Assessment of quadriceps muscle mass by ultrasound in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are exposed to many factors that activate catabolic and inflammatory pathways, which affect skeletal muscle and are, therefore, related to unfavorable hospital outcomes. Given the limited information on the behavior of muscle mass in critically ill patients, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on quantitative and qualitative measurements of quadriceps muscle mass using ultrasound after cardiac surgery. To accomplish this, a prospective, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Quadriceps muscle mass was evaluated via ultrasound in 31 adult patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, with daily follow-up until postoperative day 7, as well as an assessment of associations with negative outcomes at 28 days. RESULTS: A 16% reduction in the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris was found (95% CI 4.2-3.5 cm2; p 0.002), as well as a 24% reduction in the pennation angle of the rectus femoris (95% CI 11.1-8.4 degrees; p: 0.025). However, changes in the thickness of the rectus femoris, vastus internus, vastus lateralis, the length of the fascicle of the vastus lateralis, the pennation angle of the vastus lateralis, the sarcopenia index, and the Hekmat score were not statistically significant. There was no significant association between quadriceps muscle mass measurements and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) length stay or 28-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery evaluated by ultrasound exhibit both quantitative and qualitative changes in quadriceps muscle mass. A significant reduction in muscle mass is observed but this is not associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Influence of vaginal birth on lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties on urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in the muscle mechanical properties of the pelvic floor (PF) and lumbar paravertebral (LP) muscles between young nulliparous and uni/multiparous women. Secondarily, specific behaviors, depending on the presence or absence or urinary incontinence (UI), were also researched. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Higher education institution. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred young women participated, divided into two groups depending on whether they had vaginal birth (nulliparous or uni/multiparous). Each group included women with and without UI. MAIN MEASURES: A muscle mechanical properties (tone, stiffness, decrement-inverse of elasticity-, and viscoelastic properties: relaxation and creep) assessment of the PF and LP muscles were performed with a hand-held tonometer. RESULTS: Tone and stiffness of both sides of the PF presented group by UI interaction (p < 0.05), with uni/multiparous women with UI showing higher tone and stiffness compared to multiparous women without UI. In LP muscles, uni/multiparous women showed greater tone and stiffness on the right and left sides [-2.57 Hz (95% confidence interval -4.42,-0.72) and -79.74 N/m (-143.52,-15.97); -2.20 Hz (-3.82,-0.58) and -81.30 N/m (-140.66-,21.95), respectively], as well as a decrease in viscoelastic properties compared to nulliparous women [relaxation: 2.88 ms (0.31,5.44); creep: 0.15 (0.01,0.30); relaxation: 2.69 ms (0.13,5.25); creep: 0.14 (0,0.28), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal birth and UI have a differential influence on the muscle mechanical properties of the PF and LP muscles. The determination of muscle mechanical properties by externally applied hand-held tonometry improves the knowledge of the lumbopelvic status, with applicability in clinical and research fields.

Between-sexes differences in lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties of non-climacteric adults: a cross-sectional design.

The lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) are clinically relevant, but their dependence on sex remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify if lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the sex in a young adult population. Thirty-five healthy nulliparous women and 35 healthy men were analyzed (age range: 18-50). Lumbopelvic MMPs, that is, tone, stiffness, elasticity, relaxation and creep, assessed with MyotonPRO®, and pelvic floor (PF) health questionnaires were compared between-sexes. Intra-group correlations between sociodemographic and clinical data, and MMPs were also determined. The MMPs of PF were different between healthy non-climacteric adults of both sexes, with women showing higher values of tone and stiffness and lower values of elasticity and viscoelastic properties than men (in all cases, p < 0.03). At lumbar level, tone and stiffness were higher for men at both sides (in all cases, p < 0.04), and relaxation was lower at left side (p = 0.02). The MMPs showed few correlations with sociodemographic data within women. However, within males, there were positive correlations for PF stiffness and viscoelastic parameters with age, BMI and function (0.334 < r < 0.591) and, at lumbar level, negative correlations for tone and stiffness ( - 0.385 < r < -0.590) and positive correlations for viscoelastic properties (0.564 < r < 0.719), with BMI. This indicated that between-sexes differences of lumbopelvic MMPs depend on the specific location of assessment in healthy non-obese young individuals. Women show higher tone and stiffness and lower elasticity and viscoelasticity than men, at PF level.

Condición física e inflamatoria antes de una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal / Physical and inflammatory condition before major abdominal quirurgical intervention

Introducción: El desacondicionamiento físico se asocia con disminución en la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria, aumento en el contenido de grasa corporal, e imbalances en respuesta inflamatoria, todos ellos factor de riesgo frente a la agresión de una intervención quirúrgica mayor. El valor de consumo de oxígeno (VO2max), el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y los valores plasmáticos de citoquinas de pacientes programados para una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal a menudo no se tienen en cuenta en la valoración prequirúrgica. Objetivo: Determinar la condición física e inflamatoria de pacientes que se trataron con una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal. Métodos: Investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva. Muestra por conveniencia de pacientes que se trataron con una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal en dos hospitales de Manizales (Colombia). Previo a la intervención, se midió VO2max, el IMC y valores de citoquinas. Resultados: Participaron en el estudio 6 hombres y 48 mujeres. Los valores promedio del VO2max se categorizaron como bajos. Se encontraron valores altos de IMC, del receptor antagonista de IL-1 (IL-1 Ra) y del factor neutrotrófico derivado del cerebro (BDNF). No se hallaron diferencias significativas en los valores promedio de VO2max, de IL-1Ra y de BDNF entre los grupos. Los pacientes programados para intervención quirúrgica ginecológica y gastrointestinal tuvieron sobrepeso y los programados para intervención quirúrgica bariátrica fueron obesos mórbidos. Conclusión: Pacientes programados para una intervención quirúrgica mayor abdominal presentan valores bajos de VO2max para la edad y altos de IMC. Se hallaron valores altos de IL-1Ra y de BDNF asociadas a obesidad y a posible antiinflamación(AU)

Introduction: Physical deconditioning is associated with, a decrease in cardiorespiratory capacity, an increase in body fat content and imbalances in the inflammatory response, all of which are risk factors for the aggression of a major surgical intervention. The oxygen consumption value (VO2max), body mass index (BMI), and plasma cytokine values of patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery are often not taken into account in the presurgical evaluation. Objective: To determine the physical and inflammatory condition of patients who were treated with a major abdominal surgery. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive research. Convenience sample of patients who underwent major abdominal surgery in two hospitals in Manizales (Colombia). Prior to the intervention, VO2max, BMI and cytokine values were measured. Results: 6 men and 48 women participated in the study. Average VO2max values were categorized as low. High values of BMI, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) and brain derived neutrotrophic factor (BDNF) were found. No significant differences were found in the mean VO2max, IL-1Ra and BDNF values between the groups. Patients scheduled for gynecological and gastrointestinal surgery were overweight and those scheduled for bariatric surgery were morbidly obese. Conclusion: Patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery have low VO2max values for age and high BMI. High IL-1Ra and BDNF values were found associated with obesity and possible anti-inflammation(AU)

Clinical outcomes in patients who need acute renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit / Desenlaces clínicos de pacientes con requerimiento de terapia de reemplazo renal aguda en unidad de cuidado intensivo

Abstract Objective: to establish the renal outcomes of patients needing dialysis due to acute kidney injury who were admitted to the intensive care unit at Hospital Departamental Universitario Santa Sofía de Caldas from 2006 to 2018, and determine the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: a retrospective cohort study carried out at Hospital Departamental Universitario Santa Sofía de Caldas on 122 patients over the age of 18 who required dialysis in the intensive care unit due to acute kidney injury, from 2006 to 2018. The major adverse kidney events (MAKE) composite outcome was evaluated, composed of partial recovery of kidney function, dialysis dependence and death, with 90-day and one-year follow up. Results: there is a relationship between diabetes, the APACHE II score, metabolic acidosis, anuria and the dialysis start time and MAKE at 90 days and one year. In the logistic regression, patients who developed MAKE at 90 days had a greater probability of having had anuria (OR=6.71; 95%CI: 1,497-30,076), acidosis (OR=4,349; 95%CI: 1,616-11.7) and a late treatment start (OR=3,013; 95%CI: 1,241-7,316). The one-year MAKE showed similar results, with the addition of the continu ous therapy modality (OR=2,841; 95%CI: 1,193-6,763). Conclusions: diabetes, a high APACHE II, anuria, metabolic acidosis and late dialysis treat ment are more frequent in patients who develop MAKE. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2229).

Resumen Objetivo: determinar los desenlaces renales de los pacientes con requerimiento de diálisis por lesión renal aguda, que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidado intensivo del Hospital Departamental Universitario Santa Sofía de Caldas desde el año 2006 a 2018 y determinar los factores asociados a estos desenlaces. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo de cohortes llevado a cabo en el Hospital Departamental Universitario Santa Sofía de Caldas en 122 pacientes mayores de 18 años, que requirieron diálisis por lesión renal aguda en la unidad de cuidado intensivo entre los años 2006 y 2018. Se evaluó el desenlace compuesto del MAKE (Major Adverse Kidney Events) conformado por recuperación parcial de la función renal, dependencia de la diálisis y muerte con seguimiento a los 90 días y un año. Resultados: existe asociación entre diabetes, puntaje APACHE II, acidosis metabólica, anuria y tiempo de inicio de la diálisis con el MAKE a 90 días y al año. En la regresión logística aquellos pacientes que desarrollaron MAKE a los 90 días tenían mayor probabilidad de haber presentado anuria (OR=6.71; IC95%: 1497-30 076), acidosis (OR=4349; IC95%: 1616-11.7) e inicio tardío de la terapia (OR=3013; IC95%: 1241-7316). En el MAKE a un año hubo resultados similares, adicionando modalidad de terapia continua (OR=2841; IC95%: 1193-6763). Conclusiones: diabetes, APACHE II alto, anuria, acidosis metabólica y terapia dialítica tardía son más frecuentes en pacientes que desarrollan MAKE. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2229).

Open tracheostomy in patients with dual platelet aggregation inhibitors: case series / Traqueostomía abierta en pacientes con antiagregación plaquetaria dual: Serie de casos

Abstract Introduction: Tracheostomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the intensive care unit (ICU). There is a paucity of evidence regarding complications in patients on dual anti-platelet therapy. Objective: To describe the complications arising in critically ill patients on dual antiplatelet therapy who are subjected to open tracheostomy. Method: Descriptive observational study of a retrospective case series of patients admitted to the ICU between June 2011 and December 2016, scheduled to undergo open tracheostomy. Results: Overall, 52 patients met the inclusion criteria and, of them, 14 were excluded. Postoperatively, 4 patients (10.5%) had major bleeding and 2 (5.3%) had minor bleeding. Only 1 patient (2.6%) required transfusion secondary to tracheostomy-related bleeding. No patient required fiberoptic bronchoscopy due to bleeding. Reintervention was needed in 10.5% of patients (n=4). No tracheostomy-related mortality was reported. Conclusion: Although 10.5% of patients had major bleeding, there was no impact on mortality. This study showed that, in patients with recent major cardiovascular events, there is no need to discontinue dual antiplatelet therapy or delay tracheostomy.

Resumen Introducción: La traqueostomía es el procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuentemente realizado en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo. La evidencia respecto a las complicaciones en pacientes con antiagregación plaquetaria dual es escasa. Objetivo: Describir las complicaciones que se presentan en pacientes críticos en manejo con terapia antiagregante plaquetaria dual, sometidos a traqueostomía abierta. Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo, serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo desde junio de 2011 hasta diciembre de 2016, programados para traqueostomía abierta. Resultados: 52 pacientes cumplieron criterios de inclusión, de los cuales se excluyó a 14. No se presentaron complicaciones durante la realización de la traqueostomía. En el posoperatorio, cuatro pacientes (10.5%) presentaron sangrado mayor y dos (5.3%) presentaron sangrado menor. Solo un paciente (2.6%) requirió transfusión secundaria a sangrado por traqueostomía. Ningún paciente requirió fibrobroncoscopia por sangrado. En un 10.5% de los pacientes (n:4) hubo necesidad de reintervención. No se reportó mortalidad por causa de la traqueostomía. Conclusiones: Aunque el 10.5% de los pacientes presentaron sangrado mayor, no hubo impacto en la mortalidad. El presente estudio mostró que en pacientes con evento cardiovascular mayor reciente no es necesario suspender la antiagregación dual ni diferir la realización de la traqueostomía.

Tracking morphological complexities of organ development in culture.

Organogenesis is one of the most striking process during development. During this period, organ primordia pass throughout several stages in which the level of organisation increases in complexity to achieve the final organ architecture. Organ culture, a method in which an isolated organ is explanted and maintained ex-vivo, is an excellent tool for following the morphological dynamics during development. While most of the work has been made in early stages of development, culturing organs in mid-late stages is needed to understand the achievement of the final organ anatomy in the new-born. Here, we investigated the possibility of following morphological changes of the mice heart, lung, kidney and intestine using a filter-grid culture method for 7 days starting at E14.5. We observed that the anatomy, histology and survival of the cultured organs were indicative of a continuity of the developmental processes: they survived and morphodifferentiated during 5-7 days in culture. The exception was the heart, which started to die after 4 days. Using a second approach, we demonstrated that heart tissue can be easily cultured in body slices, together with other tissues such as the lung, with a healthier differentiation and longer survival. The culture method used here, permits a high-resolution imaging to identify the dynamic of organ architecture ex-vivo using morphovideos. We also confirmed the suitability of this system to perform lineage tracing using a vital dye in branching organs. In summary, this work tested the feasibility of monitoring and recording the anatomical changes that establish the final organ structure of the heart, lung, kidney and intestine. Additionally, this strategy allows the morphological study of organ development including fate maps with a relative long-term survival up to the onset of differentiation. This work contributes to elucidating how organs are formed, promoting the understanding of congenital malformations and to design organ replacement therapies.

Valor de la fibronectina fetal en secreciones cervicales en la predicción del parto pretérmino en pacientes con membranas íntegras / Value of the fetal fibronectin in cervical secretions in the prediction of patiens with the preterm labor with intact membranes

Analizar los niveles de fibronectina fetal en moco cervical en pacientes con clínica de trabajo de parto pretérmino y membranas ovulares íntegras, y en pacientes asintomáticas, para establecer su capacidad de predicción en relación al parto pretérmino. Se realizó un estudio en 42 embarazadas: 22 fueron ingresadas con clínica de trabajo de parto pretérmino y 20 se tomaron como controles. La edad de gestación estuvo compredida entre las 28 y 36 semanas. En todas se realizó determinación de fibronectina fetal, cuyos resultados se relacionaron al parto pretérmino. En el grupo de casos se analizaron diferentes variables clínicas y antecedentes relacionados al parto pretérmino. Maternidad Clínica Santa Ana, Caracas. De los 22 casos, 11 presentaron parto pretérmino. De estas, 9 mostraron fibronectina fetal positiva y 2 fibronectina fetal negativa. El análisis determinó: sensibilidad: 82 por ciento, especificidad: 27 por ciento, valor de predicción positivo: 53 por ciento, negativo: 60 por ciento. Del grupo contro, 17 llegaron al término. De estas, 15 tuvieron fibronectina fetal negativa y 2 fibronectina fetal positiva. Tres pacientes presentaron parto pretérmino y todas tuvieron fibronectina fetal positiva. El análisis determinó: sensibilidad: 100 por ciento, especificidad: 82,2 por ciento, valor de predicción positivo: 60 por ciento, negativo: 100 por ciento. La dinámica uterina y características del cuello uterino, demostraron ser no significativos. El análisis demostró que la prueba de fibronectina fetal es superior para predecir el parto pretérmino a las variables clínicas estudiadas