The medical decision-making process in the time of the coronavirus pandemic. / O processo de tomada de decisão médica em tempos de pandemia por coronavírus.

The disease pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has triggered significant changes in the medical decision-making process relating to critically ill patients. Admissions to intensive care units have suddenly increased, but many of these patients do not present with clinical manifestations related to the viral infection but rather exacerbation of preexisting diseases. In this context, we must prevent intuitive decision-making and insecurity from leading us to exhaust the available critical-care beds before they are truly necessary, while still recognizing the importance of rapid decision-making in emergency situations. One of the best ways to achieve this goal may be by practicing metacognition and establishing ways for regular feedback to be provided to professionals engaged in inherently rapid decision-making processes.

Validation of APACHE IV score in postoperative liver transplantation in southern Brazil: a cohort study / Validação do escore APACHE IV no transplante hepático pós-operatório no sul do Brasil: estudo de coorte

Abstract Background: Liver transplantation is the only curative therapeutic modality available for individuals at end-stage liver disease. There is no reliable method of predicting the early postoperative outcome of these patients. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) is a widely used model for predicting hospital survival and benchmarking in critically ill patients. This study evaluated the calibration and discrimination of APACHE IV in the postoperative period of elective liver transplantation in the southern Brazil. Methods: This was a clinical prospective and unicentric cohort study that included 371 adult patients in the immediate postoperative period of elective liver transplantation from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. Results: In this study, liver transplant patients who evolved to hospital death had a significantly higher APACHE IV score (82.7 ± 5.1 vs. 51.0 ± 15.8; p < 0.001) and higher predicted mortality (6.5% [4.4-20.2%] vs. 2.3% [1.4-3.5%]; p < 0.001). The APACHE IV score showed an adequate calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow - H-L = 11.37; p = 0.181) and good discrimination (Receiver Operator Curve - ROC of 0.797; Confidence Interval 95% - 95% CI 0.713-0.881; p < 0.0001), although Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR = 2.63), (95% CI 1.66-4.27; p < 0.001) underestimate mortality. Conclusions: In summary, the APACHE IV score showed an acceptable performance for predicting a hospital outcome in the postoperative period of elective liver transplant recipients.

Resumo Introdução: O transplante de fígado é a única modalidade terapêutica curativa disponível para indivíduos com doença hepática terminal. Não há método confiável de prever o resultado pós-operatório imediato desses pacientes. A Avaliação da Gravidade da Doença Crônica e Aguda com bases Fisiológicas (APACHE) é um modelo amplamente usado para prever a sobrevida hospitalar e fazer a avaliação comparativa de pacientes criticamente enfermos. Este estudo avaliou a calibração e discriminação do APACHE IV no pós-operatório de transplante hepático eletivo no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo clínico prospectivo de coorte em centro único que incluiu 371 pacientes adultos no pós-operatório imediato de transplante hepático eletivo de 1 de janeiro de 2012 a 31 de dezembro de 2016. Resultados: Neste estudo, pacientes com transplante hepático que evoluíram para óbito hospitalar obtiveram escore APACHE IV significativamente maior (82,7 ± 5,1 vs. 51,0 ± 15,8; p < 0,001) e mortalidade prevista mais alta (6,5% [4,4% -20,2%] vs 2,3% [1,4% -3,5%], p < 0,001). O escore APACHE IV mostrou uma calibração adequada (Hosmer-Lemeshow - H-L = 11,37; p = 0,181) e boa discriminação (Receiver Operator Curve - ROC de 0,797; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC 95% 0,713-0,881; p < 0,0001), embora a taxa de mortalidade padronizada (Standardized Mortality Ratio - SMR = 2,63), (IC 95% 1,66-4,27; p < 0,001) subestime a mortalidade. Conclusões: Em resumo, o escore APACHE IV mostrou um desempenho aceitável para predizer um desfecho hospitalar no período pós-operatório de receptores eletivos de transplante hepático.

[Validation of APACHE IV score in postoperative liver transplantation in southern Brazil: a cohort study]. / Validação do escore APACHE IV no transplante hepático pós­operatório no sul do Brasil: estudo de coorte.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the only curative therapeutic modality available for individuals at end-stage liver disease. There is no reliable method of predicting the early postoperative outcome of these patients. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) is a widely used model for predicting hospital survival and benchmarking in critically ill patients. This study evaluated the calibration and discrimination of APACHE IV in the postoperative period of elective liver transplantation in the southern Brazil. METHODS: This was a clinical prospective and unicentric cohort study that included 371 adult patients in the immediate postoperative period of elective liver transplantation from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016. RESULTS: In this study, liver transplant patients who evolved to hospital death had a significantly higher APACHE IV score (82.7±5.1 vs. 51.0±15.8; p<0.001) and higher predicted mortality (6.5% [4.4-20.2%] vs. 2.3% [1.4-3.5%]; p<0.001). The APACHE IV score showed an adequate calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow - H-L=11.37; p=0.181) and good discrimination (Receiver Operator Curve - ROC of 0.797; Confidence Interval 95% - 95% CI 0.713-0.881; p<0.0001), although Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR=2.63), (95% CI 1.66-4.27; p<0.001) underestimate mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the APACHE IV score showed an acceptable performance for predicting a hospital outcome in the postoperative period of elective liver transplant recipients.

Brain death-induced cytokine release is not associated with primary graft dysfunction: a cohort study. / A liberação de citocinas induzida pela morte cerebral não está associada à disfunção primária do enxerto: um estudo de coorte.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between donor plasma cytokine levels and the development of primary graft dysfunction of organs transplanted from deceased donors. METHODS: Seventeen deceased donors and the respective 47 transplant recipients were prospectively included in the study. Recipients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients who developed primary graft dysfunction; and group 2, patients who did not develop primary graft dysfunction. Donor plasma levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ assessed by ELISA were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine organs were retrieved, and 48 transplants were performed. Donor plasma cytokine levels did not differ between groups (in pg/mL): TNF, group 1: 10.8 (4.3 - 30.8) versus group 2: 8.7 (4.1 - 33.1), p = 0.63; IL-6, group 1: 1617.8 (106.7 - 5361.7) versus group 2: 922.9 (161.7 - 5361.7), p = 0.56; IL-1ß, group 1: 0.1 (0.1 - 126.1) versus group 2: 0.1 (0.1 - 243.6), p = 0.60; and IFN-γ, group 1: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.2) versus group 2: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.1), p = 0.93). Similar findings were obtained when kidney transplants were analyzed separately. CONCLUSION: In this sample of transplant recipients, deceased donor plasma cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ were not associated with the development of primary graft dysfunction.

OBJETIVO: Examinar a associação entre os níveis de citocinas no plasma do doador e o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto de órgãos transplantados a partir de doadores falecidos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo de forma prospectiva 17 doadores falecidos e os respectivos 47 pacientes receptores de transplante. Os receptores foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1, de pacientes que desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto, e grupo 2, de pacientes que não desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto. Os níveis de TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß, e IFN-γ, avaliados por meio de ELISA, foram comparados entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Obtiveram-se 69 órgãos, sendo realizados 48 transplantes. Os níveis plasmáticos de citocinas nos doadores não diferiram entre os grupos (em pg/mL): TNF no grupo 1, com 10,8 (4,3 - 30,8) versus no grupo 2, com 8,7 (4,1 - 33,1), com valor de p = 0,63; IL-6 no grupo 1: 1.617,8 (106,7 - 5.361,7) versus no grupo 2: 922,9 (161,7 - 5.361,7), com p = 0,56; IL-1ß, no grupo 1: 0,1 (0,1 - 126,1) versus no grupo 2: 0,1 (0,1 - 243,6), com p = 0,60; e IFN-γ, no grupo 1: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,2) versus no grupo 2: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,1), p = 0,93). Obtivemos resultados similares ao examinar separadamente os casos de transplante renal. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra de receptores de transplante, os níveis plasmáticos das citocinas TNF, IL-6, IL-1ß e IFN-γ nos doadores não se associaram com o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto.

A liberação de citocinas induzida pela morte cerebral não está associada à disfunção primária do enxerto: um estudo de coorte / Brain death-induced cytokine release is not associated with primary graft dysfunction: a cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar a associação entre os níveis de citocinas no plasma do doador e o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto de órgãos transplantados a partir de doadores falecidos. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo de forma prospectiva 17 doadores falecidos e os respectivos 47 pacientes receptores de transplante. Os receptores foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1, de pacientes que desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto, e grupo 2, de pacientes que não desenvolveram disfunção primária do enxerto. Os níveis de TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, e IFN-γ, avaliados por meio de ELISA, foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Obtiveram-se 69 órgãos, sendo realizados 48 transplantes. Os níveis plasmáticos de citocinas nos doadores não diferiram entre os grupos (em pg/mL): TNF no grupo 1, com 10,8 (4,3 - 30,8) versus no grupo 2, com 8,7 (4,1 - 33,1), com valor de p = 0,63; IL-6 no grupo 1: 1.617,8 (106,7 - 5.361,7) versus no grupo 2: 922,9 (161,7 - 5.361,7), com p = 0,56; IL-1β, no grupo 1: 0,1 (0,1 - 126,1) versus no grupo 2: 0,1 (0,1 - 243,6), com p = 0,60; e IFN-γ, no grupo 1: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,2) versus no grupo 2: 0,03 (0,02 - 0,1), p = 0,93). Obtivemos resultados similares ao examinar separadamente os casos de transplante renal. Conclusão: Nesta amostra de receptores de transplante, os níveis plasmáticos das citocinas TNF, IL-6, IL-1β e IFN-γ nos doadores não se associaram com o desenvolvimento de disfunção primária do enxerto.

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine the association between donor plasma cytokine levels and the development of primary graft dysfunction of organs transplanted from deceased donors. Methods: Seventeen deceased donors and the respective 47 transplant recipients were prospectively included in the study. Recipients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients who developed primary graft dysfunction; and group 2, patients who did not develop primary graft dysfunction. Donor plasma levels of TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ assessed by ELISA were compared between groups. Results: Sixty-nine organs were retrieved, and 48 transplants were performed. Donor plasma cytokine levels did not differ between groups (in pg/mL): TNF, group 1: 10.8 (4.3 - 30.8) versus group 2: 8.7 (4.1 - 33.1), p = 0.63; IL-6, group 1: 1617.8 (106.7 - 5361.7) versus group 2: 922.9 (161.7 - 5361.7), p = 0.56; IL-1β, group 1: 0.1 (0.1 - 126.1) versus group 2: 0.1 (0.1 - 243.6), p = 0.60; and IFN-γ, group 1: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.2) versus group 2: 0.03 (0.02 - 0.1), p = 0.93). Similar findings were obtained when kidney transplants were analyzed separately. Conclusion: In this sample of transplant recipients, deceased donor plasma cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were not associated with the development of primary graft dysfunction.

Lung transplantation and organ allocation in Brazil: necessity or utility.

The philosophy of organ allocation is the result of two seemingly irreconcilable principles: utilitarianism and distributive justice. The process of organ donation and transplantation in Brazil reveals large inequalities between regions and units of the Federation, from the harvesting of organs to their implantation. In this context, lung transplantation is performed in only a few centers in the country and is still a treatment with limited long-term results. The allocation of the few organs harvested for the few procedures performed is defined mainly by chronology, a criterion that is not linked to necessity, which is a criterion of distributive justice, and neither to utility, a criterion of utilitarianism. This article reviews the organ allocation philosophy focusing on the case of lung transplantations in Brazil.

Lung transplantation and organ allocation in Brazil: necessity or utility / Transplante de pulmão e alocação de órgãos no Brasil: necessidade ou utilidade

ABSTRACT The philosophy of organ allocation is the result of two seemingly irreconcilable principles: utilitarianism and distributive justice. The process of organ donation and transplantation in Brazil reveals large inequalities between regions and units of the Federation, from the harvesting of organs to their implantation. In this context, lung transplantation is performed in only a few centers in the country and is still a treatment with limited long-term results. The allocation of the few organs harvested for the few procedures performed is defined mainly by chronology, a criterion that is not linked to necessity, which is a criterion of distributive justice, and neither to utility, a criterion of utilitarianism. This article reviews the organ allocation philosophy focusing on the case of lung transplantations in Brazil.

RESUMO A filosofia da alocação de órgãos é resultado de duas vertentes aparentemente inconciliáveis: utilitarismo e justiça distributiva. O processo de doação e transplante de órgãos no Brasil revela grandes desigualdades entre regiões e unidades da federação, desde a captação de órgãos até o implante dos órgãos. Nesse contexto, o transplante de pulmão é realizado em poucos centros no país e ainda é um tratamento, cujos resultados de longo prazo são limitados. A alocação dos poucos órgãos captados para os poucos procedimentos realizados é definida principalmente por meio da cronologia, um critério que nem é vinculado à necessidade, critério da justiça distributiva, e nem à utilidade, critério do utilitarismo. O presente artigo revisa a filosofia da alocação de órgãos com enfoque no caso dos transplantes de pulmão no Brasil.

[Liver transplants and organ allocation in Brazil: from Rawls to utilitarianism]. / Transplante de fígado e alocação dos órgãos no Brasil: entre Rawls e o utilitarismo.

The process of liver donations and transplants in Brazil reveals major inequalities between regions and states of the country, ranging from uptake of the organs to their transplantation. In 2006, the MELD score (Model for End-stage Liver Disease), inspired by the U.S. model and based on the principle of need, was introduced in Brazil for liver transplant allocation. However, Brazil's inequalities have partially undermined the initiative's success. Other countries have already benefited from growing discussion on the benefits of models that seek to harmonize utilitarianism and need. The current article reviews the relevant literature with a special focus on the Brazilian reality.

O processo de doação e transplante hepático no Brasil revela grandes desigualdades entre regiões e Unidades da Federação, desde a captação de órgãos até o implante do fígado. Em 2006, o escore MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease), inspirado no modelo estadunidense e baseado no princípio da necessidade, foi introduzido no Brasil para a alocação de fígado. Porém, as desigualdades no nosso país têm comprometido, parcialmente, o sucesso dessa iniciativa. Em outros países, já se presencia uma crescente discussão sobre o benefício de modelos que tentam harmonizar utilitarismo e necessidade. O presente artigo revisa a literatura pertinente com um foco especial na realidade brasileira.

El proceso de donación y trasplante hepático en Brasil revela grandes desigualdades entre regiones y unidades de la federación, desde la captación del órgano hasta el implante del mismo. En 2006, el marcador MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease), inspirado en el modelo estadounidense, y basado en el principio de necesidad, fue incorporado en Brasil para la asignación en trasplantes de hígado. No obstante, las desigualdades en nuestro país han comprometido, parcialmente, el éxito de esta iniciativa. En otros países, ya se vive una creciente discusión sobre el beneficio de modelos que intentan armonizar utilitarismo y necesidad. Este artículo revisa la literatura pertinente, centrándose especialmente en la realidad brasileña.

Burnout entre médicos intensivistas ou Sociedade do burnout / Burnout between intensive care physicians or the Burnout society

Resumo Os médicos que atuam em unidades críticas são propensos a exaustão emocional, manifestações de despersonalização e insatisfação profissional. Essas três manifestações compõem o que foi identificado como burnout e são motivo de crescente preocupação. Neste artigo, os autores revisam a literatura disponível sobre o burnout entre os médicos intensivistas, mas discutem-no sob uma ótica que inclui o problema em uma manifestação mais ampla, relacionada ao culto do desempenho e à subsunção da vida ao capital, entendendo esse fenômeno como relacionado com a sociedade do burnout. Também se discutem iniciativas para combater esse quadro na perspectiva de uma visão ampliada do conceito de biopolítica, especialmente a psicopolítica.

Abstract Physicians who work in critical care units are prone to emotional exhaustion, manifestations of depersonalization, and professional dissatisfaction. These three manifestations make up what has been identified as burnout, and are a cause for growing concern. In this article, the authors review the available literature on burnout among intensive care physicians, but discuss it from a perspective that includes burnout as a broader manifestation, related to the exaltation of performance and the subsumption of life to capital, understanding this phenomenon as related to the society of burnout. The authors also discuss initiatives to combat burnout from the perspective of an expanded view of the concept of biopolitics, especially psychopolitics.

APACHE IV score in postoperative kidney transplantation. / Escore APACHE IV no pós-operatório de transplante renal.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the calibration and discrimination of APACHE IV in the postoperative period after kidney transplantation. METHODS: This clinical cohort study included 986 hospitalized adult patients in the immediate postoperative period after kidney transplantation, in a single center in southern Brazil. RESULTS: Kidney transplant patients who died in hospital had significantly higher APACHE IV values and higher predicted mortality. The APACHE IV score showed adequate calibration (H-L 11.24 p = 0.188) and a good discrimination ROC curve of 0.738 (95%CI 0.643 - 0.833, p < 0.001), although SMR overestimated mortality (SMR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.24 - 1.42, p = 0.664). CONCLUSIONS: The APACHE IV score showed adequate performance for predicting hospital outcomes in the postoperative period for kidney transplant recipients.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a calibração e a discriminação do APACHE IV no período pós-operatório de transplante renal. MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico de coorte, que incluiu 986 pacientes adultos hospitalizados durante o período pós-operatório imediato de transplante renal em um único centro na Região Sul do Brasil. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes de transplante renal que evoluíram para óbito no hospital tiveram APACHE IV significantemente mais elevado e maior mortalidade predita. O APACHE IV demonstrou calibração adequada (teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow: 11,24; p = 0,188) e boa discriminação, segundo a curva Característica de Operação do Receptor, que foi de 0,738 (IC95% 0,643 - 0,833; p < 0,001), embora tenha superestimado a taxa de mortalidade padronizada, que foi de 0,73 (IC95%: 0,24 - 1,42; p = 0,664). CONCLUSÕES: O APACHE IV demonstrou desempenho adequado para predizer o desfecho no hospital no período pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à transplante renal.

Escore APACHE IV no pós-operatório de transplante renal / APACHE IV score in postoperative kidney transplantation

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a calibração e a discriminação do APACHE IV no período pós-operatório de transplante renal. Métodos: Estudo clínico de coorte, que incluiu 986 pacientes adultos hospitalizados durante o período pós-operatório imediato de transplante renal em um único centro na Região Sul do Brasil. Resultados: Os pacientes de transplante renal que evoluíram para óbito no hospital tiveram APACHE IV significantemente mais elevado e maior mortalidade predita. O APACHE IV demonstrou calibração adequada (teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow: 11,24; p = 0,188) e boa discriminação, segundo a curva Característica de Operação do Receptor, que foi de 0,738 (IC95% 0,643 - 0,833; p < 0,001), embora tenha superestimado a taxa de mortalidade padronizada, que foi de 0,73 (IC95%: 0,24 - 1,42; p = 0,664). Conclusões: O APACHE IV demonstrou desempenho adequado para predizer o desfecho no hospital no período pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à transplante renal.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the calibration and discrimination of APACHE IV in the postoperative period after kidney transplantation. Methods: This clinical cohort study included 986 hospitalized adult patients in the immediate postoperative period after kidney transplantation, in a single center in southern Brazil. Results: Kidney transplant patients who died in hospital had significantly higher APACHE IV values and higher predicted mortality. The APACHE IV score showed adequate calibration (H-L 11.24 p = 0.188) and a good discrimination ROC curve of 0.738 (95%CI 0.643 - 0.833, p < 0.001), although SMR overestimated mortality (SMR = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.24 - 1.42, p = 0.664). Conclusions: The APACHE IV score showed adequate performance for predicting hospital outcomes in the postoperative period for kidney transplant recipients.

SOFA in the first 24 hours as an outcome predictor of acute liver failure. / SOFA nas primeiras 24 horas como preditor de desfecho em insuficiência hepática aguda.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cohort of patients with acute liver failure and to analyze the demographic and clinical factors associated with mortality. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in which all patients admitted for acute liver failure from July 28, 2012, to August 31, 2017, were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected using the Epimed System. The SAPS 3, SOFA, and MELD scores were measured. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Receiver operating characteristics curves were obtained for the prognostic scores, along with the Kaplan-Meier survival curve for the score best predicting mortality. RESULTS: The majority of the 40 patients were female (77.5%), and the most frequent etiology was hepatitis B (n = 13). Only 35% of the patients underwent liver transplantation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 57.5% (95%CI: 41.5 - 73.5). Among the scores investigated, only SOFA remained associated with risk of death (OR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.11 - 1.69; p < 0.001). After SOFA stratification into < 12 and ≥ 12 points, survival was higher in patients with SOFA <12 (log-rank p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SOFA score in the first 24 hours was the best predictor of fatal outcome.

SOFA nas primeiras 24 horas como preditor de desfecho em insuficiência hepática aguda / SOFA in the first 24 hours as an outcome predictor of acute liver failure

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma coorte de doentes com insuficiência hepática aguda, e analisar os fatores demográficos e clínicos associados à mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo em que todos os pacientes admitidos por insuficiência hepática aguda foram incluídos no período de 28 de julho de 2012 a 31 de agosto de 2017. Dados clínicos e demográficos foram coletados via Sistema Epimed. Foram mensurados SAPS 3, SOFA e MELD. Estimaram-se as OR e seus IC95%. Foram obtidas as curvas Características de Operação do Receptor para os escores de prognóstico, assim como a curva Kaplan-Meier de sobrevida para o escore com melhor predição de mortalidade. Resultados: A maioria dos 40 doentes era do sexo feminino (77,5%), e a etiologia mais frequente foi hepatite pelo vírus B (n = 13). Apenas 35% dos doentes foram submetidos ao transplante hepático. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 57,5% (IC95%: 41,5 - 73,5). Dentre os escores investigados, apenas o SOFA se manteve associado ao risco de morte (OR = 1,37; IC95% 1,11 - 1,69; p < 0,001). Após a estratificação do SOFA em < 12 e ≥ 12 pontos, a sobrevida foi maior nos pacientes com SOFA < 12 (Log-rank p < 0,001). Conclusão: SOFA nas primeiras 24 horas foi o maior preditor de desfecho fatal.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a cohort of patients with acute liver failure and to analyze the demographic and clinical factors associated with mortality. Methods: Retrospective cohort study in which all patients admitted for acute liver failure from July 28, 2012, to August 31, 2017, were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected using the Epimed System. The SAPS 3, SOFA, and MELD scores were measured. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Receiver operating characteristics curves were obtained for the prognostic scores, along with the Kaplan-Meier survival curve for the score best predicting mortality. Results: The majority of the 40 patients were female (77.5%), and the most frequent etiology was hepatitis B (n = 13). Only 35% of the patients underwent liver transplantation. The in-hospital mortality rate was 57.5% (95%CI: 41.5 - 73.5). Among the scores investigated, only SOFA remained associated with risk of death (OR = 1.37; 95%CI 1.11 - 1.69; p < 0.001). After SOFA stratification into < 12 and ≥ 12 points, survival was higher in patients with SOFA <12 (log-rank p < 0.001). Conclusion: SOFA score in the first 24 hours was the best predictor of fatal outcome.

Traqueostomia no doente crítico na era do consentimento livre e esclarecido / Tracheostomy in critically ill patients in the era of informed consent / Traqueostomía en el paciente crítico en la era del consentimiento libre e informado

Resumo A traqueostomia é procedimento frequentemente realizado em doentes críticos com ventilação mecânica prolongada ou presumidamente prolongada, embora suas indicações, benefícios e riscos sejam controversos. O termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido é necessário para procedimentos cirúrgicos e tem sido amplamente instituído, devendo ser obtido antes da traqueostomia em pacientes críticos. Este artigo faz revisão narrativa das indicações do procedimento e, considerando-o no caso de doentes críticos, aborda a aplicação do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Discutiram-se aspectos teóricos; o que deve constar nos documentos escritos; o que deve ser verbalizado para os doentes e seus familiares, além de outros aspectos práticos. Concluiu-se que os atuais termos de consentimento para traqueostomia em doente crítico não privilegiam a autonomia, pois evitam alocação de recursos para indicação do procedimento.

Abstract Although tracheostomies are often performed in critical patients with prolonged or presumed prolonged mechanical ventilation, the recommendation, benefits and risks of the procedure remain controversial. Informed consent is widely established as a necessary process in surgical procedures and should be obtained prior to the performing of a tracheostomy. The present article provides a narrative review of the process of the medical recommendation of this procedure and, through the use of the tracheostomy in the critical patient, addresses the application of the informed consent term. Theoretical aspects are discussed, such as what should be included in written documents and what should be verbally explained to patients and their families, together with other practical aspects. It was found that the current terms of consent for tracheostomies in critical patients do not prioritize autonomy, as they avoid the allocation of the resources necessary for the recommendation of the procedure.

Resumen La traqueotomía es un procedimiento frecuentemente realizado en pacientes críticos con ventilación mecánica prolongada o presumiblemente prolongada, aunque sus indicaciones, beneficios y riesgos sean controvertidos. El documento de consentimiento libre e informado es necesario para la realización de procedimientos quirúrgicos y ha sido ampliamente instituido, debiendo ser obtenido antes de la traqueostomía en pacientes críticos. El presente artículo hace una revisión narrativa de las indicaciones de este procedimiento y, considerándolo en el caso de pacientes críticos, aborda la aplicación del documento de consentimiento libre e informado. Se discutieron aspectos teóricos; lo que debe constar en los documentos escritos; lo que debe ser verbalizado a los enfermos y a sus familiares, además de otros aspectos prácticos. Se concluye que los actuales documentos de consentimiento para traqueostomía en el paciente crítico no privilegian la autonomía, pues evitan la asignación de recursos para la indicación del procedimiento.

Síndrome inflamatória de reconstituição imune como causa de hepatite autoimune e insuficiência hepática aguda / Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome as a cause of autoimmune hepatitis and acute liver failure

RESUMO A insuficiência hepática aguda é uma síndrome rara com elevada mortalidade e frequentemente reconhecida de forma tardia. Os médicos intensivistas desempenham um papel fundamental na suspeição diagnóstica e no manejo das disfunções múltiplo-orgânicas características desta entidade. A síndrome inflamatória de reconstituição imune é uma entidade que se caracteriza pela piora paradoxal do quadro prévio do paciente, após o início de antirretrovirais, desencadeada contra patógenos presentes no hospedeiro ou autoantígenos. A hepatite autoimune tem sido recentemente descrita como uma destas manifestações autoimunes. Os autores relatam o primeiro caso com evolução à insuficiência hepática aguda e óbito em poucos dias após o desenvolvimento de encefalopatia, revisam os casos de hepatite autoimune descritos e tecem comentários sobre as possibilidades terapêuticas neste contexto.

ABSTRACT Acute liver failure is a rare syndrome with high mortality and is often diagnosed late. Intensivist physicians play fundamental roles in the diagnostic suspicion and the management of the multiple-organic dysfunctions characteristic of this entity. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is an entity that is characterized by the paradoxical worsening of the patient's previous condition, after the initiation of antiretrovirals, triggered against either pathogens present in the host or autoantigens. Autoimmune hepatitis has recently been described as one of these autoimmune manifestations. The authors report the first case with evolution to acute liver failure and death within a few days after the development of encephalopathy, review the cases of autoimmune hepatitis described and comment on the therapeutic possibilities in this context.

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor as a bleeding predictor in liver transplantation: a pilot observational study. / Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor como preditor de sangramento no transplante hepático: estudo piloto observacional.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in the immediate postoperative period and at 24 hours postoperatively with the volume of intraoperative bleeding. METHODS: Twenty-one patients allocated immediately before (elective or emergency) liver transplantation were analyzed. Blood samples were collected for thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor analysis at three different time points: immediately before liver transplantation (preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor), immediately after the surgical procedure (immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor), and 24 hours after surgery (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor 24 hours after surgery). The primary outcome of the study was to correlate the preoperative and immediate postoperative levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor with intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels and bleeding volume (ρ = -0.469; p = 0.05) but no correlation between the immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and bleeding volume (ρ = -0.062; p = 0.79). No variable included in the linear regression analysis (prehemoglobin, prefibrinogen and preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) was a bleeding predictor. There was a similar trend in the variation between the levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor at the three different time points and fibrinogen levels. Patients who died within 6 months (14.3%) showed decreased preoperative and immediate postoperative levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis compared with survivors (preoperative: 1.3 ± 0.15 versus 2.55 ± 0.53, p = 0.06; immediate postoperative: 1.2 ± 0.15 versus 2.5 ± 0.42, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: There was a moderate correlation between preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and intraoperative bleeding in liver transplantation patients, although the predictive role of this variable independent of other variables remains uncertain. Preoperative and immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels may have a role in the survival prognosis of this population; however, this possibility requires confirmation in further studies with larger sample sizes.

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor como preditor de sangramento no transplante hepático: estudo piloto observacional / Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor as a bleeding predictor in liver transplantation: a pilot observational study

RESUMO Objetivo: Correlacionar os níveis de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor no pós-operatório imediato e com 24 horas de pós-operatório com o volume de sangramento tansoperatório. Métodos: Foram analisados vinte e um pacientes alocados imediatamente antes do transplante hepático (eletivo ou de urgência), com coleta de amostras sanguíneas para análise de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor em três diferentes momentos: imediatamente antes do transplante hepático (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório), imediatamente após o procedimento cirúrgico (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pós-operatório imediato) e após 24 horas do final da cirurgia (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor 24 horas pós-operatório). O principal desfecho do estudo foi correlacionar os níveis de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório e de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pós-operatório imediato com perda sanguínea no transoperatório. Resultados: Houve correlação entre thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório e o volume de sangramento (ρ = -0,469; p = 0,05), mas não de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pós-operatório imediato (ρ = -0,062; p = 0,79). Em análise de regressão linear, nenhuma das variáveis incluídas (hemoglobina pré, fibrinogênio pré e thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório) se mostrou preditor de sangramento. Houve tendência semelhante na variação entre os níveis de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor durante os três diferentes momentos e os níveis de fibrinogênio. Pacientes que evoluíram a óbito em até 6 meses (14,3%) apresentaram níveis diminuídos de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório e de thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pós-operatório imediato, comparando-se aos sobreviventes (pré-operatório: 1,3 ± 0,15 versus 2,55 ± 0,53; p = 0,06; e pós-operatório imediato: 1,2 ± 0,15 versus 2,5 ± 0,42; p = 0,007). Conclusão: Houve correlação moderada entre thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório e o sangramento transoperatório em transplante hepático, porém seu papel preditivo independente de outras variáveis ainda permaneceu incerto. Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor pré-operatório e pós-operatório imediato podem ter um papel na avaliação da sobrevida dessa população, necessitando-se confirmar em novos estudos, de maior tamanho amostral.

ABSTRACT Objective: To correlate the levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in the immediate postoperative period and at 24 hours postoperatively with the volume of intraoperative bleeding. Methods: Twenty-one patients allocated immediately before (elective or emergency) liver transplantation were analyzed. Blood samples were collected for thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor analysis at three different time points: immediately before liver transplantation (preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor), immediately after the surgical procedure (immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor), and 24 hours after surgery (thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor 24 hours after surgery). The primary outcome of the study was to correlate the preoperative and immediate postoperative levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor with intraoperative blood loss. Results: There was a correlation between the preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels and bleeding volume (ρ = -0.469; p = 0.05) but no correlation between the immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and bleeding volume (ρ = -0.062; p = 0.79). No variable included in the linear regression analysis (prehemoglobin, prefibrinogen and preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) was a bleeding predictor. There was a similar trend in the variation between the levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor at the three different time points and fibrinogen levels. Patients who died within 6 months (14.3%) showed decreased preoperative and immediate postoperative levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis compared with survivors (preoperative: 1.3 ± 0.15 versus 2.55 ± 0.53, p = 0.06; immediate postoperative: 1.2 ± 0.15 versus 2.5 ± 0.42, p = 0.007). Conclusion: There was a moderate correlation between preoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and intraoperative bleeding in liver transplantation patients, although the predictive role of this variable independent of other variables remains uncertain. Preoperative and immediate postoperative thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor levels may have a role in the survival prognosis of this population; however, this possibility requires confirmation in further studies with larger sample sizes.

Mortality in chronically critically ill patients: Expanding the use of the ProVent score.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to look at the performance of the Prognosis for Prolonged Ventilation (ProVent) score with a short-term outcome as well as when used earlier during the course of prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed in a tertiary public hospital from August 2011 to August 2012. All patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during this period were included in the study. Chronically critically ill (CCI) patients were defined as those with 21 days of MV. In a subsequent analysis, we considered CCI patients to be those with 14 days of MV. The data were collected in 2 ways: review of a prospectively elaborated database and review of electronic records. RESULTS: During the study period, 1360 patients were admitted to the ICU. Of these, 152 patients (11.2%) were considered CCI. Patients with high ProVent score presented higher ICU mortality. Mortality ranged from 25.0% for patients with a score of 0 to 84.0% for patients with a score of greater than or equal to 4. The analysis of the ProVent score performed earlier during the evolution (14 days of MV) was similar. CONCLUSIONS: The ProVent score can be used for short-term prognosis (mortality in the ICU) and earlier in the evaluation of CCI patients.

Morte encefálica: uma discussão encerrada? / Brain death: a finished discussion?

O presente artigo faz revisão narrativa dos principais autores que estabelecem objeções à utilização do conceito de morte encefálica como sinônimo de morte, com foco em suas inconsistências biológicas e filosóficas. Propõe a discussão do tema recorrendo aos conceitos epistemológicos de Popper e Kuhn. Utiliza os conceitos de biopoder e biopolítica como ferramentas de análise da morte encefálica, especialmente no que concerne a sua inevitável intersecção com a doação e transplantes de órgãos...

This article is a narrative review of the main authors who establish objections to the use of the concept of brain death as a synonym for death. It focuses on their biological and philosophical inconsistencies of the concept and proposes the discussion of the topic using the epistemological concepts of Popper and Kuhn. The article adopts the concepts of biopower and biopolitics as tools in the analysis of brain death, especially in relation to the inevitable intersection with organ donation and transplants...

Este artículo es una revisión narrativa de los principales autores que establecen excepciones a la utilización del concepto de muerte cerebral como sinónimo de muerte, centrándose en sus inconsistencias biológicas y filosóficas. Se propone la discusión del tema usando los conceptos epistemológicos de Popper y Kuhn. Utiliza los conceptos de biopoder y de biopolítica como herramientas en el análisis de la muerte cerebral, especialmente en relación con la intersección inevitable con los trasplantes de donación de órganos...

Prognostic value of circulating DNA levels in critically ill and trauma patients.

The number of studies investigating circulating nucleic acids as potential biomarkers has increased in recent years. The detection of such biomarkers is a minimally invasive alternative for the diagnosis and prognosis of various clinical conditions. The value of circulating DNA levels as a predictive biomarker has been demonstrated in patients suffering from numerous acute pathologies that have a high risk of intensive care needs and in-hospital deaths. The mechanism by which circulating DNA levels increase in patients with these conditions remains unclear. In this review, we focused on the potential use of this biomarker for prognosis prediction in critically ill and trauma patients. The literature review was performed by searching MedLine using PubMed in the English language.