C-reactive protein at ICU admission as a marker of early graft dysfunction after liver transplant. A prospective, single-center cohort study / Proteína C reactiva al ingreso en UCI como marcador de disfunción temprana del injerto tras trasplante hepático. Estudio unicéntrico, prospectivo y de cohortes

OBJECTIVE: To explore the behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) during the first postoperative days, and its usefulness as a marker of severe early allograft dysfunction (EAD). DESIGN: A prospective, single-center cohort study was carried out. SETTING: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a regional hospital with a liver transplant program since 1997. PATIENTS: The study comprised a total of 183 patients admitted to our ICU immediately after liver transplantation between 2009 and 2015. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: C-reactive protein levels upon ICU admission and after 24 and 48h, severe EAD and hospital mortality. RESULTS: The CRP levels after OLT were: upon ICU admission 57.5 (51.6-63.3) mg/L, after 24h 80.1 (72.9-87.3)mg/L and after 48h 69.9 (62.5-77.4) mg/L. Severe EAD patients (14.2%) had higher mortality (23.1 vs 2.5; OR 11.48: 2.98-44.19) and lower CRP upon ICU admission (39.3 [29.8-48.7] mg/L) than the patients without EAD (0.5 [53.9-67.0]; p < 0.05] - the best cut-off point being 68mg/L (sensitivity 92.3%; specificity 40.1%; Youden index 0.33). Lower CRP upon ICU admission was correlated to higher mortality (24.5 [9.2-39.7] vs 59.4 [53.4-65.4]; p < 0.01, AUC 0.79 [0.65-0.92]). CONCLUSIÓN: Liver transplant is a strong inflammatory stimulus accompanied by high levels of C-reactive protein. A blunted rise in CRP on the first postoperative day after OLT may be a marker of poor allograft function and is related to hospital mortality

OBJETIVO: Explorar el comportamiento de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en el postoperatorio inmediato de trasplante hepático y su utilidad como marcador de disfunción grave del injerto hepático. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo, unicéntrico. ÁMBITO: Unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital regional. PACIENTES: Ciento ochenta y tres pacientes ingresados en nuestra UCI inmediatamente después del trasplante hepático entre 2009-2015. VARIABLES DE INTERÉS: Niveles de PCR al ingreso en UCI, 24 y 48h, disfunción grave del injerto hepático, mortalidad intrahospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Los niveles de PCR en el postoperatorio inmediato de trasplante fueron: al ingreso en UCI 57,5 (51,6-63,3) mg/L, a las 24h 80,1 (72,9-87,3) mg/L y a las 48h 69,9 (62,5-77,4) mg/L. Los pacientes con disfunción grave del injerto (14,2%) tuvieron una mayor mortalidad (23,1 vs. 2,5; OR 11,48: 2,98-44,19) y PCR más baja al ingreso en UCI (39,3 [29,8-48,7]mg/L) que los pacientes sin disfunción grave (0,5 [53,9-67]; p < 0,05), siendo el mejor punto de corte para la PCR de 68mg/L (sensibilidad 92,3%; especificidad 40,1%; índice de Youden 0,33). La PCR baja al ingreso tuvo correlación directa con la mortalidad (24,5 [9,2-39,7] vs. 59,4 [53,4-65,4]; p < 0,01, AUC 0,79 [0,65-0,92]). CONCLUSIÓN: El trasplante hepático es un estímulo inflamatorio intenso que se acompaña de niveles elevados de PCR. Un ascenso truncado de la PCR, en el primer día del postoperatorio de trasplante hepático, puede ser un marcador de funcionamiento inadecuado del injerto hepático y está relacionado con la mortalidad intrahospitalaria

Early graft dysfunction after liver transplant: Comparison of different diagnostic criteria in a single-center prospective cohort / Disfunción temprana del injerto tras trasplante hepático: Comparación de varios criterios diagnósticos en un estudio unicéntrico, prospectivo y de cohorte

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of different diagnostic criteria for early liver allograft dysfunction (EAD) and their capability to predict mortality. DESIGN: Single-center, prospective, cohort study. SETTINGS: ICU in a Regional Hospital with a liver transplant program since 1997. PATIENTS: 253 consecutive patients admitted to our ICU immediately after liver transplantation between 2009 and 2015. Variables of interest: Differences in the incidence of EAD and its relation with ICU, Hospital and 2-year mortality depending on the definition applied using as comparator the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) primary non-function criterion. RESULTS: The incidence of early liver allograft dysfunction according to UNOS was 13.8%, to Makowka 6.3%, to Ardite 10.7%, to Nanashima 20.6%, to Dhillon 30.8% and to MEAF 13.4%. Kappa test did not show a good correlation among these criteria. EAD was related with ICU mortality for all diagnostic criteria except Dhillon but only UNOS, Makowka and MEAF were associated with 2-year mortality. Hospital mortality was poorly predicted by all criteria except for the MEAF score. CONCLUSIÓN: We found a poor agreement between different criteria analyzed for the diagnosis of EAD. In our population, the MEAF score showed the best relationship with short- and long-term mortality

OBJETIVO: Comparar diferentes criterios diagnósticos de disfunción temprana del aloinjerto hepático y su capacidad para predecir mortalidad. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo, unicéntrico. Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un Hospital Regional con programa de trasplante hepático desde 1997. PACIENTES: 253 pacientes consecutivos ingresados en nuestra UCI inmediatamente después del trasplante entre 2009-2015. Variables de interés: Incidencia de disfunción temprana del aloinjerto hepático según cada criterio diagnóstico, relación entre disfunción grave acorde a cada criterio y mortalidad en UCI, mortalidad hospitalaria y a los 2 años utilizando como comparador el criterio para fallo primario de la UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing). RESULTADOS: La incidencia de disfunción temprana según UNOS fue 13.8%, Makowka 6.3%, Ardite 10.7%, Nanashima 20.6%, Dhillon 30.8% y MEAF 13.4%. El coeficiente kappa mostró una pobre correlación entre ellos. Todos los criterios, excepto el de Dhillon, mostraron relación con la mortalidad en la UCI, pero solo los criterios de UNOS, Makowka y MEAF se asociaron con la mortalidad a 2 años. Finalmente, la capacidad predictiva de la mortalidad hospitalaria fue baja para todos, excepto para MEAF. CONCLUSIÓN: Existe una pobre correlación entre diferentes criterios diagnósticos de disfunción temprana del injerto hepático. El MEAF muestra la mejor relación con el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo en nuestra población

C-reactive protein at ICU admission as a marker of early graft dysfunction after liver transplant. A prospective, single-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the behavior of C-reactive protein (CRP) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) during the first postoperative days, and its usefulness as a marker of severe early allograft dysfunction (EAD). DESIGN: A prospective, single-center cohort study was carried out. SETTING: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a regional hospital with a liver transplant program since 1997. PATIENTS: The study comprised a total of 183 patients admitted to our ICU immediately after liver transplantation between 2009 and 2015. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: C-reactive protein levels upon ICU admission and after 24 and 48h, severe EAD and hospital mortality. RESULTS: The CRP levels after OLT were: upon ICU admission 57.5 (51.6-63.3)mg/L, after 24h 80.1 (72.9-87.3)mg/L and after 48h 69.9 (62.5-77.4)mg/L. Severe EAD patients (14.2%) had higher mortality (23.1 vs 2.5; OR 11.48: 2.98-44.19) and lower CRP upon ICU admission (39.3 [29.8-48.7]mg/L) than the patients without EAD (0.5 [53.9-67.0]; p<0.05] - the best cut-off point being 68mg/L (sensitivity 92.3%; specificity 40.1%; Youden index 0.33). Lower CRP upon ICU admission was correlated to higher mortality (24.5 [9.2-39.7] vs 59.4 [53.4-65.4]; p<0.01, AUC 0.79 [0.65-0.92]). CONCLUSION: Liver transplant is a strong inflammatory stimulus accompanied by high levels of C-reactive protein. A blunted rise in CRP on the first postoperative day after OLT may be a marker of poor allograft function and is related to hospital mortality.

Early graft dysfunction after liver transplant: Comparison of different diagnostic criteria in a single-center prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of different diagnostic criteria for early liver allograft dysfunction (EAD) and their capability to predict mortality. DESIGN: Single-center, prospective, cohort study. SETTINGS: ICU in a Regional Hospital with a liver transplant program since 1997. PATIENTS: 253 consecutive patients admitted to our ICU immediately after liver transplantation between 2009 and 2015. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Differences in the incidence of EAD and its relation with ICU, Hospital and 2-year mortality depending on the definition applied using as comparator the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) primary non-function criterion. RESULTS: The incidence of early liver allograft dysfunction according to UNOS was 13.8%, to Makowka 6.3%, to Ardite 10.7%, to Nanashima 20.6%, to Dhillon 30.8% and to MEAF 13.4%. Kappa test did not show a good correlation among these criteria. EAD was related with ICU mortality for all diagnostic criteria except Dhillon but only UNOS, Makowka and MEAF were associated with 2-year mortality. Hospital mortality was poorly predicted by all criteria except for the MEAF score. CONCLUSION: We found a poor agreement between different criteria analyzed for the diagnosis of EAD. In our population, the MEAF score showed the best relationship with short- and long-term mortality.

Relationship between functional status prior to onset of critical illness and mortality: a prospective multicentre cohort study.

This prospective study aimed to assess the association between prior functional status and hospital mortality for patients admitted to four intensive care units in Spain between 2006 and 2012. Prior functional status was classified into three groups, using a modification of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), including group 1 with no limitations on activities of daily living; group 2 with some limitations but self-sufficient; and group 3 who were dependent on others for their activities of daily living. Of the 1,757 patients considered (mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score [SAPS] predicted mortality 14.8% and hospital mortality 13.7%), group 1 had the lowest observed hospital mortality (8.3%) compared to the SAPS 3 predicted mortality (11.6%). The observed mortality for group 2 (20.6%) and group 3 (27.4%) were both higher than predicted (19.2% and 21.2% respectively; odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-2.82 for group 2 and OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.78-4.72 for group 3 compared to group 1). Combining prior functional status and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score with SAPS 3 further improved the ability of the SAPS 3 scores in predicting hospital mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.85 [95% CI 0.82-0.88] versus 0.84 [95% CI 0.81-0.87] respectively). In summary, patients with limited functional status prior to ICU admission had a higher risk of observed hospital mortality than predicted. Assessing prior functional status using a relatively simple questionnaire, such as a modified GOS, has the potential to improve the accuracy of existing prognostic models.

Dialysis Efficiency of AN69, a Semisynthetic Membrane Not Well Suited for Diffusion.

AN69 membrane is not suited for diffusion, with an suggested limit at 25 mL/min dialysate flow rate. When prescribing continuous hemodialysis this threshold must be surpassed to achieve. We designed a study aimed to check if a higher dose of dialysis could be delivered efficiently with this membrane. Ten ICU patients under continuous hemodiafiltration with 1.4 m(2) AN69 membrane were included and once a day we set the monitor to exclusively 50 mL/min dialysate flow rate and 250 mL/min blood flow rate and after 15 minutes measured dialysate saturation for urea, creatinine, and ß 2-microglobulin. We detected that urea saturation of dialysate was nearly complete (1.1 ± 0.09) for at least 40 hours, while creatinine saturation showed a large dispersion (0.86 ± 0.22) and did not detect any relation for these variables with time, blood flow, or anticoagulation regime. Saturation of ß 2-microglobulin was low (0.34 ± 0.1) and decreased discretely with time (r (2) = 0.15, P < 0.05) and significantly with TMP increases (r (2) = 0.31, P < 0.01). In our experience AN69 membrane shows a better diffusive capability than previously acknowledged, covering efficiently the range of standard dosage for continuous therapies. Creatinine is not a good marker of the membrane diffusive capability.

Análisis de la morbimortalidad materna de las pacientes con preeclampsia grave, eclampsia y síndrome HELLP que ingresan en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos gineco-obstétrica / Analysis of maternal morbidity and mortality among patients admitted to Obstetric Intensive Care with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome

Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de las pacientes con preeclampsia grave que requieren ingreso en Cuidados Intensivos. Diseño: Estudio observacional prospectivo de una serie de casos. Ámbito: UCI específica de enfermedad gineco-obstétrica de 8 camas, perteneciente a un hospital universitario de nivel 3, con una dotación de 55 camas de UCI en total. Pacientes: Un total de 262 pacientes ingresadas por preeclampsia grave, eclampsia o síndrome HELLP Intervención: Análisis descriptivo de la población y de las complicaciones en UCI así como de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados: La edad media fue de 30,47±5,7 años, con una distribución diagnóstica al ingreso de 78% de pacientes con preeclampsia grave, 16% por síndrome HELLP y 6% por eclampsia, que sucedió en la semana gestacional 31,85±4,45. El 63% de las pacientes fueron primigestas y presentaron escasa prevalencia de enfermedades previas. La tasa de complicaciones fue del14% (fracaso cardiaco en 9%, insuficiencia renal aguda en 5% y coagulopatía en 2%).La mortalidad materna fue 1,5% (4 pacientes) y se relacionó con la no-primigestación, la presencia de complicaciones y un nivel superior de la transaminasa GOT a 71 mg/dl. Conclusiones: La preeclampsia grave tiene una baja tasa de mortalidad (1,5%), no así de complicaciones(14%) y se presenta con mayor frecuencia en nulíparas durante el tercer trimestre de gestación (AU)

Objective: To describe the incidence and clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with severe preeclampsia admitted to Intensive Care. Design: A prospective, observational case series. Setting: A specific obstetric 8-bed ICU belonging to a university hospital with a total of 55 ICU beds. Patients: A total of 262 patients admitted due to severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Intervention: Descriptive analysis of the population and complications in the ICU and hospital mortality. Results: The mean patient age was 30.47±5.7 years, with the following diagnóstico at admission: A total of 78% of the patients with severe preeclampsia, 16% with HELLP syndrome, and 6%with eclampsia, occurring in gestational week 31.85±4.45. In turn, 63% of the patients were nulliparous and had a low prevalence of previous diseases. The global complications rate was14% (9% heart failure, 5% acute renal failure and 2% coagulopathy).Maternal mortality was 1.5% (4 patients), and was associated with non-nulliparous status, the presence of complications, and toast > 71 mg/dl. Conclusions: Severe preeclampsia has a low mortality rate (1.5%), though the complications rate is considerable (14%). The condition develops more often in nulliparous women during the third trimester of pregnancy (AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de la implantación de marcapasos transvenosos transitorios en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Efficacy and safety of non-permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation in an intensive care unit

Objetivo: Analizar las características clínicas, indicaciones y morbimortalidad asociada a la implantación de marcapasos transvenosos transitorios. Diseño: Estudio observacional y prospectivo. Ámbito: Unidad de cuidados intensivos cardiológicos. Pacientes: Se implantó marcapasos transvenoso transitorio a 182 pacientes, en un periodo de 4 años. Variables recogidas: Se registraron variables demográficas, clínicas, indicaciones, vía de acceso, días de estancia en la unidad y complicaciones. Resultados: El 63% eran hombres, con una media de edad de 78±9,5 años con bloqueo auriculoventricular sintomático en un 76,9% de los casos. La vía venosa de abordaje habitual fue la femoral (92,3%). El 40,11% sufrió complicaciones, siendo la más frecuente el hematoma enla zona de punción (13,19%). No hubo diferencias entre el profesional que implantó el marcapasos y la aparición de complicaciones. La agitación psicomotriz se asoció a la existencia de hematoma en la zona de punción (p = 0,07) y a la necesidad de movilización del catéter (p = 0,059). Se identificó la vía de inserción no femoral (p = 0,012, OR = 0,16; IC del 95%, 0,04-0,66), la agitación (p = 0,006; OR = 3,2; IC del 95%, 1,4-7,3) y la presencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular (p = 0,042; OR = 5; IC del 95%, 1,06-14,2) como predictores de complicaciones. La realización del procedimiento por parte del personal especializado (p = 0,0001) y la presencia de complicaciones (p = 0,05) incrementaron la estancia en la unidad.Conclusiones: La presencia de agitación, los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y la inserción a través de la vena subclavia o yugular fueron predictores de complicaciones. Estas no se relacionaron con el tipo de profesional implicado en la implantación, pero incrementaron la estancia en la unidad (A)

Objective: To analyze the clinical indications for use, morbidity and mortality associated witha non-permanent transvenous pacemaker.Design: Prospective and observational study.Setting: Cardiac intensive care unit.Method: One hundred and eighty-two patients with non-permanent pacemakers implanted consecutively over a period of four years.Data collected: Main variables of interest were demographic data, clinical indications, accessroute, length of stay and complications.Results: A total of 63% were men, with a median age of 78±9.5 years and with symptomatic third-degree atrioventricular block in 76.9% of the cases. Femoral vein access was preferred in 92.3% of the cases. Complications appeared in 40.11% of the patients, the most frequent being hematoma at the site of vascular access (13.19%). Restlessness was associated to the need for repositioning the pacemaker due to a shift in the electrode (p = 0.059) and to hematoma(p = 0.07). Subclavian or jugular vein lead insertion (p = 0.012; OR = 0.16; 95%CI, 0.04-0.66),restlessness during admission to ICU (p = 0.006; OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.4-7.3), and the presence ofcardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.042; OR = 5; 95%CI, 1.06-14.2) were identified by multivariate analysis as being predictors of complications. Length of stay in ICU was significantly longer when lead insertion was carried out by specialized staff (p = 0.0001), and in the presence of complications (p = 0.05).Conclusions: Predictfurors of complications were restlessness, cardiovascular risk factors, and insertion through the jugular or subclavian vein. Complications prolonged ICU stay and were not related to the professionals involved (AU)

[Analysis of maternal morbidity and mortality among patients admitted to Obstetric Intensive Care with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome]. / Análisis de la morbimortalidad materna de las pacientes con preeclampsia grave, eclampsia y síndrome HELLP que ingresan en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos gineco-obstétrica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with severe preeclampsia admitted to Intensive Care. DESIGN: A prospective, observational case series. SETTING: A specific obstetric 8-bed ICU belonging to a university hospital with a total of 55 ICU beds. PATIENTS: A total of 262 patients admitted due to severe preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome. INTERVENTION: Descriptive analysis of the population and complications in the ICU and hospital mortality. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 30.47±5.7 years, with the following diagnóstico at admission: A total of 78% of the patients with severe preeclampsia, 16% with HELLP syndrome, and 6% with eclampsia, occurring in gestational week 31.85±4.45. In turn, 63% of the patients were nulliparous and had a low prevalence of previous diseases. The global complications rate was 14% (9% heart failure, 5% acute renal failure and 2% coagulopathy). Maternal mortality was 1.5% (4 patients), and was associated with non-nulliparous status, the presence of complications, and toast > 71mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Severe preeclampsia has a low mortality rate (1.5%), though the complications rate is considerable (14%). The condition develops more often in nulliparous women during the third trimester of pregnancy.

[Efficacy and safety of non-permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation in an intensive care unit]. / Eficacia y seguridad de la implantación de marcapasos transvenosos transitorios en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical indications for use, morbidity and mortality associated with a non-permanent transvenous pacemaker. DESIGN: Prospective and observational study. SETTING: Cardiac intensive care unit. METHOD: One hundred and eighty-two patients with non-permanent pacemakers implanted consecutively over a period of four years. DATA COLLECTED: Main variables of interest were demographic data, clinical indications, access route, length of stay and complications. RESULTS: A total of 63% were men, with a median age of 78 ± 9.5 years and with symptomatic third-degree atrioventricular block in 76.9% of the cases. Femoral vein access was preferred in 92.3% of the cases. Complications appeared in 40.11% of the patients, the most frequent being hematoma at the site of vascular access (13.19%). Restlessness was associated to the need for repositioning the pacemaker due to a shift in the electrode (p=0.059) and to hematoma (p=0.07). Subclavian or jugular vein lead insertion (p=0.012; OR=0.16; 95%CI, 0.04-0.66), restlessness during admission to ICU (p=0.006; OR=3.2; 95%CI, 1.4-7.3), and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (p=0.042; OR=5; 95%CI, 1.06-14.2) were identified by multivariate analysis as being predictors of complications. Length of stay in ICU was significantly longer when lead insertion was carried out by specialized staff (p=0.0001), and in the presence of complications (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Predictfurors of complications were restlessness, cardiovascular risk factors, and insertion through the jugular or subclavian vein. Complications prolonged ICU stay and were not related to the professionals involved.

[Development of a septic shock experimental model oriented at training. Application in the training of depuration techniques in the management of severe sepsis]. / Desarrollo de un modelo experimental de shock séptico orientado a la formación. Aplicación en el entrenamiento de técnicas de depuración en el manejo de la sepsis grave.

OBJECTIVE: To define a septic shock experimental model that can be used in for training in the early management of septic shock, specifically by extracorporeal depuration (ECD). DESIGN: A case-control experimental study. SETTING: Veterinary university hospital. SUBJECTS: Ten Beagle dogs (weight 12-15kg). INTERVENTIONS: Shock was induced using 1mg/kg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) diluted in 20 mL saline infused in 10 minutes, with a subsequent follow-up at 6 hours. There was no intervention in 5 animals in order to define the natural course of the shock and 5 underwent high volume hemofiltration (HVHF, 100mL/kg/h) to define delay in response to treatment. VARIABLES: Pressures (arterial and pulmonary), hemodynamic parameters, gastric tonometry and respiratory function were recorded. RESULTS: The LPS effect was evidenced at 2 minutes of the infusion and the 10 animals showed severe shock at the end of the infusion. At 2-hours, changes between treated and non-treated animals were seen in cardiac output, systolic volume variability and mucous CO(2). Mean arterial pressure was significantly different at four hours. All non-treated subjects died during the 6-hour follow-up and all the treated animals survived for this period. Based on these results, we developed a workshop that has been used in five courses (www.ccmijesususon.com - www.crrtcordoba.com.es/), obtaining the previous results. CONCLUSIONS: Our shock model shows a predictable behavior, very short latency and a sufficiently rapid improvement in the treated animals for it to be applied in training workshops. It is useful for training in the high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) and can be used for training in the early management of septic shock.

Concordancia en pacientes críticos entre las ecuaciones diseñadas para la estimación del filtrado glomerular y el aclaramiento de creatinina en orina de 24h / Concordance in critical patients between the equations designed for the calculation of glomerular filtration rate and 24-hour creatinine clearance

Objetivo: Estudiar el comportamiento de las ecuaciones empleadas para estimar el filtrado glomerular cuando se aplican a pacientes críticos y comparar con el método actualmente más aceptado: el aclaramiento de creatinina (ClCr) en orina de 24h (ClCr-24h). Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos procedente de un estudio prospectivo observacional previo. Ámbito: Una unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalente en un hospital de tercer nivel. Participantes: Todos los pacientes adultos ingresados en nuestra unidad con sondaje vesical. Se excluyó a los pacientes en anuria. Intervenciones: A los pacientes seleccionados se les midió el ClCr-24h y aplicamos las ecuaciones Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Jelliffe modificada (JF), Clínica Mayo (CM) y Cockroft-Gault (C-G) para estimar el filtrado glomerular. Variables de interés: Para valorar el grado de acuerdo, agrupamos a los pacientes según el ClCr-24h como normales (>70 ml/min/1,73m2), con disfunción moderada (69-50 ml/min/1,73m2) y con disfunción renal grave (<50ml/min/1,73m2). Resultados: Trescientos siete pacientes de 54±18 años, el 69,7% varones. El ClCr-24h fue de 109,2±78,2ml/min/1,73m2 y el estimado de 95,5±56,7 ml/min/1,73m2 para JF, de 87,4±53,4 ml/min/1,73m2 para C-G, de 86,9±55,9 ml/min/1,73m2 para MDRD y de 85,6±39,9 ml/min/1,73m2 para CM. La diferencia fue significativa (p<0,001) para todas las medidas, pero menor para JF (13,7±53,2 ml/min/1,73m2) que para C-G (21,9±58,3 ml/min/1,73m2), CM (23,6±59,6 ml/min/1,73m2) o MDRD (22,3±60,4 ml/min/1,73m2). El coeficiente de correlación fue 0,73 para JF; 0,67 para C-G y CM y 0,64 para MDRD. El grado de acuerdo fue discreto en todos los casos (estadístico κ de 0,55 para JF y MDRD; 0,51 para C-G, y 0,5 para CM). Conclusiones: La ecuación de JF muestra mayor concordancia con el ClCr que las de C-G, MDRD o CM cuando se aplica a pacientes de unidad de cuidados intensivos. Sin embargo, cuando se requiere una medición fiable, ninguna de ellas es adecuada y es necesario en estos casos calcular el ClCr (AU)

Objective: To study the behavior of the different equations used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) applied to critical care patients compared to the standard method: 24-hour creatinine clearance (24-CrCl). Design: Retrospective analysis of data base from a previous observational prospective study. Setting: Polyvalent ICU in a tertiary Hospital. Population: All adult patients admitted to our Unit during the study who had a bladder catheter inserted. Anuric patients were excluded. Interventions: We measured 24-CrCl and estimated GFR by MDRD, modified Jelliffe (JF), Mayo-Clinic (CM) and Cockroft-Gault (C-G) equations. Variables: To evaluate degree of agreement, we grouped patients regarding 24-CrCl as normal (>70), moderate dysfunction (69-50) or severe renal dysfunction (< 50mL/min/1.73m2). Results: 307 patients, aged 54±18, 69.7% males. Measured 24-CrCl was 109.2±78.2mL/min/1.73m2 and the estimate one 95.5±56.7 for JF, 87.4±53.4 for C-G, 86.9±55.9 for MDRD and 85.6±39.9 for CM. The difference was significant (p<0.001) for all estimates but lower for (13.7±53.2mL/min/1.73m2) than C-G (21.9±58.3), CM (23.6±59.6) or MDRD (22.3±60.4). Correlation coefficient was 0.73 for JF, 0.67 C-G or CM and 0.64 for MDRD. The degree of agreement was only fair for all measures (Kappa 0.55 for JF or MDRD, 0.51 for C-G and 0.5 for CM). Conclusions: Modified Jelliffe equation showed higher agreement with 24-CrCl than Cockroft-Gault, MDRD or Mayo-Clinic equations when used in critically ill patients. However, when exact measurement is needed, none of the equations can be considered adequate and in these cases, the CrCl should be calculated (AU)

[Concordance in critical patients between the equations designed for the calculation of glomerular filtration rate and 24-hour creatinine clearance]. / Concordancia en pacientes críticos entre las ecuaciones diseñadas para la estimación del filtrado glomerular y el aclaramiento de creatinina en orina de 24h.

OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of the different equations used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) applied to critical care patients compared to the standard method: 24-hour creatinine clearance (24-CrCl). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data base from a previous observational prospective study. SETTING: Polyvalent ICU in a tertiary Hospital. POPULATION: All adult patients admitted to our Unit during the study who had a bladder catheter inserted. Anuric patients were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: We measured 24-CrCl and estimated GFR by MDRD, modified Jelliffe (JF), Mayo-Clinic (CM) and Cockroft-Gault (C-G) equations. VARIABLES: To evaluate degree of agreement, we grouped patients regarding 24-CrCl as normal (>70), moderate dysfunction (69-50) or severe renal dysfunction (< 50 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). RESULTS: 307 patients, aged 54+/-18, 69.7% males. Measured 24-CrCl was 109.2+/-78.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and the estimate one 95.5+/-56.7 for JF, 87.4+/-53.4 for C-G, 86.9+/-55.9 for MDRD and 85.6+/-39.9 for CM. The difference was significant (p<0.001) for all estimates but lower for (13.7+/-53.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) than C-G (21.9+/-58.3), CM (23.6+/-59.6) or MDRD (22.3+/-60.4). Correlation coefficient was 0.73 for JF, 0.67 C-G or CM and 0.64 for MDRD. The degree of agreement was only fair for all measures (Kappa 0.55 for JF or MDRD, 0.51 for C-G and 0.5 for CM). CONCLUSIONS: Modified Jelliffe equation showed higher agreement with 24-CrCl than Cockroft-Gault, MDRD or Mayo-Clinic equations when used in critically ill patients. However, when exact measurement is needed, none of the equations can be considered adequate and in these cases, the CrCl should be calculated.

Intoxicación paralítica por consumo de marisco / Paralytic shellfish poisoning

Se presenta el caso de un paciente con intoxicación paralítica por ingesta de moluscos que cursó con insuficiencia respiratoria grave y requirió ventilación mecánica durante48 horas. Se trata de una intoxicación muy rara en nuestro entorno y puede ocasionarla muerte por parálisis de los músculos respiratorios si no se atiende adecuadamente (AU)

We report the case of a man with paralytic poisoning caused by eating mollusks. The patient presented with severerespiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation for 48 hours. This syndrome, which is very rare in Spain, can befatal if the respiratory muscles are affected and proper treatment is not provided (AU)

[Clinical, epidemiological and taxonomic aspects of systemic candidiasis in an intensive care unit]. / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico y taxonómico de la candidiasis sistémica en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

The clinical and epidemiological profile and survival of patients admitted into our intensive care unit (ICU) was analyzed. A retrospective-prospective case series from 2002 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006, respectively, of patients diagnosed with systemic candidiasis in an ICU in a tertiary hospital was studied. Twenty-six cases with systemic candidiasis were included (75% of the cases were male). These subjects underwent multiple vascular or drainage interventions and had a prolonged length of stay in ICU. The first motive to enter ICU was sepsis. Candida albicans (CA) was isolated in 53.8% of cases versus 46.2% for other Candidae (CNA). Over the last years, we have observed a progressively higher incidence for CNA (p = 0.02). We registered an especially high mortality rate (42%), that is higher in the CA group. <> defined the mortality in the progressive risk groups (p = 0.026).

[Decision on the time for post-operative extubation of maxillofacial surgery patient in the intensive care unit]. / Decisión del momento de extubación del postoperado de cirugía maxilofacial en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate moment of extubation in maxillofacial post-operative patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and analyze early complications during their stay. DESIGN: An observational and prospective study. SETTING: Third level hospital ICU. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients we underwent maxillofacial surgery and admitted to the ICU for immediate post-operative care from February 2007 to March 2008 were studied. Demographic and clinical data variables of the patients, anesthesic variables prior to surgery and mechanical ventilation and postoperative complications during their stay in the ICU were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients were collected during the study. Of these, 58 (55.8%) patients were extubated early (within the first 4 hours of admission). Global rate of complications was 12.5%. Length of mechanical ventilation was longer in patients who required cervical lymph node extraction (p = 0.0031). We found an association between complications and late extubation (p = 0.034; OR = 3.78; 95% CI, 1.16-12.31). The multivariant study showed that late extubation and surgery that required lymph node extraction are predictors of complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, late extubation and the need for cervical lymph node extraction were independent risk factors for complications in ICU. Although early extubation may be hazardous in some cases in the first hours, we have no consistent data to maintain mechanical ventilation longer than needed to recover from the anesthesia.

Perfil clínico-epidemiológico y taxonómico de la candidiasis sistémica en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Clinical, epidemiological and taxonomic aspects of systemic candidiasis in an intensive care unit

Se define el perfil clínico de los pacientes con candidiasis sistémica ingresados en nuestra UCI y se realiza un análisis de mortalidad. Se analizaron retrospectivamente los casos de candidiasis sistémica durante 2002-2004 y, prospectivamente, durante 2005-2006, en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital de tercer nivel. Se registraron 26 casos (el 75% varones), cuyo principal motivo de ingreso fue la sepsis, con multiinstrumentación y una estancia prolongada. Se aisló Candida albicans en el 53,8% y otras cándidas en el 46,2%. La incidencia de otras cándidas fue superior a la de C. albicans desde el año 2004 (p = 0,02). La mortalidad fue del 42%, más elevada en infecciones por C. albicans, en especial (p = 0,026) en los grupos progresivos de riesgo determinados en el ®Score Sevilla» (AU)

The clinical and epidemiological profile and survival of patients admitted into our intensive care unit (ICU) was analyzed. A retrospective-prospective case series from 2002 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006, respectively, of patients diagnosed with systemic candidiasis in an ICU in a tertiary hospital was studied. Twenty-six cases with systemic candidiasis were included (75% of the cases were male). These subjects underwent multiple vascular or drainage interventions and had a prolonged length of stay in ICU. The first motive to enter ICU was sepsis. Candida albicans (CA) was isolated in 53.8% of cases versus 46.2% for other Candidae (CNA). Over the last years, we have observed a progressively higher incidence for CNA (p = 0.02). We registered an especially high mortality rate (42%), that is higher in the CA group. ®Sevilla Score» defined the mortality in the progressive risk groups (p = 0.026) (AU)

Decisión del momento de extubación del postoperado de cirugía maxilofacial en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Decision on the time for post-operative extubation of maxillofacial surgery patient in the intensive care unit

Objetivo. Evaluar el momento de extubación de los pacientes postoperados de cirugía maxilofacial (CMF) que requieren ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y relacionarlo con las complicaciones acaecidas durante su estancia. Diseño. Estudio observacional prospectivo. Ámbito. UCI de un hospital de tercer nivel. Pacientes y métodos. Se estudió a todos los pacientes sometidos a CMF ingresados en UCI para manejo postoperatorio inmediato, desde febrero de 2007 hasta marzo de 2008. Se registraron variables clínicas y demográficas de los pacientes, variables anestésicas previas al acto quirúrgico y tiempos de ventilación mecánica y complicaciones inmediatas durante su estancia en UCI. Resultados. Se registraron 102 pacientes durante el periodo del estudio. Se extubó precozmente (dentro de las primeras 4 h) a 58 (55,8%) pacientes. La tasa general de complicaciones fue del 12,5%. La duración de la ventilación mecánica fue mayor en la cirugía que requirió vaciamiento ganglionar cervical (p = 0,003). Encontramos relación (p = 0,03) entre la presencia de alguna complicación y la extubación tardía (odds ratio: 3,78; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,16-12,31). El análisis multivariable reveló que son predictores de complicaciones la cirugía que incluye vaciamiento ganglionar y la extubación tardía. Conclusiones. En nuestra serie, el destete tardío y la cirugía que conlleva vaciamiento ganglionar cervical fueron factores relacionados con morbilidad. A pesar de que la extubación del postoperado de CMF pueda parecer arriesgada en determinados casos y en las primeras horas, no disponemos de datos consistentes para mantener la ventilacion mecánica más allá de lo preciso para la recuperación anestésica (AU)

Objective. Evaluate moment of extubation in maxillofacial post-operative patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and analyze early complications during their stay. Design. An observational and prospective study. Setting. Third level hospital ICU. Patients and methods. All patients we underwent maxillofacial surgery and admitted to the ICU for immediate post-operative care from February 2007 to March 2008 were studied. Demographic and clinical data variables of the patients, anesthesic variables prior to surgery and mechanical ventilation and postoperative complications during their stay in the ICU were recorded. Results. A total of 102 patients were collected during the study. Of these, 58 (55.8%) patients were extubated early (within the first 4 hours of admission). Global rate of complications was 12.5%. Length of mechanical ventilation was longer in patients who required cervical lymph node extraction (p = 0.0031). We found an association between complications and late extubation (p = 0.034; OR = 3.78; 95% CI, 1.16-12.31). The multivariant study showed that late extubation and surgery that required lymph node extraction are predictors of complications. Conclusions. In our series, late extubation and the need for cervical lymph node extraction were independent risk factors for complications in ICU. Although early extubation may be hazardous in some cases in the first hours, we have no consistent data to maintain mechanical ventilation longer than needed to recover from the anesthesia (AU)

[Liver transplantation: influence of donor-related factors]. / Trasplante hepático: influencia de los factores dependientes del donante.

OBJECTIVE: To detect donor characteristics related to graft function after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. CONTEXT: Polyvalent intensive care unit. PATIENTS: 145 liver transplant recipients and their respective donors. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: In donors: age, hypernatremia, and infection. In recipients: reperfusion syndrome, coagulopathy, infection, ARDS, shock, kidney failure, primary graft dysfunction, and mortality. RESULTS: 71.7% of recipients were male. Mean recipient age was 54.5 +/- 9.9 years; 66.2% of patients were classified as Child B and and 19.3% as Child C. The mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 14.6 +/- 4.8 and the mean APACHE II score was 17.3 +/- 4.9. A total of 64.1% of the donors were male. Mean donor age was 42.3 +/- 16.3 years, and mean APACHE II score was 22.3 +/- 5.8. Donor age > 65 years was associated to higher recipient aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels but not to increased complications or mortality. No other donor factors (including age, sex, serum sodium, severity level, transfusions, hemodynamic alterations, renal dysfunction, or infection) were associated to evolution or prognosis. Infection was diagnosed in 18 recipients (12.4%) in the postoperative period; the incidence of infection in recipients that received an organ from infected donors was not different from those that received an organ from an uninfected donor (14.6% versus 11.5%; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We detected no donor characteristics related to graft function or the appearance of complications in recipients during the immediate postoperative period. Donor age > 65 years and documented but appropriately treated bacteremia posed no risk for the viability of the liver after transplantation.

Trasplante hepático: influencia de los factores dependientes del donante / Liver transplantation: influence of donor-related factors

Objetivo. Detectar características del donante relacionadas con la funcionalidad del injerto tras el trasplante ortotópico hepático (TOH). Diseño. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo. Ámbito. Unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalente. Pacientes. Se incluyó a 145 pacientes trasplantados y sus correspondientes donantes. Intervenciones. Ninguna. Variables principales de interés. En el donante se analizan predictores de gravedad como la edad, la hipernatremia y la infección; las principales variables dependientes del receptor fueron infección, síndrome de disnea del adulto, shock, insuficiencia renal, disfunción primaria del injerto y mortalidad. Resultados. El 71,7% de los receptores eran varones, con una media de edad de 54,5 ± 9,9 años; en Child B el 66,2% y en Child C el 19,3%; Meld, 14,6 ± 4,8; APACHE II, 17,3 ± 4,9. El 64,1% de los donantes eran varones, con una media de edad de 42,3 ± 16,3 años; APACHE II, 22,3 ± 5,8. La edad del donante > 65 años se relaciona con un máximo de aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) más elevado en el receptor, pero no con un aumento de complicaciones o mortalidad. Ningún otro factor se relacionó con la evolución o el pronóstico. En 18 (12,4%) receptores se diagnosticó infección en el postoperatorio; la incidencia en los que recibieron un órgano de donante con infección no fue diferente de la de aquellos cuyo donante no estaba infectado (el 14,6 frente al 11,5%; p > 0,05). Conclusiones. No se ha detectado ninguna característica del donante relacionada con la funcionalidad del injerto ni con la aparición de complicaciones en el receptor durante el postoperatorio inmediato. La edad > 65 años y la bacteriemia documentada y adecuadamente tratada en el donante no suponen un riesgo para la viabilidad hepática postrasplante

Objective. To detect donor characteristics related to graft function after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Design. Retrospective cohort study. Context. Polyvalent intensive care unit. Patients. 145 liver transplant recipients and their respective donors. Interventions. None.Main variables of interest. In donors: age, hypernatremia, and infection. In recipients: reperfusion syndrome, coagulopathy, infection, ARDS, shock, kidney failure, primary graft dysfunction, and mortality. Results. 71.7% of recipients were male. Mean recipient age was 54.5 ± 9.9 years; 66.2% of patientswere classified as Child B and and 19.3% as Child C. The mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 14.6 ± 4.8 and the mean APACHE II score was 17.3 ± 4.9. A total of 64.1% of the donors were male. Mean donor age was 42.3 ± 16.3 years, and mean APACHE II score was 22.3 ± 5.8. Donor age > 65 years was associated to higher recipient aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels but not to increased complications or mortality. No other donor factors (including age, sex, serum sodium, severity level, transfusions, hemodynamic alterations, renal dysfunction, or infection) were associated to evolution or prognosis. Infection was diagnosed in 18 recipients (12.4%) in the postoperative period; the incidenceof infection in recipients that received an organ from infected donors was not different from those that received an organ from an uninfected donor(14.6% versus 11.5%; p > 0.05). Conclusions. We detected no donor characteristics related to graft function or the appearance of complications in recipients during the immediate postoperative period. Donor age > 65 years and documented but appropriately treated bacteremia posed no risk for the viability of the liverafter transplantation