Use Of Vasoactive Medications Research Articles

Comparing the outcomes of bedside percutaneous VA-ECMO decannulation by ProGlide and Manta in a high-ECMO-volume center in Hong Kong.

The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) decannulation with different percutaneous closure devices has been increasing. At our center, ProGlide devices have been used since November 2018, and Manta devices became an alternative since March 2020. This study aimed to compare the success and complication rates and the clinical outcomes of ProGlide and Manta devices for VA-ECMO decannulation after arteriotomy wound closure. We retrospectively reviewed the results of bedside VA-ECMO decannulation between November 2018 and June 2021. Patients with VA-ECMO who could be bridged to recovery were recruited and divided into the ProGlide or Manta group based on the closure device used. Procedure time, amount of blood loss, amount of blood products transfused, and use of vasoactive medications during the procedure were documented. Clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound were performed to detect any complications. After the closure technique, ProGlide was used in 44 patients and Manta was used in 13. There was no significant difference in the success rate between the ProGlide and Manta groups (86.4% vs. 100%). Amount of blood loss was greater in the ProGlide group than in the Manta group (290 [100-400] ml vs. 50 [50-100] ml), and more patients in the ProGlide group required an increased dose of inotropes during the procedure (59.1% vs. 15.4%), but the transfusion requirement was similar between the two groups. The success rate of hemostasis using arteriotomy wound closure during VA-ECMO decannulation was similar between the two devices.

Post-operative Morbidity and Mortality After Fontan Procedure in Patients with Heterotaxy and Other Situs Anomalies

Heterotaxy is a complex, multisystem disorder associated with single ventricle heart disease and decreased survival. Ciliary dysfunction is common in heterotaxy and other situs abnormalities (H/SA) and may increase post-operative complications. We hypothesized that patients with H/SA have increased respiratory and renal morbidities and increased in-hospital mortality after Fontan procedure. We queried the Pediatric Health Information System database for hospitalizations with ICD-9/10 codes for Fontan procedure in patients aged 1 through 11years from 2004 to 2019. H/SA was identified by codes for dextrocardia, situs inversus, asplenia/polysplenia, or atrial isomerism and compared to non-H/SA controls. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality or heart transplantation, ECMO, hemodialysis, length of stay (LOS), and mechanical ventilation or vasoactive medication use ≥ 4days. We adjusted estimates with multivariable logistic regression. Of 7897 patients at 50 centers, 1366 (17%) met criteria for H/SA. H/SA had worse outcomes for all study measures: death/transplantation (1.9 vs 1.1%, OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.01-3.03); p = 0.047), ECMO (3.7 vs 2.3%, OR 1.74 (1.28-2.35); p < 0.001), hemodialysis (2.1 vs 1.2%, OR 1.66 (1.06-2.59); p = 0.026), prolonged mechanical ventilation (13.2% vs 7.6%, OR 1.85 (1.53-2.25); p < 0.001) and vasoactive medication use (29.4 vs 19.7%, OR 1.65 (1.43-1.90), and longer LOS (11 (8-17) vs 9 (7-14) days; p < 0.001). H/SA is associated with increased cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory morbidity, as well as in-hospital mortality after Fontan procedure. Attention to renal and respiratory needs may improve outcomes in this difficult population. The relationship between ciliary dysfunction and lung and renal morbidity should be explored further.

Impact of Enteral Albuterol on Bradycardic Events After Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Acute cervical spinal cord injury (ACSCI) is commonly complicated by spinal shock, resulting in hemodynamic instability characterized by bradycardia and hypotension that can have fatal consequences. Current guidelines recommend the use of intravenous beta and dopamine agonists, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, respectively. We sought to determine whether enteral albuterol would be a safe and feasible treatment for bradycardia without an increase in the occurrence of known side effects of albuterol in patients with ACSCI. A retrospective review of patients with ACSCI admitted to an intensive care unit at a level I trauma center and treated with enteral albuterol was conducted. Patients were excluded for the following reasons: pure beta blocker use prior to injury, concurrent use of pacemaker, age of less than 18years, or agemore than 75years. As part of the standard of care, all patients underwent mean arterial pressure (MAP) augmentation to reach a goal of greater than 85mm Hg during the first 7days post injury. All eligible patient charts were reviewed for demographic characteristics, daily minimum and maximum heart rate and MAP, and concomitant vasoactive medication use. Bradycardia and tachycardia were defined as heart rate less than 60 beats per minute (bpm) and greater than 100bpm, respectively. Factors found to be associated with bradycardia on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis to determine factors independently associated with bradycardia during the study period. There were 58 patients with cervical ASCI (age 45 ± 18years, 76% men) admitted between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, that met the study criteria. The mean time to initiation of albuterol was 1.5 ± 1.7days post injury, with a duration of 9.3 ± 4.5days and a mean daily dosage of 7.8 ± 4.5mg. Bradycardia was observed in 136 of 766 patient days (17%). There were a few episodes of hyperglycemia (1%) and tachycardia (3%), but no episodes of hypokalemia. In a multivariable analysis, female sex (P = 0.006) and American Spinal Cord Injury Association grade A, B, or C (P < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of developing bradycardia, whereas dosage of albuterol (P = 0.009) and norepinephrine use (P = 0.008) were associated with a lower risk of developing bradycardia. Albuterol administration in ASCI is a safe and feasible treatment for bradycardia, given that no significant side effects, such as hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, or tachycardia, were observed. The administration of enteral albuterol was well tolerated and, in a dose-dependent manner, associated with a lower occurrence of bradycardia. Further prospective trials for the use of enteral albuterol after SCI are warranted.

Prognostic Factors Associated With Development of Venous Thromboembolism in Critically Ill Patients-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To identify prognostic factors for the development of venous thromboembolism in the ICU. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to March 1, 2021. We included English-language studies describing prognostic factors associated with the development of venous thromboembolism among critically ill patients. Two authors performed data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. We pooled adjusted odds ratios and adjusted hazard ratios for prognostic factors using random-effects model. We assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach. We included 39 observational cohort studies involving 729,477 patients. Patient factors with high or moderate certainty of association with increased odds of venous thromboembolism include older age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.29 per 10 yr), obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18-1.32), active malignancy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.18-2.44), history of venous thromboembolism (adjusted odds ratio, 4.77; 95% CI, 3.42-6.65), and history of recent surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.26-2.47). ICU-specific factors with high or moderate certainty of association with increased risk of venous thromboembolism include sepsis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12-1.78), lack of pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.14-2.84), central venous catheter (adjusted odds ratio, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.98-4.34), invasive mechanical ventilation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.36-2.24), and use of vasoactive medication (adjusted odds ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.23-2.81). This meta-analysis provides quantitative summaries of the association between patient-specific and ICU-related prognostic factors and the risk of venous thromboembolism in the ICU. These findings provide the foundation for the development of a venous thromboembolism risk stratification tool for critically ill patients.

Predictors of Mortality among Inter-Hospital Transferred Patients in a Middle-Income Country: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To identify predictors for hospital mortality among inter-hospital transferred patients in low-resource settings of rural hospitals in Thailand.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients transferred from emergency room(ER) of a community hospital to its designated tertiary care hospital in a western province of Thailand. During March 2018 and February 2019, medical records of 412 patients were reviewed and extracted for potential predictor variables and outcomes. We defined deaths within 72 hrs after a transfer as primary outcome and overall hospital mortality as secondary outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the outcomes adjusted for potential confounders.Results: Out of 412 patients, a total of 37 patients (9.0%) died during the stay in receiving hospital and 18 (4.4%) of them died within 72 hrs after transfer. Top ten primary diagnostic categories included road traffic injuries (19.7%), acute appendicitis (9.7%), and acute myocardial infarction (5.1%). Univariate analysis revealed early mortality (&lt;72 hrs) was associated with NEWS2, Emergency Severity Index (ESI), cardiac arrest prior to transfer, use of vasoactive agents, endotracheal intubation and admitting service. Using multiple logistic regression model adjusted for the predictors identified by univariate analysis, we found early mortality was independently associated with NEWS2 ≥ 9 (compared to NEWS2 0-6) with OR= 17.51(95%CI 3.16-97.00) and vasoactive medication use (OR= 5.46, 95%CI 1.39-21.46). Similarly, overall mortality was also independently associated with NEWS2 ≥ 9(OR= 4.76, 95%CI 1.31–17.36) and vasoactive medication use (OR= 7.51,95%CI 2.76–20.45).Conclusion: This study identified predictors of early (&lt;72 hrs) hospital mortality and overall hospital mortality among ER patients transferred from a rural community hospital to its designated tertiary care hospital in Thailand, a middle-income country with universal healthcare coverage. The findings might be helpful to inform decision-making dealing with the inter-hospital transfer of ER patients in resource-poor rural settings with similar case-mix.

Vasoactive medications in extremely low gestational age neonates during the first postnatal week.

The management of early hypotension in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) varies greatly between centers. The objective of this study was to provide updated data on the use of vasoactive medications in ELGANs during the first postnatal week. We identified ELGANs (22-27 weeks gestational age) cared for at Pediatrix neonatal intensive care units from 2009 to 2018. We evaluated the frequency of exposure to vasoactive medications by gestational age, and compared use of vasoactive medications between two epochs (2009-2013 and 2014-2018). A total of 10,070/34,234 (29%) ELGANs received ≥1 vasoactive medication. Dopamine was the most frequently used vasoactive medication. The majority (83%) of treated ELGANs initiated therapy on postnatal days 0-1. Overall use of vasoactive medications was slightly lower in 2014-2018 than 2009-2013 (28 vs 31%, p < 0.001). A substantial proportion of ELGANs were exposed to vasoactive medications during the first postnatal week.

Association of Multidisciplinary Heart Failure Team with Outcomes in Patients Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

<h3>Purpose</h3> Veno-arterial (VA) ECMO plays a central role in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Whether involvement of a multidisciplinary heart failure team (HF-MDT) at time of VA-ECMO initiation would be associated with differences in downstream management and outcomes is unknown. <h3>Methods</h3> Patients who received VA-ECMO (12/16 to 09/20) at a quaternary care center in the Middle East were retrospectively identified. Patients were grouped according to HF- MDT involvement—defined as providing input on VA-ECMO initiation/ weaning in addition to active management of vasoactive medications. Baseline characteristics, subsequent management and clinical outcomes were compared between patient who received VA-ECMO with and without HF-MDT involvement. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 47 unique patients (median age 49 years, 78.7% males) were identified. Most common indications for ECMO initiation was post-cardiotomy (34%), followed by cardiogenic shock secondary to advanced heart failure (25.5%). HF-MDT was involved in ECMO initiation in 48.9% (23/47) patients. Patients where HF-MDT was involved were younger (41.1 ± 13.9 vs 57.9 ± 14.6; P<0.05) with more advanced ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF of 22.9% ± 14.7 vs. 39% ± 22.1; P<0.05). Invasive hemodynamic monitoring (65% vs 33.3%; OR 3.7, 95% CI [1.02-13.5]) and inotrope support (82.6% vs. 50%; OR 4.8, 95% CI [1.24-18.19]) were more commonly used in ECMO patients under HF-MDT guidance. However, no differences in ECMO outcomes or risk of in-hospital complications were found with HF-MDT involvement. <h3>Conclusion</h3> HF-MDT involvement in VA-ECMO initiation provides unique input on decision-making, including selection for advanced therapies and hemodynamics-directed use of vasoactive medications. Establishing multidisciplinary teams for cardiogenic shock management helps standardize treatment of this subset of complex patients. The impact of such teams on resource use and clinical outcomes needs to be evaluated in larger studies.

Peripheral Inotropes in Critically Ill Children: Is It Safe?

Many children needing pediatric intensive care units care require inotropes, which are started peripherally prior to securing a central venous access. However, many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) may not have access to central lines and the vasoactive medications are frequently given through a peripheral venous access. Aim: The aim of our study was to describe the role of peripheral vasoactive inotropes in children. Methods: Children requiring peripheral vasoactive medications were included in this study. We retrospectively collected data at 2 time points on use and complications of peripheral vasoactive medications. Results: Eighty-four children (51 pre-COVID era and 33 COVID pandemic) received peripheral vasoactive medications. Only 3% of children (3/84) developed extravasation injury, all of whom recovered completely. Conclusions: Results from our study suggest that extravasation injury due to peripheral inotrope infusion is very low (3%) and it may be safely administered in children at a diluted concentration.

Retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients with acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis treated without therapeutic plasma exchange.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often used to decrease serum triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP), although there is a lack of high-quality data directly attributing improved clinical outcomes to TPE. There are currently no large studies evaluating the treatment of HTGP without TPE. This study retrospectively analyzes clinical and laboratory outcomes of 115 encounters at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) wherein a HTGP patient was treated without TPE and compares these outcomes to those of HTGP patients in the literature treated with TPE. After management without TPE, the median reduction in serum triglycerides was 48% (IQR 29%-63%) on day one and 74% (IQR 60%-84%) on day two in 115 episodes of acute HTGP. The reductions were comparable to those reported in several large published case series after a course of TPE (65.8% to 81% reduction). In 25 episodes among 24 patients, treatment included admission to an intensive care unit. There was no significant difference in mortality or rates of local complication, mechanical ventilation, or use of vasoactive medication or renal replacement therapy between this ICU subset and published cohorts (all P > .05). HTGP patients who do not receive TPE do not experience inferior outcomes compared to patients in the literature treated with TPE. The added value of TPE in HTGP, if any exists, needs to be demonstrated in controlled trials.

An evidence-based review of the use of vasoactive and inotropic medications in post-operative paediatric patients after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 2000 to 2020.

Infants with moderate-to-severe CHD frequently undergo cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in childhood. Morbidity and mortality are highest in those who develop post-operative low cardiac output syndrome. Vasoactive and inotropic medications are mainstays of treatment for these children, despite limited evidence supporting their use. To help inform clinical practice, as well as the conduct of future trials, we performed a systematic review of existing literature on inotropes and vasoactives in children after cardiac surgery using the PubMed and EMBASE databases. We included studies from 2000 to 2020, and the patient population was defined as birth - 18 years of age. Two reviewers independently reviewed studies to determine final eligibility. The final analysis included 37 papers. Collectively, selected studies reported on 12 different vasoactive and inotropic medications in 2856 children. Overall evidence supporting the use of these drugs in children after cardiopulmonary bypass was limited. The majority of studies were small with 30/37 (81%) enrolling less than 100 patients, 29/37 (78%) were not randomised, and safety and efficacy endpoints differed widely, limiting the ability to combine data for meta-analyses. Vasoactive and inotropic support remain critical parts of post-operative care for children after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. There is a paucity of data for the selection and dosing of vasoactives and inotropes for these patients. Despite the knowledge gaps that remain, numerous recent innovations create opportunities to rethink the conduct of clinical trials in this high-risk population.

Abstract 15417: Impact of Udenafil on Vascular Function in Fontan Circulation: Results From the FUEL Trial

Introduction: In the Pediatric Heart Network double-blind Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal (FUEL) trial, treatment with udenafil (Mezzion Pharma Co Ltd) for 6 months was associated with modest improvements in exercise capacity and ventricular performance (NCT02741115). Measures of vascular function, which have been related to Fontan exercise capacity, were also obtained but have not been explored in detail. Methods: Endothelial function (Framingham reactive hyperemia index, FRHI; area under the curve to max occlusion, AUC Max ) and arterial stiffness (augmentation index, AI) were assessed with peripheral arterial tonometry. The primary outcome was the effect of udenafil vs. placebo on vascular function. Secondary outcomes included baseline, and 26-week change from baseline, measures of vascular function in subgroups of the udenafil arm, stratified by exercise response. Exercise response was defined by longitudinal change in peak oxygen consumption and categorized by 1) any positive change vs. other and 2) tertile of change. Results: Paired measures of vascular function were analyzed in 164 (82%) and 167 (84%) udenafil and placebo participants, respectively. There were no baseline differences between groups, including the use of vasoactive medications. Overall, there were no differences in change in measures of vascular function between treatment groups. In subgroup analysis, exercise responders demonstrated better baseline endothelial function (FRHI: 0.39 ± 0.37 vs. 0.29 ± 0.31, p=0.056; AUC Max : 6.53 ± 2.91 vs. 5.63 ± 2.21, p=0.023) and suggestion of a 26-week reduction in arterial stiffness (AI: -1.42 ± 10.3 vs. 1.69 ± 11.7, p=0.075). Analysis by tertile of exercise response showed that AI was significantly improved in the top tertile of exercise responders (-3.27 ± 8.4 vs. 2.62 ± 12.4 vs. 0.35 ± 11.1, p=0.022) compared with the lower tertiles. Conclusions: In the FUEL trial, treatment with udenafil was not associated with significant changes in measures of vascular function. Udenafil-treated participants with evidence of exercise responsiveness to therapy manifest better baseline endothelial function and a significant improvement in arterial stiffness. Vascular function may play a role in PDE-5 responsiveness in Fontan circulation.

Abstract 16450: Early Identification of High Risk Cardiac Decompensation Phenotypes via Real-time Electronic Health Record Data

Introduction: Early identification of cardiac decompensation remains critical for improved patient outcomes. Digital phenotypes using real-time electronic health record (EHR) data offer an unbiased method to detect decompensation in at-risk individuals. Methods: Phenotypes designed to detect cardiac decompensation and its sequelae were retrospectively evaluated in 108,697 adult patient hospitalizations at a single center from October 2015-August 2018. The 6 phenotypes included hypotension, end organ dysfunction (EOD), hypoperfusion (concomitant hypotension and EOD), escalating vasoactive medication use (vasoactive meds), respiratory decline, and respiratory intervention. Median time from admission to phenotype development was measured in hours. In-hospital mortality and unanticipated ICU transfers were determined across all phenotypes and phenotype combinations. Results: Prevalence and time to detection varied across all six phenotypes (Table 1), with EOD found most frequently (35.7%) and detected earliest (3.4h, IQR 0.9-26.2h). Among individual phenotypes, patients with hypoperfusion had the highest rates of unanticipated ICU transfer (20.62%) and in-hospital mortality (20.99%). Patients meeting at least one phenotype had a 5.90% ICU transfer rate and 5.04% in-hospital mortality rate, compared to 0.62% mortality and 2.19% ICU transfer rates for patients meeting zero phenotypes. Among the 41 measured phenotype combinations, patients meeting all 6 phenotypes had the highest rates of unanticipated ICU transfer (28.75%) and in-hospital mortality (36.45%). Conclusions: Digital phenotypes of decompensation using real-world EHR data identify patients at higher risk of unexpected ICU transfer and in-hospital mortality at early times points in the hospitalization. Further studies will evaluate if implementation of a digital phenotype detection tool can improve care pathways and outcomes.

Diagnosis and management of severe sepsis in the paediatric patient.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to suspected or proven infection. Given its importance in terms of morbidity and mortality, a number of initiatives by several professional societies in recent years have led to the development of guidelines for the recognition and timely management of sepsis. The principal elements of the most recent guidelines are summarized in this practice point. These elements include recognition of changes in clinical condition and vital signs, such as fever, tachycardia, and changes in peripheral perfusion, which should raise concern for sepsis; initial stabilization of airway, breathing, and circulation; timely administration of empiric antimicrobial therapy; use of fluid boluses and vasoactive medications; and specific considerations in patients with underlying medical conditions, such as the use of corticosteroids for possible adrenal insufficiency due to hypothalamic-adrenal suppression. Two changes from previous guidelines are the concern for fluid overload, implying the need for clinical re-assessment after administration of each fluid bolus, and the removal of dopamine as the initial vasoactive agent for use in hypotensive paediatric patients, with recommendations for the use of epinephrine or norepinephrine as dictated by the clinical context. This practice point focuses primarily on sepsis management in older infants, children, and youth.

Usefulness of the society for cardiovascular angiography and intervention classification for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

Abstract Introduction Recently a multidisciplinary group of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) derived a new classification schema for cardiogenic shock (CS), simple, clinically based and suitable for rapid assessment at the bedside but also arbitrary. Validation in different clinical datasets, specifically in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), is necessary to establish the utility of this proposed classification schema. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the ability of a new SCAI CS staging classification to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with ADHF. Methods We conducted a single-center cohort study, performing a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients admitted with ADHF as a primary diagnosis between January 2015 and January 2019. We excluded patients who were hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome. Patients were assigned to the modified SCAI Classification for CS: Stage A is “at risk” for CS, stage B is “beginning” shock, stage C is “classic”, stage D is “deteriorating”, and E is “extremis”, and in-hospital mortality was evaluated for each group. All-cause mortality was compared across SCAI stages using Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between SCAI stages and in-hospital mortality after adjusting for age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, use of vasoactive medication, mechanical circulatory assist devices, mechanical ventilation, percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiac surgery. Results Among 668 patients with a mean age of 74.9±12 years, 63.9% were male. In-hospital mortality was 11.2%. According to SCAI classification, the proportion of patients in stages A through E was 51.7%, 26.7%, 14.4%, 4.6% and 2.5%. The unadjusted mortality in each stages was: A 0.6%, B 4.5%, C 32.3%, D 61.3%, and E 88.2% (Log Rank P&amp;lt;0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, each SCAI shock stage remained associated with increased in-hospital mortality (all P&amp;lt;0.001 compared to stage A). Compared with SCAI shock stage A, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) values in SCAI shock stages B through E were 5.2, 31, 107, and 185, respectively (Figure). Conclusion In this large clinical cohort of patients with ADHF exclusively, the new SCAI CS staging classification was associated with in-hospital mortality. This finding supports the rationale of the classification in this setting, further prospective trials are needed to validate these findings. Adjusted in-hospital Mortality as a Func Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Mean Arterial Pressure and Discharge Outcomes in Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

Optimizing blood pressure is an important target for intervention following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). The existing literature has examined the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and outcomes. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a better measure of organ perfusion than SBP and is used to determine cerebral perfusion pressure but has not been previously examined in relation to outcomes after pediatric TBI. We aimed to evaluate the strength of association between MAP-based hypotension early after hospital admission and discharge outcome and to contrast the relative strength of association of hypotension with outcome between MAP-based and SBP-based blood pressure percentiles. We examined the association between lowest age-specific MAP percentile within 12h after pediatric intensive care unit admission and poor discharge outcome (in-hospital death or transfer to a skilled nursing facility) in children with severe (Glasgow Coma Scale score < 9) TBI who survived at least 12h. Poisson regression results were adjusted for maximum head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) severity score, maximum nonhead AIS, and vasoactive medication use. We also examined the ability of lowest MAP percentile during the first 12h to predict discharge outcomes using receiver operating curve characteristic analysis without adjustment for covariates. We contrasted the predictive ability and the relative strength of association of blood pressure with outcome between MAP and SBP percentiles. Data from 166 children aged < 18years were examined, of whom 20.4% had a poor discharge outcome. Poor discharge outcome was most common among patients with lowest MAP < 5th percentile (42.9%; aRR 5.3 vs. 50-94th percentile, 95% CI 1.2, 23.0) and MAP 5-9th percentile (40%; aRR 8.5, 95% CI 1.9, 38.7). Without adjustment for injury severity or vasoactive medication use, lowest MAP percentile was moderately predictive of poor discharge outcome (AUC: 0.75, 95% CI 0.66, 0.85). In contrast, lowest SBP was associated with poor discharge outcome only for the < 5th percentile (50%; aRR 5.4, 95% CI 1.3, 22.2). Lowest SBP percentile was moderately predictive of poor discharge outcome (AUC: 0.82, 95% CI 0.74, 0.91). In children with severe TBI, a single MAP < 10th percentile during the first 12h after Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admission was associated with poor discharge outcome. Lowest MAP percentile during the first 12h was moderately predictive of poor discharge outcome. Lowest MAP percentile was more strongly associated with outcome than lowest SBP percentile but had slightly lower predictive ability than SBP.

Pharmacologically-induced Recreational Priapism: Case Report and Review.

IntroductionPriapism, a time-sensitive urologic emergency, is associated with hematologic disorders, malignancies, trauma, pharmaceuticals, and recreational drugs.Case ReportA 51-year-old male presented with 36 hours of priapism after recreational use of nonprescribed pharmaceuticals including an oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor and intracorporally injected erectile medications, together with unspecified quantities of cocaine and alcohol. Venous blood gas confirmed ischemic priapism. Detumescence was achieved with intracavernosal phenylephrine injection, aspiration, and irrigation.ConclusionThis case highlights the risk that recreational use of vasoactive medications by patients who seek to prolong sexual activity may lead to delayed presentation for ischemic priapism.

Use of Vasoactive Medications after Cardiac Surgery in the United States

Rationale: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often require vasopressor or inotropic ("vasoactive") medications, but patterns of postoperative use are not well described.Objectives: This study aimed to describe vasoactive medication administration throughout hospitalization for cardiac surgery, to identify patient- and hospital-level factors associated with postoperative use, and to quantify variation in treatment patterns among hospitals.Methods: Retrospective study using the Premier Healthcare Database. The cohort included adult patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or open valve repair or replacement (or in combination) from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018. Primary outcome was receipt of vasoactive medication(s) on the first postoperative day (POD1). We identified patient- and hospital-level factors associated with receipt of vasoactive medications using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression modeling. We calculated adjusted median odds ratios to determine the extent to which receipt of vasoactive medications on POD1 was determined by each hospital, then calculated quotients of Akaike Information Criteria to compare the relative contributions of patient and hospital characteristics and individual hospitals with observed variation.Results: Among 104,963 adults in 294 hospitals, 95,992 (92.2%) received vasoactive medication(s) during hospitalization; 30,851 (29.7%) received treatment on POD1, most commonly norepinephrine (n = 11,427, 37.0%). A median of 29.0% (range, 0.0-94.4%) of patients in each hospital received vasoactive drug(s) on POD1. After adjustment, hospital of admission was associated with twofold increased odds of receipt of any vasoactive medication on POD1 (adjusted median odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-2.21). Admitting hospital contributed more to observed variation in POD1 vasoactive medication use than patient or hospital characteristics (quotients of Akaike Information Criteria 0.58, 0.44, and <0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Nearly all cardiac surgical patients receive vasoactive medications during hospitalization; however, only one-third receive treatment on POD1, with significant variability by institution. Further research is needed to understand the causes of variability across hospitals and whether these differences are associated with outcomes.

Contemporary approaches to cardiopulmonary resuscitation: physiology-guided approaches

Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) strategies for cardiac arrest have traditionally been centered on the use of vasoactive medications and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, since the concept of ACLS was introduced, the field of cardiac resuscitation has attempted to elucidate the physiology of cardiac arrest and cardiac resuscitation in an effort to improve resuscitation outcomes. In this review, we describe the molecular, translational, and clinical concepts underlying traditional and contemporary approaches to physiology-guided resuscitation. We further describe emerging clinical interventions that are based on the above research and concepts.

Impact of a goal directed fluid therapy algorithm on postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing open right hepatectomy: a single centre retrospective observational study

BackgroundRight hepatectomy is a complex procedure that carries inherent risks of perioperative morbidity. To evaluate outcome differences between a low central venous pressure fluid intervention strategy and a goal directed fluid therapy (GDFT) cardiac output algorithm we performed a retrospective observational study. We hypothesized that a GDFT protocol would result in less intraoperative fluid administration, reduced complications and a shorter length of hospital stay.MethodsPatients undergoing hepatectomy using an established enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme between 2010 and 2017 were extracted from a prospectively managed electronic hospital database. Inclusion criteria included adult patients, undergoing open right (segments V-VIII) or extended right (segments IV-VIII) hepatectomy. Primary outcome: amount of intraoperative fluid administration used between the two groups. Secondary outcomes: type and amount of vasoactive medications used, the development of predefined postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Complications were defined by the European Perioperative Clinical Outcome definitions and graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification. The association between GDFT and the amount of fluid and vasoactive medication used was investigated using logistic and linear regression models.ResultsFifty-eight consecutive patients were identified. 26 patients received GDFT and 32 received Usual care. There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics. Less intraoperative fluid was used in the GDFT group: median (IQR) 2000 ml (1175 to 2700) vs. 2750 ml (2000 to 4000) in the Usual care group; p = 0.03. There were no significant differences in the use of vasoactive medications. Postoperative complications were similar: 9 patients (35%) in the GDFT group vs. 18 patients (56%) in the Usual care group; p = 0.10, OR: 0.41; (95%CI: 0.14 to 1.20). Median (IQR) length of stay for patients in the GDFT group was 7 days (6:8) vs. 9 days (7:13) in the Usual care group; incident rate ratio 0.72 (95%CI: 0.56 to 0.93); p = 0.012. There was no difference in perioperative mortality.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing open right hepatectomy with an established ERAS programme, use of GDFT was associated with less intraoperative fluid administration and reduced hospital length of stay when compared to Usual care. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or mortality.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: no12619000558123 on 10/4/19.

Left ventricular cardiac output is a reliable predictor of extracorporeal life support in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a treatable condition but despite optimal management, some patients require extracorporeal life support (ECLS). This study evaluates the association of left ventricular (LV) cardiac output and the need for ECLS. Single center, retrospective chart review from 1/1/2012 through 7/1/2018. Twenty-seven patients met criteria for evaluation with six patients (22%) requiring ECLS. Echocardiography was used to assess ventricular function. There was a statistically significant decrease in LV cardiac index of 1.33 L /min/m2 vs 1.80 L /min/m2 (p = 0.04) for patients requiring ECLS and non-ECLS, respectively. There was no difference between the 2 groups with regards to vasoactive medication use, surfactant use, iNO use, severity of pulmonary hypertension, or right ventricular (RV) function. In newborns with CDH, decreased LV cardiac output is more strongly associated with need for ECLS than severity of pulmonary hypertension or RV dysfunction.