Philippe Montravers

Iron deficiency in critically ill patients: highlighting the role of hepcidin

Iron is a paradoxical element, essential for living organisms but also potentially toxic. Indeed, iron has the ability to readily accept and donate electrons, interconverting from soluble ferrous form (Fe2+) to the insoluble ferric form (Fe3+). This capacity allows iron to play a major role in oxygen transport (as the central part of hemoglobin) but also in electron transfer, nitrogen fixation or DNA synthesis, all essential reactions for living organisms. Indeed, iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia [1] as well as a cause of fatigue [2], [3] and decreased effort capacity [4], [5]. However, despite a high frequency of anemia among critically ill patients, with 60 to 66 % being anemic at intensive care unit (ICU) admission [6], [7], to date little is known about iron deficiency and iron metabolism in critically ill patients [8]. The interaction between inflammation and iron metabolism interferes with the usual iron metabolism variables and renders this metabolism difficult to investigate [9], [10].

Vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of perineal necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections

Necrotizing skin and soft-tissue infections (NSSTI) requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) are life-threatening infections. NSSTI require early surgical débridement, empirical antibiotic therapy, and management of organ dysfunctions [1]. Local care of the surgical wound is a challenging issue in perineal NSSTI [2, 3]. Conventional dressings are usually performed with occlusive saline-moistened or Vaseline-gauze dressings that are changed at least daily until the wound heals adequately for skin closure [4]. Topical negative-pressure (TNP) therapy, such as vacuum-assisted closure therapy (VAC, KCI, San Antonio, Tex., USA), has been proposed in the management of a large variety of wounds [5, 6]. This technique promotes the healing process by stimulating granulation tissue and angiogenesis and also by decreasing local edema [7–9]. VAC has only recently been reported in the management of neck and lower limb NSSTI [10, 11] but is poorly described in the care of perineal lesions [5, 12]. Case report

Epidemiology and risk factors of multidrug-resistant bacteria in respiratory samples after lung transplantation.

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria are a growing concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and risk factors of MDR bacteria detected in respiratory invasive samples during hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) after lung transplantation (LT).

Positive peritoneal fluid fungal cultures in postoperative peritonitis after bariatric surgery

Postoperative peritonitis (POP) is a common surgical complication after bariatric surgery (BS). We assessed the importance of positive fungal cultures in these cases of POP admitted to the intensive care unit. Clinical features and outcome were compared in 25 (41%) Candida-positive patients (6 (22%) fluconazole-resistant Candida glabrata) and 36 patients without Candida infection. Candida infections were more commonly isolated in late-onset peritonitis and were often associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Risk factors for intensive care unit mortality (19.6%) were diabetes and superobesity. Candida infections, including fluconazole-resistant strains, are common in POP after BS. These data encourage the empirical use of a broad-spectrum antifungal agent.

Candida and severe acute pancreatitis: We won't be fooled again

Several studies have suggested a role of candida in infected cases of severe acute pancreatitis. This commentary reports high incidence and mortality rates of candida infection in this setting and demonstrates the value of the colonization index to detect patients at risk for fungal infection. These findings indicate the need to review the place of antifungal therapy and prophylaxis.

Continuous infusion of β-lactam antibiotics for all critically ill patients?

Infections are common in critically ill patients and are associated with a significant increase in ICU mortality and total costs related to patient management [1]. One of the main therapeutic interventions in severe infections is the administration of antibiotics; however, the prescription of adequate antimicrobial therapy still represents a complex challenge for clinicians...

Organisation de la réanimation en situation de pandémie de grippe aviaire

Résumé La survenue probable d’une pandémie grippale liée au virus H5N1 va entraîner un afflux massif de patients à l’hôpital, notamment en réanimation. Ce texte, rédigé par des experts des 7 sociétés savantes les plus impliquées, rappelle les principes généraux de l’organisation des hôpitaux en situation pandémique. Les points particuliers concernant la réanimation concernent le risque majeur de débordement et la nécessité imposée pas les autorités de tutelle d’un doublement de la capacité d’accueil. La réanimation pédiatrique semble particulièrement exposée, les jeunes enfants, particulièrement les petits nourrissons, devant être les plus affectés par les formes graves de grippe aviaire, dans le contexte actuel de pénurie relative de lits de réanimation pédiatrique. Il est donc proposé que les enfants de plus de 20kg soient admis en réanimation adulte. Il est souhaitable que les unités de réanimation néonatales restent à basse densité virale. Les services de réanimation mixtes (néonatale et pédiatrique) pourraient n’accueillir que les enfants. La baisse de la capacité d’admission en réanimation néonatale devrait amener à s’interroger sur une limitation des admissions de grands prématurés en situation de crise. Le doublement des capacités d’admission en réanimation pédiatrique pourrait se faire grâce à l’utilisation des unités de soins continus, des salles de réveil et le renforcement par du personnel, médical et non médical, libéré par les déprogrammations d’activités. Ces personnels seraient encadrés par les personnels habituels des unités. Des actions de formations spécifiques sont à mettre en œuvre pour les personnels destinés à renforcer les unités de réanimation. Summary The influenza pandemic will create a major increase in demand for hospital admissions, particularly for critical care services. The recommendations detailed herein have been elaborated by experts from medical societies potentially involved in this situation and focus on general hospital organization. Intensive care units will initially face high demand for admission; the Healthcare Authorities must therefore study how ICU capacity can be expanded. Pediatric intensive care units will be particularly affected by this situation of relative bed shortage, since young children, particularly infants, are expected to be affected by severe clinical forms of avian flu. Therefore, the weight threshold for admission to the adult ICU was lowered to 20kg. Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should remain, if possible, low viral density areas. Mixed (neonatal and pediatric) intensive care units could be dedicated to infants and children only. NICU admission of extreme premature babies should be limited in this difficult situation. Pediatric intensive care units (PICU) admission capacity could be doubled by using intermediate care and postoperative care units. The staff could be increased by doctors and nurses involved in canceled programmed activities. Healthcare workers transferred to PICU should be given special training. The influenza pandemic will create a major increase in demand for hospital admissions, particularly for critical care services. The recommendations detailed herein have been elaborated by experts from medical societies potentially involved in this situation and focus on general hospital organization. Intensive care units will initially face high demand for admission; the Healthcare Authorities must therefore study how ICU capacity can be expanded. Pediatric intensive care units will be particularly affected by this situation of relative bed shortage, since young children, particularly infants, are expected to be affected by severe clinical forms of avian flu. Therefore, the weight threshold for admission to the adult ICU was lowered to 20 kg. Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should remain, if possible, low viral density areas. Mixed (neonatal and pediatric) intensive care units could be dedicated to infants and children only. NICU admission of extreme premature babies should be limited in this difficult situation. Pediatric intensive care units (PICU) admission capacity could be doubled by using intermediate care and postoperative care units. The staff could be increased by doctors and nurses involved in canceled programmed activities. Healthcare workers transferred to PICU should be given special training.

Prolonged Benzodiazepine Coma as a Complication of Morbid Obesity

Mid-term and long-term complications of bariatric surgery have been described. Nevertheless, data dealing with healthcare-related complications in the specific context of morbid obesity are scarce [1]. Benzodiazepines may be associated with serious adverse events, and they should be used with caution in obese patients because of modification of pharmacokinetic characteristics [2]. We aim to describe two cases of prolonged coma due to drug accumulation after repeated benzodiazepine administration.

Organisation de la ventilation artificielle dans les unités de réanimation en France

OBJECTIVES To clarify the procedures related to mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit setting: allocation of ventilators, team education, maintenance and reference documents. STUDY DESIGN Declarative survey. METHODS Between September and December 2010, we assessed the assignment and types of ventilators (ICU ventilators, temporary repair ventilators, non-invasive ventilators [NIV], and transportation ventilators), medical and nurse education, maintenance of the ventilators, presence of reference documents. Results are expressed in median/range and proportions. RESULTS Among the 62 participating ICUs, a median of 15 ventilators/ICU (range 1-50) was reported with more than one trademark in 47 (76%) units. Specific ventilators were used for NIV in 22 (35%) units, temporary repair in 49 (79%) and transportation in all the units. Nurse education courses were given by ICU physicians in 54 (87%) units or by a company in 29 (47%) units. Medical education courses were made by ICU senior physicians in 55 (89%) units or by a company in 21 (34%) units. These courses were organized occasionally in 24 (39%) ICU and bi-annually in 16 (26%) units. Maintenance procedures were made by the ICU staff in 39 (63%) units, dedicated staff (17 [27%]) or bioengineering technicians (14 [23%] ICU). Reference documents were written for maintenance procedures in 48 (77%) units, ventilator setup in 22 (35%) units and ventilator dysfunction in 20 (32%) ICU. CONCLUSIONS This first survey shows disparate distribution of ventilators and practices among French ICU. Education and understanding of the proper use of ventilators are key issues for security improvement.

Mise au pointOrganisation de la réanimation en situation de pandémie de grippe aviaireOrganization of intensive care in situation of avian flu pandemic

Résumé La survenue probable d’une pandémie grippale liée au virus H5N1 va entraîner un afflux massif de patients à l’hôpital, notamment en réanimation. Ce texte, rédigé par des experts des 7 sociétés savantes les plus impliquées, rappelle les principes généraux de l’organisation des hôpitaux en situation pandémique. Les points particuliers concernant la réanimation concernent le risque majeur de débordement et la nécessité imposée pas les autorités de tutelle d’un doublement de la capacité d’accueil. La réanimation pédiatrique semble particulièrement exposée, les jeunes enfants, particulièrement les petits nourrissons, devant être les plus affectés par les formes graves de grippe aviaire, dans le contexte actuel de pénurie relative de lits de réanimation pédiatrique. Il est donc proposé que les enfants de plus de 20kg soient admis en réanimation adulte. Il est souhaitable que les unités de réanimation néonatales restent à basse densité virale. Les services de réanimation mixtes (néonatale et pédiatrique) pourraient n’accueillir que les enfants. La baisse de la capacité d’admission en réanimation néonatale devrait amener à s’interroger sur une limitation des admissions de grands prématurés en situation de crise. Le doublement des capacités d’admission en réanimation pédiatrique pourrait se faire grâce à l’utilisation des unités de soins continus, des salles de réveil et le renforcement par du personnel, médical et non médical, libéré par les déprogrammations d’activités. Ces personnels seraient encadrés par les personnels habituels des unités. Des actions de formations spécifiques sont à mettre en œuvre pour les personnels destinés à renforcer les unités de réanimation. Summary The influenza pandemic will create a major increase in demand for hospital admissions, particularly for critical care services. The recommendations detailed herein have been elaborated by experts from medical societies potentially involved in this situation and focus on general hospital organization. Intensive care units will initially face high demand for admission; the Healthcare Authorities must therefore study how ICU capacity can be expanded. Pediatric intensive care units will be particularly affected by this situation of relative bed shortage, since young children, particularly infants, are expected to be affected by severe clinical forms of avian flu. Therefore, the weight threshold for admission to the adult ICU was lowered to 20kg. Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should remain, if possible, low viral density areas. Mixed (neonatal and pediatric) intensive care units could be dedicated to infants and children only. NICU admission of extreme premature babies should be limited in this difficult situation. Pediatric intensive care units (PICU) admission capacity could be doubled by using intermediate care and postoperative care units. The staff could be increased by doctors and nurses involved in canceled programmed activities. Healthcare workers transferred to PICU should be given special training. The influenza pandemic will create a major increase in demand for hospital admissions, particularly for critical care services. The recommendations detailed herein have been elaborated by experts from medical societies potentially involved in this situation and focus on general hospital organization. Intensive care units will initially face high demand for admission; the Healthcare Authorities must therefore study how ICU capacity can be expanded. Pediatric intensive care units will be particularly affected by this situation of relative bed shortage, since young children, particularly infants, are expected to be affected by severe clinical forms of avian flu. Therefore, the weight threshold for admission to the adult ICU was lowered to 20 kg. Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should remain, if possible, low viral density areas. Mixed (neonatal and pediatric) intensive care units could be dedicated to infants and children only. NICU admission of extreme premature babies should be limited in this difficult situation. Pediatric intensive care units (PICU) admission capacity could be doubled by using intermediate care and postoperative care units. The staff could be increased by doctors and nurses involved in canceled programmed activities. Healthcare workers transferred to PICU should be given special training.