Determinants of death in critically ill COVID-19 patients during the first wave of COVID-19: a multicenter study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes and factors associated with mortality, focusing on secondary infections, in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in three Brazilian hospitals during the first pandemic wave. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study involving adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to one of the participating ICUs between March and August of 2020. We analyzed clinical features, comorbidities, source of SARS-CoV-2 infection, laboratory data, microbiology data, complications, and causes of death. We assessed factors associated with in-hospital mortality using logistic regression models. RESULTS: We included 645 patients with a mean age of 61.4 years. Of those, 387 (60.0%) were male, 12.9% (83/643) had undergone solid organ transplant, and almost 10% (59/641) had nosocomial COVID-19 infection. During ICU stay, 359/644 patients (55.7%) required invasive mechanical ventilation, 225 (34.9%) needed renal replacement therapy, 337 (52.2%) received vasopressors, and 216 (33.5%) had hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), mainly caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. HAIs were independently associated with a higher risk of death. The major causes of death were refractory shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome but not ARDS, as previously reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, most of our cohort required invasive mechanical ventilation and almost one third had HAIs, which were independently associated with a higher risk of death. Other factors related to death were Charlson Comorbidity Index, SOFA score at admission, and clinical complications during ICU stay. Nosocomial COVID-19 infection was not associated with death. The main immediate causes of death were refractory shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Determinants of death in critically ill COVID-19 patients during the first wave of COVID-19: a multicenter study in Brazil / Determinantes de mortalidade em pacientes com COVID-19 em estado crítico durante a primeira onda da doença: estudo multicêntrico no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes and factors associated with mortality, focusing on secondary infections, in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in three Brazilian hospitals during the first pandemic wave. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to one of the participating ICUs between March and August of 2020. We analyzed clinical features, comorbidities, source of SARS-CoV-2 infection, laboratory data, microbiology data, complications, and causes of death. We assessed factors associated with in-hospital mortality using logistic regression models. Results: We included 645 patients with a mean age of 61.4 years. Of those, 387 (60.0%) were male, 12.9% (83/643) had undergone solid organ transplant, and almost 10% (59/641) had nosocomial COVID-19 infection. During ICU stay, 359/644 patients (55.7%) required invasive mechanical ventilation, 225 (34.9%) needed renal replacement therapy, 337 (52.2%) received vasopressors, and 216 (33.5%) had hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), mainly caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. HAIs were independently associated with a higher risk of death. The major causes of death were refractory shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome but not ARDS, as previously reported in the literature. Conclusions: In this study, most of our cohort required invasive mechanical ventilation and almost one third had HAIs, which were independently associated with a higher risk of death. Other factors related to death were Charlson Comorbidity Index, SOFA score at admission, and clinical complications during ICU stay. Nosocomial COVID-19 infection was not associated with death. The main immediate causes of death were refractory shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar desfechos clínicos e fatores associados à mortalidade, com foco em infecções secundárias, em pacientes com COVID-19 em estado crítico em três hospitais brasileiros durante a primeira onda da pandemia. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo envolvendo pacientes adultos com COVID-19 internados nas UTIs participantes entre março e agosto de 2020. Analisaram-se características clínicas, comorbidades, fonte de infecção por SARS-CoV-2, dados laboratoriais, dados microbiológicos, complicações e causas de óbito. Os fatores associados à mortalidade hospitalar foram avaliados por meio de modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: Foram incluídos 645 pacientes com média de idade de 61,4 anos. Desses, 387 (60,0%) eram do sexo masculino, 12,9% (83/643) haviam sido submetidos a transplante de órgão sólido, e quase 10% (59/641) apresentaram infecção nosocomial por COVID-19. Durante a internação na UTI, 359/644 pacientes (55,7%) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica invasiva, 225 (34,9%) necessitaram de terapia renal substitutiva, 337 (52,2%) receberam vasopressores, e 216 (33,5%) apresentaram infecções hospitalares (IHs), causadas principalmente por bactérias Gram-negativas multirresistentes. As IHs associaram-se de forma independente a maior risco de óbito. As principais causas de óbito foram choque refratário e síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos, mas não SDRA, como relatado anteriormente na literatura. Conclusões: Neste estudo, a maior parte de nossa coorte necessitou de ventilação mecânica invasiva, e quase um terço apresentou IHs, que se associaram de forma independente a maior risco de óbito. Outros fatores relacionados à mortalidade foram Índice de Comorbidade de Charlson, SOFA na admissão e complicações clínicas durante a internação na UTI. A infecção nosocomial por COVID-19 não se associou à mortalidade. As principais causas imediatas de óbito foram choque refratário e síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos.

Influence of perfusion status on central and mixed venous oxygen saturation in septic patients / Influência do status perfusional nas saturações venosas de oxigênio central e mista em pacientes sépticos

Abstract Background and objectives Although there is controversy regarding the role of venous oxygen saturation in the initial resuscitation of septic patients with hypoperfusion these markers are still widely used. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation and concordance between central (SvcO2) and mixed (SvO2) oxygen saturation in septic shock patients with or without hypoperfusion in addition to the impact of these differences in patient conduction. Methods Patients with septic shock were monitored with pulmonary artery catheter and the following subgroups of hypoperfusion were analyzed: 1) lactate > 28 mg.dL-1; 2) base excess ≤ -5 mmol.L-1; 3) venoarterial CO2 gradient > 6 mmHg; 4) SvO2 < 65%; 5) SvcO2 < 70%; 6) lactate > 28 mg.dL-1 and SvO2 < 70%; 7) lactate > 28 mg.dL-1 and SvcO2 < 75%. Results Seventy-seven samples from 24 patients were included. There was only a moderate correlation between SvO2 and SvcO2 (r = 0.72, p = 0.0001) and there was no good concordance between these variables (7.35% bias and 95% concordance limits of -3.0% to 17.7%). Subgroup analysis according to the presence of hypoperfusion showed no differences in concordance between variables. There was discordance regarding clinical management in 13.8% (n = 9) of the cases. Conclusions There is a moderate correlation between SvO2 and SvcO2; however, the concordance between them is inadequate. It was not possible to demonstrate that the presence of hypoperfusion alters the concordance between SvO2 and SvcO2. The use of SvO2 instead of SvcO2 may lead to changes in clinical management in a small but clinically relevant portion of patients.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Embora haja controvérsias sobre o papel das saturações venosas de oxigênio na ressuscitação inicial do paciente séptico com hipoperfusão, esses marcadores são ainda bastante usados. Este estudo procurou avaliar a correlação e a concordância entre as saturações venosas central (SvcO2) e mista (SvO2) de oxigênio em pacientes com choque séptico, na presença ou não de hipoperfusão, além do impacto dessas diferenças na condução clínica do paciente. Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes com choque séptico monitorados com cateter de artéria pulmonar e analisados os seguintes subgrupos de hipoperfusão: 1) Lactato > 28 mg.dL-1; 2) Excesso de bases ≤ -5 mmoL.L-1; 3) Gradiente venoarterial de CO2 > 6 mmHg; 4) SvO2 < 65%; 5) SvcO2 < 70%; 6) Lactato > 28 mg.dL-1 e SvO2 < 70%; 7) Lactato > 28 mg.dL-1 e SvcO2 < 75%. Resultados Foram incluídas 70 amostras de 24 pacientes. Houve apenas correlação moderada entre SvO2 e SvcO2 (r = 0,72; p = 0,0001) e não houve boa concordância entre essas variáveis (viés de 7,35% e limites de concordância de 95% de -3,0%-17,7%). A análise dos subgrupos de acordo com a presença de hipoperfusão não mostrou diferenças na concordância entre as variáveis. Houve discordância na conduta clínica em 13,8% dos casos (n = 9). Conclusões Existe correlação moderada entre SvO2 e SvcO2, entretanto a concordância entre elas é inadequada. Não foi possível demonstrar que a presença de hipoperfusão altera a concordância entre a entre SvO2 e SvcO2. O uso da SvO2 em vez da SvcO2 pode levar a alterações na conduta clínica numa parcela pequena, porém clinicamente relevante, dos pacientes.

Implementation of sepsis bundles in public hospitals in Brazil: a prospective study with heterogeneous results.

BACKGROUND: Public hospitals in emerging countries pose a challenge to quality improvement initiatives in sepsis. Our objective was to evaluate the results of a quality improvement initiative in sepsis in a network of public institutions and to assess potential differences between institutions that did or did not achieve a reduction in mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients with sepsis or septic shock. We collected baseline data on compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 6-h bundles and mortality. Afterward, we initiated a multifaceted quality improvement initiative for patients with sepsis or septic shock in all hospital sectors. The primary outcome was hospital mortality over time. The secondary outcomes were the time to sepsis diagnosis and compliance with the entire 6-h bundles throughout the intervention. We defined successful institutions as those where the mortality rates decreased significantly over time, using a logistic regression model. We analyzed differences over time in the secondary outcomes by comparing the successful institutions with the nonsuccessful ones. We assessed the predictors of in-hospital mortality using logistic regression models. All tests were two-sided, and a p value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: We included 3435 patients from the emergency departments (50.7%), wards (34.1%), and intensive care units (15.2%) of 9 institutions. Throughout the intervention, there was an overall reduction in the risk of death, in the proportion of septic shock, and the time to sepsis diagnosis, as well as an improvement in compliance with the 6-h bundle. The time to sepsis diagnosis, but not the compliance with bundles, was associated with a reduction in the risk of death. However, there was a significant reduction in mortality in only two institutions. The reduction in the time to sepsis diagnosis was greater in the successful institutions. By contrast, the nonsuccessful sites had a greater increase in compliance with the 6-h bundle. CONCLUSIONS: Quality improvement initiatives reduced sepsis mortality in public Brazilian institutions, although not in all of them. Early recognition seems to be a more relevant factor than compliance with the 6-h bundle.

[Influence of perfusion status on central and mixed venous oxygen saturation in septic patients]. / Influência do status perfusional nas saturações venosas de oxigênio central e mista em pacientes sépticos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although there is controversy regarding the role of venous oxygen saturation in the initial resuscitation of septic patients with hypoperfusion, these markers are still widely used. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation and concordance between central (SvcO2) and mixed (SvO2) oxygen saturation in septic shock patients with or without hypoperfusion, in addition to the impact of these differences in patient conduction. METHODS: Patients with septic shock were monitored with pulmonary artery catheter and the following subgroups of hypoperfusion were analyzed: 1) lactate>28mg.dL-1; 2) base excess ≤ -5mmoL.L-1; 3) venoarterial CO2 gradient>6mmHg; 4) SvO2<65%; 5) SvcO2<70%; 6) lactate>28mg.dL-1 and SvO2<70%; 7) lactate>28mg.dL-1 and SvcO2<75%. RESULTS: Seventy-seven samples from 24 patients were included. There was only a moderate correlation between SvO2 and SvcO2 (r=0.72, p=0.0001) and there was no good concordance between these variables (7.35% bias and 95% concordance limits of -3.0%-17.7%). Subgroup analysis according to the presence of hypoperfusion showed no differences in concordance between variables. There was discordance regarding clinical management in 13.8% (n=9) of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is a moderate correlation between SvO2 and SvcO2; however, the concordance between them is inadequate. It was not possible to demonstrate that the presence of hypoperfusion alters the concordance between SvO2 and SvcO2. The use of SvO2 instead of SvcO2 may lead to changes in clinical management in a small but clinically relevant portion of patients.

Fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de agitação em pacientes críticos / Risk factors for agitation in critically ill patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência de agitação nos primeiros 7 dias após admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva, seus fatores de risco e associação com desfechos clínicos. Métodos: Estudo de coorte unicêntrico prospectivo que incluiu maiores 18 anos, admitidos à unidade de terapia intensiva há menos de 24 horas e com previsão de permanência superior a 48 horas. Agitação psicomotora foi definida como pontuação igual ou superior a +2 na Escala de Agitação e Sedação de Richmond ou episódio de agitação, ou registro de uso de medicação específica na ficha clínica. Resultados: Ocorreu agitação em 31,8% dos 113 pacientes incluídos. Na análise multivariada, delirium (OR = 24,14; IC95% 5,15 - 113,14; p < 0,001), dor moderada ou intensa (OR = 5,74; IC95% 1,73 - 19,10; p = 0,004), ventilação mecânica (OR = 10,14; IC95% 2,93 - 35,10; p < 0,001) e tabagismo (OR = 4,49; IC95% 1,33 - 15,17; p = 0,015) foram independentemente associados a maior risco de desenvolver de agitação. Por outro lado, hiperlactatemia associou-se a um menor risco de ocorrência de agitação (OR = 0,169; IC95% 0,04 - 0,77; p = 0,021). Pacientes agitados tiveram menor tempo livre de ventilação mecânica em 7 dias (p = 0,003). Conclusão: A incidência de agitação nos 7 primeiros dias de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva foi elevada. Delirium, dor moderada ou intensa, ventilação mecânica e tabagismo foram fatores de risco independentes para o desenvolvimento de agitação. Pacientes agitados tiveram menor tempo livre de ventilação mecânica nos 7 primeiros dias.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after intensive care unit admission, its risk factors and its associations with clinical outcomes. Methods: This single-center prospective cohort study included all patients older than 18 years with a predicted stay > 48 hours within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit admission. Agitation was defined as a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score ≥ +2, an episode of agitation or the use of a specific medication recorded in patient charts. Results: Agitation occurred in 31.8% of the 113 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that delirium [OR = 24.14; CI95% 5.15 - 113.14; p < 0.001], moderate or severe pain [OR = 5.74; CI95% 1.73 - 19.10; p = 0.004], mechanical ventilation [OR = 10.14; CI95% 2.93 - 35.10; p < 0.001], and smoking habits [OR = 4.49; CI95% 1.33 - 15.17; p = 0.015] were independent factors for agitation, while hyperlactatemia was associated with a lower risk [OR = 0.169; CI95% 0.04 - 0.77; p = 0.021]. Agitated patients had fewer mechanical ventilation-free days at day 7 (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after admission to the intensive care unit was high. Delirium, moderate/severe pain, mechanical ventilation, and smoking habits were independent risk factors. Agitated patients had fewer ventilator-free days in the first 7 days.

Risk factors for agitation in critically ill patients. / Fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de agitação em pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after intensive care unit admission, its risk factors and its associations with clinical outcomes. METHODS:: This single-center prospective cohort study included all patients older than 18 years with a predicted stay > 48 hours within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit admission. Agitation was defined as a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score ≥ +2, an episode of agitation or the use of a specific medication recorded in patient charts. RESULTS:: Agitation occurred in 31.8% of the 113 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that delirium [OR = 24.14; CI95% 5.15 - 113.14; p < 0.001], moderate or severe pain [OR = 5.74; CI95% 1.73 - 19.10; p = 0.004], mechanical ventilation [OR = 10.14; CI95% 2.93 - 35.10; p < 0.001], and smoking habits [OR = 4.49; CI95% 1.33 - 15.17; p = 0.015] were independent factors for agitation, while hyperlactatemia was associated with a lower risk [OR = 0.169; CI95% 0.04 - 0.77; p = 0.021]. Agitated patients had fewer mechanical ventilation-free days at day 7 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION:: The incidence of agitation in the first 7 days after admission to the intensive care unit was high. Delirium, moderate/severe pain, mechanical ventilation, and smoking habits were independent risk factors. Agitated patients had fewer ventilator-free days in the first 7 days.

Concentrações séricas de vitamina D e disfunção orgânica em pacientes com sepse grave e choque séptico / Serum concentrations of vitamin D and organ dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as concentrações séricas e a variação de vitamina D em pacientes com sepse grave ou choque séptico e indivíduos controles na admissão e após 7 dias de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva, correlacionando-os com a gravidade da disfunção orgânica. Métodos: Estudo caso-controle, prospectivo e observacional em pacientes com mais de 18 anos com sepse grave ou choque séptico pareados com grupo controle. Foi realizada dosagem sérica de vitamina D na inclusão (D0) e no sétimo dia (D7). Definiu-se deficiência grave se vitamina D < 10ng/mL, deficiência se entre 10 e 20ng/mL, insuficiência se entre 20 e 30ng/mL e suficiência se ≥ 30ng/mL. Consideramos melhora a modificação para qualquer classificação mais elevada, associada ao incremento de 50% dos valores absolutos. Resultados: Incluímos 51 pacientes (26 sépticos e 25 controles). A prevalência de concentrações de vitamina D ≤ 30ng/mL foi de 98%. Não houve correlação entre a concentração sérica de vitamina D no D0 e o escore SOFA no D0 ou com sua variação após 7 dias, tanto na população geral quanto nos sépticos. Pacientes com melhora da deficiência tiveram melhora no escore SOFA no D7 (p = 0,013). Conclusão: Na população estudada, os pacientes sépticos apresentaram melhora das concentrações séricas de vitamina D no sétimo dia em comparação com controles. Encontramos associação entre a melhora das concentrações de vitamina D e a maior redução da intensidade de disfunção orgânica.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamin D and their variations in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and in control subjects upon admission and after 7 days of hospitalization in the intensive care unit and to correlate these concentrations with the severity of organ dysfunction. Methods: This case-control, prospective, observational study involved patients aged > 18 years with severe sepsis or septic shock paired with a control group. Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured at inclusion (D0) and on the seventh day after inclusion (D7). Severe deficiency was defined as vitamin D levels < 10ng/ml, deficiency as levels between 10 and 20ng/ml, insufficiency as levels between 20 and 30ng/ml, and sufficiency as levels ≥ 30ng/mL. We considered a change to a higher ranking, together with a 50% increase in the absolute concentration, to represent an improvement. Results: We included 51 patients (26 with septic shock and 25 controls). The prevalence of vitamin D concentration ≤ 30ng/ml was 98%. There was no correlation between the serum concentration of vitamin D at D0 and the SOFA score at D0 or D7 either in the general population or in the group with septic shock. Patients with improvement in vitamin D deficiency had an improved SOFA score at D7 (p = 0.013). Conclusion: In the population studied, patients with septic shock showed improvement in the serum concentrations of vitamin D on the seventh day compared with the controls. We also found a correlation between higher vitamin D concentrations and a greater decrease in the severity of organ dysfunction.

Daily laxative therapy reduces organ dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients: a phase II randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Constipation is a common problem in intensive care units. We assessed the efficacy and safety of laxative therapy aiming to promote daily defecation in reducing organ dysfunction in mechanically ventilated patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, nonblinded phase II clinical trial at two general intensive care units. Patients expected to remain ventilated for over 3 days were randomly assigned to daily defecation or control groups. The intervention group received lactulose and enemas to produce 1-2 defecations per day. In the control group, absence of defecation was tolerated up to 5 days. Primary outcome was the change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score between the date of enrollment and intensive care unit discharge, death or day 14. RESULTS: We included 88 patients. Patients in the treatment group had a higher number of defecations per day (1.3 ± 0.42 versus 0.7 ± 0.56, p < 0.0001) and lower percentage of days without defecation (33.1 ± 15.7% versus 62.3 ± 24.5%, p < 0.0001). Patients in the intervention group had a greater reduction in SOFA score (-4.0 (-6.0 to 0) versus -1.0 (-4.0 to 1.0), p = 0.036) with no difference in mortality rates or in survival time. Adverse events were more frequent in the treatment group (4.5 (3.0-8.0) versus 3.0 (1.0-5.7), p = 0.016), including more days with diarrhea (2.0 (1.0-4.0) versus 1.0 (0-2.0) days, p < 0.0001). Serious adverse events were rare and did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laxative therapy improved daily defecation in ventilated patients and was associated with a greater reduction in SOFA score. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov NCT01607060, registered 24 May 2012.

Positive fluid balance as a prognostic factor for mortality and acute kidney injury in severe sepsis and septic shock.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess whether late positive fluid balances are associated with acute kidney injury and mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: In this retrospective study, fluid balances were calculated at 3 different time points: the onset of organ dysfunction attributed to sepsis, sepsis diagnosis, and vasopressors initiation. Data were analyzed in logistic regression models for mortality and acute kidney injury as outcomes. RESULTS: We included 116 patients. A RIFLE score F, diuresis less than 0.9 L from the second day after the first organ dysfunction, and fluid balance more than 3 L between the 24th and the 48th hour after diagnosis were independently associated with higher mortality, whereas in the subgroup with shock, only the latter parameter and diuresis less than 0.85 L on the first day of shock were independent risk factors. After adjusting for age, creatinine more than 1.2 mg/dL, a nonrenal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment greater than or equal to 7.5 on the first day and urine output less than 1.3 L on the first day after organ dysfunction were independent risk factors for RIFLE F. No relationship was found between fluid balance and acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: Late positive fluid balance is an independent risk factor for mortality in severe sepsis. Positive fluid balances are not associated with either protection against or risk for acute kidney injury.

Serum concentrations of vitamin D and organ dysfunction in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamin D and their variations in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and in control subjects upon admission and after 7 days of hospitalization in the intensive care unit and to correlate these concentrations with the severity of organ dysfunction. METHODS: This case-control, prospective, observational study involved patients aged > 18 years with severe sepsis or septic shock paired with a control group. Serum vitamin D concentrations were measured at inclusion (D0) and on the seventh day after inclusion (D7). Severe deficiency was defined as vitamin D levels < 10ng/ml, deficiency as levels between 10 and 20ng/ml, insufficiency as levels between 20 and 30ng/ml, and sufficiency as levels ≥ 30ng/mL. We considered a change to a higher ranking, together with a 50% increase in the absolute concentration, to represent an improvement. RESULTS: We included 51 patients (26 with septic shock and 25 controls). The prevalence of vitamin D concentration ≤ 30ng/ml was 98%. There was no correlation between the serum concentration of vitamin D at D0 and the SOFA score at D0 or D7 either in the general population or in the group with septic shock. Patients with improvement in vitamin D deficiency had an improved SOFA score at D7 (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: In the population studied, patients with septic shock showed improvement in the serum concentrations of vitamin D on the seventh day compared with the controls. We also found a correlation between higher vitamin D concentrations and a greater decrease in the severity of organ dysfunction.

Diabetes mellitus e intolerância à glicose são subdiagnosticados nas unidades de terapia intensiva / Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance are underdiagnosed in intensive care units

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de diabetes mellitus e a intolerância à glicose em pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes clínicos, em pós-operatório de cirurgias eletivas e de urgência, e excluídos aqueles com história de diabetes mellitus. Para o diagnóstico de alterações prévias da glicemia, utilizou-se a dosagem da hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) na admissão do paciente, sendo classificado em normal (<5,7%), intolerante à glicose (5,7-6,4%) ou diabético (>6,4%). Durante os 3 primeiros dias da internação, foram avaliados o controle glicêmico e as complicações clínicas. A evolução para óbito foi acompanhada por 28 dias. Para as análises estatísticas, utilizaram-se testes do qui-quadrado, ANOVA, teste t de Student, Kruskall-Wallis ou Mann Whitney. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 30 pacientes, 53% do gênero feminino, idade de 53,4±19,7 anos e APACHE II de 13,6±6,6. A maioria dos pacientes foi admitida por sepse grave ou choque séptico, seguido por pós-operatório de cirurgias eletivas, oncológicas, politraumatismo e cirurgia de urgência. Ao classificar esses pacientes segundo a HbA1c, apesar da ausência prévia de história de diabetes mellitus, apenas 13,3% tinham HbA1c normal, 23,3% tinham níveis compatíveis com o diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus e 63,3% eram compatíveis com intolerância à glicose. Houve associação significativa entre o diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus ou intolerância a glicose e o uso de droga vasoativa (p=0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Foi encontrada alta prevalência de diabetes mellitus e intolerância à glicose, sem diagnóstico prévio, em pacientes internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva geral.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in intensive care unit inpatients. METHODS: The study included patients in post-surgical care for elective and emergency surgery and excluded those patients with known diabetes mellitus. To diagnose prior serum glucose level disorders, we considered the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at the time of admission, classifying the patients as normal (<5.7%), glucose intolerant (5.7-6.4%) or diabetic (>6.4%). During the first 3 days of the patient's hospital stay, glycemic control and clinical complications were assessed. Mortality was monitored for 28 days. For the statistical analyses, chi-square, ANOVA, student's t, Kruskal-Wallis or Mann Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the present study, 53% of whom were women; the patients had a mean age of 53.4±19.7 years and an APACHE II score of 13.6±6.6. The majority of patients were admitted for severe sepsis or septic shock followed by post-operative care for elective surgery, oncological surgery, multiple traumas and emergency surgery. When classifying these patients according to HbA1c, despite the absence of a prior history of diabetes mellitus, only 13.3% had a normal HbA1c level, 23.3% had levels compatible with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and 63.3% had levels compatible with impaired glucose tolerance. We found a significant association between the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance and the use of vasoactive drugs (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was observed in inpatients at a general intensive care unit.

Diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance are underdiagnosed in intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in intensive care unit inpatients. METHODS: The study included patients in post-surgical care for elective and emergency surgery and excluded those patients with known diabetes mellitus. To diagnose prior serum glucose level disorders, we considered the value of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at the time of admission, classifying the patients as normal (<5.7%), glucose intolerant (5.7-6.4%) or diabetic (>6.4%). During the first 3 days of the patient's hospital stay, glycemic control and clinical complications were assessed. Mortality was monitored for 28 days. For the statistical analyses, chi-square, ANOVA, student's t, Kruskal-Wallis or Mann Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the present study, 53% of whom were women; the patients had a mean age of 53.4±19.7 years and an APACHE II score of 13.6±6.6. The majority of patients were admitted for severe sepsis or septic shock followed by post-operative care for elective surgery, oncological surgery, multiple traumas and emergency surgery. When classifying these patients according to HbA1c, despite the absence of a prior history of diabetes mellitus, only 13.3% had a normal HbA1c level, 23.3% had levels compatible with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and 63.3% had levels compatible with impaired glucose tolerance. We found a significant association between the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance and the use of vasoactive drugs (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance was observed in inpatients at a general intensive care unit.

Nível plasmático de homocisteína: marcador de gravidade em pacientes sépticos? / Homocysteine plasma levels as a marker of clinical severity in septic patients

OBJETIVO: Homocisteína e a sepse estão ambos associados à inflamação e ativação endotelial. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar se o nível plasmático de homocisteína está relacionado à gravidade do quadro séptico. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico, prospectivo e observacional, incluindo pacientes com sepse grave ou choque séptico com menos de 48 horas de instalação da disfunção orgânica. Os níveis de homocisteína foram determinados no dia da inclusão no estudo e nos dias 3, 7, 14. A associação entre homocisteína com o escore Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) foi avaliada pelo teste de Sperman e com mortalidade pelo teste de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados foram considerados significativos se p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 21 pacientes e feitas 60 coletas para avaliação da homocisteina total (mediana de 6,92 (5,27 - 9,74 μmol/l). O teste de correlação Spearman não mostrou associação entre homocisteina e SOFA (r = -0,15 e p = 0,26). Também não foi encontrada correlação da medida de homocisteína na data de admissão do estudo e a diferença do SOFA obtido no 3º dia e o SOFA da admissão (deltaSOFA) (r = 0,04 e p = 0,87). A variação da homocisteína do 3º dia e a admissão no estudo (deltaHmc) e a variação do SOFA no mesmo período não estavam correlacionadas (r = -0,11 e p = 0,66). A homocisteina da admissão não se correlacionou com mortalidade na UTI (p=0,46) ou com a mortalidade hospitalar.(p=0,13). Mesmo quando foi utilizado o deltaHmc não houve correlação (p=012 e p=0,99, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: O nível basal de homocisteína ou sua variação nos primeiros dias da disfunção não estiveram relacionadas com a piora dos parâmetros funcionais dos sistemas orgânicos ou mortalidade nos pacientes sépticos.

OBJECTIVE: Homocysteine and sepsis are both associated with inflammation and endothelial activation. Therefore this study was aimed to evaluate if the plasma homocystein level is related with the septic patient clinical severity. METHODS: Severe sepsis or septic shock patients, with less than 48 hours from organ dysfunction start, were admitted to this prospective observational study. Homocysteine levels were determined by the time of study admission and then on the Days 3, 7 and 14. The homocysteine association with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was evaluated using the Sperman test, and its association with mortality using the Mann-Whitney test. A p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty one patients were enrolled, and 60 blood samples were collected to measure total homocysteine [median 6.92 (5.27 - 9.74 μmol/L)]. The Sperman correlation test showed no association between homocysteine and SOFA ( r=0.15 and p=0.26). Also no correlation was found for the homocysteine level by the study admission time and the difference between the Day 3 SOFA score versus by study admission (deltaSOFA) (r=0.04 and p=0.87). Homocysteine variation between the Day 3 and the study admission (deltaHmc) and SOFA score variation in the same period were not correlated (r=-0.11 and p=0.66). Homocysteine by the study admission was not correlated with death in intensive care unit rate (p= 0.46) or in-hospital death rate (p = 0.13). This was also true for deltaHmc (p=0.12 and p=0.99, respectively). CONCLUSION: Baseline homocysteine levels and its variations within the first dysfunction days were not related with septic patients' worsened organ function parameters or mortality.

Homocysteine plasma levels as a marker of clinical severity in septic patients. / Nível plasmático de homocisteína: marcador de gravidade em pacientes sépticos?

OBJECTIVE: Homocysteine and sepsis are both associated with inflammation and endothelial activation. Therefore this study was aimed to evaluate if the plasma homocystein level is related with the septic patient clinical severity. METHODS: Severe sepsis or septic shock patients, with less than 48 hours from organ dysfunction start, were admitted to this prospective observational study. Homocysteine levels were determined by the time of study admission and then on the Days 3, 7 and 14. The homocysteine association with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was evaluated using the Sperman test, and its association with mortality using the Mann-Whitney test. A p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty one patients were enrolled, and 60 blood samples were collected to measure total homocysteine [median 6.92 (5.27 - 9.74 µmol/L)]. The Sperman correlation test showed no association between homocysteine and SOFA ( r=0.15 and p=0.26). Also no correlation was found for the homocysteine level by the study admission time and the difference between the Day 3 SOFA score versus by study admission (deltaSOFA) (r=0.04 and p=0.87). Homocysteine variation between the Day 3 and the study admission (deltaHmc) and SOFA score variation in the same period were not correlated (r=-0.11 and p=0.66). Homocysteine by the study admission was not correlated with death in intensive care unit rate (p= 0.46) or in-hospital death rate (p = 0.13). This was also true for deltaHmc (p=0.12 and p=0.99, respectively). CONCLUSION: Baseline homocysteine levels and its variations within the first dysfunction days were not related with septic patients' worsened organ function parameters or mortality.

Accuracy of different methods for blood glucose measurement in critically ill patients / Acurácia de diferentes métodos para mensuração de glicemia em pacientes graves

Context and objective: Although glucometers have not been validated for intensive care units, they are regularly used. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the accuracy and clinical agreement of arterial glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Agluc-lab), capillary (Cgluc-strip) and arterial (Agluc-strip) glucose concentration obtained using glucometry and central venous glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Vgluc-lab). Design and setting: Cross-sectional study in a university hospital. Method: Forty patients with septic shock and stable individuals without infection were included. The correlations between measurements were assessed both in the full sample and in subgroups using noradrenalin and presenting signs of tissue hypoperfusion. RESULTS: Cgluc-strip showed the poorest correlation (r = 0.8289) and agreement (-9.87 ± 31.76). It exceeded the limits of acceptable variation of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute in 23.7 percent of the cases, and was higher than Agluc-lab in 90 percent of the measurements. Agluc-strip showed the best correlation (r = 0.9406), with agreement of -6.75 ± 19.07 and significant variation in 7.9 percent. For Vgluc-lab, r = 0.8549, with agreement of -4.20 ± 28.37 and significant variation in 15.7 percent. Significant variation was more frequent in patients on noradrenalin (36.4 percent versus 6.3 percent; P = 0.03) but not in the subgroup with hypoperfusion. There was discordance regarding clinical management in 25 percent, 22 percent and 15 percent of the cases for Cgluc-strip, Vgluc-lab and Agluc-strip, respectively. Conclusion: Cgluc-strip should be avoided, particularly if noradrenalin is being used. This method usually overestimates the true glucose levels and gives rise to management errors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12608000513314 (registered as an observational, cross-sectional study).

Contexto e objetivo: Apesar de glicosímetros não serem validados para unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI), seu uso é corriqueiro. O objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia e concordância clínica entre a glicemia arterial por colorimetria (glicA-lab), glicemias capilar (glicC-fita) e arterial (glicA-fita) por glicosimetria, e venosa central por colorimetria (glicV-lab). Tipo de estudo e local: Estudo transversal realizado em hospital universitário. Método: Foram incluídos 40 pacientes com choque séptico e indivíduos estáveis, sem infecção. A correlação entre medidas foi avaliada tanto na amostra global quanto nos subgrupos em uso de noradrenalina e com sinais de hipoperfusão tecidual. Resultados: A glicC-fita mostrou pior correlação (r = 0,8289) e concordância (-9,87 ± 31,76). Esta superou os limites aceitáveis de variação do Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute em 23,7 por cento dos casos, sendo maior que a glicA-lab em 90 por cento das vezes. A glicA-fita teve a melhor correlação (r = 0,9406), com concordância de -6,75 ± 19,07 e variação significativa em 7,9 por cento. Para a glicV-lab, obteve-se r = 0,8549, concordância de -4,20 ± 28,37 e variação significativa em 15,7 por cento. Variação significativa foi mais frequente em pacientes com noradrenalina (36,4 por cento versus 6,3 por cento, P = 0,03), mas não nos com hipoperfusão. Houve discordância de conduta clínica em 25 por cento, 22,5 por cento e 15 por cento dos casos para glicC-fita, glicV-lab e glicA-fita, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de glicC-fita deveria ser evitado, principalmente se há uso de noradrenalina. Geralmente, este método superestima a glicemia real e acarreta erros de conduta. Registro de ensaio clínico: ACTRN12608000513314 (registrado como estudo observacional transversal).

Accuracy of different methods for blood glucose measurement in critically ill patients.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although glucometers have not been validated for intensive care units, they are regularly used. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the accuracy and clinical agreement of arterial glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Agluc-lab), capillary (Cgluc-strip) and arterial (Agluc-strip) glucose concentration obtained using glucometry and central venous glucose concentration obtained using colorimetry (Vgluc-lab). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a university hospital. METHOD: Forty patients with septic shock and stable individuals without infection were included. The correlations between measurements were assessed both in the full sample and in subgroups using noradrenalin and presenting signs of tissue hypoperfusion. RESULTS: Cgluc-strip showed the poorest correlation (r = 0.8289) and agreement (-9.87 +/- 31.76). It exceeded the limits of acceptable variation of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute in 23.7% of the cases, and was higher than Agluc-lab in 90% of the measurements. Agluc-strip showed the best correlation (r = 0.9406), with agreement of -6.75 +/- 19.07 and significant variation in 7.9%. For Vgluc-lab, r = 0.8549, with agreement of -4.20 +/- 28.37 and significant variation in 15.7%. Significant variation was more frequent in patients on noradrenalin (36.4% versus 6.3%; P = 0.03) but not in the subgroup with hypoperfusion. There was discordance regarding clinical management in 25%, 22% and 15% of the cases for Cgluc-strip, Vgluc-lab and Agluc-strip, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cgluc-strip should be avoided, particularly if noradrenalin is being used. This method usually overestimates the true glucose levels and gives rise to management errors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12608000513314 (registered as an observational, cross-sectional study).