Early peripheral perfusion index predicts 28-day outcome in patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND:To investigate the prognostic value of the peripheral perfusion index(PPI)in patients with septic shock.METHODS:This prospective cohort study,conducted at the emergency intensive care unit of Peking University People's Hospital,recruited 200 patients with septic shock between January 2023 and August 2023.These patients were divided into survival(n=84)and death(n=116)groups based on 28-day outcomes.Clinical evaluations included laboratory tests and clinical scores,with lactate and PPI values assessed upon admission to the emergency room and at 6 h and 12 h after admission.Risk factors associated with mortality were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess predictive performance.Mortality rates were compared,and Kaplan-Meier survival plots were created.RESULTS:Compared to the survival group,patients in the death group were older and had more severe liver damage and coagulation dysfunction,necessitating higher norepinephrine doses and increased fl uid replacement.Higher lactate levels and lower PPI levels at 0 h,6 h,and 12 h were observed in the death group.Multivariate Cox regression identifi ed prolonged prothrombin time(PT),decreased 6-h PPI and 12-h PPI as independent risk factors for death.The area under the curves for 6-h PPI and 12-h PPI were 0.802(95%CI 0.742-0.863,P<0.001)and 0.945(95%CI 0.915-0.974,P<0.001),respectively,which were superior to Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS),Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores(0.864 and 0.928).Cumulative mortality in the low PPI groups at 6 h and 12 h was signifi cantly higher than in the high PPI groups(6-h PPI:77.52%vs.22.54%;12-h PPI:92.04%vs.13.79%,P<0.001).CONCLUSION:PPI may have value in predicting 28-day mortality in patients with septic shock.

Knowledge,management,and complications of sepsis and septic shock:A significant therapeutic challenge in the intensive care unit

Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening conditions that are globally responsible for almost 20%of mortality,especially in low and middle-income countries.This review was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar databases with keywords sepsis,septic shock,sepsis management,and sepsis complications.Articles published up to July 2023 in English were included.Diagnosis and management should be carried out without unnecessary delay.Cooperation between various medical specialties including intensive care doctors,neurologists,hepatologists,cardiologists,and pediatric doctors is needed if a child is affected.New strategies have to be implemented in low and middle-income countries to decrease the sepsis incidence and reduce mortality in the population.

Systematic review with expert consensus on use of extracorporeal hemoadsorption in septic shock:An Indian perspective

BACKGROUND Septic shock is a severe form of sepsis characterised by deterioration in circulatory and cellular-metabolic parameters.Despite standard therapy,the outcomes are poor.Newer adjuvant therapy,such as CytoSorb®extracorporeal haemoadsorption device,has been investigated and shown promising outcome.However,there is a lack of some guidance to make clinical decisions on the use of CytoSorb®haemoadsorption as an adjuvant therapy in septic shock in Indian Setting.Therefore,this expert consensus was formulated.AIM To formulate/establish specific consensus statements on the use of CytoSorb®haemoadsorption treatment based on the best available evidence and contextualised to the Indian scenario.METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature on CytoSorb®haemoadsorption in sepsis,septic shock in PubMed selecting papers published between January 2011 and March 20232021 in English language.The statements for a consensus document were developed based on the summarised literature analysis and identification of knowledge gaps.Using a modified Delphi approach combining evidence appraisal and expert opinion,the following topics related to CytoSorb®in septic shock were addressed:need for adjuvant therapy,initiation timeline,need for Interleukin-6 levels,duration of therapy,change of adsorbers,safety,prerequisite condition,efficacy endpoints and management flowchart.Eleven expert members from critical care,emergency medicine,and the intensive care participated and voted on nine statements and one open-ended question.RESULTS Eleven expert members from critical care,emergency medicine,and the intensive care participated and voted on nine statements and one open-ended question.All 11 experts in the consensus group(100%)participated in the first,second and third round of voting.After three iterative voting rounds and adapting two statements,consensus was achieved on nine statements out of nine statements.The consensus expert panel also recognised the necessity to form an association or society that can keep a registry regarding the use of CytoSorb®for all indications in the open-ended question(Q10)focusing on“future recommendations for CytoSorb®therapy”.CONCLUSION This Indian perspective consensus statement supports and provides guidance on the use of CytoSorb®haemoadsorption as an adjuvant treatment in patients with septic shock to achieve optimal outcomes.

Low T3 vs low T3T4 euthyroid sick syndrome in septic shock patients:A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND Both phases of euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS)are associated with worse prognosis in septic shock patients.Although there are still no indications for supplementation therapy,there is no evidence that both phases(initial and prolonged)are adaptive or that only prolonged is maladaptive and requires supplementation.AIM To analyze clinical,hemodynamic and laboratory differences in two groups of septic shock patients with ESS.METHODS A total of 47 septic shock patients with ESS were divided according to values of their thyroid hormones into low T3 and low T3T4 groups.The analysis included demographic data,mortality scores,intensive care unit stay,mechanical ventilation length and 28-day survival and laboratory with hemodynamics.RESULTS The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score(P=0.029),dobutamine(P=0.003)and epinephrine requirement(P=0.000)and the incidence of renal failure and multiple organ failure(MOF)(P=0.000)were significantly higher for the low T3T4.Hypoalbuminemia(P=0.047),neutrophilia(P=0.038),lymphopenia(P=0.013)and lactatemia(P=0.013)were more pronounced on T2 for the low T3T4 group compared to the low T3 group.Diastolic blood pressure at T0(P=0.017)and T1(P=0.007),as well as mean arterial pressure at T0(P=0.037)and T2(P=0.033)was higher for the low T3 group.CONCLUSION The low T3T4 population is associated with higher frequency of renal insufficiency and MOF,with worse laboratory and hemodynamic parameters.These findings suggest potentially maladaptive changes in the chronic phase of septic shock.

Efficacy and safety of ulinastatin in the treatment of septic shock:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Septic shock is a common systemic inflammatory response syndrome for critical patients in the intensive care unit.Ulinastatin is currently used for the treatment of septic shock.Our study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ulinastatin in the treatment of septic shock patients.Methods:Three English databases(Embase,Medline,and Cochrane Library)and four Chinese databases(China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang data,SinoMed,and VIP)were searched for published randomized controlled trials.Stata 16.0 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis.Results:A total of 48 articles were included(Chinese article 47,1 in English).The results show that the treatment of ulinastatin could reduce mortality(risk ratio=0.63,95%confidence interval(CI)(0.55,0.72)),multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(risk ratio=0.6,95%CI(0.53,0.68)),length of intensive care unit stay(mean difference(MD)=-3.92,95%CI(-4.65,-3.18)),length of hospital stay(MD=-4.39,95%CI(-6.63,-2.15))and decrease Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score(MD=-4.55,95%CI(-5.63,-3.47))and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score(MD=-2.02,95%CI(-2.59,-1.44))with P<0.001.Moreover,it lowers TNF-α(standardized mean difference(SMD)=-1.78,95%CI(-2.24,-1.32)),Interleukin-6(SMD=-1.17,95%CI(-1.55,-0.8)),C reactive protein(SMD=-1.49,95%CI(-1.99,-0.99)),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(SMD=-1.9,95%CI(-2.87,-0.94))and procalcitonin(SMD=-0.89,95%CI(-1.12,-0.67))levels in the body.Conclusions:Available evidence shows that ulinastatin reduces case mortality rate,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,length of intensive care unit stay,and length of hospital stay and decreases Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score.Moreover,it also lowers TNF-α,Interleukin-6,C reactive protein,hypersensitive C-reactive protein,and procalcitonin levels in the body.

Emerging concepts in the care of patients with cirrhosis and septic shock

Septic shock impacts approximately 6% of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although a number of landmark clinical trials have paved the way for incremental improvements in the diagnosis and management of septic shock in the general population, patients with cirrhosis have largely been excluded from these studies and critical knowledge gaps continue to impact the care of these individuals. In this review,we discuss nuances in the care of patients with cirrhosis and septic shock using a pathophysiology-based approach. We illustrate that septic shock may be challenging to diagnose in this population in the context of factors such as chronic hypotension, impaired lactate metabolism, and concomitant hepatic encephalopathy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the application of routine interventions such as intravenous fluids, vasopressors, antibiotics, and steroids should be carefully considered among those with decompensated cirrhosis in light of hemodynamic, metabolic, hormonal, and immunologic disturbances. We propose that future research should include and characterize patients with cirrhosis in a systematic manner, and clinical practice guidelines may need to be refined accordingly.

Continuous renal replacement therapy with oXiris®in patients with hematologically malignant septic shock:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The mortality rate from septic shock in patients with hematological malignancies(HMs)remains significantly higher than that in patients without HMs.A longer resuscitation time would definitely be harmful because of the irreversibly immunocompromised status of the patients.Shortening the resuscitation time through continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)with oXiris^(■)would be an attractive strategy in managing such patients.AIM To explore the effects of CRRT and oXiris^(■)in shortening the resuscitation time and modifying the host response by reducing inflammation mediator levels.METHODS Forty-five patients with HM were diagnosed with septic shock and underwent CRRT between 2018 and 2022.Patients were divided into two groups based on the hemofilter used for CRRT(oXiris^(■)group,n=26;M150 group,n=19).We compared the number of days of negative and total fluid balance after 7 d of CRRT between the groups.The heart rate,norepinephrine dose,Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score,and blood lactic acid levels at different time points in the two groups were also compared.Blood levels of inflammatory mediators in the 26 patients in the oXiris^(■)group were measured to further infer the possible mechanism.RESULTS The average total fluid balance after 7 d of CRRT in the oXiris^(■)group was significantly lower than that of patients in the M150 hemofilter group.The SOFA scores of patients after CRRT with oXiris^(■)therapy were significantly lower than those before treatment on day 1(d1),d3 and d7 after CRRT;these parameters were also significantly lower than those of the control group on d7.The lac level after oXiris^(■)therapy was significantly lower than that before treatment on d3 and d7 after CRRT.There were no significant differences in the above parameters between the two groups at the other time points.In the oXiris^(■)group,procalcitonin levels decreased on d7,whereas interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor levels decreased significantly on d3 and d7 after treatment.CONCLUSION CRRT with oXiris^(■)hemofilter may improve hemodynamics by reducing inflammatory mediators and playing a role in shortening the resuscitation period and decreasing total fluid balance in the resuscitation phases.

Should we initiate vasopressors earlier in patients with septic shock: A mini systemic review

Septic shock treatment remains a major challenge for intensive care units,despite the recent prominent advances in both management and outcomes.Vasopressors serve as a cornerstone of septic shock therapy,but there is still controversy over the timing of administration.Specifically,it remains unclear whether vasopressors should be used early in the course of treatment.Here,we provide a systematic review of the literature on the timing of vasopressor administration.Research was systematically identified through PubMed,Embase and Cochrane searching according to PRISMA guidelines.Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.The pathophysiological basis for early vasopressor use was classified,with the exploration on indications for the early administration of mono-vasopressors or their combination with vasopressin or angiotensinII.We found that mortality was 28.1%-47.7%in the early vasopressors group,and 33.6%-54.5%in the control group.We also investigated the issue of vasopressor responsiveness.Furthermore,we acknowledged the subsequent challenge of administration of high-dose norepinephrine via peripheral veins with early vasopressor use.Based on the literature review,we propose a possible protocol for the early initiation of vasopressors in septic shock resuscitation.

Influence of the Pre-shock State on the Prognosis of Medical Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To investigate the effects of the pre-shock state on the mortality of patients with sepsis.Methods We enrolled patients with sepsis admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. These patients were then classified into three groups: sepsis, pre-shock state,and septic shock. The primary outcome was the 28-day mortality rate. The secondary outcomes were the 90-day, 180-day, and 1-year mortality rates.Results A total of 303 patients(groups: sepsis 135 [44.6%]), pre-shock state(93 [30.7%]), and septic shock(75 [24.8%]) completed the 1-year follow-up. The mortality rates at 28 days, 90 days, and 180days and 1 year were significantly higher in the pre-shock state group than those of the sepsis group,but significantly lower than those in the septic shock group, especially among older patients. When compared with the pre-shock state group, the sepsis group had significantly lower mortality risks at 28days, 90 days, and 180 days and 1 year, whereas the sepsis shock group had higher mortality risks at these time points.Conclusion The mortality rates of patients in the pre-shock state were notably different from those of patients with sepsis or septic shock. The introduction of a modified sepsis severity classification, which includes sepsis, pre-shock state, and septic shock, could offer valuable additional prognostic information.

Pancreatic injury in patients with septic shock: A literature review

Sepsis and septic shock are life threatening condition associated with high mortality rate in critically-ill patients. This high mortality is mainly related to the inadequacy between oxygen delivery and cellular demand leading to the onset of multiorgan dysfunction. Whether this multiorgan failure affect the pancreas is not fully investigated. In fact, pancreatic injury may occur because of ischemia, overwhelming inflammatory response, oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis and/or metabolic derangement. Increased serum amylase and/or lipase levels are common in patients with septic shock. However, imaging test rarely reveal significant pancreatic damage. Whether pancreatic dysfunction does affect the prognosis of patients with septic shock or not is still a matter of debate. In fact, only few studies with limited sample size assessed the clinical relevance of the pancreatic injury in this group of patients. In this review, we aimed to describe the epidemiology and the physiopathology of pancreatic injury in septic shock patients, to clarify whether it requires specific management and to assess its prognostic value. Our main finding is that pancreatic injury does not significantly affect the outcome in septic shock patients. Hence, increased serum pancreatic enzymes without clinical features of acute pancreatitis do not require further imaging investigations and specific therapeutic intervention.

Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome with purulent meningitis and septic shock: A case from China's Mainland

We present a rare case of invasive liver abscess syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) with metastatic meningitis and septic shock. A previously healthy, 55-year-old female patient developed fever, liver abscess, septic shock, purulent meningitis and metastatic hydrocephalus. Upon admission, the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examinations were compatible with a diagnosis of K. pneumoniae primary liver abscess. Her distal metastasis infection involved meningitis and hydrocephalus, which could flare abruptly and be life threatening. Even with early adequate drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient&#x02019;s condition deteriorated and she ultimately died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of K. pneumoniae invasive liver abscess syndrome with septic meningitis reported in China's Mainland. Our findings reflect the need for a better understanding of the epidemiology, risk factors, complications, comorbid medical conditions and treatment of this disease.

Association of polymorphisms of IL and CD14 genes with acute severe pancreatitis and septic shock

AIM. To investigate IL-1β＋3 594 in the 5^th intron, IL-10-1 082 and CD14-159 polymorphisms in patients with acute pancreatitis （AP） and septic shock.METHODS： The study induded 215 patients （109 with acute severe pancreatitis （SAP）, 106 with acute mild pancreatitis （MAP）） and 116 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes. Genotypes and allele frequencies were determined in patients and healthy controls using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR products.RESULTS： The frequencies of IL-β＋3 594T, IL-10-1082G and CD14-159T allele were similar in patients with mild or severe pancreatitis and in controls. Within SAP patients, no significant differences were found in the allele distribution examined when etiology was studied again. Patients with septic shock showed a significantly higher prevalence of IL-10-1082G allele than those without shock （X^2 = 5.921,P= 0.015）.CONCLUSION： IL-10-1082G plays an important role in the susceptibility of SAP patients to septic shock. Genetic factors are not important in determination of disease severity or susceptibility to AP.

Metabolic theory of septic shock

Septic shock is a life threatening condition that can develop subsequent to infection. Mortality can reach as high as 80% with over 150000 deaths yearly in the United States alone. Septic shock causes progressive failure of vital homeostatic mechanisms culminating in immunosuppression, coagulopathy and microvascular dysfunction which can lead to refractory hypotension, organ failure and death. The hypermetabolic response that accompanies a systemic inflammatory reaction places high demands upon stored nutritional resources. A crucial element that can become depleted early during the progression to septic shock is glutathione. Glutathione is chiefly responsible for supplying reducing equivalents to neutralize hydrogen peroxide, a toxic oxidizing agent that is produced during normal metabolism. Without glutathione, hydrogen peroxide can rise to toxic levels in tissues and blood where it can cause severe oxidative injury to organs and to the microvasculature. Continued exposure can result in microvascular dysfunction, capillary leakage and septic shock. It is the aim of this paper to present evidence that elevated systemic levels of hydrogen peroxide are present inseptic shock victims and that it significantly contributes to the development and progression of this frequently lethal condition.

Use of venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide tension difference to guide resuscitation therapy in septic shock

The mixed venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide(CO_2)tension difference[P(v-a) CO_2]is the difference between carbon dioxide tension(PCO_2) in mixed venous blood(sampled from a pulmonary artery catheter) and the PCO_2 in arterial blood.P(v-a) CO_2 depends on the cardiac output and the global CO_2 production,and on the complex relationship between PCO_2 and CO_2 content.Experimental and clinical studies support the evidence that P(v-a) CO_2 cannot serve as an indicator of tissue hypoxia,and should be regarded as an indicator of the adequacy of venous blood to wash out the total CO_2generated by the peripheral tissues.P(v-a) CO_2 can be replaced by the central venous-to-arterial CO_2 difference(△PCO_2),which is calculated from simultaneous sampling of central venous blood from a central vein catheter and arterial blood and,therefore,more easy to obtain at the bedside.Determining the △PCO_2 during the resuscitation of septic shock patients might be useful when deciding when to continue resuscitation despite a central venous oxygen saturation(SCVO_2) > 70%associated with elevated blood lactate levels.Because high blood lactate levels is not a discriminatory factor in determining the source of that stress,an increased △PCO_2(> 6 mmHg)could be used to identify patients who still remain inadequately resuscitated.Monitoring the △PCO_2 from the beginning of the reanimation of septic shock patients might be a valuable means to evaluate the adequacy of cardiac output in tissue perfusion and,thus,guiding the therapy.In this respect,it can aid to titrate inotropes to adjust oxygen delivery to CO_2 production,or to choose between hemoglobin correction or fluid/inotrope infusion in patients with a too low ScvO_2 related to metabolic demand.The combination of P(v-a) CO_2 or △PCO_2 with oxygen-derived parameters through the calculation of the P(v-a) CO_2 or △PCO_2/arteriovenous oxygen content difference ratio can detect the presence of global anaerobic metabolism.

Ulcerative colitis complicated with colonic necrosis, septic shock and venous thromboembolism: A case report

BACKGROUND Severe total colonic necrosis,septic shock and venous thromboembolism secondary to ulcerative colitis (UC) are rare and life-threatening.No such severe complications have been reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 36-year-old woman who developed total colonic necrosis and septic shock secondary to UC.The patient was treated with emergency surgery because computed tomography showed suspicious perforations.Persistent massive ascites occurred after operation and computed tomography angiography demonstrated portal vein,mesenteric vein and splenic vein thrombosis.The patient was discharged from hospital after active treatment.CONCLUSION Clinicians should pay attention to venous thrombosis,colonic necrosis and septic shock in UC patients.Close observation of surgical indications and timely surgical intervention are the key to reduce mortality and complications in UC.

Effect of early goal directed therapy on tissue perfusion in patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to observe the effect of early goal directed therapy(EGDT)on tissue perfusion,microcirculation and tissue oxygenation in patients with septic shock.METHODS:Patients with early septic shock(<24 hours) who had been admitted to the ICU of Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from September 2009 through May 2011 were enrolled(research time:12 months),and they didn't meet the criteria of EGDT.Patients who had one of the following were excluded:stroke,brain injury,other types of shock,severe heart failure,acute myocardial infarction,age below 18 years,pregnancy,end-stage disease,cardiac arrest,extensive burns,oral bleeding,difficulty in opening the mouth,and the onset of septic shock beyond 24 hours.Patients treated with the standard protocol of EGDT were included.Transcutaneous pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide(PtcO_2,PtcCO_2) were monitored and hemodynamic measurements were obtained.Side-stream dark field(SDF) imaging device was applied to obtain sublingual microcirculation.Hemodynamics,tissue oxygen,and sublingual microcirculation were compared before and after EGDT.If the variable meets the normal distribution,Student's t test was applied.Otherwise,Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used.Correlation between variables was analyzed with Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient method.RESULTS:Twenty patients were involved,but one patient wasn't analyzed because he didn't meet the EGDT criteria.PtcO_2 and PtcCO_2 were monitored in 19 patients,of whom sublingual microcirculation was obtained.After EGDT,PtcO_2 increased from 62.7+24.0 mmHg to 78.0±30.9mmHg(P<0.05) and tissue oxygenation index(PtcO_2/FiO_2) was 110.7+60.4 mmHg before EGDT and 141.6±78.2 mmHg after EGDT(P<0.05).The difference between PtcCO_2 and PCO_2 decreased significantly after EGDT(P<0.05).The density of perfused small vessels(PPV) and microcirculatory flow index of small vessels(MFI) tended to increase,but there were no significant differences between them(P>0.05).PtcO_2,PtcO_2/FiO_2,and PtcCO_2 were not linearly related to central venous saturation,lactate,oxygen delivery,and oxygen consumption(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Peripheral perfusion was improved after EGDT in patients with septic shock,and it was not exactly reflected by the index of systemic perfusion.

Efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in immunocompetent patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND: The use of corticosteroids in septic shock has been studied for many decades but yielded conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of corticosteroids in immunocompetent patients with septic shock.METHODS: Medline via Pub Med, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched from inception to March 2020. Two reviewers independently identified randomized controlled trials(RCTs) comparing corticosteroids with a control group for immunocompetent patients with septic shock. Data were abstracted and reported following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Intervention and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) statement. The efficacy outcome included mortality and shock reversal. The safety outcomes were infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hyperglycemia.RESULTS: Nine RCTs with a total of 1,298 patients were included. Compared with the control group, corticosteroid group did not lower the short-term(28 or 30 days) mortality(risk ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.85 to 1.06, inconsistency [I2]=0%, trial sequential analysis [TSA]-adjusted CI 0.83 to 1.09, moderate-certainty evidence). Corticosteroids significantly shortened the time to shock reversal compared with the control group(mean difference [MD] –21.56 hours;95% CI –32.95 to –10.16, I2=0%;TSA-adjusted CI –33.33 to –9.78, moderate-certainty evidence). The corticosteroid treatment was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia but not the infection or gastrointestinal bleeding.CONCLUSIONS: The corticosteroid treatment is not associated with lower short-or longterm mortality compared with placebo in immunocompetent patients with septic shock. However, corticosteroids significantly shorten the time to shock reversal without increasing the risk of infection. The patient's immune status should also be considered during clinical treatment and clinical trials in future.

Timing, method and discontinuation of hydrocortisone administration for septic shock patients

AIM To characterize the prescribing patterns for hydrocortisone for patients with septic shock and perform an exploratory analysis in order to identify the variables associated with better outcomes.METHODS This prospective cohort study included 59 patients with septic shock who received stress-dose hydrocortisone.It was performed at 2 critical care units in academic hospitals from June 1st, 2015, to July 31 st, 2016. Demographic data, comorbidities, medical management details, adverse effects related to corticosteroids, and outcomes were collected after the critical care physician indicated initiation of hydrocortisone. Univariate comparison between continuous and bolus administration of hydrocortisone was performed, including multivariate analysis, as well as Kaplan-Meier analysis to compare the proportion of shock reversal at 7 d after presentation. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curves determined the best cut-off criteria for initiation of hydrocortisone associated with the highest probability of shock reversal. We addressed the effects of the taper strategy for discontinuation of hydrocortisone, noting risk of shock relapse and adverse effects.RESULTS All-cause 30-d mortality was 42%. Hydrocortisone was administered as a continuous infusion in 54.2% of patients; time to reversal of shock was 49 h longer in patients who were given a bolus administration [59 h(range, 47.5-90.5) vs 108 h(range, 63.2-189); P = 0.001]. The maximal dose of norepinephrine after initiation of hydrocortisone was lower in patients on continuous infusion [0.19 μg/kg per minute(range, 0.11-0.28 μg)] compared with patients who were given bolus [0.34 μg/kg per minute(range, 0.16-0.49); P = 0.004]. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a higher proportion of shock reversal at 7 d in patients with continuous infusion compared to those given bolus(83% vs 63%; P = 0.004). There was a good correlation between time to initiation of hydrocortisone and time to reversal of shock(r = 0.80; P < 0.0001); ROC curve analysis revealed that the best criteria for prediction of shock reversal was a time to initiation of hydrocortisone of ≤ 13 h after administration of norepinephrine, with an area under the curve of 0.81(P < 0.001). The maximal dose of norepinephrine at initiation of hydrocortisone with the highest association with shock reversal was ≤ 0.28 μg/kg per minute, with an area under the curve of 0.75(P = 0.0002). On a logistic regression model, hydrocortisone taper was not associated with a lower risk of shock relapse(RR = 1.29; P = 0.17) but was related to a higher probability of hyperglycemia [odds ratio(OR), 5.3; P = 0.04] and hypokalemia(OR = 10.6; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Continuous infusion of hydrocortisone could hasten the resolution of septic shock compared to bolus administration. Earlier initiation corresponds with a higher probability of shock reversal. Tapering strategy is unnecessary.

Association of fluid balance trajectories with clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock:A prospective multicenter cohort study

Background:Septic shock has a high incidence and mortality rate in Intensive Care Units(ICUs).Earlier intravenous fluid resuscitation can significantly improve outcomes in septic patients but easily leads to fluid overload(FO),which is associated with poor clinical outcomes.A single point value of fluid cannot provide enough fluid information.The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fluid balance(FB)latent trajectories on clinical outcomes in septic patients.Methods:Patients were diagnosed with septic shock during the first 48 h,and sequential fluid data for the first 3 days of ICU admission were included.A group-based trajectory model(GBTM)which is designed to identify groups of individuals following similar developmental trajectories was used to identify latent subgroups of individuals following a similar progression of FB.The primary outcomes were hospital mortality,organ dysfunction,major adverse kidney events(MAKE)and severe respiratory adverse events(SRAE).We used multivariable Cox or logistic regression analysis to assess the association between FB trajectories and clinical outcomes.Results:Nine hundred eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria and were assigned to GBTM analysis,and three latent FB trajectories were detected.64(6.5%),841(85.3%),and 81(8.2%)patients were identified to have decreased,low,and high FB,respectively.Compared with low FB,high FB was associated with increased hospital mortality[hazard ratio(HR)=1.63,95%CI 1.22–2.17],organ dysfunction[odds ratio(OR)=2.18,95%CI 1.22–3.42],MAKE(OR=1.80,95%CI 1.04–2.63)and SRAE(OR=2.33,95%CI 1.46–3.71),and decreasing FB was significantly associated with decreased MAKE(OR=0.46,95%CI 0.29–0.79)after adjustment for potential covariates.Conclusion:Latent subgroups of septic patients followed a similar FB progression.These latent fluid trajectories were associated with clinical outcomes.The decreasing FB trajectory was associated with a decreased risk of hospital mortality and MAKE.

Severe insulin resistance treatment with intravenous chromium in septic shock patient

Insulin resistance has been well documented in critically ill patients.Adequate blood sugar control has been associated with better wound healing,and better outcomes in selected patient populations.Chromium is an essential component of human diet.It is believed to affect changes in glucose uptake.Several studies have shown beneficial effects of oral chromium in diabetic patients with insulin resistance,but role of intravenous chromium infusion has not been completely evaluated.We present a case of extreme insulin resistance in a 62-year-old woman with history of diabetes who suffered a cardiac arrest and respiratory failure,leading to aspiration pneumonia and septic shock requiring greater than 7000 units of insulin over a period of 12 h which was successfully treated with intravenous chromium replacement.