American College Of Critical Care Medicine Research Articles

Women as a Growing Force in Critical Care Medicine-the Journal, Profession, and Society.

Women as a Growing Force in Critical Care Medicine-the Journal, Profession, and Society.

Difference in outcomes of pediatric septic shock after fluid resuscitation according to the Ultrasound-guided Fluid Resuscitation (USFR) and American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) protocols: A randomized clinical trial

Background Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) protocol currently in use in the management of septic shock carries a risk of fluid overload. With the use of ultrasonographic monitoring, the Ultrasound-guided Fluid Resuscitation (USFR) protocol may reduce the incidence of fluid overload and mortality.
 Objective To assess the difference in outcomes of fluid resuscitation in pediatric septic shock using the USFR vs. ACCM protocols.
 Methods This randomized clinical trial involved 36 subjects randomized equally into the USFR and ACCM groups. After randomization, each subject was given fluid resuscitation starting at 20 mL/kg and repeated every 5-10 minutes as needed, according to the ACCM protocol. After fluid resuscitation was given, patients in the ACCM group were evaluated for clinical signs, liver span, and rhonchi, whereas those in the USFR group underwent USCOM examination for cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). After 60 minutes, subjects in both groups were re-assessed for clinical signs, USCOM, pulmonary edema using lung ultrasound score (LUS), and liver span. Subjects were blinded as to the protocol they received. We compared 24-hour and 72-hour mortality rates, clinical improvement of shock at 60 minutes, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), as well as pulmonary edema and hepatomegaly, between the two groups.
 Results At 60 minutes after resuscitation, there were significant differences between the ACCM and USFR groups in the proportion of clinical improvement (0/18 vs. 5/18, P=0.016), pulmonary edema (15/18 vs. 4/18, P<0.001), and hepatomegaly (16/18 vs. 5/18, P<0.001). Mortality rates at 24 hours and 72 hours in the ACCM vs. USFR groups were 17% vs. 12% (P=0.199) and 78% vs. 39% (P=0.009), respectively.
 Conclusion The USFR protocol reduces the occurrence of fluid overload and leads to a lower mortality rate at 72 hours compared to the ACCM fluid resuscitation protocol.

Fluid Resuscitation and Inotropic Support in Patients With Septic Shock Treated in Pediatric Emergency Department: An Open-Label Trial.

IntroductionFluid resuscitation and inotropic support are essential interventions to improve cardiovascular function in patients with septic shock. However, the optimal volume of fluids and the timing of inotropic support to achieve the resolution of shock are controversial. They may depend on the availability of critical care support services. AimsTo compare early versus the delayed start of epinephrine administration after fluids bolus in children with septic shock. Methods We conducted an open-label randomized trial in which patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with septic shock and arterial hypotension were treated in two Pediatric Emergency Departments in Paraguay (Hospital de Clinicas of Universidad Nacional de Asunción and Instituto Privado del Niño) between 2015 and 2020. Septic shock was defined according to the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines. All patients received antibiotics and 40 ml/kg of fluids (two boluses of 20ml/kg if there were no signs of fluid overload) during the first hour. They were then divided into two groups: Group 1 received epinephrine infusion and maintenance fluids. Group 2 received an additional 20 ml/kg of fluids and then was started on epinephrine infusion. ResultsOf 229 patients screened, 63 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 2.8±3.5 years. A total of 52% were female. Group 1 comprised 33 patients, and group 2 comprised a total of 30. Significant differences were found between group 1 and group 2 in the following: mortality (10% vs. 33%, p: 0.026, RR: 3.1, CI: 95%: 1-10), need for mechanical ventilation (10% vs. 41%, p: 0.006, RR: 4, CI: 95%: 1.3-12), and altered vascular hypoperfusion after one hour of interventions (7% vs. 59%, p<0,001, RR: 8.2, CI: 95%: 2-32).ConclusionsEarly administration of epinephrine infusion after initial fluid therapy was associated with better clinical outcomes than delayed administration.

Characteristics of hemodynamic parameters after fluid resuscitation and vasoactive drugs administration in pediatric shock: A prospective observational study

BackgroundPrior studies have shown that septic shock survivors had a normal cardiac index (CI) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). However, this feature seems to be questionable in other-caused shock, since several factors are associated with the hemodynamic profile. This study aims to describe hemodynamic profiles (preload, inotropy, afterload, stroke volume, and cardiac output) after fluid resuscitation and vasoactive therapy in children with shock. MethodsChildren aged 1 month to 18 years old with shock conditions were included in this study. Fluid resuscitation was administered following the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) protocol. Hemodynamic profiles were assessed at 1 and 6 h from the start of fluid resuscitation. Grouping of the subjects was determined by the USCOM examination in 1st hour until the end of the study and we divided into 3 groups. ResultsAt 1 h, group 1 (low CI) was 14% (CI:2.5[1.2–3.2]L/min/m2), group 2 (normal CI) was 66% (CI:4.2[3.4–5.8]L/min/m2), and group 3 (high CI) was 20% (CI:7.1[6.1–9.4]L/min/m2). SVRI was higher in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 (p < 0.05). Group 1 and 2 revealed fluid-refractory shock (SVV:25[12–34]% and 29(13–58)%, respectively), lower Smith-Madigan Inotropy Index (SMII) and higher Potential to Kinetic Ratio (PKR) compared to group 3 (p < 0.05). Group 3 revealed fluid-responsive shock (Stroke Volume Variation (SVV):32[18–158]%), higher SMII and lower PKR. At 6th hour, CI in all groups were normal (group 1:3.5[1.2–7.5]; group 2:4.0[1.7–6.1]; group 3:6.0[3.1–6.2]). However, 71.4% and 54.5% of subjects in groups 1 and 2, respectively, still revealed low inotropy. Group 3 revealed a significant increase in SVRI and PKR (p < 0.01). ConclusionsMost pediatric shock patients were hypodynamic. Even when the CI was normal, the preload, inotropy, and afterload may still be abnormal. It represented the inotropy as a key to hemodynamic.

The impact of adherence to the American College of Critical Care Medicine 2017 guidelines in the management of septic shock in pediatric intensive care units: A prospective observational study

Background: Despite tremendous advances and new guidelines for the management of pediatric septic shock, the mortality and morbidity associated with it remain unacceptably high. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of adherence to the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines in the management of septic shock in pediatric intensive care units (PICU).Subjects and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study conducted in the 15-bedded PICU of a tertiary care hospital in Utter Pradesh, India. Children from 1 month to 18 years of age admitted to the PICU with septic shock were included in the study as per definitions given by ACCM guidelines. The children who were managed strictly adhering to ACCM guidelines were labeled as the adherent group and those who were managed with any deviation from these guidelines were considered as the nonadherent group. The two groups were compared with respect to outcome.Results: In this study, the prevalence of septic shock was 54.4% in PICU. Out of 124 cases of septic shock, 93 were from the adherent group and 31 were from the nonadherent group. Recovery was significantly higher (p-0.012) in children among the adherent group (56 [60.21%] vs. 11 [35.48%]) than in the nonadherent group. The hemodynamic stability achieved within 48 h among the adherent group was higher in comparison to the nonadherent group (39 [56%] vs. 6 [8.5%]) making this a significant (P = 0.007) observation. Conclusions: Strict adherence to the ACCM guidelines was associated with favorable outcomes in the management of septic shock in children.

Recomendaciones para el manejo del shock séptico en niños durante la primera hora (segunda parte)

In 2016, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) developed clinical practice guidelines for the management of pediatric septic shock. In 2017, the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) updated its recommendations for hemodynamic support of pediatric shock. Recognizing septic shock is critical, as well as an optimal, time-sensitive treatment. An adequate consultation with a pediatric specialist and/or a timely referral to a facility with a higher level of care are also critical for an appropriate outcome in the management of this condition. Here we analyze the bundles used in the management of these patients, which are essential to improve the quality of care.

Pre-clinical study protocol: Blood transfusion in endotoxaemic shock

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SCC) and the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines recommend blood transfusion in sepsis when the haemoglobin concentration drops below 7.0 g/dL and 10.0 g/dL respectively, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline recommends transfusion in septic shock ‘if intravenous (IV) fluids do not maintain adequate circulation’, as a supportive measure of last resort. Volume expansion using crystalloid and colloid fluid boluses for haemodynamic resuscitation in severe illness/sepsis, has been associated with adverse outcomes in recent literature. However, the volume expansion effect(s) following blood transfusion for haemodynamic circulatory support, in severe illness remain unclear with most previous studies having focused on evaluating effects of either different RBC storage durations (short versus long duration) or haemoglobin thresholds (low versus high threshold) pre-transfusion.•We describe the protocol for a pre-clinical randomised controlled trial designed to examine haemodynamic effect(s) of early volume expansion using packed RBCs (PRBCs) transfusion (before any crystalloids or colloids) in a validated ovine-model of hyperdynamic endotoxaemic shock.•Additional exploration of mechanisms underlying any physiological, haemodynamic, haematological, immunologic and tissue specific-effects of blood transfusion will be undertaken including comparison of effects of short (≤5 days) versus long (≥30 days) storage duration of PRBCs prior to transfusion.

Continuum of care in pediatric sepsis: a prototypical acute care delivery model.

Sepsis is a burdensome public health problem and a leading cause of infant and child morbidity and mortality across the world. Few proven therapies exist to treat septic shock and the mainstay of management remains judicious fluid resuscitation and timely antibiotics. In its most recent iteration, the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines on hemodynamic support in pediatric septic shock recommends an institutional approach to the management of septic shock rather than one aimed at the individual practitioner. The acute care delivery model has been proposed as a way to guide quality improvement in emergency care and to improve care delivery. In this review, we summarize current recommendations in the management of pediatric patients with septic shock, and highlight opportunities to provide seamless care by application of the acute care model.

Pain assessment using a Polish version of the Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale in sedated and mechanically ventilated patients

“Gold standard” in the assessment of pain is patient’s subjective assessment by means of standardized numerical, analog-visual or verbal scales. Unconscious, sedated, mechanically ventilated patients are able to subjectively assess pain in this way. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of pain, agitation and delirium in adult patients in the intensive care unit developed by a working group of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) state that adult patients treated in the ICU routinely experience pain at rest and during routine care. The guidelines recommend routine monitoring of pain in all adult patients in the ICU using the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) or Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). Cultural adaptation was conducted in Poland, psychometric properties of Polish version of Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) were evaluated. Internal consistency determined by Cronbach’s alpha amounted to 0.6883. The correlation coefficients between items of the scale and the sum score in the pain phase were in the range 0.27-0.28. The analysis of principal components confirmed that all the components of the scale respectively, the face, the upper limbs, synchronization with the respirator are one factor and explain 63.9% of the rating variation, while discriminatory accuracy of the scale was unconfirmed. The value of pain assessment using the Polish version of BPS increased significantly, also in the case of routine painless procedures, most likely due to other factors. That prevented the unambiguous interpretation of the results of the pain assessment and enforced additional data from other sources in the assessment of pain. The reason for the lack of discriminant accuracy can be vague operationalization of the scale indicators especially in the category: Face and Synchronization with the ventilator and the lack of adequate training for personnel in scale application. The aim of the study was to prepare the Polish version of Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) with more favorable psychometric properties. Based on the analysis of the literature individual scale indicators included in the categories of Face and Synchronization with the ventilator and the scheme of their scoring were re-defined. The result of the study is modified Polish version of BPS. Conclusions: The validation process of the research tool is not a one-time process. The implementation of the scale into clinical practice is required as well as further monitoring of its reliability and validity indicators. It is necessary to implement the system of personnel training in BPS application

A Multifaceted Approach to Reduction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in the Intensive Care Unit With an Emphasis on "Stewardship of Culturing".

BACKGROUND Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Reducing CAUTI rates has become a major focus of attention due to increasing public health concerns and reimbursement implications. OBJECTIVE To implement and describe a multifaceted intervention to decrease CAUTIs in our ICUs with an emphasis on indications for obtaining a urine culture. METHODS A project team composed of all critical care disciplines was assembled to address an institutional goal of decreasing CAUTIs. Interventions implemented between year 1 and year 2 included protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for placement, maintenance, and removal of catheters. Leaders from all critical care disciplines agreed to align routine culturing practice with American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guidelines for evaluating a fever in a critically ill patient. Surveillance data for CAUTI and hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI) were recorded prospectively according to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) protocols. Device utilization ratios (DURs), rates of CAUTI, HABSI, and urine cultures were calculated and compared. RESULTS The CAUTI rate decreased from 3.0 per 1,000 catheter days in 2013 to 1.9 in 2014. The DUR was 0.7 in 2013 and 0.68 in 2014. The HABSI rates per 1,000 patient days decreased from 2.8 in 2013 to 2.4 in 2014. CONCLUSIONS Effectively reducing ICU CAUTI rates requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach; stewardship of culturing was a key and safe component of our successful reduction efforts. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:186-188.

Early norepinephrine decreases fluid and ventilatory requirements in pediatric vasodilatory septic shock.

Aims:We previously reported that vasodilatation was common in pediatric septic shock, regardless of whether they were warm or cold, providing a rationale for early norepinephrine (NE) to increase venous return (VR) and arterial tone. Our primary aim was to evaluate the effect of smaller fluid bolus plus early-NE versus the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) approach to more liberal fluid boluses and vasoactive-inotropic agents on fluid balance, shock resolution, ventilator support and mortality in children with septic shock. Secondly, the impact of early NE on hemodynamic parameters, urine output and lactate levels was assessed using multimodality-monitoring.Methods:In keeping with the primary aim, the early NE group (N-27) received NE after 30ml/kg fluid, while the ACCM group (N-41) were a historical cohort managed as per the ACCM Guidelines, where after 40-60ml/kg fluid, patients received first line vasoactive-inotropic agents. The effect of early-NE was characterized by measuring stroke volume variation(SVV), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and cardiac function before and after NE, which were monitored using ECHO + Ultrasound-Cardiac-Output-Monitor (USCOM) and lactates.Results:The 6-hr fluid requirement in the early-NE group (88.9+31.3 to 37.4+15.1ml/kg), and ventilated days [median 4 days (IQR 2.5-5.25) to 1day (IQR 1-1.7)] were significantly less as compared to the ACCM group. However, shock resolution and mortality rates were similar. In the early NE group, the overall SVRI was low (mean 679.7dynes/sec/cm5/m2, SD 204.5), and SVV decreased from 23.8±8.2 to 18.5±9.7, p=0.005 with NE infusion suggesting improved preload even without further fluid loading. Furthermore, lactate levels decreased and urine-output improved.Conclusion:Early-NE and fluid restriction may be of benefit in resolving shock with less fluid and ventilator support as compared to the ACCM approach.

Evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of delirium, analgesia, and sedation in intensive care medicine. Revision 2015 (DAS-Guideline 2015) - short version.

In 2010, under the guidance of the DGAI (German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine) and DIVI (German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine), twelve German medical societies published the “Evidence- and Consensus-based Guidelines on the Management of Analgesia, Sedation and Delirium in Intensive Care”. Since then, several new studies and publications have considerably increased the body of evidence, including the new recommendations from the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) in conjunction with Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) from 2013. For this update, a major restructuring and extension of the guidelines were needed in order to cover new aspects of treatment, such as sleep and anxiety management. The literature was systematically searched and evaluated using the criteria of the Oxford Center of Evidence Based Medicine. The body of evidence used to formulate these recommendations was reviewed and approved by representatives of 17 national societies. Three grades of recommendation were used as follows: Grade “A” (strong recommendation), Grade “B” (recommendation) and Grade “0” (open recommendation). The result is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, evidence and consensus-based set of level 3 guidelines. This publication was designed for all ICU professionals, and takes into account all critically ill patient populations. It represents a guide to symptom-oriented prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of delirium, anxiety, stress, and protocol-based analgesia, sedation, and sleep-management in intensive care medicine.

Managing neonatal severe sepsis in Germany: a preliminary survey of current practices.

In 2002 and 2007, the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCCM) provided clinical guidelines for hemodynamic support of pediatric and neonatal patients in septic shock. In 2008 and 2013, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) Guidelines Committee offered up-to-date clinical guidelines for the management of severe sepsis and septic shock in adults and in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the standard of care of neonates with severe sepsis and septic shock in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with regard to variability in management and guideline conformity. 199 pediatric clinics in Germany were asked to describe their management of septic neonates in a telephone survey. The questionnaire that was used for the preliminary survey was designed based on the ACCCM and SSC clinical guidelines. A total of 90 (45%) surveys were completed and analyzed. Among all hospitals, the guidelines most commonly included in current practice patterns were obtaining cultures before administering antibiotics (100%), determining capillary refill time (99%), and using crystalloids for initial fluid therapy (97%). The guidelines least commonly included in current practice were determination of ammoniac to rule out inborn errors of metabolism (51%) and the use of dopamine as the first choice of hemodynamic support (48%). The management of sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock in neonates is not always guideline consistent, but quite a number of ACCCM and SSC guidelines were included in the current practice pattern.

Implementing ACCM critical care guidelines for septic shock management in a Cuban pediatric intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION Sepsis is the most common direct cause of death worldwide and septic shock the syndrome's most serious complication. In 2002, the pediatric intensive care unit of the José Luis Miranda Pediatric University Hospital in Santa Clara (Villa Clara Province), Cuba, began implementing the recently published guidelines of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) for management of pediatric and neonatal septic shock, observing a drop in case fatality from 34.6% to 19% between the years 2003 and 2007. ACCM updated these Guidelines in 2007. OBJECTIVE Describe experiences with the use of the 2007 ACCM updated Guidelines and discuss their possible impact in reducing case fatality. METHODS Between 2008 and 2010, a study was conducted of 280 children and adolescents, from newborns through 18 years, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of septic shock. The diagnostic and therapeutic criteria used were those recommended in the ACCM's 2007 updated Guidelines. The dependent variable was case fatality. Independent variables were age, sex, comorbidity or prior chronic disease, origin and course of sepsis, hemodynamic state, blood glucose level, hyperglycemia, organ dysfunction, volume of fluid therapy administered, use of mechanical ventilation and therapeutic response. RESULTS In the 3-year period, 28-day case fatality was 11.1% (31/280). A total of 45 patients had comorbidities, with 14 deaths and a case fatality rate of 31.1% vs. 7.2% (17/235) in previously healthy patients. Cold shock with a hemodynamic state of low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance predominated (68.9%), with low cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance the least common type (12.5%), but the one with highest case fatality (34.4%). Hyperglycemia was present in 39.6% of patients, with 15.3% case fatality; case fatality was higher (25.6%) when hyperglycemia was in the 10-15.9 mmol/L range. Fluid therapy of 40-100 mL/kg was administered in the first hour to 90% of patients, increasing to >96% in the first 3-6 hours. The most common therapeutic response was fluid refractory, dobutamine responsive (39.3%). Mechanical ventilation was used in 33.9% of patients, with a case fatality of 30.5%. Cardiovascular, respiratory and hematologic dysfunctions were common. Failure of ≥4 organs raised case fatality to 77.8%. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of ACCM Guidelines facilitates timely, appropriate care for septic shock patients and contributes to lower case fatality. Early aggressive fluid therapy with support of vasoactive drugs, either singly or in combination, has a positive impact on patient outcomes. Similar studies with a larger number of patients are needed to corroborate these conclusions.

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Introduction: The American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium in adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit. This guideline was based on growing evidence that most critically ill patients are at risk for development of dangerous and potentially hospital induced conditions such as ICU delirium and weakness. The Respiratory Therapy departments in our hospital system embarked on an effort to collaborate and implement an interprofessional bundle approach to reduce these adverse events. Initially the Respiratory Therapists identified barriers to this project including workload and productivity concerns, fear of patient discomfort and asynchrony, and fear of inadvertent extubation during awakening and mobility. Methods: To overcome these barriers a variety of methods were used to engage staff. All Respiratory Therapy staff was invited to attend an educational symposium at which clinical experts presented data on the adverse events caused by current ICU care methods. Volunteers were solicited to be champions of the ABCDE bundle project and were trained on interprofessional team building and use of ‘UP to Date’ to gather evidence to promote evidence based, best practices. The team of volunteers worked with the interprofessional team to develop order sets and procedures to promote best practices such as daily rounds, delirium assessments, correct medication selection, daily awakening and spontaneous breathing trials and early mobility. Historically we tracked ventilator length of stay, we added re-intubation rate to our tracking as a balancing measure. To ensure workload neutrality we decreased routine ventilator monitoring from every 2 hours to every 4 hours. Results: Since implementation, daily interprofessional rounds are occurring, standardized scales are now being used to assess delirium and sedation levels, criteria for pain and sedation medication has been modified, daily awakening and SBT’s are being performed and patients who meet safety screening criteria are being mobilized. Patients are more awake and participating in ventilator weaning trials and mobilization. Ventilator length of stay has decreased with no increase in re-intubation rate. Conclusions: The ABCDE bundle was successfully implemented with high quality clinical outcomes. Management, clinical leaders and staff worked in tandem to remove barriers in conjunction with staff engagement which was critical to successful implementation. Further study is needed to evaluate participation and engagement in use of the bundle.

Changes of the hemodynamics and extravascular lung water after different-volume fluid resuscitation in a piglet model of endotoxic shock

Practice recommendations have evolved, and consensus now exists among leading organizations such as the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and Surviving Sepsis Campaign that fluid infusion is best initiated with boluses of 20 ml/kg, commonly requires 40-60 ml/kg but can be as much as 200 ml/kg if the liver is not enlarged and/or rales are not heard. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the changes of the hemodynamics and extravascular lung water after higher volume fluid resuscitation in a piglet model of endotoxic shock. Twenty piglets were used for establishing animal models of endotoxic shock by intravenous infusing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experimental animals were divided into three groups according to the volume infused during the resuscitation. The three groups received different volume of saline in less than an hour after endotoxic shock. By the PiCCO plus system, we investigated the changes of hemodynamics and extravascular lung water. After fluid resuscitation, global end diastolic volume inder, (GEDI) and intrathoracic blood volume index, (ITBI) markedly increased in the group of 80 ml/kg and 120 ml/kg, but there was no change in the group of 40 ml/kg. GEDI: Fifteen min after fluid resuscitation R1 was (261 ± 64) ml/m(2), R2 (457 ± 124) ml/m(2), R3 (413 ± 148) ml/m(2), 4 h R1 (251 ± 68) ml/m(2), R2 (422 ± 70) ml/m(2), R3 (470 ± 160) ml/m(2); ITBI: Fifteen min after fluid resuscitation R1 was (335 ± 69) ml/m(2), R2 (550 ± 179) ml/m(2), R3 (520 ± 183) ml/m(2), 4 h R1 (314 ± 84) ml/m(2), R2 (534 ± 96) ml/m(2), R3 (594 ± 200) ml/m(2) (R1 vs. R2 vs. R3, F = 26.373, P < 0.05; R1 vs. R2, R1 vs. R3, P < 0.05; R2 vs. R3, P > 0.05). CI of all three groups significantly decreased when the models were established. After fluid resuscitation, the base level was maintained in the group of 80 ml/kg and 120 ml/kg, but it was under the basic level in the group of 40 ml/kg.Fifteen min after fluid resuscitation R1 was (4.5 ± 0.7) L/(min·m(2)), R2 (6.4 ± 2.2) L/(min·m(2)), R3 (5.5 ± 0.7) L/(min·m(2)), 4 h R1 (4.1 ± 1.0) L/(min·m(2)), R2 (5.2 ± 0.9) L/(min·m(2)), R3 (5.1 ± 0.8) L/(min·m(2)). There was no significant difference in CI between these two groups (P > 0.05).ELWI of the group of 80 ml/kg and 120 ml/kg were still higher than that of the group of 40 ml/kg, 15 min after fluid resuscitation R1 was (19.2 ± 8.6) ml/kg, R2 (29.2 ± 5.5) ml/kg, R3 (23.4 ± 8.2) ml/kg, 4 h R1 (18.3 ± 6.5) ml/kg, R2 (23.8 ± 2.6) ml/kg, R3 (21.4 ± 3.9) ml/kg, but there was no significant difference in ELWI among the groups (P > 0.05). Resuscitation with higher volume of fluid infusion in the early stage of endotoxic shock was more efficient to increase the preload and maintain the cardiac output at the baseline level, and might reduce the need for vasoactive agents. Meanwhile, resuscitation with higher volume of fluid in the early stage of endotoxic shock did not sharply increase the extravascular lung water.

Evolution of haemodynamics and outcome of fluid-refractory septic shock in children

Maintaining threshold values of cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) when used as part of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) haemodynamic protocol improves the outcomes in paediatric septic shock. We observed the evolution of CO and SVR during the intensive care admission of children with fluid-refractory septic shock and report this together with the eventual outcomes. Prospective observational study. Tertiary care Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in London. Children admitted in fluid refractory septic shock to the Intensive Care Unit over a period of 36 months were studied. Post liver re-transplant children and delayed septic shock admissions were excluded. A non-invasive ultrasound cardiac output monitor device (USCOM) was used to measure serial haemodynamics. Children were allocated at presentation into one of two categories: (1) hospital-acquired infection and (2) community-acquired infection. Vasopressor, inotrope or inodilator therapies were titrated to maintain threshold cardiovascular parameters as per the ACCM guidelines. Thirty-six children [19 male, mean age (SD) 6.78 (5.86) years] were admitted with fluid-refractory septic shock and studied. At presentation, all 18 children with hospital-acquired (HA) sepsis and 3 from among the community-acquired (CA) sepsis group were in 'warm shock' (SVRI < 800 dyne s/cm(5)/m(2)) whereas 15 of the 18 children with community-acquired sepsis and none in the hospital-acquired group were in 'cold shock' [cardiac index (CI) < 3.3 l/min/m(2)]. All 21 children in 'warm shock' were initially commenced on a vasopressor (noradrenaline). Despite an initial good response, four patients developed low CI and needed adrenaline. Similarly, all 15 children in cold shock were initially commenced on adrenaline. However, two of them subsequently required noradrenaline. Five others needed milrinone as an inodilator. In general, both groups of children had normalised SVRI and CI within 42 h of therapy but required variable doses of vasopressors, inotropes or inodilators in a heterogeneous manner. The overall 28-day survival rate was 88.9 % in both groups. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) was significantly (p = 0.003) lower in the community-acquired group (mean 51.72 % ± 4.26) when compared to the hospital-acquired group (mean 58.72 % ± 1.36) at presentation but showed steady improvement during therapy. Gram-positive organisms were predominant in blood cultures, 61 % in HA and 56 % in CA groups. In general, we found children with community-acquired septic shock presented in cold shock whereas hospital-acquired septic shock children manifested warm shock. Both types evolved in a heterogeneous manner needing frequent revision of cardiovascular support therapy. However the 28-day survival in both groups was the same at 89 %. Frequent measurements of haemodynamics using non-invasive ultrasound helped in fine tuning cardiovascular therapies.

Pharmacological Management of Sedation and Delirium in Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients: Remaining Evidence Gaps and Controversies

Although pharmacotherapy remains the mainstay for the prevention and treatment of pain, anxiety, and delirium (PAD) in the intensive care unit (ICU), many of the PAD-related medications currently used may lead to unintended consequences, particularly when these agents are administered at excessive doses for prolonged periods. The method by which these medications are administered and titrated is increasingly being recognized as potentially affecting patient outcomes as much as the drug itself. Drugs once thought to have a pharmacologically desirable profile in reducing PAD have been shown to have either little benefit, the potential for significant risk associated with any benefit, or in some cases, the potential to worsen patient outcome. The recently published American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) Pain, Agitation, and Delirium Clinical Practice Guidelines provide 12 medication-related recommendations surrounding the prevention and treatment of PAD. This paper (1) provides the ICU bedside clinician with more background on the most important, and in some cases most contentious and challenging areas, of sedation and delirium pharmacotherapy in the critical care setting; (2) provides an update on the most recent evidence surrounding the prevention and treatment of agitation and delirium in ICU; and (3) highlights areas that require further investigation and provide practical strategies by which to apply current evidence in this area to daily ICU practice.

Delirium Monitoring in the ICU: Strategies for Initiating and Sustaining Screening Efforts

Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with many negative outcomes, including increased length of stay in both the ICU and the hospital, increased duration of mechanical ventilation, increased mortality, worse long-term cognitive impairment, and increased costs. The 2013 American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM)/Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) clinical practice guidelines for pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD), based on available evidence, strongly recommend that critically ill patients be routinely monitored for delirium in the ICU using a validated tool. After conducting a thorough psychometric review of available delirium assessment tools, the 2013 PAD guideline group concluded that the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) and the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the ICU delirium screening tools with the strongest validity and reliability. This article discusses the importance and feasibility of delirium screening in the ICU and compares the most commonly used critical care delirium screening instruments. Strategies needed to implement and sustain delirium screening efforts in different critically ill populations are introduced and discussed. Accurate detection is the first step in managing ICU patients who develop delirium in an attempt to reduce the negative sequelae of delirium in this population.

Clinical practice guideline: Red blood cell transfusion in adult trauma and critical care*

To develop a clinical practice guideline for red blood cell transfusion in adult trauma and critical care. Meetings, teleconferences and electronic-based communication to achieve grading of the published evidence, discussion and consensus among the entire committee members. This practice management guideline was developed by a joint taskforce of EAST (Eastern Association for Surgery of Trauma) and the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). We performed a comprehensive literature review of the topic and graded the evidence using scientific assessment methods employed by the Canadian and U.S. Preventive Task Force (Grading of Evidence, Class I, II, III; Grading of Recommendations, Level I, II, III). A list of guideline recommendations was compiled by the members of the guidelines committees for the two societies. Following an extensive review process by external reviewers, the final guideline manuscript was reviewed and approved by the EAST Board of Directors, the Board of Regents of the ACCM and the Council of SCCM. Key recommendations are listed by category, including (A) Indications for RBC transfusion in the general critically ill patient; (B) RBC transfusion in sepsis; (C) RBC transfusion in patients at risk for or with acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome; (D) RBC transfusion in patients with neurologic injury and diseases; (E) RBC transfusion risks; (F) Alternatives to RBC transfusion; and (G) Strategies to reduce RBC transfusion. Evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of RBC transfusion in adult trauma and critical care will provide important information to critical care practitioners.