The use of APACHE II, SOFA, SAPS 3, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, and lactate to predict mortality of surgical critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Several prognostic indices have been employed to predict the outcome of surgical critically ill patients. Among them, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS 3) are widely used. It seems that biological markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and blood lactate levels correlate with the degree of inflammation during the immediate postoperative phase and could be used as independent predictors. The objective of this study is to compare the different predictive values of prognostic indices and biological markers in the outcome of 847 surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the postoperative phase.The patients were divided into survivors (n = 765, 57.4% males, age 61, interquartile range 51-71) and nonsurvivors (n = 82, 57.3% males, age 70, interquartile range 58-79). APACHE II, APACHE II death probability (DP), SOFA, SAPS 3, SAPS 3 DP, CRP, albumin, and lactate were recorded on ICU admission (first 24 hours). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to measure the index accuracy to predict mortality.The AUROC and 95% CI for APACHE II, APACHE II DP, SOFA, SAPS 3, SAPS 3 DP, CRP/albumin ratio, CRP, albumin, and lactate were 0.850 (0.824-0.873), 0.855 (0.829-0.878), 0.791 (0.762-0.818), 0.840 (0.813-0.864), 0.840 (0.813-0.864), 0.731 (0.700-0.761), 0.708 (0.676-0.739), 0.697 (0.665-0.728), and 0.601 (0.567-0.634), respectively. The ICU and overall in-hospital mortality were 6.6 and 9.7%, respectively. The APACHE II, APACHE II DP, SAPS 3, SAPS 3 DP, and SOFA scores showed a better performance than CRP/albumin ratio, CRP, albumin, or lactate to predict in-hospital mortality of surgical critically ill patients.Even though all indices were able to discriminate septic from nonseptic patients, only APACHE II, APACHE II DP, SOFA and to a lesser extent SAPS 3, SAPS 3 DP, and blood lactate levels could predict in the first 24-hour ICU admission surgical patients who have survived sepsis.

The use of SAPS 3, SOFA, and Glasgow Coma Scale to predict mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort study.

Guidelines for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) management and several grading systems or prognostic indices have been used not only to improve the quality of care but to predict also the outcome of these patients. Among them, the gold standards Fisher radiological grading scale, Hunt-Hess and the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) are the most employed. The objective of this study is to compare the predictive values of simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) 3, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in the outcome of patients with aneurysmal SAH.Fifty-one SAH patients (33% males and 67% females; mean age of 54.1 ±â€Š10.3 years) admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) in the post-operative phase were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into survivors (n=37) and nonsurvivors (n = 14). SAPS 3, Fischer scale, WFNS, SOFA, and GCS were recorded on ICU admission (day 1 - D1), and 72-hours (day 3 - D3) SOFA, and GCS. The capability of each index SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS (D1 and D3) to predict mortality was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the respective confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the index accuracy. The level of significance was set at P < .05.The mean SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS on D1 were 13.5 ±â€Š12.7, 3.1 ±â€Š2.4, and 13.7 ±â€Š2.8 for survivors and 32.5 ±â€Š28.0, 5.6 ±â€Š4.9, and 13.5 ±â€Š1.9 for nonsurvivors, respectively. The AUC and 95% CI for SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS on D1 were 0.735 (0.592-0.848), 0.623 (0.476-0.754), 0.565 (0.419-0.703), respectively. The AUC and 95% CI for SOFA and GCS on D3 were 0.768 (0.629-0.875) and 0.708 (0.563-0.826), respectively. The overall mortality was 37.8%.Even though SAPS 3 and Fischer scale predicted mortality better on admission (D1), both indices SOFA and GCS performed similarly to predict outcome in SAH patients on D3.

Could dysnatremias play a role as independent factors to predict mortality in surgical critically ill patients?

Several studies have demonstrated the impact of dysnatremias on mortality of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The objective of this study was to assess whether dysnatremia is an independent factor to predict mortality in surgical critically ill patients admitted to ICU in postoperative phase.One thousand five hundred and ninety-nine surgical patients (58.8% males; mean age of 60.6 ±â€Š14.4 years) admitted to the ICU in the postoperative period were retrospectively studied. The patients were classified according to their serum sodium levels (mmol/L) at admission as normonatremia (135-145), hyponatremia (<135), and hypernatremia (>145). APACHE II, SAPS III, and SOFA were recorded. The capability of each index to predict mortality of ICU and hospital mortality of patients was analyzed by multiple logistic regression.Hyponatremia did not have an influence on mortality in the ICU with a relative risk (RR) = 0.95 (0.43-2.05) and hospital mortality of RR = 1.40 (0.75-2.59). However, this association was greater in patients with hypernatremia mortality in the ICU (RR = 3.33 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.58-7.0]) and also in hospital mortality (RR = 2.9 [ 95% CI = 1.51-5.55). The pairwise comparison of ROC curves among the different prognostic indexes (APACHE II, SAPS III, SOFA) did not show statistical significance. The comparison of these indexes with serum sodium levels for general population, hyponatremia, and normonatremia was statistically significant (P < .001). For hypernatremia, the AUC and 95% CI for APACHE II, SAPS III, SOFA, and serum sodium level were 0.815 (0.713-0.892), 0.805 (0.702-0.885), 0.885 (0.794-0.945), and 0.663 (0.549-0.764), respectively. The comparison among the prognostic indexes was not statistically significant. Only SOFA score had a statistic difference compared with hypernatremia (P < .02).The serum sodium levels at admission, especially hypernatremia, may be used as an independent predictor of outcome in the surgical critically ill patients.

Ischemic Stroke and Septic Shock After Subacute Endocarditis Caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae: Case Report.

Haemophilus parainfluenzae, which belongs to the HACEK (Haemophilus ssp, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella kingae) group, is a rare cause of subacute endocarditis and may lead to ischemic stroke. A 65-year-old female patient previously diagnosed with rheumatic valve disease was submitted to surgical mitral valve repair in 1996. Physical examination did not reveal any murmurs; physical examination of the lungs and abdomen was normal. The patient was admitted to hospital with progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and fever. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed an approximately 8-mm filamentous image with chaotic motion in the ventricular face of the anterior mitral valve leaflet compatible with vegetation. Treatment with ceftriaxone and gentamicin was initiated. Haemophilus parainfluenzae grew in five blood culture samples. Along the hospital stay, the patient's level of consciousness decreased, and she was diagnosed with ischemic stroke of cardioembolic etiology. The patient developed septic shock refractory to the prescribed treatment and died 12 days after admission. Even though the patient started being treated for endocarditis before the infectious agent was identified, the prompt use of antimicrobials hindered the growth of Haemophilus parainfluenzae and made its isolation difficult.

Are the Dysnatremias a Permanent Threat to the Critically Ill Patients?

BACKGROUD: The dysnatremias (hyponatremia and hypernatremia) are relatively common findings on admission of intensive care unit (ICU) patients and may represent a major risk. The aim of the study was to assess the ability of serum sodium levels and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) to predict mortality of surgical critically ill patients. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-five surgical patients (62% males and 38% females; mean age of 51.8 ± 17.3 years) admitted to the ICU in the postoperative phase were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into survivors (n = 152) and non-survivors (n = 43). APACHE II, and serum sodium levels at admission, 48 h and discharge were analyzed by generation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The mean APACHE II was 16.3 ± 8.3 (13.6 ± 6.1 for survivors and 25.5 ± 8.5 for non-survivors). The area under the ROC curve for APACHE II was 0.841 (0.782 - 0.889) and 0.721 (0.653 - 0.783), 0.754 (0.653 - 0.783) and 0.720 (0.687 - 0.812) for serum sodium level at admission, 48 h and discharge, respectively. CONCLUSION: Even though APACHE II scoring system was the most effective index to predict mortality in the surgical critically ill patients, the serum sodium levels on admission may also be used as an independent predictor of outcome.

Harris-Benedict Equation and Resting Energy Expenditure Estimates in Critically Ill Ventilator Patients.

BACKGROUND: In routine practice, assessment of the nutritional status of critically ill patients still relies on traditional methods such as anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and predictive equations. OBJECTIVE: To compare resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry (REEIC) with REE calculated by using the Harris-Benedict equation with 3 different sources of body weight (from bed scale, REEHB1; ideal body weight, REEHB2; and predicted body weight, REEHB3). METHODS: This study included 205 critically ill patients (115 men, 90 women) evaluated within the first 48 hours of admission and undergoing mechanical ventilation. REE was measured by indirect calorimetry for 30 minutes and calculated by using the Harris-Benedict equation with the 3 sources of body weight. Data were compared by the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The values based on ideal and predicted body weight (REEHB2 and REEHB3) did not agree with REEIC. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the limits of agreement varied from +796.1 kcal/d to -559.6 kcal/d for REEHB2 and from +809.2 kcal/d to -564.7 kcal/d for REEHB3. REEIC and REEHB1 (body weight determined by bed scale) agreed the best; the bias was -18.8 kcal/d. However, REEHB1 still overestimated REEIC by +555.3 kcal/d and underestimated it by -593.0 kcal/d. CONCLUSION: For measuring REE in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, calculation via the Harris-Benedict equation, regardless of the source of body weight, cannot be substituted for indirect calorimetry.

Comparison of Energy Expenditure and Oxygen Consumption of Spontaneous Breathing Trial Conducted With and Without Automatic Tube Compensation.

BACKGROUND: Weaning from mechanical ventilation is defined as the process of release of ventilatory support and how the evaluation of this phase is conducted in the spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). One of the most used modes of SBT is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which applies a continuous positive pressure in both inspiration and expiration. However, together with the mechanical ventilation modes, the automatic tube compensation (ATC) can be used, which compensates the resistance imposed by the endotracheal tube. The objective of this study was to compare oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure (EE) during SBT conducted with and without ATC. METHODS: The study was prospective, randomized and crossover. Forty mechanically ventilated patients were admitted to an intensive care unit of a university tertiary hospital. The participants were randomly allocated in group 1, in which SBT was initiated with CPAP and ATC, followed by CPAP without ATC or in group 2, in which SBT was initiated with CPAP without ATC, followed by CPAP with ATC. Indirect calorimetry helped to measure VO2 and EE during SBT. RESULTS: The differences between VO2 and EE obtained during SBT with ATC and without ATC were -1.6 mL/kg/min (95% CI: -4.36 - 1.07) and 5.4 kcal/day (95% CI: -21.67 - 10.79), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that VO2 and EE obtained during SBT with and without ATC were not different.

Effectiveness of a dental care intervention in the prevention of lower respiratory tract nosocomial infections among intensive care patients: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether dental treatment may enhance oral antisepsis, thus preventing more effectively lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among critically ill patients. DESIGN: Observer-blind randomized clinical trial. SETTING: General intensive care unit (ICU) for adult patients. PATIENTS: We analyzed data from 254 adult patients who stayed for at least 48 hours in the ICU. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized by means of rolling dice. The experimental group (n = 127) had access to dental care provided by a dental surgeon, 4-5 times a week. Besides routine oral hygiene, care also included teeth brushing, tongue scraping, removal of calculus, atraumatic restorative treatment of caries, and tooth extraction. The control group (n = 127) had access to routine oral hygiene only, which included the use of chlorhexidine as a mouth rinse, which was performed by the ICU nurse staff. RESULTS: The primary study outcome was the LRTI incidence, which was 8.7% in the experimental group and 18.1% in the control group (adjusted relative risk [RR], 0.44 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20-0.96]; P = .04). Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates per 1,000 ventilator-days were 16.5 (95% CI, 9.8-29.5) in the control group and 7.6 (95% CI, 3.3-15.0) in the experimental group (P < .05). Mortality rates were similar between both study groups: 31.5% in the control group versus 29.1% in the experimental group (adjusted RR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.52-1.65]; P = .796). No severe adverse events related to oral care were observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Dental treatment was safe and effective in the prevention of LRTI among critically ill patients who were expected to stay at least 48 hours in the ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, affiliated with the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trial Registry Platform: U1111-1152-2671.

Why the surgical patients are so critical in their intensive care unit arrival?

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) to stratify the severity of illness and the impact of delay transfer to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the mortality of surgical critically ill patients. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-nine patients (60.3% males and 39.7% females; mean age of 52.8 ± 18.5 years) admitted to the ICU were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into survivors (n=365) and nonsurvivors (n=164). APACHE II and death risk were analysed by generation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The interval time between referral and ICU arrival was also registered. The level of significance was 0.05. RESULTS: The mean APACHE II and death risk was 19.9 ± 9.6 and 37.7 ± 28.9%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for APACHE II and death risk was 0.825 (CI = 0.765-0.875) and 0.803 (CI = 0.741-0.856). The overall mortality (31%) increased progressively with the delay time to ICU transfer, as also evidenced by the APACHE II score and death risk. CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that the longer patients wait for ICU transfer the higher is their criticallity upon ICU arrival, with an obvious negative impact on survival rates.

Why the surgical patients are so critical in their intensive care unit arrival? / Porque os pacientes cirúrgicos chegam em estado tão crítico na unidade de terapia intensiva?

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) to stratify the severity of illness and the impact of delay transfer to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the mortality of surgical critically ill patients. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-nine patients (60.3% males and 39.7% females; mean age of 52.8 ± 18.5 years) admitted to the ICU were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into survivors (n=365) and nonsurvivors (n=164). APACHE II and death risk were analysed by generation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The interval time between referral and ICU arrival was also registered. The level of significance was 0.05. RESULTS: The mean APACHE II and death risk was 19.9 ± 9.6 and 37.7 ± 28.9%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for APACHE II and death risk was 0.825 (CI = 0.765-0.875) and 0.803 (CI = 0.741-0.856). The overall mortality (31%) increased progressively with the delay time to ICU transfer, as also evidencied by the APACHE II score and death risk. CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that the longer patients wait for ICU transfer the higher is their criticallity upon ICU arrival, with an obvious negative impact on survival rates.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a habilidade do Acute Phisiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) na estratificação da gravidade e o impacto causado pelo tempo de transferência para a unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) sobre a mortalidade de pacientes cirúrgicos em estado crítico. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 529 pacientes (60,3% homens e 39,7% mulheres, média de idade = 52,8 ± 18,5 anos) admitidos na UTI, divididos em sobreviventes (n=365) e não sobreviventes (n=164). O APACHE II e o risco de óbito (RO) foram analisados por curvas ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics). O tempo decorrido entre a solicitação da vaga e a chegada do paciente na UTI foi verificado. Considerou-se um nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: O APACHE II e o risco de óbito foram de 19,9 ± 9,6 e 37,7 ± 28,9%, respectivamente. A área sob a curva ROC para o APACHE II foi de 0,825 (IC = 0,765-0,875) e para o RO de 0,803 (IC = 0,741-0,856). A mortalidade geral (31%) cresceu progressivamente com o tempo decorrido entre a solicitação da vaga e a chegada do paciente na UTI, também evidenciado pelo APACHE II e o risco de óbito. CONCLUSÃO: Esta investigação mostra que quanto maior é a demora na transferência do paciente para a UTI mais aumenta a gravidade dos pacientes, cujo impacto na sobrevida é negativo.

Low pressure support changes the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation / Baixos níveis de pressão de suporte alteram o índice de respiração rápida e superficial (IRRS) em pacientes graves sob ventilação mecânica

BACKGROUND: The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) is the most widely used index within intensive care units as a predictor of the outcome of weaning, but differences in measurement techniques have generated doubts about its predictive value. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of low levels of pressure support (PS) on the RSBI value of ill patients. METHOD: Prospective study including 30 patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) for 72 hours or more, ready for extubation. Prior to extubation, the RSBI was measured with the patient connected to the ventilator (DragerTM Evita XL) and receiving pressure support ventilation (PSV) and 5 cmH2O of positive end expiratory pressure or PEEP (RSBI_MIN) and then disconnected from the VM and connected to a Wright spirometer in which respiratory rate and exhaled tidal volume were recorded for 1 min (RSBI_ESP). Patients were divided into groups according to the outcome: successful extubation group (SG) and failed extubation group (FG). RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 11 (37%) failed the extubation process. In the within-group comparison (RSBI_MIN versus RSBI_ESP), the values for RSBI_MIN were lower in both groups: SG (34.79±4.67 and 60.95±24.64) and FG (38.64±12.31 and 80.09±20.71; p<0.05). In the between-group comparison, there was no difference in RSBI_MIN (34.79±14.67 and 38.64±12.31), however RSBI_ESP was higher in patients with extubation failure: SG (60.95±24.64) and FG (80.09±20.71; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients on MV for more than 72h, low levels of PS overestimate the RSBI, and the index needs to be measured with the patient breathing spontaneously without the aid of pressure support.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O índice de respiração rápida e superficial (IRRS) tem sido o mais utilizado dentro das unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) como preditor do resultado do desmame, porém diferenças no método de obtenção têm gerado dúvidas quanto a seu valor preditivo. OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência de baixos níveis de pressão de suporte (PS) no valor do IRRS em pacientes graves. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, incluindo 30 pacientes sob ventilação mecânica (VM) por 72 horas ou mais, prontos para extubação. Anteriormente à extubação, o IRRS foi obtido com o paciente conectado ao ventilador Evita-XL da DragerTM recebendo pressão de suporte ventilatório (PSV) e PEEP=5 cmH2O (IRRS_MIN) e, logo após, desconectado da VM e conectado a um ventilômetro de WrightTM, onde sua frequência respiratória e o volume corrente exalado eram registrados durante 1 minuto (IRRS_ESP). Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com o desfecho em grupo sucesso extubação (GS) e grupo insucesso extubação (GI). RESULTADOS: Dos 30 pacientes, 11 (37%) falharam no processo de extubação. Na comparação intragrupos (IRRS_MIN x IRRS_ESP), os valores foram menores para o IRRS_MIN em ambos os grupos: GS (34,79±4,67 e 60,95±24,64) e GI (38,64±12,31 e 80,09±20,71) (p<0,05). Na comparação intergrupos não houve diferença entre IRRS_MIN (34,79±14,67 e 38,64±12,31), por outro lado, IRRS_ESP foi maior nos pacientes com falha na extubação: GS (60,95±24,64) e GI (80,09±20,71) (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes graves e sob VM acima de 72 horas, níveis mínimos de PS superestimam o IRRS, sendo necessária sua obtenção com o paciente respirando de forma espontânea sem o auxílio de PS.

Low pressure support changes the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) is the most widely used index within intensive care units as a predictor of the outcome of weaning, but differences in measurement techniques have generated doubts about its predictive value. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of low levels of pressure support (PS) on the RSBI value of ill patients. METHOD: Prospective study including 30 patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) for 72 hours or more, ready for extubation. Prior to extubation, the RSBI was measured with the patient connected to the ventilator (DragerTM Evita XL) and receiving pressure support ventilation (PSV) and 5 cmH2O of positive end expiratory pressure or PEEP (RSBI_MIN) and then disconnected from the VM and connected to a Wright spirometer in which respiratory rate and exhaled tidal volume were recorded for 1 min (RSBI_ESP). Patients were divided into groups according to the outcome: successful extubation group (SG) and failed extubation group (FG). RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 11 (37%) failed the extubation process. In the within-group comparison (RSBI_MIN versus RSBI_ESP), the values for RSBI_MIN were lower in both groups: SG (34.79±4.67 and 60.95±24.64) and FG (38.64±12.31 and 80.09±20.71; p<0.05). In the between-group comparison, there was no difference in RSBI_MIN (34.79±14.67 and 38.64±12.31), however RSBI_ESP was higher in patients with extubation failure: SG (60.95±24.64) and FG (80.09±20.71; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients on MV for more than 72h, low levels of PS overestimate the RSBI, and the index needs to be measured with the patient breathing spontaneously without the aid of pressure support.

The use of perioperative serial blood lactate levels, the APACHE II and the postoperative MELD as predictors of early mortality after liver transplantation / O uso da dosagem seriada do lactato sérico no perioperatório, do APACHE II e do MELD pós-operatório como preditores de mortalidade precoce após transplante hepático

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of different parameters in predicting early (one-month) mortality of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of forty-four patients (38 males and 10 females, mean age of 52.2 ± 8.9 years) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. Serial lactate blood levels, APACHE II, MELD post-OLT, creatinine, bilirubin and INR parameters were analyzed by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves as evidenced by the area under the curve (AUC). The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The mortality of OLT patients within one month was 17.3 percent. Differences in blood lactate levels became statistically significant between survivors and nonsurvivors at the end of the surgery (p<0.05). The AUC was 0.726 (95 percentCI = 0.593-0.835) for APACHE II (p = 0.02); 0.770 (95 percentCI = 0.596-0.849) for blood lactate levels (L7-L8) (p = 0.03); 0.814 (95 percentCI = 0.690-0.904) for MELD post-OLT (p < 0.01); 0.550 (95 percentCI = 0.414-0.651) for creatinine (p = 0.64); 0.705 (95 percentCI = 0.571-0.818) for bilirubin (p = 0.05) and 0.774 (95 percentCI = 0.654-0.873) for INR (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Among the studied parameters, MELD post-OLT was more effective in predicting early mortality after OLT.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar qual parâmetro é o mais eficiente na predição de mortalidade precoce (um mês) de pacientes submetidos a transplante ortotópico de fígado (OLT). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo em cinqüenta e oito pacientes adultos (44 homens e 14 mulheres, com uma idade média de 51,7 ± 10,1 anos) admitidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital terciário. Os parâmetros como a dosagem seriada de lactato no sangue, APACHE II, MELD pós-OLT, creatinina, bilirrubina e INR foram analisados por curvas ROC (Receiver-operator characteristic), evidenciado pela área abaixo da curva (AUC). O nível de significância foi definido em 0,05. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade dos pacientes OLT em até um mês foi de 17,3 por cento. As diferenças no nível de lactato no sangue tornaram-se estatisticamente significantes entre sobreviventes e não sobreviventes no final da cirurgia (p < 0,05). A AUC foi de 0,726 (95 por centoCI = 0,593-0,835) para APACHE II (p = 0,02); 0,770 (95 por centoCI = 0,596-0,849) para o lactato sérico (L7-L8) (p = 0,03); 0,814 (95 por centoCI = 0,690-0,904) para MELD post-OLT (p < 0,01); 0,550 (95 por centoCI = 0,414-0,651) de creatinina (p = 0,64); 0,705 (95 por centoCI = 0,571-0,818) de bilirrubina (p = 0,05) e 0,774 (95 por centoCI = 0,654-0,873) para INR (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Dentre os vários parâmetros estudados, o MELD pós-OLT foi o mais eficaz na predição de mortalidade precoce em pacientes submetidos à OLT.

The use of perioperative serial blood lactate levels, the APACHE II and the postoperative MELD as predictors of early mortality after liver transplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of different parameters in predicting early (one-month) mortality of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of forty-four patients (38 males and 10 females, mean age of 52.2 ± 8.9 years) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital. Serial lactate blood levels, APACHE II, MELD post-OLT, creatinine, bilirubin and INR parameters were analyzed by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves as evidenced by the area under the curve (AUC). The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The mortality of OLT patients within one month was 17.3%. Differences in blood lactate levels became statistically significant between survivors and nonsurvivors at the end of the surgery (p<0.05). The AUC was 0.726 (95%CI = 0.593-0.835) for APACHE II (p = 0.02); 0.770 (95%CI = 0.596-0.849) for blood lactate levels (L7-L8) (p = 0.03); 0.814 (95%CI = 0.690-0.904) for MELD post-OLT (p < 0.01); 0.550 (95%CI = 0.414-0.651) for creatinine (p = 0.64); 0.705 (95%CI = 0.571-0.818) for bilirubin (p = 0.05) and 0.774 (95%CI = 0.654-0.873) for INR (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Among the studied parameters, MELD post-OLT was more effective in predicting early mortality after OLT.

Energy expenditure in critically ill surgical patients. Comparative analysis of predictive equation and indirect calorimetry.

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) calculated by the Harris-Benedict equation (REE HB) with the REE measured by indirect calorimetry (REE IC) in critically ill surgical patients under mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this work. REE was calculated by the Harris-Benedict equation (REE HB) using real body weight, and it was also measured by indirect calorimetry (REE IC), which was performed for 30 minutes. RESULTS: REE HB had significant (p < 0.0005) but low correlation (Spearman r = 0.57) with REE IC, with a mean bias of 12 kcal.d-1 and limits of agreement ranging from - 599.7 to 623.7 kcal.d-1 as detected by the Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that REE IC seems to be more appropriate than REE HB for accurate measurement of REE in critically ill surgical patients under mechanical ventilation.

Energy expenditure in critically ill surgical patients. Comparative analysis of predictive equation and indirect calorimetry / Gasto energético em pacientes cirúrgicos. Análise comparativa entre equação preditiva e calorimetria indireta

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to compare the resting energy expenditure (REE) calculated by the Harris-Benedict equation (REE HB) with the REE measured by indirect calorimetry (REE IC) in critically ill surgical patients under mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this work. REE was calculated by the Harris-Benedict equation (REE HB) using real body weight, and it was also measured by indirect calorimetry (REE IC), which was performed for 30 minutes. RESULTS: REE HB had significant (p < 0.0005) but low correlation (Spearman r = 0.57) with REE IC, with a mean bias of 12 kcal.d-1 and limits of agreement ranging from - 599.7 to 623.7 kcal.d-1 as detected by the Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that REE IC seems to be more appropriate than REE HB for accurate measurement of REE in critically ill surgical patients under mechanical ventilation.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o gasto energético de repouso (GER), calculado pela equação de Harris-Benedict (GER HB) com o GER medido pela calorimetria indireta (GER CI) em pacientes cirúrgicos gravemente enfermos em ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes foram incluídos nesta investigação. O gasto energético de repouso foi calculado pela equação de Harris-Benedict (GER HB) utilizando o peso corporal real e medido pela calorimetria indireta (GER CI). A calorimetria indireta foi realizada durante 30 minutos. RESULTADOS: O gasto energético de repouso calculado pela equação de Harris-Benedict mostrou uma correlação significativa (p < 0,0005), porém fraca (Spearman r = 0,57) com GER CI, com um viés médio de 12 kcal.d-1 e os limites de concordância variando de - 599,7 a -623,7 kcal.d-1 como detectados pela análise de Bland-Altman. CONCLUSÃO: Estes achados sugerem que a calorimetria indireta parece ser mais apropriada do que a equação de Harris Benedict para a medida exata do GER em pacientes cirúrgicos gravemente enfermos em ventilação mecânica.

Severe encephalopathy after ingestion of star fruit juice in a patient with chronic renal failure admitted to the intensive care unit.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a popular tropical fruit that is usually consumed as fresh fruit or fruit juice. Consumption of star fruit by patients with chronic renal failure can lead to neurologic symptoms. The present report describes the clinical course, management, and outcome of a patient with chronic renal failure admitted to an intensive care unit after ingestion of star fruit juice 2 days before hospital admission. A case of nausea, vomiting, intractable hiccups, and severe encephalopathy along with mental confusion, disorientation, agitation, and seizures in a 53-year-old woman is presented. The patient's ventilatory pattern worsened, with development of dyspnea and tachypnea, which resulted in her transfer to an intensive care unit. Although hemodialysis was performed and the septic shock was adequately treated, the patient died on the fifth day after hospital admission. The susceptibility of patients with chronic renal failure to star fruit and the severity of intoxication are poorly known by intensivists. This case demonstrates that star fruit consumption should be considered as a cause of rapid deterioration in the renal function of patients with underlying chronic renal failure, potentially resulting in a fatal outcome.

Septic shock caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides in a patient with sickle beta-zero thalassemia.

Invasive infection and extraintestinal complications are rarely caused by Plesiomonas shigelloides, a waterborne bacterium belonging to the Vibrionaceae family. We report a case of a 16-year-old female patient with sickle beta-zero thalassemia who survived septic shock caused by P. shigelloides associated with secondary acute respiratory distress syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Treatment with a carbapenem was successful, and the patient recovered without any sequelae. The previous reports of P. shigelloides sepsis are cited, and possible pathogenic mechanisms are discussed.

Effectiveness of oral rinse with chlorhexidine in preventing nosocomial respiratory tract infections among intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the oral application of a 0.12% solution of chlorhexidine for prevention of respiratory tract infections among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. DESIGN: The study design was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: The study was performed in an ICU in a tertiary care hospital at a public university. PATIENTS. Study participants comprised 194 patients admitted to the ICU with a prospective length of stay greater than 48 hours, randomized into 2 groups: those who received chlorhexidine (n = 98) and those who received a placebo (n = 96). INTERVENTION: Oral rinses with chlorhexidine or a placebo were performed 3 times a day throughout the duration of the patient's stay in the ICU. Clinical data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Both groups displayed similar baseline clinical features. The overall incidence of respiratory tract infections (RR, 1.0 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.60]) and the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia per 1,000 ventilator-days were similar in both experimental and control groups (22.6 vs 22.3; P = .95). Respiratory tract infection-free survival time (7.8 vs 6.9 days; P = .61), duration of mechanical ventilation (11.1 vs 11.0 days; P = .61), and length of stay (9.7 vs 10.4 days; P = .67) did not differ between the chlorhexidine and placebo groups. However, patients in the chlorhexidine group exhibited a larger interval between ICU admission and onset of the first respiratory tract infection (11.3 vs 7.6 days; P = .05). The chances of surviving the ICU stay were similar (RR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.72-1.63]). CONCLUSION: Oral application of a 0.12% solution of chlorhexidine does not prevent respiratory tract infections among ICU patients, although it may retard their onset.

[Respiratory and renal dysfunctions due to lipid storage metabolic myopathy: case report]. / Insuficiências respiratória e renal desencadeadas por miopatia metabólica por acúmulo de lipídios: relato de caso.

We report a case of a 26-years old male patient with rhabdomyolisis with myoglobinuria associated with acute renal and respiratory failure, that occurred three days after upper airway infection. In the clinical and laboratory investigation of the patient, including electromyography and muscular biopsy, the diagnostic lead to a metabolic myopathy due to an enzymatic deficiency related to a disorder of lipid metabolism. The patient improved successfully with institution of advanced life support, including ventilatory assistance, dialysis, dietary adjust and L-carnitine reposition.