20% Human Albumin Solution Fluid Bolus Administration Therapy in Patients After Cardiac Surgery (the HAS FLAIR Study).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of fluid bolus therapy using 20% albumin versus crystalloid on fluid balance, hemodynamic parameters, and intensive care unit (ICU) treatment effects in post-cardiac surgery patients. DESIGN: Sequential period open-label pilot study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred adult cardiac surgery patients who were prescribed fluid bolus therapy to correct hypotension or perceived hypovolemia or to optimize cardiac index during the first 24 hours in the ICU. INTERVENTIONS: The first 50 patients were treated with crystalloid fluid bolus therapy in the first period (control), and 50 patients with up to 2 treatments of 100 mL of 20% albumin fluid bolus therapy in the second period (intervention), followed by crystalloid therapy if needed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were similar at baseline. The intervention was associated with a less positive median fluid balance in the first 24 hours (albumin: 1,100 [650-1,960] v crystalloid: 1,970 [1,430-2,550] p = 0.001), fewer episodes of fluid bolus therapy (3 [2-5] v 5 [4-7]; p < 0.0001) and a lesser volume of fluid bolus therapy (700 [200-1,450] v 1,500 mL/24 h [1,100-2,250]; p < 0.0001). The intervention also was associated with a decreased median overall dose of norepinephrine in the first 24 hours of ICU stay (19 [0-52] v 47 µg/kg/24 hours [0-134]; p = 0.025) and shorter median time to cessation of norepinephrine (17 [5-28] v 28 hours [20-48]; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Post-cardiac surgery fluid bolus therapy with 20% albumin when compared with crystalloid fluid resulted in less positive fluid balance as well as several hemodynamic and potential ICU treatment advantages.

Alterations in tissue oxygen saturation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy in trauma patients after initial resuscitation are associated with occult shock.

PURPOSE: Persistent occult hypoperfusion after initial resuscitation is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality after severe trauma. The objective of this study was to analyze regional tissue oxygenation, along with other global markers, as potential detectors of occult shock in otherwise hemodynamically stable trauma patients. METHODS: Trauma patients undergoing active resuscitation were evaluated 8 h after hospital admission with the measurement of several global and local hemodynamic/metabolic parameters. Apparently hemodynamically stable (AHD) patients, defined as having SBP ≥ 90 mmHg, HR < 100 bpm and no vasopressor support, were followed for 48 h, and finally classified according to the need for further treatment for persistent bleeding (defined as requiring additional red blood cell transfusion), initiation of vasopressors and/or bleeding control with surgery and/or angioembolization. Patients were labeled as "Occult shock" (OS) if they required any intervention or "Truly hemodynamically stable" (THD) if they did not. Regional tissue oxygenation (rSO2) was measured non-invasively by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the forearm. A vascular occlusion test was performed, allowing a 3-min deoxygenation period and a reoxygenation period following occlusion release. Minimal rSO2 (rSO2min), Delta-down (rSO2-rSO2min), maximal rSO2 following cuff-release (rSO2max), and Delta-up (rSO2max-rSO2min) were computed. The NIRS response to the occlusion test was also measured in a control group of healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Sixty-six consecutive trauma patients were included. After 8 h, 17 patients were classified as AHD, of whom five were finally considered to have OS and 12 THD. No hemodynamic, metabolic or coagulopathic differences were observed between the two groups, while NIRS-derived parameters showed statistically significant differences in Delta-down, rSO2min, and Delta-up. CONCLUSIONS: After 8 h of care, NIRS evaluation with an occlusion test is helpful for identifying occult shock in apparently hemodynamically stable patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, descriptive observational study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02772653.

The immunocompromised oncohematological critically ill patient: considerations in severe infections.

Sepsis and septic shock remain a major cause of mortality among critically ill patient. This is particularly relevant among cancer patients as highlighted by different series showing that up to one in five patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) with sepsis have cancer, and also, sepsis is a leading reason for ICU admission in patients with cancer. The classic predictors of mortality among these patients (such as cancer lineage, neutropenia degree, or bone marrow transplantation history) have changed during the last decades, and they should no longer be used to rule out ICU admission. Instead, a newer approach to these patients should be performed taking into account organ failure assessment and prior performance status. When a doubt exists about the criteria for ICU admission, not only a trial of ICU management should be proposed to assert that no patients are withhold of the opportunity for recovering from the acute condition, but also an early admission, to prevent more derangement, and thus impact on mortality.