Reactivation of EBV and CMV in Severe COVID-19—Epiphenomena or Trigger of Hyperinflammation in Need of Treatment? A Large Case Series of Critically ill Patients

Background Reactivation of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are common in critically ill patients and have been described in patients with severe COVID-19. However, it is unclear whether these reactivations are associated with increased mortality and whether targeted treatments are beneficial. Methods In a retrospective single-center cohort study, patients with severe COVID-19 treated on our intensive care unit (ICU) were screened for EBV and CMV reactivation as detected by polymerase chain reaction. If present, patient characteristics, temporal connections to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 diagnosis and corticosteroid use, the use of targeted treatments as well as the course of disease and outcome were analyzed. As control group, non-COVID-19 patients with sepsis, treated within the same time period on our ICU, served as control group to compare incidences of viral reactivation. Results In 19 (16%) of 117 patients with severe COVID-19 treated on our ICU EBV reactivations were identified, comparable 18 (14%) of 126 in the non-COVID-19 control group ( P = .672). Similarly, in 11 (9%) of 117 patients CMV reactivations were identified, comparable to the 16 (13%) of 126 in the non-COVID-19 sepsis patients ( P = .296). The majority of EBV (58%) and CMV reactivations (55%) were detected in patients under systemic corticosteroid treatment. 7 (37%) of 19 patients with EBV reactivation survived the ICU stay, 2 (29%) of 7 patients with rituximab treatment and 5 (42%) of 12 patients without treatment ( P = .568). Five (50%) of 10 patients with CMV reactivation survived the ICU stay, 5 (83%) of 6 patients with ganciclovir treatment and 0 of 4 patients without treatment ( P = .048). Follow-up analysis in these patients showed that the initiation of treatment lead to decrease in viral load. Conclusion Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are at a high risk for EBV and CMV reactivations. Whether these reactivations are a cause of hyperinflammation and require targeted treatment remains uncertain. However, in patients with clinical deterioration or signs of hyperinflammation targeted treatment might be beneficial and warrants further studying.

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Lung ultrasound and computed tomography to monitor COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients: a two-center prospective cohort study

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental ◽

10.1186/s40635-020-00367-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Micah L. A. Heldeweg ◽

Jorge E. Lopez Matta ◽

Mark E. Haaksma ◽

Jasper M. Smit ◽

Carlos V. Elzo Kraemer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

Composite Endpoint ◽

Pulmonary Involvement ◽

Chest Ct ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Icu Stay ◽

Academic Hospitals ◽

Ultrasound Score

Abstract Background Lung ultrasound can adequately monitor disease severity in pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We hypothesize lung ultrasound can adequately monitor COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients. Methods Adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit of two academic hospitals who underwent a 12-zone lung ultrasound and a chest CT examination were included. Baseline characteristics, and outcomes including composite endpoint death or ICU stay > 30 days were recorded. Lung ultrasound and CT images were quantified as a lung ultrasound score involvement index (LUSI) and CT severity involvement index (CTSI). Primary outcome was the correlation, agreement, and concordance between LUSI and CTSI. Secondary outcome was the association of LUSI and CTSI with the composite endpoints. Results We included 55 ultrasound examinations in 34 patients, which were 88% were male, with a mean age of 63 years and mean P/F ratio of 151. The correlation between LUSI and CTSI was strong (r = 0.795), with an overall 15% bias, and limits of agreement ranging − 40 to 9.7. Concordance between changes in sequentially measured LUSI and CTSI was 81%. In the univariate model, high involvement on LUSI and CTSI were associated with a composite endpoint. In the multivariate model, LUSI was the only remaining independent predictor. Conclusions Lung ultrasound can be used as an alternative for chest CT in monitoring COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients as it can quantify pulmonary involvement, register changes over the course of the disease, and predict death or ICU stay > 30 days. Trial registration: NTR, NL8584. Registered 01 May 2020—retrospectively registered, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8584

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SARS-CoV-2 and Cytomegalovirus Co-Infections—A Case Series of Critically Ill Patients

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10132792 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (13) ◽

pp. 2792

Author(s):

Patrícia Moniz ◽

Sérgio Brito ◽

Pedro Póvoa

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Immune Suppression ◽

Clinical Course ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Case Series ◽

Confounding Factors ◽

Care Systems ◽

The Impact ◽

Cmv Reactivation

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed great strain on the most developed of health care systems, especially in the context of critical care. Although co-infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are frequent in the critically ill due to underlying immune suppression of multiple causes, the impact on COVID-19 patients remains unclear. Furthermore, severe COVID-19 has recently been associated with significant immune suppression, and this may in turn impact CMV reactivation, possibly contributing to clinical course. Nevertheless, multiple confounding factors in these patients will certainly challenge upcoming research. The authors present a case series of five patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the context of respiratory failure due to severe COVID-19. All patients evolved with CMV reactivation during ICU stay.

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Effect of applying nurses driven electrolyte repletion protocol on electrolyte disturbances control among critically ill patients

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice ◽

10.5430/jnep.v10n4p72 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 72

Author(s):

Mohamed E. Abdelgawad ◽

Nadia T. Ahmed ◽

Ahmed M. Elmenshawy

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Intensive Care Units ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Improve Patient Care ◽

University Hospital ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Control Group ◽

Electrolyte Disturbances ◽

Electrolyte Loss

Background and objective: Electrolyte disturbances remain a common lifesaving issue in the intensive care units. They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. They are mostly resulted secondary to critical illness itself or associated treatment modalities. Therefore, electrolytes repletion should be done effectively and timely. This could be ensured using nurse driven protocols rather than traditional methods of repletion. These protocols are nurse initiated and collaboratively developed. They have been shown to improve patient care outcomes through the provision of high quality care. They are increasingly being used in the critical care setting. Objective: Determine the effect of applying nurses driven electrolytes repletion protocol on electrolytes disturbance control among critically ill patients.Methods: Quasi experimental research design was used. Sixty two critically ill patients with electrolytes loss were enrolled in the study at Alexandria Main University Hospital intensive care units, Egypt. All episodes of electrolyte loss were evaluated. Repletion of electrolyte loss was done according to unit routine for the control group and nurses driven electrolytes repletion protocol for the study group. Episodes of electrolyte disturbances, adverse events and timing of repletion were evaluated.Results: Neurological disorders represent the most encountered diagnosis. The most common cause of electrolyte loss in was the use of diuretics. Furthermore, there was a highly statistical difference between the two groups as regard electrolytes levels, effectiveness and timing of replacement.Conclusions: Application of nurses driven electrolyte repletion protocol resulted in improvements in the effectiveness and timeliness of electrolyte replacement.

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Brain Death-Induced Inflammatory Activity is Similar to Sepsis-Induced Cytokine Release

Cell Transplantation ◽

10.1177/0963689718785629 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (10) ◽

pp. 1417-1424 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patrícia Schwarz ◽

Geisiane Custódio ◽

Jakeline Rheinheimer ◽

Daisy Crispim ◽

Cristiane B. Leitão ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Death ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Release Kinetics ◽

Magnetic Bead ◽

Control Group ◽

Cytokine Release ◽

Plasma Cytokine ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

Brain Dead

Brain death (BD) is associated with a systemic inflammation leading to worse graft outcomes. This study aimed to compare plasma cytokine values between brain-dead and critically ill patients, including septic and non-septic controls, and evaluate cytokine release kinetics in BD. Sixteen brain-dead and 32 control patients (16 with and 16 without sepsis) were included. Plasma cytokines were measured by magnetic bead assay after the first clinical exam consistent with BD and every 6 hours thereafter, and at the time of study entry in the control group. The values for IL-8 and IFN-γ were higher in brain-dead and septic patients than in non-septic patients [IL-8: 80.3 (18.7–169.6) vs. 68.2 (22.4–359.4) vs. 16.4 (9.2–42.7) pg/mL; P = 0.006; IFN-γ: 2.8 (1.6-6.1) vs. 3.4 (1.2–9.0) vs. 0.5 (0.5–1.8) pg/mL; P = 0.012]. TNF showed a clear tendency to increase in brain-dead patients [2.7 (1.0–4.8) vs. 1.0 (1.0–5.6) vs. 1.0 (1.0–1.0) pg/mL; P = 0.051], and IL-6 values were higher in brain-dead patients than in non-septic controls [174.5 (104.9–692.5) vs. 13.2 (7.3–38.6) pg/mL; P = 0.002]. These differences remained even after excluding brain-dead patients who also had sepsis ( n = 3). IL-1β and IL-10 values increased from baseline to time point 2 (∼6 hours later) [IL-1β: 5.39 (1.93–16.89) vs. 7.11 (1.93–29.13) pg/mL; P = 0.012; IL-10: 8.78 (3.62–16.49) vs. 15.73 (5.49–23.98) pg/mL; P = 0.009]. BD-induced and sepsis-induced plasma cytokine values were similarly high, and both were higher than the observed in non-septic critically ill patients.

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Covid-19 in Critically Ill Patients in the Seattle Region — Case Series

New England Journal of Medicine ◽

10.1056/nejmoa2004500 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 382 (21) ◽

pp. 2012-2022 ◽

Cited By ~ 846

Author(s):

Pavan K. Bhatraju ◽

Bijan J. Ghassemieh ◽

Michelle Nichols ◽

Richard Kim ◽

Keith R. Jerome ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Case Series

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The effects of gastrointestinal function on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients

Open Medicine ◽

10.1515/med-2018-0082 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 556-561

Author(s):

Yuanqiang Lin ◽

Zhixia Sun ◽

Hui Wang ◽

Meihan Liu

Keyword(s):

Gastric Juice ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Ph Value ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Control Group ◽

Gastrointestinal Function ◽

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽

Observation Group ◽

Gastric Feeding

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of gastrointestinal function on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients.MethodsFrom August 2012 to June 2016, 160 critically ill patients in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of our hospital were selected as the research group; patients were divided equally into an observation group and a control group, 80 patients in each group, based on the random draw envelope principle. The control group was given a nasogastric tube for gastric feeding, the observation group was given a dual lumen gastrointestinal enteral device for gastric feeding; the two groups’ enteral nutrition observation time was 7d; any changes in patient condition and prognosis were recorded.ResultsThe pH value of gastric juice in the control group and the observation group was 6.13±1.38 and 4.01±1.83, respectively: the pH for the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (t=4.982, P<0.05). The incidence of VAP in the observation group and the control group was 2.5% and 12.5%, respectively: the VAP for the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of pre-albumin and albumin after feeding in the two groups were significantly higher than before feeding (P<0.05); the serum levels of pre-albumin and albumin in the observation group after feeding were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The mechanical ventilation time and ICU length of stay in the observation group were 9.12±2.13 days and 12.76±1.98 days, respectively, significantly lower than those of the control group of 10.56±2.89 days and 16.33±2.11 days (P<0.05).ConclusionObstacles to gastrointestinal function in critically ill ICU patients are common; enteral gastric feeding by dual lumen gastrointestinal for can improve the patient’s nutritional status, promote and maintain the normal pH value of gastric juice, thereby reducing the incidence of VAP through rehabilitation of patients.

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Impact of ascorbic acid in reducing the incidence of vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients: A preliminary randomized controlled trial

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.55619.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 929

Author(s):

Nouran Hesham El-Sherazy ◽

Naglaa Samir Bazan ◽

Sara Mahmoud Shaheen ◽

Nagwa A. Sabri

Keyword(s):

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

The Absolute ◽

And Control

Background Antioxidants show nephroprotective effect against vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) in animals. This study aimed to assess the ascorbic acid nephro-protective role against VAN clinically. Methods Forty-one critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group (vancomycin IV plus ascorbic acid, n=21) or control group (vancomycin IV only, n=20). Primary outcomes were the incidence of VAN and the absolute change in creatinine parameters, while mortality rate was the secondary outcome. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (S.cr) by at least 0.5 mg/dL or 50% of baseline for at least two successive measurements. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03921099), April 2019. Results Mean absolute S.cr increase was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.036, where S.cr increased by 0.05(0.12) and 0.34(0.55) mg/dL in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mean absolute Cr.cl decline was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.04, where Cr.cl was decreased by 5.9(17.8) and 22.3(30.4) ml/min in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Incidence of VAN was 1/21(4.7%) versus 5/20(25%) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.024–1.49; P-value = 0.093). Mortality was higher in the control group; however, it was not statistically significant, P-value = 0.141. Conclusion Co-administration of ascorbic acid with vancomycin preserved renal function and reduced the absolute risk of VAN by 20.3%, however, the reduction in VAN incidence didn’t reach statistical significance level. Further large multicenter prospective trials are recommended.

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Neurotoxicity of subarachnoid Gd-based contrast agent accumulation: a potential complication of intraoperative MRI?

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/2020.10.focus20402 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. E12

Author(s):

Monika Lauer ◽

Arne Lauer ◽

Se-Jong You ◽

Sara Kluge ◽

Elke Hattingen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Contrast Agent ◽

Malignant Glioma ◽

Adjuvant Treatment ◽

Subarachnoid Space ◽

Case Series ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Intraoperative Mri ◽

Control Group ◽

Icu Stay

OBJECTIVEIntraoperative MRI with Gd-based contrast agent (GBCA) improves the extent of resection of contrast-enhancing brain tumors. Signal changes of CSF due to perioperative GBCA leakage in the subarachnoid space have been reported. However, although GBCA potentially exhibits neurotoxic effects, so far no associated complications have been described. In this case series, the authors report a single-center cohort of patients with subarachnoid GBCA extravasation after intraoperative MRI and discuss potential neurotoxic complications and potential ways of avoiding them.METHODSAll patients with CSF signal increase on unenhanced T1-weighted and FLAIR images on postoperative MRI, who had previously undergone tumor resection with use of intraoperative MRI, were retrospectively included and compared with a control cohort. The control group was matched in age, tumor characteristics, and extent of resection; comparisons were made regarding postoperative seizures and ICU stay. A subgroup with initially diagnosed malignant glioma was additionally analyzed for potential delay of initiation of adjuvant treatment and overall survival.RESULTSSeven patients with postoperative GBCA accumulation in the subarachnoid space were identified; 5 presented with focal seizures and altered mental status postoperatively. Poor patient condition led to extended ICU stay and prolonged delay of the initiation of adjuvant treatment in patients with newly diagnosed malignant glioma. Overall survival was reduced compared to the matched control group.CONCLUSIONSThe results suggest that there might be a risk of neurotoxic complications if GBCA that is intravenously applied during neurosurgery leaks into the subarachnoid space. Patients with highly vascularized tumors with intraoperative bleeding seem to be especially at risk for GBCA accumulation and neurotoxic complications. Therefore, awareness of the potential risk of complicating GBCA leakage is mandatory in the application of intraoperative GBCA.

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Low albumin levels are associated with poorer outcomes in a case series of COVID-19 patients in Spain: a retrospective cohort study

10.1101/2020.05.07.20094987 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Roberto de la Rica ◽

Marcio Borges ◽

María Aranda ◽

Alberto del Castillo ◽

Antonia Socias ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Severity ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Case Series ◽

Hospitalized Patients ◽

University Hospital ◽

Limited Information ◽

Icu Patients ◽

Epidemiological Features ◽

Initial Symptoms

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo describe the clinical characteristics and epidemiological features of severe (non-ICU) and critically patients (ICU) with COVID-19 at triage, prior hospitalization, in one of the main hospitals in The Balearic Islands health care system.DESIGNRetrospective observational studySETTINGSon Llatzer University Hospital in Palma de Mallorca (Spain)PARTICIPANTSAmong a cohort of 52 hospitalized patients as of 31 March 2020, 48 with complete demographic information and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive test, were analyzed. Data were collected between March 15th, 2020, and March 31th 2020, inclusive of these dates.MAIN OUTCOMESClinical, vital signs and routine laboratory outcomes at the time of hospitalization, including symptoms reported prior to hospitalization. Demographics and baseline comorbidities were also collected. Mortality was reported at the end of the study.RESULTS48 patients (27 non-ICU and 21 ICU) resident in Mallorca, Spain (mean age, 66 years, [range, 33-88 years]; 67% males) with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection were analyzed. There were no differences in age or sex among groups (p >.05). Initial symptoms included fever (100%), coughing (85%), dyspnea (76%), diarrhea (42%) and asthenia (21%). The majority of patients in this case series were hospitalized because of low SpO2 (SpO2 below 90%) and presentation of bilateral pneumonia (94%) at triage. ICU patients had a higher prevalence of dyspnea compared to non-ICU patients (95% vs 61%, p = .022). Acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) was presented in 100% of the ICU-patients. All the patients included in the study required oxygen therapy. ICU-patients had lymphopenia as well as hypoalbuminemia. Inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin were significantly higher in ICU patients compared to non-ICU (p < .001).Lower albumin levels were associated with poor prognosis measured as longer hospital length (r= −0.472, p <.001) and mortality (r= −0.424, p=.003). Interestingly we also found, that MCV was lower among of those patients who died (p=.0002). As of April 28, 2020, 10 patients (8 ICU and 2 non-ICU) had died (21% mortality) and while 100% of the non-ICU patients had been discharged, 33% of ICU patients still remained hospitalized (5 in ICU and 2 had been transferred to ward).CONCLUSIONCritically ill patients with COVID-19 present lymphopenia, hypoalbuminemia as well high levels of inflammation. Lower levels of albumin were associated with poorer outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Albumin might be of importance because of its association with disease severity in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN IN THIS TOPICSpain has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. By the time that this manuscript was written more than 25.000 deaths related to COVID-19 have been confirmed. There is limited information available describing the clinical and epidemiological features of Spanish patients requiring hospitalization for COVID-19. Also, it is important to know the characteristics of the hospitalized patients who become critically illWHAT THIS STUDY ADDSThis small case series provides the first steps towards a comprehensive clinical characterization of severe and critical COVID-19 adult patients in Spain. The overall mortality in our patients was 21%. To our knowledge this is the first report with reporting these features in Spain. At triage the majority of patients had lower SpO2 (<90%) and bilateral pneumonia. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (70%), dyslipidemia (62%) and cardiovascular disease (30%). Critically ill patients present hypoalbuminemia and lymphopenia, as well as higher levels of inflammation. Albumin might be of importance because of its association with disease severity and mortality in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

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Observations on the Application of Nursing Risk Management in the Care of Critically Ill Patients in the Respiratory Unit

Journal of Clinical and Nursing Research ◽

10.26689/jcnr.v4i4.1352 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Yannan Sun

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Critically Ill ◽

Critically Ill Patients ◽

Treatment Satisfaction ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Management Model ◽

Control Group ◽

Observation Group ◽

Significant Difference

Objective: Investigate the effectiveness of nursing risk management in the care of critically ill patients in the respiratory unit. Methods: Among the critically ill respiratory patients admitted to our hospital between May 2019 and April 2020, 78 patients were randomly selected and divided into an observation group and a control group, each consisting of 39 patients. In the observation group, a nursing risk management model was implemented, i.e., patients' clinical symptoms were observed at any time to monitor their treatment satisfaction and the effectiveness of their care and routine care was implemented for the control group. Results: The heart rate, respiratory rate, and pH of patients in the observation group were more stable than those in the control group, and their respiratory status was better, with differences in data. There was also significant statistical significance (P<0.05). The incidence of patient-provider disputes, unplanned extubation, and unplanned events were lower in the observation group compared to the control group, and their data difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The treatment satisfaction as well as the total effective rate of patients in the observation group was also much higher than that of the control group, and there was also a statistically significant difference in the data (P<0.05). Conclusion: The nursing risk management model has a significant therapeutic effect in the care of critically ill respiratory patients. Therefore, it is worth popularizing to use in the clinical nursing of respiratory critical patients.

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