[Core curriculum Medical intensive care medicine of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN)]. / Curriculum Internistische Intensivmedizin.

Medical intensive care medicine treats patients with severe, potentially life-threatening diseases covering the complete spectrum of internal medicine. The qualification in medical intensive care medicine requires a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills in medical intensive care medicine, but also in the general field of internal medicine. Both sides of the coin must be taken into account, the treatment with life-sustaining strategies of the acute illness of the patient and also the treatment of patient's underlying chronic diseases. The indispensable foundation of medical intensive care medicine as described in this curriculum includes basic knowledge and skills (level of competence I-III) as well as of behavior and attitudes. This curriculum is primarily dedicated to the internist in advanced training in medical intensive care medicine. However, this curriculum also intends to reach trainers in intensive care medicine and also the German physician chambers with their examiners, showing them which knowledge, skills as well as behavior and attitudes should be taught to trainees according to the education criteria of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN).

["Hybrid tracheostomy": a low risk procedure for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients]. / "Hybridtracheostomie" ­ ein risikoarmes Verfahren der Tracheostomie bei COVID-19-Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy in ventilated patients suffering from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) carries an increased risk of exposure to virus-containing aerosol for the staff. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of a risk-reduced procedure for tracheostomy. METHOD: Presentation of "hybrid tracheostomy": a method combining the advantages of conventional surgical and percutaneous dilative tracheostomy. RESULTS: Tracheostomy of six patients using the hybrid method without any complications. CONCLUSION: "Hybrid tracheostomy" offers a minimally invasive and safe procedure with low risk of exposure to virus-containing aerosol.

[Diagnosis of sepsis and guidance of antibiotic therapy]. / Sepsisdiagnostik und Antibiotikasteuerung.

There is a widespread use of biomarkers in modern intensive care. The potential benefit for the patients is, however, not fully investigated. This paper will discuss biomarkers regarding the diagnosis of infections and their potential use in antibiotic stewardship programs (ABS) in order to guide antimicrobial therapy. In the field of infections, procalcitonin (PCT) seems to be the most widespread marker. PCT is able to differentiate between inflammation and infection. Also, in the context of ABS rounds, PCT is well established.

An outbreak of hospital-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection caused by contaminated bottled water in intensive care units.

This study describes an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections caused by contaminated bottled still water (BSW) in six intensive care units (ICUs) of a German university hospital. Clinical and environmental samples from these units were cultured and genotyped by amplified fragment-length polymorphism and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. Microbiological results were reviewed on a weekly basis to determine the number of P. aeruginosa infections and colonisations of ICU patients. Clinical specimens from 19 ICU patients--15 infections and four colonisations--yielded the same strain of P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, four of 103 environmental samples also yielded P. aeruginosa. However, only a P. aeruginosa strain isolated from unopened BSW was genetically identical to the P. aeruginosa strain isolated from the patients. In the 42-week period before the outbreak, the mean weekly number of new ICU patients infected or colonised with P. aeruginosa was 46.9 (95% CI 40.7-53.1)/1000 bed-days. During the 6-week period of the outbreak, the weekly number of new patients with P. aeruginosa was 88.9 (95% CI 54.3-122.2)/1000 bed-days. This number returned to the previous level after removal of the BSW. Thus, the microbiological and epidemiological findings revealed that the outbreak was related to BSW contaminated with P. aeruginosa. It was concluded that all untested BSW should be removed from ICUs.

[Metabolic management and nutrition in critically ill patients with renal dysfunction : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN, and DIVI]. / Metabolische Führung und Ernährung von Intensivpatienten mit renaler Dysfunktion : Empfehlungen der Sektionen Niere der DGIIN, ÖGIAIN und DIVI.

BACKGROUND: Intensive care patients with renal failure or insufficiency comprise a heterogeneous group of subjects with widely differing metabolic patterns and nutritional requirements. They include subjects with various stages of acute kidney injury (AKI), acute-on-chronic renal failure (A-CKD), without/with renal replacement therapy (RRT), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and subjects on regular hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis therapy (HD/PD). GOALS: Development of recommendations by the renal section of DGIIN (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin), ÖGIAIN (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin) and DIVI (Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin) for the metabolic management and the planning, indication, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition therapy in this heterogeneous group of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recommendations are based on recent evidence and current recommendations of DGEM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährungsmedizin), ASPEN (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition) and ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) and also the KDGIO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) clinical practice guidelines for AKI and the expert knowledge and clinical experience of the authors. RESULTS: Nutrition support in these patient groups is not fundamentally different from that in other disease states but must consider the multiple variations in metabolism and nutrient requirements. Nutrition therapy must be adapted to the stage of disease and especially, in those patients on RRT. Nutritional needs can differ widely between patients but also in the same patient during the course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the patient with renal failure requires an individualized approach in nutrition support and because of the altered metabolism of many nutrients and intolerances for electrolytes and fluids, the nutrition support in patients with renal insufficiency requires close clinical and laboratory monitoring.

[Regional citrate anticoagulation in renal replacement therapy in the intensive care station : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN and DIVI]. / Regionale Zitratantikoagulation bei Nierenersatzverfahren auf der Intensivstation : Empfehlungen der Sektionen Niere der DGIIN, ÖGIAIN und DIVI.

BACKGROUND: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in continuous renal replacement therapy can effectively anticoagulate dialysis circuits without having adverse effects on systemic heparin application. In particular, in continuous renal replacement therapy RCA is well established and represents a safe procedure with longer filter lifetimes and fewer bleeding complications. OBJECTIVES: To provide guidance on the indications, advantages and disadvantages, and use of RCA, current recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN (Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin), ÖGIAIN (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin) and DIVI (Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin) are stated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recommendations in this paper are based on the current KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines, other published guidelines and protocols as well as the expert knowledge and clinical experience of the authors. RESULTS: The use of commercially available machines with coupled pumps and integrated safety features, effective personal training and standardized protocols for clinical usage (SOP) is particularly important for the safe clinical use of RCA in renal replacement therapy. Contrary to previous recommendations, even liver failure or shock with lactic acidosis may no longer be an absolute contra-indication for RCA. However, these particular patients have to be carefully monitored for signs of citrate accumulation.

[Prevention of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN and DIVI]. / Prävention der akuten Nierenschädigung beim kritisch kranken Patienten : Empfehlungen der Sektionen Niere der DGIIN, ÖGIAIN und DIVI.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) has both high mortality and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To prevent the occurrence of AKI, current recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN (Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin), ÖGIAIN (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin) and DIVI (Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin) are stated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recommendations stated in this paper are based on the current Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, the published statements of the "Working Group on Prevention, AKI section of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine" and the expert knowledge and clinical experience of the authors. RESULTS: Currently there are no approved clinically effective drugs for the prevention of AKI. Therefore the mainstay of prevention is the optimization of renal perfusion by improving the mean arterial pressure (>65 mm Hg, higher target may be considered in hypertensive patients). This can be done by vasopressors, preferably norepinephrine and achieving or maintaining euvolemia. Hyperhydration that can lead to AKI itself should be avoided. In patients with maintained diuresis this can be done by diuretics that are per se no preventive drug for AKI. Radiocontrast enhanced imaging should not be withheld from patients at risk for AKI; if indicated, however, the contrast media should be limited to the smallest possible volume.

[Extracorporeal renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN and DIVI]. / Extrakorporale Nierenersatztherapie bei akuter Nierenschädigung : Empfehlungen der Sektionen "Niere" der DGIIN, ÖGIAIN und DIVI.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The incidence of AKI in ICU patients exceeds 50% and the associated morbidity and mortality rates increase with severity of AKI. In addition, long-term consequences of AKI are underestimated and several studies show impaired long-term outcome after AKI. In about 5-25% of ICU patients with AKI renal replacement therapy (RRT) is required. OBJECTIVES: To assist in indication, timing, modality and application of renal replacement therapy of adult patients, current recommendations from the renal sections of the DGIIN (Deutschen Gesellschaft für Internistische Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin), ÖGIAIN (Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Internistische und Allgemeine Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin) and DIVI (Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin) are stated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recommendations stated in this paper are based on the current KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines, recommendations from the 17th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) Consensus Group, the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF) with the French Society of Anesthesia Intensive Care (SFAR) and the expert knowledge and clinical experience of the authors. RESULTS: Today, different treatment modalities for RRT are available. Although continuous RRT and intermittent dialysis therapy as well as continuous dialysis therapy have comparable outcomes, differences exist with respect to practical application as well as health-economic aspects. Individualized risk stratification might be helpful to choose the right time to start and the right treatment modality for patients.

[Dose adjustment of anti-infective drugs in patients with renal failure and renal replacement therapy in intensive care medicine : Recommendations from the renal section of the DGIIN, ÖGIAIN and DIVI]. / Dosierung von Antiinfektiva bei Nierenversagen und Nierenersatztherapie in der Intensivmedizin : Empfehlungen der Sektionen Niere der DGIIN, ÖGIAIN und DIVI.

BACKGROUND: Many anti-infective drugs require dose adjustments in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal replacement therapy, in order to achieve adequate therapeutic drug concentrations. OBJECTIVES: The fundamental pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of drug dose adjustment are presented. Recommendations on anti-infective drug dosage in intensive care are provided. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We established dose recommendations of selected anti-infective drugs based on information in the summary of product characteristics, published studies and recommendations, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations, and the experience and expert opinion of the authors. RESULTS: Out of a total of 37 anti-infective drugs (31 antibiotics, 2 antivirals, 4 antifungals) 8 can be administered independent of renal function. For 29 anti-infective drugs, a specific recommendation on drug dosage could be made in case of intermittent hemodialysis and for 24 anti-infective drugs in case of continuous hemo(dia)filtration. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations on dosing of important anti-infective drugs in critically ill patients with AKI and renal replacement therapy are provided.

Extensive coronary thrombosis in thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura.

We describe a case of a 41-year-old female patient who was admitted with typical signs of thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura. Markers of myocardial ischemia (Troponin T, CK, CK-MB) were even present at admission without symptoms of angina pectoris. Only a few hours after admission the patient developed all signs of cardiogenic shock with subsequently cardiac arrest. Postmortal coronary angiographies showed occlusions in all coronary arteries with significant myocardial necrosis. We are unaware of any report that describes macrovascular occlusions in thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura.

[Patients with sepsis]. / Der septische Patient.

Sepsis is still the leading cause of mortality in noncardiac intensive care units. The new definition of sepsis emphasizes the importance of organ dysfunction. The Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is an indicator for organ dysfunction. The diagnosis of sepsis is for the most part made on clinical parameters with an altered mental status being a very sensitive indicator. Microbiological work-up is essential and two sets of blood cultures are the recommended minimum. Management includes prompt initiation of adequate antibiotic treatment and swift fluid resuscitation. Overinfusion is to be avoided as this itself can have a negative impact on patient outcome.

Plasma cortisol levels before and during "low-dose" hydrocortisone therapy and their relationship to hemodynamic improvement in patients with septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To compare cortisol levels during "low-dose" hydrocortisone therapy to basal and ACTH-stimulated endogenous levels and to assess whether clinical course and the need for catecholamines depend on cortisol levels and/or pretreatment adrenocortical responsiveness. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational study in a medical ICU of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty consecutive patients with septic shock and a cardiac index of 3.5 l/min or higher, started on "low-dose" hydrocortisone therapy (100 mg bolus, 10 mg/h for 7 days and subsequent tapering) within 72 h of the onset of shock. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Basal total and free plasma cortisol levels ranged from 203 to 2169 and from 17 to 372 nmol/l. In 11 patients cortisol production was considered "inadequate" because there was neither a response to ACTH of at least 200 nmol/l nor a baseline level of at least 1000 nmol/l. Following the initiation of hydrocortisone therapy total and free cortisol levels increased 4.2- and 8.5-fold to median levels of 3,587 (interquartile range 2,679-5,220) and 1,210 (interquartile range 750-1,846) nmol/l on day 1, and thereafter declined to median levels of 1,310 nmol/l and 345 nmol/l on day 7. Patients with "inadequate" steroid production could be weaned from vasopressor therapy significantly faster, although their plasma free cortisol concentrations during the hydrocortisone treatment period did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: (a) During proposed regimens of "low-dose" hydrocortisone therapy, initially achieved plasma cortisol concentrations considerably exceed basal and ACTH stimulated levels. (b) Cortisol concentrations decline subsequently, despite continuous application of a constant dose. (c) "Inadequate" endogenous steroid production appears to sensitize patients to the hemodynamic effects of a "therapeutic rise" in plasma cortisol levels.

Massive elevation of procalcitonin plasma levels in the absence of infection in kidney transplant patients treated with pan-T-cell antibodies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of procalcitonin (PCT) monitoring in transplant patients receiving pan-T-cell antibody therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: A collaborative study between the Institute of Medical Immunology, the Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care, both Charite, Humboldt University Berlin, and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Friedrichshain Hospital, Berlin, Germany. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Thirty-one patients were included in the study: 8 kidney transplant patients with acute rejection episodes, 5 receiving OKT3 monoclonal antibody therapy, 3 receiving steroid bolus therapy; 21 patients undergoing renal transplantation, 11 receiving ATG perioperatively, 10 without ATG administration; 2 patients undergoing renal transplantation and receiving anti-IL-2R mAb. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Procalcitonin (PCT) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha plasma levels were measured in infection-free transplant patients treated with the pan-T-cell antibodies ATG or OKT3. We found PCT plasma concentrations up to 600 ng/ml (reference < 0.5 ng/ ml), which are comparable to those seen in severe sepsis. Increases in TNF-alpha plasma levels preceded the rises in PCT. After peaking on day 1 of therapy the PCT plasma concentrations returned to normal values independently of further antibody administration. In contrast, steroid bolus therapy or anti-interleukin 2 receptor mAb administration did not increase plasma PCT or TNF-alpha levels. CONCLUSIONS: PCT monitoring for evaluating infectious complications in kidney transplant patients must be very careful during pan-T-cell antibody therapy.

Kinetics and characteristics of an acute phase response following cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation and hypoxia are frequently associated, but their interaction is poorly understood. In vitro studies have shown that hypoxia stimulates the genes of acute phase proteins (APP) and cytokines known to induce APP. We decided to determine kinetics and potential determinants of an acute phase response after cardiac arrest and to assess whether isolated moderate hypoxia can induce APP in humans in vivo. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study in patients and human experiment. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: 22 patients after primarily successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 7 healthy volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: None in patients; exposure of volunteers to simulated altitude (460 torr/6 h). RESULTS: Following CPR, type-1 APP (C-reactive protein, alpha 1-acidglycoprotein, serum amyloid A) and type-2 APP (haptoglobin, alpha 1-antitrypsin) increased consistently within 1-2 days and the 'negative' APP transferrin was downregulated. This APP response occurred irrespective of the cause of arrest, the estimated time of anoxia, clinical course or patient outcome and was not different in patients with and without infectious complications. Exposure of healthy volunteers to less severe but more prolonged hypoxia did not induce APP, although a time dependent increase of serum erythropoietin (EPO) was measurable under these conditions, indicating the activation of oxygen dependent gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: (i) A marked acute phase response occurs regularly after cardiac arrest, but within the complexity of this situation the severity of hypoxia is not a predominant determinant of this response. (ii) Despite in vitro evidence for similarities in the oxygen dependent regulation of APP and EPO production, the oxygen sensitivity of these proteins in vivo is different. (iii) Measurements of APP are not revealing regarding infectious complications in the early phase after CPR.

[Reversible cyclosporin A-induced leukoencephalopathy: a case report and differential diagnosis discussion]. / Reversible Cyclosporin-A-induzierte Leukenzephalopathie--Fallbeschreibung und differential-diagnostische Uberlegungen.

The pathogenesis of Cyclosporin A (CsA) induced toxic leukoencephalopathy is unclear. CCT and CMRI reveal hypodense respectively hyperintense bilateral and symmetrical changes predominantly in the posterior white matter. We report a patient with a severe CsA induced toxic leukoencephalopathy in whom clinical symptoms (complete loss of brainstem functions, coma) and morphological changes in CCT and CMRI were completely reversible after immunosuppression with CsA has been stopped. We furthermore discuss the differential diagnoses of CCT and CMRI findings.