The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome related to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference combined with arterial-to-venous oxygen content difference (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio) as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2, and invasive mechanical ventilation were included in this single-center and retrospective cohort study performed between April 18, 2020, and January 18, 2022. The tissue perfusion indexes (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO2], and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide pressure difference [∆Pv-aCO2]), anaerobic metabolism index (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio), and severity index (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [SAPSII]) were evaluated to determine its association with the mortality through Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were included in the study and classified into two groups, the survivor group (n = 54) and the non-survivor group (n = 61). The lactate, ScvO2, ∆Pv-aCO2, and ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio medians were 1.6 mEq/L, 75%, 5 mmHg, and 1.56 mmHg/mL, respectively. The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.29, p = 0.001) was identified as a mortality biomarker for patients with COVID-19-related severe ARDS. The area under the curve for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was 0.691 (95% CI 0.598-0.774, p = 0.0001). The best cut-off point for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was >2.14 mmHg/mL, with a sensitivity of 49.18%, specificity of 85.19%, a positive likelihood of 3.32, and a negative likelihood of 0.6. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that survival rates were significantly worse in patients with values greater than this cut-off point. CONCLUSIONS: The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio could be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico. Literature review.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare entity, approximately 600 cases have been reported around the world, and the prevalence in Mexico is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the estimated prevalence of CAPS in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of isolated clinical cases or case series was conducted in diverse search engines, using the terms: "Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome" and "Mexico" in May 2022. RESULTS: We found a series of retrospective cases in autopsies that included 12 cases, two reports that included 2 cases each, and reports of 11 isolated clinical cases; these publications were generated between 2003 and 2020. In total, we collected data on 27 cases of CAPS, of which 16 correspond to primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 10 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 case corresponds to systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence rate in the Mexican population in 2022 is 2 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants. The estimated mortality was 68% in this case series. CONCLUSION: Cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico are underreported; identifying them will help improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used in the country, encouraging the implementation of triple therapy and, in refractory cases, the use of eculizumab, to reduce current mortality.

Glycosylated hemoglobin as a predictor of mortality in severe pneumonia by COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measured on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) are associated with mortality in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with invasive mechanical ventilation. DESIGN: Cohort study, retrospective, observational. A single center. PLACE: ICU of a second-level care hospital. PATIENTS: Severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia confirmed with IMV since admission to the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: none. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with severe pneumonia, confirmed with SARS-CoV-2, all with IMV. The group with HbA1c <6.5% included 32 (57.14%) patients and the group with HbA1c ≥6.5% included 24 (42.86%) patients and the mortality rate in ICU was 43.8% and 70.8%, respectively, with p = 0.04. Predictors of mortality at 28 days in ICU were DHL >500 U/L, OR 3.65 (95% CI 1.18-11.29), HbA1c ≥6.5%, OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.01-9.6), SAH, OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.01-9.5), use of vasopressor, OR 0.2 (95% CI 0.05-0.73), diabetes was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The 28-day probability of survival in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with IMV in the ICU is lower when the HbA1c level is ≥6.5% on admission.

Índices de oxigenación como marcadores pronósticos en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 / Oxygenation indices as prognostic marker in severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 / Índices de oxigenação como marcadores prognósticos na pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Introducción: a través de los índices de oxigenación valoramos la función del sistema respiratorio de oxigenación y ventilación. Objetivo: determinar el valor de los índices de oxigenación como factor de pronóstico para el desenlace en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo, analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes > 18 años con diagnóstico de neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 entre el 01 junio y el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Se clasificó a los pacientes de acuerdo al desenlace: sobreviviente o no sobreviviente. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas de acuerdo al caso, se construyeron curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) para determinar los puntos de corte de los gases arteriales con la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad y se determinó el área bajo la curva (ABC) para el desenlace fatal. Resultados: se incluyeron 175 pacientes, 70.3% correspondió al sexo masculino, la media de edad fue de 56 años (rango intercuartil 45-64). El grupo de sobrevivientes incluyó 51 pacientes y el grupo de no sobrevivientes 124 pacientes. Al analizar los gases arteriales al momento de ingresar a la unidad de cuidados intensivos sobresale la PaO2/FiO2 de 100 mmHg y el índice respiratorio (IR) > 2.4 con un ABC de 0.694 y 0.722 respectivamente. A las 96 horas de ingreso destaca PaO2/FiO2 de 145 mmHg, el IR >3 y la PaO2/PAO2 de 0.22 con un ABC de 0.846, 0.840 y 0.842 respectivamente. Conclusión: los gases arteriales medidos a las 96 horas de ingreso a la UCI son marcadores pronósticos para el desenlace fatal en la neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract: Introduction: oxygenation indices we assess the function of the respiratory system of oxygenation and ventilation. Objective: to determine the value of arterial gases as a prognostic factor for the outcome of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, analytical study. We included patients > 18 years with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between 1 June and 31 December 2020. Patients were classified according to outcome: survivor or non-survivor. Descriptive statistics and parametric and non-parametric tests were used according to the case, ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) curves were constructed to determine the cut-off points of arterial gases with the best sensitivity and specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) for the fatal outcome was determined. Results: we included 175 patients, 70.3% corresponded to the male sex, the mean age was 56 years (interquartile range 45-64). The survivor group included 51 patients and the non-survivor group 124 patients. When analyzing arterial gases at the time of admission to the ICU, paO2/FiO2 of 100 mmHg and respiratory index (RI) > 2.4 with ABC 0.694 and 0.722 respectively. At 96 hours of admission, PaO2/FiO2 of 145 mmHg stands out, the RI > 3 and the DA-aO2 of 0.22 with ABC 0.846, 0.840 and 0.842 respectively. Conclusion: arterial blood gases measured at 96 hours of ICU admission are prognostic markers for fatal outcome in severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Resumo: Introdução: através dos índices de oxigenação avaliamos a função do sistema respiratório de oxigenação e ventilação. Objetivo: determinar o valor dos índices de oxigenação como fator prognóstico para o desfecho em pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: estudo retrospectivo, longitudinal, descritivo, analítico. Icluíram-se pacientes com mais de 18 anos de idade diagnosticados com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 entre 1º de junho e 31 de dezembro de 2020. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com o desfecho: sobreviventes ou não sobreviventes. Foram usadas estatística descritiva e testes paramétricos e não paramétricos de acordo com o caso, foram construídas curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) para determinar os pontos de corte da gasometria arterial com melhor sensibilidade e especificidade e determinou-se a área sob a curva (ABC) para o desfecho fatal. Resultados: incluíram-se 175 pacientes, 70.3% eram do sexo masculino, a média de idade foi de 56 anos (rango interquartil 45-64). O grupo sobrevivente incluiu 51 pacientes e o grupo não sobrevivente 124 pacientes. Na análise dos gases arteriais no momento da admissão na UTI, destacam-se a PaO2/FiO2 de 100 mmHg e o índice respiratório (IR) > 2.4 com AUC 0.694 e 0.722 respectivamente. Às 96 horas de internamento destaca-se PaO2/FiO2 145 mmHg, IR > 3 e PaO2/PAO2 de 0.22 com ABC 0.846, 0.840 e 0.842 respetivamente. Conclusão: os gases sanguíneos arteriais medidos 96 horas após a admissão na UTI são marcadores prognósticos para desfecho fatal em pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2.

Saturación venosa central: ¿marcador pronóstico en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2? / Central venous oxygen saturation: prognostic marker in severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2? / Saturação venosa central: marcador prognóstico na pneumonia grave de SARS-CoV-2?

Resumen: Introducción: la saturación venosa central de oxígeno (SvcO2) traduce oxigenación tisular a través de la relación entre el consumo y la disponibilidad de oxígeno. La neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 impacta en la morbimortalidad, por lo que identificar pacientes con riesgo de progresión de la enfermedad a través de marcadores séricos como la SvcO2 sería imperativo. Objetivo: identificar si la SvcO2 es un marcador pronóstico en la neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo, analítico. Se clasificó la población de acuerdo al valor de la SvcO2: Grupo 1: SvcO2 < 70%. Grupo 2: SvcO2 70-80%. Grupo 3: SvcO2 > 80%. Se registraron las variables de estudio así como el desenlace clínico durante su estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI): mejoría o defunción. Resultados: se reclutaron 115 pacientes, el grupo 1 incluyó 31 pacientes, el grupo 2 y 3 incluyeron 52 y 32 pacientes respectivamente. El sexo masculino fue el más afectado con 71 pacientes (61.7%). La media de edad fue de 65 años. La mortalidad fue de 51.6, 42.3 y 68.8% en el grupo 1, 2 y 3 respectivamente (p ≥ 0.05). El grupo de SvcO2 de 70-80% presentó una relación inversa con mortalidad con un exponente B -0.185, OR de 0.83 (IC 95% 0.33-2.00) p = 0.69, mientras que el grupo 3 presentó un exponente B de 1 con OR de 2.93 (IC 95% 0.97-8.8) p = 0.05. Conclusión: la SvcO2 > 80% en pacientes con neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 puede ser un factor de pronóstico para el desenlace fatal independiente de la PaO2/FiO2.

Abstract: Introduction: central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) translates tissue oxygenation through the relationship between oxygen consumption and availability. Severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia impacts morbidity and mortality, so identifying patients at risk of disease progression through serum markers such as ScvO2 would be imperative. Objective: to identify whether ScvO2 is a prognostic marker in severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, analytical study. The population was classified according to the value of ScvO2: Group 1: ScvO2 < 70%. Group 2: ScvO2 70-80%. Group 3: ScvO2 > 80%. The study variables were recorded, as well as the clinical outcome during their stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): improvement or death. Results: 115 patients were recruited, group 1 included 31 patients, group 2 and 3 included 52 and 32 patients respectively. Male sex was the most affected with 71 patients (61.7%). The median age was 65 years. Mortality was 51.6%, 42.3% and 68.8% for group 1, 2 and 3 respectively p ≥ 0.05. The ScvO2 group of 70-80% presented an inverse relationship with mortality with an exponent B -0.185, OR of 0.83 (95% CI 0.33-2.00) p = 0.69 while group 3 presented an exponent B of 1 with OR of 2.93 (95% CI 0.97-8.8) p = 0.05. Conclusion: ScvO2 > 80% in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia may be a prognostic factor for fatal outcome independent of PaO2/FiO2.

Resumo: Introdução: a saturação venosa central de oxigênio (SvcO2) traduz a oxigenação tecidual por meio da relação entre consumo e disponibilidade de oxigênio. A pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2 afeta a morbidade e a mortalidade, portanto, seria imperativo identificar pacientes com risco de progressão da doença por meio de marcadores séricos, como SvcO2. Objetivo: identificar se a SvcO2 é um marcador prognóstico na pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: estudo retrospectivo, longitudinal, descritivo, analítico. A população foi classificada de acordo com o valor de SvcO2: grupo 1: SvcO2 < 70%. Grupo 2: SvcO2 70-80%. Grupo 3: SvcO2 > 80%. As variáveis do estudo foram registradas, assim como o desfecho clínico durante a internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI): melhora ou óbito. Resultados: foram recrutados 115 pacientes, o grupo 1 incluiu 31 pacientes, os grupos 2 e 3 incluíram 52 e 32 pacientes, respectivamente. O sexo masculino foi o mais acometido com 71 pacientes (61.7%). A média de idade foi de 65 anos. A mortalidade foi de 51.6%, 42.3% e 68.8% para os grupos 1, 2 e 3 respectivamente p ≥ 0.05. O grupo SvcO2 de 70-80% apresentou relação inversa com mortalidade com expoente B -0.185 OR de 0.83 (IC 95% 0.33-2.00) p = 0.69 enquanto o grupo 3 apresentou expoente B de 1 com OR de 2.93 (IC 95% 0.97-8.8) p = 0.05. Conclusão: SvcO2 > 80% em pacientes com pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2 pode ser um fator prognóstico para desfecho fatal independente de PaO2/FiO2.

Reduction of No Reflow with a Loading Dose of Atorvastatin before Primary Angioplasty in Patients with Acute ST Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: No reflow defined as an altered myocardial reperfusion and failure at microvascular level is a frequent complication in acute myocardial infarction that attenuates beneficial effect of reperfusion therapy leading to poor outcomes. There is not enough evidence to support that previous use of statins improves coronary flow in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). AIM OF STUDY: To determine if a loading dose of 80 mg of atorvastatin before primary angioplasty reduces the frequency of no reflow, hs-CRP, IL6 intracoronary levels, and major combined cardiovascular events at 30 d. METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, we randomly assigned 103 adult patients within the 12 h of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to receive 80 mg of atorvastatin additional to standard treatment (AST) before performing primary PCI versus standard treatment (ST) alone. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of no reflow and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin 6 levels and secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 d. RESULTS: 103 patients were analyzed, 49 (48%) received AST, 54 (52%) ST. Frequency of no reflow among groups was 27 vs. 63% respectively, p ≤0.0001. hs-CRP level was 2.69 mg/dL for AST vs. 2.2 mg/dL in ST, meanwhile IL-6 levels were 5.2 pg/mL vs. 6.35 pg/mL respectively, p = ns. Cox regression model demonstrated that the treatment assigned is an independent predictor for no reflow occurrence (HR 0.34 95%, CI 0.18-0.61, p ≤0.001). CONCLUSION: The administration of a loading dose of 80 mg atorvastatin before primary PCI is an effective strategy for prevention of no reflow improving also clinical outcomes and free survival rate for the presentation of major adverse cardiovascular events at 30 d.

El índice de anaerobiosis predice mortalidad en neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 / The anaerobiosis index predicts mortality in patients with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 / O índice de anaerobiose prevê a mortalidade em pneumonia grave devido a SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Introducción: Detectar y corregir el metabolismo anaerobio es indispensable en el paciente críticamente enfermo; desafortunadamente, no existe un estándar de oro. Los pacientes con neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) presentan hipoxemia severa, aumentando el metabolismo anaerobio. El lactato y la diferencia de presión venoarterial de dióxido de carbono/diferencia del contenido arteriovenoso de oxígeno (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) son útiles en este contexto. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte, prospectivo, descriptivo y analítico, que incluyó pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) en el periodo comprendido entre el 18 de abril de 2020 al 18 de enero de 2021 con neumonía grave (definida por el inicio de ventilación mecánica invasiva) por SARS-CoV-2 confirmados. Resultados: En el periodo comprendido se incluyeron 91 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Del total, 39 pacientes se incluyeron en el grupo de supervivientes y 52 en el grupo de no supervivientes. Se puede observar que la Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2, o índice de anaerobiosis, tiene OR de 4.4, IC de 95% 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 en el análisis multivariable. Conclusión: El incremento de la Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2, o índice de anaerobiosis, > 1.4 mmHg/mL está relacionado con 4.44 veces más riesgo de muerte en los pacientes con neumonía grave (intubados) por SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract: Introduction: Detecting and correcting anaerobic metabolism is essential in the critically ill patient, unfortunately, there is no gold standard. Patients with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) present severe hypoxemia, increasing anaerobic metabolism. Lactate and the venoarterial carbon dioxide pressure difference/arteriovenous oxygen content difference (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) are useful in this context. Material and methods: Prospective, descriptive and analytical cohort study that included patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the period from April 18, 2020 to January 18, 2021 with severe pneumonia (defined by the start of invasive mechanical ventilation) by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed. Results: In the period covered, 91 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Of the total, 39 patients were included in the survivors group and 52 in the non-survivors group. It can be seen that the Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 also called anaerobiosis index has OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The increase in the Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 also called anaerobiosis index > 1.4 mmHg/mL is associated with a 4.44 times higher risk of death in patients with severe pneumonia (intubated) due to SARS-CoV-2.

Resumo: Introdução: Detectar e corrigir o metabolismo anaeróbio é essencial no paciente crítico, infelizmente, não existe um «padrão ouro¼. Pacientes com pneumonia grave por SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) apresentam hipoxemia grave, aumentando o metabolismo anaeróbio. O lactato e a diferença de pressão venoarterial de dióxido de carbono/diferença do conteúdo arteriovenoso de oxigênio (Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2) são úteis neste cenário. Material e métodos: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo, descritivo e analítico que incluiu pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) no período de 18 de abril de 2020 a 18 de janeiro de 2021 com pneumonia grave (definida pelo início da ventilação mecânica invasiva) por SARS-CoV-2 confirmados. Resultados: No período compreendido, foram incluídos 91 pacientes que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Do total, 39 pacientes foram incluídos no grupo sobrevivente e 52 no grupo não sobrevivente. Pode-se observar que o Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 ou índice de anaerobiose tem OR 4.4, IC 95% 1.51-13.04, p = 0.006 na análise multivariada. Conclusão: Um aumento em Δp(v-a)CO2/ΔC(a-v)O2 ou índice de anaerobiose > 1.4 mmHg/mL está associado a um aumento de 4.44 vezes no risco de morte em pacientes com pneumonia grave (entubados) por SARS-CoV-2.