Use Of Vasoactive Medications Research Articles

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Management of Gastric Varices

Gastric varices (GV) present a challenge not always amenable to conventional approaches applied to esophageal varices (EV). Several types of GV classification systems exist including the familiar Sarin system and lesser-known vascular classifications which provide a foundation for management triage. While GV bleeding is less frequent than EV bleeding, it is often more pronounced. Initial management follows that for EV including very cautious volume replacement and early use of vasoactive medications. Urgent temporizing measures, if needed, may include balloon tamponade, sclerosants, banding, clipping and possibly procoagulants. Imaging is important in early management as optimal modalities such as balloon retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), transhepatic porto-systemic shunts (TIPS), cyanoacrylate or combination modalities are contingent on the underlying vascular anatomy. Each of these is associated with particular advantages and disadvantages as discussed below.

Dysautonomia and its underlying mechanisms in the hypermobility type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

ObjectivesMany non-musculoskeletal complaints in EDS-HT may be related to dysautonomia. This study therefore aims to investigate whether dysautonomia is present and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsA total of 39 females with EDS-HT and 35 age-matched controls underwent autonomic function testing. Resting autonomic tone was assessed using heart rate variability (frequency domain) and baroreflex sensitivity analysis (cross correlation). Autonomic reactivity was assessed using the Autonomic Reflex Screen test battery. Factors suspected to contribute to dysautonomia, e.g., neuropathy, medication use, decreased physical activity, depression, pain-induced sympathetic arousal, and connective tissue laxity, were quantified using validated questionnaires, the Beighton score, and measurement of skin extensibility. ResultsThe EDS-HT group showed autonomic deregulation with increased sympathetic activity at rest and reduced sympathetic reactivity to stimuli. Increased resting activity was indicated by a higher LF/HF ratio compared to controls (1.7 ± 1.23 vs 0.9 ± 0.75, p = 0.002); decreased reactivity by a greater BP fall during valsalva (−19 ± 12 vs −8 ± 10, p < 0.001), and a smaller initial diastolic BP increase during tilt (7% vs 14%, p = 0.032). Orthostatic intolerance was significantly more prevalent in EDS-HT than controls (74% vs 34%) and was most frequently expressed as postural orthostatic tachycardia. Lowered QSART responses suggest that sympathetic neurogenic dysfunction is common in patients (p < 0.013), which may explain the dysautonomia in EDS-HT. Further, connective tissue laxity and vasoactive medication use were identified as important factors in aggravating dysautonomia (p < 0.035). ConclusionDysautonomia consisting of cardiovascular and sudomotor dysfunction is present in EDS-HT. Neuropathy, connective tissue laxity, and vasoactive medication probably play a role in its development.

Evidence-Based Prevention of Pressure Ulcers in the Intensive Care Unit

The development of stage III or IV pressure ulcers is currently considered a never event. Critical care patients are at high risk for development of pressure ulcers because of the increased use of devices, hemodynamic instability, and the use of vasoactive medications. This article addresses risk factors, risk scales such as the Norden, Braden, Waterlow, and Jackson-Cubbin scales used to determine the risk of pressure ulcers in critical care patients, and prevention of device-related pressure ulcers in patients in the critical care unit.

Epsilon‐aminocaproic Acid Improves Postrecirculation Hemodynamics by Reducing Intraliver Activated Protein C Consumption in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Activated protein C (APC) is related to regulating the inflammatory response and hemodynamic stability upon reperfusion in cardiac operations and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is frequently used to treat fibrinolysis during OLT. It also has inhibitory effects related to the inflammatory response. However, it remains to be determined whether EACA can attenuate intraliver APC consumption and improve hemodynamic stability after reperfusion during OLT. Fifty-nine recipients were randomized to receive either EACA (150 mg kg(-1) given intravenously prior to incision, followed by 15 mg kg(-1) h(-1) infusion until 2 h after the graft reperfusion) or the same volume of saline. Blood samples to assess plasma APC and protein C were obtained immediately before and after reperfusion from the inferior caval effluent or the portal veins for calculation of transliver differences (Δ). Hemodynamics and vasoactive medication use during the reperfusion period were observed in both groups. No transhepatic changes in protein C were found in either group. Immediately after reperfusion, a marked intraliver consumption of APC was noted in all recipients (P < 0.001), and intraliver consumption of APC in the control group was greater than that in the EACA-treated group (P < 0.05). Fewer requirements for vasoactive medication use after reperfusion and better initial graft function were noted in the EACA-treated group (P < 0.05). EACA can attenuate intraliver APC consumption and improve hemodynamic stability after reperfusion and initial graft function during OLT.

Intraoperative Fluid and Pharmacologic Management and the Anesthesiologist's Supervisory Role for Nontraditional Technologies During Liver Transplantation: A Survey of US Academic Centers

BackgroundVolume resuscitation and use of vasoactive medications during liver transplantation has not been systematically assessed. Furthermore, the anesthesiologist's role for intraoperative oversight of technologies such as renal replacement therapy and procedures such as venovenous bypass is poorly defined, and it is unclear if the center's annual transplant frequency affects these practices. MethodsWe conducted a database analysis of the Liver Transplant Anesthesia Consortium survey 202 that addresses these questions. Data from US academic liver transplant anesthesia programs meeting inclusion criteria were included. Results were categorized by their annual transplant volume. ResultsA representative sample of 66% of all eligible centers contributed to the results. Normal saline among crystalloids and albumin among colloids were the most frequently chosen maintenance and non-blood product volume expansion fluids, with little variation by center size. A large variety of vasoactive agents is routinely utilized across programs, with vasopressors as a cornerstone of hemodynamic support. Large programs seem to use less of these agents compared with lower volume centers. ConclusionAnesthesiologists are increasingly involved in oversight and management of intraoperative renal replacement therapies, venovenous bypass and cell saver devices with rising transplant frequency. This new insight may be indicative of skill sets needed by members of liver transplantation anesthesia teams and should be considered in curriculum design for hepatobiliary transplant anesthesia fellowships.

Safety and utility of passive peritoneal drainage following Fontan palliation

Placement of peritoneal drainage catheters intra-operatively has been shown to help prevent fluid overload in children recovering from surgery for two-ventricle heart disease. We aimed to determine whether this practice is also helpful in children recovering from Fontan palliation. A retrospective review was performed on children with single-ventricle anatomy undergoing Fontan palliation at our institution from 2007 to 2011. Variables in those with peritoneal drainage were compared with those without using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, chi-square tests, or analysis of variance for repeated measures as appropriate. Data were represented as mean with standard deviation unless otherwise noted. A total of 43 children were reviewed, 21 (49%) with peritoneal drainage catheters. No complications from catheter placement occurred. The groups did not differ with regard to cardiopulmonary bypass duration, dominant ventricle, pre-operative haemodynamic data, fenestration use, and initial intensive care unit ventilation index. Central venous pressures, vasoactive medication use, and diuretic use during the first 48 hours were also not statistically different. At 48 hours, the median fluid balance was -9 (interquartile range : -50, +20) in those with peritoneal drainage and +77 cc/kg (interquartile range : +22, +96) in those without (p < 0.001), yet median duration of mechanical ventilation was 40 hours (range: 19-326) in those with peritoneal drainage and 23 hours (range: 9-92) in those without, p = 0.01. Patients with peritoneal drainage recovering from Fontan palliation achieved negative fluid balance as compared with those without peritoneal drainage, although this difference was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation.

Using pRIFLE criteria for acute kidney injury in critically ill children

Backgi-ound Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically illchildren and its mortality rate is high. The lack of a uniform definitionfor AKI leads to failure in determining kidney injury, delayedtreatment, and the inability to generalize research results.Objectives To evaluate the pediatric RIFLE (pRIFLE) criteria (riskfor renal dysfunction, injury to the kidney, failure of kidney function,loss of kidney function, and end-stage renal disease) for diagnosingand following the clinical course of AKI in critically ill children. Wealso aimed to compare AKI severity on days 1 and 3 of pediatricintensive care unit (PICU) stay in critically ill pediatric patients.Methods This prospective cohort study was performed in PICUpatients. Urine output (UOP), serum creatinine (SCr) , andglomerular filtration rate on days 1 and 3 of PICU stay wererecorded. Classification of AKI was determined according topRIFLE criteria. We also recorded subjects' immune status,pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) score, admissiondiagnosis, the use of vasoactive medications, diuretics, andventilators, as well as PICU length of stay and mortality.Results Forty patients were enrolled in this study. AKI wasfound in 13 patients (33%). A comparison of AKI severity onday 1 and day 3 revealed no statistically significant differences forattainment of pRIFLE criteria by urine output only (pRIFLfu0 p;P=0.087) and by both UOP and SCr (pRIFLEcr+uo p; P= 0.577).However, attainment of pRIFLE criteria by SCr only (pRIFLEcrlwas significantly improved between days 1 and 3 (P =0.026). Therewas no statistically significant difference in mortality or length ofstay between subjects with AKI and those without AKI.Conclusion The pRIFLE criteria is feasible for use in diagnosingand following the clinical course of AKI in critically ill children.

Novel Predictors of Sepsis Outperform the American Burn Association Sepsis Criteria in the Burn Intensive Care Unit Patient

The purpose of this study was to determine whether systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and American Burn Association (ABA) criteria predict sepsis in the burn patient and develop a model representing the best combination of novel clinical sepsis predictors. A retrospective, case-controlled, within-patient comparison of burn patients admitted to a single intensive care unit from January 2005 to September 2010 was made. Blood culture results were paired with documented sepsis: positive-sick, negative-sick (collectively defined as sick), and negative-not sick. Data for all predictors were collected for the 72 hours before blood culture. Variables were evaluated using regression and area under the curve (AUC) analyses. Fifty-nine subjects represented 177 culture periods. SIRS criteria were not discriminative: 98% of the subjects met criteria. ABA sepsis criteria were different on the day before (P = .004). The six best-fit variables identified for the model included heart rate > 130 beats per min, mean arterial pressure < 60 mm Hg, base deficit < -6 mEq/L, temperature < 36°C, use of vasoactive medications, and glucose > 150 mg/dl. The model was significant in predicting positive-sick and sick, with an AUC of 0.775 (P < .001) and 0.714 (P < .001), respectively; comparatively, the ABA criteria AUC was 0.619 (P = .028) and 0.597 (P = .035), respectively. Usefulness of the ABA criteria to predict sepsis is limited to the day before blood culture is obtained. A significant contribution of this research is the identification of six novel sepsis predictors for the burn patient.

Effect of Obesity on B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are lower in obese patients with left ventricular failure than in their comparably ill, leaner counterparts. The effect of obesity on BNP in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is unknown. We reviewed our prospective PAH registry data collected from November 2001 to December 2007 for patients undergoing right heart catheterization who met the criteria for PAH and had the BNP level and body mass index determined at baseline. The median BNP level for the lean, overweight, and obese patients was 285 pg/ml (interquartile range 131 to 548), 315 pg/ml (interquartile range 88 to 531), and 117 pg/ml (interquartile range 58 to 270), respectively (p = 0.029). A greater body mass index was associated with a lower BNP level, adjusted for age, gender, New York Heart Association functional class, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and mean right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressures (p <0.001). No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in age, race, medical co-morbidities, underlying etiology of PAH, use of vasoactive medications, New York Heart Association functional class, echocardiographic parameters, or pulmonary function. Obese patients had greater right atrial and pulmonary artery pressures. Increased BNP was associated with worse survival in the lean and overweight patients only. In conclusion, the BNP levels are attenuated in obese patients with PAH despite similar or worse hemodynamics or functional class compared to lean or overweight patients and should therefore be interpreted with caution.

Multivessel beating heart robotic myocardial revascularization increases morbidity and mortality

The vast majority of reports describing beating heart robotic myocardial revascularization (total endoscopic coronary artery bypass) contain very small numbers of patients undergoing single-vessel bypass. We present a large series of patients undergoing multivessel total endoscopic coronary artery bypass. We performed a retrospective clinical review of 106 patients undergoing total endoscopic coronary artery bypass (72% multivessel) at 1 institution by 1 experienced cardiac surgeon/physician assistant team. These results were compared with the expected clinical outcomes from conventional coronary artery bypass grafting calculated using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk calculator. Of the 106 patients, 1% underwent quadruple total endoscopic coronary artery bypass, 8% triple, 63% double, and 28% single. The emergent conversion rate for hemodynamic instability was 6.6%. The postoperative renal failure rate (doubling of baseline serum creatinine or dialysis required) was 7.5%. Overall, 23 patients (21.7%) exhibited at least 1 major morbidity/mortality (4 deaths). The number of vessels bypassed (single/double/triple/quadruple) correlated positively with the surgical/operating room time, the lung separation time, vasoactive medication use, blood use, a postoperative ventilation time longer than 24 hours, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay. An increased surgical time was significantly associated with major morbidity (P = .011) and mortality (P = .043). A comparison with the Society for Thoracic Surgeons expected outcomes revealed a similar hospital length of stay but an increased incidence of prolonged ventilation (P = .003), renal failure (P < .001), morbidity (P = .045), and mortality (P = .049). Our results suggest that addressing multivessel coronary artery disease using total endoscopic coronary artery bypass offers no obvious clinical benefits and might increase the morbidity and mortality.

Dose-Dependent Hemodynamic and Metabolic Effects of Vasoactive Medications in Normotensive, Anesthetized Neonatal Piglets

The developmentally regulated hemodynamic effects of vasoactive medications have not been well characterized. We used traditional and near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring technologies and investigated the changes in heart rate, blood pressure, common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow (BF), cerebral, renal, intestinal, and muscle regional tissue O2 saturation, and acid-base and electrolyte status in response to escalating doses of vasoactive medications in normotensive anesthetized neonatal piglets. We used regional tissue O2 saturation and CCA BF as surrogates of organ and systemic BF, respectively, and controlled minute ventilation and oxygenation. Low to medium doses of dopamine, epinephrine, dobutamine, and norepinephrine increased blood pressure and systemic and regional BF in a drug-specific manner, whereas milrinone exerted minimal effects. At higher doses, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine but not dobutamine decreased systemic, renal, intestinal, and muscle BF, while cerebral BF remained unchanged. Epinephrine induced significant increases in muscle BF and serum glucose and lactate concentrations. The findings reveal novel drug- and dose-specific differences in the hemodynamic response to escalating doses of vasoactive medications in the neonatal cardiovascular system and provide information for future clinical studies investigating the use of vasoactive medications for the treatment of neonatal cardiovascular compromise.

Physical Activity in Older Subjects Is Associated With Increased Coronary Vasodilation: The ADVANCE Study

We investigated the association between physical activity and coronary vasodilation to nitroglycerin (NTG) in the ADVANCE (Atherosclerotic Disease, Vascular Function, and Genetic Epidemiology) cohort of older healthy subjects.Physical activity may exert its beneficial effects by augmenting coronary responsiveness to nitric oxide. The relationship between physical activity and coronary vasodilatory response to NTG, an exogenous nitric oxide donor, has not been studied in a community-based population with typical activity levels.In 212 older adults (ages 60 to 72 years) without cardiovascular disease, we measured the coronary vasodilatory response to NTG using magnetic resonance angiography and physical activity using the Stanford Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire. The primary predictor measure was total physical activity (kcal/kg/day). The primary outcome measure was coronary vasodilatory response (percent increase of cross-sectional area post-NTG).Coronary vasodilation was 27.6% in more active subjects (>35 kcal/kg/day, e.g., 1 h of walking per day) compared to 18.9% in less active subjects (p=0.03). Regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between coronary vasodilation and physical activity (p=0.003), with a slope (beta) of 1.2% per kcal/kg/day. This finding remained significant after adjustment for cardiac risk factors, coronary calcium, the use of vasoactive or statin medications, and analysis of physical activity by quintiles (p < 0.05). Coronary vasodilation was also associated with physical activity intensity (p = 0.03).In an asymptomatic, community-based cohort of older adults, increased coronary vasodilatory response was independently associated with greater physical activity, supporting the benefits of exercise on the order of 1 h of walking per day.

Augmented Creatinine Clearance in Traumatic Brain Injury

Hypertonic saline and/or norepinephrine infusion are routinely used to achieve a desired cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that creatinine clearances (CrCls) would be significantly augmented in this setting. This was an observational cohort study in TBI patients older than 16 years with normal serum creatinine concentrations, requiring maintenance of CPP. Eight-hour urinary CrCl collections were performed while on and off active management. Demographic data, use of vasoactive medications, fluid balance, feeding regimen, and hemodynamic variables were recorded throughout the study period. Augmented CrCl was defined as >150 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in women and >160 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in men. Twenty patients were enrolled, and augmented clearances were demonstrated in 17 (85%). The mean maximum CrCl was 179 mL/min/1.73 m(2) while receiving CPP therapy (95% confidence interval [CI], 159-198), returning to a mean of 111 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI, 91-131; P < 0.001) when measured after discharge from the intensive care unit. The mean CrCl in the intensive care unit while not receiving CPP therapy was 150 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (95% CI, 134-167; P = 0.03). The mean time to reach peak CrCl while receiving active treatment was 4.7 days (95% CI, 3.0-6.4). In a multivariate analysis, norepinephrine use, saline loading, mean arterial blood pressure, and central venous pressure were associated with augmented CrCl on the day of measurement. Augmented CrCls are common in TBI patients receiving active management of CPP and persist even after discontinuation of such therapy. Further work is needed to clarify the impact of such clearances on renally excreted drugs in this setting.

Traumatic Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Role of Penile Microarterial Bypass Surgery

Penile microarterial bypass surgery (MABS) may be the only treatment capable of restoring normal erectile function without necessity of chronic use of vasoactive medications or placement of a penile prosthesis. Lack of standardization in patient selection, hemodynamic evaluation, surgical technique, and limited long-term outcome data using validated instruments has resulted in this surgery being considered experimental. In addition, poor reimbursements, long surgical time, and the need for microsurgical expertise have lead to infrequent penile revascularization procedures. Using the criteria for the Arterial Occlusive Disease Index patient, only 4 of 31 manuscripts met the criteria. The total studied population of these four publications was 50, which was considered too small to determine if MABS is effective or not. Reported successful outcomes were 36% to 91%. We recently published the largest long-term outcome MABS study using validated instruments. We documented MABS provides long-term improvements in erectile function, depression, and overall satisfaction in well-selected patients. The Members of the Erectile Dysfunction Guideline Update Panel consider: "Arterial reconstructive surgery is a treatment option only in healthy individuals with recently acquired erectile dysfunction secondary to a focal arterial occlusion and in the absence of any evidence of generalized vascular disease."

Predictors for hemodynamic improvement with temporary pacing after pediatric cardiac surgery

Temporary epicardial pacing wires are commonly placed during pediatric cardiac surgery. Data are sparse on postoperative pacing in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of use and identify predictors for the use of temporary epicardial pacing wires. Perioperative data were prospectively collected on all patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution (n = 162). A total of 117 (72%) patients had temporary epicardial pacing wires placed. Postoperatively, 23 (20%) of 117 patients had hemodynamic improvement with the use of temporary epicardial pacing wires. Indications for pacing were slow junctional rhythm (11/23 [48%]), junctional ectopic tachycardia (7/23 [31%]), pace termination of supraventricular tachycardia (3/23 [13%]) and atrial flutter (1/23 [4%]), and complete heart block (1/23 [4%]). By using univariate analysis, single-ventricle anatomy, heterotaxy, the Fontan procedure, use of circulatory arrest, intraoperative arrhythmia, pacing in the operating room, and use of vasoactive medications were predictors for hemodynamic improvement with the use of temporary epicardial pacing wires (P < .05). On multivariate analysis, the Fontan procedure, circulatory arrest, and intraoperative arrhythmias were independent predictors (P < .01). When excluding all patients with any of these 3 risk factors, only 2% were paced. Patients with clinically significant pacing had longer chest tube drainage (P < .01) and intensive care unit length of stay (P < .01). There were no complications associated with temporary epicardial pacing wires. The Fontan procedure, use of circulatory arrest, and intraoperative arrhythmias were associated with hemodynamic improvement with postoperative pacing and might represent indications for empiric intraoperative placement of temporary epicardial pacing wires. Patients without these risk factors were less likely to require pacing. Temporary epicardial pacing wires were safe and useful in the management of arrhythmias after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Fenoldopam use in a burn intensive care unit: a retrospective study.

BackgroundFenoldopam mesylate is a highly selective dopamine-1 receptor agonist approved for the treatment of hypertensive emergencies that may have a role at low doses in preserving renal function in those at high risk for or with acute kidney injury (AKI). There is no data on low-dose fenoldopam in the burn population. The purpose of our study was to describe our use of low-dose fenoldopam (0.03-0.09 μg/kg/min) infusion in critically ill burn patients with AKI.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted to our burn intensive care unit (BICU) with severe burns from November 2005 through September 2008 who received low-dose fenoldopam. Data obtained included systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, vasoactive medication use, urine output, and intravenous fluid. Patients on concomitant continuous renal replacement therapy were excluded. Modified inotrope score and vasopressor dependency index were calculated. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures, Wilcoxson signed rank, and chi-square tests were used. Differences were deemed significant at p < 0.05.ResultsSeventy-seven patients were treated with low-dose fenoldopam out of 758 BICU admissions (10%). Twenty (26%) were AKI network (AKIN) stage 1, 14 (18%) were AKIN stage 2, 42 (55%) were AKIN stage 3, and 1 (1%) was AKIN stage 0. Serum creatinine improved over the first 24 hours and continued to improve through 48 hours (p < 0.05). There was an increase in systolic blood pressure in the first 24 hours that was sustained through 48 hours after initiation of fenoldopam (p < 0.05). Urine output increased after initiation of fenoldopam without an increase in intravenous fluid requirement (p < 0.05; p = NS). Modified inotrope score and vasopressor dependency index both decreased over 48 hours (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0012).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that renal function was preserved and that urine output improved without a decrease in systolic blood pressure, increase in vasoactive medication use, or an increase in resuscitation requirement in patients treated with low-dose fenoldopam. A randomized controlled trial is required to establish the efficacy of low-dose fenoldopam in critically ill burn patients with AKI.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with parenchymal lung disease

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder of poor prognosis and significant mortality. Patients with concurrent parenchymal lung disease are classified as group 3 pulmonary hypertension (PH). The evaluation of this particular group of patients is complicated and the therapeutic options are limited. Diagnosis of PH must be confirmed by right heart catheterization, and the extent of lung disease should be investigated by a combination of pulmonary function testing and by thoracic high-resolution computed tomography scanning. Therapy is fraught with potential problems because the use of PAH-specific therapy potentially results in worsening hypoxemia. Currently, there are very limited data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the use of such vasoactive medications within this population. Further randomized clinical trials (focusing on patients with PH out of proportion to the underlying parenchymal lung disease) are needed to evaluate the benefits and potential side effects of PAH-specific therapy in patients with parenchymal lung disease.

Penile Microvascular Arterial Bypass Surgery: Indications, Outcomes, and Complications

Penile microarterial bypass surgery (MABS) may be the only treatment capable of restoring normal erectile function without the necessity for the chronic use of vasoactive medications or placement of a penile prosthesis. Lack of standardization in patient selection, hemodynamic evaluation, surgical technique, and limited long-term outcome data using validated instruments has resulted in this surgery being considered experimental. The members of the Erectile Dysfunction Guideline Update Panel reviewed the available MABS publications and only four of 31 manuscripts met the criteria for the Arterial Occlusive Disease Index patient. The total studied population of these four publications was 50, which was considered too small to determine if MABS is effective or not. Reported successful outcomes were 36-80 and 91% for inferior epigastric artery (IEA) to dorsal vein and IEA to dorsal artery MABS, respectively. We recently published the largest long-term outcome MABS study using validated questionnaires (71 men aged 30.5 ± 9.2 years; mean follow-up 34.5 ± 18 months). The mean pre- and postoperative total International Index of Erectile Function, erectile function domain, questions 3 and 4 scores were 35.5 ± 14.8, 13.7 ± 6.7, 2.2 ± 1.4, 2.1 ± 1.3, and 56.2 ± 16.6, 23.8 ± 6.6, 4.1 ± 1.4, and 3.9 ± 1.5, respectively. In addition, 55 and 73% of patients reported erectile function domain scores ≥26 and 21, respectively, and almost 90% of patients would recommend or undergo MABS again. In addition, changes in pre- and postoperative sexual distress scale scores and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were statistically significant. More importantly, treatment satisfaction (EDITS) was very high, and 87% of patients would recommend the surgery to someone else and 88.7% reported a significant improvement in their erectile function. In patients with no vascular risk factors and pure cavernosal arterial insufficiency, MABS provides long-term improvements in erectile function, depression, and overall satisfaction.

Augmented Renal Clearance

The prescription of pharmaceuticals in the critically ill is complicated by a paucity of knowledge concerning the pharmacokinetic implications of the underlying disease state. Changes in organ function can be dramatic in this population, both as a consequence of the primary pathophysiology and in response to clinical interventions provided. Vascular tone, fluid status, cardiac output and major organ blood flow can be significantly altered from baseline, influencing the volume of distribution and clearance of many commonly prescribed agents. Although measurable endpoints can be used to titrate doses for many drugs in this setting (such as sedatives), for those agents with silent pharmacodynamic indices, enhanced excretory organ function can result in unexpectedly low plasma concentrations, leading to treatment failure. This is particularly relevant to the use of antibacterials in the critically ill, where inadequate, inappropriate and/or delayed prescription can have significant effects on morbidity and mortality. Augmented renal clearance (ARC) refers to enhanced renal elimination of circulating solute and is being described with increasing regularity in the critically ill. However, defining this process in terms of current measures of renal function is problematic, as although the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is largely considered the best index of renal function, there is no consensus on an upper limit of normal. In addition, the most readily available and accurate estimate of the GFR at the bedside is still widely debated. From a pharmacokinetic point of view, ARC can result in elevated renal elimination and subtherapeutic plasma concentrations of pharmaceuticals, although whether this process solely involves augmented filtration (as opposed to enhanced tubular secretion and/or reabsorption) remains uncertain. The primary contributors to this process are likely to be the innate immune response to infection and inflammation (with its associated systemic and haemodynamic consequences), fluid loading and use of vasoactive medications. The resultant increase in cardiac output and renal blood flow prompts enhanced glomerular filtration and drug elimination. Current evidence suggests that young patients without pre-existing co-morbidity or organ dysfunction who present with trauma are most likely to manifest ARC. As this phenomenon has received little attention in the literature, dose modification has rarely been considered. However, with increasing data supporting the concept, and many investigators demonstrating subtherapeutic concentrations of drugs in the critically ill, consideration of ARC and alternative dosing regimens is now mandatory, both to improve the likelihood of treatment success and to reduce the rate of development of antibacterial resistance.