Avoiding Patient Harm With Parenteral Nutrition During Electrolyte Shortages.

Purpose: We report a case of a patient with gastrointestinal dysmotility and substantial drainage losses who required parenteral nutrition (PN) and developed a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis secondary to a shortage of concurrent potassium acetate and sodium acetate PN additives. We describe how severe PN-associated metabolic consequences were averted during this acetate shortage. Summary: The patient with inability to swallow and significant weight loss was admitted to the hospital and given PN after failure to tolerate either gastric or jejunal feeding due to dysmotility and severe abdominal distension and discomfort. PN was initiated and the nasogastric and jejunal tubes were left to low intermittent suction or gravity drainage (average losses of 800 mL and 1600 mL daily, respectively) to reduce abdominal distension. The patient had been stable on PN for approximately 2 months prior to when a shortage in potassium acetate and sodium acetate occurred. As a result, potassium and sodium requirements had to be met with chloride and phosphate salts. The patient developed a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis after 11 days of acetate-free PN. Progression to severe acidemia was avoided by administration of sodium bicarbonate daily for 3 days and replacement of 0.9% sodium chloride supplemental intravenous fluid with lactated ringers solution. Conclusion: This case report illustrates that PN component shortages require clinicians to closely monitor patients who require PN. In addition, clinicians may need to use creative therapeutic strategies to avoid potential serious patient harm during PN component shortages.

Improvement in Protein Delivery for Critically Ill Patients Requiring High-Dose Propofol Therapy and Enteral Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Patients with traumatic brain (TBI) injury often require a high dosage of propofol, which can provide an excessive caloric intake. We evaluated our strategy of using liquid protein supplement boluses concurrently with high protein-containing enteral nutrition (EN) formulas and formula rate reduction to avoid caloric overfeeding and inadequate protein intake. METHODS: Adult patients (aged >17 years) with TBI admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) who received concurrent propofol and EN were retrospectively reviewed. Caloric intakes from propofol and EN were obtained. Actual protein intake was compared with projected protein intakes from high protein content and standard protein content enteral formulas when given at an isocaloric intake. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Average caloric intake from propofol was 356 ± 243 kcal/d or 5 ± 3 kcal/kg/d (range, <1-15 kcal/kg/d). Daily EN caloric intake ranged from 7 ± 4 kcal/kg/d (day 2) to 16 ± 9 kcal/kg/d (day 5; P < .001). Average protein intake ranged from 0.6 ± 0.4 g/kg/d (day 2) to 1.5 ± 0.7 g/kg/d (day 5; P < .001). The modified EN strategy resulted in daily delivery of 24%-38% more protein than an isocaloric regimen with a high protein-content formula and twice as much protein than the standard protein-content formula (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The strategy of providing an EN regimen comprised liquid protein boluses, and high and very high protein-containing EN formulas at a reduced rate improved protein delivery without caloric overfeeding.

Augmented Renal Clearance Following Traumatic Injury in Critically Ill Patients Requiring Nutrition Therapy.

The intent of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of augmented renal clearance (ARC) in patients with traumatic injuries who require nutrition therapy and identify factors associated with ARC. Adult patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit from January 2015 to September 2016 who received enteral or parenteral nutrition therapy and had a 24 h urine collection within 4 to 14 days after injury were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with a serum creatinine concentration > 1.5 mg/dL, required dialysis, or had an incomplete urine collection were excluded. ARC was defined as a measured creatinine clearance > 149 mL/min/1.73 m2. Two hundred and three patients were evaluated. One hundred and two (50%) exhibited ARC. A greater proportion of patients with ARC were male (86% vs. 67%; p = 0.004), had traumatic brain injury (33% vs. 9%; p = 0.001), a higher injury severity score (30 ± 11 vs. 26 ± 12; p = 0.015), were younger (36 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 17 years; p = 0.001), had a lower serum creatinine concentration (0.7 ± 2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL; p = 0.001) and were more catabolic (nitrogen balance of -10.8 ± 13.0 vs. -6.2 ± 9.2 g/d; p = 0.004). The multivariate analysis revealed African American race and protein intake were also associated with ARC. Half of critically ill patients with traumatic injuries experience ARC. Patients with multiple risk factors for ARC should be closely evaluated for dosing of renally-eliminated electrolytes, nutrients, and medications.

Hypercalcemia Without Hypervitaminosis D During Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency during critical illness has been associated with worsened outcomes. Because most critically ill patients with severe traumatic injuries are vitamin D deficient, we investigated the efficacy and safety of cholecalciferol therapy for these patients. METHODS: Fifty-three patients (>17 years of age) admitted to the trauma intensive care unit who had a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vit D) concentration <20 ng/mL were given 10,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily. Efficacy was defined as achievement of a 25-OH vit D of 30-79.9 ng/mL. Safety was evaluated by the presence of hypercalcemia (serum ionized calcium [iCa] >1.32 mmol/L) or hypervitaminosis D (25-OH vit D >79.9 nmol/L). Patients were monitored for 2 weeks during cholecalciferol therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (45%) achieved target 25-OH vit D. No patients experienced hypervitaminosis D. Hypercalcemia occurred in 40% (n = 21) of patients; 2 patients experienced an iCa >1.49 nmol/L. 25-OH vit D was significantly greater for those who developed hypercalcemia (37.2 + 11.2 vs 28.4 + 5.6 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001) by the second week of cholecalciferol. Of 24 patients who achieved target 25-OH vit D, 14 (58%) experienced hypercalcemia in contrast to 24% of patients (7 out of 29) who did not achieve target 25-OH vit D (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Cholecalciferol normalized serum 25-OH vit D concentrations in less than half of patients yet was associated with a substantial proportion of patients with hypercalcemia without hypervitaminosis D.

Necessity of repeat head CT and ICU monitoring in patients with minimal brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Recent publications have dismissed the need for routine repeat computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with minimal brain injury (MBI) (Glasgow Coma Scale score 13-15 with positive initial CT) unless physical examination changes. In an attempt to better allocate scarce resources, we hypothesized that not only was repeat head CT unnecessary but also routine intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring of these patients with MBI and stable examinations were unnecessary. METHODS: All blunt injured patients admitted to a level I trauma center from January 2005 through December 2007 who met our criteria for MBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score 14-15 with positive initial CT) were reviewed. All patients had ICU monitoring and repeat CT done (at 12-24 hours) regardless of clinical examination. Patients with skull fractures, facial fractures needing urgent repair, those requiring immediate neurosurgical intervention and those with other injuries requiring ICU monitoring were excluded. Data including demographics, initial brain injury, follow-up CT scan results, changes in clinical examination, neurosurgical interventions, and ICU days were recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients met criteria. Fifty-eight patients (28%) developed worsening findings on follow-up CT or examination. Eighteen required invasive neurosurgical intervention (6 intracranial pressure [ICP] monitors, 12 craniotomies) and 1 died (stroke). Those requiring ICP monitors had worsening intracranial hemorrhages (IPHs) with clinical examination changes or examination changes only, whereas those requiring craniotomy had worsening subarachnoid hemorrhage (2 patient), epidural hematoma (1 patient), and subdural hematoma (8 patients). Five of the subdural hematoma patients remained asymptomatic before craniotomy. ICU days were significantly increased in those patients with worsening CT findings who did not require neurosurgical intervention compared with those patients with unchanged or improved CT scans (5 days vs. 2.7 days, p < or = 0002). CONCLUSIONS: Routine follow-up CT scans are beneficial in those patients with MBI and may lead to higher levels of medical management or neurosurgical intervention in patients with worsening CT findings. These patients should be kept in an ICU setting until head CT has stabilized. With these dissimilar results from previous studies, a prospectively randomized multicentered trial would be beneficial.

Efficacy of monotherapy in the treatment of Pseudomonas ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with trauma.

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists regarding the optimal treatment regimen for Pseudomonas ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Combination antibiotic therapy is used to broaden the spectrum of activity of empiric treatment and provide synergistic bacteriocidal activity. The relevance of such "synergy" is commonly supposed but poorly supported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of monotherapy in the treatment of Pseudomonas VAP as measured by microbiological resolution. METHODS: Patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit during a 36-month period with gram-negative VAP diagnosed on initial bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (> or = 10(5) colony forming units [CFU]/mL) were evaluated. All patients received empiric antibiotic monotherapy based on the duration of intensive care unit stay. Patients with Pseudomonas VAP were identified and appropriate monotherapy was selected. Repeat BAL was performed on day 4 of appropriate antibiotic therapy to determine efficacy. Microbiological resolution was defined as < or = 10(3) CFU/mL. Combination therapy with an aminoglycoside was reserved for patients with either persistent positive or increasing colony counts on repeat BAL. Recurrence was defined as > or = 10(5) CFU/mL on subsequent BAL after 2 weeks of appropriate therapy. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-six patients were identified with late gram-negative VAP. There were 84 patients with Pseudomonas VAP. Monotherapy achieved microbiological resolution in 79 patients (94.1%) with zero recurrence. Thirty-six isolates were completely eradicated at repeat BAL. Five patients (5.9%) required combination therapy to achieve resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Monotherapy in the treatment of Pseudomonas VAP has an excellent success rate in patients with trauma. Empiric monotherapy therapy should be modified once susceptibility of the microorganism is documented (all isolates were sensitive to cefepime) and antibiotic choice should be based on local patterns of susceptibilities. The routine use of combination therapy for synergy is unnecessary. Combination therapy should be reserved for patients with persistent microbiological evidence of Pseudomonas VAP despite adequate therapy.

Obesity attenuates serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D response to cholecalciferol therapy in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVES: The presence of obesity may confound cholecalciferol dosing in vitamin D-deficient patients owing to potentially decreased bioavailability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate cholecalciferol therapy in vitamin D-deficient, critically ill trauma patients with and without obesity. METHODS: Adult patients with severe traumatic injuries who had a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vit D) <50nmol/L were prescribed 10 000 IU of liquid cholecalciferol daily. Efficacy was defined as achievement of a 25-OH vit D of 75 to 200nmol/L. Safety was evaluated by the presence of hypercalcemia (serum ionized calcium >1.32 mmol/L). Fifty-three patients (18 obese, 35 non-obese) were identified for study. RESULTS: Despite similar baseline concentrations (36 ± 7 versus 37 ± 7 nmol/L; P = NS), 25-OH vit D response was attenuated for those with obesity after 1 and 2 wk of cholecalciferol therapy (51 ± 18 versus 66 ± 27nmol/L, P < 0.01; 68 ± 19 versus 92 ± 25nmol/L, P < 0.01, respectively). Patients with obesity also tended to experience less hypercalcemia (22% versus 49% of patients, respectively) post-cholecalciferol therapy. CONCLUSION: Obesity alters the response to cholecalciferol therapy in critically ill patients with severe traumatic injuries.

Monitored anesthesia care with propofol versus surgeon-monitored sedation with benzodiazepines and narcotics for preoperative endoscopy in the morbidly obese.

BACKGROUND: Although still controversial, upper endoscopy is frequently performed before bariatric surgery. This study investigated the hypothesis that morbidly obese patients would prefer anesthesiologist-monitored sedation (AMS) compared to surgeon-monitored sedation (SMS) during preoperative endoscopy. METHODS: All patients who underwent endoscopy before their bariatric surgery were given a post-procedure survey regarding their experience with the preoperative endoscopy. The survey inquired about issues during and after the procedure. We compared patients who had AMS with IV propofol versus SMS IV narcotics and benzodiazepines. RESULTS: There were 100 patients (SMS=49 and AMS=51). Few patients complained of pain in the abdomen or throat during the procedure (AMS vs. SMS=2 vs. 8% and 2 vs. 10%, respectively; p=NS). More patients complained about throat pain after the procedure (AMS vs. SMS=37 vs. 45%; p=NS). More patients in the SMS group remembered the scope being placed in the mouth versus AMS (33 vs. 10%; p<0.02). More patients remembered gagging during the procedure in the SMS group versus the AMS group, but this did not reach statistical significance (24 vs. 10%; p=0.06). There was a trend that more patients in the AMS group felt they recovered in less than 1 h (53%) compared to the SMS group (37%; p=0.1). CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo upper endoscopy with either AMS or SMS seem to tolerate the procedure well. The preliminary benefits seen with AMS need to be further explored. AMS should be considered for patients undergoing preoperative upper endoscopy before bariatric surgery.

Vitamin K-independent warfarin resistance after concurrent administration of warfarin and continuous enteral nutrition.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of withholding continuous enteral nutrition for 1 hour before and after warfarin administration compared with the coadministration of warfarin with continuous enteral nutrition on changes in international normalized ratios (INRs). DESIGN: Retrospective, crossover case series. SETTING: Intensive care units of a university-affiliated medical center. PATIENTS: Six adults who required nutritional support for at least the first 10 consecutive days of warfarin therapy; during that 10-day period, they had a period of at least 3 consecutive days during which the enteral feeding was withheld for 1 hour before and after warfarin administration, and had a period of at least 3 consecutive days when feedings were not withheld during warfarin administration. Patients with advanced liver disease and those who received therapies, during the observation period, that significantly alter warfarin metabolism were omitted from the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The change in INR during the 3-day observation period when feedings were withheld for 1 hour before and after warfarin administration was significantly different versus the change in INR during coadministration of warfarin with continuous feeding (mean +/- SD 0.74 +/- 0.66 vs -0.13 +/- 0.81, p < or = 0.05). This difference in INR response occurred despite the administration of similar dosages of warfarin (5.6 +/- 2.1 vs 5.7 +/- 2.1 mg/day, p>0.05). Also noted was a clinically irrelevant, but statistically significant, difference in vitamin K intake between treatment periods (77 +/- 36 mug/day when feedings were withheld vs 102 +/- 28 microg/day when feedings were not withheld, p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous enteral nutrition should be withheld for 1 hour before and after warfarin administration to prevent enteral nutrition-associated warfarin resistance.

Potential aluminum exposure from parenteral nutrition in patients with acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Patients' exposure to and potential toxicity from aluminum in parenteral nutrition (PN) formulations is an important concern of healthcare providers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential for aluminum toxicity caused by PN in hospitalized adults who have risk factors of both acute kidney injury and PN. METHODS: Adults who required PN and had a serum creatinine (SCr) level at least 1.5 times greater than the admission SCr on the first day of PN were studied in a retrospective fashion. Protein was administered based on whether hemodialysis was being used (0.6-1 g/kg/day without hemodialysis; 1.2-1.5 g/kg/day with hemodialysis). Aluminum exposure was determined for each patient by multiplying the volume of each PN component by its concentration of aluminum. Unpaired t-tests, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. Data are presented as mean +/- SD. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (aged 50.4 +/- 20.4 y; weight 90.2 +/- 32.8 kg) were studied. Initial serum urea nitrogen and SCr were 47 +/- 23 and 3.3 +/- 1.4 mg/dL, respectively. Twelve patients received hemodialysis. The mean aluminum exposure was 3.8 +/- 2 microg/kg/day in the 36 patients. Of these, 29 had safe calculated aluminum exposure (<5 microg/kg/day) and 7 had high calculated aluminum exposure (>5 microg/kg/day). Patients with safe aluminum exposure had significantly higher SCr levels than did those with high aluminum exposure (3.5 +/- 1.5 vs 2.2 +/- 0.7 mg/dL; p < 0.04). Patients with high aluminum exposure received significantly more aluminum from calcium gluconate compared with those who had safe aluminum exposure (357 +/- 182 vs 250 +/- 56 microg/day; p < 0.02). Limitations of the study include its retrospective design, which resulted in calculated versus direct measurement of aluminum. CONCLUSIONS: Using our calculations, we believe that most patients with acute kidney injury who require PN do not receive excessive exposure to aluminum from the PN formulation, despite having 2 risk factors (acute kidney injury, PN) for aluminum toxicity.

Safety and efficacy of a graduated intravenous insulin infusion protocol in critically ill trauma patients receiving specialized nutritional support.

OBJECTIVE: The intent of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of our protocol for providing continuous intravenous regular human insulin (RHI) infusion to hyperglycemic critically ill trauma patients receiving specialized nutritional support. METHODS: Capillary blood glucose (BG) concentrations were determined every 1-2 h. Glucose control was defined as a BG concentration in the target range of 70-149 mg/dL (3.9-8.3 mmol/L). Data were recorded for 1 d before the RHI infusion and for a maximum of 8 d thereafter while receiving the RHI infusion. RESULTS: Forty adult critically ill trauma patients received 102 +/- 62 units of RHI daily for 10 +/- 6 d. BG control was achieved within 5 +/- 3 h. BG decreased from 194 +/- 55 mg/dL (10.8 +/- 3.1 mmol/L) to 134 +/- 19 mg/dL (7.4 +/- 1.1 mmol/L) after 1 d of RHI infusion (P < 0.001). Average daily BG ranged from 119 to 124 mg/dL and the target range was maintained for 19.6 +/- 4.7 h/d. None of the patients experienced severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL); 14 patients had asymptomatic hypoglycemia (<60 mg/dL or <3.3 mmol/L) for a total of 23 episodes out of 4140 measurements (0.56%). Estimated creatinine clearance for those with hypoglycemia was 69 +/- 32 mL/min compared with 117 +/- 58 mL/min for the others (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our protocol was safe and effective for the management of hyperglycemia in critically ill trauma patients receiving specialized nutritional support but should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency.

Reduction in inadequate empiric antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia: impact of a unit-specific treatment pathway.

Empiric antibiotic therapy is routinely initiated for patients with presumed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Reported mortality rates for inadequate empiric antibiotic therapy (IEAT) for VAP range from 45 to 91 per cent. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unit-specific pathway for the empiric management of VAP on reducing IEAT episodes and improving outcomes in trauma patients. Patients admitted with VAP over 36-months were identified and stratified by gender, age, severity of shock, and injury severity. Outcomes included number of IEAT episodes, ventilator days, intensive care unit days, hospital days, and mortality. Three hundred and ninety-three patients with 668 VAP episodes were identified. There were 144 (22%) IEAT episodes: significantly reduced compared with our previous study (39%) (P < 0.001). Patients were classified by number of IEAT episodes: 0 (n = 271), 1 (n = 98) and > or = 2 (n = 24). Mortality was 12 per cent, 13 per cent, and 38 per cent (P < 0.001), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression identified multiple IEAT episodes as an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 4.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.684-13.162). Multiple IEAT episodes were also associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay (P < 0.001). Trauma patients with multiple IEAT episodes for VAP have increased morbidity and mortality. Adherence to a unit-specific pathway for the empiric management of VAP reduces multiple IEAT episodes. By limiting IEAT episodes, resource utilization and hospital mortality are significantly decreased.

Temporary abdominal closure techniques: a prospective randomized trial comparing polyglactin 910 mesh and vacuum-assisted closure.

OBJECTIVE: The options for abdominal coverage after damage control laparotomy or abdominal compartment syndrome vary by institution, surgeon preference, and type of patient. Some advocate polyglactin mesh (MESH), while others favor vacuum-assisted closure (VAC). We performed a single institution prospective randomized trial comparing morbidity and mortality differences between MESH and VAC. METHODS: Patients expected to survive and requiring open abdomen management were prospectively randomized to either MESH or VAC. After randomization, an enteral feeding tube was inserted and the closure device placed. VAC patients returned to the operating room every 3 days for a total of three changes at which time polyglactin mesh was placed if closure was not possible. The MESH group had twice daily assessments for the possibility of bedside mesh cinching and closure. Both groups underwent split thickness skin grafting when granulation tissue was evident, if delayed primary closure was not possible. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were randomized. Both cohorts were matched for Injury Severity Scale score, gender, blunt/penetrating/abdominal compartment syndrome and age. Three patients died within 7 days and were excluded from closure rate calculation. There were no differences between delayed primary fascial closure rates in the VAC (31%) or MESH (26%) groups. The fistula rate in the VAC group was 21% but not statistically different from the 5% rate for MESH. Intraabdominal rates were not statistically different. All VAC fistulas were related to feeding tubes and suture line areas; the MESH fistula followed a retroperitoneal colon leak remote from the mesh. CONCLUSIONS: MESH and VAC are both useful methods for abdominal coverage, and are equally likely to produce delayed primary closure. The fistula rate for VAC is most likely due to continued bowel manipulation with VAC changes with a feeding tube in place-enteral feeds should be administered via nasojejunal tube. Neither method precludes secondary abdominal wall reconstruction.

The evolution of blunt splenic injury: resolution and progression.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury (BSI) has become the standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. Successful nonoperative management raises two related questions: (1) what is the time course for splenic healing and (2) when may patients safely return to usual activities? There is little evidence to guide surgeon recommendations regarding return to full activities. Our hypothesis was that time to healing is related to severity of BSI. METHODS: The trauma registry at a level I trauma center was queried for patients diagnosed with a BSI managed nonoperatively between 2002 and 2007. Follow-up abdominal computed tomography scans were reviewed with attention to progression to healing of BSI. Kaplan-Meier curves were compared for mild (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades I-II) and severe (grades III-V) BSI. RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-seven patients (63.9% mild spleen injury and 36.1% severe injury) with a BSI were eligible for analysis. Fifty-one patients had documented healing as inpatients. Ninety-seven patients discharged with BSI had outpatient computed tomography scans. Nine had worsening of BSI as outpatients and two (1 mild and 1 severe) required intervention (2 splenectomies). Thirty-three outpatients were followed to complete healing. Mild injuries had faster mean time to healing compared with severe (12.5 vs. 37.2 days, p < 0.001). Most healing occurred within 2 months but approximately 20% of each group had not healed after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Although mild BSIs heal faster than severe BSIs, nearly 10% of all the BSIs followed as outpatients worsened. Close observation of patients with BSI should continue until healing can be confirmed.

Dose-dependent characteristics of intravenous calcium therapy for hypocalcemic critically ill trauma patients receiving specialized nutritional support.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the dose-dependent characteristics of intravenous calcium gluconate therapy for hypocalcemic critically ill patients. METHODS: The dose-dependent characteristics of 2 g versus 4 g of intravenous calcium gluconate therapy were evaluated in 25 critically ill, adult multiple trauma patients with hypocalcemia. The calcium gluconate was infused at a rate of 1 g/h for both groups. Patients weighed within 90% to 120% of ideal body weight, had normal renal function, did not receive diuretic therapy, and did not have anasarca. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with mild hypocalcemia (serum ionized calcium concentration [iCa] 1-1.12 mmol/L) were given 2 g of calcium gluconate. Ten patients with moderate to severe hypocalcemia (iCa <1 mmol/L) were given 4 g. Each dosage group had a significant (P < or = 0.001) increase in iCa (from 1.07 +/- 0.05 to 1.17 +/- 0.05 mmol/L and from 0.92 +/- 0.08 to 1.16 +/- 0.11 mmol/L, respectively). Each dosage group retained about half of the dose in the exchangeable calcium space (P = NS between groups), but the higher dosage group retained significantly more elemental calcium overall (81 +/- 38 versus 201 +/- 50 mg, respectively, P < or = 001). Serum ionized calcium concentrations achieved a plateau without a further decline in iCa by 10 h after completion of the infusion for each dosage. CONCLUSION: About half of the administered elemental calcium dose was retained for each dosage group, with the higher dose (4 g) resulting in significantly more elemental calcium retention in the exchangeable calcium space. An iCa determination performed about > or =10 h after the completion of the calcium gluconate infusion should be sufficient time to ensure equilibration of iCa to assess the efficacy of the therapy. This mode of calcium therapy serves as an effective means for providing calcium to the acutely hypocalcemic, critically ill, multiple trauma patient.

Treatment of moderate to severe acute hypocalcemia in critically ill trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Our recent data indicate that 21% of critically ill, adult, multiple-trauma patients receiving specialized nutrition support experience hypocalcemia. However, evidence-based methods for the treatment of moderate to severe acute hypocalcemia (ionized calcium concentration [iCa] <1 mmol/L) are lacking. METHODS: The efficacy of an infusion of 4 g of calcium gluconate was evaluated in 20 critically ill, adult, multiple-trauma patients with moderate to severe hypocalcemia (iCa <1 mmol/L). The calcium gluconate was infused at a rate of 1 g/h in a small volume admixture. A serum iCa determination was obtained on the following day. RESULTS: Calcium gluconate infusion significantly increased serum iCa from 0.90 +/- 0.08 mmol/L to 1.16 +/- 0.11 mmol/L (p < .001) on the following day. This dosage regimen was successful for achieving a serum iCa >1 mmol/L for 19 of 20 (95%) hypocalcemic patients and achieved a concentration >1.12 mmol/L in 14 (70%) of the patients. Two patients developed mild hypercalcemia (iCa of 1.34 mmol/L and 1.38 mmol/L) postinfusion. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term infusion of 4 g of intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate for the treatment of moderate to severe hypocalcemia appears to be a promising regimen for critically ill, adult, multiple-trauma patients.

Initial chest CT obviates the need for repeat chest radiograph after penetrating thoracic trauma.

The use of serial chest radiographs (CXRs) to evaluate patients with penetrating thoracic trauma is common practice. However, the time interval between these studies and the duration of observation remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a noncontrast chest CT is as reliable as a 6-hour CXR for detecting delayed pneumothorax (PTX) after penetrating thoracic trauma. Hemodynamically stable patients with isolated penetrating thoracic trauma were prospectively evaluated with a CXR and a noncontrast chest CT. If there was no PTX or hemothorax, or a finding that did not require immediate intervention, a 6-hour CXR was obtained. Findings were treated as clinically indicated and patients were discharged if all three studies were negative. One hundred eighteen patients were evaluated (89 stab wounds and 29 gunshot wounds). All initial CXRs were negative. CT identified six PTXs and one hemothorax. Two patients required operative intervention. There were no delayed findings on CXR provided the CT was negative. The mean time to CT and before disposition was 19 minutes and 8 hours, respectively, with a potential decrease in charges of $313.32 per patient. The use of serial CXRs provided no additional information that was not available on the initial chest CT, allowing for expedited discharge, decompressing overcrowded emergency areas, and reducing the number of patients leaving before completion of their work-up.

Low serum total calcium concentration as a marker of low serum ionized calcium concentration in critically ill patients receiving specialized nutrition support.

BACKGROUND: The intent of this study was to ascertain to what extent serum total calcium concentration (tCa) <7 mg/dL reflects hypocalcemia (defined by ionized calcium concentration [iCa] of < or = 1.12 mmol/L) in critically ill patients receiving specialized nutrition support. METHODS: Adult patients (> or = 18 years) admitted to the trauma, surgical, medical, burn, or neurosurgical intensive care units, trauma stepdown unit, or progressive care unit and referred to the nutrition support service were retrospectively identified for potential inclusion into the study. Serum chemistries, arterial blood gas measurements, nutrition markers, and serum iCa were simultaneously obtained from each patient approximately 1 day after initiation of specialized nutrition support. Patients with a serum creatinine > or = 2 mg/dL, hyperphosphatemia (> or = 6 mg/dL), severe hypomagnesemia (< or = 1.12 mg/dL), history of metabolic bone disease, or parathyroid disease were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-five patients (91% who had multiple trauma, with a mean Injury Severity Score 31 +/- 13) were enrolled into the study. Specialized nutrition support was initiated 2.8 +/- 1.8 days and calcium status was studied 4.2 +/- 3.1 days after hospital admission, respectively. The majority (28 of 33, or 85%) of patients with a tCa <7 mg/dL were hypocalcemic compared with 33% (22 out of 66) of patients with a tCa of 7-7.4 mg/dL, and 11% (11 of 96) of those with a tCa of 7.5-7.9 mg/dL (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients with a serum total calcium concentration of <7 mg/dL have a high rate of hypocalcemia (iCa < or = 1.12 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia, defined as a serum iCa of < or = 1.12 mmol/L, occurs in 85% of acutely ill patients with a serum tCa <7 mg/dL.

Evaluation of an Intravenous Potassium Dosing Algorithm for Hypokalemic Critically Ill Patients.

PURPOSE: The intent of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intravenous (IV) potassium (K) dosing algorithm for hypokalemic critically ill trauma patients. METHODS: Adult patients, admitted to the trauma intensive care unit from June 2010 to October 2012 and who received IV K therapy according to a standardized dosing algorithm, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who received IV K during resuscitation or following initiation of nutrition therapy, IV fluids containing >20 mEq/L of potassium, or medications known to alter K homeostasis or those with an arterial pH change >0.1, diarrhea, hypomagnesemia, renal impairment, or morbid obesity were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 715 patients were reviewed to obtain 100 evaluable patients. Serum K for patients with mild depletion (serum K, 3.5-3.9 mEq/L, n = 74) remained unchanged at 0.0 ± 0.3 mEq/L ( P = ns) following 46 ± 8 mEq. Serum K increased by 0.4 ± 0.3 mEq/L ( P = .001) following 78 ± 18 mEq during moderate depletion (serum K, 3-3.4 mEq/L). None of the patients experienced hyperkalemia (serum K, >5.2 mEq/L) postinfusion. The presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) blunted the response to IV K for mild K depletion as only 26% had an increase in serum K compared with 55% of patients without TBI ( P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: The Nutrition Support Service-guided IV K dosing algorithm was safe for patients with mild and moderate hypokalemia and efficacious for those with moderate hypokalemia. Further study in patients with severe hypokalemia (serum K, <3 mEq/L) is warranted.

A new graduated dosing regimen for phosphorus replacement in patients receiving nutrition support.

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatemia is a common metabolic complication in patients receiving specialized nutrition support. We changed our previously reported dosing algorithm because the low dose no longer appeared to be effective at increasing serum phosphorus concentrations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a revised weight-based phosphorus-dosing algorithm in critically ill trauma patients receiving specialized nutrition support. METHODS: Seventy-nine adult trauma patients with hypophosphatemia (serum phosphorus concentration < or = 0.96 mmol/L) receiving nutrition support received an IV dose of phosphorus on day 1 according to the serum concentration of phosphorus: 0.73-0.96 mmol/L (0.32 mmol/kg, low dose), 0.51-0.72 mmol/L (0.64 mmol/kg, moderate dose), and < or = 0.5 mmol/L (1 mmol/kg, high dose). The IV phosphorus bolus dose was administered at 7.5 mmol/hour. Generally, patients with a serum potassium concentration <4 mmol/L received potassium phosphate and patients with a serum potassium concentration > or = 4 mmol/L received sodium phosphate. Patients who still had hypophosphatemia on day 2 were dosed using the new dosing algorithm by the nutrition support service according to that day's serum concentration of phosphorus, or empirically by the trauma service. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients studied, 57 were male and 22 were female with a mean age of 44.8 +/- 20.6 years. Mean Injury Severity Scores and APACHE-II scores were 27.1 +/- 11.6 and 15.2 +/- 6.8, respectively. There was no difference in baseline characteristics among the 3 dosing groups. Of the 79 patients, 34 received the low dose, 30 received the moderate dose, and 15 received the high dose of phosphorous. Mean serum phosphorous concentrations on day 2 were significantly increased in the moderate-dosed group (0.64 +/- 0.06 to 0.77 +/- 0.22 mmol/L, p < .05) and high-dosed group (0.38 +/- 0.06 to 0.93 +/- 0.32 mmol/L, p < .01), respectively, when compared with day 1. Mean serum phosphorus concentrations were normal in all 3 groups on day 3. Serum concentrations of magnesium, sodium, and potassium, as well as arterial pH, were stable across the study. Mean concentrations of ionized calcium were not significantly different in any of the 3 dosing groups across the study period. CONCLUSIONS: This weight-based phosphorus-dosing algorithm is safe for use in critically ill patients receiving nutrition support. The moderate and severe-dose regimens effectively increase serum phosphorus concentrations.