Mladen Perić

Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide hormone from right atria is correlated with cardiac depression in septic patients

N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide [proANP(1–98)] has been extensively investiga-ted in patients with chronic heart failure and ishemic heart disease. It is found to be a better marker of cardiac dysfunction than atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). The possible involvement of proANP(1–98) in cardiac depression caused by sepsis has not been studied yet. Therefore, we analyzed atrial plasma concentration of proANP(1–98) in 17 septic patients with hemodynamic variables measured or calculated using pulmonary artery catheter. The results of altogether 96 measurements show a significant negative correlation of proANP(1–98) and cardiac index (p<0.024), oxygen delivery (p<0.03) and oxygen consumption (p<0.03). There is also a positive correlation with pulmonary vascular resistance (p<0.03). ProANP(1–98) is significantly higher in patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p<0.001). This study implies that proANP(1–98) is a possible novel hormone marker of cardiac depression caused by sepsis that could be used for prediction of ARDS.

Descontaminación digestiva selectiva. ¿Por qué no aplicamos la evidencia en la práctica clínica?

Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is a prophylactic strategy whose objective is to reduce the incidence of infections, mainly mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia in patients who require intensive cares, preventing or eradicating the oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal carrier state of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Fifty-four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 9 meta-analysis have evaluated SDD. Thirty eight RCTs show a significant reduction of the infections and 4 of mortality. All the meta-analyses show a significant reduction of the infections and 5 out of the 9 meta-analyses report a significant reduction in mortality. Thus, 5 patients from the ICU with SDD must be treated to prevent pneumonia and 12 patients from the ICU should be treated to prevent one death. The data that show benefit of the SDD on mortality have an evidence grade 1 or recommendation grade A (supported by at least two level 1 investigations). The aim of this review is to explain the pathogeny of infections in critical patients, describe selective digestive decontamination, analyze the evidence available on it efficacy and the potential adverse effects and discuss the reasons published by the experts who advise against the use of SDD, even though it is recognized as the best intervention evaluated in intensive cares to reduce morbidity and mortality of the infections.

Lidocaine Suppository for Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy of the Prostate: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Study

Aims: To investigate analgesia using lidocaine suppositories for prostate biopsy. Methods: From 2007 to 2009, 160 patients underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy at the Department of Urology, KBC Zagreb. 80 patients received a 60-mg lidocaine suppository intrarectally at different time points from 15 to 120 min before biopsy and 80 patients received a glycerin suppository as placebo. The pain level was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups, i.e. they were similar regarding patients’ age, prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate volume and the incidence of diagnosis of malignancy on biopsy. The mean pain score in the lidocaine group (3 ± 1) was significantly lower than the mean pain score in the glycerin group (4.1 ± 1.3) (p < 0.001). A noticeable trend towards lower pain scores in the lidocaine group was observed with more time elapsing from placing the suppository till the biopsy and the optimal time for performing biopsy starting approximately 1 h after placing the suppository. Conclusions: Lidocaine suppositories are an easy-to-use, self-applicable (by the patient) and cheap method of local analgesia, with acceptable results. Possible complications related to this procedure are insignificant.

First documented case of successful kidney transplantation from a donor with acute renal failure treated with dialysis

There is a widening gap between the needs and possibilities of kidney transplantation. In order to solve the problem of organ shortage, the selection criteria for kidney donors have been less stringent over the last years. Favorable outcome of renal transplantation from deceased donors with acute renal failure requiring dialysis may have an important role in expanding the pool of donors. We present the case of two renal transplantations from a polytraumatized 20-years old donor with acute renal failure requiring dialysis. One recipient established good diuresis from the first post-transplant day and did not require hemodialysis. The second recipient had delayed graft function and was treated with 8 hemodialysis sessions. The patient was discharged with good diuresis and normal serum creatinine. After two years of follow-up, both recipients have normal graft function. According to our experience, kidneys from deceased young donors with acute renal failure requiring dialysis may be transplanted, in order to decrease the number of patients on transplantation waiting lists.

Vascular access for chronic hemodialysis in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica Hallopeau-Siemens

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic hereditary disease characterized with mechanobullous dermatosis. Except cutaneous, these patients have various extracutaneous manifestations and some types of epidermolysis bullosa comprise almost all organ systems. Because of prolonged life span, chronic renal insufficiency has become an important cause of morbidity and death in these patients. Establishment of functional vascular dialysis access is a great challenge for both the doctors and the patients. Multidisciplinary approach is essential. We present a case of successful establishment of dialysis access via Tesio catheter in a young woman suffering from epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica Hallopeau‐Siemens and end‐stage renal disease. Since then, the Tesio catheter inserted via the right internal jugular vein has been the functional mean of dialysis. The patient was given the opportunity to lead a quality and active life in spite of disabling disease. Several cases of successful dialysis access establishment with dialysis catheters via central veins have been reported. We report the successful establishment of long‐term dialysis access via Tesio catheter and suggest this approach as ideal for these patients. This is the first report dealing with vascular access in this group of patients.

Prognostic performance of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II in major Croatian hospitals: a prospective multicenter study

Aim To perform an external validation of the original Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) system and to assess its performance in a selected group of patients in major Croatian hospitals. Methods A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in five university hospitals and one general hospital during a six-month period between November 1, 2007 and May 1, 2008. Standardized hospital mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated from the mean predicted mortality of all the 2756 patients and the actual mortality for the same group of patients. The validation of SAPS II was made using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 2 × 2 classification tables, and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests. Results The predicted mortality was as low as 14.6% due to a small proportion of medical patients and the SMR being 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.98). The SAPS II system demonstrated a good discriminatory power as measured by the AUC (0.85; standard error [SE] = 0.012; 95% CI = 0.840-0.866; P < 0.001). This system significantly overestimated the actual mortality (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit H statistic: χ2 = 584.4; P < 0.001 and C statistics: χ28 = 313.0; P < 0.001) in the group of patients included in the study. Conclusion The SAPS II had a good discrimination, but it significantly overestimated the observed mortality in comparison with the predicted mortality in this group of patients in Croatia. Therefore, caution is required when an evaluation is performed at the individual level.

CVP vs. dynamic hemodynamic parameters as preload indicators in hemodynamically unstable patients after major surgery

Introduction. Adequate circulating blood volume is essential for the good outcome in postoperative patients. Therefore, the primary resuscitation question is how to assess the circulating volume. The aim of this study was to compare the central venous pressure (CVP) and dynamic LIDCO parameters as markers indicating preload in surgical patients. Materials and Methods. This prospective study included 24 patients hospitalized after major surgery at the surgical intensive care unit of the University hospital Zagreb, Croatia. The patients were mechanically ventilated, without spontaneous breathing attempts and in sinus rhythm. Patients were divided into 2 groups, hemodynamically stable and hemodynamically unstable. The CVP was measured as a static parameter while the stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) were measured as the dynamic parameters. Results. Study groups were comparable in terms of gender, age and body mass index. The difference in the CVP between the hemodynamically stable (13,2±3,74 mmHg) and hemodynamically unstable group of patients (10,1±5,6 mmHg) was statistically insignificant (p=0,144). Differences in SVV (10,2±6,48% in stable compared to 18,8±7,04% in unstable group) and PPV (11,5±6,65% in stable compared to 18±6,32% in unstable group) were both statistically significant with p values of 0,005 and 0,022 respectively. Conclusion. The study confirmed the inability of CVP to provide valid assessment of the preload as a reason for hemodynamic instability in comparison to dynamic LiDCOTMplus system parameters in mechanically ventilated major surgical patients.

Liver function assessment by indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension after “non-hepatic” abdominal surgery

Abstract Background and objective: Liver function assessment in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) after major abdominal surgery is complex and often confounding. Elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) often occurs after major abdominal surgery, and is associated with decreased abdominal blood flow and organ dysfunction, and it could cause abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which is a life-threatening condition. Plasma disappearance rate (PDR) of indocyanine green (ICG) and ICG retention rate after 15 min (R15) were used to evaluate liver function and as a prognostic parameter after major abdominal surgery. Methods: In this prospective/observational study, 51 patients were followed in the surgical intensive care unit after major abdominal surgery (operation of the small and large intestine, stomach, pancreas, spleen, or resection of the abdominal aorta), 29 had IAH. The PDR-ICG and R15 were analyzed 24 h after surgery concurrently with IAP, APP, bilirubin, AST, ALT, prothrombin time, albumin, cardiac index, arterial lactate, oxygen delivery, MAP (mean arterial pressure), APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation), SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment), and SAPS II (simplified acute physiology score). IAH has been defined as a peak intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) value of ≥12 mmHg, at a minimum, as two standardized measurements obtained 1–6 h apart. Results: The PDR-ICG measured 24 h after surgery was not different among groups (20.95% [SD = 10.34] vs 25.40% [SD = 7.42]), p = .094. ICG R15 was significantly higher in patients with IAH, 11.10% [SD = 13.82] vs 8.30 [SD = 11.46], p < .05, respectively. The PDR/ICG value was significantly lower in non-survivors than survivors (16.82 [SD = 10.87] vs 24.35 [SD = 8.48], p < .05). Conclusions: The results suggest that PDR/ICG and ICG R15 are useful dynamic tests for evaluation of complex liver function and survival prediction after major abdominal surgery in patients with IAH.

Extravascular lung water index as an indicator of lung injury in septic patients

Introduction. Transpulmonary thermodilution using PiCCO (Pulse-induced Contour Cardiac Output) is a standard minimally invasive method used for haemodynamic monitoring. Objectives. The goal of this paper is to examine the correlation and dynamics of the ExtraVascular Lung Water Index (EVLWI) as an indicator of acute lung injury in septic patients who underwent major abdominal surgery. Two groups of patients were selected: the ones with ALI (Acute Lung Injury): ALI patient group, and the ones without ALI: non-ALI patient group. A correlation between EVLWI and other haemodynamic and respiratory data in both groups were analyzed.Materials and methods. The study included 48 patients. Throughout the seven-day period EVLWI, GEDVI (Global End-Diastolic Volume Index), ITBVI (IntraThoracic Blood Volume Index), CI (Cardiac Index), SVRI (Systemic Vascular Resistance Index) were measured in both groups using PiCCO monitoring over 8-hour intervals as well as heart rate, mean arterial pressure, serum albumin concentration, PaCO2 (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide), PaO2 (arterial partial pressure of oxygen), PaO2/FiO2 (arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen) ratio, lung compliance, lung resistance and ScvO2 (central venous oxygen saturation). All patients were analgosedated, intubated, mechanically ventilated, in sinus cardiac rhythm. Circulatory unstable patients had vasoactive support and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores calculated. Ventilator settings and dosage of vasoactive drugs were kept constant during the study.Results. EVLWI was significantly higher in ALI patients group compared to non-ALI patients group. In patients with ALI group 11/22 patients died (50%), in the non-ALI patients group 6/26 patients died (23%). EVLWI was significantly higher in patients that died compared to ones who survived.Conclusion. EVLWI is a good indicator of early acute lung injury in surgical patients with sepsis.

Inadvertent hypothermia during the perioperative period

Inadvertent hypothermia, which is defined as temperature below 36°C, is common in the perioperative setting. Patients un-der general or regional anaesthesia have impaired temperature regulation/homeo-stasis. Temperature monitoring should be an established standard for all procedures that last more than 30 minutes. Unfortu-nately, study shows that it is not a common practice in European hospitals. Passive and active patient warming should be used to prevent and treat hypothermia. Warming should start in the preoperative period and last throughout all perioperative phases. In that way, well-known complication of hy-pothermia should be prevented. Cardiac event, coagulopathy and wound infection are the leading causes of delayed discharge and more adverse outcomes related to hy-pothermia. It is especially important to un-dertake all necessary intervention proce-dures to prevent hypothermia in a group of patients with known high number of risk factors for hypothermia. Ambient tem-perature, an important risk factor, should be monitored and maintained at about 21°C. According to reviewed evidence, the protocol to prevent, monitor and treat hy-pothermia should be established. Further studies about the implementation of tem-perature monitoring and regulation are needed in order to raise awareness about this issue.