Impairment of Cognitive Function in Different Domains Early After Lung Transplantation.

In this prospective observational pilot study patients with the diagnosis of end-stage lung disease and listed for lung transplantation underwent a cognitive function test battery before and after lung transplantation to investigate postoperative cognitive function in three domains (visual and verbal memory, executive functioning, concentration/speed of processing). Additionally we investigated intraoperative risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In total, 24 patients were included in this pilot study. The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was 58.3%. In the cognitive dysfunction group, the domains executive functioning and concentration/attention were significantly impaired whereas memory was not affected. Patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly longer ICU stay. The strongest independent risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction was operation time. No influence of cerebral oxygen desaturations on cognitive dysfunction was found. This might have important implications for early psychological rehabilitation strategies in this high-risk patient collective.

Immunothrombotic Dysregulation in COVID-19 Pneumonia Is Associated With Respiratory Failure and Coagulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 infection causes severe pneumonia (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]), but the mechanisms of subsequent respiratory failure and complicating renal and myocardial involvement are poorly understood. In addition, a systemic prothrombotic phenotype has been reported in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 62 subjects were included in our study (n=38 patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 and n=24 non-COVID-19 controls). We performed histopathologic assessment of autopsy cases, surface marker-based phenotyping of neutrophils and platelets, and functional assays for platelet, neutrophil functions, and coagulation tests, as well. RESULTS: We provide evidence that organ involvement and prothrombotic features in COVID-19 are linked by immunothrombosis. We show that, in COVID-19, inflammatory microvascular thrombi are present in the lung, kidney, and heart, containing neutrophil extracellular traps associated with platelets and fibrin. Patients with COVID-19 also present with neutrophil-platelet aggregates and a distinct neutrophil and platelet activation pattern in blood, which changes with disease severity. Whereas cases of intermediate severity show an exhausted platelet and hyporeactive neutrophil phenotype, patients severely affected with COVID-19 are characterized by excessive platelet and neutrophil activation in comparison with healthy controls and non-COVID-19 pneumonia. Dysregulated immunothrombosis in severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 pneumonia is linked to both acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic hypercoagulability. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data point to immunothrombotic dysregulation as a key marker of disease severity in COVID-19. Further work is necessary to determine the role of immunothrombosis in COVID-19.

Value of Geriatric Assessment in Patients With Genitourinary Carcinoma.

Objectives: This work aims to evaluatecomprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) tools to better guide patients with urogenital carcinomas perioperatively and, consequently, to intensify or reduce hospital resource use. Methods: After informed consent, 111patients were included, all aged more than 65 years, with oncological surgery (with proof of a malignancy), a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of at least 23 points, and a prospective life expectancy of more than 2 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups: prostate cancer (n = 88) and distal urinary tract cancer (n = 29). Further CGA tools were Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The relationships between CGA and complications, hospital duration, death rate, and baseline characteristics were analyzed. Results: In comparison with the patients with prostate cancer, those with kidney/distal urinary tract cancer had higher CCI scores (median, 3 vs 2; P <.001), MMSE scores (29 vs 28; P = .031), complication rates (55.2% vs 22.0%; P = .001), and hospital duration (16 vs 10 days; P <.001), as well as more deaths in the group (8 vs 0). Comorbidities (6 vs 2; P <.001), Physical Status Classification System (ASA state [3 vs 2; P <.001]), and median age (74 vs 71 years; P =.008) were all higher in the kidney/distal urinary tract group, and they had fewer problems with postoperative ADL items, which were significantly lower than those of the prostate group (P = .043). Intra- and intergroup comparisons of preoperative and 1-year ADL/iADL values did not differ significantly. Conclusion: These study results underscore the importance of CGA in patients with genitourinary carcinoma; most patients have high regenerative potential. Patients with kidney/distal urinary tract cancers are older, have more comorbidities, and have more postoperative impairments than patients with prostate cancer.

Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 followed by community and nosocomial spread, Germany, February to May 2020.

BackgroundIn the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, viral genomes are available at unprecedented speed, but spatio-temporal bias in genome sequence sampling precludes phylogeographical inference without additional contextual data.AimWe applied genomic epidemiology to trace SARS-CoV-2 spread on an international, national and local level, to illustrate how transmission chains can be resolved to the level of a single event and single person using integrated sequence data and spatio-temporal metadata.MethodsWe investigated 289 COVID-19 cases at a university hospital in Munich, Germany, between 29 February and 27 May 2020. Using the ARTIC protocol, we obtained near full-length viral genomes from 174 SARS-CoV-2-positive respiratory samples. Phylogenetic analyses using the Auspice software were employed in combination with anamnestic reporting of travel history, interpersonal interactions and perceived high-risk exposures among patients and healthcare workers to characterise cluster outbreaks and establish likely scenarios and timelines of transmission.ResultsWe identified multiple independent introductions in the Munich Metropolitan Region during the first weeks of the first pandemic wave, mainly by travellers returning from popular skiing areas in the Alps. In these early weeks, the rate of presumable hospital-acquired infections among patients and in particular healthcare workers was high (9.6% and 54%, respectively) and we illustrated how transmission chains can be dissected at high resolution combining virus sequences and spatio-temporal networks of human interactions.ConclusionsEarly spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe was catalysed by superspreading events and regional hotspots during the winter holiday season. Genomic epidemiology can be employed to trace viral spread and inform effective containment strategies.

Oscillometric versus invasive blood pressure measurement in patients with shock: a prospective observational study in the emergency department.

In emergency medicine, blood pressure is often measured by an oscillometric device using an upper arm cuff. However, measurement accuracy of this technique in patients suffering from hypotensive shock has not been sufficiently evaluated. We designed a prospective observational study investigating the accuracy of an oscillometric device in hypotensive patients admitted to the resuscitation area of the emergency department. Patients admitted to the resuscitation area of a university hospital, who were equipped with an arterial catheter and found to be hypotensive (mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg) were eligible for the study. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously via upper arm cuff and invasively under routine clinical conditions. After data extraction, Bland-Altman analysis, correlation coefficient and percentage error of mean and systolic blood pressure pairs were performed. We analysed 75 simultaneously obtained blood pressure measurements of 30 patients in hypotension, 11 (37%) were female, median age was 76.5 years (IQR 63-82). Oscillometric MAP was markedly higher than invasive MAP with a mean of the differences of 13 ± 15 mmHg (oscillometric-invasive), 95% limits of agreement - 16 to 41 mmHg, percentage error was 76%. In 64% of readings, values obtained by the upper arm cuff were not able to detect hypotension. Oscillometric blood pressure measurement is not able to reliably detect hypotension in emergency patients. Therefore, direct measurement of blood pressure should be established as soon as possible in patients suffering from shock.

Implementation of strategies to prevent and treat postoperative delirium in the post-anesthesia caring unit : A German survey of current practice.

Postoperative delirium is associated with worse outcome. The aim of this study was to understand present strategies for delirium screening and therapy in German Post-Anesthesia-Caring-Units (PACU). We designed a German-wide web-based questionnaire which was sent to 922 chairmen of anesthesiologic departments and to 726 anesthetists working in ambulatory surgery. The response rate was 30% for hospital anesthesiologists. 10% (95%-confidence interval: 8-12) of the anesthesiologists applied a standardised screening for delirium. Even though not on a regular basis, in 44% (41-47) of the hospitals, a recommended and validated screening was used, the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDesc) or the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). If delirium was likely to occur, 46% (43-50) of the patients were examined using a delirium tool. 20% (17-23) of the patients were screened in intensive care units. For the treatment of delirium, alpha-2-agonists (83%, 80-85) were used most frequently for vegetative symptoms, benzodiazepines for anxiety in 71% (68-74), typical neuroleptics in 77% (71-82%) of patients with psychotic symptoms and in 20% (15-25) in patients with hypoactive delirium. 45% (39-51) of the respondents suggested no therapy for this entity. Monitoring of delirium is not established as a standard procedure in German PACUs. However, symptom-oriented therapy for postoperative delirium corresponds with current guidelines.

Testing mechanical chest compression devices of different design for their suitability for prehospital patient transport - a simulator-based study.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical chest compression (mCPR) offers advantages during transport under cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Little is known how devices of different design perform en-route. Aim of the study was to measure performance of mCPR devices of different construction-design during ground-based pre-hospital transport. METHODS: We tested animax mono (AM), autopulse (AP), corpuls cpr (CC) and LUCAS2 (L2). The route had 6 stages (transport on soft stretcher or gurney involving a stairwell, trips with turntable ladder, rescue basket and ambulance including loading/unloading). Stationary mCPR with the respective device served as control. A four-person team carried an intubated and bag-ventilated mannequin under mCPR to assess device-stability (displacement, pressure point correctness), compliance with 2015 ERC guideline criteria for high-quality chest compressions (frequency, proportion of recommended pressure depth and compression-ventilation ratio) and user satisfaction (by standardized questionnaire). RESULTS: All devices performed comparable to stationary use. Displacement rates ranged from 83% (AM) to 11% (L2). Two incorrect pressure points occurred over 15,962 compressions (0.013%). Guideline-compliant pressure depth was > 90% in all devices. Electrically powered devices showed constant frequencies while muscle-powered AM showed more variability (median 100/min, interquartile range 9). Although physical effort of AM use was comparable (median 4.0 vs. 4.5 on visual scale up to 10), participants preferred electrical devices. CONCLUSION: All devices showed good to very good performance although device-stability, guideline compliance and user satisfaction varied by design. Our results underline the importance to check stability and connection to patient under transport.

[Tranexamic acid for bleeding prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery and trauma-standard or customized therapy?] / Tranexamsäure zur Blutungsprophylaxe bei Trauma und orthopädischen Eingriffen ­ Standard oder individualisierte Anwendung?

The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is established in the treatment of bleeding, especially of bleeding due to hyperfibrinolysis. In recent years the prophylactic use of TXA in trauma and orthopedic surgery has increased leading to open questions regarding potentially associated risks and a possible classification as off label use. The available literature provides a sound basis for the recommendation that TXA can be used in these indications provided that an individual risk assessment is done in patients with increased risks for thromboembolic complications. Although the prophylactic use of TXA in orthopedic surgery and trauma is not explicitly listed in the product characteristics, it should not be regarded as an off label use.

[Characteristics and outcome of 70 ventilated COVID-19 patients : Summary after the first wave at a university center]. / Charakteristika und Outcome von 70 beatmeten COVID-19-Patienten : Bilanz nach der ersten Welle an einem universitären Zentrum.

BACKGROUND: In a pandemic situation the overall mortality rate is of considerable interest; however, these data must always be seen in relation to the given healthcare system and the availability of local level of care. A recently published German data evaluation of more than 10,000 COVID-19 patients treated in 920 hospitals showed a high mortality rate of 22% in hospitalized patients and of more than 50% in patients requiring invasive ventilation. Because of the high infection rates in Bavaria, a large number of COVID-19 patients with considerable severity of disease were treated at the intensive care units of the LMU hospital. The LMU hospital is a university hospital and a specialized referral center for the treatment of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). OBJECTIVE: Data of LMU intensive care unit (ICU) patients were systematically evaluated and compared with the recently published German data. METHODS: Data of all COVID-19 patients with invasive and noninvasive ventilation and with completed admission at the ICU of the LMU hospital until 31 July 2020 were collected. Data were processed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In total 70 critically ill patients were included in the data evaluation. The median SAPS II on admission to the ICU was 62 points. The median age was 66 years and 81% of the patients were male. More than 90% were diagnosed with ARDS and received invasive ventilation. Treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was necessary in 10% of the patients. The median duration of ventilation was 16 days, whereby 34.3% of patients required a tracheostomy. Of the patients 27.1% were transferred to the LMU hospital from external hospitals with reference to our ARDS/ECMO program. Patients from external hospitals had ARDS of higher severity than the total study population. In total, nine different substances were used for virus-specific treatment of COVID-19. The most frequently used substances were hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Immunomodulatory treatment, such as Cytosorb® (18.6%) and methylprednisolone (25.7%) were also frequently used. The overall in-hospital mortality rate of ICU patients requiring ventilation was 28.6%. The mortality rates of patients from external hospitals, patients with renal replacement therapy and patients with ECMO therapy were 47.4%, 56.7% and 85.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate in the ventilated COVID-19 intensive care patients was considerably different from the general rate in Germany. The data showed that treatment in an ARDS referral center could result in a lower mortality rate. Low-dose administration of steroids may be another factor to improve patient outcome in a preselected patient population. In the authors' opinion, critically ill COVID-19 patients should be treated in an ARDS center provided that sufficient resources are available.

A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). RESULTS: Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635). CONCLUSION: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jacob M, Sahu S, Singh YP, Mehta Y, Yang K-Y, Kuo S-W, et al. A Prospective Observational Study of Rational Fluid Therapy in Asian Intensive Care Units: Another Puzzle Piece in Fluid Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1028-1036.

Effect of iloprost inhalation on postoperative outcome in high-risk cardiac surgical patients: a prospective randomized-controlled multicentre trial (ILOCARD).

PURPOSE: Perioperative right ventricular (RV) failure due to pressure overload from pulmonary hypertension (PH) worsens postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Inhaled iloprost is a potent pulmonary vasodilator improving RV performance, ameliorating myocardial and pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury and attenuating inflammation. We hypothesized that the prophylactic inhalation of iloprost would reduce postoperative ventilation times after cardiac surgery. METHODS: In this phase III, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 253 cardiac surgical patients at high risk of perioperative RV failure to the prophylactic inhalation of 20 µg iloprost or placebo before and during weaning from extracorporeal circulation. The primary endpoint was the duration of postoperative ventilation. Secondary endpoints included perioperative hemodynamics, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and 90-day mortality. Safety was assessed by the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Iloprost had no significant effect on the median [interquartile range] duration of postoperative ventilation compared with placebo (720 [470-1170] min vs 778 [541-1219] min, respectively; median decrease, 65 min; 95% confidence interval [CI], - 77 to 210; P = 0.37). While the nebulization of iloprost decreased RV afterload and improved cardiac index, major secondary endpoints were not significantly affected. Ninety-day mortality occurred in 14% of the iloprost patients compared with 14% of the placebo patients (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.89; P = 0.93). The incidence of adverse events was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic inhalation of iloprost did not meaningfully improve the outcome in high-risk cardiac surgical patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00927654); registered 25 June, 2009.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: L'insuffisance cardiaque droite périopératoire due à une surcharge de pression provoquée par l'hypertension pulmonaire (HP) a un impact négatif sur le pronostic postopératoire après une chirurgie cardiaque. L'iloprost administré par inhalation est un vasodilatateur pulmonaire puissant qui améliore la performance du ventricule droit (VD), réduisant ainsi la lésion d'ischémie-reperfusion myocardique et pulmonaire et atténuant l'inflammation. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse qu'une inhalation prophylactique d'iloprost réduirait les temps de ventilation postopératoire après une chirurgie cardiaque. MéTHODE: Dans cette étude multicentrique de phase III, contrôlée par placebo, à double insu et randomisée, nous avons distribué aléatoirement 253 patients chirurgicaux courant un risque élevé d'insuffisance cardiaque droite périopératoire à une prophylaxie de 20 µg d'iloprost ou d'un placebo par inhalation avant et pendant le sevrage de la circulation extracorporelle. Le critère d'évaluation principal était la durée de ventilation postopératoire. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires étaient les données hémodynamiques périopératoires, la durée de séjour à l'unité de soins intensifs et à l'hôpital, et la mortalité à 90 jours. L'innocuité a été évaluée en fonction de l'incidence d'événements indésirables. RéSULTATS: L'iloprost n'a pas eu d'effet significatif sur la durée médiane [écart interquartile] de ventilation postopératoire par rapport au placebo (720 [470­1170] min vs 778 [541­1219] min, respectivement; réduction médiane, 65 min; intervalle de confiance [IC] 95 %, − 77 à 210; P = 0,37). Bien que la nébulisation d'iloprost ait réduit la post-charge du VD et amélioré l'index cardiaque, cette manœuvre n'a pas eu d'impact significatif sur les critères d'évaluation secondaires majeurs. Une mortalité à 90 jours a été observée chez 14 % des patients ayant reçu de l'iloprost, comparativement à 14 % des patients ayant reçu un placebo (rapport de risque, 0,97; IC 95 %, 0,50 à 1,89; P = 0,93). L'incidence d'événements indésirables était comparable dans les deux groupes. CONCLUSION: L'inhalation prophylactique d'iloprost n'a pas amélioré le pronostic des patients de chirurgie cardiaque à haut risque. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00927654); enregistrée le 25 juin 2009.

Intraoperative Anesthetic Management of Lung Transplantation: Center-Specific Practices and Geographic and Centers Size Differences.

OBJECTIVE: Although increasing evidence in lung transplantation (LTx) suggests that intraoperative management could influence outcomes, there are no guidelines available regarding intraoperative management of LTx. The overall goal of the study was to assess geographic and center volume-specific clinical practices in perioperative management. DESIGN: Prospective data analysis. SETTING: Online survey from a single-center university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: European and non-European LTx centers. INTERVENTIONS: An online survey was sent to 176 centers currently performing LTx procedures. It covered organizational data, general anesthesia considerations, fluid therapy and coagulation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies, and ventilation strategies. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The response rates were 57.5% (n = 42) from European and 32% (n = 33) from non-European countries. Significant differences between European and non-European countries were use of volatile hypnotics (p = 0.016), use of sufentanil (p < 0.001), inotropic agents (p = 0.001) and colloid infusion (p < 0.001), use of calibrated pulse contour analysis (p = 0.004), use of intraoperative traditional laboratory-based coagulation tests (p = 0.001) and platelet function analysis (p = 0.005), and use of higher peak inspiratory pressure (p = 0.009). Center volume-specific differences were use of fentanyl (p = 0.03) and the use of higher peak inspiratory pressure (p = 0.005) for ventilation. Induction of anesthesia and use of advanced hemodynamic monitoring, therapy for pulmonary hypertension, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapies, and ventilation strategies were not different among the centers. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrated for the first time statistically significant differences among European and non-European centers and among low- versus high-volume centers regarding intraoperative management during LTx. These observations will be of some guidance for the LTx community and may trigger more extensive studies.

Alveolar Epithelial A2B Adenosine Receptors in Pulmonary Protection during Acute Lung Injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute inflammatory lung disease that causes morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. However, there are many instances where ALI resolves spontaneously through endogenous pathways that help to control excessive lung inflammation. Previous studies have implicated the extracellular signaling molecule adenosine and signaling events through the A2B adenosine receptor in lung protection. In this context, we hypothesized that tissue-specific expression of the A2B adenosine receptor is responsible for the previously described attenuation of ALI. To address this hypothesis, we exposed mice with tissue-specific deletion of Adora2b to ALI, utilizing a two-hit model where intratracheal LPS treatment is followed by injurious mechanical ventilation. Interestingly, a head-to-head comparison of mice with deletion of Adora2b in the myeloid lineage (Adora2b(loxP/loxP) LysM Cre(+)), endothelial cells (Adora2b(loxP/loxP) VE-cadherin Cre(+)), or alveolar epithelial cells (Adora2b(loxP/loxP) SPC Cre(+)) revealed a selective increase in disease susceptibility in Adora2b(loxP/loxP) SPC Cre(+) mice. More detailed analysis of Adora2b(loxP/loxP) SPC Cre(+) mice confirmed elevated lung inflammation and attenuated alveolar fluid clearance. To directly deliver an A2B adenosine receptor-specific agonist to alveolar epithelial cells, we subsequently performed studies with inhaled BAY 60-6583. Indeed, aerosolized BAY 60-6583 treatment was associated with attenuated pulmonary edema, improved histologic lung injury, and dampened lung inflammation. Collectively, these findings suggest that alveolar epithelial A2B adenosine receptor signaling contributes to lung protection, and they implicate inhaled A2B adenosine receptor agonists in ALI treatment.

The impact of continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring on blood pressure stability during general anaesthesia in orthopaedic patients: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing general anaesthesia, intraoperative hypotension occurs frequently and is associated with adverse outcomes such as postoperative acute kidney failure, myocardial infarction or stroke. A history of chronic hypertension renders patients more susceptible to a decrease in blood pressure (BP) after induction of general anaesthesia. As a patient's BP is generally monitored intermittently via an upper arm cuff, there may be a delay in the detection of hypotension by the anaesthetist. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigates whether the presence of continuous BP monitoring leads to improved BP stability. DESIGN: Randomised, controlled and single-centre study. PATIENTS: A total of 160 orthopaedic patients undergoing general anaesthesia with a history of chronic hypertension. INTERVENTION: The patients were randomised to either a study group (n = 77) that received continuous non-invasive BP monitoring in addition to oscillometric intermittent monitoring, or a control group (n = 83) whose BP was monitored intermittently only. The interval for oscillometric measurements in both groups was set to 3 min. After induction of general anaesthesia, oscillometric BP values of the two groups were compared for the first hour of the procedure. Anaesthetists were blinded to the purpose of the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: BP stability and hypotensive events. RESULTS: There was no difference in baseline BP between the groups. After adjustment for multiple testing, mean arterial BP in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group at 12 and 15 min. Mean ±â€ŠSD for study and control group, respectively were: 12 min, 102 ±â€Š24 vs. 90 ±â€Š26 mmHg (P = 0.039) and 15 min, 102 ±â€Š21 vs. 90 ±â€Š23 mmHg (P = 0.023). Hypotensive readings below a mean pressure of 55 mmHg occurred more often in the control group (25 vs. 7, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Continuous monitoring contributes to BP stability in the studied population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02519101.

Comparison of an advanced minimally invasive cardiac output monitoring with a continuous invasive cardiac output monitoring during lung transplantation.

The aim of this study was to compare a continuous non-calibrated left heart cardiac index (CI) measurement by arterial waveform analysis (FloTrac(®)/Vigileo(®)) with a continuous calibrated right heart CI measurement by pulmonary artery thermodilution (CCOmbo-PAC(®)/Vigilance II(®)) for hemodynamic monitoring during lung transplantation. CI was measured simultaneously by both techniques in 13 consecutive lung transplants (n = 4 single-lung transplants, n = 9 sequential double-lung transplants) at distinct time points perioperatively. Linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis with percentage error calculation were used for statistical comparison of CI measurements by both techniques. In this study the FloTrac(®) system underestimated the CI in comparison with the continuous pulmonary arterial thermodilution (p < 0.000). For all measurement pairs we calculated a bias of -0.55 l/min/m(2) with limits of agreement between -2.31 and 1.21 l/min/m(2) and a percentage error of 55 %. The overall correlations before clamping a branch oft the pulmonary artery (percentage error 41 %) and during the clamping periods of a branch oft the pulmonary artery (percentage error 66 %) failed to reached the required percentage error of less than 30 %. We found good agreement of both CI measurements techniques only during the measurement point "15 min after starting the second one-lung ventilation period" (percentage error 30 %). No agreement was found during all other measurement points. This pilot study shows for the first time that the CI of the FloTrac(®) system is not comparable with the continuous pulmonary-artery thermodilution during lung transplantation including the time periods without clamping a branch of the pulmonary artery. Arterial waveform and continuous pulmonary artery thermodilution are, therefore, not interchangeable during these complex operations.