Acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES: Acute renal failure (ARF) is a severe complication in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), which predicts a poor outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for the development of ARF, including severity of illness, onset time of ARF prognostic factors of outcome, and mortality in a group of critically patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 240 consecutive liver transplant cases from 1999 to 2001 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was performed to identify risk factors for ARF development after OLT. The analyzed factors were: age, sex, CrS, BUN, diuresis, sepsis, hypovolemia, cardiac failure, nephrotoxic drugs (cyclosporine or FK506, antibiotics), hyperbilirubinemia, associated diseases (DM, CRF), onset time of renal failure and progressiveness, timing of RRT, number of days of RRT, and mortality. We examined variables upon admission to the ICU, before the first RRT, and on the last ICU day before resignation or death. We used Students' t test. Quantitative parameters were expressed as mean values +/- SD. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 20 (8.3%) experienced ARF needing renal replacement therapy during the postoperative period. The results of our study suggested that ARF among patients undergoing RRT conferred an excessive risk of in-hospital death: eight patients died (40%). This increased risk cannot be explained solely by a more pronounced severity of illness. CONCLUSION: Our results provide strong evidence that ARF presents a specific, independent risk factor for a poor prognosis.     

Effect of statins on the clinical outcomes of patients with sepsis

Despite numerous attempts at novel intervention and tests to aid in earlier diagnosis and improved treatment, there has been an increased incidence of overall mortality related to sepsis, despite improvements in in-hospital mortality. Statins have emerged as potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant agents that might impact on sepsis outcomes. Definitive evidence to support the routine use of statins in patients with sepsis has not yet been elicited. We retrospectively analysed data from patients who presented with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock, stratifiying them according to statin use into two groups (statin and no statin). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment was used to evaluate severity of illness. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, and mechanical ventilation and vasopressor therapy duration. Five hundred and sixty-eight patients were included. Patients with prior statin use (statin group) were older; more obese and had higher prevalence of smoking, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease. There was no difference in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and mortality did not vary between the two groups (19.6 vs. 16.9%). Furthermore, secondary outcomes including ICU mortality, hospital and ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation and vasopressor duration did not differ Multivariate analysis revealed age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were independent predictors of survival, while history of statin use was not (p = 0.403). This current retrospective study did not find any benefit of statin use on primary and secondary outcomes of the patients admitted to an academic hospital with sepsis.     

Early predictors of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients treated in the intensive care unit

Background: We investigated the incidence and severity of post‐injury morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU)‐treated trauma patients. We also identified risk factors in the early phase after injury that predicted the later development of complications. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study design was used. One hundred and sixty‐four adult patients admitted to the ICU for more than 24 h were included during a 21‐month period. The incidence and severity of morbidity such as multiple organ failure (MOF), acute lung injury (ALI), severe sepsis and 30‐day post‐injury mortality were calculated and risk factors were analyzed with uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The median age was 40 years, the injury severity score was 24, the new injury severity score was 29, the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score was 15, sequential organ failure assessment maximum was 7 and ICU length of stay was 3.1 days. The incidences of post‐injury MOF were 40.2%, ALI 25.6%, severe sepsis 31.1% and 30‐day mortality 10.4%. The independent risk factors differed to some extent between the outcome parameters. Age, severity of injury, significant head injury and massive transfusion were independent risk factors for several outcome parameters. Positive blood alcohol was only a predictor of MOF, whereas prolonged rescue time only predicted death. Unexpectedly, injury severity was not an independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: Although the incidence of morbidity was considerable, mortality was relatively low. Early post‐injury risk factors that predicted later development of complications differed between morbidity and mortality.     

Nosocomial infections and outcome of critically ill elderly patients after surgery

BACKGROUND: The relation between older age and nosocomial infection and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) is still a controversial issue. METHODS: The authors prospectively studied 406 patients admitted to a surgical ICU, 106 of whom were more than 75 yr old. Information concerning ICU-acquired nosocomial infections, severity of illness, therapeutic activity, and hospital outcome was collected. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to evaluate potential risk factors for ICU-acquired nosocomial infections, ICU, and hospital death. RESULTS: During their ICU stay, 23 elderly patients experienced 40 nosocomial infections, 28 "young" patients (< 60 yr) experienced 54 nosocomial infections, and 52 "intermediate age" patients (60-75 yr) experienced 98 nosocomial infections. Incidence density of nosocomial infections was 4.9% patient days for elderly patients, 4.7% for young patients, and 6.0% for intermediate age patients (no significance). The frequency distribution of the various microorganisms isolated was similar between the three groups. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and a higher ICU and hospital mortality rate. Despite a higher level of severity of illness, elderly patients had a reduction of therapeutic activity. However, Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that age more than 75 yr was not a risk factor for ICU-acquired nosocomial infection, ICU, or hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred to a surgical ICU after a surgical procedure, age more than 75 yr by itself does not appear to be a significant predictor of ICU-acquired nosocomial infection or mortality rate during the ICU stay. However, it appears that patients more than 60 yr have a higher incidence of nosocomial infection in ICU.     

The association between preoperative patient characteristics and both clinical and economic outcomes after abdominal aortic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between patient characteristics and both clinical and economic outcomes in patients having abdominal aortic surgery in Maryland between 1994 and 1996. DESIGN: Retrospective study using an administrative data set. SETTING: All Maryland hospitals that performed abdominal aortic surgery from 1994 through 1996 (n = 46). PARTICIPANTS: All patients who had abdominal aortic surgery in Maryland from 1994 through 1996 (n = 2,987). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The authors obtained discharge abstracts from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission for patients with a primary procedure code for abdominal aortic surgery. Primary outcome variables were in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) days. The authors evaluated the following groups of independent variables: demographic characteristics, severity of illness, comorbid disease, and preoperative admission days. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were age 61 to 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 6.9), age 71 to 84 years (OR, 7.2; CI, 3.7 to 14.1), age 85 years or older (OR, 9.3; CI, 3.9 to 21.9), ruptured aneurysm (OR, 5.3; CI, 3.5 to 8.2), urgent operation (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.1 to 5.2), emergent operation (OR, 3.0; CI, 1.9 to 4.7), mild liver disease (OR, 4.6; CI, 2.0 to 10.9), and chronic renal disease (OR, 6.9; CI, 3.9 to 12.1). Hospital admission 1 to 2 days preoperatively was not associated with a difference in in-hospital mortality but was associated with a 31% increase in hospital days (CI, 23% to 40%) and a 38% increase in ICU days (CI, 19% to 60%). CONCLUSION: In patients having aortic surgery, several patient characteristics such as mild liver disease and chronic renal failure, were associated with increased in-hospital mortality and length of stay. The practice of admitting patients to the hospital 1 to 2 days before surgery should be reevaluated because this was not associated with reduced in-hospital mortality but was associated with increased hospital and ICU stay.     

Relaparotomy for suspected intraperitoneal sepsis after abdominal surgery

Relaparotomy may be beneficial in patients developing intraperitoneal sepsis after abdominal procedures. We determined whether joint clinical assessment by intensivist and surgeon (clinician assessment) identified patients with surgically correctable intraperitoneal sepsis. We also assessed the effect of patient age and sex, disease presentation and severity, interval to relaparotomy, and the number of relaparotomies on survival after relaparotomy. Data on clinical, laboratory, and radiologic abnormalities prior to relaparotomy, relaparotomy findings, and in-hospital survival were prospectively collected on a general hospital intensive care unit (ICU) database between January 1997 and January 2002. Altogether, 65 of 1482 (4.4%) patients admitted to the ICU after abdominal surgery underwent relaparotomy at a median of 5 days after the initial procedure. There was an 83% probability of identifying surgically treatable sepsis and 43% in-hospital mortality. Abdominal imaging contributed accurate information in 50% of cases where clinician assessment was uncertain. Patient age and multiorgan failure prior to relaparotomy—but not urgency of initial laparotomy or the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score prior to relaparotomy, interval to relaparotomy, or number of relaparotomies—affected the outcome. Clinician assessment after abdominal surgery had a high probability of predicting intraperitoneal sepsis at relaparotomy. The 43% mortality after relaparotomy was unlikely to be greater than with nonoperative treatment of intraabdominal sepsis, but the 78% mortality after relaparotomy in patients older than 75 years of age raised doubts about this approach in the elderly. The identification of intraperitoneal sepsis and performance of relaparotomy earlier after the initial abdominal surgery might reduce the high rate (60%) of multiorgan failure prior to relaparotomy and improve survival after it.     

败血症并发急性肾功能衰竭患者的临床特点和影响预后的因素

目的：探讨败血症伴急性肾功能衰竭（ARF）患者的临床特点和影响预后的因素。方法：回顾分析近10年败血症ARF患者的临床资料，分别计算APACHE Ⅱ和ATN－ISI积分，并与非败血症ARF进行对比，运用多因素回归分析观察由败血症引起ARF的临床和主要生化指标与预后的关系。结果：败血症并发ARF者66例，占同期ARF患者的15．6％。多脏器衰竭发生率为87．9％，病死率高达69．7％。单因素分析发现外科原因的败血症、并发呼吸衰竭、肝功能衰竭、辅助呼吸、少尿、昏迷、多脏器衰竭、在ICU中出现ARF以及慢性疾病数目为影响其预后的因素。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示少尿、在ICU中出现的ARF、慢性疾病数目和多脏器衰竭为其独立危险因素。结论：败血症所致ARF患者预后差，其高病死率与少尿，在ICU中出现ARF、合并慢性疾病数目和多脏器衰竭有关。     

Nosocomial Infections and Outcome of Critically Ill Elderly Patients after Surgery

Background: The relation between older age and nosocomial infection and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) is still a controversial issue.

Methods: The authors prospectively studied 406 patients admitted to a surgical ICU, 106 of whom were more than 75 yr old. Information concerning ICU-acquired nosocomial infections, severity of illness, therapeutic activity, and hospital outcome was collected. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to evaluate potential risk factors for ICU-acquired nosocomial infections, ICU, and hospital death.

Results: During their ICU stay, 23 elderly patients experienced 40 nosocomial infections, 28 "young" patients (< 60 yr) experienced 54 nosocomial infections, and 52 "intermediate age" patients (60-75 yr) experienced 98 nosocomial infections. Incidence density of nosocomial infections was 4.9% patient days for elderly patients, 4.7% for young patients, and 6.0% for intermediate age patients (no significance). The frequency distribution of the various microorganisms isolated was similar between the three groups. Compared with younger patients, elderly patients had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and a higher ICU and hospital mortality rate. Despite a higher level of severity of illness, elderly patients had a reduction of therapeutic activity. However, Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that age more than 75 yr was not a risk factor for ICU-acquired nosocomial infection, ICU, or hospital death.     

Computed tomography severity index and C-reactive protein values predicting mortality in emergency and intensive care units for patients with severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis is a multisystem disease in which various local and systemic complications lead to high mortality. We retrospectively examined the clinical and biochemical factors that may influence the risk of mortality on admission to emergency and intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS: Sixty-eight patients were admitted into our hospital for acute pancreatitis and treated in our ICU for computed tomography-proven severe acute pancreatitis during the years 1997 to 2004. The clinical, biochemical, and radiologic data were reviewed from the computerized database, radiologic films, and patient records. RESULTS: The mortality rate during the ICU stay was 18% (12/68) and that during the whole period of hospitalization 26% (18/68). A C-reactive protein (CRP) value over 150 was the only independent predictor of mortality on admission into the emergency unit, whereas the computed tomography severity index and the elevated CRP value over 150 predicted significantly and independently mortality on admission into the ICU. Linear backward regression analysis showed that high CRP values and respiratory failure on ICU admission correlate with longer ICU stay. Men's ICU stays were longer than those of women. CONCLUSIONS: A high computed tomography severity index and CRP values over 150 on admission into the ICU are valuable predictors of the mortality risk. High CRP, renal and respiratory failure, and male gender are associated with longer ICU stay.     

脓毒症并发胃肠道功能不全综合征的临床危险因素分析

目的：研究脓毒症患者并发胃肠道功能不全综合征（GIDS）的临床特点及相关危险因素.方法：回顾性分析2010年10月30日-2012年10月30日间北京市海淀医院ICU中收治的110例脓毒症患者的临床资料.根据是否发生以肠内喂养不耐受（FI）、胃肠道出血（GIH）和麻痹性肠梗阻（PI）为主要表现的GIDS,将患者分为GIDS组和非GIDS组,记录其性别、年龄和入院24 h时的病情、实验室检查等25项指标,观察预后（ICU住院时间及病死率）.对上述资料进行单因素分析及多因素非条件Logistic回归分析,筛选出脓毒症并发GIDS的高危因素.结果：共有72例脓毒症患者（65.5%）发生GIDS,其中,以FI 合并PI的发生率最高,为45.9%.同非GIDS患者相比,GIDS患者ICU病死率更高（47.2% 比21.1%,P=0.007）,住ICU时间更长[（18.6±13.6）d比（14.2±7.8）d,P=0.035）;Logistic回归分析显示,年龄（OR=1.958,95%CI 1.925～1.992,P=0.016）、血C反应蛋白（OR=1.136,95%CI 1.051～1.229,P=0.001）和早期应用儿茶酚胺类药物（OR=6.016,95%CI 2.225～16.263,P=0.000）是脓毒症患者发生GIDS的独立危险因素并能预测GIDS的发生.结论：GIDS是脓毒症常见的并发症,并影响患者的预后;高龄、血C反应蛋白水平升高和早期应用儿茶酚胺类药物的脓毒症患者发生GIDS的风险较高.     

Data linkage enables evaluation of long-term survival after intensive care

Outcomes of intensive care are important to the patient and for assessment of benefit. Short-term outcomes after critical illness are well described, but less is known about long-term outcomes. This study describes the use of data linkage, combining intensive care unit (ICU) clinical data with administrative morbidity and mortality data, to assess long-term outcomes after treatment in ICU. The hospital-based cohort study was conducted in a 22-bed general ICU in a metropolitan teaching hospital. All patient admissions admitted to ICU from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2002 were included. The prospective ICU clinical database with patient demographics, ICU diagnoses, severity of illness, daily assessment of organ failures and common daily treatments used was linked using probabilistic methods to the state-wide hospital morbidity and mortality databases to describe long-term survival. There were 26,019 ICU admissions (22,980 patients) with 25,972 records (99.8%) linked to a hospitalization event that included the index ICU admission. Unadjusted survival was 84.7% at 1 year decreasing progressively to 50.7% at 15 years. Age, type of admission, severity of illness (measured by Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and the presence of organ failure), ICU length of stay, comorbidity (Chronic Health Evaluation and Charlson comorbidity index) and ICU admission diagnosis, were all associated with survival at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 year follow-up (P<0.001 at all time points). Linkage of clinical and administrative data provides a feasible method for ascertaining long-term survival after critical illness. Age, admission severity of illness, diagnosis and comorbidity influenced long-term unadjusted survival.     

Development of renal failure during the initial 24 h of intensive care unit stay correlates with hospital mortality in trauma patients

BACKGROUND: Although multiple organ failure is the leading late cause of death, there is controversy about the impact of acute organ dysfunction and failure on trauma survival. METHODS: Consecutive adult trauma admissions between January 2000 and June 2003, excluding isolated head traumas and burns, were analysed for parameters of organ function during the first 24 h following intensive care unit (ICU) admission using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scoring system. A national prospectively collected ICU data registry was used for analysis, including data from 22 ICUs in university and central hospitals in Finland. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 1044 eligible trauma admissions; 32% of the cases were treated at university hospital level, the rest being secondary referral central hospital admissions. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 15 (SD8), ICU mortality was 5.6% and a further 1.6% of patients died during their post-ICU hospital stay. Forty-five per cent of the patients were categorized as having multiple traumas. In univariate analysis, APACHE II > or = 25 [odds ratio (OR), 35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 18-66] and renal failure (OR, 29.5; 95% CI, 14-63) produced the highest ORs for ICU mortality. In the APACHE II-, sex- and age-adjusted logistic regression model, renal failure was a significant risk factor for both ICU and hospital mortality (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 3.9-35.4; OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 2.9-23.2, respectively). CONCLUSION: The development of renal failure during the initial 24 h of ICU stay remained an independent risk factor for mortality in trauma patients requiring intensive care treatment even after adjusting for the APACHE II score, age and sex.     

冠状动脉旁路移植术后ICU监护时间延长的危险因素

目的 分析冠状动脉旁路移植术后ICU监护时间延长的危险因素.方法 1997年至2009年间单纯冠状动脉旁路移植术病人1318例,按ICU监护时间分2组,ICU监护时间≤72 h l113例,ICU监护时间＞72 h 205例.对两组病人术前多项指标进行单因素和多因素分析.结果 病人平均年龄(67.4±9.4)岁,男996例(75.6%),女322例(24.4%),两组病人的ICU监护时间分别为(40.1±22.5)h和(122.6±48.7)h,院内死亡分别占13.7%和1.2%.单因素分析显示,2组病人体外循环手术的比例、体外循环时间和阻断时间、远端吻合口数、术后升压药应用、呼吸机辅助时间和院内死亡方面差异有统计学意义.年龄、心功能(NYHA分级)Ⅲ～Ⅳ级,术前左室射血分数(LVEF)＜0.40、术前肾功能不全、脑血管和(或)周围血管病、慢性阻塞性肺疾病、近期心肌梗死、介入治疗病史、左主干和三支病变是ICU监护时间延长的危险因素.多因素分析显示,年龄、心功能(NYHA分级)Ⅲ～Ⅳ级的比例、LVEF、术前肾功能不全、慢性阻塞性肺疾病、近期心肌梗死、PCI病史和三支病变是ICU监护时间延长的危险因素.结论 LVEF＜0.40、近期心肌梗死、术前肾功能不全和慢性阻塞性肺疾病是术后ICU监护时问延长的主要高危因素.

Abstract：

Objective To describe the preoperative factors of prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods From 1997 to 2009, 1318 patients underwent isolated CABG in our hospital. Retrospective analysis was performed on these cases. Univariate and multivariate analyses for preoperative risk factors were performed. Prolonged length of ICU stay was defined as initial admission to ICU exceeding 72 h. Results The mean age of patients ( 322women and 996 men) was (67.4±9.4) years. Of 1318 patients undergoing isolated CABG from 1997 to 2009, 205 experienced prolonged length of ICU stay. The length of ICU stay was (40.1 ± 22.5 ) hours and ( 122.6 ± 48.7 ) hours separately.Overall in-hospital mortality was higher among these 205 patients ( 13.7% vs. 1.2%, P ＜0.05 ). The overall mortality was 3.1%. In univariate analyses, there were statistically significant differences with respect to the percentage of CPB, total bypass time, cross-clamp time, number of distal anastomoses, use of pressor agent, use of intro-aortic balloon pump,time of ventilation and hospital mortality. The significant risk factors were age, NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) ＜0.40, renal failure, cerebrovascular and/or peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recent acute myocardial infarction, prior percutaneous coronary intervention, left main stenosi, three-vessels disease. The variables entered into the multivariate logistic regression were age, NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ, LVEF ＜0.40, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recent acute myocardial infarction, prior percutaneous coronary intervention, three-vessels disease. According to the outcome of multivariate logistic regression, we can conclude the model of probability forecast and create a new variable named Pre. The area under ROC curve of the new variable Pre was larger than other variables. Conclusion The main risk factors of prolonged ICU length of stay were LVEF ＜ 0.40, recent acute myocardial infarction, renal failure and chronic obstructive pulmorary disease. The AUC of variable Pre was higher than other' s , which indicated that new variable Pre combining each variable was more valuable than single variable with respect to prediction. A predicted probability of 0. 754 was used as cut-off point for the prognostic test.     

The effect of older blood on mortality, need for ICU care, and the length of ICU stay after major trauma

The purpose of this study was to determine if the quantity and age of blood is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality, need for intensive care unit (ICU) care, and an increased length of stay in the ICU. This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a level I trauma center between 2001 and 2003. Consecutive trauma patients who received at least 1 unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) were included. The number of units of PRBCs transfused and the ages of each unit of PRBCs were recorded. Other variables including the patient's age, sex, Trauma-Related Injury Severity Score (TRISS), and whether the blood was leukopoor were collected. End points included in-hospital mortality, need for ICU care, and the length of stay in the ICU (in days). Multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analyses were performed to model the independent effect of the dose of aged blood (defined as the product of the average age of all units received and the total number of units received) with respect to each end point while controlling for age, TRISS, the total number of units administered, and the proportion of blood that was leukopoor. During the study period, 275 patients were studied. Patients who received older blood had a significantly longer ICU stay (RR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11-1.20), possibly reflecting a higher level of organ dysfunction. Patients who received older blood, however, did not have a significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.87-1.69) or a significantly higher need for ICU care (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.87-1.64). The quantity of aged blood is an independent risk factor for length of ICU care. This may be a proxy indicator for multiple organ failure. Further research is required to define which patients may benefit from newer blood.     

The predictors and outcome of recidivism in cardiac ICUs.

OBJECTIVE: Reinstitution of step-up care (recidivism) following cardiac surgery may be associated with increased mortality. This has, however, not been widely reported. METHODS: We, therefore, studied 8113 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement/repair or combined valve+CABG surgery between January 1996 and December 2003 to determine the reasons for readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and their outcomes in terms of length of stay in (i) the ICU (ii) hospital and (iii) the in-hospital mortality following recidivism. RESULTS: Of the 7717 patients discharged out of the ICU, 2.3% (182) of patients [mean age 70.4+/-8.35 years (range 30-90 years); 65.4% (119) males] required step-up care. Recidivism was 1.8% (101 of 5633) following coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) and 3.9% (81 of 2084) following valve replacement/repair+/-CABG (P<0.05). The mean interval from ICU discharge to ICU recidivism was 6.6+/-8.4 days (range 6h to 28 days). The principal reasons for recidivism were (i) respiratory failure requiring reintubation and ventilation in 54.9% (n=100) of patients (ii) cardiovascular instability (including that secondary to dysrhythmias) and heart failure in 23.1% (n=42) (iii) renal failure requiring haemofiltration in 6.6% (n=12) (iv) sepsis in 1.1% (n=2) (v) cardiac tamponade/bleeding requiring re-exploration in 7.7% (n=14) and (vi) gastro-intestinal complications requiring laparotomy in 6.0% (n=11) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that, during primary ICU stay, respiratory complications, low cardiac output state, dysrhythmias, renal failure requiring haemofiltration and re-exploration for bleeding were independent predictors of recidivism. Following recidivism (i) the mean length of stay in the ICU was 6.65+/-6.2 days (range 4h to 51 days), (ii) mean hospital stay was 19.2+/-17.3 days (10-60 days) and (iii) the 30-day in-hospital mortality was 32.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are more likely to require recidivism following valve surgery+/-CABG than CABG alone. Whilst respiratory complications were the most common reasons for recidivism in our study, patients who required mechanical supports to maintain vital functions following surgery were most prone to recidivism. Hence, efforts should be made to treat cardio-respiratory problems early in this group of patients to reduce ICU recidivism.     

Long-term survival following intensive care: subgroup analysis and comparison with the general population

This study aimed to compare the very long-term survival of critically ill patients with that of the general population, and examine the association among age, sex, admission diagnosis, APACHE II score and mortality. In a retrospective observational cohort study of prospectively gathered data, 2104 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a teaching hospital in Glasgow from 1985 to 1992, were followed until 1997. Vital status at five years was compared with that of an age- and sex-matched Scottish population. Five-year mortality for the ICU patients was 47.1%, 3.4 times higher than that of the general population. For those surviving intensive care the five-year mortality was 33.4%. Mortality was greater than that of the general population for four years following intensive care unit admission (95% confidence interval included 1.0 at four years). Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for mortality in those admitted to ICU were age, APACHE II score on admission and diagnostic category. Mortality was higher for those admitted with haematological (87.5%) and neurological diseases (61.7%) and septic shock (62.9%). A risk score was produced: Risk Score = 10 (age hazard ratio + APACHE II hazard ratio + diagnosis hazard ratio). None of the patients with a risk score > 100 survived more than five years and for those who survived to five years the mean risk score was 57. Long-term survival following intensive care is not only related to age and severity of illness but also diagnostic category. The risk of mortality in survivors of critical illness matches that of the normal population after four years. Age, severity of illness and diagnosis can be combined to provide an estimate of five-year survival.     

The decreasing incidence and mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome after injury: a 5-year observational study

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after major trauma has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Recently, there have been marked advances in defining etiologic factors and optimal management strategies for ARDS. We sought to examine whether there has been a corresponding change in the incidence and outcomes of ARDS after injury in recent years. METHODS: A prospective observational study of all adult trauma intensive care unit (ICU) admissions over 5 years. Patients were evaluated daily for predefined ARDS criteria. Patient data, illness and injury severity, and ARDS incidence were compared by year of admission. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of ARDS and mortality. RESULTS: There were 1,913 patients identified; the majority were male (79%) and suffered blunt trauma (62%). Two hundred seventy-four patients (14%) met criteria for ARDS. The incidence of ARDS showed a significant decrease from 23% in 2000 to rates of 8.4% and 9% for 2003 and 2004 (p < 0.01), respectively. There was no significant difference by year for trauma mechanism, age, sex, Injury Severity Score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, ICU length of stay, or mortality. The strongest independent predictor of ARDS was year of ICU admission, with an odds ratio of 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-5.0) for admission in 2000 versus subsequent years (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and injury severity, patients with ARDS had more days on mechanical ventilation and longer hospital and ICU stays (all p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in mortality with or without ARDS (p = 0.57). CONCLUSION: There has been a more than 50% reduction in the incidence of ARDS after injury during the past 5 years in our institution despite similar patient demographics and injury severities. Development of ARDS increased hospital and ICU stays but not hospital mortality.     

Impact of gender on treatment and outcome of ICU patients

BACKGROUND: Gender modifies immunologic responses caused by severe trauma or critical illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender on hospital mortality, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and intensity of care of patients treated in ICUs. METHODS: Data on 24,341 ICU patients were collected from a national database. We measured severity of illness with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores and intensity of care with Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS) scores. We used logistic regression analysis to test the independent effect of gender on hospital mortality. We compared the lengths of ICU stay and the intensity of care of men and women. RESULTS: Male gender was associated with increased hospital mortality among postoperative ICU patients [adjusted odds ratio 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.12-1.58, P = 0.001)] but not among medical patients [adjusted odds ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.92-1.13, P = 0.74)]. Male gender was associated with an increased risk of death particularly in the oldest age group (75 years or older) and among the patients with relatively low APACHE II scores (<16). Mean length of ICU stay was 3.2 days for men and 2.6 days for women (P < 0.001). Male patients comprised 61.7% of the study population but consumed 66.0% of days in intensive care. CONCLUSION: Male gender contributes to poor outcome in postoperative ICU patients. Approximately two-thirds of ICU resources are consumed by male patients.     

Acute acalculous cholecystitis in critically ill patients

BACKGROUND: Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a serious complication of critical illness. We evaluated the underlying diseases, clinical and diagnostic features, severity of associated organ failures, and outcome of operatively treated AAC in a mixed ICU patient population. METHODS: The data of all ICU patients who had operatively confirmed AAC during their ICU stay between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001 were collected from the hospital records and the intensive care unit's data management system for predetermined variables. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (1%) out of 3984 patients underwent open cholecystectomy for AAC during the two-year period. Infection was the most common admission diagnosis, followed by cardiovascular surgery. The mean APACHE II score on admission was 25, and 64% of the patients had three or more failing organs on the day of cholecystectomy. The mean length of ICU stay before cholecystectomy was 8 days, and the mean total length of ICU stay was 19 days. Most patients (85%) received norepinephrine infusion, and 90% suffered respiratory failure before cholecystectomy. Hospital mortality was 44%. The non-survivors had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores on the day of cholecystectomy compared to the survivors (12.9 vs. 9.5, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Acute acalculous cholecystitis was associated with severe illness, infection, long ICU stay, and multiple organ failure. Mortality was related to the degree of organ failure. Prompt diagnosis and active treatment of AAC can be life-saving in these patients.