Urgent need for a rapid microbiological diagnosis in critically ill pneumonia.

Severe lower respiratory tract infection is a common issue in Intensive Care Units that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The traditional diagnostic-therapeutic approach has been grounded on taking respiratory samples and/or blood cultures as soon as possible and starting empirical antibiotic therapy addressed to cover most likely pathogens based on the presence of the patient's risk factors for certain microorganisms, while waiting for the culture results in the following 48-72 hours to adequate the antibiotic treatment to the sensitivity profile of the isolated pathogen. Unfortunately, this strategy leads to use broad-spectrum antibiotics more times than necessary and does not prevent possible therapeutic failures. The recent development of rapid molecular diagnostic techniques, based on real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), makes it possible to determine the causative agent and its main resistance pattern between 1 and 5 hours after sampling (depending on each tecnique), with high precision, some of them reaching a negative predictive value greater than 98%, facilitating the very early withdrawal of unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics. Its high sensitivity can also detect unsuspected pathogens based on risk factors, allowing adequate treatment in the first hours of stay. This short review discusses the potential usefulness of these techniques in critically ill patients with lower respiratory tract infection and advocates their immediate implementation in clinical practice.

Ventilatory support and corticosteroid therapy in SARS-CoV-2.

It has been almost two years since COVID-19, a disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The entire scientific and medical community was put to the test during the following months to find the best therapeutic strategy to save lives. Although some antivirals and anti-inflammatory drugs are being tested in different clinical trials with some controversial results, this short review will focus on corticosteroids usefulness and ventilatory support principles, as they have become two essential therapeutic pillars for those patients who need hospital admission due to respiratory failure.

Usefulness of biomarkers on infection management: with or without them?

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by many different microorganisms that produce clinical conditions with a wide variation in patient-rated symptoms and severity. Therefore, different diagnostic and prognostic tools are needed to help make the most accurate decisions at each moment of patient´s care with suspected infection. This mini review will analyse how some biomarkers reduce the level of uncertainty in the making decision process at some phases of sepsis, including prompt identification of septic patients, early initiation of empiric broad-spectrum antimicrobials, regimen and duration.

[Monotherapy vs. combined therapy in the treatment of multi-drug resistance gramnegative bacteria]. / Monoterapia vs. terapia combinada en el tratamiento de las infecciones por bacterias gramnegativas multirresistentes.

The increasing number of multidrug resistant gram negative bacteria, particularly in patients with risk factors, but in those who suffer community infections as well, is doing more and more difficult to choose the appropriate treatment. The most challenging cases are due to the production of extended-spectrum-ß-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases. This mini-review will discuss the adequacy of administering carbapenems when suspecting infections due to ESBL that could be modified after knowing the MIC of the isolated bacteria and the combined therapy in cases of carbapenemases, being particularly important to include a carbapenem and/or colistine at high dosages in this combination.

[Blood glucose levels in the first 24 hours of admission is not a risk factor for mortality in critical care patients]. / La glucemia de las primeras 24 horas no es un factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes críticos.

INTRODUCTION: Glycemic alterations are known as a risk condition of death in several diseases, such as ischemic cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The fact that its tight control under narrow normality levels decreases mortality and morbidity have led to further studies seeking to confirm the results and expand them to other disease areas. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether glycemic changes by themselves are a mortality risk factor in a sample of patients within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), among which predominates traumatic-surgical patients. METHODS: Demographic and analytical characteristics were revised, as well as common monitoring variables in an ICU, among a sample of 2,554 patients from admissions between 1st January 2004 and 31 December 2008. Data were obtained from a database which endorsed records compiled with the monitoring ICU patients program "Carevue". They were processed with dynamics sheets included in the Excel software with the following variables: initial glycemia, mean glycemia during the first 24 hours and number of determinations performed. We used the mean value in the admission day of the remaining analytical and monitoring variables and the number of test performed on this first day. The sample was stratified in two groups for the statistical analysis: a) General Sample (MG) and b) sample excluding patients admitted after a programmed surgery (EQP). In both cases the effect of initial and averaged glycemia was checked. Group b was divided in two, according to the number of determinations b1) a single blood glucose determination group (EQP1) and b2) a multiple determination group (EQPM). From this group of non-programmed surgical patients the study was repeated in those patients who stayed at the ICU 3 or more days (EQP3D). Chi-square and Mantel-Haenzel test for the ODD ratio determination were performed for qualitative variables; quantitative variables were examined with the Mann-Whitney test. At each analysis level, logistic regression was performed using mortality as the dependent variable, including those variables with p-values < 0.05 which represented more than 60% of the data. An initially saturated model with backward till the final equation was used. A p-value of 0.05 (i.e. p < 0.05) was set as the significant threshold for all statistical analysis. They were performed with SPSS and GSTAT 2 statistical software. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 2,165 of the 2,554 admitted patients during the study period were included (96.5%). Exclusion criteria were absence of plasma glucose determinations. In the bivariate analysis, first and mean glucose blood levels showed significant differences in mortality rates in absolute figures and also when data were classified stratified in three levels (< 60 mg/dl; 60-110 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl) or in two (normal values 60 to 110 mg/dl and unusual figures < 60 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl). These significant differences were lost when a logistic model was applied. From the remaining variables, renal function and NEMS showed to be mortality risks factors in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia is a predominant phenomenon in critically ill patients. Hypoglycemia is less frequent and is associated with higher mortality rates. Initial glucose blood level, by itself, was not a mortality risk factor in the multivariate study and at none of the studied levels. Average glycemia did not add any prediction power. The changes in glucose blood levels seemed to be an adaptation process, which determined by itself a risk for the patient's discharge, at least in the first 24 hours period after ICU admission.

La glucemia de las primeras 24 horas no es un factor pronóstico de mortalidad en pacientes críticos / Blood glucose levels in the first 24 hours of admission is not a risk factor for mortality in critical care patients

Introducción: Las alteraciones de la glucemia han mostrado ser un factor de riesgo en patologías como la cardiopatía isquémica y el paciente neurológico. La constatación de que su control estricto en niveles estrechos de la normalidad, determinaba una disminución en mortalidad y morbilidad han dado lugar a estudios intentando corroborar los resultados y ampliar a otros campos patológicos. 
Objetivos: Determinar si la alteración de la glucemia, per se, era un factor de riesgo para mortalidad en una muestra de pacientes ingresados en una unidad de medicina intensiva, con predominio de pacientes quirúrgico-traumáticos. Métodos: Se revisan las características demográficas, analíticas y de variables de monitorización habitual en UCI, en una muestra de 2.554 pacientes correspondientes a ingresos entre el 1 de enero de 2004 y 31 de diciembre de 2008. Se extrajeron los datos de un repositorio que adquiere los datos del programa de monitorización en intensivos CareVue. Se procesaron mediante la aplicación Excel con la utilidad hojas dinámicas, creando las variables glucemia inicial, glucemia promedio de las primeras 24 horas, y número de determinaciones. Del resto de variables analíticas y de monitorización se construyeron las correspondientes al promedio del primer día de ingreso, así como su número de determinaciones realizadas en ese primer día. La glucemia se determino en sangre completa no capilar. Para el estudio estadístico se estratifico la muestra en dos grupos: a) Muestra General (MG) y b) excluyendo a los pacientes con ingreso trás cirugía programada (EQP). En ambos se comprobó el efecto de la glucemia inicial y la promediada. El grupo b se segmento en dos según el número de determinaciones b1) una sola determinación de glucemia (EQP1) y b2) múltiples determinaciones (EQPM). De este grupo sin pacientes quirúrgicos programados, se repitió el estudio en aquellos pacientes con una duración de estancia de 3 o mas días en UCI (EQP3D). Se empleó Chi2 para variables cualitativas y Mantel Haenzel para calculo de ODD ratio; Mann-Whitney para las cuantitativas. En cada nivel de análisis, las variables con p < 0,05 y que tenían una representación superior al 60% en los datos, se incluyeron en análisis de regresión logística, con la mortalidad como variable dependiente. Se empleó el modelo saturado de inicio con backward hasta la ecuación final. Se emplearon las aplicaciones estadísticas SPSS y GSTAT 2. Se estimó como significativo p < 0,05. Resultados y discusión: Se estudiaron un total de 2.165 pacientes de los 2.554 que ingresaron en el periodo de estudio (96,5%). Los excluidos lo fueron por carecer de determinaciones de glucemia plasmática. En el estudio bivariado, la glucemia de inicio y la promedio mostraron diferencias significativas de mortalidad, ya en cifras absolutas, en la estratificación a tres niveles (< 60 mg/dL; 60-110 mg/dL y > 110 mg/dL) y en la estratificación de normal (60 a 110 mg/dL) frente a valores anormales (< 60 o > 110 mg/dL). Esta significación se pierde al realizar el modelo logístico. Del resto de las variables empleadas, la función renal y el NEMS se muestran como factores de riesgo para la mortalidad en esta muestra. 
Conclusiones: La hiperglucemia es un fenómeno prevalente en pacientes graves. La hipoglucemia es menos frecuente, y marca una mayor mortalidad. La glucemia de inicio, per se, no fue factor de riesgo para mortalidad en el estudio multivariado y a ninguno de los niveles estudiados. La glucemia promedio no añadió ningún poder de predicción. Al menos en lo relacionado a las primeras 24 horas, las alteraciones de la glucemia parecen responder más a un proceso de adaptación que marcar per se, un riesgo en el alta del paciente (AU)

Introduction: Glycemic alterations are known as a risk condition of death in several diseases, such as ischemic cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The fact that its tight control under narrow normality levels decreases mortality and morbidity have led to further studies seeking to confirm the results and expand them to other disease areas. Objectives: To determine whether glycemic changes by themselves are a mortality risk factor in a sample of patients within an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), among which predominates traumatic-surgical patients. Methods: Demographic and analytical characteristics were revised, as well as common monitoring variables in an ICU, among a sample of 2,554 patients from admissions between 1st January 2004 and 31 December 2008. Data were obtained from a database which endorsed records compiled with the monitoring ICU patients program Carevue. They were processed with dynamics sheets included in the Excel software with the following variables: initial glycemia, mean glycemia during the first 24 hours and number of determinations performed. We used the mean value in the admission day of the remaining analytical and monitoring variables and the number of test performed on this first day. The sample was stratified in two groups for the statistical analysis: a) General Sample (MG) and b) sample excluding patients admitted after a programmed surgery (EQP). In both cases the effect of initial and averaged glycemia was checked. Group b was divided in two, according to the number of determinations b1) a single blood glucose determination group (EQP1) and b2) a multiple determination group (EQPM). From this group of non-programmed surgical patients the study was repeated in those patients who stayed at the ICU 3 or more days (EQP3D). Chi-square and Mantel-Haenzel test for the ODD ratio determination were performed for qualitative variables; quantitative variables were examined with the Mann-Whitney test. At each analysis level, logistic regression was performed using mortality as the dependent variable, including those variables with p-values < 0.05 which represented more than 60% of the data. An initially saturated model with backward till the final equation was used. A p-value of 0.05 (i.e. p < 0.05) was set as the significant threshold for all statistical analysis. They were performed with SPSS and GSTAT 2 statistical software. 
Results and discussion: A total of 2,165 of the 2,554 admitted patients during the study period were included (96.5%). Exclusion criteria were absence of plasma glucose determinations. In the bivariate analysis, first and mean glucose blood levels showed significant differences in mortality rates in absolute figures and also when data were classified stratified in three levels (< 60 mg/dl; 60-110 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl) or in two (normal values 60 to 110 mg/dl and unusual figures < 60 mg/dl or > 110 mg/dl). These significant differences were lost when a logistic model was applied. From the remaining variables, renal function and NEMS showed to be mortality risks factors in this sample. Conclusions: Hyperglycemia is a predominant phenomenon in critically ill patients. Hypoglycemia is less frequent and is associated with higher mortality rates. Initial glucose blood level, by itself, was not a mortality risk factor in the multivariate study and at none of the studied levels. Average glycemia did not add any prediction power. The changes in glucose blood levels seemed to be an adaptation process, which determined by itself a risk for the patient's discharge, at least in the first 24 hours period after ICU admission (AU)

[Endotoxin adsortion as adjuvant therapy in gram negative severe sepsis]. / La depuración de endotoxina como tratamiento coadyuvante en la sepsis grave por microorganismos gramnegativos.

The mortality rate of severe sepsis and septic shock remains still high. Within the last years a better knowledge of its physiopathology and the implementation of a group of measures addressed to a fast identification and early treatment of the septic patients have proved to reduce mortality rate. Likewise, it continues being investigated in modulating the inflammatory response and limiting the harmful action of the bacterial products on the immune system. As a result of this research some endotoxin adsorber devices have been designed to control one of the most important targets that start the inflammatory cascade when gram negative microorganisms are involved.The usefulness that these endotoxin removal devices might have as adjuvant treatment in the Septic Syndrome and its applicability are reviewed in this paper. Likewise a profile of patient that might be to the benefit of this therapy is suggested according to the current knowledge.

La depuracion de endotoxina como tratamiento coadyuvante en la sepsis grave por microorganismos gramnegativos / Endotoxin adsortion as adjuvant therapy in gramnegative severe sepsis

La sepsis grave y el shock séptico siguen siendo situaciones clínicas con alta mortalidad. En los últimos años, un mejor conocimiento de su fisiopatología y la puesta en marcha de un conjunto de medidas encaminadas a una rápida detección y un inmediato tratamiento de los pacientes sépticos han demostrado que pueden disminuir la mortalidad. Así mismo, se sigue investigando en modular la respuesta inflamatoria y limitar la acción dañina de los productos bacterianos sobre el sistema inmune. Fruto de esta investigación se han desarrollado dispositivos adsorbentes de endotoxina para actuar sobre ella por ser ésta una de las principales dianas que inician la cascada inflamatoria en infecciones causadas por gérmenes gramnegativos. En este artículo se revisa la utilidad y modo de empleo que estos dispositivos de depuración de endotoxinas pueden tener como tratamiento coadyuvante del Síndrome séptico. Así mismo se sugiere, en base a los conocimientos actuales, el perfil de paciente que puede beneficiarse de dicha terapia(AU)

The mortality rate of severe sepsis and septic shock remains still high. Within the last years a better knowledge of its physiopathology and the implementation of a group of measures addressed to a fast identification and early treatment of the septic patients have proved to reduce mortality rate. Likewise, it continues being investigated in modulating the inflammatory response and limiting the harmful action of the bacterial products on the immune system. As a result of this research some endotoxin adsorber devices have been designed to control one of the most important targets that start the inflammatory cascade when gramnegative microorganisms are involved. The usefulness that these endotoxin removal devices might have as adjuvant treatment in the Septic Syndrome and its applicability are reviewed in this paper. Likewise a profile of patient that might be to the benefit of this therapy is suggested according to the current knowledge(AU)

[Detection and initial management of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in medicine emergency room: 24 hours follow-up in a general hospital]. / Detección y manejo inicial del síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica en las urgencias de medicina: Análisis de 24 horas en un hospital general.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical situation frequently observed in Emergency Room (ER). Its early detection and supporting measures improve prognosis of these patients. AIMS: To know the incidence of SIRS among patients who come to ER, their frequency and distribution factors and the clinical evolution at 3 and 30 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational prospective simple-blind study. During 24 hours, SIRS was detected by observant doctors with an independent registry. Their management was observed. Patients from Obstetrics and Traumatology were not observed. Follow-up was done using telephonic and informatical techniques at 3 and 30 day. A descriptive analysis was done. RESULTS: There were 163 patients attended in ER; 25 of them with SIRS (15.3%), 16 were male (65%) and 9 female (35%). By ages 8 were under 30, 4 were between 30 and 60 and 13 were over. The respiratory rate was not measured in 12 of the 25 patients with SIRS (48%). An infectious etiology (sepsis) was found in 19 of those 25 (76%) patients. The most frequent criterion of sepsis was tachycardia, followed by leukocyte disorders. Support of volume and antimicrobial therapy were only started at once in 21 and 42% respectively on patients with sepsis. 15 of 25 were admitted (2 in ICU). After 3 days, 11 of 25 remained at hospital and after 30 days 2. CONCLUSIONS: SIRS is a prevalent situation in ER with a high percentage of admissions. Most of SIRS were of infectious origin (sepsis). Major attention is needed among physicians to establish a promptly diagnose and starting support measures that improve their prognosis.

Detección y manejo inicial del síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica en las urgencias de medicina. Análisis de 24 horas en un hospital general / Detection and inicial management of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in medicine emergency room. 24 hours follow-up in a general hospital

Introducción: El síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SIRS) se presenta con frecuencia en Urgencias. Desde la Conferencia de Consenso de 1991, ratificada en la Conferencia Internacional de definiciones de sepsis de 2001 se define este síndrome como la adaptación del organismo tras una agresión. Su detección precoz y la instauración de medidas de soporte, guiadas por objetivos, mejoran el pronóstico de los pacientes. Objetivos: Conocer la incidencia de SIRS entre los pacientes que acuden a Urgencias, sus factores de frecuencia y distribución y su evolución clínica a los 3 y 30 días. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional, simple ciego. Se detectó la situación de SIRS mediante observadores con registro independiente, y se observó su manejo, durante 24 horas. Se excluyeron los pacientes de obstetricia y traumatología. Seguimiento: Telefónico y mediante la estación informática de pacientes a los 3 y 30 días. Análisis estadístico: descriptivo. Resultados: De las 163 asistencias se encontraron 25 pacientes con SIRS (15,3%), 16 en varones (65%) y 9 en mujeres (35%). Por edades había 8 < 30 años, 4 de 30-60 años y 13 > 60. A 12 se los 25 casos de SIRS (48%) no se les midió la frecuencia respiratoria. En 19 de los 25 casos (76%) el origen fue infeccioso (sepsis). El parámetro definitorio de SIRS más frecuente fue la taquicardia seguido del trastorno leucocitario.Tan sólo se inició precozmente la fluidoterapia y la antibioterapia en el 21 y 42% respectivamente de las sepsis. Ingresaron 15 de los 25 (2 en UCI), 3 días después permanecían 11 ingresados y 30 días después 2. Conclusiones: El SIRS es una situación clínica prevalente en Urgencias de medicina, mayoritariamente de etiología infecciosa (sepsis) quede para un número considerable de ingresos. Es necesaria una mayor sensibilización por parte del colectivo medico para establecer prontamente su diagnóstico e iniciar precozmente el tratamiento de soporte que mejore el pronóstico de estos pacientes

Introduction: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a clinical situation frequently observed in Emergency Room (ER). Its early detection and supporting measures improve prognosis of these patients. Aims: To know the incidence of SIRS among patients who come to ER, their frequency and distribution factors and the clinical evolution at 3 and 30 days. Patients and methods: Observational prospective simple-blind study. During 24 hours, SIRS was detected by observant doctors with an independent registry. Their management was observed. Patients from Obstetrics and Traumatology were not observed. Follow-up was done using telephonic and informatical techniques at 3 and 30 day. A descriptive analysis was done. Results: There were 163 patients attended in ER; 25 of them with SIRS (15.3%), 16 were male (65%) and 9 female (35%). By ages 8 were under 30, 4 were between 30 and 60 and 13 were over. The respiratory rate was not measured in 12 of the 25 patients with SIRS (48%). An infectious etiology (sepsis) was found in 19 of those 25 (76%) patients.The most frequent criterion of sepsis was tachycardia, followed by leukocyte disorders. Support of volume and antimicrobial therapy were only started at once in 21 and 42% respectively on patients with sepsis. 15 of 25 were admitted (2 in ICU). After 3 days, 11 of 25 remained at hospital and after 30 days 2. Conclusions: SIRS is a prevalent situation in ER with a high percentage of admissions. Most of SIRS were of infectious origin (sepsis). Major attention is needed among physicians to establish a promptly diagnose and starting support measures that improve their prognosis

Fístula broncobiliar congénita diagnosticada en la edad adulta / Congenital bronchobiliary fistula diagnosed in adult age

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