Identification of Clinically Significant Cytokine Signature Clusters in Patients With Septic Shock.

OBJECTIVES: To identify cytokine signature clusters in patients with septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Single academic center in the United States. PATIENTS: Adult (≥ 18 yr old) patients admitted to the medical ICU with septic shock requiring vasoactive medication support. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred fourteen patients with septic shock completed cytokine measurement at time of enrollment (t 1 ) and 24 hours later (t 2 ). Unsupervised random forest analysis of the change in cytokines over time, defined as delta (t 2 -t 1 ), identified three clusters with distinct cytokine profiles. Patients in cluster 1 had the lowest initial levels of circulating cytokines that decreased over time. Patients in cluster 2 and cluster 3 had higher initial levels that decreased over time in cluster 2 and increased in cluster 3. Patients in clusters 2 and 3 had higher mortality compared with cluster 1 (clusters 1-3: 11% vs 31%; odds ratio [OR], 3.56 [1.10-14.23] vs 54% OR, 9.23 [2.89-37.22]). Cluster 3 was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio, 5.24; p = 0.005) in multivariable analysis. There were no significant differences in initial clinical severity scoring or steroid use between the clusters. Analysis of either t 1 or t 2 cytokine measurements alone or in combination did not reveal clusters with clear clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal measurement of cytokine profiles at initiation of vasoactive medications and 24 hours later revealed three distinct cytokine signature clusters that correlated with clinical outcomes.

Effect of early mobilisation on long-term cognitive impairment in critical illness in the USA: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have received mechanical ventilation can have prolonged cognitive impairment for which there is no known treatment. We aimed to establish whether early mobilisation could reduce the rates of cognitive impairment and other aspects of disability 1 year after critical illness. METHODS: In this single-centre, parallel, randomised controlled trial, patients admitted to the adult medical-surgical intensive-care unit (ICU), at the University of Chicago (IL, USA), were recruited. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who were functionally independent and mechanically ventilated at baseline and within the first 96 h of mechanical ventilation, and expected to continue for at least 24 h. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via computer-generated permuted balanced block randomisation to early physical and occupational therapy (early mobilisation) or usual care. An investigator designated each assignment in consecutively numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes; they had no further involvement in the trial. Only the assessors were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was cognitive impairment 1 year after hospital discharge, measured with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Patients were assessed for cognitive impairment, neuromuscular weakness, institution-free days, functional independence, and quality of life at hospital discharge and 1 year. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01777035, and is now completed. FINDINGS: Between Aug 11, 2011, and Oct 24, 2019, 1222 patients were screened, 200 were enrolled (usual care n=100, intervention n=100), and one patient withdrew from the study in each group; thus 99 patients in each group were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (113 [57%] men and 85 [43%] women). 65 (88%) of 74 in the usual care group and 62 (89%) of 70 in the intervention group underwent testing for cognitive impairment at 1 year. The rate of cognitive impairment at 1 year with early mobilisation was 24% (24 of 99 patients) compared with 43% (43 of 99) with usual care (absolute difference -19·2%, 95% CI -32·1 to -6·3%; p=0·0043). Cognitive impairment was lower at hospital discharge in the intervention group (53 [54%] 99 patients vs 68 [69%] 99 patients; -15·2%, -28·6 to -1·7; p=0·029). At 1 year, the intervention group had fewer ICU-acquired weaknesses (none [0%] of 99 patients vs 14 [14%] of 99 patients; -14·1%; -21·0 to -7·3; p=0·0001) and higher physical component scores on quality-of-life testing than did the usual care group (median 52·4 [IQR 45·3-56·8] vs median 41·1 [31·8-49·4]; p<0·0001). There was no difference in the rates of functional independence (64 [65%] of 99 patients vs 61 [62%] of 99 patients; 3%, -10·4 to 16·5%; p=0·66) or mental component scores (median 55·9 [50·2-58·9] vs median 55·2 [49·5-59·7]; p=0·98) between the intervention and usual care groups at 1 year. Seven adverse events (haemodynamic changes [n=3], arterial catheter removal [n=1], rectal tube dislodgement [n=1], and respiratory distress [n=2]) were reported in six (6%) of 99 patients in the intervention group and in none of the patients in the usual care group (p=0·029). INTERPRETATION: Early mobilisation might be the first known intervention to improve long-term cognitive impairment in ICU survivors after mechanical ventilation. These findings clearly emphasise the importance of avoiding delays in initiating mobilisation. However, the increased adverse events in the intervention group warrants further investigation to replicate these findings. FUNDING: None.

Immunomodulatory fecal metabolites are associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure.

Respiratory failure and mortality from COVID-19 result from virus- and inflammation-induced lung tissue damage. The intestinal microbiome and associated metabolites are implicated in immune responses to respiratory viral infections, however their impact on progression of severe COVID-19 remains unclear. We prospectively enrolled 71 patients with COVID-19 associated critical illness, collected fecal specimens within 3 days of medical intensive care unit admission, defined microbiome compositions by shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and quantified microbiota-derived metabolites (NCT #04552834). Of the 71 patients, 39 survived and 32 died. Mortality was associated with increased representation of Proteobacteria in the fecal microbiota and decreased concentrations of fecal secondary bile acids and desaminotyrosine (DAT). A microbiome metabolic profile (MMP) that accounts for fecal secondary bile acids and desaminotyrosine concentrations was independently associated with progression of respiratory failure leading to mechanical ventilation. Our findings demonstrate that fecal microbiota composition and microbiota-derived metabolite concentrations can predict the trajectory of respiratory function and death in patients with severe SARS-Cov-2 infection and suggest that the gut-lung axis plays an important role in the recovery from COVID-19.

Immediate Effect of Mechanical Ventilation Mode and Sedative Infusion on Measured Diaphragm Thickness.

Rationale: In patients who are mechanically ventilated, diaphragm thinning on ultrasound is thought to correlate with diaphragm atrophy and has been associated with prolonged intubation. Factors other than atrophy, however, may cause changes in diaphragm thickness, which may confound studies examining changes in diaphragm thickness over time. Objectives: To determine if changes in the mode of mechanical ventilation or an interruption of sedatives have immediate effects on diaphragm thickness measurements in adult patients in the intensive care unit who are mechanically ventilated. Methods: Adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for less than 48 hours were included. Diaphragm thickness was measured at end-expiration and peak inspiration using ultrasound while patients were receiving both volume assist-control and pressure-support modes in a randomized crossover fashion. In patients receiving sedatives, additional measurements were taken after an interruption of sedatives. Measurements were compared between modes and on assist-control before and after an interruption of sedatives. Results: Of 85 patients enrolled, 66 had measurements on assist-control and spontaneous modes, and 40 had measurements before and after an interruption of sedatives. End-expiratory diaphragm thickness increased by a median of 0.08 mm after an interruption of sedatives (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 mm to 0.164 mm; P = 0.017), corresponding to a median increase of 6.5%. No difference was seen when comparing measurements taken on volume assist-control and pressure support (median difference, 0 mm; 95% CI, -0.07 mm to 0.08 mm; P = 0.98). Conclusions: End-expiratory diaphragm thickness increased by 6.5% after an interruption of sedatives. The effect of sedatives on measured diaphragm thickness should be considered in future studies examining changes in diaphragm thickness over time. Clinical trial registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04319939).

Temperature Trajectory Subphenotypes Correlate With Immune Responses in Patients With Sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: We recently found that distinct body temperature trajectories of infected patients correlated with survival. Understanding the relationship between the temperature trajectories and the host immune response to infection could allow us to immunophenotype patients at the bedside using temperature. The objective was to identify whether temperature trajectories have consistent associations with specific cytokine responses in two distinct cohorts of infected patients. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Large academic medical center between 2013 and 2019. SUBJECTS: Two cohorts of infected patients: 1) patients in the ICU with septic shock and 2) hospitalized patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical data (including body temperature) and plasma cytokine concentrations were measured. Patients were classified into four temperature trajectory subphenotypes using their temperature measurements in the first 72 hours from the onset of infection. Log-transformed cytokine levels were standardized to the mean and compared with the subphenotypes in both cohorts. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The cohorts consisted of 120 patients with septic shock (cohort 1) and 88 patients with S. aureus bacteremia (cohort 2). Patients from both cohorts were classified into one of four previously validated temperature subphenotypes: "hyperthermic, slow resolvers" (n = 19 cohort 1; n = 13 cohort 2), "hyperthermic, fast resolvers" (n = 18 C1; n = 24 C2), "normothermic" (n = 54 C1; n = 31 C2), and "hypothermic" (n = 29 C1; n = 20 C2). Both "hyperthermic, slow resolvers" and "hyperthermic, fast resolvers" had high levels of G-CSF, CCL2, and interleukin-10 compared with the "hypothermic" group when controlling for cohort and timing of cytokine measurement (p < 0.05). In contrast to the "hyperthermic, slow resolvers," the "hyperthermic, fast resolvers" showed significant decreases in the levels of several cytokines over a 24-hour period, including interleukin-1RA, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, G-CSF, and M-CSF (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Temperature trajectory subphenotypes are associated with consistent cytokine profiles in two distinct cohorts of infected patients. These subphenotypes could play a role in the bedside identification of cytokine profiles in patients with sepsis.

ATS Core Curriculum 2020. Adult Critical Care Medicine.

The American Thoracic Society Core Curriculum updates clinicians annually in adult and pediatric pulmonary disease, medical critical care, and sleep medicine, in a 3- to 4-year recurring cycle of topics. These topics will be presented at the 2020 International Conference. Below is the adult critical care medicine core including complications of chemotherapy, acute-on-chronic liver failure, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, mechanical circulatory support, direct oral anticoagulants, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and vasopressor selection.

Impact of Vasoactive Medications on ICU-Acquired Weakness in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vasoactive medications are commonly used in the treatment of critically ill patients, but their impact on the development of ICU-acquired weakness is not well described. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vasoactive medication use and the outcome of ICU-acquired weakness. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of mechanically ventilated patients (N = 172) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of early occupational and physical therapy vs conventional therapy, which evaluated the end point of ICU-acquired weakness on hospital discharge. Patients underwent bedside muscle strength testing by a therapist blinded to study allocation to evaluate for ICU-acquired weakness. The effects of vasoactive medication use on the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness in this population were assessed. RESULTS: On logistic regression analysis, the use of vasoactive medications increased the odds of developing ICU-acquired weakness (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; P = .01) independent of all other established risk factors for weakness. Duration of vasoactive medication use (in days) (OR, 1.35; P = .004) and cumulative norepinephrine dose (µg/kg/d) (OR, 1.01; P = .02) (but not vasopressin or phenylephrine) were also independently associated with the outcome of ICU-acquired weakness. CONCLUSIONS: In mechanically ventilated patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of early mobilization, the use of vasoactive medications was independently associated with the development of ICU-acquired weakness. Prospective trials to further evaluate this relationship are merited. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01777035; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Comparison of Two Lidocaine Administration Techniques on Perceived Pain From Bedside Procedures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lidocaine is used to alleviate procedural pain but paradoxically increases pain during injection. Pain perception can be modulated by non-noxious stimuli such as temperature or touch according to the gate control theory of pain. We postulated that lidocaine dripped onto the skin prior to injection would cool or add the sensation of touch at the skin surface to reduce pain perception from the procedure. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial of patients referred to the procedure service from February 2011 through March 2015 was conducted. All patients received 1% subcutaneous lidocaine injection. Patients randomized to the intervention group had approximately 1 to 2 ml of lidocaine squirted onto the skin surface prior to subcutaneous lidocaine injection. Patients were blinded to the details of the intervention and were surveyed by a blinded investigator to document the primary outcome (severity of pain from the procedure) using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 481 patients provided consent and were randomized to treatment. There was a significant improvement in the primary outcome of procedural pain (control, 16.6 ± 24.8 mm vs 12.2 ± 19.4 mm; P = .03) with the intervention group as assessed by using the visual analog scale score. Pain scores were primarily improved for peripherally inserted central catheters (control, 18.8 ± 25.6 mm vs 12.2 ± 18.2 mm; P = .02) upon subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside procedures are exceedingly common. Data regarding the severity of procedural pain and strategies to mitigate it are important for the informed consent process and patient satisfaction. Overall, pain reported from common bedside procedures is low, but pain can be further reduced with the addition of lidocaine onto the skin surface to modulate pain perception. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01330134; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

One-Year Outcomes in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Enrolled in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Helmet Versus Facemask Noninvasive Ventilation.

OBJECTIVES: Many survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome have poor long-term outcomes possibly due to supportive care practices during "invasive" mechanical ventilation. Helmet noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome may reduce intubation rates; however, it is unknown if avoiding intubation with helmet noninvasive ventilation alters the consequences of surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome. DESIGN: Long-term follow-up data from a previously published randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS: Adults patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome enrolled in a previously published clinical trial. SETTING: Adult ICU. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was functional independence at 1 year after hospital discharge defined as independence in activities of daily living and ambulation. At 1 year, patients were surveyed to assess for functional independence, survival, and number of institution-free days, defined as days alive spent living at home. The presence of ICU-acquired weakness and functional independence was also assessed by a blinded therapist on hospital discharge. On hospital discharge, there was a greater prevalence of ICU-acquired weakness (79.5% vs 38.6%; p = 0.0002) and less functional independence (15.4% vs 50%; p = 0.001) in the facemask group. One-year follow-up data were collected for 81 of 83 patients (97.6%). One-year mortality was higher in the facemask group (69.2% vs 43.2%; p = 0.017). At 1 year, patients in the helmet group were more likely to be functionally independent (40.9% vs 15.4%; p = 0.015) and had more institution-free days (median, 268.5 [0-354] vs 0 [0-323]; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Poor functional recovery after invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome is common. Helmet noninvasive ventilation may be the first intervention that mitigates the long-term complications that plague survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome managed with noninvasive ventilation.

Effect of Noninvasive Ventilation Delivered by Helmet vs Face Mask on the Rate of Endotracheal Intubation in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with a face mask is relatively ineffective at preventing endotracheal intubation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Delivery of NIV with a helmet may be a superior strategy for these patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether NIV delivered by helmet improves intubation rate among patients with ARDS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Single-center randomized clinical trial of 83 patients with ARDS requiring NIV delivered by face mask for at least 8 hours while in the medical intensive care unit at the University of Chicago between October 3, 2012, through September 21, 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to continue face mask NIV or switch to a helmet for NIV support for a planned enrollment of 206 patients (103 patients per group). The helmet is a transparent hood that covers the entire head of the patient and has a rubber collar neck seal. Early trial termination resulted in 44 patients randomized to the helmet group and 39 to the face mask group. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who required endotracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included 28-day invasive ventilator-free days (ie, days alive without mechanical ventilation), duration of ICU and hospital length of stay, and hospital and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (45% women; median age, 59 years; median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score, 26) were included in the analysis after the trial was stopped early based on predefined criteria for efficacy. The intubation rate was 61.5% (n = 24) for the face mask group and 18.2% (n = 8) for the helmet group (absolute difference, -43.3%; 95% CI, -62.4% to -24.3%; P < .001). The number of ventilator-free days was significantly higher in the helmet group (28 vs 12.5, P < .001). At 90 days, 15 patients (34.1%) in the helmet group died compared with 22 patients (56.4%) in the face mask group (absolute difference, -22.3%; 95% CI, -43.3 to -1.4; P = .02). Adverse events included 3 interface-related skin ulcers for each group (ie, 7.6% in the face mask group had nose ulcers and 6.8% in the helmet group had neck ulcers). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with ARDS, treatment with helmet NIV resulted in a significant reduction of intubation rates. There was also a statistically significant reduction in 90-day mortality with helmet NIV. Multicenter studies are needed to replicate these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01680783.

Risk of Procedural Hemorrhage.

Patients who are critically ill and hospitalized often require invasive procedures as a part of their medical care. Each procedure carries a unique set of risks and associated complications, but common to all of them is the risk of hemorrhage. Central venous catheterization, arterial catheterization, paracentesis, thoracentesis, tube thoracostomy, and lumbar puncture constitute a majority of the procedures performed in patients who are hospitalized. In this article, the authors will discuss the risk factors for bleeding complications from each of these procedures and methods to minimize risk. Physicians often correct coagulopathy prior to procedures to decrease bleeding risk, but there is minimal evidence to support this practice.