Comparison of Candida colonization in intensive care unit patients with and without COVID-19: First prospective cohort study from Turkey.

Candida species are the primary cause of fungal infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Despite the increasing prevalence of Candida-related infections, monitoring the progression of these infections from colonization in COVID-19 ICU patients lacks sufficient information. This study aims prospectively to compare 62 COVID-19 and 60 non-COVID-19 ICU patients from admission to discharge in terms of colonization development, rates, isolated Candida species, risk factors, and Candida infections during hospitalization. A total of 1464 samples were collected at specific time intervals from various body sites [mouth, skin (axilla), rectal, and urine]. All samples were inoculated onto CHROMagar Candida and CHROMagar Candida Plus media, and isolates identified using MALDI-TOF MS. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly higher colonization rates in oral, rectal, and urine samples compared to non-COVID-19 patients, (p < 0.05). Among the Candida species, non-albicans Candida was more frequently detected in COVID-19 patients, particularly in oral (75.8%-25%; p < 0.001) and rectal regions (74.19% - 46.66%; p < 0.05). Colonization with mixed Candida species was also more prevalent in the oropharyngeal region (p < 0.05). Mechanical ventilation and corticosteroid use emerged as elevated risk factors among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). Despite the colonization prevalence, both COVID-19-positive and negative patients exhibited low incidences of Candida infections, with rates of 9.67% (n = 6/62) and 6.67% (n = 3/60), respectively. Consequently, although Candida colonization rates were higher in COVID-19 ICU patients, there was no significant difference in Candida infection development compared to the non-COVID-19 group. However, the elevated rate of non-albicans Candida isolates highlights potential future infections, particularly given their intrinsic resistance in prophylactic or empirical treatments if needed. Additionally, the high rate of mixed colonization emphasizes the importance of using chromogenic media for routine evaluation.

This is the first prospective cohort study comparing Candida colonization features including species and body sites from the time of admission to the externalization in intensive care unit patients with and without COVID-19. It provides key points that can be referenced for fungal approaches in future disasters.

Elevated sTREM2 and NFL levels in patients with sepsis associated encephalopathy.

PURPOSE: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common manifestation of sepsis that may lead to cognitive decline. Our aim was to investigate whether the neurofilament light chain (NFL) and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) could be utilized as prognostic biomarkers in SAE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, baseline serum levels of sTREM2 and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of sTREM2 and NFL were measured by ELISA in 11 SAE patients and controls. Patients underwent daily neurological examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and standard electroencephalography (EEG) were performed. Cognitive dysfunction was longitudinally assessed after discharge in 4 SAE patients using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) tests. RESULTS: SAE patients showed higher CSF sTREM2 and NFL levels than controls. sTREM2 and NFL levels were not correlated with the severity measures of sepsis. Three months after discharge, 2 SAE patients displayed ACE-R scores congruent with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), persisting in one patient 12 months after discharge. SAE patients with MCI showed higher CSF NFL levels, bacteremia, and abnormal brain MRI. Patients with increased serum/CSF sTREM2 levels showed trends towards displaying poorer attention/orientation and visuo-spatial skills. CONCLUSIONS: sTREM2 and NFL levels may serve as a prognostic biomarker for cognitive decline in SAE. These results lend further support for the involvement of glial activation and neuroaxonal degeneration in the physiopathology of SAE.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy: Experience from a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is frequently encountered in sepsis and is often accompanied by neuroimaging findings indicating ischemia, hemorrhage, and edema. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been vastly underrecognized in previously reported cohorts of patients with sepsis and SAE. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and distinguishing clinical, neuroimaging, and electroencephalography features of PRES in SAE. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, patients with radiologically identified PRES were selected from a consecutively enrolled cohort of 156 patients with SAE and assessed for neurological outcome using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale for 12 months. Patients with SAE and PRES and other types of brain lesions were compared in terms of clinical and diagnostic workup features. RESULTS: Fourteen of 156 patients (8.9%) were determined to be radiologically compatible with PRES, whereas 48 patients displayed other types of acute brain lesions. Patients with PRES often showed lesions in atypical regions, including frontal lobes, the corpus callosum, and the basal ganglia. Source of infection was mostly gram-negative bacteria originating from pneumonia or intraabdominal infections. Patients with PRES were not different from other patients with SAE with brain lesions in terms of features of sepsis and neurological outcome. However, patients with PRES showed increased prevalence of seizures and intraabdominal source of infection. CONCLUSIONS: PRES is highly prevalent in SAE, often encompasses unusual brain regions, and usually presents with generalized seizures. Patients with SAE and PRES do not appear to have distinguishing clinical and diagnostic workup features. However, generalized seizures may serve as warning signs for presence of PRES in patients with SAE.

[First Case of COVID-19 Positive Candida auris Fungemia in Turkey]. / Türkiye'de Ilk COVID-19 Pozitif Candida auris Fungemi Olgusu.

Candida auris is a species of fungus that has gained importance in recent years owing to its ability to cause hospital infections and epidemics, resistant to antifungal agents and disinfection processes and frequently misidentified by commercial systems. Hospital outbreaks caused by C.auris have been reported from some countries. It has been determined that C.auris has lower virulence than Candida albicans; however, it is associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised individuals. An increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections which can lead to serious complications and death, has been identified in severe coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) patients or immunocompromised individuals with underlying disease. Studies demonstrated an increase in the frequency of C.auris isolation in COVID-19 patients with candidemia. In this report, the first case of COVID-19 positive C.auris fungemia detected in Turkey was presented. A 71-year-old male patient with a history of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, donation of a single kidney and lobectomy surgery due to lung cancer was hospitalized in the pandemic thoracic surgery service due to the findings consistent with viral pneumonia on thoracic computed tomography. Favipiravir 2 x 600 mg and intravenous dexamethasone 1 x 6 mg therapy was administered. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction, and severe involvement of the left lung was detected in the following days. Antibiotics were administered, followed by insertion of a right jugular vein catheter and initation of tocilizumab. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit due to increased respiratory distress. Yeast growth was detected in the patient's hemoculture. The yeast strain could not be identified using API ID 32C (bioMerieux, France) (Sacchromyces kluyveri, Candida sake, unacceptable profile), but was identified as C.auris using the VITEK MALDI TOF MS (bioMerieux, France) (99.9%) system and confirmed by sequencing. The minimum inhibitor concentration values were detected as 3 µg/ml for amphotericin B; > 256 µg/ml for fluconazole; 0.19 µg/ml for voriconazole; 0.19 µg/ml for itraconazole; 0.016 µg/ml for posaconazole; 1 µg/ml for caspofungin and 0.094 µg/ml for anidulafungin by using the antibiotic gradient method. The patient's initial treatment comprised meropenem 3 x 1 g, vancomycin 2 x 1 g, caspofungin 1 x 70 mg, and continued as caspofungine 1 x 50 mg after the loading dose, and vancomycin 1 x 1 g/48 hours from the third day of treatment. The patient died on the ninth day after developing candidemia. The present case is the first case of fungemia caused by C.auris in a COVID-19 positive patient in Turkey, and it emphasizes the need of caution for fungemia due to C.auris in intensive care units in our country which has a high COVID-19 incidence.

Effects of personality traits on severity of sepsis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of the individual's lifestyle and personality traits on the disease process in patients with sepsis and to have clinical predictions about these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was planned as a multi-center, prospective, observational study after obtaining the approval of the local ethics committee. Patients were hospitalized in different intensive care units. Besides demographics and personal characteristics of patients, laboratory data, length of hospital and ICU stay, and mortality was recorded. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients were followed up in 11 different intensive care units. Mortality rates, morbidities, blood analyses, and personality traits were evaluated as primary outcomes. RESULT: Of the 259 patients followed up, mortality rates were significantly higher in men than in women (p= 0.008). No significant difference was found between the patients' daily activity, tea and coffee consumption, reading habits, smoking habits, blood groups, atopy histories and mortality rates. Examining the personal traits, it was seen that 90 people had A-type personality structure and 51 (56.7%) of them died with higher mortality rate compared to type B (p= 0.038). There was no difference between personalities, in concomitant ARDS occurrence, need for sedation and renal replacement therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Among individuals diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock, mortality increased significantly in patients with A-type personality trait compared to other personality traits. These results showed that personal traits may be useful in predicting the severity of disease and mortality in patients with sepsis/septic shock.

Diagnosing acute brain dysfunction due to sepsis.

Developments in the management of critically ill patients suffering organ dysfunctions have demonstrated that brain is the prominent organ to be effected during critical illness. Acute brain dysfunction due to pathologic neuroinflammatory processes associated with sepsis is commonly seen and related to morbidity and mortality in the ICU treatment. Studies reported that survivors of sepsis may suffer long-term cognitive dysfunction that affects quality of life. However, there are no specific approaches to diagnose acute brain dysfunction in the early phase to target protective measures. In recent years, imaging methods and biomarkers are the most important issues of studies. This review will address the current diagnostic approaches to acute brain dysfunction related to sepsis.

Brain Volume Changes in Patients with Acute Brain Dysfunction Due to Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced brain dysfunction (SIBD) is often encountered in sepsis patients and is related to increased morbidity. No specific tests are available for SIBD, and neuroimaging findings are often normal. In this study, our aim was to analyze the diagnostic value of volumetric analysis of the brain structures and to find out its significance as a prognostic measure. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sections of 25 consecutively enrolled SIBD patients (17 with encephalopathy and 8 with coma) and 22 healthy controls underwent volumetric evaluation by an automated segmentation method. RESULTS: Ten SIBD patients had normal MRI, and 15 patients showed brain lesions or atrophy. The most prominent volume reduction was found in cerebral and cerebellar white matter, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, whereas deep gray matter regions and cerebellar cortex were relatively less affected. SIBD patients with normal MRI showed significantly reduced volumes in hippocampus and cerebral white matter. Caudate nuclei, putamen, and thalamus showed lower volume values in non-survivor SIBD patients, and left putamen and right thalamus showed a more pronounced volume reduction in coma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric analysis of the brain appears to be a sensitive measure of volumetric changes in SIBD. Volume reduction in specific deep gray matter regions might be an indicator of unfavorable outcome.

Transpulmonary thermodilution monitoring-guided hemodynamic management improves cognitive function in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective cohort comparison.

BACKGROUND: The effects of goal-directed hemodynamic management using transpulmonary thermodilution (TPT) monitor on the cognitive function of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain unclear. The present study aimed to determine whether hemodynamic management with TPT monitor provides better cognitive function compared with standard hemodynamic management. METHODS: Patients with aSAH who were admitted to the intensive care unit in 2016 were assigned to cohort 1, and those admitted in 2017 were assigned to cohort 2. In cohort 1, hemodynamic and fluid management was performed in accordance with the traditional pressure-based hemodynamic parameters and clinical examination, whereas in cohort 2, it was performed in accordance with the TPT monitor-measured flow-based parameters. The incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and pulmonary edema (PE) was determined. The functional outcome of patients was assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) test at 1 year following aSAH. RESULTS: Cohort 1 included 45 patients and cohort 2 included 39 patients who completed the trial. The incidence of DCI (38% versus 26%) and PE (11% versus 3%) was comparable between the cohorts (p > 0.05). The mRS score was similar between the cohorts (p = 0.11). However, the MoCA score was 20.2 (19.2-21.4) and 23.5 (22.2-24.8) in cohort 1 and cohort 2, respectively (p < 0.001). Accordingly, the occurrence of poor MoCA score (38% versus 18%) was significantly lower in cohort 2 (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: TPT monitor-based hemodynamic management provides better cognitive outcome than standard hemodynamic management in patients with aSAH.

Neuroimaging Findings in Sepsis-Induced Brain Dysfunction: Association with Clinical and Laboratory Findings.

BACKGROUND: Incidence and patterns of brain lesions of sepsis-induced brain dysfunction (SIBD) have been well defined. Our objective was to investigate the associations between neuroimaging features of SIBD patients and well-known neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration factors. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 93 SIBD patients (45 men, 48 women; 50.6 ± 12.7 years old) were enrolled. Patients underwent a neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Severity-of-disease scoring systems (APACHE II, SOFA, and SAPS II) and neurological outcome scoring system (GOSE) were used. Also, serum levels of a panel of mediators [IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, complement factor Bb, C4d, C5a, iC3b, amyloid-ß peptides, total tau, phosphorylated tau (p-tau), S100b, neuron-specific enolase] were measured by ELISA. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was employed to available patients for assessment of neuronal loss pattern in SIBD. RESULTS: MRI of SIBD patients were normal (n = 27, 29%) or showed brain lesions (n = 51, 54.9%) or brain atrophy (n = 15, 16.1%). VBM analysis showed neuronal loss in the insula, cingulate cortex, frontal lobe, precuneus, and thalamus. Patients with abnormal MRI findings had worse APACHE II, SOFA, GOSE scores, increased prevalence of delirium and mortality. Presence of MRI lesions was associated with reduced C5a and iC3b levels and brain atrophy was associated with increased p-tau levels. Regression analysis identified an association between C5a levels and presence of lesion on MRI and p-tau levels and the presence of atrophy on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronal loss predominantly occurs in limbic and visceral pain perception regions of SIBD patients. Complement breakdown products and p-tau stand out as adverse neuroimaging outcome markers for SIBD.

[Is there a relationship between rectal colonization and nosocomial infection of patients in intensive care unit?]. / Yogun bakim birimindeki hastalarin rektal kolonizasyonu ile hastane enfeksiyonu arasinda bir iliski var mi?

Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms are a major problem in intensive care units (ICUs) with high mortality and morbidity rates and the prior colonization is an important risk factor for these infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of rectal colonization of MDR microorganisms and the association between the microorganisms that caused colonization and infection in the patients with nosocomial infections in ICUs. Rectal swabs were obtained on the day of 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and weekly thereafter from 80 patients over 18 years of age hospitalized in ICU for more than 48 hours, and cultured for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)- producing gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and carbapenem-resistant enteric and nonenteric bacilli. Patients whose rectal swabs were not obtained on admission (on the day of 0), were excluded even they were hospitalized more than 48 hours. Bile esculin agar containing 64 µg/mL ceftazidime and 6 µg/mL vancomycin, chromogenic MRSA agar and blood agar media, MacConkey agar containing 1 mg/L ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, and 5 mL tryptic soy broth media containing 10 µg imipenem and meropenem discs were used for identification. Identification of GNB was determined by conventional methods and ESBL production was determined by double-disc synergy test. Patients have been followed up for nosocomial infections. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed with standard microbiological methods. In 37 (46%) of the 80 patients, at least one MDR microorganism was isolated in rectal swab cultures on the day of 0. The most common microorganisms were ESBL-positive E.coli (19%), followed by ESBL-positive K.pneumoniae (13%), carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa (10%), ESBL-positive K.oxytoca (3%), MRSA (1%), VRE (1%), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter sp. (1%) and carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae (1%), respectively. The number of microorganisms isolated from rectal swab cultures on the following days have increased, and on the 7th day, the rate of the patients with rectal colonization ascended to 72%. Out of 80 patients, 52 (65%) had nosocomial infections in the follow-up and the mean duration of infection development was 11.8±9.9 days in these patients. Patients with and without rectal colonization were compared in terms of subsequent nosocomial infection rates. While no statistically significant difference has been detected between two groups on the day of 0, patients with rectal colonization detected on the day of 3 and 7, had a significantly higher incidence of nosocomial infections (p=0.02, p=0.01). Among the patients with ESBL-positive GNB, carbapenem-resistant K.pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa and VRE infections, the same microorganisms have been isolated in the rectal swab cultures taken before the development of infection. This result was statistically significant for each of these microorganisms (p=0.00-0.03). However, such a correlation was not observed for Acinetobacter infections. Since MRSA infections developed in only two patients, no istatistical analysis has been done for this microorganism. In conclusion, our data suggest that MDR microorganisms that cause nosocomial infections, initially colonize the gastrointestinal tract, and early detection of colonized patients in ICUs may help an effective infection control by preventing the spread of these resistant microorganisms.

A Different Approach to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Cytokine Filter.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening dermatologic disorder that erythema and exfoliation of the skin involve more than 30% of the body surface and usually drug related. A 68-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with the complaint of extensive bullous lesions on his skin was followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of TEN. He had been on multiple anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and analgesic treatment for approximately 20 days due to respiratory tract infection and gout. Methylprednisolone 1 g day 1 was started after the patient's previous treatments were discontinued. The patient was connected to the mechanical ventilator on 11th day due to sepsis and respiratory mucosal involvement. Regression and epithelialisation of skin lesions started after starting cytokine filter treatment on 14th day. The cytokine filter was applied with a renal replacement therapy machine in our patient. Withdrawal of suspected drugs, maintaining an optimal electrolyte balance, sterile care of skin lesions and management in the ICU of specialised centres are essential. Although agents, such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and cyclosporine, are used in the treatment, we think that the use of cytokine filters will contribute to recovery by stopping the cytokine storm in these cases.

Thrombotic Events Related to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in COVID-19-Associated Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Hypercoagulopathy associated with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the leading cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure, and mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used to manage patients with COVID 19-associated severe respiratory or cardiac failure. In this report, we aim to summarise our experience with deadly thrombotic complications during venovenous ECMO (vvECMO) treatment in 6 patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS between March 19, 2020 and April 20, 2020. Based on our experience with 6 COVID-19-associated ARDS patients on ECMO, we intend to raise awareness regarding thrombotic complications leading to mortality.

Prognostic Value of Antithrombin Levels in COVID-19 Patients and Impact of Fresh Frozen Plasma Treatment: A Retrospective Study

Objective: The defective interplay between coagulation and inflammation may be the leading cause of intravascular coagulation and organ dysfunction in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients. Abnormal coagulation profiles were reported to be associated with poor outcomes. In this study, we assessed the prognostic values of antithrombin (AT) activity levels and the impact of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) treatment on outcome. Materials and Methods: Conventional coagulation parameters as well as AT activity levels and outcomes of 104 consecutive critically ill acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 disease were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with AT activity below 75% were treated with FFP. Maximum AT activity levels achieved in those patients were recorded. Results: AT activity levels at admission were significantly lower in nonsurvivors than survivors (73% vs. 81%). The cutoff level for admission AT activity was 79% and 58% was the lowest AT for survival. The outcome in those patients who had AT activity levels above 75% after FFP treatment was better than that of the nonresponding group. As well as AT, admission values of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were coagulation and inflammatory parameters among the mortality risk factors. Conclusion: AT activity could be used as a prognostic marker for survival and organ failure in COVID-19-associated ARDS patients. AT supplementation therapy with FFP in patients with COVID-19-induced hypercoagulopathy may improve thrombosis prophylaxis and thus have an impact on survival.

COVID-19 in chronic kidney disease: a retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic factors for COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are uncertain. We conducted a study to compare clinical and prognostic features between hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without CKD. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with stage 3-5 CKD and propensity score-matched fifty-six patients without CKD were included in the study. Patients were followed-up at least fifteen days or until death after COVID-19 diagnosis. The endpoints were death from all causes, development of acute kidney injury (AKI) or cytokine release syndrome or respiratory failure, or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: All patients were reviewed retrospectively over a median follow-up of 44 days (IQR, 36-52) after diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients with CKD had higher intensive care unit admission and mortality rates than the patients without CKD, but these results did not reach statistical significance (16 vs. 19; p = 0.54 and 11 vs. 16, p = 0.269, respectively). The frequency of AKI development was significantly higher in predialysis patients with CKD compared to the other group (8 vs. 5; p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of cytokine release syndrome (13 vs. 8; p = 0.226), follow-up in the ICU (19 vs. 16; p = 0.541), and respiratory failure (25 vs. 22, p = 0.566). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that respiratory failure and AKI were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: The mortality rates of COVID-19 patients with CKD had higher than COVID-19 patients without CKD. Also, AKI and respiratory failure were independently related to mortality.

Effects of adjunct treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins on the course of severe COVID-19: results from a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of adjunct treatment with Octagam, an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) product, on clinical outcomes and biomarkers in critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Data from a single center was analyzed retrospectively. Patients had received preliminary standard intensive care (SIC) according to a local treatment algorithm, either alone or along with IVIG 5% at 30 g/day for 5 days. The two groups were compared regarding baseline characteristics, survival and changes in inflammation markers. Imbalance in baseline APACHE II scores was addressed by propensity score matching. Otherwise, Kaplan-Meier and multiple logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Out of 93 patients, 51 had received IVIG and 42 had not. About 75% of patients were male and both groups had comparable body mass index and AB0 blood type distribution. IVIG-treated patients were younger (mean 65 ± 15 versus 71 ± 15 years, p = .066) and had slightly lower baseline disease scores (APACHE II: 20.6 versus 22.4, p = .281; SOFA: 5.0 versus 7.0, p = .006). Overall survival was 61% in the SIC + IVIG and 38% in the SIC only group (odds ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.9-5.4, p = .091 after controlling for baseline imbalances). IVIG significantly prolonged median survival time (68 versus 18 days, p = .014) and significantly reduced plasma levels of C-reactive protein (median change from baseline -71.5 versus -0.3 mg/L, p = .049). CONCLUSION: Clinically relevant benefits through adjunct IVIG treatment in COVID-19 need to be confirmed in a randomized, controlled trial.

Complementary Roles of Cadaveric and Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Acute Liver Failure.

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation may complement cadaveric transplantation in acute liver failure (ALF) patients. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2017, 89 patients were treated for ALF; 15 patients (17%) recovered with intensive care treatment; 31 (35%) died without transplant. The records of the remaining 43 patients (median (range) age: 14 (1-62)) who underwent transplantation were evaluated. RESULTS: The etiologic factors were toxic agents (10; mushrooms: 8; herbs: 2), hepatitis viruses (7; A: 1; B: 6), Wilson's disease (7), autoimmune hepatitis (4), and Budd-Chiari syndrome (2); 13 cases were idiopathic. Cadaveric organs (whole, split, reduced) were transplanted to 32 patients; 11 patients underwent living donor transplantation. One patient (2%) died of septic shock on the second postoperative day. Bacterial infection was the most common early (< 3 months) complication in the remaining patients (31/42; 74%), followed by delirium (5/42; 12%) and acute rejection requiring steroid pulse (5/42; 12%). Seven other patients died during median (range) follow-up of 94 (14-142) months: various infections (5), leukemia (1), and acute myocardial infarction (1). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 100%, 96%, and 92% in children and 94%, 82%, and 65% in adults respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cadaveric organ sharing and transplantation from living donors when appropriate yield a high survival rate, despite high early morbidity, in ALF patients whose conditions deteriorate despite intensive care treatment. Efforts to eliminate preventable causes of acute liver failure will lead to more efficient use of health care resources.

Prevalence and risk factors for delirium in critically ill patients with COVID-19 (COVID-D): a multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To date, 750 000 patients with COVID-19 worldwide have required mechanical ventilation and thus are at high risk of acute brain dysfunction (coma and delirium). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of delirium and coma, and risk factors for delirium in critically ill patients with COVID-19, to aid the development of strategies to mitigate delirium and associated sequelae. METHODS: This multicentre cohort study included 69 adult intensive care units (ICUs), across 14 countries. We included all patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to participating ICUs with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection before April 28, 2020. Patients who were moribund or had life-support measures withdrawn within 24 h of ICU admission, prisoners, patients with pre-existing mental illness, neurodegenerative disorders, congenital or acquired brain damage, hepatic coma, drug overdose, suicide attempt, or those who were blind or deaf were excluded. We collected de-identified data from electronic health records on patient demographics, delirium and coma assessments, and management strategies for a 21-day period. Additional data on ventilator support, ICU length of stay, and vital status was collected for a 28-day period. The primary outcome was to determine the prevalence of delirium and coma and to investigate any associated risk factors associated with development of delirium the next day. We also investigated predictors of number of days alive without delirium or coma. These outcomes were investigated using multivariable regression. FINDINGS: Between Jan 20 and April 28, 2020, 4530 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to 69 ICUs, of whom 2088 patients were included in the study cohort. The median age of patients was 64 years (IQR 54 to 71) with a median Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II of 40·0 (30·0 to 53·0). 1397 (66·9%) of 2088 patients were invasively mechanically ventilated on the day of ICU admission and 1827 (87·5%) were invasively mechanical ventilated at some point during hospitalisation. Infusion with sedatives while on mechanical ventilation was common: 1337 (64·0%) of 2088 patients were given benzodiazepines for a median of 7·0 days (4·0 to 12·0) and 1481 (70·9%) were given propofol for a median of 7·0 days (4·0 to 11·0). Median Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score while on invasive mechanical ventilation was -4 (-5 to -3). 1704 (81·6%) of 2088 patients were comatose for a median of 10·0 days (6·0 to 15·0) and 1147 (54·9%) were delirious for a median of 3·0 days (2·0 to 6·0). Mechanical ventilation, use of restraints, and benzodiazepine, opioid, and vasopressor infusions, and antipsychotics were each associated with a higher risk of delirium the next day (all p≤0·04), whereas family visitation (in person or virtual) was associated with a lower risk of delirium (p<0·0001). During the 21-day study period, patients were alive without delirium or coma for a median of 5·0 days (0·0 to 14·0). At baseline, older age, higher SAPS II scores, male sex, smoking or alcohol abuse, use of vasopressors on day 1, and invasive mechanical ventilation on day 1 were independently associated with fewer days alive and free of delirium and coma (all p<0·01). 601 (28·8%) of 2088 patients died within 28 days of admission, with most of those deaths occurring in the ICU. INTERPRETATION: Acute brain dysfunction was highly prevalent and prolonged in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Benzodiazepine use and lack of family visitation were identified as modifiable risk factors for delirium, and thus these data present an opportunity to reduce acute brain dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. FUNDING: None. TRANSLATIONS: For the French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Septic Encephalopathy: Neuroimaging, Inflammation and Neurodegeneration Findings.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is known to be associated with septic encephalopathy. The pathophysiology of septic encephalopathy is thought to involve inflammatory immune response pathways. We are reporting a patient with septic encephalopathy and PRES with well documented inflammatory biomarkers and neuroradiological findings.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as an underlying cause for encephalopathy in a sepsis patient in the intensive care unit: A case report.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES) is a clinical and radiological syndrome characterized by neurological findings and vasogenic edema in the posterior regions of the cerebral hemispheres. Sepsis and septic shock have recently been recognized as an etiological factor in PRES. In this case report, we are presenting a patient with intraabdominal sepsis and PRES followed in the intensive care unit with an unfavorable neurological outcome. Wider recognition of PRES as a cause of encephalopathy in sepsis patients is necessary.

An investigation into the effects of hemodynamic changes on the patient's clinical condition during the treatment of patients undergoing aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the hemodynamic changes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) during the intensive care unit and the effects of PiCCO on the hemodynamic clinical course during hydration and hypertension treatment. METHODS: In our study, 15 adult aSAH patients, whose aneurysm had been treated by surgery or coiling, were examined for the signs of vasospasm in between the dates 03/01/2015 and 01/03/2016. The PICCO measurement was made at least twice in a day. Positive daily fluid balance was attempted to be at least 1000 mL and the value of the Global end-diastolic index (GEDI) was targeted to 680 to 800 mL/m2 for each patient. The values of mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), and cardiac index (CI), GEDI, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), extravascular lung water index (ELWI) measured by PiCCO, and daily neurological outcome of patients and GCS values were recorded. RESULTS: It had been observed that CVP value was randomly changing during the volume therapy, but the GEDI value determined by thermodilution was consistent. A positive correlation was detected between the period of reaching the hospital and the first measured value of SVRI. Low GEDI value was detected as a risk factor in the perspective of vasospasm, but an ideal GEDI value could not be determined. CONCLUSION: GEDI values were correlated with daily fluid balance. While low GEDI value was found as a risk factor, we could not determine an ideal GEDI value.