Dopexamine Test in septic shock with hyperlactatemia

Objective

To evaluate the 6 hours haemodynamic effects of dopexamine (DPX) infusion in septic shock patients with persistent hyperlactatemia treated with high dose of norepinephrine (NE).

Study design

Preliminary, prospective, uncontrolled study.

Patients

Twenty-one septic shock with NE > 0.5 μg/kg/min, venous mixed oxygen saturation (ScvO₂/SvO₂) > 70%, cardiac index (CI) > 3.5 l/min/m² and lactate > 3 mmol/l.

Interventions

Infusion of DPX at 0.5 μg/kg/min. After 6 hours, patients were classified as DPX-responders or DPX-non-responders according to the presence or not of a decrease ≥ 20% in lactatemia.

Measurement

DPX-responders and DPX-non-responders were compared with MAP, CI, central venous pressure (CVP), heart rate (HR) before infusion of DPX (h0), 30 minutes (h0.5) and 6 hours later (h6); and with NE infusion rate at h0 and h6.

Results

Eleven (52%) patients were DPX-responders and 10 (48%) DPX-non-responders. At H0.5, DPX-responders increased MAP more than DPX-non-responders (+21% versus +7%, P = 0.01) with no change in CI, CVP and HR in both groups. At h0.5, an increase in MAP higher than 14%, compared to h0, could predict lactate clearance at h6 (sensitivity 91%, specificity 90%). From h0 to h6, increase in MAP (80 ± 7 versus 70 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.01) in DPX-responders allowed reduction in NE infusion (from 1.6 ± 0.3 to 0.4 ± 0.3 μg/kg/min, P < 0.01); 28-day mortality was lower in DPX-responders than in DPX-non-responders (7 versus 90%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study suggests that DPX did induce a decrease in lactatemia in 52% of septic shock, that could be predict by an increase in MAP (> 14% within 30 minutes). Controlled studies are needed to confirm those preliminary results.     

Laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy for renal cancer: technique and surgical outcomes

Background

Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has been developed in attempt to further reduce the morbidity and scarring associated with surgical intervention.

Objective

To describe the technique and report the surgical outcomes of LESS radical nephrectomy (RN) in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

Design, setting, and participants

LESS-RN was performed in 33 patients with renal tumours. The indications to perform a LESS-RN were represented by renal tumours not greater than T2 and without evidence of lymphadenopathy or renal vein involvement.

Surgical procedure

The Endocone (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was inserted through a transumbilical incision. A combination of standard laparoscopic instruments and bent grasper and scissors was used. The sequence of steps of LESS-RN was comparable to standard laparoscopic RN.

Measurements

Demographic data and perioperative and postoperative variables were recorded and analysed.

Results and limitations

The mean operative time was 143.7 ± 24.3 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 122.3 ± 34.1 ml and a mean hospital stay of 3.8 ± 0.8 d. The mean length of skin incision was 4.1 ± 0.6 cm and all patients were discharged from hospital with minimal discomfort, as demonstrated by their pain assessment scores (visual analogue scale: 1.9 ± 0.8). The definitive pathologic results revealed a renal cell carcinoma in all cases and a stage distribution of four T1a, 27 T1b, and 2 T2 tumours. All patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the scars, and at a median follow-up period of 13.2 ± 3.9 mo, all patients were alive without evidence of tumour recurrence or port-site metastasis.

Conclusions

LESS is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for RN in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and has excellent cosmetic results.     

Renal damage caused by warm ischaemia during laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: an assessment using Tc 99m-DTPA glomerular filtration rate

Background

Few studies assessing the functional change of each kidney following warm ischaemia after partial nephrectomy are available.

Objectives

Our aim was to identify the effects of the warm ischaemic time (WIT) on renal function after partial nephrectomy under the pneumoperitoneum.

Design, setting, and participants

Forty-four consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) or robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) from June 2008 to May 2009 for a single cT1 renal tumour were included in this prospective protocol.

Measurements

Technetium Tc 99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc 99m-DTPA) renal scintigraphy was used to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of both kidneys and each kidney individually. Tc 99m-DTPA GFR was performed preoperatively and 3 mo postoperatively. In addition, we analysed Tc 99m-DTPA scintigraphy GFR regionally in the healthy areas of the affected kidney.

Results and limitations

Patients with WIT >28 min had a significantly greater decrease in the GFR of the affected kidney (p = 0.031). The GFR of the affected kidney showed a significant decrease perioperatively (46.4 ± 14.3 to 37.9 ± 11.9 ml/min per 1.73 m²; p = 0.003). The functional change of the nonaffected kidney showed an increasing trend (47.5 ± 13.8 to 51.4 ± 14.3 ml/min per 1.73 m²), although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.103). Regional Tc 99m-DTPA GFR of both affected kidney and nonaffected kidney showed no significant differences perioperatively (6.3 ± 1.8 to 6.1 ± 1.9 ml/min per 1.73 m²; p = 0.641; 6.6 ± 1.9 to 7.1 ± 2.0 ml/min per 1.73 m²; p = 0.200). On multivariate analysis, preoperative GFR, resected volume of marginal healthy tissue, and WIT were independent predictors for functional reduction of the affected kidney (p < 0.05). The study was limited by small numbers and short follow-up periods.

Conclusions

Stationary overall renal function after LPN or RAPN is masked possibly by functional compensation of the contralateral healthy kidney. The damage of the affected kidney estimated by scintigraphy occurs when WIT exceeds 28 min during partial nephrectomy under the pneumoperitoneum.     

Daily interruption of sedation in intensive care unit patients with renal impairment: remifentanil-midazolam compared to fentanyl-midazolam

Objective

We compared extubation time following daily interruption of sedation in intensive care unit patients with renal impairment with two sedation regimes remifentanil–midazolam and fentanyl–midazolam.

Study design

Prospective, randomized double-blind trial.

Patients and methods

Patients with renal impairment needing mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Two groups: remifentanil (R) and fentanyl (F), Infusion rates were titrated to achieve the desired Ramsay score. The two groups received midazolam (2.5 mg then 0.1 mg/kg/h).

Results

Nineteen patients were included. Patient's characteristics, mean sedation time and sedation quality were comparable. Extubation time was significantly shorter in R group (1480 ± 980 versus 2880 ± 1280 min, P = 0.04). Weaning time was also shorter in R group (220 ± 164 versus 720 ± 480 min). Agitation on weaning was comparable in the two groups. Group R received significantly more morphine than group F after interruption of sedation.

Conclusion

Daily interruption of sedation with remifentanil is associated with shorter weaning and extubation time in patients with renal impairment. However further studies are necessary to determine if this issue is associated with lower rate of ventilation induced complications.     

Relationship of asymmetric dimethylarginine with penile Doppler ultrasound parameters in men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction

Background

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a selective endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is elevated in many conditions associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and renal failure; it is also increased in men with coronary artery disease and ED. The dynamic penile colour Doppler ultrasound is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of penile vascular damage.

Objective

We investigated whether the extent of ultrasonographically documented penile vascular disease is associated with higher ADMA levels.

Design, setting, and participants

One hundred four consecutive ED patients (mean age: 56 ± 9 yr) without manifest cardiovascular/atherosclerotic disease and 31 subjects with normal erectile function matched for age and traditional risk factors were studied.

Measurements

We evaluated penile dynamic colour Doppler parameters of arterial insufficiency (peak systolic velocity) and veno-occlusive dysfunction (end diastolic velocity) and measured systemic inflammatory markers/mediators.

Results and limitations

Compared to men without ED, ED patients had significantly higher ADMA levels (p < 0.001). ADMA was significantly increased in patients with severe arterial insufficiency (PSV < 25 cm/s) compared to subjects with borderline insufficiency and men with normal penile arterial function (p < 0.001, by analysis of variance). Multivariable analysis adjusting for age, mean pressure, other risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, testosterone, and treatment showed independent inverse association between ADMA level and peak systolic velocity (p < 0.01). The combination of higher ADMA level with arterial insufficiency showed greater impact on 10-yr risk of a cardiovascular event compared to either parameter alone.

Conclusions

ADMA level is independently associated with ultrasonographically documented poor penile arterial inflow. This finding underlines the important role of ADMA as a marker of penile arterial damage and implies a contribution of this compound to the pathophysiology of generalised vascular disease associated with ED.     

Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery in Galdakao-Modified Supine Valdivia Position: A New Standard for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

Background

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the gold standard for the management of large and/or complex urolithiasis, is conventionally performed with the patient in the prone position, which has several drawbacks. Of the various changes in patient positioning proposed over the years, the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position seems the most beneficial. It allows simultaneous performance of PCNL and retrograde ureteroscopy (ECIRS, Endoscopic Combined Intra-Renal Surgery) and has unquestionable anaesthesiological advantages.

Objective

To prospectively analyse the safety and efficacy of endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) in GMSV position for the treatment of large and/or complex urolithiasis.

Design, setting, and participants

From April 2004 to December 2007, 127 consecutive patients who were followed in our department for large and/or complex urolithiasis were selected for surgery (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] score 1–3, no active urinary tract infection [UTI], any body mass index [BMI]).

Intervention

All the patients underwent ECIRS in GMSV position. Technical choices about percutaneous access, endoscopic instruments and accessories, and postoperative renal and ureteral drainage are detailed.

Measurements

Patients’ mean age plus or minus standard deviation (± SD) was 53.1 yr ± 14.2. Of the 127 patients, 5.5% had congenital renal abnormalities, 3.9% had solitary kidneys, and 60.6% were symptomatic for renal colics, haematuria, and recurrent UTI. Mean stone size ± SD was 23.8 mm ± 7.3 (range: 11–40); 33.8% of the calculi were calyceal, 33.1% were pelvic, 33.1% were multiple or staghorn, and 4.7% were also ureteral.

Results and limitations

Mean operative time ± SD was 70 min ± 28, including patient positioning. Stone-free rate was 81.9% after the first treatment and was 87.4% after a second early treatment using the same percutaneous access during the same hospital stay (mean ± SD: 5.1 d ± 2.9). We registered overall complications at 38.6% with no splanchnic injuries or deaths and no perioperative anaesthesiological problems.

Conclusions

ECIRS performed in GMSV position seems to be a safe, effective, and versatile procedure with a high one-step stone-free rate, unquestionable anaesthesiological advantages, and no additional procedure-related complications.     

Audit of the prehospital management of severe head injured patients in the "Pays-de-la-Loire" region

Objective

To study severe head injured patients (SHIP) during prehospital emergency care (Samu) and the first day in the French Pays-de-la-Loire area, in 2005.

Study design

Prospective and multicenter.

Patients and methods

All patients managed by Samu with GCS ≤ 8 on the field, starting from a GCS ≤ 10.

Results

We report on 125 patients (88% of all SHIP managed in 2005), including 114 with a GCS less or equal to eight on which analysis was performed: age: 37 ± 20 years, men: 4/1, road accident: 73%, fall: 20%, (polytrauma: 53%, artificial ventilation: 92%). Delays: field medical care 54 ± 28 min, transportation: 32 ± 29 min, total time to hospital: 1 h 55 ± 48 min. Direct admission in a center with neurosurgery on site: 68%; 47% of patients admitted in general hospitals were transferred to a tertiary hospital (71% to neurosurgery). Mortality before 24th hour (23%) was associated (p < 0.05) with shorter transfer time, older patient, persistent shock, fluid loading greater than 1500 ml, continuous infusion of vasopressors, focal neurological deficit. Problems were reported by Samu teams (21% of cases): medical care (32%), emergency ambulance availability (20%), alerting process (16%), on field care before Samu (12%). Of note, mannitol was never used, despite a mydriasis.

Conclusion

We observed a delayed referral of patients to a tertiary hospital, a limited use of CT image transmission and the absence of mannitol administration but also organisational problems reported in 21% of cases problems are main target for quality improvement.     

Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections by intravesical administration of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate: a placebo-controlled randomised trial

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent condition in women during their lifetime with a high rate of recurrence within 3–6 mo.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) in female patients with a history of recurrent UTI.

Design, setting, and participants

We conducted a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing the intravesical instillation of HA-CS with placebo in women with recurrent UTI.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to receive 50 ml of sterile sodium HA 1.6% and CS 2.0% solution (IALURIL^®) weekly for 4 wk and then monthly for 5 mo.

Measurements

The primary end point of the study was defined as the mean number of UTI per patient per year. Participants were evaluated addressing UTI status/urinary symptoms and with a general health-related quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo.

Results and limitations

In the intention-to-treat analysis, 57 women were randomly allocated to HA-CS (n = 28) or placebo (n = 29). The UTI rate per patient per year at the end of the study (12 mo) (mean ± SD: −86.6% ± 47.6 vs −9.6% ± 24.6; mean difference: 77%; 95% confidence interval, 72.3–80.8; p = 0.0002) and the mean time to UTI recurrence (52.7 ± 33.4 vs 185.2 ± 78.7 d; p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after treatment with HA-CS compared with placebo. Overall urinary symptoms and QoL measured by questionnaires significantly improved compared with placebo (Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency questionnaire symptom score: 14.53 ± 4.32 vs 9.88 ± 6.77; p = 0.004; SF-36 QoL score: 78.6 ± 6.44 vs 53.1 ± 4.72; p < 0.001). No serious adverse event was reported.

Conclusions

Compared with placebo, HA-CS intravesical instillations significantly reduced UTI rate without severe side effects while improving symptoms and QoL over a 12-mo period in patients with recurrent UTI.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 76354426.     

Effect of whole body vibration on leg muscle strength after healed burns: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

To investigate the effects of eight weeks whole body vibration training program on leg muscle strength (force-producing capacity) in adults after healed burns.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University.

Subjects

Thirty-one burned patients participated in the study and were randomized into whole body vibration group and control group. Non-burned healthy adults were assessed similarly to burned subjects and served as matched healthy controls.

Methods

The whole body vibration group performed an eight weeks vibration program three times a week on a vibration platform; the control group received home based physical therapy program without vibration training.

Main measures

Assessment of knee extensors and ankle planter flexor strength by isokinetic dynamometer at 150°/s were performed at the beginning of the study and at the end of the training period for both groups.

Results

Subjects with burns more than 36% TBSA produced significantly less torque in the quadriceps and calf muscle than non-burned healthy subjects. Patients in whole body vibration group showed a significant improvement in knee extensor and ankle planter flexor strength as compared with those in the control group. Knee extensor strength and percent improvement was 233.40 ± 5.74 (64.93 ± 3.03 change score) and 38.54% for the vibration group and 190.07 ± 3.99 (21.66 ± 4.41 change score) and 12.86% for the control group, ankle plantar flexor strength and percent improvement was 156.27 ± 5.95 (54.53 ± 6.16 change score) and 53.70% for the vibration group and 116.13 ± 3.24 (14.66 ± 2.71 change score) and 14.52% for the control group.

Conclusions

Participation in whole body vibration program resulted in a greater improvement in quadriceps and calf muscle strength in adults with healed thermal burn compared to base line values; a WBV program is an effective for strength gain in rehabilitation of burned patients.     

Characteristics of mepivacaine axillary brachial plexus block performed at 2800 m of altitude

Objective

We evaluated the feasibility and pharmacodynamic profile of axillary brachial plexus nerve blocks performed in high altitude.

Study design

A prospective study was performed in healthy volunteers.

Patients and methods

Ten male volunteers received 20 ml of 1.5% mepivacaine on radial and median nerves (total 40 ml), first at altitude of 150 then at 2877 m. Onset and offset times for sensory, motor and sympathetic blocks were recorded. Blood was sampled up to 60 min after injection to measure plasma concentrations of mepivacaine.

Results

At 150 and 2877 m of altitude, onset times for blocks were similar. Duration of sensory and motor blocks was not different at low and high altitude (193 ± 35 min and 180 ± 47 min; and 237 ± 32 min and 217 ± 44 min, respectively). Plasma mepivacaine concentrations were significantly lower at 20 minutes in high altitude (p < 0.05). At higher altitude, one patient showed clinical signs of neurological toxicity, with plasma concentrations of mepivacaine ranging from 0.94 to 1.21 μg/ml.

Conclusion

At altitude of 2877 m, axillary brachial plexus block with 1.5% mepivacaine is feasible, with onset and offset times for sensory and motor effects similar to those performed at 150 m.     

PCT as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in burn patients. Whether time course has a role in monitoring sepsis treatment

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of inflammatory markers for septic and non septic (localized) bacterial infections in patients with severe burn.

Methods and results

Data of 145 patients were prospectively included in this study. Serum procalcitonin and other inflammatory markers were measured within 24 h after burn and daily thereafter. Maximum procalcitonin (p = 0.004) was independent predictors of outcome in logistic regression analysis. PCT thresholds of 1.5 ng/ml, 0.52 ng/ml and 0.56 ng/ml had adequate sensitivity and specificity to diagnose sepsis, respiratory tract and wound infections respectively. A threshold value of 7.8 ng/ml in PCT concentration on day 3 was associated with the effectiveness of the sepsis treatment with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.69–1.03, p = 0.002). C-reactive protein levels and WBCs showed no significant change over the first 3 days in the patients with successfully treated sepsis (p = 0.93).

Conclusion

The maximum procalcitonin level has prognostic value in burn patients. PCT can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with infectious complications with or without bacteremia during ICU stay. Daily consecutive PCT measurements may be a valuable tool in monitoring the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in burn ICU patients.     

Comparative population pharmacokinetics of fentanyl using non-linear mixed effect modeling: Burns vs. non-burns

Objective

Fentanyl is a commonly used analgesic and sedative for the burned in the operating theater as well as the burn care units. The aim of this study was to characterize fentanyl population pharmacokinetics in burns and to identify clinically significant covariates.

Method

Twenty adults, aged 37 ± 3 years, with 49 ± 4% (mean ± S.E.) total body surface area burn, were enrolled at 17 ± 3 days after the injury. Twenty non-burn adults served as controls. After an intravenous bolus of 200 mcg fentanyl, the plasma concentrations were sequentially determined up to 4.5 h. Concentration–time profiles were subjected to non-linear mixed effect modeling. Cardiac indices were estimated with esophageal Doppler monitor.

Results

Burned patients have higher cardiac index than the non-burned. Three-compartment model was the best fit. The volumes of distribution were considerably expanded in all three compartments (27.9 L vs. 63.4 L, 64.7 L vs. 92.9 L, 153 L vs. 301 L, respectively) compared to the non-burned. BURN was the single most important covariate significantly improving the model.

Conclusion

The primary effect of burn trauma on fentanyl pharmacokinetics is substantially expanded volumes of distribution, i.e., dilutional. Difference in simulation, however, was insufficient to explain the augmented resistance to fentanyl, implying the importance of titrating analgesics to the clinical effect.     

Multi-institutional analysis of robotic partial nephrectomy for hilar versus nonhilar lesions in 446 consecutive cases

Background

Minimally invasive approaches to partial nephrectomy have been rapidly gaining popularity but require advanced laparoscopic surgical skills. Renal hilar tumors, due to their anatomic location, pose additional technical challenges to the operating surgeon.

Objective

We compared the outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) for hilar and nonhilar tumors in our large multicenter contemporary series of patients.

Design, setting, and participants

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data on 446 consecutive patients who underwent RPN by renal surgeons experienced in minimally invasive techniques at four academic institutions from June 2006 to March 2010. Patients were stratified into two groups: those with hilar lesions and those with nonhilar lesions.

Measurements

Patient demographics, operative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes, including oncologic outcomes, were recorded.

Results and limitations

Forty-one patients (9%) had hilar renal masses; 405 patients (91%) had nonhilar masses. There was no statistical differences in patient demographics except for larger median tumor size in the hilar cohort (3.2 cm vs 2.6 cm; p = 0.001). The only significant difference in operative outcomes was an increase in warm ischemia times for the hilar group versus the nonhilar group (26.3 ± 7.4 min vs 19.6 ± 10.0 min; p = <0.0001). There were no differences in postoperative outcomes; however, there was a trend for increased risk of malignancy and higher stage tumors in the hilar lesion group. Final pathologic margin status was similar in both groups. Only one patient in the nonhilar group had evidence of recurrence at 21 mo. The study was limited by the lack of standard anatomic classification of renal tumors and the potential influence of the surgeons’ prior robotic experience.

Conclusions

The data represent the largest series of its kind and strongly suggest that RPN is a safe, effective, and feasible option for the minimally invasive approach to renal hilar tumors with no increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with nonhilar tumors in the hands of experienced robotic surgeons.     

Anatomic Bladder Neck Preservation During Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Description of Technique and Outcomes

Background

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has been rapidly adopted despite a daunting learning curve with bladder neck dissection as a challenging step for newcomers.

Objective

To describe an anatomic, reproducible technique of bladder neck preservation (BNP) and associated perioperative and long-term outcomes.

Design, settings, and participants

From September 2005 to May 2009, data from 619 consecutive RALP were prospectively collected and compared on the basis of bladder neck dissection technique with 348 BNP and 271 standard technique (ST).

Surgical procedure

RALP with BNP.

Measurements

Tumor characteristics, perioperative complications, and post-operative urinary control were evaluated at 4, 12 and 24 months using (1) the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC) urinary function scale scored from 0–100; and (2) continence defined as zero pads per day.

Results and limitations

Mean age for BNP versus ST was 57.1 ± 6.6 yr versus 58.9 ± 6.7 yr (p = 0.033), while complication rates did not vary significantly by technique. Estimated blood loss was 183.7 ± 95.8 ml versus 224.6 ± 108 ml (p = 0.938) in men who underwent BNP versus ST. The overall positive margin rate was 12.8%, which did not differ at the prostate base for BNP versus ST (1.4% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.547). Mean urinary function scores for BNP versus ST at 4, 12, and 24 mo were 64.6 versus 57.2 (p = 0.037), 80.6 versus 79.0 (p = 0.495), and 94.1 versus 86.8 (p < 0.001). Similarly, BNP versus ST continence rates at 4, 12, and 24 mo were 65.6% versus 26.5% (p < 0.001), 86.4% versus 81.4% (p = 0.303), and 100% versus 96.1% (p = 0.308).

Conclusions

BNP versus ST is associated with quicker recovery of urinary function and similar cancer control.     

Effects of music therapy in intensive care unit without sedation in weaning patients versus non-ventilated patients

Objectives

Music has been found to be an effective nonpharmacologic adjunct for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation in limited trials of critically ill patients. However, its effects have not been compared in intubated patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation with non-intubated patients spontaneously breathing.

Study design

A cross-over randomized experimental design.

Patients and Methods

Thirty patients were studied (intubated group n?=?15, non-intubated group n?=?15). Patients were randomized to receive either 20 minutes of uninterrupted rest or then 20 minutes of music therapy or the music therapy first and then the uninterrupted rest period. Patients selected a relaxing music of their choice from a selection including different types of music. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SAP), respiratory rate (RR) and bispectral index (BIS score) were recorded each 5-min intervals throughout both periods (rest and music). Agitation/sedation state and pain were evaluated by the Richmond-Agitation-Sedation-Scale (RASS) and the Numerical-Rating-Scale (NRS) respectively, before and after each studied periods. Music have not been performed in five patients (5/35?=?14%).

Results

Music significantly decreased HR (88 ± 15 vs 82 ± 15, P < 0.05), SAP (137 ± 17 vs 128 ± 14, P < 0.05), RR (25 ± 3 vs 22 ± 4, P < 0.05), BIS (94 ± 5 vs 81 ± 10, P < 0.01), RASS (+0.1 ± 0.7 vs –0.7 ± 0.9, P < 0.05) and NRS (4.4 ± 1.7 vs 1.9 ± 1.3, P < 0.01) in both intubated and non-intubated groups whereas no significant change was observed during the rest period. The variations level studied parameters induced by music were comparable for the two groups.

Conclusion

A single music therapy session was found to be effective for decreasing anxiety and promoting relaxation, as indicated by decreases in heart rate, blood pressure, BIS and respiratory rate over the intervention period in intubated patients during weaning phase.     

Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis

Introduction

Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a severe complication in patients admitted to burn intensive care units (BICUs). Unlike patients with thermal burns, patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) present with a different pathophysiology and usually require less fluid.

Patients and methods

We reviewed our registry of adult patients presenting with TEN in our 8-bed BICU over the course of 11 years and identified and analyzed patients treated for ACS and decompressive laparotomy (DL).

Results

From a total of 29 patients with bioptic confirmed TEN, 5 underwent DL due to ACS with a mean age of 57 years, mean percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected of 54 ± 25%, complete epidermolysis of 28 ± 24% TBSA, a mean severity of illness score (SCORTEN) of 3.8 ± 0.8, and a mean intra-abdominal pressure before DL of 33 ± 7 mmHg. Mortality was 100% in patients with ACS versus 33% without ACS.

Conclusion

An ACS that requires DL worsens the already critical condition of a TEN patient considerably. TEN-related impaired intestinal functionality and increasing intestinal edema due to systemic capillary leakage warrant early initiation of intra-abdominal pressure monitoring to identify patients at high risk of ACS.