Impact of an ultrasound-driven diagnostic protocol at early intensive-care stay: a randomized-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a tool in increasing use, but there is still a lack of basics for its routine use and evidence of its impact in intensive care. OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact of POCUS on resource utilization, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical management in medical-surgical intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: Prospective, controlled study, in two polyvalent ICUs. The patients were randomly assigned to POCUS or control group. INTERVENTIONS: POCUS patients received systematic ultrasound examination of optic nerve, lung/pleura, heart, abdomen, and venous system, performed at the bedside by trained intensivists. Control patients were treated by critical care specialists who do not perform ultrasound in their clinical practice. RESULTS: We included 80 patients, 40 per group. There were no significant differences in age, sex, APACHE II score, or admission diagnosis. POCUS group used fewer resources per patient in the first 5 days of hospitalization: chest radiography (2.6 ± 2.0 vs 4.1 ± 3.5, P = 0.01), additional ultrasound evaluations performed by a radiology specialist (0.6 ± 0.7 vs 1.1 ± 0.7, P = 0.002), and computed tomography studies (0.5 ± 0.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.7, P = 0.007). Time to perform any requested ultrasound evaluation after ICU admission was 2.1 ± 1.6 h versus 7.7 ± 6.7 h (P = 0.001). Systematic ultrasound evaluation led to better characterization of ICU admission diagnosis in 14 (35%) patients and change in clinical management in 24 (60%). POCUS group had lower fluid balance at 48 and 96 h after admission (P = 0.01) and spent less time mechanically ventilated (5.1 ± 5.7 days vs 8.8 ± 9.4, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Systematic application of POCUS may decrease utilization of conventional diagnostic imaging resources and time of mechanical ventilation, and facilitate meticulous intravenous fluid administration in critically ill patients during the first week of stay in the ICU. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03608202.

Epidemiology of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in the intensive care unit. / Epidemiología de la injuria renal aguda y enfermedad renal crónica en la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of acute kidney injury, its relationship to chronic kidney disease, and the factors associated with its incidence. METHODS: A cohort study and follow-up were conducted in an intensive care unit in Montevideo, Uruguay. We included patients admitted between November 2014 and October 2015 who were older than 15 years of age and who had at least two measurements of serum creatinine. We excluded patients who were hospitalized for less than 48 hours, patients who died at the time of hospitalization, and patients with chronic renal disease who were on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. There were no interventions. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the criteria set forth in Acute Kidney Injury Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, and chronic kidney disease was defined according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Work Group. RESULTS: We included 401 patients, 56.6% male, median age of 68 years (interquartile range (IQR) 51-79 years). The diagnosis at admission was severe sepsis 36.3%, neurocritical 16.3%, polytrauma 15.2%, and other 32.2%. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 50.1%, and 14.1% of the patients suffered from chronic kidney disease. The incidence of acute septic kidney injury was 75.3%. Mortality in patients with or without acute kidney injury was 41.8% and 14%, respectively (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the most significant variables for acute kidney injury were chronic kidney disease (odds ratio (OR) 5.39, 95%CI 2.04 - 14.29, p = 0.001), shock (OR 3.94, 95%CI 1.72 - 9.07, p = 0.001), and severe sepsis (OR 7.79, 95%CI 2.02 - 29.97, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute kidney injury is high mainly in septic patients. Chronic kidney disease was independently associated with the development of acute kidney injury.

OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología de la injuria renal aguda, la relación con la enfermedad renal crónica y los factores asociados a su incidencia. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte y seguimiento en una unidad de terapia intensiva de Montevideo - Uruguay. Se incluyeron pacientes ingresados entre noviembre 2014 a octubre 2015, mayores de 15 años con dos mediciones de creatinina sérica. Se excluyeron pacientes con menos de 48 horas de internación o fallecidos en ese tiempo y portadores de enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis o diálisis peritoneal. No hubo intervenciones. La injuria renal aguda se definió según criterios Acute Kidney Injury Disease Improving Global Outcomes y la enfermedad renal crónica según Cronic Kidney Disease Work Group. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 401 pacientes, sexo masculino 56,6%, mediana de edad 68 (rango intercuartílico - RIC 51 - 79) años. El diagnóstico al ingreso fue sepsis grave 36,3%, neurocrítico 16,3%, politrauma 15,2% y otros 32,2%. La incidencia de injuria renal aguda fue de 50,1%. El 14,1% eran portadores de enfermedad renal crónica. La incidencia de injuria renal aguda séptica fue de 75,3%. La mortalidad en los pacientes con o sin injuria renal aguda fue de 41,8 y 14% respectivamente (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado las variables de mayor significación para la injuria renal aguda fueron enfermedad renal crónica (odds ratio - OR 5,39 IC95% 2,04 - 14,29 p = 0,001), shock (OR 3,94 IC95% 1,72 - 9,07 p = 0,001) y sepsis grave (OR 7,79 IC 95% 2,02 - 29,97 p = 0,003). CONCLUSIÓN: La incidencia de injuria renal aguda es elevada principalmente en pacientes sépticos. La enfermedad renal crónica se asoció de forma independiente al desarrollo de injuria renal aguda.

Estrategia restrictiva transfusional en cirugía ortopédica / Restrictive transfusion strategy in orthopedics surgery

Para pacientes que sufren artrosis avanzada o en algunos casos de fractura de cadera, la solución quirúrgica que se propone es la cirugía ortopédica mayor. Alguno de estos pacientes requerirá transfusión de sangre o hemocomponentes, o ambos, antes o después de la intervención. El abordaje de la anemia en el paciente quirúrgico puede hacerse de manera liberal, sujeto a la indicación de cada cirujano, o en el contexto de un protocolo restrictivo de reposición. Con este último el beneficio en el ahorro de recursos se acompaña además de un menor número de complicaciones relacionadas con la administración de sangre alogénica. El objetivo específico de nuestro trabajo fue comparar la estrategia liberal con la terapia restrictiva transfusional. Ingresaron en el estudio 498 pacientes; de estos, 261 (52,4%) en el año 2014 sometidos a terapia liberal y 237 (47,6%) en el año 2015 a quienes se aplicó el protocolo de terapia restrictiva transfusional. Se transfundieron menos individuos y se indicaron 55% menos volúmenes de sangre con la estrategia restrictiva. Se presentaron diez casos de reacción transfusional, todas de tipo febril, ocho en 2014 y dos en 2015. Con respecto a la evolución funcional no se comprobó diferencia entre ambos grupos. En nuestra experiencia y de acuerdo a la literatura consultada, la terapia restrictiva permite alcanzar iguales resultados funcionales, con menor riesgo para el paciente y ahorraría recursos al sistema.

Major orthopedic surgery is the surgical solution proposed for patients who suffer from advanced arthrosis or for some cases of hip fracture. Some of these patients will require blood and/or blood components transfusion before or after surgery. The approach to anemia in surgical patients may involve a liberal or a restrictive transfusion strategy, according to what each surgeon indicates, or observing the context of a restrictive protocol for blood replacement. The latter results in resource savings and in a reduction in the number of complications due to the administration of allogenic blood. The study aims to compare the liberal transfusion strategy to the restrictive strategy. 498 patients were included in the study, 261 of which (52.4%) were treated within the liberal strategy in 2014, and 237 (47.6%) were treated according to a restrictive transfusion protocol in 2015. A smaller number of individuals received blood transfusions and 55% less blood volumes were needed when the restrictive strategy was applied. Ten cases of transfusion reaction arose, all of them involving fever, 8 in 2014 and 2 in 2015. As to the functional evolution, no differences were found between the two groups. According to our study, and according to the global literature consulted, the restrictive therapy strategy enables the same functional results with a lower risk for patients, and it saves resources for the system.

Para pacientes com artrose avançada ou em alguns casos de fratura de quadril, a solução cirúrgica que se propõe é a cirurgia ortopédica maior. Algum destes pacientes necessitará transfusão de sangue e/ou hemocomponentes antes ou depois da intervenção. A abordagem da anemia no paciente cirúrgico pode ser feita de maneira liberal, sujeito à indicação de cada cirurgião, ou seguindo um protocolo restritivo de reposição. Utilizando este último se observa um beneficio não só na economia de recursos como também por um menor número de complicações relacionadas com a administração de sangue alogênica. O objetivo específico deste trabalho foi comparar a estratégia liberal com a terapia restritiva transfusional. Foram incluídos no estudo 498 pacientes, sendo 261 (52,4%) em 2014 submetidos à terapia liberal, e 237 (47,6%) em 2015 quando se utilizou o protocolo de terapia restritiva transfusional. Umnúmero menor de pacientes necessitou transfusão sanguínea e foram indicados 55% menos volumes de sangre com a estratégia restritiva. Foram registrados 10 casos de reação transfusional, todas do tipo febril, oito em 2014 e 2 em 2015. Com respeito à evolução funcional, não foram observadas diferenças entre ambos os grupos. Na nossa experiência e de acordo com a literatura consultada, a terapia restritiva permite alcançar resultados funcionais iguais commenos riscos para o paciente e pouparia recursos ao sistema.

Epidemiología de la injuria renal aguda y enfermedad renal crónica en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Epidemiology of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease in the intensive care unit

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología de la injuria renal aguda, la relación con la enfermedad renal crónica y los factores asociados a su incidencia. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte y seguimiento en una unidad de terapia intensiva de Montevideo - Uruguay. Se incluyeron pacientes ingresados entre noviembre 2014 a octubre 2015, mayores de 15 años con dos mediciones de creatinina sérica. Se excluyeron pacientes con menos de 48 horas de internación o fallecidos en ese tiempo y portadores de enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis o diálisis peritoneal. No hubo intervenciones. La injuria renal aguda se definió según criterios Acute Kidney Injury Disease Improving Global Outcomes y la enfermedad renal crónica según Cronic Kidney Disease Work Group. Resultados: Se incluyeron 401 pacientes, sexo masculino 56,6%, mediana de edad 68 (rango intercuartílico - RIC 51 - 79) años. El diagnóstico al ingreso fue sepsis grave 36,3%, neurocrítico 16,3%, politrauma 15,2% y otros 32,2%. La incidencia de injuria renal aguda fue de 50,1%. El 14,1% eran portadores de enfermedad renal crónica. La incidencia de injuria renal aguda séptica fue de 75,3%. La mortalidad en los pacientes con o sin injuria renal aguda fue de 41,8 y 14% respectivamente (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariado las variables de mayor significación para la injuria renal aguda fueron enfermedad renal crónica (odds ratio - OR 5,39 IC95% 2,04 - 14,29 p = 0,001), shock (OR 3,94 IC95% 1,72 - 9,07 p = 0,001) y sepsis grave (OR 7,79 IC 95% 2,02 - 29,97 p = 0,003). Conclusión: La incidencia de injuria renal aguda es elevada principalmente en pacientes sépticos. La enfermedad renal crónica se asoció de forma independiente al desarrollo de injuria renal aguda.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the epidemiology of acute kidney injury, its relationship to chronic kidney disease, and the factors associated with its incidence. Methods: A cohort study and follow-up were conducted in an intensive care unit in Montevideo, Uruguay. We included patients admitted between November 2014 and October 2015 who were older than 15 years of age and who had at least two measurements of serum creatinine. We excluded patients who were hospitalized for less than 48 hours, patients who died at the time of hospitalization, and patients with chronic renal disease who were on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. There were no interventions. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the criteria set forth in Acute Kidney Injury Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, and chronic kidney disease was defined according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Work Group. Results: We included 401 patients, 56.6% male, median age of 68 years (interquartile range (IQR) 51-79 years). The diagnosis at admission was severe sepsis 36.3%, neurocritical 16.3%, polytrauma 15.2%, and other 32.2%. The incidence of acute kidney injury was 50.1%, and 14.1% of the patients suffered from chronic kidney disease. The incidence of acute septic kidney injury was 75.3%. Mortality in patients with or without acute kidney injury was 41.8% and 14%, respectively (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, the most significant variables for acute kidney injury were chronic kidney disease (odds ratio (OR) 5.39, 95%CI 2.04 - 14.29, p = 0.001), shock (OR 3.94, 95%CI 1.72 - 9.07, p = 0.001), and severe sepsis (OR 7.79, 95%CI 2.02 - 29.97, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The incidence of acute kidney injury is high mainly in septic patients. Chronic kidney disease was independently associated with the development of acute kidney injury.

Epidemiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la sepsis severa en Uruguay: un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo / Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of severe sepsis in Uruguay: a prospective, multi-center study

Objetivo: conocer las características epidemiológicas de pacientes que ingresan por sepsis severa (SS) y shock séptico (ShS); valorar la implementación de recomendaciones de la campaña Sobrevivir a las Sepsis (CSS) y determinar variables asociadas con mal pronóstico vital. Diseño: estudio prospectivo, observacional, cohorte única, multicéntrico, durante un año (setiembre 2011 - agosto 2012). Ámbito: cinco centros de Montevideo, del subsector público y privado con cobertura de 800.000 habitantes. Pacientes y métodos: 153 pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de SS y ShS a las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de forma consecutiva. Variables de interés principales: aquellas relacionadas con características del paciente y episodio de sepsis, medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas según la CSS en las primeras 48 horas, y pronósticas en UCI, hospital y a los seis meses. Resultados: se incluyeron 153 pacientes, la mediana de edad fue 68 años, la de Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) fue de 24; 73,9% recibieron asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM), con una mediana de 8 días. La mediana de estadía en CTI fue de 12 y la de estadía hospitalaria fue de 19 días. De los episodios de SS, ShS, 69,3% de los casos fue comunitario; 77,8% presentó shock, y 37,9% inmunodebilidad-inmunocompromiso. Predominó la sepsis de origen respiratorio en 30,1%, se aisló microorganismos en 64,1%, siendo bacterianas 95,9%. La mortalidad en CTI fue 49,7%, hospitalaria 54,9% y a seis meses 58,8%. Se asociaron a mayor mortalidad hospitalaria: edad, APACHE II, inmunodebilidad-compromiso, demoras de ingreso a UCI e inicio de antimicrobianos y balance positivo. Conclusiones: los pacientes ingresan a UCI con formas severas o estado biológico comprometido. Existen demoras y limitaciones en el diagnóstico y terapéutica inicial, situaciones que se asocian a mayor mortalidad hospitalaria.

Abstract Objective: to learn about the epidemiological characteristics of patients who are admitted for severe sepsis (SS) and septic shock (Ssh); to assess the implementation of recommendations in the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and to determine variables associated to a bad vital prognosis. Design: prospective, observational study, single cohort, multi-center, conducted in five centers in Montevideo, the public and private sub-sector with coverage for 800,000 inhabitants during one year (September 2011- August 2012). Method: 153 patients who were consecutively admitted with a SS and Ssh diagnosis in the intensive care units. Main relevant variables: those related to characteristics of patients themselves and the sepsis episode, diagnostic and therapeutic measures according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign in the first 48 hours, and prognostic in the ICU, the hospital and six months later. Results: 153 patients were included, average age was 68 years old and APACHE II 24; 73.9 % of patients needed mechanic ventilation during an average of 8 days. Median length of stay in the ICU was 12 and median hospital stay was 19 days. 69.3% of sepsis were community acquired, 77.8% evidenced shock and 37.9% presented immune deficiency were immunocompromised. Respiratory origin prevailed in 30.2% of patients and in 64.1% of patients the microorganism was identified, bacteria being 95.9% of cases. Mortality in the ICU was 49.7%, in the hospital it was 54.9% and 58.8%. The following were associated to a greater hospital mortality: APACHE II, immune-deficiency, delays in admittance to the ICU and initiation of antimicrobial, and positive balance.

Resumo Objetivo: conhecer as características epidemiológicas dos pacientes admitidos por Sepse Severa (SS) e Choque Séptico (ShS); avaliar a implementação das recomendações da Campanha Sobreviver à Sepse (CSS) e determinar variáveis associadas com mal prognóstico vital. Estudo: prospectivo, observacional, coorte única, multicêntrico, realizado em cinco centros, dos setores público e privado, de Montevidéu, com cobertura de 800.000 habitantes, no período setembro 2011 - agosto 2012. Pacientes e métodos: pacientes com diagnóstico de SS e ShS admitidos, em forma consecutiva, nas Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Foram estudadas as variáveis relacionadas com as características do paciente e com o episódio de sepse, as medidas diagnósticas e terapêuticas segundo a CSS nas primeiras 48 horas, e as prognósticas na UCI, no hospital e aos 6 meses. Resultados: foram incluídos 153 pacientes; a mediana de idade foi 68 anos e de APACHE II 24; em 73,9% dos pacientes foi feita assistência respiratória mecânica - ARM, com uma mediana de 8 dias. As medianas de dias de permanência foram 12 dias na UCI e 9 no hospital. 69.3% das Sepses foram comunitárias, 77,8% apresentaram choque e 37,9% imunodebilidade-imunocompromisso. Na maioria dos pacientes a origem foi respiratória (30,1%) e foi possível isolar o microrganismo em 64,1%, sendo bactérias em 95,9% dos casos. A mortalidade na UCI foi de 49,7%, a hospitalar 54,9% e aos 6 meses 58,8%. Estavam associados a maior mortalidade hospitalar: idade, APACHE II, imunodebilidade-compromisso, demora na admissão a UCI e início de antimicrobianos, e balance positivo. Conclusões: os pacientes foram admitidos nas UCI com formas severas de sepse e/ou estado biológico comprometido. Existem demoras e limitações no diagnóstico e na terapêutica inicial, situações que estão associadas a maior mortalidade hospitalar.

Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of two cases. / Bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii en pacientes en hemodiálisis: reporte de dos casos.

Ralstonia pickettii is a low-virulence gram-negative bacillus that may be associated with infections related to health care and may cause bacteremia. Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia is uncommon but is related to the contamination of medical products, mainly in immunodepressed patients. We present two cases of patients on chronic hemodialysis with Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia linked to contamination of the dialysis water. Similar cases have been published with links to intravenous fluid administration, medication ampules, and the use of extracorporeal oxygenation membranes, among other factors. The detection of Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia should provoke suspicion and a search for contaminated medical products, fluids, and/or medications.

Bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii en pacientes en hemodiálisis: reporte de dos casos / Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a report of two cases

RESUMEN Ralstonia pickettii es un bacilo gram negativo de baja virulencia que puede asociarse a infecciones relacionadas a los cuidados de la salud y provocar bacteriemias. La bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii es poco frecuente pero se relaciona con la contaminación de productos de uso médico principalmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Presentamos dos casos en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica vinculados a contaminación del agua de diálisis. Se han publicado casos similares vinculados a la administración de fluídos intravenosos, ampollas de medicación, asociado a membranas de circulación extracorpórea, entre otros. La detección de una bacteriemia por Ralstonia pickettii, debe sospechar e iniciar la búsqueda de productos de uso médico contaminados, fluídos y/o medicación.

ABSTRACT Ralstonia pickettii is a low-virulence gram-negative bacillus that may be associated with infections related to health care and may cause bacteremia. Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia is uncommon but is related to the contamination of medical products, mainly in immunodepressed patients. We present two cases of patients on chronic hemodialysis with Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia linked to contamination of the dialysis water. Similar cases have been published with links to intravenous fluid administration, medication ampules, and the use of extracorporeal oxygenation membranes, among other factors. The detection of Ralstonia pickettii bacteremia should provoke suspicion and a search for contaminated medical products, fluids, and/or medications.

Complicaciones y mortalidad en esofagectomía por cáncer en unidades de medicina intensiva / Complications and mortality in esophagectomy to treat cancer in intensive care units

Introducción: la esofagectomía continúa siendo el tratamiento de elección del cáncer esofágico. Objetivos: describir la frecuencia de complicaciones y mortalidad tras esofagectomía por cáncer esofágico. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo, multicéntrico, entre los años 2001 y 2011. Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a esofagectomía programada por cáncer esofágico durante la estadía en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Resultados: se incluyeron 224 pacientes, hombres 72%, media de edad 61 años y desvío estándar ± 11 años. El abordaje quirúrgico fue transhiatal en 69,7% y transtorácico en 30,3%. La morbilidad fue de 70,5% y la mortalidad de 13,8%. Las complicaciones detectadas fueron respiratorias 50,8%, infecciosas 51,3%, cardiovasculares 27,6% y quirúrgicas 23,6%. El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (p = 0,03), fugas anastomóticas (p = 0,001), sepsis grave (p = 0,001), mediastinitis (p = 0,02) e injuria renal aguda (p = 0,01) se asociaron con la mortalidad. La sepsis grave fue la principal causa de muerte a foco mediastinal o respiratorio, o ambos. En el análisis multivariado las variables asociadas de forma independiente con la mortalidad fueron el fracaso de extubación (OR 3,9; IC 95% 1,02-15,30; p = 0,03), radioterapia preoperatoria (OR 6,0; IC 95% 1,70-21,30; p = 0,02), transfusión intraoperatoria (OR 5,6; IC 95% 2,07-15,60; p = 0,001) y sepsis grave (OR 29; IC 95% 1,72-21,30; p = 0,001). Conclusiones: la morbimortalidad en esofagectomía es elevada. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las respiratorias e infecciosas. La principal causa de muerte fue la sepsis grave. Se asociaron a mayor mortalidad el fracaso de extubación, radioterapia preoperatoria, transfusión intraoperatoria y la sepsis grave.

Introduction: esophagectomy is still the most widely used treatment for esophageal cancer. Objectives: to describe frequency of complications and mortality after esophagectomy to treat complications and mortality of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Method: retrospective, multi-center study between 2001 and 2011. The study included patients who underwent programmed esophagectomy to treat esophageal cancer during their stay in intensive care units. Results: 224 patients were included in the study, 72% were men, average age was 61 years old and ± 11 standard deviation. Surgical approach was transhiatal in 69.7% of cases and transthoracic in 30.3%. Morbility was 70.5% and mortality 13.8%. Complications identified were respiratory 50.8%, infectious 51.3%, cardiovascular 27.6% and surgical 23.6%. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.03), anostomotic leaks (p = 0.001), severe sepsis (p = 0.001), mediastinitis (p = 0.02) and acute renal injury (p = 0.01) were associated to mortality. Severe sepsis was the main cause of death with mediastinal or respiratory focus, or both. In the multivariate analysis, failure of extubation (OR 3.9; IC 95% 1.02-15.30; p = 0.03), intraoperative transfusion (OR 5.6; IC 95% 2.07-15.60; p = 0.001) and severe sepsis (OR 29; IC 95% 1.72-21.30; p = 0.001) were the variables independently associated. Conclusions: morbimortality rates are high in esophagectomy. The most common complications were respiratory and infectious. Severe sepsis was the main cause of death. Failure to extubate, preoperative radiotherapy, intraoperative transfusion and severe sepsis were associated to greater mortality rates.

Introdução: a esofagectomia continua sendo o tratamento de eleição para câncer esofágico. Objetivos: descrever a frequência de complicações e mortalidade depois de esofagectomia por câncer esofágico. Material e método: estudo retrospectivo, multicêntrico, no período 2001- 2011. Foram incluídos pacientes sometidos a esofagectomia programada por câncer esofágico durante internação em unidades de cuidados intensivos. Resultados: foram incluídos 224 pacientes, homens 72%, com idade média 61 anos e desvio padrão ± 11 anos. A abordagem cirúrgica foi transhiatal em 69,7% e transtorácica em 30,3%. A morbilidade foi de 70,5% e a mortalidade de 13,8%. As complicações detectadas foram: respiratórias 50,8%, infecciosas 51,3%, cardiovasculares 27,6% e cirúrgicas 23,6%. A síndrome de dificuldade respiratória aguda (p = 0,03), fugas anastomóticas (p = 0,001), sepse grave (p = 0,001), mediastinite (p = 0,02) e dano renal agudo (p = 0,01) foram associados à mortalidade. A sepse grave foi a principal causa de morte associada a foco mediastinal ou respiratório, ou ambos. A análise multivariada mostrou como variáveis associadas de forma independente com a mortalidade o fracasso de extubaçao (OR 3,9; IC 95% 1,02-15,30; p = 0,03), radioterapia pré-operatória (OR 6,0; IC 95% 1,70-21,30; p = 0,02), transfusão intra-operatória (OR 5,6; IC 95% 2,07-15,60; p = 0,001) e sepse grave (OR 29; IC 95% 1,72-21,30; p = 0,001). Conclusões: a morbimortalidade por esofagectomia é elevada. As complicações mais frequentes foram as respiratórias e infecciosas. A principal causa de morte foi sepse grave. O fracasso de extubação, a radioterapia pré-operatória, a transfusão intra-operatória e a sepse grave foram associados a maior mortalidade.

Vasculitis primaria del Sistema Nervioso Central: un desafío diagnóstico / Central Nervous System Primary Vasculitis: a diagnostic challenge

La vasculitis primaria del Sistema Nervioso Central (VPSNC) es una variedad poco frecuente de vasculitis que compromete el encéfalo y la medula espinal exclusivamente. La presentación es heterogénea y poco sistematizable, pudiendo comprometer más de una estructura encefálica al mismo tiempo. El diagnóstico se establece con un cuadro clínico compatible, asociado a una angiografía que evidencie un patrón de vasculitis y/o biopsia de parénquima encefálico o meninges. Las alteraciones documentadas en la Resonancia Nuclear Magnética son constantes pero inespecíficas pudiendo la angiografía no evidenciar lesión sugestiva si el afectado es un pequeño vaso. Presentamos tres casos clínicos de probable VPSNC basado en la presentación clínica, los hallazgos imagenológicos compatibles así como la respuesta terapéutica a ella. En los casos analizados se constataron alteraciones en la resonancia nuclear magnética encefálica que sugerían compromiso de varias estructuras encefálicas, con un líquido cefalorraquídeo inflamatorio y alteraciones en el electroencefalograma. El tratamiento de inducción, se realizó en base a bolos de metil-prednisolona y el de mantenimiento fue con corticoides vía oral. Presentaron una excelente respuesta al tratamiento instituido tanto clínica como imagenológicamente.

The primary central nervous system vasculitis is an uncommon variety of vasculitis that exclusively compromises the encephalon and the bone marrow. It arises as heterogeneous and unsystematized and it could compromise more than one encephalic structure at the same time. The diagnosis is made based on compatible symptoms supported by an angiography showing evidence of a vasculitis pattern or/and an encephalic parenchyma or meninges biopsy. The alterations documented in the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance are frequent but unspecific and it is possible to find no evidence of the injury if only a small vessel is affected. We present three clinical cases of probably PCNSV in which the diagnosis was made based on: the clinical presentation, imaginologicfindingsand therapeutic response. In the cases studied the alterations of the NMR were confirmed, the results suggested that several encephalic structures were compromised with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) inflammatory and alterations on the EEG. The induction therapy included Methilprednisolone boluses; and the maintenance therapy, locally applied steroids. The response to the treatment was excellent clinically as well as imaginologically.

Miocarditis fulminante / Fulminant myocarditis

La miocarditis es una enfermedad inflamatoria del músculo cardíaco, es una causa importante en todo el mundo de miocardiopatía dilatada. La infección viral es también una importante causa de miocarditis, y el espectro de los virus que causan la miocarditis ha cambiado en las últimas dos décadas. Su manifestación clínica principal, aunque no exclusiva, es un cuadro de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda. Presentamos el caso de una paciente cursando un cuadro de filiación cardiovascular, caracterizado por dolor torácico, falla cardíaca y arritmias malignas, en que se realizó diagnóstico de miocarditis con evolución fulminante. Se realizó monitoreo hemodinámico avanzado y medidas de soporte circulatorio mecánico con malos resultados clínicos...

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle, and globally, it is an important cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. Viral infection is also an important cause of myocarditis, and the range of virus causing myocarditis has changed in the last two decades. Acute heart failure is its main clinical manifestation, although it is not exclusive.The study presents a patient under a cardiovascular condition characterized by thoracic pain, heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. Myocarditis was diagnosed and evolution was fulminant. Advanced hemodynamic monitoring was performed and mechanical circulatory support measures were taken, clinical results being bad...

A miocardite é uma enfermidade inflamatória do músculo cardíaca sendo, em todo o mundo, uma causa importante de cardiomiopatia dilatada. A infecção viral também é uma causa importante de miocardite, e o espectro dos vírus que a causa mudou nas últimas duas décadas. Sua manifestação clínica principal, embora não exclusiva, é um quadro de insuficiência cardíaca aguda.Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente com um quadro cardiovascular, caracterizado por dor torácica, falha cardíaca e arritmias malignas, com diagnóstico de miocardite de evolução fulminante. Fez-se monitoramento hemodinâmico avançado e foram realizadas medidas de suporte circulatório mecânico com resultados clínicos ruins...

Hematoma retrofaríngeo: a propósito de un caso / A case of retropharyngeal hematoma

El hematoma retrofaríngeo de causa traumática es una entidad clínica muy poco frecuente. Por la proximidad con la vía aérea superior y por tratarse de una lesión ocupante de espacio a nivel de los planos profundos del cuello, la misma puede producir la rápida instalación de una insuficiencia respiratoria aguda de tipo obstructivo. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 72 años, que sufre un siniestro de tránsito, moto contra moto, como conductor sin casco. Es asistido en la vía pública por unidad de emergencia móvil prehospitalaria (UEMPH), que constata: traumatismo encéfalo-craneano (TEC) sin pérdida de conocimiento. Se otorga el alta a domicilio desde el lugar del accidente. Reconsulta en domicilio por cuadro de dificultad respiratoria de rápida instalación y edema de cuello. Valorado nuevamente por UEMPH en domicilio, se constata: polipnea, estridor, disfonía. Se realiza traslado en ambulancia a emergencia del Hospital de Clínicas donde se realiza intubación orotraqueal (IOT), asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) y con diagnóstico tomográfico de hematoma retrofaríngeo ingresa a la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). En la evolución se realizó traqueostomía quirúrgica (TQTq) y tratamiento conservador con buena evolución. El hematoma retrofaríngeo traumático es una entidad poco frecuente de gravedad potencial o real que debe conocerse para no demorar su diagnóstico. Una vez que la vía aérea se encuentra asegurada, se presentan dos opciones: drenaje del hematoma u observación clínica. La opción quirúrgica no ha mostrado ventajas respecto al tratamiento conservador.

Retropharyngeal edema caused by trauma is a rather unusual clinical entity. Given its close proximity to the upper airway and being a lesion that occupies space in the deep planes of the neck it may result in a fast installation of acute respiratory distress.The study presents the case of a male patient of 72 years old who suffered a car accident, where two motorbikes took part, and he was not wearing a helmet. He was seen in the site by the mobile emergency services who found: traumatic brain injury (TBI) with no unconsciousness. He was released to go home. The patient consulted again from his domicile for difficulties in breathing of rapid installation and neck swelling. He was assessed by emergency services in his domicile which found: polypnea, stridor and dysphonia. He was sent to the Emergency Unit at the Clinicas University Hospital in an ambulance where orotracheal intubation was performed, he received mechanical ventilation. The scan diagnosis was retropharyngeal edema and he was admitted in the ICU. Upon evolution a surgical tracheostomy was performed and a conservative treatment resulted in a favorable evolution. Traumatic retropharyngeal edema is rather an unusual condition with a potential or real severity that needs to be known to avoid delaying diagnosis. Once the airway is ensured two options are possible: draining the area or clinical observation. The surgical option has evidenced no advantages when compared to a conservative treatment.

O hematoma retrofaríngeo de origem traumática é uma entidade clínica muito pouco frequente. Por sua proximidade com a via aérea superior e por ser uma lesão que ocupa espaço na área dos planos profundos do pescoço, pode produzir rapidamente uma insuficiência respiratória aguda de tipo obstrutivo.Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de sexo masculino, de 72 anos, que teve um acidente de trânsito, motocicleta contra motocicleta, no qual era condutor e estava sem capacete. Foi atendido na via pública por uma unidade de emergência móvel pré-hospitalar (UEMPH), que constatou: traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) sem perda de consciência. No lugar do acidente recebeu alta. Consultou novamente no domicilio por quadro de dificuldade respiratória de instalação rápida e edema de pescoço. Avaliado novamente por uma UEMPH no domicilio, foi constatada: polipneia, estridor, disfonia. Foi transferido em uma ambulância ao pronto-socorro do Hospital das Clínicas aonde foi submetido a intubação orotraqueal (IOT), assistência respiratória mecânica (ARM); com diagnóstico tomográfico de hematoma retrofaríngeo foi internado na unidade de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Foram realizados uma traqueostomia cirúrgica (TQTc) e tratamento conservador com boa evolução. O hematoma retrofaríngeo traumático é uma entidade pouco frequente, com gravidade potencial ou real e que deve ser conhecido para evitar demora no seu diagnóstico. Quando a via aérea estiver assegurada, existem duas opções: drenagem do hematoma ou observaçao clínica. A alternativa cirúrgica não tem apresentado vantagens com relação ao tratamento conservador.

Complicaciones y mortalidad de la cirugía de resección pulmonar en unidades de medicina intensiva / Complications and mortality of pulmonary resection in intensive care units

Objetivo: describir la frecuencia de complicaciones y mortalidad posoperatorias en una serie de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de resección pulmonar programada que ingresaron a unidades de cuidado intensivo (UCI) en el posoperatorio inmediato. Material y método: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, multicéntrico, realizado entre los años 2009 y 2010 en cuatro centros de Montevideo. Se incluyeron 148 pacientes, se analizaron variables demográficas, antecedentes personales, indicación y procedimiento quirúrgico, complicaciones, estancia en UCI y mortalidad. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado, se tomó significativo un intervalo de confianza de 95% y un valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: la mortalidad cruda posoperatoria durante la estancia en la UCI fue de 10,1%. La incidencia de complicaciones posoperatorias fue de 53,3%, siendo la mediana de la estancia en la unidad de tres días con un rango intercuartílico de 3. Las principales complicaciones fueron pulmonares, pleurales y cardiovasculares. La mortalidad fue mayor en resecciones pulmonares extensas, pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y en los que presentaron complicaciones respiratorias y cardiovasculares. La principal causa de muerte fue la sepsis grave. El desarrollo de sepsis grave (OR 12,9 IC95%, 5,95-21,24 p <0,001) y la necesidad de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) (OR 3,7 IC95%, 1,80-8,93 p = 0,001) fueron factores de riesgo independiente asociados a mortalidad. Conclusiones: la morbimortalidad posoperatoria durante la estancia en UCI es elevada. Las principales complicaciones son respiratorias y cardiovasculares. El desarrollo de sepsis grave y la necesidad de ARM fueron factores independientes asociados a mayor mortalidad...

Golpe de calor: a propósito de un caso clínico / Heat stroke. a case report

El golpe de calor es una entidad poco frecuente y subdiagnosticada. La elevación de la temperatura corporal es la que desencadena las disfunciones metabólicas que pueden incluso llevar a la muerte. Se presenta el caso de un militar que se encontraba realizando ejercicios de infantería, durante el mes de septiembre, en días donde se produjeron condiciones climáticas extremas y desarrolla un cuadro de Disfunción Orgánica Múltiple (DOM) primaria; fue llevado al Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital de Fray Bentos, Río Negro. La evolución inicial se caracterizó por deterioro de la función neurológica, respiratoria, necesidad de ventilación mecánica, falla renal aguda y disfunción hematológica; se establecieron los diagnósticos de golpe de calor, injuria renal, rabomiólisis, insuficiencia respiratoria aguda y coagulación intravascular diseminada (CID). A pesar del tratamiento y manejo de sostén tiene una mala evolución, falleciendo a las 48 horas del ingreso. El caso nos recuerda que la exposición a condiciones de calor por arriba de la temperatura corporal, deteriora los mecanismos de control de calor corporal y metabólico. Es necesario un diagnóstico rápido y un manejo de sostén para conseguir una evolución satisfactoria.

A heat stroke is a very rare and under diagnosed entity. The rise in the body’s temperature is the element that triggers the metabolic dysfunctions that can even lead to death. A case of a soldier is presented; this soldier was training, doing his infantry exercises routine, during September, in days were extreme climate situations were happening, installing a case of primary Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MOD) syndrome. The soldier was taken to the Emergency Service in Fray Bentos’ Hospital, in Rio Negro. The initial evolution was clumsy and slowly, and the neurologic and breathing functions were worsening, with acute renal failure, and also hematological dysfunction. In addition to this, the patient was in need of mechanic ventilation. The diagnosis of temperature shock, acute renal injury, Rhabdomyolysis, acute respiratory failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were established. Supportive care was given to the patient, with an un satisfactory development, leading to death 48 hours after the hospital admission. This case reminds us that, the exposure to weather conditions that are over the body temperature interferes in the metabolism and the body’s mechanisms for controlling heat. A quick diagnosis and supportive care are needed in order to achieve a satisfactory evolution.

ABDOPRE: dispositivo de aplicação externa para redução da pressão intra-abdominal: Experiencia clínica preliminar / ABDOPRE: dispositivo de aplicación externa para reducción de presión intraabdominal: Preliminary clinical experience / ABDOPRE: an external device for the reduction of intra-abdominal pressure

São descritos os objetivos de redução da pressão intra-abdominal e o projeto de um dispositivo que os atenda. O ABDO-PRE compreende, pela primeira vez, um mecanismo de servo-controle de aplicação externa que mede a pressão intravesical como variável de controle. São apresentados os resultados da aplicação em 4 pacientes com hipertensão intra-abdominal, produzindo uma redução de 16 por cento a 35 por cento em três casos e um aumento paradoxal da pressão em um dos casos, devido a um desajuste entre a geometria da câmara de vácuo e a alteração anatômica acarretada pela obesidade da paciente. Estes resultados são promissores em relação ao possível uso do ABDOPRE na prática clínica para redução da hipertensão intra-abdominal.

Se describen los objetivos de reducción de la presión intraabdominal y el proyecto de un dispositivo que los cumpla. ABDOPRE comprende por primera vez un mecanismo servcocontrolado de aplicación externa que toma la presión intravesical como variable de control. Se presenta el resultado de la aplicación en 4 pacientes afectados por hipertensión intraabdominal, con el resultado de una reducción de entre 16 por ciento y 35 por ciento en tres casos y de un aumento paradojal de presión en un caso debido a desajuste de la geometría de la campana de vacío a la anatomía obesa del paciente. Estos resultados prometen el posible uso de ABDOPRE para la reducción de la hipertensión intraabdominal en la práctica clínica.

This article describes a device for the reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. The device (ABDOPRE) includes a unique external servo-control mechanism, based on urinary bladder pressure measurement. The results of ABDOPRE use in the first four intra-abdominal hypertension patients are reported; the device resulted in a reduction of intra-abdominal pressure between 16 percent and 35 percent in 3 cases and in a paradoxical increase of the intra-abdominal pressure in an obese woman, likely due to inappropriate chamber size for the patient's anatomy. These results are promising and ABDOPRE may be useful in clinical practice.

ABDOPRE: an external device for the reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. / ABDOPRE: dispositivo de aplicação externa para redução da pressão intra-abdominal: Experiencia clínica preliminar.

This article describes a device for the reduction of intra-abdominal pressure. The device (ABDOPRE) includes a unique external servo-control mechanism, based on urinary bladder pressure measurement. The results of ABDOPRE use in the first four intra-abdominal hypertension patients are reported; the device resulted in a reduction of intra-abdominal pressure between 16% and 35% in 3 cases and in a paradoxical increase of the intra-abdominal pressure in an obese woman, likely due to inappropriate chamber size for the patient's anatomy. These results are promising and ABDOPRE may be useful in clinical practice.