scholarly journals Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy in Critically Ill Septic Patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahlem Trifi ◽  
Sami Abdellatif ◽  
Sameh Trabelsi ◽  
Salah Ben Lakhal
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Risk ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Saving Decisions

Sepsis is a medical emergency and life-threatening condition due to a dysregulated host response to infection, which is time-dependent and associated with unacceptably high mortality. At the bedside of a patient with sepsis or septic shock, clinician must make immediate life-saving decisions including empirical initiation of broad-spectrum antimicrobials; the most likely to be appropriate. The empiric regimen should be initiated within the first hour of diagnosis and determined by assessing patient and epidemiological risk factors, likely source of infection based on presenting signs and symptoms, and severity of illness. Optimizing antibiotic use is crucial to ensure successful outcomes and to reduce adverse antibiotic effects, as well as preventing drug resistance. All likely pathogens involved should be considered to provide an appropriate antibiotic coverage. Herein, we tried to make suggestions of empirical therapeutic regimens in sepsis/septic shock according to most likely pathogens in cause and sepsis source based on the recent recommendations of learned societies. Some suggestions were adapted to an environment of low-resource regions where the ecology of multi drug resistant organisms is of concern.

scholarly journals Considerations for Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy in Sepsis and Septic Shock in an Era of Antimicrobial Resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 222 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S119-S131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey R Strich ◽  
Emily L Heil ◽  
Henry Masur
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Risk ◽  
Improvement Measures ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock ◽  
Work Up

Abstract Patients with sepsis present across a spectrum of infection sites and severity of illnesses requiring complex decision making at the bedside as to when prompt antibiotics are indicated and which regimen is warranted. Many hemodynamically stable patients with sepsis and low acuity of illness may benefit from further work up before initiating therapy, whereas patients with septic shock warrant emergent broad-spectrum antibiotics. The precise empiric regimen is determined by assessing patient and epidemiological risk factors, likely source of infection based on presenting signs and symptoms, and severity of illness. Hospitals should implement quality improvement measures to aid in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of septic patients and to ensure antibiotics are given to patients in an expedited fashion after antibiotic order.

Ultrasound diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms: procedure with a handheld device and a video-illustrated case

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15
Author(s):  
Kenneth V Iserson ◽  
Sri Devi Jagjit ◽  
Balram Doodnauth
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Handheld Device ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Dissection ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Handheld Ultrasound

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is an uncommon, although not rare, life-threatening condition. With protean signs and symptoms that often suggest more common cardiac or pulmonary conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ultrasound has proven useful in making the correct diagnosis. This case demonstrates that training gained using standard ultrasound machines can be easily and successfully adapted to newer handheld ultrasound devices. The examination technique using the handheld device is illustrated with photos and a video.

scholarly journals A rare case of fat embolism syndrome secondary to abdominal liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Recinos ◽  
Sabrina Barillas ◽  
Alejandra Rodas ◽  
Javier Ardebol
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Fat Embolism ◽  
Fat Infiltration ◽  
Fat Embolism Syndrome ◽  
Embolism Syndrome ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Bone Marrow Harvesting ◽  
Dermatologic Manifestations

Abstract Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare, life-threatening condition habitually associated with traumatic events such as fractures and, less commonly, burns, liposuction and bone marrow harvesting and transplant [ 1]. The biochemical theory for this condition suggests that fat droplets embolize and convert into fatty acids, eventually leading to toxic injury and inflammation, which results in increased vascular permeability, edema and hemorrhage [ 2]. FES may have an asymptomatic interval lasting 12–72 hours after the insult; however, in some cases, signs have also been seen intraoperatively. Pulmonary signs and symptoms are customarily the earliest and manifest in 75% of patients. Nevertheless, neurologic and dermatologic manifestations are also characteristic, and most severe cases could perhaps present with disseminated intravascular coagulation, right ventricular dysfunction, shock or death. The following case consists of a 37-year-old patient that presented with fat embolism syndrome during liposuction and gluteal fat infiltration.

scholarly journals Myelodysplastic Syndrome Clinically Presenting with the “Classic TTP Pentad”

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Fabián Moscoso Martínez ◽  
Evelyn Carolina Polanco Jácome ◽  
Elizabeth Guevara ◽  
Vijay Mattoo
Keyword(s):  
Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Complete Blood Cell Count ◽  
Blood Cell Count ◽  
Thrombocytopenic Purpura ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening

The clinical presentation of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is not specific. Many patients can be asymptomatic and can be detected only due to an abnormal complete blood cell count (CBC) on routine exam or for other reasons while others can be symptomatic as a consequence of underlying cytopenias. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) usually is suspected under the evidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) and thrombocytopenia and because it is a life-threatening condition (medical emergency) immediate initiation of plasmapheresis could be life-saving. The following case illustrates an unusual presentation of MDS in a patient who came in to the emergency room with the classic TTP “pentad” of fever, renal involvement, MAHA, mental status changes, and thrombocytopenia. We will focus our discussion in the clinical presentation of this case.

scholarly journals Intensive Care Management of Multiorgan Dysfunction and Hypoxic Brain Injury Secondary to Refractory Status Epilepticus

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Sanum Kashif
Keyword(s):  
Status Epilepticus ◽  
Refractory Status Epilepticus ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
High Grade Fever ◽  
Refractory Status ◽  
Hypoxic Brain Injury ◽  
Hypoxic Brain ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Permanent Brain Damage

Refractory Status Epilepticus (RSE) is a medical emergency that may lead to permanent brain damage or death.Mortality rate is 16-39%. It is the life threatening condition in which continuous fits occur, despite treatmentwith benzodiazepines and one antiepileptic drug.A 25-year-old female, brought in emergency department with high-grade fever and frequent fits. GlasgowComa Scale (GCS) was 3/15 with unstable hemodynamics. Resuscitation started immediately and managed asstatus epilepticus. Patient was in multi organ failure on arrival. On the basis of history and examination, hypoxicbrain injury was diagnosed initially. Later on, refractory status epilepticus (RSE) with multi organ dysfunctionsyndrome (MODS) was diagnosed, after necessary investigations and treatment. Patient was managed as ateam with multidisciplinary approach and after continuous effort of 2 weeks, patient was successfullydischarged to home.

Assessment and care of the patient with sepsis

2020 ◽  
pp. 225-257
Author(s):  
Kevin Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Scoring Systems ◽  
Cardiovascular Responses ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Assessment Framework ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock

There has been considerable recent focus on sepsis in both the clinical arena and within the general public to raise awareness of the importance of early recognition of this potentially life-threatening condition. The early recognition of sepsis by ward nurses can both reduce progression of this lethal disease and improve survival for patients in hospital. This chapter focuses on definitions of sepsis and septic shock, physiological changes associated with inflammatory and cardiovascular responses to sepsis, and a clinical assessment framework to guide practice. There is also a discussion of the use of scoring systems and how to escalate support mechanisms for patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Hypotension

2018 ◽  
pp. 163-167
Author(s):  
Angela Creditt
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Severe Sepsis ◽  
Organ Failure ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Intravenous Fluids ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
New Guidelines ◽  
Sepsis And Septic Shock

Sepsis is a complex and potentially life-threatening sequela of infection that commonly occurs and can be difficult to identify. If unrecognized or undertreated, sepsis can progress to severe sepsis, septic shock, characterized by hypotension and multisystem organ failure, and ultimately death. This case illustrates classic signs and symptoms of sepsis and septic shock in a postoperative patient. Recognizing these symptoms, rapidly initiating resuscitation with intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive management of these patients is imperative to prevent further decompensation. In 2017, the Surviving Sepsis campaign published new guidelines to assist with the management of patients with sepsis and septic shock. Key points from these guidelines will be highlighted within this case.

scholarly journals Favorable 90-Day Mortality in Obese Caucasian Patients with Septic Shock According to the Sepsis-3 Definition

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caspar Mewes ◽  
Carolin Böhnke ◽  
Tessa Alexander ◽  
Benedikt Büttner ◽  
José Hinz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Caucasian Patients ◽  
Patient Prognosis

Septic shock is a frequent life-threatening condition and a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Previous investigations have reported a potentially protective effect of obesity in septic shock patients. However, prior results have been inconsistent, focused on short-term in-hospital mortality and inadequately adjusted for confounders, and they have rarely applied the currently valid Sepsis-3 definition criteria for septic shock. This investigation examined the effect of obesity on 90-day mortality in patients with septic shock selected from a prospectively enrolled cohort of septic patients. A total of 352 patients who met the Sepsis-3 criteria for septic shock were enrolled in this study. Body-mass index (BMI) was used to divide the cohort into 24% obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 76% non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significantly lower 90-day mortality (31% vs. 43%; p = 0.0436) in obese patients compared to non-obese patients. Additional analyses of baseline characteristics, disease severity, and microbiological findings outlined further statistically significant differences among the groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis estimated a significant protective effect of obesity on 90-day mortality after adjustment for confounders. An understanding of the underlying physiologic mechanisms may improve therapeutic strategies and patient prognosis.

Sudden death due to ruptured oesophageal varices – autopsy-based case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-191
Author(s):  
Nagendra Singh Sonwani ◽  
Navneet Ateriya ◽  
Arvind Kumar ◽  
Anil Kohli ◽  
Kalyan Kumar Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Alcoholism ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Oesophageal Varices ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Forensic Pathologist ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Acute Haemorrhage

Acute haemorrhage from ruptured oesophageal varices is a serious consequence of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. It represents a medical emergency with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Studies over the years have shown a direct link with chronic alcoholism in the development of such complications. Although the gastrointestinal system accounts for a few numbers of sudden deaths, bleeding through ruptured varices represent a life-threatening condition. The role of forensic pathologist is vital in dealing with sudden deaths. Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old man who died suddenly following the rupture of oesophageal varices.

scholarly journals Aortic Dissection Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis: Suspecting the Unexpected

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Hafeez ◽  
Dillon Karmo ◽  
Adrian Mercado-Alamo ◽  
Alexandra Halalau
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Aortic Dissection ◽  
Epigastric Pain ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Normal Triglyceride

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). It is considered a medical emergency. We report a case of a healthy 56-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with sudden onset of epigastric pain radiating to his back. His blood pressure was 167/91 mmHg, equal in both arms. His lipase was elevated at 1258 U/L, and he was clinically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP). He denied any alcohol consumption, had no evidence for gallstones, and had normal triglyceride level. Two days later, he endorsed new suprapubic tenderness radiating to his scrotum, along with worsening epigastric pain. A MRCP demonstrated evidence of an aortic dissection (AD). CT angiography demonstrated a Stanford type B AD extending into the proximal common iliac arteries. His aortic dissection was managed medically with rapid blood pressure control. The patient had excellent recovery and was discharged home without any surgical intervention.

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