Dexmedetomidine as Adjunctive Therapy for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is defined as the cessation or reduction in heavy and prolonged alcohol use within several hours to a few days of cessation. The recommended first-line therapy for AWS ranging from mild to severe or complicated remains benzodiazepines; in cases where benzodiazepines are not adequate in controlling persistent autonomic hyperactivity or anxiety, dexmedetomidine could be utilized. The possible advantage of dexmedetomidine compared to benzodiazepines is that it does not cause respiratory depression, thus reducing the risk of intubation and hospitalization in the ICUs, with the potential reduction in healthcare costs. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42018084370) is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine as adjunctive therapy to the standard of care for the treatment of AWS. We retrieved literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL until 10 January 2024. Eligible studies were both randomized trials and nonrandomised studies with a control group, published in the English language and peer-reviewed journals. The primary outcome was tracheal intubation; secondary outcomes were (i) bradycardia and (ii) hypotension. A total of 3585 papers were retrieved: 2635 from EMBASE, 930 from Medline, and 20 from CENTRAL. After eliminating duplicates, 2960 papers were screened by title and abstract; 75 out of the 2960 papers were read in full text. The qualitative synthesis included nine of all manuscripts read in full text. The quantitative synthesis included eight studies for the primary outcome (tracheal intubation), seven for the secondary outcome bradycardia, and six for the secondary outcome hypotension. The meta-analysis showed that Dexmedetomidine, as adjunctive therapy, is not more effective than standard therapy in reducing the risk of tracheal intubation in AWS [RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.25-1.3, p = 0.15]. It also appears to be less safe than sedative therapy as it significantly increases the risk of bradycardia [RR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.79-4.16, p = 0.0016]. Hypotension was not significantly different in patients who received dexmedetomidine [RR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.69-3.49, p = 0.21].

Chest Dynamic MRI as Early Biomarker of Respiratory Impairment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neuromuscular progressive disorder characterized by limb and bulbar muscle wasting and weakness. A total of 30% of patients present a bulbar onset, while 70% have a spinal outbreak. Respiratory involvement represents one of the worst prognostic factors, and its early identification is fundamental for the early starting of non-invasive ventilation and for the stratification of patients. Due to the lack of biomarkers of early respiratory impairment, we aimed to evaluate the role of chest dynamic MRI in ALS patients. Methods: We enrolled 15 ALS patients and 11 healthy controls. We assessed the revised ALS functional rating scale, spirometry, and chest dynamic MRI. Data were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U test and Cox regression analysis. Results: We observed a statistically significant difference in both respiratory parameters and pulmonary measurements at MRI between ALS patients and healthy controls. Moreover, we found a close relationship between pulmonary measurements at MRI and respiratory parameters, which was statistically significant after multivariate analysis. A sub-group analysis including ALS patients without respiratory symptoms and with normal spirometry values revealed the superiority of chest dynamic MRI measurements in detecting signs of early respiratory impairment. Conclusions: Our data suggest the usefulness of chest dynamic MRI, a fast and economically affordable examination, in the evaluation of early respiratory impairment in ALS patients.

Imipenem/Cilastatin/Relebactam for Complicated Infections: A Real-World Evidence.

(1) Background: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria represent one of the major global public health problems of the 21st century. Beta-lactam antibacterial agents are commonly used to treat infections due to Gram-negative pathogens. New ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor combinations are urgently needed. Combining relebactam (REL) with imipenem (IMI) and cilastatin (CS) can restore its activity against many imipenem-nonsusceptible Gram-negative pathogens. (2) Methods: we performed a systematic review of the studies reporting on the use of in vivo REAL/IPM/CS. (3) Results: A total of eight studies were included in this review. The primary diagnosis was as follows: complicated urinary tract infection (n = 234), complicated intra-abdominal infections (n = 220), hospital-acquired pneumonia (n = 276), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (n = 157). Patients with normal renal function received REL/IPM/CS (250 mg/500 mg/500 mg). The most frequently reported AEs occurring in patients treated with imipenem/cilastatin plus REL/IPM/CS were nausea (11.5%), diarrhea (9.8%), vomiting (9.8%), and infusion site disorders (4.0%). Treatment outcomes in these high-risk patients receiving REL/IPM/CS were generally favorable. A total of 70.6% of patients treated with REL/IPM/CS reported a favorable clinical response at follow-up. (4) Conclusions: this review indicates that REL/IPM/CS is active against important MDR Gram-negative organisms.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Pain: A Narrative Review from Pain Assessment to Therapy.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent neurodegenerative disease of the motor system that affects upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness, spasticity, atrophy, and respiratory failure, with a life expectancy of 2-5 years after symptom onset. In addition to motor symptoms, patients with ALS have a multitude of nonmotor symptoms; in fact, it is currently considered a multisystem disease. The purpose of our narrative review is to evaluate the different types of pain, the correlation between pain and the disease's stages, the pain assessment tools in ALS patients, and the available therapies focusing above all on the benefits of cannabis use. Pain is an underestimated and undertreated symptom that, in the last few years, has received more attention from research because it has a strong impact on the quality of life of these patients. The prevalence of pain is between 15% and 85% of ALS patients, and the studies on the type and intensity of pain are controversial. The absence of pain assessment tools validated in the ALS population and the dissimilar study designs influence the knowledge of ALS pain and consequently the pharmacological therapy. Several studies suggest that ALS is associated with changes in the endocannabinoid system, and the use of cannabis could slow the disease progression due to its neuroprotective action and act on pain, spasticity, cramps, sialorrhea, and depression. Our research has shown high patients' satisfaction with the use of cannabis for the treatment of spasticity and related pain. However, especially due to the ethical problems and the lack of interest of pharmaceutical companies, further studies are needed to ensure the most appropriate care for ALS patients.

The use of extracorporeal blood purification therapies and sequential extracorporeal support in patients with septic shock (EROICASS): a study protocol for a national, non-interventional, observational multicenter, prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Septic shock, a critical condition characterized by organ failure, presents a substantial mortality risk in intensive care units (ICUs), with the 28-day mortality rate possibly reaching 40%. Conventional management of septic shock typically involves the administration of antibiotics, supportive care for organ dysfunction, and, if necessary, surgical intervention to address the source of infection. In recent decades, extracorporeal blood purification therapies (EBPT) have emerged as potential interventions aimed at modulating the inflammatory response and restoring homeostasis in patients with sepsis. Likewise, sequential extracorporeal therapy in sepsis (SETS) interventions offer comprehensive organ support in the setting of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). The EROICASS study will assess and describe the utilization of EBPT in patients with septic shock. Additionally, we will evaluate the potential association between EBPT treatment utilization and 90-day mortality in septic shock cases in Italy. METHODS: The EROICASS study is a national, non-interventional, multicenter observational prospective cohort study. All consecutive patients with septic shock at participating centers will be prospectively enrolled, with data collection extending from intensive care unit (ICU) admission to hospital discharge. Variables including patient demographics, clinical parameters, EBPT/SETS utilization, and outcomes will be recorded using a web-based data capture system. Statistical analyses will encompass descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, multivariable regression models, and survival analysis to elucidate the associations between EBPT/SETS utilization and patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The EROICASS study provides valuable insights into the utilization and outcomes of EBPT and SETS in septic shock management. Through analysis of usage patterns and clinical data, this study aims to guide treatment decisions and enhance patient care. The implications of these findings may impact clinical guidelines, potentially improving survival rates and patient outcomes in septic shock cases.

Nutritional support and prevention of post-intensive care syndrome: the Italian SIAARTI survey.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and muscle wasting are common in ICU patients and predict adverse patient-centered outcomes. The Italian Society of Anesthesia Analgesia Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) conducted a nationwide survey to identify the nutritional practices in the Italian ICUs and to plan future, training interventions to improve the national clinical practice. METHODS: Nationwide online survey, involving Italian ICUs, developed by experts affiliated with SIAARTI. Invitations to participate were distributed through emails and social networks. Data were collected over a period of three months (October 1 to December 31, 2022) during 2022. RESULTS: One hundred full responses from participating ICUs were collected. The number of beds is < 10 in most ICUs and > 20 in 11 ICUs. Most ICUs (87%) are mixed, cardiac (5%), neurosurgical (4%), or pediatric ICUs (1%). Although the nutritional program is widely prescribed based on the patients' general evaluation, 52 ICUs (52%) do not perform nutritional risk evaluation at admission in case of > 24-h stay. Daily caloric intake is mainly based on the 25 kcal/kg equation; otherwise, the Harris-Benedict formula is mostly used, whereas indirect calorimetry is less used. Most clinicians apply a personalized nutritional approach to organ failure. Most ICUs have a nutritional management protocol, and enteral nutrition (EN) is frequently started within 2 days from admission, while supplemental parenteral nutrition is used when EN is insufficient by most clinicians. The EN administered seems to correspond to that prescribed, but it is stopped if the gastric residual gastric is > 300-500 ml in most ICUs. CONCLUSION: Prescription, route, and mode of administration of nutritional support seem to be in line with international recommendations, while suggestions on the tools for assessing the nutritional risk and monitoring efficacy and complications seem far less followed. Future national clinical studies are necessary to investigate the optimal nutritional and metabolic management of critically ill patients and the correspondence with the results of this survey on actual practices.

Comparison of McGrath Videolaryngoscope versus Macintosh Laryngoscope in Tracheal Intubation: An Updated Systematic Review.

(1) Background: In the last few years, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared direct Macintosh laryngoscopy with McGrath videolaryngoscopy in order to assess the potential benefits of the latter; the results were sometimes controversial. (2) Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify our articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria: to be included, each study had to be a prospective randomized trial or comparison between the McGrath videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope in an adult population. We did not include manikin trials or studies involving double-lumen tubes. (3) Results: 10 studies met the inclusion criteria necessary. In total, 655 patients were intubated with the McGrath and 629 with the Macintosh. In total, 1268 of 1284 patients were successfully intubated, showing equivalent results for the two devices: 648 of 655 patients with the McGrath videolaryngoscope and 620 of 629 patients with the Macintosh laryngoscope. No differences were noted in terms of hemodynamic changes or the incidence of adverse events. (4) Conclusions: We can assert that the McGrath videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope, even if with equivalent tracheal intubation results, supplement each other.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit.

Importance: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite multiple randomized clinical trials of hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds for transfusion, little is known about how these thresholds are incorporated into current practice. Objective: To evaluate and describe ICU RBC transfusion practices worldwide. Design, Setting, and Participants: International, prospective, cohort study that involved 3643 adult patients from 233 ICUs in 30 countries on 6 continents from March 2019 to October 2022 with data collection in prespecified weeks. Exposure: ICU stay. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the occurrence of RBC transfusion during ICU stay. Additional outcomes included the indication(s) for RBC transfusion (consisting of clinical reasons and physiological triggers), the stated Hb threshold and actual measured Hb values before and after an RBC transfusion, and the number of units transfused. Results: Among 3908 potentially eligible patients, 3643 were included across 233 ICUs (median of 11 patients per ICU [IQR, 5-20]) in 30 countries on 6 continents. Among the participants, the mean (SD) age was 61 (16) years, 62% were male (2267/3643), and the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 3.2 (IQR, 1.5-6.0). A total of 894 patients (25%) received 1 or more RBC transfusions during their ICU stay, with a median total of 2 units per patient (IQR, 1-4). The proportion of patients who received a transfusion ranged from 0% to 100% across centers, from 0% to 80% across countries, and from 19% to 45% across continents. Among the patients who received a transfusion, a total of 1727 RBC transfusions were administered, wherein the most common clinical indications were low Hb value (n = 1412 [81.8%]; mean [SD] lowest Hb before transfusion, 7.4 [1.2] g/dL), active bleeding (n = 479; 27.7%), and hemodynamic instability (n = 406 [23.5%]). Among the events with a stated physiological trigger, the most frequently stated triggers were hypotension (n = 728 [42.2%]), tachycardia (n = 474 [27.4%]), and increased lactate levels (n = 308 [17.8%]). The median lowest Hb level on days with an RBC transfusion ranged from 5.2 g/dL to 13.1 g/dL across centers, from 5.3 g/dL to 9.1 g/dL across countries, and from 7.2 g/dL to 8.7 g/dL across continents. Approximately 84% of ICUs administered transfusions to patients at a median Hb level greater than 7 g/dL. Conclusions and Relevance: RBC transfusion was common in patients admitted to ICUs worldwide between 2019 and 2022, with high variability across centers in transfusion practices.

Extracorporeal blood purification therapies for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: expert opinion from the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission.

Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury is a life-threatening condition leading to high morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Over the past decades, several extracorporeal blood purification therapies have been developed for both sepsis and sepsis-associated acute kidney injury management. Despite the widespread use of extracorporeal blood purification therapies in clinical practice, it is still unclear when to start this kind of treatment and how to define its efficacy. Indeed, several questions on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury and extracorporeal blood purification therapy still remain unresolved, including the indications and timing of renal replacement therapy in patients with septic vs. non-septic acute kidney injury, the optimal dialysis dose for renal replacement therapy modalities in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury patients, and the rationale for using extracorporeal blood purification therapies in septic patients without acute kidney injury. Moreover, the development of novel extracorporeal blood purification therapies, including those based on the use of adsorption devices, raised the attention of the scientific community both on the clearance of specific mediators released by microorganisms and by injured cells and potentially involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of organ dysfunction including sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, and on antibiotic removal. Based on these considerations, the joint commission of the Italian Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SIAARTI) and the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) herein addressed some of these issues, proposed some recommendations for clinical practice and developed a common framework for future clinical research in this field.

Pulsed Radiofrequency and Platelet Rich Plasma in Degenerative Joint Arthritis: Two Case Reports and Literature Analyses.

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease. The are several therapies available for OA. According to current knowledge, the combination of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) can be applied in the treatment of pain of nociceptive origin due to peripheral tissue damage. (2) Methods: We performed a narrative review identifying the articles by searching electronic databases. A retrospective analysis of patients with OA treated with PRF and PRP in "Vito Fazzi" Hospital (Lecce, Italy) was performed. (3) Results: A total of four publications on the use of PRP and PRF in degenerative joint arthritis were included in our review. In our experience, two patients with OA were treated with PRP and PRF after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Patient pain score, daily activity ability, active range of activity, and muscle strength improved after treatment. Patients reported a higher level of satisfaction. No major adverse events were reported. (4) Conclusions: The goal of the combined application of the two treatments is to make full use of the analgesic effect of PRF and the repairing effect of PRP. At present, the therapeutic potential of PRP and PRF in OA remains unmet.

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in critically ill patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT): expert opinion from the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission.

Renal replacement therapies (RRT) are essential to support critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI), providing control of solutes, fluid balance and acid-base status. To maintain the patency of the extracorporeal circuit, minimizing downtime periods and blood losses due to filter clotting, an effective anticoagulation strategy is required.Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) has been introduced in clinical practice for continuous RRT (CRRT) in the early 1990s and has had a progressively wider acceptance in parallel to the development of simplified systems and safe protocols. Main guidelines on AKI support the use of RCA as the first line anticoagulation strategy during CRRT in patients without contraindications to citrate and regardless of the patient's bleeding risk.Experts from the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission have prepared this position statement which discusses the use of RCA in different RRT modalities also in combination with other extracorporeal organ support systems. Furthermore, advise is provided on potential limitations to the use of RCA in high-risk patients with particular attention to the need for a rigorous monitoring in complex clinical settings. Finally, the main findings about the prospective of optimization of RRT solutions aimed at preventing electrolyte derangements during RCA are discussed in detail.

Continuous vs Intermittent Meropenem Administration in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis: The MERCY Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Meropenem is a widely prescribed ß-lactam antibiotic. Meropenem exhibits maximum pharmacodynamic efficacy when given by continuous infusion to deliver constant drug levels above the minimal inhibitory concentration. Compared with intermittent administration, continuous administration of meropenem may improve clinical outcomes. Objective: To determine whether continuous administration of meropenem reduces a composite of mortality and emergence of pandrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant bacteria compared with intermittent administration in critically ill patients with sepsis. Design, Setting, and Participants: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial enrolling critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock who had been prescribed meropenem by their treating clinicians at 31 intensive care units of 26 hospitals in 4 countries (Croatia, Italy, Kazakhstan, and Russia). Patients were enrolled between June 5, 2018, and August 9, 2022, and the final 90-day follow-up was completed in November 2022. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive an equal dose of the antibiotic meropenem by either continuous administration (n = 303) or intermittent administration (n = 304). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and emergence of pandrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant bacteria at day 28. There were 4 secondary outcomes, including days alive and free from antibiotics at day 28, days alive and free from the intensive care unit at day 28, and all-cause mortality at day 90. Seizures, allergic reactions, and mortality were recorded as adverse events. Results: All 607 patients (mean age, 64 [SD, 15] years; 203 were women [33%]) were included in the measurement of the 28-day primary outcome and completed the 90-day mortality follow-up. The majority (369 patients, 61%) had septic shock. The median time from hospital admission to randomization was 9 days (IQR, 3-17 days) and the median duration of meropenem therapy was 11 days (IQR, 6-17 days). Only 1 crossover event was recorded. The primary outcome occurred in 142 patients (47%) in the continuous administration group and in 149 patients (49%) in the intermittent administration group (relative risk, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.81-1.13], P = .60). Of the 4 secondary outcomes, none was statistically significant. No adverse events of seizures or allergic reactions related to the study drug were reported. At 90 days, mortality was 42% both in the continuous administration group (127 of 303 patients) and in the intermittent administration group (127 of 304 patients). Conclusions and Relevance: In critically ill patients with sepsis, compared with intermittent administration, the continuous administration of meropenem did not improve the composite outcome of mortality and emergence of pandrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant bacteria at day 28. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03452839.

Clinical, Genetic, and Histological Characterization of Patients with Rare Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial Diseases Presenting with Different Cardiomyopathy Phenotypes.

Cardiomyopathies are mostly determined by genetic mutations affecting either cardiac muscle cell structure or function. Nevertheless, cardiomyopathies may also be part of complex clinical phenotypes in the spectrum of neuromuscular (NMD) or mitochondrial diseases (MD). The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, molecular, and histological characteristics of a consecutive cohort of patients with cardiomyopathy associated with NMDs or MDs referred to a tertiary cardiomyopathy clinic. Consecutive patients with a definitive diagnosis of NMDs and MDs presenting with a cardiomyopathy phenotype were described. Seven patients were identified: two patients with ACAD9 deficiency (Patient 1 carried the c.1240C>T (p.Arg414Cys) homozygous variant in ACAD9; Patient 2 carried the c.1240C>T (p.Arg414Cys) and the c.1646G>A (p.Ar549Gln) variants in ACAD9); two patients with MYH7-related myopathy (Patient 3 carried the c.1325G>A (p.Arg442His) variant in MYH7; Patient 4 carried the c.1357C>T (p.Arg453Cys) variant in MYH7); one patient with desminopathy (Patient 5 carried the c.46C>T (p.Arg16Cys) variant in DES); two patients with mitochondrial myopathy (Patient 6 carried the m.3243A>G variant in MT-TL1; Patient 7 carried the c.253G>A (p.Gly85Arg) and the c.1055C>T (p.Thr352Met) variants in MTO1). All patients underwent a comprehensive cardiovascular and neuromuscular evaluation, including muscle biopsy and genetic testing. This study described the clinical phenotype of rare NMDs and MDs presenting as cardiomyopathies. A multidisciplinary evaluation, combined with genetic testing, plays a main role in the diagnosis of these rare diseases, and provides information about clinical expectations, and guides management.

CB2 Receptor as Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Target in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a very severe X-linked dystrophinopathy. It is due to a mutation in the DMD gene and causes muscular degeneration in conjunction with several secondary co-morbidities, such cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure. DMD is characterized by a chronic inflammatory state, and corticosteroids represent the main therapy for these patients. To contradict drug-related side effects, there is need for novel and more safe therapeutic strategies. Macrophages are immune cells stringently involved in both physiological and pathological inflammatory processes. They express the CB2 receptor, one of the main elements of the endocannabinoid system, and have been proposed as an anti-inflammatory target in several inflammatory and immune diseases. We observed a lower expression of the CB2 receptor in DMD-associated macrophages, hypothesizing its involvement in the pathogenesis of this pathology. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of JWH-133, a CB2 receptor selective agonist, on DMD-associated primary macrophages. Our study describes the beneficial effect of JWH-133 in counteracting inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines release and by directing macrophages' phenotype toward the M2 anti-inflammatory one.

A Literature Overview of Secondary Peritonitis Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients.

This comprehensive review of the recently published literature offers an overview of a very topical and complex healthcare problem: secondary peritonitis from multidrug-resistant pathogens, especially carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Spontaneous secondary peritonitis and postsurgical secondary peritonitis are among the major causes of community- and healthcare- acquired sepsis, respectively. A large number of patients enter ICUs with a diagnosis of secondary peritonitis, and a high number of them reveal infection by CRE, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii. For this reason, we conceived the idea to create a synthetic report on this topic including updated epidemiology data, a description of CRE resistance patterns, current strategies of antimicrobial treatment, and future perspectives. From this update it is clear that antimicrobial stewardship and precision medicine are becoming essential to fight the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and that even if there are new drugs effective against CRE causing secondary peritonitis, these drugs have to be used carefully especially in empirical therapy.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of MDR/XDR Bacterial Infections in a Neuromuscular Semi-Intensive/Sub-Intensive Care Unit.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and microbiological characteristics of multidrug-resistant infections in a neuromuscular semi-intensive/sub-intensive care unit; (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis on data from 18 patients with NMD with proven MDRO/XDRO colonisation/infection from August 2021 to March 2022 was carried out; (3) Results: Ten patients were males (55.6%), with a median age of 54 years, and there were fourteen patients (77.8%) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. All patients had at least one invasive device. Ten (55.6%) patients developed MDRO/XDRO infection (with a median time of 24 days) while six (33.3%) were colonised. The Charlson comorbidity index was >2 in both groups but higher in the infected compared with the colonised (4.5 vs. 3). Infected patients were mostly females (seven patients) with a median age of 62 years. The most common pathogens were Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, infecting four (28.6%) patients each. Of eighteen infectious episodes, nine were pneumonia (hospital-acquired in seven cases). Colistin was the most commonly active antibiotic while carbapenems were largely inactive. Eradication of infection occurred in seven infectious episodes (38.9%). None of those with infection died; (4) Conclusions: MDRO/XDRO infections are common in patients with neuromuscular diseases, with carbapenem-resistant non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli prevailing. These infections were numerically associated with the female sex, greater age, and comorbidities. Both eradication and infection-related mortality appeared low. We highlight the importance of infection prevention in this vulnerable population.

Comparative Efficacy of Tapentadol versus Tapentadol Plus Duloxetine in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): A Randomized Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication due to treatment with many commonly used anti-cancer agents. CIPN is a mainly sensory neuropathy that can be characterized by the appearance of motor and autonomic alterations. Clinicians may offer duloxetine (DLX) for patients with cancer experiencing CIPN. Our aim was to assess the non-inferiority of the analgesic effect and safety of tapentadol (TP) alone compared to duloxetine plus tapentadol administered to patients with CIPN. METHODS: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive tapentadol in a dosage of 50 to 500 mg/day (n = 56) or tapentadol plus duloxetine in a dosage of 60 to 120 mg/day (n = 58) for a period of 4 weeks. We evaluated the analgesia efficacy, defined as a decrease in pain on the NRS between the first administration and 28 days later. Secondary endpoints included analgesia efficacy at 28 and 42 days, defined by a decrease in DN4 and LEPs, decrease in quality of life, and the incidence of any serious or non-serious adverse events after the first administration. RESULTS: In this randomized, double-blind trial comparing TP and TP plus DLX for CIPN management, TP was feasible and non-inferior to the association with DLX as far as the reduction of pain after chemotherapy at 28 days is concerned. Scores on other rating scales evaluating the quality of life, anxiety and depression, and the characteristics of pain revealed similar improvements associated with tapentadol versus duloxetine at these time points. CONCLUSION: The use of TP is a safe and effective analgesic therapy in patients with CIPN. Positive effects of TP were noted on the patients' quality-of-life assessments.

Cefiderocol for Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria: Handle with Care! A Review of the Real-World Evidence.

(1) Background: healthcare-associated infections are one of the most frequent adverse events in healthcare delivery worldwide. Several antibiotic resistance mechanisms have been developed, including those to carbapenemase. Cefiderocol (CFD) is a novel siderophore cephalosporin designed to treat carbapenem-resistant bacteria. (2) Methods: we performed a systematic review of all cases reported in the literature to outline the existing evidence. We evaluated real-world evidence studies of CFD in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant (CR) bacteria. (3) Results: a total of 19 publications treating cases of infection by CR bacteria were included. The three most frequent CR pathogens were Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. A regimen of 2 g every 8 h was most frequently adopted for CFD with a mean treatment duration of 25.6 days. CFD was generally well tolerated, with fewer side effects. The success rate of CFD therapy was satisfactory and almost 70% of patients showed clinical recovery; of these, nearly half showed negative blood cultures and infection-free status. (4) Conclusions: This review indicates that CFD is active against important GN organisms including Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii. CFD seems to have a safe profile.

Management of Acute Kidney Injury and Extracorporeal Blood Purification Therapies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Italian SIN-SIAARTI Joint Survey (and Recommendations for Clinical Practice).

Background and Aim: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 remains challenging. A large number of hospitalized patients are at a high risk of developing AKI. For this reason, we conducted a nationwide survey to assess the incidence and management of AKI in critically ill patients affected by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This is a multicenter, observational, nationwide online survey, involving the Italian Society of Nephrology and the critical care units in Italy, developed in partnership between the scientific societies such as SIN and SIAARTI. Invitations to participate were distributed through emails and social networks. Data were collected for a period of 1 week during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 141 responses were collected in the SIN-SIAARTI survey: 54.6% from intensivists and 44.6% from nephrologists. About 19,000 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in hospitalized patients; among these cases, 7.3% had a confirmed acute kidney injury (AKI), of which 82.2% were managed in ICUs. Only 43% of clinicians routinely used the international KDIGO criteria. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was performed in 628 patients with continuous techniques used most frequently, and oliguria was the most common indication (74.05%). Early initiation was preferred, and RRT was contraindicated in the case of therapeutic withdrawal or in the presence of severe comorbidities or hemodynamic instability. Regional anticoagulation with citrate was the most common choice. About 41.04% of the interviewed physicians never used extracorporeal blood purification therapies (EBPTs) for inflammatory cytokine or endotoxin removal. Moreover, 4.33% of interviewed clinicians used these techniques only in the presence of AKI, whereas 24.63% adopted them even in the absence of AKI. Nephrologists made more use of EBPT, especially in the presence of AKI. HVHF was never used in 58.54% of respondents, but HCO membranes and adsorbents were used in more than 50% of cases. Conclusion: This joint SIN-SIAARTI survey at the Italian Society of Nephrology and the critical care units in Italy showed that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an underestimation of AKI based on the "non-use" of common diagnostic criteria, especially by intensivists. Similarly, the use of specific types of RRT and, in particular, blood purification therapies for immune modulation and organ support strongly differed between centers, suggesting the need for the development of standardized clinical guidelines.