Autologous T cell responses to primary human colorectal cancer spheroids are enhanced by ectonucleotidase inhibition.

OBJECTIVE: T cells are major effectors of the antitumoural immune response. Their activation by tumour-associated antigens can unleash their proliferation and cytotoxic functions, leading to tumour cell elimination. However, tumour-related immunosuppressive mechanisms including the overexpression of immune checkpoints like programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), are also engaged, promoting immune escape. Current immunotherapies targeting these pathways have demonstrated weak efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC). It is thus crucial to find new targets for immunotherapy in this cancer type. DESIGN: In a prospective cohort of patients with CRC, we investigated the phenotype of tumour-related and non-tumour related intestinal T cells (n=44), particularly the adenosinergic pathway, correlating with clinical phenotype. An autologous coculture model was developed between patient-derived primary tumour spheroids and their autologous tumour-associated lymphocytes. We used this relevant model to assess the effects of CD39 blockade on the antitumour T cell response. RESULTS: We show the increased expression of CD39, and its co-expression with PD-1, on tumour infiltrating T cells compared with mucosal lymphocytes. CD39 expression was higher in the right colon and early-stage tumours, thus defining a subset of patients potentially responsive to CD39 blockade. Finally, we demonstrate in autologous conditions that CD39 blockade triggers T cell infiltration and tumour spheroid destruction in cocultures. CONCLUSION: In CRC, CD39 is strongly expressed on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating patients.

Predictive factors for the success of endoscopic dilation of esophageal caustic stricture: the experience of a French tertiary reference center.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of the efficacy of endoscopic dilation for caustic esophageal stricture have been poorly studied. METHODS: All patients undergoing an endoscopic dilation for an esophageal caustic stricture between 1990 and 2015 in a French national reference center were included. Success of dilation was defined by self-food autonomy without the need for reconstructive esophageal surgery. RESULTS: During the study period, 894 patients were admitted after caustic ingestion. Among them, 101 patients developed esophageal stricture and 92 patients were eligible for analysis (missing data in 8 cases, 1 patient died before endoscopic dilation). In this cohort (median age 42 years, women 53%, strong alkali 74%, suicide attempt 77%, hydrostatic balloon use 93%), the overall success rate of dilation was 57% with a median number of 3 dilation sessions (274 sessions, range 1-17). Factors predicting the success of the procedure were: non-inflammatory stricture or non-inflammatory intercalated mucosa between stricture (88% vs 47%, p = 0.001), a single stricture versus 2 or more strictures (69% vs 47% vs 33%, respectively, p = 0.04), a stricture of less than 5 cm (70% vs 27%, p < 0.001) and the existence of mild/ moderately tight or very tight stricture (70% vs 21% of success, p < 0.001). Perforation rate was 6.5% (18/274) requiring emergency surgery in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Several characteristics of caustic esophageal strictures are significantly associated with the success rate of endoscopic dilation. Our data may be useful for customizing treatment strategies in patients with a caustic stricture.

Emergency computed tomography evaluation of caustic ingestion.

Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly for the emergency assessment of caustic injuries and the need for emergency endoscopy has been challenged. The study evaluates outcomes of caustic ingestion in the modern era and the feasibility of abandoning emergency endoscopy. Between 2013 and 2019, 414 patients (197 men, median age 42 years) were admitted for caustic ingestion. Emergency and long-term outcomes of patients managed by CT and endoscopy (n = 120) and by CT alone (n = 294) were compared. Propensity score-based analysis was performed to limit bias of between-group comparison. A standard mortality ratio (SMR) was used to compare the observed mortality with the expected mortality in the general French population. Complications occurred in 97 (23%) patients and 17 (4.1%) patients died within 90 days of ingestion. Among 359 patients who underwent nonoperative management, 51 (14%) experienced complications and 7 (2%) died. Of 55 patients who underwent emergency surgery, 46 (84%) experienced complications and 10 (18%) died. The SMR was 8.4 for whole cohort, 5.5 after nonoperative management, and 19.3 after emergency surgery. On multivariate analysis, intentional ingestion (P < 0.016), age (P < 0.0001) and the CT grade of esophageal injuries (P < 0.0001) were independent predictors of survival. The CT grade of esophageal injuries was the only independent predictor of success (P < 0.0001). Crude and propensity match analysis showed similar survival in patients managed with and without endoscopy. CT evaluation alone can be safely used for the emergency management of caustic ingestion.

Quality of Life After Caustic Ingestion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term QOL after caustic ingestion. BACKGROUND: Caustic ingestion strongly affects patient's QOL but data on the topic is scarce in the literature. METHODS: QOL evaluation was conducted in survivors from a large cohort of patients with caustic injuries. QOL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-OG25 module, the SF12v2 score, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaire. One hundred thirty-four patients (59 men, median age 43) completed the survey; 72 (54%) patients underwent emergency digestive resection and in 99 (74%) patients underwent esophageal reconstruction. Results of QOL questionnaires were compared to average values determined in healthy volunteers and in patients with esophageal cancers. RESULTS: The median QLQ-OG25 score was 44 (34, 62) and values were significantly lower when compared to a normal population (P < 0.0001). SF12v2 scores were significantly inferior to those expected in a normal population on both the physical component summary (PCS) (43.3 ±â€Š10.8; P < 0.0001) and the mental component summary (44 ±â€Š9.7; P < 0.0001) scales. Emergency esophageal resection was significantly associated with higher QLQ-OG25 scores (P < 0.0001), but not with mental component summary (P = 0.3), PCS (P = 0.76), HAD anxiety (P = 0.95), and HAD depression scores (P = 0.59); results were similar after extended emergency resection. When compared to esophagocoloplasty alone, pharyngeal reconstruction had a significant negative impact on QLQ-OG25 (P < 0.0001), PCS (P = 0.01), and HAD depression (P = 0.0008) scores. CONCLUSIONS: QOL is significantly impaired after caustic ingestion. QOL issues should not influence the emergency surgical strategy but deserve discussion before esophageal reconstruction for caustic injuries.

Esophagus Decellularization.

In pathologies of the esophagus such as esophageal atresia, cancers and caustic injuries, methods for full thickness esophageal replacement require the sacrifice of healthy intra-abdominal organs such as the stomach and the colon. These methods are associated with high morbidity, mortality and poor functional results. The reconstruction of an esophageal segment by tissue engineering (TE) could answer this problem. For esophageal TE, this approach has been explored mainly by a combination of matrices and cells. In this chapter, we will discuss the studies on full organ esophageal decellularization, including the animal models, the methods of decellularization and recellularization.

Emergency Computed Tomography Predicts Caustic Esophageal Stricture Formation.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy is the best predictor of stricture formation after caustic ingestion. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare the accuracy of emergency computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy in predicting risks of esophageal stricture. METHODS: We describe a CT classification of esophageal caustic injuries: Grade I show normal esophagus; Grade IIa display internal enhancement of the esophageal mucosa and enhancement of the outer wall conferring a "target" aspect; Grade IIb present as a fine rim of external esophageal wall enhancement. In 152 patients (56 males, median age 45) who underwent esophageal preservation after caustic ingestion we compared the accuracy of the CT and endoscopic (Zargar) classifications in predicting esophageal stricture. RESULTS: On endoscopy esophageal injuries were classified as grade 1 (n = 50; 33%), grade 2a (n = 11; 7%), grade 2b (n = 19; 13%), grade 3a (n = 14; 9%), and grade 3b (n = 58; 38%). On CT, 47 (31%) patients had grade I, 47 (31%) had grade IIa and 58 (38%) had grade IIb esophageal injuries. Fifty-six (37%) patients developed esophageal strictures. The risk of esophageal stricture formation was 0%, 17%, and 83%, for grade I, IIa, and IIb CT injuries and 0, 0, 28, 50, and 76% for endoscopic grade 1, 2a, 2b, and 3a and 3b injuries, respectively. ROC curve analysis at 120 days after ingestion showed that CT outperformed endoscopy in predicting stricture formation (AUC: 85.1 [95% CI, 74.9-95.3] vs 77.8 [95% CI, 66.5-89.0], P = 0.047) and did just as well as a combined CT-endoscopy algorithm (AUC: 85.8 [95% CI, 76.5-95.0] vs 85.1 [95% CI, 74.9-95.3], P = 0.73). CONCLUSION: Emergency CT outperforms endoscopy in predicting esophageal stricture formation after caustic ingestion. Emergency endoscopy evaluation after caustic ingestion is not indispensable.

Caustic ingestion.

Corrosive ingestion is a rare but potentially devastating event and, despite the availability of effective preventive public health strategies, injuries continue to occur. Most clinicians have limited personal experience and rely on guidelines; however, uncertainty persists about best clinical practice. Ingestions range from mild cases with no injury to severe cases with full thickness necrosis of the oesophagus and stomach. CT scan is superior to traditional endoscopy for stratification of patients to emergency resection or observation. Oesophageal stricture is a common consequence of ingestion and newer stents show some promise; however, the place of endoscopic stenting for corrosive strictures is yet to be defined. We summarise the evidence to provide a plan for managing these potentially life-threatening injuries and discuss the areas where further research is required to improve outcomes.

Tracheobronchial Necrosis After Caustic Ingestion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the management and outcome of tracheobronchial necrosis (TBN) after caustic ingestion. BACKGROUND: Emergency pulmonary patch repair has been reported to be lifesaving in patients with caustic TBN. METHODS: Patients who underwent management of caustic TBN between 1989 and 2013, were included. TBN was defined as early if present on admission and late if occurring thereafter. Operative outcomes, long-term survival, and functional outcomes were compared with those of 269 patients without TBN who underwent esophagectomy for caustic injuries. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included (10 men; median age = 39 years). Early TBN was detected in 14 patients, and late TBN occurred in 7 patients, 8 days (range:: 6-10 days) after admission. TBN involved the left bronchus (n = 17; 85%), the carina (n = 10; 50%), the supracarinal trachea (n = 9; 45%), the right bronchus (n = 4; 20%), and the cervical trachea (n = 3; 15%). Seventeen patients underwent esophagogastrectomy, 2 underwent esophagectomy, and in 1 patient, resection was eventually abandoned. Pulmonary patch repair was performed in 16 patients (80%). Nine patients (45%) died and morbidity was 100%. In univariate analysis, late TBN (P = 0.017) and acid ingestion (P = 0.002) were predictors of mortality. All survivors underwent restoring colopharyngoplasty. Five-year survival (28%) and functional success (25%) rates were significantly impaired when compared with esophagectomy patients without TBN. CONCLUSIONS: TBN is one of the most devastating complications of caustic ingestion. Pulmonary patch repair is technically simple and can be lifesaving in this difficult situation.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Esophagogastric Necrosis After Caustic Ingestion.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy is the standard of care for emergency patient evaluation after caustic ingestion. However, the inaccuracy of endoscopy in determining the depth of intramural necrosis may lead to inappropriate decision-making with devastating consequences. Our aim was to evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) for the emergency diagnostic workup of patients with caustic injuries. METHODS: In a prospective study, we used a combined endoscopy-CT decision-making algorithm. The primary outcome was pathology-confirmed digestive necrosis. The respective utility of CT and endoscopy in the decision-making process were compared. Transmural endoscopic necrosis was defined as grade 3b injuries; signs of transmural CT necrosis included absence of postcontrast gastric/ esophageal-wall enhancement, esophageal-wall blurring, and periesophageal-fat blurring. RESULTS: We included 120 patients (59 men, median age 44 years). Emergency surgery was performed in 24 patients (20%) and digestive resection was completed in 16. Three patients (3%) died and 28 patients (23%) experienced complications. Pathology revealed transmural necrosis in 9/11 esophagectomy and 16/16 gastrectomy specimens. Severe oropharyngeal injuries (P = 0.015), increased levels of blood lactate (P = 0.007), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.027), bilirubin (P = 0.005), and low platelet counts (P > 0.0001) were predictive of digestive necrosis. Decision-making relying on CT alone or on a combined CT-endoscopy algorithm was similar and would have spared 19 unnecessary esophagectomies and 16 explorative laparotomies compared with an endoscopy-alone algorithm. Endoscopy did never rectify a wrong CT decision. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency decision-making after caustic injuries can rely on CT alone.

Esophageal reconstruction by colon interposition after esophagectomy for cancer analysis of current indications, operative outcomes, and long-term survival.

INTRODUCTION: Colon interposition is an alternative solution for esophageal reconstruction if the stomach cannot be used. The study reviews current indications and results of coloplasty for cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent colon interposition for gastro-esophageal malignancy were included. Primary coloplasty was defined as upfront colon interposition. Salvage coloplasty was defined as colon interposition after primary reconstruction failure. Mortality, morbidity, function, and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: We included 28 patients (24 men, median age 61 years). Ten (36%) patients underwent primary coloplasty due to previous gastrectomy (n = 5), conduit gastric cancer (n = 2), extensive gastroesophageal involvement (n = 2), and gastric cancer recurrence (n = 1). Salvage coloplasty was performed in 18 (64%) patients for postoperative graft necrosis (n = 5) and intractable strictures (n = 3). Operative mortality, morbidity, and graft necrosis rates were 14% (4/28), 86% (24/28), and 14% (4/28), respectively; there were no significant differences between primary and salvage coloplasty. Survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 81%, 51%, and 38%, respectively. Survival was decreased after primary coloplasty when compared to salvage coloplasty (P = 0.03). Nine patients experienced tumor recurrence (primary: n = 6, salvage: n = 3) after coloplasty and eight of them died. CONCLUSION: Colon interposition after esophagectomy is a useful but morbid endeavor. Colon interposition as salvage therapy is associated with improved survival compared to its use as primary esophageal replacement, and colon interposition in the latter cohort should be used with caution due to poor cancer-specific survival in this patient population.

The Damage Pattern to the Gastrointestinal Tract Depends on the Nature of the Ingested Caustic Agent.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of damage to the gastrointestinal tract after caustic ingestion are conditioned by the nature of the ingested agent. Whether the nature of the ingested agent has a direct influence on patient outcomes is unknown. METHODS: From January 2013 to April 2015, 144 patients underwent emergency management for caustic injuries at the Saint Louis Hospital in Paris. There were 51 men (51 %) and the median age was 44 years [39, 48]. The ingested agents were soda-based strong alkali in 85 patients (59 %), strong acids in 36 patients (25 %), and bleach in 23 patients (16 %). Emergency and long-term outcomes were compared according to the nature of the ingested agent. RESULTS: Four patients died (3 %) and 40 patients (28 %) experienced complications. After bleach ingestion, emergency morbidity and mortality were nil, no patient required esophageal reconstruction, and functional outcome was successful in all patients. Acids were more likely to induce transmural gastric (31 vs. 13 %, p =0.042) and duodenal (9 vs. 0 %, p = 0.04) necrosis than strong alkalis, but rates of transmural esophageal necrosis were similar (14 vs. 12 %, p = 0.98). No significant differences were recorded between emergency mortality (9 vs. 1 %, p = 0.15), morbidity (33 vs. 33 %, p = 0.92), the need for esophageal reconstruction (25 vs. 20 %, p = 0.88), and functional success rates (76 vs. 84 %, p = 0.31) after acid and alkali ingestion, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bleach causes mild gastrointestinal injuries, while the ingestion of strong acids and alkalis may result in severe complications and death. Acids cause more severe damage to the stomach but similar damage to the esophagus when compared to alkalis.

Upper digestive tract reconstruction for caustic injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of colopharyngoplasty and esophagocoloplasty for caustic injuries of the upper digestive tract. BACKGROUND: Simultaneous esophageal and pharyngeal reconstruction by colopharyngoplasty allows regaining nutritional autonomy in patients with severe pharyngoesophageal caustic injuries. METHODS: Patients who underwent upper digestive tract reconstruction for caustic injuries by colopharyngoplasty (n = 116) and esophagocoloplasty (n = 122) between 1993 and 2012 were included. Survival and functional outcomes were analyzed. Success was defined as nutritional autonomy after removal of the jejunostomy and tracheotomy tubes. Quality of life was assessed using the QLQ-OG25 and SF12v2 questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall Kaplan-Meyer survival at 1, 5, and 10 years after colopharyngoplasty and esophagocoloplasty were 92%, 74%, 67% and 92%, 83%, 73%, respectively (P = 0.56). Quality of life and functional results (success: 57% vs 95%, P < 0.0001) were impaired after colopharyngoplasty. On multivariate analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.94; confidence interval [CI]: 0.91-0.97 P < 0.0001) and pharyngeal reconstruction (OR: 0.05; CI: 0.02-0.13, P < 0.0001) were associated with failure. The decline in success with age was more pronounced after colopharyngoplasty with only 1 (7%) of 15 patients operated after the age of 55 being self-sufficient for eating and breathing. Laryngeal resection during colopharyngoplasty had no influence on success (54% vs 58%, P = 0.67) CONCLUSIONS:: The need to associate pharyngeal reconstruction during esophageal reconstruction for caustic injuries has a long-term negative impact on functional outcome.

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy: a technical tip.

BACKGROUND: Increased awareness of asplenia-related life-threatening complications has led to development of parenchyma sparing splenic resections. The aim of the study was to report a new technique of laparoscopic partial splenectomy, which helps minimize perioperative bleeding risks. METHODS: From November 2004 to October 2012, 12 patients underwent partial laparoscopic resection of the spleen. There were six men (50 %), and median age was 30 years (19-62). Transection of the splenic parenchyma was performed along a line situated 1 cm within the ischemic demarcation, which appeared after ligation of the sectorial vascular pedicles feeding the tumor. Antibiotic prophylaxis and preventive antibacterial immunization were prescribed systematically according to generally accepted guidelines. RESULTS: Mortality was nil, and operative complications occurred in 2 (17 %) patients. Conversion to open partial splenectomy and to laparoscopic total splenectomy was performed in one patient (8.3 %) each. Median operative time was 120 min (range 80-180 min). Median blood loss was 90 ml (range 10-450 ml), and transfusion was not required. Median tumor size was 7 cm (4-12 cm). The median in hospital stay was 5 days (4-7 days). Patients did not comply with long-term (>2 years) immunization and antibioprophylaxis rules. After a median follow-up of 5 years (18 months-9 years), no case of overwhelming post-splenectomy infections occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial splenectomy can be safely performed in patients with splenic tumors. Parenchyma transection 1 cm inside the ischemic demarcation line is a key technical point to minimize blood loss.

Computed tomography evaluation of high-grade esophageal necrosis after corrosive ingestion to avoid unnecessary esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is the standard of care for high-grade corrosive esophageal necrosis as assessed endoscopically. However, the inaccuracy of endoscopy in determining the depth of intramural necrosis may lead to unnecessary esophageal resection, with devastating consequences. Our aim was to evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) for the emergency diagnostic workup of endoscopic high-grade corrosive esophageal necrosis. METHODS: In a before (2000-2007)/after (2007-2012) study of patients with grade 3b endoscopic esophageal necrosis, we compared outcomes after routine emergency esophagectomy versus selection for emergency esophagectomy based on CT evidence of transmural necrosis, defined as at least two of the following: esophageal-wall blurring, periesophageal-fat blurring, and the absence of esophageal-wall enhancement. Survival estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Compared to the routine-esophagectomy group (n = 125), the CT group (n = 72) had better overall survival in the crude analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95 % confidence interval [95 %CI], 0.21-0.85; P = 0.015) and in the analysis matched on gender, age, and ingested agent (HR, 0.36; 95 %CI, 0.16-0.79; P = 0.011). No deaths occurred among patients managed without emergency esophagectomy based on CT findings, and one-third of CT-group patients had their functioning native esophagus at last follow-up. Self-sufficiency for eating and breathing was more common (84 % vs. 65 %; relative risk [RR], 1.27; 95 %CI, 1.04-1.55; P = 0.016) and repeat suicide less common (4 % vs. 15 %; RR, 0.27; 95 %CI, 0.09-0.82; P = 0.019) in the CT group. CONCLUSION: The decision to perform emergency esophagectomy for endoscopic high-grade corrosive esophageal injury should rely on CT findings.

Root cause analysis of mortality after esophagectomy for cancer: a multicenter cohort study from the FREGAT database.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is associated with significant mortality. A better understanding of the causes leading to death may help to reduce mortality. A root cause analysis of mortality after esophagectomy was performed. METHODS: Root cause analysis was retrospectively applied by an independent expert panel of 4 upper gastrointestinal surgeons and 1 anesthesiologist-intensivist to patients included in the French national multicenter prospective cohort FREGAT between August 2014 and September 2019 who underwent an esophagectomy for cancer and died within 90 days of surgery. A cause-and-effect diagram was used to determine the root causes related to death. Death was classified as potentially preventable or non-preventable. RESULTS: Among the 1,040 patients included in the FREGAT cohort, 70 (6.7%) patients (male: 81%, median age 68 [62-72] years) from 17 centers were included. Death was potentially preventable in 37 patients (53%). Root causes independently associated with preventable death were inappropriate indication (odds ratio 35.16 [2.50-494.39]; P = .008), patient characteristics (odds ratio 5.15 [1.19-22.35]; P = .029), unexpected intraoperative findings (odds ratio 18.99 [1.07-335.55]; P = .045), and delay in diagnosis of a complication (odds ratio 98.10 [6.24-1,541.04]; P = .001). Delay in treatment of a complication was found only in preventable deaths (28 [76%] vs 0; P < .001). National guidelines were less frequently followed (16 [43%] vs 22 [67%]; P = .050) in preventable deaths. The only independent risk factor of preventable death was center volume <26 esophagectomies per year (odds ratio 4.71 [1.55-14.33]; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: More than one-half of deaths after esophagectomy were potentially preventable. Better patient selection, early diagnosis, and adequate management of complications through centralization could reduce mortality.

Evaluation of early response to concomitant chemoradiotherapy by interim 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in patients with locally advanced oesophageal carcinomas.

PURPOSE: The best way to assess the response to chemoradiotherapy of locally advanced oesophageal carcinomas is not known. We used (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT to evaluate the metabolic response during chemoradiotherapy and tried to correlate this response to survival. METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven oesophageal carcinoma underwent FDG PET/CT with evaluation of the standardized uptake value (SUV) before any treatment (SUV1) and during chemoradiotherapy after two cycles of 5-fluorouracil (FU)/cisplatin and 20 Gy (SUV2). Metabolic response was defined as 1-(SUV2/SUV1). Surgery was discussed after 40 Gy and three cycles of chemotherapy. Results of interim PET were not considered for the therapeutic decision. RESULTS: Among 72 patients who underwent a first FDG PET/CT before any treatment, 59 (82 %) could receive the second FDG PET/CT examination. Median survival was 22.2 months with 1-year and 2-year survivals of 70 and 46 %, respectively. Nineteen patients (32 %) underwent surgery. Mean SUV1 and SUV2 were 12.3 ± 6.2 and 6 ± 4.1, respectively (p < 0.001). Using a cut-off for metabolic response of 50 %, sensitivity and specificity for survival were 0.7 and 0.58. The 2-year overall survival of good responders was 62 % as compared to 27 % for poor metabolic responders. A multivariate analysis was performed, including T and N stages, surgery, histology and metabolic response: only metabolic response was significantly (p = 0.009) associated with 2-year survival. CONCLUSION: Early evaluation of metabolic response had a great prognostic value and could help identify good responders to chemoradiotherapy.

Epidemiologic features and outcomes associated with caustic ingestion among adults admitted in intensive care unit from 2013 to 2019: a French national observational study.

PURPOSE: Caustic ingestion is a potential life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Data on patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for severe caustic ingestion are lacking. We aimed to describing epidemiological features and outcomes of patients admitted to ICU for caustic ingestion in France. METHODS: In a retrospective, observational, and multicenter study, data from the national French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Informations (PMSI) database were analysed from 2013 to 2019. In-hospital mortality rate (primary outcome) and in-ICU complications (secondary outcomes) were reported and analysed. RESULTS: 569 patients (289 males (50.8%), with median age of 49 years [interquartile (26-62)] were admitted in 65 French ICU for severe caustic ingestion. Five hundred and thirteen patients (90%) were admitted for intentional caustic ingestion. The median length of stay in ICU was 14.0 [4.0-31.0] days. In-hospital mortality occurred in 56 patients (9.8%). In multivariate analysis, age and simplified acute physiology score II were associated with in-hospital mortality age of 40-59 years [OR = 15.3 (2.0-115.3)], age of 60-79 years [OR = 23.6 (3.1-182.5)], and age > 80 years [OR = 37.0 (4.2-328.6)] and SAPS 2 score [OR = 1.0018 (1.003-1.033), p < 0.001]. During ICU stay, 423 complications (74%) were reported in 505 patients (89%). Infectious (244 (42.9%)), respiratory (207 (36.4%)), surgical 62 (10.9%), haemorrhagic (64 (11.2%)) and thrombo-embolic and (35 (6.2%)) complications were the most frequently reported during ICU stay. CONCLUSION: ICU admission for severe caustic ingestion is associated with 9.8% mortality and 74% complications. Age > 40 years and SAPS 2 score were independently associated with mortality.