A differential therapeutic consideration for use of corticosteroids according to established COVID-19 clinical phenotypes in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of corticosteroids was associated with Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality among whole population and pre-specified clinical phenotypes. DESIGN: A secondary analysis derived from multicenter, observational study. SETTING: Critical Care Units. PATIENTS: Adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease admitted to 63 ICUs in Spain. INTERVENTIONS: Corticosteroids vs. no corticosteroids. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Three phenotypes were derived by non-supervised clustering analysis from whole population and classified as (A: severe, B: critical and C: life-threatening). We performed a multivariate analysis after propensity optimal full matching (PS) for whole population and weighted Cox regression (HR) and Fine-Gray analysis (sHR) to assess the impact of corticosteroids on ICU mortality according to the whole population and distinctive patient clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: A total of 2017 patients were analyzed, 1171 (58%) with corticosteroids. After PS, corticosteroids were shown not to be associated with ICU mortality (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.98-1.15). Corticosteroids were administered in 298/537 (55.5%) patients of "A" phenotype and their use was not associated with ICU mortality (HR=0.85 [0.55-1.33]). A total of 338/623 (54.2%) patients in "B" phenotype received corticosteroids. No effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality was observed when HR was performed (0.72 [0.49-1.05]). Finally, 535/857 (62.4%) patients in "C" phenotype received corticosteroids. In this phenotype HR (0.75 [0.58-0.98]) and sHR (0.79 [0.63-0.98]) suggest a protective effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality. CONCLUSION: Our finding warns against the widespread use of corticosteroids in all critically ill patients with COVID-19 at moderate dose. Only patients with the highest inflammatory levels could benefit from steroid treatment.

A differential therapeutic consideration for use of corticosteroids according to established COVID-19 clinical phenotypes in critically ill patients.

Objective: To determine if the use of corticosteroids was associated with Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality among whole population and pre-specified clinical phenotypes. Design: A secondary analysis derived from multicenter, observational study. Setting: Critical Care Units. Patients: Adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease admitted to 63 ICUs in Spain. Interventions: Corticosteroids vs. no corticosteroids. Main variables of interest: Three phenotypes were derived by non-supervised clustering analysis from whole population and classified as (A: severe, B: critical and C: life-threatening). We performed a multivariate analysis after propensity optimal full matching (PS) for whole population and weighted Cox regression (HR) and Fine-Gray analysis (sHR) to assess the impact of corticosteroids on ICU mortality according to the whole population and distinctive patient clinical phenotypes. Results: A total of 2017 patients were analyzed, 1171 (58%) with corticosteroids. After PS, corticosteroids were shown not to be associated with ICU mortality (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.98-1.15). Corticosteroids were administered in 298/537 (55.5%) patients of "A" phenotype and their use was not associated with ICU mortality (HR = 0.85 [0.55-1.33]). A total of 338/623 (54.2%) patients in "B" phenotype received corticosteroids. No effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality was observed when HR was performed (0.72 [0.49-1.05]). Finally, 535/857 (62.4%) patients in "C" phenotype received corticosteroids. In this phenotype HR (0.75 [0.58-0.98]) and sHR (0.79 [0.63-0.98]) suggest a protective effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality. Conclusion: Our finding warns against the widespread use of corticosteroids in all critically ill patients with COVID-19 at moderate dose. Only patients with the highest inflammatory levels could benefit from steroid treatment.

Objetivo: Evaluar si el uso de corticoesteroides (CC) se asocia con la mortalidad en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en la población global y dentro de los fenotipos clínicos predeterminados. Diseño: Análisis secundario de estudio multicéntrico observacional. Ámbito: UCI. Pacientes: Pacientes adultos con COVID-19 confirmado ingresados en 63 UCI de España. Intervención: Corticoides vs. no corticoides. Variables de interés principales: A partir del análisis no supervisado de grupos, 3 fenotipos clínicos fueron derivados y clasificados como: A grave, B crítico y C potencialmente mortal. Se efectuó un análisis multivariado después de un propensity optimal full matching (PS) y una regresión ponderada de Cox (HR) y análisis de Fine-Gray (sHR) para evaluar el impacto del tratamiento con CC sobre la mortalidad en la población general y en cada fenotipo clínico. Resultados: Un total de 2.017 pacientes fueron analizados, 1.171 (58%) con CC. Después del PS, el uso de CC no se relacionó significativamente con la mortalidad en UCI (OR: 1,0; IC 95%: 0,98-1,15). Los CC fueron administrados en 298/537 (55,5%) pacientes del fenotipo A y no se observó asociación significativa con la mortalidad (HR = 0,85; 0,55-1,33). Un total de 338/623 (54,2%) pacientes del fenotipo B recibieron CC sin efecto significativo sobre la mortalidad (HR = 0,72; 0,49-1,05). Por último, 535/857 (62,4%) pacientes del fenotipo C recibieron CC. En este fenotipo, se evidenció un efecto protector de los CC sobre la mortalidad HR (0,75; 0,58-0,98). Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos alertan sobre el uso indiscriminado de CC a dosis moderadas en todos los pacientes críticos con COVID-19. Solamente pacientes con elevado estado de inflamación podrían beneficiarse con el tratamiento con CC.

Características epidemiológicas de las paradas cardiorrespiratorias extrahospitalarias registradas porel sistema de emergencias 061 (SAMU) de la Comunidad Autónoma de las Islas Baleares (2009-2012) / Epidemiological characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest recorded by the 061 emergencies system (SAMU) in the Balearic Islands (Spain), 2009-2012

OBJETIVO: Describir las características epidemiológicas de las paradas cardiorrespiratorias extra hospitalarias (PCEH) y determinar los factores asociados a la recuperación de la circulación espontánea (RCE). Diseño: Estudio observacional de cohorte de PCEH registradas de forma continua en la base de datos del SAMU 061 (2009-2012). Ámbito: Islas de Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca y Formentera. PACIENTES: PCEH ≥ de 18 años. Variables principales de interés: sexo, edad, sospecha etiológica, lugar, testigo, si fue presenciada, soporte vital básico (SVB), ritmo desfibrilable, intervalos de tiempos, desfibrilador semiautomático (DEA), duración de parada cardiaca (PC) y RCE. Las variables independientes fueron definidas según el estilo Utstein y la variable dependiente fue la RCE. RESULTADOS: Se atendió a 1.170 PC (28/100.000 habitantes/año). Se incluyeron 1.130 casos. La edad media fue de 61,4 años. El 72,3% fueron de etiología cardiaca y el 84,7% fueron presenciadas. En 840 (74,3%) se practicó SVB y en 400 (47,6%) se realizó previamente a la llegada del SAMU (45 por familiares). En 330 paradas (29,2%) se utilizó el DEA (96 indicó desfibrilación). Los intervalos alerta-SVB y alerta-SVA fueron de 8,4 y 15,8 min respectivamente. Se monitorizó ritmo desfibrilable en 257 PC (22,7%). La RCE se consiguió en 261 casos (23,1%). Los factores asociados a RCE fueron la edad, el ritmo desfibrilable, SVB previo a la llegada del SAMU y duración de PC ≤ 30 min. CONCLUSIONES: La incidencia de PCEH es baja. El SVB realizado por la familia fue poco frecuente. La edad, ritmo desfibrilable y SVB previo al SAMU se asocian a RCE

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (OHCA) and identify factors associated with recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Observational study of OHCA registered on a continuous basis in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) database during 2009-2012. SETTING: The islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera (Balearic Islands, Spain). PATIENTS: OHCA in patients ≥ 18 years of age. The main variables were: Patient sex, age, probable cause, place of arrest, bystander, witnessed, basic life support (BLS), shockable rhythm, intervention time, semi-automatic defibrillator (AED), duration of cardiopulmonary arrest (CA), and ROSC. Independent variables were defined according to the Utstein protocol, and the dependent variable was defined as ROSC. RESULTS: The EMS treated 1170 OHCAs (28/100,000 persons-year). We included 1130 CA. The mean age was 61.4 years (73.4% males). Most CA (72.3%) were of cardiac etiology, and 84.7% were witnessed. A total of 840 (74.3%) received BLS and 400 (47.6%) did so before arrival of the EMS (45 by bystander relatives). AED was available in 330 cases CA (29.2%) (96 with shockable rhythm). The interval between emergency call and BLS and between emergency call and advanced life support was 8.4 and 15.8min, respectively. Shockable rhythm was monitored in 257 CAs (22.7%). ROSC occurred in 261 (23.1%). Factors associated with ROSC were age, shockable rhythm, BLS before EMS arrival, and CA duration less than 30min.ConclusionThe incidence rate of the OHCA is low. The proportion of patients receiving BLS from relatives was low. Age, shockable rhythm and BSL before EMS arrival were associated with ROSC

[Epidemiological characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest recorded by the 061 emergencies system (SAMU) in the Balearic Islands (Spain), 2009-2012]. / Características epidemiológicas de las paradas cardiorrespiratorias extrahospitalarias registradas por el sistema de emergencias 061 (SAMU) de la Comunidad Autónoma de las Islas Baleares (2009-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest (OHCA) and identify factors associated with recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). DESIGN: Observational study of OHCA registered on a continuous basis in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) database during 2009-2012. SETTING: The islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera (Balearic Islands, Spain). PATIENTS: OHCA in patients ≥ 18 years of age. The main variables were: Patient sex, age, probable cause, place of arrest, bystander, witnessed, basic life support (BLS), shockable rhythm, intervention time, semi-automatic defibrillator (AED), duration of cardiopulmonary arrest (CA), and ROSC. Independent variables were defined according to the Utstein protocol, and the dependent variable was defined as ROSC. RESULTS: The EMS treated 1170 OHCAs (28/100,000 persons-year). We included 1130 CA. The mean age was 61.4 years (73.4% males). Most CA (72.3%) were of cardiac etiology, and 84.7% were witnessed. A total of 840 (74.3%) received BLS and 400 (47.6%) did so before arrival of the EMS (45 by bystander relatives). AED was available in 330 cases CA (29.2%) (96 with shockable rhythm). The interval between emergency call and BLS and between emergency call and advanced life support was 8.4 and 15.8min, respectively. Shockable rhythm was monitored in 257 CAs (22.7%). ROSC occurred in 261 (23.1%). Factors associated with ROSC were age, shockable rhythm, BLS before EMS arrival, and CA duration less than 30min. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of the OHCA is low. The proportion of patients receiving BLS from relatives was low. Age, shockable rhythm and BSL before EMS arrival were associated with ROSC.

Aplicación de las Técnicas de Información y Comunicación para la detección de pacientes de alto riesgo: alarmas de rápida asistencia. Estudio piloto del Proyecto ARA-Son Llàtzer / Application of Medical Information Systems for the detection of high risk patients: Rapid care alerts. Pilot study of the ARA-Son Llàtzer Project

Objetivo Describir la implementación de Técnicas de Información y Comunicación (TIC) sobre el Servicio de Medicina Intensiva (SMI).Diseño Estudio de cohortes prospectivo observacional. Ámbito Hospitalización de Áreas Médicas y Quirúrgicas del Hospital Son Llàtzer. Pacientes Pacientes con criterios de alarma de rápida asistencia (ARA) no tratados, paradas cardiacas (PC) y muertes inesperadas en planta (MI) durante el año 2010.Variables de interés principa lEdad, sexo, turno de enfermería, alerta de enfermería, criterios ARA, ingreso en SMI, PC, fallecimiento y MI. Resultados El sistema informático (SI) detectó 9.647 episodios con criterios ARA en 4.020 pacientes (26,4 episodios/día). Se realizaron 8.547 revisiones por el intensivista. Sesenta y cinco pacientes precisaron actuación temprana del SMI. De ellos, el 61,5% fueron detectados en el segundo turno (de 15:00 a 22:00) y el 61,5% ingresó en el SMI. La disminución del nivel de conciencia (DNC) y la insuficiencia respiratoria fueron los más frecuentes. La etiología más frecuente fue la sepsis (23%). Se incluyeron 45 PC y 35 MI. Del total de PC, 33 pacientes fallecieron (73,3%) y el 66,7% presentaron criterios ARA no tratados. La monitorización (p<0,05) y los ritmos desfibrilables (p<0,002) se asociaron a supervivencia. En las MI, el 75% presentaron criterios ARA no tratados y el 40,6% presentaron DNC. En el segundo semestre se observó una reducción significativa de las MI (p=0,01). Conclusiones Las TIC pueden ser una herramienta complementaria a la actividad asistencial del SMI para mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes hospitalizados en planta (AU)

Objective To describe the implementation of a Medical Information System (MIS) in the Critical Care Departament (CCD).Design A prospective observational cohort study was carried out. Setting Clinical and Surgical wards in Son Llàtzer Hospital. Patients Patients with criteria of rapid care alert (RCA) without treatment, cardiac arrest (CA), and unexpected ward deaths (UWD), during 2010.Main variables Age, sex, nursing shift, nursing alert, vital signs, unplanned admission to intensive care, CA, UWD and death. Results The MIS detected 9647 episodes with RCA signs in 4020 patients (26.4 episodes/day). A total of 8547 episodes were reviewed. Sixty-five patients required rapid response by the intensive care staff; 61.5% were detected in the afternoon shift (15:00 a 22:00), and 61.5% were admitted to the CCD. Diminished consciousness (DC) and respiratory failure were the most frequent problems. The sepsis rate was 23%. We reviewed 45 CA and 35 UWD. Of the total cases of CA, 33 patients died (73.3%) and 66.7% had criteria of untreated RCA. Monitoring (P<.05) and rhythms amenable to defibrillation (P<.002) were associated to survival. As regards the UWD, 75% had criteria of untreated RCA, and 40.6% presented diminished consciousness. In the last 6 months there was a significant reduction in UWD (P=.01) Conclusions The MIS could be a complimentary tool in the activity of the CCD to improve the prognosis of hospitalized patients (AU)

Application of Medical Information Systems for the detection of high risk patients: rapid care alerts. Pilot study of the ARA-Son Llàtzer Project.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation of a Medical Information System (MIS) in the Critical Care Departament (CCD). DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out. SETTING: Clinical and Surgical wards in Son Llàtzer Hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with criteria of rapid care alert (RCA) without treatment, cardiac arrest (CA), and unexpected ward deaths (UWD), during 2010. MAIN VARIABLES: Age, sex, nursing shift, nursing alert, vital signs, unplanned admission to intensive care, CA, UWD and death. RESULTS: The MIS detected 9647 episodes with RCA signs in 4020 patients (26.4 episodes/day). A total of 8547 episodes were reviewed. Sixty-five patients required rapid response by the intensive care staff; 61.5% were detected in the afternoon shift (15:00 a 22:00), and 61.5% were admitted to the CCD. Diminished consciousness (DC) and respiratory failure were the most frequent problems. The sepsis rate was 23%. We reviewed 45 CA and 35 UWD. Of the total cases of CA, 33 patients died (73.3%) and 66.7% had criteria of untreated RCA. Monitoring (P<.05) and rhythms amenable to defibrillation (P<.002) were associated to survival. As regards the UWD, 75% had criteria of untreated RCA, and 40.6% presented diminished consciousness. In the last 6 months there was a significant reduction in UWD (P=.01) CONCLUSIONS: The MIS could be a complimentary tool in the activity of the CCD to improve the prognosis of hospitalized patients.

[Mixed cryoglobulinemia secondary to Mediterranean boutonneuse fever]. / Crioglobulinemia mixta secundaria a fiebre botonosa mediterránea.

A clinical case of Mediterranean Boutonneuse Fever (MBF) with circulating cryoglobulins during the acute phase, with no clinical symptoms is described and considered an epiphenomenon of the infection. The possible relationship between the infection and the cryoglobulinemia are discussed. The patient is also added to the increasing list of patients reported of Boutonneuse Fever in the Mediterranean area during the observation period.