Diagnosis and management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in critically ill patients:A mini review for clinicians

Among critically ill patients,severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis has high morbidity and mortality.Yet,it is a diagnostic challenge given its nonspecific clinical symptoms and signs in early stages of the disease.In addition,management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is complicated given the high risk of drug-drug interactions,drug-disease interactions,and adverse drug reactions.To help clinicians acquire an up-to-date approach to severe tuberculosis,this paper will provide a narrative review of contemporary diagnosis and management of severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in critically ill patients.

A Potential Role for GLUT4 in Predicting Sepsis in Critically Ill Children

Background: This study investigated serum Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 levels and examined the relationship between serum GLUT4 levels and sepsis in critically ill children. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 77 critically ill children and 33 non-diabetic healthy children (controls) who were admitted between 07/2015 and 05/2016. Patient data, clinical information, and blood samples were collected on admission, alongside a large number of laboratory parameters that were routinely assessed. Critically ill patients were divided into sepsis and non-sepsis/systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Serum GLUT4 was measured using western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Insulin resistance indexes, clinical data, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Results: GLUT4 serum levels were higher in critically ill children than in healthy children (90.5 vs. 30.3 μg/L, P 0.05). Compared to healthy children, hyperglycemic patients (n = 48) had elevated GLUT4 serum levels (30.3 vs. 103.7 g/L, P Conclusions: GLUT4 serum levels might be significantly increased in critically ill children compared with healthy children, particularly those in septic shock. Serum GLUT4 could predict disease severity.

The Role of Grid-Style Nursing Management Model in Critically Ill Patients

Objective:This study aims to gain insight into the effects and potential advantages of the grid-style nursing management model in the care of critically ill patients.Methods:Eighty critically ill patients admitted to our hospital between May 2020 and May 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the grid group,each with 40 patients.The control group implemented traditional nursing management,while the grid group adopted a grid-style nursing management model.The quality of care,quality of life,nursing satisfaction,and treatment adherence of the two groups were compared.Results:Compared with the control group,the grid group had significantly higher quality of care and quality of life(P<0.001);in terms of nursing satisfaction,the score of the grid group was 8.26±0.85,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(6.65±0.77)(P<0.001);90.00%(36 patients)of the grid group showed good treatment adherence,significantly higher than 70.00%(28 patients)of the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion:The implementation of the grid-style nursing management model in critically ill patients can significantly improve the quality of care,quality of life,and satisfaction of patients,and effectively promote patients’treatment adherence.These positive results provide strong support for the promotion and application of this model in clinical care.

Evaluation of a protocol for rifaximin discontinuation in critically ill patients with liver disease receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy

BACKGROUND Rifaximin is frequently administered to critically ill patients with liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy,but patients currently or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from studies of rifaximin efficacy.Due to overlapping spectrums of activity,combination therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and rifaximin may be unnecessary.A pharmacist-driven protocol was piloted to reduce potentially overlapping therapy in critically ill patients with liver disease.It was hypothesized that withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy would be safe and reduce healthcare costs.AIM To determine the clinical,safety,and financial impact of discontinuing rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill liver patients.METHODS This was a single-center,quasi-experimental,pre-post study based on a pilot pharmacist-driven protocol.Patients in the protocol group were prospectively identified via the medical intensive care unit(ICU)(MICU)protocol to have rifaximin withheld during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.These were compared to a historical cohort who received combination therapy with broadspectrum antibiotics and rifaximin.All data were collected retrospectively.The primary outcome was days alive and free of delirium and coma(DAFD)to 14 d.Safety outcomes included MICU length of stay,48-h change in vasopressor dose,and ICU mortality.Secondary outcomes characterized rifaximin cost savings and protocol adherence.Multivariable analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between group assignment and the primary outcome while controlling for potential confounding factors.RESULTS Each group included 32 patients.The median number of delirium-and coma-free days was similar in the control and protocol groups[3 interquartile range(IQR 0,8)vs 2(IQR 0,9.5),P=0.93].In multivariable analysis,group assignment was not associated with a reduced ratio of days alive and free of delirium or coma at 14 d.The protocol resulted in a reduced median duration of rifaximin use during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy[6 d control(IQR 3,9.5)vs 1 d protocol(IQR 0,1);P<0.001].Rates of other secondary clinical and safety outcomes were similar including ICU mortality and 48-h change in vasopressor requirements.Overall adherence to the protocol was 91.4%.The median estimated total cost of rifaximin therapy per patient was reduced from$758.40(IQR$379.20,$1200.80)to$126.40(IQR$0,$126.40),P<0.01.CONCLUSION The novel pharmacist-driven protocol for rifaximin discontinuation was associated with significant cost savings and no differences in safety outcomes including DAFD.

What,why and how to monitor blood glucose in critically ill patients

Critically ill patients are prone to high glycemic variations irrespective of their diabetes status.This mandates frequent blood glucose(BG)monitoring and regulation of insulin therapy.Even though the most commonly employed capillary BG monitoring is convenient and rapid,it is inaccurate and prone to high bias,overestimating BG levels in critically ill patients.The targets for BG levels have also varied in the past few years ranging from tight glucose control to a more liberal approach.Each of these has its own fallacies,while tight control increases risk of hypoglycemia,liberal BG targets make the patients prone to hyperglycemia.Moreover,the recent evidence suggests that BG indices,such as glycemic variability and time in target range,may also affect patient outcomes.In this review,we highlight the nuances associated with BG monitoring,including the various indices required to be monitored,BG targets and recent advances in BG monitoring in critically ill patients.

Mechanisms underlying feed intolerance in the critically ill: Implications for treatment

Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. Although nutritional support is yet to be proven to improve mortality in non-malnourished critically ill patients, early enteral feeding is considered best practice. However, enteral feeding is often limited by delayed gastric emptying. The best method to clinically identify delayed gastric emptying and feed intolerance is unclear. Gastric residual volume （GRV） measured at the bedside is widely used as a surrogate marker for gastric emptying, but the value of GRV measurement has recently been disputed. While the mechanisms underlying delayed gastric emptying require further investigation, recent research has given a better appreciation of the pathophysiology. A number of pharmacological strategies are available to improve the success of feeding. Recent data suggest a combination of intravenous metoclopramide and en/thromycin to be the most successful treatment, but novel drug therapies should be explored. Simpler methods to access the duodenum and more distal small bowel for feed delivery are also under investigation. This review summarises current understanding of the factors responsible for, and mechanisms underlying feed intolerance in critical illness, together with the evidence for current practices. Areas requiring further research are also highlighted.

Management of critically ill patients with diabetes

Disorders of glucose homeostasis, such as stress-induced hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, are common complications in patients in the intensive care unit. Patients with preexisting diabetes mellitus(DM) are more susceptible to hyperglycemia, as well as a higher risk from glucose overcorrection, that may results in severe hypoglycemia. In critically ill patients with DM, it is recommended to maintain a blood glucose range between 140-180 mg/d L. In neurological patients and surgical patients, tighter glycemic control(i.e., 110-140 mg/d) is recommended if hypoglycemia can be properly avoided. There is limited evidence that shows that critically ill diabetic patients with a glycosylated hemoglobin levels above 7% may benefit from looser glycemic control, in order to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and significant glycemic variability.

Utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for critically ill pediatric patients:A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic yield, therapeutic efficacy, and rate of adverse events related to flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy(FFB) in critically ill children. METHODS: We searched Pub Med, SCOPUS, OVID, and EMBASE databases through July 2014 for English language publications studying FFB performed in the intensive care unit in children < 18 years old. We identified 666 studies, of which 89 full-text studies were screened for further review. Two reviewers independently determined that 27 of these studies met inclusion criteria and extracted data. We examined the diagnostic yield of FFB among upper and lower airway evaluations, as well as the utility of bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL). RESULTS: We found that FFB led to a change in medical management in 28.9%(range 21.9%-69.2%) of critically ill children. The diagnostic yield of FFB was 82%(range 45.2%-100%). Infectious organisms were identified in 25.7%(17.6%-75%) of BALs performed, resulting in a change of antimicrobial management in 19.1%(range: 12.2%-75%). FFB successfully reexpanded atelectasis or removed mucus plugs in 60.3%(range: 23.8%-100%) of patients with atelectasis. Adverse events were reported in 12.9%(range: 0.5%-71.4%) of patients. The most common adverse effects of FFB were transient hypotension, hypoxia and/or bradycardia that resolved with minimal intervention, such as oxygen supplementation or removal of the bronchoscope. Serious adverse events were uncommon; 2.1% of adverse events required intervention such as bag-mask ventilation or intubation and atropine for hypoxia and bradycardia, normal saline boluses for hypotension, or lavage and suctioning for hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: FFB is safe and effective for diagnostic and therapeutic use in critically ill pediatric patients.

Focus on peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Venous access devices are of pivotal importance for an increasing number of critically ill patients in a variety of disease states and in a variety of clinical settings(emergency, intensive care, surgery) and for different purposes(fluids or drugs infusions, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, procedures of dialysis/apheresis). However, healthcare professionals are commonly worried about the possible consequences that may result using a central venous access device(CVAD)(mainly, bloodstream infections and thrombosis), both peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters(CICCs). This review aims to discuss indications, insertion techniques, and care of PICCs in critically ill patients. PICCs have many advantages over standard CICCs. First of all, their insertion is easy and safe-due to their placement into peripheral veins of the armand the advantage of a central location of catheter tip suitable for all osmolarity and p H solutions. Using the ultrasound-guidance for the PICC insertion, the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax can be avoided, as wellas the possibility of primary malposition is very low. PICC placement is also appropriate to avoid post-procedural hemorrhage in patients with an abnormal coagulative state who need a CVAD. Some limits previously ascribed to PICCs(i.e., low flow rates, difficult central venous pressure monitoring, lack of safety for radio-diagnostic procedures, single-lumen) have delayed their start up in the intensive care units as common practice. Though, the recent development of power-injectable PICCs overcomes these technical limitations and PICCs have started to spread in critical care settings. Two important take-home messages may be drawn from this review. First, the incidence of complications varies depending on venous accesses and healthcare professionals should be aware of the different clinical performance as well as of the different risks associated with each type of CVAD(CICCs or PICCs). Second, an inappropriate CVAD choice and, particularly, an inadequate insertion technique are relevant-and often not recognized-potential risk factors for complications in critically ill patients. We strongly believe that all healthcare professionals involved in the choice, insertion or management of CVADs in critically ill patients should know all potential risk factors of complications. This knowledge may minimize complications and guarantee longevity to the CVAD optimizing the risk/benefit ratio of CVAD insertion and use. Proper management of CVADs in critical care saves lines and lives. Much evidence from the medical literature and from the clinical practice supports our belief that, compared to CICCs, the so-called power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters are a good alternative choice in critical care.

Pharmacological therapy of feed intolerance in the critically ills

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness is associated with higher morbidity and mortality,and thusrequires promptly and effective treatment. Prokineticagents are currently considered as the first-line therapygiven issues relating to parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric placement. Currently,the agents of choice areerythromycin and metoclopramide,either alone or incombination,which are highly effective with relativelylow incidence of cardiac,hemodynamic or neurologicaladverse effects. Diarrhea,however,can occur in up to 49% of patients who are treated with the dual prokinetic therapy,which is not associated with Clostridiumdifficile infection and settled soon after the cessation ofthe drugs. Hence,the use of prokinetic therapy over along period or for prophylactic purpose must be avoided,and the indication for ongoing use of the drug(s)must be reviewed frequently. Second line therapy,suchas total parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric feeding,must be considered once adverse effects relating theprokinetic therapy develop.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary inflammation in critically ill patients: The role of inflammatory biomarkers

Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are common and important causes of respiratory failure in the intensive care unit with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality and health care utilization despite early antimicrobial therapy and lung protective mechanical ventilation. Both clinical entities are characterized by acute pulmonary inflammation in response to direct or indirect lung injury. Adjunct anti-inflammatory treatment with corticosteroids is increasingly used, although the evidence for benefit is limited. The treatment decisions are based on radiographic, clinical and physiological variables without regards to inflammatory state. Current evidence suggests a role of biomarkers for the assessment of severity, and distinguishing sub-phenotypes (hyperinflammatory versus hypo-inflammatory) with important prognostic and therapeutic implications. Although many inflammatory biomarkers have been studied the most common and of interest are C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 6. While extensively studied as prognostic tools (prognostic enrichment), limited data are available for the role of biomarkers in determining appropriate initiation, timing and dosing of adjunct anti-inflammatory treatment (predictive enrichment)

Glycemic targets in critically ill adults: A mini-review

Illness-induced hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil function,increases pro-inflammatory cytokines,inhibits fibrinolysis,and promotes cellular damage.In turn,these mechanisms lead to pneumonia and surgical site infections,prolonged mechanical ventilation,prolonged hospitalization,and increased mortality.For optimal glucose control,blood glucose measurements need to be done accurately,frequently,and promptly.When choosing glycemic targets,one should keep the glycemic variability<4 mmol/L and avoid targeting a lower limit of blood glucose<4.4 mmol/L.The upper limit of blood glucose should be set according to casemix and the quality of glucose control.A lower glycemic target range(i.e.,blood glucose 4.5-7.8 mmol/L)would be favored for patients without diabetes mellitus,with traumatic brain injury,or who are at risk of surgical site infection.To avoid harm from hypoglycemia,strict adherence to glycemic control protocols and timely glucose measurements are required.In contrast,a higher glycemic target range(i.e.,blood glucose 7.8-10 mmol/L)would be favored as a default choice for medical-surgical patients and patients with diabetes mellitus.These targets may be modified if technical advances for blood glucose measurement and control can be achieved.

Proximal gastric motility in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM： To investigate the proximal gastric motor response to duodenal nutrients in critically ill patients with longstanding type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS： Proximal gastric motility was assessed （using a barostat） in 10 critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （59±3 years） during two 60-min duodenal infusions of Ensure （1 and 2 kcal/min）, in random order, separated by 2h fasting. Data were compared with 15 non-diabetic critically ill patients （48 ± 5 years） and 10 healthy volunteers （28 ±3 years）. RESULTS： Baseline proximal gastric volumes were similar between the three groups. In diabetic patients, proximal gastric relaxation during I kcal/min nutrient infusion was similar to non-diabetic patients and healthy controls. In contrast, relaxation during 2 kcal/ min infusion was initially reduced in diabetic patients （P 〈 0.05） but increased to a level similar to healthy humans, unlike non-diabetic patients where relaxation was impaired throughout the infusion. Duodenal nutrient stimulation reduced the fundic wave frequency in a dose-dependent fashion in both the critically ill diabetic patients and healthy subjects, but not in critically ill patients without diabetes. Fundic wave frequency in diabetic patients and healthy subjects was greater than in non-diabetic patients.CONCLUSION： In patients with diabetes mellitus, proximal gastric motility is less disturbed than nondiabetic patients during critical illness, suggesting that these patients may not be at greater risk of delayed gastric emptying.

Proximal gastric response to small intestinal nutrients is abnormal in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients

AIM： To determine the response of the proxima stomach to small intestinal nutrients in critically ill patients. METHODS： Proximal gastric motility was measured in 13 critically ill patients （49.3 ± 4.7 years） and 12 healthy volunteers （27.7 ± 2.9 years） using a barostat technique. Recordings were performed at baseline, during a 60-rain intra-duodenal infusion of Ensure^R （2 kcal/min）, and for 2 h following the infusion. Minimum distending pressure （MDP）, intra-bag volume and fundic wave activity were determined. RESULTS： The MDP was higher in patients （11.7 ± 1.1 vs 7.8 ± 0.7 mmHg; P 〈 0.01）. Baseline intrabag volumes were similar in the 2 groups. In healthy subjects, a ‘bimodal＇ proximal gastric volume response was observed. In patients, the initial increase in proximal gastric volume was small and delayed, but eventually reached a maximal volume similar to that of healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the proximal gastric volume rapidly returned to baseline level after nutrient infusion （median 18 min）. In contrast, the recovery of volume to baseline was delayed in critically ill patients （median 106 min）. In 6 patients, the volume had not returned to baseline level 2 hours after nutrient infusion. In patients, fundic volume waves were less frequent （P 〈 0.05） and had lower amplitude （P 〈 0.001）, compared to healthy subjects. CONCLUSION： In critical illness, proximal gastric motor responses to small intestinal nutrient stimulation are abnormal.

Effect of fiber supplementation on the microbiota in critically ill patients

AIM:To determine tolerance to fiber supplementation of semi-elemental tube feeds in critically ill patients and measure its effect on colonic microbiota and fermentation.METHODS:Thirteen intensive care unit patients receiving jejunal feeding with a semi-elemental diet for predominantly necrotizing pancreatitis were studied.The study was divided into 2 parts:first,short-term (3-9 d)clinical tolerance and colonic fermentation as assessed by fecal short chain fatty acid(SCFA)concentrations and breath hydrogen and methane was measured in response to progressive fiber supplementation increasing from 4 g tid up to normal requirement levels of 8 g tid;second,4 patients with diarrhea were studied for 2-5 wk with maximal supplementation to additionally assess its influence on fecal microbiota quantitated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)of microbial 16S rRNA genes and Human Intestinal Tract Chip(HITChip)microarray analysis.Nearly all patients were receiving antibiotics(10/13)and acid suppressants(11/13)at some stage during the studies.RESULTS:In group 1,tolerance to progressive fiber supplementation was good with breath hydrogen and methane evidence(P=0.008 and P<0.0001,respectively)of increased fermentation with no exacerbation of abdominal symptoms and resolution of diarrhea in 2 of 4 patients.In group 2 before supplementation,fecal microbiota mass and their metabolites,SCFA,were dramatically lower in patients compared to healthy volunteers.From qPCR and HITChip analyses we calculated that there was a 97%reduction in the predominant potential butyrate producers and starch degraders.Following 2-5 wk of fiber supplementation there was a significant increase in fecal SCFA(acetate 28.4±4.1μmol/g to 42.5±3.1μmol/g dry weight,P=0.01;propionate 1.6±0.5 vs 6.22±1.1,P=0.006 and butyrate 2.5±0.6 vs 5.9±1.1,P=0.04)and microbial counts of specific butyrate producers,with resolution of diarrhea in 3 of 4 patients.CONCLUSION:Conventional management of critically ill patients,which includes the use of elemental diets and broad-spectrum antibiotics,was associated with gross suppression of the colonic microbiota and their production of essential colonic fuels,i.e.,SCFA.Our investigations show that fiber supplementation of the feeds has the potential to improve microbiota mass and function,thereby reducing the risks of diarrhea due to dysbiosis.

Risk factors and prognosis of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and outcome of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.METHODS:The data of 190 critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency were retrospectively reviewed.The data of 321 patients with no acute respiratory insufficiency as controls were also collected.Clinical variables of the first 24 hours after admission to intensive care unit were collected,including age,sex,comorbid disease,type of surgery,admission type,presence of shock,presence of acute kidney injury,presence of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome,acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation(APACHE Ⅱ) score,sepsis-related organ failure assessment(SOFA),and PaO_2/FiO_2 ratio.Duration of mechanical ventilation,length of intensive care unit stay,intensive care unit death,length of hospitalization,hospital death and one-year survival were calculated.RESULTS:The incidence of acute respiratory insufficiency was 37.2%(190/321).Multivariate logistic analysis showed a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(P=0.001),surgeryrelated infection(P=0.004),hypo-volemic shock(P<0.001),and emergency surgery(P=0.018),were independent risk factors of postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.Compared with the patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,the patients with acute respiratory insufficiency had a prolonged length of intensive care unit stay(P<0.001),a prolonged length of hospitalization(P=0.006),increased intensive care unit mortality(P=0.001),and hospital mortality(P<0.001).Septic shock was shown to be the only independent prognostic factor of intensive care unit death for the patients with acute respiratory insufficiency(P=0.029,RR:8.522,95%CI:1.243-58.437,B=2.143,SE=0.982,Wald=4.758).Compared with the patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,those with acute respiratory insufficiency had a shortened one-year survival rate(78.7%vs.97.1%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:A history of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,surgery-related infection,hypovolemic shock and emergency surgery were risk factors of critically ill cancer patients with postoperative acute respiratory insufficiency.Septic shock was the only independent prognostic factor of intensive care unit death in patients with acute respiratory insufficiency.Compared with patients without acute respiratory insufficiency,those with acute respiratory insufficiency had adverse shortterm outcome and a decreased one-year survival rate.

Effect of sedation on short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with acute respiratory insufficiency

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the short-term and long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with acute respiratory insuffi ciency who had received sedation or no sedation.METHODS: The data of 91 patients who had received mechanical ventilation in the first 24 hours between November 2008 and October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups: a sedation group(n=28) and a non-sedation group(n=63). The patients were also grouped in two groups: deep sedation group and daily interruption and /or light sedation group.RESULTS: Overall, the 91 patients who had received ventilation ≥48 hours were analyzed. Multivariate analysis demonstrated two independent risk factors for in-hospital death: sequential organ failure assessment score(P=0.019, RR 1.355, 95%CI 1.051–1.747, B=0.304, SE=0.130, Wald=50483) and sedation(P=0.041, RR 5.015, 95%CI 1.072–23.459, B=1.612, SE=0.787, Wald=4.195). Compared with the patients who had received no sedation, those who had received sedation had a longer duration of ventilation, a longer stay in intensive care unit and hospital, and an increased in-hospital mortality rate. The Kaplan-Meier method showed that patients who had received sedation had a lower 60-month survival rate than those who had received no sedation(76.7% vs. 88.9%, Log-rank test=3.630, P=0.057). Compared with the patients who had received deep sedation, those who had received daily interruption or light sedation showed a decreased in-hospital mortality rate(57.1% vs. 9.5%, P=0.008). The 60-month survival of the patients who had received deep sedation was signifi cantly lower than that of those who had daily interruption or light sedation(38.1% vs. 90.5%, Log-rank test=6.783, P=0.009).CONCLUSIONS: Sedation was associated with in-hospital death. The patients who had received sedation had a longer duration of ventilation, a longer stay in intensive care unit and in hospital, and an increased in-hospital mortality rate compared with the patients who did not receive sedation. Compared with daily interruption or light sedation, deep sedation increased the in-hospital mortality and decreased the 60-month survival for patients who had received sedation.

Delayed introduction of immunosuppressive regimens in critically ill patients after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: The manipulation of immunosuppression therapy remains challenging in patients who develop infectious diseases or multiple organ dysfunction after liver transplantation. We evaluated the outcomes of delayed introduction of immunosuppression in the patients after liver transplantation under immune monitoring with ImmuKnow assay. METHODS: From March 2009 to February 2014, 225 consecutive liver recipients in our institute were included. The delayed administration of immunosuppressive regimens was attempted in 11 liver recipients with multiple severe comorbidities. RESULTS: The median duration of non-immunosuppression was 12 days (range 5-58). Due to the infectious complications, the serial ImmuKnow assay showed a significantly low ATP level of 64 +/- 35 ng/mL in the early period after transplantation. With the development of comorbidities, the ImmuKnow value significantly increased. However, the acute allograft rejection developed when a continuous distinct elevation of both ATP and glutamyltranspeptidase levels was detected. The average ATP level measured just before the development of acute rejection was 271 +/- 115 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The delayed introduction of immunosuppressive regimens is safe and effective in management of critically ill patients after liver transplantation. The serial ImmuKnow assay could provide a reliable depiction of the dynamics of functional immunity throughout the clinical course of a given patient.

Glycemic control in critically ill patients

Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and can be caused by various mechanisms, including nutrition, medications, and insufficient insulin. In the past, hyperglycemia was thought to be an adaptive response to stress, but hyperglycemia is no longer considered a benign condition in patients with critical illnesses. Indeed, hyperglycemia can increase morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Correction of hyperglycemia may improve clinical outcomes. To date, a definite answer with regard to glucose management in general intensive care unit patients, including treatment thresholds and glucose target is undetermined. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials suggested no survival benefit of tight glycemic control and a significantly increased incidence of hypoglycemia. Studies have shown a J- or U-shaped relationship between average glucose values and mortality; maintaining glucose levels between 100 and 150 mg/dL was likely to be associated with the lowest mortality rates. Recent studies have shown glycemic control < 180 mg/d L is not inferior to near-normal glycemia in critically ill patients and is clearly safer. Glycemic variability is also an important aspect of glucose management in the critically ill patients. Higher glycemic variability may increase the mortal-ity rate, even in patients with the same mean glucose level. Decreasing glucose variability is an important issue for glycemic control in critically ill patients. Continuous measurements with automatic closed-loop systems could be considered to ensure that blood glucose levels are controlled within a specific range and with minimal variability.

Outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with Acinetobacter baumannii infection

AIM: To describe the intensive care unit(ICU) outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with Acinetobacter baumannii(AB) infection.METHODS: This was an observational study that included 23 consecutive cancer patients who acquired AB infections during their stay at ICU of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico(INCan), located in Mexico City. Data collection took place between January 2011, and December 2012. Patients who had AB infections before ICU admission, and infections that occurred during the first 2 d of ICU stay were excluded. Data were obtained by reviewing the electronic health record of each patient. This investigation was approved by the Scientific and Ethics Committees at INCan. Because of its observational nature, informed consent of the patients was not required.RESULTS: Throughout the study period, a total of 494 critically ill patients with cancer were admitted to the ICU of the INCan, 23(4.6%) of whom developed AB infections. Sixteen(60.9%) of these patients had hematologic malignancies. Most frequent reasons for ICU admission were severe sepsis or septic shock(56.2%) and postoperative care(21.7%). The respiratory tract was the most frequent site of AB infection(91.3%). The most common organ dysfunction observed in our group of patients were the respiratory(100%), cardiovascular(100%), hepatic(73.9%) and renal dysfunction(65.2%). The ICU mortality of patients with 3 or less organ system dysfunctions was 11.7%(2/17) compared with 66.6%(4/6) for the group of patients with 4 or more organ system dysfunctions(P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis identified blood lactate levels(BLL) as the only variable independently associated with inICU death(OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.04-6.43, P = 0.040). ICU and hospital mortality rates were 26.1% and 43.5%, respectively.CONCLUSION: The mortality rate in critically ill patients with both HM, and AB infections who are admitted to the ICU is high. The variable most associated with increased mortality was a BLL ≥ 2.6 mmol/L in the first day of stay in the ICU.