Kaweesak Chittawatanarat

Quetiapine versus haloperidol in the treatment of delirium: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

Background Atypical antipsychotic drugs may have low propensity to induce extrapyramidal side effects in delirious patients. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and tolerability between quetiapine and haloperidol in controlling delirious behavior. Methods A 7-day prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from June 2009 to April 2011 in medically ill patients with delirium. Measures used for daily assessment included the Delirium Rating Scale-revised-98 (DRS-R-98) and total sleep time. The Clinical Global Impression, Improvement (CGI–I) and the Modified (nine-item) Simpson– Angus Scale were applied daily. The primary outcome was the DRS-R-98 severity scores. The data were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results Fifty-two subjects (35 males and 17 females) were randomized to receive 25–100 mg/day of quetiapine (n = 24) or 0.5–2.0 mg/day of haloperidol (n = 28). Mean (standard deviation) doses of quetiapine and haloperidol were 67.6 (9.7) and 0.8 (0.3) mg/day, respectively. Over the trial period, means (standard deviation) of the DRS-R-98 severity scores were not significantly different between the quetiapine and haloperidol groups (−22.9 [6.9] versus −21.7 [6.7]; P = 0.59). The DRS-R-98 noncognitive and cognitive subscale scores were not significantly different. At end point, the response and remission rates, the total sleep time, and the Modified (nine-item) Simpson–Angus scores were also not significantly different between groups. Hypersomnia was common in the quetiapine-treated patients (33.3%), but not significantly higher than that in the haloperidol-treated group (21.4%). Limitations Patients were excluded if they were not able to take oral medications, and the sample size was small. Conclusion Low-dose quetiapine and haloperidol may be equally effective and safe for controlling delirium symptoms. Clinical trials registration number clinicaltrials.gov NCT00954603.

Microbiology, resistance patterns, and risk factors of mortality in ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia in a Northern Thai tertiary-care university based general surgical intensive care unit

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurrence, causative pathogens, and resistance patterns in surgical intensive care units (SICU) are different between Western and developing Asian countries. In Thailand, resistant organisms have progressively increased in the last decade. However, the evidence describing causes of VAP and its outcomes, especially secondary to resistant pathogens, in Asian developing countries’ SICUs is very limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the incidence, pathogen characteristics, and risk factors that impact mortality and patient survival following VAP in a tertiary Northern Thai SICU. Methods Between 2008 and 2012, VAP occurred in a total of 150 patients in Chiang Mai University’s general SICUs (6.3±2.8 cases per 1,000 mechanical ventilator days). The following clinical data were collected from 46 patients who died and 104 patients who survived: microbiologic results, susceptible patterns, and survival status at hospital discharge. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were classified as susceptible, multidrug resistant (MDR), extensively drug resistant (XDR), and pan-drug resistant (PDR). The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated for risk factor analysis. Results Regarding the microbiology, gram negative organisms were the major pathogens (n=142, 94.7%). The first three most common organisms were Acinetobacter baumannii (38.7% of all organisms, mortality 41.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.3%, mortality 30.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.7%, mortality 16%) respectively. The most common gram positive organism was Staphylococcus aureus (4.0%, mortality 50%). The median day of VAP occurrence were significantly different between the three groups (P<0.01): susceptible (day 4), MDR (day 5), and XDR (day 6.5). Only half of all VAP cases were caused by susceptible organisms. Antibiotic resistance was demonstrated by 49.3% of the gram negative organisms and 62.5% of the gram positive organisms. Extensive drug resistance was evident only in Acinetobacter baumannii (30.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.3%). No pan-drug resistance was found during surveillance. The significant HR risk factors were age (P=0.03), resistant organisms (P=0.04), XDR (P=0.02), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (<0.01). Acinetobacter baumannii (P=0.06) and intubation due to severe sepsis (P=0.08) demonstrated a trend toward a significant increase in the HR. On the other hand, there were significantly decreased HRs in trauma patients (P=0.01). Initial administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy had a tendency toward a significant decrease in the HR (P=0.08). Conclusion Gram negative organisms were the primary cause of bacterial VAP in Chiang Mai University’s general SICU. Resistant strains were present in half of all VAP cases and were associated with the day of VAP onset. Regarding risk factors, age, acute physiology, chronic health evaluation II score, resistant organisms (especially XDR), and being a non-trauma patient increased the risk of mortality.

Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU).

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), when compared to the diagnoses made by delirium experts. Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in both surgical intensive care and subintensive care units in Thailand between February–June 2011. Seventy patients aged 60 years or older who had been admitted to the units were enrolled into the study within the first 48 hours of admission. Each patient was randomly assessed as to whether they had delirium by a nurse using the Thai version of the CAM-ICU algorithm (Thai CAM-ICU) or by a delirium expert using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Results The prevalence of delirium was found to be 18.6% (n=13) by the delirium experts. The sensitivity of the Thai CAM-ICU’s algorithms was found to be 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] =64.0%−99.8%), while the specificity was 94.7% (95% CI =85.4%−98.9%). The instrument displayed good interrater reliability (Cohen’s κ =0.81; 95% CI =0.64−0.99). The time taken to complete the Thai CAM-ICU was 1 minute (interquatile range, 1−2 minutes). Conclusion The Thai CAM-ICU demonstrated good validity, reliability, and ease of use when diagnosing delirium in a surgical intensive care unit setting. The use of this diagnostic tool should be encouraged for daily, routine use, so as to promote the early detection of delirium and its rapid treatment.

The variations of body mass index and body fat in adult Thai people across the age spectrum measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis

Background The measurements of body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat are used in many clinical situations. However, special tools are required to measure body fat. Many formulas are proposed for estimation but these use constant coefficients of age. Age spectrum might affect the predicted value of the body composition due to body component alterations, and the coefficient of age for body fat prediction might produce inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to identify variations of BMI and body fat across the age spectrum as well as compare results between BMI predicted body fat and bioelectrical impedance results on age. Methods Healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance. The age spectrum was divided into three groups (younger: 18–39.9; middle: 40–59.9; and older: ≥60 years). Comparison of body composition covariates including fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), percentage FM (PFM), percentage FFM (PFFM), FM index (FMI) and FFM index (FFMI) in each weight status and age spectrum were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression coefficients were calculated. Coefficient alterations among age groups were tested to confirm the effect of the age spectrum on body composition covariates. Measured PFM and calculated PFM from previous formulas were compared in each quarter of the age spectrum. Results A total of 2324 volunteers were included in this study. The overall body composition and weight status, average body weight, height, BMI, FM, FFM, and its derivatives were significantly different among age groups. The coefficient of age altered the PFM differently between younger, middle, and older groups (0.07; P = 0.02 vs 0.13; P < 0.01 vs 0.26; P < 0.01; respectively). All coefficients of age alterations in all FM- and FFM-derived variables between each age spectrum were tested, demonstrating a significant difference between the younger (<60 years) and older (≥60 years) age groups, except the PFFM to BMI ratio (difference of PFM and FMI [95% confidence interval]: 17.8 [12.8–22.8], P < 0.01; and 4.58 [3.4–5.8], P < 0.01; respectively). The comparison between measured PFM and calculated PFM demonstrated a significant difference with increments of age. Conclusion The relationship between body FM and BMI varies on the age spectrum. A calculated formula in older people might be distorted with the utilization of constant coefficients.

Development of gender- and age group-specific equations for estimating body weight from anthropometric measurement in Thai adults

Background Many medical procedures routinely use body weight as a parameter for calculation. However, these measurements are not always available. In addition, the commonly used visual estimation has had high error rates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a predictive equation for body weight using body circumferences. Methods A prospective study was performed in healthy volunteers. Body weight, height, and eight circumferential level parameters including neck, arm, chest, waist, umbilical level, hip, thigh, and calf were recorded. Linear regression equations were developed in a modeling sample group divided by sex and age (younger <60 years and older ≥60 years). Original regression equations were modified to simple equations by coefficients and intercepts adjustment. These equations were tested in an independent validation sample. Results A total of 2000 volunteers were included in this study. These were randomly separated into two groups (1000 in each modeling and validation group). Equations using height and one covariate circumference were developed. After the covariate selection processes, covariate circumference of chest, waist, umbilical level, and hip were selected for single covariate equations (Sco). To reduce the body somatotype difference, the combination covariate circumferences were created by summation between the chest and one torso circumference of waist, umbilical level, or hip and used in the equation development as a combination covariate equation (Cco). Of these equations, Cco had significantly higher 10% threshold error tolerance compared with Sco (mean percentage error tolerance of Cco versus Sco [95% confidence interval; 95% CI]: 76.9 [74.2–79.6] versus 70.3 [68.4–72.3]; P < 0.01, respectively). Although simple covariate equations had more evidence errors than the original covariate equations, there was comparable error tolerance between the types of equations (original versus simple: 74.5 [71.9–77.1] versus 71.7 [69.2–74.3]; P = 0.12, respectively). The chest containing covariate (C) equation had the most appropriate performance for Sco equations (chest versus nonchest: 73.4 [69.7–77.1] versus 69.3 [67.0–71.6]; P = 0.03, respectively). For Cco equations, although there were no differences between covariates using summation of chest and hip (C+Hp) and other Cco but C+Hp had a slightly higher performance validity (C+Hp versus other Cco [95% CI]: 77.8 [73.2–82.3] versus 76.5 [72.7–80.2]; P = 0.65, respectively). Conclusion Body weight can be predicted by height and circumferential covariate equations. Cco had more Sco error tolerance. Original and simple equations had comparable validity. Chest- and C+Hp-containing covariate equations had more precision within the Sco and Cco equation types, respectively.

Timing of surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 115 preterm neonates who underwent patent ductus arteriosus ligation after failure of medical treatment, at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 2003 and December 2010. Two groups were defined: an early surgery group (39.1%) treated with surgical closure within 21 days, and a late surgery group (60.9%) operated on >21 days after birth. There were significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of weight at surgery, birth weight, duration of intubation, ductal size, and preoperative indomethacin usage. The early surgery group had a longer intensive care unit stay, but differences in postoperative chronic lung disease, ductal size, and surfactant use were not significant. Babies with a low birth weight (<1,500 g) and those with a higher ductal gradient were more susceptible to chronic lung disease, but multivariate analysis showed no difference between early and late surgery patients in either early extubation or chronic lung disease. It was concluded that early patent ductus arteriosus ligation did not show more benefits than late surgery.

Artificial Bowel Sphincter Implantation for Faecal Incontinence in Asian Patients

BACKGROUND To evaluate the outcomes with the American Medical Systems artificial bowel sphincter (ABS) implantation for the treatment of intractable faecal incontinence in an Asian population. METHODS Six Asian patients who underwent ABS implantation between March 2004 and December 2007 for the treatment of faecal incontinence were reviewed. RESULTS The ABS was successfully implanted in six patients [mean age 50 (20-73) years; 4 males]. The most common causes of incontinence were congenital anomaly of the anus (imperforate anus status post a pull-through procedure) and status-post ultralow anterior resection. Two patients required device explantation due to postoperative infection. One eventually required a colostomy. After a mean follow-up of 22 (4-36) months, four patients continued to have a functional artificial bowel sphincter. Faecal incontinence severity scores improved from a mean of 13 (12-14) to 6 (0-9) postactivation. Anal manometry showed an increase in mean resting pressures (19.2 +/- 7.5 mmHg vs. postimplantation with cuff inflated 45.0 +/- 12.0 mmHg). The comparative preoperative and postactivation faecal incontinence quality of life scores showed improvement in all aspects. CONCLUSIONS Patients with successful ABS implantation benefited from improved outcomes in function and quality of life. Infection was the most common cause of failure in our patients.

The Role of Mean Platelet Volume as a Predictor of Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. An increase in the mean platelet volume (MPV) has been proposed as a novel prognostic indicator in critically ill patients. Objective. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between MPV and mortality in critically ill patients. Methods. We did electronic search in Medline, Scopus, and Embase up to November 2015. Results. Eleven observational studies, involving 3724 patients, were included. The values of initial MPV in nonsurvivors and survivors were not different, with the mean difference with 95% confident interval (95% CI) being 0.17 (95% CI: −0.04, 0.38; p = 0.112). However, after small sample studies were excluded in sensitivity analysis, the pooling mean difference of MPV was 0.32 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.60; p = 0.03). In addition, the MPV was observed to be significantly higher in nonsurvivor groups after the third day of admission. On the subgroup analysis, although patient types (sepsis or mixed ICU) and study type (prospective or retrospective study) did not show any significant difference between groups, the difference of MPV was significantly difference on the unit which had mortality up to 30%. Conclusions. Initial values of MPV might not be used as a prognostic marker of mortality in critically ill patients. Subsequent values of MPV after the 3rd day and the lower mortality rate unit might be useful. However, the heterogeneity between studies is high.

Fluid accumulation threshold measured by acute body weight change after admission in general surgical intensive care units: how much should be concerning?

Background The objective of this study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01351506) was to identify the threshold level of fluid accumulation measured by acute body weight (BW) change during the first week in a general surgical intensive care unit (ICU), which is associated with ICU mortality and other adverse outcomes. Methods Four hundred sixty-five patients were prospectively followed for a 28-day period. The maximum BW change threshold during the first week was evaluated by the maximum percentage change in BW from the ICU admission weight (Max%ΔBW). Daily screening of adverse events in the ICU were recorded. The cutoff point of Max%ΔBW on ICU mortality was defined by considering the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, intersection of the sensitivity and specificity, and the Youden Index. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to demonstrate the associations. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. Results The appropriate cutoff value of Max%ΔBW threshold was 5%. Regarding the multivariable regression model, in overall patients, the occurrence of the following adverse events (expressed as adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) were significantly associated with a Max%ΔBW of >5%: ICU mortality (2.38 [1.25–4.54]) (P=0.008), ICU mortality in patients without renal replacement therapy (RRT) (2.47 [1.21–5.06]) (P=0.013), reintubation within 72 hours (2.51 [1.04–6.00]) (P=0.039), RRT requirement (2.67 [1.13–6.33]) (P=0.026), and delirium (1.97 [1.08–3.57]) (P=0.025). Regarding the postoperative subgroup, a Max%ΔBW value of more than 5% was significantly associated with: ICU mortality (3.87 [1.38–10.85]) (P=0.010), ICU mortality in patients without RRT (6.32 [1.85–21.64]) (P=0.003), reintubation within 72 hours (4.44 [1.30–15.16]) (P=0.017), and vasopressor requirement (2.04 [1.04–4.01]) (P=0.037). Conclusion Fluid accumulation, measured as acute BW change of more than the threshold of 5% during the first week of ICU admission, is associated with adverse outcomes of higher ICU mortality, especially in the patients without RRT, with reintubation within 72 hours, with RRT requirement, with vasopressor requirement, and with delirium. Some of these effects were higher in postoperative patients. This threshold value might be an indicator for caution during fluid management in surgical ICU.

Safety and tolerability of docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and trastuzumab compared to standard trastuzumab-based chemotherapy regimens for early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer.

Purpose We evaluated the tolerability and cardiac safety of docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and trastuzumab (TCyH) for the treatment of early-stage human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer and compared to the standard trastuzumab-based chemotherapy regimens doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel and trastuzumab (AC-TH) and docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (TCaH). Methods We retrospectively reviewed early-stage, resectable, HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy at a single comprehensive cancer center between 2004 and 2011. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, relative dose intensity (RDI) of each regimen, tolerability, and cardiac toxicity were evaluated. Results One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in the study (AC-TH, n=114; TCaH, n=39; TCyH, n=24). TCyH was solely administered in the adjuvant setting, whereas two-thirds of the AC-TH and TCaH groups were administered postoperatively. Patients treated with TCyH tended to have a more significant underlying cardiac history, higher Charlson comorbidity index, and were of an earlier stage. All patients treated with TCyH received granulocyte colony stimulating factor primary prophylaxis. No febrile neutropenia or grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity was observed in the TCyH group as compared to the AC-TH and TCaH groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of early termination, hospitalization, dose reduction, or RDI between the regimens. The symptomatic congestive heart failure rate between AC-TH, TCaH, and TCyH groups was not significantly different (4.4% vs. 2.6% vs. 8.3%, respectively, p=0.57). There was also no significant difference in the rate of early trastuzumab termination between patients treated with each regimen. Conclusion TCyH is well tolerated and should be investigated as an alternative adjuvant chemotherapy option for patients who are not candidates for standard trastuzumab-containing regimens. Larger clinical trials are necessary to support the wider use of TCyH as an adjuvant regimen.