[Update of the recommendations of the Bacteraemia Zero Project]. / Actualización de las recomendaciones del Proyecto Bacteriemia Zero.

The Bacteraemia Zero (BZ) Project was the first of the Zero Projects to be implemented in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), achieving a decrease in catheter-related infection rates below those recommended by the quality standards of scientific societies. Following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in ICU, a significant increase in these infection rates has been observed. Increase in infection rates and the need to incorporate the best available evidence into clinical practice justifies the need to update the recommendations of the BZ project. A working group formed by members of the different scientific societies considered that the mandatory measures of the project should not be modified due to its proven efficacy. In addition, this group decided to incorporate the following optional measures: use of catheters impregnated with antimicrobials, use of dressings impregnated with chlorhexidine, use of caps with an antiseptic solution in connectors, and daily body hygiene with chlorhexidine.

Management of infectious complications associated with coronavirus infection in severe patients admitted to ICU.

Infections have become one of the main complications of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted in ICU. Poor immune status, frequent development of organic failure requiring invasive supportive treatments, and prolonged ICU length of stay in saturated structural areas of patients are risk factors for infection development. The Working Group on Infectious Diseases and Sepsis GTEIS of the Spanish Society of Intensive Medicine and Coronary Units SEMICYUC emphasizes the importance of infection prevention measures related to health care, the detection and early treatment of major infections in the patient with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bacterial co-infection, respiratory infections related to mechanical ventilation, catheter-related bacteremia, device-associated urinary tract infection and opportunistic infections are review in the document.

Management of infectious complications associated with coronavirus infection in severe patients admitted to ICU. / Manejo de las complicaciones infecciosas asociadas con la infección por coronavirus en pacientes graves ingresados en UCI.

Infections have become one of the main complications of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted in ICU. Poor immune status, frequent development of organic failure requiring invasive supportive treatments, and prolonged ICU length of stay in saturated structural areas of patients are risk factors for infection development. The Working Group on Infectious Diseases and Sepsis GTEIS of the Spanish Society of Intensive Medicine and Coronary Units SEMICYUC emphasizes the importance of infection prevention measures related to health care, the detection and early treatment of major infections in the patient with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bacterial co-infection, respiratory infections related to mechanical ventilation, catheter-related bacteremia, device-associated urinary tract infection and opportunistic infections are review in the document.

[Management of infectious complications associated with coronavirus infection in severe patients admitted to ICU]. / Manejo de las complicaciones infecciosas asociadas con la infección por coronavirus en pacientes graves ingresados en UCI.

Infections have become one of the main complications of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted in ICU. Poor immune status, frequent development of organic failure requiring invasive supportive treatments, and prolonged ICU length of stay in saturated structural areas of patients are risk factors for infection development. The Working Group on Infectious Diseases and Sepsis GTEIS of the Spanish Society of Intensive Medicine and Coronary Units SEMICYUC emphasizes the importance of infection prevention measures related to health care, the detection and early treatment of major infections in the patient with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Bacterial co-infection, respiratory infections related to mechanical ventilation, catheter-related bacteremia, device-associated urinary tract infection and opportunistic infections are review in the document.

Changes of resistance rates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are unrelated to antimicrobial consumption in ICU populations with invasive device-related infection / Los cambios en la resistencia de cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa identificadas en infecciones relacionadas con dispositivos invasores no se relacionan con el consumo de antibióticos en la UCI

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between antipseudomonal antibiotic consumption and each individual drug resistance rate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains causing ICU acquired invasive device-related infections (IDRI). DESIGN: A post hoc analysis was made of the data collected prospectively from the ENVIN-HELICS registry. SETTING: Intensive Care Units participating in the ENVIN-UCI registry between the years 2007 and 2016 (3-month registry each year). PATIENTS: Patients admitted for over 24h. MAIN VARIABLES: Annual linear and nonlinear trends of resistance rates of P. aeruginosa strains identified in IDRI and days of treatment of each antipseudomonal antibiotic family per 1000 occupied ICU bed days (DOT) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 15,095 episodes of IDRI were diagnosed in 11,652 patients (6.2% out of a total of 187,100). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 2095 (13.6%) of 15,432 pathogens causing IDRI. Resistance increased significantly over the study period for piperacillin-tazobactam (P<0.001), imipenem (P=0.016), meropenem (P=0.004), ceftazidime (P=0.005) and cefepime (P=0.015), while variations in resistance rates for amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and colistin proved nonsignificant. A significant DOT decrease was observed for aminoglycosides (P<0.001), cephalosporins (P<0.001), quinolones (P<0.001) and carbapenems (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was observed between consumption of each antipseudomonal antibiotic family and the respective resistance rates for P. aeruginosa strains identified in IDRI

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la relación entre el consumo de antibióticos antipseudomonales y la tasa de resistencia de cada fármaco individual en cepas de Pseudomonas aeruginosa aisladas en infecciones relacionadas con dispositivos invasivos (IDRI, por sus siglas en inglés) adquiridas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). DISEÑO: Análisis post-hoc de los datos recopilados prospectivamente del registro ENVIN-HELICS. Ámbito: Las UCI que participaron en el registro ENVIN-UCI entre los años 2007-2016 (registro de 3 meses cada año). PACIENTES: Pacientes ingresados >24h. VARIABLES PRINCIPALES: Se calcularon las tendencias anuales lineales y no lineales de las tasas de resistencia de las cepas de P. aeruginosa identificadas en IDRI y los días de tratamiento de cada familia de antibióticos antipseudomonales por 1.000 días de cama ocupada en la UCI (DOT). RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 15.095 episodios de IDRI en 11.652 pacientes (6,2% de 187.100). Se identificó P. aeruginosa en 2.095 (13,6%) de 15.432 patógenos que causaron IDRI. La resistencia aumentó significativamente durante el período de estudio para piperacilina-tazobactam (p < 0,001), imipenem (p = 0,016), meropenem (p = 0,004), ceftazidima (p = 0,005) y cefepima (p = 0,015), mientras que las variaciones en las tasas de resistencia de amikacina, ciprofloxacina, levofloxacina y colistina no fueron significativas. Se observó una disminución significativa de la DOT para aminoglucósidos (p < 0,001), cefalosporinas (p < 0,001), quinolonas (p < 0,001) y carbapenems (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: No se encontró asociación significativa del consumo de cada familia de antibióticos antipseudomonales con sus respectivas tasas de resistencia para las cepas de P. aeruginosa identificadas en IDRI

Changes of resistance rates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are unrelated to antimicrobial consumption in ICU populations with invasive device-related infection.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between antipseudomonal antibiotic consumption and each individual drug resistance rate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains causing ICU acquired invasive device-related infections (IDRI). DESIGN: A post hoc analysis was made of the data collected prospectively from the ENVIN-HELICS registry. SETTING: Intensive Care Units participating in the ENVIN-UCI registry between the years 2007 and 2016 (3-month registry each year). PATIENTS: Patients admitted for over 24h. MAIN VARIABLES: Annual linear and nonlinear trends of resistance rates of P. aeruginosa strains identified in IDRI and days of treatment of each antipseudomonal antibiotic family per 1000 occupied ICU bed days (DOT) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 15,095 episodes of IDRI were diagnosed in 11,652 patients (6.2% out of a total of 187,100). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 2095 (13.6%) of 15,432 pathogens causing IDRI. Resistance increased significantly over the study period for piperacillin-tazobactam (P<0.001), imipenem (P=0.016), meropenem (P=0.004), ceftazidime (P=0.005) and cefepime (P=0.015), while variations in resistance rates for amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and colistin proved nonsignificant. A significant DOT decrease was observed for aminoglycosides (P<0.001), cephalosporins (P<0.001), quinolones (P<0.001) and carbapenems (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was observed between consumption of each antipseudomonal antibiotic family and the respective resistance rates for P. aeruginosa strains identified in IDRI.

Adaptación en las UCI de las recomendaciones de los proyectos ZERO durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 / No disponible

No disponible

¿Es necesario un proyecto para prevenir las infecciones del tracto urinario en los pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas? / Is a project needed to prevent urinary tract infection in patients admitted to spanish ICUs?

Objetivo: Analizar los datos epidemiológicos de las infecciones del tracto urinario relacionadas con sonda uretral (ITU-SU) en pacientes críticos ingresados en UCI españolas para evaluar la necesidad de aplicar un programa de intervención a nivel nacional para disminuir dichas infecciones. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo, no intervencionista, de prevalencia de periodo anual. Ámbito: UCI participantes en el registro multicéntrico ENVIN-UCI entre los años 2007-2016. Pacientes: Pacientes críticos ingresados en UCI con ITU-SU. Variables principales: Tasa de incidencia por 1.000 días de utilización de SU; ratio de uso de SU; proporción de ITU-SU con respecto del total de infecciones relacionadas con asistencia sanitaria (IRAS) controladas en el registro. Resultados: Se han incluido 187.100 pacientes de los que 137.654 (73,6%) utilizaron SU durante 1.215.673 días (84,4% de los días de estancia en UCI). En 4.539 (3,3%) pacientes sondados se han diagnosticado 4.977 ITU-SU (3,6 episodios por 100 pacientes con SU). La tasa de incidencia de ITU-SU ha disminuido entre los años 2007 y 2016 un 19% (4,69 a 3,8 episodios por 1.000 días de SU), aunque se ha mantenido la ratio de uso de SU (0,84 [0,82-0,86]). La proporción de las ITU-SU ha aumentado desde el 23,3% al 31,9% del total de IRAS controladas. Conclusiones: Aunque han disminuido las tasas de ITU-SU estas infecciones han pasado a ser, proporcionalmente, la primera de las IRAS en UCI. Persiste una elevada ratio de utilización de SU en UCI españolas. Existe un espacio de mejora, por lo que un proyecto ITU-ZERO podría ser útil en nuestro país

Objective: To analyze epidemiological data of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in critically ill patients admitted to Spanish ICUs in order to assess the need of implementing a nationwide intervention program to reduce these infections. Design: Non-intervention retrospective annual period prevalence analysis. Setting: Participating ICUs in the ENVIN-UCI multicenter registry between the years 2007-2016. Patients: Critically ill patients admitted to the ICU with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Main variables: Incidence rates per 1,000 catheter-days; urinary catheter utilization ratio; proportion of CAUTIs in relation to total health care-associated infections (HAIs). Results: A total of 187,100 patients, 137,654 (73.6%) of whom had a urinary catheter in place during 1,215,673 days (84% of days of ICU stay) were included. In 4,539 (3.3%) patients with urinary catheter, 4,977 CAUTIs were diagnosed (3.6 episodes per 100 patients with urinary catheter). The CAUTI incidence rate showed a 19% decrease between 2007 and 2016 (4.69 to 3.8 episodes per 1,000 catheter-days), although a sustained urinary catheter utilization ratio was observed (0.84 [0.82-0.86]). The proportion of CAUTI increased from 23.3% to 31.9% of all HAIs controlled in the ICU. Conclusions: Although CAUTI rates have declined in recent years, these infections have become proportionally the first HAIs in the ICU. The urinary catheter utilization ratio remains high in Spanish ICUs. There is room for improvement, so that a CAUTI-ZERO project in our country could be useful

Introducción: Antisepsia en el paciente crítico / No disponible

No disponible

Is a project needed to prevent urinary tract infection in patients admitted to spanish ICUs? / ¿Es necesario un proyecto para prevenir las infecciones del tracto urinario en los pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze epidemiological data of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in critically ill patients admitted to Spanish ICUs in order to assess the need of implementing a nationwide intervention program to reduce these infections. DESIGN: Non-intervention retrospective annual period prevalence analysis. SETTING: Participating ICUs in the ENVIN-UCI multicenter registry between the years 2007-2016. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients admitted to the ICU with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). MAIN VARIABLES: Incidence rates per 1,000 catheter-days; urinary catheter utilization ratio; proportion of CAUTIs in relation to total health care-associated infections (HAIs). RESULTS: A total of 187,100 patients, 137,654 (73.6%) of whom had a urinary catheter in place during 1,215,673 days (84% of days of ICU stay) were included. In 4,539 (3.3%) patients with urinary catheter, 4,977 CAUTIs were diagnosed (3.6 episodes per 100 patients with urinary catheter). The CAUTI incidence rate showed a 19% decrease between 2007 and 2016 (4.69 to 3.8 episodes per 1,000 catheter-days), although a sustained urinary catheter utilization ratio was observed (0.84 [0.82-0.86]). The proportion of CAUTI increased from 23.3% to 31.9% of all HAIs controlled in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: Although CAUTI rates have declined in recent years, these infections have become proportionally the first HAIs in the ICU. The urinary catheter utilization ratio remains high in Spanish ICUs. There is room for improvement, so that a CAUTI-ZERO project in our country could be useful.

Invasive device-associated infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in critically ill patients: evolution over 10 years.

Invasive device-associated infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa over 10 years (2007-2016) were assessed based on data from the ENVIN-HELICS registry (200 Spanish intensive care units). P. aeruginosa was the leading pathogen except in the last two years in which there was a slight decrease, with Escherichia coli as the leading aetiology. The rate of infections caused by P. aeruginosa remained between 12.0% and 14.6% throughout the study period. There was a significant increase of isolates resistant to imipenem, meropenem, ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Multidrug-resistant and the sum of extensively drug- and pandrug-resistant strains also increased. Resistance to anti-pseudomonal antimicrobials remains a matter of concern.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to Spanish ICU: A prospective observational study from the ENVIN-HELICS registry (2006-2011) / Características y evolución de los pacientes ingresados en UCI españolas: un estudio observacional prospectivo del registro ENVIN-HELICS (2006-2011)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case-mix of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain during the period 2006-2011 and to assess changes in ICU mortality according to severity level. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data obtained from the ENVN-HELICS registry. Observational prospective study. SETTING: Spanish ICU. Patients: Patients admitted for over 24h. Interventions: None. VARIABLES: Data for each of the participating hospitals and ICUs were recorded, as well as data that allowed to knowing the case-mix and the individual outcome of each patient. The study period was divided into two intervals, from 2006 to 2008 (period 1) and from 2009 to 2011 (period 2). Multilevel and multivariate models were used for the analysis of mortality and were performed in each stratum of severity level. RESULTS: The study population included 142,859 patients admitted to 188 adult ICUs. There was an increase in the mean age of the patients and in the percentage of patients > 79 years (11.2%vs. 12.7%, P < 0.001). Also, the mean APACHE II score increased from 14.35 ± 8.29 to 14.72 ± 8.43 (P < 0.001). The crude overall intra-UCI mortality remained unchanged (11.4%) but adjusted mortality rate in patients with APACHE II score between 11 and 25 decreased modestly in recent years (12.3% vs. 11.6%, odds ratio = 0.931, 95% CI 0.883-0.982; P = 0.008). Conclusion: This study provides observational longitudinal data on case-mix of patients admitted to Spanish ICUs. A slight reduction in ICU mortality rate was observed among patients with intermediate severity level

OBJETIVO: Describir el case-mix de los pacientes admitidos en las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) españolas durante el periodo 2006-2011 y evaluar los cambios en la mortalidad en UCI según el nivel de gravedad. DISEÑO: Estudio prospectivo y observacional. Análisis secundario procedente del registro ENVIN-HELICS. ÁMBITO: ICU españolas. PACIENTES: Pacientes ingresados más de 24h. Intervención: Ninguna. Variables: Se registraron los datos de cada UCI participante, así como aquellos que permiten conocer el case-mix y el estado al alta de cada paciente. El periodo de estudio se dividió en 2 intervalos, de 2006 a 2008 (periodo 1) y de 2009 a 2011 (periodo 2). Para el análisis de la mortalidad y en cada estrato de nivel de gravedad se realizó un estudio multivariante y multinivel. Resultados: La población estudiada incluye 142.859 pacientes ingresados en 188 UCI de adultos. Se apreció un incremento en la media de edad de los pacientes, así como en el porcentaje de los que eran mayores de 79 años (11,2 vs. 12,7%; p < 0,001). La media de APACHE II se incrementó de 14,35 ± 8,29 a 14,72 ± 8,43 (p < 0,001). La mortalidad bruta no varió (11,4%), pero la mortalidad ajustada en pacientes con APACHE II entre 11 y 25 disminuyó modestamente en los últimos años (12,3 vs. 11,6%, odds ratio = 0,931, IC 95% 0,883-0,982; p = 0,008). CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio proporciona datos observacionales del case-mix de los pacientes ingresados en las UCI de España. Se observa una ligera reducción de la mortalidad en los pacientes con un grado intermedio en la escala de gravedad

Characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to Spanish ICU: A prospective observational study from the ENVIN-HELICS registry (2006-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case-mix of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain during the period 2006-2011 and to assess changes in ICU mortality according to severity level. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data obtained from the ENVN-HELICS registry. Observational prospective study. SETTING: Spanish ICU. PATIENTS: Patients admitted for over 24h. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: Data for each of the participating hospitals and ICUs were recorded, as well as data that allowed to knowing the case-mix and the individual outcome of each patient. The study period was divided into two intervals, from 2006 to 2008 (period 1) and from 2009 to 2011 (period 2). Multilevel and multivariate models were used for the analysis of mortality and were performed in each stratum of severity level. RESULTS: The study population included 142,859 patients admitted to 188 adult ICUs. There was an increase in the mean age of the patients and in the percentage of patients >79 years (11.2% vs. 12.7%, P<0.001). Also, the mean APACHE II score increased from 14.35±8.29 to 14.72±8.43 (P<0.001). The crude overall intra-UCI mortality remained unchanged (11.4%) but adjusted mortality rate in patients with APACHE II score between 11 and 25 decreased modestly in recent years (12.3% vs. 11.6%, odds ratio=0.931, 95% CI 0.883-0.982; P=0.008). CONCLUSION: This study provides observational longitudinal data on case-mix of patients admitted to Spanish ICUs. A slight reduction in ICU mortality rate was observed among patients with intermediate severity level.

Análisis comparativo de pacientes ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas por causa médica y quirúrgica / Comparative analysis of patients admitted to Spanish Intensive Care Units due to medical and surgical disease

OBJETIVO: Describir el case-mix de los pacientes médicos y quirúrgicos ingresados en UCI y comparar ambas poblaciones. DISEÑO: Análisis de datos de pacientes ingresados en UCI entre 2006 y 2011, extraídos del registro ENVIN-HELICS. Estudio observacional, prospectivo, multicéntrico y de participación voluntaria. Ámbito: Ciento ochenta y ocho Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas. PARTICIPANTES: Pacientes ingresados durante más de 24 h. Variables de interés principales: Datos demográficos, causa de ingreso, escalas de gravedad, tiempo de estancia y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: Se analiza a 138.999 pacientes. El motivo de ingreso era médico no coronario en 65.467 (47,1%), coronario en 27.785 (20,0%), postoperatorio de cirugía programada en 28.044 (20,2%) y urgente en 17.613 (12,7%). Los pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes precisan mayor utilización de dispositivos y presentan más infecciones nosocomiales y por patógenos multirresistentes. La mediana de estancia en UCI es más prolongada en estos pacientes (5 días; rango intercuartílico: 2-11), así como la media de APACHE II y SAPS II. La mortalidad global es superior en pacientes médicos no coronarios (16,6%). Categorizando a los pacientes según el valor APACHE II, la mortalidad es mayor para todos los niveles en los pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes que en los programados, dándose la mayor diferencia en aquellos con APACHE II entre 6 y 10: el 3 y el 0,9%, respectivamente; OR: 2,141 (IC del 95%, 1,825-2,513); p < 0,001. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes médicos no coronarios presentan mayor mortalidad, pero son los quirúrgicos urgentes los que precisan mayor uso de recursos por paciente. La escala APACHE II infraestima la mortalidad en pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the patients case-mix admitted to ICUs due to medical and surgical disease, and to compare both groups. DESIGN: Analysis of data covering the period 2006-2011 in the ENVIN-HELICS registry. An observational, prospective, multicenter and voluntary participation study. Setting: A total of 188 Spanish ICUs. Patients: All patients admitted for more than 24 hours. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic data, cause of admission, severity scores, length of stay, mortality. RESULTS: A total of 138,999 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65,467 (47.1%) were admitted due to a non-coronary medical cause, 27,785 (20,0%) due to coronary-related illness, 28,044 (20,2%) after elective surgery and 17,613 (12.7%) after urgent surgery. Use of devices, nosocomial infections and isolation of multirresistant organisms were more prevalent in urgent surgery patients. Longer length of stay (median 5 days; interquartile range 2-11) as well as higher severity scale values (APACHE II and SAPS II) corresponded to this same group of patients. Mortality was higher in non-coronay medical patients. On categorizing the patients according to the APACHE II score, mortality was seen to be higher in urgent surgery cases than in elective surgery patients in all groups. The largest difference was observed in the APACHE II score 6-10 group (3% vs. 0.9%) (OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.825-2.513; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate is higher in non-coronary medical patients, though resource use per patient is greater in the urgent surgery cases. The APACHE II scale underestimates mortality in emergency surgery patients

[Comparative analysis of patients admitted to Spanish Intensive Care Units due to medical and surgical disease]. / Análisis comparativo de pacientes ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas por causa médica y quirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the patients case-mix admitted to ICUs due to medical and surgical disease, and to compare both groups. DESIGN: Analysis of data covering the period 2006-2011 in the ENVIN-HELICS registry. An observational, prospective, multicenter and voluntary participation study. SETTING: A total of 188 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: All patients admitted for more than 24 hours. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic data, cause of admission, severity scores, length of stay, mortality. RESULTS: A total of 138,999 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65,467 (47.1%) were admitted due to a non-coronary medical cause, 27,785 (20,0%) due to coronary-related illness, 28,044 (20,2%) after elective surgery and 17,613 (12.7%) after urgent surgery. Use of devices, nosocomial infections and isolation of multirresistant organisms were more prevalent in urgent surgery patients. Longer length of stay (median 5 days; interquartile range 2-11) as well as higher severity scale values (APACHE II and SAPS II) corresponded to this same group of patients. Mortality was higher in non-coronay medical patients. On categorizing the patients according to the APACHE II score, mortality was seen to be higher in urgent surgery cases than in elective surgery patients in all groups. The largest difference was observed in the APACHE II score 6-10 group (3% vs. 0.9%) (OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.825-2.513; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate is higher in non-coronary medical patients, though resource use per patient is greater in the urgent surgery cases. The APACHE II scale underestimates mortality in emergency surgery patients.

The sounds of cardiac arrest: innovating to obtain an accurate record during in-hospital cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: To obtain an accurate audit during in-hospital cardiac arrest, following recommendations of the Utstein style and measuring time intervals between the different interventions, is difficult. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of an audio recording system during in-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation allows the register of more items during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study between January 2008 and December 2009. The population that were included, were hospitalized patients and non-hospitalized patients assisted by a cardiac arrest team, except for critical areas. An audio recording system with a timer was turned on when cardiac arrest team was alerted. Recordings were reviewed to fill in the items recommended by the Utstein style. Time intervals were calculated. Mean number of completed items per patient were compared between recorded and non-recorded cardiac arrest. RESULTS: 119 CA team alerts took place. 64 (53.7%) cases were real CA and 37 (57.8%) of them were properly recorded. A mean number of items per patient in recorded cardiac arrest cases were 18.18 (±3.2) vs. 15.96 (±4.1) in non-recorded cardiac arrest cases (p<0.05). In the recorded cases, mean times were: alert - arrival: 1.23 (±0.95)min; arrival - cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation: 0.63 (±0.38)min; arrival - first defibrillation: 2.06 (±1.33)min; arrival - intubation: 8.42 (±4.64)min; arrival - first adrenaline: 3.30 (±1.98)min. CONCLUSIONS: The audio recording system permits the register of a larger number of items per patient during in-hospital cardiac arrest and allows measurement of time intervals between the different interventions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Interleukin-10 and the monocyte/macrophage-induced inflammatory response in septic shock.

Interleukin (IL)-10 is a potent immunosuppressant of monocyte/macrophage function and may help control the inflammatory response induced by bacterial infection. To analyze whether IL-10 is detectable in plasma of patients with septic shock and to evaluate its relationship with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS])-induced and monocyte/macrophage-induced inflammatory response, plasma IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, LPS, and neopterin were studied in 24 patients with septic shock and in 12 critically ill patients. Eighty-three percent of patients with septic shock and 25% of critically ill patients had detectable levels of IL-10 (P < .001). There was a significant correlation between plasma IL-10, neopterin (r = .72), TNF-alpha (r = .76), IL-6 (r = .68), and IL-8 (r = .61) levels in patients with septic shock. Monocyte/macrophage activation leads to massive secretion of IL-10, which, however, seems to be unable to control the increased production of proinflammatory mediators during septic shock.