Noninvasive ventilation on reintubation in patients with obesity and hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery: a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Although noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may reduce reintubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, this strategy has not been specifically assessed in patients with obesity. METHODS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing NIV delivered via facial mask to standard oxygen therapy among patients with obesity and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure within 7 days after abdominal surgery. The primary outcome was reintubation within 7 days. Secondary outcomes were invasive ventilation-free days at day 30, intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia and 30-day survival. RESULTS: Among 293 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, 76 (26%) patients had obesity and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Reintubation rate was significantly lower with NIV (13/42, 31%) than with standard oxygen therapy (19/34, 56%) within 7 days (absolute difference: - 25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 49 to - 1%, p = 0.03). NIV was associated with significantly more invasive ventilation-free days compared with standard oxygen therapy (27.1 ± 8.6 vs 22.7 ± 11.1 days; p = 0.02), while fewer patients developed ICU-acquired pneumonia (1/42, 2% vs 6/34, 18%; p = 0.04). The 30-day survival was 98% in the NIV group (41/42) versus 85% in the standard oxygen therapy (p = 0.08). In patients with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2, no significant difference was observed between NIV (36/105, 34%) and standard oxygen therapy (47/109, 43%, p = 0.03). An interaction test showed no statistically significant difference between the two subsets (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and BMI < 30 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with obesity and hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, use of NIV compared with standard oxygen therapy reduced the risk of reintubation within 7 days, contrary to patients without obesity. However, no interaction was found according to the presence of obesity or not, suggesting either a lack of power to conclude in the non-obese subgroup despite existing differences, or that the statistical difference found in the overall sample was driven by a large effect in the obese subsets.

Prognosis of major trauma in patients older than 85 years admitted to the ICU, a registry-based study.

BACKGROUND: The aging population in France and Western Europe is on the rise, particularly among individuals aged 65 years and older. Although older adults are susceptible to traumatic injuries, they constitute a minority of trauma center admissions especially those aged 85 and above. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic factors for mortality among the older old population (aged 85 years and above) managed in ICU of Traumabase group trauma centers. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study, conducted from 2013 to 2022, analyzed all severely injured older patients (aged ≥ 85 years) managed in 14 ICU trauma centers enrolled in the Traumabase registry. The study examined sociodemographic, clinical, and outcome variables. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale. RESULTS: Among the 365 older trauma patients, 190 (52.1%) were classified as non-frail (CFS 1-3), 80 (21.9%) as pre-frail (CFS 4,5), and 95 (26%) as frail (CFS 6-9). Falls were the most common mechanism of injury. High mortality rates were observed, with 43.5% ICU mortality and 45.5% mortality at day 30. Factors most associated with ICU mortality included traumatic brain injury (CGS < 13), pre-hospital micromethod hemoglobin < 13 and severity of injury (ISS > 16). CONCLUSION: Factors such as traumatic brain injury and severe hemorrhage (micromethod hemoglobin < 13) and ISS > 16 are associated with ICU mortality in in patients older than 85 years trauma patient. Early geriatric intervention is crucial for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Multiple trauma in pregnant women: injury assessment, fetal radiation exposure and mortality. A multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fetal radiation exposure in pregnant women with trauma is a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fetal radiation exposure with regard to the type of injury assessment performed. METHODS: It is a multicentre observational study. The cohort study included all pregnant women suspected of severe traumatic injury in the participating centres of a national trauma research network. The primary outcome was the cumulative radiation dose (mGy) received by the fetus with respect to the type of injury assessment initiated by the physician in charge of the pregnant patient. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal morbi-mortality, the incidence of haemorrhagic shock and the physicians' imaging assessment with consideration of their medical specialty. RESULTS: Fifty-four pregnant women were admitted for potential major trauma between September 2011 and December 2019 in the 21 participating centres. The median gestational age was 22 weeks [12-30]. 78% of women (n = 42) underwent WBCT. The remaining patients underwent radiographs, ultrasound or selective CT scans based on clinical examination. The median fetal radiation doses were 38 mGy [23-63] and 0 mGy [0-1]. Maternal mortality (6%) was lower than fetal mortality (17%). Two women (out of 3 maternal deaths) and 7 fetuses (out of 9 fetal deaths) died within the first 24 h following trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate WBCT for initial injury assessment in pregnant women with trauma was associated with a fetal radiation dose below the 100 mGy threshold. Among the selected population with either a stable status with a moderate and nonthreatening injury pattern or isolated penetrating trauma, a selective strategy seemed safe in experienced centres.

External ventricular drainage for intracranial hypertension after traumatic brain injury: is it really useful?

PURPOSES: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is frequently used to control raised intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury. However, the available evidence about its effectiveness in this context is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of EVD to control intracranial pressure and to identify the clinical and radiological factors associated with its success. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study conducted in a Level 1 traumacenter in Paris area between May 2011 and March 2019, all patients with intracranial hypertension and treated with EVD were included. EVD success was defined as an efficient and continuous control of intracranial hypertension avoiding the use of third tier therapies (therapeutic hypothermia, decompressive craniectomy, and barbiturate coma) or avoiding a decision to withdraw life sustaining treatment due to both refractory intracranial hypertension and severity of brain injury lesions. RESULTS: 83 patients with EVD were included. EVD was successful in 33 patients (40%). Thirty-two patients (39%) required a decompressive craniectomy, eight patients (9%) received barbiturate coma. In ten cases (12%) refractory intracranial hypertension prompted a protocolized withdrawal of care. Complications occurred in nine patients (11%) (three cases of ventriculitis, six cases of catheter occlusion). Multivariate analysis identified no independent factors associated with EVD success. CONCLUSION: In a protocol-based management for traumatic brain injury, EVD allowed intracranial pressure control and avoided third tier therapeutic measures in 40% of cases with a favorable risk-benefit ratio.

The conundrum of the definition of haemorrhagic shock: a pragmatic exploration based on a scoping review, experts' survey and a cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: Traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) is a complex, dynamic process and, no consensual definition of THS is available. This study aims (1) to explore existing definitions of traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS), (2) to identify essential components of these definitions and (3) to illustrate in a pragmatic way the consequences of applying five of these definitions to a trauma registry. METHODS: We conducted (1) a scoping review to identify the definitions used for traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS); (2) an international experts survey to rank by relevance a selection of components extracted from these definitions and (3) a registry-based analysis where several candidate definitions were tested in a large trauma registry to evaluate how the use of different definitions affected baseline characteristics, resources use and patient outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-eight studies were included revealing 52 distinct definitions. The most frequently used was "a systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than or equal to 70 mmHg or between 71 and 90 mmHg if the heart rate is greater than or equal to 108 beats per min". The expert panel identified base excess, blood lactate concentration, SBP and shock index as the most relevant physiological components to define THS. Five definitions of THS were tested and highlighted significant differences across groups on important outcomes such as the proportion of massive transfusion, the need for surgery, in-hospital length of stay or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a large heterogeneity in the definitions of THS suggesting a need for standardization. Five candidate definitions were identified in a three-step process to illustrate how each shapes study cohort composition and impacts outcome. The results inform research stakeholders in the choice of a consensual definition.

Long-term outcome following blunt cerebrovascular injuries: occurrence of ischemic complications, treatment, and outcome.

PURPOSE: Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) are a rare but serious complication after trauma. Among patients with BCVI, neurological status is altered in 30% of cases and the prognosis seems to be associated with ischemic complications. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of BCVI-associated ischemic events. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study (2011-2017) included all patients admitted for severe trauma with identified BCVI in two level-1 trauma centers. Patients were considered to have a poor neurological outcome with a GOS-E between 2 and 5 and a good neurological outcome with GOS-E between 6 and 8. A multivariate logistic regression identified risk factors for poor neurological outcome at 1 year. RESULTS: Of the 6,294 patients admitted in both trauma centers between 2011 and 2017, 81 patients presenting BCVI were identified (incidence of 1.3%). The median age was 35 years (24-44) with a median Injury Severity Score of 28 (17-41). 29 patients (50%) had a good neurological prognosis, while 25 patients (43%) had a poor neurological prognosis at 1 year. Ischemic stroke occurred in 11 patients (13.6%) within a median time of 2 days (2-2.5). No ischemic stroke occurred in the first year after ICU discharge in both groups. In our study, good prognosis at 1 year was not associated with ischemic complications [3 (10) vs 3 (12) p = 1]. CONCLUSION: Ischemic complications after BCVI are rare, occur within the first week and do not seem to impact independently the 1-year neurological prognosis.

Clinical decision support for severe trauma patients: Machine learning based definition of a bundle of care for hemorrhagic shock and traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Deviation from guidelines is frequent in emergency situations, and this may lead to increased mortality. Probably because of time constraints, 55% is the greatest reported guidelines compliance rate in severe trauma patients. This study aimed to identify among all available recommendations a reasonable bundle of items that should be followed to optimize the outcome of hemorrhagic shocks (HSs) and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). METHODS: We first estimated the compliance with French and European guidelines using the data from the French TraumaBase registry. Then, we used a machine learning procedure to reduce the number of recommendations into a minimal set of items to be followed to minimize 7-day mortality. We evaluated the bundles using an external validation cohort. RESULTS: This study included 5,924 trauma patients (1,414 HS and 4,955 TBI) between 2011 and August 2019 and studied compliance to 36 recommendation items. Overall compliance rate to recommendation items was 71.6% and 66.9% for HS and TBI, respectively. In HS, compliance was significantly associated with 7-day decreased mortality in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis (risk ratio [RR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.17; p = 0.06). In TBI, compliance was significantly associated with decreased mortality in univariate and multivariate analysis (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.92; p = 0.01). For HS, the bundle included 13 recommendation items. In the validation cohort, when this bundle was applied, patients were found to have a lower 7-day mortality rate (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.63; p = 0.01). In TBI, the bundle included seven items. In the validation cohort, when this bundle was applied, patients had a lower 7-day mortality rate (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.71; p = 0.02). DISCUSSION: Using a machine-learning procedure, we were able to identify a subset of recommendations that minimizes 7-day mortality following traumatic HS and TBI. These two bundles remain to be evaluated in a prospective manner. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Care Management, level II.

ISS is not an appropriate tool to estimate overtriage.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work is to study a cohort of patients of ISS < 15 admitted to a TC, and to determine the number of patients that ultimately benefited from the skills and resources specific of a level 1 trauma center. METHODS: Retrospective study from a prospective cohort of patients admitted to TC (Beaujon Hospital, APHP) for suspected severe trauma from January 2011 to December 2017. The main outcome criterion was the use of surgery or interventional radiology within the first 24 h after admission of patients with ISS < 15. The secondary outcomes were stratified into severe (mortality, resuscitation care, length of stay in intensive care units) and non-severe criteria (mild head injury, hospital discharge or transfer within 24 h). RESULTS: Of 3035 patients admitted during the study period, 1409 with an ISS < 15 were included, corresponding to a theoretical overtriage rate of 46.4%. Among these, 611 patients (43.4%) underwent emergency intervention within the first 24 h (586 surgical interventions, 19 direct transfers to the operating theater and 6 acts of interventional radiology), 238 (16.9%) of patients presented with severe and 531 (38%) with non-severe outcome criteria. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates that in a cohort of patients classified as ISS < 15 admitted to a TC, a considerable amount of TC-specific resources are required, and patients present with severe outcome criteria despite being classified as overtriaged. These results suggest that triage of trauma patients should be based on resource use and clinical outcome rather than anatomic criteria.

Terror in Paris: Incidence and risk factors for infections related to high-energy ammunition injuries.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the incidence and the risk factors for secondary wound infections associated to high-energy ammunition injuries (HEAI) in the cohort of civilian casualties from the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris. METHODS: This retrospective multi-centric study included casualties presenting at least one HEAI who underwent surgery during the first 48 h following hospital admission. HEAI-associated infection was defined as a wound infection occurring within the initial 30 days following trauma. Risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Among the 200 included victims, the rate of infected wounds was 11.5%. The median time between admission and the surgical revision for secondary wound infection was 11 days [IQR 9-20]. No patient died from an infectious cause. Infections were polymicrobial in 44% of the cases. The major risk factors for secondary wound infection were ISS (p < 0.001), SAPS II (p < 0.001), MGAP (p < 0.001), haemorrhagic shock (p = 0.003), use of vasopressors (p < 0.001), blood transfusion (p < 0.001), abdominal penetrating trauma (p = 0.003), open fracture (p = 0.01), vascular injury (p = 0.001), duration of surgery (p = 0.009), presence of surgical material (p = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the SAPS II score (OR 1.07 [1.014-1.182], p = 0.019) and the duration of surgery (OR 1.005 [1.000-1.012], p = 0.041) were the only risk factors identified. CONCLUSION: We report an 11.5% rate of secondary wound infection following high-energy ammunition injuries. Risk factors were an immediately severe condition and a prolonged surgery.

Effect of fibrinogen concentrate administration on early mortality in traumatic hemorrhagic shock: A propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen concentrate is widely used in traumatic hemorrhagic shock despite weak evidence in the literature. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fibrinogen concentrate administration within the first 6 hours on 24-hour all-cause mortality in traumatic hemorrhagic shock using a causal inference approach. METHODS: Observational study from a French multicenter prospective trauma registry was performed. Hemorrhagic shock was defined as transfusion of four or more red blood cell units within the first 6 hours after admission. The confounding variables for the outcome (24-hour all-cause mortality) and treatment allocation (fibrinogen concentrate administration within the first 6 hours) were chosen by a Delphi method. The propensity score was specified with a data-adaptive algorithm and a doubly-robust approach with inverse proportionality of treatment weighting allowed to compute the average treatment effect. Sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 14,336 patients in the registry during the study period, 1,027 in hemorrhagic shock were analyzed (758 receiving fibrinogen concentrate within 6 hours and 269 not receiving fibrinogen concentrate). The average treatment effect, expressed as a risk difference, was -0.031 (95% confidence interval, -0.084 to 0.021). All sensitivity analysis confirmed the results. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrinogen concentrate administration within the first 6 hours of a traumatic hemorrhagic shock did not decrease 24-hour all-cause mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, level III.

Characterization of Blood Immune Cells in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis Including ACLF.

Background and Aims: Patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have immunosuppression, indicated by an increase in circulating immune-deficient monocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate simultaneously the major blood-immune cell subsets in these patients. Material and Methods: Blood taken from 67 patients with decompensated cirrhosis (including 35 critically ill with ACLF in the intensive care unit), and 12 healthy subjects, was assigned to either measurements of clinical blood counts and microarray (genomewide) analysis of RNA expression in whole-blood; microarray (genomewide) analysis of RNA expression in blood neutrophils; or assessment of neutrophil antimicrobial functions. Results: Several features were found in patients with ACLF and not in those without ACLF. Indeed, clinical blood count measurements showed that patients with ACLF were characterized by leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and lymphopenia. Using the CIBERSORT method to deconvolute the whole-blood RNA-expression data, revealed that the hallmark of ACLF was the association of neutrophilia with increased proportions of macrophages M0-like monocytes and decreased proportions of memory lymphocytes (of B-cell, CD4 T-cell lineages), CD8 T cells and natural killer cells. Microarray analysis of neutrophil RNA expression revealed that neutrophils from patients with ACLF had a unique phenotype including induction of glycolysis and granule genes, and downregulation of cell-migration and cell-cycle genes. Moreover, neutrophils from these patients had defective production of the antimicrobial superoxide anion. Conclusions: Genomic analysis revealed that, among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, those with ACLF were characterized by dysregulation of blood immune cells, including increases in neutrophils (that had a unique phenotype) and macrophages M0-like monocytes, and depletion of several lymphocyte subsets (including memory lymphocytes). All these lymphocyte alterations, along with defective neutrophil superoxide anion production, may contribute to immunosuppression in ACLF, suggesting targets for future therapies.

Effect of Noninvasive Ventilation on Tracheal Reintubation Among Patients With Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Following Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: It has not been established whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) reduces the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients who develop hypoxemic acute respiratory failure after abdominal surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether noninvasive ventilation improves outcomes among patients developing hypoxemic acute respiratory failure after abdominal surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Multicenter, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial conducted between May 2013 and September 2014 in 20 French intensive care units among 293 patients who had undergone abdominal surgery and developed hypoxemic respiratory failure (partial oxygen pressure <60 mm Hg or oxygen saturation [SpO2] ≤90% when breathing room air or <80 mm Hg when breathing 15 L/min of oxygen, plus either [1] a respiratory rate above 30/min or [2] clinical signs suggestive of intense respiratory muscle work and/or labored breathing) if it occurred within 7 days after surgical procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard oxygen therapy (up to 15 L/min to maintain SpO2 of 94% or higher) (n = 145) or NIV delivered via facial mask (inspiratory pressure support level, 5-15 cm H2O; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5-10 cm H2O; fraction of inspired oxygen titrated to maintain SpO2 ≥94%) (n = 148). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was tracheal reintubation for any cause within 7 days of randomization. Secondary outcomes were gas exchange, invasive ventilation-free days at day 30, health care-associated infections, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Among the 293 patients (mean age, 63.4 [SD, 13.8] years; n=224 men) included in the intention-to-treat analysis, reintubation occurred in 49 of 148 (33.1%) in the NIV group and in 66 of 145 (45.5%) in the standard oxygen therapy group within+ 7 days after randomization (absolute difference, -12.4%; 95% CI, -23.5% to -1.3%; P = .03). Noninvasive ventilation was associated with significantly more invasive ventilation-free days compared with standard oxygen therapy (25.4 vs 23.2 days; absolute difference, -2.2 days; 95% CI, -0.1 to 4.6 days; P = .04), while fewer patients developed health care-associated infections (43/137 [31.4%] vs 63/128 [49.2%]; absolute difference, -17.8%; 95% CI, -30.2% to -5.4%; P = .003). At 90 days, 22 of 148 patients (14.9%) in the NIV group and 31 of 144 (21.5%) in the standard oxygen therapy group had died (absolute difference, -6.5%; 95% CI, -16.0% to 3.0%; P = .15). There were no significant differences in gas exchange. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, use of NIV compared with standard oxygen therapy reduced the risk of tracheal reintubation within 7 days. These findings support use of NIV in this setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01971892.

Ketamine for perioperative pain management in children: a meta-analysis of published studies.

INTRODUCTION: Balanced analgesia, using both opioid and nonopioids agents, has become the standard care for postoperative pain management. Ketamine, a compound with analgesic and antihyperalgesic properties, has been shown to decrease postoperative pain and opioid requirements in adults. The goal of the present meta-analysis was to investigate postoperative analgesic properties of ketamine in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials that used ketamine as a perioperative analgesic compound in children and infants. Outcomes measured were postoperative analgesic consumption, pain intensity and duration of sensory block (when ketamine was used by caudal route) during the postoperative care unit (PACU) stay and the early postoperative period (6-24 h after leaving the operative room). The data from each trial were combined to calculate the pooled odds ratios or standard mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Thirty-five randomized, blinded controlled studies were retrieved from the literature. Systemic ketamine was effective in decreasing PACU pain intensity and analgesic requirement but failed to influence early (6-24 h) pain intensity and analgesic requirement. Ketamine administered locally during tonsillectomy, decreased PACU and early (6-24 h) pain intensity and PACU analgesic requirements. Used as an adjuvant for caudal analgesia, ketamine increased the duration of sensory block and PACU analgesic requirement without impacting PACU pain intensity. Ketamine failed to exhibit a postoperative opioid-sparing effect. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that administration of ketamine was associated with decreased PACU postoperative pain intensity and nonopioid analgesic requirement. However, ketamine failed to exhibit a postoperative opioid-sparing effect.