Efetividade da infusão estendida de Piperacilina-tazobactana - Meropenem no tratamento de pacientes sépticos adultos queimados através da modelagem farmacocinética farmacodinâmica, PK/P / Meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam by extended infusion and PK/PD approach for drug effectiveness

Introdução: Meropenem (MER) e Piperacilina/Tazobactana (PTZ) são agentes antimicrobianos largamente prescritos para pacientes grandes queimados internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) com infecções nosocomiais causadas por Gram-negativos sensíveis CIM 2 mg/L, Enterobacteriaceae, EB e Non-enterobacteriaceae, NEB. A síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SRIS) que ocorre durante o choque séptico no grande queimado pode causar alteração na farmacocinética do paciente em terapia intensiva, de modo que a dose recomendada pode não atingir o alvo desejado contra Gram-negativos de sensibilidade intermediária CIM >2 mg/L. Objetivo: Investigar a efetividade dos beta-lactâmicos piperacilina e meropenem na infusão estendida comparada à infusão intermitente recomendada, para os pacientes sépticos grandes queimados através da abordagem farmacocinética-farmacodinâmica (PK/PD). Ética, casuística e procedimentos: Autor e co-autores declararam não haver conflito de interesse. O protocolo foi aprovado, registro CAAE 07525118.3.0000.0068. No presente protocolo de estudo investigaram-se 36 pacientes sépticos grandes queimados, ambos os gêneros (12F/24M) em terapia intensiva do choque séptico com piperacilina-tazobactana 4,5g q6h ou meropenem 1g q8h. Os pacientes incluídos foram estratificados em dois grupos com base na administração através da infusão intermitente, 0,5 h (G1) ou da infusão estendida, 3 h (G2), ambos com 16 pacientes cada. Duas amostras sanguíneas (1,5mL/cada) foram coletadas no estado de equilíbrio (Steady State), 3ª e 5ª hora do início da infusão. Os níveis séricos de PTZ e MER foram mensurados através de cromatografia líquida, e a farmacocinética (PK) dos dois grupos de pacientes foi comparada aos dados reportados em voluntários sadios. A abordagem PK/PD foi aplicada para avaliação da cobertura do antimicrobiano a partir da estimativa do índice de predição de efetividade (% fΔT>CIM) e da probabilidade de alcançar o alvo terapêutico (PTA) com base no alvo PK/PD recomendado, 100%fΔT>CIM. Resultados e discussão: As características de admissão dos pacientes G1/G2 foram expressas através de mediana e interquartil: Clcr 115 (90-148) / 127 (90-170) ml/min; 30 (24-31) / 27 (24- 33,5) anos, 70 (61-75) / 71 (65-75) kg, 30 (20-42) / 33,9 (18-38,4)% área total de superfície queimada, SAPS3 53 (45-57) / 48 (37,8-59,5). Na admissão dos pacientes na UTI registrou-se G1/G2: trauma térmico (17/16), trauma elétrico (1/2), lesão inalatória (11/11), ventilação mecânica (16/9) e vasopressores foram necessários em 15/8 pacientes, G1/G2. Ocorreram diferentes alterações na farmacocinética dos dois beta-lactâmicos após a infusão estendida versus a infusão intermitente quando comparadas com dados relatados em voluntários sadios. Evidenciou-se prolongamento da meia vida decorrente do aumento do volume de distribuição. Estes resultados impactaram diferentemente a cobertura. O monitoramento de biomarcadores inflamatórios expressos em medianas (G1/G2) evidenciou aumento do PCR: 232/183mg/L e leucocitose (leucócitos 11/14 mil cel/mm3, neutrófilos 9/10 mil cel/mm3) na fase precoce do choque séptico. Relativamente à microbiologia dos isolados, a erradicação dos patógenos ocorreu para todos os pacientes após a infusão estendida contra Gram-negativos sensíveis (CIM: 2 mg/L), e de sensibilidade intermediária (CIM 4mg/L) como a K. pneumoniae e P. aeruginosa, enquanto a infusão intermitente garantiu erradicação de patógenos apenas até CIM 2 mg/L. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se a superioridade da infusão estendida frente à infusão intermitente na cobertura dos dois antimicrobianos, no alvo terapêutico considerado 100%fΔT>CIM. Registraram-se alterações na farmacocinética destes agentes nos pacientes frente aos dados reportados para voluntários sadios. Diferença significativa entre grupos (G1/G2) foi encontrada com relação meia vida biológica, e ao volume de distribuição tanto pata a piperacilina quanto para o meropenem

Background: Meropenem (MER) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (PTZ), antimicrobial betalactam agents are widely prescribed to burn patients from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with nosocomial infections caused by Gram-negative strains. Change in the pharmacokinetics of critically ill patient occurs during the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) at the course of septic shock. Then, the recommended dose administered by intermittent infusion, 0.5 hr cannot reach the target against gram-negative strains MIC > 2 mg/L. Subject: To investigate drug effectiveness of the beta-lactams piperacilin and meropenem in extended infusion compared to the recommended intermittent infusion in critically ill septic burn patients using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approach. Ethics, Casuistry and Methods: All authors declared there is no conflict of interests. Ethical approval CAAE, register 07525118.3.0000.0068. It was investigated in the study protocol 36 septic burn patients of both genders (12M / 24F), undergoing antimicrobial therapy with PTZ 4.5 g q6h or MER 1g q8h. Based on the chosen antimicrobial therapy and drug infusion prescribed by the physician, patients were stratified in groups with intermittent 0.5h infusion (G1) or with the extended 3h infusion (G2), both groups with 16 patients each. Two blood samples were collected at the steady state (1.5mL / each), at the 3rd and 5th hrs of starting the infusion. Serum levels were measured by liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetics (PK) of MER or PTZ was compared to data reported in healthy volunteers for both groups of patients. PK/PD approach was applied to estimate the drug effectiveness index (fΔT> MIC) and to assess the probability of target attained (PTA) based on the recommended PK/PD target, 100% fΔT> MIC. Results and discussion: Characteristics of patients admission G1/G2 were: Clcr 115(90- 148)/127(90-170) ml/min; 30(24-31)/27(24-34) yrs, 70(61-75)/71(65-75) kg, 30(20- 42)/33.9(18-38.4)% total burn surface area, SAPS3 53(45-57)/48(37.8-59.5), medians (interquartile): thermal trauma occurred (17/16), electric trauma (1/2), inhalation injury (11/11), mechanical ventilation (9/16) and vasopressors required in 15/8 patients. It was demonstrated that different PK changes occurred for both beta-lactam agents after the extended or intermittent infusion by comparison with data reported in healthy volunteers. PK changes were related to the prolongation of biological half-life and increases on volume of distribution with impact on pharmacodynamics. On the other hand, meropenem total body clearance reduced by 50% at the earlier period of septic shock could be explained by the reduction of MER-transporters expression in the tubular renal secretion, once only patients with renal function preserved were included in the study protocol. Inflammatory biomarkers increased at the earlier period of septic shock: C-rp 232/183mg/L; leukocytes 11/14*103cel/mm3, neutrophils 9/10*103cel/mm3, medians, G1/G2. Clinical and microbiological cure was obtained for all patients of G1 against MIC < 2mg/L after intermittent 0.5 h infusion; while PK/PD target was attained for G2 patients undergoing antimicrobial therapy with MER or PTZ by extended infusion against gram negative strains K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa up to MIC 4mg L. Conclusion: Superiority of the extended infusion over intermitent infusion was obtained for the two antimicrobials was evidenced, in the therapeutic target considered 100%fΔT>CIM. Changes in the pharmacokinetics of these agents were recorded in patients compared to data reported for healthy volunteers. A significant difference between groups (G1/G2) was found in relation to biological half-life and volume of distribution for both piperacillin and meropenem

Potential drug-drug interactions among patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage treated at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit: a single-center experience

Abstract Our aim was to determine the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) and to identify relevant factors associated with the occurrence of the most dangerous or contraindicated pDDIs (pCDDIs) in hospitalized patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed enrolling all consecutive patients with sICH treated at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Clinical Center in Kragujevac, Serbia, during the three-year period (2012-2014). The inclusion criteria encompassed patients aged 18 years and over, those diagnosed with ICH, and those prescribed at least two drugs during hospitalization, while we did not include patients whose hospitalization lasted less than 7 days, those who were diagnosed with other neurological diseases and patients with incomplete medical files. For each day of hospitalization, the online checker Micromedex® software was used to identify pDDIs and classify them according to severity. A total of 110 participants were analysed. A high prevalence of pDDIs (98.2%) was observed. The median number of pDDIs regardless of severity, was 8.00 (IQR 4.75-13.00;1-30). The pairs of drugs involving cardiovascular medicines were the most commonly identified pDDIs. Twenty percent of the total number of participants was exposed to pCDDIs. The use of multiple drugs from different pharmacological-chemical subgroups and the prescribing of anticoagulant therapy significantly increase the chance of pCDDI (aOR with 95% CI 1.19 (1.05-1.35) and 7.40 (1.13-48.96), respectively). This study indicates a high prevalence of pDDIs and pCDDIs in patients with sICH. The use of anticoagulant therapy appears to be the only modifiable clinically relevant predictor of pCDDIs.

Off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit of a Brazilian hospital

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the factors associated with off-label drug use in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) of a Brazilian hospital. An analytical, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in the adult ICU population from March 2018 to May 2018. Off-label use of medication was classified by indication, dosage, route of administration, type and volume of diluent, and duration of administration. Most patients were female (57.89%), non-elderly (56.14%), and had a mean age of 54.44 ± 17.15 years. The prevalence of off-label drug use was 70.31%, but was not associated with the clinical severity of the patients. A statistically significant association was observed between label use of drugs and prescribing potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM). The most common reasons for off-label drug use were therapeutic indication (19.58%) and volume of diluent (23.30%). Drug administration by enteral tubes accounted for the largest number of off-label uses due to route of administration (90.85%). There was a higher prevalence of off-label use of systemic antimicrobials (14.44%) and norepinephrine (9.28%). Our study provided a broad characterization of off-label drug use in an adult ICU and showed why it is important for health professionals to evaluate the specific risks and benefits of this practice

Safety of transition from a routine to a selective intensive care admission pathway after elective open aneurysm repair.

Background: There is a growing trend to implement intermediate care units to avoid unnecessary costs associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission and associated resources. We sought to evaluate the safety of transitioning from a routine to a selective policy of postoperative transfer to the ICU for elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive open elective AAA repair procedures performed at a single centre from Aug. 8, 2010, to Dec. 1, 2014. Patients were identified through a prospectively maintained database, and electronic charts were reviewed. Patients with interventions before Mar. 13, 2012, were routinely sent to the ICU after operation (group A). Patients treated after this date were sent directly to an intermediate care unit (group B) unless preoperative or intraoperative factors deemed them suitable for ICU admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital death; secondary outcomes were perioperative complications and length of stay. We used logistic and linear regression to determine the association between the use of an intermediate care unit and the primary and secondary outcomes after adjusting for confounders and clinically relevant covariates. Results: The cohort comprised 310 patients (266 men, 44 women) with a mean age of 69.7 (standard deviation 10.1) years and a mean AAA diameter of 61.2 mm (SD 9.6 mm). Groups A and B included 118 and 192 patients, respectively. Admission to the ICU was spared in 149 patients (77.6%) in group B. Only 2 patients (1.3%) in group B were subsequently admitted to the ICU. There was no statistically significant difference in in-hospital mortality or perioperative complications between the 2 groups on multivariable logistic regression. There was a nonsignificant trend toward slightly shorter length of stay in group B. Conclusion: In this single-centre experience with the majority of patients sent directly to an intermediate care unit, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality or morbidity between routine and selective ICU admission. Our results confirm the safety of a selective ICU admission pathway.

Contexte: La tendance est à la création d'unités de soins intermédiaires pour éviter les coûts inutiles entraînés par les séjours aux unités de soins intensifs (USI) et les ressources associées. La présente étude visait à évaluer la sécurité d'un transfert aux USI sélectif, plutôt que systématique, après la réparation ouverte élective d'un anévrisme aortique abdominal (AAA). Méthodes: Cette étude rétrospective portait sur des réparations ouvertes électives d'AAA consécutivement réalisées à un même centre pour la période du 8 août 2010 au 1er décembre 2014. Nous avons recensé les cas dans une base de données maintenue de manière prospective, puis avons étudié les dossiers électroniques. Les patients opérés avant le 13 mars 2012 ont été envoyés d'emblée à l'USI après l'intervention (groupe A). Ceux traités après cette date ont été transférés directement en soins intermédiaires (groupe B), sauf s'ils se qualifiaient pour l'admission à l'USI en raison de facteurs préopératoires ou intraopératoires. Le principal résultat à l'étude était les décès à l'hôpital; les résultats secondaires étaient les complications périopératoires et la durée du séjour. Un modèle de régression logistique a servi à déterminer les associations entre le transfert direct en soins intermédiaires et les résultats primaire et secondaires en tenant compte des facteurs de confusion et des covariables pertinentes sur le plan clinique. Résultats: La cohorte regroupait 310 patients (266 hommes et 44 femmes) dont l'âge moyen était de 69,7 ans (écart-type 10,1) et le diamètre moyen de l'AAA était de 61,2 mm (ET 9,6 mm). Les groupes A et B comptaient 118 et 192 patients, respectivement. L'admission aux soins intensifs a été évitée chez 149 patients (77,6 %) du groupe B. Seuls 2 (1,3 %) d'entre eux ont dû être admis à l'USI après coup. La régression logistique multivariable n'a montré aucune différence statistiquement significative entre les groupes à l'égard de la mortalité à l'hôpital et des complications périopératoires. Nous avons noté une réduction non significative de la durée de séjour pour le groupe B. Conclusion: Cette étude monocentrique où la majorité des patients ont été transférés directement en soins intermédiaires n'a pas révélé de différence statistiquement significative à l'égard de la mortalité et de la morbidité entre les admissions systématiques et sélectives aux USI. Nos résultats confirment que l'admission sélective en soins intensifs est une option sécuritaire.

Abordagem Farmacocinética -Farmacodinâmica (PK/PD) Em Pacientes Sépticos Grandes Queimados: Avaliação do Meropenem Em Adultos Jovens Após 1g Q8h, Infusão Estendida / Pharmacokinetic -Pharmacodynamic Approach (PK/PD) In Septic Burn Young Adult Patients: Meropenem 1g q8h, extended infusion

Introdução: O Meropenem é um carbapenêmico de amplo espectro, prescrito na terapia do choque séptico nos pacientes graves adultos de UTI, com infecções graves causadas por patógenos Gram-negativos susceptíveis. Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do Meropenem em pacientes sépticos queimados, investigar a farmacocinética na fase precoce e na fase tardia durante o curso do choque séptico e o impacto no desfecho clínico. Ética, Casuística e Procedimentos: Aprovação ética, registro CAAE07525118.3.0000.0068; nenhum conflito de interesse declarado foi obtido dos autores. Após assinatura do TCLE pelo responsável legal, o paciente foi incluído no protocolo. Investigou-se a população de 15 pacientes sépticos grandes queimados, adultos de ambos os gêneros (10 M/ 5F) com função renal preservada (Clcr> 50 ml/min). As características demográficas da população de pacientes incluídos foram idade de 37(33 -41) anos, 71(59,5 - 80,0) kg e índice de massa corpórea de 24,3(20,6-24,7) kg/m2, medianas (interquartil). Registrou-se o escore SAPS*3 54(47-59) de admissão dos pacientes na UTI; a superfície corpórea total queimada foi de 33% (18,3-34,4), SCTQ medianas (interquartil). A lesão inalatória e o uso de vasopressores foram registrados em 12/15 pacientes após trauma térmico/ elétrico (10/5). Após intubação orotraqueal, a ventilação mecânica foi registrada em 13/15 pacientes. A terapia empírica do choque séptico com Meropenem no regime de 1g q8h, por infusão estendida de 3 horas, foi iniciada após a coleta das culturas. Realizou-se coleta seriada de amostras sanguíneas para dosagem sérica do antimicrobiano por cromatografia líquida. Aplicou-se o modelo aberto monocompartimental para estudo da farmacocinética e estimativa dos parâmetros, meia vida biológica, depuração total corporal e volume de distribuição. A abordagem farmacocinética-farmacodinâmica (PK-PD) foi baseada na dosagem sérica do Meropenem e na taxa de eliminação, para estimativa do índice de predição de efetividade (% ƒ Δ?T> CIM), considerando o novo alvo terapêutico de 100% ƒ Δ?T> CIM. Utilizou-se estatística não paramétrica pela aplicação do teste de Wilcoxon para dados pareados e testes de correlação linear. Resultados e Discussão: Registrou-se alteração dos parâmetros farmacocinéticos nos pacientes sépticos investigados frente aos dados reportados para voluntários sadios. Evidenciou-se redução na taxa de eliminação e da depuração total corporal; o prolongamento da meia vida biológica ocorreu pelo aumento do volume de distribuição. Estas alterações impactaram estendendo a cobertura do Meropenem, na fase precoce do choque séptico, contra os patógenos de susceptibilidade intermediária com CIM 4 mg/L. Conclusão: A cobertura do Meropenem foi garantida contra os patógenos isolados até CIM 2 mg/L para todos os pacientes. Adicionalmente, ocorreu a erradicação de patógenos de susceptibilidade intermediária CIM 4 mg/L, pela cobertura que foi atingida apenas na fase precoce do choque séptico. Então, a abordagem PK / PD contribui para a obtenção do resultado

Background: Meropenem is a carbapenêmic, agent largely prescribed to septic patients in the Intensive Care Units with severe infections caused by Gram-negative susceptible strains. Objective: To evaluate Meropenem effectiveness in ICU septic burn patients and to investigate pharmacokinetic changes that could impact the desired outcome by eradication of Gram-negative strains of intermediate susceptibility. Ethics, Casuistry and Methods: Ethical approval register CAEE 07525118.3.0000.0068was obtained; no conflicts of interest to declare were obtained from all authors. Fifteen burn adult patients of both genders (10 M/ 5F) with preserved renal function (Clcr> 50 ml/min) were investigated after TCLE signed. Demographic characteristics of patients included were: 37(33 -41) years, 71(59.5- 80.0) kg, 24.3 (20.6-24.7) kg/m2 body mass index, medians (quartiles). ICU patients admission was based on SAPS*3 score of 54(47-59), 33% (18.3-34.4) TBSA medians (quartiles). Inhalation injury and vasopressors requirements were in 12/15 patients after fire/electricity (10/5, proportion). Mechanical ventilation was necessary in 13/15 patients. Antimicrobial therapy of septic shock with meropenem 1g q8h 3 hours infusion started, after cultures collection. A serial of blood samples was collected from the central catheter after a minimum of 48 hours of Meropenem therapy for drug serum measurements by liquid chromatography. One compartment open model was applied to estimate PK data related to the elimination rate constant, biological half-life, total body clearance and volume of distribution PK/PD approach was based on serum trough levels and elimination rate constant to estimate the predictive index of drug effectiveness (% fΔT>CIM), based on the new PK/PD target 100% fΔT>CIM. Non parametric statistics was applied, Wilcoxon test for paired data and linear correlations. Results: Pharmacokinetic changes occurred in septic burn patients investigated by comparison with results reported in healthy volunteers as follows by the reduction on elimination rate constant and also on total body clearance, in spite of preserved renal function for all patients included. In addition, a prolongation of biological half-life occurred as a consequence of increases on volume of distribution. Pharmacodynamics was impacted by PK changes only at the earlier period of septic shock, once pathogens isolated of intermediate susceptibility up to MIC 4 mg/L were eradicated. Conclusion: Meropenem effectiveness was guaranteed against Gram-negative up to MIC 2 mg/L strains isolated for all patients. In addition, eradication of pathogens of intermediate susceptibility MIC 4 mg/L strains occurred only at the earlier period of septic shock. Then, PK/PD approach contributes to desired outcome achievement

Estimated glomerular filtration rate and drug dose adjustment in patients in an intensive care unit in Brazil

Objectives. This study sought to compare the estimated glomerular filtration rate and the indication of dose adjustment of antimicrobials when using Cockcroft-Gault or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a Brazilian general hospital. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated for patients on all days using the Cockcroft-Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equations. The difference in estimated glomerular filtration and the dose adjustment indication of antimicrobials were assessed. Results. A total of 631 patients were included in this study. The median estimated glomerular filtration was significantly higher when estimated using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (100.3 mL/ min/1.73 m2) than the estimation by Cockcroft-Gault (83.2 mL/min) [p<0.001]. Greater differences in estimations produced by the two formulae were observed in patients at extremes of weight and age, and a different dose adjustment was indicated for all antimicrobials assessed. Conclusions. These results demonstrate a significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate values when calculated using either Cockcroft-Gault or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease as well as in the indication of dose adjustment in an intensive care unit

Variability in antimicrobial use in pediatric ventilator-associated events.

OBJECTIVE: To assess variability in antimicrobial use and associations with infection testing in pediatric ventilator-associated events (VAEs). DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective cohort with nested case-control study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 6 US hospitals.PatientsChildren≤18 years ventilated for≥1 calendar day. METHODS: We identified patients with pediatric ventilator-associated conditions (VACs), pediatric VACs with antimicrobial use for≥4 days (AVACs), and possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (PVAP, defined as pediatric AVAC with a positive respiratory diagnostic test) according to previously proposed criteria. RESULTS: Among 9,025 ventilated children, we identified 192 VAC cases, 43 in CICUs, 70 in PICUs, and 79 in NICUs. AVAC criteria were met in 79 VAC cases (41%) (58% CICU; 51% PICU; and 23% NICU), and varied by hospital (CICU, 20-67%; PICU, 0-70%; and NICU, 0-43%). Type and duration of AVAC antimicrobials varied by ICU type. AVAC cases in CICUs and PICUs received broad-spectrum antimicrobials more often than those in NICUs. Among AVAC cases, 39% had respiratory infection diagnostic testing performed; PVAP was identified in 15 VAC cases. Also, among AVAC cases, 73% had no associated positive respiratory or nonrespiratory diagnostic test. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial use is common in pediatric VAC, with variability in spectrum and duration of antimicrobials within hospitals and across ICU types, while PVAP is uncommon. Prolonged antimicrobial use despite low rates of PVAP or positive laboratory testing for infection suggests that AVAC may provide a lever for antimicrobial stewardship programs to improve utilization.

Surveillance for central-line-associated bloodstream infections: Accuracy of different sampling strategies.

BACKGROUND: Active daily surveillance of central-line days (CLDs) in the assessment of rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) is time-consuming and burdensome for healthcare workers. Sampling of denominator data is a method that could reduce the time necessary to conduct active surveillance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of various sampling strategies in the estimation of CLABSI rates in adult and pediatric units in Greece. METHODS: Daily denominator data were collected across Greece for 6 consecutive months in 33 units: 11 adult units, 4 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), 12 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and 6 pediatric oncology units. Overall, 32 samples were evaluated using the following strategies: (1) 1 fixed day per week, (2) 2 fixed days per week, and (3) 1 fixed week per month. The CLDs for each month were estimated as follows: (number of sample CLDs/number of sampled days) × 30. The estimated CLDs were used to calculate CLABSI rates. The accuracy of the estimated CLABSI rates was assessed by calculating the percentage error (PE): [(observed CLABSI rates - estimated CLABSI rates)/observed CLABSI rates]. RESULTS: Compared to other strategies, sampling over 2 fixed days per week provided the most accurate estimates of CLABSI rates for all types of units. Percentage of estimated CLABSI rates with PE ≤±5% using the strategy of 2 fixed days per week ranged between 74.6% and 88.7% in NICUs. This range was 79.4%-94.1% in pediatric onology units, 62.5%-91.7% in PICUs, and 80.3%-92.4% in adult units. Further evaluation with intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots indicated that the estimated CLABSI rates were reliable. CONCLUSION: Sampling over 2 fixed days per week provides a valid alternative to daily collection of CLABSI denominator data. Adoption of such a monitoring method could be an important step toward better and less burdensome infection control and prevention.

Medical Versus Surgical ICU Obese Patient Outcome: A Propensity-Matched Analysis to Resolve Clinical Trial Controversies.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the short- and long-term mortality of obese ICU patients following medical as opposed to surgical admission and the relation between obesity and mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, using a propensity score-matched analysis of patients with medical or surgical admission. SETTING: One French mixed medical-surgical ICU. PATIENTS: Critically ill obese patients (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m) and nonobese patients admitted during a 14-year period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Seven-hundred ninety-one obese patients and 4,644 nonobese patients were included, 338 (43%) and 2,367 (51%) medical and 453 (57%) and 2,277 (49%) surgical obese and nonobese patients, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher in medical than in surgical obese patients in ICU (25% vs 12%; p < 0.001) and up to 365 days (36% vs 18%; p < 0.001) post ICU admission. One-to-one propensity score matching generated 260 pairs with well-balanced baseline characteristics. After matching on propensity score, mortality was still significantly higher in medical patients both in the ICU (21% vs 13%; p = 0.03) and up to 365 days (30% vs 20%; p = 0.01) post ICU admission. Obesity was not significantly associated with mortality both in univariate analysis (140 obese patients [15%] in the dead group vs 651 [14%] in the alive group; p = 0.72) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.86-1.38]; p = 0.49) after adjustment for Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, age, category of admission, history of cardiac disease, and history of respiratory disease. CONCLUSIONS: After careful matching, the data suggest that ICU mortality in obese population was higher in the medical group than in the surgical group and remains significantly higher 365 days post ICU admission.

Implementation of a national bundle care program to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study assessed the effect of the central line bundle on the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in intensive care units (ICUs) in Taiwan. METHODS: This national study was conducted in 27 ICUs with 404 beds total, including 15 medical ICUs, 11 surgical ICUs, and one mixed ICU. The study period was divided into two phases: a pre-intervention (between June 1, 2011 and October 31, 2011) and intervention phase (between December 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012). Outcome variables, including CLABSI rates (per 1000 catheter-days) and catheter utilization rates, were measured. RESULTS: The overall rate of CLABSI significantly decreased by 12.2% (p < 0.001) from 5.74 per 1000 catheter-days in the pre-intervention phase to 5.04 per 1000 catheter-days in the intervention phase. The catheter utilization rate decreased by 1.1% from 55.3% in the pre-intervention phase to 54.2% in the intervention phase. The decline in CLABSI varied significantly among hospital and ICU levels, except surgical ICUs (p = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a multidimensional central-line bundle significantly reduced the rates of CLABSI by 12.2% in nearly all participating ICUs, except surgical ICUs.

A Pediatric Approach to Ventilator-Associated Events Surveillance.

OBJECTIVE Adult ventilator-associated event (VAE) definitions include ventilator-associated conditions (VAC) and subcategories for infection-related ventilator-associated complications (IVAC) and possible ventilator-associated pneumonia (PVAP). We explored these definitions for children. DESIGN Retrospective cohort SETTING Pediatric, cardiac, or neonatal intensive care units (ICUs) in 6 US hospitals PATIENTS Patients ≤18 years old ventilated for ≥1 day METHODS We identified patients with pediatric VAC based on previously proposed criteria. We applied adult temperature, white blood cell count, antibiotic, and culture criteria for IVAC and PVAP to these patients. We matched pediatric VAC patients with controls and evaluated associations with adverse outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS In total, 233 pediatric VACs (12,167 ventilation episodes) were identified. In the cardiac ICU (CICU), 62.5% of VACs met adult IVAC criteria; in the pediatric ICU (PICU), 54.2% of VACs met adult IVAC criteria; and in the neonatal ICU (NICU), 20.2% of VACs met adult IVAC criteria. Most patients had abnormal white blood cell counts and temperatures; we therefore recommend simplifying surveillance by focusing on "pediatric VAC with antimicrobial use" (pediatric AVAC). Pediatric AVAC with a positive respiratory diagnostic test ("pediatric PVAP") occurred in 8.9% of VACs in the CICU, 13.3% of VACs in the PICU, and 4.3% of VACs in the NICU. Hospital mortality was increased, and hospital and ICU length of stay and duration of ventilation were prolonged among all pediatric VAE subsets compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS We propose pediatric AVAC for surveillance related to antimicrobial use, with pediatric PVAP as a subset of AVAC. Studies on generalizability and responsiveness of these metrics to quality improvement initiatives are needed, as are studies to determine whether lower pediatric VAE rates are associated with improvements in other outcomes. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:327-333.

What is an intensive care unit? A report of the task force of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine.

Since their widespread introduction more than half a century ago, intensive care units (ICUs) have become an integral part of the health care system. Although most ICUs are found in high-income countries, they are increasingly a feature of health care systems in low- and middle-income countries. The World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine convened a task force whose objective was to answer the question "What is an ICU?" in an internationally meaningful manner and to develop a system for stratifying ICUs on the basis of the intensity of the care they provide. We undertook a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature to assemble existing models for ICU stratification. Based on these and on discussions among task force members by teleconference and 2 face-to-face meetings, we present a proposed definition and classification of ICUs. An ICU is an organized system for the provision of care to critically ill patients that provides intensive and specialized medical and nursing care, an enhanced capacity for monitoring, and multiple modalities of physiologic organ support to sustain life during a period of life-threatening organ system insufficiency. Although an ICU is based in a defined geographic area of a hospital, its activities often extend beyond the walls of the physical space to include the emergency department, hospital ward, and follow-up clinic. A level 1 ICU is capable of providing oxygen, noninvasive monitoring, and more intensive nursing care than on a ward, whereas a level 2 ICU can provide invasive monitoring and basic life support for a short period. A level 3 ICU provides a full spectrum of monitoring and life support technologies, serves as a regional resource for the care of critically ill patients, and may play an active role in developing the specialty of intensive care through research and education. A formal definition and descriptive framework for ICUs can inform health care decision-makers in planning and measuring capacity and provide clinicians and patients with a benchmark to evaluate the level of resources available for clinical care.

From Coronary Care Units to Cardiac Intensive Care Units: Recommendations for Organizational, Staffing, and Educational Transformation.

Medical care in Canadian cardiac units has changed considerably over the past 3 decades in response to an increasingly complex and diverse patient population admitted with acute cardiac pathology. To maintain the highest level of care for these patients, there is a pressing need to evolve traditional coronary care units into contemporary cardiac intensive care units. In this article we aim to highlight the current variations in Canadian units, develop approaches to overcome logistical and infrastructural obstacles, and propose staffing and training recommendations that would allow for the establishment of contemporary cardiac intensive care units.

Classificação dos hospitais do Rio Grande do Sul de acordo com os cenários de risco do PLACON - MR / Classification of hospitals in Rio Grande do Sul according to the risk scenarios of PLACON - MR

O presente trabalho objetiva caracterizar os cenários de risco encontrados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul com vistas a garantir a contenção da disseminação dos mecanismos de resistência bacteriana. (AU)

How Do Residents Spend Their Time in the Intensive Care Unit?

PURPOSE: To describe the work of residents and the distribution of their time in 6 intensive care units (ICUs) of 2 medical centers (MCs). METHODS: A total of 242 hours of observation to capture data on tasks performed by residents in 6 ICUs, including adult, pediatric, medical and surgical units, were conducted. For each observation period, the percentages of total time spent on each task and on the aggregated task categories were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, while in the ICUs, residents spent almost half of their time in clinical review and documentation (19%), conversation with team physicians (16%), conversation attendance (6%) and order management (6%). The 2 MCs differed in the time that residents spent on administrative review and documentation (4% in one MC and 15% in the other). The pediatric ICUs were similar in the 2 MCs, whereas the adult ICUs exhibited differences in the time spent on order management and administrative review and documentation. CONCLUSIONS: While in the ICUs, residents spent most time performing direct patient care and care coordination activities. The distribution of activities varied across 2 MCs and across ICUs, which highlights the need to consider the local context on residents' work in ICUs.

Perfil dos pacientes portadores de síndrome coronariana aguda submetidos à intervenção coronariana percutânea / Profile of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Mais de 12 milhões de pessoas têm doença arterial coronariana e maisde 1 milhão apresenta um infarto do miocárdio a cada ano nos EstadosUnidos, resultando em cerca de 466.000 mortes atribuídas à doença arterialcoronariana. No Brasil, o infarto agudo do miocárdio representa a maiorcausa de morte e incapacidade. O atendimento rápido a estes pacientes,bem como a realização de angioplastia transluminal coronariana, podemdiminuir o risco de morbimortalidade destes pacientes. Objetivo: Descrevero perfil dos pacientes portadores de síndrome coronariana aguda submetidosà intervenção coronariana percutânea. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudoseccional, exploratório, descritivo, retrospectivo, com abordagemquantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 39 pacientes, internados naUTI Hemodinâmica de um hospital escola, na cidade de Recife - PE, noperíodo de julho de 2010 a julho de 2011. Foi realizada análise de banco dedados COREHEMO do serviço de cardiologia intervencionista da referidainstituição no período de fevereiro a março de 2012. Resultados: Dos 39pacientes estudados, 56,4% são do sexo masculino, a faixa etária maisacometida foi a de 50-79 anos, com 76,9% dos casos. A hipertensão arterialsistêmica aparece em 97,4% dos casos. A apresentação clínica da doença é,em sua maioria, angina estável, representando 82% da amostra. 87,2% dospacientes fazia uso de antiagregantes plaquetários. Conclusão: A maioriados resultados mostra-se semelhante aos dados nacionais, porém, deve-sedar mais atenção ao correto preenchimento dos formulários dos pacientes,bem como à importância do acompanhamento de exames laboratoriais quesão preconizados por diretrizes vigentes...

More than 12 million people have coronary artery disease and more than1 million has a myocardial infarction each year in the United States,resulting in about 466,000 deaths attributed to coronary artery disease.In Brazil, acute myocardial infarction is the major cause of death anddisability. The quick service to these patients, as well as the performanceof percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty may decrease the riskof morbidity and mortality of these patients. Objective: To describe theprofile of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneouscoronary intervention. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study,exploratory, descriptive, retrospective, with a quantitative approach.The sample consisted of 39 patients admitted to the ICU Hemodynamicsof a teaching hospital, in Recife - PE, in the period July 2010 to July2011. Analysis was performed database COREHEMO interventionalcardiology service of that institution in the period February to March2012. Results: Of 39 patients 56.4% were males, the age group mostaffected was between 50-79 years, with 76.9% of cases. Systemic arterialhypertension appears in 97.4% of cases. The clinical presentation ofdisease is mostly stable angina, representing 82% of the sample. 87.2%of patients used antiplatelet. Conclusion: Most of the results were similarto national data, however, more attention should be given to the correctcompletion of patient forms, as well as the importance of monitoringlaboratory tests that are recommended by current guidelines...

The effect of a family support intervention on physician, nurse, and family perceptions of care in the surgical, neurological, and medical intensive care units.

Many patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have predictable medical and discharge outcomes, but some trajectories are marked with medical uncertainty. Stressed family-surrogates receive multiple medical updates from a variety of personnel. These circumstances can lead to confusion, which may result in conflicts and dissatisfaction with care. This study examined the effects of adding a family support coordinator to the surgical, neurological, and medical ICUs on family, physician, and nurse satisfaction with communication and care. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in 2 sequential phases (baseline and intervention). The data sources were 2 surveys: (1) Family Satisfaction Survey and (2) Nurse and Physician Perception and Satisfaction Survey. Family Satisfaction Survey data, a combined data set, were collected in the 3 ICUs. Nurse and Physician Perception and Satisfaction Survey data were collected from the attending physicians and critical care nurses in the medical and neurological ICUs. Results show that family ratings of satisfaction with ICU team communication and care generally increased as a result of the intervention. Overall, physician and nurse perceptions of communication and care did not change as a result of the intervention.

Association of ICU size and annual case volume of renal replacement therapy patients with mortality.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to reveal whether the size of an intensive care unit (ICU) or its annual case volume of patients treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) for acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with hospital mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in the Finnish Intensive Care Consortium (FICC) database in 2007-2008. We divided the 23 FICC-member ICUs first into small or large according to ICU size, and second into low, medium, or high-volume tertiles according to annual case volume of patients with RRT. We compared crude hospital mortality, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II-, and case-mix-adjusted hospital mortality in small vs. large ICUs and in low- or medium-volume vs. high-volume ICUs. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) annual case volume of patients with RRT for AKI per one ICU was 25 (19-45). Patients in small or low-volume ICUs were older and less severely ill. Crude and SAPS II -adjusted hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in small ICUs but not significantly different in case volume tertiles. After adjusting for age, severity of illness, intensity of care, propensity to receive RRT, and day of RRT initiation, treatment in low or medium volume ICUs was associated with an increased risk for hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Crude and adjusted hospital mortality rates of patients treated with RRT for AKI were higher in small ICUs. Patients treated in high-volume ICUs had a decreased adjusted risk for hospital mortality compared to those in low-or medium volume ICUs.