Independent Predictor Of ICU Mortality Research Articles

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals in Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Advances in pediatric intensive care have dramatically improved the prognosis for critically ill patients. The study aimed to determine the survival status and predictors of mortality among patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at selected tertiary care hospitals in Ethiopia. A health facility-based prospective observational study from October 2020 to May 30, 2021, was conducted in a selected tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. Kaplan Meier was used to compare patient survival experiences and Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of ICU mortality. The hazard ratio was used as a measure of the strength of the association, and a P-value of <.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Of 206 study participants, 59 (28.6%) patients died during follow-up time, and the incidence of mortality was 3.6 deaths per 100 person-day observation (95% CI: 2.04-5.04 deaths per 100 person-days). Respiratory failure 19 (32.2%) was the commonest cause of death followed by septic shock 11(18.6). In-ICU complications (AHR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.02, 4.42; P = .04), sepsis diagnosis (AHR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.24, 4.78; P = .01), GCS < 8 (AHR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.43; P = .02), use of sedative drugs (AHR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.16, 4.95; P = .02) were linked with increased risk of in-ICU mortality. In contrast, the use of mechanical ventilation was associated with decreased mortality (AHR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.92; P = .03). The study found a high incidence of in-ICU mortality among admitted pediatric patients in selected Ethiopian tertiary care hospitals. In-ICU complications, sepsis diagnosis, GCS < 8, and patient use of sedative drugs were independent predictors of in-ICU mortality. Prudent follow-up is warranted for those patients with the aforementioned risk factors.

Ventilatory ratio, dead space, and venous admixture in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundVentilatory ratio (VR) has been proposed as an alternative approach to estimate physiological dead space. However, the absolute value of VR, at constant dead space, might be affected by venous admixture and CO2 volume expired per minute (VCO2). MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study of mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the UK and Italy. Venous admixture was either directly measured or estimated using the surrogate measure PaO2/FiO2 ratio. VCO2 was estimated through the resting energy expenditure derived from the Harris–Benedict formula. ResultsA total of 641 mechanically ventilated patients with mild (n=65), moderate (n=363), or severe (n=213) ARDS were studied. Venous admixture was measured (n=153 patients) or estimated using the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (n=448). The VR increased exponentially as a function of the dead space, and the absolute values of this relationship were a function of VCO2. At a physiological dead space of 0.6, VR was 1.1, 1.4, and 1.7 in patients with VCO2 equal to 200, 250, and 300, respectively. VR was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR]=2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8–3.5), but was not associated when adjusted for VD/VTphys, VCO2, PaO2/FiO2 (ORadj=1.2; 95% CI, 0.7–2.1). These three variables remained independent predictors of ICU mortality (VD/VTphys [ORadj=17.9; 95% CI, 1.8–185; P<0.05]; VCO2 [ORadj=0.99; 95% CI, 0.99–1.00; P<0.001]; and PaO2/FiO2 (ORadj=0.99; 95% CI, 0.99–1.00; P<0.001]). ConclusionsVR is a useful aggregate variable associated with outcome, but variables not associated with ventilation (VCO2 and venous admixture) strongly contribute to the high values of VR seen in patients with severe illness.

Assessment of Functional and Nutritional Status and Skeletal Muscle Mass for the Prognosis of Critically Ill Solid Cancer Patients.

Simple and accessible prognostic factors are paramount for solid cancer patients experiencing life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to appraise the impact of functional and nutritional status and skeletal muscle mass in this population. We conducted a retrospective (2007−2020) single-center study by enrolling adult patients with solid cancers requiring unplanned ICU admission. Performance status, body weight, and albumin level were collected at ICU admission and over six months. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed at ICU admission by measuring muscle areas normalized by height (SMI). Four-hundred and sixty-two patients were analyzed, mainly with gastro-intestinal (34.8%) and lung (29.9%) neoplasms. Moreover, 92.8% of men and 67.3% of women were deemed cachectic. In the multivariate analysis, performance status at ICU admission (CSH 1.74 [1.27−2.39], p < 0.001) and the six month increase in albumin level (CSH 0.38 [0.16−0.87], p = 0.02) were independent predictors of ICU mortality. In the subgroup of mechanically ventilated patients, the psoas SMI was independently associated with ICU mortality (CSH 0.82 [0.67−0.98], p = 0.04). Among the 368 ICU-survivors, the performance status at ICU admission (CSH 1.34 [1.14−1.59], p < 0.001) and the six-month weight loss (CSH 1.33 [1.17−2.99], p = 0.01) were associated with a one-year mortality rate. Most cancer patients displayed cachexia at ICU admission. Time courses of nutritional parameters may aid the prediction of short- and long-term outcomes.

Cardiac function in critically ill patients with severe COVID: A prospective cross-sectional study in mechanically ventilated patients

PurposeTo evaluate cardiac function in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. Materials and methodsProspective, cross-sectional multicenter study in four university-affiliated hospitals in Chile. All consecutive patients with COVID-19 ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation admitted between April and July 2020 were included. We performed systematic transthoracic echocardiography assessing right and left ventricular function within 24 h of intubation. Results140 patients aged 57 ± 11, 29% female were included. Cardiac output was 5.1 L/min [IQR 4.5–6.2] and 86% of the patients required norepinephrine. ICU mortality was 29% (40 patients). Fifty-four patients (39%) exhibited right ventricle dilation out of whom 20 patients (14%) exhibited acute cor pulmonale (ACP). Eight out of the twenty patients with ACP exhibited pulmonary embolism (40%). Thirteen patients (9%) exhibited left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <45%). In the multivariate analysis acute cor pulmonale and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were independent predictors of ICU mortality. ConclusionsRight ventricular dilation is highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Acute cor pulmonale was associated with reduced pulmonary function and, in only 40% of patients, with co-existing pulmonary embolism. Acute cor pulmonale is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality.

In-hospital mortality of patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in Iranian population

BackgroundHistorically, coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with a higher mortality rate in patients with severe heart failure. This study aimed to assess the in-hospital mortality of CABG in patients with severe heart failure in Iranian patients and to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective descriptive study enrolled patients with severe heart failure who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery from 2015 to 2020 in Madani Hospital, affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.ResultsA total of 865 consecutive patients with a mean age of 60.65 ± 10.00 were enrolled in the study. Of all participants, 175 were female (20.4%), and 684 were male. The overall mortality rate was 9.5%. In the univariate analysis, predictors of ICU mortality were age, female sex, DM, and renal failure (P value < 0.05). None of the factors studied was an independent predictor of ICU mortality in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionThis study established that although coronary artery bypass surgery is reported to have low mortality and postoperative morbidity in patients with severe heart failure, there are still centers that face higher mortality rates in these patients. Improving these patients' outcomes would be possible through identifying the associated risk factors and pre-and postoperative management.

Hyperammonemia during treatment with valproate in critically ill patients

IntroductionHyperammonemia (HA) is a potential side-effect of valproate (VPA) treatment, which has been described during long-term administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, the impact and the risk factors of HA in critically ill patients. MethodsWe reviewed the data of all adult patients treated in our mixed 35-bed Department of Intensive Care over a 12-year period (2004–2015) who: a) were treated with VPA for more than 72 h and b) had at least one measurement of ammonium and VPA levels during the ICU stay; patients with Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis were excluded. HA was defined as ammonium levels above 60 μg/dl. ResultsOf a total of 2640 patients treated with VPA, 319 patients met the inclusion criteria (median age 64 years; male gender 55%); 78% of them were admitted for neurological reasons and ICU mortality was 30%. Median ammonium levels were 88 [63–118] µg/dl. HA was found in 245 (77%) patients. For those patients with HA, median time from start of VPA therapy to HA was 3 [2–5] days. In a multivariable analysis, high VPA serum levels, mechanical ventilation and sepsis were independently associated with HA during VPA therapy. In 98/243 (40%) of HA patients, VPA was interrupted; VPA interruption was more frequent in patients with ammonium levels > 100 μg/dl than others (p = 0.001). HA was not an independent predictor of ICU mortality or poor neurological outcome. ConclusionsIn this study, HA was a common finding during treatment with VPA in acutely ill patients. VPA levels, sepsis and mechanical ventilation were risk factors for HA. Hyperammonemia did not influence patients’ outcome.

Survival and predictors of mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care units in southern Ethiopia: A multi-center cohort study

BackgroundThe burden of life-threatening conditions requiring intensive care units has grown substantially in low-income countries related to an emerging pandemic, urbanization, and hospital expansion. The rate of ICU mortality varied from region to region in Ethiopia. However, the body of evidence on ICU mortality and its predictors is uncertain. This study was designed to investigate the pattern of disease and predictors of mortality in Southern Ethiopia. MethodsAfter obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), a multi-center cohort study was conducted among three teaching referral hospital ICUs in Ethiopia from June 2018 to May 2020. Five hundred and seventeen Adult ICU patients were selected. Data were entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and STATA version 16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were run to see the overall distribution of the variables. Chi-square test and odds ratio were determined to identify the association between independent and dependent variables. Multivariate analysis was conducted to control possible confounders and identify independent predictors of ICU mortality. ResultsThe mean (±SD) of the patients admitted in ICU was 34.25(±5.25). The overall ICU mortality rate was 46.8%. The study identified different independent predictors of mortality. Patients with cardiac arrest were approximately 12 times more likely to die as compared to those who didn't, AOR = 11.9(95% CI:6.1 to 23.2). ConclusionThe overall mortality rate in ICU was very high as compared to other studies in Ethiopia as well as globally which entails a rigorous activity from different stakeholders.

A Higher Fluid Balance in the Days After Septic Shock Reversal Is Associated With Increased Mortality: An Observational Cohort Study.

Previous studies demonstrated that extensive fluid loading and consequently positive fluid balances during sepsis resuscitation are associated with adverse outcome. Yet, the association between fluid balance and mortality after reversal of shock, that is, during deresuscitation, is largely unappreciated. Our objective was to investigate the effects of fluid balance on mortality in the days after septic shock reversal. Retrospective observational cohort study. ICUs of two university-affiliated hospitals in The Netherlands. Adult patients admitted with septic shock followed by shock reversal. Reversal of septic shock was defined based on Sepsis-3 criteria as the first day that serum lactate was less than or equal to 2 mmol/L without vasopressor requirement. None. Reversal of septic shock occurred in 636 patients, of whom 20% died in the ICU. Mixed-effects logistic regression modeling, adjusted for possible confounders, showed that fluid balance in the days after reversal of septic shock (until discharge or death) was an independent predictor of ICU mortality: odds ratio 3.18 (1.90-5.32) per 10 mL/kg increase in daily fluid balance. Similar results were found for 30-day, 90-day, hospital, and 1-year mortality: odds ratios 2.09 (1.64-2.67); 1.79 (1.38-2.32); 1.70 (1.40-2.07); and 1.53 (1.17-2.01), respectively. Positive cumulative fluid balances vs. neutral or negative fluid balances on the final day in the ICU were associated with increased ICU, hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality: odds ratios 3.46 (2.29-5.23); 3.39 (2.35-4.9); 5.33 (3.51-8.08); and 3.57 (2.49-5.12), respectively. Using restricted cubic splines, we found a dose-response relationship between cumulative fluid balance after shock reversal and ICU mortality. A higher fluid balance in the days after septic shock reversal was associated with increased mortality. This stresses the importance of implementing restrictive and deresuscitative fluid management strategies after initial hemodynamic resuscitation. Prospective interventional studies are needed to confirm our results.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein and NT-pro-BNP levels in sepsis patients older than 75years: a prospective, observational study.

Using biomarkers to predict mortality in patients with sepsis is important because these patients frequently have high mortality rates and unsatisfactory outcomes. The performance of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to predict clinical outcomes in elderly sepsis patients is unimpressive. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of NT-pro-BNP, CRP and the combination of both in selected medical ICU sepsis patients more than 75years old. In total, 245 consecutive patients were screened for eligibility and followed during their ICU stays. We collected the patients' baseline characteristics, including their Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores and NT-pro-BNP and CRP levels. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Potential predictors were analyzed for their possible associations with the outcome. We also evaluated the ability of NT-pro-BNP and CRP levels combined with the APACHE II score to predict ICU mortality by calculating the C-index and net reclassification improvement (NRI). Univariate regression revealed that CRP, NT-pro-BNP, APACHE II score, lactic acid level, NEU count(neutrophil count)and HCT level independently predicted ICU mortality (all P < 0.01). The C-index for the prediction of ICU mortality by the APACHE II score (0.847 ± 0.029; P < 0.001) was greater than that for NT-pro-BNP (0.673 ± 0.039; P < 0.01) or CRP (0.626 ± 0.039; P < 0.01) (all P < 0.01). Compared with the APACHE II score (0.847 ± 0.029; P < 0.001), the combination of CRP (0.849 ± 0.029; P < 0.01) or NT-pro-BNP (0.853 ± 0.028; P < 0.01) or both (0.853 ± 0.030; P < 0.01) with the APACHE II score did not significantly increase the C-index for predicting ICU mortality (all P > 0.05). However, the addition of NT-pro-BNP to the APACHE II score gave an NRI of 8.6% (P = 0.000), the addition of CRP to the APACHE II score provided an NRI of 11.34% (P = 0.012), and the addition of both markers to the APACHE II score yielded an NRI of 29.0% (P = 0.000). In the MOF subgroup (N = 118), CRP (OR = 2.62, P < 0.05) but not NT-pro-BNP (OR = 1.73, p > 0.05) independently predicted ICU mortality, and the addition of CRP to the APACHE II score obviously increased its predictive ability (NRI = 13.88%, P = 0.000). In the non-MOF group (N = 127), neither CRP (OR = 5.447, P = 0.078) nor NT-pro-BNP (OR = 2.239, P = 0.016) was an independent predictor of ICU mortality. In sepsis patients older than 75years, NT-pro-BNP and CRP can serve as independent predictors of mortality, and the addition of NT-pro-BNP or CRP or both to the APACHE II score significantly improves the ability to predict ICU mortality. CRP appears to be useful for predicting ICU outcomes in elderly sepsis patients with multiple-organ failure.

Increased admission central venous-arterial CO2 difference predicts ICU-mortality in adult cardiac surgery patients

BackgroundInvasive procedures such as cardiac surgery are associated with perioperative dysfunction of macrocirculation and/or microcirculation and organ failures. Maintenance or resuscitation of an adequate macrocirculation and/or microcirculation is thus crucial in patients after cardiac surgery. We investigated the prognostic power of early central venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure difference (delta-pCO2) after cardiac surgery. MethodsRetrospective analysis of data from 1,019 cardiac surgery patients treated in the ICU of a tertiary medical care academic center. Clinical outcomes and laboratory measures including metabolic indices and calculated delta-pCO2 were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and sensitivity / specificity analysis was performed. Univariate and multivariate regression models were analyzed. ResultsThe area under the ROC curve for delta-pCO2 to predict ICU mortality was 0.72 (sensitivity 65% / specificity 76%) with an optimal delta-pCO2 cut-off value of 8.6 mmHg. In multivariate regression, delta-pCO2 was associated with increased ICU mortality (HR 3.72, 95%-CI 1.3–10.66, p = 0.02). After adjustment for typical confounders, delta-pCO2 remained as independent predictor of ICU mortality after cardiac surgery. ConclusionsIn a retrospective data analysis in a large sample of adult post cardiac surgery patients treated in the ICU, we observed that admission central venous-arterial delta-pCO2 independently predicts ICU mortality. Delta-pCO2 might thus contribute risk stratification in ICU patients after cardiac surgery.

A study to evaluate serum free triiodothyronine levels as a predictive indicator of outcome in critically ill children

Background: Critical illness is a life-threatening multisystem process requiring support of failing vital organ systems without which survival would not be possible. Euthyroid sick syndrome is one of the commonly seen endocrine changes in critically ill patients and is considered to be associated with adverse outcome in ICU patients. Objective of this study was to assess free triiodothyronine (FT3) in critically ill children and to associate it to the disease severity and clinical outcome in comparison to PRISM score.Methods: This was an observational study conducted on 120 critically ill children aged between 1month and 18 years admitted in PICU of a tertiary care hospital. All children who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to initial evaluation, PRISM III scoring and also FT3 levels was estimated twice in the critically ill patients.Results: In present study, out of 120 subjects studied, 34 succumbed and 86 survived. Low FT3 was seen in 90 (75.00%) children. The mean level of FT3 was significantly lower at admission and discharge in non-survivors than in survivors (P&lt;0.01) and also Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher PRISM III scores (26.65±9.64vs 15.21±7.38, P&lt;0.001). In survivors there was a significant improvement in the mean levels FT3 from admission to discharge (P&lt;0.01) Where as in non-survivors there was a further decrease in the mean levels of FT3 however it was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). Serum FT3 at discharge is a good predictor of mortality with AUC of 0.9175±0.0620.Conclusions: FT3 is good independent predictor of ICU mortality.

Cardiac troponin I as an early prognosis biomarker after trauma: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe significance of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) elevation after trauma is debated. We therefore explored the association between cTnI elevation at admission after trauma and ICU mortality. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively constituted database, of patients admitted to ICU after trauma at a single centre, over a 36 month period. According to cTnI plasma concentration at admission, patients were categorised into three groups: normal (<0.05 ng ml−1), intermediate (0.05–0.99 ng ml−1), or high concentration (≥1.0 ng ml−1). Associations of pre-hospital conditions or cTnI elevation and mortality were analysed by multivariate logistic regression. ResultsAmong the 994 patients, 177 (18%) had cTnI elevation at ICU admission. Of this total, 114 (11%) patients died in the ICU. The cTnI release was an independent predictor of ICU mortality with a concentration–response relationship [odds ratio (OR) 4.90 (2.19–11.16) and 14.83 (4.68–49.90) for intermediate and high concentrations, respectively] and Day 2 mortality [OR 2.23 (1.18–5.80) and 7.49 (2.77–20.12) for intermediate and high concentrations, respectively]. The severity of thoracic trauma [OR 2.25 (1.07–4.55) and 3.23 (2.00–5.27) for Abbreviated Injury Scale scores 1–2 and ≥3, respectively], out-of-hospital maximal heart rate ≥120 beats min−1 [OR 2.22 (1.32–3.69)], and out-of-hospital shock [OR 2.02 (1.20–3.38)] were independently associated with cTnI elevation. ConclusionsRelease of cTnI was an independent predictor of ICU mortality, suggesting that this biomarker can be used in daily practice for early stratification of the risk of ICU death. Thoracic trauma was strongly associated with cTnI elevation.

Profile of Patients with Active Tuberculosis Admitted to a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary Care Center of North India.

Background:There is a paucity of literature regarding outcome of critically ill patients with tuberculosis (TB) from India. Herein, we describe our experience of patients with active TB admitted to a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of a tertiary care hospital.Methods:This was a retrospective analysis of all the patients admitted with active TB. The baseline clinical, demographic, ICU parameters and mortality were recorded. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predicting mortality.Results:A total 3630 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period; of these, 63 (1.7%) patients (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age 37.3 [19] years, 55.6% females) were admitted with active TB. Fifty-seven patients were mechanically ventilated (56, invasive and 1, noninvasive) for a mean (SD) duration of 7.5 (9.1) days. Respiratory failure was the most common indication for mechanical ventilation. TB-related acute respiratory distress syndrome was seen in 18 (28.6%) patients. There were 28 deaths (44.4%) during the study period. On a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a high baseline Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (odds ratio [OR] [95 confidence interval (CI)], 1.12 [1.02–1.23]) and delta Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (OR [95 CI], 1.39 [1.00–1.94]) were the independent predictors of mortality.Conclusion:TB was an uncommon cause of ICU admission even in a high TB burden country. Critically ill patients with TB had high mortality. A higher APACHE II score and delta SOFA were independent predictors of ICU mortality.

Anti-aging factor, serum alpha-Klotho, as a marker of acute physiological stress, and a predictor of ICU mortality, in patients with septic shock

PurposeGenetic deletions decreasing serum alpha-Klotho (alpha-KL) have been associated with rapid aging, multi-organ failure and increased mortality in experimental sepsis. We hypothesized that lower alpha-KL obtained at the onset of septic shock correlates with higher mortality. Materials and methodsProspective cohort of 104 adult patients with septic shock. Alpha-KL was measured via ELISA on serum collected on the day of enrollment (within 72h from the onset of shock). Relationship between alpha-KL and clinical outcome measures was evaluated in uni- and multi-variable models. ResultsMedian (IQR) alpha-KL was 816 (1020.4) pg/mL and demonstrated a bimodal distribution with two distinct populations, Cohort A [n=97, median alpha-KL 789.3 (767.1)] and Cohort B [n=7, median alpha-KL 4365.1(1374.4), >1.5 IQR greater than Cohort A]. Within Cohort A, ICU non-survivors had significantly higher serum alpha-KL compared to survivors as well as significantly higher APACHE II and SOFA scores, rates of mechanical ventilation, and serum BUN, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus and lactate (all p≤0.05). Serum alpha-KL≥1005, the highest tertile, was an independent predictor of ICU mortality when controlling for co-variates (p=0.028, 95% CI 1.143–11.136). ConclusionsElevated serum alpha-KL in patients with septic shock is independently associated with higher mortality. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

The protective association of endogenous immunoglobulins against sepsis mortality is restricted to patients with moderate organ failure

BackgroundPre-evaluation of endogenous immunoglobulin levels is a potential strategy to improve the results of intravenous immunoglobulins in sepsis, but more work has to be done to identify those patients who could benefit the most from this treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of endogenous immunoglobulins on the mortality risk in sepsis depending on disease severity.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study including 278 patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis fulfilling the SEPSIS-3 criteria, coming from the Spanish GRECIA and ABISS-EDUSEPSIS cohorts. Patients were distributed into two groups depending on their Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at ICU admission (SOFA < 8, n = 122 and SOFA ≥ 8, n = 156), and the association between immunoglobulin levels at ICU admission with mortality was studied in each group by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsICU/hospital mortality in the SOFA < 8 group was 14.8/23.0%, compared to 30.1/35.3% in the SOFA ≥ 8 group. In the group with SOFA < 8, the simultaneous presence of total IgG < 407 mg/dl, IgM < 43 mg/dl and IgA < 219 mg/dl was associated with a reduction in the survival mean time of 6.6 days in the first 28 days and was a robust predictor of mortality risk either during the acute or during the post-acute phase of the disease (OR for ICU mortality: 13.79; OR for hospital mortality: 7.98). This predictive ability remained in the absence of prior immunosuppression (OR for ICU mortality: 17.53; OR for hospital mortality: 5.63). Total IgG < 407 mg/dl or IgG1 < 332 mg/dl was also an independent predictor of ICU mortality in this group. In contrast, in the SOFA ≥ 8 group, we found no immunoglobulin thresholds associated with neither ICU nor hospital mortality.ConclusionsEndogenous immunoglobulin levels may have a different impact on the mortality risk of sepsis patients based on their severity. In patients with moderate organ failure, the simultaneous presence of low levels of IgG, IgA and IgM was a consistent predictor of both acute and post-acute mortalities.

Body mass index and echocardiography in refractory ARDS treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

The aims of the present investigation, performed in 118 consecutive patients with refractory ARDS treated with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO), were as follows: (a) to assess ICU mortality in overweight, obese and morbid obese patients in respect to normal weight; (b) to evaluate echocardiographic findings according to BMI subgroups. Echocardiography was performed before VV-ECMO implantation. Forty-five patients (38.1%) showed normal BMI, 37 patients (31.4%) were overweight and the remaining were obese (21.2%), or morbid obese (9.3%). Morbid obese showed the lowest ICU mortality rate (p=0.003). No differences were detectable among BMI subgroups in echocardiographic findings apart from the fact that obese patients showed the lowest incidence of LV dysfunction (p=0.015). At stepwise regression analysis the following variables were independent predictor of ICU mortality (when adjusted for age): RV dilatation (OR 4.361, 95 % CI 1.809-10.512, p<0.001), BMI (OR 0.884, 95% CI 0.821-0.951, p<0.001). In other terms, the presence of RV dilatation is an independent predictor of ICU mortality. In refractory ARDS treated with VV-ECMO, BMI>30kg/m2 is common (accounting for one-third of the entire population) but it is not associated with a worse outcome, so that it cannot be considered per se a contraindication to ECMO implantation. The incidence of RV dilatation and failure, which are known to negatively affect prognosis in ARDS patients, were comparable among BMI subgroups.

Prognostic significance of EEG abnormalities in acute septic patients in ICU: A study about 110 patients

Background It is known that sepsis is associated with increased mortality, delirium and long-term cognitive impairment in ICU patients. EEG abnormalities occurring at acute stage of sepsis may correlate with outcome. Predictive value of early standard EEG abnormalities for mortality in ICU septic patients remains to be assessed. Methods In this prospective, single center, observational study, standard EEG was performed, analyzed and classified according to both Synek and Young EEG scales, in consecutive patients acutely admitted in ICU for sepsis. Delirium, coma and the level of sedation were assessed at the time of EEG recording; and duration of sedation, occurrence of in-ICU delirium or death were assessed during follow-up. Adjusted analyses were carried out using multiple logistic regression. Results One hundred ten patients were included, mean age 63.8 ± 18.1 years, median Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS-II): 38 (29–55). At the time of EEG recording, 46 patients (42%) were sedated and 22 (20%) suffered from delirium. Overall, 54 patients (49%) developed delirium, of which 32 (29%) in the days after EEG. Twenty-three (21%) patients died in the ICU. Absence of EEG reactivity was observed in 27 patients (25%), periodic epileptiform discharges (PEDs) in 21 (19%) and electrographic seizures (ESZ) in 17 (15%). ICU mortality was independently associated with absence of EEG reactivity (OR: 4.44; 95% CI [1.37–14.3], Synek Grade ≥ 3 (OR: 5.35; 95% CI [1.66–17.2]) and Young Grade ≥ 1 (OR: 3.44; 95% CI [1.09–10.8]), after adjustment to SAPS-II at admission and level of sedation. Delirium at the time of EEG was associated with ESZ in non-sedated patients (32% vs 10%, P = 0.037) and occurrence of delirium in the days after EEG was associated with absence of EEG reactivity (39% vs 10%, P = 0.003). Conclusions In this prospective cohort of 110 septic ICU patients, early standard EEG was significantly disturbed. Absence of EEG reactivity, Synek grade ≥ 3 and Young grade ≥ 1 at day 1 to 3 following admission were independent predictors of ICU mortality and associated with prevalence of delirium.

Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality for Patients with Acute Leukemia Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Purpose. The objectives were to describe the management and outcomes of acute leukemia (AL) patients admitted to the ICU and to identify predictors of ICU mortality. Methods. Data was retrospectively collected from the medical records of all patients with AML or ALL admitted to the Mount Sinai Hospital ICU from August 2009 to December 2012. Results. 151 AL patients (117 AML, 34 ALL) were admitted to the ICU. Mean age was 54 (SD 15) years, median APACHE II score was 27 (IQR 22–33), and 50% were female. While in ICU, 128 (85%) patients had sepsis and 56 (37%) had ARDS. The majority of patients required invasive organ support: 94 (62%) required mechanical ventilation while 23 (15%) received renal replacement therapy. Multivariable analysis identified SOFA score (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.38) and invasive ventilation (OR 9.64, 95% CI 3.39–27.4) as independent predictors of ICU mortality. Ninety-four (62%) patients survived to ICU discharge. Only 39% of these 94 patients discharged were alive 12 months after ICU admission. Conclusions. AL patients admitted to the ICU had a 62% ICU survival rate; yet only 25% of cohort patients were alive 12 months after ICU admission. Higher admission SOFA scores and invasive ventilation are independently associated with a greater risk of dying in the ICU.

Validation and analysis of prognostic scoring systems for critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU.

IntroductionThe number of patients admitted to ICU who have liver cirrhosis is rising. Current prognostic scoring tools to predict ICU mortality have performed poorly in this group. In previous research from a single centre, a novel scoring tool which modifies the Child-Turcotte Pugh score by adding Lactate concentration, the CTP + L score, is strongly associated with mortality. This study aims to validate the use of the CTP + L scoring tool for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis, and to determine significant predictive factors for mortality with this group of patients. This study will also explore the use of the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) score in this cohort.MethodsA total of 84 patients admitted to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary ICU between June 2012 and Dec 2013 with cirrhosis were included. An additional cohort of 115 patients was obtained from two ICUs in London (St George’s and St Thomas’) collected between October 2007 and July 2009. Liver specific and general ICU scoring tools were calculated for both cohorts, and compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was utilised to determine the most predictive factors affecting mortality within these patient groups.ResultsWithin the Glasgow cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified as Lactate (p < 0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.0048), PaO2/FiO2 Ratio (p = 0.032) and PT ratio (p = 0.012). Within the London cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were Lactate (p < 0.001), PT ratio (p < 0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.027), PaO2/FiO2 Ratio (p = 0.0011) and Ascites (p = 0.023). The CTP + L and RFH scoring tools had the highest ROC value in both cohorts examined.ConclusionThe CTP + L and RFH scoring tool are validated prognostic scoring tools for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis.

Validation of a prognostic scoring system for critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to ICU.

Introduction: The number of patients admitted to ICU who have liver cirrhosis is rising. Current prognostic scoring tools to predict ICU mortality have performed poorly in this group. In previous research from a single centre, a novel scoring tool which modifies the Child-Turcotte Pugh score by adding Lactate concentration, the CTP + L score, is strongly associated with mortality. This study aims to validate the use of the CTP + L scoring tool for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis, and to determine significant predictive factors for mortality with this group of patients. This study will also explore the use of the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) score in this cohort. Methods: A total of 84 patients admitted to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary ICU between June 2012 and Dec 2013 with cirrhosis were included. An additional cohort of 115 patients was obtained from two ICUs in London (St George’s and St Thomas’) collected between October 2007 and July 2009. Liver specific and general ICU scoring tools were calculated for both cohorts, and compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was utilised to determine the most predictive factors affecting mortality within these patient groups. Results: Within the Glasgow cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified as Lactate (p <0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.0048), PaO 2 /FiO 2 Ratio (p = 0.032) and PT ratio (p = 0.012). Within the London cohort, independent predictors of ICU mortality were Lactate (p <0.001), PT ratio (p < 0.001), Bilirubin (p = 0.027), PaO 2 /FiO 2 Ratio (p = 0.0011) and Ascites (p = 0.023). The CTP + L and RFH scoring tools had the highest ROC value in both cohorts examined. Conclusion: The CTP + L and RFH scoring tool are validated prognostic scoring tools for predicting ICU mortality in patients admitted to a general ICU with cirrhosis.