Arterial site selection for measurement of mean arterial pressure in septic shock patients on high-dose norepinephrine.

Background: The guidelines of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign suggest using invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurement in septic shock patients, without specifying for a preferred arterial site for accuracy in relation to the severity of septic shock. The objective of this study was to determine the mean arterial pressure (MAP) gradient between the femoral and radial artery sites in septic shock patients. Method: This prospective study was carried out at a 20-bed ICU in a university hospital. Simultaneous MAP measurements at femoral and radial arterial sites were obtained in septic shock patients receiving norepinephrine (≥0.1 µg/kg/min), with a pre-planned subgroup analysis for those receiving a high dose of norepinephrine (≥0.3 µg/kg/min). Results: The median norepinephrine dose across all 80 patients studied, including 59 patients on a high dose, was 0.4 (0.28-0.7) µg/kg/min. Overall, simultaneous measurement of MAP (mmHg) at the femoral and radial arterial sites produced mean (95% CI) MAP values of 81 (79-83) and 78 (76-80), respectively, with a mean difference of 3.3 (2.67-3.93), p < 0.001. In Bland-Altman analysis of MAP measurements, the detected effect sizes were 1.14 and 1.04 for the overall and high-dose cohorts, respectively, which indicates a significant difference between the measurements taken at each of the two arterial sites. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a weak but statistically significant correlation between MAP gradient and norepinephrine dose among patients receiving a high dose of norepinephrine (r = 0.289; p = 0.026; 95% CI 0.036-0.508). Conclusion: In septic shock patients, MAP readings were higher at the femoral site than at the radial site, particularly in those receiving a high dose of norepinephrine. Clinical trial registration: [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03475667].

Incorporating Lung Ultrasound in Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score as an Added Tool for Diagnosing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Center.

Background: Clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) is an established diagnostic parameter for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an evolving tool for diagnosing VAP. Various scores have been proposed for the diagnosis of VAP, taking LUS as a parameter. We proposed whether replacing LUS with chest radiograph in CPIS criteria will add to the diagnosis of VAP. The current study was done to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS alone and in combination with clinical and microbiological criteria for VAP by replacing chest radiograph with LUS in CPIS. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective single-center observational study including 110 patients with suspected VAP to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS. Quantitative mini-bronchoalveolar lavage (mini-BAL) culture was considered the gold standard for diagnosis of VAP. Here, the authors have explored the combination of LUS, clinical, and microbiology parameters for diagnosing VAP. On replacing chest radiograph with LUS, sono-pulmonary infection score (SPIS) and modified SPIS (SPIS-mic, SPIS-cult) was formulated as a substitute for CPIS. Results: Overall LUS performance for VAP diagnosis was good with sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive value, and positive or negative likelihood ratios of 91.3%, 70%, 89%, 75%, 3, and 0.1, respectively. Adding microbiology culture to LUS increased diagnostic accuracy. The areas under the curve for SPIS and modified SPIS were 0.808, 0.815, and 0.913, respectively. Conclusion: The diagnosis of VAP requires agreement between clinical, microbiological, and radiological criteria. Replacing chest radiograph with LUS in CPIS criteria (SPIS) increases diagnostic accuracy for VAP. Adding clinical and culture data to SPIS provided the highest diagnostic accuracy. Clinical parameters along with lung ultrasound increase diagnostic accuracy for VAP. How to cite this article: Samanta S, Patnaik R, Azim A, Gurjar M, Baronia AK, Poddar B, et al. Incorporating Lung Ultrasound in Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score as an Added Tool for Diagnosing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Center. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(3):284-291.

Evaluation of ventilator associated events in critically ill patients with invasive mechanical ventilation: A prospective cohort study at a resource limited setting in Northern India.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to identify the modifiable risk factors for acquiring ventilator associated events (VAE). Secondary aims were to investigate the intensive care unit (ICU) course and impact of VAE on patient outcome. METHODS: This prospective, observational single center cohort study included 247 patients on mechanical ventilation for 4 calendar days at a 20-bed ICU between January 2018-June 2019. RESULTS: VAE occurred in 59 episodes (rate 11.3 per 1000 ventilator-days). The Ventilator Utilization Ratio (VUR) was 0.57. The median time to onset of VAE was 6 days. Sepsis was the most common reason for initiating patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Cumulative fluid balance ≥2 l (Odds Ratio 30.92; 95% CI 9.82-97.37) and greater number of days with vasopressor support (Odds Ratio 1.92; 95% CI 1.57-2.36) within 7 days of initiating IMV were significant risk factors for acquiring VAE (p < 0.001). VAE cases were ventilated for significantly more days (20 vs 14 days, p = 0.001, had longer days of ICU stay (29 vs 18 days; p = 0.002) and higher hospital mortality (p = 0.02). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common isolate (N = 28) and 32.1% were colistin resistant. CONCLUSIONS: Prospective intervention studies are needed to determine if targeting these risk factors can lower VAE rates in our setting.

Audit of Antibiotic Practices: An Experience from a Tertiary Referral Center.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of antibiotic de-escalation at admission in patients referred to a tertiary hospital in India. The secondary outcomes were the adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy and culture positivity rates in the de-escalated group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study, in a 20-bedded intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary care hospital. Patients >18 years, surviving > 48 hours, were included (June- December 2017). Demographic data, previous cultures, and antibiotics from other hospitals, laboratory parameters in the first 24 hours, and severity of illness were noted. Changes made in antibiotic therapy within 48 hours were recorded. Patients were analyzed into three groups: "No change"-empiric therapy was maintained, "Escalation"-switch to or addition of an antibiotic with a broader spectrum, and "De-escalation"-switch to or interruption of a drug class. RESULTS: The total number of patients eligible was 75. The mean age of the population is 43.38 (SD + 3.4) and groups were comparable in terms of mean sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) and acute physiology, age, chronic health evaluation (APACHE) 2. The prevalence of de-escalation was 60% at admission. The escalation group consisted of 24%. Sixteen percent patients belonged to no change group. Results showed that 38% of patients were on carbapenems, dual gram negative was given to 26%, and empirical methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage was 28% on admission. CONCLUSION: Our study aims to provide data about actual practices in the Indian scenario. It highlights the generous use of high-end antibiotics in the community. Indian practices are far cry from theoretical teaching and western data. The need for antibiotic stewardship program in our country for both public and private health sectors is the need of the hour. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singh R, Azim A, Gurjar M, Poddar B, Baronia AK. Audit of Antibiotic Practices: An Experience from a Tertiary Referral Center. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, January 2019;23(1):7-10.

Trans-Esophageal Doppler Assessment of Acute Hemodynamic Changes Due to Prone Positioning in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients.

BACKGROUND: Effect of prone positioning on acute hemodynamic changes (within 10 min) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been studied. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, hemodynamic assessment by trans-esophageal Doppler (TED) was done with the primary aim of measuring early changes in cardiac index (CI), if any, after prone positioning in moderate to severe ARDS patients. A subgroup analysis was also done based on the response to passive leg raise (PLR). RESULTS: The baseline hemodynamic variables of 26 included patients were: CI 3.5 (3.1-4.3) L/min/m, peak velocity (PV) 83.2 (60.9-99.3) cm/s, flow time corrected (FTc) 341 (283-377) ms, mean acceleration (MA) 9.0 (7.04-11.7) m/s. After prone position, there were no statistically significant changes in CI, 3.5 (P=0.83), 3.75 (P = 0.96), 3.7 (P = 0.34), and 3.9 (P = 0.95) at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min respectively. FTc, mainly indicator of preload, showed decreasing trend to 315 (275-367) ms at 30 min post prone (P = 0.06). On the basis of PLR test also, CI did not change significantly in both PLR+ and PLR- groups. In PLR+ group, PV increased from 72.4 to 83 (P = 0.01), 74.9 (P = 0.03), 82 (P = 0.02), and 82 (P = 0.03) cm/s; while in PLR- group, MA increased from 8.8 to 9.7 (P = 0.03), 10.1 (P = 0.03), 9.3 (P = 0.04), and 10.6 (P = 0.01) m/s at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In moderate to severe ARDS patients, there were no significant changes in CI during first 30 min after prone positioning, even in the subgroups on the basis of PLR response.

Early pH Change Predicts Intensive Care Unit Mortality.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Metabolic acidosis is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that early correction of acidosis of presumed metabolic origin results in improved outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study from February 2015 to June 2016 in a 12 bed mixed intensive care unit (ICU) of a 1000 bed tertiary care hospital in the north of India. ICU patients aged above 18 years with an admission pH ≥7.0 to <7.35 of presumed metabolic origin were included. Arterial blood gas parameters including pH, PaO2, PaCO2, HCO3 -, Na+, K+, Cl-, anion gap (AG), base excess, and lactate at 0, 6, and 24 h along with other standard laboratory investigations were recorded. The primary outcome was to assess the impact of early pH changes on mortality at day 28 of ICU. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with 60.6% males and 91.3% medical patients were included in the study. Sepsis of lung origin (60.6%) was the predominant etiology. By day 28, 68 (65.4%) patients had died. Median age was 49.5 years, weight 61.7 kg, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were 16 and 12, respectively. Nonsurvivors had a higher vasopressor index (P < 0.01), lactate and central venous oxygen saturation (P < 0.05), and lower pH (P < 0.05). A pH correction/change of ≥1.16% during the first 24 h had the best receiver operating characteristic for predicting survival at day 28, with area under the curve (95% confidence interval, 0.72 [0.62-0.82], P < 0.05) compared to HCO3 -, BE, lactate, and AG. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic acidosis is associated with higher mortality in ICU. The rate of change in pH may better predict ICU mortality than other metabolic indices.

Significance of Mini Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Amylase Level in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: Aspiration of oropharyngeal or gastric contents in intubated patients can lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Amylase in respiratory secretion has been reported as a possible marker of aspiration. We studied whether elevated α-amylase in mini bronchoalveolar lavage specimens can be suggestive of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated patients with high clinical suspicion. DESIGN: Prospective single-center observational study. SETTING: Department of Critical Care Medicine, tertiary care academic institute. PATIENTS: Adult patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours with with clinically suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia as per defined criteria, admitted between December 2014 and May 2016. METHODS: Mini bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected within 72 hours of endotracheal intubation. Samples were sent for α-amylase level assay and quantitative culture. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was confirmed from mini bronchoalveolar lavage microbial culture of greater than or equal to 10 cfu/mL, and patients were divided into ventilator-associated pneumonia and no ventilator-associated pneumonia groups. Pre- and postintubation risk factors for aspiration were also noted. RESULTS: The prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 64.9% among 151 patients in whom it was clinically suspected. Median (interquartile range) mini bronchoalveolar lavage α-amylase levels in ventilator-associated pneumonia and no ventilator-associated pneumonia groups on the day of study inclusion were 287 U/L (164-860 U/L) and 94 U/L (59-236 U/L), respectively (p < 0.001). Median (interquartile range) α-amylase levels in patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 preintubation risk factors were 65 U/L (35-106 U/L), 200 U/L (113-349 U/L), 867 U/L (353-1,425 U/L), and 3,453 U/L (1,865-4,304 U/L), respectively (p < 0.001) and 472 U/L (164-1,452 U/L) and 731 U/L (203-1,403 U/L) in patients with 1 and 2 postintubation risk factors, respectively (p < 0.001). A mini bronchoalveolar lavage α-amylase of 163 U/L or more yielded sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 68.6%, respectively, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.746 (95% CI, 0.66-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia within 72 hours from intubation have significantly elevated α-amylase concentrations in mini bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Mini bronchoalveolar lavage α-amylase concentrations increase with increasing number of aspiration risk factors.

Diaphragm thickening fraction to predict weaning-a prospective exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) is a well-established point of care modality for assessment of dimensional and functional aspects of the diaphragm. Amongst various measures, diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTf) is more comprehensive. However, there is still uncertainty about its capability to predict weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV). The present prospective observational exploratory study assessed the diaphragm at variable negative pressure triggers (NPTs) with US to predict weaning in ICU patients. METHODS: Adult ICU patients about to receive their first T-piece were included in the study. Linear and curvilinear US probes were used to measure right side diaphragm characteristics first at pressure support ventilation (PSV) of 8 cmH2O with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O against NPTs of 2, 4, and 6 cmH2O and then later during their first T-piece. The measured variables were then categorized into simple weaning (SW) and complicated weaning (CW) groups and their outcomes analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-four (M:F, 40:24) medical (55/64, 86%) patients were included in the study. Sepsis of lung origin (65.5%) was the dominant reason for MV. There were 33 and 31 patients in the SW and CW groups, respectively. DTf predicts SW with a cutoff ≥ 25.5, 26.5, 25.5, and 24.5 for 2, 4, and 6 NPTs and T-piece, respectively, with ≥ 0.90 ROC AUC. At NPT of 2, DTf had the highest sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 81% [ROC AUC (CI), 0.91 (0.84-0.99); p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: DTf may successfully predict SW and also help identify patients ready to wean prior to a T-piece trial.

The practice of tracheostomy decannulation-a systematic review.

Decannulation is an essential step towards liberating tracheostomized patients from mechanical ventilation. However, despite its perceived importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this vital transition. Presence of an intact sensorium coordinated swallowing and protective coughing are often the minimum requirements for a successful decannulation. Objective criteria for each of these may help better the clinical judgement of decannulation. In this systematic review on decannulation, we focus attention to this important aspect of tracheostomy care.

Blood Glucose Variability and Outcomes in Critically Ill Children.

OBJECTIVES: To find the incidence of hyperglycemia (blood glucose [BG] ≥150 mg/dl), hypoglycemia (BG ≤60 mg/dl), and variability (presence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) in critically ill children in the 1st week of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and their association with mortality, length of ICU stay, and organ dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design was a retrospective observational cohort study. Consecutive children ≤18 years of age admitted from March 2003 to April 2012 in a combined adult and pediatric closed ICU. Relevant data were collected from chart review and hospital database. RESULTS: Out of 258 patients included, isolated hyperglycemia was seen in 139 (53.9%) and was unrelated to mortality and morbidity. Isolated variability in BG was noted in 76 (29.5%) patients and hypoglycemia was seen in 9 (3.5%) patients. BG variability was independently associated with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome on multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-31.1). Those with BG variability had longer ICU stay (11 days vs. 4 days, on log-rank test, P = 0.001). Insulin use was associated with the occurrence of variability (adjusted OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.8-7.0). CONCLUSION: Glucose disorders were frequently observed in critically ill children. BG variability was associated with multiorgan dysfunction and increased ICU stay.

Predictors and pattern of weaning and long-term outcome of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation at an acute intensive care unit in North India. / Preditores, padrão de desmame e desfecho em longo prazo de pacientes com ventilação mecânica prolongada em unidade de terapia intensiva no norte da Índia.

OBJECTIVE:: This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, weaning pattern, and outcome of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation in acute intensive care unit settings in a resource-limited country. METHODS:: This was a prospective single-center observational study in India, where all adult patients requiring prolonged ventilation were followed for weaning duration and pattern and for survival at both intensive care unit discharge and at 12 months. The definition of prolonged mechanical ventilation used was that of the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care. RESULTS:: During the one-year period, 49 patients with a mean age of 49.7 years had prolonged ventilation; 63% were male, and 84% had a medical illness. The median APACHE II and SOFA scores on admission were 17 and 9, respectively. The median number of ventilation days was 37. The most common reason for starting ventilation was respiratory failure secondary to sepsis (67%). Weaning was initiated in 39 (79.5%) patients, with success in 34 (87%). The median weaning duration was 14 (9.5 - 19) days, and the median length of intensive care unit stay was 39 (32 - 58.5) days. Duration of vasopressor support and need for hemodialysis were significant independent predictors of unsuccessful ventilator liberation. At the 12-month follow-up, 65% had survived. CONCLUSION:: In acute intensive care units, more than one-fourth of patients with invasive ventilation required prolonged ventilation. Successful weaning was achieved in two-thirds of patients, and most survived at the 12-month follow-up.

Preditores, padrão de desmame e desfecho em longo prazo de pacientes com ventilação mecânica prolongada em unidade de terapia intensiva no norte da Índia / Predictors and pattern of weaning and long-term outcome of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation at an acute intensive care unit in North India

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar as características clínicas, o padrão de desmame e o desfecho de pacientes que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica por tempo prolongado em uma unidade de terapia intensiva em um país com recursos financeiros limitados. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional em centro único, realizado na Índia, no qual todos os pacientes adultos que necessitaram de ventilação mecânica prolongada foram acompanhados quanto a duração e padrão do desmame, e à sobrevivência, tanto por ocasião da alta da unidade de terapia intensiva quanto após 12 meses. A definição de ventilação mecânica prolongada adotada foi a do consenso da National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care. Resultados: Durante o período de 1 ano, 49 pacientes com média de idade de 49,7 anos receberam ventilação mecânica prolongada; 63% deles eram do sexo masculino e 84% tinham uma enfermidade de natureza clínica. As medianas dos escores APACHE II e SOFA quando da admissão foram, respectivamente, 17 e 9. O tempo mediano de ventilação foi 37 dias. A razão mais comum para início da ventilação foi insuficiência respiratória secundária à sepse (67%). O desmame foi iniciado em 39 (79,5%) pacientes, com sucesso em 34 deles (87%). A duração mediana do desmame foi de 14 (9,5 - 19) dias, e o tempo mediano de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva foi 39 (32 - 58,5) dias. A duração do suporte com vasopressores e a necessidade de hemodiálise foram preditores independentes significantes de insucesso no desmame. No acompanhamento após 12 meses, 65% dos pacientes sobreviveram. Conclusão: Mais de um quarto dos pacientes com ventilação invasiva na unidade de terapia intensiva necessitaram de ventilação mecânica prolongada. Os desmames foram bem-sucedido em dois terços dos pacientes, e a maioria deles sobreviveu até o acompanhamento após 12 meses.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics, weaning pattern, and outcome of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation in acute intensive care unit settings in a resource-limited country. Methods: This was a prospective single-center observational study in India, where all adult patients requiring prolonged ventilation were followed for weaning duration and pattern and for survival at both intensive care unit discharge and at 12 months. The definition of prolonged mechanical ventilation used was that of the National Association for Medical Direction of Respiratory Care. Results: During the one-year period, 49 patients with a mean age of 49.7 years had prolonged ventilation; 63% were male, and 84% had a medical illness. The median APACHE II and SOFA scores on admission were 17 and 9, respectively. The median number of ventilation days was 37. The most common reason for starting ventilation was respiratory failure secondary to sepsis (67%). Weaning was initiated in 39 (79.5%) patients, with success in 34 (87%). The median weaning duration was 14 (9.5 - 19) days, and the median length of intensive care unit stay was 39 (32 - 58.5) days. Duration of vasopressor support and need for hemodialysis were significant independent predictors of unsuccessful ventilator liberation. At the 12-month follow-up, 65% had survived. Conclusion: In acute intensive care units, more than one-fourth of patients with invasive ventilation required prolonged ventilation. Successful weaning was achieved in two-thirds of patients, and most survived at the 12-month follow-up.

Ventilator-associated complications: A study to evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching program for intensive care unit staff nurses-an Indian experience.

The role of nursing staff is important for both prevention and early diagnosis of complications associated with mechanical ventilation. The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge of nurses working in an intensive care unit for at least 6 months regarding ventilator-associated complications and its prevention. A quasiexperimental study was conducted using a questionnaire with 50 questions formulated by the panel of experts. A planned teaching program was developed based on related literature regarding ventilator-associated complications and its prevention and was presented to the staff nurses. The level of knowledge of the nursing staff was assessed before and after the workshop. Fifty nurses were included in the study. Among the staff nurses, 53.40% had average knowledge regarding ventilator-associated complications. Posttest, 77.20% of the total score was obtained for ventilator-associated complications. Regular training programs can be effective in improving the knowledge of nursing staff.

Impact of an educational intervention on errors in death certification: An observational study from the intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: A high incidence of errors occur while filling up death certificates in hospitals. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of an educational intervention on errors in death certification in an intensive care unit (ICU). Patients admitted to ICUs by virtue of being critically ill have a higher mortality than other hospitalized patients. This study was designed to see if any improvement could be brought about in filling death certificates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Educating sessions, interactive workshops, and monthly audits for the department resident doctors were conducted. One hundred and fifty death certificates were audited for major and minor errors (75 before and 75 after the educational intervention) over a period of 18 months. Fisher's exact test was applied to statistically analyze the data. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in major errors like mechanism without underlying cause of death (60.0 vs. 14.6%, P < 0.001), competing causes (88.0 vs. 13.3%, P < 0.001), and improper sequencing (89.3 vs. 36.0%, P < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in minor errors such as use of abbreviations (89.3 vs. 29.3%, P < 0.001) and no time intervals (100.0 vs. 22.6%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Authors conclude that death certification errors can be significantly reduced by educational interventional programs.

Spontaneous central vein thrombosis in a patient with activated protein C resistance and dengue infection: An association or causation?

Spontaneous central vein thrombosis is a rare and potentially fatal condition in critical care setting. Activated protein C resistance due to homozygous factor V Leiden mutation is an exceptional cause of central venous thrombosis. We recently treated a healthy female student who presented with acute febrile illness, septic shock, and encephalopathy. Neck ultrasonography (USG) prior to an attempt of right internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation revealed non compressibility of the vein along with absence of venous blood flow. Right IJV and subclavian vein thrombus was confirmed subsequently in USG Doppler by radiologist. Radiological evidence of distal pulmonary artery embolism in pulmonary angiography was also evident. Further investigations demonstrated homozygous Factor V Leiden mutation and activated factor C resistance and Dengue IgM positivity in our patient. Intravenous heparin followed by oral vitamin K anticoagulants (OVKA) aided in her recovery. Spontaneous intravascular thrombosis with activated protein C resistance and the relationship of acute Dengue infection were explored in our report.

Staphylococcal native valve endocarditis with iris abscess and intracranial hemorrhage in an adolescent girl.

Native valve infective endocarditis by Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known entity. Metastatic eye abscess and intracranial hemorrhage are rare manifestations of infective endocarditis. We describe an adolescent girl who presented with staphylococcal native valve endocarditis with metastatic iris abscesses and after valve replacement surgery, succumbed to her illness as a result of an intracranial hemorrhage.