Success of Insulin Infusion Transitions in Moderate to Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Transition Anion Gap of Less Than or Equal to 12 mEq/L Versus Greater Than 12 mEq/L.

Background: Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are transitioned from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SQ) insulin upon DKA resolution. Although an anion gap (AG) ≤12 mEq/L is recommended before transition to SQ insulin, there are limited data to support this threshold. Objective: To compare the rates of successful transitions to SQ insulin in patients with DKA with an AG ≤ 12 mEq/L versus > 12 mEq/L. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult critically ill patients with moderate to severe DKA between September 2019 and December 2022. The primary outcome was the success of insulin transition between patients transitioned with an AG ≤ 12 mEq/L and those transitioned with an AG > 12 mEq/L. Transition was considered successful if the AG did not increase above the value at transition at 24 hours and insulin infusion was not restarted. Secondary outcomes include the individual components of the primary outcome and ICU length of stay (LOS); safety outcomes included hypoglycemia and electrolyte derangements. Results: In total, 92 patients were included, with 43 patients transitioned at AG ≤ 12 mEq/L and 49 patients transitioned at AG > 12 mEq/L. Transition was unsuccessful in 3 patients (7%) with AG ≤ 12 mEq/L and 2 patients (4%) with AG > 12 mEq/L (P = .66). There was no difference in the incidence of the individual components of this outcome between groups or in safety outcomes. Conclusion: This retrospective study showed no difference in success of insulin transition between the groups. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the impact of treatment characteristics on transition success and patient outcomes.

Evaluation of Unfractionated Heparin Dosing by Antifactor Xa During Targeted Temperature Management Post Cardiac Arrest.

Purpose: To evaluate unfractionated heparin (UFH) dosing guided by antifactor Xa levels during targeted temperature management (TTM) post-cardiac arrest. Methods: Single-center, retrospective, observational study between January 1, 2014 and September 1, 2020. Patients initiated on TTM post-cardiac arrest and UFH were evaluated for inclusion. Patients included were ≥18 years of age and received weight-based UFH for ≥6 hours with 2 antifactor Xa levels drawn at target temperature. Excluded patients had no available temperature readings, received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or factor Xa inhibitor (within 72 hours), or had hypertriglyceridemia or hyperbilirubinemia. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the proportion of patients that achieved a therapeutic antifactor Xa level between 0.3 and 0.7 IU/mL at steady state during TTM. Secondary endpoints included average UFH dose and average time to therapeutic antifactor Xa level at steady state; percent of first and total antifactor Xa levels subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and supratherapeutic during TTM. Results: A total of 73 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 21 patients achieved steady-state therapeutic antifactor Xa levels during TTM. The average time and dose to steady-state therapeutic antifactor Xa levels were 8.1 ± 4.5 hours and 9.9 ± 3.2 units/kg/hour. Overall, 61.7% of first and 47.4% of all antifactor Xa levels were supratherapeutic during TTM. Three (4.1%) patients experienced a major bleeding event. Conclusions: Guideline recommended UFH dosing, 12 or 18 units/kg/hour, during TTM resulted in more supratherapeutic antifactor Xa levels. Reduction of UFH infusion dose to 10 units/kg/hour may be required during TTM to maintain therapeutic antifactor Xa levels.

Comparison of Patiromer to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in Acute Hyperkalemia.

Background: Patiromer and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) are cation-exchangers approved for the treatment of chronic hyperkalemia. Data regarding their efficacy acutely is lacking. Despite this, both drugs are frequently used in the emergent setting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the potassium reduction of patiromer to SPS within 6 to 24 hours following a single dose. Methods: This retrospective quality improvement project included hyperkalemic patients receiving 1 dose of patiromer or SPS and had a second potassium level drawn in 6 to 24 hours. Doses of 8.4 g of patiromer and 15 g of SPS were considered "low dose" while 16.8 g of patiromer and 30 g of SPS were considered "high dose." The presence of a dose-response relationship was assessed through a linear regression analysis. Results: Mean (SD) potassium reduction was higher in SPS than patiromer [0.76 (0.63) mEq/L vs 0.32 (0.65) mEq/L, (P = .001)]. A dose response relationship was not demonstrated in low versus high dose groups [-0.21 (0.14), P = .13] and CKD, ESRD, and renal transplant patients when compared to patients with normal renal function [0.11 (0.17), P = .51, -0.07 (0.19), P = -0.07 (0.19), P = .73, and -0.10 (0.22), P = .65]. Conclusions: This study suggests a clinically significant reduction in potassium with SPS compared to patiromer. Although SPS was successful in demonstrating this outcome, due to well-documented adverse reactions in the literature and a time to onset of 6 hours, it cannot be recommended for use in acute hyperkalemia either.

Evaluation of Serotonin Release Assay and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Optical Density Thresholds for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a recognized concern in patients on extracorporeal life support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density threshold less than 1 to rule out heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from a prospectively maintained database of all patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2012 to 2018 at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Forty-seven patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. INTERVENTIONS: The primary objective was to evaluate the application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density thresholds and the serotonin release assay in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Patients were divided into two cohorts, serotonin release assay negative and serotonin release assay positive. In order to perform a sensitivity and specificity analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay optical density thresholds, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia negative was defined as an optical density less than 1.0 and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia positive as an optical density greater than or equal to 1.0. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Utilizing the prespecified optical density thresholds, a specificity and negative predictive value of 89% and 95% were achieved, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment has helped to identify optical density thresholds for patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Our data suggest that an optical density threshold of 1.0 may aid clinicians in objectively ruling out heparin-induced thrombocytopenia without sending a confirmatory serotonin release assay. Increasing the optical density threshold to 1.0 resulted in a high specificity and negative predictive value.

Strategic Utilization of Dantrolene in a Case of Severe Acute Generalized Tetanus.

Tetanus is a life-threatening, vaccine-preventable disease caused by an endotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. We report a case of severe tetanus in an adult male with a history of intravenous drug use. The patient presented with a 1-day history of inability to open his jaw and a right lower extremity necrotic wound. Initial management consisted of tetanus toxoid, human tetanus immunoglobulin, antimicrobials and intermittent lorazepam. Due to progressive symptoms, wound debridement and placement of an advanced airway in the operating room ensued. Episodes of tetany were associated with fever, autonomic instability, acute desaturations and preemptive ventilator triggering despite maximum doses of continuous propofol and midazolam. Neuromuscular blockade with cisatracurium was added, resulting in control of tetany. Despite initial control, NMB could not be weaned due to recurrent spasms. Intravenous dantrolene was therefore sought as an alternative antispasmodic. Following an initial load, patient was successfully liberated from cisatracurium. Dantrolene was therefore converted to enteral to facilitate gradual down-titration of intravenous sedatives with subsequent conversion to oral benzodiazepines. After a prolonged hospital course, the patient was able to be discharged home. Dantrolene was thus effectively utilized as an adjunctive antispasmodic agent to facilitate liberation from cisatracurium and continuous sedation.

Effect on SARS-CoV-2 viral load using combination therapy with casirivimab/imdevimab and remdesivir.

Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 viral load is an independent predictor of disease severity and mortality. A 61-year-old woman presented with severe COVID-19 and was treated with casirivimab/imdevimab and remdesivir. Quantitative nasopharyngeal (NP) viral loads were trended throughout the treatment course. Baseline NP viral load was 25,860,901 copies/mL (7.4 log10). Casirivimab/imdevimab was administered, with subsequent reduction in NP viral load to 26,049 copies/mL (4.4 log10) on hospital day 4. A repeat NP viral load on day 7 was 13,113 copies/mL (4.1 log10). Despite uncertainty regarding correlation with reduction in viral load and outcomes, NP viral load may be considered when selecting treatment options and evaluating treatment response in hospitalized patients with early infection.

Evaluation of aerosolized epoprostenol for hypoxemia in non-intubated patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

OBJECTIVES: Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) frequently present with a febrile illness that may progress to pneumonia and hypoxic respiratory failure. Aerosolized epoprostenol (aEPO) has been evaluated in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and refractory hypoxemia. A paucity of literature has assessed the impact of aEPO in patients with SARS-CoV-2 receiving oxygen support with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether aEPO added to HFNC prevents intubation and/or prolong time to intubation compared to controls only treated with HFNC, guided by oxygen saturation goals. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of adult patients infected with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and admitted to the medical intensive care unit. A total of 60 patients were included. Thirty patients were included in the treatment, and 30 in the control group, respectively. Among patients included in the treatment group, response to therapy was assessed. The need for mechanical ventilation and hospital mortality between responders vs. non-responders was evaluated. RESULTS: The primary outcome of mechanical ventilation was not statistically different between groups. Time from HFNC initiation to intubation was significantly prolonged in the treatment group compared to the control group (5.7 days vs. 2.3 days, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in mortality or length of stay. Patients deemed responders to aEPO had a lower rate of mechanical ventilation (50% vs 88%, P = 0.025) and mortality (21% vs 63%, P = 0.024), compared with non-responders. CONCLUSION: The utilization of aEPO in COVID-19 patients treated with HFNC is not associated with a reduction in the rate of mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, the application of this strategy may prolong the time to invasive mechanical ventilation, without affecting other clinical outcomes.

Impact of ketamine versus fentanyl continuous infusion on opioid use in patients admitted to a surgical-trauma intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Ketamine has been shown to decrease opioid utilization as an adjunct, but limited evidence is available on ketamine as a primary analgesic strategy. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: Mechanically ventilated adult patients (≥18 years) in the surgery-trauma intensive care unit (STICU) with continuous infusion ketamine or fentanyl with concomitant propofol for at least 12 hours were screened for inclusion. The final analysis included 22 patients in the ketamine/propofol (KP) group and 24 patients in the fentanyl/propofol (FP) group. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the STICU received KP or FP continuous infusions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome compared opioid requirements between both groups during mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The median opioid requirement during mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in the FP group compared to the KP group (median 1,392 milligrams of morphine equivalents (MMEs) [interquartile range (IQR) 709.5-2,292] versus 206.3 MME [IQR 87-510], p < 0.001). After extubation, there was no difference in opioid utilization. Patients in the KP group spent less time at goal Critical Care Pain Observation Tool compared to the FP group (median 77.6 percent, IQR [71.9-85.2] versus 88.9 percent, IQR [76.9-97.4], p = 0.003). The proportions of patients developing adverse effects were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among critically ill mechanically ventilated patients in the STICU, continuous ketamine resulted in signifi-cantly less opioids during mechanical ventilation. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to assess the ap-propriate dosing strategy for ketamine to produce adequate analgesia when used as a primary analgesic in mechanically ventilated patients.

Effect of Adjunctive Dexmedetomidine in the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Compared to Benzodiazepine Symptom-Triggered Therapy in Critically Ill Patients: The EvADE Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of adjunctive dexmedetomidine for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) treatment compared to symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, cohort study evaluated patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with AWS. Patients were divided into 2 groups: adjunctive dexmedetomidine or symptom-triggered therapy (control). Primary outcome was change in Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) score. Secondary outcomes assessed cumulative ICU benzodiazepine requirement and ICU/hospital length of stay (LOS). Safety outcomes evaluated incidence of adverse events, new onset seizures, and intubation. Propensity matching was performed to minimize differences between study groups. RESULTS: Overall, 147 patients were included, 56 in the dexmedetomidine group and 91 in the control group. Patient demographics were similar, however baseline CIWA-Ar score was statistically higher in the dexmedetomidine group. Following propensity matching, 55 patients were included in each group. No significant difference was noted for change in CIWA-Ar score (median, IQR) [3.8 (-0.4-12.3) dexmedetomidine vs. 5.4 (1.4-12.9) control, p = 0.223]. Secondary endpoints revealed increased benzodiazepine requirements (p = 0.001), prolonged ICU LOS (p = 0.050), and more frequent use of physical restraints (p = 0.001) in the dexmedetomidine group. While not statistically significant, the development of new onset seizures (p = 0.775) and intubation (p = 0.294) occurred more frequently in the dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSION: The addition of dexmedetomidine to symptom-triggered benzodiazepines for AWS did not produce a significant change in CIWA-Ar scores from baseline compared to symptom-triggered therapy alone. The increased rate of new onset seizures and intubation warrant further investigation into the safety of dexmedetomidine in AWS.

Usefulness of thrombolysis in cardiac arrest secondary to suspected or confirmed pulmonary embolism.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a form of venous thromboembolism associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Massive PE, characterized by hemodynamic instability, has been reported as a common cause of cardiac arrest. Thrombolytic agents have therefore been identified as a potential rescue therapy to restore circulatory perfusion. This study describes use patterns of systemic thrombolysis in cardiac arrest and corresponding patient outcomes. A multicenter retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate adult patients who received rescue thrombolysis during cardiac arrest for suspected or confirmed PE. A total of 27 patients were included. PE was confirmed in 4 patients (15%). Pulseless electrical activity was the initial rhythm in 21 patients (78%), with a median cardiac arrest duration of 23 minutes in patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) vs 42.5 minutes in patients without ROSC. Among the 11 patients (41%) with ROSC, two (7%) survived to hospital discharge. Notable characteristics of the two survivors included a confirmed PE, an initial presenting rhythm of pulseless electrical activity, and administration of alteplase within 5 minutes of cardiac arrest. We recommend early administration of rescue thrombolysis when there is a high clinical index of suspicion that PE is the cause of the arrest.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent cause of acute respiratory failure with high rates of mortality, as well as short- and long-term complications, such as physical and cognitive impairment. Therefore, early recognition of this syndrome and application of well-demonstrated therapeutic interventions are essential to change the natural course of this entity and bring about positive clinical outcomes. In this article, we review updated concepts in ARDS. Specifically, we discuss the current definition of ARDS, its risk factors, and the evidence supporting ventilation management, adjunctive therapies, and interventions required in refractory hypoxemia.

Inhaled epoprostenol utilization pattern after implementation of an administration policy.

Epoprostenol, a pulmonary vasodilator, is used to reduce pulmonary artery pressure. Its inhaled administration results in ventilation and perfusion matching with oxygenation improvement. Epoprostenol is used as treatment for various conditions, particularly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary arterial hypertension. In 2018, Baylor University Medical Center implemented a policy for inhaled epoprostenol utilization aimed at standardizing clinical practice. This study analyzed epoprostenol utilization patterns in patients with ARDS after implementation of this administration policy. Drug responders and nonresponders were compared for clinical outcomes and physiologic changes before and after use, and policy compliance was evaluated. Of 79 eligible patients, 30 fulfilled inclusion criteria: 14 (47%) had ARDS and 16 (53%) had non-ARDS. In all patients with ARDS, epoprostenol was a second rescue agent after neuromuscular blockade, prone positioning, corticosteroids, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Epoprostenol was associated with statistically significant improvement of oxygenation before and after utilization in patients with ARDS (ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen 70 vs 140, respectively; P = 0.04). Overall, 10 (71%) ARDS patients were epoprostenol responders; 9 (56%) were deemed responders among subjects with non-ARDS. Comparison of outcomes between responders and nonresponders showed no statistically significant variations. Policy compliance was obtained in 24 (80%) patients.

Ketamine-Induced Diabetes Insipidus.

The authors report a case of diabetes insipidus (DI) associated with a ketamine infusion. A 42-year-old Asian man underwent an exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy who was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) for postoperative management. Pain control was attempted with escalating dose of opioids but was inadequate, prompting the addition of a ketamine infusion. Shortly after initiation, a massive rise in urine output ensued in addition to a change in his urine electrolyte studies, leading to the diagnosis of drug-induced diabetes insipidus. Ketamine was discontinued, and treatment with subcutaneous desmopressin was initiated. Treatment was continued for a total of 5 days, which resulted in a resolution of his DI. This report suggests that the patient likely experienced a medication-induced DI, which was successfully resolved through proper identification of the causative agent, removal, and subsequent treatment with desmopressin. Causality assessment between ketamine and DI was determined using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale-a total score of 7 was achieved and thus identified the adverse drug reaction as probable. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility that ketamine may be contributory in a patient with unexplained DI.

Lisinopril-Induced Alopecia: A Case Report.

The American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) guidelines consider angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors as one of the mainstay therapies in the management of heart failure. The widespread use of ACE inhibitors has been associated with several notable adverse effects such as hyperkalemia and an increased serum creatinine. There are no previous reports of alopecia associated with lisinopril use; however, a few previous cases of alopecia associated with other ACE inhibitors exist. This report discusses a case of lisinopril-induced alopecia of a 53-year-old male presenting to our outpatient heart failure clinic with a chief complaint of a new onset of alopecia. Upon evaluation, it was suspected that the patient's alopecia was likely medication induced by lisinopril; therefore, lisinopril was discontinued and switched to an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), losartan potassium. Alopecia resolved in 4 weeks after the therapeutic intervention. Our report suggests that the patient likely experienced a medication-induced alopecia, which was successfully resolved through proper identification and removal of the causative agent. Causality assessment between lisinopril and alopecia was determined using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale-a total score of 6 was achieved and thus identified the adverse drug reaction as probable. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility that lisinopril may be an offending agent in a patient with unexplained alopecia.