Treatment In Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Comparison of total and partial parenteral nutrition to achieve calorie target among treated children in the intensive care unit

The achievement of recommended calorie targets for parenteral nutrition in pediatric patients receiving treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Indonesia remains suboptimal, necessitating cautious implementation of this nutritional intervention alone. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in achieving the calorie requirements of pediatric patients receiving treatments in the PICU. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the PICU at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, among patients aged between 28 days to 18 years. The consecutive sampling method was employed to collect samples based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessments of recommended calorie achievement targets were conducted up to 240 hours after initial nutrition treatment. Other possible factors associated with the achievement of the nutrition target were also assessed between groups, such as demographic data, length of treatment, nutritional status, and underlying diseases. A total of 30 patients were included in each group (TPN and PPN). There were no significant differences in age, weight, height, sex, or underlying diseases between groups. All patients in both groups achieved the target calorie requirements after 168 hours. Our data indicated that the percentage of patients who met the target calorie requirements was significantly different at initial treatment, 72 hours, and 120 hours post-treatment between groups (all had p<0.001). The percentages of patients who met the nutritional requirements (carbohydrate and protein) were also significantly different between the TPN and PPN groups (all had p<0.001). This study highlights that the administration of PPN to children resulted in faster achievement of calorie targets compared to TPN.

Autologous non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: identifying disease risk factors for toxicity and long-term outcomes in a prospective, single-arm trial.

Two randomized trials for patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) demonstrated an overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) advantage of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) using CD34+ selected peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) compared to monthly cyclophosphamide. We asked if an unmodified PBSC graft followed by maintenance mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) after AHSCT, instead of CD34+ selected graft, could provide comparable AHSCT outcomes. 20 patients with high-risk SSc were enrolled in a prospective, single-arm trial with cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg and horse anti-thymocyte globulin (CY200/ATG), followed by unmanipulated autologous PBSC, then MMF maintenance starting at 2 months after AHSCT. Point estimates of OS and EFS at 5 years after AHSCT were 85% (95% CI, 60.4%-94.9%) and 75% (95% CI, 50%-88.7%), respectively. Median follow-up was 7.5 years (range, 5.6-11.6) after transplant for living patients. Eight patients (40%) required intensive care unit treatment early after transplant. Early transplant-related mortality occurred in 2 patients (10%). Five patients developed relapse/progression of SSc after AHSCT. Four of 9 patients with anti-RNA polymerase-III antibody had both prior scleroderma renal crisis and the lowest quartile of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) upon study entry; all 4 patients developed prolonged organ failure/death early post-transplant. We observed favorable OS and EFS after AHSCT for SSc patients, using CY200/ATG, unmanipulated PBSC and MMF post-transplant maintenance, that was comparable to trials with CD34+ graft selection. We identified a possible risk factor, pretransplant low eGFR, for adverse outcome after AHSCT.

Parenting interventions in neonatal intensive care units take different approaches

Parenting interventions in neonatal intensive care units take different approaches

Splenic injury associated with colonoscopy in hospitalized patients: Incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome.

Background and study aims The frequency of splenic injuries due to coloscopy is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to give estimate the risk for hospitalized patients. Patients and methods Using the administrative database from a health insurance company with more than 10 million insured subjects, patients undergoing inpatient colonoscopy associated with a splenic injury within 2 weeks were retrieved from the administrative records based upon OPS (comparable to International Classification of Procedures in Medicine) and ICD-10 codes. In each case identified (n = 141), the individual course of the hospital stay was reconstructed and analyzed by two experienced physicians. Patients with overt other causes of splenic injuries (e. g. abominal surgery, trauma etc.) were not further evaluated. Results Among 190,927 total colonoscopies over a 5-year period, 27 splenic lesions were most likely solely due to colonoscopy. This accounts for 14.1 splenic injuries per 100,000 colonoscopies or one lesion in 7,071 patients. Afflicted patients were older and more likely to be female than male (risk in females: 1 in 5,324 colonoscopies). Surgical interventions were carried out in 17 cases, predominantly splenectomy (n = 15) whereas 10 events were managed conservatively. Transfusions and requirement for intensive care unit treatment were strong predictors of need for surgery. Most lesions (74%) were diagnosed within 48 hours after colonoscopy. Death occurred in two patients, but less likely directly due to the splenic injury. Conclusions Administrative data analysis suggests that splenic injuries due to colonoscopy are more frequent than previously estimated. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare life-threatening adverse event.

Haemorrhagic Stroke in Young People in Intensive Care: Prognostic Factors in Cote d’Ivoire

Introduction: Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident (HCVA) is a medical or medico- surgical emergency requiring treatment in neurovascular or intensive care units. The aim of this work was to determine the prognostic factors of hemorrhagic stroke in young subjects in intensive care in the 3 university hospitals of Abidjan. Method: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study covering, which extends from January 2018 to December 2022, taking into account All patients aged 18 to 50 admitted to intensive care for a hemorrhagic stroke during the study period. Results: 146 patients including 100 men were included. The average age was 43 years old. High blood pressure was the main modifiable risk factor. The average Glasgow score was 8.2 and 98% of cases presented with impaired consciousness. Grade 3 hypertension was found in 73 patients on admission. The main location of the hemorrhage on imaging was parenchymal and 45% of subjects had an ICH score greater than or equal to 3 in almost 50% of cases. Nicardipine was the antihypertensive of choice. 103 patients were intubated and ventilated. 52% underwent neurosedation 13% underwent neurosurgery. The average length of hospitalization was 8.3 days during which 72.6% of patients presented complications, mostly infectious. Mortality remains high at 66.44% of cases. We listed as prognostic factors, inaugural deep coma, inaugural grade 3 arterial hypertension, ICH severity score greater than or equal to 3, renal failure and length of stay less than 7 days. Conclusion: Hemorrhagic strokes in young subjects remain a common condition in our country. Mortality in intensive care is high and is linked to clinical and neurological severity, biological disorders, the occurrence of complications and the length of stay in intensive care.

Ceftazidime–avibactam for the Treatment of Intra-abdominal Sepsis and Urosepsis: A Retrospective Hospital-based Study in India

Abstract Background: In India, microbial susceptibility to antibiotics has been gradually decreasing, thus making treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections challenging. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of ceftazidime–avibactam in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis or urosepsis. Methods: This hospital-based, single-center retrospective study was conducted between April 2020 and March 2022 using data from inpatient records. Outcomes included inpatient mortality, clinical success/failure, and microbiological cure/failure measured on day 14/end of treatment, length of hospitalization and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, treatment and infection characteristics, recurrence within 30 days, and healthcare resource utilization. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Data from 46 patients (mean age = 65.2 ± 14.5 years, 73.9% male) were included. Ceftazidime–avibactam treatment was initiated within 5 days of hospitalization in 51.2% of patients. The median (range) duration of treatment was 8 (1, 20) days, and the average daily dose was 4.6 g. Inpatient and 30-day all-cause mortality rates were 41.5% and 17.1%, respectively. We observed clinical success, defined a priori, by day 14 in 58.5% of patients and microbiological cure in 61.3%. Most patients (97.0%) did not have recurrent infections. The median (range) length of hospitalization and ICU admission was 15.5 (3, 63) days and 11 (2, 63) days, respectively. Most patients (85.7%) utilized various healthcare resources during hospitalization. Conclusion: Among patients with available data, most showed clinical success (58.5%) and microbiological cure (61.3%) within 14 days of treatment initiation with ceftazidime–avibactam, with nearly no recurrence of infection, indicating treatment effectiveness in patients with intra-abdominal sepsis or urosepsis in an Indian hospital setting.

Outbreak of Acute Fulminant Myocarditis in Children in Campania Region, Italy: A Case Series

Acute fulminant myocarditis is a rare event in children, accounting for about 10% of all cases of acute myocarditis. Its lack of specific onset patterns and unpredictable evolution make diagnosis and prompt treatment challenging. We observed six cases of fulminant myocarditis admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Unit (Campania region, Sothern Italy) within a very short timeframe (50 days, from July to September 2024). Three of them died, and two are still under treatment in a Pediatric Cardiologic Intensive Care Unit in critical condition. In only one case, cardiac function improved. The described cases were not geographically linked, belonging to different areas of Southern Italy. No common etiological agent was found. Given the relatively low incidence of the condition, the occurrence of six pediatric myocarditis within approximately two months should be considered exceptional. Careful monitoring of further cases in the next few months should be warranted.

Stimulus responsive wireless sensor integrated smart urine bag for early detection of catheter-associated infections

Urinary catheterization is a routine intervention in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with prolonged immobility. However, extended use of urinary catheters significantly increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), posing serious healthcare concerns. Early detection of UTIs can effectively prevent disease progression and mitigate additional health complications. Most conventional diagnostic methods rely on periodic urine sample collection and laboratory analysis, which are time-consuming and lack the capacity for continuous, real-time assessment. To address these limitations, we developed a Smart Urinary Bag (SUB) system with an integrated sensor platform designed for real-time monitoring of UTI-associated biomarkers in urine directly within the urinary bag. The sensor platform incorporates two interdigitated electrode (IDE) patterns coated with stimuli-responsive polymers to selectively detect elevations in pH and xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels—two critical biomarkers for urinary infections. These IDEs connect to spiral planar coils, forming sensor tags that enable battery-free, wireless monitoring of urine conditions through near-field inductive coupling with an external reader. The sensor tags, measuring 10 cm × 6 cm, and the coating thickness were optimized using High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) software to ensure effective wireless readability and sensitivity for practical miniaturization and integration into standard urinary bags. Systematic characterization of the functional coatings confirmed effective compositions that allowed reliable wireless detection of elevated pH (>8) and XOD (>500 U/L) levels in urine, with a response time of less than 3 hours. The sensors maintained stable performance over 14 days under physiologically relevant conditions with high specificity, as verified through tests with both artificial and real urine. As proof of concept, the fully integrated SUB system was tested under simulated patient conditions with varying pH and XOD levels. The platform successfully identified high-risk UTI conditions, enabling timely alerts to healthcare providers for immediate intervention. This platform aims to enhance patient monitoring in ICUs by reducing healthcare provider burden, facilitating early identification of UTI risks, and promoting timely interventions, ultimately reducing antibiotic overuse and addressing the challenge of rising antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Comparison of Oxidative Stress Markers with Clinical Data in Patients Requiring Anesthesia in an Intensive Care Unit.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the oxidative stress status in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission before initiating ICU treatment, by measuring the total oxidant level (TOS) and total antioxidant level (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. Additionally, we aim to explore the correlation between these oxidative stress markers and biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 patients treated in intensive care units were included in the study. Patients who met the patient admission criteria of the ethics committee of the intensive care medicine association were included in the study. Blood samples were taken at the first moment the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (before starting treatment). In total, 60 healthy volunteers who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study as a control group. Patients who had previously received antioxidant treatment and cancer patients were excluded from the study. Results: The TOS was significantly higher in the patient group (13.4 ± 7.5) compared to controls (1.8 ± 4.4) (p = 0.021). TOS > 12.00 means a "very high oxidant level". OSI was significantly higher in the patient group (689.8 ± 693.9) compared to the control group (521.7 ± 546.6) (p = 0.035). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the patient group (546.5 ± 440.8 ng/mL) compared to controls (45.5 ± 46.5 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Patients had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells (WBCs), immature granulocytes (IGs), zinc, and copper compared to the control group, indicating elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. CRP levels were 76.6 ± 85.9 mg/L in patients versus 5.6 ± 15.1 mg/L in controls (p < 0.001). PCT levels were 15.8 ± 8.6 ng/L in patients versus 2.3 ± 7.2 ng/L in controls (p = 0.012). Zinc and copper were also significantly elevated (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and trace elements, contributing to the growing understanding of oxidative stress as a prognostic tool in critical care. This could help to tailor therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing oxidative damage in ICU patients, enhancing patient outcomes.

An Additional Certification as a Centre for Geriatric Trauma Had No Benefit on Mortality Among Seriously Injured Elderly Patients-An Analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU® with Data of the Registry for Geriatric Trauma (ATR-DGU).

Background/Objectives: The number of seriously injured elderly patients is continuously rising. Several studies have underlined the benefit of orthogeriatric co-management in treating older patients with a proximal femur fracture. The basis of this orthogeriatric co-management is a certification as a Centre for Geriatric Trauma (ATZ). Data of seriously injured patients are collected in the TraumaRegister DGU® (TR-DGU) from participating trauma centres. We hypothesise that if a certified trauma centre is also a certified Centre for Geriatric Trauma, a benefit can be measured. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis was conducted from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021. The TraumaRegister DGU® collected the data prospectively. This retrospective multicentre registry study included patients 70 years or older with an abbreviated injury scale of ≥3 and intensive care unit treatment from 700 certified Trauma Centres and 110 Centres for Geriatric Trauma in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The primary outcome was mortality in in-hospital stays. Other outcome parameters were days of intubation, the length of stay in ICU, and in-hospital stays. Furthermore, the discharge target and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were analysed. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 27,531 patients. The majority of seriously injured patients (n = 23,007) were transported to certified trauma centres without certification as ATZ. A total of 4524 patients were transported to a trauma centre with additional ATZ certifications. Mortality and the Revised Injury Severity Classification II (RISC-II) model for prediction of mortality after trauma were higher in ATZ hospitals. Logistic regression analysis showed no effect on mortality by a certification as a centre for geriatric trauma in treating seriously injured elderly patients. Conclusions: We assume that the additional ATZ certification does not positively influence the treatment of seriously injured elderly patients. A potential side effect could not be measured.

Long-term health outcomes of COVID-19 in ICU- and non-ICU-treated patients up to 2 years after hospitalization: a longitudinal cohort study (CO-FLOW)

BackgroundMany patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experience long-term health problems, but comprehensive longitudinal data up to 2 years remain limited. We aimed to (1) assess 2-year trajectories of health outcomes, including comparison between intensive care unit (ICU) treated and non-ICU-treated patients, and (2) identify risk factors for prominent health problems post-hospitalization for COVID-19.MethodsThe CO-FLOW multicenter prospective cohort study followed adults hospitalized for COVID-19 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-discharge. Measurements included patient-reported outcomes (a.o., recovery, symptoms, fatigue, mental health, sleep quality, return to work, health-related quality of life [HRQoL]), and objective cognitive and physical tests. Additionally, routine follow-up data were collected.Results650 patients (median age 60.0 [IQR 53.0–67.0] years; 449/650 [69%] male) surviving hospitalization for COVID-19 were included, of whom 273/650 (42%) received ICU treatment. Overall, outcomes improved over time. Nonetheless, 73% (322/443) of patients had not completely recovered from COVID-19, with memory problems (274/443; 55%), concentration problems (259/443; 52%), and dyspnea (251/493; 51%) among most frequently reported symptoms at 2 years. Moreover, 61% (259/427) had poor sleep quality, 51% (222/433) fatigue, 23% (102/438) cognitive failures, and 30% (65/216) did not fully return to work. Objective outcome measures showed generally good physical recovery. Most outcomes were comparable between ICU- and non-ICU-treated patients at 2 years. However, ICU-treated patients tended to show slower recovery in neurocognitive symptoms, mental health outcomes, and resuming work than non-ICU-treated patients, while showing more improvements in physical outcomes. Particularly, female sex and/or pre-existing pulmonary disease were major risk factors for poorer outcomes.Conclusions73% (322/443) of patients had not completely recovered from COVID-19 by 2 years. Despite good physical recovery, long-term neurocognitive complaints, dyspnea, fatigue, and impaired sleep quality persisted. ICU-treated patients showed slower recovery in neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and resumption of work. Tailoring long-term COVID-19 aftercare to individual residual needs is essential. Follow-up is required to monitor further recovery.Trial registration: NL8710, registration date 12-06-2020.

Changes in Intensive Care Unit Mortality and Treatment Patterns in Acute Leukemia Patients over a 16-Year Period in China

Changes in Intensive Care Unit Mortality and Treatment Patterns in Acute Leukemia Patients over a 16-Year Period in China

Family Nurture Intervention and mother-preterm infant autonomic emotional connection in the neonatal intensive care unit: A review.

We review methods and outcomes of a novel parenting intervention, Family Nurture Intervention (FNI), that promotes early mother-infant autonomic co-regulation and emotional connection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). FNI involves individualised mother-infant calming sessions combined with maternal emotional expression. Two parallel group randomised controlled trials have evaluated FNI. The first,recruited 150 preterm newborns (26-34 weeks GA) and their mothers, randomised into two groups: FNI (n = 78) and Standard Care (SC) only (n = 72). Dyadic, infant and maternal outcomes were assessed at discharge, 18-months and 4-5 years corrected age. The second,recruited 135 infants from two level 4 NICUs (FNI n = 66, SC n = 69) with similar outcomes assessed at discharge/term equivalent. Relative to SC, FNI infants showed improved development and relational health through 5 years. At term age, FNI infants had better autonomic regulation and more mature brain activity and cortical connectivity on EEG. FNI mothers also reported fewer anxiety and depression symptoms post-discharge. At 18-month, FNI infants obtained higher cognitive and language scores, and lower attention and social behaviour scores than SC infants. FNI improves the early life development and relational health of high-risk preterm infants. Further research is important to assess its efficacy in other high-risk populations and contexts.

Analysis of Nirmatrelvir Entry into Pulmonary Lining Fluid in Patients with COVID-19: A Unique Perspective to Explore and Understand the Target Plasma Concentration of 292 ng/mL in Antiviral Activity.

Currently, the applicant has chosen a target plasma trough concentration for nirmatrelvir, which is adjusted to 292 ng/mL based on the drug's molecular weight (499.54 Daltons), its binding to human plasma proteins (69%), and the in vitro antiviral EC90 value (181 nM). However, the current exposure-effect relationships (ER) analysis of viral load in patients enrolled in the EPIC-HR study has not revealed clinically significant trends in the ER. Given that the lungs are the primary site of COVID-19 infection, we aim to further understand this exposure relationship by exploring and analyzing the penetration characteristics of nirmatrelvir in the lungs. To explore and understand the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL in antiviral activity. We identified all critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment in the respiratory intensive care unit of Changhai hospital between January 2023 and October 2023. Samples of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were obtained at pre-dose trough concentrations after administration of nirmatrelvir (NMV). The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was assessed by determining concentrations of NMV. There was a significant relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF (ELF = 0.4976*PLASMA- 204; R = 0.96), with a correlation whose slope (0.4976) suggested that the blood-to-ELF ratio of drug penetration was 2:1. A negative value from the equation indicates that NMV requires to reach baseline concentration to penetrate the ELF. The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF with low permeability and a negative baseline value suggests that the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL is insufficient for antiviral activity. This study provides a unique perspective to explore and understand no clinically meaningful trend of exposure-response relationships in patients enrolled in EPIC-HR.

Iatrogenic botulism after intragastric botulinum neurotoxin injections – a major outbreak

BackgroundIntragastric botulinum neurotoxin injections (IBNI) are offered off-label in the private medical sector in a few European countries as a safe and effective weight-loss measure. In February and March 2023, an outbreak of iatrogenic botulism occurred in several European countries following IBNI treatment in Turkey. This case series describes the clinical features of severe iatrogenic botulism after IBNI.MethodsWe retrospectively summarize the clinical course and emergency department and intensive care unit interventions in ten cases of severe iatrogenic botulism that occurred after receiving IBNI in this sudden outbreak in Austria and Germany.ResultsSeven out of ten cases initially showed characteristic symptoms of botulism with diplopia, dysphagia, dysarthria, dysarthrophonia, and descending paralysis. All patients were hospitalized, six in an intensive care unit and partially requiring mechanical ventilation. All patients recovered and were discharged without relevant permanent deficits.ConclusionOur study highlights ten clinical cases in this iatrogenic botulism outbreak, representing the largest reported outbreak worldwide. Clinicians should be aware of the risks associated with medical procedures involving botulinum neurotoxins and ensure measures to minimize the risk of iatrogenic botulism.

"I don't want hear about that": Treatment wishes/preferences of elderly patients regarding possible treatment goals in acute life-threatening illness or acute organ failure

Abstract Background In many people with acutely life-threatening illnesses, the will to undergo treatment is not known with sufficient precision. It is often unclear whether the person concerned would have consented to life-sustaining measures or would have preferred to die with palliative care. This applies in particular to the vulnerable group of elderly, chronically ill/fragile people. It is not uncommon for people to reject the risks/burdens of medical treatment, even if there is a chance of success. On the other hand, there are many people who fight to continue living, even if this can be associated with great burdens and the outcome is rather uncertain. Aim of the study is to determine the characteristics of cardiologic patients who refuse to discuss treatment wishes/preferences in case of acute emergencies, temporary (e.g. in the context of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment), or permanent (vegetative state) inability to consent. Methods Prospective, questionnaire-based cross-sectional study including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and assessment of quality of life using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) on normal cardiology wards. Results 455 cardiologic patients were interviewed (mean age 71.2 ± 12.9 years, 39.6% female), 76.1% had moderate-severe concomitant diseases according to the Carlsson Comorbidity Index (4.3 ± 2.4 points) (see Table I). 23.5 % of respondents did not wish to address the above-mentioned question, they were significantly older (74.6 ± 13.1 vs. 69.9 ± 12.8 years; p=0.0009), had more comorbidities, were less likely to have a high level of education (university degree: 13.0 % vs. 30.6 %; p=0.0021) and were less likely to be employed (11.7 % vs. 25.8 %; p=0.0026). Furthermore, these patients live alone more frequently (45.8% vs. 30.6%; p=0.0048) and are less likely to live in a partnership (52.0% vs. 68.0%; p=0.0043). Refusal of an advance directive was also more common (22.5% vs. 10.7%; p=0.05), quality of life was impaired (42.4 ± 9.8 vs. 45.9 ± 10.5 points; p=0.0022), and the HADS-score levels were higher (15.6 ± 7.3 vs. 12.7 ± 7.8 points; p=0.0007). Conclusions A relevant proportion of our patients refuse to discuss treatment wishes/preferences in case of acute emergencies, temporary or permanent inability to consent. Paradoxically, these were patients for whom it would make particular sense (older, sicker, and more socially isolated patients). Those patients are also prone to anxiety and depression, and have a reduced quality of life.

Valve unit instead of intensive care unit admission after transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair

Abstract Background Standardization of periprocedural pathways reduces the length of hospital stay and thus healthcare costs and increases patient safety. Post-procedure admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) after transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (T-TEER) has been the standard of care. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic related decline in high-care hospital beds, our center established primary admission to a dedicated general cardiologic care ward, the valve unit (VU). Aim To assess benefits and risks of admission to the VU instead of ICU after T-TEER. Methods This retrospective observational study included 270 consecutive patients who underwent T-TEER between March 2017 and June 2023 at our university hospital. Patients were admitted to the ICU post-procedure up to April 9th 2020 as standard (ICU-group, n = 53). Subsequent patients were planned for admission to a dedicated VU (VU-group, n = 217). We compared the groups and assessed length of hospital stay and in-hospital complications. In the VU-group, we examined unplanned transfer to the ICU (cross-over) and its predictors. Results Monitoring at the VU included continuous telemetric ECG-recording, oxygen saturation assessment, periodical blood pressure measurements and 24-hours physician presence. In contrast to the ICU, only non-invasive blood pressure measurements, less frequent laboratory controls and less intense fluid monitoring took place. The postinterventional hospital stay of patients with planned VU admission was significantly shorter compared to patients with planned ICU admission (median 4 (interquartile range (IQR) 3 - 5) vs. 4 (IQR 4 - 5) days, p = 0.030). Remarkably, overall complication rates were low and cardiogenic shock, infections, bleeding, vascular complications, delirium and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis were similar in both groups. 37 patients that were planned for VU had to cross over to unplanned ICU admission (17.1 %). Patients that had crossed over to unplanned ICU treatment had significantly higher risk for acute kidney injury (20.0 vs. 10.0%, p = 0.039) and in-hospital mortality (5.6 vs. 0%, p = 0.045). Higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (OR 1.048, 95 %-CI 1.015 – 1.082, p = 0.003), NYHA functional class &amp;gt;= III (OR 9.176, 95 % CI 1.141 – 74.396, p = 0.037), and pre-interventional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) grade V (OR 2.941, 95 % CI 1.089 – 7.970, p = 0.033) were found to independently predict cross-over to unplanned ICU treatment. Conclusion Postinterventional admission to the VU instead of ICU after T-TEER shortens postprocedural hospital stay. A small proportion of had an unplanned transfer to ICU, which was accompanied by slightly higher complication rates. This cross-over affects patients with more advanced disease indicated by high pulmonary pressures, NYHA class and TR grade. Thus, admission to a valve unit is favorable for most patients after T-TEER, but those with advanced disease should be monitored more closely.

Microaxial Flow Pump Hemodynamic and Metabolic Effects in Infarct-Related Cardiogenic Shock

Mechanical circulatory support with a microaxial flow pump (MAFP) has been shown to improve survival in ST-elevation myocardial infarction-induced cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS). Understanding the impact on hemodynamic stability over time is crucial for optimizing patient treatment. To determine if an MAFP reduces the need for pharmacological circulatory support without compromising hemodynamics compared with standard care in STEMI-CS. This was a substudy of the Danish-German (DanGer) Shock trial, an international, multicenter, open-label randomized clinical trial. Patients from 14 heart centers across Denmark, Germany, and the UK were enrolled. Inclusion criteria for the trial were STEMI and systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg or ongoing vasopressor treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 45%, and arterial lactate level greater than 2.5 mmol/L. Of the enrolled patients, after exclusions from death in the catheterization laboratory or immediately on intensive care unit (ICU) admission, the remaining patients had serial recordings of hemodynamics, arterial lactate, and use of vasoactive drugs. Patients who were in comas after cardiac arrest and patients with mechanical complications or right ventricular failure were excluded. Data were analyzed from May to September 2024. MAFP and standard of care or standard of care alone. Hemodynamic status in terms of heart rate and blood pressure, metabolic status in terms of arterial lactate concentration, and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS). The clinical events during the first 72 hours were as follows: death from all causes, escalation of mechanical circulatory support, and discharge alive from the ICU. From 355 enrolled patients, 324 (mean [IQR] age, 68 [58-75] years; 259 male [80%]) underwent ICU treatment (169 [52%] in the MAFP group, 155 [48%] in the standard-care group). Baseline characteristics were balanced. There was no difference in heart rate between groups, and mean arterial pressure was above the treatment target of 65 mm Hg in both groups but was achieved with a lower VIS in the MAFP group. No difference in arterial lactate level was found between groups at randomization, but on arrival to the ICU, the MAFP group had significantly lower arterial lactate levels compared with the standard-care group (mean difference, 1.3 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.7-1.9 mmol/L), a difference that persisted throughout the first 24 hours of observation. The MAFP group achieved lactate normalization (<2 mmol/L) 12 hours (95% CI, 5-18 hours) before the standard-care group. Use of a MAFP reduces the use of vasopressors and inotropic medication while maintaining hemodynamic stability and achieving faster normalization of lactate level in patients with STEMI-CS. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01633502.

Artificial Intelligence in Radiology, Emergency, and Remote Healthcare: A Snapshot of Present and Future Applications

This paper critically examines artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector and aims to identify concrete points of challenges and business value propositions first in radiology and then across healthcare more broadly. It discusses current applications in radiology and future uses of AI in healthcare, focusing on three main areas: (i) emergency incidents handling, (ii) intensive care unit treatment and (iii) augmented telemedicine, to which emergency radiology is a critical success factor. Despite some risks and compliance issues that need to be taken care of, this paper clearly shows that AI has the potential (a) to reengineer the business processes of the healthcare sector, using AI-assisted radiology as a driver and (b) to improve the effectiveness of the healthcare system as well as (c) to increase the quality provision of healthcare services. Despite its slow adoption, AI-assisted healthcare can indeed offer business/operational solutions that benefit all healthcare stakeholders.

Options for optimizing noninvasive respiratory support in the development of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure

Introduction. Acute respiratory failure (ARF) remains one of the most relevant problems of modern medicine and intensive care, and respiratory support (RS) remains the indispensable method of temporary external respiratory function replacement. Despite of widespread use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in clinical practice, at present systematic scientific data about possibilities for optimizing the use of these methods of RS in patients with hypoxemic ARF development is absent. It can be assumed that the combination of mask NIV and high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) at the stage of ARF development can improve results of treatment in this group of patients.The objective was to improve the results of treatment in patients with hypoxemic ARF through the combined use of mask NIV and HFOT.Materials and methods. The prospective cohort study included 77 patients aged 46.8 ± 11.8 years. Patients were randomized into three groups: in group A, RS was performed by using NIV and traditional low-flow oxygen therapy, in group B – by using HFOT, in group C – by sequential combination of NIV sessions and HFOT. The groups compared gas exchange rates, RS duration, intubation rate and nosocomial pneumonia (NP) incidence, length of treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospitalizations, overall mortality, and prognostic factors for tracheal intubation were also studied.Results. The combination of mask NIV and HFOT was found to be more clinically effective compared to their separate use. Combination of mask NIV and HFOT had the best effect on gas exchange rates in the long term period, reduced RS duration, intubation rate and pneumonia incidence, ICU treatment duration. Risk factors for tracheal intubation were revealed: RS duration more than 4.5 days, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) more than 18 cm of water.Conclusions. The combination of mask NIV and HFOT increases the therapeutic potential of each of these RS methods and improves the results of treatment in patients with hypoxemic ARF development.