Determinants of mortality in cancer patients with unscheduled admission to the Intensive Care Unit: A prospective multicenter study / Factores determinantes de la mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer ingresados de forma no programada en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: estudio multicéntrico prospectivo

Objectives To analyze clinical fatures associated to mortality in oncological patients with unplanned admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to determine whether such risk factors differ between patients with solid tumors and those with hematological malignancies. Design An observational study was carried out. Setting A total of 123 Intensive Care Units across Spain. Patient All cancer patients with unscheduled admission due to acute illness related to the background oncological disease. Interventions None. Main variables Demographic parameters, severity scores and clinical condition were assessed, and mortality was analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 482 patients were included: solid cancer (n=311) and hematological malignancy (n=171). Multivariate regression analysis showed the factors independently associated to ICU mortality to be the APACHE II score (OR 1.102; 95% CI 1.064–1.143), medical admission (OR 3.587; 95% CI 1.327–9.701), lung cancer (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.48–5.99) and mechanical ventilation after the first 24h of ICU stay (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.09–4.73), whereas no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.09–0.28). In solid cancer patients, the APACHE II score, medical admission, antibiotics in the previous 48h and lung cancer were identified as independent mortality indicators, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. In the multivariate analysis, the APACHE II score and mechanical ventilation after 24h of ICU stay were independently associated to mortality in hematological cancer patients, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. Neutropenia was not identified as an independent mortality predictor in either the total cohort or in the two subgroups (AU)

Objetivos Determinar las características clínicas asociadas con la mortalidad en pacientes oncológicos ingresados de forma no programada en la UCI. También evaluamos si estos factores de riesgos difieren en los pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas o tumores sólidos. Diseño Estudio observacional. Ámbito Ciento veintitrés Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en España. Pacientes Todos los pacientes con cáncer ingresados de forma no programada debido a una enfermedad aguda asociada con la enfermedad oncológica. Intervenciones Ninguna. Variables principales Las variables analizadas fueron los datos demográficos, escalas pronósticas de gravedad y el estado clínico del paciente. Se analizó la mortalidad y los factores relacionados con ésta. Se aplicó un análisis de regresión logística binaria multivariante. Resultados Se incluyó a un total de 482 pacientes: con tumores sólidos (n=331) y con neoplasias hematológicas (n=171). En el análisis de regresión multivariante, los factores asociados de manera independiente con la mortalidad en la UCI fueron la puntuación APACHE II (OR 1,102; IC del 95% 1,064-1,143), el ingreso médico (OR 3,587; IC del 95% 1,327-9,701), el cáncer de pulmón (OR 2,98, IC del 95% 1,48-5,99) y la ventilación mecánica tras las primeras 24h de ingreso en la UCI (OR 2,27; IC del 95% 1,09-4,73), mientras que la no necesidad de ventilación mecánica fue un factor protector (OR 0,15; IC del 95% 0,09-0,28). En el caso de los tumores sólidos, la puntuación APACHE II, el ingreso médico, la administración de antibióticos en las 48 h previas y el cáncer de pulmón fueron variables independientes relacionadas con la mortalidad, y la no necesidad de ventilación mecánica se identificó como un factor protector. En el análisis multivariante, la puntuación APACHE II y la ventilación mecánica al cabo de 24h desde el ingreso en la UCI se asociaron de manera independiente con mortalidad en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas (AU)

Determinants of mortality in cancer patients with unscheduled admission to the Intensive Care Unit: A prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze clinical features associated to mortality in oncological patients with unplanned admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to determine whether such risk factors differ between patients with solid tumors and those with hematological malignancies. DESIGN: An observational study was carried out. SETTING: A total of 123 Intensive Care Units across Spain. PATIENTS: All cancer patients with unscheduled admission due to acute illness related to the background oncological disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic parameters, severity scores and clinical condition were assessed, and mortality was analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 482 patients were included: solid cancer (n=311) and hematological malignancy (n=171). Multivariate regression analysis showed the factors independently associated to ICU mortality to be the APACHE II score (OR 1.102; 95% CI 1.064-1.143), medical admission (OR 3.587; 95% CI 1.327-9.701), lung cancer (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.48-5.99) and mechanical ventilation after the first 24h of ICU stay (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.09-4.73), whereas no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.09-0.28). In solid cancer patients, the APACHE II score, medical admission, antibiotics in the previous 48h and lung cancer were identified as independent mortality indicators, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. In the multivariate analysis, the APACHE II score and mechanical ventilation after 24h of ICU stay were independently associated to mortality in hematological cancer patients, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. Neutropenia was not identified as an independent mortality predictor in either the total cohort or in the two subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors associated to mortality did not differ significantly between patients with solid cancers and those with hematological malignancies. Delayed intubation in patients requiring mechanical ventilation might be associated to ICU mortality.

Predictive factors of six-week mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2: A multicenter prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality at six weeks, especially by analyzing the role of antivirals and munomodulators. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive multicenter cohort study. SETTING: 26 Intensive care units (ICU) from Andalusian region in Spain. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included from March 8 to May 30. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: Variables analyzed were demographic, severity scores and clinical condition. Support therapy, drug and mortality were analyzed. An univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression with propensity score analysis was applied. RESULTS: 495 patients were enrolled, but 73 of them were excluded for incomplete data. Thus, 422 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age was 63 years and 305 (72.3%) were men. ICU mortality: 144/422 34%; 14 days mortality: 81/422 (19.2%); 28 days mortality: 121/422 (28.7%); 6-week mortality 152/422 36.5%. By multivariable Cox proportional analysis, factors independently associated with 42-day mortality were age, APACHE II score, SOFA score at ICU admission >6, Lactate dehydrogenase at ICU admission >470U/L, Use of vasopressors, extrarenal depuration, %lymphocytes 72h post-ICU admission <6.5%, and thrombocytopenia whereas the use of lopinavir/ritonavir was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Age, APACHE II, SOFA>value of 6 points, along with vasopressor requirements or renal replacement therapy have been identified as predictor factors of mortality at six weeks. Administration of corticosteroids showed no benefits in mortality, as did treatment with tocilizumab. Lopinavir/ritonavir administration is identified as a protective factor.

Predictive factors of six-week mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2: A multicenter prospective study / Factores predictivos de la mortalidad a las seis semanas en pacientes críticos con SARS-CoV-2: estudio multicéntrico prospectivo

Objective: The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality at six weeks, especially by analyzing the role of antivirals and munomodulators. Design: Prospective descriptive multicenter cohort study. Setting: 26 Intensive care units (ICU) from Andalusian region in Spain. Patients or participants: Consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included from March 8 to May 30. Interventions: None. Variables: Variables analyzed were demographic, severity scores and clinical condition. Support therapy, drug and mortality were analyzed. An univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression with propensity score analysis was applied. Results: 495 patients were enrolled, but 73 of them were excluded for incomplete data. Thus, 422 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age was 63 years and 305 (72.3%) were men. ICU mortality: 144/422 34%; 14 days mortality: 81/422 (19.2%); 28 days mortality: 121/422 (28.7%); 6-week mortality 152/422 36.5%. By multivariable Cox proportional analysis, factors independently associated with 42-day mortality were age, APACHE II score, SOFA score at ICU admission >6, Lactate dehydrogenase at ICU admission >470U/L, Use of vasopressors, extrarenal depuration, %lymphocytes 72h post-ICU admission <6.5%, and thrombocytopenia whereas the use of lopinavir/ritonavir was a protective factor. Conclusion: Age, APACHE II, SOFA>value of 6 points, along with vasopressor requirements or renal replacement therapy have been identified as predictor factors of mortality at six weeks. Administration of corticosteroids showed no benefits in mortality, as did treatment with tocilizumab. Lopinavir/ritonavir administration is identified as a protective factor (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con la mortalidad a las seis semanas. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo multicéntrico. Ámbito: Se incluyeron a 26 pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de Andalucía. Pacientes o participantes: Pacientes ingresados en UCI por neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 del 8 de marzo al 30 de mayo de 2020. Intervenciones: Ninguna. Variables de interés principales: Características demográficas, clínicas y escalas de gravedad. Se analizaron tratamientos de soporte, fármacos y la mortalidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 495 pacientes, 73 fueron excluidos por incompletos y 422 pacientes se incorporaron en el análisis final. La mediana de edad fue de 63 años, 305 (72,3%) eran hombres. La mortalidad en la UCI fue: 144/422 34%; mortalidad a los 14 días: 81/422 (19,2%); mortalidad a los 28 días: 121/422 (28,7%); mortalidad a las seis semanas 152/422 36,5%. Los factores asociados con la mortalidad a los 42 días fueron la edad, APACHE II, SOFA > 6 y LDH al ingreso > 470 U/L, uso de vasopresores, necesidad de técnicas de reemplazo de la función renal, porcentaje de linfocitos a las 72 horas del ingreso en UCI < 6,5%, y trombocitopenia, mientras que el uso de lopinavir/ritonavir fue identificado como un factor protector. Conclusiones: La edad, gravedad y fracaso orgánico junto con la necesidad de terapias de soporte fueron identificadas como factores predictores de mortalidad a las seis semanas. La administración de corticoesteroides a dosis altas no mostró beneficios en la mortalidad, al igual que el tratamiento con tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir se identificaron como un factor protector (AU)

[Vasoactive drugs in the treatment of septic shock]. / Fármacos vasoactivos en el tratamiento del shock séptico.

Septic shock is a high mortality complication frequently associated with sepsis. Early initiation of vasopressor treatment, even before completion of initial fluid resuscitation, is a determining factor in prognosis. In this sense, norepinephrine continues to be the drug of first choice, although there is increasing evidence of benefit combining it with other non-adrenergic drugs, such as vasopressin, instead of escalating norepinephrine doses. The pathophysiology of septic shock is multifactorial, and sometimes is associated with a situation of myocardial dysfunction that contributes to hemodynamic instability. It is essential to identify this situation since it worsens the prognosis and may benefit from combined treatment with inotropic drugs. There are novel vasoactive agents under study, more selective than the classic ones that in a next future could help to design more individualized and precise treatments. In the present work, the current knowledge about vasoactive drugs and their use in the management of septic shock is summarized according to the most recent scientific evidence.

Predictive factors of six-week mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2: A multicenter prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to identify the risk factors associated with mortality at six weeks, especially by analyzing the role of antivirals and munomodulators. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive multicenter cohort study. SETTING: 26 Intensive care units (ICU) from Andalusian region in Spain. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included from March 8 to May 30. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: Variables analyzed were demographic, severity scores and clinical condition. Support therapy, drug and mortality were analyzed. An univariate followed by multivariate Cox regression with propensity score analysis was applied. RESULTS: 495 patients were enrolled, but 73 of them were excluded for incomplete data. Thus, 422 patients were included in the final analysis. Median age was 63 years and 305 (72.3%) were men. ICU mortality: 144/422 34%; 14 days mortality: 81/422 (19.2%); 28 days mortality: 121/422 (28.7%); 6-week mortality 152/422 36.5%. By multivariable Cox proportional analysis, factors independently associated with 42-day mortality were age, APACHE II score, SOFA score at ICU admission >6, Lactate dehydrogenase at ICU admission >470U/L, Use of vasopressors, extrarenal depuration, %lymphocytes 72h post-ICU admission <6.5%, and thrombocytopenia whereas the use of lopinavir/ritonavir was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Age, APACHE II, SOFA>value of 6 points, along with vasopressor requirements or renal replacement therapy have been identified as predictor factors of mortality at six weeks. Administration of corticosteroids showed no benefits in mortality, as did treatment with tocilizumab. Lopinavir/ritonavir administration is identified as a protective factor.

Practical approach to the management of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) is a common cause of nosocomial infection associated resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, increased length of hospital stays and health-care costs. New clinical practice guidelines for the management of adults with CRBSI have been published in 2018 by the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC). This review focuses on updated recommendations for the diagnosis and management of CRBSI in adults. Prevention of CRBSI is excluded. Our aim is to show some of the key aspects concerning the following topics: diagnosis, empirical and targeted therapy.

Oropharyngeal antisepsis in the critical patient and in the patient subjected to mechanical ventilation. / Antisepsia orofaríngea en el paciente crítico y en el paciente sometido a ventilación mecánica.

Lower respiratory tract infections in the intubated patient constitute a serious health problem due to their associated morbidity and mortality. Microaspiration of the buccopharyngeal secretions is the main physiopathological mechanism underlying the development of pneumonia and tracheobronchitis in intubated patients. All care bundles designed to prevent these infections include the use of antiseptics to reduce buccopharyngeal colonization. Chlorhexidine is the antiseptic most frequently assessed in clinical trials and meta-analyses that conclude that oral hygiene with chlorhexidine reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia - maximum effectiveness being achieved when the product is administered at a concentration of 2%. However, 2meta-analyses have warned of a possible increase in mortality when chlorhexidine is used as an oral antiseptic. We therefore recommend its use but with extreme caution during application in order to avoid aspiration of the antiseptic. This article is part of a supplement entitled "Antisepsis in the critical patient", which is sponsored by Becton Dickinson.