Lack of correlation between left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral and stroke volume index in mechanically ventilated patients / Ausencia de correlación entre la integral velocidad tiempo en el tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo y el índice volumen sistólico en pacientes en ventilación mecánica

Objective: To assess the correlation between left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) and stroke volume index (SVI) calculated by thermodilution methods in ventilated critically ill patients. Design: A prospective, descriptive, multicenter study was performed. Setting: Five intensive care units from university hospitals. Patients: Patients older than 17 years needing mechanical ventilation and invasive hemodynamic monitoring were included. Interventions: LVOT VTI was measured by pulsatile Doppler echocardiography. Calculations of SVI were performed through a floating pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) or a Pulse index Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO(R)) thermodilution methods. Main variables: The relation between LVOT VTI and SVI was tested by linear regression analysis. Results: One hundred and fifty-six paired measurements were compared. Mean LVOT VTI was 20.83±4.86cm and mean SVI was 41.55±9.55mL/m2. Pearson correlation index for these variables was r=0.644, p<0.001; ICC was 0.52 (CI 95% 0.4-0.63). When maximum LVOT VTI was correlated with SVI, Pearson correlation index was r=0.62, p<0.001. Correlation worsened for extreme values, especially for those with higher LVOT VTI. Conclusions: LVOT VTI could be a complementary hemodynamic evaluation in selected patients, but does not eliminate the need for invasive monitoring at the present time. The weak correlation between LVOT VTI and invasive monitoring deserves additional assessment to identify the factors affecting this disagreement

Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre la integral velocidad tiempo del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo (IVT TSVI) y el índice volumen sistólico (IVS) calculado por métodos de termodilución en pacientes ventilados críticamente enfermos. Diseño: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y multicéntrico. Ámbito: Cinco unidades de cuidados intensivos de hospitales universitarios. Pacientes: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 17 años que necesitaron ventilación mecánica y monitorización hemodinámica invasiva. Intervenciones: La IVT TSVI se midió mediante Doppler pulsátil. Los cálculos de SVI se realizaron a través de un catéter de arteria pulmonar (CAP) o un método de Pulse index Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO(R)), con métodos de termodilución. Variables principales: La relación entre IVT TSVI e IVS se evaluó mediante análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados: Se compararon 156 mediciones pareadas. La IVT TSVI media fue de 20,83±4,86cm y la media de IVS fue de 41,55±9,55ml/m2. El índice de correlación de Pearson para estas variables fue r=0,644, p<0,001; ICC fue 0,52 (IC 95%: 0,4-0,63). Cuando la IVT TSVI máxima se correlacionó con el IVS, el índice de correlación de Pearson fue r=0,62, p<0,001. La correlación empeoró para los valores extremos, especialmente para aquellos con mayor IVT TSVI. Conclusiones: La IVT TSVI podría ser una evaluación hemodinámica complementaria en pacientes seleccionados, pero no elimina la necesidad de un control invasivo en la actualidad. La débil correlación entre la IVT TSVI y la monitorización invasiva requiere estudios adicionales para identificar los factores que afectan a este desacuerdo

Lack of correlation between left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral and stroke volume index in mechanically ventilated patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) and stroke volume index (SVI) calculated by thermodilution methods in ventilated critically ill patients. DESIGN: A prospective, descriptive, multicenter study was performed. SETTING: Five intensive care units from university hospitals. PATIENTS: Patients older than 17 years needing mechanical ventilation and invasive hemodynamic monitoring were included. INTERVENTIONS: LVOT VTI was measured by pulsatile Doppler echocardiography. Calculations of SVI were performed through a floating pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) or a Pulse index Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO®) thermodilution methods. MAIN VARIABLES: The relation between LVOT VTI and SVI was tested by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six paired measurements were compared. Mean LVOT VTI was 20.83±4.86cm and mean SVI was 41.55±9.55mL/m2. Pearson correlation index for these variables was r=0.644, p<0.001; ICC was 0.52 (CI 95% 0.4-0.63). When maximum LVOT VTI was correlated with SVI, Pearson correlation index was r=0.62, p<0.001. Correlation worsened for extreme values, especially for those with higher LVOT VTI. CONCLUSIONS: LVOT VTI could be a complementary hemodynamic evaluation in selected patients, but does not eliminate the need for invasive monitoring at the present time. The weak correlation between LVOT VTI and invasive monitoring deserves additional assessment to identify the factors affecting this disagreement.

[Absence of benefit with triple antiaggregation in acute non persistent ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients not subjected to early interventionism]. / Ausencia de beneficio con triple antiagregación en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación persistente del segmento ST, en pacientes no sometidos a intervencionismo precoz.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment with clopidogrel when associated or not to the treatment with tirofiban and aspirin for high-risk non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI), without early angioplasty. SETTING: Intensive Care and Coronary Unit (ICCU), in a center with no Hemodynamic Laboratory. DESIGN: Non randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients admitted with the diagnosis of high-risk non-STEMI, defined as patients with chest pain and one of the following: ST segment depression or transient elevation or an elevation in cardiac troponin I (TropIc). INTERVENTIONS: We included patients admitted in a 24-month period. During the first 12-month period, the patients received tirofiban and clopidogrel (group A). In the second one, clopidogrel was not administered (group B). Urgent cardiac catheterism was requested if recurrent ischemic chest pain with ST segment changes, left ventricular failure or hemodynamic instability were present. PRIMARY VARIABLES: A composite of recurrent ischemic chest pain with ST segment changes or death during ICCU admission was evaluated as an efficacy variable. A variable of safety was defined as the occurrence of intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding, or any hemorrhagic event accompanied by a drop of at least 3 g/dl of hemoglobin. The rate of urgent cardiac catheterisms was recorded. RESULTS: Neither the rate of the efficacy variable (19.6 % in group A and 19.4% in group B; p = 0.97), nor the rate of the safety variable (3.5% and 2.9% of patients in groups A and B, p = 1) showed statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of urgent cardiac catheterism (19.6% in group A and 13.4% in group B; p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: In the early course of high-risk non-STEMI with a conservative management strategy, the addition of clopidogrel to tirofiban does not change the rate of ischemic events, death, need of urgent catheterism or hemorrhagic events.

Ausencia de beneficio con triple antiagregación en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación persistente del segmento ST, en pacientes no sometidos a intervencionismo precoz / Absence of benefit with tripleantiaggregation in acute non persistent ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients not subjected to early interventionism

Objetivo. Valorar la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento con clopidogrel cuando se asocia o no al tratamiento con tirofibán más ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación persistente del segmento ST (SCASEST) de alto riesgo, sin intervencionismo precoz. Ámbito. Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), en centro sin laboratorio de hemodinámica. Diseño. Ensayo clínico sin asignación aleatoria. Pacientes. Ciento veintitrés pacientes con SCASEST de alto riesgo, definido como dolor torácico y uno de los siguientes: descenso del segmento ST o ascenso transitorio o aumento de troponina I cardíaca (TropIc). Intervenciones. Estudio desarrollado durante veinticuatro meses. Los primeros doce meses el tratamiento incluía tirofibán y clopidogrel (grupo A); en los siguientes doce meses, el clopidogrel no se administraba (grupo B). El cateterismo cardíaco urgente se solicitó si aparecía dolor torácico recurrente con cambios en el segmento ST, fallo ventricular izquierdo o inestabilidad hemodinámica. Variables principales. Se evaluó una variable de eficacia, formada por la combinación de la aparición de dolor torácico con cambios en el segmento ST o muerte durante la estancia en la UCI, y una variable de seguridad, definida por la existencia de hemorragias intracraneales, digestivas o aquellas asociadas a una disminución de hemoglobina de al menos 3 g/dl. Se registró la frecuencia de realización de cateterismo urgente. Resultados. No hubo diferencias estadísticas significativas en la frecuencia de la variable de eficacia (19,6% en el grupo A y 19,4% en el grupo B; p = 0,97), ni en la de seguridad (3,5 y 2,9% en los grupos A y B respectivamente; p = 1). Tampoco existió diferencia estadística significativa en la realización de cateterismo urgente (19,6% en el grupo A y 13,4% en el grupo B; p = 0,35). Conclusiones. En el curso inicial del SCASEST de alto riesgo con una estrategia de tratamiento conservadora, la adición de clopidogrel al tirofibán no modifica la aparición de eventos isquémicos, muerte o necesidad de cateterismo urgente, ni se asocia a un incremento de complicaciones hemorrágicas

Objective. To assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment with clopidogrel when associated or not to the treatment with tirofiban and aspirin for high-risk non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI), without early angioplasty. Setting. Intensive Care and Coronary Unit (ICCU), in a center with no Hemodynamic Laboratory. Design. Non randomized clinical trial. Participants. One hundred and twenty-three patients admitted with the diagnosis of high-risk non-STEMI, defined as patients with chest pain and one of the following: ST segment depression or transient elevation or an elevation in cardiac troponin I (TropIc). Interventions. We included patients admitted in a 24-month period. During the first 12-month period, the patients received tirofiban and clopidogrel (group A). In the second one, clopidogrel was not administered (group B). Urgent cardiac catheterism was requested if recurrent ischemic chest pain with ST segment changes, left ventricular failure or hemodynamic instability were present. Primary variables. A composite of recurrent ischemic chest pain with ST segment changes or death during ICCU admission was evaluated as an efficacy variable. A variable of safety was defined as the occurrence of intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding, or any hemorrhagic event accompanied by a drop of at least 3 g/dl of hemoglobin. The rate of urgent cardiac catheterisms was recorded. Results. Neither the rate of the efficacy variable (19.6 % in group A and 19.4% in group B; p = 0.97), nor the rate of the safety variable (3.5% and 2.9% of patients in groups A and B, p = 1) showed statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of urgent cardiac catheterism (19.6% in group A and 13.4% in group B; p = 0.35). Conclusions. In the early course of high-risk non-STEMI with a conservative management strategy, the addition of clopidogrel to tirofiban does not change the rate of ischemic events, death, need of urgent catheterism or hemorrhagic events

Empleo conjunto de tirofibán y clopidogrel en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST de alto riesgo / Combined use of tirofiban and clopidogrel in the high risk acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation

Objetivo. Descripción del empleo simultáneo de tirofibán y clopidogrel en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación persistente del segmento ST (SCASEST) de alto riesgo. Diseño. Estudio de cohorte de comienzo, prospectivo, incluyendo pacientes durante 12 meses, con seguimiento desde el ingreso en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) hasta el alta hospitalaria. Ámbito. UCI de un hospital sin laboratorio de hemodinámica. Pacientes. Muestra consecutiva de 56 pacientes con SCASEST que presentaban ascenso transitorio del segmento ST, descenso del mismo o elevación de la troponina Ic. Se excluyeron posteriormente 4 pacientes por no cumplir los criterios de inclusión. Todos completaron el período de seguimiento. Intervenciones. Los pacientes fueron tratados con ácido acetilsalicílico, clopidogrel, tirofibán, heparina sódica y medicación antiisquémica, según las indicaciones de las guías de consenso en vigor. Se solicitó cateterismo cardíaco cuando apareció angina refractaria, fallo ventricular o inestabilidad hemodinámica. Variables principales. Se registraron los eventos isquémicos durante el período de seguimiento, la realización de cateterismo cardíaco y las complicaciones hemorrágicas.Resultados. Durante el ingreso en la UCI 21 pacientes (40,3%) presentaron ángor de repetición y/o fallo ventricular izquierdo y dos pacientes (3,8%) fallecieron. En la planta de hospitalización 6 pacientes (12%) sufrieron ángor de repetición y/o fallo ventricular izquierdo. Se realizó cateterismo en 11 pacientes (21,1%) desde la UCI y en 20 (40%) desde la planta de hospitalización. Se registraron 2 hemorragias graves (3,8%) y una trombocitopenia (1,9%). Conclusiones. La aparición de complicaciones en el SCASEST de alto riesgo es frecuente, incluso cuando se emplean simultáneamente tirofibán y clopidogrel. Para conocer si esta estrategia terapéutica puede contribuir a la estabilización clínica de los pacientes con SCASEST se requieren estudios con tirofibán sólo. El riesgo hemorrágico del empleo de tirofibán con clopidogrel es aceptable

Objective. Description of simultaneous use of tirofiban and clopidogrel in the high risk acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST segment elevation (SCASEST). Design. Prospective, onset cohort study, including patients for 12 months, with follow-up from admission to ICU until hospital discharge. Scope. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital without hemodynamic laboratory. Patients. Consecutive sample of 56 patients with SCASEST who had transitory increase of ST segment, decrease of it or elevation of troponin Ic. Four patients were excluded later as they did not comply with the inclusion criteria. All completed the follow-up period. Interventions. The patients were treated with aspirin, clopidogrel, tirofiban, heparin sodium and anti-ischemic medication according to the consensus guidelines in force. Cardiac catheterism was requested when refractory angina, ventricular failure or hemodynamic instability appeared. Primary endpoints. The ischemic events were recorded during the follow-up period, the performance of the cardiac catheterism and the bleeding complications. Results. During the admission in the ICU, 21 patients (40.3%) had recurrent angina and/or left ventricular failure. Two patients (3.8%) died. Six patients (12%) in the hospitalization ward had recurrent angina and/or left ventricular failure. Catheterism was done in 11 patients (21.1%) from the ICU and in 20 (40%) from the hospitalization ward. Two serious bleedings (3.8%) and one thrombocytopenia (1.9%) were recorded. Conclusions. The appearance of complications in high risk SCASEST is frequent, even when tirofiban and clopidogrel are used simultaneously. To know if this therapeutic strategy may contribute to clinical stabilization of SCASEST patients, studies versus tirofiban alone are required. Bleeding risk due to the use of tirofiban with clopidogrel is acceptable

[Use of maintenance fluid therapy in surgery]. / Utilizacíon de fluidterapia de maintenimiento en cirurgía.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of various maintenance fluid therapy regimens, as well as their adequacy to hospital recommendations, in adult in-patients admitted to a general surgery ward during 1 year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on solution type and volume, fluid therapy regimen, and duration in days were retrospectively collected for each administered solution from computerized medical orders within the Unit-Dose Drug Distribution Area. A database was developed including the composition of available solutions within our hospital, so that electrolytes, glucose and volumes administered may be calculated. RESULTS: Out of 354 patients undergoing fluid therapy 125 were selected to receive maintenance regimens. Fluid therapy was administered for more than 5 days in 31% of patients. The most commonly supplied fluids were 5% glucose (43%) and 0.9% saline + 1500 mL of 5% glucose + 60 mEq potassium chloride (CIK). Amongst patients receiving the recommended volume/day (84%) 50% received sodium and potassium more than twice as much the recommended amount, and 70% received glucose amounts not covering minimal daily requirements. Potassium was administered according to recommendations in 85% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is an excessive use of 0.9% saline and 5% glucose to the detriment of 1/3 glucosaline and 10% glucose, which translates as an excessive daily sodium and defective daily glucose provision. In our hospital we have recommended maintenance fluid therapy regimens, as well as fluids more appropriate for postoperative electrolyte replacement; however, their use is still deficient.

[Erythropoietin: a study of its use in oncohematology]. / Eritropoyetina: estudio de utilización en oncohematología.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of erythropoietin (EPO) in a Clinical Oncohematology Unit within a general hospital, and to propose a therapeutic algorithm with EPO based on recommendations by ASCO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out on patients who required support treatment with EPO while in the Oncohematology Unit during the year 2001. Data were collected by reviewing patient medical records. An effective treatment was defined as an increase in baseline hemoglobin (Hb) equal to or higher than 2 g/dL over 4-8 weeks, with no transfusion requirements or decreased transfusion needs. Baseline Hb values, their distribution per diagnosis, and the involvement of platinum-containing chemotherapy regimens were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 353 patients in chemotherapy, 87% corresponded to oncologic diagnoses while the rest had hematological neoplasms. A total of 54 patients were assessed, with 83% of these corresponding to the oncologic area. Oncologic diagnoses that most required the use of EPO included: head-neck 53%, genitourinary 39%, and lung 39%. Overall effectiveness was 57% (60% in oncology and 44% in hematology). The Hb value leading to initial prescription (baseline Hb) was always below 10 g/dL for the hematology area, whereas most oncology patients exhibited higher levels at therapy onset. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Its percentage of failure: 40% for oncology and 56% for hematology patients, together with its high cost, shows that a further search for predictive factors is warranted in order to more precisely select individuals who may benefit from this therapy. 2. The percentage of oncology patients with baseline Hb <10 is only 29%. Baseline Hb values for treatment onset and peak Hb values for therapy discontinuation should be agreed upon. Treatment initiation when Hb values fall below 10 g/dL would be a reasonable option, and a decision to use EPO above 10 g/dL should be made in patients with less severe anemia (10-12 g/dL) only if clinical circumstances render it advisable. 3. Use protocols must include clear concept definitions for treatment, and for primary and secondary prophylaxis, which will help in the establishment of therapeutic algorithms.

[The value of the polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of herpetic encephalitis: a report of 2 cases and a review of the literature]. / Valor de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en líquido cefalorraquídeo para el diagnóstico de la encefalitis herpética: presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura.

Brain biopsy has been considered the gold-standard test for the diagnosis of herpetic encephalitis. However, because of its cruence, other non invasive methods have been developed for its diagnosis. In recent years polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in cerebrospinal fluid has been employed for the diagnosis of herpetic encephalitis (HE). We report two cases of clinically suspected HE in which DNA of herpes simplex virus was amplified by PCR from cerebrospinal fluid, and review the role of this method for the diagnosis of HE. Two patients were admitted to the emergency room presenting clinical pictures and cerebrospinal fluid samples suggestive of lymphocytic meningoencephalitis. Both were admitted in the intensive care unit because of altered level of consciousness, beginning empiric treatment with intravenous acyclovir as HE was suspected. Clinical outcomes were favourable in both cases, being confirmed the presence of herpes simplex DNA in cerebrospinal fluid by PCR in the two patients. We have reviewed in the literature the value of PCR for the diagnosis of HE in comparison with other ancillary tests as brain biopsy and serology. PCR could reach according with some authors a sensibility of 98% and a specificity of 94%.

Valor de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en líquido cefalorraquídeo para el diagnóstico de la encefalitis herpética: presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / The value of the polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of herpetic encephalitis: a report of 2 cases and a review of the literature

La biopsia cerebral ha sido la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico de la encefalitis herpética. Sin embargo, dado lo cruento de esta prueba, se han desarrollado otros métodos no invasivos para su diagnóstico. En los últimos años se ha empleado la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP) en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) para el diagnóstico de la encefalitis herpética (EH). Presentamos dos casos con sospecha clínica de EH en los que se amplificó, mediante RCP, ácido desoxirribonucleico (ADN) de virus herpes simplex en LCR y revisamos el valor de esta técnica para el diagnóstico de EH. Se trata de dos pacientes que acudieron a urgencias presentando un cuadro clínico y características de LCR sugestivos de meningoencefalitis linfocitaria. Ambos requirieron ingreso en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por disminución del nivel de conciencia, iniciándose tratamiento empirico con aciclovir intravenoso ante la sospecha de EH. La evolución clínica fue favorable en los dos casos, confirmándose la presencia de ADN del virus herpes simplex en el LCR mediante RCP en los dos pacientes. Hemos revisado en la literatura el valor de la RCP para el diagnóstico de la EH en comparación con otras pruebas como biopsia cerebral y serología. La RCP alcanzaría según algunos autores una sensibilidad del 98 y una especificidad del 94 porciento (AU)