Antibiotic stewardship and nosocomial infection prevention in critically ill patients: a quality improvement program.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of a bundle of interventions through a "Program for Antibiotic Management and Nosocomial Infection Prevention" in the intensive care unit on antibiotic and devices use and healthcare-associated infections. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study of consecutive series of cases in periods before and after the establishment of protocols and checklists for the use of antibiotics as well as other measures to prevent healthcare-associated infection as part of a quality improvement program. Antimicrobial consumption was assessed by the defined daily dose. RESULTS: A total of 1,056 and 1,323 admissions in the pre-intervention and post-intervention phases, respectively, were evaluated. The defined daily dose per 100 patient-day decreased from 89±8 to 77±11 (p=0.100), with a decrease in carbapenems, glycopeptides, polymyxins, penicillins, and cephalosporins. The rates of ventilator and central venous catheter use decreased from 52.8 to 44.1% and from 76 to 70%, respectively. The rates of healthcare-associated infection decreased from 19.2 to 15.5%. CONCLUSION: Quality improvement actions focused primarily on antimicrobial management and prevention of healthcare-associated infection are feasible and have the potential to decrease antibiotic use and healthcare-associated infection rates.

Measurements of I-FABP and citrulline in the postoperative period of non-cardiac surgeries with gastrointestinal complications: A prospective cohort observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute Gastrointestinal Injury (AGI) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including increased mortality. We aimed to investigate the potential of citrulline and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as biomarkers for early AGI diagnosis and predicting outcomes in surgical patients. METHODS: Prospective cohort study involving patients who underwent non-cardiac surgeries and were admitted to Intensive Care Units. AGI diagnosis was based on specific criteria, and severity was categorised following established guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers and their association with outcomes, P significant when <0.05. RESULTS: AGI was identified in 40.3% of patients with varying severity. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the AGI group in the ICU (19.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.001) and hospital (22.6% vs. 2.17%, p = 0.003). Urinary I-FABP levels on days 3 and 7 showed reasonable and good accuracy for AGI diagnosis (AUC 0.732 and 0.813, respectively). Urinary I-FABP levels on days 2 and 3 accurately predict sepsis. Urinary citrulline levels on day one predicted mortality (AUC 0.87) furthermore urinary I-FABP levels on day 2 showed reasonable accuracy (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 92.4%). CONCLUSION: Urinary I-FABP and citrulline levels are promising diagnostic and prognostic markers in ICU patients following non-cardiac surgeries.

Prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of multidrug-resistant nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections among patients in an ICU.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of multidrug-resistant nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in patients in an ICU. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study involving patients with nosocomial LRTI (health care-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, or ventilator-associated pneumonia). Data were prospectively collected between 2015 and 2019. The multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDRPs) identified in the isolates studied included resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at microbiological diagnosis. RESULTS: During the study period, 267 patients in the ICU were diagnosed with LRTI, microbiological confirmation of LRTI having been obtained in 237. Of these, 146 (62%) had at least one MDRP isolate. Patients infected with MDRP were found to have poorer outcomes than patients infected with susceptible strains, such as prolonged mechanical ventilation (18.0 days vs. 12.0 days; p < 0.001), prolonged ICU length of stay (23.0 days vs.16.0 days; p < 0.001), and higher mortality (73% vs. 53%; p < 0.001) when compared with patients infected with susceptible strains. Hospital length of stay ≥ 5 days (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.39-7.39; p = 0.005) and prolonged use vasoactive drugs (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.42-7.01; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of LRTI caused by MDRPs (LRTI-MDRP). The presence of LRTI-MDRP was found to be an independent predictor of death (OR = 2.311; 95% CI: 1.091-4.894; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged use of vasoactive drugs and prolonged hospital length of stay were independent predictors of LRTI-MDRP in this population of critically ill patients with very poor outcomes.

Prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of multidrug-resistant nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections among patients in an ICU / Prevalência, desfechos e preditores de infecções nosocomiais do trato respiratório inferior multirresistentes em pacientes em uma UTI

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of multidrug-resistant nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in patients in an ICU. Methods: This was an observational cohort study involving patients with nosocomial LRTI (health care-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, or ventilator-associated pneumonia). Data were prospectively collected between 2015 and 2019. The multidrug-resistant pathogens (MDRPs) identified in the isolates studied included resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at microbiological diagnosis. Results: During the study period, 267 patients in the ICU were diagnosed with LRTI, microbiological confirmation of LRTI having been obtained in 237. Of these, 146 (62%) had at least one MDRP isolate. Patients infected with MDRP were found to have poorer outcomes than patients infected with susceptible strains, such as prolonged mechanical ventilation (18.0 days vs. 12.0 days; p < 0.001), prolonged ICU length of stay (23.0 days vs.16.0 days; p < 0.001), and higher mortality (73% vs. 53%; p < 0.001) when compared with patients infected with susceptible strains. Hospital length of stay ≥ 5 days (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.39-7.39; p = 0.005) and prolonged use vasoactive drugs (OR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.42-7.01; p = 0.004) were independent predictors of LRTI caused by MDRPs (LRTI-MDRP). The presence of LRTI-MDRP was found to be an independent predictor of death (OR = 2.311; 95% CI: 1.091-4.894; p = 0.028). Conclusions: Prolonged use of vasoactive drugs and prolonged hospital length of stay were independent predictors of LRTI-MDRP in this population of critically ill patients with very poor outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência, os desfechos e os preditores de infecções do trato respiratório inferior (ITRI) nosocomiais em pacientes em uma UTI. Métodos: Estudo observacional de coorte com pacientes com ITRI nosocomiais (pneumonia associada à assistência à saúde, pneumonia adquirida no hospital ou pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica). Os dados foram coletados prospectivamente entre 2015 e 2019. Os patógenos multirresistentes (PMR) identificados nos isolados estudados incluíram Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes a cefalosporinas de espectro estendido e carbapenêmicos, enterobactérias resistentes a carbapenêmicos e Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina no diagnóstico microbiológico. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, 267 pacientes internados na UTI foram diagnosticados com ITRI, 237 dos quais tiveram confirmação microbiológica de ITRI. Destes, 146 (62%) apresentaram pelo menos um isolado de PMR. Os pacientes infectados por PMR tiveram piores desfechos do que os infectados por cepas sensíveis, como ventilação mecânica prolongada (18,0 dias vs. 12,0 dias; p < 0,001), tempo prolongado de internação na UTI (23,0 dias vs. 16,0 dias; p < 0,001) e maior mortalidade (73% vs. 53%; p < 0,001). Tempo de internação hospitalar ≥ 5 dias (OR = 3,20; IC95%: 1,39-7,39; p = 0,005) e uso prolongado de drogas vasoativas (OR = 3,15; IC95%: 1,42-7,01; p = 0,004) foram preditores independentes de ITRI por PMR (ITRI-PMR). A presença de ITRI-PMR foi um preditor independente de óbito (OR = 2,311; IC95%: 1,091-4,894; p = 0,028). Conclusões: O uso prolongado de drogas vasoativas e o tempo prolongado de internação hospitalar foram preditores independentes de ITRI-PMR nesta população de pacientes críticos com desfechos muito ruins.

The Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Sleep Quality and Assessment of the Serum Melatonin in ICU Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of exogenous melatonin affects sleep, reduces the prevalence of delirium, and decreases the need for analgosedation and to assess whether serum melatonin indices correlate with exogenous administration in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Multicenter ICUs of two tertiary hospitals. PATIENTS: A total of 203 adult patients who were admitted to the ICU and administered with analgesics and/or sedatives. INTERVENTIONS: Oral melatonin (10 mg) or placebo for up to seven consecutive nights. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The number of observed sleeping hours at night was assessed by the bedside nurse. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Richards Campbell Questionnaire Sleep (RCSQ). The prevalence of delirium, pain, anxiety, adverse reactions, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stays, and doses of sedative and analgesic drugs administered were recorded. The use of analgesics and sedatives was assessed daily. Melatonin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on the RCSQ results, sleep quality was assessed to be better in the melatonin group than that in the placebo group with a mean (SD) of 69.7 (21.2) and 60.7 (26.3), respectively (p = 0.029). About 45.8% and 34.4% of participants in the melatonin and placebo groups had very good sleep (risk ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.94-1.89), whereas 3.1% and 14.6% had very poor sleep (risk ratio, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.71), respectively. No significant difference was observed regarding the days free of analgesics or sedatives, the duration of night sleep, and the occurrence of delirium, pain, and anxiety. Melatonin serum peak levels at 2 AM were 150 pg/mL (range, 125-2,125 pg/mL) in the melatonin group and 32.5 pg/mL (range, 18.5-35 pg/mL) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin was associated with better sleep quality, which suggests its possible role in the routine care of critically ill patients in the future.

Pulmonary complications after non-cardiac surgeries: temporal patterns and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications are the primary determinants of survival following major surgery. We aimed to characterize the early perioperative risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (POPCs) in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgeries. METHODS: This study utilized a multicenter prospective observational cohort design. Adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries and admitted to 21 Brazilian ICUs were screened for inclusion in the study. POPCs were defined as the presence of acute pulmonary oedema, nosocomial pneumonia, and extubation failure in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Of the 581 patients enrolled, 110 (19%) had at least one POPC, of whom 5% had acute pulmonary oedema, 10% extubation failure while 10% had pneumonia. Most cases of pulmonary oedema occurred in the first week after surgery, while pneumonia was more frequently a later occurrence. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the group with POPCs compared to the group of patients without POPCs (62% vs. 11%, RR: 5.1, 95% CI: 4.23-7.69; P < 0.001). A low functional capacity (RR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.1-10.0), major surgery (RR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2-10.7), preoperative hemodynamic instability (RR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1-10.6), alcoholism (RR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.0-10.7), unplanned surgery (RR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2), the SOFA score (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2), and increased central venous pressure (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.1) were independent predictors of POPCs. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary complications are common in intensive care units after major non-cardiac surgeries. Awareness of the risk factors for POPCs may help multidisciplinary teams develop strategies to prevent these complications.

Septic shock: a major cause of hospital death after intensive care unit discharge.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the causes and factors associated with the death of patients between intensive care unit discharge and hospital discharge. METHODS: The present is a pilot, retrospective, observational cohort study. The records of all patients admitted to two units of a public/private university hospital from February 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013 were assessed. Demographic and clinical data, risk scores and outcomes were obtained from the Epimed monitoring system and confirmed in the electronic record system of the hospital. The relative risk and respective confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 581 patients were evaluated. The mortality rate in the intensive care unit was 20.8% and in the hospital was 24.9%. Septic shock was the cause of death in 58.3% of patients who died after being discharged from the intensive care unit. Of the patients from the public health system, 73 (77.6%) died in the intensive care unit and 21 (22.4%) died in the hospital after being discharged from the unit. Of the patients from the Supplementary Health System, 48 (94.1%) died in the intensive care unit and 3 (5.9%) died in the hospital after being discharged from the unit (relative risk, 3.87%; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 - 12.36; p < 0.05). The post-discharge mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with intensive care unit hospitalization time longer than 6 days. CONCLUSION: The main cause of death of patients who were discharged from the intensive care unit and died in the ward before hospital discharge was septic shock. Coverage by the public healthcare system and longer hospitalization time in the intensive care unit were factors associated with death after discharge from the intensive care unit.

Choque séptico: importante causa de morte hospitalar após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva / Septic shock: a major cause of hospital death after intensive care unit discharge

Objetivo: Avaliar as causas e os fatores associados a mortes de pacientes na enfermaria que receberam alta de unidades de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo piloto, retrospectivo, observacional, de coorte. Foram avaliados os registros de todos os pacientes admitidos no período de 1º de fevereiro de 2013 a 30 de abril de 2013 em duas unidades de um hospital universitário público/privado. Dados demográficos, clínicos, escores de risco e desfechos foram retirados do Sistema de Monitorização Epimed e confirmados no sistema de registro eletrônico do hospital. Foram calculados o risco relativo e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança. Resultados: Um total de 581 pacientes foi avaliado. A taxa de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva foi 20,8% e, no hospital, de 24,9%. A principal causa de óbito foi choque séptico em 58,3% dos que faleceram após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Dos pacientes do sistema público de saúde, 73 (77,6%) morreram na unidade de terapia intensiva e 21 (22,4%) morreram no hospital, após a alta da unidade. Dos pacientes do Sistema Suplementar de Saúde, 48 (94,1%) morreram na unidade de terapia intensiva e 3 (5,9%) morreram no hospital, após a alta da unidade (risco relativo de 3,87; intervalo de confiança de 95% de 1,21 - 12,36; p < 0,05). A taxa de mortalidade pós-alta foi significativamente maior em pacientes com tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva superior a 6 dias. Conclusão: A principal causa de morte de pacientes que receberam alta da unidade de terapia intensiva e morreram na enfermaria antes da alta hospitalar foi o choque séptico. A cobertura pelo sistema público de saúde e o maior tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foram fatores associados à morte, após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. .

Objective: To assess the causes and factors associated with the death of patients between intensive care unit discharge and hospital discharge. Methods: The present is a pilot, retrospective, observational cohort study. The records of all patients admitted to two units of a public/private university hospital from February 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013 were assessed. Demographic and clinical data, risk scores and outcomes were obtained from the Epimed monitoring system and confirmed in the electronic record system of the hospital. The relative risk and respective confidence intervals were calculated. Results: A total of 581 patients were evaluated. The mortality rate in the intensive care unit was 20.8% and in the hospital was 24.9%. Septic shock was the cause of death in 58.3% of patients who died after being discharged from the intensive care unit. Of the patients from the public health system, 73 (77.6%) died in the intensive care unit and 21 (22.4%) died in the hospital after being discharged from the unit. Of the patients from the Supplementary Health System, 48 (94.1%) died in the intensive care unit and 3 (5.9%) died in the hospital after being discharged from the unit (relative risk, 3.87%; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 - 12.36; p < 0.05). The post-discharge mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with intensive care unit hospitalization time longer than 6 days. Conclusion: The main cause of death of patients who were discharged from the intensive care unit and died in the ward before hospital discharge was septic shock. Coverage by the public healthcare system and longer hospitalization time in the intensive care unit were factors associated with death after discharge from the intensive care unit. .

Doses baixas de dobutamina e fluidos no pós-operatório de pacientes de alto risco: efeitos sobre a oxigenação tecidual, resposta inflamatória e morbidade / Low-doses dobutamine and fluids in high-risk surgical patients: effects on tissue oxygenation, inflammatory response and morbidity

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dobutamina é um agente inotrópico com propriedade adrenérgica beta-1 predominante e freqüentemente usado para aumentar o fluxo sanguíneo em pacientes críticos. Dobutamina pode ter um papel no aumento da perfusão esplâncnica, desse modo protegendo esta área de lesão isquêmica. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos de baixas doses de dobutamina (5 mig/kg/min) sobre a oxigenação tecidual, resposta inflamatória e complicações pós-operatória em pacientes de alto risco. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, aleatório, encoberto e placebo-controlado. Cem pacientes cirúrgicos admitidos em Unidade Semi-Intensiva foram avaliados e 82 pacientes foram incluídos, 42 pacientes no grupo controle (solução fisiológica) e 40 no grupo tratamento (5 mig/kg/min) de dobutamina por 24 horas). Os mesmos procedimentos terapêuticos foram usados nos dois grupos. A infusão de líquidos deveria ser realizada em caso de taquicardia ou hipotensão após a infusão de dobutamina, pela possibilidade de hipovolemia. RESULTADOS: O volume total de fluidos administrado foi significativamente maior no grupo dobutamina do que no grupo controle (7351 ± 2082 mL versus 6074 ± 2386 mL, respectivamente, p < 0,05). Saturação venosa central de oxigênio (SvcO2), lactato sérico e proteína C-reativa foram similares em ambos os grupos. Complicações ocorreram em 35 por cento e 50 por cento dos pacientes nos grupos dobutamina e controle, respectivamente (RR 0,70 IC 95 por cento 0,41 - 1,17; NS). CONCLUSÕES: Baixas doses de dobutamina e fluidos após trauma cirúrgico não tiveram efeitos na prevalência de complicações pós-operatória em pacientes cirúrgicos de alto risco.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dobutamine is an inotropic agent with predominant beta1- adrenergic properties frequently used to increase blood flow in critically ill patients. Dobutamine may have a role in increasing splanchnic perfusion, thereby protecting this area from further injury. We investigated the effects of low doses dobutamine (5 mug/kg/min) on tissue oxygenation, inflammatory response and postoperative complications in high-risk surgical patients. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study. One hundred surgical patients admitted in a step-down unit were evaluated and 82 patients were enrolled, 42 in the control group (saline) and 40 in the treatment group (5 mug/kg/h) during 24 hours. Similar therapeutic goals were applied to both groups. Fluids were given whenever tachycardia or hypotension developed after study drug infusion. RESULTS: The total volume of fluids given was significantly higher in treatment than in control group (7351 ± 2082 mL versus 6074 ± 2386 mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), serum lactate and C-reactive protein were similar in both groups. Complications occurred in 35 percent and 50 percent of the patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively (RR 0, 70 IC 95 percent 0.41 - 1.17; NS). CONCLUSIONS: Low-doses dobutamine and fluids after surgical trauma has no effects on the prevalence of postoperative complications in high-risk surgical patients.

[Low-doses dobutamine and fluids in high-risk surgical patients: effects on tissue oxygenation, inflammatory response and morbidity]. / Doses baixas de dobutamina e fluidos no pós-operatório de pacientes de alto risco: efeitos sobre a oxigenação tecidual, resposta inflamatória e morbidade.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dobutamine is an inotropic agent with predominant beta1- adrenergic properties frequently used to increase blood flow in critically ill patients. Dobutamine may have a role in increasing splanchnic perfusion, thereby protecting this area from further injury. We investigated the effects of low doses dobutamine (5 mug/kg/min) on tissue oxygenation, inflammatory response and postoperative complications in high-risk surgical patients. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, blinded and placebo-controlled study. One hundred surgical patients admitted in a step-down unit were evaluated and 82 patients were enrolled, 42 in the control group (saline) and 40 in the treatment group (5 mug/kg/h) during 24 hours. Similar therapeutic goals were applied to both groups. Fluids were given whenever tachycardia or hypotension developed after study drug infusion. RESULTS: The total volume of fluids given was significantly higher in treatment than in control group (7351 ± 2082 mL versus 6074 ± 2386 mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), serum lactate and C-reactive protein were similar in both groups. Complications occurred in 35% and 50% of the patients in the treatment and control groups, respectively (RR 0, 70 IC 95% 0.41 - 1.17; NS). CONCLUSIONS: Low-doses dobutamine and fluids after surgical trauma has no effects on the prevalence of postoperative complications in high-risk surgical patients.