Manejo clínico del shock poscardiotomía en pacientes adultos / Clinical management of postcardiotomy shock in adults

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock represents the most serious expression of low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery. Although infrequent, it is a relevant condition due to its specific and complex pathophysiology and important morbidity-mortality. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and multimodal hemodynamic monitoring, where echocardiography and the pulmonary arterial catheter play a main role. Early and multidisciplinary management should focus on the management of postoperative or mechanical complications and the optimization of determinants of cardiac output through fluid therapy or diuretic treatments, inotropic drugs and vasopressors/vasodilators and, in the absence of a response, early mechanical circulatory support. The aim of this paper is to review and update the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (AU)

El shock cardiogénico poscardiotomía representa la situación clínica más grave del síndrome de bajo gasto poscirugía cardiaca. Aunque infrecuente, su fisiopatología específica y compleja y su elevada morbimortalidad lo convierten en una entidad especialmente relevante en el contexto de la medicina intensiva. El diagnóstico requiere un elevado índice de sospecha clínica y monitorización multimodal, con un papel fundamental para la ecocardiografía y el catéter de arteria pulmonar. Su manejo debe ser precoz, escalonado y dinámico, multisistémico, multidisciplinar, basado en resolver potenciales complicaciones mecánicas y optimizar los determinantes del gasto cardiaco mediante aporte de volumen o tratamiento deplectivo, fármacos inotrópicos y vasopresores/vasodilatadores y, en ausencia de respuesta, soporte circulatorio mecánico precoz. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una revisión narrativa y una actualización de la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico y el manejo clínico del shock poscardiotomía. Además, se proponen pautas de actuación que faciliten el manejo clínico diario (AU)

Clinical management of postcardiotomy shock in adults.

Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock represents the most serious expression of low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery. Although infrequent, it is a relevant condition due to its specific and complex pathophysiology and important morbidity-mortality. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and multimodal hemodynamic monitoring, where echocardiography and the pulmonary arterial catheter play a main role. Early and multidisciplinary management should focus on the management of postoperative or mechanical complications and the optimization of determinants of cardiac output through fluid therapy or diuretic treatments, inotropic drugs and vasopressors/vasodilators and, in the absence of a response, early mechanical circulatory support. The aim of this paper is to review and update the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock.

Perioperative management in cardiovascular surgery. / Manejo perioperatorio en cirugía cardiovascular.

Cardio-surgical patient care requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to develop strategies to improve patient safety and outcomes. In the preoperative period, prophylaxis for frequent postoperative complications, such as de novo atrial fibrillation or bleeding, and prehabilitation based on exercise training, respiratory physiotherapy and nutritional and cognitive therapy, especially in fragile patients, stand out. There have been great advances, during the intraoperative phase, such as minimally invasive surgery, improved myocardial preservation, enhanced systemic perfusion and brain protection during extracorporeal circulation, or implementation of Safe Surgery protocols. Postoperative care should include goal-directed hemodynamic theraphy, a correct approach to coagulation disorders, and a multimodal analgesic protocol to facilitate early extubation and mobilization. Finally, optimal management of postoperative complications is key, including arrhythmias, vasoplegia, bleeding, and myocardial stunning that can lead to low cardiac output syndrome or, in extreme cases, cardiogenic shock. This global approach and the high degree of complexity require highly specialised units where intensive care specialists add value and are key to obtain more effective and efficient clinical results.

The use of ECMO in ICU. Recommendations of the Spanish Society of Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units. / Empleo de ECMO en UCI. Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva Crítica y Unidades Coronarias.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems has increased significantly in recent years; given this reality, the Spanish Society of Critical Intensive Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) has decided to draw up a series of recommendations that serve as a framework for the use of this technique in intensive care units. The three most frequent areas of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems use in our setting are: as a cardiocirculatory support, as a respiratory support and for the maintenance of the abdominal organs in donors. The SEMICYUC appointed a series of experts belonging to the three working groups involved (Cardiological Intensive Care and CPR, Acute Respiratory Failure and Transplant work group) that, after reviewing the existing literature until March 2018, developed a series of recommendations. These recommendations were posted on the SEMICYUC website to receive suggestions from the intensivists and finally approved by the Scientific Committee of the Society. The recommendations, based on current knowledge, are about which patients may be candidates for the technique, when to start it and the necessary infrastructure conditions of the hospital centers or, the conditions for transfer to centers with experience. Although from a physiopathological point of view, there are clear arguments for the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems, the current scientific evidence is weak, so studies are needed that define more precisely which patients benefit most from the technique and when they should start.

Infused cardioplegia index: A new tool to improve myocardial protection. A cohort study. / Índice de cardioplejía infundida: una nueva herramienta en la protección miocárdica. Un estudio de cohortes.

BACKGROUND: Strategies for cardio-protection are essential in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The authors explored the relationship between cardioplegia volume, left ventricular mass index and ischemia time by means of the infused cardioplegia index and its relationship with post-operative low cardiac output syndrome. DESIGN: All patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery between January 2013 and December 2015 were included. Low cardiac output syndrome was defined according to criteria of the SEMICYUC's consensus document. The perioperative factors associated with low cardiac output syndrome were estimated, and using a ROC curve, the optimum cut-off point for the infused cardioplegia index to predict the absence of low cardiac output syndrome was calculated. RESULTS: Of 360 patients included, 116 (32%) developed low cardiac output syndrome. The independent risk predictors were: New York Heart Association Functional Classification (OR 1.8 [95% CI=1.18-2.55]), left ventricle ejection fraction (OR 0.95 (95% CI=0.93-0.98]), ICI (OR 0.99 [95% CI=0.991-0.996]) and retrograde cardioplegia (OR 1.2 [95% CI=1.03-1.50]). The infused cardioplegia index showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.77 (0.70-0.83; P<.001) for the absence of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome using the optimum cut-off point of 23.6ml·min-1(100g/m2 of LV)-1. CONCLUSIONS: The infused cardioplegia index presents an inverse relationship with the development of post-operative low cardiac output syndrome. This index could form part of new strategies aimed at optimising cardio-protection. The total volume of intermittent cardioplegia, especially that of maintenance, should probably be individualised, adjusting for ischemia time and left ventricle mass index.

Low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Profile, differences in clinical course and prognosis. The ESBAGA study. / Síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca. Perfil, diferencias en evolución clínica y pronóstico. Estudio ESBAGA.

OBJECTIVES: An analysis is made of the clinical profile, evolution and differences in morbidity and mortality of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery, according to the 3 diagnostic subgroups defined by the SEMICYUC Consensus 2012. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: ICUs of Spanish hospitals with cardiac surgery. PATIENTS: A consecutive sample of 2,070 cardiac surgery patients was included, with the analysis of 137 patients with LCOS. INTERVENTIONS: No intervention was carried out. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 68.3±9.3 years (65.2% males), with a EuroSCORE II of 9.99±13. NYHA functional class III-IV (52.9%), left ventricular ejection fraction<35% (33.6%), AMI (31.9%), severe PHT (21.7%), critical preoperative condition (18.8%), prior cardiac surgery (18.1%), PTCA/stent placement (16.7%). According to subgroups, 46 patients fulfilled hemodynamic criteria of LCOS (group A), 50 clinical criteria (group B), and the rest (n=41) presented cardiogenic shock (group C). Significant differences were observed over the evolutive course between the subgroups in terms of time subjected to mechanical ventilation (114.4, 135.4 and 180.3min in groups A, B and C, respectively; P<.001), renal replacement requirements (11.4, 14.6 and 36.6%; P=.007), multiorgan failure (16.7, 13 and 47.5%), and mortality (13.6, 12.5 and 35.9%; P=.01). The mean maximum lactate concentration was higher in cardiogenic shock patients (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical evolution of these patients leads to high morbidity and mortality. We found differences between the subgroups in terms of the postoperative clinical course and mortality.

Mechanical support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO-VA): Short-term and long-term prognosis after a successful weaning. / Soporte mecánico con membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea veno-arterial (ECMO-VA): evolución a corto y a largo plazo tras la retirada de la asistencia.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) affords mechanical circulatory assistance associated to high mortality. However, weaning from such mechanical support may not imply improved short- or long-term survival. This study describes the characteristics and evolution of patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) subjected to venoarterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) in a hospital with a heart transplant program. DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was carried out. SETTING: The cardiovascular ICU of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-six patients consecutively subjected to VA-ECMO over 6 years. INTERVENTIONS: Hospital mortality after weaning from ECMO and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (33%) died with VA-ECMO and 31 (67%) were weaned after 8 days of support (IQR: 5-15). Fourteen patients under went transplantation. Hospital mortality in these patients was 32% (10/31), and was associated to age (P=.001), SAPS II score (P=.009), cannulation bleeding (P=.01) and post-acute myocardial infarction RCS (P=.001). After a median follow-up of 27 months (IQR: 11-49), 91% of the patients discharged from hospital were still alive. Overall survival after weaning from assistance was associated to the type of cardiac disease (P=.002). Patients with RCS after acute myocardial infarction had a poorer prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, VA-ECMO can be used as mechanical assistance in the management of RCS. The technique is associated to high early mortality, though the long-term survival rate after hospital discharge is good.

Enteral nutrition in the hemodynamically unstable critically ill patient.

The benefit of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients has been demonstrated by several studies, especially when it is started early, in the first 24-48h of stay in the Intensive Care Unit, and this practice is currently advised by the main clinical guidelines. The start of enteral nutrition is controversial in patients with hemodynamic failure, since it may trigger intestinal ischemia. However, there are data from experimental studies in animals, as well as from observational studies in humans that allow for hypotheses regarding its beneficial effect and safety. Interventional clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

[Summary of the consensus document: "Clinical practice guide for the management of low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of heart surgery"]. / Resumen del documento de consenso «Guías de práctica clínica para el manejo del síndrome de bajo gasto cardiaco en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiaca¼

Low cardiac output syndrome is a potential complication in cardiac surgery patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This guide provides recommendations for the management of these patients, immediately after surgery and following admission to the ICU. The recommendations are grouped into different sections, addressing from the most basic concepts such as definition of the disorder to the different sections of basic and advanced monitoring, and culminating with the complex management of this syndrome. We propose an algorithm for initial management, as well as two others for ventricular failure (predominantly left or right). Most of the recommendations are based on expert consensus, due to the lack of randomized trials of adequate design and sample size in patients of this kind. The quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations were based on the GRADE methodology. The guide is presented as a list of recommendations (with the level of evidence for each recommendation) for each question on the selected topic. For each question, justification of the recommendations is then provided.

[Clinical practice guide for the management of low cardiac output syndrome in the postoperative period of heart surgery]. / Guías de práctica clínica para el manejo del síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardíaca.

The low cardiac output syndrome is a potential complication in cardiac surgery patients and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This guide is to provide recommendations for the management of these patients, immediately after surgery, admitted to the ICU. The recommendations are grouped into different sections, trying to answer from the most basic concepts such as the definition to the different sections of basic and advanced monitoring and ending with the complex management of this syndrome. We propose an algorithm for initial management, as well as two other for ventricular failure (predominantly left or right). Most of the recommendations are based on expert consensus because of the lack of randomized trials of adequate design and sample size in this group of patients. The quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations were made following the GRADE methodology. The guide is presented as a list of recommendations (and level of evidence for each recommendation) for each question on the selected topic. Then for each question, we proceed to the justification of the recommendations.

[Novelities in resuscitation training methods]. / Novedades en métodos formativos en resucitación.

The importance of cardiac arrest as a health problem makes training in resuscitation a topic of great interest. It is necessary to enhance resuscitation training for all citizens, starting in schools and institutes, targeting teachers and nurses for training, to in turn become future trainers. The model of short courses with video-instruction and the use of mannequins is useful for the dissemination of resuscitation techniques. Liberalization of the use of automated external defibrillators (AED) and reduction of the training requirements in basic life support and AED for those non-health professionals who can use them, seems appropriate. Training must be improved in schools of medicine and nursing schools at undergraduate level. Health professionals should be trained according to their needs, with emphasis on non-technical skills such as leadership and teamwork. The model based on the use of trainers and low-fidelity mannequins remains a basic and fundamental element in training. Training through performance evaluation is a technique that should be implemented in all areas where cases of cardiac arrest are seen and the healthcare team has intervened. Simulation appears to be defined as the current and future modality for training in various medical areas, including of course the important field of resuscitation. Lastly, research in resuscitation training should be considered an example of translational science, where rigorous studies of skill acquisition with outcome measures serve to transfer the results to the clinical environment for analysis of their impact upon patient care.

[Novelties in advanced life support]. / Novedades en soporte vital avanzado.

We present some of the most important developments in advanced life support incorporating the new international recommendations for resuscitation 2010. The study highlights aspects related to prevention and early detection of in-hospital cardiac arrest, resuscitation in the hospital, the new advanced life support algorithm, the techniques and devices for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, post-resuscitation care, assessment of the prognosis of patients who survive initially, and specific aspects of non-beating heart organ donation and the creation of cardiac arrest referral centers.

[ILCOR 2010 recommendations. The evidence evaluation process in resuscitation]. / Recomendaciones ILCOR 2010. El proceso de evaluación de la evidencia en resucitación.

The consensus document on the Science of Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiac Care with ILCOR Treatment Recommendations is an invaluable tool for quickly, simply and rigorously establishing the evidence on which the Resuscitation Guidelines 2010 are fundamented. We present a method that has been used in the review process according to evidence-based medicine, which can be considered a role model for both individual and collective use in clinical practice, not only in the field of resuscitation but also in other areas of medicine.

[News in basic life support and semi-automated external defibrillation]. / Novedades en soporte vital básico y desfibrilación externa semiautomática.

During resuscitation, basic life support (BLS) and automated external defibrillation refer to maneuvers designed to maintain airway patency and support breathing and circulation without equipment other than a barrier device and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). We present some of the most important developments incorporated to the new international recommendations for resuscitation 2010. Aspects related to prevention and early detection of cardiac arrest are highlighted, along with the important role of dispatchers of emergency medical services, the importance of high quality CPR and programs of public access defibrillation. We likewise describe sequences of action and basic life support algorithms, and semi-automated external defibrillation.

[Managing the post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Directing Committee of the National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Plan (PNRCP) of the Spanish Society for Intensive Medicine, Critical Care and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC)]. / Manejo del síndrome posparada cardíaca. Comité Directivo del Plan Nacional de Resuscitación Cardiopulmonary de la SEMICYUC (Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias).

Since the advent of cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than 40 years ago, we have achieved a return to spontaneous circulation in a growing proportion of patients with cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, most of these patients die in the first few days after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and this situation has not improved over the years. Mortality in these patients is mainly associated to brain damage. Perhaps recognizing that cardiopulmonary resuscitation does not end with the return of spontaneous circulation but rather with the return of normal brain function and total stabilization of the patient would help improve the therapeutic management of these patients in the ICU. In this sense, the term cardiocerebral resuscitation proposed by some authors might be more appropriate. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation recently published a consensus document on the "Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome" and diverse authors have proposed that post-arrest care be integrated as the fifth link in the survival chain, after early warning, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation by witnesses, early defibrillation, and early advanced life support. The therapeutic management of patients that recover spontaneous circulation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers based on life support measures and a series of improvised actions based on "clinical judgment" might not be the best way to treat patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Recent studies indicate that using goal-guided protocols to manage these patients including therapeutic measures of proven efficacy, such as inducing mild therapeutic hypothermia and early revascularization, when indicated, can improve the prognosis considerably in these patients. Given that there is no current protocol based on universally accepted evidence, the Steering Committee of the National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Plan of the Spanish Society of Intensive Medicine and Cardiac Units has elaborated this document after a thorough review of the literature and an online discussion involving all the members of the committee and a consensus meeting with the aim of providing a platform for the development of local protocols in different ICSs in our country to fit their own means and characteristics.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in perioperative acute myocardial ischemia in heart surgery]. / Diagnóstico y alternativas terapéuticas en la isquemia miocárdica aguda perioperatoria en cirugía coronaria.

Ischemia and infarct after surgical revascularization are a relatively frequent complication, with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is essential. However, this is less standardized and more complicated to diagnose than in patients who have not undergone surgery since there is no specific biomarker that allows the clinician to differentiate between myocardial ischemia due to the procedure itself and myocardial damage due to perioperative infarct. Once detected, perioperative ischemia should be treated immediately in order to limit myocardial damage. The objectives of this study have been 1. To show the diagnostic criteria for perioperative infarct and ischemia. 2. to show the different therapeutic options available. 3. to propose a treatment algorithm that includes the differential diagnosis, how to control vasospasm, implantation of balloon counterpulsation, and the possible revascularization strategies (percutaneous coronary intervention vs reoperation).

ICU outcomes in adult cardiac surgery patients in relation to ultrafiltration type.

Ultrafiltration (UF) is used to ameliorate the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgery patients. There are two different methods; conventional ultrafiltration (CUF), performed during CPB, and modified ultrafiltration (MUF), performed after CPB is finished. It has not been established which is better, and controversy remains regarding the optimal UF strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate if MUF alone, or combined with CUF, could achieve greater fluid removal and contribute to better postoperative clinical outcomes. Also, the potential technique complications were studied. This was a prospective study which enrolled 125 consecutive adult patients receiving elective cardiac surgery with CPB. We analysed three treatment groups: MUF, CUF and both. Ultrafiltration was performed using a non-pulsatile CPB with a non-occlusive roller pump, Sarns 9000, and a polysulfone ultrafilter, Minntech. We studied pre- and intraoperative data and immediate postoperative clinical outcomes: total amount of drainage, transfusion needs, respiratory outcome, cardiac, renal and neurologic complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.0. All three groups were homogeneous and did not have differences in terms of demographic factors, previous history, risk scores, intervention and operative data. Volume of filtrate removal in the group which applied both techniques was larger than in the CUF or MUF groups alone (2569+/-823 vs 1679+/-651 vs 1398+/-353 ml, respectively, p=0.0001); however, despite this difference, there was no difference in the immediate postoperative fluid balances between the groups (596+/-1244 vs 880+/-1054 vs 986+/-1190 ml, p=0.30). Respiratory parameters and postoperative morbidity data analysed (total amount of drainage, transfusion needs, haemoglobin, acute lung injury, time with inotropes, ventricular failure, cardiogenic shock, neurologic complications and renal failure) were similar in all three groups, without statistical differences. Extubation time (10+/-7 vs 8.9+/-3 vs 9.4+/-7.9 hours, p=0.72) and ICU stay (56.6+/-72 vs 66.5+/-109 vs 44.2+/-25 hours, p=0.43) also were similar between the groups. We did not find any technique complication associated with any patient. In the present study, with adult patients receiving elective cardiac surgery, the combined ultrafiltration group had a larger fluid removal. However, neither type of ultrafiltration nor amount of filtered volume was accompanied by different postoperative ICU clinical outcomes. Ultrafiltration was considered a safe and reliable technique, with no related complications.