scholarly journals Critical Care Echocardiography as a Routine Procedure for the Detection and Early Treatment of Cardiac Pathologies

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 671
Author(s):  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Jana-Katharina Dieks ◽  
Michael Quintel ◽  
Onnen Moerer
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Critical Care Echocardiography ◽  
Tertiary Care Facility ◽  
Significant Survival

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography are important investigations in the intensive care unit (ICU) to diagnose acute cardiac pathologies and assess the haemodynamic status. Recommendations for critical care echocardiography (CCE) have been published recently, but these still lack an evidence-based foundation. It is not known if performing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on a routine basis instead of only when required in acute cases is feasible or clinically useful. In this single-centre prospective observational study, we routinely performed TTE on 111 consecutive non-cardiological, non-cardiothoracic surgical ICU patients in two surgical ICUs in a tertiary care facility. Significant cardiac pathologies were detected in 82 (76.6%) and critical cardiac pathologies in 33 (30.8%) of the 107 patients. The most common critical cardiac pathologies were sPAP > 50 mmHg (19.63%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion ≤ 13 mm (9.4%), grade III diastolic dysfunction (8.4%), severe tricuspid valve insufficiency (5.6%) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) ˂ 30% (4.7%). Some of the most commonly found cardiac pathologies are not well emphasised in current recommendations and training programs. We observed a progression of the cardiac pathologies previously described in 41 of the patients (91.1%). Patients with echocardiographic abnormalities had a significant survival disadvantage in the ICU. By performing CCE routinely, we observed the range and prevalence of cardiac pathologies that can be detected by echocardiography in critically ill patients. We recommend routine transthoracic CCE in ICU patients for early detection of cardiac pathologies and to help inform early intervention regimens, since cardiac conditions carry a significant survival disadvantage for the ICU patient.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Cardiac Biomarkers in Dengue Myocarditis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debojyoti Bhattacharjee ◽  
Jayati Roy Choudhury ◽  
Kasturi Mukherjee ◽  
Kheya Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cardiac Biomarkers ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Dengue, a vector borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquito has recently become a major public health concern in the tropical regions of the world. In addition to the two major life threatening complications- Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), a variety of cardiac complications have been recognised, the most common being myocarditis. Aim: To study and compare the quantity of different cardiac biomarkers in patients of Dengue Fever with and without myocarditis. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective observational study done in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from June 2019 to November 2019. Dengue patients with diagnosed myocarditis on day 7 of fever based on electro and echocardiogram changes of left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% were considered as cases (n=41). Age and sex matched dengue patients with normal electro and echocardiogram changes were considered as control (n=43). After obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee Clearance, laboratory data were collected from samples coded and assayed for markers of acute cardiac myocyte damage such as total Creatine Kinase (CK), CK-Muscle Brain (CK-MB), Troponin T (Trop T) and cardiac failure biomarker N-Terminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20). Results: Cardiac biomarkers CK, CK-MB, Trop T and NT-proBNP levels in cases were higher compared to controls (p-value <0.05). Trop T and NT-proBNP were positively correlated to each other (r-value: 0.44). Trop T changes could also predict significantly the rise in NT-proBNP in circulation (p<0.05). Conclusion: It reconfirmed the need of routine monitoring of cardiac biomarkers in conjunction with other cardiac function tests in early diagnosis and or management of myocarditis, a severe complication of Dengue Viral Infection (DENV).

scholarly journals Increasing frequency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections during tigecycline use

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (03) ◽  
pp. 309-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aysegul Ulu-Kilic ◽  
Emine Alp ◽  
Dilek Altun ◽  
Fatma Cevahir ◽  
Gamze Kalın ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Thoracic Drainage ◽  
Tertiary Care Facility

Introduction: The widespread use of tigecycline raises the question of increasing infection rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in ICUs which are not affected by this antibiotic. Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine if treatment with tigecycline is a risk factor for PA infection in ICU patients. Methodology: A retrospective and observational study was conducted at Erciyes University Hospital, Turkey, between 2008 and 2010. The Erciyes University Hospital is a 1300-bed tertiary care facility. The patients included in this study were hospitalized in four adult ICUs. Patients with PA infections (case group) were compared with patients with nosocomial infection other than PA (control group). Results: A total of 1,167 patients with any nosocomial infections were included in the study. Two hundred and seventy eight (23.8%) of the patients had PA infection during their ICU stay. Fifty nine patients (21.2%) in the case group received tigecycline before developing PA infections, which were found to be significantly more frequent than in the controls (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for PA infection were previous tigecycline use (4 times), external ventricular shunt (4.2 times), thoracic drainage catheter (2.5 times) and tracheostomy (1.6 times). Conclusion: Our results contribute to the need for new studies to determine the safety of tigecycline use, especially for the treatment of critically ill patients. Since tigecycline seems to be an alternative for the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms, rational use of this antibiotic in ICU patients is essential.

scholarly journals 84 Left atrial reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Nuzzi ◽  
Anne Raafs ◽  
Paolo Manca ◽  
Michiel T.h.M. Henkens ◽  
Caterina Gregorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Linear Association ◽  
Lower Baseline ◽  
Reverse Remodelling

Abstract Aims Left atrial (LA) dilation is associated a with worse prognosis in several cardiovascular settings but therapies can promote LA reverse remodelling. Characterizing and defining the prognostic implications of LA volume (LAVI) reduction in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods and results Consecutive DCM patients from two tertiary care centres, with available echocardiography at baseline and at 1 year follow-up, were analysed. LA dilation was defined as LAVI &gt;34 ml/m2, Delta (Δ)LAVI was defined as the 1 year relative LAVI reduction. The outcome was a composite of death/heart transplantation/heart failure hospitalization (D/HTx/HFH). Five hundred sixty patients were included [age 52 ± 13 years; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 31 ± 10%, LAVI 45 ± 18 ml/m2]. Baseline LAVI had a non-linear association with the risk of D/HTx/HFH, independently from LVEF (P &lt; 0.001). At 1 year follow-up, LAVI decreased in 374 patients (67%, median ΔLAVI 24%, interquartile range 37% 11%). Factors independently associated with ΔLAVI were higher baseline LAVI and lower baseline LVEF. After adjustment for confounders, ΔLAVI showed a linear association with the risk of D/HTx/HHF (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86 0.99 per 5% decrease, P &lt; 0.001). At 1 year Follow-up, patients with a ≥ 15% reduction in ΔLAVI or LAVI normalization (i.e. Follow-up LAVI ≤34ml/m2) (42% of the cohort) were at lower risk of D/HTx/HFH (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33 0.74, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions In a large cohort of DCM, 1 year reduction in LAVI is observed in the majority of patients. The association between reduction in LAVI and D/HTx/HHF candidates LA reverse remodelling as complementary early therapeutic goal in DCM.

Impact of Critical Care Transesophageal Echocardiography in Medical–Surgical ICU Patients: Characteristics and Results From 274 Consecutive Examinations

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 896-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Arntfield ◽  
Vincent Lau ◽  
Yves Landry ◽  
Fran Priestap ◽  
Ian Ball
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
North American ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Hemodynamic Instability ◽  
Diagnostic Reliability ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Critical Care Echocardiography ◽  
Doppler Techniques

Objective: Critical care echocardiography has become an integral tool in the assessment and management of critically ill patients. Critical care transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers diagnostic reliability, superior image quality, and an expanded diagnostic scope to transthoracic echocardiography. Despite its favorable attributes, TEE use in North American intensive care units (ICUs) remains relatively undescribed. In this article, we seek to characterize the feasibility, indications, and clinical impact of a critical care TEE program. Design: Retrospective, observational study. Setting: Tertiary care, academic critical care program consisting of 2 hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Participants: Consecutive critical care TEE examinations on ICU patients performed between December 2012 and December 2016 Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Consecutive critical care TEE studies on ICU patients from December 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, were reviewed. The TEEs performed on cardiac surgery patients and those without reports were excluded. Examination details, including indications, complications, examination complexity (number of views, Doppler techniques), and clinical recommendations were aggregated and analyzed. Two hundred seventy-four TEE studies were performed by 38 operators. Common indications for TEE studies were hemodynamic instability (45.2%), assessment for infective endocarditis (22.2%), and cardiac arrest (20.1%). A change in patient management was proposed following 79.5% of TEE studies. Thirty-eight percent of TEE studies were performed during evening hours or on weekends. There were no mechanical complications. Conclusions: Our observational data support intensivist-performed TEE as being safe and therapeutically influential across a broad range of indications. Our program’s demonstrated feasibility and impact may act as a model for TEE adoption in other North American ICUs.

Anthracycline associated cardiotoxicity in a sub-Saharan African population - tertiary care experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Odunga Abuodha ◽  
Asim Jamal Shaikh ◽  
Jasmit Shah ◽  
Mohamed Jeilan ◽  
Anders Barasa
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Dysfunction ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
African Population ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Anthracyclines are associated with irreversible cardiotoxicity, with changes in echocardiographic parameters preceding clinically manifest cardiac dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the incidence of early cardiac dysfunction post anthracyclines, and associated clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters in a sub-Saharan African population. Methods Cancer patients aged ≥18years at anthracycline initiation with archived baseline echocardiograms, underwent repeat echocardiographic assessment. Cases (with cardiac dysfunction) had (1) >15% relative decline from baseline in global longitudinal strain (GLS), or (2) a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to <53% with either (i) symptoms (assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index at follow-up echocardiogram) and LVEF decline by >5 to ≤10%, or (ii) LVEF decline >10% regardless of symptoms. Comparisons in clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters were made with controls (no cardiac dysfunction). Results Among 141 patients (mean age, 47.7years ± 11.2, Africans 95%, females 85.1%, breast cancer 82%), 39 (27.7%) had cardiac dysfunciton at a mean inter-echocardiogram interval of 14.9months ± 14.3, mean cumulative anthracycline dose of 244.7mg/m 2 ± 72.2, and mean DASI score was 50.0 ± 13.3. Mean cardiotoxic doxorubicin equivalence dose was 236.7mg/m 2 ± 57.4 for cases and 217.3 ± 61.9 for controls [p = 0.033, OR = 1.00 (95% CI: 0.99 - 1.01)]. The assessed clinical, echocardiographic and treatment parameters were not associated with cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion Incidence of early cardiac dysfunction after standard dose anthracyclines in an adult Sub-Saharan population is 27.7% at a mean follow-up of 14.9 months post anthracycline. Routine pre- and post-exposure cardiac assessment should be considered.

scholarly journals Left ventricular dysfunction by strain echocardiography in thalassemia patients: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Akshay Ashok Bafna ◽  
Hetan C. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Blood Transfusions ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
2D Echocardiography

Background: To evaluate the myocardial function and its correlation with serum ferritin and the number of transfusions in beta-thalassemia major patients by using standard echocardiography and left ventricular strain imaging.Methods: This was a cross-sectional exploration study comprised of 56 beta-thalassemia patients conducted at a tertiary-care center in India between September 2016 and August 2017. Patients with age less than 18 years, diagnosed with thalassemia major, recipients of >20 units of blood transfusions, and normal Left Ventricular (LV) function by 2D-echocardiography were included in the study. Severity of iron overload was determined by using serum ferritin levels and LV strain imaging parameters were evaluated by using strain values of 17 LV segments.Results: A total of 56 beta-thalassemia patients were included in the study. Of these, 29(51.8%) patients were boys and 27(48.2%) patients were girls with a mean age of 7.8±1.84 years. Average serum ferritin level was found to be 4089.83 ng/dl. Strain values of the basal lateral wall of the left ventricle were significantly abnormal in patients who received more (>80) transfusions compared with those who received lesser transfusions (p=0.025 and p=0.045), respectively. Patients with serum ferritin >6000 ng/ml had impaired strain (p=0.03).Conclusions: Conventional echocardiographic parameters and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) do not provide adequate information about LV dysfunction. Systolic strain index imaging of the LV indicated the presence of early LV systolic dysfunction in patients who received a greater number of blood transfusions and patients with higher serum ferritin levels.

scholarly journals 1348 Quality Improvement Project to Promote Betablocker Therapy Post CABG In Patients with Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF): A Single Centre Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorina Roy ◽  
Firas Aljanadi ◽  
Mark Jones
Keyword(s):  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Hospital Policies

Abstract Aim Statistically significant and strong evidence suggests that beta-blockers reduce the number of deaths in patients with reduced LVEF (&lt;35%). The 2017 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) guidelines for perioperative medications in cardiac surgery recommended betablockers should be commenced or continued on discharge for patients with low LVEF after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). The EACTS recommends the use of Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Carvedilol and Nebivolol. We aimed to assess the discharge prescription of patients undergoing CABG at a regional tertiary care centre. Method A retrospective observational analysis of patients admitted between 2013 and 2020 with low LVEF was done. A. total of 101 patients were finally included. Electronic care records of patients were reviewed to collect patient data, including clinic and discharge letters. Audit registration was conducted as per local hospital policies. Results Demographics revealed average age to be 66 years. There were 23% females and 77% males. Out of 101 patients, 90 (89%) patients were discharged with betablockers. 11 (11%) patients were not discharged with Betablockers. 83 (81%) patients were discharged with recommended betablockers. Conclusions This comprises the first cycle of the audit. Data is currently being analysed for a second cycle. Findings from this audit suggest good compliance with established guidelines, however there is scope for improvement. We employed simple measures like departmental presentation and raising awareness. Additional methods such as inclusion in discharge checklists is also a recommendation. Outcome from the second cycle will guide further interventions and data from both cycles will be presented at the meeting.

Hyperdynamic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in ICU Patients With Sepsis

2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Minesh Chotalia ◽  
Muzzammil Ali ◽  
Ravi Hebballi ◽  
Harjot Singh ◽  
Dhruv Parekh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction
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