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BACKGROUND: Incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis in critically ill patients remains ambiguous and its association with potential hazardous sequelae unknown. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiology of CVC-related thrombosis; secondary aims were to assess the association of catheter-related thrombosis with catheter-related infection, pulmonary embolism and mortality. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) in the Netherlands. The study population consisted of CVC placements in adult ICU patients with a minimal indwelling time of 48 h. CVC-related thrombosis was diagnosed with ultrasonography. Primary outcomes were prevalence and incidence, incidence was reported as the number of cases per 1000 indwelling days. RESULTS: 173 CVCs in 147 patients were included. Median age of patients was 64.0 [IQR: 52.0, 72.0] and 71.1 % were male. Prevalence of thrombosis was 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.49, 0.63) and incidence per 1000 indwelling days was 65.7 (95 % CI: 59.0, 72.3). No association with catheter-related infection was found (p = 0.566). There was a significant association with pulmonary embolism (p = 0.022). All 173 CVCs were included in the survival analysis. Catheter-related thrombosis was associated with a lower 28-day mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.87). CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, prevalence and incidence of catheter-related thrombosis were high. Catheter-related thrombosis was not associated with catheter-related infections, but was associated with pulmonary embolism and a decreased mortality risk.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding both the immunological processes providing specific immunity and potential immunopathology underlying the pathogenesis of this disease may provide valuable insights for potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses in patients with different clinical courses. Compared to individuals with a mild clinical presentation, CD4+ T cell responses were qualitatively impaired in critically ill patients. Strikingly, however, in these patients the specific IgG antibody response was remarkably strong. The observed disparate T and B cell responses could be indicative of a deregulated immune response in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
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BackgroundOver 2 million people worldwide have been infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS CoV2). Lung ultrasound has been proposed to diagnose and it. However, little is known about ultrasound findings in these patients. Our aim is to present an overview of lung ultrasound characteristics in critically ill patients with SARS CoV2 pneumonia overall and in relation to the duration of symptoms and clinical parameters. MethodsOn the Intensive Care Unit of two academic hospitals, adult patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 were included. Images were analyzed for pleural line characteristics, number and appearance of B-lines, BLUE-profiles (Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency), pathology in the PLAPS (Postero Lateral Alveolar and Pleural Syndrome) point and a LUS-score (lung ultrasound). The primary outcomes were frequencies, percentages and differences in lung ultrasound findings overall and between short ([≤]14 days) and long (>14 days) duration of symptoms and their correlation with clinical parameters. ResultsIn this pilot observational study, 61 patients were included with 75 examinations for analysis. The most prevalent ultrasound findings were decreased lung sliding (36%), thickening of the pleural line (42%) and a C-profile per view (37%). Patients with "long" duration of symptoms presented more frequently with a thickened and irregular pleural line (21% (32) vs 9% (11), p=.01), C-profile per patient (47% (18) vs. 25% (8), p=.01) and pleural effusion (19% (14) vs 5% (3), p=.02) compared to patients with short duration of symptoms. Lung ultrasound findings did not correlate with P/F ratio, fluid balance or dynamic compliance, with the exception of the LUS-score and dynamic compliance (R2=0.27, p=.02). ConclusionSARS CoV2 results in significant ultrasound changes, with decreased lung sliding, thickening of the pleural line and a C-profile being the most observed. With time, a thickened and irregular pleural line, C-profile and pleural effusion become more common findings.