scholarly journals Reproducibility of Protected Brush Catheter Specimen Cultures in Critically Ill Patients with Suspected Nosocomial Pneumonia

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A Fox ◽  
David J Leasa ◽  
William J Sibbald ◽  
David G McCormack
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Excellent Agreement ◽  
Nosocomial Pneumonia ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Kappa Statistic ◽  
Central Nervous System Disease ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproducibility of two protected brush catheter (PBC) specimens obtained during the same bronchoscopy in critically ill patients with suspected ventilator associated pneumonia.DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.SETTING: Two university-affiliated multidisciplinary intensive care un its with a combined total of 50 beds.PATIENTS: A total of 75 (50 male. 25 female) patients with 84 episodes of suspected ventilator associated pneumonia were studied be tween January 1, 1991 and June 30, 1992. Age was 60.7±1.9 (mean ± SEM) years, and mean APACHE II score was 22.4±2.0. Twenty-four patients were admitted from various medical services, 19 from surgical services including the operating room, 16 with central nervous system disease and 16 following multiple trauma. Twenty patients were transferred directly to the intensive care unit from peripheral hospitals.INTERVENTIONS: All patients had lower respiratory tract secretions obtained for culture by both aspiration through the endotracheal n1be (tracheal aspirates) and flexible bronchoscopy, with separate samples obtained by two PBCs (PBC-A and PBC-8).MAIN RESULTS: The overall proportion of agreement between the results of t he two PBC specimens was 0.928, with a calculated kappa statistic (κ) = 0.853 (P<0.01 versus κ=0.4, 95% CL 0.692, 1.014) indicating excellent agreement between the two specimens. Both PBC specimens had significant (ie, more than 103colony-forming units/mL) growth (positive/positive) in 33 cases, nonsignificant growth in 45 cases (negative/negative) and discordant results in six (positive/negative, n=3 or negative/positive, n=3 ). There was a significant relationship (P<0.05) between the concurrent use of antibiotics and a negative PBC result. However, after exclusion of patients on antibiotics, the overall proportion of agreement between the two PBCs was 0.94 with κ=0.875 (P<0.01 versus κ=0.4, 95% CL 0.721, 1.029), which also indicates excellent agreement between the two tests.CONCLUSIONS: Although discordant results were observed in 7.2% cases, the overall reproducibility of the PBC results appears to be high. The significant relationship between concurrent antibiotic use and a negative PBC result is of concern clinically since many patients arc being treated with antibiotics al the time of bronchoscopy. Therefore, when the diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients is established, the PBC result should be considered only in association with all the other clinical data, particularly in patients receiving concurrent antibiotics.

scholarly journals Serum potassium levels and outcomes in critically ill patients in the medical intensive care unit

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 1254-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surat Tongyoo ◽  
Tanuwong Viarasilpa ◽  
Chairat Permpikul
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Serum Potassium ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Medical Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Icu Mortality ◽  
Medical Intensive Care

Objective To compare the outcomes of patients with and without a mean serum potassium (K+) level within the recommended range (3.5–4.5 mEq/L). Methods This prospective cohort study involved patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Siriraj Hospital from May 2012 to February 2013. The patients’ baseline characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, serum K+ level, and hospital outcomes were recorded. Patients with a mean K+ level of 3.5 to 4.5 mEq/L and with all individual K+ values of 3.0 to 5.0 mEq/L were allocated to the normal K+ group. The remaining patients were allocated to the abnormal K+ group. Results In total, 160 patients were included. Their mean age was 59.3±18.3 years, and their mean APACHE II score was 21.8±14.0. The normal K+ group comprised 74 (46.3%) patients. The abnormal K+ group had a significantly higher mean APACHE II score, proportion of coronary artery disease, and rate of vasopressor treatment. An abnormal serum K+ level was associated with significantly higher ICU mortality and incidence of ventricular fibrillation. Conclusion Critically ill patients with abnormal K+ levels had a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and ICU mortality than patients with normal K+ levels.

Outcomes of Critically Ill Gynecological Cancer Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio A. Ñamendys-Silva ◽  
María O. González-Herrera ◽  
Julia Texcocano-Becerra ◽  
Angel Herrera-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Apache Ii Score

Purpose: To assess the characteristics of critically ill patients with gynecological cancer, and to evaluate their prognosis. Methods: Fifty-two critically ill patients with gynecological cancer admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with hospital mortality. Results: Thirty-five patients (67.3%) had carcinoma of the cervix uteri and 11 (21.2%) had ovarian cancer. The mortality rate in the ICU was 17.3% (9 of 52) and hospital mortality rate were 23%(12 of 52). In the multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors for hospital mortality were vasopressor use (odds ratio [OR] = 8.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-36; P = .03) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.09; P = .048). Conclusions: The independent prognostic factors for hospital mortality were the need for vasopressors and the APACHE II score.

scholarly journals Prolonged muscle inactivity and evaluation of peripheral neuromuscular features in patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-64
Author(s):  
George Elesnitsalis ◽  
Ioannis Amiridis ◽  
Dimitrios Patikas ◽  
Ioanna Vekili ◽  
Maria Vourvou
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Conduction Velocity ◽  
Soleus Muscle ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Tibial Nerve ◽  
H Reflex ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
M Wave ◽  
Stimulation Of

Introduction: Polyneuromyopathy constitutes a common complication in critically ill patients of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in the last few years it appears to be identified as a syndrome detectable in the limbs and respiratory muscles. It is associated with the difficulties during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Aim: The present study investigates the reflective reaction of the soleus muscle following an electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve in intubated critically ill patients hospitalized in ICU with no medical history prior to their admission. Methods: Thirteen (13) patients who had been hospitalized for more than five (5) days and had a high APACHE II score (>15) and 13 age-matched control subjects were asked to participate in the present study on a volunteer basis. During the study, as reflective response parameters the range of the H-reflex and M-wave of the soleus muscle, as well as the conduction velocity of the tibial nerve, after electro-stimulation of the tibial nerve at the popliteal-fossa level, were assessed Results: Statistical analysis revealed significantly lower values in the ICU patients compared to healthy controls in both H-reflex range (p<0,049) and the M-wave range (p<0,041), as well as conduction velocity (p<0,001) of the tibial nerve. Conclusions: It is concluded that the reflective response of the soleus muscle as well as the tibial nerve’s conduction velocity are affected in critically ill patients hospitalized in ICU. The study of the above neurological parameters can provide further insights into the establishment and progress of polyneuromyopathy of critically ill patients in ICUs.

Oral Health and Care in the Intensive Care Unit: State of the Science

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy L. Munro ◽  
Mary Jo Grap
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Microbial Flora ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Oral health is influenced by oral microbial flora, which are concentrated in dental plaque. Dental plaque provides a microhabitat for organisms and an opportunity for adherence of the organisms to either the tooth surface or other microorganisms. In critically ill patients, potential pathogens can be cultured from the oral cavity. These microorganisms in the mouth can translocate and colonize the lung, resulting in ventilator-associated pneumonia. The importance of oral care in the intensive care unit has been noted in the literature, but little research is available on mechanical or pharmacological approaches to reducing oral microbial flora via oral care in critically ill adults. Most research in oral care has been directed toward patients’ comfort; the microbiological and physiological effects of tooth brushing in the intensive care unit have not been reported. Although 2 studies indicated reductions in rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia in cardiac surgery patients who received chlorhexidine before intubation and postoperatively, the effects of chlorhexidine in reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia in other populations of critically ill patients or its effect when treatment with the agent initiated after intubation have not been reported. In addition, no evaluation of the effectiveness of pharmacological and mechanical interventions relative to each other or in combination has been published. Additional studies are needed to develop and test best practices for oral care in critically ill patients.

Effects of Different Blood Glucose Levels on Critically Ill Patients in an Intensive Care Unit

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 388-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Kang ◽  
Juan Han ◽  
Qun-Cao Yang ◽  
Hui-Lin Huang ◽  
Nan Hao
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
High Blood Glucose ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels

<b><i>Aims:</i></b> We explore the infection incidence and possible prognostic outcome relevance for patients with different blood glucose levels in an intensive care unit (ICU). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 98 cases were enrolled and divided into three groups based on average fasting blood glucose levels (group A: ≤6.1 mmol/l; group B: 6.1-10 mmol/l; group C: ≥10 mmol/l). <b><i>Results:</i></b> There were no statistical differences in the time to ICU admission, the indwelling durations of gastric tubes, urinary or deep vein catheters, tracheal intubations and tracheotomies, or the length of ventilator use (all p > 0.05). No evident difference in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome rate was found between the three groups (p = 0.226). The infection and mortality rates between the groups showed significant differences (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the difference of respiratory system infections was statistically significant among the three groups (p = 0.008), yet no such statistical difference was observed among groups regarding nonrespiratory system infections (p = 0.227). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Critically ill patients with a high blood glucose level were positively correlated with a relatively high APACHE II score and more serious degree of disease, as well as a higher incidence of respiratory infection during their ICU stay than those with lower blood glucose levels (<10 mmol/l).

Effect Of Kinetic Therapy on Pulmonary Complications

2004 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahrens ◽  
Marin Kollef ◽  
Jena Stewart ◽  
William Shannon
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Kinetic Therapy

• Background Optimal turning of critically ill patients is not well established. Kinetic therapy (systematic mechanical rotation of patients with 40° turns) may improve pulmonary function more than the improvement in function achieved via the standard of care (turning patients every 2 hours).• Objective To determine (1) if patients receiving mechanical ventilation who tolerate kinetic therapy have better pulmonary function than do patients treated with standard turning and (2) the cost-effectiveness of kinetic therapy.• Methods A prospective, randomized, multicenter study including 234 medical, surgical, and trauma patients (137 control patients, 97 patients receiving kinetic therapy).• Results Kinetic therapy significantly decreased the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and lobar atelectasis. The risk of pneumonia developing was lower (P = .002) in patients receiving kinetic therapy than in the control patients. The risk of lobar atelectasis developing was decreased (P = .02) for the patients receiving kinetic therapy. Lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital did not differ between the groups. Charges for intensive care were less in the kinetic therapy group ($81 700) than in the control group ($84 958), but not significantly less. Twenty-one patients did not tolerate kinetic therapy and were not included in the analysis.• Conclusion Kinetic therapy helps prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia and lobar atelectasis in critically ill patients. Costs to rent the bed may be offset by the potential cost reduction associated with kinetic therapy.

scholarly journals Impact of colistin-initiation delay on mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by A. baumannii

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1129-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaher Samrah ◽  
Yazan Bashtawi ◽  
Wail Hayajneh ◽  
Basima Almomani ◽  
Suleiman Momany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Treatment Delay ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: There has been increased incidence and high mortality in cases with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by colistin-only-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii (COS-AB). Colistin has emerged as a therapeutic option for VAP caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms including COS-AB. A retrospective study was conducted to examine the impact of early versus late initiation of colistin on 30-day mortality of critically ill patients with VAP caused by COS-AB. Methodology: Critically ill patients with VAP caused by COS-AB who received colistin were enrolled. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the temporal breakpoint that maximized the difference in 30-day mortality. Results: A total of 56 patients (34 men and 22 women) were included in the study. About 86% of all cases were late-onset VAP. The 30-day mortality was 46.4%. The rate was higher among patients with admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score > 18 and patients with a delay of more than four days in initiating colistin treatment. The mortality rate was 26.9% among patients with treatment delay of four or fewer days and 63.3% for patients with a treatment delay of more than four days. Conclusions: A delay of four days or more in initiating colistin in patients with VAP caused by COS-AB significantly increases mortality. Colistin should be considered in the empirical protocols in late-onset VAP cases when COS-AB is highly suspected.

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamics-Optimized Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia/Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (03) ◽  
pp. 271-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helmi Sulaiman ◽  
Mohd Abdul-Aziz ◽  
Jason Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Hospital Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Hospital Acquired

AbstractHospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality. With increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance, the importance of optimizing antibiotic treatment is key to maximize treatment outcomes. This is especially important in critically ill patients in intensive care units, in whom the infection is usually caused by less susceptible organisms. In addition, the marked physiological changes that can occur in these patients can cause serious changes in antibiotic pharmacokinetics which in turn alter the attainment of therapeutic drug exposures. This article reviews the various aspects of the pharmacokinetic changes that can occur in the critically ill patients, the barriers to achieving therapeutic drug exposures in pneumonia for systemically delivered antibiotics, the optimization for commonly used antibiotics in hospital- and ventilator-associated pneumonia, the agents that should be avoided in the treatment regimen, as well as the use of adjunctive therapy in the form of nebulized antibiotics.

scholarly journals Efficacies of Colistin–Carbapenem versus Colistin–Tigecycline in Critically Ill Patients with CR-GNB-Associated Pneumonia: A Multicenter Observational Study

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1081
Author(s):  
Sheng-Huei Wang ◽  
Kuang-Yao Yang ◽  
Chau-Chyun Sheu ◽  
Wei-Cheng Chen ◽  
Ming-Cheng Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Nosocomial Pneumonia ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Efficacy ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Evaluating the options for antibiotic treatment for carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB)-associated pneumonia remains crucial. We compared the therapeutic efficacy and nephrotoxicity of two combination therapies, namely, colistin + carbapenem (CC) versus colistin + tigecycline (CT), for treating CR-GNB-related nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective, and cohort study, we recruited patients admitted to intensive care units and diagnosed with CR-GNB-associated nosocomial pneumonia. We divided the enrolled patients into CC (n = 62) and CT (n = 59) groups. After propensity score matching (n = 39), we compared the therapeutic efficacy by mortality, favorable outcome, and microbiological eradication and compared nephrotoxicity by acute kidney injury between groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the CC and CT groups regarding demographic characteristics and disease severities as assessed using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and other organ dysfunction variables. Therapeutic efficacy was non-significantly different between groups in all-cause mortality, favorable outcomes, and microbiological eradication at days 7, 14, and 28; as was the Kaplan-Meier analysis of 28-day survival. For nephrotoxicity, both groups had similar risks of developing acute kidney injury, evaluated using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria (p = 1.000). Conclusions: Combination therapy with CC or CT had similar therapeutic efficacy and risk of developing acute kidney injury for treating CR-GNB-associated nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients.

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