Measurement of capillary refill time with a handheld prototype device: a comparative validation study in healthy volunteers.

Validity and reproducibility of clinical capillary refill time (CRT) measurement depend on many factors in daily routine practice. We conducted a prospective validation study of an automatized handheld prototype device providing standardized CRT assessment (DiCART™) in 20 healthy volunteers. Three different methods of CRT measurement were compared before and during dynamic circulatory changes induced by venous and arterial occlusion tests at both upper and lower limb levels: CRTCLIN corresponding to basic clinical assessment and considered as the reference method; CRTVIDEO corresponding to off-line videos reviewed by investigators recorded by DiCART™; and CRTDiCART corresponding to on-line videos analysed by a built-in proprietary mathematical algorithm included in DiCART™. Five subjects were excluded because of a DiCART™ dysfunction. ROCAUC to detect arterial occlusion test changes at the upper limb level were 1.00 (95%CI 1.00; 1.00), 0.96 (95%CI 0.88; 1.00), and 0.92 (95%CI 0.79; 1.00) for CRTCLIN, CRTVIDEO, and CRTDiCART, respectively. Precision of CRTCLIN and CRTVIDEO were significantly better than CRTDiCART (0.18 and 0.20 vs. 0.28; P < 0.05). Percentages of error were 76% and 87% for CRTVIDEO and CRTDiCART, respectively. DiCART™ had an excellent discrimination to detect major changes in CRT induced by arterial ischemia. However, the perfectible precision, the poor agreement with clinical assessment and numerous device dysfunctions give leads to the development of a further version of the prototype before promoting its use in clinical practice.Trial registration clinicaltrial.gov. Identifier: NCT04538612.

Diagnostic accuracy of a calibrated abdominal compression to predict fluid responsiveness in children.

BACKGROUND: Fluid administration to increase stroke volume index (SVi) is a cornerstone of haemodynamic resuscitation. We assessed the accuracy of SVi variation during a calibrated abdominal compression manoeuvre (ΔSVi-CAC) to predict fluid responsiveness in children. METHODS: Patients younger than 8 yr with acute circulatory failure, regardless of their ventilation status, were selected. SVi, calculated as the average of five velocity-time integrals multiplied by the left ventricular outflow tract surface area, was recorded at four different steps: baseline, after an abdominal compression with a calibrated pressure of 25 mm Hg, after return to baseline, and then after a volume expansion (VE) of 10 ml kg-1 lactated Ringer solution over 10 min. Patients were classified as responders if SVi variation after volume expansion (ΔSVi-VE) increased by at least 15%. RESULTS: The 39 children included had a median [inter-quartile range (IQR)] age of 9 [5-31] months. Twenty patients were fluid responders and 19 were non-responders. ΔSVi-CAC correlated with ΔSVi-VE (r=0.829; P<0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC) was 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-0.99]. The best threshold for ΔSVi-CAC was 11% with a specificity of 95% [95% CI, 84-100] and a sensitivity of 75% [95% CI, 55-95]. ROCAUC of respiratory variation of IVC diameter (ΔIVC) was 0.53 [95% CI, 0.32-0.72]. CONCLUSION: ΔSVi-CAC during abdominal compression was a reliable method to predict fluid responsiveness in children with acute circulatory failure regardless of their ventilation status. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: CPP Lyon sud est II: n° ANSM 2015-A00388-41 Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT02505646.

A systematic review of interventions and performance measures for antifungal stewardship programmes.

Objectives: Antifungal resistance is a significant and emerging threat. Stewardship programmes (SPs) have been proposed as an opportunity to optimize antifungal use. While examples of antifungal SP implementation have been recently described, there is yet to be an overview of interventions and their impacts on performance measures. Methods: We systematically reviewed published articles using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses check-list 2009. MEDLINE was searched using the term 'antifungal stewardship' on 15 February 2017. Eligible studies were those that described an antifungal SP and included an intervention and an evaluation of performance measures. Results: A total of 97 studies were identified and 14 were included. Only five studies reported an antifungal stewardship team composed of all the recommended members. The main intervention was the formulation of recommendations to change treatment (12 of 14). The main performance measure collected was antifungal consumption (10 of 14), followed by antifungal expenditure (7 of 14), adherence to therapeutic advice (4 of 14) and impact on mortality (4 of 14). Antifungal consumption was reduced by 11.8% to 71% and antifungal expenditure by as much as 50%. Adherence to therapeutic advice ranged from 40% to 88%, whereas antifungal SPs had no impact on mortality. Conclusions: All antifungal SPs had an impact, in particular on antifungal consumption and antifungal expenditure. Active intervention including a review of prescriptions seems to have more impact than implementation of treatment guidelines only. According to available published studies, antifungal consumption appears to be the most achievable performance measure to evaluate the impact of an antifungal SP.

Assessment of changes in lactate concentration with intravascular microdialysis during high-risk cardiac surgery using the trend interchangeability method.

Background: Blood lactate is a strong predictor of mortality, and repeated blood lactate assays are recommended during surgery in high-risk patients. We hypothesized that the use of intravascular microdialysis incorporated in a central venous catheter would be interchangeable with the reference blood gas technique to monitor changes in blood lactate. Methods: Microdialysis and central venous blood lactate measurements were recorded simultaneously in high-risk cardiac surgical patients. The correlation between absolute values was determined by linear regression, and the Bland-Altman test for repeated measurements was used to compare bias, precision, and limits of agreement. Changes in lactate measurements were evaluated with a four-quadrant plot and trend interchangeability method (TIM). Results: In the 23 patients analysed, the central venous catheter was used as part of standard care, with no complications. The correlation coefficient for absolute values ( n =104) was 0.96 ( P <0.0001). The bias, precision, and limits of agreement were -0.19, 0.51, and -1.20 to 0.82 mmol litre -1 , respectively. The concordance rate for changes in blood lactate measurements ( n =80) was 94% with the four-quadrant plot. In contrast, the TIM showed that 23 (29) changes in lactate measurements were not interpretable, and among the remaining 57 (71) interpretable changes, 18 (32) were interchangeable, 8 (14) were in the grey zone, and 31 (54) were not interchangeable. Conclusions: Microdialysis with a central venous catheter appears to provide reliable absolute blood lactate values. Although changes in blood lactate measurements showed an excellent concordance rate, changes between the two methods were poorly interchangeable with the TIM. Clinical trial registration: NCT02296593.

Residents in tutored practice exchange groups have better medical reasoning as measured by script concordance test: a controlled, nonrandomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Clinical reasoning by anesthesiology residents in emergency situations where optimal management is uncertain could be improved by setting up a tutored practice exchange group. This study attempted to evaluate the impact of a practice exchange group (PEG), tutored by a senior anesthesiologist, on anesthesiology residents in emergency situations. Changes in clinical reasoning were measured by script concordance tests (SCT). DESIGN: We conducted a controlled, non-randomized study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants are residents in anesthesiology in Rouen, Caen and Amiens University Hospitals. INTERVENTIONS: Two resident groups were made up without randomization. The first group was the control group and consisted of residents from Amiens University Hospital and Caen University Hospital. The second study group (PEG group) consisted of residents from Rouen University Hospital, who followed weekly PEG sessions. Two groups had the same learning objectives except the PEG. MEASUREMENTS: In both the control group and the study group, each resident's clinical reasoning was assessed in the same formal manner by SCT. The primary outcome measurement of this study was to compare SCT results in the study group with PEG training (PEG group) with those without (control group). MAIN RESULTS: Performance in the SCT, expressed as degree of concordance with the expert panel (95% CI), was better in the PEG group (64% [62.1%-66%]) than in control group (60% [57.5%-62.8%])) (P= .004). CONCLUSION: Our study strongly suggests that an expert-directed, peer-conducted educational training program may improve the clinical reasoning of anesthesiology residents as measured by SCT.

Lower limb peripheral NIRS parameters during a vascular occlusion test: an experimental study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare NIRS parameters in combination with a vascular occlusion test (VOT) at a proximal (leg) and a distal (foot) site in male and female. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective experimental study in healthy subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty volunteers (10 male, 10 female, 28 ± 4 years) were investigated during 4 experimental steps: baseline, ischemia, reperfusion, and baseline. For each volunteer, 3 NIRS optodes were placed on right and left calves and the left arch of the foot. Blood pressure, heart rate and peripheral pulse oxymetry were monitored. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed at baseline between regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) values according to the site of measurement (proximal rSO2 81 ± 9% vs distal rSO2 60 ± 5%, P<0.001) but not according to gender. Both decreases in proximal and distal rSO2 during ischemia and increases over baseline values during reperfusion depended on group membership (male or female). NIRS parameters during the VOT were significantly higher in male when compared with female at the proximal site: desaturation rate 5.6% (IQR: 5.5) vs 2.5% (IQR: 0.8), P=0.001; resaturation rate 40.7% (IQR: 6.6) vs 21.7% (IQR: 5.4), P=0.003; and ΔrSO2 10.0% (IQR: 7.0) vs 5.5% (IQR: 6.0), P=0.041. CONCLUSIONS: Values of rSO2 at the lower limb varied according to the anatomical site of measurement. A VOT induced major changes in rSO2 that differed between male and female. These results should be taken into account in further clinical studies.

[Multicenter survey on ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention in intensive care]. / Enquête multicentrique sur l'application des recommandations de prévention des pneumopathies acquises sous ventilation mécanique en réanimation.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common hospital-acquired infection in intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to evaluate the follow-up of the guidelines for VAP prevention. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, observational and multicenter study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During one year, all patients with mechanical ventilation over 48 hours were included in the CCLIN-Ouest Network. The demographic characteristics of the patients, the use of specific protocol for VAP prevention and the density of incidence of VAP were recorded. The use of a protocol for preventing VAP (absence, incomplete, complete and care bundle (i.e. complete prevention of VAP with weaning mechanical protocol and sedation protocol)) was collected. RESULTS: 26 ICU with 5742 patients were included. Ten ICU (38%; 2595 patients) had no protocol for VAP prevention, eight ICU (31%; 1821 patients) had an incomplete protocol, five ICU (19%; 561 patients) had a complete protocol and three ICU (12%; 765 patients) had a care bundle. The density of incidence of VAP was 14.8‰ (Interquartile range [IQR]: 10.2-0.1) for no protocol group, 15.6‰ [IQR: 12.6-6.2] for incomplete protocol group, 11.0‰ [IQR: 9.1-14.0] for complete protocol group and 12.9‰ [5-7,7-9,9-12] for care bundle group (P=0.742). CONCLUSIONS: The compliance to prevention of VAP was poor. Proposals for improving practice are discussed.

[How do residents in anesthesiology learn their future speciality? A resident satisfaction survey in the Northwest of France]. / Comment les anesthésistes-réanimateurs français apprennent-ils leur spécialité ? Une enquête de ressenti auprès des internes de l'inter-région Nord.

STUDY DESIGN: Opinion survey. OBJECTIVES: To know the level of satisfaction and the expectations of the residents in anesthesiology in the Northwest of France. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized questionnaire assessing the theoretical and practical training was mailed to the 4th- and 5th-year anesthesiology residents (DESAR 4 and 5) in the Northwest of France over a 6-month period. Four items were studied: the profile of responders, the approval of theoretical and practical teaching, and the improvement propositions. RESULTS: The response rate was 61%. A change in speciality has never been looked for by 95% of residents. The training was considered as good or very good in 90% of cases. The elements of theoretical teaching are variably considered according to their merits. Practical training gave entire satisfaction whatever its type and place. Additional specific training in regional anesthesia, difficult intubation and echocardiography is required. Most DESAR would be interested in obtaining a post-internship job or a stage in private hospitals. DISCUSSION: Teaching generally meets the expectations of students. These regional data are similar with the results of French national surveys. They highlight the good quality of training but suggest it could be further improved. CONCLUSION: The homogeneity of teaching, based on the objectives proposed by the French College of Anesthesiologists, and the dynamism of the French Society of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine ensures the quality of training for future specialists.

Assessment of changes in cardiac index and fluid responsiveness: a comparison of Nexfin and transpulmonary thermodilution.

BACKGROUND: The Nexfin device uses non-invasive photoplethysmography to monitor cardiac output and respiratory variations in pulse pressure and stroke volume. The aim of this study was to compare rapid changes in cardiac index after fluid challenge between Nexfin and bolus transpulmonary thermodilution and the ability to predict fluid responsiveness of dynamic indices given by Nexfin. METHODS: Simultaneous comparative cardiac index were collected from transpulmonary thermodilution and Nexfin before and after fluid challenge in 45 patients following conventional cardiac surgery. Correlations, Bland-Altman analyses and percentage errors were calculated. Pulse pressure variations and stroke volume variations before fluid challenge were collected to assess their discrimination in predicting fluid responsiveness. RESULTS: Eight (18%) patients were excluded. A weak positive relationship was found between rapid changes in cardiac index after fluid challenge given by both technologies (n = 37, r = 0.39, P = 0.019). Bias, precision and limits of agreements were 0.20 l/min/m(2) (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02-0.40), 0.57 l/min/m(2) and ± 1.12 l/min/m(2) before fluid challenge, and 0.01 l/min/m(2) (95% CI -0.24 to 0.26), 0.74 l/min/m(2) and ± 1.45 l/min/m(2) after fluid challenge. Percentage errors between Nexfin and transpulmonary thermodilution were 55% and 58% before and after fluid challenge, respectively. Pulse pressure variations and stroke volume variations given by Nexfin were not discriminant to predict fluid responsiveness: areas under receiver operating characteristics curves 0.57 (95% CI 0.40-0.73) and 0.50 (0.33-0.67), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Nexfin cannot be used to measure rapid changes in cardiac index following fluid challenge and to predict fluid responsiveness after cardiac surgery.

Non-invasive continuous arterial pressure and cardiac index monitoring with Nexfin after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: This observational study was designed to evaluate the reliability and precision of a new digital photoplethysmographic device (Nexfin, BMEYE B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands) for continuous and non-invasive assessment of arterial pressure and cardiac output. METHODS: Fifty consecutive adult subjects were prospectively enrolled at admission to the intensive care unit after conventional cardiac surgery and investigated hourly from T0 to T4. Simultaneous comparative systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures and cardiac index (CI) data points were collected from an invasive radial artery catheter, transpulmonary thermodilution catheter, and the Nexfin device. Correlations were determined by linear regression. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to compare bias, precision, and limits of agreement. RESULTS: Six (12%) subjects were excluded from the analysis because of the inability to obtain a reliable photoplethysmographic signal. No complications were observed. A significant relationship was found between absolute values of photoplethysmographic and radial systolic (r(2)=0.56, P<0.001), diastolic (r(2)=0.61, P<0.001), and mean (r(2)=0.77, P<0.001) arterial pressures. A significant relationship was also found between transpulmonary thermodilution and Nexfin CI absolute values (r(2)=0.33, P<0.001). Bias, precision, and limits of agreement between the mean photoplethysmographic and radial arterial pressures were 4.6 (95% confidence interval: 3.7-5.5), 6.5, and -17.3 to 8.1 mm Hg, respectively. The percentage error between transpulmonary thermodilution and the Nexfin for CI measurement was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The Nexfin device is safe, convenient, and reliable in measuring continuous non-invasive arterial pressure but not interchangeable with transpulmonary thermodilution to monitor CI.

[French national survey on remifentanil utilisation for obstetrical peridural analgesia]. / Enquête nationale sur l'utilisation du rémifentanil comme alternative à l'analgésie péridurale obstétricale dans les maternités de niveau II et III.

OBJECTIVES: The last French survey on alternatives to neuraxial anaesthesia for labour pain was published in 1997. However, intravenous remifentanil has become increasingly used as an option for labour analgesia. We evaluated the use of remifentanil as an alternative to epidural analgesia in level 2 and 3 French maternities in 2009. STUDY DESIGN: This was an internet-based French survey performed in 2009 including all level 2 and 3 maternities. Data recorded were maternity unit characteristic, alternatives to neuraxial analgesia used, and remifentanil administration protocols. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty maternity units received the survey and 103 responses were completed. A written institutional alternative analgesia protocol for labour pain was present in 78%. Alternative labour analgesia included intermittent nitrous oxide inhalation (58%), intravenous nalbuphine (52%), patient-controlled intravenous administration of remifentanil (52%) and sufentanil (46%). Pethidine administration was reported by one maternity unit (1%). The bolus dose of remifentanil scheduled, and background infusion varied widely between maternity units. The analgesic efficacy of remifentanil used for labour pain was evaluated as moderate (55%) or good (43%). Two serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of remifentanil was largely reported as an alternative to neuraxial anaesthesia for labour pain. Although remifentanil administration was most often based on a local written protocol, bolus dose and background infusion varied widely between maternity units.

An information campaign on aminoglycosides use during septic shock failed to improve the quality of care.

BACKGROUND: Septic shock remains a major cause of death in intensive care units (ICU) and an inappropriate antibiotic regimen worsens the prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an information campaign on modalities of prescription of aminoglycosides in septic shock. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study. METHODS: Consecutive septic shock patients admitted to the surgical ICU over a 2-year period were included. An information campaign allowed to differentiate between a pre- (P1) and a post- (P2) interventional period. The campaign clarified the rules and requirements for pharmacological monitoring of aminoglycosides. The main objective was to increase the rate of prescription of peak serum aminoglycoside following the first intravenous injection. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-eight patients (P1=76 and P2=72) were finally included into the study. Similar clinical characteristics were observed during both periods. The rate of prescription of peak serum aminoglycoside following the first injection was performed in 49% (P1) versus 65% (P2), P=0.09. The length of stay in ICU was 16 days [extremes: 1-74] (P1) versus 17 days [extremes: 1-133] (P2) (P=0.84). Inhospital mortality was 28% (P1) versus 26% (P2), P=0.86. CONCLUSIONS: An information campaign describing the modalities of prescription of aminoglycosides in septic shock failed to improve medical practices and patient outcomes. A mobile team of antibiotics could be useful in daily practice.

[Cardiac biomarkers in perioperative risk stratification]. / Biomarqueurs cardiovasculaires dans la stratification du risque opératoire.

OBJECTIVES: The field of new cardiac biomarkers has triggered physicians' enthusiasm because of their potential diagnostic and prognostic values for routine clinical practice in the surgical setting. The objective of the present article is to review the role of new cardiac biomarkers and their potential additive clinical value in predicting short- and long-term risk following cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed(®) database research in English and French languages published until June 2010. Keywords were cardiac biomarkers, troponins, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), natriuretic peptides, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), multiple markers approach, risk stratification, clinical risk scores. DATA SYNTHESIS: Numerous publications deal with the diagnostic and prognostic values of new cardiac biomarkers in cardiac and non-cardiac surgical settings and provide an increasing evidence of their interest, validating different hierarchical steps which are mandatory before recommending a wide use of biomarkers for routine practice. Even if the first studies demonstrating an additional prognostic value of serum postoperative cTnI and/or preoperative BNP when compared with clinical predictive models are now available, we still lack data concerning an actual positive impact of new biomarkers measurements on clinical decision making or practice, as well as patient care and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: While use of new cardiac biomarkers in the perioperative period appears to be a simple and objective tool for risk stratification at the bedside, we still need to remain cautious concerning their additional clinical value on existing predictive models for routine practice.

Kinetic analysis of cardiac troponin I release is no more accurate than a single 24-h measurement in predicting in-hospital outcome after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A single cardiac troponin I (cTnI) 24-h measurement is an independent predictor of short- and long-term adverse outcome after coronary surgery. We compared a single cTnI 24-h measurement and kinetic analysis of cTnI release in predicting in-hospital outcome in unselected cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 184) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included and divided into two groups according to the time course of postoperative peak serum cTnI (6 or 24 h after surgery). Serial measurements of cTnI were performed the day before surgery, at the end of surgery and 6, 24 and 120 h after surgery in all patients. The total amount of cTnI released (integrated area under the curve), postoperative major adverse cardiac events (ventricular arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure) and in-hospital death were recorded. Data are expressed as median (95% CI). RESULTS: In all, 152 (83%) patients had an early peak cTnI (6 h after surgery) and 32 (17%) patients had a late peak cTnI (24 h after surgery). The integrated area under the curve differed between both groups: 159 (142-178) vs. 321 (255-590), respectively, P < 0.001. Major adverse cardiac events and/or death (22 vs. 9%, P = 0.04) was greater in patients with a late peak cTnI. The integrated area under the curve and the peak value of cTnI were no more accurate than a single 24-h measurement in predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events and/or death. CONCLUSIONS: Kinetic analysis of cTnI release was no more accurate than a single 24-h measurement in predicting in-hospital poor outcome.

Isoflurane may not influence postoperative cardiac troponin I release and clinical outcome in adult cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Isoflurane has been shown experimentally to protect the myocardium against infarction but the clinical relevance of these findings is not yet well established. We therefore evaluated the effects of isoflurane administration before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on postoperative cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release and clinical outcome in a large group of adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients were included prospectively in an open observational study and divided into two groups according to whether or not isoflurane was administered before CPB. Postoperative cTnI release, in-hospital mortality, time to discharge from hospital, time to extubation and non-fatal postoperative cardiac events (number of internal cardioversions, need for inotropic support, ischaemic events, dysrhythmias and/or conduction abnormalities) were recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-one (62%) patients did not receive isoflurane and 138 (38%) received isoflurane (1.3% [1.0-1.8%] minimum alveolar concentration over 22 [15-331 min). Postoperative cTnI release was not significantly different between the control and isoflurane groups (5.9 [1.0-336.8] vs. 6.0 [1.5-392.0] ng mL(-1), P = 0.88). No significant differences were found in non-fatal cardiac events (63% vs. 57%, P = 0.22) and in-hospital mortality (1.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.79) between the control and isoflurane groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant effect was observed on postoperative cTnI release and in-hospital outcome when isoflurane was added to standardized intravenous anaesthesia before CPB in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

[Anaesthesia and intensive care for cardiac surgery in France: results of the three days national survey realised in 2001 by the club of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Technics in Cardiac Surgery (ARTECC)]. / L'anesthésie en chirurgie cardiaque adulte en France en 2001: résultats de l'enquête nationale de trois jours du club Anesthésie-Réanimation-Techniques en Chirurgie Cardiaque (ARTECC).

OBJECTIVES: Ageing of the surgical population and the evolution in anaesthetic techniques have led the Club d'anesthésie-réanimation et techniques en chirurgie cardiaque (ARTECC) to conduct a survey among French cardiac surgery centers. The aim was to profile patient population undergoing cardiac surgery and perioperative techniques employed. STUDY: National prospective study including all adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery on January 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2001. Data were collected during the first 48 postoperative hours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven referent centers drafted a record form. Sixty-one centers sent back 425 patient forms, 399 were analyzed. The following were statistically studied: type of surgery, patient characteristics, preoperative treatment, monitoring, anaesthesia, cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) characteristics, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit, postoperative complications. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 64.3 +/- 13.3 years. Patients over 80-year-old represented 2.5% of the population. Beating heart coronary aortic bypass grafts (13% surgery) and preoperative transoesophagal echography were not frequent. Propofol and sufentanil were the main anaesthetic agents used. There was a marked trend for fast-track procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The ARTECC study pointed out some reserve in practices and that the impact of new techniques seems limited. Regular use of studies of that kind will provide an effective tool to compare national practices.

[Vasodilatory septic shock refractory to catecholamines: is there a role for terlipressin?]. / Choc septique réfractaire aux catécholamines: y a-t-il une place pour la terlipressine?

We report two patients in vasodilatory septic shock refractory to catecholamines in which a continuous infusion of terlipressin was associated with a dramatic increase in systemic arterial blood pressure and short-term survival. Low doses of terlipressin were sufficient in both cases (0.01-0.0 mg h(-1)) to restore blood pressure by increase of systemic vascular resistances. The haemodynamic response was immediate, long-acting, dose-dependent and reversible in a few hours when the drug administration was stopped. A further increase in terlipressin dose regimen markedly decreased cardiac performance. Terlipressin simultaneously induced vasoconstriction within the cutaneous vascular territory, leading to local skin necrosis. The splanchnic vascular territory seemed to be constricted in the same way. Further studies are needed to better understand and precise the role of terlipressin in the treatment of vasodilatory septic shock refractory to catecholamines.

Acute cor pulmonale in acute respiratory distress syndrome submitted to protective ventilation: incidence, clinical implications, and prognosis.

CONTEXT: The incidence of acute cor pulmonale (ACP), a frequent and usually lethal complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during traditional respiratory support, has never been re-evaluated since protective ventilation gained acceptance. OBJECTIVE: We performed a longitudinal transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) study to determine whether this incidence, and its severe implications for prognosis, might have changed in our unit as we altered respiratory strategy. DESIGN: Prospective open clinical study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-five consecutive ARDS patients given respiratory support with airway pressure limitation (plateau pressure < or =30 cm H2O). INTERVENTIONS: ACP was defined as a ratio of right ventricular end-diastolic area to left ventricular end-diastolic area in the long axis >0.6 associated with septal dyskinesia in the short axis during TEE examination. RESULTS: Normal right ventricular function was present in 56 patients, whereas right ventricular dysfunction was observed in 19 patients after 2 days of respiratory support. ACP was associated with pulmonary artery hypertension, increased heart rate, and decreased stroke index. Significant impairment of left ventricular diastolic function was also seen. All echo-Doppler abnormalities were reversible in patients who recovered, and the mortality rate was the same in both groups (32%). However, ACP patients who recovered required a longer period of respiratory support. A multivariate analysis individualized Paco2 level as the sole factor independently associated with ACP, suggesting that ACP development in ARDS is influenced by the severity of lung damage and/or the respiratory strategy. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of right ventricular function by TEE in a group of 75 ARDS patients submitted to protective ventilation revealed the persistence of a 25% incidence of ACP, resulting in detrimental hemodynamic consequences associated with tachycardia. However, ACP was reversible in patients who recovered and did not increase mortality.