A Retrospective Characterization of Dexmedetomidine-Suspected Fever and Its Consequences in Adult Critically Ill Patients

2022 ◽  
pp. 106002802110600
Author(s):  
Emily Schranz ◽  
Stephen Rappaport ◽  
Christine Groth ◽  
Paritosh Prasad ◽  
Kevin Cooper ◽  
...  

Background: Current evidence for dexmedetomidine-suspected fever (DSF) is limited. Lack of recognition may lead to costly or potentially harmful interventions for critically ill patients. Objective: The primary objective was to characterize escalations of care related to DSF. Secondary objectives were to describe the incidence, severity, and consequences associated with DSF. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in critically ill adults who developed fever ≥39°C within 12 h from initiation of dexmedetomidine, with resolution of fever to <39°C within 12 h after discontinuation. The primary outcome was percentage of patients who received an escalation of care due to fever. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients who developed a multidrug-resistant organism or Clostridium difficile infection. Results: Eighteen of 3943 patients screened in 4099 encounters met criteria for DSF (0.4%). The majority were white (83.3%), male (66.7%), and underwent cardiac surgery (61.1%). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to fever onset and resolution were 5.5 (3.6-7.6) and 1.3 (1.0-2.9) h. Nine patients (50%) underwent infectious workup including antimicrobial initiation (n = 1, 5.6%), broadening of antimicrobials (n = 4, 22.2%), or culture collection (n = 9, 50%). Eleven patients (61.1%) underwent attempted temperature reduction. Twelve patients (66.7%) underwent diagnostic imaging. Incidence of multidrug-resistant organism and C. difficile infection were low (11.1 and 16.7% of fever patients, respectively). Conclusion and Relevance: Incidence of DSF was low and more common in cardiac surgery patients. Unrecognized DSF led to an escalation of care in most patients. Dexmedetomidine exposure should be considered as a potential cause of fever in critically ill adults.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212093089
Author(s):  
Kathryn A Connor ◽  
Kelly M Conn

Introduction: Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection recurrence in patients re-exposed to antibiotics for treatment of a non- Clostridioides difficile infection is high at approximately 33%. Low-dose per os vancomycin (e.g. 125 mg q12 h) or metronidazole (e.g. 500 mg intravenous/per osq8 h) may help prevent recurrences, but study of secondary prophylaxis in critically ill patients is needed. Objectives: To determine whether critically ill adults receiving low-dose per os vancomycin for secondary Clostridioides difficile infection prophylaxis have fewer recurrences of Clostridioides difficile infection in 90 days compared with patients receiving metronidazole for secondary Clostridioides difficile infection prophylaxis or control (no secondary prophylaxis). Methods: This was a retrospective, two-center, observational study in a large academic medical center and affiliated community hospital. Included patients had a history of Clostridioides difficile infection within 1 year of receiving antibiotics for clinical care. We compared patients receiving secondary prophylaxis with vancomycin or metronidazole and control patients; in addition, an unplanned fourth group (vancomycin/metronidazole combination) was identified and analyzed. The primary outcome was Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence within 90 days of a course of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. Fisher’s exact, analysis of variance, and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence with prophylaxis group and additional contributing factors. Results: Eighty-two patients were included: 38 control (46.3%), 20 metronidazole (24.4%), 17 vancomycin (20.7%), and 7 combination (8.5%). Ten of 82 patients (12.2%) had at least one Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence; 8/38 patients in the control group (21.1%), 1/7 patients in the combination group (14.3%), 1/17 patients in the per os vancomycin group (5.9%), and 0/20 in the metronidazole group (0%; p = 0.073). As a post hoc secondary analysis, the three prophylaxis groups were coalesced into one group and compared with control (4.5% vs 21%; p = 0.039). Additional factors (e.g. age, obesity, immunosuppression, acid suppression) were not significantly associated with Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence or with prophylaxis group. Conclusion: There was no difference in Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence between prophylaxis groups, however, given the low recurrence rate, prospective evaluation with a larger sample of critically ill patients is necessary.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyang Zhou ◽  
Hanyuan Fang ◽  
Jianfei Xu ◽  
Peifu Chen ◽  
Xujun Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) have been widely used as stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients, however, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of SUP on clinical outcomes in critically ill adults. Methods Literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database of clinical trials for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated SUP, with PPI or H2RA, versus placebo or no prophylaxis in critically ill patients from database inception through 1 June 2019. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed in duplicate. The primary outcomes were clinically important gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and overt GI bleeding. Conventional meta-analysis with random-effects model and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed. Results Twenty-nine RCTs were identified, of which four RCTs were judged as low risk of bias. Overall, SUP could reduce the incident of clinically important GI bleeding [relative risk (RR) = 0.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.42–0.81] and overt GI bleeding (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.36–0.63), these results were confirmed by the sub-analysis of trials with low risk of bias, TSA indicated a firm evidence on its beneficial effects on the overt GI bleeding (TSA-adjusted CI: 0.31–0.75), but lack of sufficient evidence on the clinically important GI bleeding (TSA-adjusted CI: 0.23–1.51). Among patients who received enteral nutrition (EN), SUP was associated with a decreased risk of clinically important GI bleeding (RR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.44–0.85; TSA-adjusted CI: 0.16–2.38) and overt GI bleeding (RR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42–0.96; TSA-adjusted CI: 0.12–3.35), but these benefits disappeared after adjustment with TSA. Among patients who did not receive EN, SUP had only benefits in reducing the risk of overt GI bleeding (RR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.25–0.55; TSA-adjusted CI: 0.22–0.63), but not the clinically important GI bleeding (RR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.04–2.09). Conclusions SUP has benefits on the overt GI bleeding in critically ill patients who did not receive EN, however, its benefits on clinically important GI bleeding still needs more evidence to confirm.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Céline Gélinas ◽  
Mélanie Bérubé ◽  
Annie Chevrier ◽  
Brenda T. Pun ◽  
E. Wesley Ely ◽  
...  

BACKGROUNDDelirium is highly prevalent in critically ill patients. Its detection with valid tools is crucial.OBJECTIVETo analyze the development and psychometric properties of delirium assessment tools for critically ill adults.METHODSDatabases were searched to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria were English language, publication before January 2015, 30 or more patients, and patient population of critically ill adults (&gt;18 years old). Search terms were delirium, scales, critically ill patients, adult, validity, and reliability. Thirty-six manuscripts were identified, encompassing 5 delirium assessment tools (Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), Cognitive Test for Delirium, Delirium Detection Score, Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC), and Nursing Delirium Screening Scale). Two independent reviewers analyzed the psychometric properties of these tools by using a standardized scoring system (range, 0–20) to assess the tool development process, reliability, validity, feasibility, and implementation of each tool.RESULTSPsychometric properties were very good for the CAM-ICU (19.6) and the ICDSC (19.2), moderate for the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (13.6), low for the Delirium Detection Score (11.2), and very low for the Cognitive Test for Delirium (8.2).CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate that the CAM-ICU and the ICDSC are the most valid and reliable delirium assessment tools for critically ill adults. Additional studies are needed to further validate these tools in critically ill patients with neurological disorders and those at various levels of sedation or consciousness.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priscila Bellaver ◽  
Ariell F. Schaeffer ◽  
Diego P. Dullius ◽  
Marina V. Viana ◽  
Cristiane B. Leitão ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association of multiple glycemic parameters at intensive care unit (ICU) admission with outcomes in critically ill patients. Critically ill adults admitted to ICU were included prospectively in the study and followed for 180 days until hospital discharge or death. Patients were assessed for glycemic gap, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, glycemic variability, and stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR). A total of 542 patients were enrolled (30% with preexisting diabetes). Patients with glycemic gap >80 mg/dL had increased need for renal replacement therapy (RRT; 37.7% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.025) and shock incidence (54.7% vs. 37.4%, p = 0.014). Hypoglycemia was associated with increased mortality (54.8% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.004), need for RRT (45.1% vs. 22.3%, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (MV; 72.6% vs. 57.5%, p = 0.024), and shock incidence (62.9% vs. 35.8%, p < 0.001). Hyperglycemia increased mortality (44.3% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.031). Glycemic variability >40 mg/dL was associated with increased need for RRT (28.3% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.002) and shock incidence (41.4% vs.31.2%, p = 0.039). In this mixed sample of critically ill subjects, including patients with and without preexisting diabetes, glycemic gap, glycemic variability, and SHR were associated with worse outcomes, but not with mortality. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were independently associated with increased mortality.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S87-S88
Author(s):  
Alex Zimmet ◽  
Matthew Clark ◽  
Shrirang M Gadrey ◽  
Taison Bell ◽  
J Randall Moorman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bloodstream infection (BSI) is associated with high mortality rates in critically ill patients but is difficult to identify clinically. This uncertainty results in frequent blood culture testing, which exposes patients to additional costs and the potential harms of unnecessary antibiotics. Accordingly, we aimed to identify signatures in physiological data from critically ill adults that characterize BSI. Methods We reviewed all blood culture, vital sign, laboratory, and cardiorespiratory monitoring (CRM) data from patients admitted to the medical and surgical/trauma ICUs at the University of Virginia Medical Center from February 2011 to June 2015. Blood culture results were categorized as positive, negative, or contaminant. For the BSI population, we included data obtained within 12 hours before or 24 hours after the acquisition of a positive blood culture. The control population included data greater than 12 hours before or 24 hours after the acquisition of a positive blood culture, and all data from patients without BSI. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify the physiological characteristics of BSI. Results We analyzed 9,955 ICU admissions with 144 patient-years of vital sign and CRM data (1.3M hourly measurements). The average age was 59 years; the population was mostly Caucasian (81%) and male (56%). There were 5,671 (57%) admissions with ≥1 blood culture, and 744 (7%) had a BSI. The in-hospital mortality rate for patients with BSI was 28% vs. 12% for all others. The physiological signature of BSI was characterized by abnormalities in 12 parameters (Figure 1)—e.g., BSI was more likely in patients with a higher pulse and lower platelets. Several associations were nonlinear—e.g., temperature and WBC had U-shaped relationships with BSI. The internally validated C-statistic was 0.77. Conclusion Statistical modeling revealed a clinically sensible physiological signature of BSI that could assist with bedside decisions regarding the utility of blood culture testing in critically ill adults. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Infection ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana Gasperetti ◽  
René Welte ◽  
Herbert Oberacher ◽  
Jana Marx ◽  
Ingo Lorenz ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Wound infections caused by Candida are life-threatening and difficult to treat. Echinocandins are highly effective against Candida species and recommended for treatment of invasive candidiasis. As penetration of echinocandins into wounds is largely unknown, we measured the concentrations of the echinocandins anidulafungin (AFG), micafungin (MFG), and caspofungin (CAS) in wound secretion (WS) and in plasma of critically ill patients. Methods We included critically ill adults with an indwelling wound drainage or undergoing vacuum-assisted closure therapy, who were treated with an echinocandin for suspected or proven invasive fungal infection. Concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography with UV (AFG and MFG) or tandem mass spectrometry detection (CAS). Results Twenty-one patients were enrolled. From eight patients, serial WS samples and simultaneous plasma samples were obtained within a dosage interval. AFG concentrations in WS amounted to < 0.025–2.25 mg/L, MFG concentrations were 0.025–2.53 mg/L, and CAS achieved concentrations of 0.18–4.04 mg/L. Concentrations in WS were significantly lower than the simultaneous plasma concentrations and below the MIC values of some relevant pathogens. Conclusion Echinocandin penetration into WS displays a high inter-individual variability. In WS of some of the patients, concentrations may be sub-therapeutic. However, the relevance of sub-therapeutic concentrations is unknown as no correlation has been established between concentration data and clinical outcome. Nevertheless, in the absence of clinical outcome studies, our data do not support the use of echinocandins at standard doses for the treatment of fungal wound infections, but underline the pivotal role of surgical debridement.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Herdzik ◽  
Amanda Y. Leong ◽  
Sandy Kassir ◽  
Eric Sy ◽  
Jonathan F. Mailman

Abstract BackgroundIntravenous fluid therapy is ubiquitous in intensive care units (ICUs). There is increasing recognition of the value of restrictive fluid management strategies, including improved survival and renal function. However, these strategies have not been universally adopted. The purpose of this protocol is to outline our plan for investigating the current literature on the topic of restrictive versus liberal fluid management strategies in all critically ill adults and their associated outcomes, namely major adverse kidney events (MAKE). Methods We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating fluid management strategies in critically ill adults. A search strategy was created with the help of medical librarians, using Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Four independent researchers will perform study selection and data extraction in duplicate. The primary outcome of this study is detection of MAKE by 30 days. Secondary outcomes include reporting MAKE at 60 and 90 days; and mortality, new onset renal replacement therapy, and persistent renal dysfunction at 30, 60, and 90 days. If appropriate, we will perform a meta-analysis using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Subgroups will include patient type, ICU type, and study quality. Certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.DiscussionThe results of this study will synthesize current evidence and better inform the optimal fluid management strategy in critically ill adults.Systematic review registration: Submitted to PROSPERO on June 16th, 2021.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (12) ◽  
pp. 2313-2325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lies Langouche ◽  
An Jacobs ◽  
Greet Van den Berghe

AbstractIn conditions of acute illness, patients present with reduced plasma T3 concentrations without a concomitant rise in TSH. In contrast, plasma concentrations of the inactive hormone rT3 increase, whereas plasma concentrations of T4 remain low-normal. This constellation of changes, referred to as nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), is present across all ages, from preterm neonates and over-term critically ill infants and children to critically ill adults. Although the severity of illness strongly correlates with the severity of the NTIS phenotype, the causality of this association remains debated, and pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In the acute phase of illness, NTIS appears to be caused predominantly by an increased peripheral inactivation of thyroid hormones, in which reduced nutritional intake plays a role. Current evidence suggests that these acute peripheral changes are part of a beneficial adaptation of the body to reduce expenditure of energy and to activate the innate immune response, which is important for survival. In contrast, in more severely ill and prolonged critically ill patients, an additional central suppression of the thyroid hormone axis alters and further aggravates the NTIS phenotype. Recent studies suggest that this central suppression may not be adaptive. Whether treatment of this central component of NTIS in prolonged critically ill patients, with the use of hypothalamic releasing factors, improves outcome remains to be investigated in large randomized control trials.


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