Cleistanthus collinus poisoning: experience at a medical intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital in south India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Ingestion of Cleistanthus collinus causes hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmias leading to mortality in most cases. We undertook this retrospective study to evaluate the clinical presentation and predictors of outcome in critically ill patients admitted with C. collinus poisoning. METHODS: The case records of 56 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India (2000-2014) with C. collinus poisoning were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 36.7±13.3 yr; there were 30 males. Salient clinical manifestations included hypokalemia (58%), neutrophilic leucocytosis (48.2%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (42.9%), acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (AcRFMv) (32.1%), shock (21.4%); cardiac arrhythmias and neuromuscular weakness (19.6% each); 21 patients (37.5%) had adverse outcome. Longer time-lapsed from consumption to reaching emergency room [median (interquartile range)] (hours) [49 (22-97) vs. 28 (7-56), p =0.0380 ]; higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score at presentation [14 (8.25-14.75) vs. 2 (0-6) P<0.001]; and presence of the following [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals)] at initial presentation: shock [37.40 (4.29-325.98), P=0.001]; AcRFMv [26.67 (5.86-121.39), P<0.001]; elevated alanine aminotransferase [5.71 (1.30-25.03), p0 =0.021]; metabolic acidosis [5.48 (1.68-17.89), P=0.005]; acute kidney injury (AKI) [5 (1.55-16.06), P=0.007]; hyponatremia [4.67 (1.25-17.44), P=0.022]; and neutrophilic leucocytosis [3.80 (1.02-14.21), P=0.047] predicted death. A significant (P<0.001) increasing trend in mortality was observed with increasing International Program on Chemical Safety Poisoning Severity Score (IPCS-CSS) grade. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: C. collinus is a lethal poison associated with high mortality for which there is no specific antidote. Careful search and meticulous monitoring of the predictors of death and initiating appropriate corrective measures can be life saving.

The critical care research networks experience.

Neurocritical care is a subspecialty of critical care medicine, dedicated to the care and the advancement of care of critically ill patients with neurosurgical or neurological diseases. Neurocritical care patients are heterogeneous, in both their disease process and the therapies they receive, however, several studies demonstrate that care of these patients in dedicated NeuroIntensive Care Units (neuroICUs) by neurointensivists, who coordinate their care is associated with reduced mortality and resource utilization. NeuroICUs foster innovation, and yet despite all the recent advances, much research needs to be undertaken in neurocritical care to better understand the disease pathophysiology and to demonstrate improved outcome with the use of goal-directed therapy based on evolving techniques and therapies.

Predictors of development and outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the predictors of development and determinants of outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of demographic, clinical and laboratory data of hospitalised adult patients with active TB. RESULTS: Of 2733 TB patients treated during 1980-2003, 29 (1.06%; 1.21 patients/year; mean age 31.6 +/- 10.9 years; 16 males) developed ARDS (cases). Seven had pulmonary TB and 22 had miliary TB (MTB); 298 (mean age 32.0 +/- 14.2 years; 110 males) who did not develop ARDS constituted controls. Presence of MTB (OR 4.6, 95%CI 1.2-17.8; P = 0.02), duration of illness beyond 30 days at presentation (OR 177.9, 95%CI 39-811.7; P < 0.001), absolute lymphocyte count < 1625/ mm3 (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.1-19.3; P = 0.04) and serum ALT > 100 IU (OR 15.7, 95%CI 3.0-81.1, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of ARDS development. Twelve cases died (41.4%). Patients with APACHE II score >18; those with APACHE II score <18 in the presence of hyponatraemia and PaO2/FIO2 ratio <108.5 were likely to die. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TB, prolonged illness, MTB, absolute lymphocytopaenia and elevated ALT are independently associated with ARDS development. APACHE II score, serum sodium and PaO2/FIO2 ratio are determinants of outcome.

Metered-dose inhalers. Do health care providers know what to teach?

OBJECTIVE: The specific aim of this investigation was to evaluate the proficiency of health care providers and patients in the proper use of metered-dose inhalers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Health care providers, which include house staff, nurses, and respiratory care practitioners who provide care to patients with asthma in the primary general medicine clinic or the pulmonary medicine clinic of a university-county hospital in which patients were referred, were surveyed and assigned a performance score regarding the knowledge base of the appropriate use of metered-dose inhalers. Patients who attended the primary care general medicine and pulmonary subspecialty clinic were also assessed as to their proficiency in the use of metered-dose inhalers. RESULTS: A significant percentage of patients had a poor understanding of the technique used with the metered-dose inhaler. House staff and nursing staff were also less proficient in the proper use of the metered-dose inhaler. The respiratory care practitioners were the most knowledgeable of the health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that a large percentage of patients use metered-dose inhalers improperly. It also demonstrates a significant lack of understanding by health care providers of the proper use of metered-dose inhalers. Furthermore, this study supports the use of respiratory care practitioners in the outpatient setting, since they were the most proficient among all the health care providers in the proper use of metered-dose inhalers.

Respiratory tract viral infections in inner-city asthmatic adults.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory tract viral infections (RTVIs) have been identified frequently in association with asthma exacerbations in children, but few studies have shown similar rates of viral infections in adults with asthma. Further studies using newer diagnostic techniques to evaluate the frequency of RTVIs in adults with acute exacerbations of asthma need to be performed. METHODS: Twenty-nine asthmatic adults were recruited from the pulmonary clinic of an urban county hospital and were followed up in a longitudinal cohort study for signs and symptoms of asthma and RTVI. One hundred twenty-two asthmatic adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) of the same hospital with acute symptoms of asthma underwent evaluation for RTVI in a cross-sectional prevalence study. In both studies, respiratory secretions and paired serum samples were collected from subjects with acute wheezing episodes and evaluated using virus culture, serologic testing, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In the longitudinal cohort study, 138 respiratory illnesses, of which 87 were asthma exacerbations, were evaluated; 41% of all illnesses and 44% of asthma exacerbations were associated with an RTVI. In the ED study, 148 asthma exacerbations were evaluated; 55% were associated with an RTVI. An RTVI was identified in 21 (50%) of 42 of the subjects hospitalized in the ED study. Picornaviruses (rhinoviruses), coronaviruses, and influenza viruses were the most commonly identified causes of RTVI. Forty-six (60%) of the 77 picornavirus infections and 22 (71%) of the 31 coronavirus infections were identified only using RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic exacerbations in adults are frequently associated with an RTVI. Identification of such infections often requires newer diagnostic methods, such as virus-specific RT-PCR. The high frequency of RTVIs identified in association with asthmatic exacerbations in adults from the inner city suggests that strategies for the prevention of RTVI should be targeted toward this population.

Pharmacokinetics of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NG-methylarginine hydrochloride in patients with septic shock. Glaxo Wellcome International Septic Shock Study Group.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of L-NG-methylarginine in patients with septic shock. METHODS: This was an international, uncontrolled, open-label study of L-NG-methylarginine (546C88) therapy given to 32 patients with septic shock. It was conducted in hospital-based intensive care units that admit general surgical and medical patients. Patient cohorts received an infusion of L-NG-methylarginine at fixed dose rates of 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/h for up to 8 hours. The 5 dosing regimens were administered sequentially to separate groups of patients. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients studied, 23 received complete 8-hour infusions. In the other 9 patients, the infusion was terminated prematurely within the first 1/2 to 4 hours. Median clearance of L-NG-methylarginine averaged 485 mL/h/kg for the 1 and 2.5 mg/kg/h dosing cohorts combined but decreased to 283, 181, and 98 mL/h/kg for the 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/h dosing cohorts, respectively. Median renal clearance was similar at 9 to 26 mL/h for the 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg/h dosing cohorts but increased to 156 and 284 mL/h for the 10 and 20 mg/kg/h dosing cohorts, respectively. Median steady-state volume of distribution was similar in all 5 dosing cohorts, averaging 0.66 to 0.82 L/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The 80% decrease in clearance from 485 to 98 mL/h/kg with the increase in dose suggests that a predominant metabolic pathway(s) of L-NG-methylarginine, accounting for at least 80% of clearance, is becoming progressively saturable in association with L-NG-methylarginine infusion rates > or = 5 mg/kg/h. Therefore the use of L-NG-methylarginine infusion rates > or = 5 mg/kg/h are typically expected to result in progressive inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity. Consequently, patient hemodynamics should be monitored closely to avoid an excessive increase in vasomotor tone, which would be manifest by either an increase in mean arterial pressure or a decrease in cardiac output. The infusion rates of conventional vasopressor(s) (eg, norepinephrine [BAN, noradrenaline]) or L-NG-methylarginine or both may need to be reduced accordingly.

Effects of induced total-body hyperthermia on phosphorus metabolism in humans.

The effects of total-body hyperthermia on phosphorus homeostasis are controversial. To evaluate the problem, 10 clearance studies were performed in seven patients undergoing total-body hyperthermia as an adjunct to the treatment of solid malignant tumors. Total-body hyperthermia was associated with significant reduction in plasma phosphorus concentration from a baseline value of 3.51 +/- 0.18 to 0.6 +/- 0.1 mg/dl (p less than 0.001), returning to baseline following cessation of total-body hyperthermia. The clearance of phosphorus increased from 15.2 +/- 2.5 to 26.1 +/- 3.1 ml per minute (p less than 0.01), and the fractional excretion of phosphorus increased from 11.37 +/- 2.2 to 47.68 +/- 9.7 percent (p less than 0.01). The reduction in plasma phosphorus during total-body hyperthermia was also associated with a significant reduction in the renal threshold phosphorus concentration from 3.17 +/- 0.16 to 0.38 +/- 0.08 (p less than 0.001). The changes in phosphorus homeostasis during total-body hyperthermia were independent of changes in circulating parathyroid hormone level, urinary cyclic AMP excretion, and arterial carbon dioxide tension.

Postoperative respiratory failure secondary to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) occurs frequently in individuals infected with the HIV virus. Malignancy, immunosuppressive drugs, and congenital immune deficiency may be associated with PCP. We describe a patient with stage 1 testicular carcinoma who developed hypoxemic respiratory failure two days after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Pneumocystis carinii organisms were demonstrated by catheter lavage samples and confirmed on bronchoalveolar lavage. Testing for HIV antibody by ELISA and the Western blot test were negative; HIV viral culture and polymerase chain reaction were also negative. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is unusual in localized surgically cured malignancies without obvious immunodeficiency and, to our knowledge, has not been described as a cause of postoperative respiratory failure.

Massive hemoptysis in Takayasu's arteritis during pregnancy.

Takayasu's arteritis is an uncommon condition affecting predominantly young women. Because the disorder affects women in childbearing age, it may be recognized the first time during pregnancy. Various cardiovascular events may occur in the perinatal period. We describe a patient with Takayasu's arteritis who presented with massive hemoptysis. To our knowledge, this manifestation has not been documented previously.

A rapid and inexpensive method for processing induced sputum for detection of Pneumocystis carinii.

The authors describe a method to process induced sputum specimens for detection of Pneumocystis carinii which is simple, rapid and inexpensive. Induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were obtained within a 24-hour period from 41 patients who were HIV-positive and had pulmonary symptoms suspicious for P carinii pneumonia. Induced sputum or BAL fluid was placed into Saccomanno's fixative, blended, and centrifuged. The sediment was stained for P carinii cysts by a modified method with Fungi-Fluor Solution A (Polysciences, Warington, PA) and the Genetic Systems Pneumocystis carinii Immunofluorescence Antibody (Genetic Systems, Seattle, WA). The Genetic Systems stain on the BAL specimen was positive in 35 patients and was the standard for comparison. With a single induced sputum, the Genetic Systems stain detected 31 (89%) positive patients, whereas the Fungi-Fluor stain detected 21 (60%). The sensitivity for detecting P carinii cysts in induced sputum was significantly greater (P < 0.05) for the Genetic Systems stain.

Isoniazid overdose: four case reports and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To review the pathophysiology, presentation and treatment of isoniazid (INH) intoxication. DATA SOURCES: Human, animal and modeling studies published since 1940 identified through MEDLINE and a review of the bibliographies of relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The studies identified were reviewed with emphasis on the most recent. Earlier studies were selected for their historical value and relevance to the clinical setting. DATA SYNTHESIS: Isoniazid overdose is a potentially fatal intoxication. The incidence of tuberculosis has recently increased in the United States and therefore the frequency of INH overdose may also increase. Patients with INH overdose may present with nausea, vomiting, ataxia, symptoms reminiscent of atropine intoxication, coma and grand mal seizures. Lactic acidosis is revealed by laboratory evaluation. Treatment requires admission to the ICU for ventilatory support, and management of seizures and acid-base abnormalities. Pyridoxine, in a dose equivalent to the amount of INH ingested, is the only effective antidote. CONCLUSIONS: INH overdose should be suspected in any patient presenting with seizures and metabolic acidosis. Prognosis is good when treatment is instituted early.

Burnout in the internist--intensivist.

OBJECTIVES: Caring for acutely ill patients imposes significant demands on physicians. The environment and stresses of the ICU may lead to the burnout syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout among internal medicine intensivists and the contributing factors present in ICU practice. DESIGN: Mailed survey utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Increasing burnout has been shown to be associated with low levels on personal achievement and high scores on depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. SUBJECTS: Random sample of members of the Internal Medicine Section of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: 248 people responded: 220 (88.7%) males and 28 females. Mean age of all respondents was 41.6 +/- 6.7 years. The majority (58.1%) worked in large hospitals (> 400 beds); 55.6% devoted more than 50% of their time to critical care. The emotional exhaustion subscale of the MBI averaged 22.2 +/- 9.5, with a third of respondents scoring in the high range. The depersonalization score averaged 7.1 +/- 5.1%, with 20.4% of respondents scoring in the high range. Similarly personal achievement subscores were poor, with a mean value of 30.9 +/- 6.4%, with 59% scoring in the low range. High levels of emotional exhaustion were associated with anticipating leaving critical care before retirement. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout as measured by the MBI appears to be common in internal medicine intensivists. High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization are related not only to patient care issues but also to a poor support system.

Intravenous infusion device artifact in the EEG-confusion in the diagnosis of electrocerebral silence.

Intravenous infusion devices are routinely used in the intensive care unit to accurately regulate the delivery of various intravenous fluids and vasoactive drugs. These devices have been well described in the literature as the cause of various electrocardiographic artifacts. There has been little documentation in the literature implicating these devices as the etiology of artifacts in the electroencephalogram. The association of intravenous infusion devices with electroencephalographic artifacts became relevant during the brain death evaluation of two patients. The electroencephalograms, which were done for documentation of electrocerebral silence clearly showed activity in both patients which disappeared when the intravenous infusion devices were stopped. Possible mechanisms responsible for producing these artifacts include piezoelectric current, poor electrode contact, inadequate skin preparation, current leakage, static charges and electromagnetic activity. In the evaluation of patients for electrocerebral silence, it is important to both recognize and eliminate this artifact so that it is not confused with true electrocerebral activity.

Pulmonary embolism in end stage renal disease.

Clinically significant pulmonary embolism is considered to be rare in patients with end stage renal disease. Two cases with long standing renal disease on dialysis, are reported where pulmonary embolism contributed significantly to morbidity and mortality. One patient had hypotension during dialysis. The differential diagnosis of sustained hypotension during dialysis or in the ICU should include pulmonary embolism. Establishing the diagnosis may require pulmonary angiography.

Angioedema: the role of ACE inhibitors and factors associated with poor clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the prevalence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a cause of angioedema, and investigate any association between clinical findings at the time of presentation and clinical outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of the charts of all patients presenting with angioedema to the emergency department at our tertiary referral teaching hospital or clinics over a 4-year period. The charts were reviewed for documentation of chief complaint(s), physical findings, medical treatment, need for laryngoscopy and/or endotracheal intubation, triage, and probable etiology. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients presenting with angioedema in this study, 15 cases were caused by ACE inhibitors. They were the most common cause of angioedema, accounting for 38% of all cases. The incidence of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema is estimated to be 0.14%. More patients with angioedema secondary to ACE inhibitors had complaints of odynophagia (p < 0.02), whereas only patients with non-ACE inhibitor causes of angioedema presented with pruritus (p < 0.02). Furthermore, patients presenting with an acute reaction within 24 h of exposure to the causative agent were more likely to require inpatient monitoring (p < 0.05). Both odynophagia and edema of the tongue were significant predictors for undergoing laryngoscopy (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02, respectively) and admission to the hospital (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ACE inhibitors are the number one cause of acute angioedema in this tertiary referral teaching hospital. Odynophagia and tongue swelling at the time of presentation had significant implications for diagnostic intervention and admission to the hospital.

Acute pulmonary edema.

Fluid movement from the pulmonary capillaries into the interstitial space occurs continuously and is drained by the lymphatics. With increased leakage or decreased clearance, excessive extravascular lung water accumulates, initially as interstitial edema and subsequently as alveolar edema. The most common cause of pulmonary edema is an increase in microvascular hydrostatic pressure. An increased permeability of the capillaries is the other mechanism of production of pulmonary edema. An acute, critical reduction in colloid osmotic pressure may play a contributory role in pulmonary edema even at normal hydrostatic pressures. Dyspnea, diaphoresis, and anxiety characterize the clinical picture. A history of heart disease and congestive heart failure may be present in CPE, whereas evidence of an inciting event or disease process suggests NCPE. Hypoxia, decreased lung compliance, and increased shunt fraction are seen in both types of pulmonary edema, but the duration of pulmonary edema tends to be more severe and prolonged in NCPE. Evidence of increased permeability in NCPE distinguishes it from CPE. Clinically, this is assumed when pulmonary edema is demonstrated at normal PCWP and when edema fluid protein concentration and COP are close to those of plasma. The management of pulmonary edema consists of the improvement of gas exchange by methods that range from supplemental oxygen administration to mechanical ventilatory support with PEEP, depending on the severity of the disturbance in lung function. Improvement in myocardial function and a decrease in pulmonary congestion are accomplished with diuretics and morphine; in those patients who do not respond to this therapy, manipulation of preload, afterload, and myocardial contractility by vasodilators and inotropic agents may be required. In acute pulmonary edema, intravenously administered agents with a short half-life and rapid onset of action are preferred. The role of colloids in the treatment of pulmonary edema is controversial. The indications for the use of corticosteroids in ARDS are controversial, and an optimum dose has not been determined. Many clinicians tend to choose steroids to treat these patients, but the value of these agents in this setting awaits the results of controlled trials now under way.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) occurs in a wide range of adult and pediatric critical care settings. This article provides an overview of ARDS including the controversies in definition, a summary of pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation, and management options. The article also attempts to emphasize new management options in the management of ARDS, and highlights differences between adults and children.

Heat-related illnesses.

The majority of clinicians will encounter patients with heat-related illness in one form or the other. Early recognition and management are important to prevent morbidity and mortality. In children and elderly, the clinical signs may be subtle and in such situations a sound knowledge of heat-related illnesses is crucial. Besides diagnosing and treating heat-related illnesses, it is equally important to know how to prevent them as they are easily preventable.

Critical care in India.

India is a vast democracy of nearly one billion people. Before the British rule ended in 1947, the life span of an Indian was a mere 21 years. Within a short span of 50 years, it increased to an impressive 63 years, largely due to public health measures initiated by the government. This created a pool of more than 300 million middle class Indians who could afford the benefits of modern and specialized care when needed. Critical care medicine, as practiced in the West, is still confined to large Metropolitan areas. A large pool of expatriate Indian physicians from all over the world are helping bridge the resource gap between the West and India by transfer of technology and providing appropriate training to physicians and paramedical personnel. This article describes the history and current status of development of critical care medicine in India.

Ventilation of patients with asthma and obstructive lung disease.

Mechanical ventilation in a patient with obstructive airway disease may be a lifesaving measure; however, it may also be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is important for a physician to be familiar with the potential complications of mechanical ventilation in this group of patients and to know how to avoid them by carefully applying safe ventilator strategies. The cornerstone of such strategies is to minimize minute ventilation, maximize time for expiration, and avoid hyperinflation of the lung. Several bedside parameters (iPEEP, VEI, Pplat) that reflect presence of gas trapping and potential hyperinflation may be measured. In addition to mechanical ventilation, management should include inhaled bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroid therapies. In the event controlled hypoventilation is necessary, sedation with or without the use of muscle relaxants may be required. Unconventional therapies such as the use of Heliox, magnesium sulfate, ketamine, and inhalational anesthetics may be attempted in severe cases that do not respond to conventional management. With appropriate use of ventilator strategies, a reduction in the mortality and morbidity of patients with obstructive airway disease requiring mechanical ventilation has recently been noted.