Carolina Ruiz

International study on microcirculatory shock occurrence in acutely ill patients

Objectives:Microcirculatory alterations are associated with adverse outcome in subsets of critically ill patients. The prevalence and significance of microcirculatory alterations in the general ICU population are unknown. We studied the prevalence of microcirculatory alterations in a heterogeneous ICU population and its predictive value in an integrative model of macro- and microcirculatory variables. Design:Multicenter observational point prevalence study. Setting:The Microcirculatory Shock Occurrence in Acutely ill Patients study was conducted in 36 ICUs worldwide. Patients:A heterogeneous ICU population consisting of 501 patients. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Demographic, hemodynamic, and laboratory data were collected in all ICU patients who were 18 years old or older. Sublingual Sidestream Dark Field imaging was performed to determine the prevalence of an abnormal capillary microvascular flow index (< 2.6) and its additional value in predicting hospital mortality. In 501 patients with a median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 15 (10–21), a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 5 (2–8), and a hospital mortality of 28.4%, 17% exhibited an abnormal capillary microvascular flow index. Tachycardia (heart rate > 90 beats/min) (odds ratio, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.67–4.39; p < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (odds ratio, 0.979; 95% CI, 0.963–0.996; p = 0.013), vasopressor use (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11–3.07; p = 0.019), and lactate level more than 1.5 mEq/L (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.28–3.62; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for hospital mortality, but not abnormal microvascular flow index. In reference to microvascular flow index, a significant interaction was observed with tachycardia. In patients with tachycardia, the presence of an abnormal microvascular flow index was an independent, additive predictor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.24; 95% CI, 1.30–8.06; p = 0.011). This was not true for nontachycardic patients nor for the total group of patients. Conclusions:In a heterogeneous ICU population, an abnormal microvascular flow index was present in 17% of patients. This was not associated with mortality. However, in patients with tachycardia, an abnormal microvascular flow index was independently associated with an increased risk of hospital death.

Severe abnormalities in microvascular perfused vessel density are associated to organ dysfunctions and mortality and can be predicted by hyperlactatemia and norepinephrine requirements in septic shock patients

PURPOSE The aims of this study are to determine the general relationship of perfused vessel density (PVD) to mortality and organ dysfunctions and to explore if patients in the lowest quartile of distribution for this parameter present a higher risk of bad outcome and to identify systemic hemodynamic and perfusion variables that enhances the probability of finding a severe underlying microvascular dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective multicenter study including 122 septic shock patients participating in 7 prospective clinical trials on which at least 1 sublingual microcirculatory assessment was performed during early resuscitation. RESULTS Perfused vessel density was significantly related to organ dysfunctions and mortality, but this effect was largely explained by patients in the lowest quartile of distribution for PVD (P = .037 [odds ratio {OR}, 8.7; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.14-66.78] for mortality). Hyperlactatemia (P < .026 [OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03-1.47]) and high norepinephrine requirements (P < .019 [OR, 7.04; 95% CI, 1.38-35.89]) increased the odds of finding a severe microvascular dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Perfused vessel density is significantly related to organ dysfunctions and mortality in septic shock patients, particularly in patients exhibiting more severe abnormalities as represented by the lowest quartile of distribution for this parameter. The presence of hyperlactatemia and high norepinephrine requirements increases the odds of finding a severe underlying microvascular dysfunction during a sublingual microcirculatory assessment.

Persistent Sepsis-Induced Hypotension without Hyperlactatemia: A Distinct Clinical and Physiological Profile within the Spectrum of Septic Shock

Introduction. A subgroup of septic shock patients will never develop hyperlactatemia despite being subjected to a massive circulatory stress. Maintenance of normal lactate levels during septic shock is of great clinical and physiological interest. Our aim was to describe the clinical, hemodynamic, perfusion, and microcirculatory profiles associated to the absence of hyperlactatemia during septic shock resuscitation. Methods. We conducted an observational study in septic shock patients undergoing resuscitation. Serial clinical, hemodynamic, and perfusion parameters were registered. A single sublingual microcirculatory assessment was performed in a subgroup. Patients evolving with versus without hyperlactatemia were compared. Results. 124 septic shock patients were included. Patients without hyperlactatemia exhibited lower severity scores and mortality. They also presented higher platelet counts and required less intensive treatment. Microcirculation was assessed in 45 patients. Patients without hyperlactatemia presented higher PPV and MFI values. Lactate was correlated to several microcirculatory parameters. No difference in systemic flow parameters was observed. Conclusion. Persistent sepsis-induced hypotension without hyperlactatemia is associated with less organ dysfunctions and a very low mortality risk. Patients without hyperlactatemia exhibit less coagulation and microcirculatory derangements despite comparable macrohemodynamics. Our study supports the notion that persistent sepsis-induced hypotension without hyperlactatemia exhibits a distinctive clinical and physiological profile.

Sublingual microcirculatory changes during high-volume hemofiltration in hyperdynamic septic shock patients

IntroductionPrevious studies have suggested that high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) may contribute to revert hypotension in severe hyperdynamic septic shock patients. However, arterial pressure stabilization occurs due to an increase in systemic vascular resistance, which could eventually compromise microcirculatory blood flow and perfusion. The goal of this study was to determine if HVHF deteriorates sublingual microcirculation in severe hyperdynamic septic shock patients.MethodsThis was a prospective, non-randomized study at a 16-bed, medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. We included 12 severe hyperdynamic septic shock patients (norepinephrine requirements > 0.3 μg/kg/min and cardiac index > 3.0 L/min/m2) who underwent a 12-hour HVHF as a rescue therapy according to a predefined algorithm. Sublingual microcirculation (Microscan for NTSC, Microvision Medical), systemic hemodynamics and perfusion parameters were assessed at baseline, at 12 hours of HVHF, and 6 hours after stopping HVHF.ResultsMicrocirculatory flow index increased after 12 hours of HVHF and this increase persisted 6 hours after stopping HVHF. A similar trend was observed for the proportion of perfused microvessels. The increase in microcirculatory blood flow was inversely correlated with baseline levels. There was no significant change in microvascular density or heterogeneity during or after HVHF. Mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance increased while lactate levels decreased after the 12-hour HVHF.ConclusionsThe use of HVHF as a rescue therapy in patients with severe hyperdynamic septic shock does not deteriorate sublingual microcirculatory blood flow despite the increase in systemic vascular resistance.

Treatment of Acute Coagulopathy Associated with Trauma

Coagulopathy is frequently present in trauma. It is indicative of the severity of trauma and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled bleeding is the most frequent preventable cause of death in trauma patients reaching hospital alive. Coagulopathy in trauma has been long thought to develop as a result of hemodilution, acidosis, and hypothermia often related to resuscitation practices. However, altered coagulation tests are already present in 25–30% of severe trauma patients upon hospital arrival before resuscitation efforts. Acute coagulopathy associated with trauma (ACoT) has been recognized in recent years as a distinct entity associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and transfusion requirements. Transfusion and nontransfusion strategies aimed at correcting ACoT, particularly in patients with massive bleeding and massive transfusion, are currently available. Early administration of tranexamic acid to bleeding trauma patients safely reduces the risk of death. It has been proposed that early aggressive blood product transfusional management of ACoT with a red blood cell : plasma : platelets ratio close to 1 : 1 : 1 could result in decreased mortality from uncontrolled bleeding.

Medicina de Urgencia y Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Una alianza necesaria en busca de la mejoría de la atención de pacientes críticos.

The need for critical care services is increasing in Chile. Critical care beds and specialists in this area are scarce. In this article we discuss some aspects that hamper the care of critically ill patients from their arrival to the emergency department to their transfer to the ICU. Special emphasis is given to system saturation and its multiple causes. The benefits of an integrative approach between emergency medicine and critical care specialists are highlighted and some solutions are proposed to strengthen this partnership.The need for critical care services is increasing in Chile. Critical care beds and specialists in this area are scarce. In this article we discuss some aspects that hamper the care of critically ill patients from their arrival to the emergency department to their transfer to the ICU. Special emphasis is given to system saturation and its multiple causes. The benefits of an integrative approach between emergency medicine and critical care specialists are highlighted and some solutions are proposed to strengthen this partnership.

Características y evolución de los pacientes que ingresan a una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un hospital público

BACKGROUND The epidemiology of critical patients in Chile could differ from that reported in international studies. AIM To describe the causes of admission and evolution of patients who were admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of a general hospital in Chile in a two-year period (2012-2013). PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective study was carried out using the ICU database. The following variables were registered: admission diagnosis, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation), days of mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU length of stay and ICU and hospital survival. RESULTS We analyzed data from 1075 aged 54 ± 18 years (55% males), representing 75% of the admissions during the study period. The median ICU and MV lengths were 5 and 3 days respectively (92% of patients required MV). APACHE II was 20.5 ± 8.2. The ICU and hospital mortality rate were 19.4% and 31%, respectively. Critical neurological diseases were the most common diagnoses requiring ICU, representing 26.8% of the admissions. No differences were found between 2012 and 2013 in age, APACHE II, ICU or hospital survival. A longer post ICU length of stay was found during 2013, both for patients who survived and those who died at the hospital. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the high percentage of patients that required MV and the high percentage critical neurological conditions requiring ICU admission. The characteristics and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU did not differ during 2012 and 2013.Background: The epidemiology of critical patients in Chile could differ from that reported in international studies. Aim: To describe the causes of admission and evolution of patients who were admitted to the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of a general hospital in Chile in a two-year period (2012-2013). Patients and methods: A retrospective study was carried out using the ICU database. The following variables were registered: admission diagnosis, APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation), days of mechanical ventilation (MV), ICU length of stay and ICU and hospital survival. Results: Data from 1075 patients aged 54 +/- 18 years (55% males) was analyzed, representing 75% of the admissions during the study period. The median ICU and MV lengths were 5 and 3 days respectively (92% of patients required MV). APACHE II was 20.5 +/- 8.2. The ICU and hospital mortality rate were 19.4% and 31%, respectively. Critical neurological diseases were the most common diagnoses requiring ICU, representing 26.8% of the admissions. No differences were found between 2012 and 2013 in age, APACHE II, ICU or hospital survival. A longer post ICU length of stay was found during 2013, both for patients who survived and those who died at the hospital. Conclusions: The characteristics and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU did not differ during 2012 and 2013. This study highlights the high percentage of patients that required MV and the high percentage critical neurological conditions requiring ICU admission.

Evaluación de la enseñanza en grupo pequeño (seminarios) por residentes de especialidad durante su rotación por la unidad paciente crítico adulto del hospital clínico u de chile

Introduccion La ensenanza en grupo pequeno (EGP) es una metodologia muy utilizada en postgrado. La EGP implica que varios estudiantes (habitualmente maximo 10) interactuan y trabajan para lograr objetivos comunes de aprendizaje, bajo la conduccion de un facilitador (docente). Esta metodologia corresponde aprendizaje activo “centrado en el estudiante”. Un tipo de EGP son los seminarios. Dentro de los desafios de la EGP estan la necesidad de tiempo, personal y espacio, las habilidades que debe tener el facilitador (fomentar la participacion, interactuar con todos los estudiantes, delegar responsabilidades a estos, etc.) y el riesgo de que se transformen en pequenas clases magistrales. El objetivo del presente estudio es conocer la evolucion de los becados de especialidad (medicina interna, cirugia, anestesia, urgencia y neurocirugia) de los seminarios (EGP) que tienen durante su rotacion por la UPC del HCUC (8 seminarios/mes). Metodologia Desde marzo a octubre del 2014 tras completar la rotacion y realizar los seminarios, los becados llenaron una encuesta (rubrica) anonima de evaluacion. La encuesta incluye preguntas sobre la organizacion de los seminarios y sobre su utilidad como herramienta de aprendizaje. Evaluacion de los seminarios de Medicina Intensiva Califique del 1 al 5 (1 = nunca, 2 = rara vez, 3 = regular, 4 = casi siempre, 5 = siempre): 1) los seminarios realizados fueron acordes a los objetivos/contenidos del programa de la rotacion; 2) los seminarios se realizaron en las fechas programadas; 3) en caso de suspension de un seminario, se le aviso oportunamente; 4) en caso de suspension de un seminario, se pudo recuperar; 5) los docentes explicaron claramente los contenidos del seminario; 6) durante los seminarios hubo un tiempo adecuado para resolver dudas; 7) tuvo dificultades para poder asistir a los seminarios debido a actividades clinicas de la rotacion; 8) tuvo dificultades para poder asistir a los seminarios debido a actividades de su programa de beca; 9) estudio previo a la realizacion del seminario; 10) el seminario le permitio aclarar conceptos y resolver dudas. Resultados La encuesta fue respondida por 89 becados (7 a 11 becados rotaron/mes). Conclusiones Esta actividad fue bien evaluada por los becados, tanto en las preguntas sobre su utilidad como herramienta de aprendizaje, como en aquellas sobre su organizacion. Un punto importante a mejorar, es que la mayoria de los becados refiere que solo estudio en forma regular o rara vez antes del seminario, lo que claramente dificulta su participacion activa en estos.

Reanimación con fluidos y hemoderivados en trauma

The leading cause of preventable death in trauma is uncontrolled bleeding. Some of these deaths may be secondary to the Acute Coagulopathy of Trauma, which is present in 30% of patients on admission to hospital. In recent years, Damage Control Resuscitation has been developed, which aims to give a hemostatic resuscitation and avoid deaths caused by bleeding. This strategy considers control of bleeding with damage control surgery or interventional procedures, early transfusion of all blood products, permissive hypotension and limited use of crystalloids. Several studies have reported that early transfusion of all blood products, with a ratio close to 1:1, may be associated with lower mortality and less requirements of total transfusions in trauma patients at risk of massive bleeding and massive transfusion. These findings must be corroborated in randomized controlled trials, along with determining the optimum ratio between blood products. In stable patients, a restrictive transfusion strategy is safe and appropriate.The leading cause of preventable death in trauma is uncontrolled bleeding. Some of these deaths may be secondary to the Acute Coagulopathy of Trauma, which is present in 30% of patients on admission to hospital. In recent years, Damage Control Resuscitation has been developed, which aims to give a hemostatic resuscitation and avoid deaths caused by bleeding. This strategy considers control of bleeding with damage control surgery or interventional procedures, early transfusion of all blood products, permissive hypotension and limited use of crystalloids. Several studies have reported that early transfusion of all blood products, with a ratio close to 1:1, may be associated with lower mortality and less requirements of total transfusions in trauma patients at risk of massive bleeding and massive transfusion. These findings must be corroborated in randomized controlled trials, along with determining the optimum ratio between blood products. In stable patients, a restrictive transfusion strategy is safe and appropriate.

Características de los pacientes traumatizados que ingresan a la UCI de un hospital general en Chile

BACKGROUND Trauma is an important cause of death among young adults. AIM To determine the characteristics, treatments and evolution of trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) of a public hospital in Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS All polytrauma (PT) and severely traumatized (ST) patients admitted to ICU were included. We recorded the type of trauma along with demographic and hemodynamic variables, treatments and complications. The evolution and treatments received by PT and ST patients were compared. RESULTS We recorded data from 72 patients aged 43 ± 21 years (93% males). Sixty two percent were PT and 24% had penetrating injuries. TBI (Trauma Brain Injury) was the most common trauma. On admission, acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 18.7 + 7.3, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 32.8 + 20.1. ICU stay was 7.8 + 6 days. Sixty seven per cent of patients required surgery and 58% received blood transfusions. No differences were found between PT and ST. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 15 and 25% respectively. CONCLUSIONS The characteristics and evolution of PT and ST of this series of patients are similar to those described abroad. Mortality was in agreement with ISS and APACHE II scores.: We recorded data from 72 patients aged 43 ± 21 years (93% males). Sixty two percent were PT and 24% had penetrating injuries. TBI (Trauma Brain Injury) was the most common trauma. On admission, acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 18.7 + 7.3, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 32.8 + 20.1. ICU stay was 7.8 + 6 days. Sixty seven per cent of patients required surgery and 58% received blood transfusions. No differences were found between PT and ST. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 15 and 25% respectively.