICU scores (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and III, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and III, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment). RESULTS: Twelve patients (23.5%) died during follow-up; six were Child class A and six class B. Comparing survivors vs. non-survivors using univariate analysis, variables associated with better long-term outcome were lower arterial lactate 24 h after admission (1.7±0.4 vs. 2.1±0.7 mmol·L(-1), P=0.03) and higher urine output in the first 24 h (2029±512 vs. 1575±627 mL, P=0.03). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III score had the best predictive value for long-term outcome (AUC: 77.4±0.76%; sensitivity: 83.3%; specificity: 64.9%, P=0.005). Multivariate analysis identified Simplified Acute Physiology Score III score (P=0.02) and urine output in the first 24 h (P=0.02) as independent factors associated with long-term outcome. Long-term survival was 82.4% for Child A, 47.6% for Child B and 33.3% for Child C (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Long-term survival in cirrhotic patients requiring cardiac surgery is a more valuable prognostic measure than short-term survival. Urine output in the first 24 h may be a valuable predictor of long-term outcome in these patients. The Simplified Acute Physiology Score III is also useful.

[Use of neuromuscular blockers in the critical patient]. / Utilización de bloqueantes neuromusculares en el paciente crítico.

The use of neuromuscular blockers (NMB) is a frequent practice in Intensive Care Units. However most of the experience with the use of these agents come from the operating room used to deal with patients with different characteristics from those admitted in the ICU. Recent advances on neuromonitoring and the commercialization of newer agents make necessary the update in the management of NMB in the ICU. The NMB agent should be chosen attending to its pharmacokinetics and the physiopathology of the critically ill patient. Those NMB with organ-independent metabolism as well as those with rapid onset of action are the preferred ones for the use in the critically ill patient substituting older depolarizing agents and those whose metabolism is dependent on the liver and/or kidney, organs frequently impaired in the critically ill patients. Neuromuscular blocking in the critically ill patient should be done according to protocols and monitor its effects in order to avoid complications related to its prolonged use.

[Depression and use of antidepressants in the critical patient]. / Depresión y uso de antidepresivos en el paciente crítico.

A large percentage of critically ill patients suffer from depression while admitted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This pathology, often underdiagnosed by intensive care professionals has a proved negative impact on median-large outcome, which makes early detection and management a key issue. However diagnosing depression in ICU is a complicated task since there are no validated tools for its detection. The cornerstone intervention for the treatment of depression are antidepressant medication. All antidepressants have similar efficacy profiles. The prescription of a particular agent should be done based in its collateral effects. Unfortunately the efficacy and safety of antidepressant agents has not been evaluated in the critically ill patient. The implementation of simple measures like guaranteeing comfort during its admission to the ICU and the early reintroduction of any psychotropic medication that the patient could be taking before ICU could improve the emotional adaptation to their new situation.

Utilización de bloqueantes neuromusculares en el paciente crítico / Use of neuromuscular blockers in the critical pacient

La utilización de bloqueantes neuromusculares (BNM) es una práctica habitual en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Sin embargo, la experiencia en el uso de estos agentes en el contexto del paciente crítico es limitada, ya que los conocimientos que poseemos derivan del ámbito anestésico, acostumbrado a tratar con pacientes cuya fisiopatología dista mucho de la del paciente ingresado en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. La salida al mercado de nuevos agentes y los avances en la neuromonitorización obligan a un cambio en la pauta de utilización, monitorización y retirada de los BNM. El fármaco utilizado se debe elegir en función de las características fisiopatológicas del paciente y la farmacocinética del BNM. Los agentes de metabolismo órgano-independiente y aquéllos de inicio de acción rápida se perfilan como los más adecuados en el paciente crítico, sustituyendo a los agentes despolarizantes o a aquéllos metabolizados por el hígado y/o el riñón, a menudo con función alterada en estos pacientes. El bloqueo neuromuscular en el paciente crítico debería hacerse de forma protocolizada y con la adecuada monitorización para evitar la aparición de complicaciones asociadas a su uso prolongado (AU)

The use of neuromuscular blockers (NMB) is a frequent practice in Intensive Care Units. However most of the experience with the use of these agents come from the operating room used to deal with patients with different characteristics from those admitted in the ICU. Recent advances on neuromonitoring and the commercialization of newer agents make necessary the update in the management of NMB in the ICU. The NMB agent should be chosen attending to its pharmacokinetics and the physiopathology of the critically ill patient. Those NMB with organ-independent metabolism as well as those with rapid onset of action are the preferred ones for the use in the critically ill patient substituting older depolarizing agents and those whose metabolism is dependent on the liver and/or kidney, organs frequently impaired in the critically ill patients. Neuromuscular blocking in the critically ill patient should be done according to protocols and monitor its effects in order to avoid complications related to its prolonged use (AU)

Depresión y uso de antidepresivos en el paciente crítico / Depression and use of antidepressants in the critical patient

Un porcentaje importante de pacientes críticos sufre depresión durante su estancia en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Esta patología, en muchos casos infradetectada por los intensivistas, tiene un probado efecto negativo sobre el pronóstico a medio y largo plazo de los pacientes críticos, por lo que su detección y tratamiento precoz es fundamental. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico de la depresión en las UCI es complicado, ya que no existen herramientas específicas validadas para su uso en este ámbito. El pilar fundamental en el tratamiento de la depresión es la medicación antidepresiva. Todos los antidepresivos tienen eficacia similar, por lo que su elección en el paciente crítico se debe hacer en función de sus efectos colaterales; hasta el momento, no existen estudios sobre su eficacia y seguridad en este tipo de pacientes. A su vez, medidas simples como asegurar el confort del paciente crítico durante su estancia en la UCI y la reintroducción precoz de medicación psicotrópica que el paciente pudiera estar tomando antes de su ingreso pueden mejorar la adaptación emocional del paciente a su nueva situación (AU)

A large percentage of critically ill patients suffer from depression while admitted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This pathology, often underdiagnosed by intensive care professionals has a proved negative impact on median-large outcome, which makes early detection and management a key issue. However diagnosing depression in ICU is a complicated task since there are no validated tools for its detection. The cornerstone intervention for the treatment of depression are antidepressant medication. All antidepressants have similar efficacy profiles. The prescription of a particular agent should be done based in its collateral effects. Unfortunately the efficacy and safety of antidepressant agents has not been evaluated in the critically ill patient. The implementation of simple measures like guarantying comfort during its admission to the ICU and the early reintroduction of any psychotropic medication that the patient could be taking before ICU could improve the emotional adaptation to their new situation (AU)

Using the EuroQol-5D to measure changes in quality of life 12 months after discharge from an intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of critical care patients by diagnostic category. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. HRQOL assessed 3 months before admission and 1 year after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were classified as: trauma injury (TI), scheduled surgery (SS), unscheduled surgery (US), and other medical conditions (MC). SETTING: Department of Intensive Medicine, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain. PATIENTS: Three hundred and thirty-four patients admitted to ICU from October 1994 to June 1995 (62 TI patients, 181 SS patients, 19 US patients, and 72 MC patients). INTERVENTIONS: Surgical and medical procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Changes in HRQOL varied considerably between diagnostic categories, with TI patients having significantly worse HRQOL one year after discharge from the ICU compared to 3 months prior to admission [change in median EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) score from 100 to 65, P<0.001], and SS patients reporting improved HRQOL (change in median EQ-VAS scores from 60 to 75, P<0.001). Slight deterioration was observed in the other two diagnostic categories. Twelve months after discharge, the EQ dimension in which the largest proportion of patients in all groups reported problems was usual activities (47% of SS and US patients; 69% of TI patients). Using proxy scores at baseline or follow-up had little effect on results. CONCLUSIONS: The degree and direction of change in ICU patients' HRQOL 1 year after discharge depends considerably on diagnostic category. Proxy responses can be reliably used with the EQ-5D when measuring change in HRQOL.

Proxy-perceived prior health status and hospital outcome among the critically ill: is there any relationship?

OBJECTIVES: To measure the health status of critically ill patients prior to hospital admission and to study the relationship between prior health status (PHS) and hospital mortality. DESIGN: 523 patients admitted to the intensive care department from October 1994 to June 1995 were included consecutively in the study. Health status 3 months prior to admission was assessed retrospectively by proxies using the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KF). Patients were classified into four admission categories: trauma injury, scheduled surgery, unscheduled surgery and other medical conditions. SETTING: Department of Intensive Medicine, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain. PATIENTS: 84 trauma injury patients, 239 scheduled surgery patients, 57 unscheduled surgery patients and 143 patients with other medical conditions. INTERVENTIONS: The descriptive system and visual analogue scale (VAS) of the EQ-5D and the K.F. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Using proxy responses we found that trauma injury patients had the best PHS and scheduled surgery patients the worst. There were statistically significant differences in mean VAS scores and all EQ-5D dimensions, except self-care, when trauma injury patients or scheduled surgery patients were compared with the other admission categories. No significant differences were found on these variables between unscheduled surgery patients and medical patients. We found no statistically significant differences in PHS health status between patients who died and those who survived, either within each admission category or in the sample as a whole. CONCLUSIONS: The PHS of critically ill patients varied according to admission category. Given the instruments used and population studied, there was no association between PHS and hospital outcome.

Engraftment syndrome and survival after respiratory failure post-bone marrow transplantation.

Respiratory failure (RF) requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) is a frequent, critical complication of bone marrow transplantation. RF has a global survival rate at 6 months of between 2 and 5%, depending on the patient group. Recently, a type of RF associated with hemoperipheric recovery has been described. This is known as engraftment syndrome. We have documented two cases of RF that follow the engraftment syndrome criteria and needed MV. Both patients had all the features identified for a bad prognosis described in the literature. Both are alive after being discharged from the hospital 20 months ago.