Central Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Bridging of Right-Sided Heart Failure to Lung Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: Right-sided heart failure develops in lung transplantation candidates on prolonged peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and is a major determinant of mortality. The use of central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for bridging of right-sided heart failure to lung transplantation was evaluated. DESIGN: Retrospective case series and literature review. SETTING: A single tertiary care university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised lung transplantation candidates on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridging who developed right-sided heart failure. INTERVENTIONS: Central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 6 patients who underwent the study protocol, 3 were bridged successfully to lung transplantation and 1 was bridged to recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be a feasible option for bridging of right-sided heart failure to lung transplantation.

Mechanical ventilation practices in Asian intensive care units: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated current practices of mechanical ventilation in Asian intensive care units, focusing on tidal volume, plateau pressure, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, data on mechanical ventilation and clinical outcomes were collected. Predictors of mortality were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression. A scoring system was generated to predict 28-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1408 patients were enrolled. In 138 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 65.9% were on a tidal volume ≤ 8 ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW), and 71.3% were on sufficient PEEP. In 1270 patients without ARDS, 88.8% were on a tidal volume ≤ 10 ml/kg PBW. A plateau pressure < 30 cmH2O was measured in 92.2% of patients. Mortality rates increased from 13% to 74% as the generated predictive score increased from 5 to ≥8.5. Income classification, age, SOFA score, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, plateau pressure, number of vasopressors, and steroid use were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In Asia, low tidal volume ventilation and sufficient PEEP were underused in patients with ARDS. The majority of patients without ARDS were on intermediate tidal volumes. Country income, age, and severity of illness were associated with mortality.

Possible respiratory syncytial virus infection presenting as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in an elderly treated with systemic corticosteroid: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus infection is gaining interest in the elderly due to its growing morbidity and mortality. We present a Case of respiratory syncytial virus infection presenting as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage that was highly responsive to systemic corticosteroid in an elderly patient. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year old man was admitted to the intensive care unit with worsening hypoxic respiratory failure. Chest radiograph showed non-homogeneous air space opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed a finding of alveolar hemorrhage. The diagnosis of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was made and high-dose systemic corticosteroid was given. However, concomitant respiratory syncytial virus infection was later confirmed. Therefore, ribavirin and human immunoglobulin were added. During the course of his treatment, the steroid was stopped and restarted. Interestingly, the clinical course was highly responsive to systemic corticosteroid. CONCLUSION: It appears that diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in this patient may have been due to an immunological process caused by respiratory syncytial virus. Therefore, corticosteroid therapy was highly effective in improving the patient's hemoptysis and hypoxic respiratory failure. We suggest that further studies are required on the use of steroid in this subset of patients with respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection.

Effects of high-flow nasal cannula in patients with mild to moderate hypercapnia: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in hypercapnia is still limited. Most of the clinical studies had been conducted retrospectively, and there had been conflicting reports for the effects of HFNC on hypercapnia correction in prospective studies. Therefore, more evidence is needed to understand the effect of the HFNC in hypercapnia. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study after applying HFNC to 45 hospitalized subjects who had moderate hypercapnia (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PaCO2], 43-70 mm Hg) without severe respiratory acidosis (pH <7.30). The primary outcome was a change in PaCO2 level in the first 24 hours of HFNC use. The secondary outcomes were changes in other parameters of arterial blood gas analysis, changes in respiration rates, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in PaCO2 in the first hour of HFNC application (-3.80 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, -6.35 to -1.24; P<0.001). Reduction of PaCO2 was more prominent in subjects who did not have underlying obstructive lung disease. There was a correction in pH, but no significant changes in respiratory rate, bicarbonate, and arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio. Mechanical ventilation was not required for 93.3% (42/45) of our study population. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that HFNC could be a safe alternative for oxygen delivery in hypercapnia patients who do not need immediate mechanical ventilation. With HFNC oxygenation, correction of hypercapnia could be expected, especially in patients who do not have obstructive lung diseases.

Safety and efficacy of the argatroban therapy during the early post-cardiac surgery period.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is associated with a high incidence of vein graft occlusion after cardiac surgery. When HIT is suspected during the post-operative period, current guideline recommends a direct thrombin inhibitor such as argatroban to be started immediately. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of argatroban in the early period after cardiac surgery. All patients who received argatroban within 72 h after cardiac surgery from September 2005 to June 2009 from a single center were included. Patient demographics, pre-operative relevant history, intra-operative events and post-operative data were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoints were bleeding, thrombotic complication during or after argatroban administration, and in-hospital mortality. The study population comprised 31 patients administered argatroban within 72 h after cardiac surgery. Argatroban was started a mean of 1.7 days after surgery (median dose, 0.66 µg/kg/min; median duration, 5.9 days). Twenty patients (64.5%) experienced bleeding; episode driven entirely by the need for blood transfusion. No new thromboembolic complication occurred during or after argatroban infusion. One patient died from aspiration pneumonia. Compared to those without bleeding complications, patients who bled had longer operation times and increased use of intra-aortic balloon pump. However, argatroban therapy including the starting time, median dose, infusion duration, and activated partial thromboplastin times showed no difference between the two groups. In cardiac surgery patients with clinical suspicion of HIT, early postoperative use of argatroban seems well-tolerated and associated with a low risk of thrombotic events.

Early decongestive therapy versus high-flow nasal cannula for the prevention of adverse clinical events in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the role of decongestive therapy and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in preventing reintubation and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). METHODS: Data from patients with ACPE who were weaned from mechanical ventilation in the cardiac intensive care unit between January 2013 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with HFNC or conventional oxygen therapy (COT), such as a nasal cannula or venturi mask, immediately after extubation. Decongestive therapy (intravenous furosemide infusion) was administered at the discretion of the attending physician. RESULTS: Of 212 patients treated during the study period, 47 were excluded due to recent open-heart surgery and two, due to insufficient clinical data. The remaining 163 patients had a mean age of 67.4±14.3 years, and 92 (56.4%) were male; 44 patients received HFNC, and 119 COT. Mean weight loss within 72 hours of extubation was -0.86±2.03 kg. A total of 38 patients (23.3%) required reintubation, 21 of whom (12.9%) required reintubation within 72 hours of extubation. In-hospital mortality occurred in 16 patients (9.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that weight increase within 72 hours of extubation was independent determinants of reintubation (OR =1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.2; P<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (OR =1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.1; P=0.005). The use of HFNC was not associated with reintubation or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that early weight loss resulted in reduced reintubation and in-hospital mortality in patients with ACPE. However, HFNC and COT did not differ in the prevention of reintubation and in-hospital mortality. Therefore, aggressive decongestive therapy, rather than HFNC, should be considered early after extubation.

Improving resident morning sign-out by use of daily events reports.

OBJECTIVES: The clinician arriving at the hospital in the morning may not yet be aware of key overnight clinical activity. To address this situation at our facility, we modified our handoff software to permit continuous updating of clinical information and the automatic relay of important overnight clinical updates to relevant providers each morning. METHODS: Cross-covering residents electronically entered safety concerns and clinical issues within the reporting module of the handoff software between 5 PM and 7 AM. This updated their handoff-information at shift change and permitted the generation of reports that were emailed to primary providers and reviewed before 7 AM prerounds. At 7:30 sign-out, if a resident was already aware of an issue being signed out, he/she indicated this so that sign-out could quickly proceed to the next patient. Study sign-out duration was recorded, and residents were surveyed regarding the new communication system. RESULTS: Morning sign-out duration decreased from 25.5 to 22.7 minutes (P = 0.0338). All respondents agreed strongly (12/14, 86%) or somewhat (2/14, 14%) that daily morning events reports prevented "loss of key information between shifts" and enhanced safety greatly (10/14, 71%) or moderately (4/14, 29%).All agreed either strongly (10/14, 71%) or somewhat (4/14, 29%) that the daily report improved the quality of handoff information and strongly (12/14, 86%) or somewhat (2/14, 14%) that the report was convenient. CONCLUSIONS: The collection of key clinical handoff information and its automatic forwarding to incoming providers reduced the average duration of resident morning sign-out and significantly enhanced provider perceptions regarding patient safety and the quality of handoff information.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of non-neurofibromatosis type I metastasized to the cerebrospinal axis.

A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a type of sarcoma that arises from peripheral nerves or cells of the associated nerve sheath. This tumor most commonly metastasizes to the lung and metastases to the spinal cord and brain are very rare. We describe a case of young patient with spinal cord and brain metastases resulting from MPNST. An 18-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of low back pain and radiating pain to his anterior thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a paraspinal mass that extended from the central space of L2 to right psoas muscle through the right L2-3 foraminal space. The patient underwent surgery and the result of the histopathologic study was diagnostic for MPNST. Six months after surgery, follow-up images revealed multiple spinal cord and brain metastases. The patient was managed with chemotherapy, but died several months later. Despite complete surgical excision, the MPNST progressed rapidly and aggressively. Thus, patients with MPNST should be followed carefully to identify local recurrence or metastasis as early as possible.

Bilateral internal superior laryngeal nerve palsy of traumatic cervical injury patient who presented as loss of cough reflex after anterior cervical discectomy with fusion.

Injury to the bilateral internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve (ibSLN) brings on an impairment of the laryngeal cough reflex that could potentially result in aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. We describe a patient with traumatic cervical injury who underwent bilateral ibSLN palsy after anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). An 75-year-old man visited with cervical spine fracture and he underwent ACDF through a right side approach. During the post-operative days, he complained of high pitched tone defect, and occasional coughing during meals. With a suspicion of SLN injury and for the work up for the cause of aspiration, we performed several studies. According to the study results, he was diagnosed as right SLN and left ibSLN palsy. We managed him for protecting from silent aspiration. Swallowing study was repeated and no evidence of aspiration was found. The patient was discharged with incomplete recovery of a high pitched tone and improved state of neurologic status. The SLN is an important structure; therefore, spine surgeons need to be concerned and be cautious about SLN injury during high cervical neck dissection, especially around the level of C3-C4 and a suspicious condition of a contralateral nerve injury.

The neuroprotective effect of treatment of valproic Acid in acute spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: Valproic acid (VPA), as known as histone deacetylase inhibitor, has neuroprotective effects. This study investigated the histological changes and functional recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) associated with VPA treatment in a rat model. METHODS: Locomotor function was assessed according to the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale for 2 weeks in rats after receiving twice daily intraperitoneal injections of 200 mg/kg VPA or the equivalent volume of normal saline for 7 days following SCI. The injured spinal cord was then examined histologically, including quantification of cavitation. RESULTS: Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale scores in rats receiving VPA were significantly higher than in the saline group (p<0.05). The cavity volume in the VPA group was significantly reduced compared with the control (saline-injected) group (p<0.05). The level of histone acetylation recovered in the VPA group, while it was significantly decreased in the control rats (p<0.05). The macrophage level was significantly decreased in the VPA group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: VPA influences the restoration of hyperacetylation and reduction of the inflammatory reaction resulting from SCI, and is effective for histology and motor function recovery.

End-to-End Anastomosis of an Unanticipated Vertebral Artery Injury during C2 Pedicle Screwing.

Vertebral artery (VA) injury is a rare and serious complication of cervical spine surgery; this is due to difficulty in controlling hemorrhage, which can result in severe hypotension and cardiac arrest, and uncertain neurologic consequences. The authors report an extremely rare case of a 56-year-old woman who underwent direct surgical repair by end-to-end anatomosis of an unanticipated VA injury during C2 pedicle screwing. Postoperatively, the patient showed no neurological deterioration and computed tomography angiography of the VA demonstrated normal blood flow. Although direct occlusion of an injured VA by surgical ligation or endovascular embolization has been used for management of an unanticipated VA injury during surgery, these methods may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, despite its technical demand, microvascular primary repair can restore normal blood flow and minimizes the risk of immediate or delayed ischemic complications. Here we report an iatrogenic VA injury during C2 pedicle screwing, which was successfully treated by end-to-end anastomosis.

Risk of Shunt Dependent Hydrocephalus after Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms : Surgical Clipping versus Endovascular Coiling According to Fisher Grading System.

OBJECTIVE: The amount of hemorrhage observed on a brain computed tomography scan, or a patient's Fisher grade (FG), is a powerful risk factor for development of shunt dependent hydrocephlaus (SDHC). However, the influence of treatment modality (clipping versus coiling) on the rate of SDHC development has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we compared the risk of SDHC in both treatment groups according to the amount of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 839 patients with aneurysmal SAH for a 5-year-period. Incidence of chronic SDHC was analyzed using each treatment modality according to the FG system. In addition, other well known risk factors for SDHC were also evaluated. RESULTS: According to our data, Hunt-Hess grade, FG, acute hydrocephalus, and intraventricular hemorrhage were significant risk factors for development of chronic SDHC. Coiling group showed lower incidence of SDHC in FG 2 patients, and clipping groups revealed a significantly lower rate in FG 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, treatment modality might have an influence on the incidence of SDHC. In FG 4 patients, the clipping group showed lower incidence of SDHC, and the coiling group showed lower incidence in FG 2 patients. We suggest that these findings could be a considerable factor when deciding on a treatment modality for aneurysmal SAH patients, particularly when the ruptured aneurysm can be occluded by either clipping or coiling.