Creatinine-lactate score predicts mortality in non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in patients listed for liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic indicators of in-hospital mortality among patients listed for urgent liver transplantation (LT) for non-acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: ALF patients listed for LT according to the King's College Criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were recorded from medical records and electronic databases (HCMED and RedCap). RESULTS: The study included 100 patients, of which 69 were subject to LT and 31 died while waiting for LT. Patients were 35.5 ± 14.73 years old, and 78% were females. The main etiologies were virus (17%), drug-induced (32%), autoimmune (15%), and indeterminate hepatitis (31%). The prioritization-to-LT time interval was 1.5 days (0-9). The non-LT patients showed higher lactate (8.71 ± 5.36 vs. 4.48 ± 3.33 mmol/L), creatinine (229 ± 207 vs. 137 ± 136 µm/L), MELD (44 ± 8 vs. 38 ± 8), and BiLE scores (15.8 ± 5.5 vs. 10.3 ± 4.1) compared to LT patients (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified creatinine and lactate as independent prognostic factors, and a creatinine-lactate (CL) score was developed. ROC analysis showed that creatinine, lactate, MELD, BiLE, and CL scores had considerable specificity (71-88%), but only BiLE, lactate, and CL presented high sensitivities (70%, 80%, and 87% respectively). AUCs were 0.696 for creatinine, 0.763 for lactate, 0.697 for MELD, 0.814 for BiLE, and 0.835 for CL. CONCLUSIONS: CL and BiLE scores predict mortality with more accuracy than MELD in patients with ALF during prioritization time. Creatinine and lactate are independent prognostic factors for mortality.

Effects of terlipressin as early treatment for protection of brain in a model of haemorrhagic shock.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether treatment with terlipressin during recovery from hypotension due to haemorrhagic shock (HS) is effective in restoring cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and brain tissue markers of water balance, oxidative stress and apoptosis. METHODS: In this randomised controlled study, animals undergoing HS (target mean arterial pressure (MAP) 40 mmHg for 30 minutes) were randomised to receive lactated Ringer's solution (LR group; n =14; volume equal to three times the volume bled), terlipressin (TERLI group; n =14; 2-mg bolus), no treatment (HAEMO group; n =12) or sham (n =6). CPP, systemic haemodynamics (thermodilution technique) and blood gas analyses were registered at baseline, shock and 5, 30, 60 (T60), 90 and 120 minutes after treatment (T120). After the animals were killed, brain tissue samples were obtained to measure markers of water balance (aquaporin-4 (AQP4)), Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) co-transporter (NKCC1)), oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)) and apoptotic damage (Bcl-x and Bax). RESULTS: Despite the HS-induced decrease in cardiac output (CO) and hyperlactataemia, resuscitation with terlipressin recovered MAP and resulted in restoration of CPP and in cerebral protection expressed by normalisation of AQP4, NKCC1, TBARS and MnSOD expression and Bcl-x/Bax ratio at T60 and T120 compared with sham animals. In the LR group, CO and blood lactate levels were recovered, but the CPP and MAP were significantly decreased and TBARS levels and AQP4, NKCC1 and MnSOD expression and Bcl-x/Bax ratio were significantly increased at T60 and T120 compared with the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: During recovery from HS-induced hypotension, terlipressin was effective in normalising CPP and cerebral markers of water balance, oxidative damage and apoptosis. The role of this pressor agent on brain perfusion in HS requires further investigation.

Hexafluoroisopropanol decreases liver ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulation of high mobility group box-1 protein.

Liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is associated with poor outcome after liver transplantation and liver resections. Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a tri-fluorinated metabolites of volatile anesthetics and has modulatory effects on inflammation that have been observed mainly in cell culture experiments. In this survey, we investigated the effects of HFIP in a rat model of normothermic hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: (1) control in which animals were submitted to 30 min of partial liver ischemia with resection of non-ischemic liver lobes immediate after reperfusion, (2) pre-ischemia (PI) group in which animals received intravenous HFIP (67 mg/kg) 5 min before liver ischemia, and (3) pre-reperfusion (PR) group in which animals received intravenous HFIP (67 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion. Four hours after reperfusion, all animals were euthanized for sample collection. Aspartate and alanine transaminases, glucose, and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) protein concentrations showed a significant decreased, and malondialdehyde was increased in the PR group compared with control and PI groups. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was increased in the PI group compared with control and PR groups. IL-10 and -12 were increased in the PR and PI groups, respectively, when compared with the control group. Glucose decreased in the PR when compared with the control group. Post-conditioning with HFIP led to a decrease in hepatocellular injury and was associated with a downregulation of HMGB-1. The HFIP resulted in a better control of inflammatory response to ischemia-reperfusion even without causing a reduction in oxidative stress.

Model for establishing a new liver transplantation center through mentorship from a university with transplantation expertise.

BACKGROUND: Setting up new liver transplant (LT) centers is essential for countries with organ shortages. However, good outcomes require experience, because LT learning depends on a high number of surgeries. This study aims to describe how a new center was set up from a partnership between the new center and an experienced one. The step-by-step preparation process, the time needed and the results of the new center are depicted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mentoring process lasted 40 months, in which half of the 52 patients included on the transplant list received LT. After the mentorship, a 22-month period was also analyzed, in which 46 new patients were added to the waiting list and nine were operated on. RESULTS: The 30-day survival rates during (92.3%) and after (66.7%) the partnership were similar to the other LT centers in the same region, as well as the rates of longer periods. The waiting time on the LT list, the characteristics of the donors and the ischemia times did not differ during or after the mentorship. CONCLUSION: The partnership between universities is a suitable way to set up LT centers, achieving good results for the institutions and the patients involved.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral abdominal wall blocks.

The practice of regional anesthesia is in a state of progressive evolution, mainly due to the advent of ultrasound as an anesthesiologist's instrument. Alternative techniques for postoperative analgesia of abdominal surgeries, such as transversus abdominis plane block, oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block, rectus abdominis muscle sheath block, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, and quadratus lumborum plane block, have proven useful, with good analgesic efficacy, especially when neuroaxial techniques (spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia) are not possible. This review discusses such blockades in detail, including the anatomical principles, indications, techniques, and potential complications.

Hypertonic saline solution decreases oxidative stress in liver hypothermic ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Liver ischemia reperfusion injury is still an unsolved problem in liver surgery and transplantation. In this setting, hypothermia is the gold standard method for liver preservation for transplantation. Hypertonic saline solution reduces inflammatory response with better hemodynamic recovery in several situations involving ischemia reperfusion injury. Here, we investigated the effect of hypertonic saline solution in hypothermic liver submitted to ischemia reperfusion injury. METHODS: Fifty male rats were divided into 5 groups: SHAM, WI (animals submitted to 40 minutes of partial warm liver ischemia and reperfusion), HI (animals submitted to 40 minutes hypothermic ischemia), HSPI (animals submitted to hypothermic ischemia and treated with 7.5% hypertonic saline solution preischemia), and HSPR (animals submitted to hypothermic ischemia and treated with hypertonic saline solution previously to liver reperfusion). Four hours after reperfusion, the animals were euthanized to collect liver and blood samples. RESULTS: Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, histologic score, and hepatocellular necrosis were significantly decreased in animals submitted to hypothermia compared with the warm ischemia group. Malondialdehyde was significantly decreased in hypothermic groups with a further decrease when hypertonic saline solution was administrated preischemia. Hypothermic groups also showed decreased interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and better recovery of bicarbonate, base excess, lactate, and glucose blood concentrations. Moreover, hypertonic saline solution preischemia was more effective at controlling serum potassium concentrations. CONCLUSION: Hypertonic saline solution before hypothermic hepatic ischemia decreases hepatocellular oxidative stress, cytokine concentrations, and promotes better recovery of acid-base disorders secondary to liver ischemia reperfusion.

Perioperative blood transfusion decreases long-term survival in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of perioperative blood transfusion on short- and long-term outcomes in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT) must still be ascertained, mainly among young children. Clinical and surgical postoperative complications related to perioperative blood transfusion are well described up to three months after adult liver transplantation. AIM: To determine whether transfusion is associated with early and late postoperative complications and mortality in small patients undergoing PLDLT. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of perioperative transfusion on postoperative complications in recipients up to 20 kg of body weight, submitted to PLDLT. A total of 240 patients were retrospectively allocated into two groups according to postoperative complications: Minor complications (n = 109) and major complications (n = 131). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the volume of perioperative packed red blood cells (RBC) transfusion as the only independent risk factor for major postoperative complications. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to identify the optimal volume of the perioperative RBC transfusion related to the presence of major postoperative complications, defining a cutoff point of 27.5 mL/kg. Subsequently, patients were reallocated to a low-volume transfusion group (LTr; n = 103, RBC ≤ 27.5 mL/kg) and a high-volume transfusion group (HTr; n = 137, RBC > 27.5 mL/kg) so that the outcome could be analyzed. RESULTS: High-volume transfusion was associated with an increased number of major complications and mortality during hospitalization up to a 10-year follow-up period. During a short-term period, the HTr showed an increase in major infectious, cardiovascular, respiratory, and bleeding complications, with a decrease in rejection complications compared to the LTr. Over a long-term period, the HTr showed an increase in major infectious, cardiovascular, respiratory, and minor neoplastic complications, with a decrease in rejection complications. Additionally, Cox hazard regression found that high-volume RBC transfusion increased the mortality risk by 3.031-fold compared to low-volume transfusion. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of the studied groups were compared using log-rank tests and the analysis showed significantly decreased graft survival, but with no impact in patient survival related to major complications. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in both graft and patient survival, with high-volume RBC transfusion. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of RBC volume higher than 27.5 mL/kg during the perioperative period is associated with a significant increase in short- and long-term postoperative morbidity and mortality after PLDLT.

Potassium in hemorrhagic shock: a potential marker of tissue hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate serum potassium level variation in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock (HS). METHODS: Eight pigs were studied in a controlled hemorrhage model of HS. Blood withdrawal began at a 50 mL/min to 70 mL/min rate, adjusted to reach a mean arterial pressure (MAP) level of 60 mm Hg in 10 minutes. When MAP reached 60 mm Hg, the blood withdrawal rate was adjusted to maintain a MAP decrease rate of 10 mm Hg every 2 minutes to 4 minutes. Arterial and mixed venous blood samples were collected at MAP levels of 60 mm Hg, 50 mm Hg, 40 mm Hg, 30 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, and 10 mm Hg and analyzed for oxygen saturation, Po2, Pco2, potassium, lactate, bicarbonate, hemoglobin, pH, and standard base excess. RESULTS: Significant increase in serum potassium occurred early in all animals. The rate of rise in serum potassium and its levels accompanied the hemodynamic deterioration. Hyperkalemia (K >5 mmol/L) incidence was 12.5% at 60 mm Hg and 50 mm Hg, 62.5% at 40 mm Hg, 87.5% at 30 mm Hg, and 100% at 20 mm Hg. Strong correlations were found between potassium levels and lactate (R = 0.82), SvO2 (R = 0.87), DeltapH (R = 0.83), and DeltaPco2 (R = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Serum potassium increase accompanies the onset of HS. The rise in serum potassium was directly related to the hemodynamic deterioration of HS and strongly correlated with markers of tissue hypoxia.

Sevoflurane Preconditioning plus Postconditioning Decreases Inflammatory Response with Hemodynamic Recovery in Experimental Liver Ischemia Reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The inhalation anesthetic sevoflurane has presented numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects against tissue ischemic injury. This study investigated the metabolic, hemodynamic, and inflammatory effects of sevoflurane pre- and postconditioning for short periods in the rescue of liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury using a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham group, control ischemia group (partial warm liver ischemia for 45 min followed by 4 h of reperfusion), SPC group (administration of sevoflurane 2.5% for 15 min with 5 min of washout before liver IR), and SPPoC group (administration of sevoflurane 2.5% for 15 min before ischemia and 20 min during reperfusion). RESULTS: All animals showed a decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and portal vein blood flow during ischemia. After 4 h of reperfusion, only the SPPoC group had MAP recovery. In both the SPC and SPPoC groups, there was a decrease in the ALT level and an increase in the bicarbonate and potassium serum levels. Only the SPPoC group showed an increase in the arterial blood ionized calcium level and a decrease in the IL-6 level after liver reperfusion. Therefore, this study demonstrated that sevoflurane preconditioning reduces hepatocellular injury and acid-base imbalance in liver ischemia. Furthermore, sevoflurane postconditioning promoted systemic hemodynamic recovery with a decrease in inflammatory response.

Independent early predictors of mortality in polytrauma patients: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES:: Trauma is an important public health issue and associated with substantial socioeconomic impacts and major adverse clinical outcomes. No single study has previously investigated the predictors of mortality across all stages of care (pre-hospital, emergency room, surgical center and intensive care unit) in a general trauma population. This study was designed to identify early predictors of mortality in severely injured polytrauma patients across all stages of care to provide a better understanding of the physiologic changes and mechanisms by which to improve care in this population. METHODS:: A longitudinal, prospective, observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients submitted to high-energy trauma were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: injury severity score <16, <18 years old or insufficient data. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at four time points: pre-hospital, emergency room, and 3 and 24 hours after hospital admission. The primary outcome assessed was mortality within 30 days. Data were analyzed using tests of association as appropriate, nonparametric analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation analysis (p<0.05). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01669577. RESULTS:: Two hundred patients were included. Independent early predictors of mortality were as follows: arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001), lactate level (p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale score (p<0.001), infused crystalloid volume (p<0.015) and presence of traumatic brain injury (p<0.001). CONCLUSION:: Our results suggest that arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, lactate level, Glasgow Coma Scale, infused crystalloid volume and presence of traumatic brain injury are independent early mortality predictors.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF TOPICAL HEPATIC HYPOTHERMIA IN A MODEL OF LIVER ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion causes organ damage but it is mandatory in hepatic transplantation, trauma and other complex liver surgeries, when Pringle maneuver is applied to minimize bleeding during these procedures. It is well known that liver ischemia/reperfusion leads to microcirculatory disturbance and cellular injury. In this setting hypothermia is known to reduce oxygen demand, lowering intracellular metabolism. OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the effects of hypothermia in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, using a new model of topic isolated liver hypothermia. METHODS: We used male Wistar rats weighting about 250 grams, kept in ad libitum feeding regime and randomly divided into two groups of nine animals: 1) Normothermic group, rats were submitted to normothermic ischemia of the median and left hepatic lobes, with subsequent resection of right and caudate lobes during liver reperfusion; and 2) Hypothermic group, rats were submitted to liver ischemia under hypothermia at 10°C. Liver ischemia was performed for 45 minutes. The animals were euthanized 48 hours after liver reperfusion for blood and liver tissue sampling. RESULTS: The transaminases analyses showed a significant decrease of AST and ALT in Hypothermic group (P<0.01) compared to Normothermic group (1403±1234 x 454±213 and 730±680 x 271±211 U/L, respectively). Histology showed severe necrosis in 50% and mild necrosis in 50% of cases in Normothermic group, but severe necrosis in 10% and mild or absent necrosis 90% of the cases in hypothermic group. CONCLUSION:: A simplified model of liver ischemia/reperfusion that simulates orthotopic liver autotransplantion was demonstrated. Topical hypothermia of isolated hepatic lobules showed liver protection, being a viable and practical method for any kind of in vivo liver preservation study.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral abdominal wall blocks

The practice of regional anesthesia is in a state of progressive evolution, mainly due to the advent of ultrasound as an anesthesiologist's instrument. Alternative techniques for postoperative analgesia of abdominal surgeries, such as transversus abdominis plane block, oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block, rectus abdominis muscle sheath block, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block, and quadratus lumborum plane block, have proven useful, with good analgesic efficacy, especially when neuroaxial techniques (spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia) are not possible. This review discusses such blockades in detail, including the anatomical principles, indications, techniques, and potential complications.

Does autologous blood transfusion during liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma increase risk of recurrence?

AIM: To analyze outcomes in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and received autologous intraoperative blood salvage (IBS). METHODS: Consecutive HCC patients who underwent LT were studied retrospectively and analyzed according to the use of IBS or not. Demographic and surgical data were collected from a departmental prospective maintained database. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test to examine covariate differences between patients who underwent IBS and those who did not. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were developed to evaluate recurrence and death, and survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2012, 158 consecutive patients who underwent LT in the same medical center and by the same surgical team were identified. Among these patients, 122 (77.2%) were in the IBS group and 36 (22.8%) in the non-IBS group. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) at 5 years were 59.7% and 83.3%, respectively. No differences in OS (P = 0.51) or RFS (P = 0.953) were detected between the IBS and non-IBS groups. On multivariate analysis for OS, degree of tumor differentiation remained as the only independent predictor. Regarding patients who received IBS, no differences were detected in OS or RFS (P = 0.055 and P = 0.512, respectively) according to the volume infused, even when outcomes at 90 d or longer were analyzed separately (P = 0.518 for both outcomes). CONCLUSION: No differences in RFS or OS were detected according to IBS use. Trials addressing this question are justified and should be designed to detect small differences in long-term outcomes.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR FULMINANT HEPATITIS.

INTRODUCTION: fulminant hepatitis (FH) is associated with exacerbated hypercatabolism, hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia that are accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and catabolic hormones into the systemic circulation worsening patient's clinical condition. Nutritional support is a crucial element for the recovery of these patients. OBJECTIVES: the aim of this review is to update Nutritional Support for Fulminant Hepatitis. METHODS: the review was performed using electronic search on Medline-PubMed using Mesh-terms. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: there are not many data available on nutritional support to fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure. Strategies for initial nutritional intervention are focused on the control of the previously described FH metabolic derangements, and should be individualized according to the severity of patient's clinical condition. Energy and protein can be provided in amounts of 25­40 kcal/kg/day and 0.8-1.2 g/kg/day, respectively. Enteral nutrition therapy is indicated for patients with advancing encephalopathy or for those who cannot be properly fed orally. Euglycemia must be achieved and protein intake can be based on BCAA formulae. Lipids can be administered as energy supplementation with caution. Adequate nutrition therapy can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality of FH patients.

Introducción: la hepatitis fulminante se asocia a un exacerbado hipercatabolismo, la hipoglicemia y la hiperamonemia están acompañadas por la liberación de citocinas proinflamatorias y hormonas catabólicas en la circulación sistémica, empeorando la condición clínica del paciente. El apoyo nutricional es un elemento crucial para la recuperación de estos pacientes. Objetivos: el objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar el apoyo nutricional para la hepatitis fulminante. Métodos: la revisión se llevó a cabo mediante la búsqueda electrónica en Medline-PubMed, utilizando malla de términos. Resultados y discusión: no hay muchos datos disponibles sobre el apoyo nutricional para lahepatitis fulminante o fallo hepático agudo. Las estrategias de intervención nutricional inicial se centran en el control de los trastornos metabólicos de la hepatitis fulminante descritos anteriormente, que deben ser individualizadas de acuerdo a la gravedad de la situación clínica del paciente. Energía y proteína se pueden proporcionar en cantidades de 25­40 kcal / kg / día y 0,8-1,2 g / kg / día, respectivamente. La terapia nutricional enteral está indicada en pacientes con encefalopatía avanzada o para aquellos que no pueden ser adecuadamente alimentados por vía oral. Se debe obtener una euglicemia y la ingesta de proteínas puede estar basada en fórmulas de BCAA. Los lípidos se pueden administrar como suplemento energético con precaución. Una terapia nutricional adecuada puede potencialmente reducir la morbilidad y la mortalidad de los pacientes con hepatitis fulminante.

Hypoxia among patients on the liver-transplant waiting list.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is formed by a triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and changes in blood gases. This condition is present in 4-32% of patients with cirrhosis. AIM: To analyze the blood gas changes data of patients in liver-transplant waiting list. METHOD: Clinical data of 279 patients in liver transplantation waiting list in May 2013 were studied. Overall patient was analyzed by the demographic aspects, laboratorial and image findings on exams that determine lung disease (hypoxemia) in these cirrhotic patients. The mean values and standard deviations were used to examine normally distributed variables. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of male patients (68%); the mean age was 51(± 5,89) years, and the predominant reason for listing was hepatitis C cirrhosis. The MELD score mean was 16 ± 5,89, without prioritization or special situation. The most common blood type was O in 129 cases (46%) and the mean of body max index was 25,94 ± 4,58. Regarding arterial blood gas tests was observed 214 patients with PaO2 <90 mmHg, 80 with PaO2 <80 mmHg and 39 with PaO2 <50 mmHg. In relation to O2 saturation, 50 patients had <90%, 33 <80% and 10 <50%. CONCLUSION: Was observed a high rate of hypoxemia in patients on waiting list liver transplant. Due to the high severity and morbidity, is suggested better monitoring and therapeutic support to hypoxemic patients on liver transplant waiting list.

Hemostatic resuscitation in traumatic hemorrhagic shock: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to report a case in which the damage control resuscitation (DCR) approach was successfully used to promote hemostatic resuscitation in a polytraumatized patient with severe hemorrhagic shock. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 32 years of age, with severe hemorrhagic shock due to polytrauma with hip fracture, who developed acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia. During fluid resuscitation, the patient received blood products transfusion of fresh frozen plasma/packed red blood cells/platelet concentrate at a ratio of 1:1:1 and evolved intraoperatively with improvement in perfusion parameters without requiring vasoactive drugs. At the end of the operation, the patient was taken to the intensive care unit and discharged on the seventh postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The ideal management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock is not yet established, but the rapid control of bleeding and perfusion recovery and well-defined therapeutic protocols are fundamental to prevent progression of coagulopathy and refractory shock.

Hemostatic resuscitation in traumatic hemorrhagic shock: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to report a case in which the damage control resuscitation (DCR) approach was successfully used to promote hemostatic resuscitation in a polytraumatized patient with severe hemorrhagic shock. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 32 years of age, with severe hemorrhagic shock due to polytrauma with hip fracture, who developed acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia. During fluid resuscitation, the patient received blood products transfusion of fresh frozen plasma/packed red blood cells/platelet concentrate at a ratio of 1:1:1 and evolved intraoperatively with improvement in perfusion parameters without requiring vasoactive drugs. At the end of the operation, the patient was taken to the intensive care unit and discharged on the seventh postoperative day CONCLUSION: : The ideal management of traumatic hemorrhagic shock is not yet established, but the rapid control of bleeding and perfusion recovery and well-defined therapeutic protocols are fundamental to prevent progression of coagulopathy and refractory shock.

Resultados preliminares de hipotermia tópica do fígado em modelo de isquemia/reperfusão hepática em ratos / Preliminary results of topical hepatic hypothermia in a model of liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Ischemia/reperfusion causes organ damage but it is mandatory in hepatic transplantation, trauma and other complex liver surgeries, when Pringle maneuver is applied to minimize bleeding during these procedures. It is well known that liver ischemia/reperfusion leads to microcirculatory disturbance and cellular injury. In this setting hypothermia is known to reduce oxygen demand, lowering intracellular metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hypothermia in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, using a new model of topic isolated liver hypothermia. METHODS We used male Wistar rats weighting about 250 grams, kept in ad libitum feeding regime and randomly divided into two groups of nine animals: 1) Normothermic group, rats were submitted to normothermic ischemia of the median and left hepatic lobes, with subsequent resection of right and caudate lobes during liver reperfusion; and 2) Hypothermic group, rats were submitted to liver ischemia under hypothermia at 10°C. Liver ischemia was performed for 45 minutes. The animals were euthanized 48 hours after liver reperfusion for blood and liver tissue sampling. RESULTS The transaminases analyses showed a significant decrease of AST and ALT in Hypothermic group (P<0.01) compared to Normothermic group (1403±1234 x 454±213 and 730±680 x 271±211 U/L, respectively). Histology showed severe necrosis in 50% and mild necrosis in 50% of cases in Normothermic group, but severe necrosis in 10% and mild or absent necrosis 90% of the cases in hypothermic group. CONCLUSION: A simplified model of liver ischemia/reperfusion that simulates orthotopic liver autotransplantion was demonstrated. Topical hypothermia of isolated hepatic lobules showed liver protection, being a viable and practical method for any kind of in vivo liver preservation study.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A isquemia/reperfusão leva a grave lesão de órgãos, mas ocorre obrigatoriamente no transplante hepático, no trauma e em outras cirurgias hepáticas complexas, quando a manobra de Pringle é aplicada com o intuito de minimizar o sangramento durante os procedimentos. É bem conhecido que a isquemia/reperfusão do fígado leva a distúrbios microcirculatórios e lesões celulares. Neste cenário, a hipotermia é conhecida por reduzir a demanda de oxigênio, diminuindo o metabolismo intracelular. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da hipotermia na lesão de isquemia/reperfusão hepática utilizando-se um novo modelo de hipotermia isolada do fígado. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se ratos Wistar do sexo masculino com peso aproximado de 250 gramas, mantidos em regime de alimentação ad libitum e divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de nove animais: 1) Grupo Normotérmico - os ratos foram submetidos a isquemia normotérmica dos lobos hepáticos mediano e esquerdo, com posterior ressecção dos lobos direito e caudado durante a reperfusão hepática; e 2) Grupo Hipotérmico - os ratos foram submetidos a isquemia hepática sob hipotermia a 10°C. A isquemia hepática foi realizada durante 45 minutos. Os animais foram sacrificados 48 horas após a reperfusão hepática para coleta de sangue e tecido hepático para análise. RESULTADOS: As transaminases AST e ALT apresentaram diminuição significativa no grupo Hipotérmico (P<0,01) em relação ao grupo Normotérmico (1403±1234 x 454±213 e 730±680 x 271±211 U/L, respectivamente). A histologia mostrou necrose grave em 50% e necrose leve em 50% dos casos no grupo Normotérmico, porém, necrose grave em 10% e necrose leve ou ausente em 90% dos casos no grupo Hipotérmico. CONCLUSÃO: Foi demonstrado modelo simplificado de isquemia/reperfusão do fígado que simula o autotrasplante de fígado. A hipotermia tópica dos lóbulos hepáticos isolados mostrou proteção do fígado a ischemia/reperfusão, sendo um método viável e prático para qualquer tipo de estudo de preservação hepática in vivo.

Independent early predictors of mortality in polytrauma patients: a prospective, observational, longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES: Trauma is an important public health issue and associated with substantial socioeconomic impacts and major adverse clinical outcomes. No single study has previously investigated the predictors of mortality across all stages of care (pre-hospital, emergency room, surgical center and intensive care unit) in a general trauma population. This study was designed to identify early predictors of mortality in severely injured polytrauma patients across all stages of care to provide a better understanding of the physiologic changes and mechanisms by which to improve care in this population. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, observational study was conducted between 2010 and 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. Patients submitted to high-energy trauma were included. Exclusion criteria were as follows: injury severity score <16, <18 years old or insufficient data. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at four time points: pre-hospital, emergency room, and 3 and 24 hours after hospital admission. The primary outcome assessed was mortality within 30 days. Data were analyzed using tests of association as appropriate, nonparametric analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation analysis (p<0.05). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01669577. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were included. Independent early predictors of mortality were as follows: arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001), lactate level (p<0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale score (p<0.001), infused crystalloid volume (p<0.015) and presence of traumatic brain injury (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation, diastolic blood pressure, lactate level, Glasgow Coma Scale, infused crystalloid volume and presence of traumatic brain injury are independent early mortality predictors.

Hypoxia among patients on the liver-transplant waiting list / Hipoxia entre os pacientes na lista de espera para transplante de figado

Background: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is formed by a triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and changes in blood gases. This condition is present in 4-32% of patients with cirrhosis. Aim : To analyze the blood gas changes data of patients in liver-transplant waiting list. Method: Clinical data of 279 patients in liver transplantation waiting list in May 2013 were studied. Overall patient was analyzed by the demographic aspects, laboratorial and image findings on exams that determine lung disease (hypoxemia) in these cirrhotic patients. The mean values and standard deviations were used to examine normally distributed variables. Results: There was a high prevalence of male patients (68%); the mean age was 51(±5,89) years, and the predominant reason for listing was hepatitis C cirrhosis. The MELD score mean was 16±5,89, without prioritization or special situation. The most common blood type was O in 129 cases (46%) and the mean of body max index was 25,94±4,58. Regarding arterial blood gas tests was observed 214 patients with PaO2 <90 mmHg, 80 with PaO2 <80 mmHg and 39 with PaO2 <50 mmHg. In relation to O2 saturation, 50 patients had <90%, 33 <80% and 10 <50%. Conclusion: Was observed a high rate of hypoxemia in patients on waiting list liver transplant. Due to the high severity and morbidity, is suggested better monitoring and therapeutic support to hypoxemic patients on liver transplant waiting list. .

Racional: A síndrome hepatopulmonar é formada por tríade clínica com doença do fígado, dilatação vascular intrapulmonar e alterações nos gases sanguíneos. Esta condição está presente em 4-32% dos pacientes com cirrose. Objetivo : Analisar as alterações gasométricas nos pacientes em lista de espera de transplante de fígado. Método: Foram estudados dados clínicos de 279 pacientes na lista de espera para transplante hepático em maio de 2013. Foram analisados aspectos demográficos, gasometria arterial e achados de imagem que determinam a doença pulmonar (hipoxemia) nestes pacientes cirróticos. Os valores médios e desvios-padrão foram utilizados para examinar as variáveis ​​normalmente distribuídas. Resultados: Houve alta prevalência de homens (68%); a idade média foi de 51 (±5,89) anos; e a razão predominante para listar para o transplante foi cirrose pelo vírus C. O MELD médio foi de 16±5,89, sem priorização ou situação especial. O tipo de sangue mais comum foi O, 129 casos (46%) e a média do índice de massa corporal foi 25,94±4,58. Com relação aos exames de gasometria arterial, observou-se 214 pacientes com PaO2 <90 mmHg, 80 com PaO2 <80 mmHg e 39 com PaO2 <50 mmHg, e em relação à saturação de O2, 50 pacientes <90%, 33 pacientes <80% e 10 pacientes <50%. Conclusão: Observou-se alta taxa de hipoxemia nos pacientes em lista de transplante de fígado; devido à elevada gravidade e morbidade, sugere-se melhor seguimento e suporte terapêutico aos doentes hipoxêmicos na lista de espera para o transplante de fígado. .