Improving perioperative care in low-resource settings with goal-directed therapy: a narrative review

Abstract Perioperative Goal-Directed Therapy (PGDT) has significantly showed to decrease complications and risk of death in high-risk patients according to numerous meta-analyses. The main goal of PGDT is to individualize the therapy with fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors, during and after surgery, according to patients' needs in order to prevent organic dysfunction development. In this opinion paper we aimed to focus a discussion on possible alternatives to invasive hemodynamic monitoring in low resource settings.

Trends in perioperative practices of high-risk surgical patients over a 10-year interval.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, data show an important decrease in morbi-mortality of high-risk surgical patients over a 10-year high. The objective of this post-hoc study was to evaluate the mechanism explaining this trend in high-risk surgical patients admitted to Brazilian ICUs in two large Brazilian multicenter cohort studies performed 10 years apart. METHODS: The patients included in the 2 cohorts studies published in 2008 and 2018 were compared after a (1:1) propensity score matching. Patients included were adults who underwent surgeries and admitted to the ICU afterwards. RESULTS: After matching, 704 patients were analyzed. Compared to the 2018 cohort, 2008 cohort had more postoperative infections (OR 13.4; 95%CI 6.1-29.3) and cardiovascular complications (OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.0-2.2), as well as a lower survival ICU stay (HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.36-4.20) and hospital stay (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03-2.62). In addition, by verifying factors strongly associated with hospital mortality, it was found that the risk of death correlated with higher intraoperative fluid balance (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), higher creatinine (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.1-1.56), and intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 2.32, 95% CI 1.35-4.0). By increasing the mean arterial pressure, according to the limits of sample values from 43 mmHg to 118 mmHg, the risk of death decreased (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.98). The 2008 cohort had higher fluid balance, postoperative creatinine, and volume of intraoperative blood transfused and lower mean blood pressure at ICU admission and temperature at the end of surgery. CONCLUSION: In this sample of ICUs in Brazil, high-risk surgical patients still have a high rate of complications, but with improvement over a period of 10 years. There were changes in the management of these patients over time.

Impact of Nutritional Management on Survival of Critically Ill Malnourished Patients with Refeeding Hypophosphatemia.

BACKGROUND: Early nutritional therapy may aggravate hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients. AIM: To investigate the influence of the type nutritional therapy on the survival of critically-ill malnourished patients at refeeding hypophosphatemia risk. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including malnourished, critically-ill adults, admitted from June 2014-December 2017 in an intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary hospital. Refeeding hypophosphatemia risk was defined as low serum phosphorus levels (<2.5 mg/dL) seen at two timepoints: before the initiation and at day 4 of the nutritional therapy. Patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN) were compared with those receiving supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN-EN plus parenteral nutrition). Primary outcome was 60 d survival. Secondary endpoint was the incidence of refeeding hypophosphatemia risk. RESULTS: We included 468-321 patients (68.6%) received EN and 147 (31.4%) received SPN. The mortality rate was 36.3% (n = 170). Refeeding hypophosphatemia risk was found in 116 (24.8%) patients before and in 177 (37.8%) at day 4 of nutritional therapy. The 60 d mean survival probability was greater for patients receiving SPN both before (42.4 vs. 22.4%, p = 0.005) and at day 4 (37.4 vs. 25.8%, p = 0.014) vs. patients receiving EN at the same timepoints. Cox regression showed a hazard ratio of 3.3 and 2.4 for patients at refeeding hypophosphatemia risk before and at day 4 of EN, respectively, compared to the SPN group at the same timepoints. CONCLUSION: Refeeding hypophosphatemia risk was frequent in malnourished ICU patients and the survival for patients receiving SPN seemed associated with better survival than EN only.

Intraoperative fluid balance and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: a multicenter prospective study

Abstract Background Recent data suggest the regime of fluid therapy intraoperatively in patients undergoing major surgeries may interfere in patient outcomes. The development of postoperative Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has been associated with both Restrictive Fluid Balance (RFB) and Liberal Fluid Balance (LFB) during non-cardiac surgery. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, this influence remains unclear. The study objective was to evaluate the relationship between intraoperative RFB vs. LFB and the incidence of Cardiac-Surgery-Associated AKI (CSA-AKI) and major postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Methods This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study was set at two high-complexity university hospitals in Brazil. Adult patients who required postoperative intensive care after undergoing elective on-pump CABG were allocated to two groups according to their intraoperative fluid strategy (RFB or LFB) with no intervention. Results The primary endpoint was CSA-AKI. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular complications, ICU Length of Stay (ICU-LOS), and Hospital LOS (H-LOS). After propensity score matching, 180 patients remained in each group. There was no difference in risk of CSA-AKI between the two groups (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.85-1.56, p= 0.36). The in-hospital mortality, H-LOS and cardiovascular complications were higher in the LFB group. ICU-LOS was not significantly different between the two groups. ROCcurve analysis determined a fluid balance above 2500 mL to accurately predict in-hospital mortality. Conclusion Patients undergoing on-pump CABG with LFB when compared with patients with RFB present similar CSA-AKI rates and ICU-LOS, but higher in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular complications, and H-LOS.

Intraoperative fluid balance and cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury: a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest the regime of fluid therapy intraoperatively in patients undergoing major surgeries may interfere in patient outcomes. The development of postoperative Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) has been associated with both Restrictive Fluid Balance (RFB) and Liberal Fluid Balance (LFB) during non-cardiac surgery. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, this influence remains unclear. The study objective was to evaluate the relationship between intraoperative RFB vs. LFB and the incidence of Cardiac-Surgery-Associated AKI (CSA-AKI) and major postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study was set at two high-complexity university hospitals in Brazil. Adult patients who required postoperative intensive care after undergoing elective on-pump CABG were allocated to two groups according to their intraoperative fluid strategy (RFB or LFB) with no intervention. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was CSA-AKI. The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular complications, ICU Length of Stay (ICU-LOS), and Hospital LOS (H-LOS). After propensity score matching, 180 patients remained in each group. There was no difference in risk of CSA-AKI between the two groups (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.85-1.56, p = 0.36). The in-hospital mortality, H-LOS and cardiovascular complications were higher in the LFB group. ICU-LOS was not significantly different between the two groups. ROCcurve analysis determined a fluid balance above 2500 mL to accurately predict in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing on-pump CABG with LFB when compared with patients with RFB present similar CSA-AKI rates and ICU-LOS, but higher in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular complications, and H-LOS.

Response of patients with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 to awake-prone position outside the intensive care unit based on pulmonary involvement.

OBJECTIVES: Since there are difficulties in establishing effective treatments for COVID-19, a vital way to reduce mortality is an early intervention to prevent disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of patients with COVID-19 with acute hypoxic respiratory failure according to pulmonary impairment in the awake-prone position, outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on COVID-19 patients under noninvasive respiratory support. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained for each patient before the treatment and after they were placed in the awake-prone position. To identify responders and non-responders after the first prone maneuver, receiver operating characteristic curves with sensitivity and specificity of the PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 indices were analyzed. The maneuver was considered positive if the patient did not require endotracheal intubation for ventilatory assistance. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included, and 64.6% were categorized as responders. The SpO2/FiO2 index was effective for predicting endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients regardless of lung parenchymal damage (area under the curve 0.84, cutoff point 165, sensitivity 85%, specificity 75%). Responders had better outcomes with lower hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=0.107, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.012-0.93) and a shorter length of stay (median difference 6 days, HR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.13-0.66) after adjusting for age, body mass index, sex, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The awake-prone position for COVID-19 patients outside the ICU can improve oxygenation and clinical outcomes regardless of the extent of pulmonary impairment. Furthermore, the SpO2/FiO2 index discriminates responders from non-responders to the prone maneuver predicting endotracheal intubation with a cutoff under or below 165.

Response of patients with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 to awake-prone position outside the intensive care unit based on pulmonary involvement

OBJECTIVES: Since there are difficulties in establishing effective treatments for COVID-19, a vital way to reduce mortality is an early intervention to prevent disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of patients with COVID-19 with acute hypoxic respiratory failure according to pulmonary impairment in the awake-prone position, outside of the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on COVID-19 patients under noninvasive respiratory support. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained for each patient before the treatment and after they were placed in the awake-prone position. To identify responders and non-responders after the first prone maneuver, receiver operating characteristic curves with sensitivity and specificity of the PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2 indices were analyzed. The maneuver was considered positive if the patient did not require endotracheal intubation for ventilatory assistance. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included, and 64.6% were categorized as responders. The SpO2/FiO2 index was effective for predicting endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients regardless of lung parenchymal damage (area under the curve 0.84, cutoff point 165, sensitivity 85%, specificity 75%). Responders had better outcomes with lower hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=0.107, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.012-0.93) and a shorter length of stay (median difference 6 days, HR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.13-0.66) after adjusting for age, body mass index, sex, and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The awake-prone position for COVID-19 patients outside the ICU can improve oxygenation and clinical outcomes regardless of the extent of pulmonary impairment. Furthermore, the SpO2/FiO2 index discriminates responders from non-responders to the prone maneuver predicting endotracheal intubation with a cutoff under or below 165.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gastric content and volume: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchoaspiration of gastric content is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but evaluating this complication is a difficult task. However, gastric ultrasonography can safely assess gastric content and prevent bronchoaspiration. Therefore, a systematic review was performed in order to verify the efficacy of ultrasonography in the qualitative and quantitative analyses of gastric content. METHODS: A literature review of articles published between 2009 and 2019 in the PubMed and LILACS databases was conducted using combinations of the keywords "gastric ultrasound," "gastric emptying," and "gastric content." RESULTS: Of the 20 articles found, 19 chose the antral region as the best site for qualitative analysis of the gastric content. Regarding quantitative measurement, the most commonly used method to calculate the gastric volume in eight articles was the formula "Gastric Volume = 27 + (14.6 × ATAG) - (1.28 × Age)," in which the area of the transverse section of the gastric antrum (ATAG) could also be calculated by the largest antral diameters or by free tracing. CONCLUSION: An efficient evaluation of the gastric content can be performed by ultrasonography of the antral region, contributing to greater safety in the clinical management of patients with increased risk for bronchoaspiration during airway management.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gastric content and volume: a systematic review

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Bronchoaspiration of gastric content is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but evaluating this complication is a difficult task. However, gastric ultrasonography can safely assess gastric content and prevent bronchoaspiration. Therefore, a systematic review was performed in order to verify the efficacy of ultrasonography in the qualitative and quantitative analyses of gastric content. METHODS: A literature review of articles published between 2009 and 2019 in the PubMed and LILACS databases was conducted using combinations of the keywords "gastric ultrasound," "gastric emptying," and "gastric content." RESULTS: Of the 20 articles found, 19 chose the antral region as the best site for qualitative analysis of the gastric content. Regarding quantitative measurement, the most commonly used method to calculate the gastric volume in eight articles was the formula "Gastric Volume = 27 + (14.6 × ATAG) − (1.28 × Age)," in which the area of the transverse section of the gastric antrum (ATAG) could also be calculated by the largest antral diameters or by free tracing. CONCLUSION: An efficient evaluation of the gastric content can be performed by ultrasonography of the antral region, contributing to greater safety in the clinical management of patients with increased risk for bronchoaspiration during airway management.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: A broncoaspiração do conteúdo gástrico associa-se à alta morbimortalidade, porem a avaliação desta complicação é tarefa dificil. Por outro lado, a ultrassonografia gástrica avalia o conteúdo gástrico com segurança, podendo evitar a broncoaspiração. Portanto, foi realizada revisão sistemática com objetivo de verificar a aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia na análise qualitativa e quantitativa do conteúdo gástrico. MÉTODOS: Revisão de literatura de artigos publicados entre 2009 e 2019 nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS usando combinações das palavras chave: "Gastric ultrasound", "gastric emptying" e "gastric content". RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 20 artigos. A região antral foi escolhida em 19 artigos como melhor local do ponto de vista qualitativo para analisar o conteúdo gástrico. A respeito da mensuração quantitativa, o método mais utilizado para cálculo do volume gástrico, escolhido em 8 artigos, foi através da fórmula Volume gástrico = 27 + (14,6 x ATAG) - (1,28 x Idade), em que a Área da Secção Transversa do Antro Gástrico (ATAG) pode ser igualmente calculada pelos maiores diâmetros antrais ou pelo seu traçado livre. CONCLUSÃO: A ultrassonografia da região antral permite boa avaliação do conteúdo gástrico, trazendo maior segurança ao manejo clínico de pacientess com risco aumentado para broncoaspiração no manejo da via aerea.

Evaluation of Urinary NGAL as a Diagnostic Tool for Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients With Infection: An Original Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in critical care patients. The presence of AKI is a marker for poor outcomes such as longer hospitalization durations, more hospital readmissions, and especially, higher mortality rates. Sepsis is one of the major causes of AKI within the intensive care unit (ICU) population. Sepsis-related AKI occurs in approximately 20% of patients, reaching more than 50% in patients with septic shock. The diagnosis of AKI depends on urine output and/or serum creatinine measurements. Unfortunately, serum creatinine is a late and unreliable (insensitive and nonspecific) indicator of AKI. However, biomarkers of renal damage have great potential in facilitating early diagnosis of AKI. Several biomarkers, including urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), have been used in the early detection of AKI. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate uNGAL for the diagnosis and prognosis of AKI in critical ill patients with infections. DESIGN: Original study (Cohort Prospective Observational). SETTING: Study in 2 ICUs of different Brazilian hospitals, in the city of Curitiba: Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná and Hospital da Polícia Militar do Paraná, from November 12, 2016 to May 15, 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Critically ill patients with infections, sepsis, or septic shock were selected. The inclusion criteria were patients older than 18 years with infection. They were followed up for 30 days in the analysis of outcomes. We requested that consent forms be signed by all eligible patients or their caregivers. MEASUREMENTS: The urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels of the patients were measured on 4 consecutive days and was assayed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay system. The screening time occurred within 72 hours of admission to the ICU. The first urine sample was collected within the first 24 hours of the screening hours. Mortality and AKI were assessed during first 30 days. METHODS: clinical and laboratory data, including daily uNGAL levels, were assessed. The AKI stage using the KDIGO criteria was evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) values were calculated to determine the optimal uNGAL level for predicting AKI. RESULTS: We had 38 patients who completed the study during the screening period. The incidence of AKI was 76.3%. The hospitalization period was longer in the group that developed AKI, with 21 days of median (interquartile range [IQR]: 13.5-25); non-AKI group had a median of 13 days (IQR 7-18; P = .019). We found a direct relationship between uNGAL levels and the progression to AKI. Increased values of the biomarker were associated with the worsening of AKI (P < .05). The cutoff levels of uNGAL that identified patients who would progress to AKI were the following: (d1) >116 ng/mL, (d2) >100 ng/mL, and (d3) 284 ng/mL. The value of the fourth and last measurement was not predictive of patients who would progress to AKI. The median urinary uNGAL was also associated with mortality on Days 1, 3, and 4: d1, P = .039; d3, P = .005; d4, P = .005. The performance of uNGAL in detecting AKI patients (AUC-ROC = 0.881). There were no risk factors other than AKI that could be correlated with increased uNGAL levels on Day 1. LIMITATIONS: The study was carried out in 2 centers, having used only 1 biomarker, and our small number of patients were limitations. CONCLUSION: the uNGAL had an association in its values with the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with severe infections and AKI. We suggest that studies with a greater number of patients could better establish the cutoff values of uNGAL and/or serum NGAL in the identification of infected patients who are at a high risk of developing AKI.

CONTEXTE`: L'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) est une complication fréquente chez les patients des unités de soins intensifs (USI). L'IRA est un marqueur d'issues défavorables pour ces patients, notamment d'hospitalisations plus longues, de réadmissions plus fréquentes et surtout, de taux de mortalité plus élevés. Le sepsis est une des principales causes d'IRA chez les patients soignés aux USI; cette infection liée à l'IRA survient chez environ 20 % des patients et peut toucher plus de 50 % des patients en choc septique. Le diagnostic de l'IRA repose sur la mesure de la diurèse ou du taux de créatinine sérique; cette dernière mesure s'avérant toutefois un indicateur tardif et peu fiable (non spécifique et peu sensible). Les biomarqueurs d'une lésion rénale pourraient potentiellement faciliter un diagnostic précoce de la maladie. Plusieurs, dont la NGAL urinaire ou uNGAL (urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) ont déjà été utilisés dans ce contexte. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer le potentiel de la uNGAL pour le diagnostic et le pronostic de l'IRA chez les patients gravement malades souffrant d'infections. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude initiale (étude de cohorte prospective et observationnelle). CADRE: L'étude s'est tenue entre le 12 novembre 2016 et le 15 mai 2018 dans les USI de deux hôpitaux de Curitiba au Brésil (Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná et Hospital da Polícia Militar do Paraná). SUJETS: Les patients adultes, gravement malades et atteints d'une infection, d'un sepsis ou d'un choc septique ont été retenus. Le consentement écrit de tous les patients admissibles et de leurs représentants était exigé. Les sujets ont été suivis pendant 30 jours pour l'analyse des résultats. MESURES: Les taux d'uNGAL ont été mesurés pendant quatre jours consécutifs et analysés par immunodosage microparticulaire par chimiluminescence. Le dépistage a eu lieu dans les 72 heures suivant l'admission aux USI et le premier échantillon d'urine a été prélevé dans les 24 premières heures de la période de dépistage. L'IRA et la mortalité ont été évaluées pendant les 30 premiers jours. MÉTHODOLOGIE: L'analyse porte sur les données cliniques et de laboratoire, y compris les taux quotidiens d'uNGAL. Le stade de l'IRA a été établi selon les critères KDIGO. La sensibilité, la spécificité et les valeurs de surface sous la courbe ROC (SSC-ROC) ont servi à calculer le taux optimal d'uNGAL prédictif de l'IRA. RÉSULTATS: L'incidence de l'IRA s'établissait à 76,3 % parmi les 38 patients ayant complété le dépistage. Les patients souffrant d'IRA étaient hospitalisés plus longtemps que les autres (durée médiane: 21 jours [ÉIQ: 13,5-25] contre 13 jours [ÉIQ: 7-18] pour les autres patients; p=0,019). Un lien direct entre le taux d'uNGAL et une progression vers l'IRA a été observé, et l'augmentation de ces valeurs a été associée à une aggravation de l'IRA (p<0,05). Les valeurs seuil d'uNGAL permettant de diagnostiquer une évolution vers l'IRA étaient les suivantes: (j1) > 116 ng/mL; (j2) > 100 ng/mL et (j3) 284 ng/mL. La valeur de la 4e et dernière mesure n'a pas permis de prédire une évolution vers l'IRA. Les taux médians d'uNGAL ont également été associés à la mortalité aux jours 1,3 et 4; avec des valeurs de p s'établissant à 0,039 (j1), 0,005 (j3) et 0,005 (j4). La performance du taux d'uNGAL pour détecter l'IRA (SSC-ROC) était de 0,881. Aucun facteur de risque autre que l'IRA n'a pu être corrélé avec une augmentation du taux d'uNGAL au jour 1. LIMITES: L'étude ne s'est tenue que dans deux centres, sur un échantillon restreint de patients, et ne portait que sur un seul biomarqueur. CONCLUSION: Le taux d'uNGAL a montré une association avec le diagnostic et le pronostic des patients souffrant d'infections graves et d'IRA. Nous pensons que des études sur un plus grand nombre de patients pourraient préciser les valeurs seuil d'uNGAL ou de NGAL sérique pour le dépistage des patients infectés qui présentent un risque élevé de développer une IRA.

Epidemiology and outcome of high-surgical-risk patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Brazil. / Epidemiologia e desfecho dos pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico admitidos em unidades de terapia intensiva no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: To define the epidemiological profile and the main determinants of morbidity and mortality in noncardiac high surgical risk patients in Brazil. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational and multicenter study. All noncardiac surgical patients admitted to intensive care units, i.e., those considered high risk, within a 1-month period were evaluated and monitored daily for a maximum of 7 days in the intensive care unit to determine complications. The 28-day postoperative, intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine intensive care units participated in the study. Surgeries were performed in 25,500 patients, of whom 904 (3.5%) were high-risk (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 3.3% - 3.8%) and were included in the study. Of the participating patients, 48.3% were from private intensive care units, and 51.7% were from public intensive care units. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 2.0 (1.0 - 4.0) days, and the length of hospital stay was 9.5 (5.4 - 18.6) days. The complication rate was 29.9% (95%CI 26.4 - 33.7), and the 28-day postoperative mortality rate was 9.6% (95%CI 7.4 - 12.1). The independent risk factors for complications were the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3; odds ratio - OR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.03) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) on admission to the intensive care unit (OR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.09 - 1.25), surgical time (OR = 1.001, 95%CI 1.000 - 1.002) and emergency surgeries (OR = 1.93, 95%CI, 1.10 - 3.38). In addition, there were associations with 28-day mortality (OR = 1.032; 95%CI 1.011 - 1.052), SAPS 3 (OR = 1.041; 95%CI 1.107 - 1.279), SOFA (OR = 1.175, 95%CI 1.069 - 1.292) and emergency surgeries (OR = 2.509; 95%CI 1.040 - 6.051). CONCLUSION: Higher prognostic scores, elderly patients, longer surgical times and emergency surgeries were strongly associated with higher 28-day mortality and more complications during the intensive care unit stay.

Epidemiologia e desfecho dos pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico admitidos em unidades de terapia intensiva no Brasil / Epidemiology and outcome of high-surgical-risk patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: Definir o perfil epidemiológico e os principais determinantes de morbimortalidade dos pacientes cirúrgicos não cardíacos de alto risco no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, observacional e multicêntrico. Todos os pacientes cirúrgicos não cardíacos admitidos nas unidades de terapia intensiva, ou seja, considerados de alto risco, no período de 1 mês, foram avaliados e acompanhados diariamente por, no máximo, 7 dias na unidade de terapia intensiva, para determinação de complicações. As taxas de mortalidade em 28 dias de pós-operatório, na unidade de terapia intensiva e hospitalar foram avaliadas. Resultados: Participaram 29 unidades de terapia intensiva onde foram realizadas cirurgias em 25.500 pacientes, dos quais 904 (3,5%) de alto risco (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 3,3% - 3,8%), tendo sido incluídos no estudo. Dos pacientes envolvidos, 48,3% eram de unidades de terapia intensiva privadas e 51,7% de públicas. O tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 2,0 (1,0 - 4,0) dias e hospitalar de 9,5 (5,4 - 18,6) dias. As taxas de complicações foram 29,9% (IC95% 26,4 - 33,7) e mortalidade em 28 dias pós-cirurgia 9,6% (IC95% 7,4 - 12,1). Os fatores independentes de risco para complicações foram Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3; razão de chance − RC = 1,02; IC95% 1,01 - 1,03) e Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) da admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva (RC =1,17; IC95% 1,09 - 1,25), tempo de cirurgia (RC = 1,001; IC95% 1,000 - 1,002) e cirurgias de emergências (RC = 1,93; IC95% 1,10 - 3,38). Em adição, foram associados com mortalidade em 28 dias idade (RC = 1,032; IC95% 1,011 - 1,052) SAPS 3 (RC = 1,041; IC95% 1,107 - 1,279), SOFA (RC = 1,175; IC95% 1,069 - 1,292) e cirurgias emergenciais (RC = 2,509; IC95% 1,040 - 6,051). Conclusão: Pacientes com escores prognósticos mais elevados, idosos, tempo cirúrgico e cirurgias emergenciais estiveram fortemente associados a maior mortalidade em 28 dias e mais complicações durante permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To define the epidemiological profile and the main determinants of morbidity and mortality in noncardiac high surgical risk patients in Brazil. Methods: This was a prospective, observational and multicenter study. All noncardiac surgical patients admitted to intensive care units, i.e., those considered high risk, within a 1-month period were evaluated and monitored daily for a maximum of 7 days in the intensive care unit to determine complications. The 28-day postoperative, intensive care unit and hospital mortality rates were evaluated. Results: Twenty-nine intensive care units participated in the study. Surgeries were performed in 25,500 patients, of whom 904 (3.5%) were high-risk (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 3.3% - 3.8%) and were included in the study. Of the participating patients, 48.3% were from private intensive care units, and 51.7% were from public intensive care units. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was 2.0 (1.0 - 4.0) days, and the length of hospital stay was 9.5 (5.4 - 18.6) days. The complication rate was 29.9% (95%CI 26.4 - 33.7), and the 28-day postoperative mortality rate was 9.6% (95%CI 7.4 - 12.1). The independent risk factors for complications were the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS 3; odds ratio - OR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.03) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) on admission to the intensive care unit (OR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.09 - 1.25), surgical time (OR = 1.001, 95%CI 1.000 - 1.002) and emergency surgeries (OR = 1.93, 95%CI, 1.10 - 3.38). In addition, there were associations with 28-day mortality (OR = 1.032; 95%CI 1.011 - 1.052), SAPS 3 (OR = 1.041; 95%CI 1.107 - 1.279), SOFA (OR = 1.175, 95%CI 1.069 - 1.292) and emergency surgeries (OR = 2.509; 95%CI 1.040 - 6.051). Conclusion: Higher prognostic scores, elderly patients, longer surgical times and emergency surgeries were strongly associated with higher 28-day mortality and more complications during the intensive care unit stay.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU in a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil - study protocol

OBJECTIVES: We designed a cohort study to describe characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the largest public hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as Latin America becomes the epicenter of the pandemic. METHODS: This is the protocol for a study being conducted at an academic hospital in Brazil with 300 adult ICU beds dedicated to COVID-19 patients. We will include adult patients admitted to the ICU with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during the study period. The main outcome is ICU survival at 28 days. Data will be collected prospectively and retrospectively by trained investigators from the hospital's electronic medical records, using an electronic data capture tool. We will collect data on demographics, comorbidities, severity of disease, and laboratorial test results at admission. Information on the need for advanced life support and ventilator parameters will be collected during ICU stay. Patients will be followed up for 28 days in the ICU and 60 days in the hospital. We will plot Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate ICU and hospital survival and perform survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model to identify the main risk factors for mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04378582. RESULTS: We expect to include a large sample of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU and to be able to provide data on admission characteristics, use of advanced life support, ICU survival at 28 days, and hospital survival at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide epidemiological data about critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, which could inform health policy and resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries.

Hyperglycemia assessment in the post-anesthesia care unit / Avaliação de hiperglicemia na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica

Abstract Background and objectives Hyperglycemia in surgical patients may cause serious problems. Analyzing this complication in this scenario contributes to improve the management of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hyperglycemia in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) in non-diabetic patients undergoing elective surgery and analyze the possible risk factors associated with this complication. Methods We evaluated non-diabetic patients undergoing elective surgeries and admitted in the PACU. Data were collected from medical records through precoded questionnaire. Hyperglycemia was considered when blood glucose was >120 mg.dL-1. Patients with hyperglycemia were compared to normoglycemic ones to assess factors associated with the problem. We excluded patients with endocrine-metabolic disorders, diabetes, children under 18 years, body mass index (BMI) below 18 or above 35, pregnancy, postpartum or breastfeeding, history of drug use, and emergency surgeries. Results We evaluated 837 patients. The mean age was 47.8 ± 16.1 years. The prevalence of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period was 26.4%. In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.031, 95% CI 1.017-1.045); BMI (OR = 1.052, 95% CI 1.005-1.101); duration of surgery (OR = 1.011, 95% CI 1.008-1.014), history of hypertension (OR = 1.620, 95% CI 1.053-2.493), and intraoperative use of corticosteroids (OR = 5.465, 95% CI 3.421-8.731) were independent risk factors for postoperative hyperglycemia. Conclusion The prevalence of hyperglycemia was high in the PACU, and factors such as age, BMI, corticosteroids, blood pressure, and duration of surgery are strongly related to this complication.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Hiperglicemia em pacientes cirúrgicos pode ocasionar graves problemas. Nesse contexto, analisar essa complicação contribui para o melhor manejo desses pacientes. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de hiperglicemia na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA) em pacientes não diabéticos submetidos a cirurgias eletivas e analisar os possíveis fatores de risco associados a essa complicação. Métodos Foram avaliados pacientes não diabéticos submetidos a cirurgias eletivas e admitidos na SRPA. Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários por meio de questionário pré-codificado. Foi considerada hiperglicemia quando a glicemia era > 120 mg.dL-1. Pacientes com hiperglicemia foram comparados com os normoglicêmicos para avaliar fatores associados ao problema. Foram excluídos os pacientes com distúrbios endócrino-metabólicos, diabéticos, menores de 18 anos, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) menor do que 18 ou maior do que 35, gestação, puerpério ou aleitamento materno, antecedente de uso de drogas e cirurgias de urgência. Resultados Foram avaliados 837 pacientes. A média de idade foi 47,8 ± 16,1 anos. A prevalência de hiperglicemia no pós-operatório foi de 26,4%. Na análise multivariada, idade (OR = 1,031; IC 95% 1,017-1,045); IMC (OR = 1,052; IC 95% 1,005-1,101); tempo cirúrgico (OR = 1,011; IC 95% 1,008-1,014); antecedente de hipertensão (OR = 1,620; IC 95% 1,053-2,493) e uso de corticoides intraoperatório (OR = 5,465; IC 95% 3,421-8,731) representaram fatores de risco independentes para hiperglicemia no pós-operatório. Conclusão Hiperglicemia apresentou alta prevalência na SRPA e fatores como idade, IMC, corticoides, hipertensão arterial e tempo de cirurgia são fortemente relacionados a essa complicação.

[Hyperglycemia assessment in the post-anesthesia care unit]. / Avaliação de hiperglicemia na sala de recuperação pós­anestésica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia in surgical patients may cause serious problems. Analyzing this complication in this scenario contributes to improve the management of these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hyperglycemia in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) in non-diabetic patients undergoing elective surgery and analyze the possible risk factors associated with this complication. METHODS: We evaluated non-diabetic patients undergoing elective surgeries and admitted in the PACU. Data were collected from medical records through precoded questionnaire. Hyperglycemia was considered when blood glucose was>120mg.dL-1. Patients with hyperglycemia were compared to normoglycemic ones to assess factors associated with the problem. We excluded patients with endocrine-metabolic disorders, diabetes, children under 18 years, body mass index (BMI) below 18 or above 35, pregnancy, postpartum or breastfeeding, history of drug use, and emergency surgeries. RESULTS: We evaluated 837 patients. The mean age was 47.8±16.1 years. The prevalence of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period was 26.4%. In multivariate analysis, age (OR=1.031, 95% CI 1.017-1.045); BMI (OR=1.052, 95% CI 1.005-1.101); duration of surgery (OR=1.011, 95% CI 1.008-1.014), history of hypertension (OR=1.620, 95% CI 1.053-2.493), and intraoperative use of corticosteroids (OR=5.465, 95% CI 3.421-8.731) were independent risk factors for postoperative hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hyperglycemia was high in the PACU, and factors such as age, BMI, corticosteroids, blood pressure, and duration of surgery are strongly related to this complication.

Nurses' knowledge to identify early acute kidney injury / Conocimiento del enfermero para la identificación precoz de la insuficiencia renal aguda / Conhecimento do enfermeiro para identificação precoce da Injúria Renal Aguda

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the knowledgeof nurses on early identification of acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care, emergency and hospitalization units. METHOD A prospective multi-center study was conducted with 216 nurses, using a questionnaire with 10 questions related to AKI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS 57.2% of nurses were unable to identify AKI clinical manifestations, 54.6% did not have knowledge of AKI incidence in patients admitted to the ICU, 87.0% of the nurses did not know how to answer as regards the AKI mortality rate in patients admitted to the ICU, 67.1% answered incorrectly that slight increases in serum creatinine do not have an impact on mortality, 66.8% answered incorrectly to the question on AKI prevention measures, 60.4% answered correctly that loop diuretics for preventing AKI is not recommended, 77.6% answered correctly that AKI does not characterize the need for hemodialysis, and 92.5% said they had no knowledge of the Acute Kidney Injury Networkclassification. CONCLUSION Nurses do not have enough knowledge to identify early AKI, demonstrating the importance of qualification programs in this field of knowledge.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar el conocimiento del enfermero en la identificación precoz de la Insuficiencia Renal Aguda (IRA) en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Unidad de Estancia Hospitalaria y Urgencias. MÉTODO Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo.Participaron en el estudio 216 enfermeros, mediante cuestionario con 10 preguntas relacionadas con la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la IRA. RESULTADOS el 57,2% no supieron identificar las manifestaciones clínicas de la IRA, el 54,6% no tienen conocimiento de la incidencia de IRA en pacientes ingresados en la UCI, el 87,0% de los enfermeros no supieron responder al índice de mortalidad de IRA en pacientes ingresados en la UCI, el 67,1% respondieron incorrectamente que aumentos discretos de la creatinina sérica no tienen impacto en la mortalidad, el 66,8% respondieron incorrectamente a la pregunta acerca de las medidas de prevención a la IRA, el 60,4% acertaron cuando respondieron que no se recomienda la utilización de diuréticos de asa en la prevención de la IRA, el 77,6% acertaron al responder que la IRA no caracteriza necesidad de hemodiálisis y el 92,5% dijeron no conocer la clasificación AKIN. CONCLUSIÓN Enfermeros no tienen conocimiento suficiente para la identificación precoz de la IRA, mostrando la importancia de programas de capacitación en esa área del conocimiento.

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar o conhecimento do enfermeiro na identificação precoce da Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA) em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Unidade de Internação e Emergência. MÉTODO Estudo multicêntrico, prospectivo.Participaram do estudo 216 enfermeiros,por meio de questionário com 10 questões relacionadas à prevenção, ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento da IRA. RESULTADOS 57,2% não souberam identificar as manifestações clínicas da IRA, 54,6% não têm conhecimento da incidência de IRA em pacientes internados na UTI, 87,0% dos enfermeiros não souberam responder ao índice de mortalidade de IRA em pacientes internados na UTI, 67,1% responderam incorretamente que aumentos discretos da creatinina sérica não têm impacto na mortalidade, 66,8% responderam incorretamente à questão sobre as medidas de prevenção da IRA, 60,4% acertaram quando responderam que não é recomendada a utilização de diuréticos de alça na prevenção da IRA, 77,6% acertaram ao responder que IRA não caracteriza necessidade de hemodiálise e 92,5% disseram não conhecer a classificação AKIN. CONCLUSÃO Enfermeiros não têm conhecimento suficiente para a identificação precoce da IRA, mostrando a importância de programas de capacitação nesta área do conhecimento.

Acidose metabólica em pacientes cirúrgicos de alto risco: importância prognóstica / Metabolic acidosis assessment in high-risk surgical patients: prognostic importance

Justificativa e Objetivos: Acidose é uma desordem muito frequente em pacientes cirúrgicos. Neste cenário, permanecem incertas as implicações clínicas da acidose e características de cada tipo. Portanto, é relevante tentar elucidar o papel de cada tipo de acidose no prognóstico de pacientes cirúrgicos de alto risco. Método: Trata-se de estudo multicêntrico observacional prospectivo, realizado em três diferentes hospitais. Os pacientes que necessitassem no pós-operatório de cuidados intensivos foram incluídos no estudo consecutivamente. Pacientes com baixa expectativa de vida (câncer sem perspectiva de tratamento), pacientes com insuficiência hepática (child B ou C), insuficiência renal (Clearence de creatinina < 50 mL/min ou hemodiálise prévia), diagnóstico de diabetes previamente foram excluídos. Os pacientes classificados na admissão da UTI quanto ao tipo de acidose que desenvolviam no pós-operatório imediato foram acompanhados até 30 dias e alta hospitalar. Tal classificação avaliou acidose metabólica, pela quantificação da diferença de base menor que -4 mmol/L, anion gap corrigido pela albumina (AG) e lactato aumentados, quando maiores que 12 e 2 mmo/L, respectivamente. Então, os pacientes foram classificados como acidose metabólica hiperlactatemica, aumentado e normal (hipercloremica) anion gap corrigido pela albumina. Resultados: O total de 618 pacientes foram incluídos durante dois anos. A incidência de acidose metabólica foi 59,1% na UTI, porém 148 (23,9%) apresentaram hipercloremica, 131 (21,2%) revelaram hiperlactatemia, 86 (13,9%) AG aumentado e em 253 (40,9%) não ocorreu acidose metabólica. Dentre todas as cirurgias, pacientes de cirurgia gastrointestinal foram associados a maiores porcentagens de acidose metabólica 46,2% versus 19,8% sem acidose, P < 0,05. Interessantemente, acidose com hipercloremia apresentou mais altos valores de cloro na admissão da UTI 115,0 ± 5,7 meq/L (P < 0,05) e receberam maiores quantidades de solução fisiológica 0,9% no...

Background: Acidosis is a very frequent disorder in surgical patients. In this patient set there remains uncertainty the clinic implications from acidosis and characteristics postoperatively. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the role of each acidosis type in outcome for high-risk surgical patients. Methods: Multicenter prospective observational study was performed in three different hospitals. The patients who needed postoperative ICU were involved in the study consecutively. Patients with low life expectancy (cancer without treatment), hepatic failure, renal failure, and diabetic diagnosis were excluded. The patients were followed until 30 days and hospital discharge. On ICU admission, immediately postoperative period, the patients were classified to each type of acidosis. The classification evaluated metabolic acidosis as base excess < -4 mmol/L and high albumin-corrected anion gap (AG) and hyperlactatemia, both > 12 and > 2 mmol/L, respectively. So, the metabolic acidosis classification patients were related to hyperlactatemic, high and normal (hyperchloremic) albumin-corrected anion gap. Results: The study enrolled 618 patients during 2 years. Overall, the acidosis incidence was 59.1% on ICU admission, 148 (23.9%) hyperchloremic, 131 (21.2%) hyperlactatemia, 86 (13.9%) a high anion gap and in 253 (40.9%) there was no metabolic acidosis. The hyperchloremic group presented the highest chlorine level, 115.0 ± 5.7 meq/L (P < 0.05) and highest administration of 0.9% physiologic solution intraoperatively, 3000,0 (2000,0 - 4000,0) mL (P < 0.05). However, in spite of patients didn't present difference in profile demographic and score prognostic, those who remain after 12 hours with acidosis, depend on groups classification in postoperatively showed greater ICU complications, respectively, hyperlactatemia group 68.8%; high anion gap 68.6%; hyperchloremic 65.8% and no acidosis 59.3%, P = 0.03. Cardiovascular and renal dysfunctions were the main...