Heart–kidney crosstalk and role of humoral signaling in critical illness

Organ failure in the heart or kidney can initiate various complex metabolic, cell-mediated and humoral pathways affecting distant organs, contributing to the high therapeutic costs and significantly higher morbidity and mortality. The universal outreach of cells in an injured state has myriad consequences to distant organ cells and their milieu. Heart performance and kidney function are closely interconnected and communication between these organs occurs through a variety of bidirectional pathways. The term cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is often used to describe this condition and represents an important model for exploring the pathophysiology of cardiac and renal dysfunction. Clinical evidence suggests that tissue injury in both acute kidney injury and heart failure has immune-mediated inflammatory consequences that can initiate remote organ dysfunction. Acute cardiorenal syndrome (CRS type 1) and acute renocardiac syndrome (CRS type 3) are particularly relevant in high-acuity medical units. This review briefly summarizes relevant research and focuses on the role of signaling in heart–kidney crosstalk in the critical care setting.     

心肾综合征新视角

近年来,心肾疾病之间的关系引起了广泛关注.随着心肾综合征(CRS)概念的提出,流行病学提示CRS临床较常见且与患者的不良预后密切相关.最新的研究认为,CRS的病理生理机制涉及中心静脉充血、神经激素作用、贫血、氧化应激和肾交感神经兴奋等.为更好的了解CRS,本文就CRS的流行病学、病理生理机制及治疗措施进行综述.     

Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for evaluating myocardial motion in patients with cardiorenal syndrome

Because of better awareness and understanding of its pathophysiology, the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is more often diagnosed and better managed. The echocardiographic evaluation of CRS now benefits from three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), which allows multidimensional and real-time evaluation of regional myocardial and overall cardiac function, and helps assessing the degree of myocardial damage. This article describes the application of 3D-STE in evaluating the myocardial motion in patients with CRS.     

The benefits of early vasoactive therapy in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure

PURPOSE: To review current issues in the management of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), focusing on the early initiation of intravenous (i.v.) vasoactive therapy and including the effects of vasoactive drugs on patient outcomes and the benefits and limitations of each medication class. DATA SOURCES: Review of the worldwide scientific literature on ADHF. CONCLUSIONS: The management of ADHF may be improved by early initiation of i.v. vasoactive therapy, reduced use of inotropic agents, and judicious use of diuretics. Data to date suggest that early treatment with the natriuretic peptide nesiritide reduces duration of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, and requirements for i.v. inotropes and diuretics. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Advance practice nurses play an integral role in the management of patients with ADHF from initial triage in the emergency department through final discharge from the hospital. Because they are typically responsible for administering medications and monitoring patient status, nurses need to be familiar with the benefits and limitations of each class of vasoactive agent. They need to recognize that prompt initiation of i.v. vasodilator therapy is important for improving patient outcomes. Further, advance practice nurses should participate in team management that promotes the use of evidence-based ADHF care by developing, using, and assertively communicating the need for processes of care that facilitate best practices.     

Management of acute decompensated heart failure

Heart failure, a debilitating complex clinical syndrome, affects nearly 5 million people in the United States and presents a heavy socioeconomic burden. Neurohormonal abnormalities contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has emerged as a major health problem associated with poor prognosis, increased costs related to care, reduced quality of life, and frequent readmissions. Symptoms of ADHF are primarily related to congestion and/or low perfusion states. The use of biomakers such as B-natriuretic peptides is useful in distinguishing between cardiac and noncardiac causes of symptoms. Treatment for ADHF begins with identification and treatment of precipitating factors for acute decompensation. Initial goal of therapy is focused on symptom management followed by interventions that delay disease progression, reduce readmission, and prolong survival.     

Cardiorenal dysfunction

Left ventricular dysfunction and renal dysfunction are common chronic conditions that frequently coexist in the same individual, and both are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Disorders in 1 organ generally lead to dysfunction in the other, and this bidirectional interaction serves as the pathophysiological basis for cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Until recently, CRS has been neither well defined nor well understood, making its diagnosis and treatment challenging for clinicians. This article presents the pathophysiology of CRS and the new classification for types of CRS, therapeutic interventions targeting CRS, and novel therapies on the basis of the 2010 Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative consensus conference recommendations.     

Narrative review: the management of acute decompensated heart failure

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the most common reason for hospitalization in Western nations. The prognosis of patients admitted to hospital with ADHF is poor, with up to 64% being readmitted within the first 90 days after discharge and with a 1-year mortality approximating 20%. Epidemiological studies suggest that the majority of patients hospitalized with ADHF receive treatment that is inadequate and which is not based on scientific evidence. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the "conventional" therapeutic interventions for ADHF including morphine, high-dose diuretics, and inotropic agents may be harmful. The goal of this review is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ADHF.     

肾脏叶间动脉阻力指数对Ⅰ型心肾综合征的诊断价值

  目的  探讨彩色多普勒超声测量肾脏叶间动脉阻力指数(resistance index, RI)对Ⅰ型心肾综合征(cardiorenal syndrome, CRS)的诊断价值。  方法  选取2017年6月1日至2018年3月1日收住民航总医院急诊综合病房并诊断为Ⅰ型CRS的20例患者作为试验组(CRS组), 选取同期诊断为单纯急性心力衰竭的患者20例作为对照组, 分析两组患者的临床特征、实验室检查及用药情况, 并根据受试者工作特征(receiver operating characteristic, ROC)曲线评价肾动脉RI对Ⅰ型CRS的诊断价值。  结果  两组患者年龄、左心室射血分数、心功能分级、心率及脉压差差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05), CRS组患者的氨基末端脑钠尿肽、肌酐水平、呋塞米剂量以及肾动脉RI均高于对照组, 而肾小球滤过率低于对照组, 差异具有统计学意义(P均 < 0.05)。ROC曲线下面积为0.78, 取最佳截点值0.70时预测Ⅰ型CRS的敏感度为80%, 特异度为80%。  结论  作为一种新的手段, 肾动脉RI可与传统方法相互补充, 对诊断Ⅰ型心肾综合征患者具有潜在应用价值。     

Extracorporeal ultrafiltration therapy for acute decompensated heart failure

Congestion is the most common reason for hospitalization of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and adversely impacts their outcomes. Extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF) therapy has re-emerged as an effective strategy for decongestion in this setting. This article is intended to discuss key concepts in UF and its technique, provide a brief historical view of UF application for decongestion in ADHF, review the hemodynamic and neurohormonal effects of UF and their positive effects on the pathophysiology of ADHF, discuss the findings of the landmark trials in this field, and explain key findings of these studies as well as the apparent discrepancies in their findings. In a separate section we discuss the intricacies of renal dysfunction in ADHF as it plays a very important role in understanding the current evidence and designing futures clinical trials of UF in ADHF. In the end, the authors provide their perspective on the future role of UF in management of patients with ADHF and congestion.     

In-flight Valsalva maneuver induced life-threatening Wünderlich syndrome

Valsalva maneuver, a preferred method for induction of a complex cardiovascular response, is often performed to relieve ear block during descent in aviation. We described a rare case of Wünderlich syndrome presenting with characteristic clinical and imaging features of ruptured renal angiomyolipoma (AML) induced by a Valsalva maneuver. Renal AML heralded by unbridled hemorrhage is a disastrous entity that can be easily overlooked. Early recognition by exquisite imaging studies along with a raised clinical awareness can forestall unnecessary surgical exploration, preserve renal function, and avoid a life-threatening catastrophe.     

The glucocorticoid in acute decompensated heart failure: Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde?

Glucocorticoid administration is not recommended in patients with heart failure because of its related sodium and fluid retention. However, previous experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids can also induce a diuretic effect and improve renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with refractory diuretic resistance. We report the case of a 65-year-old man with a known diagnosis of aortic stenosis, systolic ventricular dysfunction, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who was admitted for ADHF. After 3 days, during which resistance to conventional therapy was observed, intravenous methylprednisolone (60 mg/d) was added to ongoing medical treatment. Three days after the onset of glucocorticoid therapy, daily urine volume progressively increased (up to 5.8 L/d). Concurrently, signs and symptoms of congestion improved, the weight and brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels decreased (?7 kg and ?46%, respectively) and glomerular filtration rate increased (+26%). Bioimpedance vector analysis showed a net reduction of fluid content (from 88.4% to 73.6% of hydration at discharge). In conclusion, this case report suggests that in a patient with ADHF and congestion resistant to diuretic therapy, glucocorticoid administration is safe and associated with improvement in congestion, neurohormonal status, and renal function. These data support the possible usefulness of glucocorticoids in this setting.     

The South Warwickshire NHS Care Records Service Demonstrator Project: lessons for the National Programme for IT

The NHS Care Records Service (CRS) is a major goal of the National Health Service (NHS) Modernisation Programme. It will provide for 24-hour access by clinicians to electronic patient records and the integration of information from previously separate databases, reducing the 'seams' between primary and secondary care, between out-of-hours and ordinary working hours, and ultimately between health and social care. Such integration is likely to affect not only individual patient care, but also public health including disease surveillance, and the monitoring of clinical activities including the achievement of clinical governance targets. The potential benefits for patients, practitioners and managers are numerous. However, the process raises issues over confidentiality, data protection and data quality. During 2003 a project was undertaken in South Warwickshire to develop an NHS CRS widely available to primary care clinicians in the region. This was part of a wider initiative funded by the NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CfH). Twenty-six out of 36 local practices took part, providing a combined database of 181,961 clinical records. All but one of the original objectives was achieved. Lessons were learned which could usefully inform the development of the CRS more generally in the NHS.     

The evolution of a clinical scholars program through a pediatric nursing academic-practice partnership

Academic-practice partnerships have the potential to improve clinical outcomes through joint initiatives focusing on nursing. Nurses at the bedside are able to greatly impact care, but often they lack the resources (time, knowledge, and expertise) to enact and facilitate quality improvement initiatives. Through an academic-practice partnership, academic and practice partners can work collaboratively to develop innovative evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research projects. The benefits of these partnerships are far reaching as they involve faculty, students, and clinicians within the practice. In this article, we describe the development and evolution of a pediatric clinical scholars program that increases nursing engagement for leadership in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research projects to improve health outcomes.     

Management Principles Associated With Cytokine Release Syndrome

ObjectiveTo discuss current recommendations and resources for nurses to ensure they advocate for patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS).Data SourcesA literature search using key terms: cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, CAR T, adverse events.ConclusionChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy is a growing and rapidly changing field of research. Prompt recognition and management of the side effects of CAR T-cell therapy is pivotal to the safe outcomes of patients. As patients are treated with these novel therapies, additional recommendations and standards for treating CRS and neurotoxicity will occur.Implication for Nursing PracticeNursing plays a pivotal role in the CAR T patients’ treatment course because they are the first line of defense in the care of these patients. Providers and patients both rely on nursing knowledge and training to recognize symptoms of CRS and neurotoxicity. With the early recognition of the signs and symptoms of CRS and neurotoxicity, nursing will help improve the outcomes of the patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy.     

新活素联合多巴胺对心肾综合征患者肾动脉血流、尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质转运蛋白水平及运动耐量的影响

目的研究新活素联合多巴胺对心肾综合征(CRS)患者肾动脉血流、尿中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质转运蛋白(NGAL)水平及运动耐量的影响。方法选取2016年5月至2018年4月该院收治的104例CRS患者作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组各52例。对照组患者采用多巴胺治疗,观察组患者采用新活素联合多巴胺治疗,比较两组患者治疗前后肾动脉血流参数:收缩期峰值血流速度(PSV)、肾动脉搏动指数(PI)、肾动脉阻力指数(RI);心功能指标:肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)、B型脑钠肽(BNP);肾功能指标:NGAL、血清肌酐(SCr)、胱抑素-C(Cys-C);运动耐量:运动持续时间、运动量达最大时的心率及运动强度。结果与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后PSV、运动持续时间、运动强度均升高,PI、RI、CK-MB、cTnT、BNP、NGAL、SCr、Cys-C水平均降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);与对照组治疗后比较,观察组患者PSV、运动持续时间、运动强度均升高,PI、RI、CK-MB、cTnT、BNP、NGAL、SCr、Cys-C水平均降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论采用新活素联合多巴胺治疗CRS,能有效改善患者肾动脉血流、降低NGAL水平、改善患者运动耐量,从而缓解疾病进程。     

一例肾细胞癌脑转移患者的5次MDT:“量体裁衣”的个体化诊疗模式

肾细胞癌是泌尿系统中恶性度较高的肿瘤,常出现远端转移,尤其伴随中枢神经系统转移后,患者预后更差,临床管理困难,需多学科协作诊疗。本文报道一例肾透明细胞癌多系统转移患者,经北京协和医院肿瘤多学科协作团队(multidisciplinary team,MDT)5次会诊,得到个体化诊疗,并取得良好效果。通过对MDT讨论决策进行详细分析,可展现MDT在疑难重症病例诊疗方面的优势,有助于缩短治疗时间窗、打破科室界限、提高患者依从性、更好地制定符合循证医学理念的诊疗建议,为患者提供更加精准、个体化的临床管理方案。     

Use of High-Flow Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Citrate Anticoagulation to Control Intracranial Pressure by Maintaining Hypernatremia in a Patient with Acute Brain Injury and Renal Failure

Traumatic brain injury and intracranial hypertension often require treatment to optimize patient outcome. There are a variety of complex medical conditions that can preclude standard approaches to the treatment of intracranial hypertension. We describe a case where a novel approach using continuous dialysis with trisodium citrate was used to optimize the outcome of a young male with acute renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome in the setting of acute traumatic brain injury.     

Managing Shoulder Instability in the Overhead Athlete

Purpose of ReviewShoulder instability in the overhead athlete is a difficult problem because of the balance between necessary laxity for athletic movements and stability of the joint. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical evaluation of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete and present evidence-based management strategies for each subtype of shoulder instability, including novel techniques and outcomes.Recent FindingsRecent investigation has shown that throwers and other overhead athletes are more likely to present with subtle subluxation events rather than discrete dislocations as their primary symptom. While overhead athletes with discrete anterior dislocation events are likely to begin with non-operative management, many progress on to surgical intervention. Surgical management of glenohumeral joint instability continues to pose challenges due to the potential for over-tensioning for the sake of stability at the expense of the adaptive laxity that often confers performance benefits in the overhead athlete. Novel, individualized, and sport/position specific approaches are needed to address this complex issue.SummaryThe optimal management of shoulder instability in the overhead athlete continues to be a controversial topic due to the complex work-up, an increasing number of surgical options with varying indications, and low volume of high-quality studies comparing any of the treatment options. The Anterior Shoulder Instability International Consensus Group guidelines from February 2022 offer the most updated guidelines on work-up and management. Overall, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the optimal treatment for specific pathologies and aid in creating patient-centered management plans.     

移植肾穿刺20例活组织病理检查的临床价值

背景:根据临床表现、无创性辅助检查及临床经验来判断肾移植后移植肾功能异常的原因常常会陷入困境,经皮肾穿刺活组织检查则可提供重要的循证学依据。目的:探讨移植肾穿刺活组织检查的临床意义。方法:回顾性分析20例移植肾穿刺活检病理资料及相应调整治疗后的临床结果资料。结果与结论:20例患者病理诊断为急性排斥反应7例(35%),可疑性急性排斥反应2例(10%),可疑性急性排斥反应加免疫抑制剂中毒1例(5%),免疫抑制剂中毒3例(15%),慢性移植肾肾病3例(15%),未见明确异常3例(15%),肾小管坏死1例(5%)。相应调整治疗方案后,移植肾功能恢复正常9例(45%),移植肾功能好转7例(35%),肾功能无明显变化3例(15%),肾功能轻度恶化1例(5%)。结果可见肾穿刺活组织检查对肾移植后肾功能异常的病因诊断有重要的价值,有利于指导治疗方案的调整。