COVID-19 associated bacterial infections in intensive care unit: a case control study.

We described the secondary bacterial infections (SBI) among COVID-19 patients in comparison with non-COVID-19 patients. We performed a retrospective case-control study between January 01, 2020 and April 01, 2022. Including the adult patients, who stayed ≥ 72 h in intensive care unit (ICU). In total 405 patients were included, 135 had (33.3%) COVID-19, with similar age and gender. The length of stay in ICU was not different (11.4 vs 8.2, p = 0.109), however mean intubation days were higher among COVID-19 cases (6.5 vs 3.8, p = 0.005), SBI were more common among COVID-19 cases (34% vs 10.7%, p < 0.001). Among the patients with pneumonia, the rate of gram-positive bacteria was higher in COVID-19 group than the control group (39% vs 5%, p = 0.006). The predictors for SBI were having COVID-19 (OR: 2.3, Cl 1.25-4.32, p = 0.008), days of intubation (OR: 1.05, Cl 1.01-1.10, p = 0.004), and being male (OR: 2, Cl 1.12-3.58, p = 0.018). The predictors of mortality were COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, Cl 1.28-4.42, p = 0.006), days of intubation (OR: 1.06, Cl 1.03-1.09, p < 0.001), active hematologic malignancy (OR: 3.1, Cl: 1.33-7.28, p = 0.09), active solid tumors (OR: 2.44, Cl 1.21-4.91, p = 0.012), and coronary artery diseases (OR: 1.8, Cl 1.01-3.52, p = 0.045). The most common SBI in COVID-19 patients were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. No carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales related infections were detected in COVID-19 patients.

Is elective cancer surgery feasible during the lock-down period of the COVID-19 pandemic? Analysis of a single institutional experience of 404 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for cancer at an institution using a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-free surgical pathway during the peak phase of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center study, including cancer patients from all surgical departments, who underwent elective surgical procedures during the first peak phase between March 10 and June 30, 2020. The primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and 30-day pulmonary or non-pulmonary related morbidity and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 disease. RESULTS: Four hundred and four cancer patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were analyzed. The rate of patients who underwent open and minimally invasive procedures was 61.9% and 38.1%, respectively. Only one (0.2%) patient died during the study period due to postoperative SARS-CoV2 infection because of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The overall non-SARS-CoV2 related 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 19.3% and 1.7%, respectively; whereas the overall SARS-CoV2 related 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 0.2% and 0.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under strict institutional policies and measures to establish a COVID-19-free surgical pathway, elective and emergency cancer operations can be performed with acceptable perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Appropriate use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the effectiveness and optimum use of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment by the support of clinical, laboratory and radiologic observations. METHODS: All patients were followed up in the hospital with daily interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, d-dimer, full blood count, and procalcitonin. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) was performed on admission, when oxygen support was necessary, and seven days after TCZ started. Disease course of the patients was grouped as severe or critical, according to their clinical, laboratory and radiologic evaluations. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included: 70% were male; the median age was 64 years (minimum-maximum: 27-94); and six (14%) patients died. The median duration of oxygen support before the onset of TCZ was shorter among the severe patient group than the critical patient group (1 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001). Three cases of 21 (14%) who received TCZ in the ward were transferred to ICU, and none of them died. The levels of IL-6, CRP, ferritin, d-dimer, and procalcitonin were significantly lower in the severe cases group than the critical cases group (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001, respectively). Radiological improvement was observed in severe cases on the seventh day of TCZ. Secondary bacterial infection was detected in 41% of critical cases, but none of the severe ones. CONCLUSION: Earlier use of TCZ in COVID-19 infection was beneficial for survival, length of hospitalization and duration of oxygen support. The recommendation for administration of TCZ was based on an increase in requirement of oxygen support, progression in thoracic CT, and elevation of inflammation markers, including IL-6, CRP, ferritin, and d-dimer, and decrease in % lymphocytes.

Bortezomib induced pulmonary toxicity: a case report and review of the literature.

Bortezomib is widely used in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. While the most common side effects are neurological and gastrointestinal related complications, severe pulmonary problems are rarely described. The present case is a 72-year old male with multiple myeloma, who received Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (RVD) combination regimen. He underwent 30 Gy palliative radiotherapy to the thoracic 5-9 and lumbar L1-3 vertebra due to pain and fracture risk. During the third cycle, he was admitted to hospital with dyspnea and dizziness. The thoracic CT revealed bilateral pleural effusions, a diffuse reticular pattern on the parenchyma, and ground-glass opacities that were compatible with drug-induced lung injury. The microbiological and molecular analysis excluded infectious disease, and lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Bortezomib Lung Injury. The time from the first dose of Bortezomib to the lung injury was 57 days, and it was five days from the last dose of Bortezomib. His symptoms were refractory to IV steroids and supportive care. Our patient was lost despite steroids and intensive care support. Even Bortezomib induced lung injury is a rare adverse effect, based on high mortality rate, we would like to emphasize the clinical importance of this clinical scenario in light of the published literature and our presented case.

Relationship between arterial oxygen tension and mortality of patients in intensive care unit on mechanical ventilation support.

BACKGROUND: Although there are studies demonstrating hyperoxia may be an independent risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity, this issue remains unclear. Our research then aimed to examine the relationship between arterial oxygen tension, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: After obtaining ethics committee approval, we analyzed a retrospective data of patients over the age of 18 who survived at least 24 hours in the ICU on mechanical ventilatory support between year 2008 and 2012. The demographic properties, mechanical ventilation, and blood gas parameters were studied. We defined hyperoxia group as PaO2 value of ≥120 mmHg and normoxemia group as PaO2 of 60-120 mmHg. Patients with PaCO2 value <30 mmHg were determined to have hypocapnia, those with 30-50 mmHg normocapnia, and those with >50 mmHg hypercapnia. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2012, a total of 7689 patients were admitted to the ICU. Of 450 patients meeting the inclusion criteria of the study, 263 (58.4%) were male and 187 (41.6%) were female. Normoxia was observed in 232 (51.5%) patients and hyperoxia in 218 (48.5%) patients. The mean PaO2 was 16.2 kPa (121.50 mmHg), and FiO2 was 60%. 254 (56%) of the patients had died during the five-year period. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between PaO2 levels and PCO2 levels (p>0.05). According to the classification of PaO2 and FiO2, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality (p>0.05) among patients. In addition, no statistically significant difference was found between the survival rates according to PCO2 classification (p=0.602, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between mortality and oxygen and carbon dioxide of patients in ICU on mechanical ventilatory support.

Elective Tracheotomy Practices in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Elective tracheotomy (ET) procedures in intensive care units (ICU) might be different in accordance with countries and ICUs' features. The aim of the present study was to search the epidemiology of ET procedures in Turkey. METHODS: A questionnaire which consists of 43 questions was sent by e-mail to 238 ICUs which were officially recognized by The Turkish Ministry of Health. All answers were obtained between August 1, 2015 and August 31, 2015. RESULTS: Two hundred and three ICUs (85.3%) participated in this study. 177 (87.2%) and 169 (83.4%) of ICU's were level III and mixed ICUs respectively. Anesthesiologists were the director of 189 (93.0%) ICUs. Estimated total count of admitted, mechanically ventilated and tracheotomized patients in 2014 were 126282, 80569 (63.8%) and 8989 (7.1%) respectively. Most common indication for ET was prolonged mechanical ventilation (76.9%). The first choice for ET procedure was percutaneous in 162 (79.8%) ICUs. Griggs guide wire dilatational forceps (GWDF) technique was used as the first choice for elective percutaneous tracheotomy (EPT) by 143 (70.4%) ICUs. Most common early EPT complication was bleeding (68.0%) and late EPT complication was stenosis (35.0%). While facilitation of weaning was most important advantage (26.1%), bleeding and tracheal complications were most important disadvantages for EPT (29.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Most common indications for ET are prolonged MV and coma in Turkish ICUs. EPT is the preferred procedure for ET and GWDF is the most common technique. Bronchoscopy and USG are rarely used as a guide.

Effects of different recruitment maneuvers on bacterial translocation and ventilator- induced lung injury.

BACKGROUND: Investigated in the present study were the effects of various recruitment maneuvers (RMs) using the same inflation pressure-time product on bacterial translocation from lung to blood, and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). METHODS: Tracheotomy was performed on anesthetized rats, and ventilation was initiated using pressure-controlled mode. Subsequently, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inoculated through the tracheotomy tube and ventilated for 30 minutes before rats were randomly separated into 4 groups. Group 1 underwent sustained inflation (SI), Group 2 underwent low-pressure SI, Group 3 underwent modified sigh, and Group 4 was a control group. Blood cultures were taken at baseline, 15 minutes after randomization (after each RM for the first hour), and finally at 75 minutes after the last RM. The rats were euthanized and the lungs were extirpated. The left lung was taken for measurement of wet:dry weight ratio, and the right lung was used for pathologic evaluation. RESULTS: Positive blood cultures were found to be higher in Group 3 at early study periods. Total pathological scores were also higher in Group 3. CONCLUSION: Higher severity of ventilator-induced lung injury occurred in the modified sigh group, evidenced by bacterial translocation and results of histopathological evaluation.

Pulmonary effects of noninvasive ventilation combined with the recruitment maneuver after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate the pulmonary effects of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with or without recruitment maneuver (RM) after open heart surgery. METHODS: One-hundred patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized into four groups after the operation: 1) RM with sustained inflation during mechanical ventilation postoperatively (RM group, n = 25); 2) RM combined with NIV applied for 1/2-h periods every 6 h in the first postoperative day after tracheal extubation (RM-NIV group, n = 25); 3) NIV after tracheal extubation (NIV group, n = 25); and 4) a control group consisting of patients receiving neither RM nor NIV (control group, n = 25). Pulmonary function tests, oxygenation index, and atelectasis on chest radiograph were evaluated and compared among the groups. RESULTS: RM provided higher arterial oxygen levels during mechanical ventilation and after tracheal extubation compared to other interventions. Oxygenation was better in the RM-NIV and NIV groups than in the control group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.008, respectively) at the end of the study. The postoperative atelectasis score of the control group (median: 1) was higher than those of the RM (1; P = 0.03), RM-NIV (0; P < 0.01) and NIV (0; P < 0.01) groups. Pulmonary function of the NIV groups on postoperative day 2 was better than in the other groups, whereas the tests were similar among the groups on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS: NIV associated with RM provided better oxygenation both during and after the mechanical ventilation period. NIV either alone or in combination with RM provided lower atelectasis scores and better early pulmonary function tests compared to the control group, without a significant difference regarding the duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and the length of hospitalization. NIV combined with RM is recommended after open heart surgery to prevent postoperative atelectasis and hypoxemia.

The pulmonary and hemodynamic effects of two different recruitment maneuvers after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate the pulmonary and hemodynamic effects of two different recruitment maneuvers after open heart surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were randomized into three groups after operation: recruitment maneuver with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (CPAP-40 group, n = 20), recruitment by positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (PEEP-20 group, n = 20), and 5 cm H2O PEEP (PEEP-5 group, n = 20). In the CPAP-40 group, 40 cm H2O peak inspiratory pressure was applied for 30 s, then PEEP was reduced to 20 cm H2O and ventilation was continued with baseline variables with PEEP decreased until the best Pao2 was achieved. In the PEEP-20 group, 20 cm H2O PEEP was set for 2 min, tidal volume was adjusted to achieve a peak inspiratory airway pressure of 40 cm H2O during the maneuver, then PEEP was decreased until the best Pao2 had been achieved. In the PEEP-5 group, 5 cm H2O PEEP was applied postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean arterial blood pressure of the CPAP-40 group was lower than that of the PEEP-20 (P < 0.01) and PEEP-5 groups (P < 0.01) during the interventions. Oxygenation was higher in both recruitment groups than in the PEEP-5 group during the mechanical ventilation period. There was no significant difference among the groups beyond that period. The atelectasis score of the PEEP-5 group (1.3 +/- 0.9) on postoperative day 1 was higher than that of the CPAP-40 (0.65 +/- 0.6; P = 0.01) and PEEP-20 (0.65 +/- 0.5; P = 0.01) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The recruitment techniques with postmaneuver PEEP increased oxygenation and decreased atelectasis equally, whereas PEEP-20 provided more stable hemodynamic conditions than the CPAP maneuver.

[Neurogenic pulmonary edema: a prospective study based on observation]. / Nörojenik pulmoner ödem: Gözleme dayali prospektif bir çalisma.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the cause and the clinical course of neurogenic pulmonary edema which has developed abruptly in some of the patients in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. METHODS: We evaluated 223 patients in the neurosurgical ICU (116 males; 107 females; mean age 44.4+/-19.5). Five of these had worsening in neurological evaluation and oxygenation and were diagnosed as having a neurogenic pulmonary edema. Patients with pneumonia were excluded from the study. RESULTS: We identified acute hydrocephaly in three patients and re-bleeding of an aneurysm in one as the cause of neurogenic pulmonary edema. No cause could be identified in the remaining patient. Although four patients could be discharged from the ICU, one died due to multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be careful about neurogenic pulmonary edema, a life-threatening clinical condition, that develops within hours of a neurologic event and usually resolves with neurologic recovery.

Effects of body temperature on ventilator-induced lung injury.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of body temperature on ventilator-induced lung injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 6 groups based on their body temperature (normothermia, 37 +/- 1 degrees C; hypothermia, 31 +/- 1 degrees C; hyperthermia, 41 +/- 1 degrees C). Ventilator-induced lung injury was achieved by ventilating for 1 hour with pressure-controlled ventilation mode set at peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 30 cmH2O (high pressure, or HP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 0 cmH2O. In control subjects, PIP was set at 14 cmH2O (low pressure, or LP) and PEEP set at 0 cmH2O. Systemic chemokine and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha , interleukin 1 beta , interleukin 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) levels were measured. The lungs were assessed for histological changes. RESULTS: Serum chemokines and cytokines were significantly elevated in the hyperthermia HP group compared with all 3 groups, LP (control), normothermia HP, and hypothermia HP. Oxygenation was better but not statistically significant in hypothermia HP compared with other HP groups. Cumulative mean histology scores were higher in hyperthermia HP and normothermia HP groups compared with control and normothermia HP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant hyperthermia increased systemic inflammatory response during HP ventilation. Although hypothermia decreased local inflammation in the lung, it did not completely attenuate systemic inflammatory response associated with HP ventilation.

Effect of magnesium sulfate administration on blood-brain barrier in a rat model of intraperitoneal sepsis: a randomized controlled experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Permeability changes in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and their possible contribution to brain edema formation have a crucial role in the pathophysiology of septic encephalopathy. Magnesium sulfate has been shown to have a protective effect on BBB integrity in multiple experimental models. In this study we determine whether magnesium sulfate administration could have any protective effects on BBB derangement in a rat model of sepsis. METHODS: This randomized controlled experimental study was performed on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal sepsis was induced by using the infected fibrin-thrombin clot model. To examine the effect of magnesium in septic and sham-operated rats, a dose of 750 micromol/kg magnesium sulfate was given intramuscularly immediately after surgery. Control groups for both infected and sham-operated rats were injected with equal volume of saline. Those rats surviving for 24 hours were anesthetized and decapitated for the investigation of brain tissue specific gravity and BBB integrity by the spectrophotometric assay of Evans blue dye extravasations. Another set of experiments was performed for hemodynamic measurements and plasma magnesium level analysis. Rats were allocated into four parallel groups undergoing identical procedures. RESULTS: Sepsis significantly increased BBB permeability to Evans blue. The dye content of each hemisphere was significantly lower in the magnesium-treated septic rats (left hemisphere, 0.00218 +/- 0.0005; right hemisphere, 0.00199 +/- 0.0007 [all results are means +/- standard deviation]) than in control septic animals (left hemisphere, 0.00466 +/- 0.0002; right hemisphere, 0.00641 +/- 0.0003). In septic animals treated with magnesium sulfate, specific gravity was higher (left hemisphere, 1.0438 +/- 0.0007; right hemisphere, 1.0439 +/- 0.0004) than in the untreated septic animals (left hemisphere, 1.0429 +/- 0.0009; right hemisphere, 1.0424 +/- 0.0012), indicating less edema formation with the administration of magnesium. A significant decrease in plasma magnesium levels was observed 24 hours after the induction of sepsis. The dose of magnesium that we used maintained the baseline plasma magnesium levels in magnesium-treated septic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium administration attenuated the increased BBB permeability defect and caused a reduction in brain edema formation in our rat model of intraperitoneal sepsis.

[The effects of immunonutrition on the development of nosocomial infections and on clinical outcome in critically ill patients]. / Yogun bakim hastalarinda uygulanan immünonütrisyonun nozokomiyal enfeksiyon gelisimine ve klinik sonuca etkisi.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of early immunonutrition on the development of nosocomial infections and clinical outcome in intensive care patients. METHODS: Thirty mechanically ventilated patients were randomly assigned to two enteral nutrition regimens in the intensive care unit. Fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females; mean age 54 years; range 21 to 72 years) received immunonutrition solution containing arginine, nucleotides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, while controls (10 males, 5 females; mean age 55 years; range 24 to 78 years) received isocaloric solution. The patients were evaluated daily using the APACHE II and SOFA (Simplified Organ Failure Assessment) scoring systems. Infections were sought in tracheal, blood, urine, and catheter cultures. Changes in nitrogen balance, leukocyte count, and APACHE II and SOFA scores were compared. RESULTS: Significant changes in nitrogen balance, APACHE II and SOFA scores, and leukocyte count were found in the study group (p<0.001, p<0.0001, p<0.0001, p<0.05, respectively), whereas no significant differences were detected in the control group. Cultures were positive in nine patients in the immunonutrition group, and in 12 patients in the control group. Septic shock and mortality rates were 26% and 20% in the study patients, and 40% and 33% in the controls, respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients receiving immunonutrition exhibit better nutritional status and improved scores showing clinical severity and organ failure.

Effects of protective and conventional mechanical ventilation on pulmonary function and systemic cytokine release after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of protective and conventional ventilation with or without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), on systemic tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 levels and pulmonary function during open heart surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. SETTING: Single university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: Patients ventilated with (1) protective tidal volumes (6 ml/kg, respiratory rate: 15 breaths/min, PEEP 5 cmH(2)O, n=15) group PV; (2) conventional tidal volumes (10 ml/kg, respiratory rate: 9 breaths/min, PEEP 5 cmH(2)O, n=14) group CV+PEEP and (3) conventional tidal volumes (10 ml/kg, respiratory rate: 9 breaths/min, n=15) without PEEP, group CV+ZEEP. Various pulmonary parameters, systemic TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were determined throughout the study. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: There were no differences among the groups regarding the systemic TNF- alpha and IL-6 levels. The plateau airway pressures of group PV were lower than those of groups CV+PEEP ( p=0.02) and CV+ZEEP ( p=0.001) after cardiopulmonary bypass. The shunt fraction of group PV was significantly lower than that of group CV+ZEEP 24 h after surgery ( p<0.05). Oxygenation and the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference were better in both PEEP groups than in group CV+ZEEP 24 h after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: We could not find any evidence that protective mechanical ventilation prevents some of the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the lung, nor systemic cytokine levels, postoperative pulmonary function or length of hospitalization.

[Iatrogenic hypernatremia during hydatid cyst operation]. / Karaciger Kist Hidatik Operasyonunda Iyatrojenik Hipernatremi.

Hypernatremia due to salt gain is generally iatrogenic. This case report presents a 55 year-old woman who was operated because of hepatic hydatid cyst. At the end of the operation, following extubation the patient was unconscious and serum sodium concentration was found to be 185 mEq/ L. The patient was entubated again and transferred to the intensive care unit. When the patient awaked and became conscious at 36th hour in intensive care unit, she was extubated and transferred to ward with serum sodium concentration of 142 mEq/L. The serum sodium concentration should be monitored carefully in hydatid cyst operation, during which hypertonic saline is used for scelosidal effects as general anesthesia can mask neurologic signs due to hypernatremia.

[Is jejunal feeding efficient in critically ill patients?]. / Kritik hastada jejunal beslenme etkin midir?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the results of jejunal and gastric nutrition in the ICU. METHODS: Caloric intake and nutritional complications were recorded for ten days period in patients receiving gastric (n = 21) and jejunal (n = 22) feeding. RESULTS: Caloric requirements were reached on the 3rd day of nutrition in 86% of jejunal and 28% of gastric feeding patients (p 0.001). In jejunal group, delivered calorie/goal calorie ratio was found 15-20% higher than the gastric group. Serum albumin, triglyceride, cholesterol levels and nitrogen balance did not show significant differences between groups. Vomiting (p 0.01) and colouring of tracheal aspirates (p 0.05) were more frequent in gastric group, however positive tracheal culture frequency did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that higher caloric intakes could be tolerated earlier in patients receiving jejunal feeding.