Factors Affecting Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Critically ill patients with tuberculosis carry high mortality. Identification of factors associated with mortality in critically ill tuberculosis patients may enable focused treatment. DATA SOURCES: An extensive literature search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was performed using Medical Subject Headings terms "tuberculosis," "critical care," "critical care outcome," and "ICU." We aimed to identify factors affecting mortality in critically ill tuberculosis patients. STUDY SELECTION: All the studies comparing factors affecting mortality between survivors and nonsurvivors in critically ill tuberculosis patients were included. The database search yielded a total of 3017 records, of which 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were collected including the name of the author, year and country of publication, duration of the study, number of patients studied, type of tuberculosis, patient demography, smoking history, laboratory parameters, comorbidities, the requirement for mechanical ventilation, duration of ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), type of lung involvement, complications, and outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: The major factors that contributed to mortality in critically ill tuberculosis patients were age, platelet count, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), the requirement and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, hospital-acquired infections, renal replacement therapy, and ICU and hospital LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Patient age, platelet count, albumin and CRP levels, the requirement and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, hospital-acquired infections, renal replacement therapy, and ICU LOS were variables associated with mortality.

ISCCM Guidelines on Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome with a high incidence and considerable morbidity in critically ill patients. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) remains the mainstay of treatment for AKI. There are at present multiple disparities in uniform definition, diagnosis, and prevention of AKI and timing of initiation, mode, optimal dose, and discontinuation of RRT that need to be addressed. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) AKI and RRT guidelines aim to address the clinical issues pertaining to AKI and practices to be followed for RRT, which will aid the clinicians in their day-to-day management of ICU patients with AKI. How to cite this article: Mishra RC, Sodhi K, Prakash KC, Tyagi N, Chanchalani G, Annigeri RA, et al. ISCCM Guidelines on Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Replacement Therapy. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(S2):S13-S42.

Critical Care for COVID-19 Affected Patients: Updated Position Statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine.

The management of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is witnessing a change as we learn more about the pathophysiology and the severity of the disease. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis have been published over the last few months. Several interventions and therapies which showed promise in the initial days of the pandemic have subsequently failed to show benefit in well-designed trials. Understanding of the methods of oxygen delivery and ventilation have also evolved over the past few months. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) has reviewed the evidence that has emerged since the publication of its position statement in May and has put together an addendum of updated evidence. How to cite this article: Mehta Y, Chaudhry D, Abraham OC, Chacko J, Divatia J, Jagiasi B, et al. Critical Care for COVID-19 Affected Patients: Position Statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 5):S225-S230.

Critical Care for COVID-19 Affected Patients: Position Statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine.

The global pandemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) has stretched the limits of science. Ever since it emerged from the Wuhan province in China, it has spread across the world and has been fatal to about 4% of the victims. This position statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine represents the collective opinion of the experts chosen by the society. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Mehta Y, Chaudhry D, Abraham OC, Chacko J, Divatia J, Jagiasi B, et al. Critical Care for COVID-19 Affected Patients: Position Statement of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(4):222-241.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion Thresholds in Critically Ill Patients.

Anemia of multifactorial etiology is common among critically ill patients and several arbitrary transfusion thresholds have been proposed. Transfusion of red blood cells has been well established to increase morbidity and even mortality among critically ill patients. Several randomized controlled studies have evaluated the use of a restrictive compared to a more liberal transfusion strategy in the critically ill. A transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL appears to be generally safe, especially in the younger age group without significant comorbidities. Besides, a restrictive transfusion strategy reduces the incidence of transfusion-related complications. However, the decision to transfuse needs to be individualized depending on the clinical situation, balancing putative benefits against possible complications. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chacko J, Brar G. Red Blood Cell Transfusion Thresholds in Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(Suppl 3):S181-S184.

Papillary Muscle Dysfunction Due to Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon Presenting with Acute Mitral Regurgitation and Unilateral Pulmonary Edema.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema usually presents with characteristic clinical features and bilateral infiltrates on the chest radiograph. Rarely, pulmonary edema may manifest unilaterally, leading to a mistaken diagnosis of a primary lung pathology. We present a 30-year-old man who developed acute coronary syndrome following an overdose of alprazolam. He developed breathlessness with unilateral infiltrates on the chest radiograph. Echocardiography revealed regional wall motion abnormalities related to underlying ischemia and acute mitral regurgitation with an eccentric jet. Besides, he had significant impairment of left ventricular systolic function. His coronary angiogram revealed a slow-flow phenomenon in the right coronary and left anterior descending artery territories. Ischemia-related dysfunction of the posterolateral papillary muscle probably led to a floppy posterior mitral leaflet and an eccentrically directed regurgitant jet, leading to unilateral pulmonary edema. He was commenced on dual antiplatelet therapy, heparin infusion, atorvastatin, frusemide, and ramipril, following which he showed gradual clinical improvement along with resolution of the radiological infiltrates. His left ventricular function improved, and the mitral valve function normalized on echocardiography within a week.

Bilateral Lower Cranial Nerve Palsy after Closed Head Injury: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Paralysis of the lower cranial nerves is uncommon after closed head injuries. Most cases reported are unilateral and associated with base of skull fractures, usually involving the occipital condyles. Bilateral lower cranial nerve palsy is even less common, with only a handful of cases reported in literature. A 17-year-old girl presented to us after she was involved in a side-on collision with a car while driving a scooter. She sustained traumatic brain injury requiring mechanical ventilation. Detailed neurological evaluation revealed bilateral paralysis of the IXth, Xth, and XIIth cranial nerves with no evidence of a fracture of the base of skull or brain stem injury. A traction type of injury to the nerves arising from a whiplash mechanism may have led to paralysis of the lower cranial nerves in our patient. An exhaustive review of literature revealed 11 reports of bilateral lower cranial nerve palsy associated with closed head injuries; there were only four cases without underlying fracture of the occipital condyles. Our patient made a complete recovery over a period of 4 months. A traction type of injury to the lower cranial nerves may occur due to a whiplash mechanism. This type of injury may be associated with a favorable outcome.

Bedside ultrasonography-Applications in critical care: Part II.

Point of care ultrasonography, performed by acute care physicians, has developed into an invaluable bedside tool providing important clinical information with a major impact on patient care. In Part II of this narrative review, we describe ultrasound guided central venous cannulation, which has become standard of care with internal jugular vein cannulation. Besides improving success rates, real-time guidance also significantly reduces the incidence of complications. We also discuss compression ultrasonography - a quick and effective bedside screening tool for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. Abdominal ultrasound offers vital clues in the emergency setting; in the unstable trauma victim, a focused examination may provide immediate answers and has largely superseded diagnostic peritoneal lavage in diagnosing intraperitoneal bleed. From estimation of intracranial pressure to transcranial Doppler studies, ultrasound is becoming increasingly relevant to neurocritical care. Ultrasound may also help with airway management in several situations, including percutaneous tracheostomy. Clearly, bedside ultrasonography has become an indispensable part of intensive care practice - in the rapid assessment of critically ill-patients as well as in enhancing the safety of invasive procedures.

Bedside ultrasonography: Applications in critical care: Part I.

There is increasing interest in the use of ultrasound to assess and guide the management of critically ill patients. The ability to carry out quick examinations by the bedside to answer specific clinical queries as well as repeatability are clear advantages in an acute care setting. In addition, delays associated with transfer of patients out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and exposure to ionizing radiation may also be avoided. Ultrasonographic imaging looks set to evolve and complement clinical examination of acutely ill patients, offering quick answers by the bedside. In this two-part narrative review, we describe the applications of ultrasonography with a special focus on the management of the critically ill. Part I explores the utility of echocardiography in the ICU, with emphasis on its usefulness in the management of hemodynamically unstable patients. We also discuss lung ultrasonography - a vastly underutilized technology for several years, until intensivists began to realize its usefulness, and obvious advantages over chest radiography. Ultrasonography is rapidly emerging as an important tool in the hands of intensive care physicians.

Clinical Profile and Predictors of Mortality of Severe Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus Infection Needing Intensive Care: A Multi-Centre Prospective Study from South India.

BACKGROUND: This multi-center study from India details the profile and outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus [P(H1N1)2009v] infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over 4 months, adult patients diagnosed to have P(H1N1)2009v infection by real-time RT-PCR of respiratory specimens and requiring ICU admission were followed up until death or hospital discharge. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated daily. RESULTS: Of the 1902 patients screened, 464 (24.4%) tested positive for P(H1N1)2009v; 106 (22.8%) patients aged 35±11.9 (mean±SD) years required ICU admission 5.8±2.7 days after onset of illness. Common symptoms were fever (96.2%), cough (88.7%), and breathlessness (85.9%). The admission APACHE-II and SOFA scores were 14.4±6.5 and 5.5±3.1, respectively. Ninety-six (90.6%) patients required ventilation for 10.1±7.5 days. Of these, 34/96 (35.4%) were non-invasively ventilated; 16/34 were weaned successfully whilst 18/34 required intubation. Sixteen patients (15.1%) needed dialysis. The duration of hospitalization was 14.0±8.0 days. Hospital mortality was 49%. Mortality in pregnant/puerperal women was 52.6% (10/19). Patients requiring invasive ventilation at admission had a higher mortality than those managed with non-invasive ventilation and those not requiring ventilation (44/62 vs. 8/44, P<0.001). Need for dialysis was independently associated with mortality (P=0.019). Although admission APACHE-II and SOFA scores were significantly (P<0.02) higher in non-survivors compared with survivors on univariate analysis, individually, neither were predictive on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, a high mortality was observed in patients admitted to ICU with severe P(H1N1)2009v infection. The need for invasive ventilation and dialysis were associated with a poor outcome.

Isolated inhalational injury: Clinical course and outcomes in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although smoke inhalation is well known to cause acute lung injury, there are few reports in literature that study the evolution, clinical course and outcomes of isolated inhalational lung injury in a modern intensive care setting. A major fire disaster provided us the opportunity to study victims of isolated inhalational injury admitted to our Multidisciplinary Intensive Care Unit (MICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the clinical course, ICU and hospital outcomes of 13 victims of a fire disaster who required mechanical ventilation for isolated inhalational lung injury. All patients were followed up at regular intervals, and their functional status was assessed at 8 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: The Lung Injury Scores (LIS) worsened to reach a nadir on Day 3 of injury. There was a significant correlation between the LIS on Day 3 and duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.8; P = 0.003), ICU (r = 0.8; P = 0.002) and hospital (r = 0.6; P = 0.02) days. Late-onset airway complications were encountered in four patients. Three of them required long-term artificial airways - two with a tracheostomy while the third patient required surgical insertion of a "T" tube. Persistent problems with phonation occurred in two patients. At 8 months postdischarge, all patients were independent with activities of daily living; all were back to work, except for two who continued to need artificial airways. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalational lung injury progresses over the first few days and is worst after 72 h. Late-onset airway complications may manifest after several weeks and require repeated intervention.

Apical ballooning syndrome after attempted suicidal hanging.

We report a case of "Apical Ballooning Syndrome" following attempted suicidal hanging. Our patient developed retrosternal chest pain and ischemic changes on electrocardiography (ECG), a day after the suicidal attempt. She underwent an angiogram considering the possibility of acute coronary syndrome. However, her coronary arteries were normal; the left ventricle showed the typical ballooning pattern characterized by hypokinesia of the distal septum and apex. On follow-up a week later, she remained asymptomatic; her ECG changes had reversed and the left ventricular contractility was normal on echocardiography.

Late onset, prolonged asystole following organophosphate poisoning: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Organophosphate (OP) compounds are commonly used as suicidal agents and produce characteristic toxic effects. Cardiac arrhythmias are often observed in the acute phase of toxicity; late onset polymorphic ventricular tachycardia preceded by prolonged QT interval on the EKG is also known to occur. However, there are no reports of late onset, prolonged asystole without preceding arrhythmias and after acute toxicity had abated. CASE REPORT: We report a case of prolonged asystole 12 days after ingestion of an OP compound, after apparent recovery from the acute toxic effects. Asystole persisted for 25 min, followed by successful resuscitation without any sequelae. DISCUSSION: Although cardiac arrhythmias and circulatory arrest are known to occur following OP ingestion, these are often in the acute phase of toxicity. Our patient had no preceding cardiac manifestations but developed prolonged refractory asystole after 12 days of ingestion of the compound when the acute effects had subsided. We emphasize the importance of being aware of the potential for OP compounds to cause late onset asystole and the need for continued EKG monitoring even after the acute symptoms appear to have settled.

Alveolar recruitment maneuvers in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Mechanical ventilation can worsen lung damage in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The use of low tidal volumes is one of the strategies that has been shown to reduce lung injury and improve outcomes in this situation. However, low tidal volumes may lead to alveolar derecruitment and worsening of hypoxia. Recruitment maneuvers along with positive end-expiratory pressure may help to prevent derecruitment. Although recruitment maneuvers have been shown to improve oxygenation, improved clinical outcomes have not been demonstrated. The optimal recruitment strategy and the type of patients who might benefit are also unclear. This review summarizes the impact of recruitment maneuvers on lung mechanics and physiology, techniques of application, and the clinical situations in which they may be useful.

Renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit.

Acute renal failure is a frequent complication in critically ill patients that carries with it considerable morbidity and mortality. The management of renal failure in patients with multi-organ failure is different from that of renal failure that presents as a single organ failure. Intermittent haemodialysis, done in the conventional manner may not be tolerated by most critically ill patients. Continuous renal replacement therapy is physiologically superior; however, there is lack of strong evidence to prove a clinical benefit. Hybrid therapies that combine the benefits of intermittent haemodialysis and continuous therapies have emerged in the past few years. These are simpler to carry out, provide more flexibility and may be cost effective and need to be studied in a systematic manner.