Sequential Organ Failure Research Articles

Utility of the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Mortality in Pleural Empyema - A Retrospective Study

Purpose: The prognostic qualities of the hematological biomarker neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have not yet been evaluated in pleural empyema. Therefore, we aimed to find if NLR can predict adverse outcome in such clinical setting. Methods: Retrospectively we studied 84 patients with pleural empyema who were operated in emergency setting in a clinic of thoracic surgery of an academic hospital over a 34-month period (01.2021- 10.2023). To assess the prognostic performance of NLR we used the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves. Results: Of a total of 84 patients, nine (10.7%) died. Using ROC Curve analysis we found that NLR has an excellent prognostic ability and outperformed systemic immune inflammation index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), quick- sequential organ failure (qSOFA) score and systemic inflammation response syndrome (SIRS) (AUROC = 0.904 vs 0.782 vs 0.749 vs 0.747 vs 0.676, respectively) in outcome prediction. An optimal threshold NLR > 9.88 x 109 /L for prognostication of death was identified with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 83.6%. Conclusion: In pleural empyema the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio demonstrates excellent ability to predict the unfavorable outcome.

Comparing the Predictive Value of SOFA and SIRS for Mortality in the Early Hours of Hospitalization of Sepsis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Sepsis, a deadly infection causing organ failure and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), is detected early in hospitalization using the SIRS criteria, while sequential organ failure (SOFA) assesses organ failure severity. A systematic review and meta-analysis was evaluated to investigate the predictive value of the SIRS criteria and the SOFA system for mortality in early hospitalization of sepsis patients. Inclusion criteria were full reports in peer-reviewed journals with data on sepsis assessment using SOFA and SIRS, and their relationship with outcomes. For quality assessment, we considered study population, sepsis diagnosis criteria, and outcomes. The area under the curve (AUC) of these criteria was extracted for separate meta-analysis and forest plots. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included an average of 56.1% males and a mean age of 61.9 (±6.1) among 32,979 patients. The pooled AUC was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.60-0.73) for SIRS and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.84) for SOFA. Significant heterogeneity between studies was indicated by an I2 above 50%, leading to a meta-regression analysis. This analysis, with age and patient number as moderators, revealed age as the major cause of heterogeneity in comparing the predictive value of the SOFA score with SIRS regarding the in-hospital mortality of sepsis patients (P<0.05). The SOFA score outperformed the SIRS criteria in predicting mortality, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that combines clinical judgment and other diagnostic tools for better patient management and outcomes.

The mode and timing of administrating nutritional treatment of critically ill elderly patients in intensive care units: a multicenter prospective study.

Critically ill patients are more susceptible to malnutrition due to their severe illness. Moreover, elderly patients who are critically ill lack specific nutrition recommendations, with nutritional care in the intensive care units (ICUs) deplorable for the elderly. This study aims to investigate nutrition treatment and its correlation to mortality in elderly patients who are critically ill in intensive care units. A multiple-center prospective cohort study was conducted in China from 128 intensive care units (ICUs). A total of 1,238 elderly patients were included in the study from 26 April 2017. We analyzed the nutrition characteristics of elderly patients who are critically ill, including initiated timing, route, ways of enteral nutrition (EN), and feeding complications, including the adverse aspects of feeding, acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI), and feeding interruption. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the impact of nutrition treatment on a 28-day survival prognosis of elderly patients in the ICU. A total of 1,238 patients with a median age of 76 (IQR 70-83) were enrolled in the study. The Sequential Organ Failure (SOFA) median score was 7 (interquartile range: IQR 5-10) and the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II was 21 (IQR 16-25). The all-cause mortality score was 11.6%. The percentage of nutritional treatment initiated 24 h after ICU admission was 58%, with an EN of 34.2% and a parenteral nutrition (PN) of 16.0% in elderly patients who are critically ill. Patients who had gastrointestinal dysfunction with AGI stage from 2 to 4 were 25.2%. Compared to the survivors' group, the non-survivors group had a lower ratio of EN delivery (57% vs. 71%; p = 0.015), a higher ratio of post-pyloric feeding (9% vs. 2%; p = 0.027), and higher frequency of feeding interrupt (24% vs. 17%, p = 0.048). Multivariable logistics regression analysis showed that patients above 76 years old with OR (odds ratio) 2.576 (95% CI, 1.127-5.889), respiratory rate > 22 beats/min, and ICU admission for 24 h were independent risk predictors of the 28-day mortality study in elderly patients who are critically ill. Similarly, other independent risk predictors of the 28-day mortality study were those with an OR of 2.385 (95%CI, 1.101-5.168), lactate >1.5 mmol/L, and ICU admission for 24 h, those with an OR of 7.004 (95%CI, 2.395-20.717) and early PN delivery within 24 h of ICU admission, and finally those with an OR of 5.401 (95%CI, 1.175-24.821) with EN delivery as reference. This multi-center prospective study describes clinical characteristics, the mode and timing of nutrition treatment, frequency of AGI, and adverse effects of nutrition in elderly ICU patients. According to this survey, ICU patients with early PN delivery, older age, faster respiratory rate, and higher lactate level may experience poor prognosis.

Landscape of Metabolic Fingerprinting for Diagnosis and Risk Stratification of Sepsis.

BackgroundSepsis and septic shock, a subset of sepsis with higher risk stratification, are hallmarked by high mortality rates and necessitated early and accurate biomarkers.MethodsUntargeted metabolomic analysis was performed to compare the metabolic features between the sepsis and control systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) groups in discovery cohort, and potential metabolic biomarkers were selected and quantified using multiple reaction monitoring based target metabolite detection method.ResultsDifferentially expressed metabolites including 46 metabolites in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) ion mode, 22 metabolites in negative ESI ion mode, and 4 metabolites with dual mode between sepsis and SIRS were identified and revealed. Metabolites 5-Oxoproline, L-Kynurenine and Leukotriene D4 were selected based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regularization logistic regression and differential expressed between sepsis and septic shock group in the training and test cohorts. Respective risk scores for sepsis and septic shock based on a 3-metabolite fingerprint classifier were established to distinguish sepsis from SIRS, septic shock from sepsis. Significant relationship between developed sepsis risk scores, septic shock risk scores and Sequential (sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), procalcitonin (PCT) and lactic acid were observed.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings demonstrated that the characteristics of plasma metabolites not only manifest phenotypic variation in sepsis onset and risk stratification of sepsis but also enable individualized treatment and improve current therapeutic strategies.

Nomogram and Machine Learning Models Predict 1-Year Mortality Risk in Patients With Sepsis-Induced Cardiorenal Syndrome

ObjectiveEarly prediction of long-term outcomes in patients with sepsis-induced cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) remains a great challenge in clinical practice. Herein, we aimed to construct a nomogram and machine learning model for predicting the 1-year mortality risk in patients with sepsis-induced CRS.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 340 patients diagnosed with sepsis-induced CRS in Shanghai Tongji Hospital between January 2015 and May 2019, as a discovery cohort. Two predictive models, the nomogram and machine learning model, were used to predict 1-year mortality. The prognostic variables used to develop the nomogram were identified based on a forward stepwise binary logistic regression, and the predictive ability of the nomogram was evaluated by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the calibration curve. Meanwhile, machine learning (ML) techniques, such as support vector machine, random forest (RF), and gradient boosted decision tree, were assessed mainly by accuracy and AUC. Feature ranking analysis was performed using the ML algorithm. Both nomogram and ML models were externally validated by an independent cohort of 103 patients diagnosed with sepsis-induced CRS between June 2019 and December 2020.ResultsAge, sequential sepsis-related organ failure score (SOFA), serum myoglobin (MYO), vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation were identified as independent risk factors for 1-year mortality in the nomogram predictive model. In the discovery cohort, the nomogram yielded higher AUC for predicting mortality than did the SOFA score (0.855 [95% CI: 0.815–0.895] vs. 0.756 [95% CI: 0.705–0.808]). For ML, the model developed by RF showed the highest accuracy (0.765) and AUC (0.854). In feature ranking analysis, factors such as age, MYO, SOFA score, vasopressor use, and baseline serum creatinine were identified as important features affecting 1-year prognosis. Moreover, the nomogram and RF model both performed well in external validation, with an AUC of 0.877 and 0.863, respectively.ConclusionOur nomogram and ML models showed that age, SOFA score, serum MYO levels, and the use of vasopressors during hospitalization were the main factors influencing the risk of long-term mortality. Our models may serve as useful tools for assessing long-term prognosis in patients with sepsis-induced CRS.

Sequencing of RNAs involved in sepsis-induced myocardial injury: role of Local sympathetic denervation

Sepsis has been a serious public health concern for a long time and is characterized by disrupted development of specific diagnostic criteria and novel therapies for sepsis is critically dependent on an understanding of the basic mechanisms immune homeostasis accompanied by infection and multiple organ dysfunction as determined assessed by the Sequential Organ Failure. Adult (4 to 6 months) male C57BL/6 mice, animal set in three groups, control group, Cecal Ligation and Puncture (CLP) group, CLP+ Local sympathetic denervation group 8 mice in each group. CLP model for created sepsis and local sympathetic denervation procedure for alleviated the effects of sepsis. Assessment of cardiac function by Millar Instruments, immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RNA extraction and sequencing. Our findings showed that the myocardial injury score and TNF-α level in both tissue and serum were significantly increased in the CLP group. CLP with local sympathetic denervation group mice had lower scores of myocardial injuries. Sepsis augments MCP-1 and KC level in myocardium. After 48 hours after CLP, the myocardial injury score. CLP with local sympathetic denervation alleviates sepsis-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, compared with the Ctrl group, the CLP with local sympathetic denervation group obtained fewer ncRNAs and mRNAs. Inconclusions, the NF-κB signaling pathway is associated with sepsis-induced myocardial injury, and local sympathetic denervation can relieve sepsis-induced myocardial injury by regulating the ncRNAs and mRNAs.

ФАКТОРЫ РИСКА ИНФИЦИРОВАНИЯ И ОЦЕНКА СЕПСИСА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ТРАВМОЙ

This study demonstrated that patients with the highest chance of infection have more comor­bi­di­ties at baseline and organ dysfunction associated with trauma. We have identified many risk factors specific to trauma patients. They can be used in future research aimed at developing predictive enrichment strategies for the treatment of sepsis in trauma patients. These results serve as an initial approach to better identify trauma patients who are at risk of developing sepsis. In the future, based on the results of the study, preventive measures and early treatment can be studied. The majority of trauma patients who develop infection were found to present with a high degree of acute and chronic disease severity, represented by the comorbidity scale, sequential organ failure and Elixhauser scale. Key words: trauma, risk factors, sepsis, hospital death, patients, nosocomial infection

HYDROCORTISONE, VITAMIN C, AND THIAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION VS PLACEBO IN PATIENTS WITH SEPSIS

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Original Investigations PURPOSE: While retrospective studies have shown conflicting outcomes in septic patients who received hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine compared to placebo, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to show significant differences between the two groups in 30-day and in hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and change in sequential organ failure (SOFA) score. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the beneficial effect of hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine compared to placebo in septic patients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception through March 2021 for RCTs comparing hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine vs placebo in septic patients. Outcome of interests were 30-day and in hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and change in SOFA score from hospital presentation and day 3 or day 4. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The random-effects model was used for all variables, and publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. RESULTS: Three RCTs published between April 2020 and February 2021 examining 717 patients were included in our analysis. The outcomes of these studies evaluated 30-day and in hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and change in SOFA score from hospital presentation. Our analysis showed no significant difference in 30-day and in hospital mortality rates between the treatment group and placebo group with relative risk ratio of 0.975 (95% CI 0.766 to 1.241) (I2 =0.000) and 1.066 (95% CI 0.724 to 1.571) (I2=0.000) respectively. Our analysis also suggested no difference in the length of hospital stay and change is SOFA score from hospital presentation to day 3 or day 4 in the two groups with standardized mean difference of -0.031 (95% CI -0.204 to 0.141, P-value = 0.722) and 0.074 (95% CI -0.234 to 0.381, P-value = 0.639). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests no significant improvement in 30-day and in hospital mortality rate, hospital length of stay, or change in SOFA score in septic patients treated with hydrocortisone, vitamin C and thiamine compared to placebo. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Hydrocortisone, vitamin C and thiamine administration provides no mortality benefit, decrease in hospital stay, or improvement in SOFA scores in patients with sepsis. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mohammad Darweesh, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by chris haas, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ibrahim Haddad, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Metri Haddaden, source=Web Response

Analysis of the Incidence of Euthyroid Sick Syndrome in Comprehensive Intensive Care Units and Related Risk Factors.

ObjectiveA low concentration of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) indicates euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS), which could be associated with a poor outcome in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated the relationship between ESS and prognostic indicators in patients admitted to an ICU and examined the free T3 (FT3) cut-off points that could be associated with 28-day mortality.MethodsThis prospective observational study included patients admitted to the ICU of The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between February and November 2018. Baseline variables and data on the occurrence of low FT3 were collected. The patients were divided into ESS (FT3 < 3.28 pmol/L) and non-ESS groups. The relationship between ESS and prognostic indicators in patients admitted to the ICU was evaluated, and the FT3 cut-off points that could be associated with 28-day mortality were examined.ResultsOut of a total of 305 patients, 118 (38.7%) were in the ESS group. Levels of FT3 (P < 0.001) and FT4 (P = 0.001) were lower, while the 28-day mortality rate (P < 0.001) and hospitalization expenses in the ICU (P = 0.001) were higher in the ESS group. A univariable analysis identified ESS, FT3, free thyroxine (FT4)/FT3, the APACHE II score, the sequential organ failure (SOFA) score, the duration of mechanical ventilation, creatinine (CREA) levels, the oxygenation index (HGB), white blood cells, albumin (ALB) levels, age, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels as factors associated with 28-day mortality (all P < 0.05). The cut-off value of FT3 for 28-day mortality was 2.88 pmol/L, and the 28-day mortality rate and hospitalization expenses in the ICU were higher in patients with ESS. The syndrome was confirmed to be independently associated with 28-day mortality.ConclusionThis study determined the incidence of ESS in the comprehensive ICU to be 38.7%. APACHE II, SOFA, BNP, APTT, HGB, PLT, CREA, ALB, FT4, SBP, and DBP are closely related to ESS, while BNP, PLT, and ALB are independent risk factors for the syndrome.

Risk Stratification for ECMO Requirement in COVID-19 ICU Patients Using Quantitative Imaging Features in CT Scans on Admission.

(1) Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in intensive care units (ICUs) remains the last treatment option for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with severely affected lungs but is highly resource demanding. Early risk stratification for the need of ECMO therapy upon admission to the hospital using artificial intelligence (AI)-based computed tomography (CT) assessment and clinical scores is beneficial for patient assessment and resource management; (2) Methods: Retrospective single-center study with 95 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the participating ICUs. Patients requiring ECMO therapy (n = 14) during ICU stay versus patients without ECMO treatment (n = 81) were evaluated for discriminative clinical prediction parameters and AI-based CT imaging features and their diagnostic potential to predict ECMO therapy. Reported patient data include clinical scores, AI-based CT findings and patient outcomes; (3) Results: Patients subsequently allocated to ECMO therapy had significantly higher sequential organ failure (SOFA) scores (p < 0.001) and significantly lower oxygenation indices on admission (p = 0.009) than patients with standard ICU therapy. The median time from hospital admission to ECMO placement was 1.4 days (IQR 0.2–4.0). The percentage of lung involvement on AI-based CT assessment on admission to the hospital was significantly higher in ECMO patients (p < 0.001). In binary logistic regression analyses for ECMO prediction including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), SOFA score on admission, lactate on admission and percentage of lung involvement on admission CTs, only SOFA score (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.62) and lung involvement (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11) were significantly associated with subsequent ECMO allocation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73–0.94) for lung involvement on admission CT and 0.82 (95% CI 0.72–0.91) for SOFA scores on ICU admission. A combined parameter of SOFA on ICU admission and lung involvement on admission CT yielded an AUC of 0.91 (0.84–0.97) with a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.84 for ECMO prediction; (4) Conclusions: AI-based assessment of lung involvement on CT scans on admission to the hospital and SOFA scoring, especially if combined, can be used as risk stratification tools for subsequent requirement for ECMO therapy in patients with severe COVID-19 disease to improve resource management in ICU settings.

High plasma concentration of non-esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids is a specific feature of severe COVID-19 pneumonia

COVID-19 pneumonia has specific features and outcomes that suggests a unique immunopathogenesis. Severe forms of COVID-19 appear to be more frequent in obese patients, but an association with metabolic disorders is not established. Here, we focused on lipoprotein metabolism in patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia, depending on COVID-19 status. Thirty-four non-COVID-19 and 27 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. Most of them required intensive care. Plasma lipid levels, lipoprotein metabolism, and clinical and biological (including plasma cytokines) features were assessed. Despite similar initial metabolic comorbidities and respiratory severity, COVID-19 patients displayed a lower acute phase response but higher plasmatic concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). NEFA profiling was characterised by higher level of polyunsaturated NEFAs (mainly linoleic and arachidonic acids) in COVID-19 patients. Multivariable analysis showed that among severe pneumonia, COVID-19-associated pneumonia was associated with higher NEFAs, lower apolipoprotein E and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, independently of body mass index, sequential organ failure (SOFA) score, and C-reactive protein levels. NEFAs and PUFAs concentrations were negatively correlated with the number of ventilator-free days. Among hospitalized patients with severe pneumonia, COVID-19 is independently associated with higher NEFAs (mainly linoleic and arachidonic acids) and lower apolipoprotein E and HDL concentrations. These features might act as mediators in COVID-19 pathogenesis and emerge as new therapeutic targets. Further investigations are required to define the role of NEFAs in the pathogenesis and the dysregulated immune response associated with COVID-19.Trial registration: NCT04435223.

High Plasma Concentration of Non-Esterified Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Is a Specific Feature of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Background: The pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 is frequently associated with an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Severe forms of COVID-19 appear to be more frequent in obese patients, but an association with metabolic disorders is not established. Here, we focused on lipoprotein metabolism in patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia, depending on COVID-19 status.Methods: Thirty-four non-COVID-19 and 27 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. Most of them required intensive care. Plasma lipid levels, lipoprotein metabolism, and clinical and biological features were assessed.Findings: Despite similar initial metabolic comorbidities and respiratory severity, COVID-19 patients displayed a lower acute phase response with higher plasmatic concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). NEFA profiling was characterised by higher level of polyunsaturated NEFAs (mainly linoleic and arachidonic acids) in COVID-19 patients, suggesting an increase in phospholipase A2 activity. Multivariable analysis showed that among severe pneumonia, COVID-19-associated pneumonia was associated with higher NEFAs, lower apolipoprotein E and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, independently of body mass index, sequential organ failure (SOFA) score, and C-reactive protein levels.Trial Registration: NCT04435223Funding Statement: This study was supported by grant (MN) from the COVIDOLIP – AOIc2020 (Institutional grant), by the INSERM (Centre de Recherche UMR 1231) and the ANR Investissements d’Avenir Grant (ANR-11 LABX-0021-01, Labex Lipstic).Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no existing conflict of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The study fulfilled legal and ethics requirements: Approval was obtained from the CPP (Comité de Protection des Personnes SUD MEDITERRANEE V; 2017-A03404-49) for the original study and an amendment was obtained to include supplementary patients with severe COVID-19. All subjects (or their legal representatives) received written information and provided their consent to participate.

Circulating microtranscriptome profiles reveal distinct expression of microRNAs in severe leptospirosis.

Biomarkers to predict the severity of leptospirosis are still lacking. This study aimed to identify and validate microRNAs in patients with severe leptospirosis, that could potentially be used as biomarkers for predicting an unfavorable outcome. Serum samples were collected from participants with definite diagnosis of leptospirosis. The participants were divided into two groups, non-severe and severe leptospirosis, as defined by the Specific Organ Sequential Organ Failure (SOFA) Score of more than two in any organ. Microtranscriptome analysis was performed using the NanoString miRNA Expression Assay. The expression level of candidate miRNAs was then validated by quantitative RT-PCR. Based on the NanoString, the microtranscriptome profile of the severe group was significantly different from that of the non-severe group. Upregulation of miR155-5p, miR362-3p, miR502-5p, miR601, miR1323, and miR630 in the severe group were identified, and further investigated. A total of 119 participants were enrolled in the validation cohort. Serum miR155-5p and miR630 levels were significantly higher in the severe group compared to the non-severe group. The combined use of miR155-5p or miR-630 with serum bicarbonate levels had an AUC of 0.79 (95%CI; 0.69–0.89, p<0.001) in identifying the severity of the disease. This data provides the first evidence that the microtranscriptome profiles of patients with severe leptospirosis were different from the non-severe group. Serum miR155-5p and miR630 levels might be novel biomarkers for identifying severe leptospirosis.

Risk Factors for the 90-Day Prognosis Of Severe Heat Stroke: a Case-Control Study

Severe heat stroke is a clinical syndrome caused by host stress dysfunction due to heat stress and subsequent life-threatening organ dysfunction. We aimed to explore the early risk factors affecting the 90-day prognosis of severe heat stroke patients. A case-control study was used to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 117 severe heat stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit of the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command from April 2014 to May 2019. The risk factors affecting the 90-day mortality of the patients were analyzed, and subgroup analysis was performed comparing the complete recovery and the sequelae subgroups of survivors. Thirteen patients (11.1%) died within 90 days. The multivariate Cox risk regression model showed that cooling time (HR 4.87; 95% CI: 1.94-12.18; P = 0.001), heart rate (HR 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01-1.09; P = 0.027), and Sequential Organ Failure (SOFA) score (HR 1.41; 95% CI: 1.21-1.65; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors affecting the survival of patients. The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of the combination of cooling time, heart rate, and SOFA score for the prediction of mortality due to severe heat stroke was 98.1% (95% CI 0.957-1.000, P < 0.001), the sensitivity was 96.2%, and the specificity was 92.3%. The longer the cooling duration, the faster the heart rate at admission, and the higher the SOFA score, the lower the 90-day survival rate was. These three indicators can be used in combination to predict 90-day mortality and poor prognosis in patients with severe heat stroke.

Changes of serum procalcitonin level in patients with severe trauma and its relationship with multiple organ failure

Objective To investigate the changes of serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in patients with severe trauma, and to analyze its relationship with multiple organ failure (MODS). Methods From October 2013 to October 2018, the serum PCT levels were measured in 40 patients with severe trauma complicated with MODS (MODS group: 40 cases) and 62 patients without MODS (non-MODS group: 62 cases) in Yuncheng Central Hospital.The relationship between PCT and severity of trauma score (ISS), sequential organ failure (SOFA), acute physiology and chronic health status score (APACHE Ⅱ) and prognosis was analyzed.The predictive value of PCT in the prognosis of patients with MODS and severe trauma combined with MODS was analyzed by ROC. Results The serum PCT levels of the MODS group were (8.25±2.35)μg/L, (7.26±2.49)μg/L, (3.62±1.75)μg/L on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after admission, respectively, which were higher than those of the control group (t=7.561, 9.561, 8.251, all P<0.05). The serum PCT level in the MODS group increased with the increase of APACHE Ⅱ score and ISS score (F=12.108, 9.173, all P<0.05). The serum PCT level in the death group was higher than that in the survival group[(11.82±3.75)μg/L vs.(4.92±1.26)μg/L], and the difference was statistically significant (t=7.959, P<0.05). The area under MODS curve predicted by PCT for severe trauma patients was 0.848, with sensitivity and specificity of 80.00%(32/40), 82.50%(33/40), respectively.The area under MODS curve predicted by PCT was 0.747, with sensitivity and specificity of 77.50%(31/40), 72.50%(29/40), respectively. Conclusion The serum PCT level in patients with severe trauma complicated with MODS is significantly higher than that in patients without MODS, and its level is closely related to trauma, disease progression and prognosis.It is of great value to predict the occurrence and prognosis of MODS. Key words: Wounds and injuries; Procalcitonin; Multiple organ failure; Injury severity score; ROC curve; Prognosis; Diagnosis

473. Impact of Adjunctive Clindamycin in Invasive β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Infections: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis of 1956 β-lactam Treated Patients from 118 US Hospitals

BackgroundClindamycin suppresses invasive β-hemolytic streptococcal (iBHS) toxin production and its cidality, unlike β-lactams, is independent of bacterial inoculum. Evidence favoring the use of adjunctive clindamycin in iBHS is predominantly from in vitro and animal studies. Clinical studies, limited to single-center series or active surveillance, have yielded mixed results. Furthermore, its role in infections caused by non–group A or B β-hemolytic streptococci (NABS) remains poorly defined. Previously we were unable to demonstrate a clindamycin survival benefit in patients with group A streptococci (GAS) bacteremia. Here we examined the impact of adjunctive clindamycin on survival among patients with either invasive GAS or NABS infections from all sites.MethodsClinical characteristics, in vitro susceptibility and antibiotic therapy were examined for unique inpatient encounters with iBHS (GAS + NABS) infections in the Cerner HealthfactsTM Database. β-Lactam treated cases receiving clindamycin were matched 1:1 to non-clindamycin cases by propensity of receiving clindamycin using nearest neighbor propensity score matching with downstream adjustment using logistic regression. In-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and Sequential Organ Failure (SOFA) score trajectory was compared based on the matched sample.ResultsOf 1,956 inpatients with iBHS infection treated with β-lactams at 118 hospitals between 2000 and 2015, 459 (23.5%) received adjunctive clindamycin. Propensity score matching generated 389 case-pairs with good covariate balance (Table 1, Figure 1). In-hospital mortality did not differ between matched clindamycin and non-clindamycin cases (7.2% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.66, aOR 0.88, [95% CI .49–1.57]) (Figure 2). Receipt of clindamycin early (within 24h vs. no clindamycin) also did not display a survival advantage (aOR 1.04 [0.51–2.14]). On day 4 of therapy Median SOFA score (P = 0.586) and SOFA delta (day 0–day 4) were similar between the two groups (P = 0.13; Figure 3). Amongst survivors, median [IQR] LOS was greater in the clindamycin group (8[5,12] vs. 6[4,9]; P = 0.001)ConclusionAdjunctive clindamycin was not associated with decreased mortality or degree of organ dysfunction among patients with iBHS infection already treated with β-lactams. Figure 2: Odds Ratio of In-Hospital Mortality Abbreviations: GAS: Group A Streptococcus , ICU: intensive care unit, iβHS: invasive β-Hemolytic streptococcus, NABS: Non group A β-Hemolytic streptococci , OR: odds ratioFigure 2 Legend: The figure reports the odds ratios (ORs) of in-hospital mortality and 95% confidence intervals in the unmatched and unadjusted analysis, matched and unadjusted analysis, and primary analysis of all propensity-matched pairs with downstream adjustment with logistic regression for proven ißHS, vasopressor use and ICU (within 24h of culture sampling), as well as sensitivity analyses on propensity matched pairs of 2:1 match and subgroup analysis on propensity matched pairs of (1) proven ißHS alone (2) probable ißHS alone (3) ICU admission (within 24h of culture sampling) (4) patients receiving vasopressor therapy (within 24h of culture sampling) (5) Group A ißHS alone (6) Non Group A ißHS alone. There was no statistically significant difference in the ORs for in-hospital mortality between clindamycin and propensity-matched non-clindamycin cases in the primary analysis (*) as well as all sensitivity and subgroup (†) analyses.Figure 3: SOFA Score Trajectory by Survival Status Abbreviations: B: Non-Clindamycin cases, BC: Clindamycin CasesFigure 3 Legend: SOFA score by day of therapy of clindamycin and non-clindamycin matched cases based on survival status from day zero (day prior to antibiotic therapy) to day four of therapy. The linear mixed models were used to assess the time trends and the clindamycin effect on the longitudinal SOFA scores. SOFA trajectory was examined for the post matching sample. Square root transformation was applied to the SOFA score to meet the normality assumption Mean Baseline SOFA scores prior to therapy were similar amongst clindamycin and non-clindamycin subjects (mean [standard deviation(SD)] SOFA score: 1.88[2.48] vs. 1.96[2.60]; p= 0.634). On day 4 of therapy SOFA scores were similar between remaining 310 clindamycin and 286 non-clindamycin hospitalized patients (mean[SD] SOFA score: 1.79[2.88] vs. 1.67 [2.49]; p=0.586). The SOFA delta (day 0 SOFA score - day 4 SOFA score) was similar between the two groups (p=0.1331). When examined amongst survivors only, SOFA scores on day 4 of therapy were similar between and 272 non-clindamycin and 310 clindamycin hospitalized patients (mean[SD] SOFA score: 1.45 [2.20] vs. 1.52 [2.44])This work was funded in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.The opinions expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not represent any position or policy of the National Institutes of Health, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty in Patients Admitted for Cardiogenic Shock with Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 14 Cases.

IntroductionBalloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), introduced in 1986, quickly lost its wide adoption due to the high incidence of restenosis after the procedure and due to improved skills in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It has seen a re-emergence in the last few years as bailout therapy in critical care patients presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) and severe aortic stenosis (AS), who are temporarily unable to tolerate such a procedure as TAVI or surgery for valve replacement.MethodsWe did a retrospective analysis of every BAV performed between January 1, 2008, and November 11, 2018, in our hospital and identified those admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) due to cardiogenic shock with severe aortic stenosis, as defined in the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines. Procedures were categorized as emergent (within 24h after the decision to intervene) and urgent (24h after the decision was made but before discharge).ResultsDuring this period, of 98 BAV performed, 14 were performed on patients with CS with severe AS, nine of them being emergent. The patients’ mean age was 76.2±7.2 years, with 6 (43%) of them being female.On the day of BAV, the mean Euroscore II and sequential organ failure (SOFA) were, respectively, 19±7% and 8.0±2.4 in emergent cases and 11±5% and 4.8±2.9 in urgent cases. In patients deemed emergent, there was a tendency for a decrease in SOFA in the days following the procedure, although not statistically significant (p>0.05). Clinically significant aortic regurgitation did not occur in any patient, neither were there any major post-procedure complications. Thirty-day mortality was 33% in emergent cases and 0% in urgent cases.In emergent cases, four were later submitted to TAVI and one had surgery for aortic valve replacement surgery. Only one patient in the urgent group was regarded as a candidate for TAVI.Discussion and conclusionEmergent cases presented with higher scores of severity and procedure risk and had greater mortality. In this group, a greater proportion of survivors was later deemed fit for definite procedures. This highlights that presenting status does not seem to influence the prognosis of those extremely high-risk patients once the acute event is promptly treated. Nevertheless, the low sample size precludes generalization of the findings.BAV as bailout treatment may be safe in patients presenting with CS and severe AS, allowing patient survival for elective definitive treatment.

Current Evaluation of Sepsis among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Background and study aim: patients with liver cirrhosis have high incidence of sepsis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and urinary tract infections are the most common infections among patients with livercirrhosis.New criteria including quick qSOFA and sepsis-3 criteria are used for diagnosing sepsis in patients with liver cirrhosis. These criteria appear to be more accurate than SIRS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the existing scoring systems in our patients with liver cirrhosis to identify patients with sepsis. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 288 consecutive patients previously diagnosed to have liver cirrhosis and suspected to have bacterial/fungal infections. Quick Sequential (sepsis-related) organ failure assessment (qSOFA) criteria and sepsis-3 criteria were used to identify patients with organ dysfunction due to sepsis. Results: qSOFA and sepsis-3 criteria are more accurate than SIRS in detecting sepsis among patients with cirrhosis (The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value for a model with qSOFA and sepsis-3 was AUROC: 0.77 and 0.76), while AUROC for SIRS was 0.66. Conclusion: Sepsis-3 and qSOFA are more accurate than SIRS criteria in early detection of sepsis among patients with cirrhosis. Patients with positive criteria need intensive management due to high risk of in-hospital mortality.

Machine learning in critical care: state-of-the-art and a sepsis case study

BackgroundLike other scientific fields, such as cosmology, high-energy physics, or even the life sciences, medicine and healthcare face the challenge of an extremely quick transformation into data-driven sciences. This challenge entails the daunting task of extracting usable knowledge from these data using algorithmic methods. In the medical context this may for instance realized through the design of medical decision support systems for diagnosis, prognosis and patient management. The intensive care unit (ICU), and by extension the whole area of critical care, is becoming one of the most data-driven clinical environments.ResultsThe increasing availability of complex and heterogeneous data at the point of patient attention in critical care environments makes the development of fresh approaches to data analysis almost compulsory. Computational Intelligence (CI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods can provide such approaches and have already shown their usefulness in addressing problems in this context. The current study has a dual goal: it is first a review of the state-of-the-art on the use and application of such methods in the field of critical care. Such review is presented from the viewpoint of the different subfields of critical care, but also from the viewpoint of the different available ML and CI techniques. The second goal is presenting a collection of results that illustrate the breath of possibilities opened by ML and CI methods using a single problem, the investigation of septic shock at the ICU.ConclusionWe have presented a structured state-of-the-art that illustrates the broad-ranging ways in which ML and CI methods can make a difference in problems affecting the manifold areas of critical care. The potential of ML and CI has been illustrated in detail through an example concerning the sepsis pathology. The new definitions of sepsis and the relevance of using the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in its diagnosis have been considered. Conditional independence models have been used to address this problem, showing that SIRS depends on both organ dysfunction measured through the Sequential Organ Failure (SOFA) score and the ICU outcome, thus concluding that SIRS should still be considered in the study of the pathophysiology of Sepsis. Current assessment of the risk of dead at the ICU lacks specificity. ML and CI techniques are shown to improve the assessment using both indicators already in place and other clinical variables that are routinely measured. Kernel methods in particular are shown to provide the best performance balance while being amenable to representation through graphical models, which increases their interpretability and, with it, their likelihood to be accepted in medical practice.

Sequential (Sepsis-Related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) as a predictor of mortality and its correlation with capillary lactate levels in sepsis patients

Sequential (Sepsis-Related) Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) as a predictor of mortality and its correlation with capillary lactate levels in sepsis patients