Study of agreement of aortic,radial and femoral blood pressures during aortic endografting

Purpose

To estimate the agreement between radial or femoral, and ascending aortic invasive blood pressure values.

Patients and methods

Prospective study on 32 patients who underwent an aortic endografting under general anesthesia. After deploying the prosthesis under controlled hypotension, a catheter was introduced in the aorta to measure the staged systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP) and mean (MAP) arterial pressures, in particular at the level of ascending aorta and femoral artery.

Results

No differences were observed between SAP, DAP or MAP measured in the aorta versus femoral or radial arteries. A better agreement was observed between the aortic and femoral MAP (bias of 1 mmHg, limits of agreement between: –8.8 mmHg and +10.8 mmHg) than between the aortic and the radial MAP (bias of 1.7 mmHg, limits of agreement between: –14.1 mmHg and +17.5 mmHg). The comparison between radial and femoral MAP was not satisfying (bias of –4.7 mmHg and limits of agreement between –19.1 mmHg and +9.7 mmHg).

Conclusion

The femoral MAP is more accurate to predict value of the aortic MAP than the radial MAP in a hypotensive setting. The clinician should be aware of these discrepancies in conditions of hemodynamic impairment to optimize the treatment.     

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目的　探讨限制性液体复苏对出血未控制性休克后续救治的影响。方法　应用脾组织和血管损伤制作重度未控制出血性休克模型 ,比较早期限制液体复苏 [平均动脉压 (MAP)分别维持在 4 0mmHg(NS4 0组 ,1mmHg =0 .133kPa)、5 0mmHg(NS5 0组 )和 6 0mmHg(NS6 0组 ) ]和大量液体复苏 [MAP分别维持在 80mmHg(NS80组 )和 10 0mmHg(NS10 0组 ) ]对MAP、血乳酸 (BL)、红细胞压积 (HCT)、出血量、输液量及存活率的影响。结果　NS4 0、NS5 0和NS6 0组的出血量、液体用量和存活率明显低于NS80和NS10 0组 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ;伤后4 5min ,NS80和NS10 0组HCT明显低于NS4 0、NS5 0和NS6 0组 (P均 <0 .0 5 ) ;伤后 4 0 5min ,NS80和NS10 0组的HCT明显低于NS5 0和NS6 0组 ,MAP明显低于NS4 0、NS5 0和NS6 0组 ,血乳酸明显高于NS4 0、NS5 0和NS6 0组 (P均 <0 .0 5 )。结论　在出血未控制条件下 ,早期限制性液体复苏可明显降低出血量 ,减轻酸中毒 ,为后续救治创造条件 ,并有利于最终存活率的提高     

Time course of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with burns—Prognostic value of interleukin-10

Introduction

Trends and the prognostic value of cytokine responses to severe burns have not been fully examined in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the time course and prognostic value of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the immediate post-burn period.

Patients and methods

Blood samples were taken for measuring IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α concentrations from patients with more than 20% burned surface area on admission and on 5 consecutive days. Development of sepsis was assessed using standard criteria twice a day.

Results

IL-12p70 remained under assay detection levels in the study period. IL-1β and TNF-α could be detected in stimulated blood samples with higher levels in survivors (n = 21). IL-6 on days 4–5 and IL-8 on days 4–6 in non-stimulated plasma showed significant elevation in non-survivors (n = 18) whereas in stimulated blood its levels did not differ significantly. IL-10 levels were significantly higher in non-survivors during the study period in non-stimulated, and except day 6 in stimulated blood. Using the cut-off level of 14 pg ml⁻¹ for IL-10 predicted ICU mortality with 85.4% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity on admission.

Conclusion

Early anti-inflammatory excess had a bad prognosis for patients suffering from severe burns.     

Erythropoietin protects severe haemorrhagic shock-induced organ damage in conscious rats

Objective

Erythropoietin (EPO) has pleiotropic cytoprotective actions. We investigated the effects of EPO on the physiopathology and cytokine levels after haemorrhagic shock (HS) in conscious rats.

Methods

Rats received an intravenous injection of 300 U/kg EPO over 10 min followed by HS via withdrawal of 60% of total blood volume from a femoral arterial catheter (6 ml/100 g body weight) over 30 min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously for 18 h after the start of blood withdrawal. Levels of biochemical parameters, including haemoglobin, GOT, GPT, BUN, creatinine (Cr), LDH, CPK, and lactate were measured at 30 min before the induction of HS and 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 h after HS. Cytokine levels, including TNF-α and IL-6, in serum were measured at 1, 9, and 18 h after HS. The kidneys, liver, lungs, and small intestine were removed for pathology assessment at 48 h after HS.

Results

HS significantly increased HR, blood GOT, GPT, BUN, Cr, LDH, CPK, lactate, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels and decreased haemoglobin and MAP in rats. Pre-treatment with EPO improved survival rate, preserved the MAP, decreased the tachycardia and markers of organ injury, suppressed the release of TNF-α and IL-6 after HS in rats.

Conclusion

Pre-treatment with EPO suppresses the release of serum TNF-α and IL-6, along with decreasing the levels of markers of organ injury associated with HS, with such actions ameliorating HS-induced organ damage in rats.     

Improved survival after resuscitation with norepinephrine in a murine model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have challenged current guidelines on fluid resuscitation. However, studies on resuscitation using norepinephrine in uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock are lacking. The authors examined the effects of norepinephrine in combination with saline infusion in uncontrolled hemorrhage in rats. METHODS: Rats subjected to a 15-min controlled hemorrhage (withdrawal of 3 ml blood/100 g body mass) followed by a 60-min uncontrolled hemorrhage (75% tail amputation) were randomly assigned to one of several treatment groups (10 rats/group) receiving different doses of norepinephrine (0 [NE0], 5 [NE5], 50 [NE50], or 500 [NE500] microg.100 g(-1).h(-1)). In the four hypotensive resuscitation groups (n = 40), mean arterial pressure was not allowed to fall below 40 mmHg by titrated infusion of normal saline. In the four normotensive resuscitation groups (n = 40), it was not allowed to fall below 80 mmHg. The endpoint was survival at 210 min. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in survival rate among groups. Among the hypotensive rats, 6 (60%) survived in the NE0 and NE5 dose groups, 9 (90%) survived in the NE50 dose group, and none survived in the NE500 dose group. Among the normotensive rats, none survived in the NE0 group, 4 (40%) survived in the NE5 dose group, all 10 (100%) survived in the NE50 group, and none survived in the NE500 group. CONCLUSIONS: The early use of norepinephrine in uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock in rats significantly improved survival when infused at a rate of 50 microg.100 g(-1).h(-1) in normotensive and hypotensive resuscitation strategies.     

A new model for the study of secondary intra-abdominal hypertension in rats

Background

To build a new and appropriate model of secondary intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in rats.

Methods

A total of 32 female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. Group I: the rats were hemorrhaged to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mm Hg for 1 h and portal hypertension was induced by partial ligation of the portal vein 1 h later; Group II: after inducing portal hypertension, hemorrhagic shock of MAP of 40 mm Hg was induced and maintained for 1 h; Group III: after inducing portal hypertension, hemorrhagic shock of MAP of 40 mm Hg was induced and maintained for 2 h; Group IV: after inducing portal hypertension, hemorrhagic shock of MAP of 40 mm Hg was induced and maintained for 2 h, and a specially designed abdominal restraint device was used. After these procedures, respectively, the collected blood was reinfused and lactated Ringer solution was continuously infused until the secondary IAH model was established.

Results

No models were built in Groups I, II, and III. One rat died in Group IV after portal vein ligation, and all the remaining rats successfully developed IAH; the success rate was 87.5%. During the resuscitation period, the average time was 5.26 ± 0.59 h and the average total infusion volume was 665.5 ± 86.04 mL/kg.

Conclusion

A rat model of secondary IAH was successfully established by resuscitation after a combination of inducing portal hypertension, hemorrhaging to a MAP of 40 mm Hg for 2 h, and using an abdominal restraint device. All these criteria mimic key etiological factors for the development of secondary IAH.     

Association of hemodilution and blood pressure in uncontrolled bleeding

Background

Hemodynamic status and coagulation capacity affect blood loss after injury. The most advantageous fluid and blood pressure to optimize resuscitation and minimize perturbation of coagulation are unclear. We investigated interactions of isovolumic hemodilution on hemodynamics, coagulation, and blood loss after injury.

Methods

Twenty-five male rats were randomized into three groups (Whole Blood Uncontrolled Blood Pressure [WBU], n = 7; Lactated Ringers Uncontrolled Blood Pressure [LRU], n = 10; Whole Blood Controlled Blood Pressure [WBC], n = 8) with isovolumic hemodilution of 50% blood volume, with and without control of pre-injury blood pressure. All rats underwent uniform grade IV liver injury 30 min after serial exchanges. Post-injury blood loss and coagulation function were measured.

Results

Dilution occurred, determined by hematocrit, with LRU having a greater reduction. Pre-injury mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased compared with baseline (98 ± 7 mmHg) with LRU (62 ± 14 mmHg) and WBC (61 ± 10 mmHg), resulting in WBU (101 ± 13 mmHg) being significantly higher and not changed from baseline. Post-injury, MAP decreased from pre-injury, with LRU significantly lower than the other two groups. No differences were observed in prothrombin time/international normalized ratio or thromboelastography. Bleed volume was significantly different between groups: WBU < WBC < LRU and associated with the pre-injury MAP. Controlling baseline MAP, dilution with Lactated Ringers (LR) resulted in greater blood loss than whole blood (3.0 ± 0.4 versus 1.9 ± 0.3 mL).

Conclusions

In this rat model of liver injury, blood loss was associated with baseline MAP and type of fluid used for dilution. Hemodilution with LR did not produce coagulopathy based on laboratory values. When controlling baseline MAP, dilution with LR increased bleeding, confirming a functional coagulopathic state.     

The utility of a shock index ≥ 1 as an indication for pre-hospital oxygen carrier administration in major trauma

Introduction and aims

The use of intravenous oxygen carriers (packed red blood cells (PRBC), whole blood and synthetic haemoglobins (HBOCs) for selected pre-hospital trauma resuscitation cases has been reported, despite a lack of validated clinical indications. The aim of this study was to retrospectively identify a sub-group of adult major trauma patients most likely to benefit from pre-hospital oxygen carrier administration and determine the predictive relationship between pre-hospital shock index (SI) [pulse rate/systolic blood pressure] and haemorrhagic shock, blood transfusion and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult major trauma patients recorded in The Alfred Trauma Registry was conducted. Patients were included if they received at least 1 L of pre-hospital crystalloid and spent over 30 min in transit. The association of shock index and transfusion was determined. Patients were further sub-grouped by mode of transport to determine the population of trauma patients who could be included into prospective studies of intravenous oxygen carriers.

Results

There were 1149 patients included of whom 311 (21.9%) received an acute blood transfusion. The SI correlated well with transfusion practice. A SI ≥ 1.0, calculated after at least 1 L of crystalloid transfusion, identified patients with a high specificity (93.5%; 95% CI: 91.8–94.8) for receiving a blood transfusion within 4 h of hospital arrival. While patients transported by helicopter had higher injury severity and blood transfusion requirement, there were no difference in physiological variables and outcomes when compared to patients transported by road car.

Conclusions

A shock index ≥ 1.0 is an easily calculated variable that may identify patients for inclusion into trials for pre-hospital oxygen carriers. Shocked patients have high mortality rates whether transported by road car or by helicopter. The efficacy of pre-hospital intravenous oxygen carriers should be trialled using a shock index ≥ 1.0 despite fluid resuscitation as the clinical trigger for administration.     

Effect of vagus nerve stimulation on thermal injury in rats

Objective

To investigate the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on haemodynamics, pulmonary histopathology, arterial blood gas and pro-inflammatory responses to thermal injury.

Interventions

Forty-eight male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: normal control (NC) group; thermal injury (TEM) group subjected to 40% total body surface area (%TBSA) third-degree thermal injury; vagotomy (VGX) group subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy after thermal injury; electrical stimulation (STM) group subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy plus the left vagus nerve trunk electrical stimulation (5 V, 2 ms and 1 Hz) after thermal injury; the antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (MRA) group administrated with atropine (0.1 mg kg⁻¹) before electrical stimulation and the antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (NRA) group administrated with hexamethonium (10 mg kg⁻¹) before electrical stimulation.

Measurements and main results

The haemodynamics, histopathology of lung tissue, arterial blood gas, lactic acid, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured. Vagus nerve electrical stimulation not only significantly increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), but also decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells into interstitial and alveolar spaces after thermal challenge and attenuated TNF-α and IL-6 production. Hexamethonium pre-treatment significantly reversed the effects of vagal electrical stimulation, but atropine administration before electrical stimulation had no such effects.

Conclusions

Direct electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might produce therapeutic effect on thermal injury. The effect may be realised by limiting the inflammatory response via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rats.     

Effects of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors on the Inflammatory Response of Endothelial Cells Stimulated by Myeloperoxidase-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein or Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha

Background

Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) usually used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Previously, we have shown the presence of myeloperoxidase-modified low-density lipoprotein (Mox-LDL) in the penises of patients with ED, and we have shown the impact of Mox-LDL on cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) level. In vitro, Mox-LDL triggered the inflammatory response by increasing the release of both interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by endothelial cells (ECs) and monocytes respectively.

Objective

To determine whether or not the three therapeutically PDE5-Is protect against the proinflammatory effects of Mox-LDL or TNF-α on ECs.

Design, setting, and participants

ECs (EA.hy926) were incubated in the presence of either TNF-α (100 pg/ml) or Mox-LDL (200 μg/ml) with each of the three PDE5-Is (1 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM) respectively. IL-8 production was measured in the supernatant after 48 h of incubation.

Measurements

All experiments were repeated at least three times. Statistical analysis was performed with an ANOVA.

Results and limitations

Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that TNF-α alone (p < 0.001) or Mox-LDL alone (p < 0.001) increased IL-8 production. Sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil alone did not generate an increase of IL-8 production. Tadalafil in combination with Mox-LDL and TNF-α showed a decrease of IL-8 (p < 0.05) compared with sildenafil and vardenafil.

Conclusions

Among the three available PDE5-Is, tadalafil showed an additional potentially anti-inflammatory effect on relaxation. Those data could be considered for the chronic use of PDE5-Is, but extrapolations of experimental evidence to the clinical setting should be made cautiously.     

The inflammatory sequelae of aortic balloon occlusion in hemorrhagic shock

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a hemorrhage control and resuscitative adjunct that has been demonstrated to improve central perfusion during hemorrhagic shock. The aim of this study was to characterize the systemic inflammatory response associated and cardiopulmonary sequelae with 30, 60, and 90 min of balloon occlusion and shock on the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Materials and methods

Anesthetized female Yorkshire swine (Sus scrofa, weight 70–90 kg) underwent a 35% blood volume–controlled hemorrhage followed by thoracic aortic balloon occlusion of 30 (30-REBOA, n = 6), 60 (60-REBOA, n = 8), and 90 min (90-REBOA, n = 6). This was followed by resuscitation with whole blood and crystalloid over 6 h. Animals then underwent 48 h of critical care with sedation, fluid, and vasopressor support.

Results

All animals were successfully induced into hemorrhagic shock without mortality. All groups responded to aortic occlusion with a rise in blood pressure above baseline values. IL-6, as measured (picogram per milliliter) at 8 h, was significantly elevated from baseline values in the 60-REBOA and 90-REBOA groups: 289 ± 258 versus 10 ± 5; P = 0.018 and 630 ± 348; P = 0.007, respectively. There was a trend toward greater vasopressor use (P = 0.183) and increased incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.052) across the groups.

Conclusions

REBOA is a useful adjunct in supporting central perfusion during hemorrhagic shock; however, increasing occlusion time and shock results in a greater IL-6 release. Clinicians must anticipate inflammation-mediated organ failure in post-REBOA use patients.     

The use of theraputic plasma exchange (TPE) in the setting of refractory burn shock

Introduction

This study examines the physiologic effects of theraputic plasma exchange (TPE) in the setting of refractory burn shock and attempts to identify variables that correlate with the eventual need for TPE.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 40 patients over 24 months with >20% TBSA burns who experienced complicated resuscitations. TPE was utilized in 21 patients when the patients’ total resuscitation volumes exceeded 1.2 times the amount predicted by the modified Baxter formula (3 cm³ LR/kg/%TBSA). Nineteen matched, contemporaneous patients served as controls. Demographic, injury severity, and acute clinical variables were abstracted for comparison between the two groups. Additionally, the TPE group was analyzed for blood lactate levels, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and urine output (UOP) before and after TPE. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used for comparisons, where appropriate.

Results

In response to TPE, MAP increased by 24% (p < 0.0001), UOP increased by >400% (p =  < 0.0001), IVF rates were reduced by 25% (p = 0.01), and lactate levels decreased by almost 50% (p = 0.0006). On univariate analysis, admission lactate (p = 0.0006) and %TBSA (p = 0.01) were found to be significantly increased in the TPE group compared to controls, while there was no difference in age, gender, weight, admission HCT, incidence of acute renal failure, or mortality between the groups. However, on multivariate logistic regression analysis, only elevated admission lactate was independently associated with the eventual need for TPE (OR 2.23, 95% CI = 1.30–3.84, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

This is the largest study to date examining TPE as an adjunct in burn resuscitation and suggests that TPE may be effective as a salvage intervention for refractory burn shock. Physiologic parameters clearly improved after the use of TPE without any detected adverse consequences. Also, admission lactate may be a useful indicator to determine who will fail standard burn resuscitation and require TPE.     

Deleterious effects of aggressive rapid crystalloid resuscitation on treatment of hyperinflammatory response and lung injury induced by hemorrhage in aging rats

Background

Large-volume, rapid crystalloid infusion may increase endothelial cell damage and induce shear stress, potentially leading to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. Limited guideline data for fluid administration are currently available, especially for the aging population. The aim of the present study was to compare the degree of organ damage in conscious aging rats when different resuscitation speeds were used during the treatment of hemorrhagic shock (HS).

Methods

Eighteen aging male Wistar-Kyoto rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: the control group, 30-min rapid resuscitation group, and 12-h slow resuscitation group. To mimic HS, 40% of the total blood volume was withdrawn. Fluid resuscitation (1:3) was given at 30 min after the blood withdrawal. Blood biochemical parameters including glucose, lactic acid, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured along with the levels of serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The lungs were examined for pathologic changes, and the injury score at 24 h after HS was calculated.

Results

Compared with slow-rate resuscitation, initially rapid and immediate resuscitation significantly increased the serum levels of glucose, LDH, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and interleukin 10), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of white blood cells, TNF-α, and LDH as well as produced pathologic changes in the organ. The lung injury scores were higher after induced HS in aging rats.

Conclusions

The slow and continuous (12 h) fluid resuscitation rate ameliorated HS-induced organ damage in conscious aging rats.     

The association between admission systolic blood pressure and mortality in significant traumatic brain injury: A multi-centre cohort study

Introduction

Low systolic blood pressure (SBP) is an important secondary insult following traumatic brain injury (TBI), but its exact relationship with outcome is not well characterised. Although a SBP of <90 mmHg represents the threshold for hypotension in consensus TBI treatment guidelines, recent studies suggest redefining hypotension at higher levels. This study therefore aimed to fully characterise the association between admission SBP and mortality to further inform resuscitation endpoints.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre cohort study using data from the largest European trauma registry. Consecutive adult patients with AIS head scores >2 admitted directly to specialist neuroscience centres between 2005 and July 2012 were studied. Multilevel logistic regression models were developed to examine the association between admission SBP and 30 day inpatient mortality. Models were adjusted for confounders including age, severity of injury, and to account for differential quality of hospital care.

Results

5057 patients were included in complete case analyses. Admission SBP demonstrated a smooth u-shaped association with outcome in a bivariate analysis, with increasing mortality at both lower and higher values, and no evidence of any threshold effect. Adjusting for confounding slightly attenuated the association between mortality and SBP at levels <120 mmHg, and abolished the relationship for higher SBP values. Case-mix adjusted odds of death were 1.5 times greater at <120 mmHg, doubled at <100 mmHg, tripled at <90 mmHg, and six times greater at SBP < 70 mmHg, p < 0.01.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that TBI studies should model SBP as a continuous variable and may suggest that current TBI treatment guidelines, using a cut-off for hypotension at SBP < 90 mmHg, should be reconsidered.     

High-lipid enteral nutrition could partially mitigate inflammation but not lung injury in hemorrhagic shock rats

Background

Loss of gut barrier function is crucial in mediating lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (HS). High-lipid enteral nutrition (HL) can preserve gut barrier function. We hypothesized that HL could also mitigate HS-induced lung injury.

Materials and methods

Forty-eight adult male rats were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: HS; HS-HL; Sham; Sham-HL. HS was induced by blood drawing and mean blood pressure was maintained at 40–45 mmHg for 120 min followed by resuscitation with re-infusion of exsanguinated blood/saline mixtures. HL gavage was performed at 45 min before blood drawing and at the end of resuscitation.

Results

Intestinal permeability of the HS group was significantly higher than that of the Sham group (P < 0.001). Pulmonary concentrations of malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation) and inflammatory molecules, including prostaglandin E₂, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2, of the HS group were significantly higher than those of the Sham group. Histologic analyses, including histopathology, wet/dry weight ratio, and neutrophil infiltration revealed moderate lung injury in the HS group. In contrast, intestinal permeability (P < 0.001) and pulmonary concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (P = 0.021 and 0.01) of the HS-HL group were significantly lower than those of the HS group. However, pulmonary concentrations of malondialdehyde, prostaglandin E₂, and interleukin-6 of the HS-HL and HS groups were comparable. Moreover, histologic analyses also revealed moderate lung injury in the HS-HL group.

Conclusions

High-lipid enteral nutrition significantly mitigated gut barrier loss and partially mitigated lung inflammation but not oxidation and lung injury in hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation rats.     

Impact of noradrenaline infusion set on mean arterial pressure: A retrospective clinical study

Objectives

Noradrenaline (NA) can be infused through various systems including single or double syringe pumps. The aim of this study was to define the best and most efficient infusion system in an emergency context.

Study design

This was a retrospective clinical study based on the analysis of patients’ hemodynamic data.

Patients and method

Three infusion lines used presently in our postoperative ICU were compared through a retrospective clinical study: an NA syringe pump at 2 mL/h and a saline carrier solution syringe pump at 8 mL/h (infusion system 1- IS1) or 5 mL/h (IS2), both connected to a very low dead-space volume set (V = 0.046 mL); IS3 with the same NA syringe at 2 mL/h directly connected to the central venous catheter. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was obtained from retrospective data analysis of ICU patients with postoperative septic shock criteria. Infusion systems were compared according to the time required to reach an MAP greater than 65 mmHg after the onset of infusion.

Results

Data from 37 patients was analysed. The MAP objective was attained in 14:00 minutes (9:20 – 26:10, n = 15) with IS1, in 19:10 minutes (12:20 – 27:20, n = 13) with IS2 and in 34:10 minutes (23:10 – 62:30, n = 9) with IS3 (P = 0.00032).

Conclusion

The use of a double syringe pump system associated with a very low dead-space volume infusion set appears to be the most appropriate system for NA infusion.     

Hemodynamic variables predict outcome of emergency thoracotomy in the pediatric trauma population

Background

Limited data exist regarding indications for resuscitative emergency thoracotomy (ETR) in the pediatric population. We attempt to define the presenting hemodynamic parameters that predict survival for pediatric patients undergoing ETR.

Methods

We reviewed all pediatric patients (age < 18 years), entered into the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2010, who underwent ETR within one hour of ED arrival. Mechanism of injury and hemodynamics were analyzed using Chi squared and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

316 children (70 blunt, 240 penetrating) underwent ETR, 31% (98/316) survived to discharge. Less than 5% of patients survived when presenting SBP was ≤ 50 mmHg or heart rate was ≤ 70 bpm. For blunt injuries there were no survivors with a pulse ≤ 80 bpm or SBP ≤ 60 mmHg. When survivors were compared to nonsurvivors, blood pressure, pulse, and injury type were statistically significant when treated as independent variables and in a logistic regression model.

Conclusions

When ETR was performed for SBP ≤ 50 mmHg or for heart rate ≤ 70 bpm less than 5% of patients survived. There were no survivors of blunt trauma when SBP was ≤ 60 mmHg or pulse was ≤ 80 bpm. This review suggests that ETR may have limited benefit in these patients.     

Superiority of acetate compared with lactate in a rodent model of severe hemorrhagic shock

Background

Recently, we have shown that the use of lactated Ringer's (LR) solution is inferior to pure Ringer's solution (RS) in treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock in rats. The present study was performed to evaluate whether this is a specific effect of lactate or also applies to another metabolizable anion, namely acetate.

Material and methods

We subjected male Wistar rats to hemorrhagic shock by dropping the mean arterial blood pressure to 25–30 mm Hg for 60 min, resuscitated with acetated Ringer's (AR) solution, LR solution, RS, or normal saline (NS) within 30 min, and further observed the animals for 180 min.

Results

Administration of AR solution prolonged median survival to 115 min compared with 50 min for resuscitation with LR solution or 85 and 90 min for NS and RS, respectively. Resuscitation with AR solution and LR solution clearly improved metabolic acidosis compared with NS and RS but tissue injury, indicated by plasma enzyme activities, was most pronounced in the LR solution group, medium in the NS and RS groups, and least in the AR solution group.

Conclusions

In severe hemorrhagic shock, resuscitation with both RS and NS is superior to administration of LR solution but initial outcome is even further improved if AR solution is used. Mere amelioration of the acid–base status by AR solution may explain its superior role compared with RS and NS but cannot be responsible for its superiority compared with LR solution. Here, direct injury by lactate has to be discussed.     

Interleukin-8 predicts 60-day mortality in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictiveness of circulating interleukin (IL)-8 for 60-day mortality in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Background

NEC affects up to 5% of premature infants and remains a leading cause of mortality among neonates.

Methods

A total of 113 infants with surgically (n = 50) or medically (n = 63) treated NEC were retrospectively analyzed. Laboratory parameters including serum IL-8 were assessed at the diagnosis of NEC and during the preoperative workup.

Results

The 60-day mortality was 19% (22/113), 10% (6/63) in medical and 33% (16/50) in surgical NEC. IL-8 levels significantly correlated with 60-day mortality (odds ratio: 1.38; CI 1.14–1.67; p = 0.001). Median IL-8 levels at diagnosis were significantly higher in neonates who were later treated surgically (median = 2625 pg/ml; range: 27–7500) compared with those treated medically (median = 156 pg/ml; range: 5–7500; p < 0.001). The AUC to discriminate between medical and surgical NEC was 0.82 (CI, 0.74–0.90), and an exploratory IL-8 cutoff point could be established at 1783 pg/ml (sensitivity of 90.5%; specificity of 59.2%).

Conclusions

Our findings that serum IL-8 (i) correlates directly with 60-day mortality and (ii) differs significantly between medically and surgically treated infants may change the process of therapeutic decision making in NEC.     

Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Is Related to Poor Semen Quality in Young Prostatitis Patients

Background

The impact of chronic prostatitis resulting from Chlamydia trachomatis infection on male fertility is controversial.

Objective

To investigate the correlation between C. trachomatis infection and semen quality in young male patients affected by chronic prostatitis resulting from C. trachomatis infection and to evaluate the correlation between anti–C. trachomatis immunoglobulin (Ig) A against heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and semen parameters.

Design, setting, and participants

All patients with clinical and instrumental diagnosis of chronic prostatitis underwent microbiological cultures for common bacteria, DNA extraction, mucosal and serum antibody evaluation for C. trachomatis, and semen parameter analysis. Western blot analysis of mucosal anti–C. trachomatis IgA was performed.

Interventions

Subjects were split into two groups: Group A consisted of patients with chronic prostatitis resulting from common bacteria (uropathogens), and group B consisted of patients with chronic prostatitis resulting from C. trachomatis infection.

Measurements

The relationship between C. trachomatis infection and semen parameters as well as the correlation among IgA levels, IgA characterisation, and semen analysis were determined.

Results and limitations

We enrolled 1161 patients (mean age: 36.5 yr). Of these, 707 patients were placed in group A, and 454 were placed in group B. Significant statistical differences were reported between groups in terms of sperm concentration (p < 0.001), percentage of motile sperm (p < 0.001), and normal morphologic forms (p < 0.001). Strong correlations between mucosal anti–C. trachomatis IgA and sperm concentration (p < 0.001) and normal morphologic forms (p < 0.001) were reported. Correlations among positivity to HSP60, HSP70, and sperm concentration (p < 0.003) and normal morphologic forms (p < 0.001) were also reported.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the role of chronic prostatitis resulting from C. trachomatis in male fertility decrease, highlighting probable immunomediated damage to germinal cells because of C. trachomatis infections.