Hydrocortisone vs Tocilizumab Effects on Cytokine Storm in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Vargas ◽  
Pasquale Buonanno ◽  
Carmine Iacovazzo ◽  
Gaetano Di Spigna ◽  
Daniela Spalletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Speed Up ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Late Stages

Abstract Introduction: Patients with severe pneumonia due COVID-19 are reported to have substantially lower lymphocyte counts and higher plasma concentrations of a number of inflammatory cytokines. In the late stages of COVID-19, cytokine storms are the mainly cause of disease progression and death. We performed a prospective observational study to evaluate the impact of tocilizumab and hydrocortisone on cytokine storm in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Methods: We included all adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection and severe respiratory failure admitted to our ICU from March 10 to April 30. As therapeutic options, patients received tocilizumab od hydrocortisone. The primary end point was the evaluation of cytokine storm in terms of variation of the IL-6 and IL-6R, sgp130 and TNF-α concentrations during time to different treatment.Results: Eight patients received tocilizumab while 15 patients received hydrocortisone. IL-6 levels were lower in the hydrocortisone group with statistical significance was found at the days 2, 3, 8 and 9. The levels of IL-6R were lower during the days in the hydrocortisone group with statistical significance at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. Hydrocortisone group had higher levels of TNF-α at days 2, 3 and 4. The levels of sgo130 between tocilizumab and hydrocortisone groups were not statistically different during the days.Conclusions: In critically ill patients with severe COVID-19, the use of hydrocortisone allowed a better control of the cytokine storms, was further associated to less days of curarization, pronation and length of stay in ICU, and speed up the time to get negative RT-PCR swab.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Antioxidant Oral Supplements on the Progression of COVID-19 in Non-Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 804
Author(s):  
Mahmoud M. A. Abulmeaty ◽  
Ghadeer S. Aljuraiban ◽  
Sumaya M. Shaikh ◽  
Naif E. ALEid ◽  
Lulwa R. Al Mazrou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Total Leukocyte Count ◽  
Clinical Parameters ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽  
Supplement Group ◽  
Tnf Α

Modulation of cytokine production using immunonutrition is a relatively novel concept to improve outcomes among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and is now hypothesized to help manage COVID-19, however, clinical evidence is lacking. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized parallel-controlled interventional clinical trial investigated the effect of antioxidant supplements on inflammatory cytokines and disease progression in non-critically ill patients. A total of 87 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were randomized using computer-generated-randomization into the supplement group (n = 18) and the placebo group (n = 16) for 10 days. Baseline and final nutritional screening via nutrition risk screening (NRS-2002) and subjective global assessment (SGA), as well as the recording of anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and functional parameters, were done. Serum ferritin level, cytokine storm parameters such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1), C-reactive protein, total leukocyte count, lymphocytic count, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were measured. Anthropometric and clinical parameters showed nonsignificant differences between groups. The hematology profile showed improvement in lymphocyte count in the supplement group. However, levels of alkaline phosphatase, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 were significantly lower in the supplement group. In conclusion, antioxidant oral supplementation significantly reduced the cytokine storm and led to partial improvements in clinical parameters among patients with non-critical COVID-19.

scholarly journals Effective therapy regimens for COVID-19 pneumonia in critically ill patients with the development of the cytokine storm syndrome.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanislav Serafimov
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Effective Therapy ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Large Scale Study

The main reason for the development of severe pneumonia in patients with COVID‑19 is apparently injury of the endothelium by the virus and the immune system, which leads to the development of massive microthrombosis. We believe that it is very important to prescribe anticoagulants to COVID-19 patients as early as possible and to administer prolonged low doses of glucocorticoids at certain indicators. These treatment regimens are expected to reduce the mortality caused by COVID‑19. Perhaps it is necessary to be very careful about the administration of IL-6 inhibitors. We assume that the main indicators for the administration of IL-6 inhibitors are the following indicators: CRP > 150 mg/L, IL-6 in the blood > 40 pc/mL, procalcitonin < 0.5 μg/L. To confirm our hypotheses, a large-scale study is required.

scholarly journals Can the cytokine adsorber CytoSorb® help to mitigate cytokine storm and reduce mortality in critically ill patients? A propensity score matching analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Scharf ◽  
Ines Schroeder ◽  
Michael Paal ◽  
Martin Winkels ◽  
Michael Irlbeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Saps Ii ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background A cytokine storm is life threatening for critically ill patients and is mainly caused by sepsis or severe trauma. In combination with supportive therapy, the cytokine adsorber Cytosorb® (CS) is increasingly used for the treatment of cytokine storm. However, it is questionable whether its use is actually beneficial in these patients. Methods Patients with an interleukin-6 (IL-6) > 10,000 pg/ml were retrospectively included between October 2014 and May 2020 and were divided into two groups (group 1: CS therapy; group 2: no CS therapy). Inclusion criteria were a regularly measured IL-6 and, for patients allocated to group 1, CS therapy for at least 90 min. A propensity score (PS) matching analysis with significant baseline differences as predictors (Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, renal replacement therapy, IL-6, lactate and norepinephrine demand) was performed to compare both groups (adjustment tolerance: < 0.05; standardization tolerance: < 10%). U-test and Fisher’s-test were used for independent variables and the Wilcoxon test was used for dependent variables. Results In total, 143 patients were included in the initial evaluation (group 1: 38; group 2: 105). Nineteen comparable pairings could be formed (mean initial IL-6: 58,385 vs. 59,812 pg/ml; mean SAPS II: 77 vs. 75). There was a significant reduction in IL-6 in patients with (p < 0.001) and without CS treatment (p = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference (p = 0.708) in the median relative reduction in both groups (89% vs. 80%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the relative change in C-reactive protein, lactate, or norepinephrine demand in either group and the in-hospital mortality was similar between groups (73.7%). Conclusion Our study showed no difference in IL-6 reduction, hemodynamic stabilization, or mortality in patients with Cytosorb® treatment compared to a matched patient population.

scholarly journals Outcomes of non-COVID-19 critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Răzvan Bologheanu ◽  
Mathias Maleczek ◽  
Daniel Laxar ◽  
Oliver Kimberger
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Medical Specialty ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Treatment Pathways ◽  
Icu Length Of Stay ◽  
Matched Study ◽  
The Impact

Summary Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupts routine care and alters treatment pathways in every medical specialty, including intensive care medicine, which has been at the core of the pandemic response. The impact of the pandemic is inevitably not limited to patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and their outcomes; however, the impact of COVID-19 on intensive care has not yet been analyzed. Methods The objective of this propensity score-matched study was to compare the clinical outcomes of non-COVID-19 critically ill patients with the outcomes of prepandemic patients. Critically ill, non-COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the first wave of the pandemic were matched with patients admitted in the previous year. Mortality, length of stay, and rate of readmission were compared between the two groups after matching. Results A total of 211 critically ill SARS-CoV‑2 negative patients admitted between 13 March 2020 and 16 May 2020 were matched to 211 controls, selected from a matching pool of 1421 eligible patients admitted to the ICU in 2019. After matching, the outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups: ICU mortality was 5.2% in 2019 and 8.5% in 2020, p = 0.248, while intrahospital mortality was 10.9% in 2019 and 14.2% in 2020, p = 0.378. The median ICU length of stay was similar in 2019: 4 days (IQR 2–6) compared to 2020: 4 days (IQR 2–7), p = 0.196. The rate of ICU readmission was 15.6% in 2019 and 10.9% in 2020, p = 0.344. Conclusion In this retrospective single center study, mortality, ICU length of stay, and rate of ICU readmission did not differ significantly between patients admitted to the ICU during the implementation of hospital-wide COVID-19 contingency planning and patients admitted to the ICU before the pandemic.

scholarly journals Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment Based on Measured Versus Predicted Unbound Ceftriaxone Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients with Pneumonia: An Observational Cohort Study

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Matthias Gijsen ◽  
Erwin Dreesen ◽  
Ruth Van Daele ◽  
Pieter Annaert ◽  
Yves Debaveye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Protein Binding ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Observational Cohort Study ◽  
Target Attainment ◽  
Binding Model ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
The Impact

The impact of ceftriaxone pharmacokinetic alterations on protein binding and PK/PD target attainment still remains unclear. We evaluated pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment of unbound ceftriaxone in critically ill patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Besides, we evaluated the accuracy of predicted vs. measured unbound ceftriaxone concentrations, and its impact on PK/PD target attainment. A prospective observational cohort study was carried out in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe CAP. Ceftriaxone 2 g q24h intermittent infusion was administered to all patients. Successful PK/PD target attainment was defined as unbound trough concentrations above 1 or 4 mg/L throughout the whole dosing interval. Acceptable overall PK/PD target attainment was defined as successful target attainment in ≥90% of all dosing intervals. Measured unbound ceftriaxone concentrations (CEFu) were compared to unbound concentrations predicted from various protein binding models. Thirty-one patients were included. The 1 mg/L and 4 mg/L targets were reached in 26/32 (81%) and 15/32 (47%) trough samples, respectively. Increased renal function was associated with the failure to attain both PK/PD targets. Unbound ceftriaxone concentrations predicted by the protein binding model developed in the present study showed acceptable bias and precision and had no major impact on PK/PD target attainment. We showed suboptimal (i.e., <90%) unbound ceftriaxone PK/PD target attainment when using a standard 2 g q24h dosing regimen in critically ill patients with severe CAP. Renal function was the major driver for the failure to attain the predefined targets, in accordance with results found in general and septic ICU patients. Interestingly, CEFu was reliably predicted from CEFt without major impact on clinical decisions regarding PK/PD target attainment. This suggests that, when carefully selecting a protein binding model, CEFu does not need to be measured. As a result, the turn-around time and cost for ceftriaxone quantification can be substantially reduced.

A Systematic Review of Anticoagulation Strategies for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in Critical Care.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Jayne Nelson ◽  
Brian W Johnston ◽  
Alicia Achiaa Charlotte Waite ◽  
Gedeon Lemma ◽  
Ingeborg Dorothea Welters
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Major Bleeding Events ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Anticoagulated Patients

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in critically ill patients. There is a paucity of data assessing the impact of anticoagulation strategies on clinical outcomes for general critical care patients with AF. Our aim was to assess the existing literature to evaluate the effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies used in critical care for AF. Methodology. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PubMed databases. Studies reporting anticoagulation strategies for AF in adults admitted to a general critical care setting were assessed for inclusion. Results. Four studies were selected for data extraction. A total of 44087 patients were identified with AF, of which 17.8-49.4% received anticoagulation. The reported incidence of thromboembolic events was 0-1.4% for anticoagulated patients, and 0-1.3% in non-anticoagulated patients. Major bleeding events were reported in three studies and occurred in 7.2-8.6% of the anticoagulated patients and up to 7.1% of the non-anticoagulated patients. Conclusions. There was an increased incidence of major bleeding events in anticoagulated patients with AF in critical care compared to non-anticoagulated patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of reported thromboembolic events within studies, between patients who did and did not receive anticoagulation. However, the outcomes reported within studies were not standardised, therefore, the generalisability of our results to the general critical care population remains unclear. Further data is required to facilitate an evidence-based assessment of the risks and benefits of anticoagulation for critically ill patients with AF.

scholarly journals Systemic Inflammatory Responses in Children with Acute Otitis Media Due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Impact of Treatment with Clarithromycin

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunter Scharer ◽  
Frank Zaldivar ◽  
Guillermo Gonzalez ◽  
Ofelia Vargas-Shiraishi ◽  
Jasjit Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Otitis Media ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Acute Otitis Media ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Asymptomatic Children ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT This pilot study was designed to determine the serum cytokine profile of acute otitis media (AOM) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and the impact of clarithromycin (Abbott Laboratories, Inc). Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured at diagnosis and 3 to 5 days after start of antibiotic treatment in 10 patients (mean age, 18.3 ± 13.9 months) who had middle ear fluid culture positive for S. pneumoniae. The mean concentrations of all cytokines were elevated at diagnosis of AOM compared to levels in healthy controls, yet only IL-6 reached statistical significance (P = 0.05). IL-6 showed a statistically significant decrease in mean serum concentration at visit 2 (P = 0.03). IL-8 displayed a similar pattern to IL-6, but the difference between samples from day 1 and day 2 did not reach statistical significance. The cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α appear to be elevated in the serum of patients with S. pneumoniae AOM, but there was no significant change between mean serum levels obtained pre- and postinitiation of antibiotic treatment in the time frame studied. The results suggest a systemic inflammatory response as evidenced by increased IL-6. A significant decrease of IL-6 and improvement of clinical symptoms were observed. Determining cytokine levels, especially IL-6, in AOM could offer a powerful tool for objective assessment of response to treatment, minimizing unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic children who may still have some otoscopic findings suggestive of AOM at follow-up visits.

scholarly journals Vascular access: the impact of ultrasonography

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Eduardo Saldanha de Almeida ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Vascular Access ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Albert Einstein ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Puncture Technique

ABSTRACT Vascular punctures are often necessary in critically ill patients. They are secure, but not free of complications. Ultrasonography enhances safety of the procedure by decreasing puncture attempts, complications and costs. This study reviews important publications and the puncture technique using ultrasound, bringing part of the experience of the intensive care unit of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, and discussing issues that should be considered in future studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document