Albumin versus saline infusion for sepsis-related peripheral tissue hypoperfusion: a proof-of-concept prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Albumin has potential endothelial protective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of albumin on peripheral tissue perfusion in human sepsis remains poorly known. METHODS: Bi-centric prospective study included patients with sepsis with or without shock and prolonged CRT > 3 s despite initial resuscitation. Clinicians in charge of the patients were free to infuse either saline 500 mL or human serum albumin 20% 100 mL over 15 min. Global hemodynamic parameters as well as peripheral tissue perfusion were analyzed after 1 (H1) and 4 h (H4). The primary endpoint was CRT normalization (< 3 s) at H1. RESULTS: 62 patients were screened, and 50 patients (13 sepsis and 37 septic shock) were included, 21 in the saline group and 29 in the albumin group. SOFA score was 8 [5-11], and SAPS II was 53 [45-70]. Median age was 68 [60-76] years with a higher proportion of men (74%). The primary sources of infection were respiratory (54%) and abdominal (24%). At baseline, comorbidities, clinical and biological characteristics were similar between groups. At H1, CRT normalization (< 3 s) was more frequent in patients receiving albumin as compared to patients treated by saline (63 vs 29%, P = 0.02). The decrease in fingertip CRT was more important in the albumin group when compared to saline group (- 1.0 [- 0.3; - 1.5] vs - 0.2 [- 0.1; - 1.1] seconds, P = 0.04) as well as decrease in mottling score. At H4, beneficial effects of albumin on peripheral tissue perfusion were maintained and urinary output trended to be higher in the albumin group (1.1 [0.5-1.8] vs 0.7 [0.5-0.9] ml/kg/h, P = 0.08). Finally, arterial lactate level did not significantly change between H0 and H4 in the saline group but significantly decreased in the albumin group (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In patients with resuscitated sepsis, albumin infusion might lead to greater improvement of tissue hypoperfusion compared to saline. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT05094856.

Prediction of esophagogastroduodenoscopy therapeutic usefulness for in-ICU suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding: the SUGIBI score study.

BACKGROUND: Suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding (SUGIB) is a common issue during ICU stay. In the absence of specific guidelines on the indication and timing of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), there is substantial variability in EGD indication depending on accessibility and clinical presentation. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the need for per-EGD hemostatic therapy and to create a score predicting therapeutic benefit of emergency bedside EGD in ICU patients with SUGIB. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in our ICU to identify factors associated with the need for hemostatic procedure during EGD performed for SUGIB. From this observational cohort, we derived a score predicting the need for hemostasis during EGD, the SUGIBI score. This score was subsequently validated in a retrospective multicenter cohort. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five patients not primarily admitted for GI bleeding who underwent a bedside EGD for SUGIB during their ICU stay were analyzed. The preeminent EGD indication were anemia (79%), melena (19%), shock (14%), and hematemesis (13%). EGD was normal in 24.7% of cases, while primary lesions reported were ulcers (23.1%), esophagitis (18.8%), and gastritis (12.5%). Only 12.9% of patients underwent hemostatic endotherapy during EGD. A SUGIBI score < 4 had a negative predictive value of 95% (91-99) for hemostatic endotherapy [AUC of 0.81; 0.75-0.91 (p < 0.0001)]. The SUGIBI score for predicting the need for an EGD-guided hemostatic procedure was next validated in a multicenter cohort with an AUC of 0.75 (0.66-0.85) (p < 0.0001), a score < 4 having a negative predictive value of 95% (92-97). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the therapeutic usefulness of bedside emergency EGD for SUGIB in critically ill patients is limited to a minority of patients. The SUGIBI score should help clinicians stratify the probability of a therapeutic EGD.

Corticosteroids induce an early but limited decrease in IL-6 dependent pro-inflammatory responses in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have become standard of care for COVID-19 but their effect on the systemic immune-inflammatory response has been little investigated. METHODS: Multicenter prospective cohort, including critically ill COVID-19 patients between March and November 2020. C-reactive protein (CRP), lymphocyte count and fibrinogen levels were collected upon hospital admission before initiation of steroid treatment and at ICU admission, three days and seven days later, along with interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasma levels. RESULTS: A hundred and fifty patients were included, 47 received corticosteroids, 103 did not. Median age was 62 [53-70], and 96 (65%) patients were mechanically ventilated. Propensity score matching rendered 45 well-balanced pairs of treated and non-treated patients, particularly on pre-treatment CRP levels. Using a mixed model, CRP (P=0.019), fibrinogen (P=0.003) and lymphocyte counts (P=0.006) remained lower in treated patients over ICU stay. Conversely, there was no significant difference over the ICU stay for Il-6 (P=0.146) and IL-10 (0.301), while TNF- α levels were higher in the treated group (P=0.013). Among corticosteroid-treated patients, CRP (P=0.012), fibrinogen (P=0.041) and lymphocyte count (P=0.004) over time were associated with outcome, whereas plasma cytokine levels were not. CONCLUSIONS: Steroid treatment was associated with an early and sustained decrease in the downstream IL-6-dependent inflammatory signature but an increase in TNF-α levels. In corticosteroid-treated patients, CRP and lymphocyte count were associated with outcome, conversely to plasma cytokine levels. Further research on using these biomarker's kinetics to individualize immunomodulatory treatments is warranted.

Epidemiology and Clinical Patterns of Lung Abscesses in ICU: A French Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Data are scarce regarding epidemiology and management of critically ill patients with lung abscesses. RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the clinical and microbiological characteristics of critically ill patients with lung abscesses, how are they managed in the ICU, and what are the risk factors of in-ICU mortality? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational multicenter study, based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes, between 2015 and 2022 in France. In-ICU mortality-associated factors were determined by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: We analyzed 171 ICU patients with pulmonary abscesses. Seventy-eight percent were male, with a mean age of 56.5 ± 16.4 years; 20.4% misused alcohol, 25.2% had a chronic lung disease (14% COPD), and 20.5% had a history of cancer. Overall, 40.9% were immunocompromised and 38% qualified for nosocomial infection. Presenting symptoms included fatigue or weight loss in 62%, fever (50.3%), and dyspnea (47.4%). Hemoptysis was reported in 21.7%. A polymicrobial infection was present in 35.6%. The most frequent pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae in 31%, Staphylococcus aureus in 22%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 19.3%. Fungal infections were found in 10.5%. Several clusters of clinicoradiologic patterns were associated with specific microbiological documentation and could guide empiric antibiotic regimen. Percutaneous abscess drainage was performed in 11.7%; surgery was performed in 12.7%, and 12% required bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis. In-ICU mortality was 21.5%, and age (OR: 1.05 [1.02-1.91], P = .007], renal replacement therapy during ICU stay (OR, 3.56 [1.24-10.57], P = .019), and fungal infection (OR, 9.12 [2.69-34.5], P = .0006) were independent predictors of mortality after multivariate logistic regression, and drainage or surgery were not. INTERPRETATION: Pulmonary abscesses in the ICU are a rare but severe disease often resulting from a polymicrobial infection, with a high proportion of Enterobacteriaceae, S aureus, and P aeruginosa. Percutaneous drainage, surgery, or arterial embolization was required in more than one-third of cases. Further prospective studies focusing on first-line antimicrobial therapy and source control procedure are warranted to improve and standardize patient management.

Prospective evaluation of bleeding risk among thrombocytopenic patients admitted in intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: Bleeding risk evaluation of thrombocytopenic patients admitted in ICU has been poorly investigated. METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted in an 18-bed medical ICU. Consecutive patients with thrombocytopenia (<150 Giga/L) and no bleeding at admission were included. RESULTS: Over one year, 91 patients were included, mainly men (63%), with an age of 61 [46-68] years and a SOFA score of 6 [3-8]. Twenty-three patients (25%) had an hemorrhagic event during ICU stay, mainly digestive (n = 9; 39%) and urological (n = 6; 26%). The time between ICU admission and bleeding was 8 [2-19] days. Almost half of bleeding events required vasopressor infusion and a hemostatic procedure. At admission, two variables were significantly different between the Bleeding and No-Bleeding groups: plasma urea level was significantly higher in the Bleeding group (9 [5.1; 13] vs. 13 [8.9; 31] mmol/L; p < 0.001) and the presence of skin purpura was associated with a 3-fold higher risk for bleeding during ICU stay (HR: 3.4 [1.3-8.3]; p < 0.05). In contrast, admission platelet count was not significantly different between the 2 groups (90 [32; 128] vs 62 [36; 103] G/L; p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Plasma urea levels and the presence of skin purpura are helpful in identifying thrombocytopenic patients at high-risk of bleeding during ICU stay.

Permissive Hypotension Has No Deleterious Impact on Fluid Balance or Kidney Function.

OBJECTIVES: Mean arterial hypotension between 55 and 65 mm Hg could be tolerated safely in the absence of tissue hypoperfusion, but the consequences on fluid balance and kidney function remain unknown. DESIGN: During a 1-year period, we retrospectively collected data of consecutive septic patients admitted for sepsis with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 65 mm Hg despite fluid resuscitation. SETTING: Medical 18-bed ICU in a tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Septic patients with a MAP less than 65 mm Hg despite initial resuscitation. INTERVENTIONS: In our ICU, MAP between 55 and 65 mm Hg was tolerated in the absence of peripheral hypoperfusion (permissive hypotension) or corrected using norepinephrine (septic shock group) when peripheral tissue hypoperfusion was present. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-four consecutive septic patients were included, 15 in the permissive hypotension group and 79 in the septic shock group. Median age was 66 years (57-77 yr) and 42% were women. The main sources of infection were respiratory (45%) and abdominal (18%). Severity was more important in septic shock group with higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (7 [5-10] vs. 4 [1-6]; p < 0.0001), more frequent organ support therapy and ultimately higher mortality (38 vs. 0%; p < 0.01). The total volume of crystalloids infused before ICU admission was not different between groups (1930 ± 250 vs. 1850 ± 150 mL; p = 0.40). Within the 6 first hours of ICU stay, patients in the permissive hypotension group received less fluids (530 ± 170 vs. 1100 ± 110 mL; p = 0.03) and had higher urinary output (1.4 mL [0.88-2.34 mL] vs. 0.47 mL/kg/hr [0.08-1.25 mL/kg/hr]; p < 0.001). In addition, kidney injury evaluated using KDIGO score was lower in the permissive hypotension group at 48 hours (0 hr [0-1 hr] vs. 1 hr [0-2 hr]; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In septic patients without clinical peripheral hypoperfusion, mean arterial hypotension between 55 and 65 mm Hg could be tolerated safely without vasopressor infusion and was not associated with excessive fluid administration or kidney damage.

Lung aeration estimated by chest electrical impedance tomography and lung ultrasound during extubation.

BACKGROUND: This study hypothesized that patients with extubation failure exhibit a loss of lung aeration and heterogeneity in air distribution, which could be monitored by chest EIT and lung ultrasound. Patients at risk of extubation failure were included after a successful spontaneous breathing trial. Lung ultrasound [with calculation of lung ultrasound score (LUS)] and chest EIT [with calculation of the global inhomogeneity index, frontback center of ventilation (CoV), regional ventilation delay (RVD) and surface available for ventilation] were performed before extubation during pressure support ventilation (H0) and two hours after extubation during spontaneous breathing (H2). EIT was then repeated 6 h (H6) after extubation. EIT derived indices and LUS were compared between patients successfully extubated and patients with extubation failure. RESULTS: 40 patients were included, of whom 12 (30%) failed extubation. Before extubation, when compared with patients with successful extubation, patients who failed extubation had a higher LUS (19 vs 10, p = 0.003) and a smaller surface available for ventilation (352 vs 406 pixels, p = 0.042). After extubation, GI index and LUS were higher in the extubation failure group, whereas the surface available for ventilation was lower. The RVD and the CoV were not different between groups. CONCLUSION: Before extubation, a loss of lung aeration was observed in patients who developed extubation failure afterwards. After extubation, this loss of lung aeration persisted and was associated with regional lung ventilation heterogeneity. Trial registration Clinical trials, NCT04180410, Registered 27 November 2019-prospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04180410 .

Sonometric assessment of cough predicts extubation failure: SonoWean-a proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Extubation failure is associated with increased mortality. Cough ineffectiveness may be associated with extubation failure, but its quantification for patients undergoing weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains challenging. METHODS: Patients under IMV for more than 24 h completing a successful spontaneous T-tube breathing trial (SBT) were included. At the end of the SBT, we performed quantitative sonometric assessment of three successive coughing efforts using a sonometer. The mean of the 3-cough volume in decibels was named Sonoscore. RESULTS: During a 1-year period, 106 patients were included. Median age was 65 [51-75] years, mainly men (60%). Main reasons for IMV were acute respiratory failure (43%), coma (25%) and shock (17%). Median duration of IMV at enrollment was 4 [3-7] days. Extubation failure occurred in 15 (14%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between success and failure extubation groups, except percentage of simple weaning which was lower and MV duration which was longer in extubation failure patients. Sonoscore was significantly lower in patients who failed extubation (58 [52-64] vs. 75 [70-78] dB, P < 0.001). After adjustment on MV duration and comorbidities, Sonoscore remained associated with extubation failure. Sonoscore was predictive of extubation failure with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91 (IC95% [0.83-0.99], P < 0.001). A threshold of Sonoscore < 67.1 dB predicted extubation failure with a sensitivity of 0.93 IC95% [0.70-0.99] and a specificity of 0.82 IC95% [0.73-0.90]. CONCLUSION: Sonometric assessment of cough strength might be helpful to identify patients at risk of extubation failure in patients undergoing IMV.

Improvement of central vein ultrasound-guided puncture success using a homemade needle guide-a simulation study.

BACKGROUND: Out-of-plane (OOP) approach is frequently used for ultrasound-guided insertion of central venous catheter (CVC) owing to its simplicity but does not avoid mechanical complication. In-plane (IP) approach might improve safety of insertion; however, it is less easy to master. We assessed, a homemade needle guide device aimed to improve CVC insertion using IP approach. METHOD: We evaluated in a randomized simulation trial, the impact of a homemade needle guide on internal jugular, subclavian and femoral vein puncture, using three approaches: out-of-plane free hand (OOP-FH), in-plane free hand (IP-FH), and in-plane needle guided (IP-NG). Success at first pass, the number of needle redirections and arterial punctures was recorded. Time elapsed (i) from skin contact to first skin puncture, (ii) from skin puncture to successful venous puncture and (iii) from skin contact to venous return were measured. RESULTS: Thirty operators performed 270 punctures. IP-NG approach resulted in high success rate at first pass (jugular: 80%, subclavian: 95% and femoral: 100%) which was higher than success rate observed with OOP-FH and IP-FH regardless of the site (p = .01). Compared to IP-FH and OOP-FH, the IP-NG approach decreased the number of needle redirections at each site (p = .009) and arterial punctures (p = .001). Compared to IP-FH, the IP-NG approach decreased the total procedure duration for puncture at each site. CONCLUSION: In this simulation study, IP approach using a homemade needle guide for ultrasound-guided central vein puncture improved success rate at first pass, reduced the number of punctures/redirections and shortened the procedure duration compared to OOP and IP free-hand approaches.

Impact of immunosuppressive regimen on ICU acquired pneumonia in critically ill COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressors (IS) such as Dexamethasone (DXM), Tocilizumab, and high-dose methylprednisolone boli (HDMB), are used in COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19 ARDS-related combined IS therapy was associated with an increased incidence of ICU-acquired pneumonia (IAP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed COVID-19-ARDS admitted to ICU from March 2020 to April 2022. Patients' and IAP characteristics were analyzed according to five IS regimens: No IS, DXM alone, DXM+HDMB, DXM+tocilizumab, and DXM+tocilizumab+HDMB. To investigate the role of IS on IAP incidence, we performed a multivariate logistic regression and built a propensity score. Ultimately, we used a conditional logistic regression after pairing on the propensity score. RESULTS: The study included 496 COVID-19-ARDS. Regarding the IS therapy, 12.7% received no IS, 43% DXM alone, 21.6% DXM+HDMB, 15.5% DXM+tocilizumab and 5.4% DXM+tocilizumab+HDMB. 37% presented at least one IAP, and the IAP incidence was higher with DXM+HDMB (66.4%) compared to no IS (P<0.0001), DXM (P<0.0001) and DXM+tocilizumab (P<0.0001). HDMB and probabilistic antibiotherapy at admission were independent IAP predictors after adjustment on the propensity score (respectively OR:2.44; P<0.0001 and OR:2.85; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill COVID-19, HDMB significantly increases the risk of IAP whereas DXM alone, nor in combination with tocilizumab, did not.

Reversible skin microvascular hyporeactivity in patients with immune-mediated thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare disease characterized by arteriolar and capillary microthrombosis precipitating organ failure. However, the contribution of endothelial dysfunction on impaired microvascular blood flow in iTTP patients has been poorly explored. This pilot observational study aimed to explore endothelial-mediated vasoreactivity in iTTP patients at admission and its changes after plasma exchange therapy (PE). METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in patients (> 18-year old) admitted in ICU for iTTP. Using laser Doppler flowmetry and acetylcholine (Ach) iontophoresis in the forearm, we recorded the skin microvascular blood flow and the endothelium-mediated vasoreactivity at admission and after PE. Demographics, biological, clinical courses, and outcomes were also collected. As a control group, we used a previously published cohort of young diabetic patients after correction of ketoacidosis. RESULTS: Eighteen confirmed iTTP patients and 34 controls were included in the study, mainly female (72%) aged 43 ± 16-year-old. At admission, 55% had neurological abnormalities, 50% cardiac issues and 27.8% an acute kidney injury. Median platelet count was 19 G/mL [10-37]. Baseline microvascular blood flow was decreased in iTTP patients when compared to controls (5.97 ± 4.5 vs. 10.1 ± 6.3 PU, P = 0.03), associated with markedly impaired endothelial-mediated skin microvascular reactivity (AUC: 9627 ± 8122 vs. 16,475 ± 11,738, P = 0.03). Microvascular reactivity improved after the first PE session (AUC: 9627 ± 8122 vs 16,558 ± 10,699, P = 0.007, respectively, baseline and post-PE1) and much more after the second session (26,431 ± 23,181, P = 0.04 post-PE1 vs post-PE2). Hemolysis biomarkers (LDH and bilirubin) negatively correlated with skin microvascular flow and vasoreactivity. CONCLUSION: We highlighted a marked yet reversible skin endothelium-mediated microvascular hyporeactivity in iTTP patients that could participate in organ injury pathophysiology.

Impact of corticosteroids on the procoagulant profile of critically ill COVID-19 patients: a before-after study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported an increased risk of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients, but the pathophysiology of this procoagulant phenotype remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that corticosteroids may attenuate this procoagulant state through their anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dexamethasone (DXM) on the coagulation profile of severely ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational before/after bi-centric cohort study among ICU patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 and receiving therapeutic anticoagulation by unfractionated heparin (UFH). Before and after the standardized use of DXM, we compared inflammatory and coagulation profiles, as well as the kinetics of heparin requirement, adjusted for weight and anti-Xa activity. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were included, 35 in the no-DXM group, and 51 in the DXM group. At admission, CRP and fibrinogen levels were not different between groups, neither were UFH infusion rates. At day 3 after ICU admission, CRP (178±94 mg/L vs. 99±68 mg/L, P<0.001) and fibrinogen (7.2±1.4 g/L vs. 6.1±1.4 g/L, P=0.001) significantly decreased in the DXM group, but not in the no-DXM group. Over time, UFH infusion rates were lower in the DXM group (P<0.001) without any significant difference in plasma anti-Xa activity. CRP variations correlated with heparin dose variations between Day 0 and Day 3 (r=0.39, P=0.009). Finally, the incidence of venous thromboembolic events during in-ICU stay was significantly reduced in the DXM group (4 vs. 43%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill COVID-19 patients, dexamethasone use was associated with a decrease in both pro-inflammatory and procoagulant profile.

[Acute respiratory failure in the elderly patients]. / Insuffisance respiratoire aiguë chez le sujet âgé.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE IN THE ELDERLY PATIENTS Acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring an admission in intensive care unit in the old patients presents specific characteristics that must be considered for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Old patients are at increased risk of ARF after any assault. It is imperative to assess the prognosis of an old patient requiring invasive treatment in the ICU f or an ARF. Age is only one of the factor accounting for high mortality together with comorbidities, previous functional status, severity of the ARF and frailty. Simple and reliable tools are available to determine the degree of frailty. Thus, chronological age should not only be considered to determine the intensity of care; the concept of physiological age may better assist the clinician in his decision making. Management should be comprehensive and multi-professional; rehabilitation should be as early as possible, which emphasizes the absolute necessity of having a physiotherapist attached to the service.

INSUFFISANCE RESPIRATOIRE AIGUË CHEZ LE SUJET ÂGÉ L'insuffisance respiratoire aiguë (IRA) chez les personnes âgées présente des caractéristiques spécifiques qui doivent être prises en considération pour le diagnostic, le traitement et le pronostic de ces patients en réanimation. Les patients âgés présentent un risque accru d'IRA après une agression quelle qu'elle soit. Il est impératif d'évaluer le pronostic d'un patient âgé nécessitant un traitement invasif en soins critiques pour une IRA. L'âge et d'autres paramètres contribuent à la mortalité : la présence de comorbidités, l'état fonctionnel antérieur, la sévérité de l'IRA et la fragilité sont à prendre en compte. Des outils simples et fiables sont disponibles pour déterminer le degré de fragilité. Ainsi, l'âge chronologique ne devrait pas être seulement considéré pour déterminer l'intensité des soins ; le concept d'âge physiologique peut davantage aider le clinicien dans ses prises de décision. La prise en charge doit être globale et pluriprofessionnelle ; la rééducation doit être la plus précoce possible, ce qui souligne l'absolue nécessité qu'un kinésithérapeute soit attaché au service.

Kinetics of capillary refill time after fluid challenge.

BACKGROUND: Capillary refill time (CRT) is a valuable tool for triage and to guide resuscitation. However, little is known about CRT kinetics after fluid infusion. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital. First, we analyzed the intra-observer variability of CRT. Next, we monitored fingertip CRT in sepsis patients during volume expansion within the first 24 h of ICU admission. Fingertip CRT was measured every 2 min during 30 min following crystalloid infusion (500 mL over 15 min). RESULTS: First, the accuracy of repetitive fingertip CRT measurements was evaluated on 40 critically ill patients. Reproducibility was excellent, with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 99.5% (CI 95% [99.3, 99.8]). A CRT variation larger than 0.2 s was considered as significant. Next, variations of CRT during volume expansion were evaluated on 29 septic patients; median SOFA score was 7 [5-9], median SAPS II was 57 [45-72], and ICU mortality rate was 24%. Twenty-three patients were responders as defined by a CRT decrease > 0.2 s at 30 min after volume expansion, and 6 were non-responders. Among responders, we observed that fingertip CRT quickly improved with a significant decrease at 6-8 min after start of crystalloid infusion, the maximal improvement being observed after 10-12 min (-0.7 [-0.3;-0.9] s) and maintained at 30 min. CRT variations significantly correlated with baseline CRT measurements (R = 0.39, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CRT quickly improved during volume expansion with a significant decrease 6-8 min after start of fluid infusion and a maximal drop at 10-12 min.

Peripheral tissue hypoperfusion predicts post intubation hemodynamic instability.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation initiation is a procedure at high risk for arterial hypotension in intensive care unit. However, little is known about the relationship between pre-existing peripheral microvascular alteration and post-intubation hemodynamic instability (PIHI). METHODS: Prospective observational monocenter study conducted in an 18-bed medical ICU. Consecutive patients requiring tracheal intubation were eligible for the study. Global hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac function) and tissue perfusion parameters (arterial lactate, mottling score, capillary refill time [CRT], toe-to-room gradient temperature) were recorded before, 5 min and 2 h after tracheal intubation (TI). Post intubation hemodynamic instability (PIHI) was defined as any hemodynamic event requiring therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: During 1 year, 120 patients were included, mainly male (59%) with a median age of 68 [57-77]. The median SOFA score and SAPS II were 6 [4-9] and 47 [37-63], respectively. The main indications for tracheal intubation were hypoxemia (51%), hypercapnia (13%), and coma (29%). In addition, 48% of patients had sepsis and 16% septic shock. Fifty-one (42%) patients develop PIHI. Univariate analysis identified several baseline factors associated with PIHI, including norepinephrine prior to TI, sepsis, tachycardia, fever, higher SOFA and high SAPSII score, mottling score ≥ 3, high lactate level and prolonged knee CRT. By contrast, mean arterial pressure, baseline cardiac index, and ejection fraction were not different between PIHI and No-PIHI groups. After adjustment on potential confounders, the mottling score was associated with a higher risk for PIHI (adjusted OR: 1.84 [1.21-2.82] per 1 point increased; p = 0.005). Among both global haemodynamics and tissue perfusion parameters, baseline mottling score was the best predictor of PIHI (AUC: 0.72 (CI 95% [0.62-0.81]). CONCLUSIONS: In non-selected critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, tissue hypoperfusion parameters, especially the mottling score, could be helpful to predict PIHI.

Impaired skin microvascular endothelial reactivity in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Some clinical and histological studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 infection may damage the endothelium. However, the impact of this virus on endothelial function in vivo remains poorly characterized. In this single-center pilot observational study, we performed iontophoresis of acetylcholine coupled with Laser doppler to investigate microvascular endothelial reactivity in COVID-19 patients compared to patients with non-COVID-19 bacterial pneumonia (NCBP) patients. RESULTS: During three consecutive months, 32 COVID-19 patients and 11 control NCBP patients with acute respiratory failure were included. The median age was 59 [50-68] and 69 [57-75] years in COVID-19 and NCBP groups, respectively (P = 0.11). There was no significant difference in comorbidities or medications between the two groups, except for body mass index, which was higher in COVID-19 patients. NCBP patients had a higher SAPS II score compared to COVID-19 patients (P < 0.0001), but SOFA score was not different between groups (P = 0.51). Global hemodynamic and peripheral tissue perfusion parameters were not different between groups. COVID-19 patients had significantly lower skin microvascular basal blood flow than NCBP patients (P = 0.02). In addition, endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity was threefold lower in COVID-19 patients than NCBP patients (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Both baseline skin microvascular blood flow and skin endothelial-dependent microvascular reactivity were impaired in critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to NCBP patients, despite a lower disease severity score supporting a specific pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2 on the endothelium.