[Research progress of metabolomics in acute kidney injury].

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by a variety of diseases, which leads to acute renal function decline, azotemia, water and electrolyte disorders and acid-base balance disorders. Metabolomics is a research method that can quantitatively analyze all metabolites in an organism and find the relative relationship between metabolites and physiological and pathological changes. In recent years, several metabolites screened based on metabolomics have been proposed as potential biomarkers to assess the early development and prognosis of AKI and for the discovery of unknown potential therapeutic targets. Based on metabolomics, this paper reviews the risk prediction, early diagnosis, disease monitoring, prognosis assessment and the application of corresponding drugs for AKI, so as to provide reference for precision medicine.

[Sulfur dioxide in the caudal ventrolateral medulla reduces blood pressure and heart rate in rats via the glutamate receptor and NOS/cGMP signal pathways].

This study was designed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) of anesthetized rats and its mechanism. Different doses of SO2 (2, 20, 200 pmol) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) were injected into the CVLM unilaterally or bilaterally, and the effects of SO2 on blood pressure and heart rate of rats were observed. In order to explore the possible mechanisms of SO2 in the CVLM, different signal pathway blockers were injected into the CVLM before the treatment with SO2 (20 pmol). The results showed that unilateral or bilateral microinjection of SO2 reduced blood pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). Moreover, compared with unilateral injection of SO2 (2 pmol), bilateral injection of 2 pmol SO2 produced a greater reduction in blood pressure. Local pre-injection of the glutamate receptor blocker kynurenic acid (Kyn, 5 nmol) or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 pmol) into the CVLM attenuated the inhibitory effects of SO2 on both blood pressure and heart rate. However, local pre-injection of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 nmol) only attenuated the inhibitory effect of SO2 on heart rate but not blood pressure. In conclusion, SO2 in rat CVLM has cardiovascular inhibitory effects, and its mechanism is related to the glutamate receptor and NOS/cGMP signal pathways.

Relationship between platelet/lymphocyte ratio and prognosis of patients with septic acute kidney injury: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the potential role of the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as a prognostic marker in septic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and to provide theoretical evidence for the epidemiological study of the prognosis of patients with septic AKI in its early stage. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to screen the risk factors, and the selected factors were performed using multiple logistic regression analysis; a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of the PLR and then to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the PLR ratio. RESULTS: Mechanical ventilation, platelet count, PLR, and arterial blood lactate concentration have a correlation with sepsis (p < 0.05). An elevated PLR is significantly associated with a worse prognosis of sepsis-induced AKI (higher mortality). CONCLUSION: The PLR might be an effective factor in predicting a worse prognosis of septic AKI patients.

[Systematic review of ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation vs. early goal-directed therapy in patients with septic shock].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation and early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) in patients with septic shock. METHODS: Multiple databases including Wanfang, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from initial to August 2019 for randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies about the comparison of ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation and EGDT on resuscitation effect in patients with septic shock. Language, country and region were unlimited. Data extraction and quality evaluation were carried out by means of independent review and cross check results by two researchers. RESULTS: Finally, only two English RCT studies were enrolled. In the two RCT studies, the ultrasound groups used inferior vena cava collapse index (VCCI) and ultrasound score to guide fluid resuscitation, which resulted in clinical heterogeneity. Because the results could not be pooled, only systematic review, not meta-analysis, could be done. There were measurement bias and selection bias in the two RCT studies, and the literature quality level was B and C respectively. System review results showed that using ultrasound would reduce 7-day mortality (15.0% vs. 35.0%, P = 0.039) and prescribe less of 24-hour intravenous fluids (mL: 900 vs. 1 850, P < 0.01) for patients with septic shock as compared with EGDT. Ultrasound was easy to assess the reactive capacity and cardiac function of patients with septic shock, so as to decrease the incidence of pulmonary edema, which was significantly lower than EGDT (15.0% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.022). However, there was no statistically significant difference in 28-day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation or length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided fluid resuscitation may be useful and practical for septic shock patients within 7 days after admission as compared with EGDT, but it cannot reduce the 28-day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation or length of ICU stay.

Development of a risk stratification-based model for prediction of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome with a variety of possible etiologies and symptoms. It is characterized by high mortality and poor recovery of renal function. The incidence and mortality rates of patients with AKI in intensive care units are extremely high. It is generally accepted that early identification and prompt treatment of AKI are essential to improve outcomes. This study aimed to develop a model based on risk stratification to identify and diagnose early stage AKI for improved prognosis in critically ill patients.This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. Based on relevant literature, we selected 13 risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, total bilirubin, emergency surgery, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, heart failure, cancer, and hypoalbuminemia) for AKI assessment using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) diagnostic criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for eventual entry into the predictive model. The AKI predictive model was established using binary logistic regression, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC or AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the model and to determine critical values.The AKI predictive model was established using binary logistic regression. The AUROC of the predictive model was 0.81, with a sensitivity of 69.8%, specificity of 83.4%, and positive likelihood ratio of 4.2.A predictive model for AKI in critically ill patients was established using 5 related risk factors: heart failure, chronic kidney disease, emergency surgery, sepsis, and total bilirubin; however, the predictive ability requires validation.

[Clinical value of non-coding RNA molecular markers for sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis and septic shock are important clinical problems in critically ill patients, accounting for the first cause of death in intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are particularly important. Recently, genome-wide expression analysis of non-coding RNA in septic patients showed that more than 80% were differentially expressed compared with healthy individuals. These molecules play important roles in biological processes, including innate immunity, mitochondrial function and apoptosis. Therefore, a class of non-coding RNAs such as microRNA (miRNA), long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular non-coding RNA (circRNA) are increasingly recognized as a regulator of various signaling pathways. The potential of regulatory non-coding RNA target to treat sepsis was discussed by studying non-coding RNAs that might serve as molecular markers of sepsis, and its clinical value was evaluated.

Levosimendan does not reduce the mortality of critically ill adult patients with sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on whether or not levosimendan improved the prognosis of patients with sepsis and septic shock have been inconsistent. We aimed to provide an updated analysis of the therapeutic value of levosimendan in adult patients with sepsis and septic shock, in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for its use. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, and CNKI were searched until August 2018 without language restriction. Randomized controlled studies of levosimendan with either inotropic drugs or placebo for the treatment of sepsis or septic shock were enrolled. The primary outcome was mortality, and cardiac index and serum lactate levels were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 20 randomized controlled studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 1467 patients, with 738 patients in the experimental group (levosimendan group) and 729 patients in the control group (other inotropic drugs or placebo). There were no significant differences in mortality between the levosimendan and control groups (fixed-effect relative risk [RR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.79, 1.03], P = 0.13). Levosimendan increased the cardiac index (VMD [weighted mean difference] = 0.51, 95% CI [0.06, 0.95], P = 0.02); and serum lactate levels were lower (VMD = -1.04, 95% CI [-1.47, -0.60], P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on current clinical evidence, levosimendan does not reduce mortality in adult critically ill patients with sepsis and septic shock. Physicians should use levosimendan with caution in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

PVT1 regulates inflammation and cardiac function via the MAPK/NF-κB pathway in a sepsis model.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of plasmacytoma variant translocation gene 1 (PVT1) in the occurrence and development of sepsis-induced inflammation and cardiac dysfunction and its underlying mechanism. A sepsis rat model was first established by cecal ligation and puncture. The mRNA levels of PVT1 and microRNA-143 in the myocardial tissues of rats were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Cardiac function, levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory indicators were detected following PVT1 knockdown. The regulatory effect of microRNA-143 on PVT1 was assessed using a luciferase reporter gene assay and RT-qPCR analysis. The specific role of PVT1 in regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway was detected using western blot analysis. PVT1 was downregulated and microRNA-143 was upregulated in the myocardial tissues of sepsis rats. The left ventricular peak pressure was markedly decreased in the sepsis rats. By contrast, the left ventricular end diastolic pressure, levels of inflammatory indicators, myocardial injury markers and complement proteins of C5 and C5a were increased in the sepsis rats. The above changes were reversed by PVT1 knockdown or the upregulation of microRNA-143. MicroRNA-143 was confirmed as being bound to PVT1 using the luciferase reporter gene assay and RT-qPCR analysis. Upregulated PVT1 was capable of activating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Taken together, PVT1 was upregulated in the myocardial tissues of sepsis rats, which inhibited cardiac function and promoted the secretion of inflammatory factors; and the mechanism was associated with the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

[Effectiveness of Xuebijing in treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome: a Meta analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematical evaluate the effect of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: With the keywords including Xuebijing, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction and multiple organ failure, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), VIP and Wanfang Data from the database start until March 4th, 2018 were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to Xuebijing injection combined conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone for MODS. The control group received conventional western medicine treatment, including etiological treatment, antibiotics, mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, and comprehensive treatment to maintain fluid, electrolyte, acid and alkali balance. The experimental group was given traditional western medicine combined with Xuebijing injection. The observation parameters included 7-day and 28-day mortality, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and Marshall score, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), the number of platelets, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT). According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the methodological quality of the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta analysis. Funnel plot was used to analyze publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 35 RCTs and 2 131 patients were enrolled, including 1 076 in the experimental group and 1 055 in the control group. The results of Meta analysis showed that compared with control group, Xuebijing combined conventional treatment was in favor to decrease the mortality of patients with MODS [7-day mortality: odds ratio (OR) = 0.42, 99% confidence interval (99%CI) = 0.26-0.69, P < 0.000 01; 28-day mortality: OR = 0.31, 99%CI = 0.21-0.45, P < 0.000 01], also could obviously reduce critical condition degree of APACHE II score and the organ function of Marshall score [APACHE II: mean difference (MD) = 3.24, 99%CI = 2.00-4.49, P < 0.000 01; Marshall score: MD = 1.95, 99%CI = 0.50-3.40, P = 0.000 5]. Meanwhile, the results of conventional western medicine combined with Xuebijing in the removal of IL-6 and TNF-α, platelets increase and improvement of PT were better than those of conventional western medicine (IL-6: MD = 5.56, 99%CI = 1.44-9.68, P = 0.000 5; TNF-α: MD = 4.97, 99%CI = 3.44-6.50, P < 0.000 01; platelets: MD = -50.79, 99%CI = -74.84 to -26.74, P < 0.000 1; PT: MD = 4.55, 99%CI = 3.96-5.14, P < 0.000 01), however, there was no obvious advantage in improving APTT (MD = 0.96, 99%CI = -5.08-7.00, P = 0.68). The analysis of funnel map showed that the effect points of various studies were mainly centered on the amount of combined effect, and the "inverted funnel" type was generally symmetrical distribution. However, because the number of the included studies was less, the literature bias could not be completely eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: Xuebijing injection may through its strong cytokines clearance, platelet increase and blood coagulation improvement to protect the organ function in patients with MODS, so as to reduce the mortality and improve the prognosis.

Development and validation of risk-stratification delirium prediction model for critically ill patients: A prospective, observational, single-center study.

The objective is to develop a model based on risk stratification to predict delirium among adult critically ill patients and whether early intervention could be provided for high-risk patients, which could reduce the incidence of delirium.We designed a prospective, observational, single-center study. We examined 11 factors, including age, APACHE-II score, coma, emergency operation, mechanical ventilation (MV), multiple trauma, metabolic acidosis, history of hypertension, delirium and dementia, and application of Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride. Confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) was performed to screen patients during their ICU stay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop the model, and we assessed the predictive ability of the model by using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC).From May 17, 2016 to September 25, 2016, 681 consecutive patients were screened, 61 of whom were excluded. The most frequent reason for exclusion was sustained coma 30 (4.4%), followed by a length of stay in the ICU < 24 hours 18 (2.6%) and delirium before ICU admission 13 (1.9%). Among the remaining 620 patients (including 162 nervous system disease patients), 160 patients (25.8%) developed delirium, and 64 (39.5%) had nervous system disease. The mean age was 55 ±â€Š18 years old, the mean APACHE-II score was 16 ±â€Š4, and 49.2% of them were male. Spearman analysis of nervous system disease and incidence of delirium showed that the correlation coefficient was 0.186 (P < .01). We constructed a prediction model that included 11 risk factors. The AUROC was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.83).We developed the model using 11 related factors to predict delirium in critically ill patients and further determined that prophylaxis with Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride in delirious ICU patients was beneficial. Patients who suffer from nervous system disease are at a higher incidence of delirium, and corresponding measures should be used for prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OOC-16008535.

Lung-protective Ventilation in Patients with Brain Injury: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study and Questionnaire Survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, the mechanical ventilation (MV) strategy has changed worldwide. The aim of the present study was to describe the ventilation practices, particularly lung-protective ventilation (LPV), among brain-injured patients in China. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, 1-day, cross-sectional study in 47 Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across China. Mechanically ventilated patients (18 years and older) with brain injury in a participating ICU during the time of the study, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, postoperation with intracranial tumor, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, intracranial infection, and idiopathic epilepsy, were enrolled. Demographic data, primary diagnoses, indications for MV, MV modes and settings, and prognoses on the 60th day were collected. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to assess factors that might affect the use of LPV. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were enrolled in the present study, 87 (83.7%) of whom were identified with severe brain injury based on a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 points. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) was the most frequent ventilator mode, accounting for 46.2% of the entire cohort. The median tidal volume was set to 8.0 ml/kg (interquartile range [IQR], 7.0-8.9 ml/kg) of the predicted body weight; 50 (48.1%) patients received LPV. The median positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was set to 5 cmH2O (IQR, 5-6 cmH2O). No PEEP values were higher than 10 cmH2O. Compared with partially mandatory ventilation, supportive and spontaneous ventilation practices were associated with LPV. There were no significant differences in mortality and MV duration between patients subjected to LPV and those were not. CONCLUSIONS: Among brain-injured patients in China, SIMV was the most frequent ventilation mode. Nearly one-half of the brain-injured patients received LPV. Patients under supportive and spontaneous ventilation were more likely to receive LPV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.org NCT02517073 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02517073.

[Study of prevention and control of delirium in ventilated patients by simulating blockage of circadian rhythm with sedative in intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of giving sedatives according to the circadian rhythm in prevention of occurrence of delirium and the prognosis of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. The patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from July 2014 to February 2015, undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation over 12 hours were enrolled. All the patients were given fentanyl for analgesia, and they were randomly divided into simulated circadian clock group (study group, n = 35) and non-simulated circadian clock group (control group, n = 35). The patients in each group were subdivided into three subgroups according to the kinds of sedative drugs, namely dexmedetomidine group (n = 8), propofol group (n = 14), and dexmedetomidine combined with propofol group (combination group, n = 13). Visual analogue scale (VAS) standard and Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) were used to control the analgesic and to quantify the depth of sedation by titrating the dose of sedative drugs, the simulated circadian clock was set to control the RASS score at 0-1 during the day, and -1 to -2 at night in study group. The RASS score in the control group was set at -1 to -2 day and night. The urine 6-hydroxy acid melatonin (aMT6s) levels at different time points in the first diurnal rhythm (06:00, 12:00, 18:00, 24:00) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of delirium, severe hypotension, severe bradycardia and other adverse reactions, duration of mechanical ventilation and the time of extubation, length of ICU stay, amount of sedative and analgesic drugs used were recorded. The correlation between delirium and other indexes was analyzed by using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: (1) There were no significant differences in gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score among groups. (2) Urine aMT6s levels did not show circadian rhythm in both groups, aMT6s level at 06:00 in study group showed an increasing tendency as compared with the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. (3) Compared with the control group, the incidence of delirium was significantly lowered in the study group (14.3% vs. 37.1%, P = 0.029), but no significant differences were found in the incidence of severe hypotension or severe bradycardia (20.0% vs. 25.7%, 11.4% vs. 20.0%, both P > 0.05). In simulated circadian clock group, the incidence of delirium in dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than that of the propofol group (6.3% vs. 32.1%, P < 0.05). (4) Compared with control group with the same sedative, the duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation time, length of ICU stay were significantly shortened, and the dosage of sedative drugs used was reduced in study group (all P < 0.05). In simulated circadian clock group, the duration of mechanical ventilation in dexmedetomidine group was significantly shorter than that of propofol group and combination group (hours: 75.75±26.78 vs. 102.00±26.31 and 100.31±25.38, both P < 0.05), and the length of ICU stay was significantly shorter than that of propofol group (days: 5.75±1.04 vs. 7.00±1.52, P < 0.05). (5) The occurrence of delirium was positively correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.705), extubation time (r = 0.704), length of ICU stay (r = 0.666, all P = 0.000), and no correlation was found between the occurrence of delirium and aMT6s level at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 24:00 (r = -0.135, r = 0.163, r = 0.269, r = -0.077, all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of sedatives according to simulating circadian time could decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation time, and the length of ICU stay, decrease the dosage of sedative drugs, and reduce the incidence of delirium. Dexmedetomidine could reduce the incidence of delirium, and improve the prognosis of patients.

[A study of using dexmedetomidine in ventilator bundle treatment in an ICU].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative effect and safety of dexmedetomidine and midazolam in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing ventilator bundle treatment. METHODS: A prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Ninety patients receiving ICU ventilator-assisted therapy and ventilator bundle treatments for more than 3 days in the First Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2013 to December 2014 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two groups for sedative treatment. The patients in dexmedetomidine group (n = 42) were given dexmedetomidine 0.2-0.7 µg x kg(-1) x h(-1) to achieve a goal of satisfactory sedation [Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) score 0 to - 2 during the day, and -1 to -3 at night). The patients in midazolam group (n = 48) were given midazolam 2-3 mg intravenously first, and then 0.05 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) for maintenance. The drug dose was adjusted according to RASS every 4 hours to maintain the appropriate sedation depth. The patients in both groups received continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl for analgesia. Ventilator bundle treatments included the head of a bed up 30 degrees to 45 degrees, awaken and extubation appraisal, daily use of proton pump inhibitors for peptic ulcer prevention, prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chlorhexidine mouth nursing, and removal of sputum by suction from subglottic area. When the patients in both groups obtained satisfactory target sedation, daily awakening was conducted, and spontaneous breathing test (SBT) was carried out to determine optional weaning time. When the condition was optimal, weaning was conducted, otherwise ventilator bundle treatments were continued. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (RR) were monitored before and 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 minutes after the treatment, and at the moment of extubation and 30 minutes after extubation. The duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation time, length of ICU stay, and the incidence of adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS: Both dexmedetomidine and midazolam could give rise to sedation with same score of analgesia in patients in both groups, and similar effect of sedation and analgesia could be achieved. Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine could significantly reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation (hours: 108.33 ± 21.96 vs. 119.85 ± 20.29, t = -2.586, P = 0.011), earlier extubation time (hours: 112.95 ± 22.20 vs. 128.58 ± 26.18, = -3.031, P = 0.003), length of ICU stay (hours: 149.21 ± 20.47 vs. 163.88 ± 33.59, = -2.457, P = 0.016), the incidence of delirium [9.5% (4/42) vs. 31.2% (15/48 ), χ2 = 6.349, P = 0.012], but it would elevate the incidence of severe hypotension [28.6% (12/42) vs. 8.3% (4/48), χ2 = 6.277, P = 0.012] and severe bradycardia [19.0% (8/42) vs. 8.3% (4/48), χ2 = 2.225, P = 0.136]. Both drugs could lower SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR, and the effect in dexmedetomidine group was more significant from 60 minutes after treatment [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 113.12 ± 14.42 vs. 124.40 ± 15.79, DBP (mmHg): 69.02 ± 9.62 vs. 76.94 ± 10.41, MAP (mmHg): 83.76 ± 10.50 vs. 92.77 ± 11.87, HR (bpm): 79.19 ± 12.28 vs. 87.42 ± 17.77, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01]. Both sedatives could significantly lower the rate of spontaneous breathing, and the effect of midazolam group was more significant from 60 minutes after treatment compared with dexmedetomidine group (times/min: 18.27 ± 4.29 vs. 20.07 ± 4.11, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The sedative effects of dexmedetomidine in the ICU patients treated with ventilator bundle treatment are satisfactory, and it can shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation time and length of ICU stay, reduce the incidence of delirium. However, monitoring should be strengthened in order to prevented and control the adverse effects such as severe hypotension and severe bradycardia.

[A systematic review of clinical application of Percu Twist tracheostomy in intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Percu Twist (PT) tracheostomy comparing with that of operative tracheostomy (OT) in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Related data were retrieved from CBM, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science from the time of their establishment to May 15th 2014, and the data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning PT and OT were selected. The risk of bias assessment and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 12 RCTs were identified, and 893 patients in ICU were involved. The results of Meta-analysis showed that PT could significantly shorten the operation time [mean difference (MD)=-15.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=-17.14 to -13.07, P<0.000 01], reduce the volume of blood loss (MD=-17.59, 95% CI=-21.90 to -13.28, P<0.000 01), reduce the size of incision (MD=-2.20, 95% CI=-2.57 to -1.82, P<0.000 01), shor ten the time of healing (MD=-3.60, 95% CI=-4.15 to -3.05, P<0.000 01), and reduce complications such as infection of the wound [odds ratio (OR)=0.20, 95%CI=0.10-0.44, P<0.000 1] and cutaneous emphysema/mediastinal emphysema (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.10-0.47, P<0.000 1) compared with OT group. The funnel plot suggested that publication bias might be found among 12 researches. CONCLUSIONS: PT was shown to be more effective than OT in ICU with lower incidence of complications. As number of RCT cases is still small with unsatis factory quality, further clinical use is warranted for a better assessment.

[Ventilator bundle treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome and its correlation with biomarkers of inflammation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the levels of blood soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and to investigate the effect of ventilator bundle (VB) on prognosis of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: A prospective controlled study was conducted. A total of 54 cases of ARDS patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University who received treatment of invasive mechanical ventilation between January 2013 and December 2013 were enrolled. All of the patients were given VB, and then divided into completely dependent group (VB group, n=29) and non-completely dependent group (NVB group, n=25) according to the dependence. The mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), the incidence of complications and 28-day mortality rate were compared between two groups. The blood suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP levels before and after treatment were determined. The correlations between oxygenation index (PaO(2)/FiO(2)) and other variables were analyzed by Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: (1) There was no significant difference in gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationII (APACHE II) score and PaO(2)/FiO(2), as well as other basic state between two groups. (2) There was no obvious difference in suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP levels before treatment between two groups. The levels of above parameters were significantly decreased after treatment. The blood suPAR and RAGE levels in VB group were significantly decreased compared with those in NVB group [suPAR: 189.87 (135.57) ng/L vs. 309.38 (278.00) ng/L, RAGE: 2.17 (0.75) µg/L vs. 3.17 (2.64) µg/L, both P<0.01]. (3) Compared with NVB group, the mechanical ventilation time, ICU length of stay, and the incidence of VAP in VB group were significantly reduced (mechanical ventilation time: 131.52 ± 44.94 hours vs. 166.28 ± 38.09 hours, t=-3.039, P=0.004; ICU length of hospital stay: 171.14 ± 74.25 hours vs. 210.92 ± 54.89 hours, t=-2.208, P=0.032; incidence of VAP: 17.24% vs. 44.00%, χ² = 4.611, P=0.041), but 28-day mortality rate (27.59% vs. 36.00%, χ² = 0.441, P=0.566) and rates of other related complication showed no significant difference between VB group and NVB group. (4) Correlation analysis showed that PaO(2)/FiO(2) was negatively correlated with age (r=-0.290, P=0.033), suPAR (r=-0.898, P=0.000), RAGE (r=-0.898, P=0.000), PCT (r=-0.486, P=0.000) and CRP (r=-0.280, P=0.040). (5) The linear regression analysis showed PaO(2)/FiO(2) and suPAR (t=2.645, P=0.011), RAGE (t=-2.885, P=0.006), PCT (t=2.649, P=0.011) were significantly negatively co-related. CONCLUSIONS: Blood suPAR, RAGE, PCT and CRP levels were correlated with the severity of ARDS patients. Compliance of VB can affect the prognosis of patients with ARDS. The high compliance of patients can significantly decrease the levels of blood pro-inflammatory markers, shorten the mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay, reduce the incidence of VAP, and it showed a positive impact on patients' prognosis.

[The multiplex polymerase chain reaction for detection of ventilator-associated trachea-bronchitis and pneumonia in patients with common pathogens].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical utility of multiple polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) in the rapid detection of the common pathogens in ventilator-associated trachea - bronchitis (VAT) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). METHODS: Sputum samples of 75 patients complicated VAT or VAP in surgical intensive care unit (SICU), were examined by bacterial culture, ordinary PCR, the M-PCR detection. The pathogen detection rates among three methods were compared. RESULTS: The Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae of the positive detection rates were 50.7%, 45.3%, 30.7%, 41.3% and 58.7% by bacterial culture. By ordinary PCR, the positive detection rates were respectively 88.0%, 89.3%, 78.7%, 85.3% and 93.3%, and by M-PCR, the positive detection rates were respectively 92.1%, 90.7%, 82.7%, 89.3% and 96.0%. The positive rates of five common pathogens of ordinary PCR and M-PCR were higher than those of bacterial culture (all P < 0.05). The M-PCR had merit for rapid detection compared with ordinary PCR. CONCLUSION: Compared with bacterial culture, ordinary PCR and M-PCR yield higher positive rates in identifying five common pathogens of VAT and VAP, meanwhile, it also demonstrated the tendency that M-PCR may save cost and labor power.

[Changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis in the patients with coronary heart disease in acute period and effect of drug intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters during acute phase of coronary heart disease, and to explore the effects of drug intervention in same period. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. The changes in plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF), platelet activating factor (PAF), tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) of 110 patients with coronary heart disease [50 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 35 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 25 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM)] were determined immediately at admission and 14 days after treatment. The indexes of 19 healthy individuals were collected as control. At the same time, randomized and double-blind observation of the changes in plasma coagulation and fibrinolysis system indexes including vWF, PAF and t-PA was made in AMI and UAP patients who received conventional treatment (aspirin + low molecular weight heparin) or combination of conventional treatment and clopidogrel for 14 days. RESULTS: The vWF and PAF levels (nmol/L) of AMI and UAP patients at admission were significantly higher than those in healthy control group [vWF: (202.31 ± 27.38)%, (188.65 ± 31.08)% vs. (120.37 ± 18.79)%; PAF: 50.64 ± 13.25, 48.87 ± 13.24 vs. 15.43 ± 9.27, all P < 0.05], however, t-PA (µg/L) was remarkably lower than that in healthy control group (3.52 ± 1.57, 4.03 ± 2.04 vs. 9.54 ± 1.32, both P < 0.01). After 14 days of treatment, the levels of vWF, PAF, t-PA, fibrinogen (Fib, g/L), D-dimer (mg/L) in plasma of AMI and UAP patients were close to those of healthy control group [vWF: (116.56 ± 26.10)%, (111.28 ± 22.31)% vs. (120.37 ± 18.79)%; PAF: 17.48 ± 9.16, 16.23 ± 9.17 vs. 15.43 ± 9.27; t-PA: 7.91 ± 2.42, 9.01 ± 2.01 vs. 9.54 ± 1.32; Fib: 3.64 ± 0.53, 2.74 ± 0.72 vs. 2.92 ± 0.91; D-dimer: 0.370 ± 0.150, 0.288 ± 0.169 vs. 0.255 ± 0.109, all P>0.05]. However, there was no statistical difference in vWF, PAF, t-PA, Fib and D-dimer levels before and after treatment in ICM group compared with healthy control group [vWF: (124.14 ± 21.17)%, (119.44 ± 26.28)% vs. (120.37 ± 18.79)%; PAF: 15.69 ± 7.14, 14.84 ± 9.16 vs. 15.43 ± 9.27; t-PA: 8.62 ± 2.24, 8.07 ± 2.51 vs. 9.54 ± 1.32; Fib: 3.24 ± 0.74, 3.04 ± 0.77 vs. 2.92 ± 0.91; D-dimer: 0.257 ± 0.132, 0.268 ± 0.117 vs. 0.255 ± 0.109, all P>0.05]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that, in patients with coronary heart disease, PAF be positively correlated with vWF (r = 0.42, P < 0.01), but negatively correlated with t-PA (r = -0.31, P < 0.01). In patients with AMI and UAP, using the treatment of clopidogrel for 14 days, the levels of vWF, PAF, t-PA, Fib and D-dimer in plasma showed no significant differences compared with those of conventional treatment group [vWF: (120.16 ± 16.57)% vs. (118.12 ± 14.32)%; PAF: 12.01 ± 3.70 vs. 13.33 ± 1.10; t-PA: 9.75 ± 1.60 vs. 7.59 ± 2.46; Fib: 2.73 ± 0.49 vs. 3.09 ± 0.50; D-dimer: 0.233 ± 0.101 vs. 0.252 ± 0.088, all P>0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: There were changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis status in patients with AMI and UAP at the initial stage, the level of t-PA was decreased significantly. For patients with AMI and UAP, there were no obvious differences in coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters between combination therapy of clopidogrel and aspirin and aspirin alone.