Impaired Sensorium Research Articles

SIOG2022-0071 - Preoperative Frailty vs. Impaired Sensorium, Which One Matters the Most for Postoperative Delirium (POD)?

SIOG2022-0071 - Preoperative Frailty vs. Impaired Sensorium, Which One Matters the Most for Postoperative Delirium (POD)?

A new method of placing nasogastric tubes in patients at high risk of epistaxis

Nasogastric tubes are used for a multitude of purposes, however, due to their firm composition, they often injure the nasal passages when being placed. While a small amount of bleeding from the nasal mucosa is traditionally acceptable, that small amount of bleeding from the nose can potentially form thrombi that could compromise the airway in patients with impaired sensorium and swallowing.

A Perplexing Case of Pituitary Apoplexy Masquerading as Meningoencephalitis

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is extremely rare in children and adolescents. It is a life-threatening condition usually results from sudden hemorrhage or infarction induced swelling in a pituitary adenoma. The clinical manifestations of PA include severe headaches, impaired consciousness, fever, visual disturbance, and variable ocular paresis. Therefore, the presence of meningeal irritation may lead to misdiagnosis as a case of meningoencephalitis or spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, and delay in the proper management of the disease. We report a case of 17-year-old pubertal boy who developed sudden severe headache, vomiting, slurring of speech and abnormal behaviour followed by impaired sensorium with fever. The patient who was initially diagnosed with meningoencephalitis (ME) based on clinical presentation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, which was consistent with bacterial meningitis. MRI of brain was performed, confirming a pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage and ischemic changes in both basal ganglia and pons. A complete analysis of the pituitary hormones revealed decreased cortisol and thyroid hormone level and hyperprolactinemia and he was subsequently started on placement corticosteroid and L-thyroxine therapy and cabergoline. After 14/ days of antimicrobial therapy with ceftriaxone and ampicillin, the patient improved and was discharged on hormone replacement therapy and surgical advised. Hereby, we report our case with a review of literatures. Bangladesh J Medicine July 2022; 33(1) : 85-88

Role of Modified Frailty Index in Predicting Oncologic Outcomes From Moderately Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Patients with Stage I-IIB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Moderately hypofractionated regimens have emerged as an alternative to stereotactic body radiotherapy for patients with central/ultracentral non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are medically inoperable due to age, poor performance status (PS) or associated comorbidity and who may be at a higher risk of severe toxicity. In the present study, we utilize a modified frailty index (mFI) to identify frail patients and hypothesize that frailty could better stratify clinical outcomes in these patients.We retrospectively analyzed 32 consecutive patients with stage I-IIB NSCLC treated with 8-10 fraction hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) in our multi-site practice. Patients who received prior thoracic RT were excluded. An 11 factor mFI score was calculated based on the following variables: ECOG score ≥ 2, impaired sensorium, diabetes, chronic lung disease, myocardial infarction within 6 months, hospitalization within 6 months for heart failure, coronary/cardiac disease, HTN on medication, history of transient ischemic attack, stroke with deficits, and peripheral vascular disease. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to estimate 1-year overall-survival (OS), local control (LC), freedom from progression (FFP) and severe toxicity (≥ grade 3) with patients stratified by mFI score (0-3 vs ≥ 4), median age (< 78 vs ≥ 78) and ECOG PS (0-1 vs ≥ 2).The patient population was predominantly elderly (median 78 years; range 58-94), 84% Caucasian, with squamous cell carcinoma (50%). Eleven pts (34.3%) had clinical stage II disease; the rest had stage I. Patients were treated with 8-10 fractions with a dose range of 50-70 Gy. The most common regimen was 70 Gy in 10 fractions. At a median follow-up of 16 months, KM estimated 1-year OS for the whole cohort was 86%. When stratified by mFI score (0-3 vs ≥ 4), there was no significant difference in 1-year LC (78% vs 100%), FFP (73% vs 80%), or OS (81% vs 91%), respectively. When stratified by median age (< 78 vs ≥ 78), there was no significant difference in 1-year LC (76% vs 91%), FFP (71% vs 81%), or OS (93% vs 81%), respectively. When stratified by ECOG PS (0-1 vs ≥ 2), there was no significant difference in 1-year LC (84.7% vs 92.3%), FFP (79.4% vs 72.2%), or OS (87.4% vs 85.6%), respectively. Treatment was well-tolerated with only 3 instances of severe grade 3 toxicity (2 pts developed or had worsening of left ventricular systolic function, 1 developed a pneumonia requiring hospitalization), all in the frailer group (mFI score ≥ 4, P = 0.053). Stratification by median age and PS was not significant.Hypofractionated RT for early-stage NSCLC yields similar tumor control and survival whether stratified by frailty, age or PS. Higher frailty score showed a trend towards worse toxicity that was not detected by age and PS alone. Further analyses in larger datasets could evaluate significance of frailty index in this population.

COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS AND MALARIA FALCIPARUM IN CASES PRESENTED BY FEVER WITH ANEMIA IN THE REPUBLIC OF YEMEN

No doubt, both visceral leishmaniasis and malignant malaria are more or less common in many Eastern Mediterranean Countries. Both of these arthropod-borne infectious diseases have overlapping clinical presentations. This study aimed to clarify the main clinical features and laboratory diagnostic tests. A total of forty Plasmodium falciparum patients and thirty visceral leishmaniasis patients were studied. Sheets were filled on each subject included, full history taking, full clinical examination, CBC, liver and renal function tests, x-ray chest and abdominal ultrasound, bone marrow aspiration.. The results showed that jaundice and liver affection tests were more common in malaria (jaundice, 55%, high ALT & AST, 60%) than in visceral leishmaniasis (high bilirubin, 30% high ALT & AST, 40%). Besides, the malaria affected the central nervous system (coma and impaired sensorium, 30%) more than visceral leishmaniasis (coma and impaired sensorium, 5%). The effect of visceral leishmaniasis on the lymphatic system (splenomegaly, 95% & hepatomegaly, 70%) was more than malaria (70% & 60% respectively). The visceral leishmaniasis markedly affected the bone marrow (anemia, 95%, thrombocytopenia, 65% & leucopenia, 70%) more than malaria (anemia, 28%, thrombocytopenia, 50% & leucopenia, 34%). Diarrhea and cough were common in visceral leishmaniasis (80% & 55% respectively) than in malaria (20% & 5%respectively) but DIC was common in malignant malaria (20%).

Predictors of Short-term Morbidity and Mortality in Open Anterior Skull Base Surgery.

To describe rates of complications and mortality within 30 days of open anterior skull base surgery using a large, multi-institutional outcomes database. Retrospective cohort study. The study included patients who underwent open anterior skull base surgery as listed in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2007 through 2014. A total of 336 open anterior skull base surgeries were identified. One hundred nine (32.4%) patients experienced a complication, reoperation, or mortality. The most common events were postoperative transfusion (15.8%), reoperation (10.1%), and readmission (8.0%). Significant independent predictors of any adverse event included higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and increased total operative time (both P < .05). The only predictor of mortality was higher ASA score (P = .02). Predictors of increased hospital stay included impaired sensorium (P = .04), coma >24 hours (P < .001), lower preoperative hematocrit (P = .02), higher ASA score (P = .04), and increased total operative time (P < .001). Open anterior skull base surgery is understandably complex, and is thus associated with a relatively high adverse event rate. Knowledge of factors associated with adverse events has the potential to improve preoperative optimization of controllable variables and translate into improved surgical outcomes for patients. NA Laryngoscope, 129:1407-1412, 2019.

Clinico-hematological manifestations of malaria in children in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Globally, malaria is one of the important causes of mortality in pediatric age group. We describe here the clinico-hematological manifestations of malaria in children in Western Uttar Pradesh.Methods: A Retrospective study was done over 8 months in pediatric ward and pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care centre in Greater Noida. Children below 18 years admitted with acute febrile illness with peripheral smear and / or rapid malaria antigen test positive were included in the study. Detailed clinical, biochemical and hematological characteristics of children hospitalized with severe malaria were recorded and patients were managed according to National Vector Born Disease Control Programme Guidelines for malaria treatment.Results: Out of 115 children admitted with malaria, majority of cases were due to P. vivax (88.7%) compared to P. falciparum (5%) and Mixed infection (6%). Malaria was more common in males and in 1 to 5 years age group. Out of 115 patients, severe malaria was present in 27 (23.4%) patients, all infected with P. vivax. Among them, bleeding was present in 13.04 %, shock in 9.56%, acidosis in 9.56%, jaundice in 5.21%, seizures in 3.47%, severe anemia in 5.21%, renal impairment in 3.47%, impaired sensorium in 1.73% and pulmonary edema was present in 0.86% patients respectively. Case fatality Rate was 1.73%, all due to severe vivax malaria.Conclusions: The study highlights that P. vivax is a common cause of malaria in Western UP and can result in a severe disease with potential mortality.

Association of the Modified Frailty Index With 30-Day Surgical Readmission

ImportanceFrail patients are known to have poor perioperative outcomes. There is a paucity of literature investigating how the Modified Frailty Index (mFI), a validated measure of frailty, is associated with unplanned readmission among military veterans following surgery.ObjectiveTo understand the association between frailty and 30-day postoperative unplanned readmission.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients who underwent surgery and were discharged alive from Veterans Affairs hospitals for orthopedic, general, and vascular conditions between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2014, with a postoperative length of stay between 2 and 30 days.ExposureFrailty, as calculated by the 11 variables on the mFI.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome of interest is 30-day unplanned readmission. Secondary outcomes included any 30-day predischarge or postdischarge complication, 30-day postdischarge mortality, and 30-day emergency department visit.ResultsThe study sample included 236 957 surgical procedures (among 223 877 men and 13 080 women; mean [SD] age, 64.0 [11.3] years) from high-volume surgical specialties: 101 348 procedures (42.8%) in orthopedic surgery, 92 808 procedures (39.2%) in general surgery, and 42 801 procedures (18.1%) in vascular surgery. The mFI was associated with readmission (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.10-1.12; R2 = 10.3%; C statistic, 0.71). Unadjusted rates of overall 30-day readmission (26 262 [11.1%]), postdischarge emergency department visit (34 204 [14.4%]), any predischarge (13 855 [5.9%]) or postdischarge (14 836 [6.3%]) complication, and postdischarge mortality (1985 [0.8%]) varied by frailty in a dose-dependent fashion. In analysis by individual mFI components using Harrell ranking, impaired functional status, identified as nonindependent functional status (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11-1.21; P < .01) or having a residual deficit from a prior cerebrovascular accident (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.22; P < .01), contributed most to the ability of the mFI to anticipate readmission compared with the other components. Acutely impaired sensorium (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.99-1.27; P = .08) and history of a myocardial infarction within 6 months (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.81-1.06; P = .28) were not significantly associated with readmission.Conclusions and RelevanceThe mFI is associated with poor surgical outcomes, including readmission, primarily due to impaired functional status. Targeting potentially modifiable aspects of frailty preoperatively, such as improving functional status, may improve perioperative outcomes and decrease readmissions.

Acute bacterial meningitis in children presenting to The Children's Hospital Lahore before and after pneumococcal vaccine in Pakistan National Immunization Program; A comparison.

Objective:To describe bacteriological profile, morbidity and mortality of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children and to compare these parameters before and after the introduction of Pneumococcal vaccine in Pakistan National Immunization Program.Methods:The present descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Medicine of The Children’s Hospital Lahore from January 2012 to December 2015. A total of 503 children one month to five years of age admitted with diagnosis of meningitis were included. Complete blood count, CSF cytology, biochemistry, culture sensitivity and blood culture sensitivity were performed.Results:Frequency of meningitis decreased by 50% in 2013-2015 (199 [2012] vs 304 [2013-2015). Most children in both groups were under one year of age. More neurological complications were seen in the group 2, 20% vs 17%. CSF culture positivity decreased from 12% to 6.6%. Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation decreased from 5 (2.5%) in 2012 to 4 (1.3%) in 2013-2015. Refusal to take feed (p=0.002), impaired sensorium (p=<0.001), severe malnutrition (p=0.001), prolonged duration of symptoms (p=<0.001) and incomplete vaccination status (0.005) were associated with mortality. Mortality rate decreased from 20 (10%) in 2012 to 17 (5.6%) in 2013-2015 but more children developed neurological sequelae 2.7% versus 1%.Conclusion:Acute bacterial meningitis mostly affected children <1 year. Frequency of Streptococcus pneumoniae and mortality of meningitis decreased significantly after PCV but more neurological complications developed in those children who were unvaccinated in 2013-2015 compared to 2012.

Impact of frailty on complications in patients undergoing common urological procedures: a study from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database.

To evaluate the association of frailty, a measure of diminished physiological reserve, with both major and minor surgical complications among patients undergoing urological surgery. Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) from 2007 to 2013, we identified all urological cases that appeared > 1000 times in the dataset among patients aged ≥40 years. Frailty was measured using the NSQIP frailty index (FI), a validated measure that includes 11 impairments, such as decreased functional status and impaired sensorium. We created multivariable logistic regression models using the NSQIP FI to assess major and minor complications after surgery. We identified 95 108 urological cases representing 21 urological procedures. The average frequency of complications per individual was 11.7%, with the most common complications being hospital readmission (6.2%), blood transfusion (4.6%) and urinary tract infection (3.1%). Major and minor complications increased with increasing NSQIP FI. Frailty remained strongly associated with complications after adjustment for year, age, race, smoking status and method of anaesthesia (adjusted odds ratio 1.74 [95% confidence interval 1.64, 1.85] for an NSQIP FI ≥0.18). Increasing NSQIP FI was associated with increasing frequency of complications within age groups (by decade) up to age 81 years and across most procedures. Frailty strongly correlates with risk of postoperative complications among patients undergoing urological surgery. This finding is true within most age groups and across most urological procedures.

Pediatric Absence Status Epilepticus: Prolonged Altered Mental Status in an 8-Year-Old Boy.

Absence status epilepticus is characterized by a prolonged state of impaired consciousness or altered sensorium with generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities. It is most commonly diagnosed in patients with known idiopathic generalized epilepsy; however, it may also be the first presentation of epilepsy. Due to the subtle and variable manifestations of the condition, absence status epilepticus may be underrecognized, particularly in children. We present the case of an 8-year-old boy who experienced two episodes of prolonged altered mental status, subsequently determined to be absence status epilepticus with idiopathic generalized epilepsy with phantom absences. We discuss the classification, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and electroencephalographic findings of pediatric absence status epilepticus and provide a practical overview for management.

Risk Factors for Open Malleolar Fractures: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank (2007 to 2011)

A limited number of studies have described the epidemiology of open fractures, and the epidemiology of open ankle fractures is not an exception. Therefore, the risk factors associated with open ankle fractures have not been extensively evaluated. The frequencies and proportions of open ankle fractures among all the recorded malleolar fractures in the US National Trauma Data Bank data set from January 2007 to December 2011 were analyzed. Clinically relevant variables captured in the data set were also used to evaluate the risk factors associated with open ankle fractures, adjusting for other covariates. The entire cohort was further subdivided into “lower” and “higher” energy trauma groups and the same analysis performed for each group separately. We found that a body mass index of >40 kg/m2 and farm location were risk factors for open ankle fractures and impaired sensorium was protective against open ankle fractures. In the “lower energy” group, male gender, alcohol use, peripheral vascular disease, other injuries, and injury occurring at a farm location were risk factors for open fractures. In the “higher energy” group, female gender, work-related injury, and injury at a farm or industry location demonstrated statistically significantly associations with open fractures.

MP14-03 SIMPLIFIED FRAILTY INDEX PREDICTS ADVERSE SURGICAL OUTCOMES AND INCREASED LENGTH OF STAY IN RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY PATIENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ACS-NSQIP DATABASE

You have accessJournal of UrologyProstate Cancer: Epidemiology & Natural History III1 Apr 2015MP14-03 SIMPLIFIED FRAILTY INDEX PREDICTS ADVERSE SURGICAL OUTCOMES AND INCREASED LENGTH OF STAY IN RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY PATIENTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ACS-NSQIP DATABASE Danny Lascano, Jamie S. Pak, Alexander C. Small, Mark V. Silva, James M. McKiernan, G. Joel DeCastro, Sven Wenske, and Mitchell C. Benson Danny LascanoDanny Lascano More articles by this author , Jamie S. PakJamie S. Pak More articles by this author , Alexander C. SmallAlexander C. Small More articles by this author , Mark V. SilvaMark V. Silva More articles by this author , James M. McKiernanJames M. McKiernan More articles by this author , G. Joel DeCastroG. Joel DeCastro More articles by this author , Sven WenskeSven Wenske More articles by this author , and Mitchell C. BensonMitchell C. Benson More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.865AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Frailty is usually assessed in a non-standardized manner with descriptions of patients such as appearing “older than stated age”. Currently, no suitable measure exists to qualify this parameter, despite its potentially large impact on surgical outcomes. Therefore, a modified frailty index (FI) was applied to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data to evaluate whether it predicts adverse post-surgical outcomes. METHODS The ACS-NSQIP Participant Utilization File was queried for the years 2005–2012 for inpatient radical prostatectomy (RP) patients (n=16848). Employing the Canadian Study of Health and Aging frailty index, 11 variables were matched to NSQIP to create a modified frailty index (FI) using including diabetes mellitus, functional status, CHF, MI, prior cardiac surgery, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, impaired sensorium, and TIA or CVA with neurological sequela. Four variables specific to cancer were also including: chemotherapy or radiation, weight loss, renal failure, and metastasis. Outcomes assessed included 30-day mortality, surgical site infection (SSI), MI, DVT/PE, Clavien IV complications, length of stay (LOS), and combined adverse events. Chi-square analysis was used for comparing categorical variables, Kruskal-Wallis for non-parametric continuous variables, and logistic regression for comparing different clinical tests. RESULTS Increasing FI was significantly associated with Clavien IV complications, number of SSI and all combined adverse events (p<0.05 for all). A Kruskal-Wallis H test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in LOS between those with different FI (χ2 = 88.02, p<0.01) with a mean rank of 3, 4, 6, 5, 2 and 1 day(s) for FI of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that FI was significantly correlated with Clavien IV complications (OR 1.368, p< 0.01), MI (OR 2.745, p < 0.01), and adverse events including SSI, UTIs and DVT/PE (OR 1.371, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Using a large national database, a modified frailty index was shown to significantly correlate with 30-day morbidity and length of stay after RP but not with mortality. This simple tool may be useful for both risk assessment and surgical planning, especially in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e151-e152 Peer Review Report Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Danny Lascano More articles by this author Jamie S. Pak More articles by this author Alexander C. Small More articles by this author Mark V. Silva More articles by this author James M. McKiernan More articles by this author G. Joel DeCastro More articles by this author Sven Wenske More articles by this author Mitchell C. Benson More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Urinary tract infection in elderly trauma patients: review of the Trauma Quality Improvement Program identifies the population at risk.

Elderly trauma patients are at high risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). Despite this, UTI has been deemed a potentially preventable problem and therefore not reimbursable by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Early identification of UTI in these patients should lead to prompt treatment, improved outcomes, and cost savings. Risk factors for UTI development in this population must be elucidated to realize these goals. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was used to analyze elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted as a result of injury during 2011. Patients with genitourinary injuries or undergoing dialysis before admission were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify UTI risk factors. Mean cost of UTI was calculated based on the assumption of $862 to $1,007 per UTI. In total, 33,257 patients were identified; 1,492 developed UTI (4.5%). Multiple significant risk factors were identified, including age greater than 75 years, female sex, ascites, moderate head injury, impaired sensorium, congestive heart failure, and duration of hospital stay (all p < 0.05). Assuming that UTIs diagnosed on hospital Day 1 were preexisting, the cost of UTI to TQIP hospitals ranged from $1,280,959 to $1,496,434 per year. Duration of stay has a profound impact on the development of UTIs in elderly trauma patients, but overall severity of injury does not. In addition, multiple nonmodifiable risk factors were identified, prompting the possibility for increased screening of occult UTIs. Reimbursement for care of UTI in this complicated patient population should be revisited. The TQIP database must improve urinary catheter data. Epidemiologic study, level III.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing craniotomy for neoplastic disease.

Patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures for neoplasia have historically been considered at higher risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to identify risk factors associated with VTE in patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection. We reviewed a national surgical quality database (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project, ACS-NSQIP, http://site.acsnsqip.org/ ). Patients undergoing non-emergent craniotomy for neoplastic indications were identified based on current procedural terminology codes. Clinical factors were identified that were associated with VTE events. 3,098 patients who underwent non-emergent craniotomy were identified. 1,741 patients underwent procedures for neoplastic disease (56.2%). The rate of DVT in these patients was 3.2% compared to 1.4% in other neurosurgical patients (OR 2.30, CI 2.29-2.30). The rate of pulmonary embolism was 1.8% compared to 0.5% (OR 3.61, CI 3.60-3.62). Univariate analysis identified several factors correlated with VTE. Pre-operative characteristics associated with VTE were the presence of impaired sensorium, dependent functional status, and age>60years. Total operative time>4h was associated with VTE. Post-operative events associated with VTE included pneumonia, unplanned intubation, fail to wean from ventilator, UTI, stroke, sepsis and septic shock. Age>60, OR time>4h, UTI, and septic shock were significantly associated with VTE in multivariate analysis. Patients undergoing craniotomy for neoplasm are at increased risk of VTE. This risk appears to be modified by pre-operative medical comorbidities, longer operative time, and post-operative complications.

A comparison of open surgery versus endovascular repair of unstable ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms

Two randomized trials to date have compared open surgery (OS) and endovascular (EVAR) repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA); however, neither addressed optimal management of unstable patients. Single-center reports have produced conflicting data regarding the superiority of one vs the other, with the lack of statistical power due to low patient numbers. Furthermore, previous studies have not delineated between the outcomes of stable patients with a contained rupture vs those patients with instability. Our objective was to compare 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing OS vs EVAR for all rAAAs, focusing specifically on patients with instability. Patients who underwent repair of rAAA were identified from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005 to 2010). Unstable patients with rupture were identified as those who were American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification 4 or 5 requiring emergency repair with at least one of the following: preoperative shock, preoperative transfusion of >4 units, preoperative intubation, or preoperative coma or impaired sensorium. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 1447 patients with rAAA, 65.5% underwent OS and 34.5% EVAR. Forty-five percent were unstable, and for these patients, OS was performed in 71.3% and EVAR in 28.7%. The 30-day mortality rate was 47.9% (OS, 52.8%; EVAR, 35.6%; P < .0001) for unstable rAAAs and was 22.4% for stable rAAAs (OS, 26.3%; EVAR, 16.4%; P = .001). Amongst patients with unstable rAAA, 26% had a myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest ≤ 30 days (OS, 29.0%; EVAR, 19.1%; P = .006), and 17% needed postoperative dialysis (OS, 18.7%; EVAR, 12.8%; P = .04). Amongst patients with stable rAAA, 13.6% had a myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest ≤ 30 days (OS, 14.9%; EVAR, 11.6%; P = .20), and 11.5% needed postoperative dialysis (OS, 13.3%; EVAR, 8.7%; P = .047). Multivariable analyses showed OS was a predictor of 30-day mortality for unstable rAAA (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.62) and stable rAAA (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.43). Approximately one-third of patients treated for rAAA undergo EVAR in NSQIP participating hospitals. Not surprisingly, unstable patients have less favorable outcomes. In both stable and unstable rAAA patients, EVAR is associated with a diminished 30-day mortality and morbidity.

Screening for critical illness polyneuromyopathy with single nerve conduction studies

The ability to diagnose patients with critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM) is hampered by impaired patient sensorium, technical limitations, and the time-intensive nature of performing electrophysiological testing. Therefore, we sought to determine whether single nerve conduction studies (NCS) could accurately screen for CIPNM. Critically ill patients at increased risk for developing CIPNM were identified. Bilateral NCS of six nerves, and concentric needle electromyography were performed within 24 h of meeting inclusion criteria, and subsequently on a weekly basis until CIPNM was diagnosed or the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 75 patients were enrolled into the study. Patients who developed CIPNM had a higher hospital mortality (50 vs. 13%, p = 0.002), and fewer ICU-free days (0 vs. 11, p = 0.04). There were no differences between the right and left amplitudes (p = 0.59, 0.91, and 0.21) for nerves that could be simultaneously tested bilaterally (sural, peroneal, and tibial). The amplitudes for each of the six individual nerves were significantly diminished in patients with CIPNM when compared to patients without CIPNM. The nerves with the best diagnostic accuracy were the peroneal nerve [AUC = 0.8856; sensitivity = 94% (95% CI = 88-100%); specificity = 74% (95% CI = 63-85%)], and the sural nerve [AUC = 0.8611; sensitivity = 94% (95 % CI = 88-100%); specificity = 70% (95 % CI = 59-81%)]. The combined diagnostic accuracy for the amplitudes of the peroneal and sural nerves increased significantly [AUC = 0.9336; sensitivity = 100% (95% CI = 100-100%) and specificity = 81% (95% CI = 71-91%)]. Unilateral peroneal and sural NCS can accurately screen for CIPNM in ICU patients and detect a limited number of patients that would need concentric needle electromyography to confirm a diagnosis of CIPNM. These results identify a more streamlined method to diagnose CIPNM that may facilitate routine diagnostic testing and monitoring of weakness in critically ill patients.

Reverse autoperitoneal dialysis resulting in pseudo acute renal failure.

A rise in serum creatinine without acute kidney injury (AKI) is possible. In the last 5 years, three patients presented to us for high serum creatinine levels after binge drinking. We already reported on two of these three patients [1, 2]. For the first one, dialysis was instituted as the initial diagnosis was AKI. With the experience gained, the next two patients were examined specifically for a particular cause. They were not dialyzed. The data of the third patient were as follows: a 44-year-old male, admitted after a fall following binge alcohol consumption. He complained of painful abdominal distension and was anuric. Serum creatinine was 6.5 mg/dL (575 µmol/L), blood urea: 66 mg/dL (23.5 mmol/L), serum sodium 134 mmol/L and serum potassium 4.3 mmol/L. An abdominal ultrasound examination showed two normal kidneys, a normal urinary tract and presence of peritoneal fluid. In view of these findings, a bladder rupture was suspected and confirmed by cystoscopy. With bladder drainage, serum creatinine diminished to 3.5 and then 1.4 mg/dL (309–123.7 µmol/L). Laparotomy was done and a 4-cm tear on the dome of urinary bladder was surgically repaired. All three patients had similar histories: (i) an alcoholic binge, (ii) a trauma, (iii) sudden onset of abdominal pain and progressive distension (iv) anuria (v) elevated serum creatinine (vi) cystography revealing a tear in the bladder and (vii) improvement in serum creatinine on continuous bladder drainage. The data of these patients are given in supplementary Table S1. In the majority of bladder ruptures, there is a history of significant abdominal trauma. Following heavy alcohol intake, the distended bladder is very susceptible to injury and can be ruptured by a minor trauma. Alcohol-induced polyuria and impaired sensorium that removes cues for voiding cause overdistension of the bladder and rupture. The intoxicated patient may fail to recall the trauma. In a review of 20 isolated intraperitoneal bladder ruptures, the mean time between presentation and diagnosis was 5.4 days [3]. The diagnosis was based on a compatible history: suprapubic pain, anuria, hematuria and rapidly increasing ascites. The diagnosis was strengthened by rapidly rising serum creatinine without features of hypercatabolism. Continuous bladder drainage normalized laboratory abnormalities. Urinary bladder injuries after blunt or penetrating trauma are rare, owing to the bladder's anatomical position [4]. Bladder ruptures can be extraperitoneal, intraperitoneal or both, depending on the site of the injury. Intraperitoneal bladder ruptures are usually associated with blunt abdominal trauma (excluding iatrogenic causes), and unlike extraperitoneal leaks, they are not usually associated with pelvic fractures. Intraperitoneal ruptures usually occur at the dome of the bladder in contrast to extraperitoneal leaks which are most often lateral [4]. Non-traumatic rupture is even rarer and causes may be essentially divided as increase in intravesical pressure or weakening of the bladder wall. In most cases, spontaneous rupture occurs in the presence of a urothelial neoplasm or after pelvic radiation therapy [2]. In neonates, peritoneal entry of urine is a rare complication. The major causes are congenital obstructive uropathy with urine leakage into the peritoneal cavity and bladder perforation as a complication of umbilical artery catheterization [5]. The expression ‘reverse peritoneal dialysis’ was first used in 1991 [5]. It is characterized by a flux of small molecules such as creatinine and urea from urine collected in the peritoneum along a concentration gradient opposite to conventional peritoneal dialysis where small molecules move from the blood to peritoneal cavity, a phenomenon mentioned as ‘reverse autoperitoneal dialysis’. As a result, the blood values of creatinine and urea are elevated mimicking renal failure despite normally functioning kidneys. This was described as ‘pseudo acute renal failure’ in the literature.

A Practical Index to Predict 30-Day Mortality After Major Amputation

Patients at risk of mortality after amputation have not been well identified. We sought to devise a clinical index predicting 30-day mortality after amputation that would allow stratification of intensity of postoperative care. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005-2009) was analyzed for patients who had above- or below-knee amputations. An additive risk index was created based on logistic regression that examined patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics. A threshold score for clinical action was identified as the score at which the gain in certainty was maximized. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Among 9244 patients analyzed, there were 744 deaths (8.1%) at 30 days, with 280 occurring after hospital discharge (37.9%). The final index includes 11 components with a total score range of 0-13: age (60-79 or ≥80 years), history of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or major cardiac surgery, using steroid medications, having dependent functional status, dyspnea, being on dialysis, having impaired sensorium, or preoperative sepsis. This index has a c-statistic of 0.7391, and the score at which clinical action should be taken is ≥5. The observed probability of 30-day mortality increased from 1.06% at a score of 1 to 10% at 5 and 38.5% at a score of10. More than one-third of deaths within 30 days of major amputation occur after discharge from acute care. A novel index to predict 30-day mortality after major amputation is described. Patients receiving a score ≥5 face a substantial risk of mortality and should be held in the hospital longer or, if discharged, receive closer postoperative follow-up.

Acidosis and coma in adult diabetic maintenance dialysis patients with extreme hyperglycemia

Extreme hyperglycemia (serum glucose ≥ 800 mg/dL or 44.4 mmol/L) is infrequently associated with impaired consciousness in patients on maintenance dialysis. The purpose of this study was to determine features of extreme hyperglycemia that bring about coma in dialysis patients who do not have any of the potential conditions, other than hyperglycemia, that can affect the sensorium. We analyzed 24 episodes of extreme dialysis-associated hyperglycemia in men who did not have neurological disease or sepsis. We compared serum parameters related to hyperglycemia between a group of 12 patients (8 on peritoneal dialysis, 4 on hemodialysis) who were alert and oriented (group A) and another group of 12 patients (5 on peritoneal dialysis, 7 on hemodialysis) who displayed varying degrees of impairment of sensorium, ranging from drowsiness to coma (group B). Group B had, in the serum, lower total carbon dioxide (TCO2, 8 ± 4 vs. 20 ± 3 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and higher anion gap (AG, 32 ± 8 vs. 15 ± 4 mEq/L, P < 0.01) and potassium (6.3 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 1.0 mEq/L, P < 0.05) than group A. Serum levels of glucose, chloride, urea nitrogen, calculated osmolarity and tonicity did not differ between the two groups. The test for serum ketone bodies was positive only in group B (all patients). Stepwise multiple linear regression identified serum TCO2 and AG as the only predictors of impaired sensorium (r (2) = 0.74. P < 0.01). There is a strong statistical association between the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the level of impairment of consciousness in patients on dialysis with extreme hyperglycemia and no neurological or infectious disease. This association suggests that the presence or absence of DKA is usually the primary etiologic factor in the development of impaired sensorium in these patients.