Biomarkers of Glycocalyx Injury and Endothelial Activation are Associated with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Microcirculatory impairment, especially damage to the endothelium and glycocalyx, is often not assessed. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence of the risk of unsatisfactory outcomes in patients with sepsis and elevated glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers. DESIGN: A systematic search was carried out on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar up to December 31, 2021, including studies in adults and children with sepsis which measured glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers within 48 hours of hospital admission. The primary outcome was the risk of mortality from all causes and the secondary outcomes were the risk of developing respiratory failure (RF) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with elevations of these biomarkers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 17 studies (3,529 patients) were included: 11 evaluated syndecan-1 (n=2,397) and 6 endocan (n=1,132). Syndecan-1 was higher in the group of patients who died than in those who survived [255 ng/mL (IQR: 139-305) vs. 83 ng/mL (IQR:40-111); p=0.014]. Patients with elevated syndecan-1 had a greater risk of death (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.89, 3.10: p<0.001), MODS (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.51, 7.25: p=0.003;), or RF (OR 7.53; 95% CI 1.86-30.45: p=0.005). Endocan was higher in patients who died [3.1 ng/mL (IQR 2.3, 3.7) vs. 1.62 ng/mL (IQR 1.2, 5.7); OR 9.53; 95% CI 3.34, 27.3; p<0.001], who had MODS (OR 8.33; 95% CI 2.07, 33.58; p=0.003) and who had RF (OR 9.66; 95% CI 2.26, 43.95; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients with sepsis and abnormal glycocalyx injury and endothelial activation biomarkers have a greater risk of developing respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and death. Microcirculatory impairment should be routinely evaluated in patients with sepsis, using biomarkers to stratify risk groups.

Fármaco-terapéutica de la sepsis: ¡un proceso frustrante y un gran desafío! / Pharmaco-therapy of sepsis: a frustrating process and a great challenge!

La sepsis ocupa el primer lugar entre las causas de mortalidad en las unidades de cuidado intensivo, razón por la cual su comprensión ha sido objetivo de múltiples estudios. Esta patología representa un reto para el médico ya que sus criterios diagnósticos nunca han podido llegar a un consenso, dificultando así su enfoque terapéutico. El panorama de su fisiopatología tampoco ha sido diferente, hasta hace pocos años logró comprenderse que la sepsis se trata de una estrecha relación entre el agente infeccioso y la participación del sistema inmune, particular en cada hospedero, lo cual impulsó el uso de diferentes fármacos dirigidos a contrarrestar esta respuesta, obteniendo resultados algunas veces contradictorios. Todo lo anterior confluye en un gran rompecabezas de conocimientos que poco a poco ha ido descifrándose, en espera de futuras investigaciones que continúen con más avances en la fármaco-terapéutica de la sepsis. [Torres-Dueñas D, Espinosa AE, Alarcón LC, Niño ME, Cárdenas ME. Fármaco-terapéutica de la sepsis: ¡un proceso frustrante y un gran desafío! MedUNAB 2010; 13:13-16].

Sepsis ranks first among causes of death in intensive care units, which is why their understanding has been the subject of several studies. This condition is a medical challenge because its diagnostic criteria have never been able to reach a consensus, thus hidering their therapeutic approach. The overview of its pathophysiology has not been different, until recent years was understood that sepsis is a close relationship between the infectious agent and inmune system involvement, particularly in each host, which prompted the use of different drugs that target to counteract this response, sometimes contradictory results obtained. All this comes together in one big puzzle of knowledge that has gradually been deciphered, awaiting further research to continue with furter progress in the drug-treatment of sepsis. [Torres-Dueñas D, Espinosa Peña AE, Alarcón LC, Niño ME, Cárdenas ME. Drug-treatment of sepsis: a frustrating process and a great challenge! MedUNAB 2010; 13:13-36].

Maltrato infantil y sus consecuencias a largo plazo / Child abuse and long-term consequences

La violencia intrafamiliar constituye una de las formas más frecuentes de violencia encontradas tanto a nivel nacional como internacional y dentro de estas el maltrato infantil presenta cifras alarmantes, y es el objeto de nuestra revisión. Los efectos de este problema repercuten notablemente en aquellos que sobreviven, ya que las consecuencias a largo plazo del maltrato infantil son más perjudiciales para las víctimas y sus familias, y más costoso para la sociedad, que las lesiones agudas inmediatas que puedan producir. Las consecuencias a largo plazo para estos niños varían desde efectos nocivos en su desarrollo hasta trastornos psicológicos, psiquiátricos y orgánicos. Es importante resaltar que aún con muy buenas intervenciones no todas tienen el éxito esperado si no se hacen de manera correcta. Es indispensable contar con estrategias de prevención que incluyan personal bien entrenado, una supervisión adecuada, los recursos necesarios, y un tiempo mínimo óptimo para enfrentar el problema y obtener los mejores resultados. [Alarcón LC, Araujo AP, Godoy AP, Vera ME. Maltrato infantil y sus consecuencias a largo plazo. MedUNAB 2010; 13:103-115]

Domestic violence is one of the most common forms of violence found both domestically and internationally. Within these, child abuse has alarming figures. This is the subject of this review. The effects of this problem significantly impact on those who survive; their long-term consequences are most severe and expensive for victimized child and his/her family than associated primary physical injuries. The long-term consequences for these children range from adverse effects on its psycholigical development to psychological, psychiatric organic disoders. It is important to note that good speeches are not enough to achieve success if any intervention are not done correctly. All prevention strategies include well-trained staff, appropriate supervision, resources, and a optimal time for addressing this problem to get the best results. [Alarcón LC, Araujo AP, Godoy AP, Vera ME. Child abuse and its long-term consequences. MedUNAB 2010, 13:103-115].