Is decompression illness possible during hyperbaric therapy? a case report.

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to the intensive care unit in a state of severe hypotensive shock following a session of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Shock was attributed to gastric barotrauma, which resulted in a massive venous gas embolism. Gastric barotrauma was attributed to the presence of a filled gastric band/cuff during the HBO2 therapy that prevented expanding gas from escaping on decompression. After deflation of the gastric band, two additional HBO2 sessions were performed and resulted in complete symptom resolution. Vasoactive drugs could be weaned, and the patient was discharged from hospital on Day Three with complete symptom resolution. Given the risk of gastric barotrauma and venous gas embolism, physicians should be aware of gastric band history before HBO2 therapy.

[Effectiveness of management of children with severe trauma in a pediatric trauma center and in an adult trauma center: A before-after study]. / Efficacité de la prise en charge des traumatismes graves de l'enfant en salle d'accueil des urgences vitales adulte ou pédiatrique : une étude avant-après.

OBJECTIVE: To compare management of injured children in an adult trauma center (TC) with competencies in pediatric trauma care (2005-2007) and in a pediatric-only trauma center (2010-2012). STUDY DESIGN: A before-after retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine children between 1 and 15 years of age admitted to the adult TC (2005-2007) were compared to 56 children admitted to the pediatric TC (2010-2012). Epidemiological data, severity scores, early outcome, and care duration in trauma resuscitation before whole-body CT were collected and compared between the two periods. RESULTS: This study found no significant differences between the two periods in terms of care duration before the whole-body CT scan (28 min [18-40] vs 26.5 min [21-36], P=0.89) and early mortality (eight children [13.5%] vs ten children [17.8%], P=0.35). CONCLUSION: With no differences in early management of injured children demonstrated, this study validates the organization within our pediatric trauma center. The effectiveness of management of children between 1 and 15 years of age with severe trauma seems to be similar in the two contexts.

[Integration of a hospital pharmacist in the ICU]. / Intégration d'un pharmacien hospitalier en service de réanimation.

The French regulatory system strongly encourages strict regulation of health products' production and distribution, especially concerning risk management and economic aspects. An ICU is an unusual environment for a local pharmacy practice (a nurse for every 2.5 patients, continuous adaptation of therapeutics…). However, a literature review reports interesting data concerning risk management and economics. This article aims to relate the experience of a pharmacist integration in a French teaching hospital ICU (half-time position).

[Nuclear magnetic resonance based metabolic phenotyping for patient evaluations in operating rooms and intensive care units]. / Phénotypage métabolique par résonance magnétique nucléaire pour l'évaluation périopératoire et en réanimation.

Metabolic phenotyping consists in the identification of subtle and coordinated metabolic variations associated with various pathophysiological stimuli. Different analytical methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, allow the simultaneous quantification of a large number of metabolites. Statistical analyses of these spectra thus lead to the discrimination between samples and the identification of a metabolic phenotype corresponding to the effect under study. This approach allows the extraction of candidate biomarkers and the recovery of perturbed metabolic networks, driving to the generation of biochemical hypotheses (pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic tests, therapeutic targets…). Metabolic phenotyping could be useful in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine for the evaluation, monitoring or diagnosis of life-threatening situations, to optimise patient managements. This review introduces the physical and statistical fundamentals of NMR-based metabolic phenotyping, describes the work already achieved by this approach in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine. Finally, potential areas of interest are discussed for the perioperative and intensive management of patients, from newborns to adults.

Repeat treatment with icatibant for multiple hereditary angioedema attacks: FAST-2 open-label study.

BACKGROUND: The For Angioedema Subcutaneous Treatment (FAST)-2, a phase III, double-blind, randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00500656), established the efficacy and safety of single injections of icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, in the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks. Here, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated treatment with icatibant in adult patients experiencing HAE attacks during the FAST-2 open-label extension (OLE) phase. METHODS: Patients completing the controlled phase were eligible to participate in the OLE phase and receive open-label icatibant (30 mg subcutaneously) for the treatment of cutaneous, abdominal, and/or laryngeal HAE attack(s) severe enough to warrant treatment. Time to onset of symptom relief was calculated for each attack. Descriptive analyses (median, 95% CIs) were performed for all attacks; post hoc analyses were conducted in patients with at least five icatibant-treated attacks throughout the FAST-2 OLE phase. Safety was also monitored. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients received icatibant for 374 attacks (176 cutaneous, 168 abdominal, and 30 laryngeal). For cutaneous and/or abdominal attacks (attacks 2-5), the median times to onset of symptom relief ranged between 2.0 and 2.5 h. For all laryngeal attacks, the median times to regression (start of improvement) of symptoms ranged between 0.3 and 4.0 h. Post hoc analyses showed that the overall median time to onset of symptom relief was 2.0 h. Overall, 89.8% of attacks resolved with a single icatibant injection. No drug-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of repeated icatibant treatment for HAE attacks.

[Management of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-related angioedema: recommendations from the French National Center for Angioedema]. / Prise en charge des angiœdèmes induits par les inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine : recommandations du Centre de référence national des angiœdèmes.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-related angioedema (AE) may be fatal in the absence of specific treatment. No consensus for this side effect currently exists. Also, the French national reference centre for angioedema (CREAK) decided to establish recommendations, developed by an expert group and proposed at a national meeting. A scientific committee conducted a comprehensive literature review and worked out with proposals. These proposals were submitted to a vote to the expert panel of CREAK at a national meeting. Proposals that had received the majority were retained. Diagnosis of ACE inhibitor-related AE is based on clinical events. Regarding the severity of the disease, this diagnosis has to be put forward in any patient currently treated with or who has been treated with ACE inhibitors in the previous 6 months. The diagnosis is important because AE does not respond to usual treatment of histamine-induced AE (antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine), but only to specific treatment of bradykinin-induced AE, as antagonists of bradykinin or concentrates of C1 inhibitor. The subsequent use of ACE is strictly contra-indicated. A report to pharmacovigilance centres of every case is essential. These recommendations should improve the standardization of the management of ACE inhibitor-related AE.

Residents and ICU nurses get reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments with aortic oesophageal Doppler.

BACKGROUND: Aortic oesophageal Doppler (ODM) allows continuous non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring. We tested to confirm if residents and nurses were able to reposition oesophageal probe (OP), obtain aortic blood flow of good quality and so perform reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments. METHODS: Prospective observational study assessing ODM measurements were obtained by six residents and three nurses after they have participated in training. Measured (aortic diameter) and calculated haemodynamic data [indexed stroke volume (SVI), cardiac index] were directly obtained from ODM, after residents and nurses repositioned the OP. In a second group of patients, we tested the ability of residents and nurses to detect rapid haemodynamic changes after a passive leg raising. SVI comparison was the primary end point. Statistical analysis was performed using the method of Bland and Altman. RESULTS: Sixty-six haemodynamic measurements were performed on 42 patients. Mean bias for SVI between the skilled physician and residents, and between the skilled physician and nurses were -0.9 ± 5.2 ml/m(2) (P = 0.15), with a percentage error of 31%, and 0.9 ± 5.1 ml/m(2) (P = 0.14), with a percentage error of 33%, respectively. There was an excellent correlation for SVI between the physician and residents (r = 0.9; P < 0.0001) and between the physician and nurses (r = 0.9; P < 0.0001). Induced changes in SVI measured by residents and nurses strongly followed those of our skilled physician. CONCLUSION: Residents and nurses get reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments with ODM compared to our skilled physician.

[A parotitis as primary infection of Lemierre's syndrome]. / À propos d'un syndrome de Lemierre secondaire à une parotidite.

Lemierre's syndrome is a classical presentation of human necrobacillosis. It is characterized by a primary infection in the face including a septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and disseminated metastatic abcesses. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the main pathogen found in that syndrome. The diagnosis is based on clinical features, then on the microbiology with positive anaerobic blood cultures as key role and finally on the computed tomography. Most of the time a well-chosen antibiotic treatment against anaerobic pathogens and Gram negative bacilli is efficient but surgery can be useful. We report a case of a 73 years old man, which seems to be unique because it is the first case reported of a Lemierre's syndrome characterized by a parotitis infected by F. necrophorum.

[Management of bradykinin-mediated angioedema]. / Prise en charge en urgence de l'angiœdème à bradykinine.

OBJECTIVES: Present the clinical signs of bradykinin-mediated angioedema, a disease little known to intensive care anaesthesiologists, and develop their scientific basis with recent data on management in emergency and perioperative care. DATA SOURCES: International recommendations and recent general reviews. Data collection was performed using the Medline database with the keyword: angioedema. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Research studies published during the last 10 years were reviewed. Relevant clinical information was extracted and discussed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Angioedema is a clinical syndrome characterized by episodes of transitory recurrent submucosal and subcutaneous oedema, called attacks. During an attack, the oedema may be localized at the level of the skin and/or ENT and digestive tract mucosa. This syndrome is not due to an allergic reaction. It is related to a C1 complement inhibitor deficiency or an increase in factor XII resulting in the excessive release of bradykinin, which leads to capillary permeability. There are hereditary and acquired forms, notably associated with the use of ACE inhibitors and sartans. This rare disease should be recognized by anaesthesiologists and intensive care and emergency physicians because, in the absence of specific treatment, it can be life-threatening due to the appearance of laryngeal oedema. In addition, there is a risk that the patient may have an attack during the perioperatory period, due to surgical trauma. International recommendations exist, and there are new molecules available in France. For moderate attacks, treatment is based on tranexamic acid. For hereditary forms, according to the localization and gravity of the attacks, emergency treatment is based on the use of Icatibant, a bradykinin B2 receptor inhibitor, and C1 inhibitor concentrate. For pregnant women and acquired forms, C1 inhibitor concentrate is the treatment of reference. Antalgic and perfusion treatments should not be neglected, and should be modified as a function of clinical signs. High-risk situations (perioperatory period, birthing, dental care) should be identified and short-term prophylaxis put in place before any procedure that may trigger an attack. Algorithms are proposed for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of attacks. Recommendations exist for during childbirth, in which case C1 inhibitor concentrate should be used. CONCLUSION: Bradykinin-mediated angioedema should be evoked in the case of recurrent and transitory oedema. Emergency management has evolved thanks to the commercialization of new molecules. Prevention of attacks during surgery and for during childbirth is important. The availability of C1 inhibitor concentrate in sufficient doses should be verified prior to the procedure. A multi-site reference centre (CREAK) has been created to help clinicians manage this disease. Patients with this disease should be identified in emergency departments. Health establishments, which cannot all have emergency stocks, should set up procedures for rapid provision or the transfer of patients to reference sites.

[Low monocytic HLA-DR expression and risk of secondary infection]. / Diminution de l'expression monocytaire de HLA-DR et risque d'infection hospitalière.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this bibliographic review is to evaluate the usefulness of the measurement of HLA-DR expression on circulating monocytes (mHLA-DR) in predicting the development of nosocomial infections and unfavourable outcome in critically ill patients. DATA SOURCE: References obtained from the medical database PubMed in English and in French were reviewed. The keywords included separately or in combination were: HLA-DR antigens, sepsis, trauma, injuries, wounds, burns, stroke, pancreatitis, postoperative, prognostic, immunity, monocytic. DATA EXTRACTION: Data in selected articles were reviewed, clinical and basic science research relevant information were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Low mHLA-DR expression appears as a marker for monocytic dysfunctions and immunosuppression, temporarily present in the majority of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU (sepsis, trauma injuries, postoperative, burns, pancreatitis and stroke). The decrease in mHLA-DR expression is a predictor of septic complications in all these clinical conditions. However, no predictive threshold value could be determined regarding unfavourable outcome. CONCLUSION: The monitoring of mHLA-DR expression could be a biomarker to detect ICU patients at high risk of developing secondary nosocomial infections. Those patients could probably benefit of preemptive strategies to prevent these infections.

[Acute pancreatitis and bradycardia]. / Pancréatite aiguë et bradycardie.

Acute pancreatitis is frequently associated with electrocardiographic abnormalities, including arrhythmias and repolarization. We briefly describe a male patient with a severe acute pancreatitis who presented several bradycardias during his hospitalization in our intensive care unit. The aim of this case report is to underline the probability of severe arrhythmias during acute pancreatitis, which can increase morbidity of this pathology. Despite many publications or reports, causes of increased EKG abnormalities during severe pancreatitis remained unclear and are probably multifactorial. To prevent accidents or complications, patients with severe acute pancreatitis should have a continuous EKG monitoring.

Six-month outcome in acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy in the ICU: a multicentre prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess quality of life (QOL), mortality rate and renal function 6 months after onset of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in the ICU. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This prospective observational study was conducted in seven ICUs in France over 9 months. Inclusion criteria were: age > or =18 years, RRT delivered for AKI and informed consent signed. AKI was defined from the RIFLE score. Recipients of kidney grafts or patients undergoing chronic RRT were not included. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: QOL was assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire together with the Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (0: full assistance to 6: no assistance). SF-36 was compared to a reference age- and sex-matched French population. Patient status, place of residence, and persistence of RRT, ADL and SF-36 were assessed at 28 days, 3 months and 6 months from inclusion. In the study period, 205 patients were included and 1 withdrew. At 6 months, 77/204 were alive (mortality 62%). SF-36 and ADL significantly increased from day 28 to 6 months. In the survivors at 6 months, SF-36 items were significantly lower than in the reference population, with the physical items more severely affected than the mental items; 64% were fully autonomous (ADL score = 6); 69% were living in their homes, and 12% were still undergoing RRT; 94% would agree to undergo the same management again. CONCLUSIONS: ICU survivors from RRT for AKI have an impaired QOL at 6 months, but sustained autonomy in their daily lives.

[A one-year survey of an emergency released group O red blood cell stock used by a surgical treatment center]. / Evaluation sur un an de l'utilisation d'un dépôt de sang d'urgence vitale immédiate.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of a blood storage of six concentrates red blood cells of groupe O RH:-1KEL:-1 in a surgical emergency treatment center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients transfused with this concentrates; main points of utilisation are analysed. CONCLUSION: The concentrates, used by the anaesthesiologists, are part of the treatment strategy care in case of severe bleeding.

In vivo and in vitro detection of a superantigenic toxin Vbeta signature in two forms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

The aim of this study was to examine the production of superantigenic toxins in vivo and in vitro in two patients with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS). In the first patient, a woman with puerperal fever and Streptococcus pyogenes peritonitis, flow cytometry of blood cells and in vitro studies of the isolate showed massive expansion of Vbeta 2-positive T cells corresponding to SpeC production. In the second case, involving a patient with streptococcal TSS and purpura fulminans following non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, no Vbeta expansion of T cells was observed in vivo, but the SpeC Vbeta signature was also detected in vitro. In this latter patient, NSAID administration and/or severe disseminated infection might partly explain the absence of Vbeta T cell expansion in vivo. Combined in vivo and in vitro detection of a superantigenic toxin Vbeta signature may be useful to determine which superantigenic toxin is involved in individual cases of streptococcal TSS.

[Pelvic trauma: impact of iodinated contrast material extravasation at MDCT on patient management]. / Traumatisme pelvien: impact de l'extravasation du produit de contraste iodé au scanner multidétecteur dans la prise en charge thérapeutique.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of iodinated contrast material extravasation at MDCT in selecting patients with pelvic fractures that require vascular embolization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with severe pelvic fracture admitted to the trauma unit between 1998 and 2004 underwent contrast enhanced MDCT prior to additional specific treatment. All patients with extravasation underwent immediate vascular embolization for hemodynamic stabilization. Orthopedic management was proposed when no contrast extravasation was demonstrated. The presence or absence of contrast extravasation on MDCT and the hemodynamic status of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients with pelvic fracture (mean age: 34 years) underwent contrast enhanced MDCT prior to therapeutic management. Vascular embolization was performed in 42 patients: 38 showed contrast extravasation and 4 were in hemodynamic shock but showed no extravasation. Orthopedic management was performed in 27 patients after negative MDCT and 5 hemodynamically stable patients with positive MDCT. CONCLUSION: In our patient population, the presence of iodinated contrast material extravasation at MDCT was a determinant factor in the selection of patients for vascular embolization.

[Recurrent systemic embolism: look for a thrombus in... the thoracic aorta]. / Embolies systémiques récidivantes: chercher le thrombus dans... l'aorte.

Thoracic aortic mural thrombus is a rare entity and potential source of serious systemic emboli. The progress of computed tomography (CT) angiography and the current use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after any embolic event have considerably increased the frequency of diagnostic and there is a growing interest about the etiopathogenesis, which is still widely misunderstood. Therapeutic management remains controversial. We present a case of floating thrombus in the thoracic aorta detected by contrast-enhanced CT scan. This thrombus was responsible for two close major embolic events and was therefore managed surgically. Finally, outcome was favorable.