Characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis. / Características e desfechos de pacientes com sepse adquirida na comunidade e no hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that included all patients with a diagnosis of sepsis detected between January 2010 and December 2015 at a private hospital in southern Brazil. Outcomes (mortality, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay) were measured by analyzing electronic records. RESULTS: There were 543 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, with a frequency of 90.5 (85 to 105) cases/year. Of these, 319 (58%) cases were classified as hospital-acquired sepsis. This group exhibited more severe disease and had a larger number of organ dysfunctions, with higher hospital [8 (8 - 10) versus 23 (20 - 27) days; p < 0.001] and intensive care unit [5 (4 - 7) versus 8.5 (7 - 10); p < 0.001] lengths of stay and higher in-hospital mortality (30.7% versus 15.6%; p < 0.001) than those with community-acquired sepsis. After adjusting for age, APACHE II scores, and hemodynamic and respiratory dysfunction, hospital-acquired sepsis remained associated with increased mortality (OR 1.96; 95%CI 1.15 - 3.32, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The present results contribute to the definition of the epidemiological profile of sepsis in the sample studied, in which hospital-acquired sepsis was more severe and was associated with higher mortality.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as características clínicas e os desfechos de pacientes com sepse adquirida na comunidade ou no hospital. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo de coorte, que incluiu todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse detectada entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2015 em um hospital privado localizado na Região Sul do Brasil. Os desfechos (mortalidade, tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital) foram avaliados por meio da análise dos registros eletrônicos. RESULTADOS: Foram hospitalizados, no total, 543 pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse, com frequência de 90,5 (85 a 105) casos por ano. Destes, 319 (58%) casos foram classificados como sepse adquirida no hospital. Este grupo apresentava doença mais grave e tinha um maior número de disfunções de órgãos, assim como teve um tempo maior de permanência no hospital [8 (8 - 10) versus 23 (20 - 27) dias; p < 0,001] e na unidade de terapia intensiva [5 (4 - 7) versus 8,5 (7 - 10); p < 0,001] do aqueles que apresentavam sepse adquirida na comunidade. Após ajustar quanto à idade, escore APACHE II e disfunção hemodinâmica e respiratória, a sepse adquirida no hospital persistiu associada com maior mortalidade (OR 1,96; IC95% 1,15 - 3,32, p = 0,013). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados contribuem para a definição do perfil epidemiológico da sepse na amostra estudada, na qual a sepse adquirida no hospital foi mais grave e associada com mortalidade mais alta.

Características e desfechos de pacientes com sepse adquirida na comunidade e no hospital / Characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as características clínicas e os desfechos de pacientes com sepse adquirida na comunidade ou no hospital. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo de coorte, que incluiu todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse detectada entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2015 em um hospital privado localizado na Região Sul do Brasil. Os desfechos (mortalidade, tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital) foram avaliados por meio da análise dos registros eletrônicos. Resultados: Foram hospitalizados, no total, 543 pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse, com frequência de 90,5 (85 a 105) casos por ano. Destes, 319 (58%) casos foram classificados como sepse adquirida no hospital. Este grupo apresentava doença mais grave e tinha um maior número de disfunções de órgãos, assim como teve um tempo maior de permanência no hospital [8 (8 - 10) versus 23 (20 - 27) dias; p < 0,001] e na unidade de terapia intensiva [5 (4 - 7) versus 8,5 (7 - 10); p < 0,001] do aqueles que apresentavam sepse adquirida na comunidade. Após ajustar quanto à idade, escore APACHE II e disfunção hemodinâmica e respiratória, a sepse adquirida no hospital persistiu associada com maior mortalidade (OR 1,96; IC95% 1,15 - 3,32, p = 0,013). Conclusão: Nossos resultados contribuem para a definição do perfil epidemiológico da sepse na amostra estudada, na qual a sepse adquirida no hospital foi mais grave e associada com mortalidade mais alta.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study that included all patients with a diagnosis of sepsis detected between January 2010 and December 2015 at a private hospital in southern Brazil. Outcomes (mortality, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay) were measured by analyzing electronic records. Results: There were 543 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of sepsis, with a frequency of 90.5 (85 to 105) cases/year. Of these, 319 (58%) cases were classified as hospital-acquired sepsis. This group exhibited more severe disease and had a larger number of organ dysfunctions, with higher hospital [8 (8 - 10) versus 23 (20 - 27) days; p < 0.001] and intensive care unit [5 (4 - 7) versus 8.5 (7 - 10); p < 0.001] lengths of stay and higher in-hospital mortality (30.7% versus 15.6%; p < 0.001) than those with community-acquired sepsis. After adjusting for age, APACHE II scores, and hemodynamic and respiratory dysfunction, hospital-acquired sepsis remained associated with increased mortality (OR 1.96; 95%CI 1.15 - 3.32, p = 0.013). Conclusion: The present results contribute to the definition of the epidemiological profile of sepsis in the sample studied, in which hospital-acquired sepsis was more severe and was associated with higher mortality.

Guidelines for the assessment and acceptance of potential brain-dead organ donors. / Diretrizes para avaliação e validação do potencial doador de órgãos em morte encefálica.

Organ transplantation is the only alternative for many patients with terminal diseases. The increasing disproportion between the high demand for organ transplants and the low rate of transplants actually performed is worrisome. Some of the causes of this disproportion are errors in the identification of potential organ donors and in the determination of contraindications by the attending staff. Therefore, the aim of the present document is to provide guidelines for intensive care multi-professional staffs for the recognition, assessment and acceptance of potential organ donors.

Diretrizes para avaliação e validação do potencial doador de órgãos em morte encefálica / Guidelines for the assessment and acceptance of potential brain-dead organ donors

RESUMO O transplante de órgãos é a única alternativa para muitos pacientes portadores de algumas doenças terminais. Ao mesmo tempo, é preocupante a crescente desproporção entre a alta demanda por transplantes de órgãos e o baixo índice de transplantes efetivados. Dentre as diferentes causas que alimentam essa desproporção, estão os equívocos na identificação do potencial doador de órgãos e as contraindicações mal atribuídas pela equipe assistente. Assim, o presente documento pretende fornecer subsídios à equipe multiprofissional da terapia intensiva para o reconhecimento, a avaliação e a validação do potencial doador de órgãos.

ABSTRACT Organ transplantation is the only alternative for many patients with terminal diseases. The increasing disproportion between the high demand for organ transplants and the low rate of transplants actually performed is worrisome. Some of the causes of this disproportion are errors in the identification of potential organ donors and in the determination of contraindications by the attending staff. Therefore, the aim of the present document is to provide guidelines for intensive care multi-professional staffs for the recognition, assessment and acceptance of potential organ donors.

Comparison between a clinical diagnosis method and the surveillance technique of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for identification of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: >To evaluate the agreement between a new epidemiological surveillance method of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the clinical pulmonary infection score for mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia detection. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that evaluated patients in the intensive care units of two hospitals who were intubated for more than 48 hours between August 2013 and June 2014. Patients were evaluated daily by physical therapist using the clinical pulmonary infection score. A nurse independently applied the new surveillance method proposed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The diagnostic agreement between the methods was evaluated. A clinical pulmonary infection score of ≥ 7 indicated a clinical diagnosis of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the association of a clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7 with an isolated semiquantitative culture consisting of ≥ 104 colony-forming units indicated a definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 801 patients admitted to the intensive care units, 198 required mechanical ventilation. Of these, 168 were intubated for more than 48 hours. A total of 18 (10.7%) cases of mechanical ventilation-associated infectious conditions were identified, 14 (8.3%) of which exhibited possible or probable mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia, which represented 35% (14/38) of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia cases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method identified cases of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia with a sensitivity of 0.37, specificity of 1.0, positive predictive value of 1.0, and negative predictive value of 0.84. The differences resulted in discrepancies in the mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence density (CDC, 5.2/1000 days of mechanical ventilation; clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7, 13.1/1000 days of mechanical ventilation). CONCLUSION: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method failed to detect mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia cases and may not be satisfactory as a surveillance method.

Comparação entre um método de diagnóstico clínico e a técnica de vigilância do Center for Disease Control and Prevention para identificação de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica / Comparison between a clinical diagnosis method and the surveillance technique of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for identification of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliar a concordância entre um novo método de vigilância epidemiológica do Center for Disease Control and Prevention e o Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score para detecção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica.Métodos:Coorte prospectiva que avaliou pacientes internados nas unidades de terapia intensiva de dois hospitais que permaneceram intubados por mais de 48 horas no período de agosto de 2013 a junho de 2014. Os pacientes foram avaliados diariamente pelos fisioterapeutas com o Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score. De forma independente, um enfermeiro aplicou o novo método de vigilância proposto pelo Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Avaliou-se a concordância diagnóstica entre os métodos. Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7 foi considerado diagnóstico clínico de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica, considerando-se diagnóstico definitivo a associação de Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7 com germe isolado em cultura semiquantitativa ≥ 104 unidades formadoras de colônias.Resultados:De 801 pacientes admitidos nas unidades de terapia intensiva, 198 estiveram sob ventilação mecânica. Destes, 168 permaneceram intubados por mais de 48 horas. Identificaram-se 18 (10,7%) condições infecciosas associadas à ventilação mecânica e 14 (8,3%) pneumonias associadas à ventilação mecânica possíveis ou prováveis, representando 35% (14/38) diagnósticos clínicos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica. O método do Center for Disease Control and Prevention identificou casos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica com sensibilidade de 0,37 e especificidade de 1,0, com valor preditivo positivo de 1,0 e negativo de 0,84. As diferenças implicaram em discrepâncias na densidade de incidência de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (CDC: 5,2/1000 dias de ventilação mecânica; Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥ 7: 13,1/1000 dias de ventilação mecânica).Conclusão:O método do Center for Disease Control and Prevention falhou na detecção de casos de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica e pode não ser satisfatório como método de vigilância.Objective: To evaluate the agreement between a new epidemiological surveillance method of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the clinical pulmonary infection score for mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia detection.

ABSTRACTObjective:>To evaluate the agreement between a new epidemiological surveillance method of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the clinical pulmonary infection score for mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia detection.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study that evaluated patients in the intensive care units of two hospitals who were intubated for more than 48 hours between August 2013 and June 2014. Patients were evaluated daily by physical therapist using the clinical pulmonary infection score. A nurse independently applied the new surveillance method proposed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The diagnostic agreement between the methods was evaluated. A clinical pulmonary infection score of ≥ 7 indicated a clinical diagnosis of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the association of a clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7 with an isolated semiquantitative culture consisting of ≥ 104 colony-forming units indicated a definitive diagnosis.Results:Of the 801 patients admitted to the intensive care units, 198 required mechanical ventilation. Of these, 168 were intubated for more than 48 hours. A total of 18 (10.7%) cases of mechanical ventilation-associated infectious conditions were identified, 14 (8.3%) of which exhibited possible or probable mechanical ventilatorassociated pneumonia, which represented 35% (14/38) of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia cases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method identified cases of mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia with a sensitivity of 0.37, specificity of 1.0, positive predictive value of 1.0, and negative predictive value of 0.84. The differences resulted in discrepancies in the mechanical ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence density (CDC, 5.2/1000 days of mechanical ventilation; clinical pulmonary infection score ≥ 7, 13.1/1000 days of mechanical ventilation).Conclusion:The Center for Disease Control and Prevention method failed to detect mechanical ventilatorassociated pneumonia cases and may not be satisfactory as a surveillance method.

Protocolo gerenciado de tratamento do potencial doador falecido reduz incidência de parada cardíaca antes do explante dos órgãos / A managed protocol for treatment of deceased potential donors reduces the incidence of cardiac arrest before organ explant

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um protocolo gerenciado de manutenção de potenciais doadores falecidos de múltiplos órgãos em duas unidades hospitalares. MÉTODOS: Estudo antes (Fase 1)/depois (Fase 2) realizado em dois hospitais gerais que incluiu, consecutivamente, os potenciais doadores ingressados em duas unidades de terapia intensiva. Na Fase 1 (16 meses), os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente e as medidas de manutenção do potencial doador foram instituídas a critério do intensivista. Na Fase 2 (12 meses), a coleta de dados foi prospectiva e a manutenção foi guiada por um protocolo gerenciado. As duas fases foram comparadas entre si de acordo com variáveis demográficas, variáveis fisiológicas no diagnóstico da morte encefálica e ao final do processo, tempo necessário para realização do exame confirmatório de morte encefálica e final do processo, aderência aos conjuntos de medidas essenciais de manutenção (pacotes), perdas por parada cardíaca, perdas por negativa familiar, perdas por contraindicação e taxa de conversão de potenciais doadores em doadores reais. Foram aplicados os testes de t-Student e do qui-quadrado, e o valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 42 potenciais doadores (18 na Fase 1 e 24 na Fase 2). Houve diminuição do tempo entre a primeira exploração clínica e o explante (Fase 1: 35,0±15,5 horas versus Fase 2: 24,6±6,2 horas; p=0,023). Houve aumento na aderência em 10 dos 19 itens essenciais de manutenção, e redução nas perdas por parada cardíaca (Fase 1: 27,8 versus 0% na Fase 2; p=0,006) com aumento de doadores reais (Fase 1: 44,4 versus 75% na Fase 2; p=0,044). Não houve mudança nas perdas por negativa familiar ou por contraindicação médica. CONCLUSÃO: A adoção de um protocolo gerenciado promove a aplicação de medidas essenciais no cuidado do potencial doador falecido e pode reduzir as perdas de potenciais doadores por parada cardíaca.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the application of a managed protocol for the maintenance care of deceased potential multiple organ donors at two hospitals. METHODS: A before (Phase 1)/after (Phase 2) study conducted at two general hospitals, which included consecutively potential donors admitted to two intensive care units. In Phase 1 (16 months), the data were collected retrospectively, and the maintenance care measures of the potential donors were instituted by the intensivists. In Phase 2 (12 months), the data collection was prospective, and a managed protocol was used for maintenance care. The two phases were compared in terms of their demographic variables, physiological variables at diagnosis of brain death and the end of the process, time to performance of brain death confirmatory test and end of the process, adherence to bundles of maintenance care essential measures, losses due to cardiac arrest, family refusal, contraindications, and the conversion rate of potential into actual donors. Student's t- and chi-square tests were used, and p-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A total of 42 potential donors were identified (18 in Phase 1 and 24 in Phase 2). The time interval between the first clinical assessment and the recovery decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 35.0±15.5 hours versus Phase 2: 24.6±6.2 hours; p = 0.023). Adherence increased to 10 out of the 19 essential items of maintenance care, and losses due to cardiac arrest also decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 27.8 versus 0% in Phase 2; p = 0.006), while the convertion rate increased (Phase 1: 44.4 versus 75% in Phase 2; p = 0.044). The losses due to family refusal and medical contraindication did not vary. CONCLUSION: The adoption of a managed protocol focused on the application of essential measures for the care of potential deceased donors might reduce the loss of potential donors due to cardiac arrest.

A managed protocol for treatment of deceased potential donors reduces the incidence of cardiac arrest before organ explant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the application of a managed protocol for the maintenance care of deceased potential multiple organ donors at two hospitals. METHODS: A before (Phase 1)/after (Phase 2) study conducted at two general hospitals, which included consecutively potential donors admitted to two intensive care units. In Phase 1 (16 months), the data were collected retrospectively, and the maintenance care measures of the potential donors were instituted by the intensivists. In Phase 2 (12 months), the data collection was prospective, and a managed protocol was used for maintenance care. The two phases were compared in terms of their demographic variables, physiological variables at diagnosis of brain death and the end of the process, time to performance of brain death confirmatory test and end of the process, adherence to bundles of maintenance care essential measures, losses due to cardiac arrest, family refusal, contraindications, and the conversion rate of potential into actual donors. Student's t- and chi-square tests were used, and p-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A total of 42 potential donors were identified (18 in Phase 1 and 24 in Phase 2). The time interval between the first clinical assessment and the recovery decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 35.0±15.5 hours versus Phase 2: 24.6±6.2 hours; p = 0.023). Adherence increased to 10 out of the 19 essential items of maintenance care, and losses due to cardiac arrest also decreased in Phase 2 (Phase 1: 27.8 versus 0% in Phase 2; p = 0.006), while the convertion rate increased (Phase 1: 44.4 versus 75% in Phase 2; p = 0.044). The losses due to family refusal and medical contraindication did not vary. CONCLUSION: The adoption of a managed protocol focused on the application of essential measures for the care of potential deceased donors might reduce the loss of potential donors due to cardiac arrest.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: Parte III. Recomendações órgãos específicas / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult). Part III: organ-specific recommendations

A morte encefálica induz várias alterações fisiopatológicas que podem causar lesões em rins, pulmões, coração e fígado. Portanto, a atuação do intensivista durante a manutenção do potencial doador falecido exige cuidados específicos com estes órgãos visando sua maior viabilidade para transplantes. O manejo hemodinâmico cuidadoso, os cuidados ventilatórios e de higiene brônquica minimizam a perda de rins e pulmões para o transplante. A avaliação da condição morfológica e funcional do coração auxilia na avaliação do potencial transplantável deste órgão. Por fim, a avaliação da função hepática, assim como o controle metabólico e a realização de sorologias virais são fundamentais para a orientação das equipes transplantadoras na seleção do órgão a ser doado e no cuidado com o receptor.

Brain death (BD) alters the pathophysiology of patients and may damage the kidneys, the lungs, the heart and the liver. To obtain better quality transplant organs, intensive care physicians in charge of the maintenance of deceased donors should attentively monitor these organs. Careful hemodynamic, ventilatory and bronchial clearance management minimizes the loss of kidneys and lungs. The evaluation of cardiac function and morphology supports the transplant viability assessment of the heart. The monitoring of liver function, the management of the patient's metabolic status and the evaluation of viral serology are fundamental for organ selection by the transplant teams and for the care of the transplant recipient.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte I. Aspectos gerais e suporte hemodinâmico / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part I. Overview and hemodynamic support

A desproporção entre a grande demanda por transplantes de órgãos e a baixa realização de transplantes é um grave problema de saúde pública. O reconhecimento da morte encefálica, a adequada abordagem da família e a manutenção clínica do doador falecido são fundamentais para a diminuição desta desproporção. Neste cenário, o intensivista tem importância central e a aplicação do conjunto de informações disponíveis para manutenção do potencial doador falecido está claramente associada à redução de perdas de doadores e ao aumento da qualidade e da efetivação de transplantes.

There is a relative shortage of appropriate organs available for transplantation. The appropriate diagnosis of brain death, a suitable family approach and the maintenance of the deceased donor are fundamental in addressing this issue. The intensive care physician plays a key role in the maintenance of the deceased donor, thereby reducing losses and increasing the number of successful transplants.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte II. Ventilação mecânica, controle endócrino metabólico e aspectos hematológicos e infecciosos / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part II. Mechanical ventilation, endocrine metabolic management, hematological and infectious aspects

A atuação do intensivista durante a manutenção do potencial doador falecido na busca da redução de perdas de doadores e do aumento da efetivação de transplantes não se restringe aos aspectos hemodinâmicos. O adequado controle endócrino-metabólico é essencial para a manutenção do aporte energético aos tecidos e do controle hidro-eletrolítico, favorecendo inclusive a estabilidade hemodinâmica. A abordagem das alterações hematológicas é igualmente importante considerando as implicações da prática transfusional inapropriada. Ressalta-se ainda o papel da ventilação protetora na modulação inflamatória e conseqüente aumento do aproveitamento de pulmões para transplante. Por fim, assinala-se a relevância da avaliação criteriosa das evidências de atividade infecciosa e da antibioticoterapia na busca do maior utilização de órgãos de potenciais doadores falecidos.

The role of intensive care specialists in the maintenance of deceased potential donors is not restricted to hemodynamics. Appropriate endocrine-metabolic management is fundamental to maintaining energy support and hydroelectrolytic control, which cooperate for hemodynamic stability. Hematological changes are also important, especially considering the issues caused by inappropriate transfusions. In addition, this article discusses the role of appropriate protective ventilation to prevent inflammatory responses and to provide more transplantable lungs. Finally, judicious assessment of infections and antibiotic therapy is discussed.

Diretrizes para tratamento da sepse grave/choque séptico: avaliação da perfusão tecidual / Guidelines for treatment of severe sepsis/septic shock: tissue perfusion assessment

A sepse tem alta incidência, alta letalidade e custos elevados, sendo a principal causa de mortalidade em unidades de terapia intensiva. Está claramente demonstrado que pacientes reconhecidos e tratados precocemente tem melhor prognóstico. A formulação de diretrizes de tratamento é fundamental para a adequação desse tratamento. Pacientes com claros sinais de hipoperfusão devem ser submetidos a otimização hemodinâmica. Assim, o reconhecimento dos sinais de hipoperfusão é um dos principais passos do tratamento. A presente diretriz aborda as evidências disponíveis na literatura em relação aos principais parâmetros hemodinâmicos utilizados atualmente.

Sepsis is a very frequent condition and causes high mortality rates and healthcare costs; it is the main cause of death in intensive care units. Clear, improved prognosis was shown for early diagnosed and treated patients. Treatment guidelines are fundamental for appropriate therapy. It is clear that hypoperfusion patients should be hemodynamically optimized; therefore, recognition of hypoperfusion signs is one of the main therapeutic steps. This guideline discusses the current literature and available data regarding the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters.

Reduced mortality after the implementation of a protocol for the early detection of severe sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the impact that implementing an in-hospital protocol for the early detection of sepsis risk has on mortality from severe sepsis/septic shock. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in 2 phases at 2 general hospitals in Brazil. In phase I, patients with severe sepsis/septic shock were identified and treated in accordance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. Over the subsequent 12 months (phase II), patients with severe sepsis/septic shock were identified by means of active surveillance for signs of sepsis risk (SSR). We compared the 2 cohorts in terms of demographic variables, the time required for the identification of at least 2 SSRs, compliance with sepsis bundles (6- and 24-hour), and mortality rates. RESULTS: We identified 217 patients with severe sepsis/septic shock (102 during phase I and 115 during phase II). There were significant differences between phases I and II in terms of the time required for the identification of at least 2 SSRs (34 ± 48 vs 11 ± 17 hours; P < .001) and in terms of in-hospital mortality (61.7% vs 38.2%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The early detection of sepsis promoted early treatment, reducing in-hospital mortality from severe sepsis/septic shock.

Guidelines for treatment of severe sepsis/septic shock: tissue perfusion assessment. / Diretrizes para tratamento da sepse grave/choque séptico: avaliação da perfusão tecidual.

Sepsis is a very frequent condition and causes high mortality rates and healthcare costs; it is the main cause of death in intensive care units. Clear, improved prognosis was shown for early diagnosed and treated patients. Treatment guidelines are fundamental for appropriate therapy. It is clear that hypoperfusion patients should be hemodynamically optimized; therefore, recognition of hypoperfusion signs is one of the main therapeutic steps. This guideline discusses the current literature and available data regarding the evaluation of hemodynamic parameters.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part I. Overview and hemodynamic support. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte I. Aspectos gerais e suporte hemodinâmico.

There is a relative shortage of appropriate organs available for transplantation. The appropriate diagnosis of brain death, a suitable family approach and the maintenance of the deceased donor are fundamental in addressing this issue. The intensive care physician plays a key role in the maintenance of the deceased donor, thereby reducing losses and increasing the number of successful transplants.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part II. Mechanical ventilation, endocrine metabolic management, hematological and infectious aspects. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte II. Ventilação mecânica, controle endócrino metabólico e aspectos hematológicos e infecciosos.

The role of intensive care specialists in the maintenance of deceased potential donors is not restricted to hemodynamics. Appropriate endocrine-metabolic management is fundamental to maintaining energy support and hydroelectrolytic control, which cooperate for hemodynamic stability. Hematological changes are also important, especially considering the issues caused by inappropriate transfusions. In addition, this article discusses the role of appropriate protective ventilation to prevent inflammatory responses and to provide more transplantable lungs. Finally, judicious assessment of infections and antibiotic therapy is discussed.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult). Part III: organ-specific recommendations. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: Parte III. Recomendações órgãos específicas.

Brain death (BD) alters the pathophysiology of patients and may damage the kidneys, the lungs, the heart and the liver. To obtain better quality transplant organs, intensive care physicians in charge of the maintenance of deceased donors should attentively monitor these organs. Careful hemodynamic, ventilatory and bronchial clearance management minimizes the loss of kidneys and lungs. The evaluation of cardiac function and morphology supports the transplant viability assessment of the heart. The monitoring of liver function, the management of the patient's metabolic status and the evaluation of viral serology are fundamental for organ selection by the transplant teams and for the care of the transplant recipient.

Choque cardiogênico associado à hemorragia subaracnóidea / Cardiogenic shock associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Complicações sistêmicas são vistas frequentemente em indivíduos acometidos por hemorragia subaracnóidea. Dentre estas alterações podem ocorrer anormalidades eletrocardiográficas que simulam miocardiopatia isquêmica que podem ou não estar associadas com disfunção miocárdica. O objetivo deste é relatar um caso de associação de hemorragia subaracnóidea com disfunção miocárdica e choque cardiogênico. Mulher de 45 anos foi internada com quadro de coma secundário a hemorragia subaracnóidea. À admissão apresentava Glasgow = 7, Hunt-Hess = 5 e classificação tomográfica de Fisher = 3. O aneurisma cerebral de artéria comunicante anterior evidenciado pela arteriografia cerebral foi embolizado com sucesso no segundo dia de internação. Evoluiu com dispnéia e infiltrado pulmonar difuso. Havia alteração da repolarização ventricular em parede lateral, aumento da CK-MB (36 U/L) e hipotensão. O índice cardíaco de 2,03 L/min/m², a resistência vascular sistêmica 3728 dynes.seg/cm5/m², e a irresponsividade a volume evidenciavam o padrão hemodinâmico de choque cardiogênico. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo era de 39 por cento. A cineangiocoronariografia não apresentava lesões coronarianas obstrutivas. Após 6 dias a paciente foi extubada e ao oitavo dia foi possível a retirada completa da dobutamina. A fração de ejeção passou a 65 por cento. Sucessivos exames de Doppler transcraniano não apresentaram vasoespasmo. A paciente recebeu alta da unidade de terapia intensiva no décimo quarto dia. Pacientes com hemorragia subaracnóidea podem apresentar disfunção ventricular e choque cardiogênico, aumentando o risco de isquemia cerebral. O diagnóstico e a otimização hemodinâmica são essenciais para minimizar os riscos de vasoespasmo e isquemia cerebral.

Systemic complications are frequent in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Among these complications, electrocardiographic abnormalities simulating ischemic cardiomyopathy may occur, possibly associated with myocardial dysfunction. This manuscript aims to report a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with myocardial dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. A 45 years old woman was admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage and coma, showing Glasgow scale = 7, Hunt-Hess = 5 and Fischer computed tomography classification = 3. On the second day, the patient underwent anterior cerebral communicant artery aneurysm embolization. The clinical evaluation revealed diffuse pulmonary infiltration, dyspnea and hypotension. Additional tests showed electrocardiographic lateral wall repolarization changes and elevated creatine kinase-MB fraction (36U/L). The cardiac index was 2.03 L/minute/m², Vascular systemic resistance was 3728 dynes.sec/cm². The non-responsiveness to volume demonstrated a cardiogenic shock pattern. The ventricular ejection fraction was 39 percent. The coronariography was normal, showing no obstructive lesions. Six days later the patient was removed from respiratory support and after eight days the dobutamine infusion was discontinued. The ejection fraction recovered up to 65 percent. Serial transcranial Doppler evaluations did not show vascular spasm. After ten days the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage may be complicated with ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock, increasing the cerebral ischemia risk. Diagnosis optimization and hemodynamic stabilization are essential to minimize the risk of cerebral vasospasm and ischemia.