Plasma sodium during the recovery of renal function in critically ill adult patients: Multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sodium increases during acute kidney injury (AKI) recovery. Both hypernatremia and positive fluid balances are associated with increased mortality. We aimed to evaluate the association between daily fluid balance and daily plasma sodium during the recovery from AKI among critical patients. METHODS: Adult patients with AKI were enrolled in four ICUs and followed up for four days or until ICU discharge or hemodialysis initiation. Day zero was the peak day of creatinine. The primary outcome was daily plasma sodium; the main exposure was daily fluid balance. RESULTS: 93 patients were included. The median age was 66 years; 68% were male. Plasma sodium increased in 79 patients (85%), and 52% presented hypernatremia. We found no effect of daily fluid balance on plasma sodium (ß -0.26, IC95%: -0.63-0.13; p = 0.19). A higher total sodium variation was observed in patients with lower initial plasma sodium (ß -0.40, IC95%: -0.53 to -0.27; p < 0.01), higher initial urea (ß 0.07, IC95%: 0.04-0.01; p < 0.01), and higher net sodium balance (ß 0.002, IC95%: 0.0001-0.01; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The increase in plasma sodium is common during AKI recovery and can only partially be attributed to the water and electrolyte balances. The incidence of hypernatremia in this population of patients is higher than in the general critically ill patient population.

Post intensive care syndrome in survivors of COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation during the third wave of the pandemic: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Post intensive care syndrome is defined as the presence of any impairment affecting the physical, psychiatric, or cognitive domains as a result of critical illnesses. OBJECTIVES: To explore functional, cognitive and psychological outcomes at 30 days post hospital discharge among survivors of COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, who required mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. We included adult patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, invasively ventilated in two ICUs in Buenos Aires. We measured functional, cognitive and psychological impairments with Barthel index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7. Primary outcome was post-intensive care syndrome. Secondary outcome was mortality at 60 days. RESULTS: We admitted 40 patients, median age was 69 (60-75) and mostly male (75%). Mortality at 60 days was 37%. Cox regression analysis identified diabetes and Apache II as independent predictors of mortality. Out of 22 patients studied, 14 (64%) developed PICS after discharge. With a physical, cognitive and psychological impairment in 64%, 41% and 32% of patients, respectively. Obesity, days of mechanical ventilation, Apache II, vasopressors use, delirium duration and cumulative midazolam dose were associated with functional dependence. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high prevalence of functional, cognitive and mental impairment at 30 days after hospital discharge in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors, invasively ventilated. The physical domain was the most frequently affected. These findings suggest the need for long-term follow-up of this population.

Relationship of at Admission Lactate, Unmeasured Anions, and Chloride to the Outcome of Critically Ill Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the concentration of the causative anions responsible for the main types of metabolic acidosis and the outcome. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Teaching ICU. PATIENTS: All patients admitted from January 2006 to December 2014. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Four thousand nine hundred one patients were admitted throughout the study period; 1,609 met criteria for metabolic acidosis and 145 had normal acid-base values. The association between at admission lactate, unmeasured anions, and chloride concentration with outcome was assessed by multivariate analysis in the whole cohort and in patients with metabolic acidosis. We also compared the mortality of patients with lactic, unmeasured anions, and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with that of patients without acid-base disorders. In the whole population, increased lactate and unmeasured anions were independently associated with increased mortality, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [95% CI], 1.14 (1.08-1.20); p < 0.0001 and 1.04 (1.02-1.06); p < 0.0001, respectively). In patients with metabolic acidosis, the results were similar. Patients with lactic and unmeasured anions acidosis, but not those with hyperchloremic acidosis, had an increased mortality compared to patients without alterations (17.7%, 12.7%, 4.9%, and 5.8%, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of critically ill patients, increased concentrations of lactate and unmeasured anions, but not chloride, were associated with increased mortality. In addition, increased unmeasured anions were the leading cause of metabolic acidosis.

Valor prognóstico da disfunção ventricular diastólica em pacientes com sepse grave e choque séptico / Prognostic value of ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de disfunção miocárdica e seu valor prognóstico em pacientes com sepse grave e choque séptico. Métodos: Pacientes sépticos adultos, admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, foram estudados de forma prospectiva por meio de ecocardiografia transtorácica dentro das primeiras 48 horas após sua admissão e, então, entre o sétimo e o décimo dias. As variáveis ecográficas de função biventricular, inclusive a relação E/e', foram comparadas entre sobreviventes e não sobreviventes. Resultados: Foi realizado um total de 99 ecocardiogramas (53 na admissão e 46 entre os dias 7 e 10) em 53 pacientes com média de idade de 74 anos (desvio padrão de 13 anos). Estava presente disfunção sistólica em 14 (26%); disfunção diastólica foi observada em 42 (83%) pacientes; e ambos os tipos de disfunção estavam presentes em 12 (23%) pacientes. A relação E/e', ou índice de disfunção diastólica, foi o melhor preditor de mortalidade hospitalar segundo a área sob a curva ROC (0,71) e se constituiu em um preditor independente do desfecho, conforme determinado pela análise multivariada (odds ratio - OR = 1,36 [1,05 - 1,76]; p = 0,02). Conclusão: Em pacientes sépticos admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, a disfunção sistólica determinada ecograficamente não se associa com aumento da mortalidade. Em contraste, a disfunção diastólica foi um preditor independente do desfecho.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic value in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods: Adult septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit were prospectively studied using transthoracic echocardiography within the first 48 hours after admission and thereafter on the 7th-10th days. Echocardiographic variables of biventricular function, including the E/e' ratio, were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Results: A total of 99 echocardiograms (53 at admission and 46 between days 7 - 10) were performed on 53 patients with a mean age of 74 (SD 13) years. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction was present in 14 (26%) and 42 (83%) patients, respectively, and both types of dysfunction were present in 12 (23%) patients. The E/e' ratio, an index of diastolic dysfunction, was the best predictor of hospital mortality according to the area under the ROC curve (0.71) and was an independent predictor of outcome, as determined by multivariate analysis (OR = 1.36 [1.05 - 1.76], p = 0.02). Conclusion: In septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit, echocardiographic systolic dysfunction is not associated with increased mortality. In contrast, diastolic dysfunction is an independent predictor of outcome.

Prognostic value of ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of myocardial dysfunction and its prognostic value in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: Adult septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit were prospectively studied using transthoracic echocardiography within the first 48 hours after admission and thereafter on the 7th-10th days. Echocardiographic variables of biventricular function, including the E/e' ratio, were compared between survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: A total of 99 echocardiograms (53 at admission and 46 between days 7 - 10) were performed on 53 patients with a mean age of 74 (SD 13) years. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction was present in 14 (26%) and 42 (83%) patients, respectively, and both types of dysfunction were present in 12 (23%) patients. The E/e' ratio, an index of diastolic dysfunction, was the best predictor of hospital mortality according to the area under the ROC curve (0.71) and was an independent predictor of outcome, as determined by multivariate analysis (OR = 1.36 [1.05 - 1.76], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit, echocardiographic systolic dysfunction is not associated with increased mortality. In contrast, diastolic dysfunction is an independent predictor of outcome.

[Augmented renal clearance in critically ill patients: incidence, associated factors and effects on vancomycin treatment]. / Incremento da depuração renal em pacientes gravemente enfermos: incidência, fatores associados e efeitos no tratamento com vancomicina.

OBJECTIVE: An augmented renal clearance has been described in some groups of critically ill patients, and it might induce sub-optimal concentrations of drugs eliminated by glomerular filtration, mainly antibiotics. Studies on its occurrence and determinants are lacking. Our goals were to determine the incidence and associated factors of augmented renal clearance and the effects on vancomycin concentrations and dosing in a series of intensive care unit patients. METHODS: We prospectively studied 363 patients admitted during 1 year to a clinical-surgical intensive care unit. Patients with serum creatinine >1.3 mg/dL were excluded. Creatinine clearance was calculated from a 24-hour urine collection. Patients were grouped according to the presence of augmented renal clearance (creatinine clearance >120 mL/min/1.73 m²), and possible risk factors were analyzed with bivariate and logistic regression analysis. In patients treated with vancomycin, dosage and plasma concentrations were registered. RESULTS: Augmented renal clearance was present in 103 patients (28%); they were younger (48±15 versus 65±17 years, p<0.0001), had more frequent obstetric (16 versus 7%, p=0.0006) and trauma admissions (10 versus 3%, p=0.016) and fewer comorbidities. The only independent determinants for the development of augmented renal clearance were age (OR 0.95; p<0.0001; 95%CI 0.93-0.96) and absence of diabetes (OR 0.34; p=0.03; 95%CI 0.12-0.92). Twelve of the 46 patients who received vancomycin had augmented renal clearance and despite higher doses, had lower concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of critically ill patients, augmented renal clearance was a common finding. Age and absence of diabetes were the only independent determinants. Therefore, younger and previously healthy patients might require larger vancomycin dosing.

Incremento da depuração renal em pacientes gravemente enfermos: incidência, fatores associados e efeitos no tratamento com vancomicina / Augmented renal clearance in critically ill patients: incidence, associated factors and effects on vancomycin treatment

Objetivo: Foi descrito um incremento da depuração renal em alguns grupos de pacientes gravemente enfermos, o qual pode induzir à eliminação de concentrações de fármacos por filtração glomerular aquém do ideal, principalmente no caso de antibióticos. Sua ocorrência e os fatores determinantes têm sido pouco estudados. Nossos objetivos foram determinar a incidência e os fatores associados ao incremento da depuração renal, bem como seus efeitos nas concentrações e na posologia de vancomicina em uma série de pacientes em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudamos, de forma prospectiva, 363 pacientes admitidos durante 1 ano em uma unidade de terapia intensiva clínico-cirúrgica. Foram excluídos pacientes que tivessem nível de creatinina sérica >1,3mg/dL. A depuração de creatinina foi calculada a partir da coleta de urina de 24 horas. Os pacientes foram agrupados segundo a presença de incremento da depuração renal (depuração de creatinina >120mL/min/1,73m2), e os possíveis fatores de risco foram analisados por meio de análise bivariada e logística. Em pacientes tratados com vancomicina, foram registradas a posologia e as concentrações plasmáticas. Resultados: O incremento da depuração renal esteve presente em 103 pacientes (28%), os quais eram mais jovens (48±15 versus 65±17 anos; p<0,0001), tinham mais frequentemente admissões obstétricas (16 versus 7%; p=0,0006) e por trauma (10 versus 3%; p=0,016), e menos comorbidades. Os únicos determinantes independentes para o desenvolvimento de incremento da depuração renal foram idade (OR=0,95; IC95%=0,93-0,96; p<0,0001;) e ausência de diabetes (OR 0,34; IC95% 0,12-0,92; p=0,03). Doze dos 46 pacientes que receberam vancomicina tinham ...

Objective: An augmented renal clearance has been described in some groups of critically ill patients, and it might induce sub-optimal concentrations of drugs eliminated by glomerular filtration, mainly antibiotics. Studies on its occurrence and determinants are lacking. Our goals were to determine the incidence and associated factors of augmented renal clearance and the effects on vancomycin concentrations and dosing in a series of intensive care unit patients. Methods: We prospectively studied 363 patients admitted during 1 year to a clinical-surgical intensive care unit. Patients with serum creatinine >1.3mg/dL were excluded. Creatinine clearance was calculated from a 24-hour urine collection. Patients were grouped according to the presence of augmented renal clearance (creatinine clearance >120mL/min/1.73m2), and possible risk factors were analyzed with bivariate and logistic regression analysis. In patients treated with vancomycin, dosage and plasma concentrations were registered. Results: Augmented renal clearance was present in 103 patients (28%); they were younger (48±15 versus 65±17 years, p<0.0001), had more frequent obstetric (16 versus 7%, p=0.0006) and trauma admissions (10 versus 3%, p=0.016) and fewer comorbidities. The only independent determinants for the development of augmented renal clearance were age (OR 0.95; p<0.0001; 95%CI 0.93-0.96) and absence of diabetes (OR 0.34; p=0.03; 95%CI 0.12-0.92). Twelve of the 46 patients who received vancomycin had augmented renal clearance and despite higher doses, had lower concentrations. Conclusions: In this cohort of critically ill patients, augmented renal clearance was a common finding. Age and absence of diabetes were the only independent determinants. Therefore, younger and previously healthy patients might require larger vancomycin dosing. .

Urinary strong ion difference is a major determinant of plasma chloride concentration changes in postoperative patients.

OBJECTIVE: To show that alterations in the plasma chloride concentration ([Cl-]plasma) during the postoperative period are largely dependent on the urinary strong ion difference ([SID]urine=[Na+]urine+[K+]urine-[Cl-]urine) and not on differences in fluid therapy. METHODS: Measurements were performed at intensive care unit admission and 24 hours later in a total of 148 postoperative patients. Patients were assigned into one of three groups according to the change in [Cl-]plasma at the 24 hours time point: increased [Cl-]plasma (n=39), decreased [Cl-]plasma (n=56) or unchanged [Cl-]plasma (n=53). RESULTS: On admission, the increased [Cl-]plasma group had a lower [Cl-]plasma (105 ± 5 versus 109 ± 4 and 106 ± 3 mmol/L, p<0.05), a higher plasma anion gap concentration ([AG]plasma) and a higher strong ion gap concentration ([SIG]). After 24 hours, the increased [Cl-]plasma group showed a higher [Cl-]plasma (111 ± 4 versus 104 ± 4 and 107 ± 3 mmol/L, p<0.05) and lower [AG]plasma and [SIG]. The volume and [SID] of administered fluids were similar between groups except that the [SID]urine was higher (38 ± 37 versus 18 ± 22 and 23 ± 18 mmol/L, p<0.05) in the increased [Cl-]plasma group at the 24 hours time point. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the [Cl-]plasma on admission and [SID]urine were independent predictors of the variation in [Cl-]plasma 24 hours later. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in [Cl-]plasma during the first postoperative day were largely related to [SID]urine and [Cl-]plasma on admission and not to the characteristics of the infused fluids. Therefore, decreasing [SID]urine could be a major mechanism for preventing the development of saline-induced hyperchloremia.

Diferenca de ions fortes na urina como determinante importante das alteracoes na concentracao plasmatica de cloreto em pacientes no pos-operatorio / Urinary strong ion difference is a major determinant of plasma chloride concentration changes in postoperative patients

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar que alterações na concentração plasmática de cloreto ([Cl-]plasma) durante o período pós-operatório são amplamente dependentes da diferença de íons fortes urinária ([SID]urina=[Na+] urina+[K+] urina -[Cl-]urina) e não de diferenças na terapia hídrica. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas mensurações na admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva e 24 horas mais tarde em um total de 148 pacientes pós-operatórios. Os pacientes foram designados para um de três grupos segundo a alteração na concentração plasmática de cloreto após 24 horas: [Cl-]plasma aumentada (n=39), [Cl-]plasma diminuída (n=56) ou [Cl-]plasma inalterada (n=53). RESULTADOS: Quando da admissão, o grupo com [Cl-]plasma aumentada tinha [Cl-]plasma mais baixa (105±5 versus 109±4 e 106±3mmol/L; p<0,05), um ânion gap plasmático ([AG]plasma) mais alto e um íon gap forte mais alto. Após 24 horas, o grupo com [Cl-]plasma aumentada mostrou [Cl-]plasma mais alta (111±4 versus 104±4 e 107±3mmol/L; p<0,05) e nível plasmático mais baixo de [AG]plasma e íon gap forte. O volume e íon gap forte dos fluidos administrados foram similares entre os grupos, exceto que os [SID]urina eram mais altos (38±37 versus 18±22 e 23±18mmol/L; p<0,05) no grupo com [Cl-]plasma aumentada na avaliação após 24 horas. Uma análise de regressão linear múltipla demonstrou que a [Cl-]plasma na admissão e [SID]urina eram preditores independentes de variação na [Cl-]plasma 24 horas mais tarde. CONCLUSÕES: Alterações na [Cl-]plasma durante o primeiro dia pós-operatório foram amplamente relacionadas com [SID]urina e [Cl-]plasma na admissão, e não às características ...

OBJECTIVE: To show that alterations in the plasma chloride concentration ([Cl-]plasma) during the postoperative period are largely dependent on the urinary strong ion difference ([SID]urine=[Na+]urine+[K+]urine-[Cl-]urine) and not on differences in fluid therapy. METHODS: Measurements were performed at intensive care unit admission and 24 hours later in a total of 148 postoperative patients. Patients were assigned into one of three groups according to the change in [Cl-]plasma at the 24 hours time point: increased [Cl-]plasma (n=39), decreased [Cl-]plasma (n=56) or unchanged [Cl-]plasma (n=53). RESULTS: On admission, the increased [Cl-]plasma group had a lower [Cl-]plasma (105±5 versus 109±4 and 106±3mmol/L, p<0.05), a higher plasma anion gap concentration ([AG]plasma) and a higher strong ion gap concentration ([SIG]). After 24 hours, the increased [Cl-]plasma group showed a higher [Cl-]plasma (111±4 versus 104±4 and 107±3mmol/L, p<0.05) and lower [AG]plasma and [SIG]. The volume and [SID] of administered fluids were similar between groups except that the [SID]urine was higher (38±37 versus 18±22 and 23±18mmol/L, p<0.05) in the increased [Cl-]plasma group at the 24 hours time point. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the [Cl-]plasma on admission and [SID]urine were independent predictors of the variation in [Cl-]plasma 24 hours later. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in [Cl-]plasma during the first postoperative day were largely related to [SID]urine and [Cl-]plasma on admission and not to the characteristics of the infused fluids. Therefore, decreasing [SID]urine could be a major mechanism for preventing the development of salineinduced hyperchloremia. .

Fluidos no período pós-operatório: efeitos da falta de ajuste ao peso corpóreo / Líquidos en el período postoperatorio: efectos de la falta de ajuste al peso corporal / Fluids in the postoperative period: effects of lack of adjustment to body weight

OBJETIVO: Comparar as diferenças no equilíbrio hídrico e eletrolítico em pacientes com baixo e alto peso corpóreo no primeiro dia pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Em um período de 18 meses avaliamos prospectivamente 150 pacientes durante as primeiras 24 horas após cirurgia, na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário. Pacientes com baixo (<60 kg) e alto peso corpóreo (>90 kg) foram comparados em termos de fornecimento e eliminação de fluidos. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significantes em termos de volume (4,334 ± 1,097 em versus 4,644 ± 1,957 mL/24 horas) e composição dos fluidos administrados (481 ± 187 versus 586 ± 288 mEq [Na+]administrados em 24 horas). O débito urinário em 24 horas foi similar (2,474 ± 1,597 versus 2,208 ± 678 mL/24 horas), porém o grupo com baixo peso teve uma maior eliminação de eletrólitos (296 ± 195 versus 192 ± 117 mEq [Na+]urina/24 horas, p=0.0246). Quando os fluidos administrados foram ajustados ao peso corpóreo, o volume e quantidade de eletrólitos dos fluidos administrados foram maiores no grupo com baixo peso (79 ± 21 versus 47 ± 22 mL/ kg/24 horas, p<0.0001 e 8,8 ± 3,4 versus 5,8 ± 3,3 mEq [Na+]administrado/kg/24 horas, p=0,017, respectivamente). Este grupo também demonstrou maior débito urinário e eliminação de eletrólitos (45 ± 28 versus 22 ± 7 mL/kg/24 horas; p=0,0002 e 5.3 ± 3.5 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2 mEq [Na+]urina/ kg/24 horas; p<0,0001, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: A falta de ajuste da terapia hídrica ao peso corpóreo determinou que os pacientes com peso baixo recebessem mais líquidos do que os pacientes com peso elevado, de acordo com o peso corpóreo. A sobrecarga hídrica poderia ser compensada pelo aumento do débito urinário e eliminação de eletrólitos.

OBJETIVO: Comparar las diferencias en el equilibrio de líquidos y electrolitos en los pacientes con bajo y alto peso en el primer día postoperatorio. MÉTODOS: Durante un período de 18 meses, evaluamos prospectivamente 150 pacientes, en las primeras 24 horas después de la cirugía, en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital escuela afiliado auna universidad. Se compararon pacientes con bajo (< 60 kg) y alto peso corporal (> 90 Kg) en términos de ingesta y excreción urinariade agua y electrolitos. RESULTADOS: No se observaron diferencias significativas en el volumen (4,334 ± 1,097 vs. 4,644 ± 1,957 ml/24 hs.) y la composición de los líquidos administrados (481 ± 187 vs. 586 ± 288 mEq [Na +]administrado/24 hs). El volumen de La diuresis en24 horas fue similar (2,474 ± 1,597 vs 2208 ± 678 ml/24 hs.), pero el grupo de bajo peso mostró una mayor eliminación de electrolitos (296 ± 195 vs. 192 ± 117 mEq [Na +]orina/ 24 hs., p = 0,0246). Cuando los líquidos administrados fueron ajustados por peso corporal, el volumen y cantidad de electrolitos fueron mayores en el grupo de bajo peso (79 ± 21 vs. 47 ± 22 ml/kg/24h, p <0,0001 y 8,8 ± 3,4 vs. 5,8 ± 3,3 mEq [Na +]administrado/kg/24 hs., p = 0,017, respectivamente). Este grupo también mostró mayores producción de orina y eliminación de electrolitos (45 ± 28 vs. 22 ± 7 ml/kg/24 hs., p = 0,0002 y 5,3 ± 3,5 frente a 1,8 ± 1,2 mEq [Na+]orina/kg/24 hs., p <0,0001, respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: La falta de ajuste de la terapia con fluidos al peso corporal determinó que los pacientes de bajo peso recibieran más líquidos que los pacientes de alto peso, de acuerdo a su peso corporal. Esta sobrecarga de líquidos pudo ser compensada por el aumento de la diuresis y la eliminación de electrolitos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with low and high weight in the first postoperative day. METHODS: Over a period of 18 months, we prospectively evaluated 150 patients in the first 24 hours after surgery, in a university-affiliated hospital intensive care unit. Patients with low weight (< 60 kg) and high body weight (> 90 Kg) were compared in terms of fluid intake and output. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the volume (4334 ± 1097 vs. 4644 ± 1957 ml/24 h) and composition of the fluids administered (481 ± 187 vs. 586 ± 288 mEq [Na+]administered/24 h). The 24 h urine output was similar (2474 ± 1597 vs.2208 ± 678 ml/24 h) but low weight group showed higher electrolyte elimination (296 ± 195 vs.192 ± 117 mEq [Na+]urine /24 h, p = 0.0246). When the administered fluids were adjusted for body weight, the volume and amount of electrolytes of fluids administered were higher in the low weight group (79 ± 21 vs. 47 ± 22 ml/kg/24 h, p < 0.0001 and 8.8 ± 3.4 vs. 5.8 ± 3.3 mEq [Na+]administered/kg/24 h, p = 0.017, respectively). This group also showed higher urine output and electrolyte elimination (45 ± 28 vs. 22 ± 7 ml/kg/24 h, p = 0.0002 and 5.3 ± 3.5 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2 mEq [Na+]urine/kg/24 h, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of adjustment of the fluid therapy to body weight determined that low weight patients received more fluid than high weight patients according to their body weight. This fluid overload could be compensated by increased urine output and electrolyte elimination.

Fluids in the postoperative period: effects of lack of adjustment to body weight. / Fluidos no período pós-operatório: efeitos da falta de ajuste ao peso corpóreo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with low and high weight in the first postoperative day. METHODS: Over a period of 18 months, we prospectively evaluated 150 patients in the first 24 hours after surgery, in a university-affiliated hospital intensive care unit. Patients with low weight (< 60 kg) and high body weight (> 90 Kg) were compared in terms of fluid intake and output. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the volume (4334 ± 1097 vs. 4644 ± 1957 ml/24 h) and composition of the fluids administered (481 ± 187 vs. 586 ± 288 mEq [Na+]administered/24 h). The 24 h urine output was similar (2474 ± 1597 vs.2208 ± 678 ml/24 h) but low weight group showed higher electrolyte elimination (296 ± 195 vs.192 ± 117 mEq [Na+]urine /24 h, p = 0.0246). When the administered fluids were adjusted for body weight, the volume and amount of electrolytes of fluids administered were higher in the low weight group (79 ± 21 vs. 47 ± 22 ml/kg/24 h, p < 0.0001 and 8.8 ± 3.4 vs. 5.8 ± 3.3 mEq [Na+]administered/kg/24 h, p = 0.017, respectively). This group also showed higher urine output and electrolyte elimination (45 ± 28 vs. 22 ± 7 ml/kg/24 h, p = 0.0002 and 5.3 ± 3.5 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2 mEq [Na+]urine/kg/24 h, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of adjustment of the fluid therapy to body weight determined that low weight patients received more fluid than high weight patients according to their body weight. This fluid overload could be compensated by increased urine output and electrolyte elimination.

Severe hyperlactatemia with normal base excess: a quantitative analysis using conventional and Stewart approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Critically ill patients might present complex acid-base disorders, even when the pH, PCO2, [HCO3-], and base excess ([BE]) levels are normal. Our hypothesis was that the acidifying effect of severe hyperlactatemia is frequently masked by alkalinizing processes that normalize the [BE]. The goal of the present study was therefore to quantify these disorders using both Stewart and conventional approaches. METHODS: A total of 1,592 consecutive patients were prospectively evaluated on intensive care unit admission. Patients with severe hyperlactatemia (lactate level > or = 4.0 mmol/l) were grouped according to low or normal [BE] values (<-3 mmol/l or >-3 mmol/l). RESULTS: Severe hyperlactatemia was present in 168 of the patients (11%). One hundred and thirty-four (80%) patients had low [BE] levels while 34 (20%) patients did not. Shock was more frequently present in the low [BE] group (46% versus 24%, P = 0.02) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the normal [BE] group (38% versus 4%, P < 0.0001). Levels of lactate were slightly higher in patients with low [BE] (6.4 +/- 2.4 mmol/l versus 5.6 +/- 2.1 mmol/l, P = 0.08). According to our study design, the pH, [HCO3-], and strong-ion difference values were lower in patients with low [BE]. Patients with normal [BE] had lower plasma [Cl-] (100 +/- 6 mmol/l versus 107 +/- 5 mmol/l, P < 0.0001) and higher differences between the changes in anion gap and [HCO3-] (5 +/- 6 mmol/l versus 1 +/- 4 mmol/l, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Critically ill patients may present severe hyperlactatemia with normal values of pH, [HCO3-], and [BE] as a result of associated hypochloremic alkalosis.

Comparación de dos enfoques para el diagnóstico de los trastornos ácido-base metabólicos / Comparison of two approaches for the diagnosis of metabolic acid-base disorders

Introducción: Stewart ha planteado que la (H+) está primariamente determinada por: 1)la PCO2. 2) La diferencia de iones fuertes, SID=([Na+]+[K+]+[Ca++]+[Mg++])-([Cl-]+ [otros aniones fuertes]). 3) La concentración de ácidos débiles no volátiles, Atot= ([albúmina]+[Pi]). Las modificaciones de estas variables primarias, especialmente debido a la presencia casi constante de hipoalbuminemia, pueden provocar efectos aditivos o contrapuestos sobre variables dependientes como [HCO3] y exceso de base (EB). Usando este análisis, Fencl y cols. han demostrado que los pacientes críticos frecuentemente pueden presentar pH, [HCO3), EB y anión gap normales, en presencia de trastornos acidificantes o alcalinizantes, muchas veces graves...