Use of the CytoSorb adsorber in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

CytoSorb is a hemoadsorptive column used to remove high concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in septic shock. Data on CytoSorb application in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is lacking. This retrospective observational study analyzed 21 ACLF patients admitted to ICUs at the Vienna General Hospital who received CytoSorb adsorber therapy between 2017 and 2023. Median ICU length of stay was 8 days (IQR: 3-13), the ICU survival rate was 23.8% (n = 5). Significant decreases in bilirubin (median peak: 20.7 mg/dL to median post-treatment: 10.8 mg/dL; - 47.8%; p < 0.001), procalcitonin (1.34 to 0.74 pg/mL; - 44.6%; p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (385 to 131 ng/mL; - 66.0%; p = 0.0182)-but also of platelets (72 to 31 G/L; - 56.9%; p = 0.0014) and fibrinogen (230 to 154 mg/dL; - 33.0%; p = 0.0297) were detected. ICU survivors had a trend towards a stronger relative decrease in bilirubin (- 76.1% vs. - 48.2%), procalcitonin (- 90.6% vs. - 23.5%), and IL-6 (- 54.6% vs. - 17.8%) upon CytoSorb treatment. Moreover, no serious CytoSorb-attributed complications were detected. In conclusion, use of CytoSorb adsorber in ACLF patients results in a significant decrease in bilirubin and proinflammatory cytokines, while platelets and fibrinogen were also lowered. Prospective trials are warranted to investigate the impact of CytoSorb on clinical outcomes of ACLF patients with high proinflammatory cytokine levels.

Hypophosphatemia after Start of Medical Nutrition Therapy Indicates Early Refeeding Syndrome and Increased Electrolyte Requirements in Critically Ill Patients but Has No Impact on Short-Term Survival.

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a potentially life-threatening complication in malnourished (critically ill) patients. The presence of various accepted RFS definitions and the inclusion of heterogeneous patient populations in the literature has led to discrepancies in reported incidence rates in patients requiring treatment at an intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a prospective observational study from 2010 to 2013 to assess the RFS incidence and clinical characteristics among medical ICU patients at a large tertiary center. RFS was defined as a decrease of more than 0.16 mmol/L serum phosphate to values below 0.65 mmol/L within seven days after the start of medical nutrition therapy or pre-existing serum phosphate levels below 0.65 mmol/L. Overall, 195 medical patients admitted to the ICU were included. RFS was recorded in 92 patients (47.18%). The presence of RFS indicated significantly altered phosphate and potassium levels and was accompanied by significantly more electrolyte substitutions (phosphate, potassium, and magnesium). No differences in fluid balance, energy delivery, and insulin requirements were detected. The presence of RFS had no impact on ICU length of stay and ICU mortality. Screening for RFS using simple diagnostic criteria based on serum phosphate levels identified critically ill patients with an increased demand for electrolyte substitutions. Therefore, stringent monitoring of electrolyte levels is indicated to prevent life-threatening complications.

Sustained Treatment Response after Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in a Patient with Therapy-Resistant COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report.

Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a severe complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and is often challenging in intensive care treatment. Potential positive effects of intravenous cyclophosphamide have been reported in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). However, there are no data on the use of high-dose cyclophosphamide in therapy-resistant COVID-19 ARDS. We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Medical University of Vienna due to severe COVID-19 ARDS who required venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with a total runtime of 85 days. Despite all these therapeutic efforts, he remained in a condition of therapy-resistant ARDS. Unfortunately, the patient was denied for lung transplantation. However, a significant improvement in his respiratory condition was achieved after the administration of an intravenous regimen of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone. After a period of consecutive stabilization, the patient was transferred to the normal ward after 125 days of intensive care treatment. There is a substantial lack of therapeutic options in therapy-resistant ARDS. Our case report suggests that cyclophosphamide may represent a new treatment strategy in therapy-resistant ARDS. Due to its severe adverse effect profile, cyclophosphamide should be used after careful evaluation of a patient's general condition.

Age-dependent differences in energy metabolism in the acute phase of critical illness.

OBJECTIVES: Resting energy expenditure (REE) declines with age in healthy individuals, independent of the age-related decrease in lean body mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this holds true in critically ill medical patients. Moreover, we assessed how measured REE compares with energy requirements calculated by prediction equations in different age groups. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 200 critically ill medical patients with need for mechanical ventilation underwent indirect calorimetry within 72 h of admission after an overnight fast to determine REE. REE was adjusted for body weight (REEaBW). Patients were divided into age quartiles (I: 18-35, n = 21; II: 36-52, n = 43; III 53-69, n = 93; IV = 70-86 y, n = 43). Sex, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, temperature at time of measurement, height, weight, and body mass index were assessed. We calculated energy requirements by Harris-Benedict and Mifflin-St. Jeor equations. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group comparisons. Parameters that were significant in univariate regression entered the multivariate regression model. RESULTS: REE (P = 0.009) and REEaBW (P < 0.001) declined with age in our study population. Multivariate regression reveals age (R = -8.49 (95% CI -8.30- -1.83), P = 0.003), P = 0.004) and body temperature (R = 92.52 (95% CI 40.08-135.97, P < 0.001) as independent predictors for REE. CONCLUSION: REE and REEaBW decrease with age in critically ill medical patients. Age and body temperature are independent predictors of both REE and REEaBW. Prediction equations underestimate energy requirements in critically ill medical patients.