Octogenarians fare better under local anesthesia for elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: With an aging patient population, an increasing number of octogenarians are undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that, for the general population, use of local anesthetic (LA) for EVAR is associated with improved short-term and long-term outcomes as compared with performing these operations under general anesthesia (GA). Therefore, this study aimed to study the association of LA for elective EVARs with perioperative outcomes, among octogenarians. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2021) was used to conduct this study. Octogenarians (Aged ≥80 years) were selected and sorted into two study groups: LA (Group I) and GA (Group II). Our primary outcomes were length of stay and mortality. Secondary outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, return to operating room, cardiopulmonary complications, and discharge location. RESULTS: Of the 16,398 selected patients, 1197 patients (7.3%) were included in Group I, and 15,201 patients (92.7%) were in Group II. Procedural time was significantly shorter for the LA group (114.6 vs 134.6; P < .001), as was estimated blood loss (152 vs 222 cc; P < .001). Length of stay was significantly shorter (1.8 vs 2.6 days; P < .001), and patients were more likely to be discharged home (LA 88.8% vs GA 86.9%; P = .036) in the LA group. Group I also experienced fewer pulmonary complications; only 0.17% experienced pneumonia and 0.42% required ventilator support compared with 0.64% and 1.02% in Group II, respectively. This finding corresponded to fewer days in the intensive care unit for Group I (0.41 vs 0.69 days; P < .001). No significant difference was seen in 30-day mortality cardiac, renal, or access site-related complications. Return to operating room was also equivocal between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed GA was associated with a significantly longer length of stay and significantly higher rates of non-home discharge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; P < .001 and AOR, 1.40; P = .025, respectively). When stratified by the New York Heart Association classification system, classes I, II, III, and IV (1.55; P < .001; 1.26; P = .029; 2.03; P < .001; 4.07; P < .001, respectively) were associated with significantly longer hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LA for EVARs in octogenarians is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer respiratory complications, and home discharge. These patients also experienced shorter procedure times and less blood loss. There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality, return to operating room, or access-related complications. LA for octogenarians undergoing EVAR should be considered more frequently to shorten hospital stays and decrease complication rates.

Preoperative leukocytosis among female patients predicts poor postoperative outcomes following endovascular aneurysm repair for intact infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: Elevated white blood cell count (WBC) can be predictive of adverse outcomes following vascular interventions, but the association has not established using multi-institutional data. We evaluated the predictive value of preoperative WBC after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for nonruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in a nationally representative surgical database. METHODS: Patients with nonruptured AAA undergoing EVAR were identified in the vascular-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with WBC <10 K/µL and WBC ≥10 K/µL. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the odds of outcomes. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Multiple secondary outcomes including length of stay (LOS) > 1 week, 30-day readmission, lower extremity (LE) ischemia, ischemic colitis, myocardial infarction, and others were assessed based on WBC and patient sex. RESULTS: A total of 10,955 patients were included, with a mean WBC 7.7 ± 2.7 K/µL. Patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL were younger (71.8 ± 9.5 years vs 74.1 ± 8.7 years; P < .001) and were more likely to be diabetic, on steroids, smokers, functionally dependent, and presenting emergently (all P ≤ .009). Aneurysm diameter was larger in patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL (5.9 ± 1.5 cm vs 5.7 ± 1.5 cm; P < .001). Patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL had more mortality (2.4% vs 1.3%), LOS >1 week (13.5% vs 6.7%), 30-day readmissions (9.8% vs 7.3%), LE ischemia (2.3% vs 1.4%), ischemic colitis (1.2% vs 0.5%), and myocardial infarction (2.0% vs 1.1%) (all P ≤ .008). Female patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL, compared with male patients with WBC ≥10 K/µL, had more adverse events, including mortality, LOS >1 week, 30-day readmission, and LE ischemia (all P ≤ .025). With each incremental increase in WBC by 1 K/µL, the adjusted odds ratio of adverse outcomes for all patient was higher (mortality: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.10; readmission: 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; LOS >1 week: 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.10; and ischemic colitis: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16; all P < .05). The effect was more pronounced in female patients and was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: WBC is a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing EVAR for nonruptured AAA. After adjusting for associated risk factors, the effect of increasing WBC was more prominent for female patients. Preoperative WBC should be used as a prognostic factor to predict adverse outcomes among patients undergoing EVAR.

Preoperative Dependent Functional Status Is Associated With Poor Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stenting in Both Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Both Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are the most common procedures to treat patients with symptomatic, and asymptomatic high-grade carotid stenosis. Poor preoperative functional status (FS) is increasingly being recognized as predictor for postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of preoperative functional status on the outcomes of patients who undergo CEA or CAS. METHODS: Data was obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from the years 2011-2018. All patients in the database who underwent CEA or CAS during this time period were identified. Patients were then further divided into 2 subgroups: FS-Independent and FS-dependent. Bivariate and multivariate analyses was performed for pre, intra and post-operative variables with functional status. Outcomes for treatment of symptomatic carotid disease were compared to those with asymptomatic disease among the cohort of functionally dependent patients. RESULTS: A total of 27,163 patients (61.2% Males, 38.8% Females) underwent CEA (n = 26,043) or CAS (n = 1,120) from 2011-2018. Overall, primary outcomes were as follows: mortality 0.77% (n = 210) and stroke 1.87% (n = 507).Risk adjusted multivariate analysis showed that FS-D patients undergoing CEA had higher mortality (AOR 3.06, CI 1.90-4.92, P < 0.001), longer operative times (AOR 1.36, CI 1.17-1.58, P< 0.001) higher incidence of unplanned reoperation (AOR 1.68, CI 1.19-2.37, P = 0.003), postoperative pneumonia (AOR 5.43, CI 1.62 - 18.11, P = 0.006) and ≥3 day LOS (AOR 3.05, CI 2.62-3.56, P < 0.001) as compared to FS-I patients. FS-D patients undergoing CAS had higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia (AOR 20.81, CI 1.66-261.54, P = 0.019) and higher incidence of LOS ≥3 days (AOR 2.18, CI 1.21-3.93, P < .01) as compared to FS-I patients. Survival analysis showed that the best 30-day survival was observed in FS-I patients undergoing CEA, followed by FS-I patients undergoing CAS, followed by FS-D patients undergoing CEA, followed by FS-D patients undergoing CAS. FS-D status increased mortality after CEA by 2.11%. When the outcomes of CAS and CEA were compared to each other for the cohort of FS-D patients, CAS was associated with higher incidence of stroke (AOR 3.46, CI 0.32-1.97, P= 0.046), shorter operative times (AOR 0.25, CI 0.12-0.52, P < 0.001) and higher incidence of pneumonia (AOR 11.29, CI 1.32-96.74, P = 0.027). Symptomatic patients undergoing CEA had higher LOS as compared to symptomatic patients undergoing CAS, and asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA or CAS. CONCLUSIONS: FS-D patients, undergoing CEA have higher mortality as compared to FS-I patients undergoing CAS. FS-D patients undergoing CAS have higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia and longer LOS as compared to FS-I patients. For the cohort of FS-D patients undergoing either CEA or CAS, CAS was associated with higher risk of stroke and reduced operative times. Risk benefit ratio for any carotid intervention should be carefully assessed before offering it to FS-D patients. Preoperative Dependent Functional Status Is Associated with Poor Outcomes After Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stenting in Both Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients.

The fate of endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair and the impact of oral anticoagulation on their persistence.

BACKGROUND: The impact of anticoagulation on late endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is unclear despite multiple investigators studying the relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine if long-term anticoagulation impacted the development of late endoleaks and if specific anticoagulants were more likely to exacerbate the development of endoleaks. METHODS: Using the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative database, patients undergoing EVAR between 2003 and 2019 for abdominal aortic aneurysms were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those without a late endoleak and those with a late endoleak. Bivariate analysis was performed to assess preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up variables. A multivariable analysis was done to determine associations of independent variables with late endoleaks. Patients were further subcategorized based on anticoagulation status before and after EVAR, specific type of anticoagulation, and the presence of an index endoleaks (diagnosed at the time of EVAR) to determine the subsequent frequency of late endoleaks. RESULTS: A total of 29,783 patients were analyzed with 2169 (7.3%) having a late endoleak identified. Several risk factors were related to late endoleaks, including anticoagulation before and after EVAR (odds ratio [OR], 4.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.57-6.96; P < .001), anticoagulation after EVAR (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.43-2.49; P < .001), and index endoleak (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26-1.66; P < .001). The frequency of late endoleaks in patients anticoagulated before and after EVAR and after EVAR as compared with those never anticoagulated was 16.89% and 14.40% vs 6.95%, respectively (both P > .001). No difference in late endoleaks were noted for patients treated with warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants. The most common type of index and late endoleak identified was type II, but patients with type I, type II, and type IV index endoleaks were more commonly found to have type I, type II, and type IV late endoleaks, respectively. The frequency of late endoleaks in patients with both an index endoleak and anticoagulation after EVAR was 20.42% as compared with patients with only anticoagulation after EVAR (14.63%; P = .0015) and with patients with index endoleaks not anticoagulated (10.06%; P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS: Late endoleaks were more common in patients treated with anticoagulation after EVAR. No difference in late endoleak frequency was detected between anticoagulation with warfarin and novel oral anticoagulants. Patients on anticoagulation and those with an index endoleak were at a higher risk of having a late endoleak.

A meta-analysis and systematic review of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing vascular surgery procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Perioperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is generally considered preventable. Whereas the non-vascular surgery literature is rich in providing data about the impact of VTE prophylaxis on VTE outcomes, vascular surgery data are relatively sparse on this topic. This study sought to evaluate the evidence for VTE prophylaxis specifically for the population of vascular surgery patients. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases in December 2018. Included were studies reporting primary and secondary outcomes for common vascular surgery procedures (open aortic operation, endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR], peripheral artery bypass, amputation, venous reflux operation). A meta-analysis was performed comparing the patients who did not receive VTE prophylaxis and had VTE complications with patients who developed VTE despite receiving prophylaxis. RESULTS: From 3757 uniquely identified articles, 42 publications met the criteria for inclusion in this review (1 for the category of all vascular operations, 5 for open aortic reconstructions, 2 for EVAR, 1 for open aortic surgery or EVAR, 3 for abdominal or bypass surgery, 2 for peripheral bypass surgery, 2 for amputations, 1 for vascular trauma, and 25 for surgical treatment of superficial venous disease). Five studies met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated slightly lower relative risk for development of VTE among patients receiving VTE prophylaxis (relative risk, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-1.87). After open aortic reconstruction, the risk of VTE is 13% to 18% and is not reduced by VTE prophylaxis. For EVAR patients, the risk of VTE without prophylaxis is 6%. For patients undergoing peripheral bypass surgery and not receiving therapeutic or prophylactic anticoagulation, the risk of VTE is <2%. For patients undergoing amputations, VTE prophylaxis reduces the risk of VTE. For patients undergoing surgical treatment of superficial venous disease, there is an abundance of literature exploring the utility of VTE prophylaxis, but the evidence is conflicting; some studies demonstrated a benefit, whereas others showed no reduction of VTE with prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is a paucity of literature that addresses the effectiveness of VTE prophylaxis specifically in the population of vascular surgery patients. Our meta-analysis of the literature does not demonstrate a statistically significant benefit of VTE prophylaxis among the vascular surgery patients evaluated; however, it does suggest a low incidence of VTE among patients who receive VTE prophylaxis. Clinicians should identify the patients at high risk for development of postoperative VTE as the risk-benefit ratio may favor VTE prophylaxis in a selected group of patients. Clinicians should use their judgment and established VTE risk prediction models to assess VTE risk for patients. Vascular surgeons should consider reporting VTE incidence as a secondary outcome in publications.

Factors associated with symptomatic postoperative myocardial infarction after endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has now become the most common operation to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). One of the perceived benefits of EVAR over open AAA repair is reduced incidence of perioperative cardiac complications and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors associated with postoperative myocardial infarction (POMI) in patients who have undergone EVAR. METHODS: Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database for the years 2012 to 2015 in the Participant Use Data File. All patients in the database who underwent EVAR during this time were identified. These patients were then divided into two groups: those with POMI and those without. Bivariate analysis was done for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors, followed by multivariable analysis to determine associations of independent variables with POMI. A risk prediction model for POMI was created to accurately predict incidence of POMI after EVAR. RESULTS: A total of 7702 patients (81.3% male, 18.7% female) were identified who underwent EVAR from 2011 to 2015. Of these patients, 110 (1.4%) had POMI and 7592 (98.6%) did not. Several risk factors were related to an increased risk of POMI, including dependent functional health status, need for lower extremity revascularization, longer operation time, and ruptured AAA (P < .05, all).On multivariable analysis, the following factors were found to have significant associations with POMI: return to operating room (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.09; P = .020), ruptured AAA (OR, 1.87; CI, 1.18-2.95; P = .008), pneumonia (OR, 1.94; CI, 1.01-3.73; P = .048), age >80 years (compared with <70 years; OR, 2.30; CI, 1.36-3.86; P = .002), unplanned intubation (OR, 4.07; CI, 2.31-7.18; P < .001), and length of hospital stay >6 days (OR, 8.43; CI, 4.75-14.94; P < .001). The risk prediction model showed that in the presence of all these risk factors, the incidence of POMI was 58.3%. The incidence of cardiac arrest and death was significantly higher for patients with POMI compared with patients without POMI (cardiac arrest, 11.9% vs 1.3%; death, 10.2% vs 1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who undergo EVAR, the risk of POMI is increased for those who are older, who present with a ruptured AAA, who have pneumonia, who have unplanned intubation, and who have prolonged hospital stay. Patients who suffer from POMI have higher risk of having cardiac arrest and death.

Early Treatment at a Referral Center Improves Outcomes for Patients with Acute Vascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute vascular disease frequently need specialized management that may require transfer to a vascular referral center. Although transfer may be medically necessary, it can delay definitive care and is an indicator of incorrect triage to the initial hospital. Regionalization of acute vascular care could improve patient triage and subsequent outcomes. To evaluate the potential benefit from regionalization, we analyzed outcomes of patients treated for acute vascular disease at vascular referral centers. METHODS: Using a statewide database capturing all inpatient admissions in Maryland during 2013-2015, patients undergoing noncardiac vascular procedures on an acute basis were identified. Patients admitted to a vascular referral center were stratified by admission status as direct or transfer. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and the secondary outcome was resource use. Patient groups were compared by univariable analyses, and the effect of admission status on mortality was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 4,873 patients with acute vascular disease managed at vascular referral centers, 2,713 (56%) were admitted directly, whereas 2,160 (44%) were transferred. Transfers to referral centers accounted for 71% of all interhospital transfers. The transfer-group patients were older, had more comorbidities, and higher illness severities. Patients who were transferred had higher mortality (14% vs. 9%, P < 0.0001), longer hospital lengths of stay, greater critical care-resource utilization, and higher costs. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and illness severity, transfer status was independently associated with higher inpatient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Primary treatment at a referral center is independently associated with improved outcomes for patients with acute vascular disease. Direct admission or earlier triage to a specialty center may improve patient and system outcomes and could be facilitated by standardization and regionalization of complex acute vascular care.

Functional status predicts major complications and death after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is considered a lower risk option for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms and is of particular utility in patients with poor functional status who may be poor candidates for open repair. However, the specific contribution of preoperative functional status to EVAR outcomes remains poorly defined. We hypothesized that impaired functional status, based simply on the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living, is associated with worse outcomes after EVAR. METHODS: Patients undergoing nonemergent EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2010 and 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and major operative and systemic complications. Secondary outcomes were inpatient length of stay, need for reoperation, and discharge disposition. Using the NSQIP-defined preoperative functional status, patients were stratified as independent or dependent (either partial or totally dependent) and compared by univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of 13,432 patients undergoing EVAR between 2010 and 2014, 13,043 were independent (97%) and 389 were dependent (3%) before surgery. Dependent patients were older and more frequently minorities; had higher rates of chronic pulmonary, heart, and kidney disease; and were more likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4 or 5. On multivariable analysis, preoperative dependent status was an independent risk factor for operative complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-3.9), systemic complications (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9), and 30-day mortality (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.6). Secondary outcomes were worse among dependent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although EVAR is a minimally invasive procedure with substantially less physiologic stress than in open aortic repair, preoperative functional status is a critical determinant of adverse outcomes after EVAR in spite of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Functional status, as measured by performance of activities of daily living, can be used as a valuable marker of increased perioperative risk and may identify patients who may benefit from preoperative conditioning and specialized perioperative care.

The History of Incidentally Discovered Penetrating Aortic Ulcers of the Abdominal Aorta.

BACKGROUND: The management of incidentally discovered penetrating ulcers of the abdominal aorta (PUAA) is not well described. METHODS: A search of computed tomography (CT) angiography imaging reports for the words "penetrating ulcer" was performed from October 2010 to August 2011. Patients with a PUAA were identified, and their clinical course was followed through December 2014 (n = 53). No specific intervention for the ulcers was sought unless additional aortic pathology necessitated intervention. Prospective and retrospective review of imaging was performed by dedicated vascular radiologists. Aortic diameters and ulcer dimensions were measured for patients with repeat imaging. Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The calculated incidence of PUAA for patients undergoing CT imaging was 0.48%. Age at diagnosis was 71.6 ± 10.5 years in a population that included 35 (66.0%) males. Repeat imaging was performed for 29 (54.7%) patients. Median clinical and imaging follow-up was 36 (1-127) months and 34 (1-89) months. A history of hypertension (92.5%), hyperlipidemia (77.4%), and tobacco use (81.8%) was common. Twenty-seven (50.9%) had concomitant aneurysms not necessarily associated with PUAA. No aortic aneurysm or PUAA rupture occurred, but the population was sick with 19 patients (35.8%) deceased at the end of the study. Median aortic diameter growth rate through the PUAA was 0.5 (0-11.4) mm/year. No difference in mortality or aortic pathology was detected in patients with aortic growth rates >1 mm/year compared with <1 mm/year (P = 0.21 and P = 0.71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PUAA in general are elderly with multiple comorbidities. A large percentage of patients have concurrent, separate, aortic pathology, most frequently aortic aneurysms. Small changes in the appearance of the PUAA were frequent but did not equate with abdominal aortic catastrophe. Long-term mortality for this population was high, but the ulcer growth during follow-up did not suggest PUAA treatment would improve survival.

The natural history of penetrating ulcers of the iliac arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of penetrating ulcers of the iliac arteries (PUIA) has not been previously described. The potential for degeneration into pseudoanerysm and rupture are feared complications. It is hypothesized that PUIA, similar to their thoracic aortic counterparts, signal impending vascular catastrophe. METHODS: A search of computed tomography (CT) angiography reports for the words, "penetrating ulcer" was performed. Patients with PUIA who underwent CT imaging from October 2010 to August 2011 were identified. Their clinical course was followed through December 2014. If patients with PUIA had additional vascular pathology that necessitated intervention, it was performed. A prospective and retrospective review of the imaging was performed when possible. Associated iliac diameter and ulcer dimensions were measured for patients with repeat imaging (n = 22). Demographic characteristics were compared for patients who were identified as having penetrating ulcers of the abdominal aorta. Mann-Whitney U, Fisher exact, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests were performed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The calculated incidence of PUIA for patients who underwent CT imaging was 0.3%. The age at the time of diagnosis was 70.7 ± 10.0 years and the cohort included 28 male patients (82.3%). Median clinical and imaging follow-up was 42.0 (range, 1-82) months and 40.5 (range, 1-77) months. Most patients had a history of hypertension (82.4%), hyperlipidemia (76.5%), and tobacco use (70.6%). Twenty-one patients (61.8%) had concomitant aneurysms not necessarily associated with the PUIA. Although no PUIA rupture occurred, the population was sick because seven patients (20.6%) were deceased at the study end. Only one individual presented with symptoms that could possibly be attributed to their PUIA. Repeat imaging was performed for 22 patients (64.7%). The calculated median iliac artery diameter growth rate through the PUIA was 0.1 (range, 0-4.1) mm/y. CONCLUSIONS: PUIA are generally slow-growing and are found incidentally. Most patients with PUIA were in their eighth decade with a history of hypertension and tobacco use. Patients with PUIA frequently have concurrent aortic aneurysm disease that requires intervention. The mortality for this population was high, but was not caused by rupture of a PUIA. Diameter changes noted in the PUIA during follow-up did not suggest ulcer treatment would improve survival.

Aggressive versus conservative initiation of antimicrobial treatment in critically ill surgical patients with suspected intensive-care-unit-acquired infection: a quasi-experimental, before and after observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial treatment in critically ill patients can either be started as soon as infection is suspected or after objective data confirm an infection. We postulated that delaying antimicrobial treatment of patients with suspected infections in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) until objective evidence of infection had been obtained would not worsen patient mortality. METHODS: We did a 2-year, quasi-experimental, before and after observational cohort study of patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to the SICU of the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA, USA). From Sept 1, 2008, to Aug 31, 2009, aggressive treatment was used: patients suspected of having an infection on the basis of clinical grounds had blood cultures sent and antimicrobial treatment started. From Sept 1, 2009, to Aug 31, 2010, a conservative strategy was used, with antimicrobial treatment started only after objective findings confirmed an infection. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Analyses were by intention to treat. FINDINGS: Admissions to the SICU for the first and second years were 762 and 721, respectively, with 101 patients with SICU-acquired infections during the aggressive year and 100 patients during the conservative year. Compared with the aggressive approach, the conservative approach was associated with lower all-cause mortality (13/100 [13%] vs 27/101 [27%]; p=0·015), more initially appropriate therapy (158/214 [74%] vs 144/231 [62%]; p=0·0095), and a shorter mean duration of therapy (12·5 days [SD 10·7] vs 17·7 [28·1]; p=0·0080). After adjusting for age, sex, trauma involvement, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, and site of infection, the odds ratio for the risk of mortality in the aggressive therapy group compared with the conservative therapy group was 2·5 (95% CI 1·5-4·0). INTERPRETATION: Waiting for objective data to diagnose infection before treatment with antimicrobial drugs for suspected SICU-acquired infections does not worsen mortality and might be associated with better outcomes and use of antimicrobial drugs. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health.

Elderly recipients of hepatitis C positive renal allografts can quickly develop liver disease.

Our institution explored using allografts from donors with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) for elderly renal transplantation (RT). Thirteen HCV- elderly recipients were transplanted with HCV+ allografts (eD+/R-) between January 2003 and April 2009. Ninety HCV- elderly recipients of HCV- allografts (eD-/R-), eight HCV+ recipients of HCV+ allografts (D+/R+) and thirteen HCV+ recipients of HCV- allografts (D-/R+) were also transplanted. Median follow-up was 1.5 (range 0.8-5) years. Seven eD+/R- developed a positive HCV viral load and six had elevated liver transaminases with evidence of hepatitis on biopsy. Overall, eD+/R- survival was 46% while the eD-/R- survival was 85% (P = 0.003). Seven eD+/R- died during follow-up. Causes included multi-organ failure and sepsis (n = 4), cancer (n = 1), failure-to-thrive (n = 1) and surgical complications (n = 1). One eD+/R- died from causes directly related to HCV infection. In conclusion, multiple eD+/R- quickly developed HCV-related liver disease and infections were a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality.

Diagnosis-dependent relationships between cytokine levels and survival in patients admitted for surgical critical care.

BACKGROUND: Death after trauma, infection, or other critical illness has been attributed to unbalanced inflammation, in which dysregulation of cytokines leads to multiple organ dysfunction and death. We hypothesized that admission cytokine profiles associated with death would differ based on admitting diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: This 5-year study included patients admitted for trauma or surgical intensive care for more than 48 hours at 2 academic, tertiary care hospitals between October 2001 and May 2006. Cytokine analysis for interleukin (IL)-1, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, -12, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was performed using ELISA on specimens drawn within 72 hours of admission. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare median admission cytokine levels between alive and deceased patients. Relative risks and odds of death associated with admission cytokines were generated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS: There were 1,655 patients who had complete cytokine data: 290 infected, nontrauma; 343 noninfected, nontrauma; and 1,022 trauma. Among infected patients, nonsurvivors had higher median admission levels of IL-2, -8, -10, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor; noninfected, nontrauma patients had higher IL-6, -8, and IL-10; and nonsurviving trauma patients had higher IL-4, -6, -8, and TNF-alpha. IL-4 was the most significant predictor of death and carried the highest relative risk of dying in trauma patients, and IL-8 in nontrauma, noninfected patients. In infected patients, no cytokine independently predicted death. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine profiles of certain disease states may identify persons at risk of dying and allow for selective targeting of multiple cytokines to prevent organ dysfunction and death.

The use of stem cells in liver disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cell transplantation to restore liver function as an alternative to whole liver transplantation has thus far not been successful in humans. RECENT FINDINGS: Adult mature hepatocytes and various populations of liver progenitors and stem cells are being studied for their regenerative capabilities. Hepatocyte transplantation to treat metabolic deficiencies has shown promising early improvement in liver function; however, long-term success has not been achieved. Liver progenitor cells can now be identified and were shown to be capable to differentiate into a hepatocyte-like phenotype. Despite evidence of mesenchymal stem cell fusion in animal models of liver regeneration, encouraging results were seen in a small group of patients receiving autologous transplantation of CD133 mesenchymal stem cells to repopulate the liver after extensive hepatectomy for liver masses. Ethical issues, availability, potential rejection and limited understanding of the totipotent capabilities of embryonic stem cells are the limitations that prevent their use for restoration of liver function. The effectiveness of embryonic stem cells to support liver function has been proven with their application in the bioartificial liver model in rodents. SUMMARY: There is ongoing research to restore liver function in cell biology, animal models and clinical trials using mature hepatocytes, liver progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells.