Use Of Inotropic Drugs Research Articles

Beneficial effects of extravascular lung water index-guided volum management in patients with cardiogenic shock

Objective: To evaluate the role of volume management guided by extravascular lung water index(EVLWI) in improving the clinical outcomes and cardiac function for patients with cardiogenic shock. Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective cohort study. Patients with cardiogenic shock admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital from July 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. Patients were matched 1∶1 by propensity score and divided into EVLWI group and control group. In the control group, the volume management strategy was determined by the attending physician based mainly on conventional factors, including clinical features, biochemical assessments, and certain blood pressure measurements. In EVLWI group, the volume management plan was formulated by integrating conventional factors with EVLWI derived from pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring. Baseline clinical data, in-hospital treatment, and hemodynamic data were collected. Major adverse cardiovascular events and cardiac function related parameters were compared at 30 d after treatment between the two groups. Baseline EVLWI levels were compared between the non-survivors and the survivors in the EVLWI group. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess the accuracy of baseline EVLWI and central venous pressure in predicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock, and subgroup analysis was performed according to ischemic/non-ischemic etiology and with/without use of inotropic drugs. Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival analysis, with log-rank tests comparing all-cause mortality, cardiac death, and readmission rate for heart failure at 30 d after treatment. Results: A total of 200 patients with cardiogenic shock were enrolled, aged (71.35±12.82) years, 144(72%) males, EVLWI group and control group 100 patients each. Compared with the control group, EVLWI group had lower all-cause mortality (16%(16/100) vs. 42%(42/100), log-rank P<0.01), cardiac death (14%(14/100) vs. 34%(34/100), log-rank P<0.01), and readmission rate for heart failure (4%(4/100) vs. 12%(12/100), log-rank P=0.03) at 30 d after treatment. Subgroup analysis showed that EVLWI-guided volume management was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock of ischemic or non-ischemic etiology and with or without inotropic drugs (all P<0.05). In EVLWI group, baseline EVLWI levels were higher in non-survivors than those in survivors [(15.99±6.47) ml/kg vs.(9.75±2.55) ml/kg, P<0.01]. The baseline EVLWI could predicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (95%CI: 0.75-0.94, P<0.01), while the baseline central venous pressure had no predicting value (AUC=0.54, 95%CI: 0.40-0.69, P=0.60). The optimal cutoff value of EVLWI in pridicting all-cause mortality at 30 d after treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock was >10.3 ml/kg. With the optimization of hemodynamic parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction was improved in EVLWI group, and serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and lactic acid were decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: EVLWI-guided volume management exerts a beneficial effect on therapeutic decision-making and improves clinical outcomes and cardiac function in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Role of invasive hemodynamics monitoring in sepsis intensive care

The objective was to study the effect of early planned use of transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) and therapeutic measures to stabilize blood circulation on the clinical outcome of sepsis.Materials and methods. The cohort study involved 132 patients with abdominal sepsis with SOFA &gt;7 and blood lactate &gt;1.6 mmol/L. Septic shock was diagnosed in 56 % of patients. TPTD in the early periods of intensive care was began in 53.8 % of patients. Logistic regression and ROC-analysis were used to process the data.Results. Early use of invasive monitoring (OR 2,3715, 95 % CI 1,1107–5,0635, p=0,026, AUC 0.655) and infusion volume &gt;43 ml/kg per day (OR 1.0313, 95 % CI 1.0073–1.0558, p=0.01, AUC 0.677) were predictors of survival in patients with abdominal sepsis. The use of TPTD compared to patients of group II was accompanied by an increase in the daily infusion volume (53.7 [38.1–63.5] vs 38.2 [29.9–47.2], ml/kg per day, p = 0.0001), more frequent use of inotropic drugs (39.4 vs 16.4 %, p = 0.004), and higher level of the inotropic scale (0 [0–4.7] vs 0 [0–0], p = 0.01). There were no differences in the frequency of prescription (57.7 vs 65.5 %, p = 0.376) and dosages (0.2 [0.1–0.4] vs 0.3 [0.2–0.4] μg/kg/min, p = 0.554) of norepinephrine. Twenty-eight-day mortality in groups I and II was 31 and 50.8 % (p = 0.022), hospital mortality was 32.9 and 54.0 % (p = 0.014).Conclusion. When assessed by SOFA &gt; 7 points and lactatemia &gt; 1.6 mmol/L, the onset of TPTD and infusion volume &gt; 43 mL/kg/day increase the likelihood of survival of patients with abdominal sepsis, as a result, 28-day and hospital mortality decrease by 1.6 times. The use of invasive monitoring of central hemodynamics in this clinical situation is accompanied by an increase in the prescription of inotropes by 2.4 times with an unchanged intensity of norepinephrine use.

Comparison Between the Protective Effect of Isoflurane and Propofol on Myocardium During Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Intravenous non-volatile anaesthetics like propofol are commonly used in cardiac surgeries across several countries. Volatile anaesthetics like isoflurane may help in protecting the myocardium and minimize ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Hence, we did this review to compare the cardioprotective effect of isoflurane and propofol among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We conducted a search in the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (or MEDLINE), Embase, PubMed Central®, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until April 2021. We carried out a meta-analysis with random-effects model and reported pooled risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) depending on the type of outcome. We analysed 13 studies including 808 participants. Almost all were low-quality studies. For cardiac index, the pooled SMD was 0.14 (95% CI: -0.22 to 0.50); for cardiac troponin I, pooled SMD was 0.10 (95% CI: -0.28 to 0.48). For mortality, the RR was 3.00 (95% CI: 0.32 to 28.43); for MI, pooled RR was 1.58 (95% CI: 0.59 to 4.20); and for inotropic drug use, pooled RR was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.90 to 1.21). For length of intensive care unit stay, the pooled SMD was 0.13 (95% CI: -0.29 to 0.55), while pooled SMD for mechanical ventilation time was -0.02 (95% CI: -0.54 to 0.51). Isoflurane did not have significant cardioprotective effect compared to propofol following CABG. Hence, the anaesthetists need to check some viable alternatives to manage these patients and reduce the rate of postoperative complications.

Analysis of single umbilical artery with concurrent congenital anomaly: Is it a risk factor for poor prognosis? A cross-sectional study.

A single umbilical artery (SUA) may coexist with a single anomaly or multiple congenital anomalies. Although anomalies associated with SUA can primarily cause high perinatal mortality, their clinical significance has not been evaluated. We investigated the relationship between the clinical features and the type or number of concurrent anomalies in neonates with SUA. In this cross-sectional study, 104 neonates with SUA were enrolled from January 2000 to December 2020 at Dongsan hospital, Daegu, South Korea. Data on the maternal history and the neonates demographic characteristics, clinical course, chromosomal analysis, and congenital anomalies, were collected. Among the neonates with SUA included, 77 (74.0%) had one or more congenital anomalies; 66 (63.5%) were cardiac, 20 (19.2%) were genitourinary, 12 (11.5%) were gastrointestinal, 5 (4.8%) were central nervous system, 12 (11.5%) were skeletal, and 5 (4.8%) were facial anomalies. The number of concurrent anomalies ranged from 0-4. Neonates with SUA and concurrent gastrointestinal anomaly had a high incidence of initial positive ventilation, intubation, and inotropic drug use and lower Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min. 7 (6.7%) neonates with SUA died. Low birth weight (odds ratio = 6.16, p = 0.05), maternal multiparity (2.41, p = 0.13), gastrointestinal anomaly (5.06, p = 0.11), and initial cardiac resuscitation (7.77, p = 0.11) were risk factors for mortality in neonates with SUA. Neonates with SUA and concurrent gastrointestinal anomaly, low birth weight, maternal multiparity, and initial cardiac resuscitation had poor outcomes.

Postoperative outcomes after total sevoflurane inhalation sedation using a disposable delivery system (Sedaconda-ACD) in cardiac surgery.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted our team to develop new solutions for performing cardiac surgery without intravenous anesthetics due to a shortage of these drugs. We utilized an anesthetic conserving device (Sedaconda-ACD) to administer total inhaled anesthesia because specific vaporizers were unavailable for administering inhaled agents during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in our center. We documented our experience and postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcome was the peak level of troponin, with secondary outcomes encompassing other cardiovascular complications. A single-center retrospective study was conducted. We performed a multivariate analysis with a propensity score. This investigation took place at a large university referral center. Adult patients (age ≥ 18) who underwent elective cardiac surgery with CPB between June 2020 to March 2021. During the inclusion period, two anesthesia protocols for the maintenance of anesthesia coexisted-total inhaled anesthesia with Sedaconda-ACD and our classic protocol with intravenous drugs during and after CPB. Troponin peak level recorded after surgery (highest level recorded within 48 h following the surgery). Out of the 654 included patients, 454 were analyzed after matching (intravenous group = 297 and inhaled group = 157). No significant difference was found between the groups in postoperative troponin peak levels (723 ng/l vs. 993 ng/l-p = 0.2). Total inhaled anesthesia was associated with a decreased requirement for inotropic medications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.99, p = 0.04). In our cohort, the Sedaconda-ACD device enabled us to achieve anesthesia without intravenous agents, and we did not observe any increase in postoperative complications. Total inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane was not associated with a lower incidence of myocardial injury assessed by the postoperative troponin peak level. However, in our cohort, the use of inotropic drugs was lower.

ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЕ НЕБЛАГОПРИЯТНЫХ КЛИНИЧЕСКИХ ИСХОДОВ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С КАРДИОГЕННЫМ ШОКОМ ПОСЛЕ ОПЕРАЦИЙ НА ОТКРЫТОМ СЕРДЦЕ ПРИ ПОДКЛЮЧЕНИИ ВНУТРИАОРТАЛЬНОЙ БАЛЛОННОЙ КОНТРАПУЛЬСАЦИИ

Aim. To determine preimplantation risk factors and predictors of unfavorable outcome in patients with cardiogenic shock after open-heart surgery, who had an intraoperative system of mechanical circulatory support – intra-aortic balloon contrapulsation. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center “Cardiology” for 2015–2020. It included 66 patients who underwent heart surgery on bypass and who intraoperatively developed cardiogenic shock, refractory to drug therapy, which resulted in the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. The diagnosis of cardiogenic shock was determined based on the generally accepted criteria, as well as based on the SCAI (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions) classification of shock: systolic blood pressure &lt; 90 mmHg for &gt; 30 minutes or the need for infusion of vasopressors or inotropes to achieve the blood pressure of ≥ 90 mm Hg. The Pearson Chi-square test used for nonparametric analysis of qualitative characteristics. The predictors were identified based on logistic regression. Differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.05 (5%).Results. Risk factors for adverse outcome in case of CS before the use of IABP were: age over 65 years OR = 6.04 [95% CI 1.73 – 21.06], p = 0.003; female gender OR = 3.24 [95% CI 1.064 – 9.873], p = 0.048; vasoactive and inotropic support of more than 42 points OR = 7.85 [95% CI 2.33 – 26.45], p = 0.001; blood lactate of more than 4.7 mmol/l OR = 4.12 [95% CI 1.27 – 13.37], p = 0.014; blood acidity pH &lt; 7.33 OR = 6.34 [95% CI 1.97 – 20.37], p = 0.003; base deficit BE &gt; –5.6 OR = 7.32 [95% CI 2.19 – 24.42], p = 0.001. According to the β-coefficients of the logistic regression equation, predictors were scored as follows: age &gt; 65 years = 2 points, VIP &gt; 42 = 2 points, lactate &gt; 4.7 mmol/L = 1 point. The cumulative probability of 30-day mortality was as follows: 9% when defined as 1 point, 20% – 2 points, 55% – 3 points, 60% – 4 points, 75% – 5 points (Chi-square 24.1; df = 5; p = 0.001). Conclusions. Cardiogenic shock is a fatal complication in cardiac surgery. The use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs has an important role in the treatment of CS; however, escalation of catecholamine doses leads to the progression of multiple organ failure due to hypoperfusion and hypoxia of target organs. Therefore, the use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation can improve the results of CS treatment. However, the effect of IABP is limited to increasing cardiac output by no more than 1 l/minute. Based on the calculator we developed, when determining a high risk of an unfavorable outcome of the IABP use, options for circulatory support should be considered including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist device.

Should the Vasoactive Inotropic Score be a Determinant for Early Initiation of VA ECMO in Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock?

The authors investigated the role of early venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) implantation in patients with postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) on mortality and morbidity when integrating vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and type of catecholamine support. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study with propensity-weight matching. Four university-affiliated intensive care units. Patients with PCS in the operating room. Early VA ECMO support. Of 2,742 patients screened during the study period, 424 (16%) patients were treated with inotropic drugs, and 75 (3%) patients were supported by VA ECMO in the operating room. Patients supported by VA ECMO had a higher use of vasopressor and inotropic drugs, with a higher VIS score. After propensity matching (integrating VIS and catecholamines type), mortality (56% v 20%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (cardiac, renal, transfusion) were higher in patients supported by VA ECMO than in a matched control group. When matching integrated the pre-ECMO VIS and the type of catecholamines, VA ECMO remained associated with high mortality and morbidity, suggesting that VIS alone should not be used as a main determinant of VA ECMO implantation.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of perioperative patient's and follow-up after coronary artery bypass graft surgery with extracorporeal circulation

Objectives: Course of hospital stay post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure has become increasingly shorter over the last few decades. However, after coronary artery bypass surgery, there is a certain rate of adverse events related to surgery and resuscitation. Therefore, we conducted this study with the goal of evaluating the clinical and subclinical characteristics of patients undergoing CABG surgery with extracorporeal circulation.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective method was used to study 171 consecutive patients undergoing CABG Surgery at Hanoi Heart Hospital from June 2016 to August 2018.&#x0D; Results: The group of stable coronary artery disease 119 (69.6%) patients, the group of acute coronary syndrome 52 (30.4%) patients. The men was 3.6 times higher than that of women (p&lt;0.05). The Euroscore II score (0.6 – 6.42) and typical chest pain were higher in the acute coronary syndrome group (p&lt;0.05). Acute coronary syndrome patient's had a higher rate of postoperative EF reduction than stable coronary artery disease patients (p &lt; 0.05). Stable coronary artery disease patients had CK, CKMB, Troponin T hs increased postop than acute coronary syndrome patient's, ProBnP increased postop in both groups (p&lt;0.05). The time of mechanical ventilation, use of inotropic drugs, and re-operating hemostasis were increased in the acute coronary syndrome group compared with stable coronary artery disease (p&lt;0.05). The rate of reoperation for hemostasis (3.5%), the group of acute coronary syndromes patients was higher (7.7% vs 1.7%), the postoperative mortality rate was 2.3% up to 30 days.&#x0D; Conclusion: The men was higher than that of women, and heart failure increased postop than preop in both echocardiography and laboratory tests. Acute coronary syndrome patients had a higher rate of bleeding re-operating hemostasis than stable coronary artery disease patient's.

Hematological effects of Levosimendan therapy in patients with heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Levosimendan is an inotropic drug, acting as calcium sensitizer, used in the management of acute heart failure. Despite its hemodynamic benefits, Levosimendan is associated with several adverse reactions, including hematological effects, with a hemoglobin value decrease, causing anemia. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) might be a precipitant of acute heart failure, in a substantial proportion of cases. These situations may require the use of inotropic drugs, such as Levosimendan. Antithrombotic therapy is the cornerstone therapy for management of acute coronary syndromes, and the decision of which strategy is determined by the balance of ischemic and hemorrhagic risks. Therefore, in the management of acute heart failure, associated with ACS, the use of Levosimendan might be associated with the increase of hemorrhagic risk, due to hemoglobin decrease, influencing the antithrombotic therapy strategy choice. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effect of the use of Levosimendan on the hemoglobin value, comparing with Dobutamine, in patients hospitalized for ACS. Methods We analyzed a retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort of 317 patients, admitted for ACS, requiring inotropic therapy. The population was divided into two groups: a group that used Levosimendan and a group that used Dobutamine. The mean decrease in hemoglobin value, and the minimum hemoglobin value, during hospitalization, was compared between both groups. Results Levosimendan sample included 39 patients, of which 40,1% (n=15) were women, with a mean age of 83±12,1 year old, while Dobutamine sample had 278 elements, of which 38% (n=105) were women with a mean age of 82±12,1. There was no statistically significant difference between both samples on age and sex distribution. Levosimendan group had a mean minimum hemoglobin value of 10,7±2,2 g/dL and a mean decrease in hemoglobin value, during hospitalization, of 2,7±1,9 g/dL, while Dobutamine group had a mean minimum hemoglobin value of 10,7±2,2 g/dL and a decrease in hemoglobin value, during hospitalization, 2,1±1,9g/dL. There was no statically significant difference on mean minimum hemoglobin value on both samples (p&amp;gt;0,05), however, there was a statistically significant difference, with a higher decrease in mean hemoglobin value, during hospitalization in patients using Levosimendan, comparing with patients using Dobutamine (2,7±1,9g/dL vs 2,1±1,9g/dL, p=0,04). Conclusion Levosimendan is associated with a higher decrease in hemoglobin value. As heart failure might complicate ACS episode, and might require inotropic therapy, we should be aware that the choice of using Levosimendan in these situations may confer a greater risk of bleeding, associated with the higher decrease in hemoglobin value, in patients who need intense antithrombotic therapy.

Dysrhythmic profile of inotropic therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may develop ventricular dysfunction and need to use drugs with a positive inotropic effect, during the acute phase. Despite the hemodynamic benefit of the use of these drugs, positive inotropic drugs may have several side effects, including ventricular tachycardia (VT)and atrial fibrillation (AF). AF can complicate the management of patients with ACS, since these patients need intense antiplatelet therapy, and in the case of AF, it may have to be associated with anticoagulant therapy, thereby increasing the bleeding risk. The clinical significance of AF during an acute event remains to be ascertained. Purpose This study aims to assess the frequency of occurrence of dysrhythmic complications with the use of positive inotropic drugs in patients hospitalized for ACS. Methods We performed a 6-year retrospective, observational, multicenter study. We included patients with ACS who used positive or not inotropic drugs during hospitalization, dividing the sample into two groups respectively (Group 1 and Group 2). Between the two groups we compared the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. In addition, we performed an analysis for the use of levosimendan. Results We analyzed a sample of 5860 patients. Of these, 70.3% were male. In Group 1 we included 377 patients and in Group 2 5329 patients. The occurrence of VT in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (15.5% vs 1.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR: 11.472; 95% CI [8.212;16.027]). The rate of occurrence of AF in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (19.3% vs 5.1%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR:4.413; 95% CI [3.388;5.749]). Regarding the use of levosimendan, 50 patients were analyzed. VT was more frequent with the use of this drug than without it (18.0% vs 2.5%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR: 8.576 95% CI [4.092;17.976]). Atrial fibrillation was more frequent with levosimendan use than with no use (34.0% vs 6.0%; p&amp;gt;0.001; OR: 8.137; 95% CI [4.487;14.754]). Conclusion Arrhythmic complications were much more frequent in the group that used positive inotropic drugs, namely VT and AF. Levosimendan stands out, related to the increase in the occurrence of AF and the remaining inotropes with an increased risk of VT. These arrhythmic complications pose a challenge in the management of these patients, as in patients with ACS, the use of Levosimendan is associated with more episodes of AF, and might complicate the antithrombotic therapy strategy choice.

C25 TEMPORAL TREND MORTALITY AND IN–HOSPITAL MORTALITY PREDICTORS IN AN ISCHEMIC CARDIOGENIC SHOCK POPULATION: A 10 YEARS SINGLE–CENTRE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) represents the most severe form of acute heart failure (AHF) syndromes with an high rate of in–hospital mortality. Purpose describe predictors of in–hospital mortality; evaluate ten years mortality temporal trend in our CICU; assess the feasibility of CARDSHOCK risk score; elaborate a simpler version of CARDSHOCK risk score. Methods All consecutive patients with CS after AMI admitted at our CICU from March 2012 to July 2021 were included in this single–centre retrospective study. Results We included 167 patients [males 67%; age 71 years] with ischemic CS. Patients had severe LV dysfunction in 66%. Baseline serum lactate was 5,2 mmol/L. All patients required inotropes: 71% required dopamine, 65% noradrenaline, 32% dobutamine; 32% adrenalina,17,4% received levosimendan alone. Mechanical cardiac support (MCS) was pursued in 91,1% [65% IABP, 23% Impella CP, 4% VA–ECMO]. From March 2012 to July 2021 we observed a significative temporal trend mortality reduction (p=0.0015) from 57% of first time–quartile to 29% of the fourth quartile (fig1). In addition we noted a significant increase in Impella catheter use (p=0,0005) with a consequent reduction of IABP (p=0,01), a reduction in dopamine administration (p=0,007) and a greater use of inotropic drugs with vasodilatory action (p=0,015 and p=0,001). In our population of AMI–CS patients CARDSHOCK risk score was a reliable in–hospital mortality predictor tool (p=0.00011). After the multivariate analysis only EF at baseline (p=0,009), lactate level at presentation (p=0,015) and presence of three–vessels CAD (p=0,0038) resulted to be in–hospital mortality predictors. A new prediction model composed by those three variables was created and it exhibited better predictive performance for in–hospital mortality than Cardshock risk score (AUC 0,94 vs 0,72 respectively, p=0,015) (fig2). Conclusions In our retrospective single–centre study a significant reduction of mortality through the years is observed, probably due to more extensive use of micro axial pumps and a greater use of inodilators drug therapies. Cardshock risk score represents a feasible tool to predict in–hospital mortality also in our sample composed only of ischemic CS patients. A new prediction model composed by three clinical variables demonstrates at least the same predictive performance but future validation in a larger population could be advisable to validate the simplified score.

Dysrhythmic profile of drugs with a positive inotropic effect in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may develop ventricular dysfunction and need to use drugs with a positive inotropic effect during the acute phase. Despite the hemodynamic benefit of the use of these drugs, positive inotropic drugs may have several side effects. Among these, ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. Levosimendan is a drug that increases the sensitivity of the myocardium to calcium, producing a positive inotropic effect. Purpose This study aims to assess the frequency of occurrence of dysrhythmic complications with the use of positive inotropic drugs in patients hospitalized for ACS. Methods We performed a 6-year retrospective, observational, multicenter study. We included patients with ACS who used positive or not inotropic drugs during hospitalization, dividing the sample into two groups respectively (Group 1 and Group 2). Between the two groups we compared the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. In addition, we performed an analysis for the use of levosimendan. Results We analyzed a sample of 5860 patients. Of these, 70.3% were male. In Group 1 we included 377 patients and in Group 2 5329 patients. The occurrence of ventricular tachycardia in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (15.5% vs 1.6%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR: 11.472; 95% CI [8.212;16.027]). The rate of occurrence of atrial fibrillation in Group 1 was higher than in Group 2 (19.3% vs 5.1%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR:4.413; 95% CI [3.388;5.749]). Regarding the use of levosimendan, 50 patients were analyzed. Ventricular tachycardia was more frequent with the use of this drug than without it (18.0% vs 2.5%; p&amp;lt;0.001; OR: 8.576 95% CI [4.092;17.976]). Atrial fibrillation was more frequent with levosimendan use than with no use (34.0% vs 6.0%; p&amp;gt;0.001; OR: 8.137; 95% CI [4.487;14.754]). Conclusion Arrhythmic complications were much more frequent in the group that used positive inotropic drugs, namely ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Levosimendan stands out, related to the increase in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation and the remaining inotropes with an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia. These arrhythmic complications pose a challenge in the management of these patients.

The comparison of post OPCABG complications between opium addicted and non- addicted patients

Objectives: Opium addiction is one of the fundamental public health problems today that could influence cardiovascular disease outcomes. Recent studies have shown that opium addiction may increase the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess whether opium addiction may affect the postoperative complications of off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) (1).&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we searched the clinical records of all patients who underwent OPCAB surgery from 2017/03/21/ to 2018/03/19/ at Afshar and Seyed Al-Shohada Hospitals in Yazd, Iran. We evaluated the patients for postoperative complications. Complete patient demographic and clinical data collected through a review of patient records. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18.&#x0D; Results: A total of 889 patients (667 (76.2%) non-addicted, 127 (14.3%) opium addicts, and 86 (9.6%) smokers and opium addicts) met our criteria and were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 62.09 ± 9.8 years. Frequency distribution of the most postoperative variables such as intubation duration, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative bleeding volume, pack cell count, need for fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelet injection volume, need for reoperation, need for intra-aortic balloon pump, as well as Atrial fibrillation (AF) rhythm showed no significant difference between the three groups. However, the only significant difference between the three groups reported the need for postoperative use of inotropic drugs (p=.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: According to the results, the only complication that differed significantly in the three patient groups after OPCAB was the need for inotropic drugs.

A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Children.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious clinical condition in critically ill children and is associated with worse outcomes. A few pediatric studies focused on the risk factors of AKI. We aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). All the patients admitted to PICU over a period of 20 months were included. We compared both groups the risk factors between AKI and non-AKI. A total of 63 patients (17.5%) of the 360 patients developed AKI during PICU stay. The presence of comorbidity, diagnosis of sepsis, increased PRISM III score, and positive renal angina index were found to be risk factors for AKI on admission. Thrombocytopenia, multiple organ failure syndrome, the requirement of mechanical ventilation, use of inotropic drugs, intravenous iodinated contrast media, and exposure to an increased number of nephrotoxic drugs were independent risk factors during the hospital stay. The patients with AKI had a lower renal function on discharge and had worse overall survival. AKI is prevalent and multifactorial in critically sick children. The risk factors of AKI may be present on admission and during the hospital stay. AKI is related to prolonged mechanical ventilation days, longer PICU stays, and a higher mortality rate. Based on the presented results early prediction of AKI and consequent modification of nephrotoxic medication may generate positive effects on the outcome of critically ill children.

Is Preoperative Adrenal Insufficiency Screening Necessary for Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Patients?

Background: The association between adrenal insufficiency (AI) and the treatment outcomes of cardiothoracic surgery patients has been little reported. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of AI and to compare the post-surgical outcomes of patients with perioperatively treated AI and patients with a normal adrenal response. Methods: A 1.5-year prospective study was conducted in 98 patients scheduled for cardiothoracic surgery. Patients were categorized as either AI or normal-adrenal-response patients. Those with AI were treated with stress doses of glucocorticoid perioperatively. The post-surgical outcomes of patients with AI and of those with a normal adrenaline response were analyzed using multivariable analysis. Results: The overall incidence of AI was 34.7%. There were no statistically significant differences in post-surgical outcomes, including prolonged hospital stay, postoperative infection, prolonged inotropic drug use and relative AI, between the two groups. Only the rate of hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion was significantly higher in the AI group than in the non-AI group (OR = 14.15, 95% CI = 1.44-138.60, p = 0.02). Conclusions: The proper diagnosis and management of AI can result in surgical outcomes in AI patients comparable to those of normal-adrenal-response patients. Non-life-threatening hyperglycemia requiring insulin infusion was found only in the AI group.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of an Intensive Maternal Care Unit in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines

Objectives. This is the first study that provides an overview of the characteristics of a specialized Intensive Maternal Care Unit (IMU) that caters to obstetric-related conditions in the Philippines. This study aims to describe the different kinds of cases admitted into this facility, the different medical and surgical interventions employed, length of hospital stay, and maternal and fetal outcomes of these patients.Methods. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study based on a chart review of medical records and admissioncharts of patients admitted to the Intensive Maternal Unit of a tertiary hospital in Manila from January 2017 toDecember 2019.Results. There were a total of 17,185 obstetric admissions from 2017-2019. There were a total of 841 admissions(4%) into the Intensive Maternal Unit, with an average of 280 admissions per year. The average length of Intensive Maternal Unit stay was 10.46 days and the average length of hospital stay was 12.98 days. Maternal outcomes were the following: 56.89% were discharged undelivered while 38.92% delivered on their initial admission. The maternal mortality rate was 2.39% among those admitted to the IMU. Among those discharged undelivered, 43% were re-admitted, 6% were admitted twice, and 4% were admitted three times. The most common reason for admission was pregnancy-related hypertensive diseases (34%). Blood transfusion (2.4%), the use of ventilator support (0.6%), and the use of inotropic drugs (0.6%) were the major medical interventions. Cesarean section was the most common surgical intervention, seen in 54.49% of patients. Most neonates were admitted to the neonatal ICU (23.95%), at an average pediatric age of 33 weeks, with an average length of stay in the Neonatal ICU of 12.33 days.Conclusion. Pregnant women are a special group of patients with different needs compared to the general patient population. Pregnancy-associated hypertensive disease is the most common cause of admission to the IMU and hospitals should be able to cater to these patients who will present in their institutions, as this may lead to poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. An Intensive Care Unit dedicated to complicated obstetric care in institutions is recommended to cater to high-risk pregnancies.

Association between proteinuria trajectories and outcomes in critically ill patients with sepsis or shock

BackgroundProteinuria results from kidney damage and can be a predictor of illness severity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the optimal timing of proteinuria measurements and the reference values remain undetermined. Our objective was to identify the patterns of proteinuria change associated with mortality in ICU patients with sepsis or shock.MethodsThis monocentric retrospective cohort study performed from April 2010 to April 2018 involved all ICU patients with sepsis or shock and at least two measurements of proteinuria from a 24h-urine collection during the first 10 days of ICU stay, the first of which was made within 48h after ICU admission. We identified proteinuria trajectories by a semi-parametric mixture model and analysed the association between the trajectories and the mortality at day 28 by Cox proportional-hazards model.ResultsA total of 3,344 measurements of proteinuria from 659 patients were analysed. Four proteinuria trajectories were identified. Trajectories 1, 2, 3 and 4 comprised 127, 421, 60 and 51 patients, and were characterized by a first proteinuria of 1.14 [0.66–1.55], 0.52 [0.26–0.91], 2.92 [2.38–3.84] and 2.58 [1.75–3.32] g/24h (p<0.001) and a mortality of 24.4%, 38%, 20% and 43% (p = 0.002), respectively. Trajectories 3 and 4 had a high first proteinuria (>2g/24h). Only, the proteinuria of trajectory 4 increased within 3 days following the first measurement and was associated with increased mortality at day 28 (hazard ratio: 2.36 95%CI [1.07–5.19], p = 0.03), regardless of acute renal failure. The factors associated with trajectory 4 were cancer (relative risk: 8.91 95%CI [2.09–38.02], p = 0.003) and use of inotropic drugs (relative risk: 0.17 95%CI [0.04–0.69], p = 0.01).ConclusionThis exploratory study of ICU patients with sepsis or shock identified four proteinuria trajectories with distinct patterns of proteinuria change over time and mortality rates. These results provide novel insights into renal pathophysiology and may be helpful to investigate subphenotypes of kidney injury among ICU patients in future studies.

Comparative study between levosimendan and intra-aortic balloon pump in high risk patients undergoing beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery

Background: Preoperative left ventricular dysfunction is an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality and morbidity and is also associated with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. IABP improved outcomes in high-risk cardiac patients. However, installation of the balloon has many disadvantages. Recently, a new drug named levosimendan is commonly used as an inotropic support with no increase oxygen demand of myocardium. Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare the efficiency of levosimendan versus intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with poor left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ejection fraction less than 35%. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with elective multi-vessel off-pump CABG at Al-Azhar University, Air force Specialized and Al-Assema Hospitals were randomized into 2 groups, according to the treatment they received – either levosimendan (Levo group) or intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation (IABP group), and compared with respect to The use of inotropic drugs, Hemodynamics, ICU stay, hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Results: There were no differences in preoperative characteristics including patients’ age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The Levosemindan group had shorter ICU and hospital stays as compared to IABP group with comparable hemodynamic functions, time of mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.

The effect of anesthesia management on mortality and morbidity in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Objectives: We aimed at investigating the effects of two different anesthesia techniques in our patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Material and methods: The effects of two different anesthetic methods were retrospectively evaluated in 100 patients who underwent TAVI between January 2010 and October 2020. Patients were divided into a general anesthesia (GA) group and a sedation-local anesthesia (S-LA) group according to the anesthetic methods used. Results: Of 100 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation, 20 (20%) received GA, and 80 (80%) received S-LA. The mean ages of the patient groups undergoing GA and S-LA were 76.20±7.22 and 75±8.44 years, respectively. The duration of the procedure and anesthesia was significantly longer in the GA patient group than in the S-LA patient group. With the exception of the logistic European Society of Cardiac Operative Risk Assessment, the demographic and preoperative data of the two groups were similar. The most common comorbidity in both groups was hypertension. When comparing complications between groups, the incidence of intraoperative hemodynamic instability, ephedrine use, inotropic drug use, intra-aortic balloon pump placement, postoperative infection and cardiac tamponade was significantly higher in the GA group. The length of intensive care and hospital stay was similar between the groups, but the 30-day and 3-month mortality rates were significantly higher in the GA group than in the S-LA group. Conclusion: S-LA provided more stable hemodynamics, shorter operative and anesthetic times, fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications, and reduced mortality. S-LA application during the TAVI procedure is a more reliable alternative to GA.

Vasoactive and/or inotropic drugs in initial resuscitation of burn injuries: A systematic review.

BackgroundAccording to current guidelines, initial burn resuscitation should be performed with fluids alone. The aims of the study were to review the frequency of use of vasoactive and/or inotropic drugs in initial burn resuscitation, and assess the benefits and harms of adding such drugs to fluids.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, UpToDate, and SveMed+ through 3 December 2021. The search included studies on critically ill burn patients receiving vasoactive and/or inotropic drugs in addition to fluids within 48 h after burn injury.ResultsThe literature search identified 1058 unique publications that were screened for inclusion. After assessing 115 publications in full text, only two retrospective cohort studies were included. One study found that 16 out of 52 (31%) patients received vasopressor(s). Factors associated with vasopressor use were increasing age, burn depth, and % total body surface area (TBSA) burnt. Another study observed that 20 out of 111 (18%) patients received vasopressor(s). Vasopressor use was associated with increasing age, Baux score, and %TBSA burnt in addition to more frequent dialysis treatment and increased mortality. Study quality assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa quality assessment scale was considered good in one study, but uncertain due to limited description of methods in the other.ConclusionThis systematic review revealed that there is a lack of evidence regarding the benefits and harms of using vasoactive and/or inotropic drugs in addition to fluids during early resuscitation of patients with major burns.