Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Score Research Articles

Prognostic value of plasma heat shock protein A12B levels in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the role of heat shock protein A 12B (HSPA 12B) as a potential prognosis biomarker for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods The study involved 30 patients with MODS,including non-survivors (n=16) and survivors (n=14).Thirty patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and 15 healthy controls to evaluate the prognostic value of HSPA12B.The levels of plasma HSPA12B and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The level of plasma HSPA12B was significandy higher in patients with MODS than that in other two groups (P＜0.001).There is no differences in HSPA12B levels between SIRS patients and healthy volunteers (P=0.647).Level of HSPA12B in non-survivors was significantly higher than that in survivors (P＜0.05).Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ)score,MODS score,Sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA) score,and length of mechanical ventilation in non-survivors were significantly higher than surviors.For prognostic value of HSPA12B,it has a area under the cure(AUC)of0.826(95％ CI:0.663-0.989,P＜0.01),significantly higher than IL-6.Conclusions Increased plasma HSPA12B within 24 h after onset of MODS can be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker in patients. Key words: Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome; Heat shock protein A12B; Prognosis

Prognosis and weaning of elderly multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients with invasive mechanical ventilation

Background Elderly multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation have poor prognosis in intensive care units (ICUs). We studied the usefulness of four commonly used severity scores and extrapulmonary factors that affected weaning to predict outcome of such patients. Methods Clinical data of 197 patients on admission to ICUs (from January 2009 to June 2012) were used retrospectively. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, APACHE III, Sample Acute Physiological Score (SAPS) II and MODS scores were calculated. All the patients were grouped into survivors and nonsurvivors according to the prognosis. Patients, who weaned from ventilator (n=154), were subdivided into a successful weaning group and a failed weaning group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Logistic regression was used for prognostic and weaning assessment. Results Based on the outcomes, the areas under the ROC of APACHE II, APACHE III, SAPS II, and MODS were 0.837, 0.833, 0.824, and 0.837, respectively. The Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio (OR) of underlying lung diseases, serum albumin and creatinine, and the number of organ failures was 2.374, 0.920, 1.003, and 1.547. APACHE II scores on admission performed excellent (ROC: 0.921) on the weaning assessments. Conclusions APACHE II and MODS systems were marginally better for evaluating the prognosis of elderly MODS patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation. Underlying lung diseases, serum albumin, serum creatinine and the number of organ failures were independent prognostic factors. Using the APACHE II scores on admission before weaning may increase the likelihood of successful weaning. (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT01802983).

Combined use of non-biological artificial liver treatments for patients with acute liver failure complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Acute liver failure (ALF) caused by viral and non-viral hepatitis is often accompanied with severe metabolic disorders, the accumulation of toxic substances and continuous release and accumulation of a large number of endogenous toxins and inflammatory mediators. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of various combined non-biological artificial liver treatments for patients with acute liver failure (ALF) complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Thirty-one patients with mid- or late-stage liver failure complicated by MODS (score 4) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: plasmapheresis (PE) combined with hemoperfusion (HP) and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), PE+CVVHDF, and HP+CVVHDF, respectively. Heart rate (HR) before and after treatment, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory index (PaO2/FiO2), hepatic function, platelet count, and blood coagulation were determined. Significant improvement was observed in HR, MAP, PaO2/FiO2, total bilirubin (TBIL) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after treatment (P<0.05). TBIL and ALT decreased more significantly after treatment in the PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P<0.01). Prothrombin time (PT) and albumin were significantly improved only in the PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P<0.05). TBIL decreased more significantly in the PE+HP+CVVHDF group than in the HP+CVVHDF and PE+CVVHDF groups (P<0.05). The survival rate of the patients was 58.1% (18/31), viral survival rate 36.4% (4/11), and non-viral survival rate 70% (14/20). Liver function was relatively improved after treatment, but PE+HP+CVVHDF was more efficient for the removal of toxic metabolites, especially bilirubin. The survival rate was significantly higher in the patients with non-viral liver failure than in those with viral liver failure.

Impact of sedation and organ failure on continuous heart and respiratory rate variability monitoring in critically ill patients

Our aim is to better characterize the impact of sedation and its interruption on continuously monitored heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability in critically ill patients. We aim to explore whether sedation reduces heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability in critically ill patients and whether the extent of reduction depends on degree of organ dysfunction. Prospective observational pilot study. Intensive care unit in tertiary care teaching hospital. Thirty-three critically ill adult patients experiencing respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Electrocardiogram and end-tidal capnography waveform capture were initiated from admission or intubation, respectively, and continued to intensive care unit discharge or a maximum of 14 d. All patient days with a sedation interruption (defined as cessation of a continuous infusion of sedation agent) were identified. Mean heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability were computed over two periods: 4 hrs directly prior to the sedation interruption, and the duration of sedation interruption (median: 1 hr 45 mins, interquartile range: 4 hrs 15 mins or max 4 hrs). Severity of organ dysfunction was assessed through multiple organ dysfunction syndrome scores, and sedative agents were recorded for each sedation interruption. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome levels were defined as low (0-2), medium (3-4), and high (> 4). Variability before and during sedation interruption was compared and analyzed across multiple organ dysfunction syndrome levels and sedative types. Our results suggest that both heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability increased during sedation interruption (p < 0.05 for coefficient of variation). Patients with low and medium multiple organ dysfunction syndrome experienced greater increase in heart rate variability during sedation interruption (p < 0.05 for coefficient of variation), compared to patients with high multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, who failed to mount a significant increase in heart rate variability when sedation was stopped. Similarly, sedation interruption led to increased respiratory rate variability for low multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients (p < 0.05 for SD), but in contrast, a further deterioration in respiratory rate variability occurred in the high multiple organ dysfunction syndrome patients. All trends persisted when controlling for sedative agents. Interruption of sedation allows for uncovering a greater restoration of heart rate variability and respiratory rate variability in patients with low organ failure. The further reduction in respiratory variability during the elimination of sedation in patients with high multiple organ dysfunction syndrome suggests a differential response and benefit from sedation interruption, and merits further investigation. As reduced variability correlates with severity of illness, and need for sedation depends on organ failure, variability monitoring may offer a dynamic measure of a variable response to the benefit, timing, and duration of sedation interruption.

Effects of continuons blood purification on patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) on the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods All data about forty-five patients with SAP admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from June 2005 through June 2010 were reviewed.These 45 patients were randomly (random number ) divided into routine treatment group (n =22 ) and comprehensive treatment group ( n =23 ).In control group,patients were rapidly given with a suffficient liquid support,vasoactive drug to increase organ perfusion,trypsin secretion inhibitor,broad-spectrum antibiotics,enteral nutrition with intestine membrane protective agent in early stage.In the comprehensive treatment group,patients received CVVH integrated with routine treatment.On admission and 72 h posttreatment,the scores of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ ( APACHE Ⅱ ) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS),and the results of standard bettery of biochemistry tests indcluding blood urea nitrogen (BUN),serum cratinine (Scr),total bilirubin (TBIL),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),amylase (AMS),C-reactive protein (CRP),TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 were observed.Time of mechanical ventilation support,length of ICU stay,and survival rate were compared between two groups.Results On admission between the two groups,no statistical significance was seen in the APACHE Ⅱ and MODS score,BUN,Scr,TBIL,ALT,AMS,CRP,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 (P ＞ 0.05).But APACHE Ⅱ and MODS score were decreased significantly in comprehensive treatment group than in the routine treatment group,as well as the the level of BUN,Scr,TBIL,ALT,AMS,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and CRP after 72h post-treatment (P＜0.05 ).In routine treatment group and comprehensive treatment group,the time of respirator intervention and length of stay in ICU were (7.6±3.4) d vs.(11.5±4.7) d,(12.3±7.8) dvs.(17.6±9.2) d respectively,the statistical significance was shown ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Compared to the comprehensive treatment group ( 86.96％ ),the survival rate ( 59.09％ ) were lower in routine treatment group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions CVVH combined with routine treatment,which can remove inflammatory agents and toxins,maintain homoeostasis,and improve oxygenation,is effective in treatment of SAP and can improve patient survival rate. Key words: Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration; Continuous blood purification; Severe acute pancreatitis; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS); Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) ; Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS); Treatment; Evaluation

Clinical characteristics of critical patients with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in Chengdu, China

The critical illness of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection may be associated with relatively poor outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe clinical features and factors associated with the deaths of critical patients. Medical records of 26 critical patients with H1N1 infection admitted from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was established by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The mean age of the patients was (40.4 ± 18.4) years and 73.1% of them were male. Clinical manifestations included fever, cough, and sputum production. The laboratory findings included leukocytosis, lymphopenia, C-reaction protein, and lactic dehydrogenase elevation. In this series, 17 subjects survived and 9 died. The parameters between the deaths and survivors were compared, which included acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores (23.8 ± 10.1 vs. 14.3 ± 6.6, P<0.05), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores (13.3 ± 3.0 vs. 6.6 ± 3.3, P<0.05), and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) scores (7.4 ± 2.5 vs. 3.3 ± 1.7, P<0.05). The cases of deaths had higher incidences of cardiovascular failure (100% vs. 41.2%, P<0.05), renal failure (55.6% vs. 11.7%, P<0.05), encephalopathy (44.4% vs. 5.9%, P<0.05), hepatic failure (33.3% vs. 5.9%, P<0.05), and septic shock (33.3% vs. 17.6%, P<0.05). The critical patients with H1N1 infection have high APACHE II, SOFA, and MODS scores, which may be associated with an increased risk of death and complex clinical courses.

Association between the polymorphisms of cluster of differentiation 14 gene promoters and the susceptibility of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome after severe chest trauma

To investigate the polymorphisms of cluster of differentiation 14(CD14)gene promoters and explore whether such polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS) in Chongqing population. The single nucleotide polymorphisms of the promoter region of CD14 gene at position -1145 and -159 were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 106 patients with severe chest trauma, among whom 47 were with MODS. Trauma patients carrying G allele tended to have a higher risk of MODS than those carrying A allele at position-1145, the MODS scores in trauma patients carrying G allele were significantly higher than those carrying A allele (P=0.217 for dominant effect and P=0.037 for recessive effect), and the MODS scores in trauma patients carrying T allele were significantly higher than those carrying C allele at position -159 (P=0.048 for dominant effect and P=0.198 for recessive effect). The genotypes of CD14 gene at positions -1145 and -159 were significantly correlated with the MODS scores (P=0.043,P=0.046). Compare with single-point mutation, simultaneous two-point mutation had significantly higher risk of MODS (Pü0.01), while the difference of MODS scores showed no statistical significance (P=0.239). The polymorphisms of CD14 gene promoters are associated with MODS after severe chest trauma in Chongqing population.

EARLY ELEVATION IN RANDOM PLASMA IL-6 AFTER SEVERE INJURY IS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF ORGAN FAILURE

Excessive proinflammatory activation after trauma plays a role in late morbidity and mortality, including the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). To date, identification of patients at risk has been challenging. Results from animal and human studies suggest that circulating interleukin 6 (IL-6) may serve as a biomarker for excessive inflammation. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the association of IL-6 with outcome in a multicenter developmental cohort and in a single-center validation cohort. Severely injured patients with shock caused by hemorrhage were evaluated within a multicenter developmental cohort (n = 79). All had blood drawn within 12 h of injury. Plasma IL-6 was determined by multiplex proteomic analysis. Clinical and outcome data were prospectively obtained. Within this developmental cohort, a plasma IL-6 level was determined for the subsequent development of MODS by developing a receiver operating curve and defining the optimal IL-6 level using the Youden Index. This IL-6 level was then evaluated within a separate validation cohort (n = 56). A receiver operating curve was generated for IL-6 and MODS development, with an IL-6 level of 350 pg/mL having the highest sensitivity and specificity within the developmental cohort. IL-6 was associated with MODS after adjusting for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, Injury Severity Score, male sex, and blood transfusions with an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.33 - 11.19). An IL-6 level greater than 350 pg/mL within the validation cohort was associated with an increase in MODS score, MODS development, ventilator days, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay. However, this IL-6 level was not associated with either the development of nosocomial infection or mortality. Elevation in plasma IL-6 seems to correlate with a poor prognosis. This measurement may be useful as a biomarker for prognosis and serve to identify patients at higher risk of adverse outcome that would benefit from novel therapeutic interventions.

Treatment of septic shock from upper urinary obstruction

Objective To investigate the treatment of septic shock(SS) from upper urinary obstruction(UUO). Methods Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration(CVVH) combined with surgical method was applied to 42 SS patients from UUO. Their general conditions, liver and kidney functions, APACHE Ⅱ, therapeutic intervention scorisystem(TISS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), complication rate and main outcomes were analysed comparing with traditional therapies groups(n=30). Results Compared with those traditional therapies, the APACHEⅡ , MODS and TISS score decreased (P＜0.05). Thirty-seven out of 42 patients survived and the survival rate was 88.0% during ICU. Conclusion CVVH combined with surgical methods may effectively decrease the incidence of complications and mortality of SS from UUO, and the mechanism may be related to the remove of mediators of inflammation. Key words: Upper urinary obstruction; Septic shock; Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration

Prediction of Survival in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock and Multiorgan Failure Treated With Biventricular Assist Device

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is valuable in saving the lives of patients with severe cardiogenic shock. However, their survival is limited if multiorgan failure (MOF) proves to be irreversible. Although ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been shown to reverse end-organ failure in some patients, the pathophysiological mechanisms of end-organ failure and its regression are not fully understood, and clinical markers and thresholds for the "point of no return" are lacking. We investigated predictors of 30-day survival in patients supported with a biventricular assist device (BVAD). We studied 157 patients implanted with a Berlin Heart EXCOR BVAD between 1987 and 2006. Children younger than 10 years and cases with postcardiotomy syndrome and transplant failure were excluded from the analysis as well as patients with technical or bleeding problems requiring rethoracotomy. In total, 69 clinical, hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters were evaluated. Most of the patients suffered from ischemic cardiomyopathy or acute myocardial infarction. In addition, the preoperative multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups regarding procedural success: group I-survival >30 days or heart transplantation or weaning from device (n = 105) and group II-death on system <30 days after surgery (n = 52). The 30-day procedural success rate was 67%. The patients in group I had higher systolic blood pressure (96.7 vs. 90.1 mm Hg, p = 0.027), lower serum creatinine (1.96 vs. 2.4 mg/dl, p = 0.001), and higher arterial pH (7.43 vs. 7.37, p = 0.02). The multivariate analysis recognized age, body temperature, systolic blood pressure, MODS score, and higher arterial pH as significant predictors for 30-day mortality. Standard markers for severity of cardiogenic shock and MOF do not predict survival on BVAD. As expected, older patients are at higher risk for death on BVAD. Acidosis and high MODS score predict unfavorable outcome. However, the prediction of clinical outcome in patients in severe cardiogenic shock supported by BVAD is possible in extreme situations only.

Breakdown of the Gut Barrier in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome is Attenuated by Continuous Blood Purification: Effects on Tight Junction Structural Proteins

Breakdown of the gut barrier increases intestinal permeability and allows movement of intraluminal contents across the mucosa, which can lead to distant organ injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Intestinal permeability is associated with alterations in cellular tight junctions involving the structural proteins occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous blood purification (CBP) on gut barrier function in patients with MODS. Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin, epithelial monolayer permeability, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) were used as markers for the assessment of gut barrier function in 22 patients with MODS who underwent continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CWH) for 24 hours. Blood samples were taken from patients at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours during CWH therapy. Serum DAO and endotoxin were determined by spectrophotography. Permeability and TER were assessed using Caco-2 cell monolayers. Occludin and ZO-1 protein levels were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining. And inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels and nitric oxide (NO) production were determined by real-time PCR and spectrophotography, respectively. Gut barrier dysfunction was evident in patients with MODS compared with normal controls. Serum DAO, endotoxin levels, and epithelial permeability were elevated, while TER was decreased in patients with MODS, and this change was more pronounced in nonsurvivors. Breakdown and reorganization of occludin and ZO-1 away from tight junctions was found in all MODS patients. After CBP treatment, APACHE II and MODS scores improved significantly. Serum DAO and endotoxin levels and epithelial permeability also diminished, while TER increased in all patients; CBP significantly attenuated breakdown and reorganization of tight junction proteins, and also attenuated the inflammation-induced increase in iNOS mRNA expression and NO production. Breakdown of gut barrier function is present in patients with MODS and may be correlated with poor outcomes in the disease. CBP can not only improve the general conditions, as measured by the APACHE II score, but also improve gut barrier dysfunction by attenuating the breakdown and reorganization of occludin and ZO-1. This beneficial effect of CBP on gut barrier dysfunction is associated with down-regulation of iNOS.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ulinastatin in Trauma Patients with Hemorrhagic Shock

We investigated the use of ulinastatin in association with the suppression of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMNE), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and its effects on the prognosis of patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Nineteen patients who visited the emergency department for traumatic hemorrhagic shock were enrolled. Eleven patients were randomly selected to receive a total of 300,000 IU of ulinastatin. Measurements of serum PMNE, TNF-α and IL-6 were taken before ulinastatin treatment at 24 hr, two days, three days, and seven days after admission. We compared the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome scores, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome scores and Acute Physiology, age, Chronic Health Evaluation III scores of the control and ulinastatin groups. There were no significant differences in baseline values, laboratory data, treatment or mortality between the two groups. The serum PMNE levels in the ulinastatin group were lower than in the control group on the second hospitalized day. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the ulinastatin group decreased 24 hr after admission but had no significance. It is suggested that ulinastatin treatment could decrease the serum PMNE levels in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock at 48 hr after treatment.

Clinical value of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score in evaluating prognosis for patients with liver failure

Objective To study clinical value of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) score to evaluate prognosis for patients with liver failure. Methods A total of 189 patients with liver failure were recruited into the study, 125 deaths and 64 survivals. Their vital sign, platelets count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio of PT (INRPT), fraction of inhaled oxygen (FiO2), arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), serum levels of total bilirubin (TB), albumin (ALB), creatinine (Cr), pressure-adjusted heart rate (PAHR), glasgow coma score (GCS), degree of aacitic fluid (DAF) and stage of hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) were evaluated within 24 hours after admission. Each of the patients scored according to the criteria of MODS score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Difference in MODS score between death and survival groups was compared and accuracy of prognosis of MODS score, CTP score and MELD score were evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Survival time of patients in the two groups classified by their MODS scores was compared with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve. Results There was significant difference in PT, INRPT, PaO2, Cr, GCS, SHE between death and survival groups, but there was no difference in TB, ALB, PLT, FiO2, PHAR and DAF between them. Mean score of MODS in death group (9±2) was significantly higher than that in survival group (7±1) (t=9.076, P<0.01). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of MODS score (0.814) was close to that of MELD score (0.827), but higher than that of CTP score (0.714). There was significant difference in survival time between the varied groups classified by MODS score (χ2=72.451, P<0.01). Conclusions Clinical value of MODS score is equivalent to that of MELD score in evaluating prognosis for patients with liver failure, even better than that of CTP score, which can be used to evaluate short-term prognosis for patients with liver failure. Key words: Liver failure; Evaluation studies; Prognosis

Application of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnostic criteria for patients at an early phase of trauma

Introduction To validate the diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) established by the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) at an early stage of trauma and to evaluate the hypothesis that the JAAM criteria can diagnose DIC with a higher sensitivity than the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) overt DIC criteria. Materials and Methods Based on a review of medical records, the data of 314 trauma patients were retrospectively obtained at 4 time points within 24 hr after arrival to the Emergency Department. Results One hundred and forty-one JAAM DIC patients (44.9%) showed differences in the prevalence of massive bleeding and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and the outcome in comparison to the non-DIC patients. A stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum JAAM DIC scores independently predicted the patient death. All of the patients who developed ISTH overt DIC could be identified by the JAAM DIC criteria at early time points. The mortality rate and the incidence of massive bleeding and MODS of the patients with the ISTH overt DIC were higher than those only met the JAAM DIC criteria. Stepwise increases in the ISTH overt DIC scores and the incidence of the overt DIC were observed in accordance with the increases in the JAAM DIC scores. While the mortality rates were identical, there were marked differences in the incidence of MODS and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores between the DIC patients associated with trauma and sepsis. Conclusions The results show that the JAAM scoring system has acceptable validity for the DIC diagnosis at an early phase of trauma, and also that the scoring system can diagnose DIC with a higher sensitivity than the criteria of the ISTH overt DIC. Bleeding as well as MODS may affect the prognosis of the patients associated with DIC.

Use of Leukoreduced Blood Does Not Reduce Infection, Organ Failure, or Mortality Following Trauma

BackgroundLeukoreduced (LR) blood has been demonstrated to reduce morbidity and mortality in high-risk surgical patients, but not in trauma patients. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of LR blood on morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that the use of LR blood does not improve outcome in trauma patients.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis of trauma patients transfused at a level 1 Trauma Center from 2001 to 2004. Between 2002 and 2003, LR blood was transfused. Prior to that time and subsequent to it, non-leukoreduced (NLR) blood was transfused. This created two historical comparison groups. Data collected included patient demographics, units of blood transfused, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital days, ventilator days, injury severity score (ISS), mortality, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and infectious complications. A multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) score was calculated.ResultsThe distribution of patients was as follows: 284 patients received only NLR blood, 153 received only LR blood, and 58 received at least one unit of each. The mean ISS was similar (NLR: 26, LR: 24; P > 0.1). No differences were seen between groups in units transfused (6.2 vs. 5.5), number of ICU days (8.2 vs. 9.0), number of hospital days (16.9 vs. 18.6), number of ventilator days (6.1 vs. 5.7), incidence of ARDS (8.3% vs. 8.5%), MODS score (5.5 vs. 5.9), mortality rate (15.1% vs. 15.7%), or infection rate (36% vs. 30%) (P > 0.1).ConclusionsThis study represents the largest series comparing trauma patients who received either LR or standard blood transfusions. The use of LR blood does not improve outcome in trauma patients.

Use of corticosteroids in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis*

Controversy remains as to whether low-dose corticosteroids can reduce the mortality and morbidity of acute lung injury (ALI) or the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) without increasing the risk of adverse reactions. We aimed to evaluate all studies investigating prolonged corticosteroids in low-to-moderate dose in ALI or ARDS. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Content, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of retrieved articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reported in any language that used 0.5-2.5 mg.kg.d of methylprednisolone or equivalent to treat ALI/ARDS. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and included study design, patient characteristics, interventions, and mortality and morbidity outcomes. Both cohort studies (five studies, n = 307) and RCTs (four trials, n = 341) showed a similar trend toward mortality reduction (RCTs relative risk 0.51, 95% CI 0.24-1.09; p = 0.08; cohort studies relative risk 0.66, 95% CI 0.43-1.02; p = 0.06). The overall relative risk was 0.62 (95% CI 0.43-0.91; p = 0.01). There was also improvement in length of ventilation-free days, length of intensive care unit stay, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome Score, Lung Injury Scores, and improvement in Pao2/Fio2. There was no increase in infection, neuromyopathy, or any major complications. There was significant heterogeneity in the pooled studies. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that heterogeneity had minimal effect on treatment efficacy; however, these findings were limited by the small number of studies used in the analyses. The use of low-dose corticosteroids was associated with improved mortality and morbidity outcomes without increased adverse reactions. The consistency of results in both study designs and all outcomes suggests that they are an effective treatment for ALI or ARDS. The mortality benefits in early ARDS should be confirmed by an adequately powered randomized trial.

The therapeutic efficacy of continuous blood purification for severe acute renal failure after cardiac surgery

Objective To evaluate the efficiency and the timing of continuous blood purification(CBP) in patients with multiple or-gan dysfunction syndrome(MODS) and acute renal failure(ARF) following cardiac surgery. Methods From November,2003 to July,2007,thirty-one patients with MODS and ARF following cardiac surgery were treated with CBP. They were divided into two groups, alive group ( group A) and dead group ( group B). Clinical data of the two groups were reviewed. Before CBP, duration of extracorporeal circulation, du-ated. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygenic index (PaO2/FiO2), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT) and renal function (blood urea nitrogen, BUN, ercatinine, Cr) were observed before and after CBP. Results The number of im-paired organs of patients in group B was significantly more than that in group A before CBP ( P＜0.05). MODS scores ( 12.9±3.2 vs 6.9 ±2.3, P＜0.05) and APACHE Ⅱ scores (26.3±10.4 vs 17.2±5.1, P＜0.05)of group B were significantly higher than those of group A before CBP. After treatment of CBP for 24 hours, APACHE Ⅱ scores and MODS scores only significantly decreased in group A (P＜0.05 ). After treatment of CBP, Cr and BUN significantly reduced, while MAP and PaO2/FiO2 increased, in all patients, but HR was signif-icantly lower than that before CBP in group A (P＜0.05). The duration of ARF (34.67±32.79 hours vs 13.05±14.09 hours,P＜cantly higher than those of group A. Conclusion MODS scores and APACHE II scores can be used to evaluate the severity of patients with MODS and ARF after cardiac surgery. CBP is an effective treatment for these patients. It is suggested that early CBP therapy is important for reducing the chances of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and mortality of these patients. Key words: Hemofiltration; Kidney failure, acute; Cardiac surgical proceduros/AE

Combining Early Coagulation and Inflammatory Status Improves Prediction of Mortality in Burned and Nonburned Trauma Patients

After injury, there is a synergistic response between inflammation and coagulation systems. We hypothesized that combining markers of these processes and standard clinical indices would improve early prediction of in- hospital mortality in burned and nonburned trauma patients. Patients admitted to the surgical or burn intensive care unit within 24 hours of injury with an anticipated stay >or=3 days were enrolled during a one year period. Upon admission, blood was drawn for thromboelastography, plasma-based clotting assays, and cytokine levels. Clinical indices and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) scores were recorded. Candidate variables evaluated included age, percentage third degree burns, inhalation injury, percentage total body surface area burns, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-8, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), maximal amplitude reflective of clot strength, group (burn or nonburn) and admission MODS. Multiple logistic regression with stepwise selection and likelihood ratio test was performed to identify predictors for mortality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the diagnostic performance of identified predictors. Validation of the model with an additional cohort was performed. For model development, we enrolled 25 burned and 33 nonburned trauma patients (20 blunt and 13 penetrating injuries). Fifteen deaths occurred. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified six independent risk factors for death: age, percentage third degree burns, inhalation injury, tumor necrosis factor alpha level, maximal amplitude, and MODS score with an area under ROC curve of 0.961 (95% confidence interval: 0.891, 1.000, p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve for the validation cohort (n = 66) was 0.936 (95% confidence interval: 0.875, 0.997, p < 0.001). Our model improves prediction of in-hospital mortality in comparison to previous methods for burn and nonburn trauma patients. Furthermore, our model is equally applicable to all patients regardless of type of traumatic injury (nonburn or burn). This improvement is because of the inclusion of patient's early coagulation and inflammatory status in addition to standard clinical indices. These data provide a baseline within which to measure incremental improvements in care.

Analysis of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac index in multiple injured patients: a prospective cohort study

IntroductionIncreased serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been identified for diagnosis and prognosis of impaired cardiac function in patients suffering from congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and sepsis. However, the prognostic value of BNP in multiple injured patients developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remains undetermined. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) in multiple injured patients and to correlate the results with invasively assessed cardiac output and clinical signs of MODS.MethodsTwenty-six multiple injured patients presenting a New Injury Severity Score of greater than 16 points were included. The MODS score was calculated on admission as well as 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury. Patients were subdivided into groups: group A showed minor signs of organ dysfunction (MODS score less than or equal to 4 points) and group B suffered from major organ dysfunction (MODS score of greater than 4 points). Venous blood (5 mL) was collected after admission and 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury. NT-proBNP was determined using the Elecsys proBNP® assay. The hemodynamic monitoring of cardiac index (CI) was performed using transpulmonary thermodilution.ResultsSerum NT-proBNP levels were elevated in all 26 patients. At admission, the serum NT-proBNP values were 116 ± 21 pg/mL in group A versus 209 ± 93 pg/mL in group B. NT-proBNP was significantly lower at all subsequent time points in group A in comparison with group B (P < 0.001). In contrast, the CI in group A was significantly higher than in group B at all time points (P < 0.001). Concerning MODS score and CI at 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury, an inverse correlation was found (r = -0.664, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a correlation was found comparing MODS score and serum NT-proBNP levels (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSerum NT-proBNP levels significantly correlate with clinical signs of MODS 24 hours after multiple injury. Furthermore, a distinct correlation of serum NT-proBNP and decreased CI was found. The data of this pilot study may indicate a potential value of NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of post-traumatic cardiac impairment. However, further studies are needed to elucidate this issue.

Methylprednisolone Infusion in Early Severe ARDS: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

To determine the effects of low-dose prolonged methylprednisolone infusion on lung function in patients with early severe ARDS. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. ICUs of five hospitals in Memphis. Ninety-one patients with severe early ARDS (</= 72 h), 66% with sepsis. Patients were randomized (2:1 fashion) to methylprednisolone infusion (1 mg/kg/d) vs placebo. The duration of treatment was up to 28 days. Infection surveillance and avoidance of paralysis were integral components of the protocol. The predefined primary end point was a 1-point reduction in lung injury score (LIS) or successful extubation by day 7. In intention-to-treat analysis, the response of the two groups (63 treated and 28 control) clearly diverged by day 7, with twice the proportion of treated patients achieving a 1-point reduction in LIS (69.8% vs 35.7%; p = 0.002) and breathing without assistance (53.9% vs 25.0%; p = 0.01). Treated patients had significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels, and by day 7 had lower LIS and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome scores. Treatment was associated with a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.002), ICU stay (p = 0.007), and ICU mortality (20.6% vs 42.9%; p = 0.03). Treated patients had a lower rate of infections (p = 0.0002), and infection surveillance identified 56% of nosocomial infections in patients without fever. Methylprednisolone-induced down-regulation of systemic inflammation was associated with significant improvement in pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ dysfunction and reduction in duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.