scholarly journals Assessment of Lung Parenchyma Recovery after Antibiotic Administration using Lung Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients with Pneumonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (B) ◽  
pp. 480-485
Author(s):  
Mai Adel Sahbal ◽  
Mohammed Omar Alghoneimy ◽  
Sally Salah Eldin ◽  
Amr Elsayed Elhadidy ◽  
Mahmoud Muhammad Kenawy
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Lung Parenchyma ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Antibiotic Response ◽  
Parenchymal Lung

Background: Pneumonia is a common cause of Intensive care unit (ICU) admission, requiring frequent imaging for following up parenchymal lung involvement and antibiotic response. Being bedside and non-invasive technique; lung ultrasound (US) is increasingly used in ICU. Objectives: Assessing accuracy of lung ultrasound in detecting parenchymal lung recovery following antibiotic administration in critically ill patients with pneumonia. Methods: Fifty patients with pneumonia were included in the study with time-dependent analysis for APACHEII, CURB-65 and modified CPIS. Lung US at day 0 described basal lung condition then according to changes in lung parenchyma, US score could be first calculated at day 3. At day 5 US score was calculated again and changes in score (delta score) was calculated to asses ability of US to predict early good antibiotic response and finally lung US was repeated at day 7, score calculated to detect lung parenchyma recovery and compared with follow up CT for accuracy and agreement. Air bronchogram was reported whenever seen, described as static or dynamic and assessed in follow up examinations to be compared with CT follow up. Results: Lung US score ranged from -2 to 17 with mean value of 8.75 ± 3.88 for improving patients, while worsening patients showed lung US score of -11 to -20 with mean value of -10.08 ± 6.95 with high statistical significance (p<0.001).The best cutoff value of lung US score changes for detecting good response to antibiotic was 2.5, detected using area under the curve (AUC) (p<0.001). Ultrasound score on day seven showed excellent sensitivity and specificity of 91.89% and 92.31% respectively when compared to CT with PPV of 97.14% and NPV 80% and accuracy 92% with strong statistical significance (p<0.001). Air bronchogram showed sensitivity of 61.5% and specificity of 89.1% and with PPV of 66.67% and NPV of 86.84% and accuracy of 82% and moderate agreement (0.52) with CT while B-lines were significant for assessing lung reaeration with sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 67.5% and accuracy of 68% but with fair (0.31) agreement with CT (p<0.027) in detecting parenchymal lung recovery. Conclusion: Lung US is a reasonable bedside method for quantifying parenchymal lung recovery in patients with pneumonia who are successfully treated with antibiotics.

scholarly journals Semiquantitative lung ultrasound scores in the evaluation and follow-up of critically ill patients with COVID-19: a single-center study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1363-1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Deng ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Liao Chen ◽  
Zhaohui Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Single Center Study ◽  
Center Study

Follow-up blood cultures in Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia: are they needed for critically ill patients?

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Spaziante ◽  
Alessandra Oliva ◽  
Giancarlo Ceccarelli ◽  
Francesco Alessandri ◽  
Francesco Pugliese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Gram Negative

scholarly journals Development and preliminary evaluation of EMPOWER for surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Wendy G. Lichtenthal ◽  
Martin Viola ◽  
Madeline Rogers ◽  
Kailey E. Roberts ◽  
Lindsay Lief ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Experiential Avoidance ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Surrogate Decision Makers ◽  
Surrogate Decision ◽  
Peritraumatic Distress

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were to develop and refine EMPOWER (Enhancing and Mobilizing the POtential for Wellness and Resilience), a brief manualized cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based intervention for surrogate decision-makers of critically ill patients and to evaluate its preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and promise in improving surrogates’ mental health and patient outcomes. Method Part 1 involved obtaining qualitative stakeholder feedback from 5 bereaved surrogates and 10 critical care and mental health clinicians. Stakeholders were provided with the manual and prompted for feedback on its content, format, and language. Feedback was organized and incorporated into the manual, which was then re-circulated until consensus. In Part 2, surrogates of critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) reporting moderate anxiety or close attachment were enrolled in an open trial of EMPOWER. Surrogates completed six, 15–20 min modules, totaling 1.5–2 h. Surrogates were administered measures of peritraumatic distress, experiential avoidance, prolonged grief, distress tolerance, anxiety, and depression at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up assessments. Results Part 1 resulted in changes to the EMPOWER manual, including reducing jargon, improving navigability, making EMPOWER applicable for a range of illness scenarios, rearranging the modules, and adding further instructions and psychoeducation. Part 2 findings suggested that EMPOWER is feasible, with 100% of participants completing all modules. The acceptability of EMPOWER appeared strong, with high ratings of effectiveness and helpfulness (M = 8/10). Results showed immediate post-intervention improvements in anxiety (d = −0.41), peritraumatic distress (d = −0.24), and experiential avoidance (d = −0.23). At the 3-month follow-up assessments, surrogates exhibited improvements in prolonged grief symptoms (d = −0.94), depression (d = −0.23), anxiety (d = −0.29), and experiential avoidance (d = −0.30). Significance of results Preliminary data suggest that EMPOWER is feasible, acceptable, and associated with notable improvements in psychological symptoms among surrogates. Future research should examine EMPOWER with a larger sample in a randomized controlled trial.

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

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

scholarly journals The laboratory findings and different COVID-19 severities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erfan Kazemi ◽  
Reihane Soldoozi Nejat ◽  
Fatemeh Ashkan ◽  
Hossein Sheibani
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Platelet Count ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Lymphocyte Count ◽  
Leukocyte Count ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
The Other ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Laboratory Findings

Abstract Background Abnormal laboratory findings are common in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of the level of some laboratory factors (C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and platelet count) on the severity and outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We collected the articles published before May 26, 2020. We gathered the laboratory factors in groups of patients with COVID-19, and studied the relation between level of these factors with severity and outcome of the disease. Results Mean CRP level, creatinine, hemoglobin, and the leukocytes count in the critically ill patients were significantly higher than those of the other groups (non-critical patients); mean CRP = 54.81 mg/l, mean creatinine = 86.82 μmol/l, mean hemoglobin = 144.05 g/l, and mean leukocyte count = 7.41 × 109. The lymphocyte count was higher in patients with mild/moderate disease (mean: 1.32 × 109) and in the invasive ventilation group (mean value of 0.72 × 109), but it was considerably lower than those of the other two groups. The results showed that the platelet count was higher in critically ill patients (mean value of 205.96 × 109). However, the amount was lower in the invasive ventilation group compared with the other groups (mean level = 185.67 × 109). Conclusion With increasing disease severity, the leukocyte count and the level of CRP increase significantly and the lymphocyte count decreases. There seems to be a significant relation between platelet level, hemoglobin, and creatinine level with severity of the disease. However, more studies are required to confirm this.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy in Critically Ill Patients in Amman, Jordan

2021 ◽  
pp. 109980042110172
Author(s):  
Eman Mahmoud Qasim Emleek ◽  
Amani Anwar Khalil
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy ◽  
Period Prevalence ◽  
Lower Baseline ◽  
Intravascular Coagulopathy

Background: The disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is under-recognized in critically ill patients. The International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH; DIC) provides a useful scoring system for accurate DIC identification. The study investigated the period prevalence of ISTH DIC from 2015 to 2017 in critically ill patients. Methods: In this multi-center, retrospective observational study, we included all patients identified with a DIC code or medically diagnosed with DIC during all admissions. Based on ISTH DIC scores ≥ 5, patients were classified with overt DIC. Results: A total of 220 patients were included in this study. The period prevalence of DIC was 4.45%. The point prevalence of DIC has increased from 3.49% to 5.58% from 2015 to 2017 (27.7% female; median age 61.6 years). Based on the ISTH-Overt DIC criteria, 45.2% of the sample had sepsis. Overt DIC patients had significantly lower baseline hemoglobin (HB; t = 2.137, df = 193, p = 0.034), platelet count ( t = 3.591, df = 193, p < 0.001) and elevated serum creatinine level ( M = 2.1, SD = 1.5, t = 2.203, df = 193, p = 0.029) compared to non–Overt DIC. There was a statistically significant elevation in FDPs among Overt DIC compared to non–Overt DIC (χ2 = 30.381, df = 1, p < 0.001). Overt DIC patients had significantly prolonged PT ( U = 2,298, z = 5.7, p < 0.001), PTT ( U = 2,334, z = 2.0, p = 0.045) and INR ( U = 2,541, z = 5.1, p < 0.001) compared to those with non–Overt DIC. Conclusion: The ISTH overt-DIC score can be used in critically ill patients regardless of the underlying disease. Efforts are required to predict and identify overt DIC using a valid scoring system on admission and follow-up of adult patients admitted to ICU.

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

F1000Research ◽  
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.

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

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.

The role of IL-6 receptor inhibitor treatment in critical patient monitoring with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
D Dimer

Objectives: The COVID-19 disease can manifest itself with acute respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, and septic shock in critically ill patients. There are opinions that there is a correlation between high IL-6 levels and disease severity. In our intensive care unit, we evaluated the changes in the laboratory data and radiological involvement severity of our patients who underwent tocilizumab treatment and examined the appropriate laboratory parameter in the treatment follow-up and its effect on survival. Methods: In the critical patient follow-up of COVID-19, 17 of the 23 patients treated with tocilizumab had a mortal course (Group 1) and the remaining 6 (Group 2) were. The C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, IL-6, D-dimer, procalcitonin, albumin, and ferritin values, which were routinely screened in our clinic on the day of tocilizumab treatment and the 5th day after, were recorded. Both the change between the two groups and the change between days 1 and 5 were analyzed. Results: A total of 23 patients (55.35 ± 13.31 years) were included in the study. The computed tomography severity score assessed at the intensive care unit admission was statistically significantly higher in Group 2. The procalcitonin and lactate dehydrogenase values measured on day 5 after tocilizumab were significantly lower in Group 2. On the 5th day after treatment, the levels of C-reactive protein, ferritin, chest X-rays, IL-6 and D-dimer statistically significantly changed compared to the first day of the treatment. In correlation with the decrease in PCT as of the 5th day after tocilizumab administration, an increasing tendency was observed in 28-day survival. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that tocilizumab treatment may positively contribute to the treatment by decreasing cytokine levels. PCT and LDH follow-up before and after treatment in critically ill patients who are receiving tocilizumab treatment can give an idea about survival.

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