Influence of body mass index on outcome of the mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the impact of body mass index on outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a cohort including 4698 patients mechanically ventilated. Patients were screened daily for management of mechanical ventilation, complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, ventilator associated pneumonia, barotrauma), organ failure (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, haematological) and mortality in the intensive care unit. To estimate the impact of body mass index on acute respiratory distress syndrome and mortality, the authors constructed models using generalised estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Patients were evaluated based on their body mass index: 184 patients (3.7%) were underweight, 1995 patients (40%) normal weight, 1781 patients (35.8%) overweight, 792 patients (15.9%) obese and 216 patients (4.3%) severely obese. Severely obese patients were more likely to receive low tidal volume based on actual body weight but high volumes based on predicted body weight. In obese patients, the authors observed a higher incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure. After adjustment, the body mass index was significantly associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome: compared with normal weight; OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.07 to 2.69) for obese and OR 2.38 (95% CI 1.15 to 4.89) for severely obese. There were no differences in outcomes (duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay and mortality in intensive care unit and hospital) based on body mass index categories. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, obese patients were more likely to have significant complications but there were no associations with increased mortality.

Fundamentos de la ventilación mecánica en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo / The basics on mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory distress syndrome

El síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) corresponde al daño de la barrera endotelioepitelial pulmonar inducida por inflamación, cuyo resultado condiciona aumento de la permeabilidad vascular y disfunción del agente tensioactivo y produce grados variables de colapso y relleno alveolar. Actualmente, el tratamiento consiste en ventilación mecánica. El desafío actual apunta a determinar qué estrategias ventilatorias son capaces de minimizar la lesión producida por el ventilador (VILI, ventilator-induced lung injury) y a procurar un intercambio gaseoso razonable. La evidencia muestra que debería ventilarse a los pacientes con volumen tidal entre 6-8ml/kg, peso ideal con presión «meseta» <30cmH2O. El uso de altos niveles de presión positiva espiratoria final (PEEP, positive end expiratory pressure) no ha demostrado reducir la mortalidad; sin embargo, ha mejorado metas secundarias importantes. La racionalidad en el uso de niveles elevados de PEEP se fundamenta en su capacidad de reducir el colapso-reapertura cíclico de la vía aérea, probablemente el mayor culpable del desarrollo de VILI. La tomografía computarizada de tórax ha contribuido en la comprensión anatomicofuncional de los patrones de distribución del SDRA. La tomografía de impedancia eléctrica, aunque aún está en desarrollo, es una técnica libre de radiación capaz de monitorizar dinámicamente la ventilación al lado del enfermo (AU)

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is understood as an inflammation-induced disruption of the alveolar endothelial-epithelial barrier that results in increased permeability and surfactant dysfunction followed by alveolar flooding and collapse. ARDS management relies on mechanical ventilation. The current challenge is to determine the optimal ventilatory strategies that minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) while providing a reasonable gas exchange. The data support that a tidal volume between 6-8ml/kg of predicted body weight providing a plateau pressure <30cmH2O should be used. High positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) has not reduced mortality, nevertheless secondary endpoints are improved. The rationale used for high PEEP argues that it prevents cyclic opening and closing of airspaces, probably the major culprit of development of VILI. Chest computed tomography has contributed to our understanding of anatomic-functional distribution patterns in ARDS. Electric impedance tomography is a technique that is radiation-free, but still under development, that allows dynamic monitoring of ventilation distribution at bedside (AU)

[The basics on mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory distress syndrome]. / Fundamentos de la ventilación mecánica en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is understood as an inflammation-induced disruption of the alveolar endothelial-epithelial barrier that results in increased permeability and surfactant dysfunction followed by alveolar flooding and collapse. ARDS management relies on mechanical ventilation. The current challenge is to determine the optimal ventilatory strategies that minimize ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) while providing a reasonable gas exchange. The data support that a tidal volume between 6-8 ml/kg of predicted body weight providing a plateau pressure < 30 cmH2O should be used. High positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) has not reduced mortality, nevertheless secondary endpoints are improved. The rationale used for high PEEP argues that it prevents cyclic opening and closing of airspaces, probably the major culprit of development of VILI. Chest computed tomography has contributed to our understanding of anatomic-functional distribution patterns in ARDS. Electric impedance tomography is a technique that is radiation-free, but still under development, that allows dynamic monitoring of ventilation distribution at bedside.

Balance hídrico y uso de drogas vasoactivas como predictores de mortalidad en pacientes con lesión pulmonar aguda y síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo: Estudio multicéntrico / Water balance and drug use vasoactive as predictors of mortality in patients with acute lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome acute: Multicentric study

Introducción. Desde la década de 1990, la mortalidad por el síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo ha disminuido. Sin embargo, no hay datos concluyentes acerca de que una nueva estrategia sea responsable de esta evolución (p. ej., el manejo de los fluidos). Aún no se ha dilucidado cuál es la cantidad óptima de fluidos para tratar a estos pacientes. Clásicamente la discusión se basa en estrategias liberales o conservadoras. Objetivo. El objetivo principal fue conocer cómo impacta el balance de fluidos asociado con el uso de noradrenalina en la evolución. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional en 87 pacientes con síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo entre agosto y diciembre de 2007, en tres hospitales universitarios. Se utilizó el protocolo de tratamiento estándar de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos permitiendo la expansión en forma liberal cuando se sospechaba hipovolemia no resuelta. Resultados. Se detectaron tres situaciones de mayor riesgo y mala evolución: a) la asociación de noradrenalina y balance positivo de fluidos <2500 ml en las primeras 24 h (OR: 5,4; IC95%: 2,1-13,9; p = 0,0004), b) la asociación de noradrenalina y balance acumulativo >5500 ml en las primeras 72 h (OR: 2,7; IC95%: 1,1-6,5; p = 0,032) y c) pacientes con puntaje APACHE II >21, noradrenalina y balance positivo <2500 ml en las primeras 24 h (OR: 8,4; IC95%: 1,8-39; p = 0,008). Conclusión. La utilización de noradrenalina y escaso fluido en estrategias de reanimación que intentan "proteger" al pulmón con lesión parece no ser adecuada, según este estudio observacional(AU)

Introduction. Recent studies have shown an important decline in mortality due to acute respiratory distress syndrome since 1990. However, to date, there is no definitive evidence to demonstrate that any mode of specific therapeutic approach (i.e., fluid management) make a difference in survival or other outcome measures. The optimal fluid management of acute lung injury is not established. Classically there are two arguments: the wet or dry strategy. Objective. The main goal was to know the impact on outcome of fluid balance and the use of noradrenaline as a vasoactive drug. Materials and methods. In this observational study, 87 ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were included from August to December 2007 in three University Critical Care Units. A standard protocol of resuscitation was used, fluid intake was liberal only in hypovolemic patients. Results. Three categories of risk and poor outcome were detected: a) noradrenaline plus positive fluid balance <2500 mL in first day (OR: 5.4; IC95%: 2.1-13.9; p = 0.0004), b) noradrenaline plus a cumulative positive balance >550 mL in first 72 hours (OR: 2.7; IC95%: 1.1-6.5; p = 0.032), c) APACHE II >21 and noradrenaline plus positive fluid balance <2500 mL in the first day (OR: 8.4; IC95%: 1.8-39; p = 0.008). Conclusion. The use of noradrenaline and conservative resuscitation with fluid in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in order to minimize the risk of excessive fluid therapy was associated with poor outcome and higher mortality(AU)

Evaluación de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda / Evaluation of non-invasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure

Antecedentes: Existe evidencia que avala la utilidad de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) en el manejo de la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA), no obstante, la definición de variables que permitan predecir el éxito o fracaso de este recurso terapéutico es controversial. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio en relación con el éxito o fracaso de la VMNI en pacientes con IRA. Metodología: Estudio prospectivo de cohorte descriptivo que incluye pacientes consecutivos que cumplieron con criterios de conexión a VMNI e ingresaron a la UPC de Clínica Alemana de Santiago entre marzo de 2005 y julio de 2007. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos, aquellos que fracasan con VMNI y requirieron intubación, grupo fracaso (GF) y los que no la requirieron, grupo éxito (GE). Se registraron variables demográficas, APACHE II, diagnóstico de ingreso. La mecánica respiratoria, gasometría arterial y hemodinámica se obtuvieron en tres momentos de la evolución evolución: previo a la conexión, a las dos horas y al término del uso de VMNI (preintubación y destete de VMNI). Resultados: De los 132 pacientes incluidos se logró evitar la intubación en 99 de ellos (75 por ciento), 33 fueron intubados (25 por ciento), de los cuales 1 falleció. El pH fue menor en el GF (7,42+/-0,06 v/s 7,39+/-0,08; p =0,04). La saturación de oxígeno por pulsioximetría (SpO2) también fue menor en el GF tanto a las dos horas (96+/-2 v/s 95+/-3; p=0,01) como al final del uso de VMNI (96+/-2 v/s 95+/-3; p =0,04). La PaO2/FiO2 fue menor en el mismo grupo, en los tres momentos de medición: previo a la conexión (196+/-66 v/s 144+/-59; p =0,001), a las dos horas (223+/-92 v/s 179+/-88;p =0,022) y al término del uso de VMNI (252+/-78 v/s 208+/-104; p =0,021). Al final del uso de VMNI, tanto la frecuencia cardiaca (FC) (86+/-16 v/s 94+/-20; p =0,03) como el nivel de IPAP (12+/-2 v/s 13+/-3; p =0,02) fueron mayores en el GF. Conclusiones: El GF muestra..

Background: There is evidence supporting the benefits of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of acute respiratory failure (ARF), however, the role of different variables in the evaluation of this technique’s success are controversial. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the different clinical parameters and relate them with the success and failure of NIV in patients with ARF. Methodology: Prospective study of descriptive cohort that includes consecutive patients who fulfilled criteria of connection to NIV and entered to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit)of Clínica Alemana de Santiago between March of 2005 to July 2007. These patients were divided into two groups, those presenting failure with NIV and required intubation, failure group (GF) and those that did not require it, success sgroup (GE). The demographic registered variables measured were APACHE II, diagnosis of entrance were registered. The respiratory mechanics, arterial gasometry and haemodynamics were obtained at three moments of the evolution: previous to the connection, the two hours and at the end of the use of NIV (pre-intubation and weaning of NIV). Results: From the 132 patients included, intubation was avoided in 99 of them (75 percent) 33 percent were entubated from which only 1 died. The pH was lower in the FG (7.42 +/- 0.06v/s 7.39 +/- 0.08; p = 0.04). The oxygen saturation by pulsometry (SpO2), was also lower in the GF after two hours (96+/-2 v/s 95+/-3; p =0.01) and at the end of NIV use (96+/-2 v/s 95+/-3; p =0.04). The PaO2/FiO2 was lower in the same group, at the three moments of measurement: previous to the connection (196+/-66 v/s 144+/-59; p =0.001), two hours post connection (223+/-92 v/s 179+/-88; p =0.022) and at the end of the NIV use (252+/-78 v/s 208+/-104; p =0.021). At the end of the NIV use both, the cardiac frequency (FC) (86+/-16 v/s94+/-20; p =0.03) and the IPAP level (12+/-2 v/s 13+/-3; p=0.02)...

[Characteristics and impact of sedation, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockage in critical patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation]. / Características e impacto de la sedación, la analgesia y el bloqueo neuromuscular en los pacientes críticos que recibieron ventilación mecánica prolongada.

AIM: To describe use of sedatives, analgesics, and neuromuscular blockers (NMB) in patients undergoing long-term mechanical ventilation and to assess factors associated with their use and their association with mortality at 28 days. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicenter cohort study. SETTING: Thirteen intensive care units (ICU) in Chile. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for more than 48h. We excluded patients with neurological disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic renal failure, suspected drug addiction, and early no resuscitation orders. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Proportion of use and dosage of sedatives, analgesics, and NMB. Level of sedation observed (SAS). Variables associated with the Sedation Agitation Scale (SAS), use of sedatives, analgesics, and NMB. Multivariate logistic regression of variables associated to mortality at 28 days. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients participated (60+/-18 years, 57% male, SOFA 7 [6-10], APACHE II 18 [15-22], 63% with sepsis, and 47% with acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome. The drugs most frequently used were midazolam (85%, 4 [1.9-6.8]mg/hr) and fentanyl (81%, 76 [39-140]microg/hr). NMB were administered at least 1 day in 30% of patients. SAS score was 1 or 2 in 55% of patients. There was an association between NMB use and mortality at 28 days, but it was not consistent in all the models of NMB evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Sedatives were frequently employed and deep sedation was common. Midazolam and fentanyl were the most frequently administered drugs. The use of NMB might be independently associated to greater mortality.

Características e impacto de la sedación, la analgesia y el bloqueo neuromuscular en los pacientes críticos que recibieron ventilación mecánica prolongada / Characteristics and impact of sedation, analgesia, and neuromuscular blockage in critical patients under going prolonged mechanical ventilation

Objetivo: Describir el uso de sedantes, analgésicos y bloqueantes neuromusculares (BNM) en los pacientes con ventilación mecánica (VM) prolongada y evaluar los factores asociados a su empleo y asociación con la mortalidad a los 28 días. Diseño: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y observacional de cohorte. Ámbito: Trece unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en Chile. Pacientes: Pacientes con VM superior a 48h. Excluimos los pacientes con enfermedad neurológica, cirrosis hepática, insuficiencia renal crónica, sospecha de adicción a drogas y limitación precoz del esfuerzo terapéutico. Intervención: Ninguna Variables de interés principales Proporción de uso y dosis de sedantes, analgésicos y BNM. Nivel de sedación observado (SAS [sedation-agitation scale 'escala de sedación-agitación']). Variables asociadas al nivel de la SAS, y el uso de sedantes, analgésicos y BNM. Regresión logística multivariada de variables asociadas a la mortalidad a los 28 días. Resultados: Participaron 155 pacientes (60±18 años, el 57% eran varones, SOFA 7 [6-10], APACHE II 18 [15-22], el 63% con sepsis y el 47% con lesión pulmonar aguda/síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. Los fármacos empleados fueron midazolam (85%; 4 mg/h [1,9-6,8]) y fentanilo (81%; 76 μg/h [39-140]). Un 30% de los pacientes usó BNM al menos un día. El 55% de la SAS fue 1-2. Existe una asociación entre el uso de BNM y la mortalidad a los 28 días, pero ésta no fue consistente en todos los modelos de uso de BNM evaluados. Conclusiones: En el grupo estudiado fue frecuente el uso de sedantes y la presencia de sedación profunda, el midazolam y el fentanilo fueron los fármacos más usados. El uso de BNM podría asociarse de forma independiente a una mayor mortalidad (AU)

Aim: To describe use of sedatives, analgesics, and neuromuscular blockers (NMB) in patients undergoing long-term mechanical ventilation and to assess factors associated with their use and their association with mortality at 28 days. Design: Prospective observational multicenter cohort study. Setting: Thirteen intensive care units (ICU) in Chile. Patients: Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for more than 48h. We excluded patients with neurological disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic renal failure, suspected drug addiction, and early no resuscitation orders. Intervention None. Main measurements: Proportion of use and dosage of sedatives, analgesics, and NMB. Level of sedation observed (SAS). Variables associated with the Sedation Agitation Scale (SAS), use of sedatives, analgesics, and NMB. Multivariate logistic regression of variables associated to mortality at 28 days. Results: A total of 155 patients participated (60±18 years, 57% male, SOFA 7 [6-10], APACHE II 18 [15-22], 63% with sepsis, and 47% with acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome. The drugs most frequently used were midazolam (85%, 4 [1.9-6.8]mg/hr) and fentanyl (81%, 76 [39-140]μg/hr). NMB were administered at least 1 day in 30% of patients. SAS score was 1 or 2 in 55% of patients. There was an association between NMB use and mortality at 28 days, but it was not consistent in all the models of NMB evaluated. Conclusions: Sedatives were frequently employed and deep sedation was common. Midazolam and fentanyl were the most frequently administered drugs. The use of NMB might be independently associated to greater mortality (AU)

[Pumpless extracorporeal pulmonary care: an alternative in the treatment of persistent acute respiratory distress syndrome]. / Asistencia pulmonar extracorpórea sin bomba: una alternativa en el tratamiento del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo grave persistente.

A 34-year old woman who developed persistent and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with underlying myelomonocytic leukemia (M4FAB) is described. After ruling out the most common causes of pulmonary infiltration in this type of patient and one week of broad spectrum antibiotics and steroids therapy, we proposed leukemic pulmonary infiltration as etiological diagnosis. Despite using a protective ventilatory strategy, recruitment maneuvers, prone position and high frequency oscillatory ventilation, her gas exchange became worse. Under this condition we used a Pumpless-Extracorporeal life assist (PELA) and begun chemotherapy. The method, arterial blood gases, hemodynamic parameters and ventilatory mechanics before and after its use are described. The patient remained on P-ELA for nine days; one week later she was extubated and ten days after she was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit the patient left the hospital in good health condition.

Asistencia pulmonar extracorpórea sin bomba: una alternativa en el tratamiento del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo grave persistente / Pumpless extracorporeal pulmonary care: an alternative in the treatment of persistent acute respiratory distress syndrome

Mujer de 34 años, que desarrolla un síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo grave persistente,en el contexto de una leucemia mielomonocítica (M4FAB). Tras descartar las causas más comunesde infiltración pulmonar en este tipo de pacientes, y después de una semana de tratamiento con antibióticos de amplio espectro y corticoides, se plantea la infiltración pulmonar leucémica como etiología del cuadro. Pese a ventilación mecánica con estrategia protectora, maniobras de reclutamiento alveolar, posición prono y ventilación con alta frecuencia oscilatoria, su intercambio gaseoso se deteriora. En estas condiciones se utiliza asistencia pulmonar extracorpórea sin bomba (PELA) y se inicia quimioterapia. Se describe el método y la evolución gasométrica, hemodinámica y de la mecánica ventilatoria antes y durante su utilización. La paciente permaneció nueve días en P-ELA, una semana después fue extubada, a los diez días egresa de Unidad de Cuidados In tensivos y fue dada de alta viva del hospital

A 34-year old woman who developed persistentand severe acute respiratory distress syndromewith underlying myelomonocytic leukemia (M4FAB)is described. After ruling out the most commoncauses of pulmonary infiltration in this type of patientand one week of broad spectrum antibiotics and steroids therapy, we proposed leukemic pulmonary infiltration as etiological diagnosis. Despite using a protective ventilatory strategy, recruitment maneuvers, prone position and high frequency oscillatory ventilation, her gas exchange became worse. Under this condition weused a Pumpless-Extracorporeal life assist (PELA)and begun chemotherapy. The method, arterialblood gases, hemodynamic parameters andventilatory mechanics before and after its use aredescribed. The patient remained on P-ELA fornine days; one week later she was extubated andten days after she was discharged from theIntensive Care Unit the patient left the hospital ingood health condition

Síndrome cardiopulmonar por Hantavirus: utilidad de la monitorización con el sistema PiCCO / Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: utility of the PICCO(Pulse contour cardiac output) system for monitoring

We report a 68 years old man, farmer from the metropolitan region, admitted with a Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome. The diagnosis was made using serologic test and was later confirmed by the Public Health Institute. He evolved to an early multiple organ failure, requiring high concentrations of oxygen and invasive ventilatory assistance, vasopressor drugs and renal replacement therapy. Swan Ganz and PiCCO were used simultaneously for hemodynamic monitoring. Treatment consisted in global support therapy, antimicrobial therapy and systemic corticosteroids. Intrathoracic blood volume was a more reliable parameter than pulmonary capillary wedge pressure for the assessment of preload. As expected in situations of increased vascular permeability, there was an increase in extravascular lung water. There was a good correlation between extravascular lung water and oxygenation parameters (PaO2/FiO2 and oxygenation index). PiCCO system may become a helpful tool in the management of patients with Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome.

Impacto hemodinámico de la presión positiva de fin de espiración (PEEP) durante la falla respiratoria grave: visión actual / Hemodynamic impact of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during severe respiratory failure: present view

Bedside evaluation of pulmonary mechanics and thoracic computed axial tomography have changed the ventilatory management of patients suffering an acute respiratory failure caused by adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Mortality has been reduced limiting tidal volumes, which avoids alveolar overdistention and by the use of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), that reduces the damage caused by cyclical alveolar collapse-reopening. Nowadays, it is well known that inappropriate mechanical ventilation enhances lung damage caused by the underlying disease. However, the optimal adjustment of PEEP is not yet established. Usually, it is not easy to achieve an equilibrium between an optimal lung recruitment without producing alveolar overdistention and hemodynamic adverse effects such as hypotension and reduction of cardiac output. This paper reviews the interactions between heart and lung.

[Acute effect of dobutamine and amrinone on hemodynamics and splanchnic perfusion in septic shock patients]. / Efecto agudo de dobutamina y amrinona sobre la hemodinamia y perfusión esplácnica de pacientes en shock séptico.

BACKGROUND: Vasoactive drugs used in the reanimation of septic patients, can modify splanchnic perfusion. AIM: To compare the effects of dobutamine and amrinone on gastric intramucosal pH (pHi), lactate levels and hemodynamics in surgical patients with compensated septic shock. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen postoperative patients with abdominal sepsis and compensated septic shock (pHi < 7.32 or lactate > 2.5 mmol/l) were studied in a prospective, randomized, unblinded study. Patients were randomized to receive (Group 1, n = 7) dobutamine at 5 micrograms/Kg/min or (Group 2, n = 7) amrinone at 5 micrograms/Kg/min. Hemodynamic data, arterial lactate and pHi were measured before and 30, 60 and 120 minutes after starting drug infusion. RESULTS: Both drugs were associated with a decrease in lactate levels. Dobutamine infusion, but not amrinone, increased gastric pHi, as well as cardiac index and oxygen delivery. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement in gastric pHi associated with an increase in oxygen delivery, was observed with dobutamine. Amrinone showed no effect at the fixed, low dose used in the study.

[Effect of catecholamines on splanchnic perfusion in sepsis]. / Efecto de las catecolaminas sobre la perfusión esplácnica en la sepsis.

Splanchnic ischemia is frequent in sepsis and septic shock and is related to impairment in intestinal permeability, derangement in mucosal barrier functions and translocation of proinflammatory mediators. These changes can contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure. Vasoactive drugs such as dobutamine and dopexamine can improve splanchnic perfusion and gastric intramucosal pH during sepsis. However, contradictory results have been obtained with dopamine and norepinephrine. On the other hand, epinephrine further impairs splanchnic perfusion. In view of the contradictory effects of different vasoactive drugs, gastric tonometry must be measured during their use, to find the optimal drug combination that optimizes splanchnic blood flow.

[Partial left ventriculectomy for end stage dilated cardiomyopathy. Is it an alternative for heart transplantation?]. / Ventriculectomía parcial izquierda en un paciente con miocardiopatía dilatada terminal. Una alternativa para el transplante cardíaco?

We present a case of a 60 year old male with end stage dilated cardiomyopathy in NYHA functional class IV in whom a partial left ventriculectomy was performed, a new surgical procedure developed in Brazil and done for the first time in Chile. Left ventricular size reduction produced an objective improvement on echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular function as well as in patient's NYHA functional class in the early post operative period.