The Relationship Between Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis Patients and Coagulation Dysfunction and Prognosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ARF and coagulopathy in patients with sepsis and to explore the prognostic value of these conditions. Patients and Methods: The data of 271 patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy admitted from June 2021 to June 2022 were reviewed. The patients were divided into a survival group and a nonsurviving group according to patient prognosis. Independent sample t tests were utilized to compare laboratory parameters within 24 hours of admission, as well as the APACHE II and SOFA scores, between the two patient groups. According to the sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC) grading criteria for grading, Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between blood creatinine and SAC grading and assignment scores, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox's proportional risk regression model were used to explore the factors affecting the prognosis of SAC patients. Results: Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between serum creatinine (Scr) concentration, SAC classification, and SAC score, with coefficients above 0.7. SAC classification outcomes varied significantly with severity: mild severity had a 77.6% survival rate versus 22.4% mortality; moderate severity had 21.5% survival versus 78.5% mortality; and severe cases had a 0.7% survival rate versus 99.3% mortality (P<0.01 for all). Multivariate analysis revealed significant predictors of outcome, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with an OR of 2.070 (P=0.019); the SOFA score (OR=1.200, P<0.01); the international normalized ratio (INR) (OR=0.72, P=0.013); and the Scr level (OR=0.995, P<0.01). The areas under the ROC curves for the SOFA score, APACHE II score, and SAC classification were >0.8, all P < 0.05. Conclusion: In patients with sepsis, SAC grade 3 or a SAC score of 4 or higher is associated with poorer prognosis, and the interaction of acute kidney injury exacerbates the degree of SAC, consequently affecting prognosis.

To investigate the relationship between acute renal dysfunction and coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis and to explore the prognostic value of these conditions. We collected information and laboratory indicators from 271 patients, classified these two groups of patients according to the grading criteria for sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC), and compared the differences between them. We utilized Spearman correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between blood creatinine and the severity of sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC). Additionally, we employed a Cox proportional hazards regression model to study the factors influencing the prognosis of SAC patients. This study revealed a significant positive correlation between blood creatinine levels and SAC grade. Furthermore, the presence of MODS, INR, blood creatinine, and SOFA score can serve as independent predictive factors for mortality. We can infer that there is a significant correlation between coagulation function parameters and blood creatinine levels, which play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognostic analysis of sepsis. In patients with sepsis, a higher grade of SAC or an SAC score of 4 or higher indicates a poorer prognosis. Additionally, the interaction with acute kidney injury exacerbates the severity of SAC, thereby impacting patient prognosis.

Heat Stroke: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current treatment.

Recently, the incidence of heat-related illnesses has exhibited a steadily upward trend, closely associated with several environmental factors such as climate change and air pollution. The progression of heat-related illnesses is a continuous process and can progress to the terminal period when it transforms into heat stroke, the most severe form. Heat stroke is markedly by a core body temperature above 40°C and central nervous system dysfunction. Current knowledge suggests that the pathogenesis of heat stroke is complex and varied, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cell death, and coagulation dysfunction. This review consolidated recent research progress on the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of heat stroke, with a focus on the related molecular mechanisms. In addition, we reviewed common strategies and sorted out the drugs in various preclinical stages for heat stroke, aiming to offer a comprehensive research roadmap for more in-depth researches into the mechanisms of heat stroke and the reduction in the mortality of heat stroke in the future.

Vascular endothelium, a promising target for effectively treating fulminant diquat intoxication?

Following the withdrawal of paraquat, diquat (DQ) has emerged as the predominant herbicide. When people come into contact with or ingest DQ, may lead to poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes. Reports suggest that the mortality of DQ poisoning can be as high as 50%. DQ poisoning can be categorized as mild, moderate to severe or fulminant. In cases of fulminant poisoning, victims often succumb to multiple organ failure within 48 h. This presents a significant challenge in the clinical management. Scholars have discovered that oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and cell apoptosis play crucial roles in the DQ poisoning. However, the underlying connection of the extensive organ damage remains unknown. The abnormal function and activity of endothelial cells (EC) should play a crucial role in tissue damage caused by DQ due to rich microcirculation and high sensitivity to perfusion in the vulnerable organs. However, reports on DQ-induced EC injury is rare. We made a preliminary discovery-the presence of severe vascular endothelial damage in the kidneys and lungs affected by DQ. Therefore, we hypothesize that DQ poisoning may be attributed to EC damage, ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure.

The role of gut microbiota and the gut-lung axis in sepsis: A case study of a pregnant woman with severe rickettsial pneumonia and septic shock complicated by MODS.

Key Clinical Message: In this case report, we describe the successful management of severe scrub typhus with pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction in a pregnant woman. Despite initial challenges, the patient responded favorably to fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy. Abstract: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, can lead to severe multiorgan dysfunction and carries a mortality rate of up to 70% if not treated properly. In this report, we present the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman at 18 + 6 weeks gestation whose symptoms worsened 15 days after onset and progressed to severe pneumonia with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. After the pathogen was confirmed by next-generation sequencing analysis of bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid and blood samples, the patient's treatment was switched to antiinfective chloramphenicol. The patient also underwent uterine evacuation due to a miscarriage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was discontinued once the pulmonary infection significantly improved. Subsequently, the patient had recurrent diarrhea, abdominal distension, and difficulty eating. The antibiotic regimen was adjusted according to the drug sensitivity, but the diarrhea and abdominal distension still did not improve. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary risk assessment, we initiated fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy. As a result, the patient's condition was effectively managed, and they were gradually discharged. Fecal microbiota transplantation may be a safe and effective treatment for severe pneumonia and shock in pregnant women. This has significant implications for maternal health. However, further clinical cases are required to observe its long-term effectiveness.

A Rare Case of Acute Pancreatitis as an Initial Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute pancreatitis is a rare manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia which can be a presentation at the initial diagnosis or during or after the onset of the disease. Acute myeloid leukemia occurs due to the abnormal proliferation of undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow which alter the normal hematopoiesis. We report the case of a 32-year-old male admitted with a one-month history of fever and backache, followed by 15 days of blackish stool discoloration and two days of abdominal pain and reduced urine output. On clinical examination, he was hypoxic with respiratory distress with epigastric tenderness. Blood investigations and imaging were consistent with acute pancreatitis. A complete blood count with peripheral smear showed severe normocytic normochromic anemia and an increased myeloid series containing 50% myeloblasts and 30% monoblasts. Additionally, some cells displayed cytoplasmic vacuolations, with a reticulocyte count of 2%. These findings were suggestive of acute myeloid leukemia M5. Due to the poor Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), he was intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation. Unfortunately, he did not improve despite treatment and succumbed to the illness.

Does Ileus Represent the Forgotten End Organ Failure in Critical Illness?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates the current literature on ileus, impaired gastrointestinal transit (IGT), and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) and its impact on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS: Ileus is often under recognized in critically ill patients and is associated with significant morbidity and is potentially a marker of disease severity as seen in other organs like kidneys (ATN).

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

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

Laparoscopic treatment of a patient with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome induced by necrotising fasciitis.

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon surgical emergency that threatens the life and health of patients. We report the treatment of a 76-year-old female patient with NF. The patient developed NF due to chronic poor glycaemic control, which further progressed to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to the severity of the hyperglycaemia. After resuscitation at the intensive care unit, surgical treatment was recommended and the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery. She had an uneventful post-operative recovery with aggressive anti-inflammatory therapy, glycaemic control and systemic nutritional support. There were no recurrences during the next 6 months of follow-up. NF should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible to gain valuable treatment time for the patient. Laparoscopic surgery is a treatment option.

Sepsis and multi-organ failure due to genital herpes in a healthy person.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is highly prevalent in several regions of the world and is the main pathogen causing genital herpes, which is transmitted almost exclusively through sexual contact. Systemically disseminated infections caused by HSV-2 are rare and most often seen in newborns, pregnant women, or immunocompromised populations. The virus can invade multiple organs and cause damage. In this paper, we present an extremely rare case of an immunocompetent 36-year-old male who came to our hospital with a high fever with abdominal pain and died of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome within a short period. After the exclusion of common pathogens such as bacterial and fungal infections during hospitalization, metagenomic next generation sequencing of the patient's peripheral blood and ascites gave us the answer, and very high nucleic acid sequence counts of HSV-2 were detected in both his peripheral blood and ascites, confirming HSV-2 as the causative virus. In addition, this paper provides a brief review of the relevant literature.

Association between lactic acidosis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Background: The relationship between hyperlactatemia and prognosis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is controversial, and some studies ignore the presence of lactic acidosis in patients with severe hyperlactacemia. This study explored the association between lactic acidosis (LA) and the occurrence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This study was a post hoc analysis of patients who underwent cardiac surgery between February 2017 and August 2018 and participated in a prospective study at Taizhou Hospital. The data were collected at: ICU admission (H0), and 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after admission. Blood lactate levels gradually increased after CPB, peaking at H8 and then gradually decreasing. The patients were grouped as LA, hyperlactatemia (HL), and normal control (NC) based on blood test results 8 h after ICU admission. Basic preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative conditions were compared between the three groups, as well as postoperative perfusion and oxygen metabolism indexes. Results: There were 22 (19%), 73 (64%), and 19 (17%) patients in the LA, HL, and NC groups, respectively. APACHE II (24h) and SOFA (24h) scores were the highest in the LA group (P < 0.05). ICU stay duration was the longest for the LA group (48.5 (42.5, 50) h), compared with the HL (27 (22, 48) h) and NC (27 (25, 46) h) groups (P = 0.012). The LA group had the highest incidence of MODS (36%), compared with the HL (14%) and NC (5%) groups (P = 0.015). In the LA group, the oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) was lower (21.5 (17.05, 32.8)%) than in the HL (31.3 (24.8, 37.6)%) and the NC group (31.3 (29.0, 35.4) %) (P = 0.018). In the univariable analyses, patient age (OR = 1.054, 95% CI [1.003-1.109], P = 0.038), the LA group (vs. the NC group, (OR = 10.286, 95% CI [1.148-92.185], P = 0.037), and ΔPCO2 at H8 (OR = 1.197, 95% CI [1.022-1.401], P = 0.025) were risk factor of MODS after CPB. Conclusions: We speculated that there was correlation between lactic acidosis and MODS after CPB. In addition, LA should be monitored intensively after CPB.

The role of proteomics in acute pancreatitis: new and old knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: Around 20% of individuals diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP) may develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), possibly resulting in a mortality rate ranging from 15% to 35%. There is an urgent need to thoroughly understand the molecular phenotypes of SAP resulting from diverse etiologies. The field of translational research on AP has seen the use of several innovative proteomic methodologies via the ongoing improvement of isolation, tagging, and quantification methods. AREAS COVERED: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified in AP by searching the PubMed/MEDLINE database (2003-2023) and adds significantly to the current theoretical framework. EXPERT OPINION: DAPs for potentially diagnosing AP based on proteomic identification need to be confirmed by multi-center studies that include larger samples. The discovery of DAPs in various organs at different AP stages via proteomic technologies is essential better to understand the pathophysiology of AP-related multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Regarding the translational research of AP, novel approaches like single-cell proteomics and imaging using mass spectrometry may be used as soon as they become available.

A Case of Severe Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Myocardial Damage and Multi-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in a Patient with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia.

In recent years, healthcare systems worldwide have faced the challenge of the severe COVID-19 pandemic. However, cases of severe rhabdomyolysis, acute myocardial damage, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) caused by COVID-19 are currently rare. This report presents a case of severe rhabdomyolysis, acute myocardial damage, and MODS caused by COVID-19. The patient was treated at The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. The purpose of this report is to aid clinicians in quickly identifying and treating similar cases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Analysis of risk factors for acute kidney injury in children with severe wasp stings.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in children with sepsis, chronic kidney disease, poisoning or other conditions. Wasp stings are recognized as an important etiology. Several retrospective studies have investigated AKI after wasp stings in adults, but research on children remains limited. METHODS: The study included 48 children with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome after wasp stings. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, management and clinical outcomes were collected, and analyzed to identify early indicators or risk factors for AKI. RESULTS: 20 children (41.7%) developed AKI, and 28 (58.3%) did not. Serum creatine levels elevated mostly within 24 h from stings in children with AKI (16/20, 80%). Compared with non-AKI group, AKI group exhibited more cases with cola-colored urine, jaundice, and had higher sting numbers/body surface area (BSA) and higher revised sequential organ failure assessment scores (rSOFA) as well as higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), and longer prothrombin time (PT). Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis identified cola-colored urine as a potential early risk factor for AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The AKI group exhibited higher sting numbers/BSA, higher levels of CRP, ALT, AST, TBIL, LDH, cTnI, and CK, as well as longer PT (p < 0.05). Our findings also suggest that cola-colored urine may serve as an early indicator or potential risk factor for AKI after wasp stings in children, which is very easy to identify for first aiders or pediatricians.

Treatment of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) with an electromagnetic field coupled to biorhythmically defined impulse configuration: the MicrocircMODS study.

BACKGROUND: To potentially improve impaired vasomotion of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), we tested whether an electromagnetic field of low flux density coupled with a biorhythmically defined impulse configuration (Physical Vascular Therapy BEMER®, PVT), in addition to standard care, is safe and feasible and might improve disturbed microcirculatory blood flow and thereby improve global haemodynamics. METHODS: In a prospective, monocentric, one-arm pilot study, 10 MODS patients (APACHE II score 20-35) were included. Patients were treated, in addition to standard care, for 4 days with PVT (3 treatment periods of 8 min each day; day 1: field intensity 10.5 µT; day 2:14 µT, day 3:17.5 µT; day 4:21.0 µT). Primary endpoint was the effect of PVT on sublingual microcirculatory perfusion, documented by microvascular flow index (MFI). Patient safety, adverse events, and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: An increase in MFI by approximately 25% paralleled 4-day PVT, with the increase starting immediately after the first PVT and lasting over the total 4-day treatment period. Concerning global haemodynamics (secondary endpoints), halving vasopressor use within 24 h, and haemodynamic stabilisation paralleled 4-day PVT with an increase in cardiac index, stroke volume index, and cardiac power index by 30%-50%. No adverse events (AEs) or serious adverse events (SAEs) were classified as causally related to the medical product (PVT) or study. Three patients died within 28 days and one patient between 28 and 180 days. CONCLUSION: PVT treatment was feasible and safe and could be performed without obstruction of standard patient care. An increase in microcirculatory blood flow, a rapid reduction in vasopressor use, and an improvement in global haemodynamics paralleled PVT treatment. Findings of this pilot study allowed forming a concept for a randomized trial for further proof.

Oxygen Debt as Predictor of Mortality and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Oxygen debt (DEOx) represents the disparity between resting and shock oxygen consumption (VO2) and is associated with metabolic insufficiency, acidosis, severity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess the reliability of DEOx as an indirect quantitative measure for predicting multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and 28-day mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with respiratory syndrome severe acute coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, in comparison to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA), and 4C scores. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection between 2020 and 2021. Clinical data were extracted from the EPIMED Monitor Database®. APACHE II, SOFA, and 4C scores were calculated upon ICU admission, and their accuracy in predicting 28-day mortality and MODS was compared to DEOx. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the outcome variables. Results: 708 patients were included, with a mortality rate of 44.4%. DEOx value was 11.16 ml O2/kg. The mean age was 58.7 years. Multivariate analysis showed that DEOx was independently associated with mortality, intubation, and renal injury. Each point increase in creatinine was associated with a higher risk of MODS. To determine the precision of the scores, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) analysis was performed with weak discrimination and similar behavior for the primary outcomes. The most accurate scale for mortality and MODS was 4C with an AUC of 0.683 and APACHE II with an AUC of 0.814, while that of the AUROC of DEOx was 0.612 and 0.646, respectively. Conclusions: DEOx showed similar predictive value to established scoring systems in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The correlation of DEOx with these scores may facilitate early intervention in critically ill patients.

Machine learning-driven identification of the gene-expression signature associated with a persistent multiple organ dysfunction trajectory in critical illness.

BACKGROUND: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) disproportionately drives morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients. However, we lack a comprehensive understanding of its pathobiology. Identification of genes associated with a persistent MODS trajectory may shed light on underlying biology and allow for accurate prediction of those at-risk. METHODS: Secondary analyses of publicly available gene-expression datasets. Supervised machine learning (ML) was used to identify a parsimonious set of genes associated with a persistent MODS trajectory in a training set of pediatric septic shock. We optimized model parameters and tested risk-prediction capabilities in independent validation and test datasets, respectively. We compared model performance relative to an established gene-set predictive of sepsis mortality. FINDINGS: Patients with a persistent MODS trajectory had 568 differentially expressed genes and characterized by a dysregulated innate immune response. Supervised ML identified 111 genes associated with the outcome of interest on repeated cross-validation, with an AUROC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.88) in the training set. The optimized model, limited to 20 genes, achieved AUROCs ranging from 0.74 to 0.79 in the validation and test sets to predict those with persistent MODS, regardless of host age and cause of organ dysfunction. Our classifier demonstrated reproducibility in identifying those with persistent MODS in comparison with a published gene-set predictive of sepsis mortality. INTERPRETATION: We demonstrate the utility of supervised ML driven identification of the genes associated with persistent MODS. Pending validation in enriched cohorts with a high burden of organ dysfunction, such an approach may inform targeted delivery of interventions among at-risk patients. FUNDING: H.R.W.'s NIHR35GM126943 award supported the work detailed in this manuscript. Upon his death, the award was transferred to M.N.A. M.R.A., N.S.P, and R.K were supported by NIHR21GM151703. R.K. was supported by R01GM139967.

Case report of scrub typhus complicated by hypokalemia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, has a wide range of clinical manifestations, including meningoencephalitis, acute renal failure, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and septic shock. However, there are no documented cases of scrub typhus with hypokalemia. In this report, we present a case of scrub typhus with hypokalemia and multiple organ failure syndrome, highlighting the importance of electrolyte imbalance in patients with scrub typhus. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain that had been present for 1 day. On admission, the physical examination and laboratory test results indicated that the patient had renal, liver, and circulatory failure, and hypokalemia. She developed meningitis and disseminated intravascular coagulation during hospitalization. She recovered with appropriate management, and was discharged on day 17. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the potential for atypical presentations of scrub typhus, including a previously undocumented association with hypokalemia. Although the contribution of hypokalemia to the patient's clinical course remains uncertain, this case underscores the importance of considering electrolyte imbalance in the management of patients with scrub typhus. Further research is warranted to better understand the relationship between scrub typhus and electrolyte imbalance.

Unresponsive Low Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation During Early Intensive Care Unit Stay is Associated With Increased Risk of Organ Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if unresponsive mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) values during early postoperative hours are associated with postoperative organ dysfunction. DESIGN: A single-center retrospective observational study. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 6,282 adult patients requiring cardiac surgery who underwent surgery in a University Hospital from 2007 to 2020. INTERVENTIONS: A pulmonary artery catheter was used to gather SvO2 samples after surgery at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 4 hours later. For the analysis, patients were divided into 4 groups according to their SvO2 values. The rate of organ dysfunctions categorized according to the SOFA score was then studied among these subgroups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The crude mortality rate for the cohort at 1 year was 4.3%. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was present in 33.0% of patients in the early postoperative phase. During the 4-hour initial treatment period, 43% of the 931 patients with low SvO2 on admission responded to goal-directed therapy to increase SvO2 >60%; whereas, in 57% of the 931 patients, the low SvO2 was sustained. According to the adjusted logistic regression analyses, the odds ratio for MODS (4.23 [95% CI 3.41-5.25]), renal- replacement therapy (4.97 [95% CI 3.28-7.52]), time on a ventilator (2.34 [95% CI 2.17-2.52]), and vasoactive-inotropic score >30 (3.62 [95% CI 2.96-4.43]) were the highest in the group with sustained low SvO2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SvO2 <60% at ICU admission and 4 hours later had the greatest risk of postoperative MODS. Responsiveness to a goal-directed therapy protocol targeting maintaining or increasing SvO2 ≥60% at and after ICU admission may be beneficial.

From Heat Stroke to Multi-Organ Failure: A Survivor's Case Report.

A heat stroke (HS) is a medical emergency that can occur when the body is unable to cool itself down after overexertion in a hot condition. It is characterized by a high body temperature (usually greater than 40.5 degrees Celsius or 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit) and altered mental status. HS can cause a wide range of physiological changes in the body, including damage to the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles. In the case report presented, the patient was a 40-year-old man who developed severe HS. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he developed multi-organ failure, involving the brain, liver, kidneys, muscles, and hematological system. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and intubated, despite aggressive treatment. After an 18-day stay in the ICU, the patient achieved full recovery except for myopathy, which necessitated physiotherapy.