A retrospective cohort study on the association between elevated preoperative red cell distribution width and all-cause mortality after noncardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with worse outcomes in several medical patient populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of increased preoperative RDW and short- and long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery. METHODS: This investigation was a retrospective cohort study including all patients undergoing noncardiac surgery between 2005 and 2015 at Landspitali-the National University Hospital in Iceland. Patients were separated into five predefined groups based on preoperative RDW (≤13.3%, 13.4-14.0%, 14.1-14.7%, 14.8-15.8%, and >15.8%). The primary outcome was all-cause long-term mortality and secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, length of stay, and readmissions within 30 days, compared with propensity score matched (PSM) cohort from patients with RDW ≤13.3%. RESULTS: There was a higher hazard of long-term mortality for patients with RDW between 14.8% and 15.8% (hazard ratio=1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.59; P<0.001) and above 15.8% (hazard ratio=1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-1.95; P<0.001), compared with matched controls with RDW ≤13.3%. This association held in multiple patient subgroups. For secondary outcomes, there was no difference in 30-day mortality, length of stay, or risk of readmission within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Increased preoperative RDW is associated with increased long-term mortality after noncardiac surgery. RDW could be a composite biomarker of pre-existing chronic inflammation and poor nutritional status. Future studies should clarify if this is a modifiable risk factor for improved surgical outcomes.

Long-term survival after intensive care: A retrospective cohort study.

Background Limited data exist on long-term survival of patients requiring admission to intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to investigate long-term survival of ICU patients in Iceland and assess changes over a 15-year period. Methods Data were collected on age, gender, admission cause, length of stay, comorbidities, mechanical ventilation and survival of patients 18 years and older admitted to the ICUs in Landspitali during 2002-2016. Long-term survival of patients surviving more than 30 days from admission was estimated and its predictors assessed with Cox regression analysis. Long-term survival was compared to the survival of an age- and gender-matched reference group from the general population. Results Of 15 832 ICU admissions, 55% was medical, 38% was surgical and 7% was due to trauma. The 5-year survival of medical, surgical and trauma patients was 66%, 76% and 92% respectively. Significant survival differences were found between admission subgroups. Higher age and comorbidity burden was related to decreased survival in all patient groups. After correcting for age, gender, comorbidities, length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation, patient survival improved during the study period only for patients admitted for infections. There was a high variability in the estimated time point where the ICU admission had no residual effect on survival. Conclusions Long-term survival of ICU patients is substantially decreased compared to the general population, but varies based on admission causes. Improved long-term survival of patients admitted with infections could be explained by earlier detection and improved treatment of septic shock.

Predictive variables for poor long-term physical recovery after intensive care unit stay: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Elucidating factors that influence physical recovery of survivors after an intensive care unit (ICU) stay is paramount in maximizing long-term functional outcomes. We examined potential predictors for poor long-term physical recovery in ICU survivors. METHODS: Based on secondary analysis of a trial of 50 ICU patients who underwent mobilization in the ICU and were followed for one year, linear regression analysis examined the associations of exposure variables (baseline characteristics, severity of illness variables, ICU-related variables, and lengths of ICU and hospital stay), with physical recovery variables (muscle strength, exercise capacity, and self-reported physical function), measured one year after ICU discharge. RESULTS: When the data were adjusted for age, female gender was associated with reduced muscle strength (P = .003), exercise capacity (P < .0001), and self-reported physical function (P = .01). Older age, when adjusted for gender, was associated with reduced exercise capacity (P < .001). After adjusting for gender and age, an association was observed between a lower score on one or two physical recovery variables and exposure variables, specifically, high body mass index, low functional independence, comorbidity and low self-reported physical function at baseline, muscle weakness at ICU discharge, and longer hospital stay. No adjustment was made for cumulative type I error rate due to small number of participants. CONCLUSION: Elucidating risk factors for poor long-term physical recovery after ICU stay, including gender, may be critical if mobilization and exercise are to be prescribed expediently during and after ICU stay, to ensure maximal long-term recovery.

Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury: Focus on Renal Recovery Definitions, Kidney Disease Progression and Survival.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine different definitions of renal recovery following postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and how these definitions associate with survival and the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent abdominal, cardiothoracic, vascular, or orthopedic surgery at a single university hospital between 1998 and 2015. Recovery of renal function following postoperative AKI was assessed comparing 4 different definitions: serum creatinine (SCr) (i) < 1.1 × baseline, (ii) 1.1-1.25 × baseline, (iii) 1.25-1.5 × baseline, and (iv) > 1.5 × baseline. One-year survival and the development or progression of CKD within 5 years was compared with a propensity score-matched control groups. RESULTS: In total, 2,520 AKI patients were evaluated for renal recovery. Risk of incident and progressive CKD within 5 years was significantly increased if patients did not achieve a reduction in SCr to < 1.5 × baseline (hazard ratio [HR] 1.50; 95% CI 1.29-1.75) and if renal recovery was limited to a fall in SCr to 1.25-1.5 × baseline (HR 1.32; 95% CI 1.12-1.57) within 30 days. The definition of renal recovery that best predicted survival was a reduction in SCr to < 1.5 × baseline within 30 days. One-year survival of patients whose SCr decreased to < 1.5 × baseline within 30 days was significantly better than that of a propensity score-matched control group that did not achieve renal recovery (85 vs. 71%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings should be considered when a consensus definition of renal recovery after AKI is established.

Structured nurse-led follow-up for patients after discharge from the intensive care unit: Prospective quasi-experimental study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe a structured 3-month nurse-led follow-up of patients after discharge from intensive care and measure its effects on health status. BACKGROUND: Patients requiring intensive care stay frequently have lengthy and incomplete recovery suggesting need for additional support. The effects of intensive care nurse-led follow-up have not been sufficiently elucidated. DESIGN: A prospective, quasi-experimental study of patients who received structured nurse-led follow-up from intensive care nurses after discharge from intensive care until 3 months afterwards. The control group received usual care. METHODS: Of 574 patients assessed for eligibility, from November 2012 - May 2015, 168 were assigned to the experimental group (N = 73) and the control group (N = 75). Primary outcome was health status, measured with eight scales of Short Form-36v2, before the intensive care admission and at four time points until 12 months after intensive care. A mixed effect model tested differences between the groups over time. Criteria for Reporting Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions 2 guideline, guided the reporting of the intervention. RESULTS: The structured nurse-led follow-up did not improve patients' health status compared with usual care (mixed effect model, p = .078-.937). CONCLUSION: The structured nurse-led follow-up did not reveal an effect on the intensive care patients studied. Further examination of intensive care nurse-led follow-up is needed, taking into account the heterogeneity of the patient population, variations in length of ward stay, patients' health care needs during the first week at home after discharge from general ward and health status before intensive care admission.

Acute Kidney Injury After Abdominal Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication after major surgical procedures. We examined the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of patients who sustained AKI after abdominal surgery in a large population-based cohort. METHODS: All patients who underwent open and laparoscopic abdominal surgery (excluding genitourinary and abdominal vascular procedures), between 2007 and 2014 at the University Hospital in Reykjavik were identified and their perioperative serum creatinine (SCr) measurements used to identify AKI after surgery employing the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and 30-day mortality compared with a propensity score-matched control group. RESULTS: During the 8-year period, a total of 11,552 abdominal surgeries were performed on 10,022 patients. Both pre- and postoperative SCr measurements were available for 3902 (33.8%) of the surgical cases. Of these, 264 (6.8%) were complicated by AKI; 172 (4.4%), 49 (1.3%), and 43 (1.1%) were classified as KDIGO stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The overall incidence of AKI for patients with available SCr values was 67.7 (99% confidence interval [CI], 57.7-78.6) per 1000 surgeries. In logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for AKI were female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68; 99% CI, 0.47-0.98), hypertension (OR = 1.75; 99% CI, 1.10-2.74), preoperative chronic kidney disease (OR= 1.68; 99% CI, 1.12-2.50), ASA physical status classification of IV (OR = 9.48; 99% CI, 3.66-29.2) or V (OR = 21.4; 99% CI, 5.28-93.6), and reoperation (OR = 4.30; 99% CI, 2.36-7.70). Patients with AKI had greater 30-day mortality (18.2% vs 5.3%; P < 0.001) compared with propensity score-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is an important complication of abdominal surgery. In addition to sex, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, ASA physical status classification is an independent predictor of AKI. Individuals who develop AKI have substantially worse short-term outcomes, including higher 30-day mortality, even after correcting for multiple patient- and procedure-related risk factors.

Improved long-term survival and renal recovery after acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients: A 20 year experience.

AIM: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of medical and surgical interventions in hospitalized patients and associates with high mortality. Our aim was to examine renal recovery and long-term survival and time trends in AKI survival. METHODS: Changes in serum creatinine (SCr) were used to define AKI in patients at Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland from 1993 to 2013. Renal recovery was defined as SCr < 1.5× baseline. RESULTS: Out of 25 274 individuals who had their highest measured SCr during hospitalization and an available baseline SCr, 10,419 (41%) had AKI during hospitalization (H-AKI), 19%, 11% and 12% with Stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The incidence of H-AKI increased from 18.6 (95% CI, 14.7-22.5) to 29.9 (95% CI, 26.7-33.1) per 1000 admissions/year over the study period. Survival after H-AKI was 61% at 90-days and 51% at one year. Comparing H-AKI patients to propensity score matched individuals the hazard ratio for death was 1.49 (1.36-1.62), 2.17 (1.95-2.41) and 2.95 (2.65-3.29) for Stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively. One-year survival of H-AKI patients improved from 47% in 1993-1997 to 57% in 2008-2013 and the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality improved, compared to the first 5-year period, 0.85 (0.81-0.89), 0.67 (0.64-0.71), and 0.57 (0.53-0.60) for each subsequent 5-year interval. Recovery of renal function was achieved in 88%, 58% and 44% of patients in Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively, improving with time. CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in hospitalized patients but there has been a marked improvement in survival and renal recovery over the past two decades.

Quality pain management practices in a university hospital.

Despite available guidelines and efforts to improve pain management, pain remains prevalent in hospitals. The aim of this study was to explore whether pain management practices in a university hospital were in line with guidelines on acute, geriatric, and cancer pain. This was a descriptive, correlational, and point-prevalence study conducted at a university hospital with 282 adults, who were hospitalized for 24 hours and were alert and able to participate. Patient self-report data were collected with the American Pain Society questionnaire and pain management data were collected from medical records. Adequacy of treatment was measured with the Pain Management Index, calculated for prescribed and administered treatments. The mean age of participants was 68.9 years (SD = 17; range 18-100); 49% were women; and 72% were on medical services. Pain assessment was documented for 57% of patients, of those, 27% had pain severity documented with a standardized scale. Most patients (85%) were prescribed analgesics and multimodal therapy was prescribed for 60%. Prescribed treatment was adequate for 78% of patients, whereas 64% were administered adequate treatment. The odds of receiving adequate treatment were higher (odds ratio, 3.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-8.60) when pain severity was documented. Nonpharmacologic methods were used by 34% of patients. Although the majority of patients had an analgesic prescription, many did not receive adequate treatment. The use of pain severity scales was associated with the provision of more adequate pain treatment. To provide quality pain management, pain assessment needs to be improved and available treatments used to meet patient needs.

Quality pain management in the hospital setting from the patient's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Pain management is a crucial issue for patients, and patients' perception of care is an important quality outcome criterion for health care institutions. Pain remains a common problem in hospitals, with subsequent deleterious effects on well-being. OBJECTIVES: To assess the epidemiology of pain (frequency, severity, and interference), patient participation in pain treatment decisions, and patient satisfaction with care in a hospital setting. METHODS: A point-prevalence study was conducted. Data were collected with the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (Icelandic version). Participants (n = 308) were ≥ 18 years old, alert, and hospitalized for ≥ 24 hours. RESULTS: The response rate was 73%. The mean age of participants was 67.5 (SD = 17.4; range 18 to 100) years, and 49% were men. Pain prevalence in the past 24 hours was 83%, mean worst pain severity was 4.6 (SD = 3.1), and 35% experienced severe pain (≥ 7 on 0 to 10 scale). Moderate to severe interference with activities and sleep was experienced by 36% and 29% of patients respectively. Patient participation in decision making was weakly associated with spending less time in severe pain and better pain relief. Patient satisfaction was related to spending less time in severe pain, better pain relief, and lower pain severity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pain was both prevalent and severe in the hospital, but patient participation in decision making was related to better outcomes. Optimal pain management, with emphasis on patient participation in decision making, should be encouraged in an effort to improve the quality of care in hospitals.

Hypotension during fluid-restricted abdominal surgery: effects of norepinephrine treatment on regional and microcirculatory blood flow in the intestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Vasopressors, such as norepinephrine, are frequently used to treat perioperative hypotension. Increasing perfusion pressure with norepinephrine may increase blood flow in regions at risk. However, the resulting vasoconstriction could deteriorate microcirculatory blood flow in the intestinal tract and kidneys. This animal study was designed to investigate the effects of treating perioperative hypotension with norepinephrine during laparotomy with low fluid volume replacement. METHODS: Twenty anesthetized and ventilated pigs were randomly assigned to a control or treatment (norepinephrine) group. Both groups received 3 ml · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ Ringer's lactate solution. In addition, the norepinephrine group received norepinephrine to stepwise increase blood pressure to 65 and 75 mmHg. Regional blood flow was measured in the splanchnic arteries. In the small bowel and colon, microcirculatory blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Intestinal tissue oxygen tension was measured with intramural Clark-type electrodes. RESULTS: Hepatosplanchnic and kidney blood flow remained unchanged after reversal of arterial hypotension to a mean arterial pressure of 75 mmHg with norepinephrine. For the norepinephrine group versus the control group, the mean ± SD microcirculatory blood flow in the jejunum (96 ± 41% vs. 93 ± 18%) and colon (98 ± 19% vs. 97 ± 28%) and intestinal tissue oxygen tension (jejunum, 45 ± 13 vs. 43 ± 5 mmHg; colon, 50 ± 10 vs. 45 ± 8 mmHg) were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: In this model of abdominal surgery in which clinical conditions were imitated as close as possible, treatment of perioperative hypotension with norepinephrine had no adverse effects on microcirculatory blood flow or tissue oxygen tension in the intestinal tract.

Sequence variants in malignant hyperthermia genes in Iceland: classification and actionable findings in a population database.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility is a rare life-threatening disorder that occurs upon exposure to a triggering agent. MH is commonly due to protein-altering variants in RYR1 and CACNA1S. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends that when pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in RYR1 and CACNA1S are incidentally found, they should be reported to the carriers. The detection of actionable variants allows the avoidance of exposure to triggering agents during anesthesia. First, we report a 10-year-old Icelandic proband with a suspected MH event, harboring a heterozygous missense variant NM_000540.2:c.6710G>A r.(6710g>a) p.(Cys2237Tyr) in the RYR1 gene that is likely pathogenic. The variant is private to four individuals within a three-generation family and absent from 62,240 whole-genome sequenced (WGS) Icelanders. Haplotype sharing and WGS revealed that the variant occurred as a somatic mosaicism also present in germline of the proband's paternal grandmother. Second, using a set of 62,240 Icelanders with WGS, we assessed the carrier frequency of actionable pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in RYR1 and CACNA1S. We observed 13 actionable variants in RYR1, based on ClinVar classifications, carried by 43 Icelanders, and no actionable variant in CACNA1S. One in 1450 Icelanders carries an actionable variant for MH. Extensive sequencing allows for better classification and precise dating of variants, and WGS of a large fraction of the population has led to incidental findings of actionable MH genotypes.

Goal-directed colloid administration improves the microcirculation of healthy and perianastomotic colon.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of goal-directed colloid fluid therapy with goal-directed crystalloid and restricted crystalloid fluid therapy on healthy and perianastomotic colon tissue in a pig model of colon anastomosis surgery. METHODS: Pigs (n = 27, 9 per group) were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. A hand-sewn colon anastomosis was performed. The animals were subsequently randomized to one of the following treatments: R-RL group, 3 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) Ringer lactate (RL); GD-RL group, 3 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) RL + bolus 250 ml of RL; GD-C group, 3 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1) RL + bolus 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch (HES 6%, 130/0.4). A fluid bolus was administered when mixed venous oxygen saturation dropped below 60%. Intestinal tissue oxygen tension and microcirculatory blood flow were measured continuously. RESULTS: After 4 h of treatment, tissue oxygen tension in healthy colon increased to 150 +/- 31% in group GD-C versus 123 +/- 40% in group GD-RL versus 94 +/- 23% in group R-RL (percent of postoperative baseline values, mean +/- SD; P < 0.01). Similarly perianastomotic tissue oxygen tension increased to 245 +/- 93% in the GD-C group versus 147 +/- 58% in the GD-RL group and 116 +/- 22% in the R-RL group (P < 0.01). Microcirculatory flow was higher in group GD-C in healthy colon. CONCLUSIONS: Goal-directed colloid fluid therapy significantly increased microcirculatory blood flow and tissue oxygen tension in healthy and injured colon compared to goal-directed or restricted crystalloid fluid therapy.

Crystalloids versus colloids for goal-directed fluid therapy in major surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative hypovolemia arises frequently and contributes to intestinal hypoperfusion and subsequent postoperative complications. Goal-directed fluid therapy might reduce these complications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of goal-directed administration of crystalloids and colloids on the distribution of systemic, hepatosplanchnic, and microcirculatory (small intestine) blood flow after major abdominal surgery in a clinically relevant pig model. METHODS: Twenty-seven pigs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated and underwent open laparotomy. They were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: the restricted Ringer lactate (R-RL) group (n = 9) received 3 mL/kg per hour of RL, the goal-directed RL (GD-RL) group (n = 9) received 3 mL/kg per hour of RL and intermittent boluses of 250 mL of RL, and the goal-directed colloid (GD-C) group (n = 9) received 3 mL/kg per hour of RL and boluses of 250 mL of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4). The latter two groups received a bolus infusion when mixed venous oxygen saturation was below 60% ('lockout' time of 30 minutes). Regional blood flow was measured in the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk. In the small bowel, microcirculatory blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Intestinal tissue oxygen tension was measured with intramural Clark-type electrodes. RESULTS: After 4 hours of treatment, arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, mesenteric artery flow, and mixed oxygen saturation were significantly higher in the GD-C and GD-RL groups than in the R-RL group. Microcirculatory flow in the intestinal mucosa increased by 50% in the GD-C group but remained unchanged in the other two groups. Likewise, tissue oxygen tension in the intestine increased by 30% in the GD-C group but remained unchanged in the GD-RL group and decreased by 18% in the R-RL group. Mesenteric venous glucose concentrations were higher and lactate levels were lower in the GD-C group compared with the two crystalloid groups. CONCLUSIONS: Goal-directed colloid administration markedly increased microcirculatory blood flow in the small intestine and intestinal tissue oxygen tension after abdominal surgery. In contrast, goal-directed crystalloid and restricted crystalloid administrations had no such effects. Additionally, mesenteric venous glucose and lactate concentrations suggest that intestinal cellular substrate levels were higher in the colloid-treated than in the crystalloid-treated animals. These results support the notion that perioperative goal-directed therapy with colloids might be beneficial during major abdominal surgery.

Association Between Preoperative Opioid and Benzodiazepine Prescription Patterns and Mortality After Noncardiac Surgery.

Importance: The number of patients prescribed long-term opioids and benzodiazepines and complications from their long-term use have increased. Information regarding the perioperative outcomes of patients prescribed these medications before surgery is limited. Objective: To determine whether patients prescribed opioids and/or benzodiazepines within 6 months preoperatively would have greater short- and long-term mortality and increased opioid consumption postoperatively. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, single-center, population-based cohort study included all patients 18 years or older, undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures at a national hospital in Iceland from December 12, 2005, to December 31, 2015, with follow-up through May 20, 2016. A propensity score-matched control cohort was generated using individuals from the group that received prescriptions for neither medication class within 6 months preoperatively. Data analysis was performed from April 10, 2018, to March 9, 2019. Exposures: Patients who filled prescriptions for opioids only, benzodiazepines only, both opioids and benzodiazepines, or neither medication within 6 months preoperatively. Main Outcomes and Measures: Long-term survival compared with propensity score-matched controls. Secondary outcomes were 30-day survival and persistent postoperative opioid consumption, defined as a prescription filled more than 3 months postoperatively. Results: Among 41 170 noncardiac surgical cases in 27 787 individuals (16 004 women [57.6%]; mean [SD] age, 56.3 [18.8] years), a preoperative prescription for opioids only was filled for 7460 cases (17.7%), benzodiazepines only for 3121 (7.4%), and both for 2633 (6.2%). Patients who filled preoperative prescriptions for either medication class had a greater comorbidity burden compared with patients receiving neither medication class (Elixhauser comorbidity index >0 for 16% of patients filling prescriptions for opioids only, 22% for benzodiazepines only, and 21% for both medications compared with 14% for patients filling neither). There was no difference in 30-day (opioids only: 1.3% vs 1.0%; P = .23; benzodiazepines only: 1.9% vs 1.5%; P = .32) or long-term (opioids only: hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24]; P = .03; benzodiazepines only: HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.98-1.26]; P = .11) survival among the patients receiving opioids or benzodiazepines only compared with controls. However, patients prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines had greater 30-day mortality (3.2% vs 1.8%; P = .004) and a greater hazard of long-term mortality (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.22-1.64; P < .001). The rate of persistent postoperative opioid consumption was higher for patients filling prescriptions for opioids only (43%), benzodiazepines only (23%), or both (66%) compared with patients filling neither (12%) (P < .001 for all). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that opioid and benzodiazepine prescription fills in the 6 months before surgery are associated with increased short-and long-term mortality and an increased rate of persistent postoperative opioid consumption. These patients should be considered for early referral to preoperative clinic and medication optimization to improve surgical outcomes.

Psychological recovery after intensive care: Outcomes of a long-term quasi-experimental study of structured nurse-led follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare psychological recovery of patients receiving structured nurse-led follow-up and patients receiving usual care after intensive care discharge. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Single centre, university hospital, mixed intensive care patient population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression measured three and four times over 12 months after intensive care discharge. Disturbing memories of the intensive care stay and psychological reactions (that one's life was in danger, threat to physical integrity, intense fear, helplessness, horror) three months after intensive care. A mixed effect model tested differences between the groups over time and regression model predicted post-traumatic stress at three months. RESULTS: The experimental group had significantly more symptoms of post-traumatic stress and anxiety than the control group over the 12 months. Patients from both groups had severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Patients with post-traumatic stress at three months had disturbing memories and psychological reactions. CONCLUSION: The structured nurse-led follow-up did not improve patients' measured outcomes of psychological recovery after intensive care. Patients with severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress are of concern. Emphasis needs to be placed on disturbing memories of the intensive care stay and psychological reactions when constructing intensive care nurse-led follow-up.

Acute kidney injury following coronary angiography: a nationwide study of incidence, risk factors and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We studied the incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) following coronary angiography (CA) and examined short- and long-term outcomes of patients who developed AKI, including progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients undergoing CA in Iceland from 2008 to 2015, with or without percutaneous coronary intervention. All procedures were performed with iso-osmolar contrast. AKI was defined according to the SCr component of the KDIGO criteria. Patients without post-procedural SCr were assumed to be free of AKI. Incident CKD was defined as 90-day sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and progression of CKD as worsening at least one stage sustained over 90 days. RESULTS: AKI was detected in 231 of 13,561 cases (1.7%). There was an interaction between contrast dose and preexisting kidney function, where the risk for AKI was only significant at a dose > 150 mL in patients with baseline eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.1-14.2). The AKI patients had worse short-and long-term survival, as well as elevated hazard of both new-onset CKD (HR 3.7, 95% CI 2.7-5.0) and progression of preexisting CKD (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.6) over a median follow-up of 3.3 years (range 0.1-8.4 years), compared to a propensity score-matched control group. CONCLUSIONS: For iso-osmolar contrast, the risk of AKI related to contrast dose was evident for higher amount of contrast in patients with baseline eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. In addition to association with adverse short- and long-term survival AKI had a strong association with new-onset or progression of CKD when patients were followed longitudinally.

Vasopressin in septic shock: effects on pancreatic, renal, and hepatic blood flow.

INTRODUCTION: Vasopressin has been shown to increase blood pressure in catecholamine-resistant septic shock. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of low-dose vasopressin on regional (hepato-splanchnic and renal) and microcirculatory (liver, pancreas, and kidney) blood flow in septic shock. METHODS: Thirty-two pigs were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 8 in each). Group S (sepsis) and group SV (sepsis/vasopressin) were exposed to fecal peritonitis. Group C and group V were non-septic controls. After 240 minutes, both septic groups were resuscitated with intravenous fluids. After 300 minutes, groups V and SV received intravenous vasopressin 0.06 IU/kg per hour. Regional blood flow was measured in the hepatic and renal arteries, the portal vein, and the celiac trunk by means of ultrasonic transit time flowmetry. Microcirculatory blood flow was measured in the liver, kidney, and pancreas by means of laser Doppler flowmetry. RESULTS: In septic shock, vasopressin markedly decreased blood flow in the portal vein, by 58% after 1 hour and by 45% after 3 hours (p < 0.01), whereas flow remained virtually unchanged in the hepatic artery and increased in the celiac trunk. Microcirculatory blood flow decreased in the pancreas by 45% (p < 0.01) and in the kidney by 16% (p < 0.01) but remained unchanged in the liver. CONCLUSION: Vasopressin caused marked redistribution of splanchnic regional and microcirculatory blood flow, including a significant decrease in portal, pancreatic, and renal blood flows, whereas hepatic artery flow remained virtually unchanged. This study also showed that increased urine output does not necessarily reflect increased renal blood flow.

[Treatment and outcome of patients with hip fracture].

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are common amongst the elderly, often with serious consequences and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to describe treatment and outcome of patients with hip fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study on all hip fracture patients ≥60 years of age operated at Landspitali University Hospital in the year 2011. RESULTS: The study group was made up of 255 patients (mean age 82 ± 8 years, women 65%). Mean delay to operation was 22 ± 14 hours. Mean length of hospital stay for those living at a nursing home before hip fracture was 4 ± 2 days but if they had lived at home 14 ± 10 days (p<0.001). Before the fracture 68% of the patients lived at home but 54% at the end of follow-up (p<0.001). Mortality one year after hip fracture was 27% and on average eightfold compared to the general population ≥60 years. A multivariate analysis showed that age, time from fracture to arrival at hospital, ASA-classification and living in a nursing home before fracture were linked to an increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: The mean delay to surgery was within recommended guidelines, but one- third waited longer than 24 hours. Resources outside hospital seemed to decide hospital length of stay. Mortality of hip fracture patients was manifold compared to the general population of the same age and within higher range compared to other countries. Significantly fewer lived in their own home after the fracture. Hip fractures cause serious debilitation and are demanding for society.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of cervical trauma collars: differences in immobilization, effect on jugular venous pressure and patient comfort.

BACKGROUND: Concern has been raised that cervical collars may increase intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to compare four types of cervical collars regarding efficacy of immobilizing the neck, effect on jugular venous pressure (JVP), as a surrogate for possible effect on intracranial pressure, and patient comfort in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The characteristics of four widely used cervical collars (Laerdal Stifneck(®) (SN), Vista(®) (VI), Miami J Advanced(®) (MJ), Philadelphia(®) (PH)) were studied in ten volunteers. Neck movement was measured with goniometry, JVP was measured directly through an endovascular catheter and participants graded the collars according to comfort on a scale 1-5. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 27 ± 5 yr and BMI 26 ± 5. The mean neck movement (53 ± 9°) decreased significantly with all the collars (p < 0.001) from 18 ± 7° to 25 ± 9° (SN < MJ < PH < VI). There was a significant increase in mean JVP (9.4 ± 1.4 mmHg) with three of the collars, but not with SN, from 10.5 ± 2.1 mmHg to 16.3 ± 3.3 mmHg (SN < MJ < VI < PH). The grade of comfort between collars varied from 4.2 ± 0.8 to 2.2 ± 0.8 (VI > MJ > SN > PH). CONCLUSION: Stifneck and Miami J collars offered the most efficient immobilization of the neck with the least effect on JVP. Vista and Miami J were the most comfortable ones. The methodology used in this study may offer a new approach to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of neck collars and aid their continued development.

[Inappropriate use of blood components in critical care?]. / Má bæta notkun blódhluta á gjörgæsludeildum? Samanburdur vid klínískar leidbeiningar.

INTRODUCTION: Due to potential risk of blood transfusions, clinical guidelines emphasize restrictive use of blood components. However, numerous studies indicate that adherence to guidelines is often less than optimal. Furthermore, information regarding use of blood transfusion in intensive care units (ICUs) and compliance to clinical guidelines is lacking. We studied the use of blood components in two adult ICUs in Iceland and the compliance to clinical guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult patients that received blood components in both ICUs at Landspitali during 6 months in 2010 were studied. Hematology and coagulation parameters as well as indications for administration were compared with hospital guidelines. RESULTS: 202 patients (34%) received blood components, half of them after surgery. 30% received red-blood cells (RBCs), 18% fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 9% platelets. The mean hemoglobin value before RBC transfusion was 87 g/L, but in one third of cases it exceeded 100 g/L. FFP was transfused at a normal prothrombin time in 9% of cases. No coagulation parameters were available before transfusion of 5% of FFP. Mean platelet count before transfusion of platelets was 82 x109/L and in 34% of cases it exceeded 100 x109/L. CONCLUSION: One third of patients received blood components during their ICU stay, most commonly RBCs. At least 6% of RBCs, 14% of FFPs and 33% of platelets were not transfused according to recent guidelines at Landspítali. Although our results are in line with findings of other studies it appears that the use of blood components in Icelandic ICUs can be improved. Key words: Blood transfusion, intensive care unit, red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, transfusion clinical guidelines.