BACKGROUND: Point-of-care arterial blood gas (ABG) is a blood measurement test and a useful diagnostic tool that assists with treatment and therefore improves clinical outcomes. However, numerically reported test results make rapid interpretation difficult or open to interpretation. The arterial blood gas algorithm (ABG-a) is a new digital diagnostics solution that can provide clinicians with real-time interpretation of preliminary data on safety features, oxygenation, acid-base disturbances and renal profile. The main aim of this study was to clinically validate the algorithm against senior experienced clinicians, for acid-base interpretation, in a clinical context. METHODS: We conducted a prospective international multicentre observational cross-sectional study. 346 sample sets and 64 inpatients eligible for ABG met strict sampling criteria. Agreement was evaluated using Cohen's kappa index, diagnostic accuracy was evaluated with sensitivity, specificity, efficiency or global accuracy and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for the prevalence in the study population. RESULTS: The concordance rates between the interpretations of the clinicians and the ABG-a for acid-base disorders were an observed global agreement of 84,3% with a Cohen's kappa coefficient 0.81; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.86; p < 0.001. For detecting accuracy normal acid-base status the algorithm has a sensitivity of 90.0% (95% CI 79.9 to 95.3), a specificity 97.2% (95% CI 94.5 to 98.6) and a global accuracy of 95.9% (95% CI 93.3 to 97.6). For the four simple acid-base disorders, respiratory alkalosis: sensitivity of 91.2 (77.0 to 97.0), a specificity 100.0 (98.8 to 100.0) and global accuracy of 99.1 (97.5 to 99.7); respiratory acidosis: sensitivity of 61.1 (38.6 to 79.7), a specificity of 100.0 (98.8 to 100.0) and global accuracy of 98.0 (95.9 to 99.0); metabolic acidosis: sensitivity of 75.8 (59.0 to 87.2), a specificity of 99.7 (98.2 to 99.9) and a global accuracy of 97.4 (95.1 to 98.6); metabolic alkalosis sensitivity of 72.2 (56.0 to 84.2), a specificity of 95.5 (92.5 to 97.3) and a global accuracy of 93.0 (88.8 to 95.3); the four complex acid-base disorders, respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, respiratory and metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis, the sensitivity, specificity and global accuracy was also high. For normal acid-base status the algorithm has PPV 87.1 (95% CI 76.6 to 93.3) %, and NPV 97.9 (95% CI 95.4 to 99.0) for a prevalence of 17.4 (95% CI 13.8 to 21.8). For the four-simple acid-base disorders and the four complex acid-base disorders the PPV and NPV were also statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The ABG-a showed very high agreement and diagnostic accuracy with experienced senior clinicians in the acid-base disorders in a clinical context. The method also provides refinement and deep complex analysis at the point-of-care that a clinician could have at the bedside on a day-to-day basis. The ABG-a method could also have the potential to reduce human errors by checking for imminent life-threatening situations, analysing the internal consistency of the results, the oxygenation and renal status of the patient.
Blood Gas Analysis/methods , Acid-Base Equilibrium/physiology , Acid-Base Imbalance/diagnosis , Acidosis/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Algorithms , Alkalosis/blood , Alkalosis, Respiratory/diagnosis , Arterial Pressure/physiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Male , Middle Aged , Models, Theoretical , Point-of-Care Testing/trends , Predictive Value of Tests , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
The original article can be found online.
BACKGROUND: Industrial high-pressure fluid injection injuries (IHPFII) are largely occupational in nature, where these injuries are most often sustained by male manual workers. Such traumatic injuries are largely sustained with water, grease, paint, gasoline or paint thinner. IHPFII are extremely serious injuries with life and limb-threatening potential carrying the risk of life-long disability. METHODS: We reviewed the Water Jetting Association© adverse incident database of advisory alerts detailing cases from around the world that have been brought to the association's attention and the English-language literature on high-pressure hydrostatic injuries from 1937 to 2018. RESULTS: Accidents involving high-pressure water jets in the industry are uncommon. The clinical impact in all of the cases reviewed and the effects of water jet impacts range from instant fatalities at scene to loss of limb function and amputation. The majority of observed fatalities are due to major hemorrhage (exsanguination) secondary to the direct dissection of great vessels or high-energy blunt soft tissue injury and traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: As with any other trauma, IHPWJI commonly result in amputation or death. Nonetheless, a lack of comprehension of the potential severity of injuries and range of infective complications appears to be largely due to the apparent benignity of the initial presentation of the wound. This in turn leads to delays (both avoidable and unavoidable) in the transfer to appropriate medical facilities and definitive care. There is an identifiable need for education (including for health care providers across multiple levels), training and the availability of personal trauma kits for the timely and effective management of IHPWJI from the initial jet impact on the scene, as well as a need for an established referral system.
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/therapy , Exsanguination/therapy , Hydrostatic Pressure/adverse effects , Occupational Injuries/therapy , Soft Tissue Injuries/therapy , Wound Infection/therapy , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Acute Kidney Injury/therapy , Amputation, Surgical , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/etiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/mortality , Compartment Syndromes/etiology , Compartment Syndromes/therapy , Edema/etiology , Exsanguination/etiology , Exsanguination/mortality , Humans , Occupational Injuries/etiology , Occupational Injuries/mortality , Rhabdomyolysis/etiology , Rhabdomyolysis/therapy , Soft Tissue Injuries/etiology , Subcutaneous Emphysema/diagnostic imaging , Subcutaneous Emphysema/etiology , Wound Infection/etiology
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: The practice of glycaemic control of critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) is guided by clinical management protocols, designed locally by the ICUs. These protocols differ significantly in their aims and methods. The aim of this study was to develop a standardized methodology for the systematic and objective analysis and comparison of protocols for glycaemic control implemented in any ICU. METHOD: The protocols for glycaemic control implemented in seven ICUs of a UK-based ICU network were analysed using techniques of inductive content analysis, through an open coding process and the framework method. This involved the identification and classification of protocol instructions for glycaemic control, as well as of the processes and decisions pertaining to each of these instructions. These were used to develop a framework for the structured and systematic description and comparison of the protocols' contents, and to develop a technique for the protocols' graphic visualization. RESULTS: The following elements were identified or developed: (1) 35 quantifiable variables and 11 non-quantifiable subjects that could be present in an ICU protocol for glycaemic control, to be used as a framework for the description and comparison of contents; (2) a technique for condensing a protocol into a single, comprehensive flowchart; (3) using these flowcharts, a method for assessing the complexity and comprehensiveness of the protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology developed in this study will allow for any future work analysing the contents of glycaemic control protocols to be carried out in a structured and standardized way. This may be done either as a standalone study, or as the essential first step in any investigation on the impact of new protocols. In turn, the methodology will facilitate the performance of regional, national, and international comparisons, demonstrating the usefulness of this study at a global scale.
Clinical Protocols , Hyperglycemia/prevention & control , Intensive Care Units , Blood Glucose/analysis , Critical Illness , Glycemic Index , Humans , Medical Audit , United Kingdom
Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis (PNF) is a severe suppurative infection of the subcutaneous tissue and underlying fascia of the periorbital region. Typically, the course of PNF is milder and has a better prognosis than that of necrotizing fasciitis in other parts of the body. As such, this disease is thought to be associated with a significantly smaller risk of morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, it is a rare and devastating condition that can lead to disfigurement, blindness and death. Early recognition is critical to improved patient outcomes. Here, we describe a case of PNF in a 60-year-old male that rapidly progressed to widespread systemic involvement and severe multiorgan failure requiring ventilatory, cardiovascular and renal support. Treatment included broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin and surgical debridement. This case highlights the life-threatening nature of PNF, as demonstrated by rapid progression to multiorgan dysfunction and the need of an urgent surgical intervention.
PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of baseline demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with multiple-organ failure (MOF) on their functional recovery at 6 and 12 months posthospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 545 consecutively admitted adult patients with MOF during on admission were included in the study. Patients' functional status was prospectively assessed and compared with the baseline status and at 6 and 12 months postdischarge, using the Modified Rankin Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. Severity of disease on admission was assessed using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients were followed up. Functional status among MOF survivors improved between the 6th and 12th month postdischarge from the ICU. Higher functional status before admission, lower severity scores on admission, and younger age positively affected the improvement in functional status after ICU discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The level of functional status befre ICU admission should be considered not only in research studies looking a long-term outcomes from ICU but also in the clinical care planning of critically ill patients during and after their ICU admission.
Activities of Daily Living , Critical Illness , Multiple Organ Failure , Recovery of Function , APACHE , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Critical Care , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Prospective Studies
Fundamento y objetivo: Evaluar la mortalidad tras el alta de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos post-UCI (hospitalaria y seguimiento a un año) y los factores asociados. Pacientes y método: Diseño de cohortes en enfermos medicoquirúrgicos con síndrome de disfunción multiorgánica (SDMO) durante sus primeras 24h de ingreso. Se registraron antecedentes personales, situación basal, datos generales de ingreso en UCI, estancia hospitalaria y datos de supervivencia mediante contacto telefónico al año. Se evaluó la mortalidad en cualquier momento del seguimiento, relizando una regresión de Cox para valorar factores de mortalidad. Resultados: Se reclutaron 545 pacientes. En el total del período de estudio fallecieron 256 pacientes (52,9%); de los ingresados en UCI fallecieron el 29,5%, mientras que de los 384 enfermos que pasaron a planta falleció el 14,8%. De los 327 enfermos dados de alta hospitalaria se ha contactado con el 81,3% (266 pacientes), de los que han fallecido el 14,3%. Los factores relacionados con la muerte hospitalaria fueron la edad (odds ratio [OR] 1,04; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,02-1,06; p<0,01) y una situación basal funcional disminuida (OR 1,7; IC 95% 1,1-2,9; p<0,05). Las variables relacionadas con la mortalidad posthospitalaria fueron: una situación basal funcional disminuida (OR 2,42; IC 95% 1,23-4,75; p<0,01) y el reingreso tras el alta hospitalaria (OR 1,45; IC 95% 1,19-1,76; p<0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes ingresados por un SDMO medicoquirúrgico presentan una mortalidad al año de seguimiento del 52,9%. Los factores que más influyen en la mortalidad hospitalaria son la edad y una situación funcional basal disminuida, ambos factores no modificables. Tras el alta hospitalaria, la situación funcional basal disminuida sigue siendo transcendental, junto con el reingreso hospitalario (AU)
Background and objective: To assess the post-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality (in-hospital and one year after hospital discharge) and the associated factors. Patients and method: Cohort design in medical-surgical patients with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during the first 24h of admission to ICU. We recorded the following data: personal background, functional general situation, general information about admission to ICU, hospital stay and contact by phone after one year of hospital discharge. We registered mortality at the follow-up at anytime. Cox regression was performed to evaluate mortality factors. Results: Five hundred and forty five patients were recruited. During the study period 256 patients (52.9%) died; out of them 29.5% in ICU; 14.8% of 384 patients transferred to the ward died. Of 327 discharged patients, 266 (81.3%) were contacted; 14.3% of those had died. In-hospital death-related factors were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02-1.06; P<.01) and a decreased functional general status (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.9; P<.05). Post-hospitalisation mortality-related variables were: diminished functional general status (OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.23-4.75; P<.01) and readmission after discharge from hospital (1.45 OR; 95% CI 1.19-1.76; P<.001). Conclusions: Patients admitted for a medical-surgical MODS presented a mortality of 52.9% within one year. The factors influencing hospital mortality are age and a generally diminished functional status, both being not modifiable factors. After discharge, the decreased general functional status remained central along with the re-hospitalisation (AU)
Humans , Multiple Organ Failure/mortality , Hospital Mortality/trends , Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data , Patient Discharge/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Follow-Up Studies
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the post-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality (in-hospital and one year after hospital discharge) and the associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cohort design in medical-surgical patients with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) during the first 24h of admission to ICU. We recorded the following data: personal background, functional general situation, general information about admission to ICU, hospital stay and contact by phone after one year of hospital discharge. We registered mortality at the follow-up at anytime. Cox regression was performed to evaluate mortality factors. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty five patients were recruited. During the study period 256 patients (52.9%) died; out of them 29.5% in ICU; 14.8% of 384 patients transferred to the ward died. Of 327 discharged patients, 266 (81.3%) were contacted; 14.3% of those had died. In-hospital death-related factors were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02-1.06; P<.01) and a decreased functional general status (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.9; P<.05). Post-hospitalisation mortality-related variables were: diminished functional general status (OR 2.42; 95% CI 1.23-4.75; P<.01) and readmission after discharge from hospital (1.45 OR; 95% CI 1.19-1.76; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted for a medical-surgical MODS presented a mortality of 52.9% within one year. The factors influencing hospital mortality are age and a generally diminished functional status, both being not modifiable factors. After discharge, the decreased general functional status remained central along with the re-hospitalisation.
Critical Illness/mortality , Intensive Care Units , Multiple Organ Failure/mortality , Aftercare , Aged , Diagnosis-Related Groups , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Patient Transfer , Proportional Hazards Models , Severity of Illness Index , Spain/epidemiology , Tertiary Care Centers/statistics & numerical data
