Rhabdomyolysis caused by Botrychium ternatum intoxication: Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Botrychium ternatum ((Thunb.) Sw.), a traditional Chinese medicine, is known for its therapeutic properties in clearing heat, detoxifying, cough suppression, and phlegm elimination. It has been extensively used in clinics for the treatment of many inflammation-related diseases. Currently, there are no documented cases of rhabdomyolysis resulting from Botrychium ternatum intoxication. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 57-year-old male presented with a complaint of low back discomfort accompanied by tea-colored urine lasting for 4 days. The patient also exhibited markedly increased creatine phosphate kinase and myoglobin levels. Prior to the onset of symptoms, the patient consumed 50 g of Botrychium ternatum to alleviate pharyngodynia. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis due to Botrychium ternatum intoxication. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent a substantial volume of fluid resuscitation, diuresis, and alkalization of urine, as well as correction of the acid-base balance and electrolyte disruption. OUTCOMES: Following a 10-day treatment plan involving massive fluid resuscitation, diuresis, and alkalization of urine, the patient showed notable improvement in his lower back pain and reported the absence of any discomfort. Following reexamination, the levels of creatine phosphate kinase and myoglobin were restored to within the normal ranges. Additionally, no abnormalities were detected in liver or renal function. As a result, the patient was considered eligible for discharge and was monitored. CONCLUSIONS: Botrychium ternatum intoxication was associated with the development of rhabdomyolysis. To manage this condition, it is recommended that patients provide massive fluid resuscitation, diuresis, alkalization of urine, and other appropriate therapeutic interventions. LESSON: Currently, there are no known cases of rhabdomyolysis resulting from Botrychium ternatum intoxication. However, it is important to consider the potential occurrence of rhabdomyolysis resulting from Botrychium ternatum intoxication when there is a correlation between the administration of Botrychium ternatum and the presence of muscular discomfort in the waist or throughout the body, along with tea-colored urine. Considering the levels of creatine phosphate kinase and myoglobin, the diagnosis or exclusion of rhabdomyolysis caused by Botrychium ternatum intoxication should be made, and suitable treatment should be administered accordingly.

The impact on postoperative outcomes of intraoperative fluid management strategies during cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of intraoperative fluid management during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on postoperative outcomes has been poorly investigated. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the impact of intraoperative fluid management strategy on postoperative outcomes and survival. METHODS: 509 patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Uppsala University Hospital/Sweden 2004-2017 were categorized into two groups according to the intraoperative fluid management strategy: pre-goal directed therapy (pre-GDT) and goal directed therapy (GDT), where a hemodynamic monitor (CardioQ or FloTrac/Vigileo) was used to optimize fluid management. Impact on morbidity, postoperative hemorrhage, length-of-stay and survival was analyzed. RESULTS: The pre-GDT group received higher fluid volume compared to the GDT group (mean 19.9 vs. 16.2 ml/kg/h, p < 0.001). Overall postoperative morbidity Grade III-V was higher in the GDT group (30% vs. 22%, p = 0.03). Multivariable adjusted odds ratio (OR) for Grade III-V morbidity was 1.80 (95%CI 1.10-3.10, p = 0.02) in the GDT group. Numerically, more cases of postoperative hemorrhage were found in the GDT group (9% vs. 5%, p = 0.09), but no correlation was observed in the multivariable analysis 1.37 (95%CI 0.64-2.95, p = 0.40). An oxaliplatin regimen was a significant risk factor for postoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.03). Mean length of stay was shorter in the GDT group (17 vs. 26 days, p < 0.0001). Survival did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: While GDT increased the risk for postoperative morbidity, it was associated with shortened hospital stay. Intraoperative fluid management during CRS and HIPEC did not affect the postoperative risk for hemorrhage, while the use of an oxaliplatin regimen did.

Does the Implementation of a Clinical Care Pathway Have an Impact on Early Intravenous Fluid Therapy of Acute Pancreatitis?: A Pilot Quality Improvement Study.

OBJECTIVES: Early intravenous fluid (IVF) resuscitation is crucial in the management of acute pancreatitis; variation in IVF prescription practice had been demonstrated. This pilot study aims to assess whether the implementation of an Acute Pancreatitis Care Pathway (APCP) produces a change toward a more adequate IVF regimen in the first 24 hours. METHODS: Patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, from July 2015 to February 2016 (group 1) and from September 2017 to March 2018 (group 2), were considered. The APCP was developed between March 2016 and August 2017. Median IVF rate, volume, and type infused in the first 24 hours, were compared between groups. Nonparametric data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test, differences in frequencies with the McNemar test; significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were included, 36 in each group. In the first 24 hours, the median IVF rate was 177 mL/h vs 225 mL/h (P = 0.004); Ringer lactate infusion was 30% vs 77.8% (P = 0.0003). The median total IVF volume did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the APCP has the potential to lead to a successful change in early IVF resuscitation practice.

Electrolyte disorders are ERAS-associated in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.

PURPOSE: Emerging evidences have raised concerns about electrolyte disorders caused by restrictive fluid management in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. This study aims to investigate the morbidity and treatment of electrolyte disorders associated with ERAS in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. METHODS: Clinical data from 157 patients under the ERAS program and 166 patients under the traditional (Non-ERAS) program after HPB surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors and predictive factors of postoperative electrolyte disorders were analyzed by logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The average of intravenous fluid, sodium, chloride, and potassium supplementation after surgery were significantly lower in the ERAS group. Hypokalemia was the most common type of electrolyte disorders in the ERAS group, whose incidence was substantially increased compared to that in the Non-ERAS group [28.77% vs. 8.97%, p < 0.001, on postoperative (POD) 5]. Logistic regression analysis identified the ERAS program and age as independent risk factors of hypokalemia. ROC curve analysis identified serum potassium levels below 3.76 mmol/L on POD 3 (area under curve 0.731, sensitivity 58.54%, specificity 82.69%) as a predictive factor for postoperative hypokalemia in ERAS patients. Oral supplementation at an average of 35.41 mmol potassium per day was effective in restoring the ERAS-associated hypokalemia. CONCLUSIONS: ERAS procedures were particularly associated with a lower supplementation of potassium and a higher incidence of hypokalemia in patients after HPB surgery. Oral potassium supplementation could be an adopted ERAS program for the elderly undergoing HPB surgery.

The Impact of IV Electrolyte Replacement on the Fluid Balance of Critically Ill Surgical Patients.

Avoiding excess fluid administration is necessary when managing critically ill surgical patients. The aim of this study was to delineate the current practices of IV electrolyte (IVE) replacement in a surgical ICU and quantify their contribution to the fluid balance (FB) status. Patients admitted to the surgical ICU over a six-month period were reviewed. Patients undergoing dialysis and those with ICU stay <72 hours were excluded. A total of 248 patients were included. The median age was 60 years, and 57 per cent were male. Overall, 1131 patient ICU days were analyzed. The median daily FB was 672 mL. IVEs were administered in 62 per cent of ICU days. In days that IVEs were used, negative FB was significantly less likely to be achieved (62% vs 69%, P = 0.02). The most commonly administered IVE was calcium (32% of ICU days); however, the largest volume of IVE was administered in the form of phosphorus (median 225 mL). Diuretics were administered in 17 per cent of ICU days. Patients who received diuretics were significantly more likely to receive IVE (70% vs 61%, P = 0.02). Administration of IVE may contribute to the daily positive FB of surgical ICU patients. Implementation of practices that can ameliorate this effect is encouraged.

Ventricular bigeminy and trigeminy caused by hypophosphataemia during diabetic ketoacidosis treatment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hypophosphatemia has many causes, and is often encountered during DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) treatment. However, it rarely requires clinical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: Ventricular arrhythmia was observed in a 10-year-old girl with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus and hypophosphatemia while undergoing treatment for ketoacidosis. Oral phosphate supplementation ceased ventricular arrhythmia almost completely. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical signs of hypophosphatemia are potentially life-threatening. Therefore, physicians should be vigilant when treating patients who are at risk of hypophosphatemia. Severe hypophosphatemia accompanied by clinical symptoms requires oral or intravenous supplementation of phosphate.

Retrospective evaluation of the effect of intravenous fluid administration on development of postoperative reflux in horses with colic (2004-2012): 194 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of intravenous fluid volume and electrolyte supplementation on the development of postoperative reflux (POR) in horses undergoing celiotomy for colic. DESIGN: Case-control study spanning 2004-2012 for horses undergoing celiotomy for colic. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Sixty-seven client-owned horses >1 year of age with POR were each matched to 2 controls with similar surgical lesions that did not demonstrate POR. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Survival was significantly lower in cases (65.7%) than controls (96.1%). Factors found to be associated with POR included decreased net fluid volume administered on day 1 postoperatively, increased age, and performing a resection and anastomosis. Mean time until onset of POR was 20.4 hours postoperatively. PCV was significantly higher immediately following surgery and at 24 hours postoperatively in horses that developed POR compared with matched controls. There was no association between electrolyte values at presentation or administration of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the postoperative period and the subsequent development of reflux. CONCLUSIONS: In the perioperative period, IV fluid volume overload and electrolyte abnormalities were not contributing factors in the development of POR in this population of surgical colic patients. Close postoperative monitoring with consideration and correction of pre- and postoperative fluid deficits is recommended.

Medical Management and Risk Reduction of the Cardiovascular Effects of Underwater Diving.

Undersea diving is a sport and commercial industry. Knowledge of potential problems began with Caisson disease or "the bends", first identified with compressed air in the construction of tunnels under rivers in the 19th century. Subsequently, there was the commercially used old-fashioned diving helmet attached to a suit, with compressed air pumped down from the surface. Breathhold diving, with no supplementary source of air or other breathing mixture, is also a sport as well as a commercial fishing tool in some parts of the world. There has been an evolution to self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving with major involvement as a recreational sport but also of major commercial importance. Knowledge of the physiology and cardiovascular plus other medical problems associated with the various forms of diving have evolved extensively. The major medical catastrophes of SCUBA diving are air embolism and decompression sickness (DCS). Understanding of the essential referral to a hyperbaric recompression chamber for these problems is critical, as well as immediate measures until that recompression is achieved. These include the administration of 100% oxygen and rehydration with intravenous normal saline. Undersea diving continues to expand, especially as a sport, and a basic understanding of the associated preventive and emergency medicine will decrease complications and save lives.

Stability and in vivo efficiency of natural cosmetic emulsion systems with the addition of vegetable oils

The aim of the paper is to test stability and biophysical properties of hydrophilic and lipophilic emulsions with selected vegetable seed oils: Limnanthes alba, Prunus amygdalus dulcis, Cannabis sativa, Rosa rubiginosa and Hellianthus annuus. Biophysical properties of emulsions are investigated in vivo using non-invasive instrumental methods (corneometry, tewametry and pH) in a group of 12 healthy women volunteers. Their stability profiles (colour, phase separation and centrifugation) under various temperatures (9, 25, 37 and 57 °C) and storage time (24 hours, 2, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days) were monitored. The moisturising activities of the emulsions supplemented with various oils were comparable. The lipophilic emulsions showed a better ability to improve the condition of the skin barrier due to formation of a surface lipid film. The tested formulations regulated the pH of the skin towards neutral values. Lipophilic emulsions showed earlier phase separation and changes in colour. The greatest resistance to thermal stress during storage was observed for the emulsion bases. Emulsions containing oils, except for those with rosehip and hempseed oils, were stable up to the temperature of 37 °C. The studied emulsion systems are excellent vehicles of vegetable oils and exhibit relatively good stability, benefiting the natural properties of skin.

Treatment of severe cholera: a review of strategies to reduce stool output and volumes of rehydration fluid.

Background: Severe cholera is a life-threatening illness of hypovolemic shock and metabolic acidosis due to rapid and profuse diarrheal fluid loss. Emergency life-saving therapy is i.v. saline, optionally supplemented with potassium and alkali to correct the fluid deficit, potassium losses and acidosis. After this initial rehydration, for the next 2 days ongoing stool losses are replaced with oral rehydration solution (ORS), which contains sodium chloride, potassium and alkali together with glucose or rice powder as a source of glucose to serve as a carrier for sodium. Results: In actual field trials, antibiotics are given to reduce fluid requirements, but large volumes averaging about 7 liters of i.v. fluid followed by about 14 liters of ORS have been given to adult patients. Disturbing trends during therapy have included overhydration, hyponatremia and polyuria. Conclusions: It is suggested that stool output and fluid requirements could be reduced, if borne out in future research, by avoiding overhydration by restricting ORS intake to match stool output and promoting intestinal reabsorption of luminal fluid by early introduction of glucose without salts into the intestine, more gradual correction of dehydration, giving mineralocorticoid and vasopressin, and infusing glucose or short-chain fatty acids into the proximal colon.

Fluid supplementation for neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a common problem which carries a risk of neurotoxicity. Certain infants who have hyperbilirubinaemia develop bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus which may lead to long-term disability. Phototherapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Among the adjunctive measures to compliment the effects of phototherapy, fluid supplementation has been proposed to reduce serum bilirubin levels. The mechanism of action proposed includes direct dilutional effects of intravenous (IV) fluids, or enhancement of peristalsis to reduce enterohepatic circulation by oral fluid supplementation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the risks and benefits of fluid supplementation compared to standard fluid management in term and preterm newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia who require phototherapy. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 7 June 2017), Embase (1980 to 7 June 2017), and CINAHL (1982 to 7 June 2017). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials that compared fluid supplementation against no fluid supplementation, or one form of fluid supplementation against another. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted data using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group using the Covidence platform. Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility and risk of bias of the retrieved records. We expressed our results using mean difference (MD), risk difference (RD), and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN RESULTS: Out of 1449 articles screened, seven studies were included. Three articles were awaiting classification, among them, two completed trials identified from the trial registry appeared to be unpublished so far.There were two major comparisons: IV fluid supplementation versus no fluid supplementation (six studies) and IV fluid supplementation versus oral fluid supplementation (one study). A total of 494 term, healthy newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia were evaluated. All studies were at high risk of bias for blinding of care personnel, five studies had unclear risk of bias for blinding of outcome assessors, and most studies had unclear risk of bias in allocation concealment. There was low- to moderate-quality evidence for all major outcomes.In the comparison between IV fluid supplementation and no supplementation, no infant in either group developed bilirubin encephalopathy in the one study that reported this outcome. Serum bilirubin was lower at four hours postintervention for infants who received IV fluid supplementation (MD -34.00 µmol/L (-1.99 mg/dL), 95% CI -52.29 (3.06) to -15.71 (0.92); participants = 67, study = 1) (low quality of evidence, downgraded one level for indirectness and one level for suspected publication bias). Beyond eight hours postintervention, serum bilirubin was similar between the two groups. Duration of phototherapy was significantly shorter for fluid-supplemented infants, but the estimate was affected by heterogeneity which was not clearly explained (MD -10.70 hours, 95% CI -15.55 to -5.85; participants = 218; studies = 3; I² = 67%). Fluid-supplemented infants were less likely to require exchange transfusion (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.71; RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02; participants = 462; studies = 6; I² = 72%) (low quality of evidence, downgraded one level due to inconsistency, and another level due to suspected publication bias), and the estimate was similarly affected by unexplained heterogeneity. The frequencies of breastfeeding were similar between the fluid-supplemented and non-supplemented infants in days one to three based on one study (estimate on day three: MD 0.90 feeds, 95% CI -0.40 to 2.20; participants = 60) (moderate quality of evidence, downgraded one level for imprecision).One study contributed to all outcome data in the comparison of IV versus oral fluid supplementation. In this comparison, no infant in either group developed abnormal neurological signs. Serum bilirubin, as well as the rate of change of serum bilirubin, were similar between the two groups at four hours after phototherapy (serum bilirubin: MD 11.00 µmol/L (0.64 mg/dL), 95% CI -21.58 (-1.26) to 43.58 (2.55); rate of change of serum bilirubin: MD 0.80 µmol/L/hour (0.05 mg/dL/hour), 95% CI -2.55 (-0.15) to 4.15 (0.24); participants = 54 in both outcomes) (moderate quality of evidence for both outcomes, downgraded one level for indirectness). The number of infants who required exchange transfusion was similar between the two groups (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.60 to 4.27; RD 0.11, 95% CI -0.12 to 0.34; participants = 54). No infant in either group developed adverse effects including vomiting or abdominal distension. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence that IV fluid supplementation affects important clinical outcomes such as bilirubin encephalopathy, kernicterus, or cerebral palsy in healthy, term newborn infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia requiring phototherapy. In this review, no infant developed these bilirubin-associated clinical complications. Low- to moderate-quality evidence shows that there are differences in total serum bilirubin levels between fluid-supplemented and control groups at some time points but not at others, the clinical significance of which is uncertain. There is no evidence of a difference between the effectiveness of IV and oral fluid supplementations in reducing serum bilirubin. Similarly, no infant developed adverse events or complications from fluid supplementation such as vomiting or abdominal distension. This suggests a need for future research to focus on different population groups with possibly higher baseline risks of bilirubin-related neurological complications, such as preterm or low birthweight infants, infants with haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia, as well as infants with dehydration for comparison of different fluid supplementation regimen.

Association of Fluid Administration With Morbidity in Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

IMPORTANCE: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal cancers can be associated with significant complications. Randomized trials have demonstrated increased morbidity with liberal fluid regimens in abdominal surgery. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of intraoperative fluid administration and morbidity in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective analysis of information from a prospectively collected institutional database was conducted at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. A total of 133 patients from April 15, 2009, to June 23, 2016, with primary or secondary peritoneal cancers were included. EXPOSURES: Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Morbidity associated with intraoperative fluid management calculated by the comprehensive complication index, which uses a formula combining all perioperative complications and their severities into a continuous variable from 0 to 100 in each patient. RESULTS: Of the 133 patients identified, 38% and 37% had diagnoses of metastatic appendiceal and colorectal cancers, respectively. Mean age was 54 (interquartile range [IQR], 47-64) years, and mean peritoneal cancer index was 13 (IQR, 7-18). Mitomycin and platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents were used in 96 (72.2%) and 37 (27.8%) of the patients, respectively. Mean intraoperative fluid (IOF) rate was 15.7 (IQR, 11.3-18.7) mL/kg/h. Mean comprehensive complication index (CCI) was 26.0 (IQR, 8.7-36.2). On multivariate analysis, age (coefficient, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.01-0.64; P = .04), IOF rate (coefficient, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.19-1.75; P = .02), and estimated blood loss (coefficient, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01-0.03; P = .002) were independent predictors of increased CCI. In particular, patients who received greater than the mean IOF rate experienced a 43% increase in the CCI compared with patients who received less than the mean IOF rate (31.5 vs 22.0; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Intraoperative fluid administration is associated with a significant increase in perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Fluid administration protocols that include standardized restrictive fluid rates can potentially help to mitigate morbidity in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Therapeutic amnioinfusion for chronic abruption-oligohydramnios sequence: a possible prevention of the infant respiratory disease.

Chronic abruption-oligohydramnios sequence (CAOS), characterized by chronic vaginal bleeding and oligohydramnios, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery and lung problems in the infant. Fetal lung damage may be induced by not only oligohydramnios but also iron-induced oxidative stress through chronic aspiration of bloody substances in amniotic fluid. We describe a pregnancy complicated with CAOS that was managed with repeated amnioinfusions. This is the first report showing that amnioinfusions succeeded in a significant reduction in high concentrations of iron, lactose dehydrogenase, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, in the amniotic fluid complicated by CAOS. The baby, born at 26 weeks' gestation via cesarean, was discharged home without supplemental oxygen 116 days after birth.

A pinch of salt.

Pregnant women in labour are generally encouraged by their carers to continue taking plenty of oral fluids. This is sometimes supplemented by intravenous fluids either due to a clinical necessity or in preparation for a caesarean section. It is important that there is clear documentation of the amount of fluids received by pregnant women in the perinatal period as excessive maternal fluid has been associated with low serum sodium in neonates. This often goes under-recognised; therefore it is important to consider this in a neonate presenting with hyponatraemia in the first day of life. Presented here is a case of neonatal hyponatraemia secondary to excessive fluid taken in the perinatal period.

The medicinal use of water in renal disease.

Although water is essential for life, its use for medicinal purposes is not universally accepted. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to determine where the evolving state of knowledge lies regarding the benefits of water as a therapy for renal diseases. In the past two decades, water has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent in nephrolithiasis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in particular. In nephrolithiasis, the benefit of drinking water beyond that demanded by thirst is a cornerstone of therapy for both primary and secondary disease. In CKD, recent observational studies suggest a strong, direct association between preservation of renal function and fluid intake. In PKD, increased water intake slows renal cyst growth in animals via direct vasopressin suppression, and pharmacologic blockade of renal vasopressin-V2 receptors has recently been shown to be efficacious in retarding cyst growth in PKD patients. Although evidence is lacking to support increased water intake in the general population, available evidence indicates that individuals who are at risk for nephrolithiasis as well as those with CKD and PKD may benefit from 3 to 4 l of urine output each day, a level of excretion that is likely to be safe.

[Septic shock. Update of treatment using hypertonic saline and antidiuretic hormone-vasopressin]. / Shock séptico. Actualización en tratamiento con suero salino hipertónico y hormona antidiurética-vasopresina.

Safety in the use of small volumes of hypertonic saline solution for hypovolaemic shock and in the treatment of intracranial hypertension has been demonstrated in studies in the field of resuscitation. There is little experience of this for septic shock in humans. Beneficial immunomodulatory effects have been detected in pre-clinical studies. Interactions with the pituitary-adrenal axis and with the secretion of anti-diuretic hormone are varied and suggestive, but are not sufficiently understood. On the other hand, vasopressin has cardiovascular, osmoregulatory, and coagulation effects, and also acts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There is a relative deficit of vasopressin in septic shock. Its use in these patients does not seem to have any advantages as regards mortality, but may be beneficial in patients at risk from acute renal failure, or those who receive corticosteroids. Terlipressin is a vasopressin analogue that has also been studied. The synergy between vasopressin and hypertonic saline is a hypothesis that is mainly supported in pre-clinical studies. The use of hypertonic saline solution in septic shock, although promising, is still experimental, and must be restricted to the field of controlled clinical trials.

Isotonic versus hypotonic fluid supplementation in term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia - a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

AIM: To compare the incidence of hyponatremia in full-term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia, receiving intravenous fluid supplementation with 0.2% saline in 5% dextrose versus 0.9% saline in 5% dextrose, to prevent blood exchange transfusion (BET). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, full-term newborns (≥37 weeks), appropriate for gestational age, with severe non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin ≥ 20 mg/dL) were enrolled. Eligible neonates were randomized to receive either 0.2% saline in 5% dextrose (hypotonic fluid group) or 0.9% saline in 5% dextrose (isotonic fluid group) over 8 hrs, in addition to phototherapy. The primary outcome was proportion of neonates developing hyponatremia (serum Na < 135 mmol/L) after 8 h. RESULTS: Forty-two neonates were analysed in each group. Proportion of neonates developing hyponatremia after 8 h was higher in hypotonic fluid group as compared to isotonic fluid group (48.8% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). However, a larger proportion in isotonic fluid group developed hypernatremia (39.5% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). The rate of BET was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In full-term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia, administration of hypotonic fluid to prevent BET was associated with a higher incidence of hyponatremia while isotonic fluid was associated with an increased incidence of hypernatremia.

Prothrombin complex concentrate versus recombinant factor VIIa for reversal of hemodilutional coagulopathy in a porcine trauma model.

BACKGROUND: Fluid resuscitation after traumatic injury may necessitate coagulation factor replacement to prevent bleeding complications of dilutional coagulopathy. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is being widely investigated as a hemostatic agent in trauma. Multicomponent therapy with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) containing coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X might offer potential advantages. METHODS: Anesthetized mildly hypothermic normotensive pigs were hemodiluted by substituting 65% to 70% of total blood volume in phases with hydroxyethyl starch and red cells. Thereafter, animals received 12.5 mL . kg isotonic saline placebo, 35 IU . kg PCC, or 180 microg x kg rFVIIa. Immediately afterward, a standardized spleen injury was inflicted, and prothrombin time (PT) and hemostasis were assessed. Thrombin generation was also determined. RESULTS: Hemodilution depleted levels of factors II, VII, IX, and X markedly, prolonged PT and decreased thrombin formation. PCC and rFVIIa both fully normalized the hemodilution-induced lengthening of PT. In PCC recipients, peak thrombin generation was greater by a median of 60.7 nM (confidence interval 56.4-64.9 nM) compared with the rFVIIa group (p = 0.008). After spleen trauma, time to hemostasis was shortened to a median of 35 minutes in animals treated with PCC versus 94 minutes with rFVIIa (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In a pilot study involving an in vivo large-animal model of spleen trauma, PCC accelerated hemostasis and augmented thrombin generation compared with rFVIIa. Further investigations are warranted on PCC as a hemostatic agent in trauma.

Initial administration of hydroxyethyl starch vs lactated Ringer after liver trauma in the pig.

BACKGROUND: This study tested the circulatory effectiveness of post-trauma administration of a large intravascular volume expander, hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES), vs standard lactated Ringer's solution (RL). METHODS: Liver injury was inflicted in 14 pigs [31 (4) kg; mean (sd)] and treatment simulated an acute pre-hospital event: after a standard first-respond delay (7 min), volume administration was provided in three phases to simulate increasing intravascular access. In the first two phases, the fluid was administered either by HES or by RL and, during the last phase, all animals received HES to stabilize the intravascular volume. RESULTS: The liver trauma severed an equal number of 1-3 mm diameter blood vessels [1.4 (0.6)] and after 7 min, the blood loss was 184 (127) ml and mean arterial pressure had decreased by 19 (13) mm Hg (P<0.01). The intravascular volume expansion effect was 115 (25)% for HES and 76 (21)% for RL (P<0.05), yet oxygen uptake was maintained in zero of seven vs three of seven pigs and the survival was three of seven vs seven of seven, respectively (P<0.05). In these animals, the initial administration of HES provoked uncontrolled bleeding, whereas the administration of RL was associated with attenuated bleeding: total blood loss 2455 (1919) vs 311 (208) ml, respectively (P<0.01), reflecting that bleeding ceased in six of the pigs administered RL. CONCLUSIONS: After injury, the intravascular volume expanding effect of HES was larger than that for RL. However, initial administration of HES provoked uncontrolled haemorrhage, suggesting that prioritizing intravascular volume expansion did not result in stabilization of the circulation after haemorrhage.

The influence of intravenous hydration on hospital length of stay in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.

A retrospective chart review compared data on neonates with physiologic jaundice admitted for phototherapy at a children's hospital. Those infants who received intravenous fluids (IVF) had significantly longer lengths of stay, higher initial bilirubin levels, and were more dehydrated than those babies who did not receive IVF.