A past medical history of heart failure is associated with less fluid therapy in septic patients. / Antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca se associam a tratamento com menor volume de fluidos em pacientes sépticos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying factors that affect fluid resuscitation in septic patients. METHODS: The present study was a case-control study of 181 consecutive patients admitted to a Medical Intensive Care Unit between 2012 and 2016 with a diagnosis of sepsis. Demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory data were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred-thirty patients (72%) received ≥ 30mL/kg of IV fluids on admission. On univariate analyses, a past history of coronary artery disease and heart failure was associated with less fluid therapy. On multivariate analyses, a history of heart failure (OR = 2.31; 95%CI 1.04 - 5.14) remained significantly associated with receiving less IV fluids. Left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic/diastolic function, left ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension were not associated with IV fluids. The amount of IV fluids was not associated with differences in mortality. During the first 24 hours, patients with a past history of heart failure received 2,900mLof IV fluids [1,688 - 4,714mL] versus 3,977mL [2,500 - 6,200mL] received by those without a history of heart failure, p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: Septic patients with a past history of heart failure received 1L less IV fluids in the first 24 hours with no difference in mortality.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores de base que afetam a ressuscitação com fluidos em pacientes sépticos. MÉTODOS: Estudo de caso-controle com 181 pacientes consecutivos admitidos a uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínica entre 2012 e 2016 com diagnóstico de sepse. Analisaram-se os dados demográficos, clínicos, radiológicos e laboratoriais. RESULTADOS: Receberam volume ≥ 30mL/kg de fluidos por via endovenosa quando da admissão 130 pacientes (72%). Nas análises univariadas, histórico pregresso de doença arterial coronária e insuficiência cardíaca se associou com menor volume de terapia com fluidos. Nas análises multivariadas, um histórico de insuficiência cardíaca (RC = 2,31; IC95% 1,04 - 5,14) permaneceu significantemente associado com o recebimento de menor volume de fluidos por via endovenosa. A fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda, a função sistólica/diastólica, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e hipertensão pulmonar não se associaram com a quantidade de fluidos por via endovenosa. A quantidade de fluidos administrados por via endovenosa não se associou com diferenças em termos de mortalidade. Durante as primeiras 24 horas, pacientes com antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca receberam 2.900mL de fluidos endovenosos (1.688 - 4.714mL) em comparação com 3.977mL (2.500 - 6.200mL) recebidos pelos pacientes sem histórico de insuficiência cardíaca (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes sépticos com história pregressa de insuficiência cardíaca receberam 1L de fluidos por via endovenosa a menos nas primeiras 24 horas, sem diferenças em termos de mortalidade.

Antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca se associam a tratamento com menor volume de fluidos em pacientes sépticos / A past medical history of heart failure is associated with less fluid therapy in septic patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os fatores de base que afetam a ressuscitação com fluidos em pacientes sépticos. Métodos: Estudo de caso-controle com 181 pacientes consecutivos admitidos a uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínica entre 2012 e 2016 com diagnóstico de sepse. Analisaram-se os dados demográficos, clínicos, radiológicos e laboratoriais. Resultados: Receberam volume ≥ 30mL/kg de fluidos por via endovenosa quando da admissão 130 pacientes (72%). Nas análises univariadas, histórico pregresso de doença arterial coronária e insuficiência cardíaca se associou com menor volume de terapia com fluidos. Nas análises multivariadas, um histórico de insuficiência cardíaca (RC = 2,31; IC95% 1,04 - 5,14) permaneceu significantemente associado com o recebimento de menor volume de fluidos por via endovenosa. A fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda, a função sistólica/diastólica, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e hipertensão pulmonar não se associaram com a quantidade de fluidos por via endovenosa. A quantidade de fluidos administrados por via endovenosa não se associou com diferenças em termos de mortalidade. Durante as primeiras 24 horas, pacientes com antecedentes de insuficiência cardíaca receberam 2.900mL de fluidos endovenosos (1.688 - 4.714mL) em comparação com 3.977mL (2.500 - 6.200mL) recebidos pelos pacientes sem histórico de insuficiência cardíaca (p = 0,02). Conclusão: Pacientes sépticos com história pregressa de insuficiência cardíaca receberam 1L de fluidos por via endovenosa a menos nas primeiras 24 horas, sem diferenças em termos de mortalidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the underlying factors that affect fluid resuscitation in septic patients. Methods: The present study was a case-control study of 181 consecutive patients admitted to a Medical Intensive Care Unit between 2012 and 2016 with a diagnosis of sepsis. Demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory data were analyzed. Results: One hundred-thirty patients (72%) received ≥ 30mL/kg of IV fluids on admission. On univariate analyses, a past history of coronary artery disease and heart failure was associated with less fluid therapy. On multivariate analyses, a history of heart failure (OR = 2.31; 95%CI 1.04 - 5.14) remained significantly associated with receiving less IV fluids. Left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic/diastolic function, left ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension were not associated with IV fluids. The amount of IV fluids was not associated with differences in mortality. During the first 24 hours, patients with a past history of heart failure received 2,900mLof IV fluids [1,688 - 4,714mL] versus 3,977mL [2,500 - 6,200mL] received by those without a history of heart failure, p = 0.02. Conclusion: Septic patients with a past history of heart failure received 1L less IV fluids in the first 24 hours with no difference in mortality.

Systolic blood pressure values might further risk-stratify the adverse outcomes of LVH in older patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: LVH is highly prevalent in patients with CKD and is independently associated with subsequent cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that adding systolic blood pressure values to LVH might differentiate different subgroups of patients at higher risk of cardiovascular events (CVE) and other adverse outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 243 patients older than 60 years with stages 1-5 pre-dialysis CKD. LVH was assessed by electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. RESULTS: Cardiovascular events occurred in 7 patients (10.3%) among those with SBP <130 and no LVH, 8 patients (10.5%) among those with SBP ≥130 and no LVH, 7 patients (21.2%) among those with SBP <130 and LVH and 25 patients (37.9%) among those with SBP ≥ 130 and LVH. On multivariate analyses, comparing to SBP < 130 and no LVH, the HR for CVE in those with SBP ≥ 130 and LVH was 4 (1.75, 10.3), p = 0.0007; 2.13 (0.71, 6.32) p = 0.16 in those with SBP <130 and LVH and 1.20 (0.42, 3.51) p = 0.72 in those with SBP ≥130 and no LVH. No significant differences were noted in changes in renal function and mortality rates among the groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of higher systolic blood pressure and LVH might identify older patients with CKD at higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes.

Clinical outcomes with a systolic blood pressure lower than 120 mmHg in older patients with high disease burden.

BACKGROUND: The target blood pressure in older patients is controversial. Recent studies provided clinical evidence supporting a target systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg in patients >50 years at high risk of cardiovascular events. METHODS: Retrospective study of 380 consecutive patients ≥60 years with stages 1-5 pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease seen between January 2013 and November 2015. The outcomes of a systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg in older patients with chronic kidney disease and multiple comorbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients had a systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg, 312 patients had a systolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg. Forty-three patients died during the follow up (11.3%). Patients with a systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg had a higher risk of death: 21 (30.9%) vs 22 (7%). Primary cause of death: Cardiovascular: 11 (25.6%), infectious 9 (20.9%), cancer 5 (11.6%), renal failure 6 (13.9%), COPD/pulmonary fibrosis 2 (4.6%), end stage liver disease 3 (6.9%), traumatic brain injury 1 (2.3%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage 4 (9.3%), complications of diabetes 1 (2.3%), unknown 1 (2.3%). After adjusting for confounding factors, a systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg remained associated with increased mortality. There was a trend to more cardiovascular outcomes in those with a lower blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: A systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg in older patients with high disease burden was associated with adverse outcomes. Individualization of blood pressure therapy to each specific patient is warranted.

Intravenous lipid emulsion and high-dose insulin as adjunctive therapy for propranolol toxicity in a pediatric patient.

PURPOSE: The concurrent use of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) and high-dose insulin (HDI) for the management and treatment of propranolol toxicity in a pediatric patient is described. SUMMARY: A seven-month-old infant (weight, 6.1 kg) was admitted to a hospital emergency department with lethargy and bradycardia after an unintentional overdose of propranolol suspension, which had been prescribed several days previously for treatment of a scalp hemangioma. Notable physical examination and laboratory findings were as follows: blood pressure, 121/84 mm Hg (normal range, 90 ± 30/60 ± 10 mm Hg); heart rate, 62 beats/min (normal range, 100-150 beats/min); respiratory rate, 24 breaths/min (normal range, 25-35 breaths/min); oxygen saturation, 100% on room air; and rectal temperature, 35.7 °C (normal range, 36.6-38.0 °C). The patient was lethargic. Treatment included i.v. fluid boluses of 0.9% sodium chloride injection and i.v. boluses and continuous infusions of HDI, dextrose, and ILE. After the completion of these treatments, hemodynamic stability was regained. The case is believed to be the first reported case in which a pediatric patient less than one year of age regained hemodynamic stability after administration of ILE and HDI rescue therapy. Monitoring blood glucose frequently with HDI is essential to avoid hypoglycemia. The rationale for using ILE and HDI for reversal of drug toxicities is discussed. CONCLUSION: A symptomatic pediatric patient with acute propranolol toxicity exhibited clinical improvement with the administration of ILE in conjunction with HDI.

A Case of Hypophosphatemia with Increased Urinary Excretion of Phosphorus Associated with Ibrutinib.

Ibrutinib, an irreversible oral inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, has been used in the treatment of patients with multiple hematologic malignancies. A 59-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was treated with 420 mg/day of ibrutinib. No evidence of bruising or diarrhea was noted. The treatment was complicated by a transient increase in creatinine (from a baseline of 1.2 to 1.5 mg/dl) and potassium (reaching a peak of 6.5 mEq/l). Uric acid and calcium levels were normal. The patient developed hypophosphatemia (prior to initiation of therapy the serum phosphorus was 2.9 mg/dl). No metabolic acidosis was noted. Urinalysis showed no glucosuria or proteinuria. Urinary fraction of excretion of phosphate was found to be 345% (normal <5%). Because of these changes, ibrutinib was held, and the patient was given kayexalate. Serum potassium normalized. Serum phosphorus was checked a couple of weeks later and also normalized. A lower dose of ibrutinib (140 mg/day) was restarted. Upon follow-up, the phosphorus level has been between 2.9 and 3.2 mg/dl. No further evidence of hyperkalemia has been noted. Renal function has remained at baseline. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing the mechanism of hypophosphatemia in a patient treated with ibrutinib.

Avoidance of polypharmacy and excessive blood pressure control is associated with improved renal function in older patients.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to polypharmacy. The present study evaluated the renal effects of optimizing potentially nephrotoxic medications in an older population. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients' ≥ 60 years treated between January of 2013 and February of 2015 in a Nephrology Clinic. The renal effect of avoiding polypharmacy was studied. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were studied. Median age was 81 years (range 60-94). Twenty-five patients (41%) were male. NSAIDs alone were stopped in seven patients (11.4%), a dose reduction in antihypertensives was done in 11 patients (18%), one or more antihypertensives were discontinued in 20 patients (32.7%) and discontinuation and dose reduction of multiple medications was carried out in 23 patients (37.7%). The number of antihypertensives was reduced from a median of 3 (range of 0-8) at baseline to a median of 2 (range 0-7), p < 0.001 after intervention. After intervention, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) improved significantly, from a baseline of 32 ± 15.5 cc/min/1.73 m(2) to 39.5 ± 17 cc/min/1.73 m(2) at t1 (p < 0.001) and 44.5 ± 18.7 cc/min/1.73 m(2) at t2 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). In a multivariate model, after adjusting for ACEIs/ARBs discontinuation/dose reduction, NSAIDs use and change in DBP, an increase in SBP at time 1 remained significantly associated with increments in GFR on follow-up (estimate = 0.20, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Avoidance of polypharmacy was associated with an improvement in renal function.

Asthma treatment protocols in the emergency department: are they effective?

Management of asthma in emergency departments (ED) has been well documented to be deficient over many years, despite national and international guidelines. This review summarizes the effect of ED protocols aimed at improving the assessment and treatment of asthma in the ED. We performed a PubMed search of the English literature for ED asthma protocols published from 1986 to 2006 and identified 11 studies. Protocols were effective in improving at least some areas of management, including use of appropriate patient assessment, drug therapy per national guidelines, and patient education. A small number of protocols with the specific aims of reducing the length of stay in the ED as well as rates of hospital admission and return visits were effective. Persistent education of ED staff regarding protocols based on current management guidelines and adoption of easy-to-use forms can facilitate improved care of patients with asthma in the ED.