Postoperative delirium is an independent factor influencing the length of stay of elderly patients in the intensive care unit and in hospital

Purpose

Postoperative delirium (POD) is an often unrecognized adverse event in older people after surgery. The aim of this subgroup analysis of the PRe-Operative Prediction of postoperative DElirium by appropriate SCreening (PROPDESC) trial in patients aged 70 years and older was to identify preoperative risk factors and the impact of POD on length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

Methods

Of the total 1097 patients recruited at a German university hospital (from September 2018 to October 2019) in the PROPDESC prospective observational study, 588 patients aged 70 years and older (mean age 77.2 ± 4.7 years) were included for subgroup analysis. The primary endpoint POD was considered positive if one of the following tests were positive on any of the five postoperative visit days: Confusion Assessment Method for ICU (CAM-ICU), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), 4'A's (4AT) and Delirium Observation Scale (DOS). Trained doctoral students carried out these visitations and additionally the nursing staff were interviewed for completion of the DOS. To evaluate the independent effect of POD on LOS in ICU and in hospital, a multi-variable linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

The POD incidence was 25.9%. The results of our model showed POD as an independent predictor for a prolonged LOS in ICU (36%; 95% CI 4–78%; < 0.001) and in hospital (22%; 95% CI 4–43%; < 0.001).

Conclusion

POD has an independent impact on LOS in ICU and in hospital. Based on the effect of POD for the elderly, a standardized risk screening is required.

Trail registration

German Registry for Clinical Studies: DRKS00015715.

Poor reporting quality of observational clinical studies comparing treatments of COVID-19 – a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific world is in urgent need for new evidence on the treatment of COVID patients. The reporting quality is crucial for transparent scientific publication. Concerns of data integrity, methodology and transparency were raised. Here, we assessed the adherence of observational studies comparing treatments of COVID 19 to the STROBE checklist in 2020.

Methods

Design: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Setting: We conducted a systematic literature search in the Medline database. This study was performed at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology Participants: We extracted all observational studies on the treatment of COVID-19 patients from the year 2020. Main outcome measures: The adherence of each publication to the STROBE checklist items was analysed. The journals’ impact factor (IF), the country of origin, the kind of investigated treatment and the month of publication were assessed.

Results

We analysed 147 observational studies and found a mean adherence of 45.6% to the STROBE checklist items. The percentage adherence per publication correlated significantly with the journals’ IF (point estimate for the difference between 1^st and 4^th quartile 11.07%, 95% CI 5.12 to 17.02, p < 0.001). U.S. American authors gained significantly higher adherence to the checklist than Chinese authors, mean difference 9.10% (SD 2.85%, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

We conclude a poor reporting quality of observational studies on the treatment of COVID-19 throughout the year 2020. A considerable improvement is mandatory.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-021-01501-9.

Digital Online Anaesthesia Patient Informed Consent before Elective Diagnostic Procedures or Surgery: Recent Practice in Children—An Exploratory ESAIC Survey (2021)

Background: One undisputed benefit of digital support is the possibility of contact reduction, which has become particularly important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is currently no study assessing the Europe-wide use of digital online pre-operative patient information or evaluation in the health sector. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the current status in Europe. Methods: A web-based questionnaire covering the informed consent process was sent to members of the European Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (ESAIC) in 47 European countries (42,433 recipients/930 responses). Six questions related specifically to the practice in paediatrics. Results: A total of 70.2% of the respondents indicated that it was not possible to obtain informed consent via the Internet in a routine setting, and 67.3% expressed that they did not know whether it is in line with the legal regulations. In paediatric anaesthesia, the informed consent of only one parent was reported to be sufficient by 77.6% of the respondents for simple interventions and by 63.8% for complex interventions. Just over 50% of the respondents judged that proof of identity of the parents was necessary, but only 29.9% stated that they ask for it in clinical routine. In the current situation, 77.9% would favour informed consent in person, whereas 60.2% could imagine using online or telephone interviews as an alternative to a face-to-face meeting if regulations were changed. Only 18.7% participants reported a change in the regulations due to the current pandemic situation. Conclusion: Whether informed consent is obtained either online or on the telephone in the paediatric population varies widely across Europe and is not currently implemented as standard practice. For high-risk patients, such as the specific cohort of children with congenital heart defects, wider use of telemedicine might provide a benefit in the future in terms of reduced contact and reduced exposure to health risks through additional hospital stays.

Intraoperative transfusion practices and perioperative outcome in the European elderly: A secondary analysis of the observational ETPOS study

The demographic development suggests a dramatic growth in the number of elderly patients undergoing surgery in Europe. Most red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) are administered to older people, but little is known about perioperative transfusion practices in this population. In this secondary analysis of the prospective observational multicentre European Transfusion Practice and Outcome Study (ETPOS), we specifically evaluated intraoperative transfusion practices and the related outcomes of 3149 patients aged 65 years and older. Enrolled patients underwent elective surgery in 123 European hospitals, received at least one RBCT intraoperatively and were followed up for 30 days maximum. The mean haemoglobin value at the beginning of surgery was 108 (21) g/l, 84 (15) g/l before transfusion and 101 (16) g/l at the end of surgery. A median of 2 [1-2] units of RBCT were administered. Mostly, more than one transfusion trigger was present, with physiological triggers being preeminent. We revealed a descriptive association between each intraoperatively administered RBCT and mortality and discharge respectively, within the first 10 postoperative days but not thereafter. In our unadjusted model the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.08-1.15) and the HR for discharge was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74-0.83). After adjustment for several variables, such as age, preoperative haemoglobin and blood loss, the HR for mortality was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.05-1.15) and HR for discharge was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.87). Pre-operative anaemia in European elderly surgical patients is undertreated. Various triggers seem to support the decision for RBCT. A closer monitoring of elderly patients receiving intraoperative RBCT for the first 10 postoperative days might be justifiable. Further research on the causal relationship between RBCT and outcomes and on optimal transfusion strategies in the elderly population is warranted. A thorough analysis of different time periods within the first 30 postoperative days is recommended.

Neurocognitive correlates of probable posttraumatic stress disorder following traumatic brain injury

Introduction

Neurocognitive problems associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can interact with impairment resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Research question

We aimed to identify neurocognitive problems associated with probable PTSD following TBI in a civilian sample.

Material and methods

The study is part of the CENTER-TBI project (Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research) that aims to better characterize TBI. For this cross-sectional study, we included patients of all severities aged over 15, and a Glasgow Outcome Score Extended (GOSE) above 3. Participants were assessed at six months post-injury on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Primary analysis was a complete case analysis. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the PCL-5 and cognition.

Results

Of the 1134 participants included in the complete case analysis, 13.5% screened positive for PTSD. Probable PTSD was significantly associated with higher TMT-(B-A) (OR ​= ​1.35, 95% CI: 1.14–1.60, p ​< ​.001) and lower RAVLT-delayed recall scores (OR ​= ​0.74, 95% CI: 0.61–0.91, p ​= ​.004) after controlling for age, sex, psychiatric history, baseline Glasgow Coma Scale and education.

Discussion and conclusion

Poorer performance on cognitive tests assessing task switching and, to a lesser extent, delayed verbal recall is associated with probable PTSD in civilians who have suffered TBI.

•

Six months after traumatic brain injury 13.5% of people screen positive for PTSD.

•

Task switching performance and verbal memory are related to probable PTSD.

•

PTSD severity is related to processing speed and task switching performance.

[Implementation of fast-track measures in colorectal resections : A survey among members of the DGAI]

PURPOSE

The fast-track (FT) concept is a multimodal, interdisciplinary approach to perioperative patient care intended to reduce postoperative complications. Despite good evidence implementation seems to need improvement, whereby almost all studies focused on the implementation of surgical modules regardless of the interdisciplinary aspect. Adherence to the anesthesiological measures (prehabilitation, premedication, volume and temperature management, pain therapy), on the other hand, has been insufficiently studied. To assess the status quo a survey on the implementation of anesthesiological FT measures was conducted among members of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) to analyze where potential for improvement exists.

METHODS

Using the SurveyMonkey® online survey tool, 28 questions regarding perioperative anesthesiological care of colorectal surgery patients were sent to DGAI members in order to analyze adherence to FT measures.

RESULTS

While some of the FT measures (temperature management, PONV prophylaxis) are already routinely used, there is a divergence between current recommendations and clinical implementation for other components. In addition to premedication, interdisciplinary measures (prehabilitation) and measures that affect multiple interfaces (operating theatre, recovery room, ward), such as volume management or perioperative pain management, are particularly affected.

CONCLUSION

The anesthesiological recommendations of the FT concept are only partially implemented in Germany. This particularly affects the interdisciplinary components as well as measures at the operating theatre, recovery room and ward interfaces. The establishment of an interdisciplinary FT team and interdisciplinary development of SOPs can optimize adherence, which in turn improves the short-term and long-term outcome of patients.

Noble gases and neuroprotection: summary of current evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the current data on neuroprotection derived by noble gas treatment focusing on xenon and argon.

RECENT FINDINGS

Both xenon and argon have demonstrated neuroprotective properties in an array of disease models. However, current data for argon after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is conflicting. Recent human data is only available for xenon showing some beneficial aspects (fewer adverse events) but no effect on outcomes, such as incidence of postoperative delirium.

SUMMARY

Promising results are available for neuroprotection derived by noble gas treatment. Results for xenon are more consistent than those for argon. The mechanism of action of xenon (noncompetitive NMDA-receptor inhibition) is also better understood compared with that of argon. The evidence for argon's neuroprotective actions (particularly after TBI) remains uncertain.

The level of postoperative care influences mortality prediction by the POSPOM score: A retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The Preoperative Score to Predict Postoperative Mortality (POSPOM) assesses the patients' individual risk for postsurgical intrahospital death based on preoperative parameters. We hypothesized that mortality predicted by the POSPOM varies depending on the level of postoperative care.

METHODS

All patients age over 18 years undergoing inpatient surgery or interventions involving anesthesia at a German university hospital between January 2006, and December 2017, were assessed for eligibility for this retrospective study. Endpoint was death in hospital following surgery. Adaptation of the POSPOM to the German coding system was performed as previously described. The whole cohort was divided according to the level of postoperative care (normal ward vs. intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 24 h vs. later than 24 h, respectively).

RESULTS

199,258 patients were finally included. Observed intrahospital mortality was 2.0% (4,053 deaths). 9.6% of patients were transferred to ICU following surgery, and mortality of those patients was increased already at low POSPOM values of 15. 17,165 patients were admitted to ICU within 24 h, and these patients were older, had more comorbidities, or underwent more invasive surgery, reflected by a higher median POSPOM score compared to the normal-ward group (29 vs. 17, p <0.001). Mortality in that cohort was significantly increased to 8.7% (p <0.001). 2,043 patients were admitted to ICU later than 24 h following surgery (therefore denoted unscheduled admission), and the median POSPOM value of that group was 23. Observed mortality in this cohort was highest (13.5%, p <0.001 vs. ICU admission <24 h cohort).

CONCLUSION

Increased mortality in patients transferred to high-care wards reflects the significance of, e.g., intra- or early postoperative events for the patients' outcome. Therefore, scoring systems considering only preoperative variables such as the POSPOM reveal limitations to predict the individual benefit of postoperative ICU admission.

Protocol for a prospective, international cohort study on the Management and Outcomes of Perioperative Care among European Diabetic Patients (MOPED)

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is common (about 20 million patients in Europe) and patients with diabetes have more surgical interventions than the general population. There are plausible pathophysiological and clinical mechanisms suggesting that patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of postoperative complications. When postoperative complications occur in the general population, they increase major adverse events and subsequently increase 1-year mortality. This is likely to be worse in patients with diabetes. There is variation in practice guidelines in different countries in the perioperative management of patients with diabetes undergoing major surgery and whether this may affect postoperative outcome has not been investigated on a large scale. Neither is it known whether different strata of preoperative glycaemic control affects outcome.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, observational, international, multicentre cohort study, recruiting 5000 patients with diabetes undergoing elective or emergency surgery in at least n=50 centres. Inclusion criteria are any patient with diabetes undergoing surgery under any substantive anaesthetic technique. Exclusion criteria are not being a confirmed diabetic patient and patients with diabetes undergoing procedures under monitored sedation or local anaesthetic infiltration only. Follow-up duration is 30 days after surgery. Primary outcome is days at home at 30 days. Secondary outcomes are Comprehensive Complications Index, Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) score on Day 1 postoperatively, 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and incidence of specific major adverse events (Myocardial Infarction (MI), Myocardial Injury after Non-cardiac Surgery (MINS), Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPC), Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), DVT, surgical site infection, postoperative pulmonary infection). Tertiary outcomes include time to resumption of normal diabetes therapy, incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycaemia, incidence and duration of use of intravenous insulin infusion therapy and change in diabetic management at 30 days.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will adhere to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (amendment 2013) by the World Medical Association and the ICH-Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines E6(R2). Specific national and local regulatory authority requirements will be followed as applicable. Ethical approval has been granted by the Institutional Review Board of the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (Reference: 1/378/2167). As enrolment for this study is ongoing, ethical approval from additional centres is being added continuously. The main results of Management and Outcomes of Perioperative Care among European Diabetic Patients and its substudies will be published in peer-reviewed international medical journals and presented at Euroanaesthesia congress and other international and national meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04511312.

Argon treatment after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: evaluation of microglial activation and neuronal survival as a subanalysis of a randomized controlled animal trial

Hereinafter, we evaluate argon's neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) examining various localizations (hippocampal and cortical regions) with respect to neuronal damage and microglial activation 6, 24 and 72 hours after SAH. One hour after SAH (endovascular perforation rat model) or sham surgery, a mixture of gas containing 50% argon (argon group) or 50% nitrogen (control group) was applied for 1 hour. At 6 hours after SAH, argon reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampal regions in the argon group compared to the control group (P < 0.034). Hippocampal microglial activation did not differ between the treatment groups over time. The basal cortical regions did not show a different lesion pattern, but microglial activation was significantly reduced in the argon group 72 hours after SAH (P = 0.034 vs. control group). Whereas callosal microglial activation was significantly reduced at 24 hours in the argon-treated group (P = 0.018). Argon treatment ameliorated only early hippocampal neuronal damage after SAH. Inhibition of microglial activation was seen in some areas later on. Thus, argon may influence the microglial inflammatory response and neuronal survival after SAH; however, due to low sample sizes the interpretation of our results is limited. The study protocol was approved by the Government Agency for Animal Use and Protection (Protocol number: TVA 10416G1; initially approved by the "Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz NRW," Recklinghausen, Germany, on April 28, 2009).

Vancomycin and daptomycin modulate the innate immune response in a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis

Sepsis is a leading cause of death worldwide, despite the use of multimodal therapies. Common antibiotic regimens are being affected by a rising number of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and new therapeutic approaches are therefore needed. Antibiotics have immunomodulatory properties which appear to be beneficial in the treatment of sepsis. We hypothesized that the last-resort antibiotics vancomycin (VAN) and daptomycin (DMC) modulate cell migration, phagocytosis, and protein cytokine levels in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. Ten to twelve-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n = 4-6 animals per group) were stimulated with LPS for 20 h, followed by the administration of VAN or DMC. The outcome parameters were leukocyte accumulation and effector function. Quantification of the immune cells in the peritoneal lavage was performed using flow cytometry analysis. Phagocytosis was measured using pHrodo E. coli BioParticles. The response of the cytokines TNFα, IL-6, and IL-10 was measured in vitro using murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS and VAN or DMC. VAN decreased both the peritoneal macrophage and the dendritic cell populations following LPS stimulation. DMC reduced the dendritic cell population in the peritoneal cavity in LPS-infected mice. Both antibiotics increased the phagocytic activity in peritoneal macrophages, but this effect was diminished in response to LPS. Phagocytosis of dendritic cells was increased in LPS-infected animals treated with VAN. VAN and DMC differently modulated the levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a murine model of LPS-induced sepsis, VAN and DMC exhibit immunomodulatory effects on cells involved in innate immunity. The question of whether these antibiotics exhibit synergistic effects in the treatment of septic patients, beyond their bactericidal properties, should be further evaluated in future studies.

Emergency Airway Management in Patients with COVID-19: A Prospective International Multicenter Cohort Study

Background:

Tracheal intubation for patients with COVID-19 is required for invasive mechanical ventilation. The authors sought to describe practice for emergency intubation, estimate success rates and complications, and determine variation in practice and outcomes between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. The authors hypothesized that successful emergency airway management in patients with COVID-19 is associated with geographical and procedural factors.

Methods:

The authors performed a prospective observational cohort study between March 23, 2020, and October 24, 2020, which included 4,476 episodes of emergency tracheal intubation performed by 1,722 clinicians from 607 institutions across 32 countries in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. The authors investigated associations between intubation and operator characteristics, and the primary outcome of first-attempt success.

Results:

Successful first-attempt tracheal intubation was achieved in 4,017/4,476 (89.7%) episodes, while 23 of 4,476 (0.5%) episodes required four or more attempts. Ten emergency surgical airways were reported—an approximate incidence of 1 in 450 (10 of 4,476). Failed intubation (defined as emergency surgical airway, four or more attempts, or a supraglottic airway as the final device) occurred in approximately 1 of 120 episodes (36 of 4,476). Successful first attempt was more likely during rapid sequence induction versus non–rapid sequence induction (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.49 to 2.39]; P < 0.001), when operators used powered air-purifying respirators versus nonpowered respirators (adjusted odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.16 to 2.20]; P=0.006), and when performed by operators with more COVID-19 intubations recorded (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03 for each additional previous intubation [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.06]; P=0.015). Intubations performed in low- or middle-income countries were less likely to be successful at first attempt than in high-income countries (adjusted odds ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.41 to 0.79]; P=0.001).

Conclusions:

The authors report rates of failed tracheal intubation and emergency surgical airway in patients with COVID-19 requiring emergency airway management, and identified factors associated with increased success. Risks of tracheal intubation failure and success should be considered when managing COVID-19.

The authors report a secondary analysis of associations of intubation and operator characteristics related to the primary outcome of first-attempt intubation success in 4,476 intubations among 1,722 clinicians at 607 institutions across 32 countries, also considering differential rates of success between high-income and low- and middle-income countries. Although successful first-attempt intubation was noted in 89.7% of intubations, 0.5% required four or more attempts, an emergency surgical airway was required in 0.2%, and a composite variable of failed intubation occurred in 0.8%. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that successful first attempts were more likely with rapid sequence intubations, when operators used powered air-purifying respirators, and with increasing operator experience. Intubations performed in low- and middle-income countries were nearly half as likely to be successful on first attempt than in high-income countries. These results provide potentially useful information for global and local policy-making related to this and future pandemics. However, the observational nature, along with lack of patient level characteristics, leave room for substantial residual confounding of these associations.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

[Perioperative Medicine in Visceral Surgery in the Elderly Patient from an Anaesthesiological Perspective]

Demographic change is leading to an increasing number of old patients both in our society and in hospitals. With increasing age, not only the number of pre-existing conditions increases, but also the postoperative complication rate and mortality. Ultimately, however, it is not age that is decisive, but the condition of the patient and his or her capacity to face the physical and mental challenges of a surgical procedure. Frail patients are particularly at risk of complications, and an essential strategy - known as prehabilitation - is to put them in a better state pre-operatively through physical and mental training, as well as nutritional counselling. Delirium is one of the most frequent postoperative complications. Measures such as refraining from premedication with benzodiazepines, measuring the depth of anaesthesia, refraining from long-acting opioids, performing fast-track surgery, and providing glasses/hearing aids quickly postoperatively can reduce the risk of delirium. Close interdisciplinary consultation between surgeons, anaesthetists, geriatricians and physiotherapists is essential to coordinate the perioperative procedure and reduce the perioperative risk for elderly patients.

[Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Perioperative Management of Colorectal Surgery]

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, perioperative care of patients after colorectal surgery has been increasingly standardised according to the fast-track concept and is accepted as a structured method of care to reduce perioperative complications. Indeed, initial studies have indicated that there is a long-term favourable effect on the oncological outcome, if the adherence to the individual measures is at least 70%. Even though there is unambiguous evidence for the efficacy of the modern perioperative treatment concept, it is often difficult to comply with the protocol during normal clinical work, particularly in Germany. The objective of this study was to record the rate of compliance before and after the introduction of the SOP and to evaluate its efficacy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the patient data after all elective colorectal surgery in the Bonn University Hospital from 2017 to 2020. 153 patients were operated on before the implementation of the SOP in January 2019 (group I); the remaining 153 patients were operated on after the implementation of the SOP and received appropriate care (group II). Compliance to the protocol was analysed for both the individual key interventions and the overall concept.

RESULTS

There was significant improvement in the compliance for both the individual measures (prehabilitation group I: 5.9%, group II: 42.5%, p < 0.001; preparation of the intestine I: 16.5%, II: 73.9%, p < 0.001; intraoperative volume management I: 14,00 ml/kg BW/h, II: 9.12 ml/kg BW/h, p < 0.001, BW: body weight; minimally invasive surgical technique I: 53.6%, II: 73.9%, p < 0.001; etc.) and for the overall perioperative treatment concept (I: 39%, II: 54%, p = 0.02). However, we fell far short of compliance of at least 70%. Nevertheless, patient autonomy was achieved earlier after introduction of the SOP (I: day 15, II: day 9, p < 0.001) and the postoperative hospital stay was shortened (I: 14 [6 - 99] days, II 11 [4 - 64] days; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Although the implementation of the SOP led to significant improvements, further optimisation is required to attain the recommended protocol compliance of 70%. Measures within the hospital could include foundation of an interdisciplinary fast-track team and a specialised nurse as the connecting link between the patients, nursing and physicians. On the other hand, implementation throughout Germany can only be achieved by more influential actions. One possible support would be the S3 guideline on perioperative management of gastrointestinal tumours, which is under development. This could, for example, be used to support argumentation with funding providers.

Gene expression in the Angiopoietin/TIE axis is altered in peripheral tissue of ovarian cancer patients: A prospective observational study

AIMS

Clinical studies suggest altered systemic vascular biology in cancer patients. We assessed expression patterns of endothelial activation- and vascular leakage-related genes in tumor as well as in tumor-free peripheral tissues from patients with and without ovarian cancer (OC).

MAIN METHODS

Patients being scheduled for laparotomy for either gynecologic benign diagnosis (n = 10) or for advanced-stage OC (n = 22) were prospectively recruited to this observational study. Serum samples were taken preoperatively, and tissue samples were taken from peripheral abdominal wall musculature, tumor-free peritoneum and the tumor itself.

KEY FINDINGS

Patients in OC group received significantly more fluid per time intraoperatively (p = 0.01). IL-8 and MCP-1/CCL2, VCAM-1 (CD 106) and ICAM-1 (CD 54) as well as Thrombomodulin were significantly increased in cancer patients' serum at baseline (p = 0.03). Expression of distinct vascular leakage-related genes (Angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), ANG-2, TIE2, VEGFR1, VEGFR2) was significantly altered in tumor tissue of OC patients (p = 0.003), while in tumor-free peritoneal tissue, ANG-2/1 expression ratio was more than doubled in OC group (p = 0.03). In peripheral musculature, particularly genes from the ANG/TIE axis were significantly changed in OC patients (p = 0.005), suggesting a distinct vascular leakage-related genotype. Gene expression changes in OC patients were significantly associated with the postoperative fluid balance (p = 0.03).

SIGNIFICANCE

Altered expression of barrier dysfunction- and angiogenesis-associated genes from the ANG/TIE axis was detected not only in tumor but also in peripheral tissues of cancer patients. This may contribute to a systemic vascular leakage-related genotype.

CX3CR1 is a prerequisite for the development of cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular dysfunction in mice upon transverse aortic constriction

The CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis mediates recruitment and extravasation of CX3CR1-expressing subsets of leukocytes and plays a pivotal role in the inflammation-driven pathology of cardiovascular disease. The cardiac immune response differs depending on the underlying causes. This suggests that for the development of successful immunomodulatory therapy in heart failure due to chronic pressure overload induced left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, the underlying immune patterns must be examined. Here, the authors demonstrate that Fraktalkine-receptor CX3CR1 is a prerequisite for the development of cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular dysfunction in a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The comparison of C57BL/6 mice with CX3CR1 deficient mice displayed reduced LV hypertrophy and preserved cardiac function in response to pressure overload in mice lacking CX3CR1. Moreover, the normal immune response following TAC induced pressure overload which is dominated by Ly6C^low macrophages changed to an early pro-inflammatory immune response driven by neutrophils, Ly6C^high macrophages and altered cytokine expression pattern in CX3CR1 deficient mice. In this early inflammatory phase of LV hypertrophy Ly6C^high monocytes infiltrated the heart in response to a C-C chemokine ligand 2 burst. CX3CR1 expression impacts the immune response in the development of LV hypertrophy and its absence has clear cardioprotective effects. Hence, suppression of CX3CR1 may be an important immunomodulatory therapeutic target to ameliorate pressure-overload induced heart failure.

Predicting experimental success: a retrospective case-control study using the rat intraluminal thread model of stroke

The poor translational success rate of preclinical stroke research may partly be due to inaccurate modelling of the disease. We provide data on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) experiments, including detailed intraoperative monitoring to elaborate predictors indicating experimental success (ischemia without occurrence of confounding pathologies). The tMCAO monitoring data (bilateral cerebral blood flow, CBF; heart rate, HR; and mean arterial pressure, MAP) of 16 animals with an 'ideal' outcome (MCA-ischemia), and 48 animals with additional or other pathologies (subdural haematoma or subarachnoid haemorrhage), were checked for their prognostic performance (receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve, AUC). Animals showing a decrease in the contralateral CBF at the time of MCA occlusion suffered from unintended pathologies. Implementation of baseline MAP, in addition to baseline HR (AUC, 0.83, 95% c.i. 0.68 to 0.97), increased prognostic relevance (AUC, 0.89, 95% c.i. 0.79 to 0.98). Prediction performance improved when two additional predictors referring to differences in left and right CBF were considered (AUC, 1.00, 95% c.i. 1.0 to 1.0). Our data underline the importance of peri-interventional monitoring to verify a successful experimental performance in order to ensure a disease model as homogeneous as possible.

Parameters predicting COVID-19-induced myocardial injury and mortality

Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 affect many organs, including the heart. Cardiovascular disease is a dominant comorbidity and prognostic factors predicting risk for critical courses are highly needed. Moreover, immunomechanisms underlying COVID-induced myocardial damage are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate prognostic markers to identify patients at risk.

RESULTS

Only patients with pericardial effusion (PE) developed a severe disease course, and those who died could be identified by a high CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio. Ten out of 19 COVID-19 patients presented with PE, 7 (78%) of these had elevated APACHE-II mortality risk-score, requiring mechanical ventilation. At admission, PE patients showed signs of systemic and cardiac inflammation in NMR and impaired cardiac function as detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), whereas parameters of myocardial injury e.g. high sensitive troponin-t (hs-TnT) were not yet increased. During the course of disease, hs-TnT rose in 8 of the PE-patients above 16 ng/l, 7 had to undergo ventilatory therapy and 4 of them died. FACS at admission showed in PE patients elevated frequencies of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells among all CD3+ T-cells, and lower frequencies of Tregs and CD14⁺HLA^-DR⁺-monocytes. A high CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio predicted a severe disease course in PE patients, and was associated with high serum levels of antiviral cytokines. By contrast, patients without PE and PE patients with a low CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio neither had to be intubated, nor died.

CONCLUSIONS

PE predicts cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, TTE should be performed at admission. Immunological parameters for dysfunctional antiviral immunity, such as the CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio used here, supports risk assessment by predicting poor prognosis.

Parameters predicting COVID-19-induced myocardial injury and mortality

Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 affect many organs, including the heart. Cardiovascular disease is a dominant comorbidity and prognostic factors predicting risk for critical courses are highly needed. Moreover, immunomechanisms underlying COVID-induced myocardial damage are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate prognostic markers to identify patients at risk.

RESULTS

Only patients with pericardial effusion (PE) developed a severe disease course, and those who died could be identified by a high CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio. Ten out of 19 COVID-19 patients presented with PE, 7 (78%) of these had elevated APACHE-II mortality risk-score, requiring mechanical ventilation. At admission, PE patients showed signs of systemic and cardiac inflammation in NMR and impaired cardiac function as detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), whereas parameters of myocardial injury e.g. high sensitive troponin-t (hs-TnT) were not yet increased. During the course of disease, hs-TnT rose in 8 of the PE-patients above 16 ng/l, 7 had to undergo ventilatory therapy and 4 of them died. FACS at admission showed in PE patients elevated frequencies of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells among all CD3+ T-cells, and lower frequencies of Tregs and CD14⁺HLA^-DR⁺-monocytes. A high CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio predicted a severe disease course in PE patients, and was associated with high serum levels of antiviral cytokines. By contrast, patients without PE and PE patients with a low CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio neither had to be intubated, nor died.

CONCLUSIONS

PE predicts cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, TTE should be performed at admission. Immunological parameters for dysfunctional antiviral immunity, such as the CD8/Treg/monocyte ratio used here, supports risk assessment by predicting poor prognosis.

Risks to healthcare workers following tracheal intubation of patients with COVID-19: a prospective international multicentre cohort study

Healthcare workers involved in aerosol‐generating procedures, such as tracheal intubation, may be at elevated risk of acquiring COVID‐19. However, the magnitude of this risk is unknown. We conducted a prospective international multicentre cohort study recruiting healthcare workers participating in tracheal intubation of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19. Information on tracheal intubation episodes, personal protective equipment use and subsequent provider health status was collected via self‐reporting. The primary endpoint was the incidence of laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 diagnosis or new symptoms requiring self‐isolation or hospitalisation after a tracheal intubation episode. Cox regression analysis examined associations between the primary endpoint and healthcare worker characteristics, procedure‐related factors and personal protective equipment use. Between 23 March and 2 June 2020, 1718 healthcare workers from 503 hospitals in 17 countries reported 5148 tracheal intubation episodes. The overall incidence of the primary endpoint was 10.7% over a median (IQR [range]) follow‐up of 32 (18–48 [0–116]) days. The cumulative incidence within 7, 14 and 21 days of the first tracheal intubation episode was 3.6%, 6.1% and 8.5%, respectively. The risk of the primary endpoint varied by country and was higher in women, but was not associated with other factors. Around 1 in 10 healthcare workers involved in tracheal intubation of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 subsequently reported a COVID‐19 outcome. This has human resource implications for institutional capacity to deliver essential healthcare services, and wider societal implications for COVID‐19 transmission.