Midodrine as adjunctive support for treatment of refractory hypotension in the intensive care unit: a multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled trial (the MIDAS trial).

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are often treated with intravenous (IV) vasopressors. Persistent hypotension and dependence on IV vasopressors in otherwise resuscitated patients lead to delay in discharge from ICU. Midodrine is an oral alpha-1 adrenergic agonist approved for treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. This trial aims to evaluate whether oral administration of midodrine is an effective adjunct to standard therapy to reduce the duration of IV vasopressor treatment, and allow earlier discharge from ICU and hospital. METHODS: The MIDAS trial is an international, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial being conducted in the USA and Australia. We are targeting 120 patients. Adult patients admitted to the ICU who are resuscitated and otherwise stable on low dose IV vasopressors for at least 24 h will be considered for recruitment. Participants will be randomized to receive midodrine (20 mg) or placebo three times a day, in addition to standard care. The primary outcome is time (hours) from initiation of midodrine or placebo to discontinuation of IV vasopressors. Secondary outcomes include time (hours) from ICU admission to discharge readiness, ICU length of stay (LOS) (days), hospital LOS (days), rates of ICU readmission, and rates of adverse events related to midodrine administration. DISCUSSION: Midodrine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension. In August 2010, FDA proposed to withdraw approval of midodrine because of lack of studies that verify the clinical benefit of the drug. We obtained Investigational New Drug (IND 113,330) approval to study its effects in critically ill patients who require IV vasopressors but are otherwise ready for discharge from the ICU. A pilot observational study in a cohort of surgical ICU patients showed that the rate of decline in vasopressor requirements increased after initiation of midodrine treatment. We hypothesize that midodrine administration is effective to wean IV vasopressors and shorten ICU and hospital LOS. This trial may have significant implications on lowering costs of hospital care and obtaining FDA approval for new indications for midodrine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov on 02/09/2012 (NCT01531959).

A worldwide investigation of critical care research coordinators' self-reported role and professional development priorities: the winner survey.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the self-reported role and professional development priorities of research coordinators in different regions of the world. BACKGROUND: Research coordinators employed in critical care settings provide clinical and technical expertise in the development, conduct and completion of clinical research studies. Knowledge of this specialised role is well established in some parts of the world, yet emerging in others. DESIGN: Descriptive exploratory study involving research coordinators outside of Australia and New Zealand. METHOD: An anonymous, structured, multiple-choice, web-based questionnaire conducted between April-May 2011. RESULTS: There were 80 respondents from North America (61%), Europe (29%) and Latin America (10%). The majority of respondents performed data collection and obtained informed consent, and half had presented study findings at conferences or wrote scholarly articles, despite a greater willingness to do so. Requisite skills for the research coordinator role included clinical research knowledge, creative problem solving and the ability to identify/resolve ethical questions. 'Best' reported aspects of the role were promotion of evidence-based clinical practice, intellectual stimulation and autonomy. 'Worst' aspects included heavy workload, lack of funding and recognition. CONCLUSION: Research coordinators working in critical care settings collect data, require clinical research knowledge and problem-solving skills and are interested in, but have less confidence in, dissemination of research findings. They feel isolated with a lack of support and inadequate remuneration for the effort and time required to maintain the high standards of their role. This is outweighed by the satisfaction derived from promoting the research process and autonomy. Further observational studies aimed at clarifying and advancing the role of the research coordinator is warranted. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study offers insight into the global roles and responsibilities as reported by research coordinators employed in critical care settings.

Matching positive end-expiratory pressure to intra-abdominal pressure prevents end-expiratory lung volume decline in a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-abdominal hypertension is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In a previous experimental study, positive end-expiratory pressures of up to 15 cm H2O did not prevent end-expiratory lung volume decline caused by intra-abdominal hypertension. Therefore, we examined the effect of matching positive end-expiratory pressure to the intra-abdominal pressure on cardio-respiratory parameters. DESIGN: Experimental pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension. SETTING: Large animal facility, University of Western Australia. SUBJECTS: Nine anesthetized, nonparalyzed, and ventilated pigs (48 ± 7 kg). INTERVENTIONS: Four levels of intra-abdominal pressure (baseline, 12, 18, and 22 mm Hg) were generated in a randomized order by inflating an intra-abdominal balloon. At each level of intra-abdominal pressure, three levels of positive end-expiratory pressure were randomly applied with varying degrees of matching the corresponding intra-abdominal pressure: baseline positive end-expiratory pressure (= 5 cm H2O), moderate positive end-expiratory pressure (= half intra-abdominal pressure in cm H2O + 5 cm H2O), and high positive end-expiratory pressure (= intra-abdominal pressure in cm H2O). MEASUREMENTS: We measured end-expiratory lung volume, arterial oxygen levels, respiratory mechanics, and cardiac output 5 mins after each new intra-abdominal pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure setting. MAIN RESULTS: Intra-abdominal hypertension decreased end-expiratory lung volume and PaO2 (-49% [p < .001] and -8% [p < .05], respectively, at 22 mm Hg intra-abdominal pressure compared with baseline intra-abdominal pressure) but did not change cardiac output (p = .5). At each level of intra-abdominal pressure, moderate positive end-expiratory pressure increased end-expiratory lung volume (+119% [p < .001] at 22 mm Hg intra-abdominal pressure compared with 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure) while minimally decreasing cardiac output (-8%, p < .05). High positive end-expiratory pressure further increased end-expiratory lung volume (+233% [p < .001] at 22 mm Hg intra-abdominal pressure compared with 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure) but led to a greater decrease in cardiac output (-26%, p < .05). Neither moderate nor high positive end-expiratory pressure improved PaO2 (p = .7). Intra-abdominal hypertension decreased end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure but did not alter end-inspiratory transpulmonary pressure. Intra-abdominal hypertension decreased total respiratory compliance through a decrease in chest wall compliance. Positive end-expiratory pressure decreased the respiratory compliance by reducing lung compliance. CONCLUSIONS: In a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension, positive end-expiratory pressure matched to intra-abdominal pressure led to a preservation of end-expiratory lung volume, but did not improve arterial oxygen tension and caused a reduction in cardiac output. Therefore, we do not recommend routine application of positive end-expiratory pressure matched to intra-abdominal pressure to prevent intra-abdominal pressure-induced end-expiratory lung volume decline in healthy lungs.

Matching positive end-expiratory pressure to intra-abdominal pressure improves oxygenation in a porcine sick lung model of intra-abdominal hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) causes atelectasis, reduces lung volumes and increases respiratory system elastance. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the setting of IAH and healthy lungs improves lung volumes but not oxygenation. However, critically ill patients with IAH often suffer from acute lung injury (ALI). This study, therefore, examined the respiratory and cardiac effects of positive end-expiratory pressure in an animal model of IAH, with sick lungs. METHODS: Nine pigs were anesthetized and ventilated (48 +/- 6 kg). Lung injury was induced with oleic acid. Three levels of intra-abdominal pressure (baseline, 18, and 22 mmHg) were randomly generated. At each level of intra-abdominal pressure, three levels of PEEP were randomly applied: baseline (5 cmH2O), moderate (0.5 × intra-abdominal pressure), and high (1.0 × intra-abdominal pressure). We measured end-expiratory lung volumes, arterial oxygen levels, respiratory mechanics, and cardiac output 10 minutes after each new IAP and PEEP setting. RESULTS: At baseline PEEP, IAH (22 mmHg) decreased oxygen levels (-55%, P <0.001) and end-expiratory lung volumes (-45%, P = 0.007). At IAP of 22 mmHg, moderate and high PEEP increased oxygen levels (+60%, P = 0.04 and +162%, P <0.001) and end-expiratory lung volume (+44%, P = 0.02 and +279%, P <0.001) and high PEEP reduced cardiac output (-30%, P = 0.04). Shunt and dead-space fraction inversely correlated with oxygen levels and end-expiratory lung volumes. In the presence of IAH, lung, chest wall and respiratory system elastance increased. Subsequently, PEEP decreased respiratory system elastance by decreasing chest wall elastance. CONCLUSIONS: In a porcine sick lung model of IAH, PEEP matched to intra-abdominal pressure led to increased lung volumes and oxygenation and decreased chest wall elastance shunt and dead-space fraction. High PEEP decreased cardiac output. The study shows that lung injury influences the effects of IAH and PEEP on oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. Our findings support the application of PEEP in the setting of acute lung injury and IAH.

Intensive Care Research Coordinators in Australia and New Zealand: a cross-sectional survey of demographics, responsibilities, job satisfaction and importance.

INTRODUCTION: The achievement of successful clinical research projects depends on multiple team members including Research Coordinators (RCs), who are the link between the researcher and the trial participants. The RCs main responsibility is to ensure that all research is conducted according to the appropriate protocols, regulations and guidelines. AIM: Description of demographics, the role and associated responsibilities and assessment of items of importance to, and satisfaction with, various job related items. METHOD: An observational web-based cross-sectional study of RCs working in Intensive Care Units (ICU) across Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants completed the survey. Forty percent had more than 6 years experience in ICU research and one-third held a Masters Degree. Most respondents performed research related tasks including ethics submission, patient screening, education and data collection. Autonomy and work hours were the most satisfying job characteristics reported and aspects relating to autonomy were most important for the RCs. Inadequate remuneration was of great concern to the participants. CONCLUSION: Research Coordinators in Australia and New Zealand have many and varied roles with a significant workload. Unfortunately, the RCs do not feel their employers are adequately remunerating the demand on their time and efforts. The results indicate that RCs enjoy high levels of satisfaction with general conditions and facets of their work and its environment and they remain passionate about their role in the ICU setting.

Commonly applied positive end-expiratory pressures do not prevent functional residual capacity decline in the setting of intra-abdominal hypertension: a pig model.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-abdominal hypertension is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The optimal ventilation strategy remains unclear in these patients. We examined the effect of positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) on functional residual capacity (FRC) and oxygen delivery in a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension. METHODS: Thirteen adult pigs received standardised anaesthesia and ventilation. We randomised three levels of intra-abdominal pressure (3 mmHg (baseline), 18 mmHg, and 26 mmHg) and four commonly applied levels of PEEP (5, 8, 12 and 15 cmH2O). Intra-abdominal pressures were generated by inflating an intra-abdominal balloon. We measured intra-abdominal (bladder) pressure, functional residual capacity, cardiac output, haemoglobin and oxygen saturation, and calculated oxygen delivery. RESULTS: Raised intra-abdominal pressure decreased FRC but did not change cardiac output. PEEP increased FRC at baseline intra-abdominal pressure. The decline in FRC with raised intra-abdominal pressure was partly reversed by PEEP at 18 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure and not at all at 26 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure. PEEP significantly decreased cardiac output and oxygen delivery at baseline and at 26 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure but not at 18 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure. CONCLUSIONS: In a pig model of intra-abdominal hypertension, PEEP up to 15 cmH2O did not prevent the FRC decline caused by intra-abdominal hypertension and was associated with reduced oxygen delivery as a consequence of reduced cardiac output. This implies that PEEP levels inferior to the corresponding intra-abdominal pressures cannot be recommended to prevent FRC decline in the setting of intra-abdominal hypertension.

Internet health information use by surrogate decision makers of patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a multicentre survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use, understanding, trust and influence of the internet and other sources of health information used by the next of kin (NOK) of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Multicentre structured survey. SETTING: The ICUs of 13 public and private Australian hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: NOK who self-identified as the primary surrogate decision maker for a patient admitted to the ICU. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency, understanding, trust and influence of online sources of health information, and the quality of health websites visited using the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) for medical and health websites. RESULTS: There were 473 survey responses. The median ICU admission days and number of ICU visits by the NOK at the time of completing the survey was 3 (IQR, 2-6 days) and 4 (IQR, 2-7), respectively. The most commonly reported sources of health information used very frequently were the ICU nurse (55.6%), ICU doctor (38.7%), family (23.3%), hospital doctor (21.4%), and the internet (11.3%). Compared with the 243 NOK (51.6%) not using the internet, NOK using the internet were less likely to report complete understanding (odds ratio [OR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.88), trust (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19-0.59), or influence (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38-0.88) associated with the ICU doctor. Overall, the quality of the 40 different reported websites accessed was moderately high. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of ICU NOK report using the internet as a source of health information. Internet use is associated with lower reported understanding, trust and influence of the ICU doctor.

Prophylactic Melatonin for Delirium in Intensive Care (Pro-MEDIC): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is an acute state of brain dysfunction characterised by fluctuating inattention and cognitive disturbances, usually due to illness. It occurs commonly in the intensive care unit (ICU), and it is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. It is likely that disturbances of sleep and of the day-night cycle play a significant role. Melatonin is a naturally occurring, safe and cheap hormone that can be administered to improve sleep. The main aim of this trial will be to determine whether prophylactic melatonin administered to critically ill adults, when compared with placebo, decreases the rate of delirium. METHODS: This trial will be a multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled study conducted in closed ICUs in Australia. Our aim is to enrol 850 adult patients with an expected ICU length of stay (LOS) of 72 h or more. Eligible patients for whom there is consent will be randomised to receive melatonin 4 mg enterally or placebo in a 1:1 ratio according to a computer-generated randomisation list, stratified by site. The study drug will be indistinguishable from placebo. Patients, doctors, nurses, investigators and statisticians will be blinded. Melatonin or placebo will be administered once per day at 21:00 until ICU discharge or 14 days after enrolment, whichever occurs first. Trained staff will assess patients twice daily to determine the presence or absence of delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU score. Data will also be collected on demographics, the overall prevalence of delirium, duration and severity of delirium, sleep quality, participation in physiotherapy sessions, ICU and hospital LOS, morbidity and mortality, and healthcare costs. A subgroup of 100 patients will undergo polysomnographic testing to further evaluate the quality of sleep. DISCUSSION: Delirium is a significant issue in ICU because of its frequency and associated poorer outcomes. This trial will be the largest evaluation of melatonin as a prophylactic agent to prevent delirium in the critically ill population. This study will also provide one of the largest series of polysomnographic testing done in ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) number: ACTRN12616000436471 . Registered on 20 December 2015.

Patients' dreams in ICU: recall at two years post discharge and comparison to delirium status during ICU admission. A multicentre cohort study.

Discharged intensive care unit (ICU) patients often recall experience vivid dreams, hallucinations or delusions. These may be persecutory in nature and are sometimes very frightening. It is possible that these memories stem from times when the patient was experiencing delirium, a common syndrome in the critically ill. Routine screening for delirium in ICU is becoming more prevalent, however, little has been published comparing the objective development of delirium (patient observations using screening tools) and patients' subjective recollection of dreams and unreal experiences in the ICU. This study describes the relationship between observed behaviour during ICU admission and the subjective memories of ICU experiences amongst 41 participants in three ICUs up to 24 months post discharge. Overall, 44% of patients (n=18) recalled dreams during their ICU admission. There was a trend to increased prevalence of dreaming (50% versus 39%) amongst the 18 patients who were delirious during their ICU admission than in the 23 non-delirious patients. Dreaming was significantly associated on logistic regression with increased length of stay (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.79, p=0.01), but not delirium status (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.45-5.41, p=0.49). A longer ICU stay was significantly associated with the experience of ICU dreaming. As many dreams are disturbing, we suggest providing information and counselling about delirium to patients who remain in ICU for longer periods.

Intensive care research coordinators: who are they and what do they do? Results of a binational survey.

Research coordinators in intensive care are a growing specialty about which little is known. This cross-sectional study surveyed the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Coordinators' Group (n = 49) regarding demographics, education, employment history, job structure, and role content. Most research coordinators were highly qualified and experienced nurses who undertake pharmaceutical trials, multicenter projects, departmental medical and nursing research, audits and data registries, and their own projects.

Routine coagulation testing in intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: To test a simple clinical guideline to reduce unnecessary routine testing of coagulation status. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective, unblinded, observational study of coagulation testing frequency before and after introduction of a simple clinical guideline. We included 253 patients admitted to a tertiary intensive care unit: 100 patients consecutively enrolled before our intervention (May - July 2015) and 153 patients consecutively enrolled after our intervention (August - September 2015). INTERVENTION: We introduced a clinical guideline and educational program in the ICU from 18 August 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of coagulation tests performed per patient bed-day, and the associated pathology costs. RESULTS: Over the 3-month sample period, 999 coagulation profiles were performed for 253 patients: 720 (72%) in 100 patients before, and 279 (28%) in 153 patients after our intervention. The testing frequency fell from 1.12 to 0.41 per patient bed-day (P < 0.001). A total of 463 pre-intervention coagulation profiles (64%) were classified as unnecessary, and the cost of all coagulation tests fell by 60.5% per bedday after the intervention. CONCLUSION: A simple clinical guideline and educational package reduced unnecessary coagulation tests and costs in a tertiary referral ICU.

A double-blind, randomized trial of intravenous versus intramuscular antivenom for red-back spider envenoming.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intravenous versus intramuscular antivenom (AV) in the treatment of Red-back spider (RBS) envenoming. METHODS: Randomized, double-dummy, double-blind, multicentre trial of patients with red-back spider envenoming requiring AV treatment recruited from five hospital EDs in Western Australia. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were recruited; two were excluded; 33 were available for initial analysis, but two who were unblinded after one ampoule of trial AV and given i.v. AV had limited data; 31 remained in the study and had more complete data. After AV, pain scores for both i.m. and i.v. groups improved rapidly. At 24 h, the i.v. group was better with a 55% absolute difference (76% vs. 21%; 95% CI 25-85% difference) in the proportion pain-free. There were no safety issues. CONCLUSIONS: Red-back spider antivenom was initially effective by both i.m. and i.v. routes. The study generates the hypothesis that at 24 h, significantly more patients are pain-free with i.v. administration. Definitive recommendations on the optimal route of administration of RBS AV await the results of further studies.

Multicentre study of delirium in ICU patients using a simple screening tool.

Traditionally, intensive care unit (ICU) delirium was viewed as benign and was under-diagnosed in the absence of ICU-appropriate screening tools. Research suggests that up to half of all ICU patients experiencing delirium will continue to do so after discharge to the ward, and half of those experiencing delirium in the ward will die within 1 year of delirium diagnosis. ICU-specific screening tools are now available. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of delirium in ICU and explore its associations to clinical factors and outcomes. A secondary aim was to evaluate the usefulness of the intensive care delirium screening checklist (ICDSC). A total of 185 patients in six ICUs in Australia and New Zealand were screened for delirium using the ICDSC over two 12-hour periods per day for the duration of their ICU admission. Some 84 patients (45%) developed delirium. Development of delirium was associated with increased severity of illness (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation--APACHE II--and sequential organ failure assessment--SOFA), ICU length of stay (LOS), and use of psycho-active drugs. Delirious patients showed no statistically significant difference in ICU and hospital mortality rates, nor prolonged hospital LOS. The ICDSC was found to be user-friendly. The incidence of delirium, observed characteristics and outcomes for patients admitted to Australian and New Zealand ICUs for > 36 hours without any history of altered mental state fell in the mid-range and were generally consistent with previous literature. An ICU-specific delirium assessment, such as the ICDSC, should be included in routine ICU observations to minimise under-diagnosis of this serious phenomenon.

The selective pulmonary vasodilatory effect of inhaled DETA/NO, a novel nitric oxide donor, in ARDS-a pilot human trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of inhaled NONOates in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DESIGN: Case-series, phase I clinical trial. SETTING: A multidisciplinary intensive care unit in a tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Five consecutive patients with ARDS (men; age range, 47-76 years). MEASUREMENTS: DETA/NO (150 micromol) was aerosolized into the lungs of patients on mechanical ventilation via the endotracheal tube over 20 minutes. Hemodynamic parameters were measured and blood samples were taken before, during, and after inhalation. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, pulmonary vascular resistance decreased until the end of the study period (180 minutes) while intrapulmonary shunting decreased significantly up to 45 min after DETA/NO aerosol administration. Inhaled DETA/NO had no effect on the systemic circulation (systemic blood pressure or cardiac output). CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled DETA/NO is a selective pulmonary vasodilator in patients with ARDS. However, a larger number of patients is required to confirm the findings of this pilot study.

Screening for delirium in an adult intensive care unit.

Delirium is an acute, reversible disorder of attention and cognition and may be viewed as cerebral dysfunction similar to the failure of any other organ. The development of delirium is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, extended length-of-stay in the intensive care unit and longer time spent sedated and ventilated. Nearly every clinical, pharmacological and environmental factor present and necessary in the ICU setting has the potential to cause delirium. Since all of these factors cannot be removed, it is paramount to increase the awareness amongst health care professionals so as to minimise under-recognition and encourage future research into factors that may improve the long-term outcome for ICU patients. There is a need for user-friendly, validated assessment tools for the intubated and ventilated ICU patient, which can be applied at the time of ICU admission without the need for lengthy psychiatric assessment. Nursing professionals are at the forefront of those who are able to provide holistic care through meaningful conversation and empathetic touch. A 6-month Quality Improvement (QI) project screening patients for signs of delirium provided a foundation for discussion. All patients admitted to ICU for more than 72 h, with a hospital length-of-stay less than 96 h prior to ICU admission were screened. Patients admitted following neurological insults or with pre-existing altered mental state were excluded. The QI project showed the incidence of delirium to be 40% of the total sample (n = 73) in a mixed medical/surgical and elective/emergency patient population.

Intensive care unit occupancy after introduction of the emergency department 4-hour discharge rule at a tertiary referral hospital in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: The 4-hour rule has been introduced in Western Australia, requiring that emergency department (ED) patients be admitted to hospital or discharged from the ED within 4 hours of presentation. We hypothesised that this rule might have been associated with changes in medical emergency team (MET) calls and intensive care unit exit bed block. METHODS: Hospital databases were examined to determine compliance with the 4-hour rule, the effect on ICU exit bed block, and the number of MET calls, in 2008 (before introduction of the 4-hour rule) and 2011 (after introduction of the 4-hour rule). We also measured background ICU and hospital activity in 2008 and 2011. RESULTS: Monthly compliance with the 4-hour rule ranged from 35%-46% in 2008 to 64%-75% in 2011 (P < 0.0001). There was a marked increase in bed block days for patients in the ICU between 2008 (before introduction of the 4-hour rule) and 2011 (after introduction of the 4-hour rule) (P = 0.05). The increase in ICU bed block-days could not be explained by a difference in ICU occupancy, as there was a reduction in ICU bed-days between 2008 and 2011 (P = 0.014). There was a reduction in hospital mortality rate between 2008 and 2011 (P < 0.001). There was no significant increase in the number of MET calls from 2008 to 2011 (P = 0.221). Hospital activity (separations) increased from 2008 to 2011 (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: The introduction of the 4-hour rule was associated with increased exit block from the ICU, but not with increased MET calls to attend to unstable or deteriorating ward patients. Introduction of the 4-hour rule was associated with a small reduction in hospital mortality.

The intensive care research coordinator position in Australia and New Zealand: Self-perception of professional development priorities and "best" and "worst" aspects of the position. A cross-sectional web-based study.

BACKGROUND: Many intensive care units (ICU) research coordinators (RCs) work in isolation with limited access to professional development and peer support. AIMS: (1) To map professional development priorities and "best" and "worst" aspects of the ICU RC role. (2) To compare results of "best" and "worst" aspects to a similar 2004 study. METHODS: On-line study conducted from July 2009 to October 2009. Respondents scored 26 individual items related to professional development and described in free text "best" and "worst" aspects. RESULTS: 56 RCs participated. Maintaining high ethical standards for the research participant was ranked the highest priority. RCs had considerable interest but less confidence in completing own research. The "best" and "worst" aspects exposed three thematic clusters: work conditions; work environment; work role. Most often recorded notations were Work Conditions for "best" and work environment for "worst" aspects. CONCLUSION: RCs judge adherence to international research guidelines the most important pre-requisite for the position and wish involvement in research design and dissemination. With little change from 2004, inadequate peer support and unsatisfactory employment conditions constituted most of the "worst" aspects. Autonomy and working in the ICU team are the "best" aspects of the role in addition to the intellectual stimulation of research.

The role of femoral venous pressure and femoral venous oxygen saturation in the setting of intra-abdominal hypertension: a pig model.

Femoral venous access is frequently used in critically ill patients. Because raised intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is also frequently found in this group of patients, we examined the impact of IAP and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on femoral venous pressure (FVP) and femoral venous oxygen saturation (Sfvo2) in an animal model. Thirteen adult pigs received standardized anesthesia and ventilation. Randomized levels of IAP (3 [baseline], 18, and 26 mmHg) were applied, with levels of PEEP (5, 8, 12, and 15 cmH2O) applied randomly at each IAP level. We measured bladder pressure (IAP), superior vena cava pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, FVP, mixed venous oxygen saturation (Svo2), and Sfvo2. We found that FVP correlated well with IAP (FVP = 4.1 + [0.12 × PEEP] + [1.00 × IAP]; R = 0.89, P < 0.001) with a moderate bias and precision of 5.0 and 3.8 mmHg, respectively. Because the level of agreement did not meet the recommendations of the World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, FVP cannot currently be recommended to measure IAP, and further clinical trials are warranted. However, a raised FVP should prompt the measurement of the bladder pressure. Femoral venous oxygen saturation did correlate neither with Svo2 nor with abdominal perfusion pressure. Therefore, Sfvo2 is of no clinical use in the setting of raised IAP.