Importance of Source Control in the Subgroup of Intra-Abdominal Infections for Septic Shock Patients: Analysis of 390 Cases.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of septic shock (SS) associated with intraabdominal infections (IAI) as well as associated mortality and efficacy of early source control in a tertiary-care educational hospital. Methods: Patients who had SS with IAI and consulted by Infectious Diseases consultants between December 2013 and October 2022 during night shifts in our centre were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total number of 390 patients were included. Overall, 30-day mortality was 42.5% on day 3, while day 14 and 30 mortality rates were 63.3% and 71.3%, respectively. Source control by surgical or percutaneous operation was performed in 123 of 390 cases (31.5%), and the mortality rate was significantly lower in cases that were performed source control at any time during SS (65/123-52.8% vs 213/267-79.8%, p<0.001). In 44 of 123 cases (35.7%), source control was performed during the first 12 hours, and mortality was significantly lower in this group versus others (24/44-54.5% vs 254/346-73.4%, p=0.009). On the other hand, female gender (p<0.001, odds ratio(OR)= 2.943, 95%CI=1.714-5.054), diabetes mellitus (p= 0.014, OR=2.284, 95%CI=1.179-4.424), carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative etiology (p=0.011, OR=4.386, 95%CI=1.398-13.759), SOFA≥10 (p<0.001, OR=3.036, 95%CI=1.802-5.114), lactate >3 mg/dl (p<0.001, OR=2.764, 95%CI=1.562-4.891) and lack of source control (p=0.001, OR=2.796, 95%CI=1.523-5.133) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Source control has a vital importance in terms of mortality rates for IAI-related septic shock patients. Our study underscores the need for additional research, as the present analysis indicates that early source control does not manifest as a protective factor in logistic regression.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in the treatment of COVID-19: Evaluation of 78 patients.

One of the drugs that has been suggested for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection is tenofovir disoproxil (TDF). Herein, it was aimed to evaluate the outcomes of TDF receiving COVID-19 cases in terms of day 7-10 PCR negativity and day 30 survival. Patients who received TDF due to PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between 27.04.2021 and 31.12.2021 were included in our study. The primary outcome was considered to be 7-10 days of PCR negativity, while the secondary outcome was considered 30-day survival after diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients who died before completing the treatment period (7-10 days) were also considered as PCR failures. Data were analyzed both in terms of intention to treat basis and in the subgroup that survived to the end of treatment. A total of 78 patients (30 women, mean age: 61.15±18.5 years) met the inclusion criteria. In the intention to treat analysis group, one-month-mortality was 44.87% (35/78) in the overall cohort. In the end of treatment analysis group, one-month-mortality was 29.5% (18/61) in the overall cohort. Day 7-10 PCR negativity was detected in 55.7% of the overall EOT cohort. Our data suggest that TDF may be an alternative salvage treatment option in antiviral unresponsive patients. We suggest evaluating TDF in well-designed controlled trials involving treatment-naïve cases.

Best Practice Recommendations for Dysphagia Management in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Delphi Study from Multidisciplinary Experts in Turkey.

There is no study about all aspects of oropharyngoesophageal (OPE) dysphagia from diagnosis to follow-up in a multidisciplinary manner in the world. In order to close this gap, we aimed to create a recommendation study that can be used in clinical practice, addressing all aspects of dysphagia in the ICU in detail with the opinion of experienced multidisciplinary experts. This recommendation paper was generated by a multidisciplinary team, using the seven-step process and a three-modified Delphi round via e-mail. Firstly, 15 open-ended questions were created, and then detailed recommendations including general principles, management, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and follow-up were created with the answers from these questions, Each recommendation item was voted on by the experts as overall consensus (strong recommendation), approaching consensus (weak recommendation), and divergent consensus (not recommended).In the first Delphi round, a questionnaire consisting of 413 items evaluated with a scale of 0-10 was prepared from the opinions and suggestions given to 15 open-ended questions. In the second Delphi round, 55.4% were accepted and revised suggestions were created. At the end of the third Delphi round, the revised suggestion form was approved again and the final proposals containing 133 items were created. This study includes comprehensive and detailed recommendations, including a broad perspective from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, as detailed as possible, for management of dysphagia in patients with both oropharyngeal- and esophageal-dysphagia in ICU.

Enteral nutrition consensus report from KEPAN: Indications, choice, practical application, and follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Clinicians are in need of guidance that will ease the application of medical nutrition therapy. In order to facilitate the application and success of medical nutrition therapy, the Turkish Clinical Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Society (KEPAN) planned a report that is short, is clear, and has clear-cut recommendations that will guide health care professionals in the indications, choice, practical application, follow-up, and stopping of enteral nutrition. METHODS: The enteral nutrition consensus report on enteral nutrition use in medical nutrition therapy was developed by a study group (12 working group academicians and 17 expert group academicians) under the organization of KEPAN. The enteral nutrition consensus report was generated in 5 online and face-to-face phases from December 2019 through October 2022. At the end (Delphi rounds), a total of 24 questions and subjects, recommendations, and comments were sent to the enteral nutrition working group and the expert group via e-mail. They were asked to score the criteria by using the Likert scale. RESULTS: The first round of the study resulted in acceptance of all 24 recommendations. None of the criteria was rejected. Only some minor editing for wording was recommended by the panelists during the first and second rounds of the Delphi study. The final report was sent to all 29 panelists and was approved without any revision suggestions. CONCLUSION: This report provides 24 clear-cut recommendations in a question-answer format. We believe that this report could have a significant effect on the optimum use of enteral nutrition in the context of medical nutrition therapy when clinicians manage everyday patients.

Impact of the empirical therapy timing on the clinical progress of septic shock patients.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of timing of antimicrobial therapy on clinical progress of patients with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We included 204 adult patients diagnosed with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria between March 2016 and April 2021. One-month survival was evaluated using univariate and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Antibiotic treatment was initiated within 1 h of the vasopressors in 26.4 % of patients. One-month mortality did not differ significantly between patients with and without empirical therapy coverage on etiological agents. Univariate factors that significantly affected one-month survival were starting antibiotics at the first hour, the unit where the case was diagnosed with septic shock, SOFA scores, qSOFA scores, and lactate level. In multivariate analysis, diagnosis of septic shock in the Emergency Service, SOFA score ≥11, qSOFA score of three and lactate level ≥4 were significantly associated with one-month mortality. CONCLUSION: Training programs should be designed to increase the awareness of septic shock diagnosis and treatment in the Emergency Service and other hospital units. Additionally, electronic patient files should have warning systems for earlier diagnosis and consultation.

Changes in Energy Expenditure Determined by Indirect Calorimetry in Severe Burn Patients During the Acute Phase.

BACKGROUND: Severe burn injuries are a major health problem globally. A profound and prolonged hypermetabolic response develops in severe burn injuries and it is crucial to monitor the patients' energy requirements in order to meet them adequately. The aim of the present study was to examine the energy changes during the acute phase using the indirect calorimetry (IC) method in severe burn patients. METHODS: The study included 15 severe burn patients. Patients with FiO2 >60%, tube thoracostomy, closed underwater drain (CUWD) and air leakage were excluded from the study. Patients' demographic data, burn percentages, burn types, duration of stay in intensive care, mortality and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were recorded. Indirect calorimeter measurements were taken once from the patients upon their first arrival and during the following four weeks. Resting energy expenditure (REE), basal metabolic rate (BMR), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), body temperatures, presence of sepsis, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Modified Nutrition Risk in Critically Ill (mNUTRIC) scores were recorded. The data were analysed using SPSS 24 and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the study, 13 (86.67%) of the patients were male. Patients' mean age was 45.27±18.16 years, and mean BMI 25.99±4.22 kg/m2. Five patients (33.33%) had chronic diseases. The average burn percentage was 45%, with 7 (46.67%) patients having a burn percentage of ≤40%, while 8 (53.33%) had a burn percentage of >40%. A total of 14 (93.33%) had flame burns; 3 (20.00%) patients deceased, and 12 (80.00%) were discharged. The mean APACHE II score was 11.53±6.83. The measured mean values of REE, VO2, VCO2 and fever were seen to be the highest in the first week after admission and decreases were observed in the subsequent weeks. SOFA score averages were the highest at admission, and decreased in the following weeks. CONCLUSION: Severe burn patients were observed to go through the hypermetabolic process in the acute phase and their energy requirements were high particularly in the first week. It was concluded that regular IC monitoring can be beneficial to fully meet the energy requirements of severe burn patients due to the prolonged hypermetabolic process.

Acute kidney injury in burns in the intensive care unit: A retrospective research.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications, associated with high mortality and morbidity in patients with burn injuries. This study aimed to determine the frequency of AKI development, its affective factors, and mortality rates according to kidney disease improving global outcomes (KDIGO) criteria in the burn patients. METHODS: The study included patients who are hospitalized for at least 48 h and aged >18 years, whereas patients with a renal transplant, chronic renal failure, undergoing hemodialysis, <18 years of age, with a glomerular filtration rate of <15 on admission, and toxic epidermal necrolysis was excluded from the study. KDIGO criteria were used to evaluate the occurrence of AKI. Burn mech-anism, total body surface area, inhalation injury respiratory tract burn, fluid replacement at 72 h with Parkland Formula, mechanical ventilator support, inotrope/vasopressor support, intensive care unit, lenght of stay, mortality, abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI), acute physiology, and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) ve Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included in our study, of which 26 (54.2%) developed AKI (+), whereas 22 (45.8%) did not (-). The mean total burn surface area was 47.30% in the AKI (+) group and 19.88% in the AKI (-) group. Mean scores of ABSI, II (APACHE II), and SOFA, the mechanical ventilation and inotrope/vasopressor support and the presence of sepsis were significantly higher in the AKI (+). No mortality was determined in the AKI (-) group, whereas 34.6% in the AKI (+) group which was significantly high. CONCLUSION: AKI was related to high morbidity and mortality in patients with burns. Using KDIGOs, classification in daily fol-low-up is useful in early diagnosis.

Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens associated with septic shock: a review of 120 cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the influencing variables for outcomes in patients with septic shock having culture-proven carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. It included 120 patients (mean age 64.29 ± 1.35 years and 58.3% female). The mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score during septic shock diagnosis was found to be 11.22 ± 0.43 and 9 ± 0.79 among the patients with mortality and among the survivors, respectively (P = 0.017). The logistic regression analysis showed that empirical treatment as mono Gram-negative bacteria-oriented antibiotic therapy (P = 0.016, odds ratio (OR) = 17.730, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.728-182.691), Charlson Comorbidity Index >2 (P = 0.032, OR = 7.312, 95% CI: 5.7-18.3), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score 3 or 4 during septic shock diagnosis (P = 0.014, OR = 5.675, 95% CI: 1.424-22.619) were found as independent risk factors for day 30 mortality. Despite early diagnosis and effective management of patients with septic shock, the mortality rates are quite high in CRGNP-infected patients.

Should evidence generated in well developed countries inform critical care nutrition in all countries?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Critically ill patients who survive the ICU face issues such as reduced quality of life and increased disability and nutritional therapy during ICU stay may be used to reduce these adverse effects. Although evidence and guidelines are available to direct clinical nutrition for ICU patients, critical care practices and settings differ substantially between developed and developing countries. RECENT FINDINGS: The implementation of evidence generated in well developed countries regarding critical care nutrition depends heavily on factors such as operation model, the structure of the unit, different care processes, hospital size and country income. SUMMARY: Guidelines and evidence generated by various societies, agencies and trials, which are focused towards developed world may not be fully appropriate and executable in the developing world. Also, the developing world is heterogenous. Hence, 'one size fits all' approach may not be appropriate. A holistic approach to guideline and evidence generation and its appropriate utilization in the developing world is binding on caregivers in both the developing and developed world so as to benefit the critically ill patient.

Results of 1001 liver transplantations in 23 years: Ege University experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver transplantation (LT) is now the standard of care for most end-stage liver diseases. Over the next 30 years, advances in medicine and technology will greatly improve the survival rates of patients after this procedure. The aim of the present study was to analyze retrospectively the results of 1001 patients withLT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical reports of 989 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Data were obtained from the patient's data chart. Descriptive statistics were used to describe continuous variables (mean, median, and standard deviation). RESULTS: A total of 1001 LTs for 989 recipients were performed at Ege University Organ Transplantation and Research Center between 1994 and 2017. Therewere 639 male and 350 female recipients. Among 1001 LTs, there were 438 deceased donors and 563 living donors. The age interval of the patients was 4 months to 71 years old. The median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 20. There were 12 deceased liver donors using the split method. There were 12 cases subject to retransplantation. In living donor LT grafts, 423 right lobes, 46 left lobes, and 94 left lateral sectors were used. In the first monitoring,the total annual mortality rate was 130 cases (13%). The mortality rate in retransplantation was found to be 66%. A 1-year survival rate of 87% was generally stablished. CONCLUSION: LThas been improving consistently over the last two decades. Ege University is one of the biggest liver transplant centers in Turkey for both technical and educational perspective.

Epidemiology of sepsis in intensive care units in Turkey: a multicenter, point-prevalence study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and mortality of sepsis are largely unknown in Turkey, a country with high antibiotic resistance. A national, multicenter, point-prevalence study was conducted to determine the prevalence, causative microorganisms, and outcome of sepsis in intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 132 ICUs from 94 hospitals participated. All patients (aged > 18 years) present at the participating ICUs or admitted for any duration within a 24-h period (08:00 on January 27, 2016 to 08:00 on January 28, 2016) were included. The presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), severe sepsis, and septic shock were assessed and documented based on the consensus criteria of the American College of Chest Physicians and Society of Critical Care Medicine (SEPSIS-I) in infected patients. Patients with septic shock were also assessed using the SEPSIS-III definitions. Data regarding demographics, illness severity, comorbidities, microbiology, therapies, length of stay, and outcomes (dead/alive during 30 days) were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 1499 patients included in the analysis, 237 (15.8%) had infection without SIRS, 163 (10.8%) had infection with SIRS, 260 (17.3%) had severe sepsis without shock, and 203 (13.5%) had septic shock. The mortality rates were higher in patients with severe sepsis (55.7%) and septic shock (70.4%) than those with infection alone (24.8%) and infection + SIRS (31.2%) (p < 0.001). According to SEPSIS-III, 104 (6.9%) patients had septic shock (mortality rate, 75.9%). The respiratory system (71.6%) was the most common site of infection, and Acinetobacter spp. (33.7%) were the most common isolated pathogen. Approximately, 74.9%, 39.1%, and 26.5% of Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas spp. isolates, respectively, were carbapenem-resistant, which was not associated with a higher mortality risk. Age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score at ICU admission, sequential organ failure assessment score on study day, solid organ malignancy, presence of severe sepsis or shock, Candida spp. infection, renal replacement treatment, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4 (compared with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2) were independent predictors of mortality in infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of sepsis and an unacceptably high mortality rate were observed in Turkish ICUs. Although the prevalence of carbapenem resistance was high in Turkish ICUs, it was not associated with a higher risk for mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03249246 . Date: August 15, 2017. Retrospectively registered.

Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Experimental Sepsis and Glutamine.

BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological studies show that critical illness polyneuromyopathy appears in the early stage of sepsis before the manifestation of clinical findings. The metabolic response observed during sepsis causes glutamine to become a relative essential amino acid. AIMS: We aimed to assess the changes in neuromuscular transmission in the early stage of sepsis after glutamine supplementation. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimentation. METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. Rats in both groups were given normal feeding for one week. In the study group, 1 g/kg/day glutamine was added to normal feeding by feeding tube for one week. Cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery was performed at the end of one week. Before and 24 hours after CLP, compound muscle action potentials were recorded from the gastrocnemius muscle. RESULTS: Latency measurements before and 24 hours after CLP were 0.68±0.05 ms and 0.80±0.09 ms in the control group and 0.69±0.07 ms and 0.73±0.07 ms in the study group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Since enteral glutamine prevented compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) latency prolongation in the early phase of sepsis, it was concluded that enteral glutamine replacement might be promising in the prevention of neuromuscular dysfunction in sepsis; however, further studies are required.

The effect of brain death and coma on gastric myoelectrical activity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal motility problems and delayed gastric emptying in patients admitted to intensive care units are important because they can contribute to different problems. Herein we aimed to measure the changes in gastric myoelectrical activity with electrogastrography (EGG) following brain death (BD) and compare the results to those from patients in a deep coma without BD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with BD and nine in a deep coma with a Glasgow Coma Score from 3 to 8 were included. An enteral nutrition solution was given via a nasogastric tube between 45 min of fasting and the postprandial periods. The mean dominant frequency (MnDF), normal gastric slow wave ratio (%), tachygastria and bradygastria (%), power ratio (PR: dominant power after test meal/fasting), and dominant frequency instability coefficient were evaluated. RESULTS: The median of MnDF was determined 3.20±0.6 (BD) vs 3.05±0.5 (control), p>0.05. Patients with BD displayed tachygastria, particularly during the fasting state, with this disturbance decreasing during the postprandial period (from 41% to 15%). However, none of the differences between the groups were statistically significant. PR was pathologic in 4/15 (26.7%) patients in the BD group and 4/9 (44.4%) patients in the control group (p=0.288). CONCLUSION: Patients with coma or BD bouth might have gastric myoelectrical activity disturbances. BD does not show more severe disturbance than coma wihouth BD. EGG might be useful as a non-invasive and easy-to-use technology; however, it needs further improvement.

Predictive Value of Brain Arrest Neurological Outcome Scale (BrANOS) on Mortality and Morbidity After Cardiac Arrest.

OBJECTIVE: There are several prediction scales and parameters for prognosis after a cardiac arrest. One of these scales is the brain arrest neurological outcome scale (BrANOS), which consists of duration of cardiac arrest, Glasgow Coma Scale score and Hounsfield unit measured on cranial computed tomography (CT) scan. The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of BrANOS on predicting the mortality and disability after a cardiac arrest. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated cardiac arrest patients who were hospitalized in our intensive care unit (ICU) within a 3-year period. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, survival of more than 24 hours after cardiac arrest and availability of cranial CT. We recorded the age, sex, diagnosis, duration of cardiac arrest and hospital stay, mortality, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) and BrANOS score. The primary endpoint of the study was to establish the relationship between mortality and BrANOS score in patients who survived for more than 24 hours after a cardiac arrest. The secondary endpoint of the study was to determine the 2-year life expectancy and GOS after cardiac arrest. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57±17 years (33 females, 67 males). ICU mortality rate was 57%. The BrANOS mean score was 10.3±3.2. There was a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors in terms of the BrANOS score (8.8±3.2 vs. 11.6±2.7; p<0.001). BrANOS reliably predicted the survival with a ROC area under the curve of 0.733. The scale of >14 predicted death with 100% accuracy. All the patients without disability had a BrANOS score of <10. The BrANOS score also correlated well with GOS (p<0.001). The 2-year life expectancy rate was 31% in patients who survived more than 24 hours after a cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that BrANOS provided reliable data for prognostic evaluation after a cardiac arrest.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients with intensive antibiotic usage.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection with high mortality and morbidity that prolongs the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospitalisation. VAP is one of the most common infections in critically ill patients. This study aimed to prospectively determine the VAP rate and associated factors in critically ill patients with intensive antibiotic usage during a one-year period. METHODS: In total, 125 out of 360 patients admitted to the intensive care unit during the one-year study period (September 2010-2011) were included for follow-up for VAP diagnosis. Demographic data, APACHE II scores, diagnoses on admission, clinical pulmonary infection scores (CPIS), CRP, procalcitonin, risk factors for infection, time to VAP diagnosis, and bacteriological culture results were recorded. All data were assessed in terms of ICU, hospital and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: In total, 56 (45%) out of 125 patients were diagnosed with VAP. In addition, 91% of patients diagnosed with VAP were administered antibiotics before diagnosis. In the VAP patients, the mortality rates were 48, 68 and 71% for 28-day, ICU and hospital mortality, respectively. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of clinical and microbiological parameters should not be sought when diagnosing VAP in patients who use antibiotics intensively. VAP can be diagnosed when CPIS≤6 in cases with sufficient microbiological evidence. This strategy may decrease mortality by preventing a delay in therapy.

Prevalence of malnutrition in various political, economic, and geographic settings.

BACKGROUND: Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) represents a critical public health concern. Therefore, Fight Against Malnutrition (FAM) should be a state priority, but the degree to which this is true appears to differ considerably among European countries. The aim of this study was to put the problem into perspective by comparing the prevalence of malnutrition in countries from opposite parts of the continent. METHODS: Six countries-Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, and Turkey-participated in the study. A short questionnaire was used to assess DRM: its prevalence, the current situation in hospitals, regulations for reimbursement, and general healthcare circumstances. Data from ESPEN's NutritionDay 2006 were used to broaden the perspective. RESULTS: At admission in October 2012, 4068 patients were assessed. The study was performed in 160 hospitals and 225 units with 9143 beds. The highest proportions of patients with 3 or more points on the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 were observed in Estonia (80.4%) and Turkey (39.4%), whereas the lowest were in Lithuania (14.2%). The provision of nutrition support was best in Turkey (39.4% required intervention, 34.4% received intervention) and Poland (21.9% and 27.8%, respectively). Nutrition support teams (NSTs) are active in some countries, whereas in others they virtually do not exist. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition was quite high in some countries, and the nutrition approach differed among them. It could be the result of the lack of reimbursement, inactive or nonexistent NSTs, and low nutrition awareness. Those facts confirmed that the continuation of FAM activities is necessary.

Severe acute pancreatitis admitted to intensive care unit: SOFA is superior to Ranson's criteria and APACHE II in determining prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Severe acute pancreatitis usually requires intensive management of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and septic complications. Many scoring systems are used in determining the outcomes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of three scoring systems, i.e. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and modified Ranson's criteria, in predicting mortality rate in patients with severe acute pancreatitis as well as other factors influencingmortality in patients admitted to intensive care unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts of 43 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit with severe acute pancreatitis were screened retrospectively. Four patients were excluded. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and modified Ranson's scores were calculated on admission, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was recorded on weekly intervals during the intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in the study (65% male, mean age: 61 years). The intensive care unit mortality was 64% and hospital mortality was 71%. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores correlated significantly with mortality. All patients with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥11 at any time during intensive care unit stay had higher mortality (80% sensitivity, 79% specificity, ROC=0,837). Although Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II is used to estimate mortality prognosis, we could not find any statistically significant association between Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and mortality. CONCLUSION: Various scoring systems are used to determine the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis. In this group of patients, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores predict higher intensive care unit/hospital mortality.

Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax during the Recovery Phase of ARDS Due to H1N1 Infection.

The pregnant patients are prone to influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, which may rapidly progress to lower respiratory tract infection and subsequent respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pneumothorax might develop in ARDS under mechanical ventilation. But post-ARDS pneumothorax in spontaneously breathing patient has not been reported in the literature. We report a 31-year old pregnant woman infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus and progressed to ARDS. Mechanical ventilation with high PEEP improved patient's gas exchange parameters within 3 weeks. However spontaneous pneumothorax was developed one week after she weaned off the ventilator. After successful drainage therapy, the patient was discharged. However she re-admitted to the hospital because of a recurrent pneumothorax one week later. She was discharged in good health after being treated with negative continuous pleural aspiration for 10 days. Influenza might cause severe pulmonary infection and death. In addition to diffuse alveolar damage, sub-pleural and intrapulmonary air cysts might occur in influenza-related ARDS and may lead to spontaneous pneumothorax. This complication should always be considered during the recovery period of ARDS and a long-term close follow-up is necessary.

Thermogenic and metabolic response to amino acid solution in brain-dead patients.

BACKGROUND: There is a strong correlation between amino acid infusion and increase in energy expenditure and thermogenesis. In this study, the effects of amino acid solutions on thermogenesis and energy expenditure were investigated in intensive care patients who were diagnosed as brain death. METHODS: Twenty-six brain-dead patients were included in the study. The patients received a 4 h infusion of standard amino acid solution. Energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetric method. ANOVA and Bonferroni tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The predicted energy expenditure (PEE) values were higher than the resting energy expenditure (REE) values in 24 patients. The mean REE/PEE value in all patients indicated that there was a 29% decrease in REE when compared to PEE. Body temperature and energy expenditure values were not increased during the parenteral infusion of amino acid solutions. There was no statistically significant difference between mean metabolic measurements and basal values at any time interval during the study period. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the stimulatory effect of amino acid solution on energy expenditure and thermogenesis is abolished in brain-dead patients. This result may indicate a possible central pathway responsible for the increase in energy expenditure and thermogenesis.