Nephrolithiasis Associated with Nephrocalcinosis Is Primarily Composed of Carbonate Apatite.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to determine the mineral composition of calculi in nephrocalcinosis with nephrolithiasis, diagnose the underlying disease, and monitor the course of renal function in patients with nephrocalcinosis-nephrolithiasis. METHODS: Renal calculi extruded in a series of 8 patients with nephrocalcinosis were analysed using Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry. In 4 patients, next-generation sequencing using a nephrocalcinosis-nephrolithiasis panel was performed to determine the nature of the underlying disease. In addition, longitudinal analysis of renal function was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Seven patients revealed carbonate apatite as the sole constituent of renal calculi. One patient showed a mixed composition of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate/carbonate apatite at first analysis yet in subsequent episodes also had calculi composed of pure carbonate apatite. Further molecular analysis displayed distal renal tubular acidosis in 2 of 4 patients who consented to sequencing. No known genetic defect could be found in the other two cases. In line with prior reports, decline of renal function was dependent on underlying disease. Distal renal tubular acidosis revealed a progressive course of renal failure, whereas other causes showed stable renal function in long term analysis. CONCLUSION: Nephrocalcinosis with nephrolithiasis is a rare condition with heterogeneous aetiology. Yet mineral composition of renal calculi predominantly consisted of pure carbonate apatite. This uniform finding is similar to subcutaneous calcifications of various origins and might propose a general principle of tissue calcification. Progressive decline of renal function was found in distal renal tubular acidosis, whereas other conditions remained stable over time.

Common Histological Features Suggesting Enchondral Ossification Pathways in Calciphylaxis of Various Origins: A Study of Human Subcutaneous Tissue Biopsies.

Calciphylaxis is a rare, yet underdiagnosed condition causing high mortality in patients with severe renal and cardiovascular disease. Since knowledge of the pathophysiology of calciphylaxis is limited, a differential analysis of histological alterations in patient subgroups with various comorbidities might expose different disease phenotypes and allow deeper insights into the pathophysiology of the condition. Histological markers of osteogenesis and calcification were investigated in a group of 18 patients with clinically and histologically verified calciphylaxis, using immunohistochemical staining. Analysis of staining intensity and distribution of marker proteins in histological structures was performed to evaluate distinct patterns between subgroups with different clinical comorbidities in comparison with a control group. In all cases, immunohistochemical staining for bone matrix proteins, bone-morphogenic proteins and matrix-Gla proteins co-localized with subcutaneous vascular and interstitial calcifications. Significant expression of bone-morphogenic protein-7 and active matrix-Gla protein was observed. Mortality was associated with renal comorbidities and increased expression of bone-morphogenic protein-7. However, no distinct histological patterns were found between subgroups with renal disease, warfarin intake or coexisting micro- and macro-angiopathies. The upregulation of osteogenic markers (including bone-morphogenic protein-7) plays a major role in the development of calciphylaxis. Clinical outcome correlates with kidney function and phosphate handling, suggesting different pathophysiological mechanisms. However, biopsy  at late-stage disease shows a common histological phenotype, involving enchondral ossification.

Next-generation phylogeography of the banded newts (Ommatotriton): A phylogenetic hypothesis for three ancient species with geographically restricted interspecific gene flow and deep intraspecific genetic structure.

Technological developments now make it possible to employ many markers for many individuals in a phylogeographic setting, even for taxa with large and complex genomes such as salamanders. The banded newt (genus Ommatotriton) from the Near East has been proposed to contain three species (O. nesterovi, O. ophryticus and O. vittatus) with unclear phylogenetic relationships, apparently limited interspecific gene flow and deep intraspecific geographic mtDNA structure. We use parallel tagged amplicon sequencing to obtain 177 nuclear DNA markers for 35 banded newts sampled throughout the range. We determine population structure (with Bayesian clustering and principal component analysis), interspecific gene flow (by determining the distribution of species-diagnostic alleles) and phylogenetic relationships (by maximum likelihood inference of concatenated sequence data and based on a summary-coalescent approach). We confirm that the three proposed species are genetically distinct. A sister relationship between O. nesterovi and O. ophryticus is suggested. We find evidence for introgression between O. nesterovi and O. ophryticus, but this is geographically limited. Intraspecific structuring is extensive, with the only recognized banded newt subspecies, O. vittatus cilicensis, representing the most distinct lineage below the species level. While mtDNA mostly mirrors the pattern observed in nuclear DNA, all banded newt species show mito-nuclear discordance as well.

Life-threatening vitamin D intoxication due to intake of ultra-high doses in multiple sclerosis: A note of caution.

Knowledge about complications of chronic ultra-high dose vitamin D supplementation is limited. We report a patient with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who presented with generalized weakness caused by hypercalcemia after uncontrolled intake of more than 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol per day over several months. Various treatment strategies were required to achieve normocalcemia. However, renal function improved only partly and further progression of MS was observed. We conclude that patients need to be informed about the risks of uncontrolled vitamin D intake and neurologists need to be alert of biochemical alterations and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity.

The Near East as a cradle of biodiversity: A phylogeography of banded newts (genus Ommatotriton) reveals extensive inter- and intraspecific genetic differentiation.

The banded newt (genus Ommatotriton) is widely distributed in the Near East (Anatolia, Caucasus and the Levant) - an understudied region from the perspective of phylogeography. The genus is polytypic, but the number of species included and the phylogenetic relationships between them are not settled. We sequenced two mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA markers throughout the range of Ommatotriton. For mtDNA we constructed phylogenetic trees, estimated divergence times using fossil calibration, and investigated changes in effective population size with Bayesian skyline plots and mismatch analyses. For nuDNA we constructed phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks. Species trees were constructed for all markers and nuDNA only. Species distribution models were projected on current and Last Glacial Maximum climate layers. We confirm the presence of three Ommatotriton species: O. nesterovi, O. ophryticus and O. vittatus. These species are genetically distinct and their most recent common ancestor was dated at ∼25Ma (Oligocene). No evidence of recent gene flow between species was found. The species show deep intraspecific genetic divergence, represented by geographically structured clades, with crown nodes of species dated ∼8-13Ma (Miocene to Early Quaternary); evidence of long-term in situ evolution and survival in multiple glacial refugia. While a species tree based on nuDNA suggested a sister species relationship between O. vittatus and O. ophryticus, when mtDNA was included, phylogenetic relationships were unresolved, and we refrain from accepting a particular phylogenetic hypothesis at this stage. While species distribution models suggest reduced and fragmented ranges during the Last Glacial Maximum, we found no evidence for strong population bottlenecks. We discuss our results in the light of other phylogeographic studies from the Near East. Our study underlines the important role of the Near East in generating and sustaining biodiversity.

Mineral Depositions of Calcifying Skin Disorders are Predominantly Composed of Carbonate Apatite.

Subcutaneous calcifications can lead to complications, including pain, inflammation, ulceration and immobilization. Studies on the pathophysiology of mineral compositions and effective treatment modalities are limited. We therefore studied 14 patients with subcutaneous calcifications. Mineral material was collected and analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Blood analyses were run to evaluate systemic alterations of mineral metabolism. Carbonate apatite (CAP) was found to be the single constituent in the majority of patients (n = 9, 64.3%), 3 cases (21.4%) had a composition of CAP and calcium oxalate dihydrate and one case had a combination of CAP and magnesium ammonium phosphate, whereas CAP was the major component in all 4 cases. Only one case showed predominantly calcium oxalate. Thus, CAP was found to be the only or predominant component in most cases of subcutaneous calcifications. Chemical analyses of the mineral compositions may aid in the development of new treatment regimes to improve the solubility of mineral components and to decrease extraosseous calcifications.

An open-label trial of duloxetine in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly comorbid with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We evaluated whether duloxetine would lead to improvement in symptoms and quality of life in patients with both conditions. METHOD: A 12-week, open-label trial of duloxetine was conducted in 13 subjects with IBS and GAD. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale. Secondary measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, IBS Quality of Life (IBS-QOL) Scale, and IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS). RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the effect of treatment with duloxetine on ratings of anxiety and IBS. Significant improvement was observed on the CGI-Improvement (F = 14.19, df = 1,12, p < 0.001) and Severity scales (F = 16.16, df = 1,12, p < 0.001). Secondary measures revealed significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety (F = 11.66, df = 1,12, p < 0.01), ηp(2) = 0.56, and IBS-SSS (F = 6.05, df = 1,12, p < 0.001), ηp(2) = 0.34, in addition to IBS-QOL improvements (F = 11.66, df = 1,12, p < 0.01), ηp(2) = 0.56. CONCLUSION: Results of this pilot study support the efficacious use of duloxetine in comorbid IBS and GAD. Participants reported significant reductions in IBS components, as well as improvement in GAD.

Contribution of host species and pathogen clade to snake fungal disease hotspots in Europe.

Infectious diseases are influenced by interactions between host and pathogen, and the number of infected hosts is rarely homogenous across the landscape. Areas with elevated pathogen prevalence can maintain a high force of infection and may indicate areas with disease impacts on host populations. However, isolating the ecological processes that result in increases in infection prevalence and intensity remains a challenge. Here we elucidate the contribution of pathogen clade and host species in disease hotspots caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the pathogen responsible for snake fungal disease, in 21 species of snakes infected with multiple pathogen strains across 10 countries in Europe. We found isolated areas of disease hotspots in a landscape where infections were otherwise low. O. ophidiicola clade had important effects on transmission, and areas with multiple pathogen clades had higher host infection prevalence. Snake species further influenced infection, with most positive detections coming from species within the Natrix genus. Our results suggest that both host and pathogen identity are essential components contributing to increased pathogen prevalence.

Multi-modal treatment of calciphylaxis with sodium-thiosulfate, cinacalcet and sevelamer including long-term data.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare, yet life-threatening disease mainly occurring in dialysis patients. Traditional options of treatment remain unsatisfactory. METHODS: Here we present a novel, combined approach, treating calciphylaxis with IV sodium thiosulfate, cinacalcet and sevelamer. In a case series five hemodialysis patients, have been successfully treated with this regimen. Treatment and survival data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: In all patients, a rapid decrease in pain, improvement of general condition and wound healing within six months occurred. Side effects were low. Drug dosages: IV sodium thiosulfate initial dose 119.4 +/- 84.9 g/m(2)/week, maintenance dose 40.6 +/- 9 g/m(2)/week; cinacalcet: maintenance dose 36 +/- 32.9 mg/d and sevelamer maintenance dose 3320 +/-1671 mg/d. One and two year survivals were 100 % and 80 %, respectively. We also report on long-term application of IV sodium thiosulfate of up to 52 months. Patient survival after diagnosis was 52, 84, 21, 36 and 30 months, respectively. Survival since initiation of hemodialysis was 76, 136, 89, 36 and 35 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: This novel combined approach, a multi-modal treatment of calciphylaxis with persistent hyperparathyroidism, using IV sodium thiosulfate, cinacalcet and sevelamer seems to improve the outcome of this devastating disease.

Being right vs. getting it right: orientation to being recorded in psychotherapeutic interaction as disaffiliative vs. affiliative practice.

Introduction: The study focuses on the orientation to being recorded in therapy sessions, emphasizing that these practices adapt to specific circumstances and influence subsequent actions. The study suggests a way to deal with the insolubility of the "observer paradox": to accept that observation has an impact on the observed, but that the recorder is not necessarily a negative determinant. Furthermore, the study builds on the idea that participants' orientations to the recorder can be seen as actions. Methods: The data included in this study were collected from four psychodynamic therapies. A total of 472 sessions were searched for orientation to be recorded. Twenty-three passages were found and transcribed according to GAT2. Of the 23 transcripts, six excerpts have been analyzed as part of this article. The analysis of this study was done through Conversation Analysis. Results: The study explores how participants use the orientation to be recorded to initiate or alter actions within conversations, which can help achieve therapeutic goals, but can also hinder the emergence of a shared attentional space as the potential to disrupt the therapist-patient relationship. The study identifies both affiliative and disaffiliative practices, noting that managing orientation to be recorded in a retrospective design consistently leads to disruptive effects. Moreover, it highlights the difference between seeking epistemic authority ("being right") and managing recording situations ("getting it right") in therapeutic interactions as a means of initiating patients' self-exploration. Discussion: The integration of recordings into therapeutic studies faces challenges, but it's important to acknowledge positive and negative effects. Participants' awareness of recording technologies prompts the need for a theory of observation in therapeutic interactions that allows therapists to visualize intuitive practices, incorporate active contributions, counteract interpretive filtering effects, facilitate expert exchange, ensure quality assurance, and enhance the comprehensibility of therapeutic processes. These aspects outline significant variables that provide a starting point for therapists using recordings in therapeutic interactions.

Effect of blood alcohol level on Glasgow Coma Scale scores following traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: It is a common clinical perception that alcohol intoxication systematically lowers Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores when evaluating traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the research findings in this area do not uniformly support this notion. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of blood alcohol level (BAL) on GCS scores following TBI. METHOD: Participants were 475 patients (64% male) who presented to a Level 1 trauma centre following a TBI. Patients were selected if they were injured in a motor vehicle accident and had an available day-of-injury GCS, BAL and Computed Tomography (CT) brain scan. RESULTS: Overall, acute alcohol intoxication did not significantly affect GCS scores, even in patients with BALs of 200 mg dl(-1) or higher. When controlling for the effects of injury severity, acute alcohol intoxication affected GCS scores only in those patients with BALs greater than 200 mg dl(-1) who also had intracranial abnormalities detected on CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that GCS scores can be interpreted at face value in the vast majority of patients who are intoxicated. However, GCS scores will likely over-estimate the severity of brain injury in patients with abnormal head CT scans and BALs greater than 200 mg dl(-1).

Taxonomy and distribution of Cylindera germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East with the description of two new subspecies (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae).

Two new tiger beetle taxa, Cylindera germanica erzincana ssp. nov. Boetzl Franzen, 2020 from eastern Anatolia and Cylindera germanica persiana ssp. nov. Boetzl Franzen, 2020 from southern Iran are described based on morphological characters. We present the current knowledge on the distribution of C. germanica (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Middle East and present a first record of C. germanica muelleri (Magistretti, 1966) for Turkey. An identification key for the subspecies of C. germanica occurring in the Middle East is provided.

An inventory of online reptile images.

No central online repository exists for the collection of animal images; hence it remains unclear how extensively species have been illustrated in the published literature or online. Here we compiled a list of more than 8000 reptile species (out of 11,341) that have photos in one of six popular online repositories, namely iNaturalist (6,349 species), the Reptile Database (5,144), Flickr (4,386), CalPhotos (3,071), Wikimedia (2,952), and Herpmapper (2,571). These sites have compiled over one million reptile photos, with some species represented by tens of thousands of images. Despite the number of images, many species have only one or a few images. This suggests that a considerable fraction of morphological and geographic variation is under documented or difficult to access. We highlight prominent gaps in amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes, with geographic hotspots for species without images in Central Africa, Pacific Islands, and the Andes Mountains. We present a list of ~3,000 species without photos in any of the six databases and ask the community to fill the gaps by depositing images on one of these sites (preferably with minimal copyright restrictions).

Neuropsychological functioning following complicated vs. uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: It would be logical to assume that patients with intracranial abnormalities (i.e. complicated MTBIs) would have worse outcome than patients without these abnormalities (i.e. uncomplicated MTBIs). However, the literature is limited and somewhat mixed regarding outcome in patients with complicated mild TBIs. The purpose of this study is to employ a carefully controlled research design to compare the acute neuropsychological functioning of patients following complicated and uncomplicated MTBI. METHOD: Participants were 20 patients with complicated MTBI and 20 patients with uncomplicated MTBI selected from an archival database of 465 patients. Patients were carefully matched on age, education, gender, ethnicity, days assessed post-injury and mechanism of injury. Patients were assessed an average of 3.5 days (SD = 1.9) post-injury with 13 common cognitive variables. RESULTS: There were significant group differences on only three of the 13 cognitive measures (complicated mild TBI worse than uncomplicated mild TBI). There were no significant differences in the proportion of impaired scores between groups on all measures, with the exception of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall. CONCLUSION: Patients with complicated MTBIs performed more poorly only on a small number of tests during the acute recovery period.

Clinical implications of fetuin-A.

Fetuin-A, also termed alpha2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, is a 46kDa hepatocyte derived protein (hepatokine) and serves multifaceted functions.

A global catalog of primary reptile type specimens.

We present information on primary type specimens for 13,282 species and subspecies of reptiles compiled in the Reptile Database, that is, holotypes, neotypes, lectotypes, and syntypes. These represent 99.4% of all 13,361 currently recognized taxa (11,050 species and 2311 subspecies). Type specimens of 653 taxa (4.9%) are either lost or not located, were never designated, or we did not find any information about them. 51 species are based on iconotypes. To map all types to physical collections we have consolidated all synonymous and ambiguous collection acronyms into an unambiguous list of 364 collections holding these primary types. The 10 largest collections possess more than 50% of all (primary) reptile types, the 36 largest collections possess more than 10,000 types and the largest 73 collections possess over 90% of all types. Of the 364 collections, 107 hold type specimens of only 1 species or subspecies. Dozens of types are still in private collections. In order to increase their utility, we recommend that the description of type specimens be supplemented with data from high-resolution images and CT-scans, and clear links to tissue samples and DNA sequence data (when available). We request members of the herpetological community provide us with any missing type information to complete the list.

Volume assessment in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis: a comparison of intrathoracic blood volume index, central venous pressure, and hematocrit, and their correlation to cardiac index and extravascular lung water index.

OBJECTIVE: Volume depletion and/or increased hematocrit are associated with poor prognosis in necrotizing pancreatitis. Several studies suggest that intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBI) might be superior to central venous pressure (CVP) with regard to preload assessment. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the predictive value of CVP and hematocrit with regard to ITBI, and to correlate these parameters to cardiac index (CI). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit, university hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Within 24 hrs of intensive care unit-admission, 96 hemodynamic measurements using the PiCCO system were performed in 24 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. MAIN RESULTS: Mean CVP (12.11 +/- 5.97 mm Hg; median 11.5 normal: 1-9 mm Hg) was elevated, whereas mean ITBI (822.8 +/- 157.0 mL/m2; median 836 mL/m2; normal: 850-1000 mL/m2) was decreased. Fifty-one of 96 ITBI values were decreased (prevalence of hypovolemia of 53%). No CVP value was decreased. Fifty-three CVP measurements were elevated despite simultaneous ITBI levels indicating a normal or decreased preload. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CVP with regard to volume depletion (ITBI <850 mL/m2), were 0%, 100%, 0%, and 47%, respectively. An increase in hematocrit (hematocrit >40% [female] or >44% [male]) was found in 11 of 51 measurements with decreased ITBI. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of an increase in hematocrit with regard to volume depletion according to ITBI were 22%, 82%, 58%, and 48%, respectively. ITBI and delta-ITBI significantly correlated to CI and delta-CI (r = .566, p < 0.001; r = .603, p < 0.001), respectively. CVP and delta-CVP did not correlate to CI and delta-CI, respectively. There was a significant correlation between ITBI and extravascular lung water index (r = .392; p < 0.001), but no correlation between CVP and extravascular lung water index (r = .074; p = 0.473). CONCLUSIONS: Volume depletion according to ITBI was found in more than half the patients. The predictive values of CVP and hematocrit with regard to volume depletion were low. ITBI and its changes significantly correlated to CI and its changes, which was not observed for CVP and delta-CVP. Therefore, ITBI appears to be more appropriate for volume management in necrotizing pancreatitis than CVP or hematocrit.

Effects of plasma expansion with albumin and paracentesis on haemodynamics and kidney function in critically ill cirrhotic patients with tense ascites and hepatorenal syndrome: a prospective uncontrolled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Circulatory dysfunction in cirrhotic patients may cause a specific kind of functional renal failure termed hepato-renal syndrome (HRS). It contributes to the high incidence of renal failure in cirrhotic intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Fluid therapy may aggravate renal failure by increasing ascites and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). This study investigates the short-term effects of paracentesis on haemodynamics and kidney function in volume resuscitated patients with HRS. METHODS: Nineteen consecutive cirrhotic patients with HRS were studied. Circulatory parameters and renal function were analysed before and after plasma expansion and paracentesis. Haemodynamic monitoring was performed by transpulmonary thermodilution. RESULTS: After infusion of 200 ml of 20% human albumin solution, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and central venous pressure remained unchanged. Global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) increased from 791 ml m(-2) (693 to 862) (median and 25th to 75th percentile) to 844 ml m(-2) (751 to 933). Cardiac index (CI) increased from 4.1 l min(-1) m(-2) (3.6 to 5.0) to 4.7 l min(-1) m(-2) (4.0 to 5.8), whereas systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased from 1,422 dyn s cm(-5) m(-2) (1,081 to 1,772) to 1,171 dyn s cm(-5) m(-2) (893 to 1,705). Creatinine clearance (CC) and fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) were not affected. During paracentesis, IAP decreased from 22 mmHg (18 to 24) to 9 mmHg (8 to 12). MAP decreased from 81 mmHg (74 to 100) to 80 mmHg (71 to 89), and CI increased from 4.1 l min(-1) m(-2) (3.2 to 4.3) to 4.2 l min(-1) m(-2) (3.6 to 4.7), whereas SVRI decreased from 1,639 dyn s cm(-5) m(-2) (1,168 to 2,037) to 1,301 dyn s cm(-5) m(-2) (1,124 to 1,751). CC during the 12-hour interval after paracentesis was significantly higher than during the 12 hours before (33 ml min(-1) (16 to 50) compared with 23 ml min(-1) (12 to 49)). CC remained elevated for the rest of the observation period. FeNa increased after paracentesis but returned to baseline levels after 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Paracentesis with parameter-guided fluid substitution and maintenance of central blood volume may improve renal function and is safe in the treatment of ICU patients with hepato-renal failure.

Mandatory criteria for the application of variability-based parameters of fluid responsiveness: a prospective study in different groups of ICU patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stroke volume variation (SVV) has high sensitivity and specificity in predicting fluid responsiveness. However, sinus rhythm (SR) and controlled mechanical ventilation (CV) are mandatory for their application. Several studies suggest a limited applicability of SVV in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We hypothesized that the applicability of SVV might be different over time and within certain subgroups of ICU patients. Therefore, we analysed the prevalence of SR and CV in ICU patients during the first 24 h of PiCCO-monitoring (primary endpoint) and during the total ICU stay. We also investigated the applicability of SVV in the subgroups of patients with sepsis, cirrhosis, and acute pancreatitis. METHODS: The prevalence of SR and CV was documented immediately before 1241 thermodilution measurements in 88 patients. RESULTS: In all measurements, SVV was applicable in about 24%. However, the applicability of SVV was time-dependent: the prevalence of both SR and CV was higher during the first 24 h compared to measurements thereafter (36.1% vs. 21.9%; P<0.001). Within different subgroups, the applicability during the first 24 h of monitoring ranged between 0% in acute pancreatitis, 25.5% in liver failure, and 48.9% in patients without pancreatitis, liver failure, pneumonia or sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: The applicability of SVV in a predominantly medical ICU is only about 25%-35%. The prevalence of both mandatory criteria decreases over time during the ICU stay. Furthermore, the applicability is particularly low in patients with acute pancreatitis and liver failure.