Echocardiography in the sepsis syndromes

Comprehensive echocardiographic and biomarker assessment of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

Systemic stress, inflammation, and hydroelectrolytic and acid‒base abnormalities observed during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can cause changes in the heart and even induce cardiovascular damage. We aimed to evaluate the structure and function of the heart during and after a DKA episode via echocardiography and biomarker assessment.

METHODS

We performed a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in subjects with an episode of DKA in the first 4-6 h of treatment. We evaluated left ventricular wall thickness, diameters and volumes, as well as systolic and diastolic function using tissue Doppler imaging, pulsed wave Doppler and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Left ventricular function was also assessed with global longitudinal strain (GLS). We obtained cardiac troponin levels in the first 24 h after admission. A second TTE was performed following the same protocol 6-12 h after the resolution of the DKA episode.

RESULTS

We included a total of 20 subjects. The mean age was 33 ± 13.6 years; 70% were female, and 70% had type 1 DM. 75% of the patients experienced severe episodes, and the rest experienced moderate episodes. Left ventricular isovolumetric contraction and ejection time were significantly shorter during DKA and prolonged after the resolution of the episodes (47.6 ± 9.9 vs. 62.2 ± 14.1, p = < 0.001) and (218.6 ± 37.9 vs. 265.06 ± 34.7). The isovolumetric relaxation time was also shorter during DKA, (41.72 ± 8.29 vs. 59.32 ± 17.98, p = < 0.001). Volumes and diameters of the left ventricle increased significantly after DKA resolution. We found no difference between LVEF or GLS during and after DKA resolution. 20% of the participants had troponin elevations, half of whom had moderate episodes and half of whom had severe episodes. 35% had LV dysfunction, 28.5% both in GLS and LVEF. 28.5% occurred after DKA resolution, with alterations in GLS.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic ketoacidosis induces changes in the structure and function of the heart, which are mostly transient, reflect the presence of a hyperdynamic state and resolve after the resolution of the episode. Some subjects present with evidence of myocardial injury with elevated cardiac troponin and left ventricular dysfunction.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Multimodal Tool for the Management of Sepsis in the Emergency Department

Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening emergencies associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hence, early diagnosis and management of both conditions is of paramount importance. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a cost-effective and safe imaging modality performed at the bedside, which has rapidly emerged as an excellent multimodal tool and has been gradually incorporated as an adjunct to physical examination in order to facilitate evaluation, diagnosis and management. In sepsis, POCUS can assist in the evaluation of undifferentiated sepsis, while, in cases of shock, it can contribute to the differential diagnosis of other types of shock, thus facilitating the decision-making process. Other potential benefits of POCUS include prompt identification and control of the source of infection, as well as close haemodynamic and treatment monitoring. The aim of this review is to determine and highlight the role of POCUS in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the septic patient. Future research should focus on developing and implementing a well-defined algorithmic approach for the POCUS-guided management of sepsis in the emergency department setting given its unequivocal utility as a multimodal tool for the overall evaluation and management of the septic patient.

Sepsis in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: An Updated Review

Sepsis remains among the most common causes of mortality in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Extensive literature is available regarding managing sepsis in pediatric patients without CHD. Because the cardiovascular pathophysiology of children with CHD differs entirely from their typical peers, the available diagnosis and management recommendations for sepsis cannot be implemented directly in children with CHD. This review discusses the risk factors, etiopathogenesis, available diagnostic tools, resuscitation protocols, and anesthetic management of pediatric patients suffering from various congenital cardiac lesions. Further research should focus on establishing a standard guideline for managing children with CHD with sepsis and septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit.

The Frequency of POCUS in the Treatment of Sepsis in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is ubiquitous in the modern emergency department (ED). POCUS can be helpful in the management of patients with sepsis in many ways including determining the cause of sepsis, assessing fluid status, guiding resuscitation, and performing procedures. However, the frequency and manner in which POCUS is incorporated into the care of septic patients in community emergency medicine remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate POCUS frequency and exam types used in the care of patients with sepsis in two community EDs in Southern California. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 5,264 ED visits with a diagnosis of sepsis at two community emergency departments between January 2014 and December 2018. Patients 18 years or older who were diagnosed with sepsis and had either lactate ≥ 4 mmol, a documented mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg, or a systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg were included. Charts were reviewed to determine if POCUS was used during the ED evaluation. Primary outcomes were frequency of POCUS use in the cohort, change in POCUS use over the study period, and the types of exams performed. Results: POCUS was used in 21% of encounters meeting inclusion criteria and was positively correlated with ED arrival year (OR = 1.09; CI 1.04, 1.15; p=0.001). The most common POCUS exam was ultrasound-guided central line placement, with the next most common exams being cardiac, followed by inferior vena cava (IVC). Only the frequency of cardiac, IVC, lung and Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exams were found to increase significantly over the study period. Conclusions: Total POCUS use increased significantly in this cohort of septic patients over the study period due to more cardiac, IVC, lung and FAST exams being performed.

The Role of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Velocity-Time Integral in Assessing Cardiovascular Impairment in Septic Shock

Background: the role of echocardiography in septic shock remains controversial, since depressed cardiac afterload may overestimate left ventricular (LV) systolic performance and mask septic cardiomyopathy (SC). We hypothesized that afterload-adjusted LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV outflow tract velocity-time integral (VTI) values for given systemic vascular resistances (SVR) could provide novel insights into recognizing and stratifying the severity of SC. Methods: in this observational, monocentric study, we prospectively included 14 mechanically-ventilated patients under septic-shock who all had a Pulse index Continuous Cardiac Output (PiCCO) system in place for hemodynamic monitoring. Echocardiographic and PiCCO longitudinal examinations (71 measurements overall) were performed simultaneously at the onset of septic shock and every 12 h for 60 h overall. Results: VTI-derived stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were significantly correlated with PiCCO measurements (r ≥ 0.993, both p < 0.001). LVEF and VTI showed linear and exponential inverse correlation to SVR (R2 = 0.183 vs. 0.507 and p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.001, respectively). The equations LVEF = 86.168 − 0.011 × SVR and VTI = 41.23 × e(−0.0005×SVR) were found to provide “predicted” values for given SVR. Measured to predicted LVEF ratios (for given SVR), the afterload-adjusted LVEF defined the severity of SC (mild ≥ 90%, 80% ≤ moderate < 90% and severe < 80%). Mild SC demonstrated normal/supra-normal LVEF, normal VTI and SVR. Moderate SC showed lower LVEF and SVR, yet increased LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), VTI, SV and CO compared with mild SC (all p < 0.05). Severe SC was distinguished from moderate SC by markedly reduced LVEF, LVEDV, VTI, SV, CO and significantly increased SVR (all p < 0.05). LVEF and VTI decreased over time in mild SC, LVEF decreased in moderate SC, and LVEF and VTI increased over time in severe SC (p ≤ 0.038). LVEF and VTI demonstrated significant performance in identifying severe SC [cut-off < 61.5%, area under the curve (AUC) = 1 ± 0.0, sensitivity/specificity = 100/100, p < 0.001 vs. cut-off < 17.9 cm, AUC = 0.882 ± 0.042, sensitivity/specificity = 80/77, p < 0.001, respectively]. VTI but not LVEF demonstrated significant diagnostic performance in identifying both SVR < 800 dynes·s·cm−5 and SVR > 1500 dynes·s·cm−5 (cut-off > 24.46 cm, AUC = 0.889 ± 0.049, sensitivity/specificity = 75/100, p < 0.001; cut-off < 16.8, AUC = 0.0.857 ± 0.082, sensitivity/specificity = 83/86, p = 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: our study suggests that ICU bedside echocardiographic assessment of LVEF, VTI and their adjusted to corresponding SVR values provides valuable insights for the comprehension of SC phenotypes, underlying vasoplegia and cardiac output fluctuations in septic shock.

The diagnostic capabilities of the combined cardiac and lung point of care ultrasound in shocked patients at the emergency department - Resourced limited country

Purpose

Cardiac, lung, and inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound are commonly performed in the care of emergency patients especially patient presented with hypotension or shock. However, the literature indicated the limitation of IVC to assess shocked patients. This study aims to determine the efficacy of combined cardiac and lung ultrasound for evaluation the etiology of shock.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on patient with shock at emergency department, Srinagarind Hospital, Thailand, from January to December 2021. Adult shocked patients who met the criteria were included in this study. Ultrasound and emergency department medical records were documented and analyzed as sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, negative predictive value, diagnostic accuracy, and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ).

Results

One hundred and two who met the criteria were enrolled. Combined cardiac and lung scans were found to be accurate 99.02% and 93.04% in obstructive and cardiogenic shock. In patients with obstructive shock was the almost perfect agreement, (κ) = 0.85. However, distributive, and hypovolemic shock had the low concordance with the final hospital diagnosis, (κ) = 0.37 and 0.43, respectively.

Conclusions

The integration of cardiac and lung ultrasound can be effectively used to narrow differential diagnosis of shock.

Echo is a good, not perfect, measure of cardiac output in critically ill surgical patients

BACKGROUND

Compared with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been shown to have good agreement in cardiac output (CO) measurement in nonsurgical populations. Our hypothesis is that the feasibility and accuracy of CO measured by TTE (CO-TTE), relative to CO measured by PAC thermodilution (CO-PAC), is different in surgical intensive care unit patients (SP) and nonsurgical patients (NSP).

METHODS

Surgical patients with PAC for hemodynamic monitoring and NSP undergoing right heart catheterization were prospectively enrolled. Cardiac output was measured by CO-PAC and CO-TTE. Pearson coefficients were used to assess correlation. Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine agreement.

RESULTS

Over 18 months, 84 patients were enrolled (51 SP, 33 NSP). Cardiac output TTE could be measured in 65% (33/51) of SP versus 79% (26/33) of NSP; p = 0.17. Inability to measure the left ventricular outflow tract diameter was the primary reason for failure in both groups; 94% (17/18) in SP versus 86% (6/7) NSP; p = 0.47. Velocity time integral could be measured in all patients. In both groups, correlation between PAC and TTE measurement was strong; SP (r = 0.76; p < 0.0001), NSP (r = 0.86; p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated bias of -0.1 L/min, limits of agreement of -2.5 and +2.3 L/min, percentage error (PE) of 40% for SP, and bias of +0.4 L/min, limits of agreement of -1.8 and +2.5 L/min, and PE of 40% for NSP.

CONCLUSION

There was strong correlation and moderate agreement between TTE and PAC in both SP and NSP. In both patient populations, inability to measure the left ventricular outflow tract diameter was a limiting factor.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic tests or criteria, level III.

Point-of-care ultrasound with pocket-size devices in emergency department

Point-of-care ultrasound is a useful tool for clinicians in the management of patients. Particularly in emergency department, the role of point-of-care ultrasound is strongly increasing due to the need for a rapid assessment of critically ill patients and to speed up the diagnostic process. Hand-carried ultrasound devices are particularly useful in emergency setting and allow rapid assessment of patient even in prehospital setting. This article will review the role of point-of-care ultrasonography, performed with pocket-size devices, in the management of patients presenting with acute onset of undifferentiating dyspnea, chest pain, and shock in emergency department.

Evaluation of sepsis induced cardiac dysfunction as a predictor of mortality

Background

Sepsis is characterized by life threatening organ dysfunction with dysregulated immune response. Cardiac dysfunction seen in sepsis is unique as it is reversible within 7–10 days. Initial study by Parker et al. in 1984, showed, paradoxically lower ejection fraction in survivors of septic shock. Subsequent meta-analysis did not support that survivors had lower ejection fraction. Aim of our study was to assess the sepsis induced cardiac dysfunction by 2D echocardiography and Troponin I.

Methods

After obtaining institutional ethical committee approval (ref 125/2016), a prospective observational study was done in an university medical college from February 2016 to April 2016. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with sepsis by new sepsis definition. Pregnant patients and patients with poor echo window were excluded. Echocardiographic assessment was done within 48 h of diagnosis of sepsis by standard methods. Primary outcome was ICU mortality and secondary outcome was ICU length of stay. Statistical analysis was done using STATA™ (Version14, College station TX).

Results

Fifty eight patients were screened, ten were excluded due to poor echo window. Baseline characteristics were similar in survivors and non survivors, except APACHE II, SOFA age and cumulative fluid balance. Echocardiographic parameters, mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), E/e’ and LV systolic function assessed by visual gestalt method were found to be statistically significant. Parameters found significant in bivariate analysis were used as a covariate in logistic regression. APACHE II and MAPSE were significant co-variates in logistic regression with ROC (0.95) and calibration was satisfactory (chi2(df8),1.98, p = 0.98).

Conclusions

Sepsis induced cardiac dysfunction assessed by echocardiography showed measurement of MAPSE when combined with APACHE II was a good predictor of mortality. Among the echocardiographic parameters MAPSE alone was a good predictor of mortality. Results of this study need further validation from larger study.

Vasopressors During Sepsis: Selection and Targets

Clinicians have greatly improved care for septic shock. Urgent resuscitation using intravenous fluids and vasopressors as well as rapid administration of broad spectrum antibiotics are probably the most basic and universally accepted interventions. Various trials have compared different types of vasopressors, associations of vasopressors and inotropes, and pressure targets. End goal-directed therapy algorithms are designed to optimize oxygen delivery by use of fluids, vasopressors, inotropes, and blood products. Patients who have a poor response to resuscitation and patients with known severe ventricular dysfunction might merit advanced hemodynamic monitoring. This review examines important vasopressor and septic shock trials.

Impact of New-Onset Left Ventricular Dysfunction on Outcomes in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

BACKGROUND:

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) are commonly seen in severe sepsis and septic shock; however, their role in patients with concurrent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is less well defined.

METHODS:

This was a prospective observational study on all patients admitted to all the intensive care units (ICUs) at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from August 2007 to January 2009. All adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and concurrent IMV without prior heart failure underwent transthoracic echocardiography within 24 hours. Patients with active pregnancy, prior congenital or valvular heart disease, and prosthetic cardiac valves were excluded. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% and LVDD as E/e' >15. Primary outcome was hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included IMV duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), and total LOS. Two-tailed P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

In a total of 106 patients, 58 (54.7%) met our inclusion criteria, with 17 (29.3%), 11 (19.0%), and 5 (8.6%) having LVSD, LVDD, and both, respectively. The cohorts with and without LVSD and LVDD did not differ significantly in their baseline characteristics and laboratory and ventilatory parameters. Compared to those without LVSD, patients with LVSD had higher LV end-systolic diameters but were not different in their left atrial diameters or E/e' ratio. Patients with LVDD had a higher E velocity and E/e' ratio compared to those without LVDD. Hospital mortality was not different in patients with and without LVSD (8 [47%] vs 21 [51%], P = 1.00) and LVDD (8 [73%] vs 21 [45%], P = .18). Secondary outcomes were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION:

Left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction did not influence in-hospital outcomes in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and concurrent IMV.

Make it SIMPLE: enhanced shock management by focused cardiac ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Shock is a spectrum of circulatory failure that, if not properly managed, would lead to high mortality. Special diagnostic and treatment strategies are essential to save lives. However, clinical and laboratory findings are always non-specific, resulting in clinical dilemmas.

MAIN CONTENT

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) has emerged as one of the power tools for clinicians to answer simple clinical questions and guide subsequent management in hypotensive patients. This article will review the development and utility of FoCUS in different types of shock. The sonographic features and ultrasound enhanced management of hypotensive patients by a de novo "SIMPLE" approach will be described. Current evidence on FoCUS will also be reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Focused cardiac ultrasound provides timely and valuable information for the evaluation of shock. It helps to improve the diagnostic accuracy, narrow the possible differential diagnoses, and guide specific management. SIMPLE is an easy-to-remember mnemonic for non-cardiologists or novice clinical sonographers to apply FoCUS and interpret the specific sonographic findings when evaluating patients in shock.