Septic Multiple Organ Failure Research Articles

Composite Aortic Root Replacement for Complex Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Initial Clinical Results and Long-Term Follow-Up of High-Risk Patients

Little information is available regarding the clinical and long-term results of patients with complex prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) involving the aortic root who undergo root replacement based on the Cabrol or Bentall procedures. Between January 2007 and December 2011, 148 patients underwent cardiac operations for PVE. The analysis included 31 patients with complex PVE and concomitant destruction of the aortic root. Of these, 13 patients were treated by the Cabrol procedure and 18 patients by the Bentall procedure. The mean EuroSCORE for mortality was 50.7%±3.8%. Mean follow-up was 3.8±0.4 years (range, ≤8.0 years), with a total of 97 patient-years. The observed 30-day mortality was 12.9% and 5-year survival was 75.3%. The most common cause of death was septic multiple organ failure (42.9%). Independent predictors of mortality in multivariate analyses were terminal renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; p<0.01), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR, 4.6; p<0.01), postoperative renal failure (OR, 4.0; p<0.01), and staphylococcal infection (OR, 2.1; p=0.01). The prevalence of freedom from reinfection was 100.0% and that from valve-related events was 93.5%. Complex PVE is associated with quite high mortality and morbidity. Composite aortic root replacement provided good clinical and long-term outcomes as well as a low prevalence of reinfection and valve-related events. These results seem not to be inferior to those reported for noncomplex PVE. If the Bentall "button" technique was not feasible, the Cabrol procedure also provided excellent results.

Endotoxin dosage in sepsis

Introduction. Endotoxin, a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of septic shock and multiple organ failure (MOF). Its entry into the bloodstream stimulates monocytes/macrophages which once activated produce and release cytokines, nitric oxide and other mediators that induce systemic inflammation, endothelial damage, organ dysfunction, hypotension (shock) and MOF.The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of a quantitative test for the dosage of endotoxin to determine the risk of severe Gram-negative sepsis. Materials and methods. In the period January 2009 - June 2011 we performed 897 tests for 765 patients, mostly coming from the emergency room and intensive care, of which 328 (43%) women (mean age 53) and 437 (57%) male (mean age 49). Fifty-nine patients, no statistically significant difference in sex, were monitored by an average of two determinations of EA.All patients had procalcitonin values significantly altered.The kit used was EAA (Endotoxin Activity Assay) Estor Company, Milan, which has three ranges of endotoxin activity (EA): low risk of sepsis if &lt;0.40 units, medium if between 0.40 and 0.59; high if 0.60. Results. 78 out of 765 patients (10%) had a low risk, 447 (58%) a medium risk and 240 (32%) a high risk.The dosage of EA, combined with that of procalcitonin, has allowed a more targeted antibiotic therapy. Six patients in serious clinical conditions were treated by direct hemoperfusion with Toraymyxin, a device comprising a housing containing a fiber polypropylene and polystyrene with surface-bound polymyxin B, an antibiotic that removes bacterial endotoxins from the blood. Conclusions.The test is useful in risk stratification as well as Gram negative sepsis, to set and monitor targeted therapies, also based on the neutralization of endotoxin.

Spontaneous sublingual hematoma: Surgical or non-surgical management?

Introduction: Spontaneous sublingual hematoma (SSH) is an uncommon, but emergency state in oral cavity. A few series of SSH are seen in the literature. There is no available consensus about clinical strategy and management of such patients. Case Series: The authors present two cases of spontaneous sublingual hematoma after anticoagulation therapy with sintrom (case 1) and warfarin (case 2). The different clinical management was applied in each case (surgical and supportive treatment respectively). The surgical approach was complicated by septic state and multiple organ failure which led to patient’s death. Conclusion: The main priority of physician’s strategy is based on airway protection. Otherwise, there are some different clinical points of view about management SSH (correction of anticoagulation state with blood products\vitamin K or aggressive surgical drainage). Based on previously reported series and our clinical experience (case 2) we consider that surgical intervention has a lot of complications and unsafe for the patients. The non­operative plan of treatment is more benefit and optimal.

Improvement of Sepsis by Hepatocyte Growth Factor, an Anti-Inflammatory Regulator: Emerging Insights and Therapeutic Potential

Sepsis-induced multiple organ failure (MOF) is the most frequent lethal disease in intensive care units. Thus, it is important to elucidate the self-defensive mechanisms of sepsis-induced MOF. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is now recognized as an organotrophic factor, which is essential for organogenesis during embryonic growth and regeneration in adulthood. HGF production is enhanced in response to infectious challenges, but the increase in endogenous HGF levels is transient and insufficient, with a time lag between tissue injuries and HGF upregulation, during progression of septic MOF. Thus, administration of active-formed HGF might be a new candidate for therapeutic development of MOF. HGF has an ability to target endotoxin-challenged macrophages and inhibits the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines through nuclear factor-κB-inactivated mechanisms. HGF also targets the endothelium and epithelium of various organs to suppress local inflammation, coagulation, and apoptotic death. This paper summarizes the novel mechanisms of HGF for attenuating sepsis-related pathological conditions with a focus on sepsis-induced MOF.

Extended daily on-line high-volume haemodiafiltration in septic multiple organ failure: a well-tolerated and feasible procedure

The outcome of patients with septic multiple organ failure (MOF) remains poor. There are experimental and clinical data indicating a beneficial effect of high-volume haemofiltration. Delivering high-volume therapy is only cost effective using on-line devices because of high costs for additional solution bags in conventional continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We investigated feasibility and effectiveness of extended daily on-line high-volume haemodiafiltration (HDF) with technically maximum convective volume in patients with septic MOF in a pilot study. We included 21 consecutive critically ill patients with septic MOF having a mortality risk >50% (SAPS II >50, APACHE II >25). Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was applied with extended daily HDF for 6-23 h using the AK 200 Ultra S dialysis machine in the ultracontrol pre-dilution mode. Dialysate and substitution fluid were prepared on-line. Patients underwent 289 treatments. The mean convective volume was 17.8 ± 3.7 L/h and 208 ± 66 mL/kg/h, respectively, median treatment time was 10:15 h/day. Seventeen of 21 patients survived 28 days (81%). The 90-day survival rate was 52% (11/21) versus 19% compared to the survival rate predicted by APACHE II (33.6 mean) and SAPS II (68.6 mean) scores. Haemodynamics improved significantly during the treatment procedures. Material costs per treatment amounted to 35 €. Extended daily on-line HDF using maximum convective volume seems to improve the outcome of septic MOF, especially in the early phase. The investigated mode of treatment proved to be feasible, well tolerated and highly cost effective compared to conventional CRRT. At present, this procedure would be applicable at every ICU facility with nephrological support.

Atrio-esophageal fistula complicating esophageal achalasia

A 75-year-old male, known to have achalasia, was admitted to the intensive care unit with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis. He had a history of purulent pericarditis 18 months earlier. He also presented with atrial fibrillation associated with a cerebral transient ischemic accident two months earlier. A contrast computed tomography scan showed an atrio-esophageal fistula with active extravasation of contrast. He was operated on via a median sternotomy, and the defects in the atrial wall, inferior vena cava and diaphragm were closed using pericardial patches. An esophagectomy was to be performed 24 hours later, but the patient died from septic shock and multiple organ failure before his second procedure.

La gangrène périnéoscrotale : profil épidémiologique et aspects thérapeutiques. À propos de 45 cas

Perineoscrotal gangrene is an acute disease, a rare and severe affection of the perineum, whose evolution is unpredictable and rapidly extensive. The diagnosis is clinical. The paraclinical examinations allow early diagnosis and assessment of anatomical and biological repercussions. We conducted a retrospective study of 45 patients spread over six years, involving a multidisciplinary team consisting of three specialists (urologists, visceral, plastic surgeons). The average age was 52 years. The largely male dominated our series. Fournier gangrene was the most common etiology. We noted five cases of death (11%) in the acute phase, secondary to septic shock (four patients) or multiple organ failure (one patient). The evolution was favorable in 40 other patients in the series, requiring an initial management in intensive care unit, and surgical treatment. The average hospital stay was 17 days. After the acute phase, all patients underwent a surgery for skin coverage, ranging from guided healing (two patients) to musculocutaneous flap of the gracilis (six patients) via the secondary suture (four patients), the burying the testes (18 patients) and half thick skin graft, with a functional and aesthetic result was acceptable, and minimal sequelae. In our series, the most predictive prognostic factors would be the delay of care, sepsis on admission and associated diseases.

Observation of the therapy of 47 patients with acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis

Objective To explore the therapeutic method of acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC). Methods 47 patients with acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis were collected and the clinical feature,therapy methods and therapy effects were analyzed. Results All the patients were accepted operation.28 patients were cured.The cured rate was 59.6%.16 patients got improvement and the rate was 34.0%.The total effective rate was 93.6%.The therapeutic effect was better.There were 3 patients died because serious septic shock and multiple systemic organ failure. Conclusion The timely and effective operations to remove the obstruction of biliary tract,controls the infection,corrected the shock and prevent and treat complication were the key of reduce the death rate of patients. Key words: Acute,obstructive,suppurative,cholangitis; Therapy

陰部に発症したA群溶血性連鎖球菌による壊死性筋膜炎（フルニエ壊疽）の1例

A necrotizing fasciitis especially caused by group A streptococcal infection is a life-threatening disease. This infection cause death due to septic shock and multiple organ failure in a short time without the immediate and adequate treatment. Currently a rapid test kit for streptococcal pharyngitis (strep A) is useful for prediction of group A streptococcal infection. We here demonstrate a 61 years old man's case of life-saved necrotizing fasciitis in genital area (Fournier's gangrene) by group A streptococcus infection, and usefulness of this kit for rapid diagnosis, aggressive debridement, and selection of adequate antibiotics.

2009 pandemic characteristics and controlling experiences of influenza H1N1 virus 1 year after the inception in Hangzhou, China

This paper described the epidemiology and controlling experiences of influenza H1N1 in Hangzhou in the past 1 year. A total of 2,078 cases confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR till March 31, 2010, were analyzed by SPSS 12.0 software. During the early pandemic stage, a patient must be tested for H1N1 nucleic acid once he/she had influenza-like symptoms with the epidemiological history in 7 days, and be diagnosed if it was positive. But in the pandemic peak, we made efforts to identify and save severe cases combined with pneumonia or hypoxemia or respiratory failure or septic shock or multiple organ dysfunctions and failure. In general, the prevalence was 2.77/100,000 (2,078/7,510,844); severity rate, 10.44% (217/2,078); fatality rate, 0.48% (10/2,078). The carrier and secondary attack rate were 9.52% (58/612) and 8.66% (53/612), respectively. About 50% of serious cases and 100% of deaths had the basic underlying diseases: cardiovascular diseases, 13.66% (25/217); chronic lung disease, 12.02% (22/217); pregnant, 7.1% (13/217). Of all cases aged from 1 month to 89 years, 52.99% (1,435/2,708) were in the 10-29 years, with most of them distributed in downtown area. The timeline showed two epidemic peaks occurred in September and November 2009, respectively. Furthermore, the hemagglutinin gene remained 99% identical with the American and vaccine strains, but only 70% with the 1947-2008 Chinese strains. In conclusion, Hangzhou pandemic influenza H1N1 was caused by the highly conserved virus, with low prevalence, transmission, and mortality, because we took efficient controlling methods.

Post-operative Aspergillus mediastinitis in a man who was immunocompetent: a case report

IntroductionAspergillus spp. infections mainly affect patients who are immunocompromised, and are extremely rare in immunocompetent individuals.Case presentationAspergillus post-operative mediastinitis is considered to be a devastating infection, usually affecting patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery with specific predisposing factors. We describe the case of an immunocompetent 68-year-old Caucasian man with severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and developed post-operative mediastinitis due to Aspergillus flavus. The environmental control did not reveal the source of A. flavus infection and, despite combined antifungal therapy, our patient died as a result of septic shock and multiple organ failure.ConclusionAspergillus mediastinitis mainly affects patients after cardiosurgery operations with predisposing factors, and it is unusual in patients who are immunocompetent. The identification of the Aspergillus spp. source is often difficult, and there are no guidelines for the administration of pre-emptive therapy in this population of at-risk patients.

12 Efficacy of plasma filtration with dialysis (plasma dia-filtration) for the patients with septic multiple organ failure including hyperbilirubinemia

12 Efficacy of plasma filtration with dialysis (plasma dia-filtration) for the patients with septic multiple organ failure including hyperbilirubinemia

Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) Score as prognosis of multiple organ failure in sepsis

Background Sepsis is an emergency event that often found inpediatric intensive care unit. If this condition is not early detectedand promptly treated, severe complications including septic shockand multiple organ failure may result that can end up as death.Objective To discover alternative measurement as a prognosis ofmultiple organ failure in sepsis.Methods This cross sectional study was conducted in 37 patientsdiagnosed as sepsis. The age of the patients were 1 month until 13years and the patients were hospitalized in child health departmentof R. D. Kandou Hospital during June 2009 – September 2009.Result Bronchopneumonia (18) was the most commoninfection source, followed by gastroenteritis (11), encephalitis(6) and meningitis (2). The bacteria which is found was Proteusmirabilis (5), Citrobacter difersus (5), Staphylococcus aureus (3),Escherichia coli (2) and Acinetobacter baumannii (1). There wasno significant difference in gender distribution, nutrition statusand blood culture between both groups. Laboratory findings andclinical manifestations which included white blood cell (WBC)&gt; 10.000/μL (34), platelet count &gt; 150.000 (27) and bodytemperature 38oC – 39oC (20). There was a correlation betweenPELOD score and multiple organ failure (P=0.02). A higherPELOD score will increase opportunity to get multiple organfailure. In patient with organ failure more than two, PELODscore 0-10 (9 patients), score 11-20 (7 patients), score 21-30 (8patients), and score 31-40 (1 patient).Conclusion There was a correlation between PELOD score andmultiple organ failure in patient with sepsis. A higher PELODscore will increase opportunity to get multiple organ failure.

Severe Carbamazepine-Induced Cutaneous Reaction in the Treatment of Post-herpetic Neuralgia. Case Report

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the main complication of herpes zoster. Carbamazepine (CBZ), a well-tolerated anticonvulsant, but frequently associated with severe cutaneous reactions, such as the Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is used in the treatment of this complication. The objective of this article was to report a case of SJS/TEN secondary to CBZ in a patient with PHN. This is a female patient with continuous severe, burning, chock-like pain in the thoracic region and dorsum associated with reduced strength in the ipsilateral upper limb and diaphoresis. She had crusty and erythematous lesions in the dorsal region of the thorax with allodynia and dysesthesia in the affected dermatome. She was treated with CBZ 300 mg.day(-1), amitriptyline (AMT) 12.5 mg at bedtime, and infiltration with local anesthetic in the affected region. After 15 days, she developed malaise, fever, muscle pain, and arthralgia with a mild non-specific cutaneous rash. Carbamazepine was discontinued immediately. One week later, she was hospitalized with urticaria, generalized exanthema, erythematous cutaneous eruptions, bullae, and purpuric maculae all over her body. The impression was of carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN. She evolved with progressive worsening of her symptoms, with increase in the number and size of cutaneous lesions, besides generalized erythematous macular rash, areas of necrosis, and erosions with symmetrical loosening of the epidermis in face, neck, thorax, dorsum, and limbs, affecting more that 50% of her body surface, besides involvement of buccal, conjunctival, and genital mucosa with vesicular erosions. She had progressive functional worsening, evolving to septic shock and multiple organ failure followed by death. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe cutaneous reaction with potential for elevated morbidity and mortality that requires immediate intervention and adequate management. In addition, we would like to alert that the use of Carbamazepine should be supervised, especially in the elderly.

Multiple Organ Failure Caused by Non-exertional Heat Stroke After Bathing in a Hot Spring

Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness, and the disease spectrum can include the involvement of multiple organs to varying degrees. Rhabdomyolysis with renal function impairment is frequently noted in this disease. However, acute hepatic failure has been rarely reported in non-exertional heat stroke. We report a case of acute hepatic failure combined with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, acute renal failure, and neurological deficit caused by heat stroke after bathing in a hot spring. Molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) treatment was performed daily on days 10-12 of admission. As a result of progressive azotemia, hemodialysis was performed. Unfortunately, after a long course of intensive care, the patient died from septic shock and multiple organ failure. According to available evidence, MARS and hemodialysis are beneficial in treating exertional heat stroke. However, a limited number of studies have treated non-exertional heat-stroke-related acute hepatic failure. Early cooling to reduce the overwhelming heat-stress-related cytokine storm, and advanced MARS to eliminate circulating toxin might have a role in treating this rare but fatal illness.

The TLR4 antagonist CRX-526 reduces LPS-induced leukocyte activation and improves capillary perfusion of the rat intestine

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) represents an important mediator of endotoxin-related signal transduction. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether TLR4 inhibition after onset of experimental endotoxemia is able to improve the intestinal microcirculation, which is crucial in the pathogenesis of septic multiple organ failure.

Fulminant, Undetected Candida Sepsis After an Apparently Survivable Burn Injury

We report a 20-year-old male who suffered smoke inhalation injury and burns covering 26% of his TBSA, including his face, dorsal chest, and both the arms. The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index was 5 (likelihood of survival 95%). He underwent burn surgery, requiring massive transfusion. Postoperatively, he appeared increasingly hyperthermic, showed respiratory exhaustion, and was neutropenic (lowest white blood cell count was 0.8 Gpt with a normal granulocyte count). He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, and severe inflammatory response syndrome. Aggressive ventilation patterns, intermittent prone positioning, and high-dose catecholamine therapy were performed. Hydrocortisone therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis did not improve his clinical status. He died after 12 days of septic multiple organ failure. Legal medicine autopsy identified aggressive Candida famata mycosis. The organism mainly affected the alimentary canal, and there were multiple pyemic abscesses in tissues of the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and meninges. Histology confirmed gastric ulcers as the source of the Candida infection. Despite the autopsy findings, all intravital specimens collected (blood, urine, and tracheal mucus) and all clinical Candida antigen tests were unsuspicious. Postoperative neutropenia may be a warning sign of severe infection even in survivable burns. Suppression of immune response and possible previous gastric Candida colonization may contribute to hazardous outcomes. However, delayed and unreliable methods to detect fungal infections remain a major problem in burn care. Occult aggressive fungal sepsis resulting in early multiple organ failure should be kept in mind.

Sublinguale Mikrozirkulationsstörungen bei Patienten im septischen Schock: Untersuchungen mittels OPS-Imaging-System und PiCCO®-Monitoring

Haemodynamic monitoring of septic patients is impeded by the discrepancy between the macrohaemodynamics and the microcirculation of internal organs. Pulse contour analysis (PiCCO) provides new parameters for an improved assessment of the volume status of critically ill patients. However, changes in regional circulation, in particular those affecting the splanchnic perfusion, have proven to be especially important. The aim of our study was to compare macrohaemodynamic parameters (PiCCO) with microcirculation (OPS imaging) in severely septic patients with multiple organ failure. In seven patients suffering from septic shock and multiple organ failure (APACHE II score > 25) repeated examinations at a twenty-four hour interval were carried out by PiCCO monitoring and OPS imaging. OPS data were recorded for twenty seconds at 6 different buccal and sublingual localisations, adequately reflecting microvascular perfusion of the liver and the small intestine. Data were videotaped for off-line analysis, calculating current velocity in small and large venules (< 25 and > 25 microm), as well as functional capillary density. Significant correlations were found for current velocity in small venules with systemic vascular resistance (r(2) = 0.252, p < 0.05), mean arterial blood pressure (r(2) = 0.259, p < 0.05), and pH value (r(2) = 0.265, p < 0.05). In addition, a significant correlation was found between the oxygen transport index and the density of small vessels (r(2) = 0.355; p < 0.05). According to our findings, data acquired through PiCCO monitoring may be used for a rough estimation of the microcirculation during severe sepsis and multiple organ failure. For an assessment of the local conditions of perfusion, however, there are limits in the use of the parameters that were the object of our research. For the measurement at localisations which are accessible non-invasively and representative of the splanchnic perfusion, OPS is the more accurate method for characterisation of the microcirculation, although a more extensive and time-consuming analysis is needed.

Fatal case of invasive aspergillosis and cytomegalovirus coinfection after kidney transplantation inside the Eurotransplant Senior Program

Summary While the number of renal transplantations steadily increases, tremendous efforts and progresses have been made to prevent graft rejection. However, in return for increased and potent immunosuppressive therapies, a higher rate of infectious complications can be seen. Diagnosis of infection may be difficult in the immunosuppressed posttransplant patient, especially if subclinical infections occur. This is especially true for cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infections, which are known for their immunosuppressive effect. Cases of simultaneous Aspergillus pneumonia and CMV pneumonitis have rarely been documented. We report about a 66-year-old man with a CMV-associated invasive aspergillosis infection after a kidney transplantation, who died because of a consecutive septic multiple organ failure due to aspergillosis pneumonia, myocarditis and necrotic nephritis of the transplanted kidney. The diagnosis of coexisting infections proved to be difficult and thus delayed the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial–antifungal treatment. A high degree of suspicion is therefore recommended in immunosuppressed posttransplant patients with unexplained subclinical course.

Clarithromycin reverses sepsis-induced immunoparalysis of monocytes

In a recently published double-blind, randomized trial conducted by our study group, clarithromycin was intravenously administered in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and sepsis for three consecutive days [1]. An earlier resolution of VAP and a fivefold decrease of the risk for death by septic shock and multiple organ failure (MODS) compared with placebo were shown.