Sidney Tessler

Double-blind randomised controlled trial of monoclonal antibody to human tumour necrosis factor in treatment of septic shock

Summary Background Despite the availability of potent antibiotics and intensive care, mortality rates from septic shock are 40–70%. We assessed the safety and efficacy of murine monoclonal antibody to human tumour necrosis factor α (TNF α MAb) in the treatment of septic shock. Methods In a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 105 hospitals in the USA and Canada, we randomly assigned 1879 patients a single infusion of 7·5 mg/kg TNFα MAb (n=949) or placebo (0·25% human serum albumin n=930). Our main outcome measurement was the rate of all-cause mortality at 28 days. Findings 382 (40·3%) of 948 patients who received TNFα MAb and 398 (42·8%) of 930 who received placebo had died at 28 days (95% CI −0·02 to 0·07, p=0·27). We found no association between therapy with TNFα MAb and increased rapidity in reversal of initial shock or prevention of subsequent shock. Similarly, baseline plasma interleukin-6 concentrations of more than 1000 pg/mL or detectable circulating TNF concentrations were not associated with improvement in survival after TNFα MAb therapy. Coagulopathy but not other organ or system failures, was significantly decreased in the TNFα MAb group compared with placebo (day 7, p Interpretation We did not find an improvement in survival after septic shock with TNFα MAb. Therapy not solely dependent on TNFα blockade may be required to improve survival.

Prolonged Weakness after Long-Term Infusion of Vecuronium Bromide

Excerpt Vecuronium bromide is a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent chemically similar to pancuronium, but with minimal cardiovascular side effects (1). Unlike other neuromuscular blocking...

Systemic absorption of oral vancomycin in patients with Clostridium difficile infection

Abstract Oral vancomycin is utilized in the treatment of severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). We prospectively measured serum vancomycin concentrations (SVC) in patients treated with oral vancomycin. The SVC was measured by immunoassay prior to, and at least 3 days after, the administration of oral vancomycin 125 mg every 6 h. Patients treated with intravenous vancomycin were excluded. Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of 74 y (± 18) were enrolled. There was no detectable SVC in 56 patients (98%); 1 patient had a transient SVC of 6.7 μg/ml that was not detectable on subsequent testing. The severity of the CDI and/or renal failure did not have an effect on SVC. Orally administered vancomycin at 125 mg 4 times daily was not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Metoprolol in the treatment of multifocal atrial tachycardia.

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is a difficult arrhythmia to treat. Pharmacologic treatment is generally disappointing, and successful conversion in a predictable manner is uncommon. To assess the efficacy of metoprolol, a relatively selective beta 1-adrenergic blocking agent, we administered this agent to 11 patients (aged 71.8 ± 8.3 yr). All patients had serious pulmonary disease. Hypoxia, hypercarbia, acidosis, and electrolyte abnormalities were corrected before the study. Nine patients were receiving theophylline derivatives and six digoxin. Serum levels for both drugs were in the therapeutic range. Four patients had received verapamil without control of MAT. Mean atrial rate before administration of metoprolol was 142.3 ± 17.2 beat/min and mean ventricular rate was 131.4 ± 24.3 beat/min. One to 3 h after metoprolol (25 or 50 mg orally), all patients were restored to sinus rhythm, with a mean ventricular rate of 86.9 ± 6.8 beat/min (p < .01). Six patients had 3 to 6 premature atrial contractions per minute. No adverse effects were noted, and arterial blood gases before and after therapy were comparable. Five patients expired from their underlying disease and four were continued on metoprolol to maintain sinus rhythm. Metoprolol is effective in the acute and chronic treatment of MAT and may be given to patients with MAT and respiratory failure without serious adverse effects.

ACUTE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: The Intensivist's Perspective

Gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a common and potentially lethal medical emergency that is a common cause for intensive care unit admission. The intensivist plays an important role as a member of the medical team managing the patient with GI bleeding who is at high risk because of severe bleeding, comorbidity, or the presence of endoscopic stigmata of recent hemorrhage. This article presents the intensivists approach to GI hemorrhage in initial patient assessment, triage, resuscitation, specialist consultation, diagnostic evaluation, and medical therapy. This article focuses on types of GI bleeding of particular concern to the intensivist, including esophageal variceal bleeding, stress-related GI bleeding, and GI bleeding associated with myocardial infarcation.

Chest Tube Drainage of Transudative Pleural Effusions Hastens Liberation From Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND Pleural effusions occur frequently in patients requiring mechanical ventilatory support. Treatment of the precipitating cause and resolution of the pleural effusion may take considerable time. We retrospectively studied the effect of chest tube drainage of transudative pleural effusions on the liberation of patients from mechanical ventilatory support. METHODS Patients in the medical ICU (MICU) at Maimonides Medical Center between January 1, 2009, and October 31, 2009, requiring mechanical ventilatory support with a transudative pleural effusion, were studied retrospectively. They were divided into two groups: standard care and standard care plus chest tube drainage. Chest tubes were placed under ultrasound guidance by trained intensivists. Duration of mechanical ventilatory support was the primary end point. Secondary end points included measures of oxygenation, amount of fluid drained, and complications associated with the chest tube. RESULTS A total of 168 patients were studied; 88 were treated with standard care and 80 underwent chest tube drainage. Total duration of mechanical ventilatory support was significantly shorter for patients who had chest tube drainage: 3.8±0.5 days vs 6.5±1.1 days for the standard group (P=.03). No differences in oxygenation were noted between the two groups. The average amount of fluid drained was 1,220 mL. No significant complications were caused by chest tube drainage. CONCLUSIONS Chest tube drainage of transudative pleural effusions resulted in more rapid liberation from mechanical ventilatory support. It is a very safe procedure when performed under ultrasound guidance by experienced personnel. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT0114285; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Methylene blue reverses recalcitrant shock in β-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose

β-blocker and calcium channel blocker toxicity generally present with bradycardia and hypotension. A 69-year-old woman presented after a suicide attempt with a β-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose. Her blood pressure was 69/35 mm Hg and her HR was in the 40s. She was treated with calcium chloride, glucagon, a dextrose–insulin infusion and three vasopressors, but remained hypotensive. She suffered two cardiac arrests and required a transvenous pacemaker. When all interventions failed, she was started on a methylene blue infusion for refractory vasodilatory shock which resulted in a dramatic improvement in her blood pressure. The patient was successfully weaned off all vasopressors and from mechanical ventilation without any end-organ damage.

Severe epistaxis after nasogastric tube insertion requiring arterial embolisation

A 53-year-old dialysis patient was admitted with symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain and vomiting. She aspirated and required intubation. A nasogastric tube was placed with slight difficulty and the patient developed severe epistaxis. The bleeding could not be controlled with mechanical pressure and nasal packing. Angiography revealed extravasation from a pseudoaneurysm arising from the inferior pharyngeal branch of the ascending pharyngeal trunk. The vessel was successfully embolised with cessation of bleeding. We emphasise that even a seemingly easy procedure like insertion of a nasogastric tube, can lead to a life-threatening complication.

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis Caused by Gemella sanguinis: A Consequence of Persistent Dental Infection

Late prosthetic valve endocarditis is usually caused by streptococci, staphylococci, gram-negative bacilli and candida. The authors report the first case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Gemella sanguinis. The patients risk factors for the development of Gemella endocarditis were the persistent severe dental caries and the presence of prosthetic valves. The patient required surgical replacement of the infected valve but had a good outcome with preservation of cardiac and valvular function. Evaluation and treatment of the persistent dental infection before initial valvular surgery may have prevented secondary infection of the prosthetic valve.

Congestive Heart Failure and Thoracentesis

Excerpt To the editor: The position paper on thoracentesis and pleural effusions (1), in the November issue, states that thoracentesis is indicated in all patients with pleural effusions of unknown...