Tae Rim Lee

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic marker in critically-ill septic patients

Background: We evaluated the associations between the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) or changes in NLR and outcomes in septic patients. Methods: Patients who met the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock were categorized into five groups according to the quintile of initial NLR value. We defined two risk groups according to NLR value and changes in NLR during the first two days (defined as the persistently low NLR group and the persistently high NLR group). The primary outcome was 28‐day mortality. Results: A total of 1395 patients were included. The median initial NLR values from Quintile 1 to Quintile 5 were as follows: 0.2 (IQR [interquartile range], 0.1–0.7), 3.4 (IQR, 2.6–4.7), 8.6 (IQR, 7.1–9.9), 15.4 (IQR, 13.3–17.8), and 31.0 (IQR, 24.6–46.8), respectively. The 28‐day mortality values for the same groups were as follows: 24.4%, 12.2%, 11.1%, 11.8%, and 16.1% (P < .01). Cox regression analysis showed that inclusion in Quintile 1 or Quintile 5 was a significant risk factor predicting 28‐day mortality compared to Quintile 3 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.78) in Quintile 1; 1.67 (95% CI, 1.04–2.66) in Quintile 5). The analysis indicated that persistently low NLR (adjusted HR: 2.25, 95% CI, 1.63–3.11) and persistently high NLR (adjusted HR: 2.65, 95% CI, 1.64–4.29) were significant risk factors. Conclusions: In summary, the initial NLR measured at ED admission was independently associated with 28‐day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In addition, change in NLR may prove to be a valuable prognostic marker.

Low Accuracy of Positive qSOFA Criteria for Predicting 28-Day Mortality in Critically Ill Septic Patients During the Early Period After Emergency Department Presentation

Study objective We determine the diagnostic performance of positive Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) scores for predicting 28‐day mortality among critically ill septic patients during the early period after emergency department (ED) presentation. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care academic center. We reviewed a registry of adult (≥18 years) patients who received a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock during an ED stay from August 2008 through September 2014. We identified the point at which patients met 2 or more of the 3 qSOFA criteria (indicating a positive qSOFA score) simultaneously during the initial 24 hours. The diagnostic performance of positive qSOFA score for predicting 28‐day mortality was assessed (on ED arrival and within 3, 6, and 24 hours after ED presentation). Results A total of 1,395 patients were included, and the overall 28‐day mortality was 15%. For patients with positive qSOFA score, 28‐day mortality was 23% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19% to 28%) on ED arrival, 20% (95% CI 17% to 23%) at 3 hours, 20% (95% CI 17% to 22%) at 6 hours, and 17% (95% CI 15% to 20%) at 24 hours. Positive qSOFA score for predicting 28‐day mortality had a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve, respectively, of 39% (95% CI 32% to 46%), 77% (95% CI 75% to 80%), and 0.58 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.62) on ED arrival; 68% (95% CI 62% to 75%), 52% (95% CI 49% to 55%), and 0.60 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.63) within 3 hours; 82% (95% CI 76% to 87%), 41% (95% CI 38% to 44%), and 0.61 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.64) within 6 hours; and 91% (95% CI 86% to 94%), 23% (95% CI 21% to 25%), and 0.57 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.59) within 24 hours. Conclusion The diagnostic performance of positive qSOFA score for predicting 28‐day mortality was low in critically ill septic patients, particularly during the early period after ED presentation. The study requires further prospective validation because of limitations with its retrospective design and use of single‐center data.

Association between hemodynamic presentation and outcome in sepsis patients.

ABSTRACT We aimed to compare outcomes of sepsis patients according to their hemodynamic presentation: cryptic shock (CS), cryptic to overt shock (COS), and overt shock (OS). We analyzed the sepsis registry for adult patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital and met the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock between August 2008 and March 2012. We classified the patients as having CS, COS, or OS. “Cryptic shock” was defined as severe sepsis with a lactate level of 4 mmol/L or greater and normotension, “COS” was defined as initial CS that progressed to septic shock within 72 h, and “OS” was defined as septic shock on ED arrival. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess variables related to in-hospital mortality and a multivariable Cox regression analysis to assess predictive factors for progression to OS in patients who initially showed CS. A total of 591 patients were included. We assigned 187 (31.6%) patients to the CS group, 157 (26.6%) patients to the COS group, and 247 (41.8%) patients to the OS group. There was a significant difference in unadjusted in-hospital mortality among groups (7.0% in the CS group, 27.4% in the COS group, and 21.9% in the OS group; P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) for in-hospital mortality of 0.17 (95% confidence interval, 0.07 – 0.40; P < 0.01) for the CS group and 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.46 – 1.49; P = 0.54) for the COS group compared with the OS group. A higher blood lactate concentration and respiratory failure were significant risk factors for progression to OS. In conclusion, CS without deterioration to hypotension during initial treatment showed significantly lower mortality than OS. The mortality from CS that progressed to apparent hypotension, however, was comparable to the mortality associated with OS.

Impact of timely antibiotic administration on outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department

Objective We aimed to investigate the effect of timely antibiotic administration on outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods We analyzed data from a sepsis registry that included adult patients who initially presented to the emergency department (ED) and met criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. Timely antibiotic use was defined as administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic within three hours from the time of ED arrival. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess associations between timely administration of antibiotics and outcomes, including hospital mortality, 48-hour change in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (delta SOFA), and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results A total of 591 patients were included in the study. In-hospital mortality was 16.9% for patients receiving timely antibiotics (n=377) and 22.9% for patients receiving delayed antibiotics (n=214; P=0.04). The adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital survival was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34 to 0.87; P=0.01) in patients who received timely antibiotics. Timely antibiotic administration was also significantly associated with higher delta SOFA (2 vs. 1) and shorter hospital LOS among survivors (11 days vs. 15 days). Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that timely antibiotic administration was significantly associated with increased delta SOFA and decreased hospital LOS. Conclusion Antibiotic administration within three hours from the time of ED arrival was significantly associated with improved outcomes, including in-hospital survival, reversal of organ failure, and shorter hospital LOS, in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.

Comprehensive Interpretation of Central Venous Oxygen Saturation and Blood Lactate Levels During Resuscitation of Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock in the Emergency Department.

Objectives: We evaluated central venous oxygen saturation (Scvo2) and lactate levels as a combination measure to predict mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Methods: We included patients older than 18 years of age who presented to a single tertiary emergency center with septic shock or severe sepsis and received early goal-directed therapy. We classified the sample into four groups according to lactate (cut-off: 4 mmol/L) and Scvo2 (cut-off: 70%) levels at the time of initial resuscitation: Group 1, high-Scvo2, and low-lactate; Group 2, low-Scvo2, and low-lactate; Group 3, high-Scvo2, and high-lactate; Group 4, low-Scvo2, and high-lactate. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality determined by multivariable Cox-regression analysis. Results: A total of 880 patients were included in this study. The 28-day mortality was 6.7% in Group 1, 15.7% in Group 2, 26.7% in Group 3, and 25.5% in Group 4 (P < 0.01). Compared with Group 1, all other groups showed significant differences in mortality (P < 0.01 by the log-rank test). There was, however, no difference between Groups 3 and 4. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that all other groups exhibited significantly increased hazard ratios for 28-day mortality, compared with Group 1. Conclusions: Oxygenation category, as represented by initial Scvo2 and lactate levels, was significantly associated with 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. Associations between Scvo2 ≥70% and 28-day survival were observed only in patients without severe lactic acidosis.

Survival and Neurologic Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients Who Were Transferred after Return of Spontaneous Circulation for Integrated Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome Care: The Another Feasibility of the Cardiac Arrest Center

It has been proven that safety and efficiency of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients is transported to specialized hospitals that have the capability of performing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). However, the outcome of the patients who have been transferred after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) has not been well evaluated. We conducted a retrospective observational study between January 2010 to March 2012. There were primary outcomes as good neurofunctional status at 1 month and the secondary outcomes as the survivals at 1 month between Samsung Medical Center (SMC) group and transferred group. A total of 91 patients were enrolled this study. There was no statistical difference between good neurologic outcomes between both groups (38% transferred group vs. 40.6% SMC group, P=0.908). There was no statistical difference in 1 month survival between the 2 groups (66% transferred group vs. 75.6% SMC group, P=0.318). In the univariate and multivariate models, the ROSC to induction time and the induction time had no association with good neurologic outcomes. The good neurologic outcome and survival at 1 month had no significant differences between the 2 groups. This finding suggests the possibility of integrated post-cardiac arrest care for OHCA patients who are transferred from other hospitals after ROSC in the cardiac arrest center. Graphical Abstract

Impact of Metformin Use on Lactate Kinetics in Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the impact of metformin use on lactate kinetics in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods: We analyzed data from a registry that included patients who presented to the emergency department and met criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. Patients were divided into two groups based on metformin use. We compared lactate concentrations, lactate clearance (LC), and normalization at 6 h (H6) and 24 h (H24) after the initial (H0) measurement. Propensity score matching, multiple logistic, and linear regression analysis via a generalized estimating equations method were used. Results: Of 1,318 patients, 71 patients were in the metformin use group and all 71 were selected in a one to two propensity matching. Metformin users showed significantly higher lactate levels at H0 (5.3 vs. 4.4 mmol/L) and H6 (3.8 vs. 2.9 mmol/L) in all patients, although in the matched subset, the effect was marginal (H0, 5.3 vs. 4.9 mmol/L; H6, 3.8 vs. 3.2 mmol/L; H24, 2.7 vs. 2.4 mmol/L). Mean LC (H6, 29% vs. 34%; H24, 43% vs. 49%) and normalization rate (H6, 27% vs. 28%; H24, 49% vs. 52%) were also not significantly different. Although metformin use appeared to be associated with higher lactate levels before using the propensity score method, no significant association was found between metformin use and lactate kinetics variables in the balanced matched subset data. Conclusions: Lactate levels in metformin users were initially elevated in the early phase of resuscitation from severe sepsis and septic shock. However, there was no significant difference in lactate levels, LC, and normalization over the initial 24 h period based on metformin use.

Early central diabetes insipidus: An ominous sign in post–cardiac arrest patients

PURPOSE Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) after cardiac arrest is not well described. Thus, we aim to study the occurrences, outcomes, and risk factors of CDI of survivors after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed post-OHCA patients treated at a single center. Central diabetes insipidus was retrospectively defined by diagnostic criteria. One-month cerebral performance category (CPC) scores were collected for outcomes. RESULTS Of the 169 patients evaluated, 36 patients (21.3%) were diagnosed with CDI. All CDI patients had a poor neurologic outcome of either CPC 4 (13.9%) or CPC 5 (86.1%), and CDI was strongly associated with mortality. Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.99), respiratory arrest (OR, 6.62; 95% CI, 1.23-35.44), asphyxia (OR, 9.26; 95% CI, 2.17-34.61), and gray to white matter ratio on brain computed tomogram (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95) were associated with the development of CDI. The onset of CDI was earlier (P < .001) and the maximum 24-hour urine output was larger (P = .03) in patients with worst outcomes. CONCLUSIONS All patients diagnosed with CDI had poor neurologic outcomes, and occurrence of CDI was associated with mortality. Central diabetes insipidus patients with death or brain death had earlier occurrence of CDI and more maximum urine output.

Basic life support skill improvement with newly designed renewal programme: cluster randomised study of small-group-discussion method versus practice-while-watching method

Background For the basic life support (BLS) renewal course, we have devised a new educational programme entitled a small-group-discussion (SGD) programme using personalised video-based debriefing. Objective We compared the efficacy in BLS skill improvement of the SGD programme with the currently used practice-while-watching (PWW) programme, which uses a standardised education video. Method This was a prospective, cluster randomised study, conducted in a single centre, over 6 months from May 2009 to October 2009. Training was performed in two groups of participants, each group with a different renewal education programme. The efficacy of the programmes was compared using the modified Cardiff test and skill-reporting manikins. Results Results from 2169 participants were analysed: 1061 in the SGD programme group and 1108 in the PWW programme group. There were no differences between groups on the pretest, either in compression or non-compression skills. However, on the post-test, the SGD programme gave better results for both compression skills and non-compression skills. Conclusions The new SGD renewal programme is more effective than the PWW programme for improving skills in BLS renewal training.

The Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Low Procalcitonin Levels Among Patients With Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock in the Emergency Department.

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of low procalcitonin (PCT) levels among patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, and to investigate clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with low PCT levels. Methods: We analyzed data from the sepsis registry for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in the emergency department. Based on a specific PCT cutoff value, patients were classified into two groups: a low PCT group, PCT <0.25 ng/mL; and a high PCT group, PCT ≥0.25 ng/mL. The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate independent factors associated with low PCT and 28-day mortality. Results: A total of 1,212 patients were included. Of the eligible patients, 154 (12.7%) were assigned to the low PCT group, and 1,058 (87.3%) to the high PCT group. The 28-day mortality was 4.6% in the low PCT group and 13.5% in the high PCT group (P < 0.01). The adjusted odds ratio of the low PCT group for 28-day mortality was 0.43 (95% CI 0.19–0.98; P = 0.04). There was no trend of increasing mortality among higher PCT level patients. In a logistic regression model, factors associated with low PCT were pneumonia, lower C-reactive protein levels, lower lactate levels, the absence of bacteremia, and the absence of organ failure. Intra-abdominal infection and obesity were associated with high PCT. Conclusion: Initial low PCT levels were common among patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock in the emergency department, suggesting favorable outcomes. The prevalence of low PCT levels was significantly different according to obesity, the source of infection, C-reactive protein levels, lactate levels, bacteremia, and organ failure.