Fluid Response Evaluation in Sepsis Hypotension and Shock: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Ultrasound in Sepsis and Septic Shock-From Diagnosis to Treatment

Sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of in-hospital mortality worldwide, causing a considerable burden for healthcare. The early identification of sepsis as well as the individuation of the septic focus is pivotal, followed by the prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy, appropriate source control as well as adequate hemodynamic resuscitation. For years now, both emergency department (ED) doctors and intensivists have used ultrasound as an adjunctive tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Our aim was to better understand the state-of-the art role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

METHODS

We conducted an extensive literature search about the topic and reported on the data from the most significant papers over the last 20 years.

RESULTS

We divided each article by topic and exposed the results accordingly, identifying four main aspects: sepsis diagnosis, source control and procedure, fluid resuscitation and hemodynamic optimization, and echocardiography in septic cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

The use of ultrasound throughout the process of the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and septic shock provides the clinician with an adjunctive tool to better characterize patients and ensure early, aggressive, as well as individualized therapy, when needed. More data are needed to conclude that the use of ultrasound might improve survival in this subset of patients.

Restrictive resuscitation in patients with sepsis and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Although fluid resuscitation is recommended by the Society of Critical Care Medicine Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, risks of volume overload persist.The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects of a restrictive fluid resuscitation approach in the septic patient both during and after the initial resuscitation period (30  ml/kg).

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Two blinded reviewers independently assessed and included studies that evaluated adult patients with sepsis involving a comparator group with an effective restrictive fluid resuscitation approach. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included rates of acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy (RRT), ventilator days, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), duration of vasopressor therapy, and limb (or digital) ischemia.

SETTING

PubMed and Medline databases were queried for the search.

PATIENTS

A total of eight trials in 2375 patients were included.

INTERVENTION

Effective restrictive fluid resuscitation compared with standard of care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The risk of bias was high in six studies and low in two studies, and all studies implemented fluid restriction after a 30-ml/kg infusion of fluids. Fluid restriction did not significantly reduce mortality in all studies compared to usual care (37% vs. 40% with usual care; risk ratio [RR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.06, p = 0.23, I2  = 24%) or by TSA findings. There were no significant differences in rates of AKI or RRT (5 studies), LOS in ICU (4 studies) or hospital (3 studies), duration of vasopressor therapy (6 studies), or incidence of limb or digital ischemia (3 studies). However, fluid restriction significantly reduced ventilator days as evaluated in seven studies (mean difference - 1.25 days, 95% CI -1.92 to -0.58  days, p = 0.0003, I2  = 90%).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that a restrictive resuscitation strategy in sepsis resulted in no difference in mortality but may reduce ventilator days. Larger randomized trials are required to determine the optimal management of fluids in patients with sepsis.

Evidence-based updates to the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines Part 2: Guideline review and clinical application

ABSTRACT

NPs should be prepared to screen for sepsis, initiate treatment, and optimize care for sepsis survivors. The 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines offer best practices for identification and management of sepsis and septic shock. This article, second in a 2-part series, presents evidence updates and discusses implications for NPs.

Fluid Resuscitation in Patients Presenting with Sepsis: Current Insights

Intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation is a key component of the initial resuscitation of septic shock, with international consensus guidelines suggesting the administration of at least 30mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid fluid. The rationale is to restore circulating fluid volume and optimise stroke volume. It is acknowledged that there is a paucity of high-level evidence to support this strategy, with most studies being observational or retrospective in design. In the past decade, evidence has emerged that a large positive fluid balance is associated with worse outcomes among patients with septic shock in intensive care who have already received initial resuscitation. Randomised trials undertaken in low-income countries have found increased mortality among patients with sepsis and hypoperfusion administered a larger fluid volume as part of initial resuscitation, however, translating these findings to other settings is not possible. This uncertainty has led to variation in practice with some advocating a more conservative fluid strategy coupled with the earlier introduction of vasopressors for haemodynamic support. This question is the subject of several ongoing clinical trials. This article summarises the current state of the evidence for IV fluid resuscitation in septic shock and provides guidance for practitioners in the face of our evolving understanding of this important area.

Fluid management in acute kidney injury: from evaluating fluid responsiveness towards assessment of fluid tolerance

Despite the widespread use of intravenous fluids in acute kidney injury (AKI), solid evidence is lacking. Intravenous fluids mainly improve AKI due to true hypovolaemia, which is difficult to discern at the bedside unless it is very pronounced. Empiric fluid resuscitation triggered only by elevated serum creatinine levels or oliguria is frequently misguided, especially in the presence of fluid intolerance syndromes such as increased extravascular lung water, capillary leak, intra-abdominal hypertension, and systemic venous congestion. While fluid responsiveness tests clearly identify patients who will not benefit from fluid administration (i.e. those without an increase in cardiac output), the presence of fluid responsiveness does not guarantee that fluid therapy is indicated or even safe. This review calls for more attention to the concept of fluid tolerance, incorporating it into a practical algorithm with systematic venous Doppler ultrasonography assessment to use at the bedside, thereby lowering the risk of detrimental kidney congestion in AKI.

A burden of fluid, sodium, and chloride due to intravenous fluid therapy in patients with respiratory support: a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter cohort study

Background

Fluid creep, including fluids administered as drug diluents and for the maintenance of catheter patency, is the major source of fluid intake in critically ill patients. Although hypoxemia may lead to fluid restriction, the epidemiology of fluid creep in patients with hypoxemia is unclear. This study aimed to address the burden due to fluid creep among patients with respiratory support according to oxygenation status.

Methods

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted in 23 intensive care units (ICUs) in Japan from January to March 2018. Consecutive adult patients who underwent invasive or noninvasive ventilation upon ICU admission and stayed in the ICU for more than 24 h were included. We excluded the following patients when no fluids were administered within 24 h of ICU admission and no records of the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen. We investigated fluid therapy until 7 days after ICU admission according to oxygenation status. Fluid creep was defined as the fluids administered as drug diluents and for the maintenance of catheter patency when administered at ≤ 20 mL/h.

Results

Among the 588 included patients, the median fluid creep within 24 h of ICU admission was 661 mL (25.2% of the total intravenous-fluid volume), and the proportion of fluid creep gradually increased throughout the ICU stay. Fluid creep tended to decrease throughout ICU days in patients without hypoxemia and in those with mild hypoxemia (p < 0.001 in both patients), but no significant trend was observed in those with severe hypoxemia (p = 0.159). Similar trends have been observed in the proportions of sodium and chloride caused by fluid creep.

Conclusions

Fluid creep was the major source of fluid intake among patients with respiratory support, and the burden due to fluid creep was prolonged in those with severe hypoxemia. However, these findings may not be conclusive as this was an observational study. Interventional studies are, therefore, warranted to assess the feasibility of fluid creep restriction.

Trial registration UMIN-CTR, the Japanese clinical trial registry (registration number: UMIN 000028019, July 1, 2017).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-022-01073-x.

Does lactate enhance the prognostic accuracy of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment for adult patients with sepsis? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether adding lactate to the quick Sequential (sepsis-related) Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) improves the prediction of mortality in adult hospital patients, compared with qSOFA alone.

DESIGN

Systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Embase, Medline, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL and Open Grey databases were searched in November 2020.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Original research studies published after 2016 comparing qSOFA in combination with lactate (LqSOFA) with qSOFA alone in adult patients with sepsis in hospital. The language was restricted to English.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction and quality assessment (using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2) were conducted independently by two reviewers. Extracted data were collected into tables and diagnostic test accuracy was compared between the two tests.

RESULTS

We identified 1621 studies, of which 11 met our inclusion criteria. Overall, there was a low risk of bias across all studies. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve for qSOFA was improved by the addition of lactate in 9 of the 10 studies reporting it. Sensitivity was increased in three of seven studies that reported it. Specificity was increased in four of seven studies that reported it. Of the six studies set exclusively within the emergency department, five published AUROCs, all of which reported an increase following the addition of lactate. Sensitivity and specificity results varied throughout the included studies. Due to insufficient data and heterogeneity of studies, a meta-analysis was not performed.

CONCLUSIONS

LqSOFA is an effective tool for identifying mortality risk both in adult inpatients with sepsis and those in the emergency department. LqSOFA increases AUROC over qSOFA alone, particularly within the emergency department. However, further original research is required to provide a stronger base of evidence in lactate measurement timing, as well as prospective trials to strengthen evidence and reduce bias.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020207648.

Intravenous fluid therapy in sepsis

Sepsis is the dysregulated immune response to severe infection that is common and lethal among critically ill patients. Fluid administration is a common treatment for hypotension and shock in early sepsis. Fluid therapy can also cause edema and organ dysfunction. Research on the best treatment strategies for sepsis has provided insights on the optimal timing, dose, and type of fluid to treat patients with sepsis. Initial research on early goal-directed therapy for sepsis included an initial bolus of 30 ml/kg of fluid, but more recent research has supported use of smaller volumes. After initial fluid resuscitation, minimizing additional fluid administration may be beneficial, but no single measure has been established as the best method to guide ongoing fluid management in sepsis. Dynamic measures of "fluid responsiveness" can predict which patients will experience an increase in cardiac output from a fluid bolus. Use of such a measure in clinical care remains limited by applicability to patient populations and uncertainty regarding the effect on clinical outcomes. Recent research informs the effect of fluid composition on outcomes for patients with sepsis. Current data support the use of balanced crystalloids, rather than saline, and the use of crystalloids, rather than semisynthetic colloids. The role for albumin administration in sepsis remains uncertain. Future research should focus on determining the optimal volume of fluid during sepsis resuscitation, the effectiveness of measures of "fluid responsiveness" in improving outcomes, the optimal composition of crystalloid solutions, the role of albumin, and the effects of "deresuscitation" after septic shock.

Restrictive fluids versus standard care in adults with sepsis in the emergency department (REFACED): A multicenter, randomized feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Fluid treatment in sepsis is a challenge and clinical equipoise exists regarding intravenous (IV) volumes. We aimed to determine whether a 24-h protocol restricting IV fluid was feasible in adult patients with sepsis without shock presenting to the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

The REFACED Sepsis trial is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open-label, feasibility trial, assigning sepsis patients without shock to 24 h of restrictive, crystal IV fluid administration or standard care. In the IV fluid restriction group fluid boluses were only permitted if predefined criteria for hypoperfusion occurred. Standard care was at the discretion of the treating team. The primary outcome was total IV crystalloid fluid volumes at 24 h after randomization. Secondary outcomes included total fluid volumes, feasibility measures, and patient-centered outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 123 patients (restrictive 61 patients and standard care 62 patients) in the primary analysis. A total of 32% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28%-37%) of eligible patients meeting all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria were included. At 24 h, the mean (±SD) IV crystalloid fluid volumes were 562 (±1076) ml versus 1370 (±1438) ml in the restrictive versus standard care group (mean difference -801 ml, 95% CI -1257 to -345 ml, p = 0.001). Protocol violations occurred in 21 (34%) patients in the fluid-restrictive group. There were no differences between groups in adverse events, use of mechanical ventilation or vasopressors, acute kidney failure, length of stay, or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

A protocol restricting IV crystalloid fluids in ED patients with sepsis reduced 24-h fluid volumes compared to standard care. A future trial powered toward patient-centered outcomes appears feasible.

Effective hemodynamic monitoring

Hemodynamic monitoring is the centerpiece of patient monitoring in acute care settings. Its effectiveness in terms of improved patient outcomes is difficult to quantify. This review focused on effectiveness of monitoring-linked resuscitation strategies from: (1) process-specific monitoring that allows for non-specific prevention of new onset cardiovascular insufficiency (CVI) in perioperative care. Such goal-directed therapy is associated with decreased perioperative complications and length of stay in high-risk surgery patients. (2) Patient-specific personalized resuscitation approaches for CVI. These approaches including dynamic measures to define volume responsiveness and vasomotor tone, limiting less fluid administration and vasopressor duration, reduced length of care. (3) Hemodynamic monitoring to predict future CVI using machine learning approaches. These approaches presently focus on predicting hypotension. Future clinical trials assessing hemodynamic monitoring need to focus on process-specific monitoring based on modifying therapeutic interventions known to improve patient-centered outcomes.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Determination of Cardiac Output Augmentation in a Swine Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

CONTEXT:

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive tool for assessing local oxygen balance. In circulatory shock, the microcirculatory environment as measured by NIRS during resuscitation may provide additional diagnostic tools of value to the critical care physician.

HYPOTHESIS:

To assess whether a relative increase in peripheral NIRS was correlated with a clinically relevant increase in cardiac output following a fluid bolus in a swine model of shock.

METHODS AND MODELS:

Nine healthy young adult swine with median weight 80 kg (interquartile range, 75–83 kg) were anesthetized and surgically instrumented. They underwent a controlled hemorrhage of 20% of their blood volume followed by partial or complete aortic occlusion to create a variable ischemia-reperfusion injury. Next, the animals underwent four 500-mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes each followed by a 6-minute pause. The animal then underwent a 25% mixed auto/homologous blood transfusion followed by four more 500 mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes. Finally, the animals underwent a 25% mixed auto/homologous blood transfusion followed by an additional four rounds of 500-mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes. Left thoracic limb NIRS, descending thoracic aortic flow (dAF), arterial blood pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and mixed central venous oxygen saturation (Svo₂) were measured continuously for comparison.

RESULTS:

The area under the receiver operating curve for an increase in dAF of 10% in response to a 500 mL bolus based on a percent increase in the proximal NIRS was 0.82 with 95% CI, 0.72–0.91; Svo₂, 0.86 with 95% CI, 0.78–0.95; MAP, 0.75 with 95% CI, 0.65–0.85 and CVP, 0.64 with 95% CI, 0.53–0.76.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS:

A dynamic relative increase in NIRS in response to a crystalloid challenge has moderate discriminatory power for cardiac output augmentation during shock in a swine model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. NIRS performed as well as invasive measurements (Svo₂ and MAP) and better than CVP.

COVID-19 and Acute Kidney Injury

Initial reporting suggested that kidney involvement following COVID-19 infection was uncommon but this is now known not to be the case. Acute kidney injury (AKI) may arise through several mechanisms and complicate up to a quarter of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection being associated with an increased risk for both morbidity and death. Mechanisms of injury include direct kidney damage predominantly through tubular injury, although glomerular injury has been reported; the consequences of the treatment of patients with severe hypoxic respiratory failure; secondary infection; and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs. The mainstay of treatment remains the prevention of worsening kidney damage and in some cases they need for renal replacement therapies (RRT). Although the use of other blood purification techniques has been proposed as potential treatments, results to-date have not been definitive.

Prediction of fluid responsiveness. What’s new?

Although the administration of fluid is the first treatment considered in almost all cases of circulatory failure, this therapeutic option poses two essential problems: the increase in cardiac output induced by a bolus of fluid is inconstant, and the deleterious effects of fluid overload are now clearly demonstrated. This is why many tests and indices have been developed to detect preload dependence and predict fluid responsiveness. In this review, we take stock of the data published in the field over the past three years. Regarding the passive leg raising test, we detail the different stroke volume surrogates that have recently been described to measure its effects using minimally invasive and easily accessible methods. We review the limits of the test, especially in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. Regarding the end-expiratory occlusion test, we also present recent investigations that have sought to measure its effects without an invasive measurement of cardiac output. Although the limits of interpretation of the respiratory variation of pulse pressure and of the diameter of the vena cava during mechanical ventilation are now well known, several recent studies have shown how changes in pulse pressure variation itself during other tests reflect simultaneous changes in cardiac output, allowing these tests to be carried out without its direct measurement. This is particularly the case during the tidal volume challenge, a relatively recent test whose reliability is increasingly well established. The mini-fluid challenge has the advantage of being easy to perform, but it requires direct measurement of cardiac output, like the classic fluid challenge. Initially described with echocardiography, recent studies have investigated other means of judging its effects. We highlight the problem of their precision, which is necessary to evidence small changes in cardiac output. Finally, we point out other tests that have appeared more recently, such as the Trendelenburg manoeuvre, a potentially interesting alternative for patients in the prone position.

Effect of goal-directed fluid therapy on renal function in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To evaluate whether goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) reduces the risk of renal injury in critical illness.

Methods

MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CBM was searched from inception to 13 March 2022, for studies comparing the effect of GDFT with usual care on renal function in critically ill patients. GDFT was defined as a protocolized intervention based on hemodynamic and/or oxygen delivery parameters. A fixed or random effects model was applied to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) based on heterogeneity through the included studies.

Results

A total of 28 studies with 9,019 patients were included. The pooled data showed that compared with usual care, GDFT reduced the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical illness (OR 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 0.80, p< 0.001). Sensitivity analysis with only low risk of bias studies showed the same result. Subgroup analyses found that GDFT was associated with a lower AKI incidence in both postoperative and medical patients. The reduction was significant in GDFT aimed at dynamic indicators. However, no significant difference was found between groups in RRT support (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.05, p= 0.17). GDFT tended to increase fluid administration within the first 6 h, decrease fluid administration after 24 h, and was associated with more vasopressor requirements.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that GDFT aimed at dynamic indicators may be an effective way to prevent AKI in critical illness. This may indicate a benefit from early adequate fluid resuscitation and the combined effect of vasopressors.

A novel Vascular Leak Index identifies sepsis patients with a higher risk for in-hospital death and fluid accumulation

Purpose

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is characterized by vascular leak. Treatment for sepsis, specifically intravenous fluids, may worsen deterioration in the context of vascular leak. We therefore sought to quantify vascular leak in sepsis patients to guide fluid resuscitation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of sepsis patients in four ICU databases in North America, Europe, and Asia. We developed an intuitive vascular leak index (VLI) and explored the relationship between VLI and in-hospital death and fluid balance using generalized additive models (GAM).

Results

Using a GAM, we found that increased VLI is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death. Patients with a VLI in the highest quartile (Q4), across the four datasets, had a 1.61–2.31 times increased odds of dying in the hospital compared to patients with a VLI in the lowest quartile (Q1). VLI Q2 and Q3 were also associated with increased odds of dying. The relationship between VLI, treated as a continuous variable, and in-hospital death and fluid balance was statistically significant in the three datasets with large sample sizes. Specifically, we observed that as VLI increased, there was increase in the risk for in-hospital death and 36–84 h fluid balance.

Conclusions

Our VLI identifies groups of patients who may be at higher risk for in-hospital death or for fluid accumulation. This relationship persisted in models developed to control for severity of illness and chronic comorbidities.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-03968-4.

[Fluid therapy in sepsis and septic shock]

Fluid resuscitation is a crucial part of the treatment of hypotension and shock of any etiology. Particularly in septic shock, it is an essential element of the initial care bundle. Like all treatments in sepsis, it is also subject to multiple controversies: what type of fluid, how much, how long to administer it, potential risks, toxicity? The main guideline, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, continues to indicate crystalloids as the main fluid in resuscitation. But the possibility of crystalloids balanced on 0.9% saline or combined use with albumin in the resuscitation of the septic patient is still under debate. This is probably another point where we should always consider individualizing both the type and amount of fluids to be administered in both the initial and maintenance phases of the management of sepsis and septic shock.

Cox-LASSO Analysis for Hospital Mortality in Patients With Sepsis Received Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A MIMIC-III Database Study

Background

Sepsis remains the leading cause of mortality in-hospital in the intensive care unit (ICU). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is recommended as an adjuvant therapy for hemodynamics management in patients with sepsis. The aim of this study was to develop an adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for the Cox regression model to predict the hospital mortality in patients with Sepsis-3.0 undergoing CRRT using Medical Information Martin Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III v1.4.

Methods

Patients who met the Sepsis-3.0 definition were identified using the MIMIC-III v1.4. Among them, patients who received CRRT during ICU hospitalization were included in this study. According to the survival status, patients were split into death or survival group. Adaptive LASSO for the Cox regression model was constructed by STATA software. At last, nomogram and Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to validate the model.

Results

A total of 181 patients who met Sepsis 3.0 criteria received CRRT were included in the study, in which, there were 31 deaths and 150 survivals during hospitalization, respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality was 17.1%. According to the results of multivariate Cox-LASSO regression analysis, use of vasopressor, international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5, and quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score were associated with hospital mortality in patients with sepsis who underwent CRRT, but lactate level, mechanical ventilation (MV) support, PaO₂/FiO₂, platelet count, and indicators of acute kidney injury (AKI), such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, were not independently associated with hospital mortality after adjusted by qSOFA. The risk nomogram and Kaplan-Meier curves verified that the use of vasopressor and INR ≥1.5 possess significant predictive value.

Conclusions

Using the Cox-LASSO regression model, use of vasopressor, INR ≥1.5, and qSOFA score are found to be associated with hospital mortality in patients with Sepsis-3.0 who received CRRT. This finding may assist clinicians in tailoring precise management and therapy for these patients who underwent CRRT.

Sepsis and Septic Shock: Evolving Evidence, Evolving Paradigms

Sepsis and septic shock represent important infection-related medical emergencies that result in significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and microbiology of these processes are evolving. Nonetheless, timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy continues to represent the most important determinant of survival. Recent trials have clarified that crystalloids are preferred for initial resuscitation, and balanced crystalloids appear superior to 0.9% saline. Controversy remains regarding not only the rate and rapidity of fluid resuscitation but also about the timing and use of vasopressors to maintain blood pressure. While some newer alternative vasopressors may have a role in sepsis, more evidence supporting their use is required. Conflicting data exist regarding the impact of corticosteroids on mortality in septic shock. However, these reports indicate that adjunctive hydrocortisone can lead to more rapid shock reversal.

Improving sepsis care in Africa: an opportunity for change?

Sepsis is common and represents a major public health burden with significant associated morbidity and mortality. However, despite substantial advances in sepsis recognition and management in well-resourced health systems, there remains a distinct lack of research into sepsis in Africa. The lack of evidence affects all levels of healthcare delivery from individual patient management to strategic planning at health-system level. This is particular pertinent as African countries experience some of the highest global burden of sepsis. The 2017 World Health Assembly resolution on sepsis and the creation of the Africa Sepsis Alliance provided an opportunity for change. However, progress so far has been frustratingly slow. The recurrent Ebola virus disease outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent further reinforce the need for urgent healthcare system strengthening. We recommend that African countries develop national action plans for sepsis which should address the needs of all critically ill patients.

Sepsis Management, Controversies, and Advancement in Nanotechnology: A Systematic Review

Sepsis is a potentially dangerous infection that requires prompt identification and treatment. Emergency medicine physicians must grasp the clinical signs and laboratory results of direct and indirect organ failure, the source of infection management, and the criteria for treating sepsis and septic shock. The pathogenesis of sepsis is connected to inflammation and an excess of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which activate the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)-PRR signaling pathways. The development of rapid, sensitive, and precise techniques for sepsis diagnosis might be aided by nanotechnology, a part of nanomedicine. Nanoparticles (NPs) such as magnetic NPs, gold NPs, fluorescent (silica and quantum dots), and lipid-based NPs have all been discussed to contribute to the detection of sepsis-related microbial infections. Because of the intrinsic and unique features of these nano-sized systems, researchers are evaluating nanotechnology-based alternatives for sepsis control. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based technologies for sepsis detection and management are discussed in this study.

Databases (PubMed, Medline, PMC, Google Scholar) were used to source various studies that were carried out on sepsis in terms of assessment, types, diagnosis, and treatment controversies, with more attention being given with a focus on the most recent data, principles, and management guidelines. Priority was also given to studies published within the last 11 years, using keywords such as "sepsis guidelines," "sepsis clinical," "septic risk factors," "sepsis and nano technology," "nano particles," "sepsis controversies," and "nano diagnostic" in the search. After a filtration process, the eight most relevant studies were selected to be included in this review. The filtration process included the use of both inclusion and exclusion criteria. The excluded studies were pediatric populations, obstetrical populations, and nanotechnology advancements dealing with other fields not relating to sepsis. The selected studies were also undertaken through a quality appraisal process using corresponding assessment tools. The selected articles were all highly informative about sepsis and the processes of diagnosis and treatment that are currently in use as well as those that are still being developed or implemented. Furthermore, we look at how nanomedicine in the application of nanomaterials can be employed to efficiently manage sepsis.

Assessing Fluid Intolerance with Doppler Ultrasonography: A Physiological Framework

Ultrasonography is becoming the favored hemodynamic monitoring utensil of emergentologists, anesthesiologists and intensivists. While the roles of ultrasound grow and evolve, many clinical applications of ultrasound stem from qualitative, image-based protocols, especially for diagnosing and managing circulatory failure. Often, these algorithms imply or suggest treatment. For example, intravenous fluids are opted for or against based upon ultrasonographic signs of preload and estimation of the left ventricular ejection fraction. Though appealing, image-based algorithms skirt some foundational tenets of cardiac physiology; namely, (1) the relationship between cardiac filling and stroke volume varies considerably in the critically ill, (2) the correlation between cardiac filling and total vascular volume is poor and (3) the ejection fraction is not purely an appraisal of cardiac function but rather a measure of coupling between the ventricle and the arterial load. Therefore, management decisions could be enhanced by quantitative approaches, enabled by Doppler ultrasonography. Both fluid ‘responsiveness’ and ‘tolerance’ are evaluated by Doppler ultrasound, but the physiological relationship between these constructs is nebulous. Accordingly, it is argued that the link between them is founded upon the Frank–Starling–Sarnoff relationship and that this framework helps direct future ultrasound protocols, explains seemingly discordant findings and steers new routes of enquiry.

Noninvasive Bioreactance-Based Fluid Management Monitoring: A Review of Literature

Body fluid balance is an independent predictor of mortality. For each liter of fluid over and above 5 L, risk-adjusted excess mortality is seen. Mortality increased by 2.3% for each 1 L of fluid and hospital costs increased by $999. Accordingly, most recent guidelines have endorsed dynamic modeling. Passive leg raising-induced increase of aortic blood flow ≥ 10% predicts fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 94%. Thus, passive leg raising is often used as gold standard for validation of other procedures (though it's usefulness to assess respiratory variation in vena cava is not conclusive). STARLING, a device based on bioreactance, works on phase shift or time delay while bioimpedance works on the amplitude of the thoracic impedance. Unlike bioimpedance, bioreactance is not affected by the size of the patient, thoracic fluids, or position of sensors.

STARLING is equipped with four sensor pads. Each pad contains two sensors, the outer sensor is a transmitting electrode and the inner sensor is a receiving electrode. The STARLING monitor induces a 75-KHz AC current. It then measures the time delay/phase shift.

STARLING system, a bioreactance-based dynamic assessment system for fluid responsiveness, predicts it accurately, precisely, and noninvasively. It reduces invasive risks and is independently validated against pulmonary artery catheter. It is not affected by vasopressors or shock and has wide range of application.

Feasibility of conservative fluid administration and deresuscitation compared with usual care in critical illness: the Role of Active Deresuscitation After Resuscitation-2 (RADAR-2) randomised clinical trial

PURPOSE

Fluid overload is common in critical illness and is associated with mortality. This study investigated the feasibility of a randomised trial comparing conservative fluid administration and deresuscitation (active removal of accumulated fluid using diuretics or ultrafiltration) with usual care in critical illness.

METHODS

Open-label, parallel-group, allocation-concealed randomised clinical feasibility trial. Mechanically ventilated adult patients expected to require critical care beyond the next calendar day were enrolled between 24 and 48 h following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were randomised to either a 2-stage fluid strategy comprising conservative fluid administration and, if fluid overload was present, active deresuscitation, or usual care. The primary endpoint was fluid balance in the 24 h up to the start of study day 3. Secondary endpoints included cumulative fluid balance, mortality, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty patients were randomised. After withdrawal of 1 patient, 89 patients assigned to the intervention were compared with 90 patients assigned to the usual care group. The mean plus standard deviation (SD) 24-h fluid balance up to study day 3 was lower in the intervention group (- 840 ± 1746 mL) than the usual care group (+ 130 ± 1401 mL; P < 0.01). Cumulative fluid balance was lower in the intervention group at days 3 and 5. Overall, clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, although the point estimate for 30-day mortality favoured the usual care group [intervention arm: 19 of 90 (21.6%) versus usual care: 14 of 89 (15.6%), P = 0.32]. Baseline imbalances between groups and lack of statistical power limit interpretation of clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A strategy of conservative fluid administration and active deresuscitation is feasible, reduces fluid balance compared with usual care, and may cause benefit or harm. In view of wide variations in contemporary clinical practice, large, adequately powered trials investigating the clinical effectiveness of conservative fluid strategies in critically ill patients are warranted.

Inferring the Frank-Starling Curve From Simultaneous Venous and Arterial Doppler: Measurements From a Wireless, Wearable Ultrasound Patch

The Frank–Starling relationship is a fundamental concept in cardiovascular physiology, relating change in cardiac filling to its output. Historically, this relationship has been measured by physiologists and clinicians using invasive monitoring tools, relating right atrial pressure (P_ra) to stroke volume (SV) because the P_ra-SV slope has therapeutic implications. For example, a critically ill patient with a flattened P_ra-SV slope may have low P_ra yet fail to increase SV following additional cardiac filling (e.g., intravenous fluids). Provocative maneuvers such as the passive leg raise (PLR) have been proposed to identify these “fluid non-responders”; however, simultaneously measuring cardiac filling and output via non-invasive methods like ultrasound is cumbersome during a PLR. In this Hypothesis and Theory submission, we suggest that a wearable Doppler ultrasound can infer the P_ra-SV relationship by simultaneously capturing jugular venous and carotid arterial Doppler in real time. We propose that this method would confirm that low cardiac filling may associate with poor response to additional volume. Additionally, simultaneous assessment of venous filling and arterial output could help interpret and compare provocative maneuvers like the PLR because change in cardiac filling can be confirmed. If our hypothesis is confirmed with future investigation, wearable monitors capable of monitoring both variables of the Frank–Starling relation could be helpful in the ICU and other less acute patient settings.

Kidneys in SARS-CoV-2 Era; a challenge of multiple faces

INTRODUCTION

With the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was believed to be a direct respiratory virus. But, its deleterious effects were observed on different body systems, including kidneys.

AIM OF WORK

In this review, we tried as much as we can to summarize what has been discussed in the literature about the relation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and kidneys since December, 2019.

METHODS

Each part of the review was assigned to one or two authors to search for relevant articles in three databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Google scholar) and collected data were summarized and revised by two independent researchers.

CONCLUSION

The complexity of COVID-19 pandemic and kidney could be attributed to the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the kidneys, different clinical presentation, difficulties confronting dialysis patients, restrictions of the organ transplant programs, poor outcomes and bad prognosis in patients with known history of kidney diseases who got infected with SARS-CoV-2. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Non-invasive Cardiac Output Monitoring and Assessment of Fluid Responsiveness in Children With Shock in the Emergency Department

INTRODUCTION

The assessment of fluid responsiveness is important in the management of shock but conventional methods of assessing fluid responsiveness are often inaccurate. Our study aims to evaluate changes in objective hemodynamic parameters as measured using electrical cardiometry (ICON^® monitor) following the fluid bolus in children presenting with shock and to evaluate whether any specific hemodynamic parameter can best predict fluid responsiveness among children with shock.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study in children presenting with shock to our emergency department between June 2020 and March 2021. We collected the parameters such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and hemodynamic data such as cardiac output CO), cardiac index (CI), index of contractility (ICON), stroke volume (SV), stroke index (SI), corrected flow time (FTC), systolic time ratio (STR), variation of index of contractility (VIC), stroke volume variation (SVV), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and thoracic fluid content (TFC) using the ICON monitor before and after fluid bolus (FB). We assessed percent change (Δ) and used paired-sample Student's t-test to compare pre- and post-hemodynamic data and Mann-Whitney U-test to compare fluid responders and non-responders. P-Values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We recorded 42 fluid interventions in 40 patients during our study period. The median IQR age was 10.56 (4.8, 14.8) years with male/female ratio (1.2:1). There was a significant decrease in ΔRR [-1.61 (-14.8, 0); p = 0.012], ΔDBP [-5.5 (-14.4, 8); p = 0.027], ΔMAP [-2.2 (-11, 2); p = 0.018], ΔSVR [-5.8 (-20, 5.2); p = 0.025], and ΔSTR [-8.39 (-21, 3); p = 0.001] and significant increase in ΔTFC [6.2 (3.5, 11.4); p = 0.01] following FB. We defined fluid responders by an increase in SV by ≥10% after a single FB of 20 ml/kg crystalloid. Receiver operating curve analysis revealed that among all the parameters, 15% change in ICON had an excellent AUC (0.85) for the fluid responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed significant changes in objective hemodynamic parameters, such as SVR, STR, and TFC following FB in children presenting with shock. A 15% change in ICON had an excellent predictive performance for the fluid responsiveness among our cohort of pediatric shock.

Does Fluid Administration Based on Fluid Responsiveness Tests such as Passive Leg Raising Improve Outcomes in Sepsis?

The management of sepsis requires the rapid administration of fluid to support blood pressure and tissue perfusion. Guidelines suggest that patients should receive 30 ml per kg of fluid over the first one to three hours of management. The next concern is to determine which patients need additional fluid. This introduces the concept of fluid responsiveness, defined by an increase in cardiac output following the administration of a fluid bolus. Dynamic tests, measuring cardiac output, identify fluid responders better than static tests. Passive leg raising tests provide an alternative approach to determine fluid responsiveness without administering fluid. However, one small randomized trial demonstrated that patients managed with frequent passive leg raising tests had a smaller net fluid balance at 72 hours and reduced requirements for renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation, but no change in mortality. A meta-analysis including 4 randomized control trials reported that resuscitation guided by fluid responsiveness does not improve mortality outcomes in patients with sepsis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the early administration of norepinephrine may improve outcomes in patients with sepsis. The concept of fluid responsiveness helps clinicians analyze the clinical status of patients, but this information must be integrated into the overall management of the patient. This review considers the use and benefit of fluid responsiveness tests to direct fluid administration in patients with sepsis.

The Impact of Choice Architecture on Sepsis Fluid Resuscitation Decisions: An Exploratory Survey-Based Study

Background

Discordance with well-known sepsis resuscitation guidelines is often attributed to rational assessments of patients at the point of care. Conversely, we sought to explore the impact of choice architecture (i.e., the environment, manner, and behavioral psychology within which options are presented and decisions are made) on decisions to prescribe guideline-discordant fluid volumes.

Design

We conducted an electronic, survey-based study using a septic shock clinical vignette. Physicians from multiple specialties and training levels at an academic tertiary-care hospital and academic safety-net hospital were randomized to distinct answer sets: control (6 fluid options), time constraint (6 fluid options with a 10-s limit to answer), or choice overload (25 fluid options). The primary outcome was discordance with Surviving Sepsis Campaign fluid resuscitation guidelines. We also measured response times and examined the relationship between each choice architecture intervention group, response time, and guideline discordance.

Results

A total of 189 of 624 (30.3%) physicians completed the survey. Time spent answering the vignette was reduced in time constraint (9.5 s, interquartile range [IQR] 7.3 s to 10.0 s, P < 0.001) and increased in choice overload (56.8 s, IQR 35.9 s to 86.7 s, P < 0.001) groups compared with control (28.3 s, IQR 20.0 s to 44.6 s). In contrast, the relative risk of guideline discordance was higher in time constraint (2.07, 1.33 to 3.23, P = 0.001) and lower in choice overload (0.75, 0.60, to 0.95, P =0.02) groups. After controlling for time spent reading the vignette, the overall odds of choosing guideline-discordant fluid volumes were reduced for every additional second spent answering the vignette (OR 0.98, 0.97, to 0.99, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Choice architecture may affect fluid resuscitation decisions in sepsis regardless of patient conditions, warranting further investigation in real-world contexts. These effects should be considered when implementing practice guidelines.

Highlights

Trends in Adaptive Design Methods in Dialysis Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Rationale & Objective

Adaptive design methods are intended to improve the efficiency of clinical trials and are relevant to evaluating interventions in dialysis populations. We sought to determine the use of adaptive designs in dialysis clinical trials and quantify trends in their use over time.

Study Design

We completed a novel full-text systematic review that used a machine learning classifier (RobotSearch) for filtering randomized controlled trials and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Setting & Study Populations

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and ClinicalTrials.gov using sensitive dialysis search terms.

Selection Criteria for Studies

We included all randomized clinical trials with patients receiving dialysis or clinical trials with dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. There was no restriction of disease type or intervention type.

Data Extraction & Analytical Approach

We performed a detailed data extraction of trial characteristics and a completed a narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

57 studies, available as 68 articles and 7 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries, were included after full-text review (initial search, 209,033 PubMed abstracts and 6,002 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries). 31 studies were conducted in a dialysis population and 26 studies included dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. Although the absolute number of adaptive design methods is increasing over time, the relative use of adaptive design methods in dialysis trials is decreasing over time (6.12% in 2009 to 0.43% in 2019, with a mean of 1.82%). Group sequential designs were the most common type of adaptive design method used. Adaptive design methods affected the conduct of 50.9% of trials, most commonly resulting in stopping early for futility (41.2%) and early stopping for safety (23.5%). Acute kidney injury was studied in 32 trials (56.1%), kidney failure requiring dialysis was studied in 24 trials (42.1%), and chronic kidney disease was studied in 1 trial (1.75%). 27 studies (47.4%) were supported by public funding. 44 studies (77.2%) did not report their adaptive design method in the title or abstract and would not be detected by a standard systematic review.

Limitations

We limited our search to 2 databases (PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) due to the scale of studies sourced (209,033 and 6,002 results, respectively).

Conclusions

Adaptive design methods are used in dialysis trials but there has been a decline in their relative use over time.

The effect of the volemic and cardiac status on brain oxygenation in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a bi-center cohort study

Background

Fluid management in patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) aims at the optimization of cerebral blood flow and brain oxygenation. In this study, we investigated the effects of hemodynamic management on brain oxygenation by integrating advanced hemodynamic and invasive neuromonitoring.

Methods

This observational cohort bi-center study included data of consecutive poor-grade SAH patients who underwent pulse contour cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring and invasive neuromonitoring. Fluid management was guided by the transpulmonary thermodilution system and aimed at euvolemia (cardiac index, CI ≥ 3.0 L/min/m²; global end-diastolic index, GEDI 680–800 mL/m²; stroke volume variation, SVV < 10%). Patients were managed using a brain tissue oxygenation (P_btO₂) targeted protocol to prevent brain tissue hypoxia (BTH, P_btO₂ < 20 mmHg). To assess the association between CI and P_btO₂ and the effect of fluid challenges on CI and P_btO₂, we used generalized estimating equations to account for repeated measurements.

Results

Among a total of 60 included patients (median age 56 [IQRs 47–65] years), BTH occurred in 23% of  the monitoring time during the first 10 days since admission. Overall, mean CI was within normal ranges (ranging from 3.1 ± 1.3 on day 0 to 4.1 ± 1.1 L/min/m² on day 4). Higher CI levels were associated with higher P_btO₂ levels (Wald = 14.2; p < 0.001). Neither daily fluid input nor fluid balance was associated with absolute P_btO₂ levels (p = 0.94 and p = 0.85, respectively) or the occurrence of BTH (p = 0.68 and p = 0.71, respectively). P_btO₂ levels were not significantly different in preload dependent patients compared to episodes of euvolemia. P_btO₂ increased as a response to fluid boluses only if BTH was present at baseline (from 13 ± 6 to 16 ± 11 mmHg, OR = 13.3 [95% CI 2.6–67.4], p = 0.002), but not when all boluses were considered (p = 0.154).

Conclusions

In this study a moderate association between increased cardiac output and brain oxygenation was observed. Fluid challenges may improve P_btO₂ only in the presence of baseline BTH. Individualized hemodynamic management requires advanced cardiac and brain monitoring in critically ill SAH patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00960-z.

Accuracy of cumulative volumes of fluid challenge to assess fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure: a pharmacodynamic approach

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the dose (volume of fluid) and the effect (increase of stroke volume [SV]) has been poorly described. We hypothesised that the analysis of the dynamic response of SV during fluid challenge (FC) helps to determine the optimal volume of FC, along with its diagnostic accuracy parameters for fluid responsiveness.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted in critically ill patients with circulatory failure. Patients monitored with oesophageal Doppler and assigned to an FC of 500 ml of crystalloid were included. The areas under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI₉₅) of the receiver operating characteristic curves for cumulative volumes from 50 to 450 ml were determined for fluid responsiveness (SV increase ≥15% from baseline) along with other parameters of diagnostic accuracy. In the pharmacodynamic analysis, dose-effect and dose-response models were constructed, with determination of median and 90% effective dose (ED₅₀ and ED₉₀).

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were included. The AUC increased with cumulative volumes of FC up to 250 ml (AUC₂₅₀ 0.93 [CI₉₅: 0.85-1.00]), followed by a plateau above 0.95 of AUC. The optimal volume was 250 ml, associated with a specificity of 0.89 [CI₉₅: 0.78-1.00], a sensitivity of 0.92 [CI₉₅: 0.69-1.00], and a threshold of 9.6% increase in SV. The ED₅₀ was 156 [CI₉₅: 136-177] ml and the ED₉₀ was 312 [CI₉₅: 269-352] ml.

CONCLUSIONS

A volume of FC of 250 ml with a threshold of 9.6% increase in SV showed the highest accuracy in detecting fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with shock.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

.

A Wireless Wearable Doppler Ultrasound Detects Changing Stroke Volume: Proof-of-Principle Comparison with Trans-Esophageal Echocardiography during Coronary Bypass Surgery

BACKGROUND

A novel, wireless, ultrasound biosensor that adheres to the neck and measures real-time Doppler of the carotid artery may be a useful functional hemodynamic monitor. A unique experimental set-up during elective coronary artery bypass surgery is described as a means to compare the wearable Doppler to trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE).

METHODS

A total of two representative patients were studied at baseline and during Trendelenburg position. Carotid Doppler spectra from the wearable ultrasound and TEE were synchronously captured. Areas under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) were performed to assess the accuracy of changing common carotid artery velocity time integral (ccVTI∆) at detecting a clinically significant change in stroke volume (SV∆).

RESULTS

Synchronously measuring and comparing Doppler spectra from the wearable ultrasound and TEE is feasible during Trendelenburg positioning. In two representative cardiac surgical patients, the ccVTI∆ accurately detected a clinically significant SV∆ with AUROCs of 0.89, 0.91, and 0.95 when single-beat, 3-consecutive beat and 10-consecutive beat averages were assessed, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this proof-of-principle research communication, a wearable Doppler ultrasound system is successfully compared to TEE. Preliminary data suggests that the diagnostic accuracy of carotid Doppler ultrasonography at detecting clinically significant SV∆ is enhanced by averaging more cardiac cycles.

Shock Management Without Formal Fluid Responsiveness Assessment: A Retrospective Analysis of Fluid Responsiveness and Its Outcomes

BACKGROUND

In order to quantify fluid administration and evaluate the clinical consequences of conservative fluid management without hemodynamic monitoring in undifferentiated shock, we analyzed previously collected data from a study of carotid Doppler monitoring as a predictor of fluid responsiveness (FR).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected from a single tertiary academic center from a previous study. Seventy-four patients were included for post-hoc analysis, and 52 of them were identified as fluid responsive (cardiac output increase > 10% with passive leg raise) according to NICOMTM bioreactance monitoring (Cheetah Medical, Newton Center, MA, USA). Treating teams provided standard of care conservative fluid resuscitation but were blinded to independently performed FR testing results. Outcomes were compared between fluid responsive and fluid non-responsive patients. Primary outcome measures were volume fluids administered and net fluid balance 24- and 72-hour post-FR assessment. Secondary outcome measures included change in vasopressor requirements, mean peak lactate levels, length of hospital/intensive care unit stay, acute respiratory failure, hemodialysis requirement, and durations of vasopressors and mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Mean fluids administered within 72 hours were similar between fluid non-responsive and fluid responsive patients (139 mL/kg [95% confidence interval [CI]: 102.00-175.00] vs. 136 mL/kg [95% CI: 113.00-158.00], p = 0.92, respectively). We observed an insignificant trend toward higher 28-day mortality among fluid non-responsive patients (36% vs. 19%, p = 0.14). Volume of fluids administered significantly correlated with adverse outcomes such as increased hemodialysis requirements (32 patients, 43%), (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7200, p = 0.0018). Subgroup analysis suggested administering ≥ 30 mL/kg fluids to fluid responsive patients had a trend toward increased mortality (25% vs. 0%, p = 0.09) and a significant increase in hemodialysis (55% vs. 17%, p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Without formal FR assessment, similar amounts of total fluids were administered in both fluid responsive and non-responsive patients. As greater volumes of intravenous fluids administered were associated with adverse outcomes, we suggest that dedicated FR assessment may be a beneficial utility in early shock resuscitation.

Association between enterocyte injury and fluid balance in patients with septic shock: a post hoc exploratory analysis of a prospective observational study

Background

The required fluid volume differs among patients with septic shock. Enterocyte injury caused by shock may increase the need for fluid by triggering a systematic inflammatory response or an ischemia-reperfusion injury in the presence of intestinal ischemia/necrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association between enterocyte injury and positive fluid balance in patients with septic shock.

Methods

This study was a post hoc exploratory analysis of a prospective observational study that assessed the association between serum intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, a biomarker of enterocyte injury, and mortality in patients with septic shock. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were recorded on intensive care unit admission, and fluid balance was monitored from intensive care unit admission to Day 7. The association between intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels at admission and the infusion balance during the early period after intensive care unit admission was evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis, with adjustments for severity score and renal function, was performed.

Results

Overall, data of 57 patients were analyzed. Logarithmically transformed intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were significantly associated with cumulative fluid balance per body weight at 24 and 72 h post-intensive care unit admission both before (Pearson’s r = 0.490 [95% confidence interval: 0.263–0.666]; P < 0.001 and r = 0.479 [95% confidence interval: 0.240–0.664]; P < 0.001, respectively) and after (estimate, 14.4 [95% confidence interval: 4.1–24.7]; P = 0.007 and estimate, 26.9 [95% confidence interval: 11.0–42.7]; P = 0.001, respectively) adjusting for severity score and renal function.

Conclusions

Enterocyte injury was significantly associated with cumulative fluid balance at 24 and 72 h post-intensive care unit admission. Enterocyte injury in patients with septic shock may be related to excessive fluid accumulation during the early period after intensive care unit admission.

Point of care venous Doppler ultrasound: Exploring the missing piece of bedside hemodynamic assessment

Accurate assessment of the hemodynamic status is vital for appropriate management of patients with critical illness. As such, there has been a constant quest for reliable and non-invasive bedside tools to assess and monitor circulatory status in order to ensure end-organ perfusion. In the recent past, point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable adjunct to physical examination in various specialties, which basically is a clinician-performed bedside ultrasound to answer focused questions. POCUS allows visualization of the internal anatomy and flow dynamics in real time, guiding apt interventions. While both arterial (forward flow) and venous (organ outflow or afterload) limbs of hemodynamic circuit are important for tissue perfusion, the venous side remains relatively under-explored. With recent data underscoring the deleterious consequences of iatrogenic volume overload, objective evaluation of venous congestion is gaining attention. Bedside Doppler ultrasound serves this purpose and aids in diagnosing and monitoring the congestion/venous blood flow pattern. In this article, we summarize the rationale for integrating this technology into routine care of patients with volume-related disorders, discuss the normal and abnormal waveforms, limitations, and future directions.

Management of acute kidney injury associated with Covid-19: what have we learned?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although initially kidney involvement in COVID-19 infection was felt to occur relatively infrequently, this has proved not to be the case. In critically ill patients with COVID-19, multiorgan failure including acute kidney injury (AKI) is common and is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. This review focuses briefly on the epidemiology and pathophysiology of COVID-19 associated AKI as well as options for management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The risk factors for AKI are common to both noncovid-related AKI and COVID-19 associated AKI. Kidney injury in COVID-19 associated AKI may arise through several mechanisms, including not only direct effects on the kidney leading to tubular injury but also through the effects of treatment of multiorgan failure complicating infection. During surge conditions, the use of kidney replacement therapy has embraced all modalities including the use of peritoneal dialysis. The use of blood purification techniques has been proposed, but to date, the results are variable.

SUMMARY

COVID-19 associated AKI is common, affecting approximately a quarter of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Glomerular injury can occur, but in the main tubular injury seems most likely leading to AKI, which should be managed following clinical pathways informed by accepted guidelines.

The pathophysiology of sepsis - 2021 update: Part 2, organ dysfunction and assessment

DISCLAIMER

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

PURPOSE

This is the second article in a 2-part series discussing the pathophysiology of sepsis. Part 1 of the series reviewed the immunologic response and overlapping pathways of inflammation and coagulation that contribute to the widespread organ dysfunction. In this article (part 2), major organ systems and their dysfunction in sepsis are reviewed, with discussion of scoring systems used to identify patterns and abnormal vital signs and laboratory values associated with sepsis.

SUMMARY

Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to infection that produces significant morbidity, and patients with shock due to sepsis have circulatory and cellular and metabolic abnormalities that lead to a higher mortality. Cardiovascular dysfunction produces vasodilation, reduced cardiac output and hypotension/shock requiring fluids, vasopressors, and advanced hemodynamic monitoring. Respiratory dysfunction may require mechanical ventilation and attention to volume status. Renal dysfunction is a frequent manifestation of sepsis. Hematologic dysfunction produces low platelets and either elevation or reduction of leucocytes, so consideration of the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio may be useful. Procoagulant and antifibrinolytic activity leads to coagulation that is stimulated by inflammation. Hepatic dysfunction manifest as elevated bilirubin is often a late finding in sepsis and may cause reductions in production of essential proteins. Neurologic dysfunction may result from local endothelial injury and systemic inflammation through activity of the vagus nerve.

CONCLUSION

Timely recognition and team response with efficient use of therapies can improve patient outcome, and pharmacists with a complete understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms and treatments are valuable members of that team.

Evaluation of Evidence, Pharmacology, and Interplay of Fluid Resuscitation and Vasoactive Therapy in Sepsis and Septic Shock

ABSTRACT

We sought to review the pharmacology of vasoactive therapy and fluid administration in sepsis and septic shock, with specific insight into the physiologic interplay of these agents. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted using the following terms (vasopressor OR vasoactive OR inotrope) AND (crystalloid OR colloid OR fluid) AND (sepsis) AND (shock OR septic shock) from 1965 to October 2020. A total of 1,022 citations were reviewed with only relevant clinical data extracted. While physiologic rationale provides a hypothetical foundation for interaction between fluid and vasopressor administration, few studies have sought to evaluate the clinical impact of this synergy. Current guidelines are not in alignment with the data available, which suggests a potential benefit from low-dose fluid administration and early vasopressor exposure. Future data must account for the impact of both of these pharmacotherapies when assessing clinical outcomes and should assess personalization of therapy based on the possible interaction.

Limiting Acute Kidney Injury Progression In Sepsis: Study Protocol and Trial Simulation

OBJECTIVES

To describe study design considerations and to simulate a trial of biomarker-guided sepsis management aimed to reduce acute kidney injury (acute kidney injury). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7, urinary biomarkers of cell-cycle arrest, and indicators of kidney stress can detect acute kidney injury before clinical manifestations. We sought to determine the event rates for acute kidney injury as a function of serial measurements of urinary (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2)•(insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) in patients at risk of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, so that an escalating series of kidney-sparing sepsis bundles based on international guidelines could be applied.

DESIGN

We described the study protocol of "Limiting acute kidney injury Progression In Sepsis," a phase 4, multicenter, adaptive, randomized controlled trial. We performed simulations to estimate the rates for the trial's primary endpoint using patient-level data from two previous studies (Sapphire and Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock).

SETTING

Academic and community ICUs.

PATIENTS

Critically ill patients with sepsis or septic shock, without evidence of stage 2/3 acute kidney injury at enrollment.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Our primary endpoint is progression of two or more stages of acute kidney injury, death, or dialysis within 72 hours after enrollment. In the Sapphire simulation, 45 of 203 patients (22%) with sepsis met the endpoint. In Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock, 144 of 607 patients (24%) with septic shock met the endpoint. In both simulations, (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2)•(insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) patterns, suggested by Limiting acute kidney injury Progression In Sepsis protocol, stratified the risk for the endpoint from 6% (three negative tests) to 41% (for patients eligible for the highest level of kidney-sparing sepsis bundle) in Sapphire, and 14% (two negative tests) to 46% (for the highest level of kidney-sparing sepsis bundle) in Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of our Limiting acute kidney injury Progression In Sepsis trial simulation confirmed that (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2)•(insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) could identify patients with different rates of progression to moderate/severe acute kidney injury, death, or dialysis in 72 hours. The Limiting acute kidney injury Progression In Sepsis protocol algorithm is therefore feasible in terms of identifying suitably high-risk individuals for kidney-sparing sepsis bundle.