Sound waves and solutions: Point-of-care ultrasonography for acute kidney injury in cirrhosis.

This article delves into the intricate challenges of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhosis, a condition fraught with high morbidity and mortality. The complexities arise from distinguishing between various causes of AKI, particularly hemodynamic AKI, in cirrhotic patients, who experience hemodynamic changes due to portal hypertension. The term "hepatocardiorenal syndrome" is introduced to encapsulate the intricate interplay among the liver, heart, and kidneys. The narrative emphasizes the often-overlooked aspect of cardiac function in AKI assessments in cirrhosis, unveiling the prevalence of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy marked by impaired diastolic function. The conventional empiric approach involving volume expansion and vasopressors for hepatorenal syndrome is critically analyzed, highlighting potential risks and variable patient responses. We advocate for a nuanced algorithm for AKI evaluation in cirrhosis, prominently featuring point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). POCUS applications encompass assessing fluid tolerance, detecting venous congestion, and evaluating cardiac function.

Point of care ultrasonography as the new "Laennec Sthetoscope".

Point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) has evolved to become the fifth pillar of the conventional physical examination, and use of POCUS protocols have significantly decreased procedure complications and time to diagnose. However, lack of experience in POCUS by preceptors in medical schools and nephrology residency programs are significant barriers to implement a broader use. In rural and low-income areas POCUS may have a transformative effect on health care management.

Microchip Versus Piezoelectric Point of Care Ultrasonography for Pulmonary and Vena Cava Evaluation in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury.

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as an important tool for examining critically ill patients. POCUS devices have become progressively smaller and more accessible, transforming medical practice, and reducing costs. One technological breakthrough was the development of ultraportable scanners with microchip technology, which utilize a probe connected to a smartphone or tablet and incorporate a mobile application that employs artificial intelligence to assist in the interpretation of acquired images. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound microchip technology with traditional piezoelectric crystal ultrasonography. We analyzed 2 volume status parameters in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who were receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT). These parameters were the extravascular pulmonary water, using the lung B-lines; and the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCi). Methods: Fifty critically ill patients met the study criteria. Lung POCUS quantified B-lines in 8 quadrants. The IVCi was measured using the maximum and minimum diameters during a respiratory cycle. Both technologies were sequentially employed in a randomized fashion to acquire the parameters at 2 different time points: before the initiation of KRT (T0) and 60 minutes after the procedure had commenced (T60). We calculated the correlation and agreement between the 2 ultrasound scanner modalities. Results: The correlation between the 2 technologies for evaluating lung B-lines showed strong positive coefficients, ⍴ = 0.96 and ⍴ = 0.93 at T0 and T60, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The correlation for IVCi was ρ = 0.70 and ρ = 0.87 at T0 and T60, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). The Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between ultrasound methods for IVCi calculation and B-line quantification. For IVCi calculation at T0, bias was +2.69 (SD: 10.6) (95% confidence interval [CI]: -18.13 to +23.52); at T60, bias was 3.28 (SD: 10.23) (95% CI: -16.77 to +23.34). For B-line quantification, the analysis yielded a bias of -0.3 (SD: 2.73), with a 95% CI of -5.66 to +5.06 at T0; and a bias of 0.2 (SD: 3.23), with a 95% CI of -6.14 to +6.54 at T60. Conclusion: Our study observed a good correlation and agreement between microchip and piezoelectric-based ultrasound modalities in evaluating the presence of pulmonary B-lines and inferior vena cava (IVC) dynamics in patients with AKI. Microchip ultrasound, in addition to being portable, user-friendly, and cost-effective, consistently delivers bedside parameters for volume assessment that are comparable to those obtained through POCUS using piezoelectric transducer-based ultrasonography.

Ecografía realizada por cirujanos generales más allá de la evaluación enfocada al trauma / Echography Scans Performed by General Surgeons beyond Focused Assessment for Trauma

Introducción: La ecografía es considerada en la actualidad una modalidad de imagen establecida en medicina con múltiples beneficios que se utiliza ampliamente en la práctica quirúrgica. Los cirujanos son entrenados en exploraciones de Evaluación Ecográfica Enfocada para el Trauma. Sin embargo, cada vez adquieren más habilidades para realizar ecografías, tanto al lado de la cama como en el transoperatorio para otras presentaciones quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Exponer el uso de la ecografía realizada por el cirujano general ante el paciente quirúrgico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica del tema en las bases de datos PubMed, BVS-BIREME y Cochrane. Se consideraron en la búsqueda todo tipo de estudios publicados desde enero de 1958 hasta enero del 2022, a los cuales se tuvo acceso. Los idiomas utilizados en la búsqueda fueron el español y el inglés. Desarrollo: La ecografía realizada por el cirujano general es cada vez más preconizada a nivel mundial, no solo para el trauma sino tanto en afecciones agudas intrabdominales como para aumentar la seguridad durante el transoperatorio. Conclusiones: La ecografía tiene muchas ventajas debido a que es una técnica segura, rápida, no invasiva, portátil y repetible, que brinda imágenes dinámicas en tiempo real relevantes para el manejo del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Echography is nowadays considered an established imaging modality in medicine and with multiple benefits, as well as widely used in surgical practice. Surgeons are trained in focused assessment with echography for trauma. However, they are becoming increasingly skilled in performing echography scans, both at the point of care and in the transoperative setting for other surgical presentations. Objective: To expose the use of echography performed by the general surgeon directly on the surgical patient. Methods: A bibliographic review of the subject was carried out in the PubMed, BVS-BIREME and Cochrane databases. All types of studies published from January 1958 to January 2022, to which access was available, were considered in the search. The languages used in the search were Spanish and English. Development: The echography scan performed by the general surgeon is increasingly advocated worldwide, not only for trauma but also for acute intraabdominal conditions, as well as to increase safety during the transoperative period. Conclusions: Echography has many advantages because it is a safe, fast, noninvasive, portable and repeatable technique that provides real-time dynamic images relevant to patient management(AU)

Point of care venous Doppler ultrasound: Exploring the missing piece of bedside hemodynamic assessment.

Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic status is vital for appropriate management of patients with critical illness. As such, there has been a constant quest for reliable and non-invasive bedside tools to assess and monitor circulatory status in order to ensure end-organ perfusion. In the recent past, point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable adjunct to physical examination in various specialties, which basically is a clinician-performed bedside ultrasound to answer focused questions. POCUS allows visualization of the internal anatomy and flow dynamics in real time, guiding apt interventions. While both arterial (forward flow) and venous (organ outflow or afterload) limbs of hemodynamic circuit are important for tissue perfusion, the venous side remains relatively under-explored. With recent data underscoring the deleterious consequences of iatrogenic volume overload, objective evaluation of venous congestion is gaining attention. Bedside Doppler ultrasound serves this purpose and aids in diagnosing and monitoring the congestion/venous blood flow pattern. In this article, we summarize the rationale for integrating this technology into routine care of patients with volume-related disorders, discuss the normal and abnormal waveforms, limitations, and future directions.

El ultrasonido, de la cabecera del paciente al aula / Ultrasound, from the Patient's Bedside to the Classroom

Resumen: En los últimos años la ecografía a la cabecera del paciente ha crecido exponencialmente. Su aplicación es observada en el quirófano, en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, en urgencias, en la atención de primer nivel e incluso en el trabajo de campo. Es tan versátil que facilita el diagnóstico, mejora la monitorización de los pacientes y apoya en los procedimientos invasivos, todo esto de forma segura y eficaz. En el área de la educación médica ha permeado hasta el pregrado, donde ya se le propone como una herramienta didáctica que permite la vinculación entre el conocimiento de las ciencias básicas y la aplicación clínica. La ecografía corresponde a uno de los instrumentos más versátiles en la medicina contemporánea, por lo que se hace obligada y prioritaria una mayor capacitación e investigación en el tema.

Abstract: In recent years, ultrasound at the patient's bedside has exponentially grown. Its application has been observed in the operating room, intensive care units, emergency rooms, first-level care and even in field work. It is so versatile that it facilitates diagnosis, improves patient monitoring and supports invasive procedures, all in a safe and effective manner. It has been used as a didactic tool in medical education that helps create a link between basic sciences and clinical application. Ultrasound is one of the most versatile instruments in contemporary medicine, hence, more training and research in the subject is a must and a priority.