Risk Factors For ICU Mortality Research Articles

Factor analysis based on SHapley Additive exPlanations for sepsis-associated encephalopathy in ICU mortality prediction using XGBoost - a retrospective study based on two large database.

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is strongly linked to a high mortality risk, and frequently occurs in conjunction with the acute and late phases of sepsis. The objective of this study was to construct and verify a predictive model for mortality in ICU-dwelling patients with SAE. The study selected 7,576 patients with SAE from the MIMIC-IV database according to the inclusion criteria and randomly divided them into training (n = 5,303, 70%) and internal validation (n = 2,273, 30%) sets. According to the same criteria, 1,573 patients from the eICU-CRD database were included as an external test set. Independent risk factors for ICU mortality were identified using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) software, and prediction models were constructed and verified using the validation set. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the discrimination ability of the model. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach was applied to determine the Shapley values for specific patients, account for the effects of factors attributed to the model, and examine how specific traits affect the output of the model. The survival rate of patients with SAE in the MIMIC-IV database was 88.6% and that of 1,573 patients in the eICU-CRD database was 89.1%. The ROC of the XGBoost model indicated good discrimination. The AUCs for the training, test, and validation sets were 0.908, 0.898, and 0.778, respectively. The impact of each parameter on the XGBoost model was depicted using a SHAP plot, covering both positive (acute physiology score III, vasopressin, age, red blood cell distribution width, partial thromboplastin time, and norepinephrine) and negative (Glasgow Coma Scale) ones. A prediction model developed using XGBoost can accurately predict the ICU mortality of patients with SAE. The SHAP approach can enhance the interpretability of the machine-learning model and support clinical decision-making.

Association of Multidrug Resistance Bacteria and Clinical Outcomes of Adult Patients with Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit.

Multi-drug resistance organisms (MDRO) often cause increased morbidity, mortality, and length of stays (LOS). However, there is uncertainty whether the infection of MDRO increase the morbidity, mortality, and ICU-LOS. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of MDRO in the ICU, the site of infection, and the association of MDRO or site of infection with mortality. The secondary outcome was determined by ascertaining the association of MDRO or site of infection with ICU-LOS. A retrospective cohort study was performed with adult sepsis patients in the ICU. Univariate and multivariate (MVA) logistic regression with cox regression modeling were performed to compute the association of MDRO with ICU mortality. MVA modelling was performed for ICU-LOS predictors. Out of 228 patients, the isolated MDRO was 97 (42.5%), of which 78% were Gram-negative bacteria. The mortality rate among those with MDRO was 85 (37.3%). The hospital acquired infection (HAI) was a significant predictor for ICU-LOS in univariate linear regression (R2 = 0.034, p = 0.005). In MVA linear regression, both Enterococcus faecalis infection and Acinetobacter baumannii (AC)-MDRO were predictors for ICU-LOS with (R2 = 0.478, p < 0.05). In the univariate cox regression, only the infection with AC-MDRO was a risk factor for ICU-mortality with [HR = 1.802 (95% CI: 1.2-2.706; p = 0.005)]. Identifying risk factors for MDRO addresses the appropriate administration of empirical antibiotics and allows to effectively control the source of infection, which would reduce mortality and ICU-LOS. The usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics should be limited to those with substantial risk factors for acquiring MDRO.

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.

Characteristics and predictors of ICU-mortality in critically ill patients with hyperlactatemia requiring CRRT: A retrospective cohort study.

Hyperlactatemia is a common complication in critically ill patients with high morbidity and mortality. Hyperlactatemia patients who require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) constitute a subgroup with increased mortality risk. The clinical significance of serum lactate in these patients was not well understood and clearance of lactate using CRRT shown no survival benefits. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence and non-lactate risk factors for ICU mortality in hyperlactatemia patients who underwent CRRT. Hyperlactatemia patients with a serum lactate level >2 μmol/L who underwent CRRT between January, 2014 and May, 2021 were retrospectively investigated. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record system. The primary endpoint was predictors for ICU mortality which were identified by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 178 eligible patients were finally included with a mean age of 56.6 ± 17.9 years and a median APACHE II score of 18 (IQR (14-22)). The multivariate regression results showed that male gender (OR 0.55 (95%CI 0.27-1.12), p = 0.1), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.60 (95%CI 1.27-5.34), p = 0.008), history of hypertension (OR 2.40 (95%CI 1.12-5.14), p = 0.02), SOFA score (OR 1.16 (95%CI 1.05-1.28), p = 0.002), AST (OR 1.0005 (95%CI 0.99-1.001), p = 0.08), and PT (OR 1.08 (95%CI 0.99-1.17), p = 0.06) were independently associated with ICU mortality. After adjusting for age, illness severity (APACHE II score), and serum lactate level, the statistical significances of SOFA score (OR 1.16 (95%CI 1.04-1.29), p = 0.005), hypertension (OR 2.25 (95%CI 1.02-4.95), p = 0.04), and mechanical ventilation (OR 2.54 (95%CI 1.22-5.25), p = 0.01) were not affected. The overall ICU mortality was 58.4% (104/178). The hyperlactatemia patients who underwent CRRT were at increased ICU mortality. Gender, AST, PT, SOFA score, history of hypertension, and mechanical ventilation were independent predictors for ICU mortality. Future studies with prospectively design, large sample size, and subgroup analyses are warranted to validate these findings.

Too much tolerance for hyperoxemia in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia? Report from an Italian intensive care unit.

BackgroundIn COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the administration of high oxygen (O2) doses for prolonged time periods may be necessary. Although life-saving in most cases, O2 may exert deleterious effects if administered in excessive concentrations. We aimed to describe the prevalence of hyperoxemia and excessive O2 administration in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and determine whether hyperoxemia is associated with mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or the onset of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).Materials and methodsRetrospective single-center study on adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥48 h. Patients undergoing extracorporeal respiratory support were excluded. We calculated the excess O2 administered based on the ideal arterial O2 tension (PaO2) target of 55–80 mmHg. We defined hyperoxemia as PaO2 > 100 mmHg and hyperoxia + hyperoxemia as an inspired O2 fraction (FiO2) > 60% + PaO2 > 100 mmHg. Risk factors for ICU-mortality and VAP were assessed through multivariate analyses.ResultsOne hundred thirty-four patients were included. For each day of mechanical ventilation, each patient received a median excess O2 of 1,121 [829–1,449] L. Hyperoxemia was found in 38 [27–55]% of arterial blood gases, hyperoxia + hyperoxemia in 11 [5–18]% of cases. The FiO2 was not reduced in 69 [62–76]% of cases of hyperoxemia. Adjustments were made more frequently with higher PaO2 or initial FiO2 levels. ICU-mortality was 32%. VAP was diagnosed in 48.5% of patients. Hyperoxemia (OR 1.300 95% CI [1.097–1.542]), time of exposure to hyperoxemia (OR 2.758 [1.406–5.411]), hyperoxia + hyperoxemia (OR 1.144 [1.008–1.298]), and daily excess O2 (OR 1.003 [1.001–1.005]) were associated with higher risk for ICU-mortality, independently of age, Sequential Organ failure Assessment score at ICU-admission and mean PaO2/FiO2. Hyperoxemia (OR 1.033 [1.006–1.061]), time of exposure to hyperoxemia (OR 1.108 [1.018–1.206]), hyperoxia + hyperoxemia (OR 1.038 [1.003–1.075]), and daily excess O2 (OR 1.001 [1.000–1.001]) were identified as risk factors for VAP, independently of body mass index, blood transfusions, days of neuromuscular blocking agents (before VAP), prolonged prone positioning and mean PaO2/FiO2 before VAP.ConclusionExcess O2 administration and hyperoxemia were common in mechanically ventilated patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The exposure to hyperoxemia may be associated with ICU-mortality and greater risk for VAP.

Association between early elevated phosphate and mortality among critically ill elderly patients: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPhosphate disturbances are relatively common in hospitalized patients, especially in critically ill patients. The abnormal phosphate levels may indicate an abnormal body condition. However, little is known about the association between elevated serum phosphate and outcome in critically ill elderly patients. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between early elevated phosphate and mortality in critically ill elderly patients.MethodsThe present study was a retrospective cohort study based on the medical information mart for intensive care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients with age ≥60 years old were enrolled in the present study. The primary outcome in the present study was ICU mortality. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between early elevated phosphate and ICU mortality in critically ill elderly patients.ResultsTwenty-four thousand two hundred eighty-nine patients were involved in this analysis and 2,417 patients died in ICU. The median age of involved patients was 78.4 (67.5, 82.9) years old. The median level of serum phosphate in the survivor group was 3.6 (3.0, 4.3) mg/dL, and the median level of serum phosphate in the non-survivor group was 4.4 (3.4, 5.8) mg/dL. The level of serum phosphate in the non-survivor group was significantly higher than the survivor group (4.4 vs. 3.6, P<0.001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that elevated phosphate was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality, after adjustment for other covariates (HR=1.056, 95%CI: 1.028-1.085, P<0.001).ConclusionsIn critically ill elderly patients, early elevated phosphate was significantly associated with increased ICU mortality.

Twenty-four-hour mechanical power variation rate is associated with mortality among critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesDefined as the energy applied to the respiratory system by ventilator, mechanical power (MP) of ventilation reflects the risk of ventilation-induced lung injury. This study aims to explore the relationship between dynamic changes in MP and prognosis in critically ill patients.MethodsThis was a single-centre retrospective cohort study. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and MP > 10 J/min on admission in the ICU were included. MP (J/min) was calculated as 0.098 × minute ventilation (L/min) × [(peak inspiratory pressure + positive end-expiratory pressure)/2] and the MP variation rate (%) as ([baseline MP − 24-h MP]/baseline MP) × 100. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether MP decreased 24 h after admission (MP-improved group defined as 24-h MP variation rate > 0% vs. MP-worsened group defined as 24-h MP variation rate ≤ 0%).ResultsIn total, 14,463 patients were screened between January 2015 and June 2020, and finally, a study cohort of 602 patients was obtained. The MP-improved group had a lower ICU mortality rate than the MP-worsened group (24% vs. 36%; p = 0.005). The 24-h MP variation rate was associated with ICU mortality after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio, 0.906 [95% CI 0.833–0.985]; p = 0.021), while baseline MP (p = 0.909) and 24-h MP (p = 0.059) were not. All MP components improved in the MP-improved group, while minute ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure contributed to the increase in MP in the MP-worsened group.ConclusionsThe 24-h MP variation rate was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality among ARF patients with elevated MP. Early decreases in MP may provide prognostic benefits in this population.

Infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients admitted to Hematology intensive care unit: a single-center study

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the data of HSCT patients who were admitted to our Hematology ICU due to infections or infectious complications. Materials and Methods HSCT patients who were admitted to our Hematology ICU between 01 January 2014 and 01 September 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Results 62 HSCT patients were included in this study. The median age was 55.5 years and 58% of the patients were allogeneic HSCT patients. Major underlying hematologic disorders were multiple myeloma (29%) and lymphoma (27.4%). The most common reasons for ICU admission were sepsis/septic shock (61.3%) and acute respiratory failure (54.8%). Overall ICU mortality rate was 45.2%. However, a lot of factors were related with ICU mortality of HSCT patients in univariate analysis, only APACHE II score was found to be an independent risk factor for ICU mortality. While there was infection in 58 patients at ICU admission, new infections developed in 38 patients during ICU stay. The most common new infection was pneumonia/VAP, while the most frequently isolated bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii. Length of ICU stay, sepsis/septic shock as a reason for ICU admission and the presence of urinary catheter at ICU admission were determined factors for ICU-acquired infections. There was no difference between autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant patients in terms of ICU morbidities and mortality. However, pneumonia/VAP developed in the ICU was higher in autologous HSCT patients, while bloodstream/catheter-related bloodstream infection was higher in allogeneic HSCT patients. Conclusion It was concluded that early or late post-HSCT infections and related complications (sepsis, organ failure, etc.) constituted a major part of the reasons for ICU admission, ICU mortality and ICU morbidities.

Value of prognostic scores in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis patients in intensive care unit: a multicenter retrospective cohort study from Turkey

Background/aimThere is a need for a scoring system for predicting ICU prognosis of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), but there are limited data on it in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to determine the scores that can estimate the prognosis of patients with AAV during intensive care follow up.Materials and methodsAll adult patients admitted to the medical ICUs of 4 reference university hospitals in Turkey due to AAV activation and/or disease/treatment complications in the last 10 years were included in this study. Demographic data, treatments before ICU, the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) score at the time of vasculitis diagnosis, and BVAS, APACHE II, SOFA, and SAPS II scores at the ICU admission, treatments, procedures, and complications during ICU stay were recorded for all AAV patients.ResultsThirty-four patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 60 (42–70) years, and 64.7% were male. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed with Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and 9 were diagnosed with Microscopic polyangiitis. The most common ICU admission causes were hemorrhage (85.3%) and sepsis/septic shock (67.6%). Twenty patients (58.8%) died in the ICU follow up. There were significant differences in APACHE II (P = 0.004) and SAPS II (P = 0.044) scores between survivors and nonsurvivors, while there were no significant differences in BVAS (during diagnosis P = 0.089 and ICU admission P = 0.539) and SOFA (P = 0.097) scores. APACHE II score was found to be an independent risk factor for ICU mortality (OR = 1.231, CI 95% = 1.011–1.498, P = 0.038) according to logistic regression analysis. An APACHE II score of greater than 20.5 predicted ICU mortality with 80% sensitivity and 70% specificity (AUC = 0.8, P = 0.004, Likelihood ratio = 2.6) according to the ROC curve analysis.Conclusion APACHE II score can be used for the prediction of ICU mortality in AAV patients.

Development of Predictive Nomogram for ICU Mortality in Severe COVID-19

Background: Reliable prediction tools for ICU mortality within severe Covid-19 population have not yet been definitely established. Methods: We enrolled 91 severe Covid-19 patients admitted to the ICU of Jinyintan Hospital (Wuhan, China) between December 29, 2019 and April 14, 2020. All the baseline characteristics that were different between non-survivors and survivors with p < 0.1 were introduced into multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for ICU mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were respectively calculated. Based on the results of multivariate logistic regression, we developed a predictive nomogram, and performed ROC curve analyses to evaluate its predictive performance. Findings: ICU mortality in severe Covid-19 of our cohort was 57.1% (52/91). Multivariate logistic regression identified sum of APACHE II and SOFA score within 24 hours after ICU admission to be an independent risk factor of ICU mortality (adjusted OR: 1.134; 95% CI:1.042–1.234; p = 0.004) after adjusting age, underlying cardiovascular disease, comorbid renal disease, interval days from symptom onset to hospital admission, and serum amyloid protein level. ROC curve analyses confirmed our nomogram to be a superior predictor with a higher performance (AUC: 0.875; 95% CI: 0.801–0.949) over APACHE II score (AUC: 0.811), SOFA score (AUC: 0.759), and sum of APACHE II and SOFA score (AUC: 0.815) (all p < 0.001). Interpretation: We successfully develop an accurate prediction nomogram for ICU mortality in severe Covid-19 population, which serves to recognize the patients with high risk of ICU mortality and to facilitate stratification management. Funding Statement: The authors received no funding support to undertake this study. Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was exempt from ethic review and written informed consent was also waived by the Research Ethics Board of Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital due to its nature of retrospective design.

Características, evolución clínica y factores asociados a la mortalidad en UCI de los pacientes críticos infectados por SARS-CoV-2 en España: estudio prospectivo, de cohorte y multicéntrico

BackgroundThe clinical course of COVID-19 critically ill patients, during their admission in the intensive care unit (UCI), including medical and infectious complications and support therapies, as well as their association with in-ICU mortality has not been fully reported. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and clinical course of ICU COVID-19 patients, and to determine risk factors for ICU mortality of COVID-19 patients. MethodsProspective, multicentre, cohort study that enrolled critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted into 30 ICUs from Spain and Andorra. Consecutive patients from March 12th to May 26th, 2020 were enrolled if they had died or were discharged from ICU during the study period. Demographics, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory markers, supportive therapies, pharmacological treatments, medical and infectious complications were reported and compared between deceased and discharged patients. ResultsA total of 663 patients were included. Overall ICU mortality was 31% (203 patients). At ICU admission non-survivors were more hypoxemic [SpO2 with non-rebreather mask, 90 (IQR 83 to 93) vs. 91 (IQR 87 to 94); P<.001] and with higher sequential organ failure assessment score [SOFA, 7 (IQR 5 to 9) vs. 4 (IQR 3 to 7); P<.001]. Complications were more frequent in non-survivors: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (95% vs. 89%; P=.009), acute kidney injury (AKI) (58% vs. 24%; P<10-16), shock (42% vs. 14%; P<10-13), and arrhythmias (24% vs. 11%; P<10-4). Respiratory super-infection, bloodstream infection and septic shock were higher in non-survivors (33% vs. 25%; P=.03, 33% vs. 23%; P=.01 and 15% vs. 3%, P=10-7), respectively. The multivariable regression model showed that age was associated with mortality, with every year increasing risk-of-death by 1% (95%CI: 1 to 10, P=.014). Each 5-point increase in APACHE II independently predicted mortality [OR: 1.508 (1.081, 2.104), P=.015]. Patients with AKI [OR: 2.468 (1.628, 3.741), P<10-4)], cardiac arrest [OR: 11.099 (3.389, 36.353), P=.0001], and septic shock [OR: 3.224 (1.486, 6.994), P=.002] had an increased risk-of-death. ConclusionsOlder COVID-19 patients with higher APACHE II scores on admission, those who developed AKI grades ii or iii and/or septic shock during ICU stay had an increased risk-of-death. ICU mortality was 31%.

Patient characteristics, clinical course and factors associated to ICU mortality in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Spain: A prospective, cohort, multicentre study

BackgroundThe clinical course of COVID-19 critically ill patients, during their admission in the intensive care unit (UCI), including medical and infectious complications and support therapies, as well as their association with in-ICU mortality has not been fully reported.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe clinical characteristics and clinical course of ICU COVID-19 patients, and to determine risk factors for ICU mortality of COVID-19 patients.MethodsProspective, multicentre, cohort study that enrolled critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted into 30 ICUs from Spain and Andorra. Consecutive patients from March 12th to May 26th, 2020 were enrolled if they had died or were discharged from ICU during the study period. Demographics, symptoms, vital signs, laboratory markers, supportive therapies, pharmacological treatments, medical and infectious complications were reported and compared between deceased and discharged patients.ResultsA total of 663 patients were included. Overall ICU mortality was 31% (203 patients). At ICU admission non-survivors were more hypoxemic [SpO2 with non-rebreather mask, 90 (IQR 83–93) vs 91 (IQR 87–94); p < 0.001] and with higher sequential organ failure assessment score [SOFA, 7 (IQR 5–9) vs 4 (IQR 3–7); p < 0.001]. Complications were more frequent in non-survivors: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (95% vs 89%; p = 0.009), acute kidney injury (AKI) (58% vs 24%; p < 10−16), shock (42% vs 14%; p < 10−13), and arrhythmias (24% vs 11%; p < 10−4). Respiratory super-infection, bloodstream infection and septic shock were higher in non-survivors (33% vs 25%; p = 0.03, 33% vs 23%; p = 0.01 and 15% vs 3%, p = 10−7), respectively. The multivariable regression model showed that age was associated with mortality, with every year increasing risk-of-death by 1% (95%CI: 1–10, p = 0.014). Each 5-point increase in APACHE II independently predicted mortality [OR: 1.508 (1.081, 2.104), p = 0.015]. Patients with AKI [OR: 2.468 (1.628, 3.741), p < 10−4)], cardiac arrest [OR: 11.099 (3.389, 36.353), p = 0.0001], and septic shock [OR: 3.224 (1.486, 6.994), p = 0.002] had an increased risk-of-death.ConclusionsOlder COVID-19 patients with higher APACHE II scores on admission, those who developed AKI grades II or III and/or septic shock during ICU stay had an increased risk-of-death. ICU mortality was 31%.

Trends in the incidence and mortality of patients with community-acquired septic shock 2003–2016

PurposeTo evaluate the incidence and mortality of adult patients with community-acquired septic shock (CASS) and the influence of source control (SC) and other risk factors on the outcome. Material and methodsThe study included patients with CASS admitted to the ICU at a university hospital (2003–2016). Multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors of ICU mortality. ResultsA total of 625 patients were included. The incidence showed an average annual increase of 4.9% and the mortality an average annual decrease of 1.4%. The patients who required SC showed a lower mortality (20.4%) than patients who did not require SC (31.3%) (p = 0.002). However, the evolution in mortality was different: Mortality decreased in patients who did not require SC (from 56.3% to 20%; p = 0.02), but did not differ in those who required SC (from 21.4% to 27.6%; p = 0.43). In the multivariate analysis, severity at admission, age, alcoholism, cirrhosis, ARDS, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were associated with worse outcome, whereas appropriate antibiotic treatment and adequate SC were independently associated with better survival. ConclusionsThe incidence of CASS increased and the ICU mortality decreased during the study period. The mortality was mainly due to a decrease in mortality in infections not requiring SC.

Outcomes for haematological cancer patients admitted to an intensive care unit in a university hospital

BackgroundHaematological cancer (HC) patients are increasingly requiring intensive care (ICUs). The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of HC patients in our ICU and evaluate 5 days-full support as a breakpoint for patients’ re-assessment for support. MethodsRetrospective study enrolling 112 consecutive HC adults, requiring ICU in January-December 2015. Patients’ data were collected from medical records and Infection Control Committee surveillance reports. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for ICU mortality. ResultsSixty-one were neutropenic, and 99 (88%) had infection at ICU admission. Acute myeloid leukaemia was diagnosed in 43%. Thirty-five (31%) were hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Only 17 (15%) were in remission. Eighty-nine underwent mechanical ventilation on admission. Fifty-three patients acquired ICU-infection (35 bacteremia) being gram negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and non-fermenters) the top pathogens. However, ICU-acquired infection had no impact on mortality. The overall ICU and 1-year survival rate was 27% (30 patients) and 7% (8 patients), respectively. Moreover, only 2/62 patients survived with APACHE II score ≥25. The median time for death was 4 days. APACHE II score ≥25 [OR:35.20], septic shock [OR:8.71] and respiratory failure on admission [OR:10.55] were independent risk factors for mortality in multivariate analysis. APACHE II score ≥25 was a strong indicator for poor outcome (ROC under curve 0.889). ConclusionsAPACHE II score ≥25 and septic shock were criteria of ICU futility. Our findings support the full support of patients for 5 days and the need to implement a therapeutic limitations protocol.

Quantifying the Mortality Impact of Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders in the ICU.

We quantified the 28-day mortality effect of preexisting do-not-resuscitate orders in ICUs. Longitudinal, retrospective study of patients admitted to five ICUs at a tertiary university medical center (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, BIDMC, Boston, MA) between 2001 and 2008. None. Two cohorts were defined: patients with do not resuscitate advance directives on day 1 of ICU admission and a control group comprising patients with no limitations of level of care on ICU day 1 (full code). The primary outcome was mortality at 28 days after ICU admission. Of 19,007 ICU patients, 1,239 patients (6.5%) had a do-not-resuscitate order on the first day of ICU admission and survived 48 hours in the ICU. We matched those do-not-resuscitate patients with 2,402 patients with full-code status. Twenty-eight day and 1-year mortality were both significantly higher in the do-not-resuscitate group (33.9% vs 18.4% and 60.7% vs 40.2%; p < 0.001, respectively). Do-not-resuscitate status is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality. This may reflect severity of illness not captured by other clinical factors, but the perceptions of the treating team related to do-not-resuscitate status could also be causally responsible for increased mortality in patients with do-not-resuscitate status.

Hyperglycemia at the Time of Acquiring Central Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections Is Associated With Mortality in Critically Ill Children.

Hyperglycemia is common and may be a risk factor for nosocomial infections, including central catheter-associated bloodstream infections in critically ill children. It is unknown whether hyperglycemia at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections in pediatric critical illness is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia (blood glucose concentration > 126 mg/dL [> 7 mmol/L]) at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections (from 4 d prior to the day of first positive blood culture, i.e., central catheter-associated bloodstream infections) in critically ill children is common and associated with ICU mortality. Retrospective observational cohort study. Fifty-five-bed PICU and 26-bed cardiac ICU at an academic freestanding children's hospital. One hundred sixteen consecutively admitted critically ill children from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2012, who were 0-21 years with central catheter-associated bloodstream infections were included. We excluded children with diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders, and those with a "do not attempt resuscitation" order. None. The study cohort had an overall ICU mortality of 23%, with 48% of subjects developing hyperglycemia at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors experienced more hyperglycemia both at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections and subsequently. Median blood glucose at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections was higher in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (139.5 mg/dL [7.7 mmol/L] vs 111 mg/dL [6.2 mmol/L]; p < 0.001) with 70% of nonsurvivors experiencing blood glucose greater than 126 mg/dL (> 7 mmol/L) during the 7 days following central catheter-associated bloodstream infections (in comparison to 45% of survivors; p = 0.03). After controlling for severity of illness and interventions, hyperglycemia at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections was independently associated with ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4; p = 0.03), in addition to other risk factors for ICU mortality (vasopressor use and severity of organ dysfunction). Hyperglycemia at the time of acquiring central catheter-associated bloodstream infections is common and associated with ICU mortality in critically ill children. Strategies to monitor and control blood glucose to avoid hyperglycemia may improve outcomes in critically ill children experiencing central catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

The association between colonization with carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae and overall ICU mortality: an observational cohort study.

Objectives:Infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are increasing worldwide, especially in ICUs, and have been associated with high mortality rates. However, unequivocally demonstrating causality of such infections to death is difficult in critically ill patients because of potential confounding and competing events. Here, we quantified the effects of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carriage on patient outcome in two Greek ICUs with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae endemicity.Design:Observational cohort study.Setting:Two ICUs with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae endemicity.Patients:Patients admitted to the ICU with an expected length of ICU stay of at least 3 days were included.Interventions:None.Measurements and Main Results:Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization was established through screening in perineum swabs obtained at admission and twice weekly and inoculated on chromogenic plates. Detection of carbapenemases was performed phenotypically, with confirmation by polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors for ICU mortality were evaluated using cause-specific hazard ratios and subdistribution hazard ratios, with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization as time-varying covariate. One thousand seven patients were included, 36 (3.6%) were colonized at admission, and 96 (9.5%) acquired carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization during ICU stay, and 301 (29.9%) died in ICU. Of 132 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 125 (94.7%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae and 74 harbored K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (56.1%), 54 metallo-β-lactamase (40.9%), and four both (3.0%). Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonization was associated with a statistically significant increase of the subdistribution hazard ratio for ICU mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.31–2.43), not explained by an increased daily hazard of dying (cause-specific hazard ratio for death = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.74–1.41), but by an increased length of stay (cause-specific hazard ratio for discharge alive = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.51–0.94). Other risk factors in the subdistribution hazard model were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11–1.15), female gender (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02–1.62), presence of solid tumor (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.15–2.06), hematopoietic malignancy (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.04–2.51), and immunodeficiency (subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.11–2.27).Conclusions:Patients colonized with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae have on average a 1.79 times higher hazard of dying in ICU than noncolonized patients, primarily because of an increased length of stay.

Mortality and complications in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to analyze postoperative complications, mortality, and related factors of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery. MethodsAn observational, retrospective, and multicenter study of cardiac surgery patients, obtained from the ARIAM registry, was performed between 2008 and 2011. Clinical-surgical data, postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed in a group of patients older than 75 years and in a younger group. ResultsA total of 4548 patients were analyzed, with 882 (19.4%) patients at least 75 years old. Elderly patients had worse functional status (New York heart Association class) and comorbidities. The complication rate was higher in the elderly group (40.4% and 33.5%, respectively; P = .0001). Mortality in the elderly was 1.1%, 12%, and 15.1% (during surgery, intensive care unit [ICU], and 30-day mortality, respectively). Thirty-day mortality in elderly patients was higher when adjusted for EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) and cardiopulmonary bypass time.The interaction between multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and age more than 75 years was assessed by logistic regression, obtaining an odds ratio of 9.27 (5.88-14.60) for younger patients and 29.44 (12.22-70.94) for elderly patients who died during the ICU stay. ConclusionsAge more than 75 years is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality when adjusted for EuroSCORE and cardiopulmonary bypass time. Elderly patients also have a higher rate of complications during ICU stay. Elderly patients develop MODS more frequently and present a higher mortality rate than younger patients with MODS.

Use of the AKIN criteria to assess the incidence of acute renal injury, outcome and prognostic factors of ICU mortality in critically ill patients

To evaluate the value of the AKIN criteria of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the incidence and prognoses in critically ill patients, and to further identify risk factors associated with the prognoses of the critically ill patients. We retrospectively studied 544 adult patients hospitalized for ≥24 h to a comprehensive ICU with 16 beds in teaching hospital from January 2008 to December 2009. Based on AKIN criteria, these patients were classified into four groups: NAKI (no AKI), AKII, AKIII, and AKIIII respectively. (1) Of the patients, 191 (35.5%) fulfilled the criteria for AKI (14.8% had AKI I 8.2% had AKI II and 11.9% had AKIIII). (2) Mortality in the ICU was much higher in patients with AKI than in patients with no AKI (48% vs 11%, OR 7.48, 95%CI 4.831-11.587, P<0.001). The mortality rate was 37% for AKII group, 51% for AKIII group and 60% for AKIIII group. (3) In multivariate analysis, each AKIN category was independently associated with ICU mortality. The other independent risk factors for ICU mortality included internal medical diseases, septic shock, pre-existing chronic illness, APACHEII score, the number of failed organs, mechanical ventilation and CRRT. The AKIN category closely relates to the prognoses in critically ill patients, even the mild degree of AKI with a much higher mortality rate than the patients without AKI. The AKIN criteria has some direction significance to the early detection and classification of AKI and to the prediction of clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.

Predictive ability of intra-abdominal pressure for ICU mortality

Dear Editor: Reintam et al. [1] discuss intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) as an independent risk factor of mortality in a presumed risk population of critically ill patients. The authors use univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for ICU mortality followed by multiple logistic regression to identify risk factors that are independently associated with ICU mortality. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis ([1, Table 3)], it is shown that APACHE II score at admission in the ICU was a strong independent predictor of ICU mortality. IAH during the ICU period and lactate at admission displayed only borderline association with ICU mortality (p values 0.033 and 0.034 for IAH and lactate, respectively). Consequently, areas under curves (AUCs) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were good for APACHE II score (0.876), fair for lactate (0.771), and poor for intra-abdominal pressure (0.530) [2]. This suggests that intraabdominal pressure alone has very low predictive ability for ICU mortality, no better than tossing a coin [2]. A more informative approach would be to assess the predictive ability of the multiple regression model for ICU mortality. First, it should be ascertained with one of the goodness-of-fit tests (e.g., HosmerLemeshow test) that fitting of the model does not present serious problems. Then, a ROC curve, which is a plot of sensitivity as a function of 1-specificity, for the possible cutoffs of predicted probability by the model in regard to the binary outcome (ICU 28-day or 90-day death or survival), should be created [3]. The ROC curve of the full model would be rather more informative than ROC curves of single variables, because it summarizes predictive power for all possible values of ICU death probability, as predicted by the full model. The above approach would more precisely estimate the predictive ability of intra-abdominal pressure for ICU mortality, adjusting for the other two independent predictors (APACHE II score and lactate).