Failure Of Various Etiologies Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure in general medical ward: a prospective cohort study.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is recommended for use in patients with acute respiratory failure of various etiologies. However, we do not know whether the use of NIV in general medical wards is safe and effective. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using NIV and factors associated with NIV failure in general medical wards. A prospective cohort study was conducted in general medical wards of the University Hospital. Adult patients with acute respiratory failure treated with NIV were enrolled. The subjects were managed by a multidisciplinary care team that was well trained in the NIV device. The primary outcome was the rate of NIV failure at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality and factors associated with NIV failure. A total of 86 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 70±17 years old. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were 56±17 and 4±3, respectively. The most common indication of NIV use was cardiogenic pulmonary edema (34.9%). The rate of NIV failure at 48 hours and hospital mortality were 20.9% and 12.8%, respectively. The SOFA score was associated with failure of NIV at 48 hours [odds ratio (OR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-1.89; P=0.002]. NIV was safe and effective on general medical wards. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema was the most common indication for the application of NIV. The SOFA score was associated with the failure of NIV at 48 hours.

Driving Pressure: What Is the Harm?

Driving Pressure: What Is the Harm?

Pregnancy Failure: A Sample Set of Rehabilitation Treatment And Rehabilitation

The article presents an exemplary complex of restorative, non-medicamental treatment and physical rehabilitation in patients with clinical manifestations of pregnancy failure of various etiologies, applied at the stage of outpatient and sanatorium-resort treatment. Specific features of the practical application of such methods as therapeutic physical training, fitball exercises, reflexotherapy of biologically active points (BAP) of the genital and endocrine systems on the feet, physiotherapy, aromatherapy, Kegel exercises, vumbilding, vibration and gynecological massage are presented and described.

Investigation of the Antihypertrophic and Antifibrotic Effects of Losartan in a Rat Model of Radiation-Induced Heart Disease.

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a potential late side-effect of thoracic radiotherapy resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and fibrosis due to a complex pathomechanism leading to heart failure. Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), including losartan, are frequently used to control heart failure of various etiologies. Preclinical evidence is lacking on the anti-remodeling effects of ARBs in RIHD, while the results of clinical studies are controversial. We aimed at investigating the effects of losartan in a rat model of RIHD. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in three groups: (1) control, (2) radiotherapy (RT) only, (3) RT treated with losartan (per os 10 mg/kg/day), and were followed for 1, 3, or 15 weeks. At 15 weeks post-irradiation, losartan alleviated the echocardiographic and histological signs of LVH and fibrosis and reduced the overexpression of chymase, connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta in the myocardium measured by qPCR; likewise, the level of the SMAD2/3 protein determined by Western blot decreased. In both RT groups, the pro-survival phospho-AKT/AKT and the phospho-ERK1,2/ERK1,2 ratios were increased at week 15. The antiremodeling effects of losartan seem to be associated with the repression of chymase and several elements of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in our RIHD model.

The Use of Extracorporeal Liver Support Systems In Acute Decompensated Liver Failure

The aim of the study: to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal liver support systems in patients with acute liver failure of various etiologies.Material and methods. The study included 117 patients with acute liver failure of various etiologies. The main group consisted of 71 patients who received complex intensive therapy, including MARS-therapy and hemodiafiltration. The comparison group included 46 patients who received albumin dialysis (24 patients) and hemodiafiltration (22 patients) alone. The mean age of the patients was 34±5.6 years, the majority (56.4%) were men. Dynamic assessment of patients' severity was performed using Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scales.Results. A more significant reduction of SOFA and MELD scores was noted as early as by day 10 of intensive therapy in the main group with sequential use of extracorporeal liver detoxification methods — to 2.7±0.2 vs. 8.3±0.5 points (P=0.021) on SOFA and to 16.7±0.4 vs. 23.4±1.4 points (P=0.023) MELD scales. The use of a comprehensive approach to extracorporeal detoxification in acute decompensated liver failure increased the regression rate of multiple organ failure from 51.2 to 74.6% and reduced mortality from 47.8 to 25.4% (χ2=6.266; df=1; P=0.013). At the same time, the cumulative proportion of survivors depending on the type of complication within 30 days was 88.4% in the main group and 69.0% in the comparison group (χ2=4.164; df=1; P=0.042).Conclusion. A comprehensive approach to extracorporeal detoxification is highly effective, providing a more significant reduction of SOFA and MELD scores, increasing the proportion of regression of multiple organ dysfunction and reducing mortality.

The prognostic significance of cardiac sympathetic activity and dyssynchrony in cardiac resynchronization therapy in ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Russian Foundation for Basic Research Introduction Impaired cardiac sympathetic activity and contractility are associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). There are few prognostic data of the cardiac sympathetic activity and dyssynchrony in patients with chronic heart failure of various etiologies. Purpose To examine the prognostic significance of scintigraphic cardiac sympathetic activity and contractility in predicting the response to CRT and to assess the differences between patients with ischemic (IHF) and non-ischemic (NIHF) heart failure. Methods This study included 38 heart failure patients (24 male; mean age of 56 ± 11 years; 16 patients with ischemic etiology), who were submitted to CRT. Before CRT all patients underwent 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) imaging for cardiac sympathetic activity evaluating: early and delay heart to mediastinum ratio (eH/M and dH/M), summed MIBG Score (eSMS and dSMS). Moreover all patients underwent gated SPECT with the assessments of left ventricle dyssynchrony indexes: standard deviation (SD) and histogram bandwidth (HBW). In addition, all patients underwent gated blood-pool SPECT (GBPS) to assessed ejection fraction (EF) and stroke volume (SV) of both ventricles. Results One year after CRT response defined as LV ESV decreased by≥15% and/or LV EF increase by≥5%. Baseline cardiac sympathetic activity parameters showed significant differences between responders and non-responders only in NIHF patients: eH/M: 2.27 (2.02–2.41) vs. 1.64 (1.32–2.16); dH/M: 2.18 (2.11–2.19) vs. 1.45 (1.23 – 1.61); eSMS: 7 (5-7) vs. 15.5 (10–28.5); dSMS: 10 (10–13) vs. 16.5 (15.5–29). Significant differences in baseline LV dyssynchrony indexes between responders and non-responders were in patients of both group: in NIHF patients - SD: 54.3 (43–58) degree vs. 65 (62–66) degree; HBW: 179.5 (140–198) degree vs. 211 (208-213) degree, p < 0.054 in IHF patients - HBW: 162 (115.2–180) degree vs. 115.2 (79.2–136.8) degree. Contractility of RV was significantly differed between responders and non-responders in IHF patients: RV EF: 54.5 (41-56) % vs. 44.5 (37–49.5) %; RV SV: 80 (69-101) ml vs. 55.5 (50–72.5) ml. According to univariate logistic regression analyses in IHF patients LV dyssynchrony indexes – SD (OR = 1.55; 95% CI 1.09-2.2; p < 0.5) and HBW (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.02-1.24; p < 0.5), as well as RV indexes – RV EF (OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.001-1.23; p < 0.5), RV SV (OR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.003-1.138; p < 0.5) were predictors of CRT response. In the group of NIHF patients, dH/M (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.08-2; p < 0.5), SD (OR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.73-0.95; p < 0.5), HBW (OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.99; p < 0.5) showed the predictive value in terms of CRT response. Conclusion Scintigraphic methods can be used to select patients for CRT. Cardiac 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and gated SPECT may be used for predicting CRT response in NIHF patients. Whereas in IHF patients ECG-gated SPECT and GBPS may be valuable for predicting the response to CRT.

The effectiveness of complex therapy for heart failure of various etiologies in comorbid patients

The effectiveness of complex therapy for heart failure of various etiologies in comorbid patients

Tracheostomy in the pediatric trisomy 21 population

IntroductionTracheostomy in children is often performed to alleviate airway obstruction (AO) or to facilitate long-term ventilator support due to respiratory failure of various etiologies, such as heart failure, and postoperative respiratory failure. Although many of these pathologies are common among trisomy 21 patients, tracheostomy rates among this population have not previously been reported. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of trisomy 21 patients undergoing tracheostomy. Secondary objectives include decannulation rates and mortality associated with tracheostomy. Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on pediatric trisomy 21 patients undergoing tracheostomy between 2004 and 2013. ResultsTwenty patients underwent tracheostomy at a median age of 7.1 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 3.5,21.3). The estimated incidence of tracheostomy in trisomy 21 patients among our tracheostomy population was 1.7% (20/1173) over 10 years. The most common indications were airway obstruction (AO) (55%), cardiac/pulmonary respiratory failure (CRF) (25%), or both (20%). Overall mortality was 30%, much lower among AO patients (9%) than CRF (40%) or both (60%), (P = 0.029). Nine patients (45%) were successfully decannulated, with median duration of cannulation of 2.2 years (IQR = 1.7,3). ConclusionsThis study suggests a rate of tracheostomy in the pediatric trisomy 21 population approximately 3 times that of the general pediatric population. Over half in this cohort underwent tracheostomy for isolated AO, while the general pediatric tracheostomy population demonstrates a much higher prevalence of prematurity-related CRF. Overall mortality rate and decannulation rate approximated that of the general pediatric tracheostomy population, although outcomes were significantly poorer among patients trisomy 21 patients undergoing tracheostomy for CRF.

Cardiac ultrasound in resource-limited settings (CURLS): towards a wider use of basic echo applications in Africa

BackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound is increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings. The majority of existing ultrasound protocols have been developed and implemented in high-resource settings. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), patients with heart failure of various etiologies commonly present late in the disease process, with a similar syndrome of dyspnea, edema and cardiomegaly on chest X-ray. The causes of heart failure in SSA differ from those in high-resource settings. Point-of-care ultrasound has the potential to identify the underlying etiology of heart failure, and lead to targeted therapy. Based on a literature review and weighted score of disease prevalence, diagnostic impact and difficulty in performing the ultrasound, we propose a context-specific cardiac ultrasound protocol to help differentiate patients presenting with heart failure in SSA.ResultsPericardial effusion, dilated cardiomyopathy, cor pulmonale, mitral valve disease, and left ventricular hypertrophy were identified as target conditions for a focused ultrasound protocol in patients with cardiac failure and cardiomegaly in SSA. By utilizing a simplified 5-question approach with all images obtained from the subxiphoid view, the protocol is suitable for use by health care professionals with limited ultrasound experience.ConclusionsThe “Cardiac ultrasound for resource-limited settings (CURLS)” protocol is a context-specific algorithm designed to aid the clinician in diagnosing the five most clinically relevant etiologies of heart failure and cardiomegaly in SSA. The protocol has the potential to influence treatment decisions in patients who present with clinical signs of heart failure in resource-limited settings outside of the traditional referral institutions.

Full - transcriptome analysis of miRNA expression in mononuclear cells in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure of various etiologies

Analysis of miRNA expression levels in mononuclear blood cells (MBC) of patients with acute decompensation f chronic heart failure (CHF) of various etiologies and evaluation of the possibility of their use as a biological marker. 7 male patients with acute decompensation of CHF with a reduced ejection fraction (EF), NYHA functional class II-IV (FC) according to NYHA [mean (M) EF 29.2%, standard deviation (SD) 13.27%] in age 38 to 65 years old [median (Me) 58 years]. In 3 patients, heart failure developed as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), in 4 patients - against the background of post - infarction cardiosclerosis of the ischemic nature [group of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)]. The control group - 5 age - matched (from 41 to 57 years old, Me 49 years old) healthy male volunteers. A complete transcript analysis of miRNA expression in MNCs was performed for all patients and healthy volunteers. Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined in patients with CHF (regardless of etiology) compared with healthy individuals: miR-182, miR-144, miR-183, miR-486-5p, miR-143 (log2FC >1, FDR p - value.

Outcome of neonates receiving high frequency oscillation ventilation in a tertiary care institution

Background: High-frequency ventilation is defined as ventilation at a frequency greater than four times normal respiratory rate. HFOV has been used as alternative to conventional ventilation and in respiratory failure of various etiologies. The aim of the study was to identify the indications of neonates receiving HFOV, following failure of conventional ventilation.Methods: Total 93 neonates were enrolled in the study who received HFOV. The criteria for starting HFOV, the ventilator settings, CBG and ABG analysis, oxygenation index (OI), duration of ventilation and complications of ventilation were recorded during CMV and subsequently when shifted over to HFOV. Outcomes such as oxygenation, lung recruitment and ventilation and survival were monitored.Results: Total 66 neonates (71%) were term babies. Among the 27 preterm 18 (18.4%) were 33-34±6 weeks of gestational age. Male were 50 in number (53.8%) and female were 43 (46.2%). The male: female ratio was 50:43. Disease specific survival analysis revealed more than 50% survival in cases of pneumonia, collapse, air leak, MAS and pulmonary hemorrhage. 16 out of 33 babies (48.5%) with PPHN survived. All 3 babies with CDH expired. Of the 93 neonates included in the study, 53 (57%) of them were discharged home. The major complications noted while on HFOV were- 38 neonates (40.8%) had air leaks. Instead of, ventilator associated pneumonia was present in 42 of them (45.1%) and none of them developed IVH or NTB (Necrotising tracheo bronchitis).Conclusions: HFOV is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of neonates with respiratory failure in whom CMV fails. The results of present study show that rescue HFOV improved oxygenation, ventilation and lung recruitment and there was no increased incidence of IVH.

Setting up home noninvasive ventilation.

Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is widely used to correct nocturnal alveolar hypoventilation in patients with chronic respiratory failure of various etiologies. The most commonly used ventilation mode is pressure support with a backup respiratory rate. This mode requires six main settings, as well as some additional settings that should be adjusted according to the individual patient. This review details the effect of each setting, how the settings should be adjusted according to each patient, and the risks if they are not adjusted correctly. The examples described here are based on real patient cases and bench simulations. Optimizing the settings for home NIV may improve the quality and tolerance of the treatment.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy decreases postextubation neuroventilatory drive and work of breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BackgroundThe physiological effects of high-flow nasal cannula O2 therapy (HFNC) have been evaluated mainly in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. In this study, we compared the effects of HFNC and conventional low-flow O2 therapy on the neuroventilatory drive and work of breathing postextubation in patients with a background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who had received mechanical ventilation for hypercapnic respiratory failure.MethodsThis was a single center, unblinded, cross-over study on 14 postextubation COPD patients who were recovering from an episode of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure of various etiologies. After extubation, each patient received two 1-h periods of HFNC (HFNC1 and HFNC2) alternated with 1 h of conventional low-flow O2 therapy via a face mask. The inspiratory fraction of oxygen was titrated to achieve an arterial O2 saturation target of 88–92%. Gas exchange, breathing pattern, neuroventilatory drive (electrical diaphragmatic activity (EAdi)) and work of breathing (inspiratory trans-diaphragmatic pressure-time product per minute (PTPDI/min)) were recorded.ResultsEAdi peak increased from a mean (±SD) of 15.4 ± 6.4 to 23.6 ± 10.5 μV switching from HFNC1 to conventional O2, and then returned to 15.2 ± 6.4 μV during HFNC2 (conventional O2: p < 0.05 versus HFNC1 and HFNC2). Similarly, the PTPDI/min increased from 135 ± 60 to 211 ± 70 cmH2O/s/min, and then decreased again during HFNC2 to 132 ± 56 (conventional O2: p < 0.05 versus HFNC1 and HFNC2).ConclusionsIn patients with COPD, the application of HFNC postextubation significantly decreased the neuroventilatory drive and work of breathing compared with conventional O2 therapy.

Pediatric cardiac transplantation

Heart transplantation in pediatric patients generally arises as a treatment option of last resort, that is, the indication is for patients with heart failure of various etiologies, with potential or actual end-organ dysfunction, in whom there are no reasonable, long-term options for life-prolonging therapy. The concept of heart failure is complex in a pediatric population, particularly those with congenital heart disease. While heart failure may refer simply to systolic dysfunction leading to low cardiac output, it can also encompass: diastolic dysfunction in restrictive cardiomyopathy; single ventricle physiology without an option for stable palliation. A good candidate should have a predicted life expectancy less than the median lifetime of a transplanted heart. Significant improvement in survival has been observed over time with 1- and 5-year survival approximately 90% and 80% in the contemporary era.

Differences in biochemical and genetic biomarkers in patients with heart failure of various etiologies

Background/objectivesTo evaluate whether biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological pathways and selected single nucleotide polymorphisms differ between patients (pts) with heart failure (HF). Methods110 pts with were involved, including HF pts with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, n=51) with hypertensive origin, HF pts with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with ischemic aetiology (ICM) (n=32) and HFrEF with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=27). We assessed selected HF biomarkers, echocardiographic examinations and functional polymorphisms selected from six candidate genes: CYP27B1, NOS3, IL-6, TGF beta, TNF alpha, and PPAR gamma. ResultsHigher concentrations of TNF alpha were observed in pts with hypertensive HFpEF compared to pts with DCM (p=0.008). Pts with HFpEF had higher concentrations of TGF beta 1 compared to DCM and ICM (p=0.0001 and p=0.0003, respectively). For the NOS3 −786 C/T rs2070744 polymorphism in DCM there were significantly more CT heterozygotes than in ICM and HFpEF. In multivariate analysis TGF beta 1 (p=0.001) and syndecan 4 (p=0.001) were the only factors distinguishing HFrEF pts with DCM vs HFpEF and also TGF beta 1 (p=0.001) and syndecan 4 (p=0.023) were the only factors distinguishing HFrEF pts with ICM vs HFpEF pts. ConclusionsInflammation mediated through TNF alpha and TGF beta 1 may represent an important component of an inflammatory response that partially drives the pathophysiology of HFpEF. NOS3 −786 C/T rs2070744 polymorphism in DCM may serve as a marker for more rapid progression of heart failure. The only biomarkers independently distinguishing HFpEF and HFrEF are syndecan 4 and TGF beta 1.

PM109 Clinical-Laboratory and Immunological Characteristics of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure of Various Etiologies

PM109 Clinical-Laboratory and Immunological Characteristics of Patients With Chronic Heart Failure of Various Etiologies

Can fiberoptic bronchoscopy be applied to critically ill patients treated with noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome? Prospective observational study.

BackgroundNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a cornerstone for the treatment of acute respiratory failure of various etiologies. Using NIV is discussed in mild-to-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients (PaO2/FiO2 > 150). These patients often have comorbidities that increase the risk for bronchoscopy related complications. The primary outcome of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and contribution in diagnosis and/or modification of the ongoing treatment of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in patients with ARDS treated with NIV.MethodsARDS patients treated with NIV and who require FOB as the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure were included the study. Intensive care ventilators or other dedicated NIV ventilators were used. NIV was applied via simple oro-nasal mask or full-face mask. Pressure support or inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP), external positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) or expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) levels were titrated to achieve an expiratory tidal volume of 8 to 10 ml/kg according to ideal body weight, SpO2 > 90 % and respiratory rate below 25/min.ResultsTwenty eight subjects (mean age 63.3 ± 15.9 years, 15 men, 13 women, PaO2/FiO2 rate 145 ± 50.1 at admission) were included the study. Overall the procedure was well tolerated with only 5 (17.9 %) patients showing minor complications. There was no impairment in arterial blood gas and cardiopulmonary parameters after FOB. PaO2/FiO2 rate increased from 132.2 ± 49.8 to 172.9 ± 63.2 (p = 0.001). No patient was intubated within 2 h after the bronchoscopy. 10.7, 32.1 and 39.3 % of the patients required invasive mechanical ventilation after 8 h, 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Bronchoscopy provided diagnosis in 27 (96.4 %) patients. Appropriate treatment was decided according to the results of the bronchoscopic sampling in 20 (71.4 %) patients.ConclusionFOB under NIV could be considered as a feasible tool for diagnosis and guide for treatment of patients with ARDS treated via NIV in intensive care units. However, FOB-correlated life-treathening complications in severe hypoxemia should not be forgotten. Furthermore, further controlled studies involving a larger series of homogeneous ARDS patients undergoing FOB under NIV are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Use of High-Frequency Ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics, ventilator settings, and gas exchange indices of patients placed on high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Methods Retrospective observation of all consecutive patients aged 0 to 18 years with acute respiratory failure managed with high-frequency ventilation from the institution's introduction of HFPV on May 1, 2012, until July 10, 2013. Measurements and Main Results Twenty-seven patients underwent HFPV as a first mode of high-frequency ventilation and 16 patients underwent HFOV first. HFPV was used more frequently in patients with acute respiratory illnesses (p < 0.01), lower Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 scores (rank-sum p < 0.04), higher Spo 2/Fio 2 (SF) ratios (p < 0.01), and lower oxygen saturation indices (p < 0.01). HFPV patients showed increased SF ratios (p < 0.01) and decreased Paco 2 levels (p = 0.02) 6 hours after initiation, and HFOV patients showed no significant differences. Peak inspiratory pressures (HFPV) and mean airway pressures (HFOV) remained at or below 30 cm H2O at each time point. HFPV and HFOV patients had an average of 2.8 and 2.9 mode changes, respectively. Mortality was 15% in the HFPV group and 50% in the HFOV group. Conclusions HFPV is associated with rapid improvement in oxygenation and ventilation at acceptable airway pressures in patients with acute respiratory failure of various etiologies, primarily for those with difficulties of ventilation or secretion management. In our institution, HFOV appears to be initiated first in children with higher severity of illness.

Intensive Care Management of The Critically Ill Elderly Population: The Case of ‘Sotiria’ Regional Chest Diseases Hospital of Athens, Greece

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the characteristics and short-term outcome of elderly patients admitted to the ICU of ‘Sotiria’ Regional Chest Diseases Hospital of Athens. We examined retrospectively the records of 344 patients aged ≥70 years old admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital during a five-year period, from 2009-2013. We reported demographic and clinical data, length of ICU stay, need for mechanical ventilation and ICU mortality. Among 1730 admitted to the ICU during this period, the elderly comprised 344 (19.8%). The main causes of ICU admission were Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation (n=169), postoperative respiratory failure (n=78), acute respiratory failure of various etiologies (n=76) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema (n=25). Overall mortality rate of elderly patients was 41.5%. According to age groups, 200 patients were 70-74 years old with a mortality rate of 47%, 42 patients were 80-84 years old presenting a mortality rate of 28.5%, while 14 patients aged over 85 years old, presented a mortality of 42.8%. The mean length of ICU stay (LOS) for the elderly patients was 11.2 days, while the corresponding LOS value for younger patients was 8.1 days. Elderly patients present highest mortality than younger population. However, mortality does not correlate exclusively with advancing age over 70 years, but mostly with the underlying disease. Therefore, age should not be the sole determinant of ICU admission.

Congestive hepatic fibrosis score: a novel histologic assessment of clinical severity

Chronic right heart failure predisposes to hepatic passive congestion and centrizonal necrosis that may lead to hepatic fibrosis (cardiac sclerosis). Although there have been several studies on the histologic features of congestive hepatopathy, there is no available grading system. In this study we developed a novel grading system for congestive hepatic fibrosis. Liver biopsies were examined in patients with chronic heart failure of various etiologies including congenital heart disease, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, and valvular heart disease. The cases with available echocardiography and/or right heart catheterization were included. Cases with other types of underlying chronic liver diseases, alcoholic liver disease, significant steatosis (>20%), malignant neoplasm, and acute heart failure or shock were excluded. After exclusion, 42 cases were included in the study. We herein proposed a novel congestive hepatic fibrosis score and correlated it with the right heart structure and function obtained by echocardiography and/or right heart catheterization. Our results showed that congestive hepatic fibrosis score is well correlated with the right atrial pressure (P for trend <0.001). The presence of portal fibrosis (congestive hepatic fibrosis scores 2 and 3) is associated with significantly higher right atrial pressure than those with no fibrosis (P<0.001) or with centrizonal fibrosis only (P=0.02). Congestive hepatic fibrosis score is also significantly associated with increasing severity of right atrial dilatation (P=0.03) and right ventricular dilatation (P=0.02), indicators for chronic volume and/or pressure overload. Other histopathologic features include sinusoidal dilatation and centrizonal hepatocyte atrophy. In summary, although sinusoidal dilatation and centrizonal fibrosis are the hallmarks of hepatic passive congestion, the presence of portal fibrosis is suggestive of more advanced disease, as it correlates with more severe impairment of right heart function, regardless of the etiologies of right heart failure. Congestive hepatic fibrosis score is a useful indicator of clinical severity.