[Evaluation of deaths occurred in the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (HU/UFSC)]. / Avaliação dos óbitos ocorridos no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (HU/UFSC).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the deaths which occurred at the HU/UFSC. To compare the profile of patients who died in the wards with that of patients who died in the ICU. To classify deaths which were expected or not, and avoidable or not. To verify how often withholding or withdrawing (WW) therapy preceded death. METHODS: Archives of the Hospital Death Commission (HDC) were analyzed. The clinical and demographic records were retrieved from the HDC data bank. Deaths were classified by the HDC as expected or not and avoidable or not. RESULTS: Data from 326 dead persons over 14 years of age were analyzed. One hundred and twenty eight deaths occurred in the ICU (G1) and 198 in the wards (G2). WW therapy preceded 38.2% of deaths in G1 and 2% in G2 (p<0.001). The main WW therapies were vasoactive drugs and antibiotics. Almost 20% of deaths were unexpected/avoidable in G1. In G2 6.5% were considered unexpected and 5% avoidable (p<0.005). Patients in G1 were younger and mostly male (p<0.005). Do-not-resuscitate orders were registered in 48.4% of patients' medical charts in G2 and 6.3% in G1 (p<0.001). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 23.4% of patients in G1 and in 5.5% in G2 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In G1, patients were younger and deaths were more frequently preceded by WW. In G2, half of the patients had do-not-resuscitate order registered in their medical charts. In only a few patients were deaths considered unexpected or avoidable. No evident professional or institutional error was identified.

Guidelines for the assessment and acceptance of potential brain-dead organ donors. / Diretrizes para avaliação e validação do potencial doador de órgãos em morte encefálica.

Organ transplantation is the only alternative for many patients with terminal diseases. The increasing disproportion between the high demand for organ transplants and the low rate of transplants actually performed is worrisome. Some of the causes of this disproportion are errors in the identification of potential organ donors and in the determination of contraindications by the attending staff. Therefore, the aim of the present document is to provide guidelines for intensive care multi-professional staffs for the recognition, assessment and acceptance of potential organ donors.

Routine chest radiography in intensive care: impact on decision-making. / Radiografia de tórax de rotina em terapia intensiva: impacto na tomada de decisão.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of clinical abnormalities in chest radiographs and its relationship with decision-making in intensive care. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved nonconsecutive patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Imaging tests in the intensive care unit (ICU) were assessed daily between February and May 2011 and divided according to the reason for hospitalization, the type of test requested, anatomical segment under assessment and the purpose of the request. The imaging tests were interpreted by intensivists and subsequently divided according to the detected abnormalities and changes in medical care. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study sample included 106 patients. A total of 447 imaging tests were assessed, 425 of which were anteroposterior chest radiographs. An average of 4.01 radiographs per patient was obtained. Among the requested radiographs, 79.3% were normal, and 35.2% of abnormal radiographs did not prompt changes in medical care. CONCLUSION: Most of the radiographs performed in the intensive care unit exhibited no statistically significant clinical alterations, and the radiographs that revealed abnormalities did not necessarily lead to changes in medical care.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part I. Overview and hemodynamic support. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte I. Aspectos gerais e suporte hemodinâmico.

There is a relative shortage of appropriate organs available for transplantation. The appropriate diagnosis of brain death, a suitable family approach and the maintenance of the deceased donor are fundamental in addressing this issue. The intensive care physician plays a key role in the maintenance of the deceased donor, thereby reducing losses and increasing the number of successful transplants.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part II. Mechanical ventilation, endocrine metabolic management, hematological and infectious aspects. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte II. Ventilação mecânica, controle endócrino metabólico e aspectos hematológicos e infecciosos.

The role of intensive care specialists in the maintenance of deceased potential donors is not restricted to hemodynamics. Appropriate endocrine-metabolic management is fundamental to maintaining energy support and hydroelectrolytic control, which cooperate for hemodynamic stability. Hematological changes are also important, especially considering the issues caused by inappropriate transfusions. In addition, this article discusses the role of appropriate protective ventilation to prevent inflammatory responses and to provide more transplantable lungs. Finally, judicious assessment of infections and antibiotic therapy is discussed.

Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult). Part III: organ-specific recommendations. / Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: Parte III. Recomendações órgãos específicas.

Brain death (BD) alters the pathophysiology of patients and may damage the kidneys, the lungs, the heart and the liver. To obtain better quality transplant organs, intensive care physicians in charge of the maintenance of deceased donors should attentively monitor these organs. Careful hemodynamic, ventilatory and bronchial clearance management minimizes the loss of kidneys and lungs. The evaluation of cardiac function and morphology supports the transplant viability assessment of the heart. The monitoring of liver function, the management of the patient's metabolic status and the evaluation of viral serology are fundamental for organ selection by the transplant teams and for the care of the transplant recipient.

Diretrizes para avaliação e validação do potencial doador de órgãos em morte encefálica / Guidelines for the assessment and acceptance of potential brain-dead organ donors

RESUMO O transplante de órgãos é a única alternativa para muitos pacientes portadores de algumas doenças terminais. Ao mesmo tempo, é preocupante a crescente desproporção entre a alta demanda por transplantes de órgãos e o baixo índice de transplantes efetivados. Dentre as diferentes causas que alimentam essa desproporção, estão os equívocos na identificação do potencial doador de órgãos e as contraindicações mal atribuídas pela equipe assistente. Assim, o presente documento pretende fornecer subsídios à equipe multiprofissional da terapia intensiva para o reconhecimento, a avaliação e a validação do potencial doador de órgãos.

ABSTRACT Organ transplantation is the only alternative for many patients with terminal diseases. The increasing disproportion between the high demand for organ transplants and the low rate of transplants actually performed is worrisome. Some of the causes of this disproportion are errors in the identification of potential organ donors and in the determination of contraindications by the attending staff. Therefore, the aim of the present document is to provide guidelines for intensive care multi-professional staffs for the recognition, assessment and acceptance of potential organ donors.

Perceptions about end of life treatment in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay intensive care units. / Percepção dos profissionais sobre o tratamento no fim da vida, nas unidades de terapia intensiva da Argentina, Brasil e Uruguai.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate end-of-life procedures in intensive care units. METHODS: A questionnaire was prepared by the End-of-Life Study Group of the Argentinean, Brazilian and Uruguayan Intensive Care societies, collecting data on the participants’ demographics, institutions and limit therapeutic effort (LTE) decision making process. During this cross sectional study, the societies’ multidisciplinary teams members completed the questionnaire either during scientific meetings or online. The variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test, with a p<0.05 significance level. RESULTS: 420 professionals completed the questionnaire. The Brazilian units had more beds, unrestricted visit was less frequent, their professionals were younger and worked more recently in intensive care units, and more non-medical professionals completed the questionnaire. Three visits daily was the more usual number of visits for the three countries. The most influencing LTE factors were prognosis, co-morbidities, and therapeutic futility. In the three countries, more than 90% of the completers had already made LTE decisions. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, vasoactive drugs administration, dialysis and parenteral nutrition were the most suspended/refused therapies in the three countries. Suspension of mechanic ventilation was more frequent in Argentina, followed by Uruguay. Sedation and analgesia were the less suspended therapies in the three countries. Legal definement and ethical issues were mentioned as the main barriers for the LTE decision making process. CONCLUSION: LTE decisions are frequent among the professionals working in the three countries’ intensive care units. We found a more proactive LTE decision making trend In Argentina, and more equity for decisions distribution in Uruguay. This difference appears to be related to the participants’ different ages, experiences, professional types and genders.

Evaluation of medical decisions at the end-of-life process. / Avaliação das decisões médicas durante o processo do morrer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the medical decisions at end-of-life of patients admitted at HU/UFSC and to compare these decisions and the profile of patients who died in the intensive care unit (ICU) to those who died in medical (MW) and surgical wards (SW). METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study. Demographic data, clinical features, treatment and the end-of-life care decisions of adult patients who died in wards and the intensive care unit of HU/UFSC from July/2004 to December/2008 were analyzed . For statistical analysis the Student's t, χ2 and ANOVA tests were used: (significance p <0.05). RESULTS: An analysis was made of 1124 deaths: 404 occurred in ICU, 607 in MW and 113 in SW. The overall hospital mortality rate was 5.9% (ICU=24.49%, MW=7.2%, SW=1.69%). Mean ages of patients were: ICU=56.7, MW=69.3 and SW=70.4 years (p <0.01). Withholding/withdrawing life support was performed prior to 30.7% of deaths in the intensive care unit and 10% in the wards (p <0.01). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not carried out in 65% of cases in ICU, 79% in MW and 62% in SW. Besides cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the more frequent withholding/withdrawing life support in the intensive care unit were vasoactive drugs and in the wards refusal of admission to intensive care unit . Do-not-resuscitate order was documented in 2.4% of cases in ICU and 2.6% in MW. Palliative and comfort care were provided to 2% of patients in ICU, 11.5% in MW and 8% in SW. Terminality of the disease was recognized in 40% of cases in ICU, 34.6% in MW and 16.8% in SW. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of patients who died and medical decisions during the end-of-life process were different in the intensive care unit, clinical and surgical wards.

1st Forum of the Southern Cone End-of-Life Study Group: proposal for care of patients, bearers of terminal disease staying in the ICU. / 1º Forum do Grupo de Estudos do Fim da Vida do Cone Sul: proposta para atendimento do paciente portador de doença terminal internado em UTI.

Withholding of treatment in patients with terminal disease is increasingly common in intensive care units, throughout the world. Notwithstanding, Brazilian intensivists still have a great difficulty to offer the best treatment to patients that have not benefited from curative care. The objective of this comment is to suggest an algorithm for the care of terminally ill patients. It was formulated based upon literature and the experience of experts, by members of the ethics committee and end-of-life of AMIB - Brazilian Association of Intensive Care.

[Evaluate the clonidine use for sedoanalgesia in intensive care unit patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation]. / Avaliação do uso da clonidina para sedoanalgesia de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica prolongada, internados em unidade de terapia intensiva.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The control of patient discomfort in the intensive care unit (ICU) has become an integral part of critical care practice. The sedoanalgesic drugs could influence critically ill patient's morbimortality. Alpha²-adrenoceptor agonists might have an interesting future in ICU. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clonidine use for sedoanalgesia in ICU patients under prolonged mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Historical cohort study. Admitted patient files, January-December 2006, which stayed under mechanical ventilation, analgesia and sedation > 7days were analyzed. Demographic, clinical features and therapeutic data concerning analgesia and sedation were remarked. The data allowed classify the patients in three different groups: G1 = patients that used clonidine and other drugs; G2 = patients that used three or more drugs, without clonidine and G3 = patients that used fentanyl and midazolam. The mean daily doses of infused clonidine were registered, and the values of heat rate (HR), blood arterial pressure (BAP) before starting use of clonidine, after six hours and 24 hours were also registered. Statistical analyzes were performed using Variance Analysis (ANOVA), t tests and x² (significance p < 0.05). RESULTS: Were selected 55 patients. Fifteen (27.2%) belonged to G1, 11 (20%) belonged to G2 and 29 (52.7%) belonged to G3. The mean age of patients was 44 (G1), 50 (G2) and 56 (G3) (p = NS). The mean score APACHE II was 18 (G1), 20.4 (G2) and 20.7 (G3) (p = NS). G1 and G2 patients presented higher ICU length-of-stay (p < 0.05). The mean dose of clonidine used was 1.21 ± 0.54 mg/kg/min. G1 patients had HR and BAP decreased, however these effects were not considered clinically relevant. The mortality was lower in the patients from G1 (20%) when compared to G2 (54.5%) and G3 (62%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clonidine use to analyzed patients did not result in clinical relevant side effects. The lower mortality index in patients that used clonidine was statistical significant.

Drotrecogin alfa activated in clinical practice and the current evidences. / O uso da drotrecogina alfa ativada na prática clínica e as atuais evidências.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The debate on efficacy and patient safety related to the use of drotrecogin alfa (DrotAA) is timely, principally due to the negative results observed in clinical studies performed after the PROWESS study, and the economic cost-related impact of the drug on the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to review the main studies on the use of DrotAA in patients with severe sepsis. The focus was on drug efficacy-and patient safety-related issues. CONTENTS: Articles were selected by a MedLine search for studies on the use of DrotAA in patients with sepsis using the following key words: activated protein C; drotrecogin alfa; sepsis; septic shock; Xigris®. Additional references were retrieved from the studies initially selected. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality and bleeding complications associated with the use of DrotAA were more frequent in large observational studies than those reported in randomized trials. In the light of the current knowledge, routine use of DrotAA should be reevaluated until well-designed confirmatory clinical trials can clarify the true efficacy and safety of the drug and help identify the subgroup of patients that can benefit from use of DrotAA. Physicians should be cautious with the rapid transfer of evidences not well-documented, to the guidelines and recommendations practiced in the care and treatment of patients with severe sepsis.

End of life and palliative care in intensive care unit. / Terminalidade e cuidados paliativos na unidade de terapia intensiva.

The objective of this review was to evaluate current knowledge regarding terminal illness and palliative care in the intensive care unit, to identify the major challenges involved and propose a research agenda on these issues The Brazilian Critical Care Association organized a specific forum on terminally ill patients, to which were invited experienced and skilled professionals on critical care. These professionals were divided in three groups: communication in the intensive care unit, the decision making process when faced with a terminally ill patient and palliative actions and care in the intensive care unit. Data and bibliographic references were stored in a restricted website. During a twelve hour meeting and following a modified Delphi methodology, the groups prepared the final document. Consensual definition regarding terminality was reached. Good communication was considered the cornerstone to define the best treatment for a terminally ill patient. Accordingly some communication barriers were described that should be avoided as well as some approaches that should be pursued. Criteria for palliative care and palliative action in the intensive care unit were defined. Acceptance of death as a natural event as well as respect for the patient's autonomy and the nonmaleficence principles were stressed. A recommendation was made to withdraw the futile treatment that prolongs the dying process and to elected analgesia and measures that alleviate suffering in terminally ill patients. To deliver palliative care to terminally ill patients and their relatives some principles and guides should be followed, respecting individual necessities and beliefs. The intensive care unit staff involved with the treatment of terminally ill patients is subject to stress and tension. Availability of a continuous education program on palliative care is desirable.

Radiografia de tórax de rotina em terapia intensiva: impacto na tomada de decisão / Routine chest radiography in intensive care: impact on decision-making

OBJETIVO: Verificar a prevalência de alterações clínicas nas radiografias de tórax e sua relação com a tomada de decisões em terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva, que envolveu pacientes internados não consecutivamente na unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Entre os meses de fevereiro e maio de 2011, foram avaliados diariamente os exames de imagem solicitados na unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo divididos conforme a razão de internação, o tipo de exame solicitado, o segmento anatômico estudado e a finalidade da solicitação. Posteriormente, segundo interpretação do médico intensivista, os exames foram divididos segundo alteração detectada e mudança em conduta médica. A análise estatística foi feita segundo o teste do qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram envolvidos 106 pacientes pela amostragem. Foram avaliados 447 exames de imagem, sendo 425 radiografias de tórax em incidência anteroposterior. Obteve-se média de 4,01 radiografias por paciente internado. Dentre as radiografias solicitadas, 79,3% foram interpretadas como normais. Das radiografias alteradas, 35,2% não suscitaram alteração em conduta. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das radiografias solicitadas e realizadas na unidade de terapia intensiva não apresentou alterações clínicas estatisticamente relevantes, e as que demonstraram alterações não necessariamente propiciaram mudança em conduta.

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the prevalence of clinical abnormalities in chest radiographs and its relationship with decision-making in intensive care. METHODS: This prospective cohort study involved nonconsecutive patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit at the Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago of the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Imaging tests in the intensive care unit (ICU) were assessed daily between February and May 2011 and divided according to the reason for hospitalization, the type of test requested, anatomical segment under assessment and the purpose of the request. The imaging tests were interpreted by intensivists and subsequently divided according to the detected abnormalities and changes in medical care. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study sample included 106 patients. A total of 447 imaging tests were assessed, 425 of which were anteroposterior chest radiographs. An average of 4.01 radiographs per patient was obtained. Among the requested radiographs, 79.3% were normal, and 35.2% of abnormal radiographs did not prompt changes in medical care. CONCLUSION: Most of the radiographs performed in the intensive care unit exhibited no statistically significant clinical alterations, and the radiographs that revealed abnormalities did not necessarily lead to changes in medical care.

[Evaluation the quality and satisfaction of life of patients, before admission in Intensive Care Unit and after hospital discharge]. / Avaliação da qualidade e satisfação de vida dos pacientes antes da internação na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e após a alta hospitalar.

BACKGROUND AND OBJETIVES: To evaluate the quality and satisfaction of life (QSL) of patients before admission in ICU, and after hospital discharge. To verify the influence of the patient's demographic/clinic/therapeutic factors in the QSL. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with quali-quantitative approach. All patients admitted in ICU/HU/UFSC from April-July 2005, who's stayed more than 24 hours were included. Initially, the data of QSL before ICU admission, patient's demographics/clinics/therapeutics features were recorded. Afterwards, by telephone, 7, 90 and 180 days after hospital discharge, the patients answered the questionnaires about QSL. In the sequence, all patients were subdivided into 2 main groups: unchanged or better, and worse QSL. Data were analyzed using t Student and Chi-square tests (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty eight patients were enrolled into the study. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 21 of them. A comparison of 7, 90 and 180 days after hospital discharge showed that QSL of patients was unchanged or better at 90 and 180 days. The majority of patients expressed more satisfaction in that moment. Unchanged or better QSL was associated with advanced age. However, there were no statistical significant differences in sex, schooling, APACHE II score, length of stay, mechanical ventilation and used drugs. Sixty percent returned to their previous work. CONCLUSIONS: There was a tendency for patients who felt themselves satisfied after hospital discharge to have their QSL improved as time went bye. Better QSL was associated with advanced age. Even when patients reported worse QSL they returned to their previous work.

[Laboratory exams necessity for patients admitted to an university hospital intensive care unity]. / Avaliação da necessidade da solicitação de exames complementares para pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva de hospital universitário.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The progressive increasing diagnostic resources had influenced the quality and quantity of laboratory exams. It is not clear if the amount of exams performed influence the morbidity and mortality in the ICU patients. The purpose of this study was to appraise the frequency of the most ordering tests in the ICU of HU-UFSC and to check if there was connection between them and the age, the destiny until the ICU discharge and the estimate severity of their diseases. METHODS: Prospective cohort study with qualitative approach. The blood samples of admitted patients were analyzed, from July to December 2005. Clinical and demographic features were collected and the most frequently blood-samples were quantified per day. In the sequence the daily rate of exams were calculated during all the admission period. The patients were analyzed according to three criterions: age, destiny until the ICU discharge and estimate severity according to APACHE II index. Data were analyzed using Fisher Exact, Chi-square and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled to this study. The average test-ordering was 11.50 per day. These numbers didn't have statistical difference when they were compared between survivor and non-survivor patients, and between those whose the death estimated tax was bigger or smaller than 50 per cent. CONCLUSIONS: The test-ordering didn't show clinical and prognostic relation to its request. There were no statistic relation between the patient's age, ICU discharge and the estimate severity.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte I. Aspectos gerais e suporte hemodinâmico / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part I. Overview and hemodynamic support

A desproporção entre a grande demanda por transplantes de órgãos e a baixa realização de transplantes é um grave problema de saúde pública. O reconhecimento da morte encefálica, a adequada abordagem da família e a manutenção clínica do doador falecido são fundamentais para a diminuição desta desproporção. Neste cenário, o intensivista tem importância central e a aplicação do conjunto de informações disponíveis para manutenção do potencial doador falecido está claramente associada à redução de perdas de doadores e ao aumento da qualidade e da efetivação de transplantes.

There is a relative shortage of appropriate organs available for transplantation. The appropriate diagnosis of brain death, a suitable family approach and the maintenance of the deceased donor are fundamental in addressing this issue. The intensive care physician plays a key role in the maintenance of the deceased donor, thereby reducing losses and increasing the number of successful transplants.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: parte II. Ventilação mecânica, controle endócrino metabólico e aspectos hematológicos e infecciosos / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult): part II. Mechanical ventilation, endocrine metabolic management, hematological and infectious aspects

A atuação do intensivista durante a manutenção do potencial doador falecido na busca da redução de perdas de doadores e do aumento da efetivação de transplantes não se restringe aos aspectos hemodinâmicos. O adequado controle endócrino-metabólico é essencial para a manutenção do aporte energético aos tecidos e do controle hidro-eletrolítico, favorecendo inclusive a estabilidade hemodinâmica. A abordagem das alterações hematológicas é igualmente importante considerando as implicações da prática transfusional inapropriada. Ressalta-se ainda o papel da ventilação protetora na modulação inflamatória e conseqüente aumento do aproveitamento de pulmões para transplante. Por fim, assinala-se a relevância da avaliação criteriosa das evidências de atividade infecciosa e da antibioticoterapia na busca do maior utilização de órgãos de potenciais doadores falecidos.

The role of intensive care specialists in the maintenance of deceased potential donors is not restricted to hemodynamics. Appropriate endocrine-metabolic management is fundamental to maintaining energy support and hydroelectrolytic control, which cooperate for hemodynamic stability. Hematological changes are also important, especially considering the issues caused by inappropriate transfusions. In addition, this article discusses the role of appropriate protective ventilation to prevent inflammatory responses and to provide more transplantable lungs. Finally, judicious assessment of infections and antibiotic therapy is discussed.

Diretrizes para manutenção de múltiplos órgãos no potencial doador adulto falecido: Parte III. Recomendações órgãos específicas / Guidelines for potential multiple organ donors (adult). Part III: organ-specific recommendations

A morte encefálica induz várias alterações fisiopatológicas que podem causar lesões em rins, pulmões, coração e fígado. Portanto, a atuação do intensivista durante a manutenção do potencial doador falecido exige cuidados específicos com estes órgãos visando sua maior viabilidade para transplantes. O manejo hemodinâmico cuidadoso, os cuidados ventilatórios e de higiene brônquica minimizam a perda de rins e pulmões para o transplante. A avaliação da condição morfológica e funcional do coração auxilia na avaliação do potencial transplantável deste órgão. Por fim, a avaliação da função hepática, assim como o controle metabólico e a realização de sorologias virais são fundamentais para a orientação das equipes transplantadoras na seleção do órgão a ser doado e no cuidado com o receptor.

Brain death (BD) alters the pathophysiology of patients and may damage the kidneys, the lungs, the heart and the liver. To obtain better quality transplant organs, intensive care physicians in charge of the maintenance of deceased donors should attentively monitor these organs. Careful hemodynamic, ventilatory and bronchial clearance management minimizes the loss of kidneys and lungs. The evaluation of cardiac function and morphology supports the transplant viability assessment of the heart. The monitoring of liver function, the management of the patient's metabolic status and the evaluation of viral serology are fundamental for organ selection by the transplant teams and for the care of the transplant recipient.

Análise das UTIs do Estado de Santa Catarina e avaliação do perfil dos pacientes internados nesses setores / Analyzes of ICUs in the state of Santa Catarina and the over all evaluation of patients admitted in these sectors

Objetivo: Analisar as UTIs no Estado de Santa Catarina e o perfil dos pacientes internados nesses setores. Método: Corte transversal, realizado com o apoio do CREMESC e SOCATI. Foi enviado um questionário estruturado aos chefes das UTIs cadastradas no CREMESC (n=60), sendo anotadas as características dos hospitais e das UTIs, os recursos humanos, materiais e os dados terapêuticos referentes aos pacientes internados nas UTIs. Para análise estatísticas foram utilizados os teste X2 e ANOVA (significância 5%). Resultados: Houve a resposta de 80% dos questionários (n=48). Foram apontados 689 leitos de UTI, 63% atendiam adultos, 20% crianças e/ou recém--nascidos e 17% eram unidades mistas (adulto e infantil). A taxa de ocupação nessas unidades foi de, respectivamente, 77.8%, 60.7% e 92.4%. Foram apontados mais profissionais com título de especialista nas UTIs pediá-tricas em comparação com as UTIs de adulto (p<0.001). As UTIs possuíam a maioria dos materiais indispensá-veis. Foram anotados 0.8 ventiladores mecânicos/leito, sendo menos prevalentes o cateter de Swan Gans e o capnógrafo. Cerca de 60% dos pacientes adultos e 28% dos pediátricos estava sob ventilação mecânica. Drogas vaso ativas eram administradas em 30% dos pacientes adultos e 23% dos pediátricos. Quanto aos fármacos sedoanalgésicos, os pacientes pediátricos receberam mais midazolam. Os adultos receberam mais fentanil e outros fármacos (clonidina, propofol). Conclusão: A maioria das UTIs de Santa Catarina possui material básico adequado e bom índice de profissionais titulados trabalham nesses setores. No que concerne a administração de fármacos sedoanalgésicos, drogas vaso ativas e nutrição parenteral, as condutas tomadas com os pacientes pediátricos foram diferentes daquelas aplicadas aos adultos.

Objective: To analyze the ICUs in the state of Santa Catarina and the profile of patients admitted in these sectors. Method: Cross section study, conducted with the support of CREMESC and SOCATI. A structured questionnaire was sent to heads of ICUs enrolled in CREMESC (n=60), and noted the general characteristics of hospitals and ICUs, human resources, materials and therapeutic data concerning patients admitted to ICUs. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and x2 tests (significance 5%).Results: Eighty percent of the respondents answered the questionnaires (n=48). Were appointed 689 ICU beds, 63% used in the treatment of adults, 20% send to children and/or newborns and 17% mixed (adult/child). The occupancy rate in these units was respectively 77.8%, 60.7% and 92.4%. Respective to the professionals expertise, were appointed more diploma of specialist within pediatric ICUs compared to adult ICUs (p<0.001). The ICU had the majority of essential materials. Were recorded 0.8 mechanical ventilator for bed. The Swan Ganz catheter and capnography were the least availa-ble technologies. About 60% of adult patients and 28% of children were on mechanical ventilation. Vasoactive drugs were administered in 30% of adult patients and 23% of children. Midazolan was the more used drug for sedoanalgesic in pediatric patients, while adults received more fentanyl and other drugs (clonidine/propofol). Conclusion: The majority of ICUs in Santa Catarina has adequate basic material and adequate index of specialist working in these sectors. Regarding the administration of sedoanalgesic drugs, vasoactive drugs and parenteral nutrition, medical decisions taken with the pediatric patients were different from those applied to adults.