Bleeding risk of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel in intensive care unit patients with acute coronary syndrome: A propensity-score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients with the most severe forms of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) require invasive therapies such as extracorporeal life support. The risk of bleeding in ICU patients with ACS treated with a dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and ticagrelor is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to compare the bleeding risk of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in ICU patients with ACS. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a retrospective study based on a propensity score and a proportional hazards model. All patients with ACS hospitalized in the ICU of a French university hospital between January 2013 and January 2017 were included in the study. Bleeding during ICU stay was defined as all Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major or minor events. A total of 155 patients were included in the study. According to propensity score matching, 57 patients treated with aspirin and ticagrelor were matched with 57 patients treated with aspirin and clopidogrel. Median (first-third quartile) Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was 61.5 (41.0-85.0). Bleeding during ICU stay occurred in 12 patients (21.1%) treated with clopidogrel and in 35 patients (61.4%) treated with ticagrelor (p<0.0001). This significant association was found for both TIMI major bleeding (12.3% vs. 35.1%, p = 0.004) and TIMI minor bleeding (8.8% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.01). The relative risk of bleeding occurrence during ICU stay was 2.60 (confidence interval 95%: 1.55-4.35) for ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel. No significant difference in ICU mortality was found between the two groups (45.6% in the clopidogrel group vs. 29.8% in the ticagrelor group, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding complications are frequent and serious in ICU patients with ACS. A dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and ticagrelor is associated with a higher risk of bleeding compared to a dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel.

Predictors of red blood cell transfusion and its association with prognosis in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PURPOSE: Few data are available on the potential benefits and risks of red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants and prognosis of red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with a special focus on biological parameters during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January 2010 and December 2015. RESULTS: The 201 evaluated patients received a median of 0.9 [0.5-1.7] units of red blood cell per day. Significant and clinically relevant variables that best correlated with units of red blood cell transfused per day of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were lower median daily prothrombin time in percentage (Quick) ( t = -0.016, p < 0.0001), higher median daily free bilirubin level ( t = 0.016, p < 0.0001), and lower pH ( t = -2.434, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, red blood cell transfusion was associated with a significantly higher rate of in-intensive care unit mortality (per red blood cell unit increment; adjusted odds ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.12, p = 0.005). It was also associated with higher rates of acute renal failure ( p = 0.025), thromboembolic complications ( p = 0.0045), and sepsis ( p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that red blood cell transfusion may be associated with a higher mortality rate and with severe complications. However, we cannot conclude a direct causal relationship, as red blood cell transfusion may be only a marker of poor outcome. We recommend that physicians correct acidosis and hemolysis in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation whenever possible.

Waterborne Infections in Reunion Island, 2010-2017.

Gram-negative bacilli Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., and Shewanella spp. are a major cause of severe waterborne infection. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and microbiological characteristics and prognosis of patients hospitalized in Reunion Island for a waterborne infection. This retrospective study was conducted in the two university hospitals of Reunion Island between January 2010 and March 2017. Patients diagnosed with a Vibrio, Aeromonas, or Shewanella infection were evaluated. Over the study period, 112 aquatic strains were isolated at Reunion Island: Aeromonas spp. were found in 91 patients (81.3%), Shewanella spp. in 13 patients (11.6%), and Vibrio spp. in eight patients (7.2%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.6%. The main sites of infection were skin and soft tissue (44.6%) and the abdomen (19.6%). Infections were polymicrobial in 70 cases (62.5%). The most commonly prescribed empiric antibiotic regimen was amoxicillin-clavulanate (34.8%). Eighty-four percent of the aquatic strains were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate and more than > 95% were susceptible to third or fourth generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. After multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor of in-hospital mortality was the presence of sepsis (P < 0.0001). In Reunion Island, the most commonly isolated aquatic microorganisms were Aeromonas spp. Sepsis caused by aquatic microorganisms was frequent (> 50%) and associated with higher in-hospital mortality. This study suggests that empiric antibiotic regimens in patients with sepsis or septic shock caused by suspected aquatic microorganisms (tropical climate, skin lesion exposed to seawater…) should include broad-spectrum antibiotics (third or fourth generation cephalosporins).

Determinants and prognosis of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak plasma concentration in patients hospitalized for non-cardiogenic shock.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the determinants and prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak plasma concentration in intensive care unit patients with non-cardiogenic shock. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in a single intensive care unit between November 2014 and December 2015. RESULTS: During the study period, 206 patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit for non-cardiogenic shock and the median peak high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T was 55.1 [24.5-136] pg/mL. A multivariate analysis combining all variables showed that higher body mass index (t = 2.52, P = 0.01), lower left ventricular systolic function (t = -2.73, P = 0.007), higher white blood cell count (t = 3.72, P = 0.0001), lower creatinine clearance (t = -2.84, P = 0.0005), higher lactate level (t = 2.62, P = 0.01) and ST-segment depression (t = 3.98, P = 0.0001) best correlated with log10-transformed high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak plasma concentration. After multivariate analysis, the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak was not associated with a significant reduction of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 0.99 (95% confidence interval: 0.93-1.02)). CONCLUSION: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T elevation was very common in patients hospitalized for non-cardiogenic shock. The factors significantly associated with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak plasma concentration were higher body mass index, decreased left ventricular systolic ejection fraction, higher leucocyte count, decreased renal function, increased lactate level, and ST-segment depression. The high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T peak was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in this setting.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock due to alcoholic cardiomyopathy: a long-term follow-up of 4 cases.

Even though alcoholism is a major health concern, alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a little-known pathology. The exact prevalence remains elusive (20-40% of dilated cardiomyopathy). However, it can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure and refractory cardiogenic shock. The literature on cardiogenic shock in alcoholic cardiomyopathy is limited. We report 4 cases of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock due to heavy alcohol consumption, who were treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The evolution was favourable with recovery in 3 patients and the need for heart transplantation in 1 patient. After 3-5 years, all patients are alive, 2 of 4 are sober, all of them are on cardiac follow-up and none of them have presented with a cardiac relapse.

Ten thousand kilometre transfer of cardiogenic shock patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for emergency heart transplantation: Cooperation between Reunion Island and Metropolitan France.

BACKGROUND: There is no heart transplantation centre on the French overseas territory of Reunion Island (distance of 10,000 km). The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of cardiogenic shock adult patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) who were transferred from Reunion Island to mainland France for emergency heart transplantation. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted between 2005 and 2015. The characteristics and outcome of cardiogenic shock patients on VA-ECMO were compared with those of cardiogenic shock patients not on VA-ECMO. RESULTS: Thirty-three cardiogenic shock adult patients were transferred from Reunion Island to Paris for emergency heart transplantation. Among them, 19 (57.6%) needed mechanical circulatory support in the form of VA-ECMO. Median age was 51 (33-57) years and 46% of the patients had ischaemic heart disease. Patients on VA-ECMO presented higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ( p = 0.03). No death occurred during the medical transfer by long flight, while severe complications occurred in 10 patients (30.3%). Incidence of thromboembolic events, severe infectious complications and major haemorrhages was higher in the group of patients on VA-ECMO than in the group of patients not on VA-ECMO ( p <0.01). Seven patients from the VA-ECMO group (36.8%) and six patients from the non-VA-ECMO group (42.9%, p=0.7) underwent heart transplantation after a median delay of 10 (4-29) days on the emergency waiting list. After heart transplantation, one-year survival rates were 85.7% for patients on VA-ECMO and 83.3% for patients not on VA-ECMO ( p=0.91). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the feasibility of very long-distance medical evacuation of cardiogenic shock patients on VA-ECMO for emergency heart transplantation, with acceptable long-term results.

Case Report: Disseminated Shewanella algae Infection with Meningoencephalitis in a Traveler Secondary to Marine Injury in Madagascar.

Marine microorganisms such as Shewanella spp., Vibrio spp., and Aeromonas spp. can cause sepsis secondary to a wound infection in the context of swimming. These microorganisms are most often susceptible to fluoroquinolones. Here, we report a unique case of Shewanella algae bacteremia associated with meningoencephalitis and disseminated via hematogenous spread secondary to a skin injury. The patient suffered the injury while swimming in saline water during a cruise holiday in Madagascar, and she was initially treated with amoxicillin. The neurological evolution was unsatisfactory. Better knowledge of such infections (and especially of the context in which they occur), as well as greater familiarity with the susceptibility profile of different marine microorganisms would have allowed health professionals to provide presumptive microbiological diagnosis and effective treatment earlier.

Assessment of the National French recommendations regarding the dosing regimen of 8mg/kg of gentamicin in patients hospitalised in intensive care units.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) guidelines concerning the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of gentamicin when using a loading dose of 8mg/kg administered in patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study conducted in one ICU. RESULTS: During the study period, 34 patients with a median simplified acute physiology score 2 of 54 [44-70] received a median dose of 8 [7.9-8.1] mg/kg of gentamicin. The median Cmax was 17.5 [15.4-20.7] mg/L and no patient had a Cmax>30mg/L. Twenty-four of 34 patients (71%) had a Cmax>16mg/L. Following multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with Cmax<16mg/L was a positive fluid balance 24hours before gentamicin administration (per 1000mL increment) (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.77, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a Cmax>30mg/L [which corresponds to approximately 8 times the minimal inhibiting concentrations (MIC) breakpoints for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae with intermediate sensitivity] of gentamicin as recommended by ANSM guidelines seems impossible to obtain with a loading dose of 8mg/kg in the ICU. A loading dose of 8mg/kg should probably not be used in the empiric antibiotic treatment of infection due to non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli and Enterobacteriaceae with intermediate sensitivity whose MIC breakpoint is 4mg/L. A Cmax>16mg/L was not reached in almost 30% of patients, particularly in the group with a positive fluid balance who require higher doses than currently recommended.

Obstructive coronary artery disease in patients hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock with concomitant acute myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: It is difficult to differentiate type 1 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) from type 2 AMI in patients admitted for severe sepsis. The aims of this study were to assess the risk factors and prognosis of OCAD in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for severe sepsis with concomitant AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients who were hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock between March 2006 and September 2014 and who underwent coronary angiography in the intensive care unit to identify AMI. RESULTS: Overall, 78 (5.5%) of 1418 patients hospitalized for severe sepsis underwent coronary angiography to identify concomitant AMI. Thirty-two patients (41%) had OCAD. Following multivariate analysis, the risk factors of OCAD were peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio [OR] =5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-30.4; P = .042) and at least 2 cardiovascular risk factors (OR = 6.7; 95% CI, 1.9-23.8; P = .003). Obstructive coronary artery disease was associated with a significant mortality increase at 60 days (OR = 8.1; 95% CI, 1.9-30.2; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive coronary artery disease is a poor prognosis factor in patients hospitalized for severe sepsis with concomitant AMI. In this setting, medical treatment should be considered for patients with peripheral vascular disease or with at least 2 cardiovascular risk factors; the need to perform coronary angiography should be considered carefully.

Prognosis of patients presenting extreme acidosis (pH <7) on admission to intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine prognosis of patients presenting extreme acidosis (pH <7) on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify mortality risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who presented with extreme acidosis within 24 hours of admission to a polyvalent ICU in a university hospital between January 2011 and July 2013. Multivariate analysis and survival analysis were used. RESULTS: Among the 2156 patients admitted, 77 patients (3.6%) presented extreme acidosis. Thirty (39%) patients suffered cardiac arrest before admission. Although the mortality rate predicted by severity score was 93.6%, death occurred in 52 cases (67.5%) in a median delay of 13 (5-27) hours. Mortality rate depended on reason for admission, varying between 22% for cases linked to diabetes mellitus and 100% for cases of mesenteric infarction (P = .002), cardiac arrest before admission (P < .001), type of lactic acidosis (P = .007), high Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (P = .008), and low serum creatinine (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with extreme acidosis on admission to ICU have a less severe than expected prognosis. Whereas mortality is almost 100% in cases of cardiac arrest before admission, mortality is much lower in the absence of cardiac arrest before admission, which justifies aggressive ICU therapies.