Steroids in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A panacea or still a puzzle?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a unique entity marked by various etiologies and heterogenous pathophysiologies. There remain concerns regarding the efficacy of particular medications for each severity level apart from respiratory support. Among several pharmacotherapies which have been examined in the treatment of ARDS, corticosteroids, in particular, have demonstrated potential for improving the resolution of ARDS. Nevertheless, it is imperative to consider the potential adverse effects of hyperglycemia, susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections, and the development of intensive care unit acquired weakness when administering corticosteroids. Thus far, a multitude of trials spanning several decades have investigated the role of corticosteroids in ARDS. Further stringent trials are necessary to identify particular subgroups before implementing corticosteroids more widely in the treatment of ARDS. This review article provides a concise overview of the most recent evidence regarding the role and impact of corticosteroids in the management of ARDS.

Correlation of Common Carotid Artery Blood Flow Parameters With Transthoracic Echocardiographic Cardiac Output for Assessing Fluid Responsiveness After Passive Leg Raising (PLR) Test in Critically Ill Patients.

Introduction The passive leg raising (PLR) test is a simple, non-invasive method of knowing fluid responsiveness by acting as an internal-fluid challenge. The PLR test coupled with a non-invasive assessment of stroke volume would be the ideal method to assess fluid responsiveness. This study aimed to determine the correlation between transthoracic echocardiographic cardiac output (TTE-CO) and common carotid artery blood flow (CCABF) parameters in determining fluid responsiveness with the PLR test. Methods  We performed a prospective observational study on 40 critically ill patients. Patients were evaluated with a 7-13 MHz linear transducer probe for CCABF parameters calculated using time-averaged mean velocity (TAmean) and with a 1-5 MHz cardiac probe equipped with tissue doppler imaging (TDI) for TTE-CO calculated using left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) with an apical five-chamber view. Two separate PLR tests (five minutes apart) were done within 48 hours of ICU admission. The first PLR test was to assess the effects on TTE-CO. The second PLR test was performed to assess the effects on CCABF parameters. Patients were designated as fluid responders (FR) if changes in TTE-CO (Δ TTE-CO) ≥ 10 %. Results  A positive PLR test was observed in 33% of patients. A strong correlation was present between absolute values of TTE-CO calculated using LVOT VTI and the absolute values of CCABF calculated using TAmean (r=0.60, p<0.05). However, a weak correlation was found between Δ TTE-CO and changes in CCABF (Δ CCABF) during the PLR test (r=0.05, p<0.74). A positive PLR test response could not be detected by Δ CCABF (area under the curve (AUC): 0.59 ± 0.09). Conclusions We found a moderate correlation between TTE-CO and CCABF at baseline. However, Δ TTE-CO had a very poor correlation with Δ CCABF, during the PLR test. Considering this, CCABF parameters may not be recommended as a means to detect fluid responsiveness with PLR tests in critically ill patients.

General Severity of Illness Scoring Systems and COVID-19 Mortality Predictions: Is "Old Still Gold?"

How to cite this article: Siddiqui SS, Patnaik R, Kulkarni AP. General Severity of Illness Scoring Systems and COVID-19 Mortality Predictions: Is "Old Still Gold?" Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(4):416-418.

Dengue and HELLP: Beware of the Masquerade.

HELLP is a syndrome characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. It is a rare complication of pregnancy and is usually associated with pre-eclampsia. However, 10-20% cases of HELLP can present without hypertension. Dengue fever is an arboviral-borne tropical illness that is characterized with fever, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding manifestations. We present a case of a primigravida with HELLP syndrome masquerading in the background of dengue fever. Unique features to this case report include delayed presentation of HELLP syndrome with normotension which can have overlapping features with dengue fever, especially in term pregnancy. This case highlights the need of strict vigilance in cases of dengue fever with pregnancy. How to cite this article: Patnaik R, Kulkarni S, Karan N. Dengue and HELLP: Beware of the Masquerade. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(5):639-640.