GI complications in patients receiving mechanical ventilation

The future of mechanical ventilation: lessons from the present and the past

The adverse effects of mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) arise from two main causes: unphysiological increases of transpulmonary pressure and unphysiological increases/decreases of pleural pressure during positive or negative pressure ventilation. The transpulmonary pressure-related side effects primarily account for ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) while the pleural pressure-related side effects primarily account for hemodynamic alterations. The changes of transpulmonary pressure and pleural pressure resulting from a given applied driving pressure depend on the relative elastances of the lung and chest wall. The term ‘volutrauma’ should refer to excessive strain, while ‘barotrauma’ should refer to excessive stress. Strains exceeding 1.5, corresponding to a stress above ~20 cmH₂O in humans, are severely damaging in experimental animals. Apart from high tidal volumes and high transpulmonary pressures, the respiratory rate and inspiratory flow may also play roles in the genesis of VILI. We do not know which fraction of mortality is attributable to VILI with ventilation comparable to that reported in recent clinical practice surveys (tidal volume ~7.5 ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ~8 cmH₂O, rate ~20 bpm, associated mortality ~35%). Therefore, a more complete and individually personalized understanding of ARDS lung mechanics and its interaction with the ventilator is needed to improve future care. Knowledge of functional lung size would allow the quantitative estimation of strain. The determination of lung inhomogeneity/stress raisers would help assess local stresses; the measurement of lung recruitability would guide PEEP selection to optimize lung size and homogeneity. Finding a safety threshold for mechanical power, normalized to functional lung volume and tissue heterogeneity, may help precisely define the safety limits of ventilating the individual in question. When a mechanical ventilation set cannot be found to avoid an excessive risk of VILI, alternative methods (such as the artificial lung) should be considered.

Microbial Endocrinology in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease

Microbial endocrinology represents the intersection of two seemingly disparate fields, microbiology and neurobiology, and is based on the shared presence of neurochemicals that are exactly the same in host as well as in the microorganism. The ability of microorganisms to not only respond to, but also produce, many of the same neurochemicals that are produced by the host, such as during periods of stress, has led to the introduction of this evolutionary-based mechanism which has a role in the pathogenesis of infectious disease. The consideration of microbial endocrinology-based mechanisms has demonstrated, for example, that the prevalent use of catecholamine-based synthetic drugs in the clinical setting contributes to the formation of biofilms in indwelling medical devices. Production of neurochemicals by microorganisms most often employs the same biosynthetic pathways as those utilized by the host, indicating that acquisition of host neurochemical-based signaling system in the host may have been acquired due to lateral gene transfer from microorganisms. That both host and microorganism produce and respond to the very same neurochemicals means that there is bidirectionality contained with the theoretical underpinnings of microbial endocrinology. This can be seen in the role of microbial endocrinology in the microbiota-gut-brain axis and its relevance to infectious disease. Such shared pathways argue for a role of microorganism-neurochemical interactions in infectious disease.

Incidence and risk factors for gastrointestinal bleeding among patients admitted to medical intensive care units

OBJECTIVES

To identify incidence and risk factors for new-onset gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in a medical intensive care unit (ICU), a topic for which there is a paucity of recent studies.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Medical ICUs at our tertiary-care hospital, from 2007 to 2013.

PATIENTS

Patients who developed clinically significant GIB after entering the ICU.

INTERVENTIONS

Univariable and multivariable analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence and risk factors for development of GIB.

RESULTS

4439 patients entered the medical ICU without a pre-existing GIB and 58 (1.3%) developed GIB while in the ICU. Risk factors included length of ICU stay (OR per additional day 1. 06; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09) and elevated creatinine on ICU admission (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.18 to 4.68, p=0.02). Elevated bilirubin on ICU admission (OR 2.08; 95% CI 0.97 to 4.47, p=0.06), and elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) on ICU admission (OR 2.20; 95% CI 0.96 to 5.03, p=0.06) trended towards increased risk of GIB that did not meet statistical significance. Age, gender, admission coagulation studies and mechanical ventilation were not predictive of GIB. Among those patients with new-onset GIB in the ICU, 47% died during that hospitalisation, as compared with those 30% of those without a GIB, p<0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Onset of GIB is now an infrequent occurrence in the ICU setting; however those with elevated bilirubin, AST and creatinine upon admission, and with longer length of ICU stay appear at increased risk and may benefit from closer monitoring.

Passive exercise of the lower limbs and trunk alleviates decreased intestinal motility in patients in the intensive care unit after cardiovascular surgery

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of passive exercise of the lower limbs and trunk (PELT) in ICU patients after cardiovascular surgery with decreased bowel motility. [Subjects and Methods] Ten ICU patients with clinically-apparent decreased bowel motility during the period of April to July 2016 were enrolled this study. Bowel sounds (BS) for 5 minutes at rest and 5 minutes after PELT were recorded through an electronic stethoscope. A frequency analysis was performed and the BS before and after PELT were compared. In addition, the percent change in BS before and after PELT was determined, and the relationship between the percent change in BS and individual parameters (invasiveness of surgery, inflammation, nutrition, renal function) was examined. [Results] Average BS (integral value) for 5 minutes before and after PELT were 63.1 ± 41.3 mVsec and 115.0 ± 57.8 mVsec, respectively; therefore, BS was significantly increased by PELT. When compared to patients at rest, a significant increase was found 0–4 minutes after PELT. None of the individual parameters was significantly correlated with the percent change. [Conclusion] PELT can increase the bowel motility of ICU patients with decreased bowel motility.

Metoclopramide as intermittent and continuous infusions in critically ill patients: a pilot randomized clinical trial

AIM

Metoclopramide is commonly used as a prokinetic agent in critically ill patients with enteral feeding intolerance. In this study, noninferiority of metoclopramide as intermittent versus continuous infusion was examined in critically ill patients with enteral feeding intolerance.

METHODS

Forty critically ill adults patients were assigned to receive metoclopramide as either intermittent (10 mg every 6 h) or continuous (2 mg/h) infusion. Frequency of feeding intolerance and adverse effects of metoclopramide were assessed during 7 days of study.

RESULTS

Number of patients with feeding intolerance during different times of the course was not different between the groups. Although not statistically significant, diarrhea and cardiac rhythm were more common in continuous than intermittent infusion group.

CONCLUSION

Continuous and intermittent infusions of metoclopramide showed equivalent effectiveness in critically ill patients.

Enteral Access in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

The early institution of enteral nutrition is now accepted as the preferred route of feeding in critically ill patients with a functioning gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly important to establish early enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients because of the metabolic demands associated with mechanical ventilation. The options for enteral access in mechanically ventilated patients are reviewed, with an emphasis on those techniques that may be performed at the bedside. The advantages, disadvantages, and complications of the different techniques will be considered.

Gastrointestinal failure in the ICU

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current review summarizes different aspects of assessment of gastrointestinal function and provides a practical approach to management of adult patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction in the ICU.

RECENT FINDINGS

Different ways to define gastrointestinal failure have been used in the past. Recently, the term 'acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI)' has been proposed to specifically describe gastrointestinal dysfunction as a part of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms and different aspects in assessment of gastrointestinal function in adult ICU patients are presented. Currently, there is no single marker that could reliably describe gastrointestinal dysfunction. Therefore, monitoring and management is still based on complex assessment of different gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding intolerance, even though this approach includes a large amount of subjectivity. The possible role of biomarkers (citrulline, enterohormones, etc.) and additional parameters like intra-abdominal pressure remains to be clarified.

SUMMARY

Defining gastrointestinal failure remains challenging but broad consensus needs to be reached and disseminated soon to allow conduct of interventional studies. A systematic approach to management of gastrointestinal problems is recommended.

A rare case of kissing gastric ulcers caused by trauma

We present a rare case of a 32-year-old female with gastric ulcers caused by pressure from trauma. The patient was diagnosed with stress-related acute gastritis by a local hospital and she was discharged 1 week later after her symptoms improved. She was given oral proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, epigastric pain intensified, so the woman was seen at this Hospital 3 days later. Gastric endoscopy revealed kissing ulcers in the lower body of the stomach. A point worth mentioning is that the kissing gastric ulcers were caused by trauma due to impact with the steering wheel.

A Review of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

Stress-related mucosal damage (SRMD) is an erosive process of the gastroduodenum that occurs frequently in critically ill patients. Symptomatic lesions may range from overt bleeding (by hematemesis, melena, bloody or coffee ground aspirates, or hematochezia) to clinically significant hemorrhage (hypotension, tachycardia, or acute anemia requiring transfusion). SRMD is caused by mucosal ischemia that produces an imbalance between injurious factors and the protective mechanisms. Common patient risk factors include mechanical ventilation, coagulopathy, shock, hepatic dysfunction, renal dysfunction, thermal injury, trauma, kidney or liver transplant, head injury or spinal cord injury, recent gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and pharmacologic interventions. Stress ulcer prophylaxis may be provided by administering one of the following pharmacologic agents: an antacid, a histamine2 receptor antagonist, sucralfate, or a proton pump inhibitor. All agents possess equal efficacies but differ in their mechanisms of action, adverse event profile, drug interactions, monitoring requirements, costs, and personnel requirements for preparation and administration. Implementation of institution-specific protocols for stress ulcer prophylaxis provides cost minimization by maximizing appropriate drug usage.

Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors in femoral neck fracture patients - A life - and cost-saving intervention

Introduction Acute gastrointestinal stress ulceration is a common and serious complication of trauma. Prophylactic proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine receptor antagonists have been used in poly-trauma, burns and head and spinal injuries, as well as on intensive care units, for the prevention of acute gastric stress ulcers. Methods We prospectively studied the use of prophylactic PPIs in with femoral neck fracture patients, gathering data on all acute gastric ulcer complications, including coffee-ground vomiting, malena and haematemesis. We then implemented a treatment protocol in which all patients were given prophylactic PPIs, again prospectively collecting all data. Results Five hundred and fifteen patients were included. Prior to prophylactic PPI, 15% of patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications, with 3% requiring acute intervention with oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), 5% requiring transfusions and 4% experiencing surgical delays. All patients had delayed discharges. Following PPI implementation, no patients developed gastric stress ulcer complications. Conclusions Femoral neck fracture patients create a substantial workload for orthopaedic units. The increasingly elderly population often have comorbidities, and concomitantly use medications with gastrointestinal side effects. This, combined with the stress of a fracture and preoperative starvation periods increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Here, the use of prophylactic PPIs statistically reduced the incidence of gastric stress ulcers in patients with femoral neck fractures, resulting in fewer surgical delays, reduced length of hospital stay and reduced stress ulcer-related mortality.

Efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

The relative efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) compared to histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) should guide their use in reducing bleeding risk in the critically ill.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACPJC, clinical trials registries, and conference proceedings through November 2015 without language or publication date restrictions. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PPIs vs H2RAs for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill adults for clinically important bleeding, overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, nosocomial pneumonia, mortality, ICU length of stay and Clostridium difficile infection were included. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess our confidence in the evidence for each outcome.

RESULTS

In 19 trials enrolling 2117 patients, PPIs were more effective than H2RAs in reducing the risk of clinically important GI bleeding (RR 0.39; 95 % CI 0.21, 0.71; P = 0.002; I (2) = 0 %, moderate confidence) and overt GI bleeding (RR 0.48; 95 % CI 0.34, 0.66; P < 0.0001; I (2) = 3 %, moderate confidence). PPI use did not significantly affect risk of pneumonia (RR 1.12; 95 % CI 0.86, 1.46; P = 0.39; I (2) = 2 %, low confidence), mortality (RR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.87, 1.27; P = 0.61; I (2) = 0 %, moderate confidence), or ICU length of stay (mean difference (MD), -0.38 days; 95 % CI -1.49, 0.74; P = 0.51; I (2) = 30 %, low confidence). No RCT reported Clostridium difficile infection.

CONCLUSIONS

PPIs were superior to H2RAs in preventing clinically important and overt GI bleeding, without significantly increasing the risk of pneumonia or mortality. Their impact on Clostridium difficile infection is yet to be determined.

Diarrhoea in the critically ill is common, associated with poor outcome, and rarely due to Clostridium difficile

Diarrhoea is common in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, with a reported prevalence of 15–38%. Many factors may cause diarrhoea, including Clostridium difficile, drugs (e.g. laxatives, antibiotics) and enteral feeds. Diarrhoea impacts on patient dignity, increases nursing workload and healthcare costs, and exacerbates morbidity through dermal injury, impaired enteral uptake and subsequent fluid imbalance. We analysed a cohort of 9331 consecutive patients admitted to a mixed general intensive care unit to establish the prevalence of diarrhoea in intensive care unit patients, and its relationship with infective aetiology and clinical outcomes. We provide evidence that diarrhoea is common (12.9% (1207/9331) prevalence) in critically ill patients, independently associated with increased intensive care unit length of stay (mean (standard error) 14.8 (0.26) vs 3.2 (0.09) days, p < 0.001) and mortality (22.0% (265/1207) vs 8.7% (705/8124), p < 0.001; adjusted hazard ratio 1.99 (95% CI 1.70–2.32), p < 0.001) compared to patients without diarrhoea even after adjusting for potential confounding factors, and infrequently caused by infective aetiology (112/1207 (9.2%)) such as Clostridium difficile (97/1048 (9.3%) tested) or virological causes (9/172 (5.7%) tested). Our findings suggest non-infective causes of diarrhoea in ICU predominate and pathophysiology of diarrhoea in critically ill patients warrants further investigation.

Clinical Outcomes of Acid Suppressive Therapy Use in Hematology/Oncology Patients at an Academic Medical Center

Background: Acid suppressive therapy (AST)—namely, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs)—is routinely prescribed to hospitalized patients for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP). Objective: To identify the incidence of and indications for AST use in the hematology/oncology population as well as to identify the occurrence of the following PPI-associated adverse events: pneumonia and Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult hematology/oncology patients admitted to any oncology service for ≥48 hours from October 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014. Results: Of the 298 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 73% (n = 218) received an AST during admission. The most common indication for an AST was SUP (63%). The incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) was 10%, 0%, and 4% in patients who received a PPI, H2RA, and no AST, respectively (14/142 vs 0/70 vs 3/80; odds ratio [OR] for PPI vs no AST = 2.68; 95% CI = 0.75-9.63). The incidence of CDAD was 3%, 1.3%, and 1.2% in patients who received a PPI, H2RA, and no AST, respectively (4/142 vs 1/70 vs 1/80; OR for PPI vs H2RA = 1.92; 95% CI = 0.21-17.47). Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the incidence of and indications for AST use in the hospitalized hematology/oncology population. There was a high occurrence of AST use, particularly PPIs, in these patients at our institution. Additionally, there was a trend toward an increased risk of HAP and CDAD in patients who received AST during admission.

Constipation incidence and impact in medical critical care patients: importance of the definition criterion

BACKGROUND

Constipation incidence and impact remain controversial in the ICU. This may depend on the definition criterion used in the previous studies on the field. We aimed to determine the frequency and significance of constipation according to its definition criterion.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. Adult patients without a cause of transit time modification and laxative intake within the first 3 days were screened. Constipation was defined by a first stool passage occurring after 3 days of ICU stay. Thereafter, we identified two subgroups of patients: absence of stool passage more than 3 days but less than 6 days (3-day subgroup), and no stool passage for 6 days or more (6-day subgroup). Survival, length of stay and time spent under mechanical ventilation (MV) were compared according to constipation status.

RESULTS

Among 189 included patients [age 60.8 (49.5-74.2) years, SAPS II 44 (34-53)], 98 (51.9%) exhibited constipation (3-day subgroup n=53, 6-day subgroup n=45). Constipated patients were more likely to receive MV, sedation, vasopressors, enteral nutrition and neuromuscular blocking agents. ICU length of stay and time spent under MV was longer in the 6-day subgroup but not in the 3-day subgroup of patients.

CONCLUSION

With regard to outcomes, defining constipation by the absence of stool passage less than 6 days after ICU admission does not identify a specific subset of population. Further studies on the management of this condition should focus on these 'long-term' constipated patients.

Reduction in gastrointestinal bleeding by development and implementation of a protocol for stress ulcer prophylaxis: a before-after study

Background

The implementation of a protocol has been associated with improvements in the processes of care in clinical settings. Although stress ulcer prophylaxis is recommended for critically ill patients at high risk, there is currently no consensus on its use. Therefore, we herein developed a protocol for stress ulcer prophylaxis, and evaluated therapeutic outcomes in a before-after study.

Methods

The protocol was developed by considering the effectiveness, disadvantages (including adverse events) and cost of each agent based on previous findings. Patients who were admitted to the 8-bed emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital for more than 24 h during the year before and after implementation of the study were eligible. Each investigation item was evaluated retrospectively.

Results

There were 211 and 238 study patients before and after implementation of the protocol, respectively. The baseline characteristics of patients on/during ICU admission were similar in the two groups. The proportion of medicated patients was 79.6 % before and 84.5 % after protocol implementation. Before implementation of the protocol, 4.3 % of patients developed clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding, and this incidence decreased significantly to 0.8 % after its implementation (P = 0.019). The frequency at which medication was discontinued due to adverse events was slightly lower after implementation of the protocol. No significant differences were observed in the costs of stress ulcer prophylactic agents or mortality in the ICU.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicated that the development and implementation of a protocol for stress ulcer prophylaxis, for which there are currently no criteria, improved a main outcome, clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding.

A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effect of Neostigmine and Metoclopramide on Gastric Residual Volume of Mechanically Ventilated ICU Patients

BACKGROUND

In critically ill patients, enteral feeding through the nasogastric tube is the method of choice for nutritional support. Gastrointestinal feeding intolerance and disturbed gastric emptying are common challenges in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Neostigmine and Metoclopramide on gastric residual volume (GRV) in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.

METHODS

In a double blind, randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 mechanically ventilated ICU patients with GRV >120 mL (3 hours after the last gavage), were randomly assigned into two groups A and B. At baseline and 6 hours later, patients in group A and B received intravenous infusion of neostigmine in a dose of 2.5 mg and metoclopramide in a dose of 10 mg in 100 ml of normal saline, within 30 minutes. Patients' gastric residual volumes were evaluated before the beginning of the intervention, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours after the intervention.

RESULTS

After adjusting of other variables (Sex, BMI and ICU stay period) generalized estimating equation (GEE) model revealed that neostigmine treatment increased odds of GRV improvement compare to metoclopramide group (Estimate 1.291, OR= 0.3.64, 95% CI 1.07-12.34). However there is a statistically significant time trend (within-subject differences or time effect) regardless of treatment groups (P<0.001). The median time from intervention to GRV improvement was 6 hours (95% CI 3.75-8.25) and 9 hours (95% CI 7.38-10.17) in neostigmine and metoclopramide groups, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

It seems that neostigmine is more effective than metoclopramide in reducing GRV and improving gastric emptying in mechanically ventilated ICU patients without significant complication and this protocol may be effective on the tolerance of enteral feeding in ICU patients. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed.

Gastric Dysmotility in Critically Ill Children: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to review gastric dysmotility in critically ill children: 1) its pathophysiology, with a focus on critical care diseases and therapies that affect gastric motility, 2) diagnostic methodologies, and 3) current and future potential therapies.

DATA SOURCES

Eligible studies were identified from PubMed and MEDLINE.

STUDY SELECTION

Literature search included the following key terms: "gastric emptying," "gastric motility/dysmotility," "gastrointestinal motility/dysmotility," "nutrition intolerance," and "gastric residual volume."

DATA EXTRACTION

Studies since 1995 were extracted and reviewed for inclusion by the authors related to the physiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methodologies, and available therapies for gastric emptying.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Delayed gastric emptying, a common presentation of gastric dysmotility, is present in up to 50% of critically ill children. It is associated with the potential for aspiration, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and inadequate delivery of enteral nutrition and may affect the efficacy of enteral medications, all of which may be result in poor patient outcomes. Gastric motility is affected by critical illness and its associated therapies. Currently available diagnostic tools to identify gastric emptying at the bedside have not been systematically studied and applied in this cohort. Gastric residual volume measurement, used as an indirect marker of delayed gastric emptying in PICUs around the world, may be inaccurate.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric dysmotility is common in critically ill children and impacts patient safety and outcomes. However, it is poorly understood, inadequately defined, and current therapies are limited and based on scant evidence. Understanding gastric motility and developing accurate bedside measures and novel therapies for gastric emptying are highly desirable and need to be further investigated.

Constipation prophylaxis reduces length of stay in elderly hospitalized heart failure patients with home laxative use

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Elderly, hospitalized patients suffer disproportionately from constipation; however, little data suggest that constipation prophylaxis reduces length of stay (LOS). We performed a retrospective analysis of elderly patients admitted to our hospital with congestive heart failure (CHF) to determine the effects of constipation prophylaxis on LOS.

METHODS

Patients ≥ 65 years old admitted with the diagnosis of CHF in 2012 were evaluated for home and hospital laxative use on admission. Our primary outcome was LOS. We used linear regression modeling to independently evaluate the impact of constipation prophylaxis on LOS.

RESULTS

Among 618 patients who were eligible for our study, 201 (32.5%) were using laxatives at home, whereas 254 (41.1%) were started on a prophylactic laxative on admission. There was no significant difference in LOS between patients receiving prophylaxis versus those who did not (P = 0.32). Patients with home laxative use had a 1 day longer LOS compared to those without laxative use (6 vs 5, P = 0.03). Among patients with home laxative use, there were 2 days longer LOS in those who were not given constipation prophylaxis on admission (8 vs 6, P = 0.002). After multivariate adjustment, failure to use constipation prophylaxis in patients with home laxative use was the only independent predictor of increased LOS (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Among elderly patients admitted for CHF exacerbations, failure to use constipation prophylaxis in patients with home laxative use is associated with a significantly longer LOS. Our data suggest that routine use of bowel prophylaxis for elderly CHF patients with preexisting constipation may reduce LOS.

Constipation in the Critically Ill Child: Frequency and Related Factors

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence and factors associated with constipation in critically ill children.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective observational study that included children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for more than 3 days. Constipation was defined as more than 3 days without a bowel movement. Relationships between constipation and demographic data; clinical severity score; use of mechanical ventilation, use of vasoconstrictors, sedatives, and muscle relaxants; nutritional data; electrolyte disturbances; and clinical course were analyzed.

RESULTS

Constipation developed in 46.7% of the 150 patients studied (mean age, 34.3 ± 7.1 months). It was most common in postoperative, older, and higher-body-weight patients, and in those with fecal continence (P < .01). Compared with patients without constipation, patients with constipation had higher severity scores and more frequently received midazolam, fentanyl, muscle relaxants, and inotropic support (P < .05). Patients with constipation also started nutrition later and with a lower volume of nutrition (P < .01). There were no between-group differences in mortality or length of pediatric intensive care unit stay. In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with constipation were body weight (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13), Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 score (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.09), admission after surgery (OR, 7.64; 95% CI, 2.56-22.81), and treatment with vasoconstrictors (OR, 10.28; 95% CI, 3.53-29.93).

CONCLUSION

Constipation is common in critically ill children. Body weight, Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 clinical severity score, admission after surgery, and the need for vasoconstrictor therapy are major independent risk factors associated with constipation.

PANCREATITIS OR NOT?--Elevated lipase and amylase in ICU patients

Elevation in serum levels of pancreatic enzymes (Hyperamylasemia and/or Hyperlipasemia) can occur in any Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient either as a result of true acute pancreatitis (AP) or as a reflection of a non-pancreatic disease. Although most patients may not have clinical pancreatitis, identifying true acute pancreatitis in the ICU setting may be critical in the presence of associated co-morbid conditions of the disease for which the patient is being managed. With neither amylase nor lipase being specific for pancreatitis, it is important for the clinician to be aware of different causes of hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia, especially when clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis is unclear. This review will focus on understanding different non-pancreatic conditions where there is elevation of pancreatitis enzymes and to identify true acute pancreatitis in critically ill patients without typical symptoms.

Comparison of clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy: a nationwide study

Background

This study aimed to compare clinical outcome between laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy.

Methods

The data were sourced from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. This study included 14,320 and 1313 patients who underwent open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomies, respectively. The study outcome included “intensive care unit (ICU) admission,” “over 2 h of general anesthesia,” “use of mechanical ventilation,” “acute respiratory failure,” “in-hospital death,” and “hospitalization for pneumonia.” Separate conditional logistic regressions were performed for each clinical outcome.

Results

The results showed that patients who underwent an open right hemicolectomy had significantly higher likelihood of ICU admission (31.4 vs. 13.4 %, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (3.6 vs. 0.8 %, p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (12.8 vs. 4.1 %, p < 0.001), in-hospital death (3.7 vs. 0.9 %, p < 0.001), over 2 h of general anesthesia (4.6 vs. 1.2 %, p < 0.001), and hospitalization for pneumonia (5.8 vs. 3.1 %, p < 0.001) than patients who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Adjusted conditional logistic regression analyses revealed that patients who underwent an open right hemicolectomy were 2.96, 4.98, 3.41, 4.01, 3.44, and 1.78 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, to have acute respiratory failure, the use of mechanical ventilation, in-hospital death, over 2 h of general anesthesia, and hospitalization for pneumonia, respectively, than patients who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy reduced risk of post-operative pulmonary complications.

Enteral nutrition intolerance in critically ill septic burn patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of enteral feeding intolerance in critically ill septic burn patients, the effect of enteral feeding intolerance on the efficacy of feeding, the correlation between the infection marker (procalcitonin [PCT]) and the nutrition status marker (prealbumin) and the impact of feeding intolerance on the outcome of septic burn patients. From January 2009 to December 2012 the data of all burn patients with the diagnosis of sepsis who were placed on enteral nutrition were analyzed. Septic patients were divided into two groups: group A, septic patients who developed feeding intolerance; group B, septic patients who did not develop feeding intolerance. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were analyzed and compared. The diagnosis of sepsis was applied to 29% of all patients. Of these patients 35% developed intolerance to enteral feeding throughout the septic period. A statistically significant increase in mean PCT level and a decrease in prealbumin level was observed during the sepsis period. Group A patients had statistically significant lower mean caloric intake, higher PCT:prealbumin ratio, higher pneumonia incidence, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Maximum Score, a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, and a higher mortality rate in comparison with the septic patients without gastric feeding intolerance. The authors concluded that a high percentage of septic burn patients developed enteral feeding intolerance. Enteral feeding intolerance seems to have a negative impact on the patients' nutritional status, morbidity, and mortality.

Impact of early nutrition and feeding route on outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients with shock: a post hoc marginal structural model study

PURPOSE

Few data are available about optimal nutrition modalities in mechanically ventilated patients with shock. Our objective was to assess associations linking early nutrition (<48 h after intubation), feeding route and calorie intake to mortality and risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and shock.

METHODS

In the prospective OutcomeRea database, we identified adults with IMV >72 h and shock (arterial systolic pressure <90 mmHg) within 48 h after intubation. A marginal structural Cox model was used to create a pseudo-population in which treatment was unconfounded by subject-specific characteristics.

RESULTS

We included 3,032 patients. Early nutrition was associated with lower day-28 mortality [HR 0.89, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.81-0.98, P = 0.01] and day-7 mortality (HR 0.76, CI 0.66-0.87, P < 0.001) but not with lower day-7 to day-28 mortality (HR 1.00, CI 0.89-1.12, P = 0.98). Early nutrition increased VAP risk over the 28 days (HR 1.08, CI 1.00-1.17, P = 0.046) and until day 7 (HR 7.17, CI 6.27-8.19, P < 0.001) but decreased VAP risk from days 7 to 28 (HR 0.85, CI 0.78-0.92, P < 0.001). Compared to parenteral feeding, enteral feeding was associated with a slightly increased VAP risk (HR 1.11, CI 1.00-1.22, P = 0.04) but not with mortality. Neither mortality nor VAP risk differed between early calorie intakes of ≥20 and <20 kcal/kg/day.

CONCLUSION

In mechanically ventilated patients with shock, early nutrition was associated with reduced mortality. Neither feeding route nor early calorie intake was associated with mortality. Early nutrition and enteral feeding were associated with increased VAP risk.

Stress-related mucosal disease in the critically ill patient

Bleeding from stress-related mucosal disease in critically ill patients remains an important clinical management issue. Although only a small proportion (1-6%) of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) will bleed, a substantial proportion exhibit clinical risk factors (mechanical ventilation for >48 h and a coagulopathy) that predict an increased risk of bleeding. Furthermore, upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions can be found in 75-100% of patients in ICUs. Although uncommon, stress-ulcer bleeding is a severe complication with an estimated mortality of 40-50%, mostly from decompensating an underlying condition or multiorgan failure. Although the vast majority of patients in ICUs receive stress-ulcer prophylaxis, largely with PPIs, some controversy surrounds their efficacy and safety. Indeed, no single trial has shown that stress-ulcer prophylaxis reduces mortality. Some reports suggest that the use of PPIs increases the risk of nosocomial infections. However, several meta-analyses and cost-effectiveness studies suggest PPIs to be more clinically effective and cost-effective than histamine-2 receptor antagonists, without considerable increases in nosocomial pneumonia. To help clinicians use the most appropriate strategy for treatment of patients in the ICU, this Review presents the latest information on all aspects of stress-related mucosal disease.

Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour intentions for three bowel management practices in intensive care: effects of a targeted protocol implementation for nursing and medical staff

BACKGROUND

Bowel management protocols have the potential to minimize complications for critically ill patients. Targeted implementation can increase the uptake of protocols by clinicians into practice. The theory of planned behaviour offers a framework in which to investigate clinicians' intention to perform the behaviour of interest. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a bowel management protocol on intensive care nursing and medical staffs' knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, behaviour intentions, role perceptions and past behaviours in relation to three bowel management practices.

METHODS

A descriptive before and after survey using a self-administered questionnaire sent to nursing and medical staff working within three intensive care units before and after implementation of our bowel management protocol (pre: May - June 2008; post: Feb - May 2009).

RESULTS

Participants had significantly higher knowledge scores post-implementation of our protocol (pre mean score 17.6; post mean score 19.3; p = 0.004). Post-implementation there was a significant increase in: self-reported past behaviour (pre mean score 5.38; post mean score 7.11; p = 0.002) and subjective norms scores (pre mean score 3.62; post mean score 4.18; p = 0.016) for bowel assessment; and behaviour intention (pre mean score 5.22; post mean score 5.65; p = 0.048) for administration of enema.

CONCLUSION

This evaluation, informed by the theory of planned behaviour, has provided useful insights into factors that influence clinician intentions to perform evidence-based bowel management practices in intensive care. Addressing factors such as knowledge, attitudes and beliefs can assist in targeting implementation strategies to positively affect clinician behaviour change. Despite an increase in clinicians' knowledge scores, our implementation strategy did not, however, significantly change clinician behaviour intentions for all three bowel management practices. Further research is required to explore the influence of opinion leaders and organizational culture on clinicians' behaviour intentions related to bowel management for intensive care patients.

Standardized application of laxatives and physical measures in neurosurgical intensive care patients improves defecation pattern but is not associated with lower intracranial pressure

Background. Inadequate bowel movements might be associated with an increase in intracranial pressure in neurosurgical patients. In this study we investigated the influence of a structured application of laxatives and physical measures following a strict standard operating procedure (SOP) on bowel movement, intracranial pressure (ICP), and length of hospital stay in patients with a serious acute cerebral disorder. Methods. After the implementation of the SOP patients suffering from a neurosurgical disorder received pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures to improve bowel movements in a standardized manner within the first 5 days after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) starting on day of admission. We compared mean ICP levels, length of ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation to a historical control group. Results. Patients of the intervention group showed an adequate defecation pattern significantly more often than the patients of the control group. However, this was not associated with lower ICP values, fewer days of mechanical ventilation, or earlier discharge from ICU. Conclusions. The implementation of a SOP for bowel movement increases the frequency of adequate bowel movements in neurosurgical critical care patients. However, this seems not to be associated with reduced ICP values.

Usefulness of a real-time bowel sound analysis system in patients with severe sepsis (pilot study)

Healthy bowel function is an important factor when judging the advisability of early enteral nutrition in critically ill patients, but long-term observation and objective evaluation of gastrointestinal motility are difficult. In the study, real-time continuous measurement of gastrointestinal motility was performed in patients with severe sepsis using a developed bowel sound analysis system, and the correlation between bowel sounds and changes over time in blood concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, which is associated with sepsis severity, was evaluated. The subjects were five adult patients in the acute phase of severe sepsis on a mechanical ventilator, with IL-6 blood concentrations ≥100 pg/mL, who had consented to participate in the study. Gastrointestinal motility was measured for a total of 62,399 min: 31,544 min in 3 subjects in the no-steroids group and 30,855 min in 2 subjects in the steroid treatment group. In the no-steroids group, the bowel sound counts were negatively correlated with IL-6 blood concentration, suggesting that gastrointestinal motility was suppressed as IL-6 blood concentration increased. However, in the steroid treatment group, gastrointestinal motility showed no correlation with IL-6 blood concentration (r = -0.25, p = 0.27). The IL-6 blood concentration appears to have decreased with steroid treatment irrespective of changes in the state of sepsis, whereas bowel sound counts with the monitoring system reflected the changes in the state of sepsis, resulting in no correlation. This monitoring system provides a useful method of continuously, quantitatively, and non-invasively evaluating gastrointestinal motility in patients with severe sepsis. Gastrointestinal motility might be useful as a parameter reflecting disease severity, particularly in patients treated with steroids.

Pharmacological therapy of feed intolerance in the critically ills

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and thus requires promptly and effective treatment. Prokinetic agents are currently considered as the first-line therapy given issues relating to parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric placement. Currently, the agents of choice are erythromycin and metoclopramide, either alone or in combination, which are highly effective with relatively low incidence of cardiac, hemodynamic or neurological adverse effects. Diarrhea, however, can occur in up to 49% of patients who are treated with the dual prokinetic therapy, which is not associated with Clostridium difficile infection and settled soon after the cessation of the drugs. Hence, the use of prokinetic therapy over a long period or for prophylactic purpose must be avoided, and the indication for ongoing use of the drug(s) must be reviewed frequently. Second line therapy, such as total parenteral nutrition and post-pyloric feeding, must be considered once adverse effects relating the prokinetic therapy develop.

Current issues on safety of prokinetics in critically ill patients with feed intolerance

Feed intolerance in the setting of critical illness should be treated promptly given its adverse impact on morbidity and mortality. The technical difficulty of postpyloric feeding tube placement and the morbidities associated with parenteral nutrition prevent these approaches being considered as first-line nutrition. Prokinetic agents are currently the mainstay of therapy for feed intolerance in the critically ill. Current information is limited but suggests that erythromycin or metoclopramide (alone or in combination) are effective in the management of feed intolerance in the critically ill and not associated with significant cardiac, haemodynamic or neurological adverse effects. However, diarrhoea is a very common gastrointestinal side effect, and can occur in up to 49% of patients who receive both erythromycin and metoclopramide. Fortunately, the diarrhoea associated with prokinetic treatments has not been linked to Clostridium difficile infection and settles soon after the drugs are ceased. Therefore, prolonged or prophylactic use of prokinetics should be avoided. If diarrhoea occurs, the drugs should be stopped immediately. To minimize avoidable adverse effects the ongoing need for prokinetic drugs in these patient should be reviewed daily.

Hypercapnic hyperventilation shortens emergence time from Propofol and Isoflurane anesthesia

Objective:

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of hypercapnic hyperventilation and normocapnic normoventilation on emergence time from propofol and isoflurane anesthesia.

Methods:

In this clinical trial, the differences in emergence time were evaluated in 80 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery in Alzahra University hospital, Isfahan, Iran, in 2011-2012. Patients were randomly divided into four groups (groups 1-4) receiving isoflurane hypercapnic hyperventilation, isoflurane normocapnic normoventilation, propofol hypercapnic hyperventilation, and propofol normocapnic normoventilation, respectively. Hypercapnia was maintained by adding CO₂ to the patient's inspired gas during hyperventilation. The emergence time and the duration of stay in recovery room in the four groups were measured and compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference tests.

Findings:

The average emergence time in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were (11.3 ± 3.2), (15.2 ± 3.8), (9 ± 4.2) and (11.8 ± 5.3) min, respectively. These differences were significant (P = 0.001). In patients receiving propofol hypercapnic hyperventilation, the emergence time was faster than in other groups. There was also a significant difference in duration of stay in recovery room between the groups (P = 0.004). Patients who received isoflurane hypercapnic hyperventilation had a shortest length of stay in the recovery room.

Conclusion:

The emergence time after intravenous anesthesia with propofol can be shortened significantly by using hyperventilation and hypercapnia, without any side effects.

Daily Interruption of Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Adults without Tracheostomy

The use of sedative and analgesic dugs is essential in intensive care. The lowest effective doses should be used for the shortest period of time in order to limit the risk of serious complications. Daily interruption of sedation (DIS) is one strategy that has been shown to reduce overall sedative drug use and to promote earlier liberation from mechanical ventilation. However, uptake has been limited because of concerns over accidental removal of devices, the additional human resources required to accomplish the sedation break and the large numbers of patients who may be ineligible for the intervention. Some recent studies have challenged the usefulness of DIS and have promoted instead, nurse-controlled protocols and the use of sedation scoring tools. This review examines the evidence for and against DIS in the adult ICU setting.

[Prophylaxis for stress ulcer bleeding in the intensive care unit]

BACKGROUND

The critically ill patient can develop gastric erosions and, on occasion, stress ulcers with severe gastrointestinal bleeding that can be fatal.

AIMS

The purpose of this review was to provide current information on the pathophysiology, risk factors, and prophylaxis of digestive tract bleeding from stress ulcers in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

We identified articles through a PubMed search, covering the years 1970 to 2013. The most relevant articles were selected using the search phrases "stress ulcer", "stress ulcer bleeding prophylaxis", and "stress-related mucosal bleeding" in combination with "intensive care unit".

RESULTS

The incidence of clinically significant bleeding has decreased dramatically since 1980. The most important risk factors are respiratory failure and coagulopathy. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are used in stress ulcer bleeding prophylaxis. Both drugs have been shown to be superior to placebo in reducing the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and PPIs are at least as effective as H2RAs. Early enteral feeding has been shown to reduce the risk for stress ulcer bleeding, albeit in retrospective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Admittance to the intensive care unit in itself does not justify prophylaxis. PPIs are at least as effective as H2RAs. We should individualize the treatment of each patient in the intensive care unit, determining risk and evaluating the need to begin prophylaxis.

Evaluation of the implementation of a bowel management protocol in intensive care: effect on clinician practices and patient outcomes

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a multifaceted implementation of a bowel management protocol on outcomes for intensive care patients, in particular the incidence of constipation and diarrhoea, and on clinicians' bowel management practices.

BACKGROUND

Complications associated with poor bowel management for critically ill patients result in adverse outcomes. Implementation of protocols requires strategies proven to change clinician behaviour.

DESIGN

Before and after study.

METHODS

Our bowel management protocol was implemented using three evidence-based elements: education sessions, printed educational materials in the form of a fact sheet and reminders. We retrospectively collected data from patients' medical records admitted at two time points within three Sydney metropolitan intensive care units (preimplementation, n = 101; postimplementation, n = 107).

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the incidence of constipation and diarrhoea pre and postimplementation of the protocol. Seventy-two per cent (n = 73) of patients preimplementation and 70% (n = 75) of patients postimplementation experienced one or more episodes of constipation (bowels not open for 72 hours or greater), and 16% (n = 16) of patients preimplementation and 20% (n = 21) of patients postimplementation experienced one or more episodes of diarrhoea. There was a slight nonsignificant increase in bowel assessment on admission by medical officers postimplementation (pre, 47%, n = 48; post, 60%, n = 64).

CONCLUSION

Targeted multifaceted implementation of a bowel management protocol did not have an impact on the incidence of constipation or diarrhoea for intensive care patients or on clinician practices. The lack of impact on patient outcomes may be due to clinicians' nonadherence to our bowel management protocol. Reasons clinicians' practices did not change may include the influences of clinical decision-making on behaviour.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study highlights difficulties inherent in changing clinician behaviour and practices to improve patient outcomes despite using an evidence-based multifaceted implementation strategy. Further research is required to ascertain the most effective implementation strategies.

[Analysis of constipation in severe trauma patients]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of constipation in patients with severe trauma (ST).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A retrospective observational study (January-December 2011) of medical records in ST-patients with a minimum stay of 5 days was performed. Descriptive analysis of variables, inferential analysis: Student's T test and Chi-square of SPSS 17.0. Significance level P<.05.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, but only 69 could be analyzed. Of these, 84.06% showed constipation (according to its definition by the Work Group for Metabolism and Nutrition SEMICYUC). The most frequent day of first stool was day 7 and 9 after tolerance of enteral nutrition. Statistical significance (S.S.) of constipation was found with stay, days of sedation/relaxation/opiates, and mechanical ventilation. There was no S.S. between early enteral nutrition (EEN) and constipation (P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a very high incidence of constipation in ST patients. ICU stay, days of analgesic sedation, relaxation, and mechanical ventilation are risk factors that influence the occurrence of this problem. Laxatives should be prescribed prophylactically.

[The intensive care gallbladder as shock organ: symptoms and therapy]

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents a severe disease in critically ill patients. The pathogenesis of acute necroinflammatory gallbladder disease is multifactorial and intensive care unit (ICU) patients show multiple risk factors. In addition AAC is difficult to diagnose because of the vague physical and non-specific technical findings. Only the combination of clinical and technical findings including the challenging physical examination of critically ill patients, laboratory results and ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan, will lead to the diagnosis. The condition of AAC has a rapid progress to gallbladder necrosis, gangrene and perforation and these complications are reflected in the high morbidity and mortality rates, therefore, therapy should be promptly initiated. If there are no clinical contraindications for an operative approach cholecystectomy is the definitive treatment and both open and laparoscopic procedures have been used. In unstable, critically ill patients percutaneous cholecystostomy should be immediately performed. In addition, transpapillary endoscopic drainage is also possible if there are contraindications for percutaneous cholecystostomy. Patients who fail to improve or deteriorate following interventional drainage should be reconsidered for cholecystectomy. Due to the fact that more than 90 % of patients treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy showed no recurrence of symptoms during a period of more than 1 year, it is still unclear if percutaneous cholecystostomy is the definitive treatment of AAC for unstable patients or if delayed cholecystectomy is still necessary.

Gastric emptying measurement of liquid nutrients using the (13)C-octanoate breath test in critically ill patients: a comparison with scintigraphy

PURPOSE

Scintigraphy is considered the most accurate technique for the measurement of gastric emptying (GE) but, for patients in the intensive care unit, it is technically demanding, involves radiation and can interfere with care. The (13)C-octanoate breath test ((13)C-OBT) is a simple, non-invasive technique that does not involve radiation exposure.

AIM

To evaluate the performance of the (13)C-OBT in the assessment of GE in critically ill patients.

METHODS

The GE was assessed in 33 mechanically ventilated patients (23 M; 54.3 ± 3.0 yrs; APACHE II: 22.0 ± 1.1). Following test meal administration (100 ml Ensure(®)), concurrent scintigraphic measurement and breath samples ((13)C-OBT) were collected over 4 h. Scintigraphic meal retention was determined and the gastric emptying coefficient (GEC) and half emptying time [t50(BT)] were calculated for the (13)C-OBT. Delayed GE was defined as meal retention >13 % at 180 min.

RESULTS

Delayed GE was identified in 27/33 patients. Meal retention correlated modestly with t50(BT) (r = 0.55-0.66; P < 0.001) and well with GEC (r = -0.63 to -0.74; P < 0.0001). The strength of agreement between the two techniques was highest between GEC and retention at 120 min. The best cut-off GEC for defining delayed GE was 3.25 (AUC = 0.75; 95 % CI = 0.52-0.99; P = 0.05), with 89 % sensitivity and 67 % specificity to detect delayed GE. The GE was delayed in all (23/23) patients with feed intolerance (GRV > 250 ml) on scintigraphy and 91 % (21/23) patients on (13)C-OBT.

CONCLUSION

In critical illness, there was a correlation between (13)C-OBT and gastric scintigraphy, with GEC performing as a better and more sensitive marker of detecting delayed GE than t50. However the relatively wide 95 % confidence intervals suggest that (13)C-OBT is more suitable as a technique to assess GE in a group setting for research studies rather than for individual patients in clinical practice.

Acupressure improves the weaning indices of tidal volumes and rapid shallow breathing index in stable coma patients receiving mechanical ventilation: randomized controlled trial

Background. Acupressure has been shown to improve respiratory parameters. We investigated the effects of acupressure on weaning indices in stable coma patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Methods. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: standard care with adjunctive acupressure on one (n = 32) or two days (n = 31) and standard care (n = 31). Acupressure in the form of 10 minutes of bilateral stimulation at five acupoints was administered per treatment session. Weaning indices were collected on two days before, right after, and at 0.5 hrs, 1 hr, 1.5 hrs, 2 hrs, 2.5 hrs, 3 hrs, 3.5 hrs, and 4 hrs after the start of treatment. Results. There were statistically significant improvements in tidal volumes and index of rapid shallow breathing in the one-day and two-day adjunctive acupressure study arms compared to the standard care arm immediately after acupressure and persisting until 0.5, 1 hr, and 2 hrs after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions. In the stable ventilated coma patient, adjunctive acupressure contributes to improvements in tidal volumes and the index of rapid shallow breathing, the two indices most critical for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. These effects tend to be immediate and likely to be sustained for 1 to 2 hours.

Proton pump inhibitors versus histamine 2 receptor antagonists for stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients may develop bleeding caused by stress ulceration. Acid suppression is commonly prescribed for patients at risk of stress ulcer bleeding. Whether proton pump inhibitors are more effective than histamine 2 receptor antagonists is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors vs. histamine 2 receptor antagonists for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the ICU.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACPJC, CINHAL, online trials registries (clinicaltrials.gov, ISRCTN Register, WHO ICTRP), conference proceedings databases, and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled parallel group trials comparing proton pump inhibitors to histamine 2 receptor antagonists for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients, published before March 2012.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed quality, and extracted data. The primary outcomes were clinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding and overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding; secondary outcomes were nosocomial pneumonia, ICU mortality, ICU length of stay, and Clostridium difficile infection. Trial authors were contacted for additional or clarifying information.

RESULTS

Fourteen trials enrolling a total of 1,720 patients were included. Proton pump inhibitors were more effective than histamine 2 receptor antagonists at reducing clinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding (relative risk 0.36; 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.68; p = 0.002; I = 0%) and overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding (relative risk 0.35; 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.59; p < 0.0001; I = 15%). There were no differences between proton pump inhibitors and histamine 2 receptor antagonists in the risk of nosocomial pneumonia (relative risk 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.73-1.52; p = 0.76; I = 0%), ICU mortality (relative risk 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.83-1.24; p = 0.91; I = 0%), or ICU length of stay (mean difference -0.54 days; 95% confidence interval -2.20 to 1.13; p = 0.53; I = 39%). No trials reported on C. difficile infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, proton pump inhibitors seem to be more effective than histamine 2 receptor antagonists in preventing clinically important and overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The robustness of this conclusion is limited by the trial methodology, differences between lower and higher quality trials, sparse data, and possible publication bias. We observed no differences between drugs in the risk of pneumonia, death, or ICU length of stay.