Serum potassium disorders predict subsequent kidney injury: a retrospective observational cohort study of hospitalized patients

Introduction Electrolytes disorders are common findings in kidney diseases and might represent a useful biomarker preceding kidney injury. Serum potassium [K+] imbalance is still poorly investigated for association with acute kidney injury (AKI) and most evidence come from intensive care units (ICU). The aim of our study was to comprehensively investigate this association in a large, unselected cohort of hospitalized patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study on the inpatient population admitted to Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014 with inclusion of adult patients with at least 2 [K+] and 3 serum creatinine (sCr) measurements who did not develop AKI during an initial 10-day window. The outcome of interest was in-hospital AKI. The exposures of interest were [K+] fluctuations and hypo (HoK) and hyperkalemia (HerK). [K+] variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the association between the exposures of interest and development of AKI. Results: 21,830 hospital admissions from 18,836 patients were included in our study. During a median follow-up of 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 7) days, AKI was observed in 555 hospital admissions (2.9%); median time for AKI development was 5 (IQR 7) days. Higher [K+] variability was independently associated with increased risk of AKI with a statistically significant linear trend across groups (p-value = 0.012). A significantly higher incidence of AKI was documented in patients with HerK compared with normokalemia. No statistically significant difference was observed between HoK and HerK (p-value = 0.92). Conclusion: [K+] abnormalities including fluctuations even within the normal range are associated with development of AKI.

Efficacy of tacrolimus as long-term immunotherapy for neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis

Aims: We aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus as long-term immunotherapy for the treatment of neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) during the first attack. Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE who experienced the first attack were enrolled. We compared the outcomes of 17 patients who received tacrolimus with those of 47 patients treated without tacrolimus. Patients were assessed at onset and 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as at the last follow-up, by using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE). The efficacy of tacrolimus was also compared in a subgroup of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Results: Among all patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE, those receiving tacrolimus had lower median mRS scores [1 (IQR = 0–1) versus 2 (IQR = 1–3) in controls, p = 0.001)], CASE scores [2 (IQR = 1–3) versus 3 (IQR = 2–7), p = 0.006], and more favorable mRS scores (94.1% versus 68.1%, p = 0.03) at the 3-month follow-up. No difference was found at the last follow-up. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of relapse and adverse events between the two groups (11.8% versus 14.9%, p = 0.75). In the subgroup of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, patients treated with tacrolimus had a lower median mRS score at the 3-month follow-up [1 (IQR = 0–2) versus 2 (IQR = 1–3), p = 0.03]; however, no difference in the outcome was detected at the last follow-up. Conclusion: Tacrolimus can be used as long-term immunotherapy in patients with neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE during the first attack. Treatment with tacrolimus appears to accelerate the clinical improvement of neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE.

Tracheotomy Outcomes in 71 COVID-19 Patients: A Multi-Centric Study in Saudi Arabia

Since its outbreak in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a sharp rise in the demand for oxygen and ventilation facilities due to the associated extensive damage that it causes to the lungs. This study is considered the first and largest study in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the outcomes of tracheostomy in intubated COVID-19 patients. This is a retrospective, observational cohort study that was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Jeddah, Western Region, Saudi Arabia and King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study revealed that seventy-one patients with COVID-19 underwent tracheotomy between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2020. The average period between intubation and tracheostomy was 9.97 days. Hypertension, diabetes, lung disease and obesity (BMI > 30) were significant risk factors of mortality. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 38.4%.

Outcome of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients According to the Setting of Corticosteroid Initiation—A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

(1) Background: Corticosteroids lower 28-day all-cause mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, the outcome of COVID-19 patients referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory deterioration despite corticosteroids initiated during hospitalization before ICU admission has been poorly investigated. Our objective was to determine survival according to corticosteroid initiation setting. (2) Methods: We conducted a cohort study including all successive critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with corticosteroids and managed in our ICU. We compared survival, whether corticosteroids were initiated before (Cb-group) or after ICU admission (Ca-group), using a propensity score matching. (3) Results: Overall, 228 patients (67 years (56–74); 168M/60F; invasive mechanical ventilation on admission, 17%) were included with 63 patients in the Cb-group and 165 patients in the Ca-group. Survival to hospital discharge was 43% versus 69%, respectively (p = 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, factors associated with death were age (odds ratio, 1.07; 95%-confidence interval, (1.04–1.11); p < 0.0001), the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on ICU admission (1.30 (1.14–1.50); p = 0.0001) and corticosteroid initiation before ICU admission (2.64 (1.30–5.43); p = 0.007). No significant differences in outcome related to corticosteroid regimen were found. (4) Conclusions: Critically ill COVID-19 patients transferred to the ICU with deterioration despite corticosteroids initiated before admission have a less favorable outcome than patients receiving corticosteroids initiated after ICU admission.

Impact of Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Infant Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization

To better understand the impact of prenatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on infants, this study sought to compare the risk of hospital visits and of postnatal SARS-CoV-2 infection between infants born to mothers with and without prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this retrospective observational cohort study of 6871 mothers and their infants, overall rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions in the first 90 days of life were similar for infants born to mothers with and without prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infants born to negative mothers were more likely than infants of positive mothers to be hospitalized after ED visit (relative risk: 3.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-11.13, P = .003). Five infants tested positive; all were born to negative mothers, suggesting that maternal prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection may protect infants from postnatal infection. The lower acuity ED visits for infants born to mothers with prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection may reflect a heightened level of concern among these mothers.

Use of Sedatives and Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 ARDS

Objectives: To assess differences in the use of analgesics, sedatives and neuromuscular-blocking agents (NMBA) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 or other conditions. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study, single-center tertiary Intensive Care Unit. COVID-19 patients with ARDS (March–May 2020) and non-COVID ARDS patients (2017–2020) on mechanical ventilation and receiving sedation for at least 48 h. Results: A total of 39 patients met the inclusion criteria in each group, with similar demographics at baseline. COVID-19 patients had a longer duration of MV (median 22 (IQRs 16–29) vs. 9 (6–18) days; p < 0.01), of sedatives administration (18 (11–22) vs. 5 (4–9) days; p < 0.01) and NMBA therapy (12 (9–16) vs. 3 (2–7) days; p < 0.01). During the first 7 days of sedation, compared to non-COVID patients, COVID patients received more frequently a combination of multiple sedative drugs (76.9% vs. 28.2%; p < 0.01) and a higher NMBA regimen (cisatracurium: 3.0 (2.1–3.7) vs. 1.3 (0.9–1.9) mg/kg/day; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The duration and consumption of sedatives and NMBA was significantly increased in patients with COVID-19 related ARDS than in non-COVID ARDS. Different sedation strategies and protocols might be needed in COVID-19 patients with ARDS, with potential implications on long-term complications and drugs availability.

The Effects of Aspergillus fumigatus Colonization on Lung Function in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Aspergillus fumigatus is commonly isolated from CF airways. However, the impact on CF lung progression is not completely understood. In this study, using a 16-year retrospective observational cohort study (2000–2015) that included 132 patients, we determined the annual lung function, measured as percent predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppFEV1), decline before and after the first colonization with A. fumigatus. Further, in the same individual, the ratios of lung function when patients were colonized with A. fumigatus and when they were not were calculated. The impact of eradication, with antifungal treatment or spontaneously, was assessed. The annual ppFEV1 was significantly lower after the first colonization with A. fumigatus. Furthermore, within the same individual, colonization with A. fumigatus for two and three years in a row was associated with 4.3% and 7.9% lower ppFEV1, respectively, compared to when not colonized. Finally, patients who eradicated A. fumigatus the following two years after colonization exhibited 9.9% and 14.5% higher ppFEV1 compared to patients who continued to produce cultures with A. fumigatus for two and three years. Our study demonstrated that A. fumigatus colonization was associated with a negative impact on lung function in the long term and eradication, spontaneously or with treatment, was associated with a better pulmonary outcome.