Catheter Treatment Research Articles

Exploring the real-world management of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by Swiss general practitioners and urologists: insights from an online survey.

To assess and compare the real-world management of catheters and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) among Swiss general practitioners and urologists, encompassing diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis. An anonymised online questionnaire was distributed among Swiss general practitioners and urologists between January and October 2023 via the networks of Sentinella and the Swiss Association of Urology. The questionnaire consisted of questions on catheter management, including diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of CAUTI. Analysis was performed by discipline. Fisher's exact test was applied for comparisons (statistical significance with p <0.05). Out of 175 participating physicians, the majority were involved in catheter management. Urologists exhibited significantly higher levels of competence as compared to general practitioners (67.1% vs 20.9%). Although no significant differences were observed regarding diagnostic approaches between disciplines, unrecommended diagnostic methods were frequently applied. general practitioners reported that they treated non-febrile CAUTI for longer durations, while urologists indicated that they treated febrile CAUTI longer. Additionally, the use of fluoroquinolones was more prevalent among general practitioners compared to urologists, while prophylactic measures were more frequently applied by urologists. Catheter and CAUTI management entail significant uncertainty for general practitioners. CAUTI management varied notably between general practitioners and urologists in terms of treatment and prophylaxis. The use of non-recommended diagnostic approaches and drugs was common. This trend, along with inappropriate diagnostic methods and prophylaxis, may increase antimicrobial resistance and CAUTI morbidity. The study emphasises the necessity for diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship interventions, and proper training in CAUTI management for general practitioners and urologists.

Association between duration of urinary catheterization and post-operative mobilization following elective cesarean section: A retrospective case-control study in Espoo, Finland.

Cesarean section is the most common surgery performed on women. The enhanced recovery recommendations are early urinary catheter removal and early mobilization, as essential elements of post-operative care. This study aimed to analyze the association between these elements and whether limiting the catheter treatment duration affects the timing of post-operative mobilization. This retrospective case-control study compared the mobilization of healthy elective cesarean patients under different instructions on urinary catheter removal: cases with a preset catheter removal time (8-12 hours) and controls with catheter removal based on midwife considerations. Apart from the preset time of catheter removal, the routine post-operative care was given by the same personnel without any advice on patient mobilization. Data on patient demographics, surgery details, post-operative medication, first upright mobilization, the length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. The study comprised 52 cases and one control for each case (N=104). The mean duration of urinary catheterization was 20.15 ± 6.59 and 11.30 ± 4.20 hours in the control and intervention groups, respectively (p<0.001). A linear regression analysis showed a significant association between the catheter removal time and patient mobilization, when adjusted for maternal background parameters (age, BMI, fear of childbirth diagnosis, prior uterine scar), duration and timing of the surgery, bleeding and post-operative analgesic use (R2=0.444, p<0.001). No difference was detected in the length of hospital stay, or patient satisfaction. Limiting the duration of urinary catheter therapy is associated with shorter time to post-operative mobilization. A prospective randomized trial would provide more detailed information.

Impact of altered pulmonary vein anatomy on long-term outcomes after cryoablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Cryoballoon catheter treatment for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is an effective method for treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Purpose Evaluation of the significance of certain anatomical features of pulmonary veins for predicting the development of arrhythmia recurrence after pulmonary vein cryoballoon ablation (PV CBA) in paroxysmal AF. Materials and Methods 465 consecutive patients (61% were male) with paroxysmal AF (57±11 years) were included and analyzed. All underwent CPVA between 2018 and 2022. PV and left atrial (LA) anatomy were evaluated in all patients using multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) before the CPVA procedure. After the ablation procedure, all patients were followed up for 24-56 months to assess the impact of pathologic abnormalities in PV anatomy on recurrences in the long-term follow-up period. Results Complete PV isolation was achieved in all patients. LA and PV anatomy was normal in 298 patients (64%). Pathologic change of PV anatomy was present in 167 patients. (36%). During 24-56 months of follow-up, AF recurrence was registered in 178 patients (38%). Patients with recurrent AF had mainly enlarged right (RSPV) and left superior PVs (LSPV) (p&amp;lt;0.001). The presence of left common PVs (n=126, Log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as the presence of additional right pulmonary veins (n=67, Log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001), was associated with early development of sustained arrhythmia recurrences, compared to patients with typical PV characteristics. Conclusion Altered PV anatomy is a risk factor for arrhythmia recurrence after PV CBA. Mandatory visualization of the LA and PV with MSCT improves patient selection for effective catheter-based treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Minimizing Exposure to Ionizing Radiation in Catheter-Based Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Efficacy

Pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency ablation is the most common method of catheter treatment for atrial fibrillation. Performing this procedure involves the use of X-ray radiation, which at certain stages of the procedure is an indispensable method for navigation and visualization of intracardiac structures. Approaches to minimize X-ray exposure during catheter interventions are attracting increased attention of the electrophysiology community due to the potential risks of adverse effects of ionizing radiation on patients and medical personnel. The aim. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of performing the pulmonary vein isolation procedure with the intention to minimize X-ray exposure of patients and medical personnel. Materials and methods. Forty-three patients with various forms of atrial fibrillation were selected for the study: 28(65%) with paroxysmal and 15 (35%) with persistent forms. All the patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation usingcatheter radiofrequency ablation with the intention to minimize X-ray exposure at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in the period from June 2023 to April 2024. Results. In all 43 patients it was possible to electrically isolate all the veins. Catheter ablation of the cavotricuspidisthmus was performed in 5 (31.2%) patients from group A (“Zero-fluoro”), 7 (33.3%) from group B (“Near Zero-fluoro”) and 3 (50%) from group C (“Non Zero-fluoro”) (p = 0.696). Intraoperative reconnection of the pulmonary veins with the left atrium was observed in 6 (37.5%) patients of group A, 11 (52.3%) of group B, and 4 (66%) of group C (p = 0.429). X-ray time for transseptal puncture did not differ between groups A and B (3.56 ± 2.37 vs. 3.69 ± 2.3 min., p = 0.532), however, X-ray time for pulmonary vein isolation in group A was significantly less than that in group B (0.27 ± 0.13 vs. 1.96 ± 1.21 min., p &lt; 0.001). The total time in the left atrium was not statistically different between these two groups (81.33 ± 22.32 vs. 98.6 ± 29.83 min., p = 0.106). In group C (“Non Zero-fluoro”), the aforementioned parameters were not recorded. Total dose area product (DAP) and total radiation dose, as well as total X-ray time and total procedure time, were significantly lower when using the ionizing exposure minimization approach. DAP and total radiation dose in group A were the lowest (7.29 ± 5.16 Gy/cm2 and 76.62 ± 70.82 mGy, respectively) and significantly differed from those in group C (107.67 ± 97.59 Gy/cm2 and 882.32 ± 868.62 mGy, p &lt; 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). No intraoperative complications were observed in the studied sample. Conclusions. Minimizing X-ray exposure using modern navigation systems during pulmonary vein isolation using catheter radiofrequency ablation is not associated with increased intraprocedural complications in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation. This approach allows you to significantly lower total DAP and the radiation dosewithout increasing the time of performing the pulmonary vein isolation procedure.

Perawatan Kateter Urine Dengan Chlorhexidine Gluconate 5% dalam Mencegah Infeksi Saluran Kemih

Background: Urinary tract infections that occur in hospitals are mostly caused by the installation of indwelling urinary catheters. Indwelling urinary catheter care is one way to prevent catheter-related urinary tract infections. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of indwelling urinary catheter treatment using 5% chlorhexidine gluconate on urinary tract infections in the Blora Hospital. Methods: This research uses a quasi-experimental posttest-only design. The sampling technique was purposive sampling, 12 subjects were recruited. The independent variable is indwelling urinary catheter care, and the dependent variable is urinary tract infection. Data were collected using colony counts and bacterial types on the fourth day. Data were analyzed by using the Mann Whitney test. Results: The results of the study showed that there was no difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections between patients in the treatment group who received indwelling urinary catheter treatment using chlorhexidine gluconate 5% and patients in the control group who received standard catheter treatment (p=0.138). Conclusion: Perineal care agents do not affect the incidence of catheter-related urinary tract infections. Further research should involve a larger number of respondents and consider respondent characteristics such as antibiotic use, diabetes mellitus, and urine production to obtain more accurate results.

Secondary Analysis of Fluids and Catheters Treatment Trial (FACTT) data reveal poor clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with diabetes

ObjectivesConflicting reports exist about the link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our study examines the impact of pre-existing DM on ARDS patients within the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT). DesignConducting a secondary analysis of FACTT data, we incorporated 967 participants with identified DM status (173 with DM, 794 without DM) and examined outcomes like 90-day mortality, hospital and ICU stays, and ventilator days until unassisted breathing. The primary outcome of hospital mortality at day 90 was evaluated through logistic regression using IBM SPSS software. Additionally, we assessed plasma cytokines and chemokines utilizing a human magnetic bead-based multiplex assay. ResultsPatients with pre-existing DM exhibited a lower survival rate compared to non-DM patients (61.3 vs. 72.3 %, p = 0.006). Subjects with DM experienced significantly longer hospital lengths of stay (24.5 vs. 19.7 days; p = 0.008) and prolonged ICU stays (14.8 vs. 12.4 days; p = 0.029). No significant difference was found in ventilator days until unassisted breathing between the two groups (11.7 vs. 10; p = 0.1). Cytokine/chemokine analyses indicated a non-significant trend toward heightened levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6) and chemokines (CRP, MCP-1) in DM patients compared to non-DM on both days 0 and 1. Notably, lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) exhibited significantly higher levels in DM compared to non-DM individuals. ConclusionsARDS patients with DM suffered worse clinical outcomes compared to non-DM patients, indicating that DM may negatively affect the respiratory functions in these subjects. Further comprehensive clinical and pre-clinical studies will strengthen this relationship.

Intraoperative atrial rhythm changes during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease

Atrial fibrillation is a rhythm disorder with an extensive etiology and not fully understood pathogenesis. Catheter ablation is an effective way to control the rhythm of atrial fibrillation. The results of catheter ablation differ in patients with various comorbidities of the cardiovascular system. Intraoperative changes in the atrial rhythm can be a criterion for the long-term effectiveness of the operation or determine the need for additional effects.Aim: To assess intraoperative changes in atrial rhythm during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system.Methodology and research methods. The results of catheter ablation of 451 patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation were analyzed retrospectively for the period from 2016 to 2017. After clinical and anamnestic data analysis, 151 patients with primary isolation of the pulmonary veins were selected. Depending on the concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – with idiopathic atrial fibrillation, group 2 – atrial fibrillation in combination with isolated essential arterial hypertension and group 3 – atrial fibrillation in combination with ischemic heart disease.Results. In patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation, relief of atrial fibrillation with sinus rhythm preservation until the end of surgery was more often observed than in patients with ischemic heart disease (22% vs. 10,6%, р = 0,021). In patients with ischemic heart disease, typical atrial flutter was much more common and there was a need to perform radiofrequency ablation of the cavothricuspid isthmus in addition to isolation of the pulmonary veins (47,9% vs. 18,8% 1 Group 1, р = 0,005, and 24,7% in Group 2, р = 0,01).Conclusions. The concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system in patients affects the dynamics of the atrial rhythm during catheter treatment of atrial fibrillation and may take into account the definition of intraoperative tactics.

Effectiveness of atrial fibrillation ablation in the presence of chronic myocarditis

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic myocarditis identified by endomyocardial biopsy and in patients without myocarditis.Material and Methods. The study sample included 40 patients. Of these, 27 (67.5%) are men. The age in the sample was 49 (44; 55) years. The study included 25 (62.5%) patients with paroxysmal AF, 10 (25.0%) with persistent and 5 (12.5%) with long-term persistent. All patients underwent surgical treatment of AF using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoablation (CA). Endomyocardial biopsy was performed in 18 patients to verify the diagnosis. The follow-up period for patients was 12 months.Results. All patients underwent surgical treatment of AF, in 7 cases (17.5%) CA of the left ventricle (LV) was performed; in 33 (82.5%) cases RFA was performed. According to the biopsy results, signs of myocarditis were detected in 9 patients (22.5%). Focal myocarditis was found in 7 patients, diffuse – in 2. The effectiveness of catheter treatment in general was 72.5%, for CA – 71.5%, for RFA 73.5%. The effectiveness of AF ablation with the presence of detected myocarditis was 88.9%, without myocarditis – 67.5%.Conclusions. The effectiveness of catheter treatment of AF in patients with signs of myocarditis was 88.9% and was higher than in patients without signs of myocarditis.

Pathogenesis, predictors and prognostic scales for assessing the risk of reccurence of atrial fibrillation after catheter treatment: a literature review

The review presents current data on atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after catheter-based interventional treatment. The most significant predictors described in various foreign and domestic sources are considered, and the most common in clinical practice scales for assessing the development of AF recurrences after intervention at the pulmonary vein orifices are presented. Unfortunately, currently there is no clear exhaustive validated scale to assess the occurrence of very late arrhythmia recurrence, but due to the high social and medical significance of this problem, the development of this scale represents an actual and demanded direction of modern arrhythmology. An analysis of clinical studies was carried out based on articles indexed in the Scopus, Higher Attestation Commission, Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.

The role of laboratory markers in predicting the effectiveness of catheter treatment for atrial fibrillation: a literature review

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia among the adult population. There are many possible causes of AF: structural heart disease, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, obesity, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea and old age. The ectopic activity of pulmonary vein couplings lies in the pathogenesis of paroxysmal and persistent forms of AF. The role of AF itself in triggering the inflammatory process in the atrium myocardium has also been proven. Despite the large amount of existing data, the search for the causes of AF continues. Previously, AF was considered the outcome of prolonged hemodynamic stress, arterial hypertension and valvular heart disease. Recently, views on the pathogenesis of AF have changed, since patients with metabolic diseases, without hypertrophy and dilatation of the left ventricle, but with disturbances in the structure and function of the atria, most often the left atrium, are increasingly encountered. There is an active search for laboratory markers to identify groups of patients most susceptible to developing AF. Determining the cause of atrial fibrillation and pathogenesis in each patient is important for selecting therapy and determining treatment tactics. Currently, a search is underway for laboratory markers that may be associated with the manifestation of atrial fibrillation, with atriopathy, and the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of catheter treatment for atrial fibrillation. An analysis of clinical studies was carried out based on articles indexed in the Scopus, VAK, Russian Science Citation Index, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.

The potential for isothermal microcalorimetry to detect venous catheter infection isolates and establish antibiograms

ObjectivesBecause bloodstream infection and venous catheter (or cannula) bloodstream infection are associated with high morbidity and cost, early identification and treatment are important. Isothermal microcalorimetry can detect microbial growth using thermal power (heat flow), essentially in real time. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of this technique in clinical practice. MethodsThermal power of wild-type bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecium) isolated from blood cultures of adult inpatients receiving parenteral nutrition in routine clinical practice was measured at 37°C every 10s using a Thermometric 2277 instrument. Temporal patterns of heat flow were used to detect the presence of bacteria, differentiate between them, and test their antibiotic sensitivity. Within and between batch reproducibility (% coefficient of variation [%CV]) was also established. ResultsIsothermal microcalorimetry always correctly detected the absence or presence of wild-type bacteria. Thermograms differed distinctly between species. Key thermographic features, such as peak heights, timing of peak heights, and interval between peak heights, were highly reproducible within each species (within-batch %CV usually about ≤1%, although between-batch %CV was usually higher). The antibiotic sensitivities (tested only for S. epidermidis and K. pneumoniae) confirmed the results obtained from the hospital laboratory. ConclusionsIsothermal microcalorimetry is a promising and highly reproducible real-time measurement technique with potential application to the investigation, species identification, and targeted antibiotic treatment of bloodstream infection and venous catheter (or cannula) bloodstream infection.

Preventive effect of aspirin on peripherally inserted central catheter-related vein thrombosis in patients with malignant tumors

AbstractThe majority of patients receiving chemotherapy undergo PICC catheterization. However, PICCs are significantly associated with catheter related complications, including deep vein thrombosis, blood infection, fibrin sheath, catheter prolapse, catheter displacement and blockage. Of all the risks, PICC-related VT was the most prevailing clinic symptom and resulted in a high risk of death. AimThe study aimed to investigate the preventive efficacy and safety of aspirin for patients with malignant tumors receiving venous thrombosis (VT) related with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) treatment. Patients and MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants with malignant tumors receiving chemotherapy who accepted PICC insertion operation were randomly allocated to the aspirin treatment group (n = 235) or the control group (n = 246). The patients in the aspirin group were administrated aspirin (100mg) for 30 days, whereas the patients in control group were administrated a placebo drug. The incidence of PICC-related VT in both groups and the aspirin related adverse effects were evaluated. ResultsThe incidence of PICC-related VT was 0.4% in the aspirin group, compared with 3.3% in the control group (P = 0.038). In addition, aspirin related bleeding was not observed. ConclusionPICC-related VT could be effectively prevented by aspirin in patients with malignant tumors.

Wide QRS complex tachycardia: differential diagnosis and acute treatment

The methodical guidelines are devoted to the pressing problem of clinical cardiology – the diagnosis and treatment of wide QRS complex tachycardia, requiring an individualized approach to patients’ management. The basic principles of determination of wide QRS complex tachycardias and their electrophysiological mechanisms are reviewed. The etiology of wide QRS complex tachycardias, their clinical picture and ECG criteria for differential diagnosis, particularly between ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant ventricular conduction, are outlined. The basic principles of wide QRS complex tachycardias diagnosis are discussed, and the ECG signs of the certain «wide» are presented. The results of the studies, aimed at the development of the diagnostic criteria and algorithms for differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardias, are analyzed. The acute treatment of narrow and wide QRS complex tachycardias are presented. The antiarrhythmic drugs and their use are given, and the principles of catheter treatment of tachycardia are stated. The guidelines are addressed to cardiologists, internists, the functional diagnostics physicians, general practitioners (family physicians), interns.

Results of simultaneous cryoablation of pulmonary veins and left atrium posterior wall in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Recent studies suggest a clinical benefit associated with posterior wall isolation as an adjunct to the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on the safety and efficacy of this cryoballoon ablation approach are limited. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of catheter treatment of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation using cryoballoon "single shot" technology in two randomized groups. Materials and methods Traditional PV cryoballoon isolation was performed in two groups of patients with persistent AF. In the first group of patients (n = 35) underwent only PV cryoballoon isolation. In the second group of patients (n = 33), cryoballoon isolation of the PV and cryoablation of the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA) was performed. Patients after ablation were followed up for 15.6 (2.7–3.5) months for AF recurrence, functional class, and echocardiographic parameters. Results The study included 68 patients with persistent AF in the last six months before inclusion, for whom at least two antiarrhythmic drugs of class I-III were ineffective. By random distribution, 35 patients were included in group 1 - (PVI), and they underwent only PV cryoballoon isolation. Group 2 - (PVI+PWA) included 33 patients who underwent PV cryoballoon isolation and additional LA posterior wall cryoablation. The primary efficacy endpoint occurred in 11 patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 (Kaplan-Meier survival, 31.4% and 18.2%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval. Undesirable events occurred in 3.8% of each group (p = 1.00). On multivariate analysis, posterior wall ablation and PV isolation using a cryoballoon (PVI+PWA) was an independent predictor of freedom from recurrent atrial fibrillation (odds ratio: 3.57; 95% confidence interval: 1, 39–8.93, p = 0.007). Conclusions In patients with persistent AF, posterior wall ablation and PV isolation using a cryoballoon significantly reduce arrhythmia recurrence. Nevertheless, safety is similar compared to patients with only PV isolation.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens identified by secA1sequencing in an immunocompromised child: a case report

BackgroundTsukamurella spp. are obligate aerobic, gram-positive, non-motile, and slightly acid-fast bacilli belonging to the Actinomycetes family. They share many characteristics with Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, and the rapidly growing Mycobacterium species. Therefore, standard testing may misidentify Tsukamurella spp. as another species. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is critical for proper infection management, but identification of this bacterium is difficult in the standard laboratory setting.Case presentationA bloodstream infection caused by a gram-positive bacterium and related to a central venous catheter was identified in an immunocompromised 2-year-old girl. Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens was identified by modified secA1 sequencing. Antibiotic treatment and removal of the central venous catheter resolved the infection. Inappropriate management of the catheter during an overnight stay outside of the hospital was considered as a possible source of infection.ConclusionsSecA1 sequencing may be a useful diagnostic tool in the identification of T. tyrosinosolvens. Providing proper central venous catheter care instructions to patients, their families, and medical staff is important for infection prevention.

Abstract 16479: The Effects of Pulmonary Artery Catheter Usage and Treatment Intensity on Mortality in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock by Etiology

Background: The routine usage of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in the management of cardiogenic shock (CS) by etiology remains controversial. Objectives: We sought to study the prognostic effects of PAC usage and the escalation of care in a large CS cohort. Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, observational study from the Cardiogenic Shock Working Group registry (CSWG) registry. The baseline characteristics, hospital course, and outcome of patients (pts) with acute decompensated heart failure-CS (ADHF) and acute myocardial infarction-CS (AMI) who had PAC during hospitalization were obtained. Different types of interventions were analyzed and compared between survival and non-survival by etiology. Results: The registry had 3524 pts (58% ADHF, 28% AMI). The overall mortality rate was significantly higher in the AMI group (41 vs 29%, p &lt;0.0001). There was no difference in PAC usage (68 vs 62%). In ADHF, the mortality was significantly lower when PAC was used (22 vs 35%, P&lt;0.0001). However, in AMI, there was no significant mortality difference with PAC usage (40 vs 46%, P=0.052).Pts who had PAC (n=2260, 71% male, 2/3 ADHF) were then analyzed. ADHF had longer duration of PAC (6.3 vs 4.7 days). ADHF pts had more comorbidities (CKD, DM, AF) and better admission and max SCAI stage. However, AMI pts were older (60±14 vs 66±12 year p&lt;0001), more HTN and higher transfer rate. During hospitalization, the effect of treatment intensity with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and drugs usage on mortality is summarized in fig.1 (a,b). Conclusions: In a large CS registry, we identified that ADHF is more common with much better prognosis than AMI despite similar PAC and drugs usage, and less MCS usage. This can be explained by the difference in baseline characteristic and the shock severity. PAC usage did correlate with better survival only in ADHF group. Multiple MCS and multiple drugs usage were associated with higher mortality in both groups. IABP, when used alone, had better survival.

Prognostic value of time-varying dead space estimates in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

BackgroundThe dead space fraction (VD/VT) has proven to be a powerful predictor of higher mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, its measurement relies on expired carbon dioxide, limiting its widespread application in clinical practice. Several estimates employing routine variables have been found to be reliable substitutes for direct measurement of VD/VT. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of these dead space estimates obtained in the first 7 days following the initiation of ventilation. MethodsThis retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Chinese database in intensive care (CDIC). Eligible participants were adult ARDS patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation while in the intensive care unit between 1st January 2014 and 31st March 2021. We collected data during the first 7 days of ventilation to calculate various dead space estimates, including ventilatory ratio (VR), corrected minute ventilation (V˙Ecorr), VD/VT (Harris–Benedict), VD/VT (Siddiki estimate), and VD/VT (Penn State estimate) longitudinally. A time-dependent Cox model was used to handle these time-varying estimates. ResultsA total of 392 patients (median age 66 [interquartile range: 55–77] years, median SOFA score 9 [interquartile range: 7–12]) were finally included in our analysis, among whom 132 (33.7%) patients died within 28 days of admission. VR (hazard ratio [HR]=1.04 per 0.1 increase, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.06; P=0.013), V˙Ecorr (HR=1.08 per 1 increase, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.12; P < 0.001), VD/VT (Harris–Benedict) (HR=1.25 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.47; P=0.006), and VD/VT (Penn State estimate) (HR=1.22 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.44; P=0.017) remained significant after adjustment, while VD/VT (Siddiki estimate) (HR=1.10 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.20; P=0.058) did not. Given a large number of negative values, VD/VT (Siddiki estimate) and VD/VT (Penn State estimate) were not recommended as reliable substitutes. Long-term exposure to VR >1.3, V˙Ecorr >7.53, and VD/VT (Harris–Benedict) >0.59 was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in ARDS patients. These findings were validated in the fluid and catheter treatment trial (FACTT) database. ConclusionsIn cases where VD/VT cannot be measured directly, early time-varying estimates of VD/VT such as VR, V˙Ecorr, and VD/VT (Harris–Benedict) can be considered for predicting mortality in ARDS patients, offering a rapid bedside application.

Traitement de la maladie veineuse thromboembolique au cours du cancer Mise à jour Avril 2023: Treatment of cancer associated thrombosis. 2023 update of the french guidelines

BackgroundIn recent years, knowledge about cancer associated thrombosis has evolved considerably. MethodsPractical guidelines were led by the French Language Pulmonology Society (SPLF) and drafted by a coordinating group, a writing group, and a review group, with the involvement of different scientific societies practicing in various settings. The method followed the «Clinical Practice Guidelines» process of the French National Authority for Health (HAS). ResultsAfter a literature review, these guidelines were drafted and then validated by the working groups. These guidelines addressed multiple aspects of the cancer associated thrombosis and its management: epidemiology, initial treatment, treatment duration, extended treatment, recurrent thrombosis, central venous catheter thrombosis, incidental thrombosis and treatment in case of thrombocytopenia. ConclusionThese updated evidence-based guidelines are intended to guide the practical management of patients with cancer associated thrombosis.1877-1203/© 2023 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Features of Catheter Treatment of Non-Isthmus-Dependent Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter (AF) is caused by the re-circulation of the wave of electrical excitation of the myocardium (reentry) around the anatomical substrate which circulates within the atrial tissues. This is always a macro re-entry. Such an anatomical barrier, around which circulation can occur, can be the superior or inferior vena cava, rings of the tricuspid or mitral valves, the mouth of the coronary sinus, pulmonary veins, postoperative scar.&#x0D; The aim. To determine the specifics of elimination, success rate, and long-term outcome with various preablation and postablation diagnostic techniques for non-isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (NIDAFL).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 26 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of atypical NIDAFL.&#x0D; Results. As a result of radiofrequency ablation, a sinus rhythm was restored in 17 patients during the procedure. In 7 cases, when the typical, isthmus-dependent AF was removed, the tachycardia cycle and the morphology of the R wave changed. Mapping showed that in 7 cases the direction of the re-entry front changed, and instead of the circulation of excitation through the cavatricuspid isthmus, it then passed around the atriotomy scar. In 2 cases, a change in the cardiac cycle was observed after radiofrequency ablation, but the excitation circulation was the same around the atriotomy scar, only the tachycardia cycle increased. As a result of the use of our techniques, arrhythmia was eliminated in all 21 patients with an atriotomy AF during one procedure. Five patients with AF of a different localization of the re-entry circuit also had their arrhythmia eliminated, although 8 procedures (for five patients) were performed (on average 1.6). There were no complications. During the follow-up period of 1.8±0.7 years, 2 patients had a recurrence of arrhythmia, and they underwent a repeat procedure to eliminate the arrhythmia. One patient developed typical AF that had not been observed before, which was successfully eliminated.&#x0D; Conclusion. Catheter treatment of atypical NIDAFL is quite a non-trivial task, because, as our experience shows, several types of tachycardia occur in a significant number of patients. In cases of restoration of sinus rhythm as a result of the application, it is necessary to check the inducibility of another arrhythmia. But despite everything, catheter removal of NIDAFL is quite effective, especially for atriotomy AF, although it requires more X-ray exposure and a relatively large number of applications. The use of navigation systems has helped to improve the results of such interventions in more complex cases.

Closed thoracic drainage in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax: A retrospective study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with spontaneous pneumothorax, is characterized by significant decline in lung function, and even cause cardiopulmonary failure and hypoxia. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of central venous catheters and indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) in managing closed thoracic drainage in patients diagnosed with COPD with concomitant by spontaneous pneumothorax. Retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical information of 60 elderly patients with COPD complicated by spontaneous pneumothorax admitted to the Shexian Branch of the second affiliated hospital of Zhejiang university school of medicine between March 2020 and March 2023. The clinical efficacy, complications, hospitalization duration, and costs were compared between patients with an indwelling thoracic catheter and those with a central venous catheter. Univariate logistic regression was used to analyze the causes of catheter displacement. According to our findings, there were significant differences in the IPC group's clinical efficacy, catheter operation time, and lung recruitment time (P < 0.05). Comparing the complications after catheter treatment between the two groups revealed statistically significant variations in the incidence of postoperative analgesics, catheter abscission, catheter blockage, and subcutaneous emphysema in the IPC group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences between patients with and without catheter dislodgement regarding duty nurse's working years (less than three), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores (less than 15), lack of catheter suture fixation, and the proportion of catheters not fixed twice (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that when treating elderly COPD patients with spontaneous pneumothorax, indwelling thoracic catheters are more effective than the central venous catheter group. Patients' catheter shedding is influenced by the primary nurse's working years, APACHE II scores, and catheter fixation technique.