Cortisol Levels During First Admission Day Are Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Surgical Critically Ill Patients.

IMPORTANCE: To explore the correlation between cortisol levels during first admission day and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: Although most patients exhibit a surge in cortisol levels in response to stress, some suffer from critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI). Literature remains inconclusive as to which of these patients are at greater risk of poor outcomes. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: A surgical ICU (SICU) in a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Critically ill patients admitted to the SICU who were not treated with steroids. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Levels of cortisol taken within 24 hours of admission (day 1 [D1] cortisol) in 1412 eligible patients were collected and analyzed. Results were categorized into four groups: low (0-10 µg/dL), normal (10-25 µg/dL), high (25-50 µg/dL), and very high (above 50 µg/dL) cortisol levels. Primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were the need for organ support (use of vasopressors and mechanical ventilation [MV]), ICU length of stay (LOS), and duration of MV. RESULTS: The majority of patients (63%) had high or very high D1 cortisol levels, whereas 7.6% had low levels and thus could be diagnosed with CIRCI. There were statistically significant differences in 90-day mortality between the four groups and very high levels were found to be an independent risk factor for mortality, primarily in patients with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) less than or equal to 3 or SOFA greater than or equal to 7. Higher cortisol levels were associated with all secondary endpoints. CIRCI was associated with favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In critically ill surgical patients D1 cortisol levels above 50 mcg/dL were associated with mortality, need for organ support, longer ICU LOS, and duration of MV, whereas low levels correlated with good clinical outcomes even though untreated. D1 cortisol level greater than 50 mcg/dL can help discriminate nonsurvivors from survivors when SOFA less than or equal to 3 or SOFA greater than or equal to 7.

Kinetics of C-reactive protein during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: The exposure of blood to the artificial circuit during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can induce an inflammatory response. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a commonly used biomarker of systemic inflammation. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed results of daily plasma CRP measurements in 110 critically ill patients, treated with ECMO. We compared CRP levels during the first 5 days of ECMO operation, between different groups of patients according to ECMO configurations, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status, and mechanical ventilation parameters. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in CRP levels during the first 5 days of veno-venous (VV) ECMO (173 ± 111 mg/L, 154 ± 107 mg/L, 127 ± 97 mg/L, 114 ± 100 mg/L and 118 ± 90 mg/L for days 1-5 respectively, p < 0.001). Simultaneously, there was a significant reduction in ventilatory parameters, as represented by the mechanical power (MP) calculation, from 24.02 ± 14.53 J/min to 6.18 ± 4.22 J/min within 3 h of VV ECMO initiation (p < 0.001). There was non-significant trend of increase in CRP level during the first 5 days of veno arterial (VA) ECMO (123 ± 80 mg/L, 179 ± 91 mg/L, 203 ± 90 mg/L, 179 ± 95 mg/L and 198 ± 93 for days 1-5 respectively, p = 0.126) and no significant change in calculated MP (from 14.28 ± 8.56 J/min to 10.81 ± 8.09 J/min within 3 h if ECMO initiation, p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant decrease in CRP levels during the first 5 days of VV ECMO support, and suggest that the concomitant reduction in ventilatory MP may have mitigated the degree of alveolar stress and strain that could have contributed to a decrease in the systemic inflammatory process.

Two-hour indirect calorimetry measurement as a predictor of 24-hour energy expenditure in critically ill surgical patients: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Measuring energy expenditure (EE) by indirect calorimetry (IC) has become the gold standard tool for critically ill patients to define energy targets and tailor nutrition. Debate remains as to the optimal duration of measurements or the optimal time of day in which to perform IC. METHODS: In this retrospective longitudinal study, we analyzed results of daily continuous IC in 270 mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary medical center and compared measurements performed at different hours of the day. RESULTS: A total of 51,448 IC hours was recorded, with an average 24-h EE of 1523 ± 443 kcal/day. Night shift (00:00-8:00) was found to have significantly lower EE measurements (mean, 1499 ± 439 kcal/day) than afternoon (16:00-00:00; mean, 1526 ± 435 kcal/day) and morning (8:00-16:00; mean, 1539 ± 462 kcal/day) measurements (P < 0.001 for all). The bi-hourly time frame that most closely resembled the daily mean was 18:00-19:59, with a mean of 1521 ± 433 kcal/day. Daily EE measurements of the continuous IC at days 3-7 of admission showed a trend toward a daily increase in 24-h EE, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: Periodic measurements of EE can differ slightly when performed at various hours of the day, but the error range is small and may not necessarily have a clinical impact. When continuous IC is not available, a 2-h EE measurement between 18:00 and 19:59 can serve as a reasonable alternative.

Central catheter tip migration in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chest X-ray (CXR) is routinely required for assessing Central Venous Catheter (CVC) tip position after insertion, but there is limited data as to the movement of the tip location during hospitalization. We aimed to assess the migration of Central Venous Catheter (CVC) position, as a significant movement of catheter tip location may challenge some of the daily practice after insertion. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Retrospective, single-center study, conducted in the Intensive Care and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units in Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center 'Ichilov', Israel, between January and June 2019. PATIENTS: We identified 101 patients with a CVC in the Right Internal Jugular (RIJ) with at least two CXRs during hospitalization. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: For each patient, we measured the CVC tip position below the carina level in the first and all consecutive CXRs. The average initial tip position was 1.52 (±1.9) cm (mean±SD) below the carina. The maximal migration distance from the initial insertion position was 1.9 (±1) cm (mean±SD). During follow-up of 2 to 5 days, 92% of all subject's CVCs remained within the range of the Superior Vena Cava to the top of the right atrium, regardless of the initial positioning. CONCLUSIONS: CVC tip position can migrate significantly during a patient's early hospitalization period regardless of primary location, although for most patients it will remain within a wide range of the top of the right atrium and the middle of the Superior Vena Cava (SVC), if accepted as well-positioned.

BMI Modifies Increased Mortality Risk of Post-PCI STEMI Patients with AKI.

Mortality from acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was significantly reduced with the introduction of percutaneous catheterization intervention (PCI) but remains high in patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI). Previous studies found overweight to be protective from mortality in patients suffering from STEMI and AKI separately but not as they occur concurrently. This study aimed to establish the relationship between AKI and mortality in STEMI patients after PCI and whether body mass index (BMI) has a protective impact. Between January 2008 and June 2016, two thousand one hundred and forty-one patients with STEMI underwent PCI and were admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Their demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. We compared all-cause mortality in patients who developed AKI after PCI for STEMI and those who did not. In total, 178 patients (10%) developed AKI and had higher mortality (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between AKI, BMI, and mortality. AKI was significantly associated with both 30-day and overall mortality, while BMI had a significant protective effect. Survival analysis found a significant difference in 30-day and overall survival between patients with and without AKI with a significant protective effect of BMI on survival at 30 days. AKI presents a major risk for mortality and poor survival after PCI for STEMI, yet a beneficial effect of increased BMI modifies it.

COVID-19, a tale of two peaks: patients' characteristics, treatments, and clinical outcomes.

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) continues to challenge healthcare systems globally as many countries are currently experiencing an increase in the morbidity and mortality. Compare baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, treatments, and clinical outcomes of patients admitted during the second peak to those admitted during the first peak. Retrospective analysis of 258 COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center, of which, 131 during the first peak (March 21-May 30, 2020) and 127 during the second peak (May 31-July 16, 2020). First and second peak patients did not differ in baseline characteristics and clinical presentation at admission. Treatment with dexamethasone, full-dose anticoagulation, tocilizumab, remdesivir, and convalescent plasma transfusion were significantly more frequent during the second peak, as well as regimens combining 3-4 COVID-19-directed drugs. Compared to the first peak, 30-day mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation rates as well as adjusted risk were significantly lower during the second peak (10.2%, vs 19.8% vs p = 0.028, adjusted HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19-0.79, p = 0.009 and 8.8% vs 19.3%, p = 0.002, adjusted HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.64, p = 0.002; respectively). Rates of 30-day mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as adjusted risks, were lower in the second peak of the COVID-19 pandemic among hospitalized patients. The change in treatment strategy and the experienced gained during the first peak may have contributed to the improved outcomes.

WoundClot® Hemostatic Gauze Reduces Bleeding Time after Arterial Venous Fistula Decannulation.

INTRODUCTION: Decannulation of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after each hemodialysis session requires a precise compression on the needle puncture site. The objective of our study was to evaluate the bleeding time (BT) needed to achieve hemostasis using WoundClot, an innovative hemostatic gauze, and to assess whether its long-term use can improve AVF preservation. METHODS: This is a prospective single center study. Initially, the time to hemostasis after AVF decannulation was compared between WoundClot and cotton gauze in 24 prevalent hemodialysis patients. Thereafter, the patients continued to use WoundClot for 12 months and were compared to a control group consisting of 25 patients using regular cotton gauze. Follow-up data included parameters of dialysis adequacy, AVF interventions, and thrombotic events. RESULTS: WoundClot use shortened significantly the time needed for hemostasis. Mean venous BT decreased by 3.99 (±4.6) min and mean arterial BT by 6.38 (±4.8) min when using WoundClot compared to cotton gauze (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, dialysis adequacy expressed by spKt/V was higher in the WoundClot group compared to control (1.73 vs. 1.53, respectively, p = 0.047). Although patients in WoundClot group had a higher baseline BT, arterial and venous pressures did not differ between the groups after a median follow up of 10.8 months. AVF thrombosis rate was similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: WoundClot hemostatic gauze significantly reduced the time required for hemostasis after AVF decannulation and may be associated with better AVF preservation. We suggest using WoundClot for arterial BT longer than 15 min and for venous BT longer than 12.5 min.

Acute cardiorenal anemia syndrome among ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated by primary percutaneous intervention.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) and anemia have been extensively studied in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), yet the precise nature of their reciprocal relationship has not been elucidated in STEMI patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 2096 consecutive patients admitted for STEMI between January 2008 and December 2018 and treated with primary coronary intervention. Patients were stratified into four groups according to the presence of baseline anemia and occurrence of AKI: without anemia or AKI, baseline anemia without AKI, AKI without baseline anemia and acute cardiorenal anemia syndrome (CRAS), defined as the occurrence of AKI in patients with baseline anemia. Patients' medical records were reviewed for in-hospital complications, 30-day and long-term mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 61 ± 13 years and 1682 patients (80%) were men. Ten percent of patients had baseline anemia without AKI, 7% had AKI without baseline anemia and 3% were classified as CRAS. We found increments between the four groups for occurrence of new onset atrial fibrillation and heart failure rates, presence of a critical state, and both 30-day and long-term mortality (P < 0.001 for all). Logistic regression models demonstrated that as compared to AKI alone, CRAS was associated with a higher risk for long-term mortality (HR 10.49; 95% CI 6.5-17.1) as compared to anemia (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.1-5.2) and AKI (HR 7.71, 95% CI 5.1-11.7) alone (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Among STEMI patients, the interaction between anemia and AKI is associated with worse short and long-term outcomes and reflects the reciprocity of cardiac and renal exacerbations.

Correction to: Lung ultrasound predicts clinical course and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

The original article can be found online.

Lung ultrasound predicts clinical course and outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: Information regarding the use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is quickly accumulating, but its use for risk stratification and outcome prediction has yet to be described. We performed the first systematic and comprehensive LUS evaluation of consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, in order to describe LUS findings and their association with clinical course and outcome. METHODS: Between 21/03/2020 and 04/05/2020, 120 consecutive patients admitted to the Tel Aviv Medical Center due to COVID-19, underwent complete LUS within 24 h of admission. A second exam was performed in case of clinical deterioration. LUS score of 0 (best)-36 (worst) was assigned to each patient. LUS findings were compared with clinical data. RESULTS: The median baseline total LUS score was 15, IQR [7-20]. Baseline LUS score was 0-18 in 80 (67%) patients, and 19-36 in 40 (33%) patients. The majority had patchy pleural thickening (n = 100; 83%), or patchy subpleural consolidations (n = 93; 78%) in at least one zone. The prevalence of pleural thickening, subpleural consolidations and the total LUS score were all correlated with severity of illness on admission. Clinical deterioration was associated with increased follow-up LUS scores (p = 0.0009), mostly due to loss of aeration in anterior lung segments. The optimal cutoff point for LUS score was 18 (sensitivity = 62%, specificity = 74%). Both mortality and need for invasive mechanical ventilation were increased with baseline LUS score > 18 compared to baseline LUS score 0-18. Unadjusted hazard ratio of death for LUS score was 1.08 per point [1.02-1.16], p = 0.008; Unadjusted hazard ratio of the composite endpoint (death or need for invasive mechanical ventilation) for LUS score was 1.12 per point [1.05-1.2], p = 0.0008. CONCLUSION: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19, at all clinical grades, present with pathological LUS findings. Baseline LUS score strongly correlates with the eventual need for invasive mechanical ventilation and is a strong predictor of mortality. Routine use of LUS may guide patients' management strategies, as well as resource allocation in case of surge capacity.

Spectrum of Cardiac Manifestations in COVID-19: A Systematic Echocardiographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Information on the cardiac manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is scarce. We performed a systematic and comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation of consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection underwent complete echocardiographic evaluation within 24 hours of admission and were compared with reference values. Echocardiographic studies included left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and valve hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) assessment, as well as lung ultrasound. A second examination was performed in case of clinical deterioration. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (32%) had a normal echocardiogram at baseline. The most common cardiac pathology was RV dilatation and dysfunction (observed in 39% of patients), followed by LV diastolic dysfunction (16%) and LV systolic dysfunction (10%). Patients with elevated troponin (20%) or worse clinical condition did not demonstrate any significant difference in LV systolic function compared with patients with normal troponin or better clinical condition, but they had worse RV function. Clinical deterioration occurred in 20% of patients. In these patients, the most common echocardiographic abnormality at follow-up was RV function deterioration (12 patients), followed by LV systolic and diastolic deterioration (in 5 patients). Femoral deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 5 of 12 patients with RV failure. CONCLUSIONS: In COVID-19 infection, LV systolic function is preserved in the majority of patients, but LV diastolic function and RV function are impaired. Elevated troponin and poorer clinical grade are associated with worse RV function. In patients presenting with clinical deterioration at follow-up, acute RV dysfunction, with or without deep vein thrombosis, is more common, but acute LV systolic dysfunction was noted in ≈20%.

Thromboelastography versus bleeding time for risk of bleeding post native kidney biopsy.

Introduction: The risk of bleeding has led to screening of the primary hemostasis before renal biopsy. A bleeding time test (BT) is considered standard practice, but reliance on this test is controversial and its benefits remain questionable. A possible alternative is thromboelastography (TEG). However, data regarding TEG in patients with renal dysfunction is limited.Objectives: To determine TEG abnormalities and their consequences in patients who underwent a native kidney biopsy.Methods: A retrospective study of 417 consecutive percutaneous native renal biopsies performed in our Center. If serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL, the patient underwent either a BT test (period A, January 2015-31 December 2016) or TEG (period B, January 2017-August 2018). In patients with prolonged BT, or an abnormal low maximal amplitude (MA) parameter of TEG, or suspected clinical uremic thrombopathy, the use of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) was considered.Results: Most biopsies (90.6%) were done by the same dedicated radiologist. Fifty-one patients had a BT test, which was normal in all tested patients. Seventy-one patients underwent TEG, and it was abnormal in 34 of them, most patients had combined abnormalities. The only parameter related to abnormal TEG was older age (Odds Ratio 1.21 [95% CI 1.09-2.38] p = 0.04 for abnormal Kinetics; OR 1.37 (1.05-1.96) p = 0.037 for abnormal MA). Twenty-six patients (6.23%) had bleeding complications. Risk of bleeding was significantly related to age (1.4 [1.11-7.48] p = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (1.85 [1.258-9.65] p = 0.02), and serum creatinine (1.21 [1.06-3.134] p = 0.048).Conclusions: TEG abnormalities in patients with renal dysfunction are variable and fail to predict bleeding during kidney biopsy. The decision to administer DDAVP as a preventive measure during these procedures should be based on clinical judgment only.

Long-term renal outcomes and mortality following renal injury among myocardial infarction patients treated by primary percutaneous intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Limited data are present on persistent renal impairment following acute kidney injury (AKI) among ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated the incidence and prognostic implications of acute kidney disease (AKD), defined as reduced kidney function for the duration of between 7 and 90 days after exposure to an AKI initiating event, as well as long-term renal outcomes among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI who developed AKI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 225 consecutive STEMI patients who developed AKI. Patients were assessed for the occurrence of AKD and long-term renal outcomes on the basis of serum creatinine levels measured at 7 days/hospital discharge and within 90-180 days of renal insult. Mortality was assessed at 90 days and over a period of 1271±903 days (range: 2-2130 days) following the renal insult. RESULTS: Progression to AKD occurred in 81/225 (36%) patients and was associated with higher 90-day (35 vs. 11%, P<0.001) and long-term mortality (35 vs. 17%, P<0.001). Normalization of serum creatinine to a level equal/lower than hospital admission level at more than 90 days from renal insult occurred in 41% of patients with AKD, whereas 59% of these patients showed new/progressed chronic kidney disease. In contrast, only 7% of patients without AKD showed the progression of pre-existing renal disease while, in the rest, the serum creatinine level remained stable. CONCLUSION: Progression to AKD following an acute renal insult in STEMI is frequent and associated with worse survival and adverse long-term renal outcomes.

Association between central venous pressure as assessed by echocardiography, left ventricular function and acute cardio-renal syndrome in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have demonstrated the adverse effects of venous congestion on renal function in patients with heart failure. None of these trials, however, has evaluated the effect of acute myocardial ischemia on the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 1336 ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between June 2012 and June 2016. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed within 72 h of hospital admission. Non-invasive evaluation of central venous pressure (CVP) was estimated from measurements of inferior vena cava diameter and its collapsibility. Intermediate-high CVP was defined as ≥ 8 mm/Hg. Patients were stratified according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and CVP and assessed for AKI. RESULTS: Intermediate-high CVP was associated with AKI both in patients with LVEF greater than 45% and those with 45% or lower. Patients having LVEF ≤ 45% and intermediate-high CVP had a 10-fold increase in the incidence of AKI compared to patients with LVEF > 45% and normal CVP (39 vs. 4%). In a multivariable logistic regression model, intermediate-high CVP was independently associated with AKI (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.54-4.87; p = 0.001). Other variables associated with AKI included LVEF ≤ 45% (OR = 2.37, 95%CI 1.25-4.51; p = 0.008), time to reperfusion, mechanical ventilation and chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: Among STEMI patients undergoing PCI, the utilization of simple echocardiographic measurements (LVEF and CVP) may be useful for early identification of those at high risk for AKI.

Acute kidney injury based on the KDIGO criteria among ST elevation myocardial infarction patients treated by primary percutaneous intervention.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is associated with adverse outcomes. The recently proposed KDIGO criteria suggested modifications to the consensus classification system for AKI, namely lowering the threshold of increase in absolute serum creatinine and extending the time frame for AKI detection to 7 days. We evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and long-term mortality associated with AKI as classified by the KDIGO definition in a large single center cohort of consecutive STEMI patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 2122 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recruited patients were admitted between January 2008 and May 2016 to the cardiac intensive care unit with the diagnosis of acute STEMI. We compared the utilization of the KDIGO and consensus criteria for the diagnosis of AKI and its relation to long term mortality. RESULTS: The KDIGO criteria allowed the identification of more patients as having AKI (10.6 vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001) compared to the consensus criteria. Even mild elevation of serum creatinine (≥ 0.3 mg/dL) was associated with a marked increase in all-cause mortality (HR 4.7, 95% CI 3.1-6.43, p < 0.001). Patients with AKI whose renal function resolved prior to hospital discharge still had significantly higher mortality compared to patients with no AKI (23 vs. 8%, HR 3.1, 95% CI 2.09-4.90, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: KDIGO criteria is more sensitive than the consensus criteria in defining AKI in STEMI patients and identifying populations at risk for long term adverse outcomes.

Relation of subclinical serum creatinine elevation to adverse in-hospital outcomes among myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND:: Acute kidney injury is associated with adverse outcomes after acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It remains unclear, however, whether subclinical increase in serum creatinine that does not reach the consensus criteria for acute kidney injury is also related to adverse outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS:: We conducted a retrospective study of 1897 consecutive STEMI patients between January 2008 and May 2016 who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and in whom acute kidney injury was not diagnosed throughout hospitalization. We investigated the incidence of subclinical acute kidney injury (defined as serum creatinine increase of ≥ 0.1 and < 0.3 mg/dl) and its relation to a composite end point of adverse in hospital outcomes. RESULTS:: Subclinical acute kidney injury was detected in 321 patients (17%). Patients with subclinical acute kidney injury had increased rate of the composite end point of adverse in-hospital events (20.3% vs. 9.7%, p<0.001), a finding which was independent of baseline renal function. Individual components of this end point (occurrence of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality) were all significantly higher among patients with subclinical acute kidney injury ( p< 0.05 for all). In a multivariable regression model subclinical acute kidney injury was independently associated with higher risk for adverse in-hospital events (odds ratio 1.92.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.97, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS:: Among STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, small, subclinical elevations of serum creatinine, while not fulfilling the consensus criteria for acute kidney injury, may serve as a significant biomarker for adverse outcomes.

Relation of positive fluid balance to the severity of renal impairment and recovery among ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the relationship between a positive fluid balance and its persistence over time on acute kidney injury (AKI) development, severity and resolution among ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients complicated by cardiogenic shock. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the cumulative fluid balance intake and output at 96h following hospital admission in 84 consecutive adult patients with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock. The cohort was stratified into two groups, based on the presence or absence of positive fluid balance on day 4. Patients' records were assessed for the development of AKI, AKI severity and recovery. RESULTS: Patients having positive fluid balance were more likely to develop a more severe AKI stage (52% vs. 13%; p<0.001), were less likely to have recovery of their renal function (29% vs. 75%, p=0.001), and demonstrated positive correlation between the amount of fluid accumulated and the rise in serum creatinine (R=0.42, p=0.004). For every 1l increase in positive fluid balance, the adjusted possibility for recovery of renal function decreased by 21% (OR=0.796, 95% CI 0.67-0.93; p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A positive fluid balance was strongly associated with higher stage AKI and lower rate of AKI recovery in STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Echocardiographic correlates of left ventricular filling pressures and acute cardio-renal syndrome in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

OBJECTIVE: Increased transmitral flow velocity (E) to the early mitral annulus velocity (e') ratio (E/e'), signifying increased cardiac filling pressure, was previously found to be associated with deterioration of renal function in patients with congestive heart failure. No study, however, included patients with acute myocardial ischemia. We hypothesized that elevated E/e' ratio would be associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 804 consecutive STEMI patients between June 2012 and December 2015 who underwent primary PCI and had a comprehensive echocardiographic examination performed within 72 h of hospital admission. Patients were stratified according to E/e' ratio above and ≤15, and assessed for AKI using the KDIGO criteria, defined as either a serum creatinine rise >0.3 mg/dl, or an increase in serum creatinine ≥1.5 times baseline. RESULTS: Patients with E/e' ratio >15 had lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, higher systolic pulmonary artery pressures, as well as right atrial pressures, and demonstrated worse in-hospital outcomes. Patients with E/e' ratio >15 had more AKI complicating STEMI (27 vs. 7 %; p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression model, E/e' ratio >15 was independently associated with AKI (OR = 1.87, 95 % CI 0.99-3.52; p = 0.05). Other variables associated with AKI included diabetes, LV ejection fraction, and glomerular filtration rate. CONCLUSIONS: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, the early E/e' ratio >15 was associated with increased risk for AKI.

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Renal Impairment among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with adverse outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the relation between UA and acute kidney injury (AKI) in this population is unclear. We evaluated the effect of elevated UA levels on the risk to develop AKI among consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,372 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of STEMI between January 2008 and February 2015. Patients were stratified into quartiles according to UA levels as follows: quartile 1, <4.7 mg/dl; quartile 2, 4.8 to <5.6 mg/dl; quartile 3, 5.7 to <6.6 mg/dl, and quartile 4, >6.7 mg/dl. RESULTS: STEMI patients with elevated UA levels had a higher frequency of AKI (4 vs. 6% vs. 10 vs. 24%; p < 0.001). In a subgroup analysis of patients with reduced baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (≤60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), an elevated UA level was associated with a significant risk to develop AKI, with 46% of patients developing AKI in the highest UA quartile. In a multivariate logistic regression model, for every 1-mg/dl increase in the UA concentration, the adjusted risk for AKI increased by 46% (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.66; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, elevated UA levels are an independent predictor of AKI.