Critically Ill Patients with Visceral Nocardia Infection, France and Belgium, 2004-2023.

We studied 50 patients with invasive nocardiosis treated during 2004-2023 in intensive care centers in France and Belgium. Most (65%) died in the intensive care unit or in the year after admission. Nocardia infections should be included in the differential diagnoses for patients in the intensive care setting.

Magnesium sulphate in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (MAGMAT): a randomised, double-blind, superiority trial.

PURPOSE: Studies have suggested benefits from magnesium sulphate in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). We aimed to measure the effects of magnesium sulphate supplementation on TTP recovery. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomised, double-blind, controlled, superiority study, we enrolled adults with a clinical diagnosis of TTP. Patients were randomly allocated to receive magnesium sulphate (6 g intravenously followed by a continuous infusion of 6 g/24 h for 3 days) or placebo, in addition to the standard treatment. The primary outcome was the median time to platelet normalisation (defined as a platelet count ≥ 150 G/L). Efficacy and safety were assessed by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Overall, we enrolled 74 participants, including one who withdrew his/her consent. Seventy-three patients were further analyzed, 35 (48%) allocated to magnesium sulphate and 38 (52%) to placebo. The median time to platelet normalisation was 4 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 3-4) in the magnesium sulphate group and 4 days (95% CI 3-5) in the placebo group. The cause-specific hazard ratio of response was 0.93 (95% CI 0.58-1.48, p = 0.75). The number of patients with ≥ 1 serious adverse reactions was similar in the two groups. By day 90, four patients in the magnesium sulphate group and two patients in the placebo group had died (p = 0.42). The most frequent adverse event was low blood pressure occurring in 34% in the magnesium sulphate group and 29% in the placebo group (p = 0.80). CONCLUSION: Among patients with TTP, the addition of magnesium sulphate to the standard of care did not result in a significant improvement in time to platelet normalisation.

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management. METHODS: Literature review, analysis of the literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected. RESULTS: A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥ 2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest X-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described. CONCLUSION: These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Endorsed by the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF), the French Society of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SFCTCV)

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management. Literature review, analysis of literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients, and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected. A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest x-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described. These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

SPLF/SMFU/SRLF/SFAR/SFCTCV Guidelines for the management of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Endorsed by the French Speaking Society of Respiratory Diseases (SPLF), the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Intensive Care Society (SRLF), the French Society of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (SFCTCV).

INTRODUCTION: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is the presence of air in the pleural space, occurring in the absence of trauma and known lung disease. Standardized expert guidelines on PSP are needed due to the variety of diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies and medical and surgical disciplines involved in its management. METHODS: Literature review, analysis of literature according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology; proposals for guidelines rated by experts, patients, and organizers to reach a consensus. Only expert opinions with strong agreement were selected. RESULTS: A large PSP is defined as presence of a visible rim along the entire axillary line between the lung margin and the chest wall and ≥2 cm at the hilum level on frontal chest x-ray. The therapeutic strategy depends on the clinical presentation: emergency needle aspiration for tension PSP; in the absence of signs of severity: conservative management (small PSP), needle aspiration or chest tube drainage (large PSP). Outpatient treatment is possible if a dedicated outpatient care system is previously organized. Indications, surgical procedures and perioperative analgesia are detailed. Associated measures, including smoking cessation, are described. CONCLUSION: These guidelines are a step towards PSP treatment and follow-up strategy optimization in France.

Critically ill severe hypothyroidism: a retrospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Severe hypothyroidism (SH) is a rare but life-threatening endocrine emergency. Only a few data are available on its management and outcomes of the most severe forms requiring ICU admission. We aimed to describe the clinical manifestations, management, and in-ICU and 6-month survival rates of these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study over 18 years in 32 French ICUs. The local medical records of patients from each participating ICU were screened using the International Classification of Disease 10th revision. Inclusion criteria were the presence of biological hypothyroidism associated with at least one cardinal sign among alteration of consciousness, hypothermia and circulatory failure, and at least one SH-related organ failure. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included in the study. Thyroiditis and thyroidectomy represented the main SH etiologies (29% and 19%, respectively), while hypothyroidism was unknown in 44 patients (54%) before ICU admission. The most frequent SH triggers were levothyroxine discontinuation (28%), sepsis (15%), and amiodarone-related hypothyroidism (11%). Clinical presentations included hypothermia (66%), hemodynamic failure (57%), and coma (52%). In-ICU and 6-month mortality rates were 26% and 39%, respectively. Multivariable analyses retained age > 70 years [odds ratio OR 6.01 (1.75-24.1)] Sequential Organ-Failure Assessment score cardiovascular component ≥ 2 [OR 11.1 (2.47-84.2)] and ventilation component ≥ 2 [OR 4.52 (1.27-18.6)] as being independently associated with in-ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: SH is a rare life-threatening emergency with various clinical presentations. Hemodynamic and respiratory failures are strongly associated with worse outcomes. The very high mortality prompts early diagnosis and rapid levothyroxine administration with close cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring.

Severe SARS-Cov2 pneumonia in vaccinated patients: a multicenter cohort study.

Vaccination reduces risk of infection, hospitalization, and death due to SARS-Cov2. Vaccinated patients may however experience severe SARS-Cov2 disease. The objective was to describe clinical features of vaccinated patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to SARS-Cov2 infection and compare them to a published cohort of unvaccinated patients. We performed a multicenter cohort study of patients with severe SARS-Cov2 disease admitted to 15 ICUs in France between January and September 2021. 100 consecutive vaccinated patients (68 (68%) men, median age 64 [57-71]) were included. Immunosuppression was reported in 38 (38%) patients. Among available serologies at ICU admission, 64% exhibited an optimal antibody level. Median SOFA score at ICU admission was 4 [4-6.3] and median PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 84 [69-128] mmHg. A total of 79 (79%) and 18 (18%) patients received high flow nasal oxygen and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, respectively. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was initiated in 48 (48%) with a median duration of 11 [5-19] days. During a median ICU length-of-stay of 8 [4-20] days, 31 (31%) patients died. Age (OR per 5-years increment 1.38 CI95% [1.02-1.85], p = 0.035), and SOFA at ICU admission (OR 1.40 CI95% [1.14-1.72] per point, p = 0.002) were independently associated with mortality. When compared to a cohort of 1316 unvaccinated patients (72% men, median age 63 [53-71]), vaccinated patients exhibited less frequently diabetes (16 [16%] vs. 351 [27%], p = 0.029) but were more frequently immunosuppressed (38 [38%] vs. 109 (8.3%), p < 0.0001), had more frequently chronic kidney disease (24 [24%] vs. 89 (6.8%), p < 0.0001), chronic heart failure (16 [16%] vs. 58 [4.4%], p < 0.0001), and chronic liver disease (3 [3%] vs. 8 [0.6%], p = 0.037) compared to unvaccinated patients. Despite similar severity, vaccinated patients required less frequently IMV at ICU day 1 and during ICU stay (23 [23%] vs. 785 [59.7%], p < 0.0001, and 48 [48%] vs. 930 [70.7%], p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no difference concerning ICU mortality (31 [31%] vs. 379 [28.8%], p = 0.64). Severe SARS-Cov2 infection after vaccination occurs mainly in patients with immunosuppression, chronic kidney, heart or liver failure. Age and disease severity are independently associated with mortality.

Risk Factors of AKI in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Time-Dependent Competing Risk Analysis on Severe COVID-19 Patients.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequently observed in patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Observational studies suggest that cardiovascular comorbidities and mechanical ventilation (MV) are the most important risk factors for AKI. However, no studies have investigated the renal impact of longitudinal covariates such as drug treatments, biological variations, and/or MV parameters. Methods: We performed a monocentric, prospective, longitudinal analysis to identify the dynamic risk factors for AKI in ICU patients with severe COVID-19. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in our study (median age: 63 [interquartile range, IQR: 53-73] years; 58 (75%) men). Acute kidney injury was detected in 28 (36.3%) patients and occurred at a median time of 3 [IQR: 2-6] days after ICU admission. Multivariate Cox cause-specific time-dependent analysis identified a history of hypertension (cause-specific hazard (CSH) = 2.46 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.04-5.84]; P = .04), a high hemodynamic Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (CSH = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.23-2.16]; P < .001), and elevated Paco2 (CSH = 1.2 [95%CI: 1.04-1.39] per 5 mm Hg increase in Pco2; P = .02) as independent risk factors for AKI. Concerning the MV parameters, positive end-expiratory pressure (CSH = 1.11 [95% CI: 1.01-1.23] per 1 cm H2O increase; P = .04) and the use of neuromuscular blockade (CSH = 2.96 [95% CI: 1.22-7.18]; P = .02) were associated with renal outcome only in univariate analysis but not after adjustment. Conclusion: Acute kidney injury is frequent in patients with severe COVID-19 and is associated with a history of hypertension, the presence of hemodynamic failure, and increased Pco2. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of hypercapnia on increasing the effects of ischemia, particularly in the most at-risk vascular situations.

Introduction: L'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) est fréquemment observée chez les patients atteints de COVID-19 admis dans les unités de soins intensifs (USI). Des études observationnelles suggèrent que les comorbidités cardiovasculaires et la ventilation mécanique (VM) seraient les plus importants facteurs de risque de l'IRA. Aucune étude n'a cependant examiné l'impact sur la fonction rénale de covariables longitudinales telles que les traitements médicamenteux, les variations biologiques et/ou les paramètres de la VM. Méthodologie: Nous avons procédé à une analyse prospective et longitudinale dans un seul centre hospitalier afin d'identifier les facteurs de risque dynamiques de l'IRA chez les patients hospitalisés aux USI en raison d'une forme grave de la COVID-19. Résultats: Soixante-dix-sept patients ont été inclus dans notre étude (75 % d'hommes [n=58]; âge médian: 63 ans [ÉIQ: 53-73]). L'IRA a été détectée chez 28 patients (36,3 %) et est survenue dans un délai médian de 3 jours (ÉIQ: 2-6 jours) après l'admission à l'USI. Une analyse de Cox multivariée, spécifique à la cause et tenant compte du temps, a permis de dégager les éléments suivants comme étant des facteurs de risque indépendants pour l'IRA: des antécédents d'hypertension (probabilité par cause [PPC]=2,46 [IC 95 %: 1,04-5,84]; p=0,04), un score SOFA hémodynamique élevé (PPC=1,63 [IC 95 %: 1,23-2,16]; p<0,001) et une concentration élevée de PaCO2 (PPC=1,2 [IC 95 %: 1,04-1,39] pour chaque augmentation de 5 mmHg de pCO2; p = 0,02). En ce qui concerne les paramètres de la VM, une pression expiratoire positive (PPC=1,11 [IC 95 %: 1,01-1,23] pour chaque augmentation de 1 cm H2O; p = 0,04) et l'utilisation d'un bloc neuromusculaire (PPC=2,96 [IC 95 %: 1,22-7,18]; p=0,02) ont été associés à l'IRA dans l'analyse univariée seulement, et non après ajustement. Conclusion: L'IRA est fréquente chez les patients atteints d'une forme grave de COVID-19 et elle est associé à des antécédents d'hypertension, à la présence d'une instabilité hémodynamique et à une augmentation de la pCO2. D'autres études sont nécessaires pour évaluer l'impact de l'hypercapnie sur l'augmentation des effets de l'ischémie, en particulier dans les situations vasculaires les plus à risque.

A multi-intervention protocol to improve sleep quality in a coronary care unit.

AIMS: Poor sleep is a frequent occurrence in the critical illness. Evaluate sleep quality and test the effect of a multi-intervention sleep care protocol in improving sleep quality in a coronary care unit (CCU). METHODS AND RESULTS: Quasi-experimental study, carried out in two phases. During the first phase, the control group (n = 58 patients) received usual care. Baseline sleep data were collected through the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) and the Sleep in the Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire (SICUQ). During the second phase (n = 55 patients), a sleep care protocol was implemented. Interventions included actions to promote analgesia, reduce noise, brightness, and other general measures. Sleep data were collected again to assess the impact of these interventions. The intervention group had better scores in overall sleep depth [median (interquartile range)] [81 (65-96.7) vs. 69.7 (50-90); P = 0.046]; sleep fragmentation [90 (65-100) vs. 69 (42.2-92.7); P = 0.011]; return to sleep [90 (69.7-100) vs. 71.2 (40.7-96.5); P = 0.007]; sleep quality [85 (65-100) vs. 71.1 (49-98.1); P = 0.026]; and mean RCSQ score [83 (66-94) vs. 66.5 (45.7-87.2); P = 0.002] than the baseline group. The main barriers to sleep were pain [1 (1.0-5.5)], light [1 (1.0-5.0)], and noise [1 (1.0-5.0)]. The most rated sources of sleep-disturbing noise were heart monitor alarm [3 (1.0-5.25)], intravenous pump alarm [1.5 (1.0-5.00)]. and mechanical ventilator alarm [1 (1.0-5.0)]. All were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the baseline group. CONCLUSION: A multi-intervention protocol was feasible and effective in improving different sleep quality parameters and reducing some barriers to sleep in CCU patients.

Acute cholangitis in intensive care units: clinical, biological, microbiological spectrum and risk factors for mortality: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known on the outcome and risk factors for mortality of patients admitted in Intensive Care units (ICUs) for Acute cholangitis (AC). METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study included adults admitted in eleven intensive care units for a proven AC from 2005 to 2018. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 382 patients were included, in-hospital mortality was 29%. SOFA score at admission was 8 [5-11]. Biliary obstruction was mainly related to gallstone (53%) and cancer (22%). Median total bilirubin and PCT were respectively 83 µmol/L [50-147] and 19.1 µg/L [5.3-54.8]. Sixty-three percent of patients (n = 252) had positive blood culture, mainly Gram-negative bacilli (86%) and 14% produced extended spectrum beta lactamase bacteria. At ICU admission, persisting obstruction was frequent (79%) and biliary decompression was performed using therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (76%) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (21%). Adjusted mortality significantly decreased overtime, adjusted OR for mortality per year was 0.72 [0.54-0.96] (p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, factors at admission associated with in-hospital mortality were: SOFA score (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.05-1.24] by point, p = 0.001), lactate (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.36], by 1 mmol/L, p < 0.001), total serum bilirubin (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.12-1.41], by 50 µmol/L, p < 0.001), obstruction non-related to gallstones (p < 0.05) and AC complications (OR 2.74 [95% CI 1.45-5.17], p = 0.002). Time between ICU admission and biliary decompression > 48 h was associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 2.73 [95% CI 1.30-6.22], p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective multicenter study, we found that AC-associated mortality significantly decreased overtime. Severity of organ failure, cause of obstruction and local complications of AC are risk factors for mortality, as well as delayed biliary drainage > 48 h.

Immune thrombocytopenia in a patient with COVID-19.

This case report describes immune thrombocytopenic purpura in a 41-year-old man hospitalized in the intensive-care unit for COVID-19, 13 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms with respiratory failure at admission. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was treated with, among other drugs, low-molecular-weight heparin. On day 8, his platelet count began descending rapidly. On day 10, heparin treatment was replaced by danaparoid sodium, but by day 13, the continued low platelet count made a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia unlikely. Normocytic nonregenerative anemia gradually developed. On day 13, a bone marrow aspiration showed numerous megakaryocytes and a few signs of hemophagocytosis. Corticosteroids were introduced on day 14, and platelets began rising after 3 days and then fell again on day 19. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IV Ig) was then administered. Two days later, the platelet count returned to normal. The immune cause was confirmed by ruling out the differential diagnoses and the excellent and rapid response to intravenous immunoglobulins. Finally, the patient's respiratory state improved. He was discharged to a respiratory rehabilitation unit on day 38. Our case suggests that an immunological cause should be considered in patients with thrombocytopenia during COVID-19.

Bedside prediction of intradialytic hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients: the SOCRATE study.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in intermittent hemodialysis management, intradialytic hemodynamic instability (IHI) remains a common issue that could account for increased mortality and delayed renal recovery. However, predictive factors of IHI remain poorly explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline macrohemodynamic, tissue hypoperfusion parameters and IHI occurrence. METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted in a 18-bed medical ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital. Cardiovascular SOFA score, index capillary refill time (CRT) and lactate level were measured just before (T0) consecutive intermittent hemodialysis sessions performed for AKI. The occurrence of IHI requiring a therapeutic intervention was recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred eleven sessions, corresponding to 72 (34%) first sessions and 139 (66%) later sessions, were included. As IHI mostly occurred during first sessions (43% vs 12%, P < 0.0001), following analyses were performed on the 72 first sessions. At T0, cardiovascular SOFA score ≥1 (87% vs 51%, P = 0.0021) was more frequent before IHI sessions, as well as index CRT ≥ 3 s (55% vs 15%, P = 0.0004), and hyperlactatemia > 2 mmol/L (68% vs 29%, P = 0.0018). Moreover, the occurrence of IHI increased with the number of macrohemodynamic and tissue perfusion impaired parameters, named SOCRATE score (cardiovascular SOFA, index CRT and lactATE): 10% (95% CI [3%, 30%]), 33% (95% CI [15%, 58%]), 55% (95% CI [35%, 73%]) and 80% (95% CI [55%, 93%]) for 0, 1, 2 and 3 parameters, respectively (AUC = 0.79 [0.69-0.89], P < 0.0001). These results were confirmed by analyzing the 139 later sessions included in the study. CONCLUSIONS: The SOCRATE score based on 3 easy-to-use bedside parameters correlates with the risk of IHI. By improving risk stratification of IHI, this score could help clinicians to manage intermittent hemodialysis initiation in critically ill AKI patients.

Trajectories of acute graft-versus-host disease and mortality in critically ill allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell recipients: the Allo-GRRR-OH score.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity mortality in critically ill hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. We assessed aGVHD trajectories in 191 allogeneic-HSCT recipients (age 42 (27-46)) admitted to our ICU between 2005 and 2015. aGVHD affected 130 (68%) patients (including 90% who underwent steroid therapy at a dose of 2 (2-2) mg/kg) and was graded 3 or 4 in 31% of the patients. Trajectories of aGVHD were clustered in four groups: (1) no aGVHD, (2) controlled aGVHD, (3) uncontrolled aGVHD (active, stable, or worsening), and (4) newly diagnosed and untreated aGVHD. Patients with controlled aGVHD and those admitted at the onset of aGVHD had similar survival than patients who never experienced aGVHD. By multivariable analysis, the dynamic assessment of aGVHD was independently associated with 90-day mortality, in addition to the admission to the ICU for acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury or acute liver failure, and sepsis-related organ failure assessment score at admission. In conclusion, these findings suggest that GVHD cannot be assessed as a binary variable and at a single time point. Patients in whom GVHD is not uncontrolled with corticosteroids should have the same goals of ICU care than patients without GVHD.

Thyroid Storm in the ICU: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid storm represents a rare but life-threatening endocrine emergency. Only rare data are available on its management and the outcome of the most severe forms requiring ICU admission. We aimed to describe the clinical manifestations, management and in-ICU and 6-month survival rates of patients with those most severe thyroid storm forms requiring ICU admission. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicenter, national study over an 18-year period (2000-2017). SETTING: Thirty-one French ICUs. PATIENTS: The local medical records of patients from each participating ICU were screened using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Inclusion criteria were "definite thyroid storm," as defined by the Japanese Thyroid Association criteria, and at least one thyroid storm-related organ failure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were included in the study. Amiodarone-associated thyrotoxicosis and Graves' disease represented the main thyroid storm etiologies (30 [33%] and 24 [26%] patients, respectively), while hyperthyroidism was unknown in 29 patients (32%) before ICU admission. Amiodarone use (24 patients [26%]) and antithyroid-drug discontinuation (13 patients [14%]) were the main thyroid storm-triggering factors. No triggering factor was identified for 30 patients (33%). Thirty-five patients (38%) developed cardiogenic shock within the first 48 hours after ICU admission. In-ICU and 6-month postadmission mortality rates were 17% and 22%, respectively. ICU nonsurvivors more frequently required vasopressors, extracorporeal membrane of oxygenation, renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, and/or therapeutic plasmapheresis. Multivariable analyses retained Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score without cardiovascular component (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.46; p = 0.025) and cardiogenic shock within 48 hours post-ICU admission (odds ratio, 9.43; 1.77-50.12; p = 0.008) as being independently associated with in-ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid storm requiring ICU admission causes high in-ICU mortality. Multiple organ failure and early cardiogenic shock seem to markedly impact the prognosis, suggesting a prompt identification and an aggressive management.

Clinical spectrum and short-term outcome of adult patients with purpura fulminans: a French multicenter retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Data on purpura fulminans (PF) in adult patients are scarce and mainly limited to meningococcal infections. Our aim has been to report the clinical features and outcomes of adult patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) for an infectious PF, as well as the predictive factors for limb amputation and mortality. METHODS: A 17-year national multicenter retrospective cohort study in 55 ICUs in France from 2000 to 2016, including adult patients admitted for an infectious PF defined by a sudden and extensive purpura, together with the need for vasopressor support. Primary outcome variables included hospital mortality and amputation during the follow-up period (time between ICU admission and amputation, death or end of follow-up). RESULTS: Among the 306 included patients, 126 (41.2%; 95% CI 35.6-46.9) died and 180 (58.8%; 95% CI 53.3-64.3) survived during the follow-up period [13 (3-24) days], including 51/180 patients (28.3%, 95% CI 21.9-35.5) who eventually required limb amputations, with a median number of 3 (1-4) limbs amputated. The two predominantly identified microorganisms were Neisseria meningitidis (63.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.9%). By multivariable Cox model, SAPS II [hazard-ratio (HR) = 1.03 (1.02-1.04); p < 0.001], lower leucocytes [HR 0.83 (0.69-0.99); p = 0.034] and platelet counts [HR 0.77 (0.60-0.91); p = 0.007], and arterial blood lactate levels [HR 2.71 (1.68-4.38); p < 0.001] were independently associated with hospital death, while a neck stiffness [HR 0.51 (0.28-0.92); p = 0.026] was a protective factor. Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae [sub-hazard ratio 1.89 (1.06-3.38); p = 0.032], together with arterial lactate levels and ICU admission temperature, was independently associated with amputation by a competing risks analysis. CONCLUSION: Purpura fulminans carries a high mortality and morbidity. Pneumococcal PF leads to a higher risk of amputation. TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03216577.

Renal recovery after severe acute kidney injury in critically ill myeloma patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial improvements in the management of multiple myeloma, renal failure remains an important burden that tremendously impairs prognosis. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and to establish prognostic factors of renal recovery in myeloma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for acute kidney injury (AKI) Stage 3 treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: A retrospective single-centre cohort study was performed, including consecutive myeloma patients admitted to one medical ICU between 1 January 2007 and 1 September 2015 and treated with RRT. Patients were evaluated 60 days after initiation of RRT and divided into three groups: alive without dialysis, alive and dialysis-dependent or deceased. A univariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with renal recovery (alive without dialysis 60 days after initiation of RRT). RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study. Mean age was 63 (interquartile range: 58-70) years and 32 (64%) were male. Patients were admitted to the ICU 4 (1-7) years after the diagnosis of myeloma. Twenty-one (42%) had already been treated with high-dose therapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation. Baseline renal function evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) before ICU admission was 63 (44-90) mL/min/1.73 m2. The mean SOFA score at Day 1 was 7 (4-8). The three main reasons for ICU admission were AKI (n = 31, 62%), acute pulmonary oedema (n = 17, 32%) and sepsis (n = 10, 20%). During ICU stay, RRT was implemented in all patients, 16 (32%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation and 12 (24%) received vasopressors. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay were 6 (1-7) and 28 (13-34) days, respectively. At Day 60, 23 (46%) patients were alive without dialysis, 17 (32%) had died and 10 (20%) were still undergoing dialysis. Among the 23 patients who recovered, the mean duration of dialysis was 6 (2-18) days and renal function was not significantly different from baseline [estimated GFR at baseline = 65 (25-74) mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 63 (56-70) mL/min/1.73 m2 at Day 60, P = 0.70]. By univariate analysis, two factors were associated with nonrecovery of renal function at Day 60: a history of high-dose therapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation [odds ratio (OR) = 6.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-21.6; P = 0.008] and a proteinuria at ICU admission >370 mg/mmol creatinine (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-17; P = 0.02). None of the other variables related to the haematological malignancy or to the ICU stay was associated with renal recovery at Day 60. CONCLUSIONS: AKI Stage 3 in critically ill myeloma patients was associated with a lower than expected hospital mortality. Patients with a high level of proteinuria and a history of high-dose therapy combined with autologous stem cell transplantation were less likely to recover their renal function at Day 60. KEY WORDS: dialysis, intensive care, multiple myeloma, prognosis, proteinuria.

Are third-generation cephalosporins unavoidable for empirical therapy of community-acquired pneumonia in adult patients who require ICU admission? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) are recommended for empirical antibiotic therapy of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients requiring ICU admission. However, their extensive use could promote the emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Our aim was to assess whether the use of 3GCs in patients with CAP requiring ICU admission was justified. METHODS: We assessed all patients with CAP who required ICU admission during a 7-year period. We recorded empirical and definitive antibiotic therapies and susceptibility of causative pathogens. Amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C) susceptibilities as well as amikacin susceptibility of A/C-resistant strains were recorded. RESULTS: From January 2007 to March 2014, 391 patients were included in the study. Empirical 3GCs were used in 215 patients (55%). Among 267 patients with microbiologically documented CAP (68%), 241 received a beta-lactam as definitive therapy, and of those, 3CGs were chosen for 43 patients (18%). Amoxicillin or A/C was active against isolated pathogens in 159 patients (66%), while 39 patients (16%) required a beta-lactam with a broader spectrum than 3GCs. Ninety-four per cent of A/C-resistant strains were amikacin susceptible. CONCLUSIONS: In ICU patients with CAP, 3GCs given on an empirical basis are changed, according to microbiological documentation, for another beta-lactam in 82% of cases especially to A/C in the absence of resistance risk factor. In patients evidencing risk factors for A/C-resistant strains infection, 3GCs or antipseudomonal beta-lactams including carbapenem associated with amikacin in the most severe patients seem a relevant empirical antibiotic therapy. This strategy could decrease 3GCs' use.