Relevance of albumin in modern critical care medicine

Development and validation of a nomogram model to predict the risk of strangulated intestinal obstruction

To develop and validate a nomogram model for discriminating simple intestinal obstruction and strangulated intestinal obstruction, thus providing objective evidence for clinical decision-making. Following pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 560 patients diagnosed with intestinal obstruction who were admitted to the Emergency Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. The data was subsequently split into a training cohort (n = 393) and a validation cohort (n = 167) using a 7:3 ratio. To identify independent risk and protective factors associated with strangulated intestinal obstruction, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed. Based on the identified factors, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The model's discriminatory ability was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC), and the corrected C-index. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was utilized to evaluate the model's goodness of fit in both the training and validation cohorts. Calibration curves were generated to assess the model's accuracy in predicting the probability of strangulated intestinal obstruction. Finally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the model's potential clinical utility. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified neutrophil percentage, peritoneal irritation sign, and abdominal fluid as independent risk factors for strangulated intestinal obstruction, while albumin emerged as an independent protective factor. These factors were incorporated into the nomogram, demonstrating high discrimination (AUC of 0.842[95%CI: 0.787-0.897] in the training set and 0.839 [95%CI: 0.742-0.937] in the validation set) and good calibration. The corrected C-index further supported the model's performance in the training (0.833) and validation (0.813) cohorts. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results (p = 0.759 and p = 0.505, respectively) indicated a good model fit in both cohorts. Calibration curves confirmed the close agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. Finally, DCA corroborated the model's net clinical benefit. The comprehensive nomogram developed in this study emerged as a promising and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of strangulated intestinal obstruction, thereby aiding clinicians in screening the high-risk population.

Treatment approaches to horses with acute diarrhea admitted to referral institutions: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to describe and compare therapeutic approaches for horses with acute diarrhea in different geographic regions worldwide.

METHODS

Clinical information was retrospectively collected from diarrheic horses presented to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including fluid therapy on admission, antimicrobial drugs, probiotics, anti-endotoxic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastroprotectants, digital cryotherapy, and toxin-binding agents. Seasonal and geographic differences were investigated.

RESULTS

1438 horses from 26 participating hospitals from 5 continents were included. On admission, 65% (926/1419) of horses were administered a fluid bolus. Antimicrobial drugs were administered to 55% (792/1419) within the first 24 hours of admission, with penicillin and gentamicin being the most used combination (25%, 198/792). Horses with leukopenia (OR: 2.264, 95%CI: 1.754 to 2.921; P<0.001) or meeting systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (OR: 2.542, 95%CI: 1.919 to 3.368; P<0.001) had higher odds of being administered antimicrobial drugs. Other treatments administered included probiotics (15%, 215/1438), polymyxin B (13%; 187/1438), pentoxifylline (8%; 118/1438), gastroprotectants (44%; 626/1419), digital cryotherapy (34%; 489/1435), plasma transfusion (13%; 182/1410) and toxin-binding agents (36%; 515/1438).

LIMITATIONS

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the rationale for treatment decisions was unavailable, and associations with survival could not be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatments varied between hospitals from different geographic regions. Prospective clinical trials are required to evaluate the effects of various treatments on survival.

Albumin host for supramolecular fluorescence recognition

Synthetic molecular sensors are crucial for real-time monitoring in biological systems and biotechnological applications, where detecting targets amidst potential interferents is essential. This task is particularly challenging in competitive environments that lacking chemically reactive functional groups, common in agricultural, biological, and environmental contexts. Consequently, scientific efforts have focused on developing sensitive and rapid analytical techniques, with fluorescent sensors emerging as prominent tools. Among these, the albumin-based supramolecular fluorescent indicator displacement assay (AS-FIDA) represents a significant advancement. Our research group has extensively contributed to this field, demonstrating the practical utility of various AS-FIDAs. We pioneered the use of albumin (ALB) as a host molecule in these synthetic chemical sensors, marking a notable advancement. AS-FIDA employs ALB as a versatile host molecule with multiple flexible and asymmetrical binding pockets capable of forming complexes with guest dyes, resulting in ALB@dye ensembles tailored for specific analyte recognition. Recent advancements in AS-FIDA have significantly expanded its applications. This review explores recent advances in ALB-based supramolecular sensors and sensor arrays for detecting biologically and environmentally significant molecules, such as pesticides, hormones, biomarkers, reactive species, mycotoxins, drugs, and carcinogens. The versatility of AS-FIDA positions it as a valuable tool in diverse settings, from laboratory research to practical applications in portable devices, smartphone-assisted on-site monitoring, imaging of living cells, and real sample analysis.

Kinetics of the Lactate to Albumin Ratio in New Onset Sepsis: Prognostic Implications

The lactate to albumin ratio (LAR) has been associated with the severity and outcome of critical illness and sepsis. However, there are no studies on the kinetics of the LAR during the early phase of sepsis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the LAR and its kinetics in critically ill patients with new onset sepsis regarding the severity and outcome of sepsis. We prospectively enrolled 102 patients with sepsis or septic shock within 48 h from diagnosis. LARs were recorded at inclusion in the study and one week later. Patients were followed for 28 days. LAR was significantly lower one week after enrollment compared to baseline in all patients (p < 0.001). LARs were significantly higher in patients with septic shock and in nonsurvivors compared to patients with sepsis and survivors, respectively, both at inclusion (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and at one week later (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). LARs at baseline were positively associated with the severity of sepsis (APACHE II: r = 0.29, p = 0.003; SOFA: r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (r = 0.29, p < 0.1), procalcitonin (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), interleukin 6 (r = 0.28, p = 0.005) interleukin 10 (r = 0.3, p = 0.002) and suPAR (r = 0.28, p = 0.004). In addition, a higher LAR, but not its kinetics, was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality (at inclusion: HR 2.27, 95% C.I. 1.01-5.09, p = 0.04; one week later: HR: 4.29, 95% C.I. 1.71-10.78, p = 0.002). In conclusion, the LAR may be a valuable prognostic indicator in critically ill patients with sepsis at admission and one week later.

The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine Position Statement on the Management of Sepsis in Resource-limited Settings

Sepsis poses a significant global health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Several aspects of sepsis management recommended in international guidelines are often difficult or impossible to implement in resource-limited settings (RLS) due to issues related to cost, infrastructure, or lack of trained healthcare workers. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) drafted a position statement for the management of sepsis in RLS focusing on India, facilitated by a task force of 18 intensivists using a Delphi process, to achieve consensus on various aspects of sepsis management which are challenging to implement in RLS. The process involved a comprehensive literature review, controlled feedback, and four iterative surveys conducted between 21 August 2023 and 21 September 2023. The domains addressed in the Delphi process included the need for a position statement, challenges in sepsis management, considerations for diagnosis, patient management while awaiting an intensive care unit (ICU) bed, and treatment of sepsis and septic shock in RLS. Consensus was achieved when 70% or more of the task force members voted either for or against statements using a Likert scale or a multiple-choice question (MCQ). The Delphi process with 100% participation of Task Force members in all rounds, generated consensus in 32 statements (91%) from which 20 clinical practice statements were drafted for the management of sepsis in RLS. The clinical practice statements will complement the existing international guidelines for the management of sepsis and provide valuable insights into tailoring sepsis interventions in the context of RLS, contributing to the global discourse on sepsis management. Future international guidelines should address the management of sepsis in RLS.

How to cite this article

Juneja D, Nasa P, Chanchalani G, Cherian A, Jagiasi BG, Javeri Y, et al. The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine Position Statement on the Management of Sepsis in Resource-limited Settings. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(S2):S4-S19.

A method for estimation of plasma protein binding using diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY)

The plasma protein binding (PPB) of a drug plays a key role in both its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. During lead optimisation, medium and high throughput methods for the early determination of PPB can provide important information about potential PKPD profile within a chemotype or between different chemotype series. Diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) is an NMR spectroscopic technique that measures the diffusion of a molecule through the magnetic field gradient, according to its molecular size/weight. Here, we describe the use of DOSY for a rapid and straightforward method to evaluate the PPB of drug molecules, using their binding to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model.

Development of a Simple Scoring System for Predicting Discharge Safety from the Medical ICU to Low-Acuity Wards: The Role of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, Albumin, and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width

Despite advancements in artificial intelligence-based decision-making, transitioning patients from intensive care units (ICUs) to low-acuity wards is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to develop a simple scoring system to predict ICU discharge safety. We retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to a tertiary hospital's medical ICU (MICU) between July 2016 and December 2021. This period was divided into two phases for model development and validation. We identified risk factors associated with unexpected death within 14 days of MICU discharge and developed a predictive scoring system that incorporated these factors. We verified the system's performance using validation data. In the development cohort, 522 patients were discharged from the MICU, and 42 (8.04%) died unexpectedly. In multivariate analysis, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.41), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.36), and albumin (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.84) were predictors of unexpected death. Each variable was assigned a weighted point in the scoring system, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.788 (95% CI 0.714-0.855). The scoring system was performed using an AUC of 0.738 (95% CI 0.653-0.822) in the validation cohort of 343 patients with 9.62% of unexpected deaths. When a cut-off of 0.032 was applied, a sensitivity and a specificity of 81.8% and 55.2%, respectively, were achieved. This simple bedside predictive score for ICU discharge uses the SOFA score, albumin level, and RDW to aid in timely decision-making and optimize critical care facility allocation in resource-limited settings.

Distribution of pathogens and risk factors for post-replantation wound infection in patients with traumatic major limb mutilation

PURPOSE

Even though replantation of limb mutilation is increasing, postoperative wound infection can result in increasing the financial and psychological burden of patients. Here, we sought to explore the distribution of pathogens and identify risk factors for postoperative wound infection to help early identification and managements of high-risk patients.

METHODS

Adult inpatients with severed traumatic major limb mutilation who underwent replantation from Suzhou Ruixing Medical Group between November 09, 2014, and September 6, 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic, and clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Data were used to analyze risk factors for postoperative wound infection.

RESULTS

Among the 249 patients, 185 (74.3%) were males, the median age was 47.0 years old. Postoperative wound infection in 74 (29.7%) patients, of whom 51 (20.5%) had infection with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.53, P = 0.001), wound contamination (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.38-15.19, P <0.001), and stress hyperglycemia (OR 23.37, 95% CI 2.30-236.93, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors, while the albumin level after surgery (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P = 0.031) was significant associated with the decrease of postoperative wound infection. Ischemia time (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40, P = 0.010), wound contamination (OR 8.63, 95% CI 2.91-25.57, P <0.001), and MESS (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02-1.71, P = 0.037 were independent risk factors for multi-drug resistant bacteria infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-replantation wound infection was common in patients with severe traumatic major limb mutilation, and most were multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time and wound contamination were associated with the increase of postoperative wound infection, including caused by multi-drug resistant. Positive correction of hypoproteinemia and control of stress hyperglycemia may be beneficial.

Association between alkaline phosphatase to albumin ratio and mortality among patients with sepsis

The alkaline phosphatase-to-albumin ratio (APAR) is correlated to worse prognosis in coronary artery disease, cancer, and acute renal failure. However, the relationship between APAR and sepsis prognosis has received little research. The content of this research was to investigate the prognostic relationship between APAR and sepsis. And validate the stability of the correlation in 90-days and 1-year mortality. Retrospective cohort research was conducted basing MIMIC-IV database (version 2.0). The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (Cl) were computed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. In addition, plots of survival curves and subgroup analyzes were conducted. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also used. 9741 participants were included in this investigation. The 90-days mortality was 32.8%, and the 1-year mortality was 42.0%. After controlling for confounders, the adjusted HRs (95% CI) for tertile 2 (2.2-3.8) and tertile 3 (> 3.8) were 1.37 (1.25-1.51) and 1.74 (1.58-1.91), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed a higher probability of 90-days death in the higher APAR group. The area under the curve (AUC) of APAR was 0.674 and could reach 0.709 after combining the Oxford Acute Severity of Illness Score (OASIS). This study demonstrates that APAR is significantly related to bad clinical outcomes in sepsis.

The association between albumin and mortality in patients with acute kidney injury: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

While the association between decreased serum albumin (ALB) levels and increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is well established, the risk of death among patients with AKI with low serum ALB levels is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between serum ALB levels in patients with AKI and mortality, and help guide their clinical management.

METHODS

The included patients were those diagnosed with AKI and admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. The clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality rate at 90-days and 1-year. Patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles (Qs) of ALB measurements at admission. Cumulative survival curves were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional risk models were used to assess the association between serum ALB levels and 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 740 patients with AKI. Patients with measured ALB values were classified into quartiles: Q1 ≤ 26.0 g/L (n = 188); Q2 = 26.1-30.5 g/L (n = 186); Q3 = 30.6-34.7 g/L (n = 183); Q4 ≥ 34.8 g/L (n = 183). Univariate analysis using Cox regression showed that for every 10 g/L increase in ALB, the 90-day and 1-year mortality decreased by 29%. Among the four subgroups, patients with lower ALB levels had a higher risk of death. After adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, inflammatory index, and medicine, the lowest ALB quartile (ALB < 26 g/L) was associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 2.38, P < 0.001) and 1-year all-cause mortality (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.41, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ALB levels in patients with AKI were significantly correlated with prognosis, and the higher the level, the better the prognosis. Compared to patients with ALB ≥ 34.8 g/L, patients with 26.1 g/L < ALB ≤ 30.5 g/L had an increased risk of 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality of approximately 40%, and patients with ALB ≤ 26.0 g/L had an increased risk of 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality of approximately 76% and 79%, respectively.

Association between total bilirubin/Albumin ratio and all-cause mortality in acute kidney injury patients: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between the total bilirubin/albumin (B/A) and the all-cause mortality of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between B/A ratio and mortality in patients with AKI.

METHODS

The clinical data of AKI patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the low and high B/A groups (B/A ≤ 0.25 and B/A > 0.25, respectively). The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were 60-day, 1-year and 4-year all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional risk models were constructed to evaluate the effect of B/A on survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The 28-day mortality rates were 18.00% and 25.10% in the low and high B/A groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with higher B/A values had higher all-cause mortality risk (log-rank P < 0.0001). The multivariate Cox proportional risk analysis showed that B/A was an independent risk predictor for death at 28 days, 60 days, 1 year, and 4 years.

CONCLUSION

B/A is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients with AKI and may be used as a predictor of clinical outcomes in AKI.

Analysis of prognostic factors for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or irreversible intestinal ischemia

Purpose

Because the global geriatric population continues to increase, the assessment of emergency surgical outcomes in elderly patients with acute peritonitis will become more important.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on the data of 174 elderly patients who underwent emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or intestinal infarction between June 2010 and November 2022. We conducted an analysis of the risk factors associated with postoperative complications and mortality by evaluating the characteristics of patients and their surgical outcomes.

Results

In our study, most patients (94.3%) had preexisting comorbidities, and many patients (84.5%) required transfer to the intensive care unit following emergency surgery. Postoperative complications were observed in 84 individuals (48.3%), with postoperative mortality occurring in 29 (16.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative acute renal injury, hypoalbuminemia, and postoperative ventilator support as significant predictors of postoperative mortality.

Conclusion

When elderly patients undergo emergency surgery for intestinal perforation or infarction, it is important to recognize that those with preoperative acute renal injury, hypoalbuminemia, and a need for postoperative ventilator support have a poor prognosis. Therefore, these patients require intensive care from the early stages of treatment.

The association between albumin and C-reactive protein in older adults

Albumin had been found to be a marker of inflammation. The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 3579 participants aged 60 to 80 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In order to evaluate the association between albumin and CRP, We downloaded the analyzed data (2015-2018) from the NHANES in the United States, and the age of study population was limited to 60 to 80 years (n = 4051). After exclusion of subjects with missing albumin (n = 456) and CRP (n = 16) data, 3579 subjects aged 60 to 80 years were reserved for a cross-sectional study. All measures were calculated accounting for NHANES sample weights. We used the weighted χ2 test for categorical variables and the weighted linear regression model for continuous variables to calculate the difference among each group. The subgroup analysis was evaluated through stratified multivariable linear regression models. Fitting smooth curves and generalized additive models were also carried out. We found albumin negatively correlated with CRP after adjusting for other confounders in model 3 (β = -0.37, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.28, P < .0001). After converting albumin from a continuous variable to a categorical variable (quartiles), albumin level was also negatively associated with serum CRP in all groups (P for trend < .001 for each). In the subgroup analysis stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, high blood pressure, the negative correlation of albumin with CRP was remained. We also found that the level of CRP further decreased in other race (OR: -0.72, 95% CI: -0.96, -0.47 P < .0001) and participants with smoking (OR: -0.61, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.36 P < .0001). Our findings revealed that albumin levels was negatively associated with CRP levels among in USA elderly. Besides, CRP level decreased faster with increasing albumin level in other race and participants with smoking. Considering this association, hypoalbuminemia could provide a potential predictive biomarker for inflammation. Therefore, studying the relationship between albumin and CRP can provide a screening tool for inflammation to guide therapeutic intervention and avoid excessive correction of patients with inflammation.

Albumin use and mortality among intensive care patients with acute heart failure: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Hypoproteinemia is common in patients with acute heart failure, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU). We assessed short-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure for albumin and nonalbumin users.

METHODS

Our study was a retrospective, observational and single-center study. We included patients with acute heart failure from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV and compared short-term mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with and without albumin use. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust for confounders, a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model, and performed subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

We enrolled 1706 patients with acute heart failure (318 albumin users and 1388 nonalbumin users). The 30-day overall mortality rate was 15.1% (258/1706). After PSM, the 30-day overall mortality was 22.9% (67/292) in the nonalbumin group and 13.7% (40/292) in the albumin group. In the Cox regression model, after propensity matching, the albumin use group was associated with a 47% reduction in 30-day overall mortality [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.78, P = 0.001]. In subgroup analysis, the association was more significant in males, patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and nonsepsis patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our investigation suggests that the use of albumin was associated with lower 30-day mortality in patients with acute heart failure, especially in males, those aged >75 years, those with HFrEF, those with higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, and those without sepsis.

Biochemical markers of nephrotic syndrome: An observational, cross-sectional study

Background

Blood protein leakage, especially albumin, into the urine is the hallmark of nephrotic syndrome (NS), which poses a serious public health problem. The absence of albumin prompts the liver to produce more proteins to make up the difference. The therapeutic significance of these additional proteins in NS is not yet fully understood.

Methods

In total, 99 patients with NS and 47 persons without NS (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic and clinical information were obtained from recruits utilizing a standard questionnaire and a check of the lab order forms for individuals. Each participant had a 6-mL (6 mL) sample of venous blood taken and levels of calcium, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and other proteins in the serum were assayed. The proteins in serum were separated using the electrophoresis technique, and the various fractions were then measured by a densitometer. Calculations were made for the oncotic pressure.

Results

The NS group had significantly greater levels of serum CRP, urea, alpha-2-globulin, gamma globulins, and M component than the control group (p < 0.05 respectively). Transferrin, total proteins, albumin, beta-1-globulins, calcium, and oncotic pressure were significantly higher in persons without NS compared to the NS group (p < 0.05 respectively). In addition, levels of CRP (odds ratio = 1.41, p = 0.005) and gamma globulin (odds ratio = 4.12, p = 0.005) in the blood were observed to be independent predictors in the occurrence of NS. These two factors increased the likelihood of developing NS by approximately 1.5 and 4 times, respectively.

Conclusion

Among the proteins assayed, CRP and gamma globulin were found to be predictors of NS. Nonetheless, further studies are required to understand the mechanisms associated with these serum proteins in NS.

Pseudomonas Bacteremia in Children: Clinical and Microbiologic Features and Risk Factors of Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Pseudomonas bacteremia is most commonly acquired in hospital. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and antibiotic susceptibility, mortality rate and risk factors of mortality in children with Pseudomonas bacteremia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study that included children 18 years of age or younger admitted to a tertiary hospital with Pseudomonas bacteremia between 2005 and 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients with Pseudomonas bacteremia were identified. The proportional rate of Pseudomonas bacteremia was 33.9/100,000 hospital days. Underlying disease was documented in 81.1% of patients, 61% had hemato-oncological disease. Pseudomonas bacteremia was healthcare related in 180 (91.8%) episodes. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas accounted for 16 (8.2%) and difficult-to-treat organism to 3 (1.5%) of all isolates. Thirty-day mortality was reported in 27 (13.8%) patients, all had Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In multivariate regression analysis, the first model showed that younger age [P = 0.038, odds ratio (OR) = 1.095, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.005-1.192] and inappropriate empiric antibiotic treatment (P = 0.004, OR = 3.584, 95% CI: 1.490-8.621) were significantly associated with higher mortality. The second model also showed higher morality in younger age (P = 0.021, OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.016-1.221) and MDR isolates (P = 0.001, OR = 9.725, 95% CI: 2.486-38.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant morbidity and mortality due to Pseudomonas bacteremia, but relatively lower mortality than previously published. Although young age, MDR isolates and inappropriate antibiotic treatment have been associated with increased mortality, these factors, especially with low prevalence of MDR isolates, may reflect the baseline mortality rate in vulnerable hosts with continuous contact with healthcare facilities facing such severe infection, and more efforts should be made to emphasize infection control practices to prevent such severe infection.

Acute liver injury in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit: Narrative review

In recent years, humanity has been confronted with a global pandemic due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has caused an unprecedented health and economic crisis worldwide. Apart from the respiratory symptoms, which are considered the principal manifestations of COVID-19, it has been recognized that COVID-19 constitutes a systemic inflammatory process affecting multiple organ systems. Across the spectrum of organ involvement in COVID-19, acute liver injury (ALI) has been gradually gaining increasing attention by the international scientific community. COVID-19 associated liver impairment can affect a considerable proportion of COVID-19 patients and seems to correlate with the severity of the disease course. Indeed, COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) run a greater risk of developing ALI due to the severity of their clinical condition and in the context of multi-organ failure. The putative pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 induced ALI in ICU patients remain poorly understood and appear to be multifactorial in nature. Several theories have been proposed to explain the occurrence of ALI in the ICU setting, such as hypoperfusion and ischemia due to hemodynamic instability, passive liver congestion as a result of congestive heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypoxia due to respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation itself, sepsis and septic shock, cytokine storm, endotheliitis with concomitant coagulopathy, drug-induced liver injury, parenteral nutrition and direct cytopathic viral effect. It should be noted that no specific therapy for COVID-19 induced ALI exists. Therefore, the therapeutic approach lies in preventive measures and is exclusively supportive once ALI ensues. The aim of the current review is to scrutinize the existing evidence on COVID-19 associated ALI in ICU patients, explore its clinical implications, shed light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and propose potential therapeutic approaches. Ongoing research on the particular scientific field will further elucidate the pathophysiology behind ALI and address unresolved issues, in the hope of mitigating the tremendous health consequences imposed by COVID-19 on ICU patients.

Influence of Nutritional Parameters on the Evolution, Severity and Prognosis of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19

This study evaluated the clinical and nutritional status, the evolution over three days, and the relationship between nutritional, inflammatory, and clinical parameters of critically ill patients with COVID-19. A longitudinal study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada (Spain). The study population comprised patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 presenting critical clinical involvement. Clinical outcomes were collected, and inflammatory and nutritional parameters (albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, transferrin saturation index, cholesterol, triglycerides and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score) were determined. A total of 202 critical patients with COVID-19 were selected, presenting highly altered clinical-nutritional parameters. The evolution experienced by the patients on the third day of admission was a decrease in albumin (p < 0.001) and an increase in prealbumin (p < 0.001), transferrin (p < 0.002), transferrin saturation index (p < 0.018), and cholesterol (p < 0.001). Low levels of albumin, prealbumin (on the third day) and high CONUT score (on the third day) showed an association with higher mortality. Nutritional variables were inversely correlated with clinical and inflammatory parameters. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 have poor nutritional status related to a poor prognosis of disease severity and mortality.

Tea Tree Oil Mediates Antioxidant Factors Relish and Nrf2-Autophagy Axis Regulating the Lipid Metabolism of Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Both oxidative stress and autophagy refer to regulating fat metabolism, and the former affects autophagy, but the role and mechanism of the antioxidant-autophagy axis in regulating lipid metabolism remains unclear. As an antioxidant, tea tree oil (TTO) has little research on the regulatory mechanism of lipid metabolism in crustaceans. This study investigated whether TTO could alter hepatopancreatic lipid metabolism by affecting the antioxidant-autophagy axis. Feed Macrobrachium rosenbergii with three different levels of TTO diets for 8 weeks: CT (0 mg/kg TTO), 100TTO (100 mg/kg TTO), and 1000TTO (1000 mg/kg TTO). The results showed that 100TTO treatment reduced the hemolymph lipids level and hepatopancreatic lipid deposition compared to CT. In contrast, 1000TTO treatment increased hepatopancreatic lipid deposition, damaging both morphology and function in the hepatopancreas. The 100TTO treatment promoted lipolysis and reduced liposynthesis at the transcriptional level compared to the CT group. Meanwhile, it improved the hepatopancreas antioxidant capacity and maintained mitochondrial structural and ROS homeostasis. In addition, it simultaneously activated the expression of transcription factors Keap1-Nrf2 and Imd-Relish. By contrast, the 1000TTO group significantly enhanced the ROS level, which considerably activated the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling expression but had no significant effects on the expression of Imd-Relish. The 100TTO group supplementation significantly enhanced lipid droplet breakdown and autophagy-related genes and protein expression. On the contrary, the 1000TTO group significantly inhibited the expression of genes and proteins related to autophagy. Pearson analysis revealed that Nrf2 has a positive correlation to lipid anabolism-related genes (Fasn, Srebp1, Pparγ) and autophagy regulators (mtor, akt, p62), and were negatively correlated with lipolysis-related genes (Cpt1, Hsl, Ampkα) and autophagy markers (Ulk1, Lc3). Relish was positively correlated with Atgl, Cpt1, Ampkα, Ulk1, and Lc3, and negatively correlated with Pparγ and p62. Moreover, Keap1 and Imd were negatively correlated with p62 and mtor, respectively. In sum, 100 mg/kg TTO enhanced antioxidant activity and increased autophagy intensity through the Relish-Imd pathway to enhance lipid droplet breakdown, while 1000 mg/kg TTO overexpressed Nrf2, thus inhibiting autophagy and ultimately causing excessive lipid deposition and peroxidation. Our study gives a fresh perspective for deciphering the bidirectional regulation mechanism of lipid metabolism by different doses of TTO based on the antioxidant-autophagy axis.

The Effects of Walnuts and Academic Stress on Mental Health, General Well-Being and the Gut Microbiota in a Sample of University Students: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Poorer mental health is common in undergraduate students due to academic stress. An interplay between stress and diet exists, with stress influencing food choices. Nutritional interventions may be effective in preventing mental health decline due to complex bidirectional interactions between the brain, the gut and the gut microbiota. Previous studies have shown walnut consumption has a positive effect on mental health. Here, using a randomized clinical trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, #ACTRN12619000972123), we aimed to investigate the effects of academic stress and daily walnut consumption in university students on mental health, biochemical markers of general health, and the gut microbiota. We found academic stress had a negative impact on self-reported mood and mental health status, while daily walnut consumption improved mental health indicators and protected against some of the negative effects of academic stress on metabolic and stress biomarkers. Academic stress was associated with lower gut microbial diversity in females, which was improved by walnut consumption. The effects of academic stress or walnut consumption in male participants could not be established due to small numbers of participants. Thus, walnut consumption may have a protective effect against some of the negative impacts of academic stress, however sex-dependent mechanisms require further study.

Pathophysiology of fluid administration in critically ill patients

Fluid administration is a cornerstone of treatment of critically ill patients. The aim of this review is to reappraise the pathophysiology of fluid therapy, considering the mechanisms related to the interplay of flow and pressure variables, the systemic response to the shock syndrome, the effects of different types of fluids administered and the concept of preload dependency responsiveness. In this context, the relationship between preload, stroke volume (SV) and fluid administration is that the volume infused has to be large enough to increase the driving pressure for venous return, and that the resulting increase in end-diastolic volume produces an increase in SV only if both ventricles are operating on the steep part of the curve. As a consequence, fluids should be given as drugs and, accordingly, the dose and the rate of administration impact on the final outcome. Titrating fluid therapy in terms of overall volume infused but also considering the type of fluid used is a key component of fluid resuscitation. A single, reliable, and feasible physiological or biochemical parameter to define the balance between the changes in SV and oxygen delivery (i.e., coupling "macro" and "micro" circulation) is still not available, making the diagnosis of acute circulatory dysfunction primarily clinical.

Association between albumin infusion and septic patients with coronary heart disease: A retrospective study based on medical information mart for intensive care III database

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common comorbidity in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, particularly in the elderly. This particular population may have worse conditions during sepsis, and it presents an overwhelming challenge for clinical practice. Previous studies suggested that patients with CHD have an increased risk of cardiovascular events, and low albumin concentration worsens the prognosis of patients with stable CHD. Hypoalbuminemia in patients with sepsis is common due to nutritional disorders, excessive consumption, and leakage. Albumin is a fluid often used for resuscitation in patients with sepsis. However, albumin infusion in patients with sepsis and CHD has rarely been studied. The effects and safety of albumin infusion in patients with sepsis and CHD remain unclear. Therefore, we collected medical information from Mimic-III (Mimic-III) and compared the all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality at 28- or 90-day between the albumin and non-albumin groups in septic patients with CHD. A total of 2,027 patients with sepsis and CHD were included in our study, with 405 in the albumin group and 1,622 in the non-albumin group. After propensity score matching (PSM), 350 pairs were included in our study. Improved survival benefits were found in the albumin group at the 28-day all-cause mortality compared with the non-albumin group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% CI: 0.38–0.78; p = 0.0009). However, no difference was detected in the 90-day survival benefits (HR, 0.80, 95% CI: 0.60–1.06, p = 0.1207). Albumin infusion did not reverse cardiovascular mortality neither at 28th day nor at 90th day (cardiovascular mortality: 28 days, HR, 0.52, 95% CI: 0.23–1.19, p = 0.1218; 90 days, HR, 0.66, 95% CI: 0.33–1.33, p = 0.2420).

Risk and prognostic factors of replantation failure in patients with severe traumatic major limb mutilation

Purpose

Traumatic mutilation of major limbs can result in limb loss, motor disability, or death. Patients who had replantation failure needed to undergo additional surgeries (even amputation) and had a longer length of hospital stay. Here, we determined the risk and prognostic factors of replantation failure in patients with traumatic major limb mutilation.

Methods

This retrospective study included adult inpatients with severed traumatic major limb mutilation who underwent replantation from Suzhou Ruixing Medical Group from October 18, 2016 to July 31, 2020. Demographic, and clinical characteristics including traumatic conditions, laboratory findings, mangled extremity severity scores (MESS), treatments, and outcomes of the patients were collected. Data were used to analyze predictors and risk factors for replantation failure.

Results

Among the 66 patients, 48 (72.7%) were males, the median age was 47.0 years old. Replantation failure occurred in 48 patients (72.7%). The area under the curve of the joint prediction of lactic acid on admission, 72-h cumulative fluid balance, and albumin level immediately postoperatively was 0.838 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.722–0.954; P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 89.7% and a specificity of 69.2%. Lower limb trauma (odds ratio [OR] 8.65, 95% CI 1.64–45.56, P = 0.011), mangled extremity severity scores (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.25–4.01, P = 0.007), and first 72-h cumulative fluid balance > 4885.6 mL (OR 10.25, 95% CI 1.37–76.93, P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for replantation failure.

Conclusions

Lower limb trauma, mangled extremity severity scores, and cumulative water balance were associated with replantation failure, implying that fluid management is necessary for major limb salvage. More studies are needed to explore the predictive power of indicators related to tissue oxygenation and wound healing for replantation failure.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00068-021-01876-w.

Albumin and fibrinogen kinetics in sepsis: a prospective observational study

Background

The measurement of circulating substrate concentrations does not provide information about substrate kinetics. It, therefore, remains unclear if a decrease in plasma concentration of albumin, as seen during critical illness, is a consequence of suppressed production in the liver or increased peripheral clearance. In this study, using stable isotope tracer infusions, we measured albumin and fibrinogen kinetics in septic patients and in a control group of non-septic subjects.

Methods

With the approval from the institutional Research Ethics Board and after obtaining written informed consent from patients or their substitute decision maker, mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis and patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. Patients in the non-sepsis group were studied on the day before surgery. The stable isotope L-[ring-²H₅]phenylalanine was used to measure absolute synthesis rates (ASR) of albumin and fibrinogen. A priming dose of L-[ring-²H₅]phenylalanine (4 µmol/kg) was given followed by a six-hour infusion at a rate of 0.15 µmol/kg/min. At baseline and hourly thereafter, blood was drawn to measure isotope enrichments by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein-B 100 isotopic enrichment was used to represent the isotopic enrichment of the phenylalanine precursor pool from which the liver synthesizes proteins. Plasma albumin and fibrinogen concentrations were also measured.

Results

Mean plasma albumin in septic patients was decreased when compared to non-septic patients, while synthesis rates were comparable. Mean plasma fibrinogen and ASR in septic patients was increased when compared to non-septic patients. In non-septic patients, no statistically significant correlation between plasma albumin and ASR was observed but plasma fibrinogen significantly correlated with ASR. In septic patients, plasma albumin and fibrinogen significantly correlated with ASR.

Conclusions

While septic patients showed lower plasma albumin levels than non-septic patients, albumin synthesis was similar in the two groups suggesting that hypoalbuminemia during sepsis was not caused by suppressed hepatic production but a result of enhanced clearance from the circulation. Hyperfibrinogenemia in septic patients was a consequence of increased fibrinogen production.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02865408 (registered on August 12, 2016) and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02549443 (registered on September 15, 2015).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03860-7.

Impact of hypoalbuminemia on mortality in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the association of hypoalbuminemia with mortality in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients receiving CRRT from December 2006 through November 2015 in a tertiary referral hospital in the United States. We used logistic regression to assess serum albumin at CRRT initiation as predictors for 90-day mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 911 patients requiring CRRT were included in this study. The mean serum albumin at CRRT initiation was 3.0 ± 0.7 g/dL. The 90-day mortality was 57%. Serum albumin levels of ≤2.4, 2.5-2.9, 3.0-3.4, and ≥ 3.5 g/dL were noted in 24%, 29%, 24%, and 23% of patients, respectively. In adjusted analysis, serum albumin ≤2.4 g/dL compared with serum albumin of ≥3.5 g/dL was significantly associated with higher 90-day mortality with OR of 1.57 (95% CI 1.02-2.42). Serum albumin 2.5-2.9 and 3.0-3.4 g/dL were not associated with higher mortality. Sensitivity analysis in patients requiring CRRT in the setting of acute kidney injury showed consistent results.

CONCLUSION

Approximately three out of four patients had hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) at CRRT initiation. However, only severe hypoalbuminemia <2.5 g/dL was significantly associated with higher mortality.

Serum Albumin Level as a Predictor of Outcome in Patients Admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess serum albumin level on admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as a prognostic indicator.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in Fayoum University Children's Hospital. The study subjects' demographics and clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM-III) score was calculated. Serum albumin level was assessed within 24 hours from admission. Outcomes included mortality, PICU and hospital stay, need and duration of mechanical ventilation, and inotrope use.

RESULTS

The incidence of admission hypoalbuminemia was 26%. The study subjects had a significantly higher mortality rate than subjects with normal albumin levels (42.3% vs 17.6%, respectively, P = 0.011). Each unit of increase in serum albumin decreased the risk of mortality by 28.9% (odds ratio, 0.289; confidence interval, 0.136-0.615, P = 0.001). Serum albumin showed a fair discriminatory power (area under the curve, 0.738). At a cutoff point of ≤3.7 g/dL, albumin had a 79.2% sensitivity, 67.1% specificity, 43.2% positive predictive value, and 91.1% negative predictive value. Incorporation of serum albumin with PRISM-III score was more predictive of mortality than either predictors alone (area under the curve, 0.802). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups regarding either PICU and hospital stay as well as the need and duration of ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

In PICUs, admission hypoalbuminemia is a good predictor of mortality. Further studies to confirm the value of adding serum albumin to PRISM-III score are recommended.

Relationship between CRP Albumin Ratio and the Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with AKI: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background

AKI is known to be associated with inflammation and nutritional status. The novel inflammatory prognostic score CAR (CRP/albumin ratio), which combines inflammation and nutritional status, was hypothesized to be associated with mortality in critically ill AKI patients in this study.

Methods

The included cases were patients admitted to the ICU of Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2016 to November 2018 and diagnosed with AKI within 48 hours of ICU admission. From the electronic case database of Shandong Provincial Hospital, we extracted the baseline demographic information, vital signs, routine laboratory parameters, complications, and other data. The above records are measured within 48 hours of admission to ICU. The clinical endpoint was the total cause mortality rate in hospital and 2 years. We constructed two multivariate regression models to determine the statistically significant correlation between CAR and mortality and conducted subgroup analysis to determine the mortality among different subgroups.

Results

A total of 580 patients were included in this study. In multivariate regression analysis, higher CAR was associated with an increase in hospital and two-year all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with AKI after adjusting gender, age, respiratory frequency, temperature, and other confounding factors (tertile 3 versus tertile 1: OR, 95% CI: 2.97, 1.70-5.17; 3.03, 1.68-5.47, respectively; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the CAR level in each subgroup increases with hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AKI.

Conclusion

The increase of CAR in critically ill patients with AKI was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death.

Albumin Use in Brain-injured and Neurosurgical Patients: Concepts, Indications, and Controversies

Human albumin has been used extensively for decades as a nonwhole blood plasma replacement fluid in the perioperative and critical care setting. Its potential advantages as a highly effective volume expander must be weighed, however, against its potential harm for patients in the context of various neurological states and for various neurosurgical interventions. This narrative review explores the physiological considerations of intravenous human albumin as a replacement fluid and examines the extant clinical evidence for and against its use within the various facets of modern neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care practice.

Renal Handling of Albumin-From Early Findings to Current Concepts

Albumin is the main protein of blood plasma, lymph, cerebrospinal and interstitial fluid. The protein participates in a variety of important biological functions, such as maintenance of proper colloidal osmotic pressure, transport of important metabolites and antioxidant action. Synthesis of albumin takes place mainly in the liver, and its catabolism occurs mostly in vascular endothelium of muscle, skin and liver, as well as in the kidney tubular epithelium. Long-lasting investigation in this area has delineated the principal route of its catabolism involving glomerular filtration, tubular endocytic uptake via the multiligand scavenger receptor tandem—megalin and cubilin-amnionless complex, as well as lysosomal degradation to amino acids. However, the research of the last few decades indicates that also additional mechanisms may operate in this process to some extent. Direct uptake of albumin in glomerular podocytes via receptor for crystallizable region of immunoglobulins (neonatal FC receptor) was demonstrated. Additionally, luminal recycling of short peptides into the bloodstream and/or back into tubular lumen or transcytosis of whole molecules was suggested. The article discusses the molecular aspects of these processes and presents the major findings and controversies arising in the light of the research concerning the last decade. Their better characterization is essential for further research into pathophysiology of proteinuric renal failure and development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Hypothesis of using albumin to improve drug efficacy in cancers accompanied by hypoalbuminemia

A common problem in many cancers is the resistance of some patients to common drugs or relapse. Hypoalbuminemia has been reported in some of resistant cancer patients.This article evaluates the usefulness of albumin in the treatment of drug-resistant cancers with hypoalbuminemia based on available evidences.Rapid metabolism and drug excretion from the body is one of the causes of drug resistance. Albumin is the major plasma protein to which almost all drugs are bound. There is some evidence that increasing drug binding to albumin has beneficial effects on drug efficacy in some cancers and cancer cells. On the other hand, some reports have shown that cancer cells can use albumin as the energy and amino acid source.We have hypothesized that in this particular group of cancers, adding albumin to a treatment regimen could have a beneficial effect on drug efficacy and dosage. In fact, excess albumin can prevent rapid metabolism of drug by increasing the fraction of albumin-bound drug, and can increase drug delivery to cancer cells due to the absorption of drug-albumin complex by cancer cells.

Predictive value of pre-arrest albumin level with GO-FAR score in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest

We investigated whether combining the pre-arrest serum albumin level could improve the performance of the Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation (GO-FAR) score for predicting neurologic outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Adult patients who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital between 2013 and 2017 were assessed. Their pre-arrest serum albumin levels were measured within 24 h before the cardiac arrest. According to albumin levels, the patients were divided into quartiles and were assigned 1, 0, 0, and, - 2 points. Patients were allocated to the derivation (n = 419) and validation (n = 444) cohorts. The proportion of favorable outcome increased in a stepwise manner across increasing quartiles (p for trend < 0.018). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the albumin-added model was significantly higher than that of the original GO-FAR model (0.848 vs. 0.839; p = 0.033). The results were consistent in the validation cohort (AUROC 0.799 vs. 0.791; p = 0.034). Net reclassification indices of the albumin-added model were 0.059 (95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.037 to 0.094) and 0.072 (95% CI 0.013-0.132) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. An improvement in predictive performance was found by adding the ordinal scale of pre-arrest albumin levels to the original GO-FAR score.

Predicting 30-day mortality following PEG insertion: External validation of the Sheffield Gastrostomy Score and analysis for additional predictors

BACKGROUND

and study aims: The Sheffield Gastrostomy Score (SGS) was devised to stratify patients by calculating their risk of mortality at 30 days following PEG insertion. The aim was to externally validate the SGS and identify any further predictors of 30-day mortality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of all PEG insertions performed over a ten year period in our centre. All patients who had a new PEG inserted were identified and the SGS calculated. Additionally, demographic, indication for PEG insertion and other blood results were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and subsequent univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify additional risk factors for 30 day mortality.

RESULTS

The PEG database comprised 1373 patients, of which 808 were suitable for analysis. For each increasing SGS gradation mortality rose, with 4% of those scoring 0 compared to 50% scoring 3. An area under the ROC curve of 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.64-0.74) indicated good discriminative capacity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥60 years (OR = 2.1 p = 0.016), serum albumin concentrations of 25-34 g/l (OR = 2.5 p = 0.001) or <25 g/l (OR = 6.8 p < 0.001), C-Reactive Protein ≥10 mg/l (OR = 2.7 p = 0.009) and lymphocyte count of <1.5 × 10⁹/l (OR = 2.0 p = 0.004) increased the odds of 30-day mortality, whilst referral for PEG placement whilst an inpatient decreased the risk of death (OR = 0.53 p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The SGS displayed reasonable predictive ability but the area under the curve is not high enough for routine clinical use. Modelling of further predictors from a multicentre study could provide scope for updating the SGS potentially improving patient selection.

Spectroscopic and docking molecular study of new anticancer Pt complex binding with human serum albumin

After synthesizing and identifying the nature of the new complex based on platinum metal, [Pt(NH₃)₂(butylgly)]NO₃, the interaction of this complex with human serum albumin (HSA) was performed by spectroscopy and molecular docking methods at two temperatures of 27 and 37 °C and under physiological conditions of the body. The toxicity test of this complex was performed on the MCF-7 cell line (IC₅₀ = 300 µM). Enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, binding constant, number of complex binding sites on the HSA, Scatchard diagrams, Hill coefficient, and Hill constant were calculated and then plotted via UV/Vis. According to the Gibbs free energy obtained at two temperatures of 27 and 37 °C (-20.6, -21.2 kJ mol^-1), the interaction was done spontaneously. Moreover, the melting temperature of human serum albumin with this complex; and the kinetics of this interaction (the second-order) were calculated. Using fluorescence at three temperatures of 25, 27, and 37 °C, the binding constant (2.9 × 10⁴, 1.0 × 10⁴, and 5.7 × 10³ M^-1), the quenching constant, average aggregation number of HSA, and the number of binding sites of the complex on the protein were obtained. As well, the static quenching mechanism was also observed. Molecular docking results showed that the site of binding of this complex to the HSA, is the site II subdomain IIIA, and the hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds are superior.

Hepatotoxic Effects of Atrazine on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822): Biochemical and Histopathological Studies

The hepatotoxic effects of sub-lethal concentrations of atrazine (2.5, 25, 250, and 500 μg L^-1) on Clarias gariepinus juveniles were assessed for 28 days in a quality-controlled laboratory procedure. The study was designed to determine the effects of atrazine on selected liver function biomarkers: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP), and to analyze the liver tissues of the fish using a quantitative and qualitative histology-based health assessment protocol. The levels of ALB and TP in exposed specimens were observed to decrease with increasing concentrations of atrazine. However, the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP showed significant (p < 0.05) increase with increasing concentrations of atrazine. Hepatic assessment of the liver tissues revealed marked histopathological alterations, including structural changes (necrotic/apoptotic liver tissue, poor hepatic cord structure, and loss of normal architecture) in 52.2% of the liver tissues in the treatment groups; plasma alterations (vacuolation or fat inclusions, 22.9%) of hepatocytes; hypertrophied hepatocyte (55.2%); nuclear alterations (52.1%); focal necrosis (16.7%); complete degeneration of hepatocytes (60.45%); sinusoids congested with red blood cells or vascular congestion (70.8%); and karyolysis of the nucleus (18.8%). Findings from this study suggest that atrazine interferes with liver function markers and disrupts the normal architectural and structural components of the liver resulting in noninfectious liver injury. This condition resulted in repeated cycles, cell deaths, and inflammation, which could result in the eventual death of the exposed fish if exposure duration was prolonged.

Iso-Oncotic Albumin Mitigates Brain and Kidney Injury in Experimental Focal Ischemic Stroke

Background: There is widespread debate regarding the use of albumin in ischemic stroke. We tested the hypothesis that an iso-oncotic solution of albumin (5%), administered earlier after acute ischemic stroke (3 h), could provide neuroprotection without causing kidney damage, compared to a hyper-oncotic albumin (20%) and saline.

Objective: To compare the effects of saline, iso-oncotic albumin, and hyper-oncotic albumin, all titrated to similar hemodynamic targets, on the brain and kidney.

Methods: Ischemic stroke was induced in anesthetized male Wistar rats (n = 30; weight 437 ± 68 g) by thermocoagulation of pial blood vessels of the primary somatosensory, motor, and sensorimotor cortices. After 3 h, animals were anesthetized and randomly assigned (n = 8) to receive 0.9% NaCl (Saline), iso-oncotic albumin (5% ALB), and hyper-oncotic albumin (20% ALB), aiming to maintain hemodynamic stability (defined as distensibility index of inferior vena cava <25%, mean arterial pressure >80 mmHg). Rats were then ventilated using protective strategies for 2 h. Of these 30 animals, 6 were used as controls (focal ischemic stroke/no fluid).

Results: The total fluid volume infused was higher in the Saline group than in the 5% ALB and 20% ALB groups (mean ± SD, 4.3 ± 1.6 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 and 2.6 ± 0.5 mL, p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). The total albumin volume infused (g/kg) was higher in the 20% ALB group than in the 5% ALB group (1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2, p < 0.001). Saline increased neurodegeneration (Fluoro-Jade C staining), brain inflammation in the penumbra (higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression), and blood-brain barrier damage (lower gene expressions of claudin-1 and zona occludens-1) compared to both iso-oncotic and hyper-oncotic albumins, whereas it reduced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (a marker of neuroregeneration) compared only to iso-oncotic albumin. In the kidney, hyper-oncotic albumin led to greater damage as well as higher gene expressions of kidney injury molecule-1 and interleukin-6 than 5% ALB (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: In this model of focal ischemic stroke, only iso-oncotic albumin had a protective effect against brain and kidney damage. Fluid therapy thus requires careful analysis of impact not only on the brain but also on the kidney.

Impacts of admission serum albumin levels on short-term and long-term mortality in hospitalized patients

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess the association between admission serum albumin and short- and long-term mortality in all hospitalized patients.

DESIGN

A single-center cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of all adult hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral hospital between January 2009 and December 2013 were analysed. Admission serum albumin was stratified into six groups: ≤2.4, 2.5-2.9, 3.0-3.4, 3.5-3.9, 4.0-4.4 and ≥4.5 g/dl. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay and 1-year mortality. Serum albumin of 4-4.4 g/dl was selected as a reference group for outcome comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 14 075 patients were studied. Admission serum albumin of ≥4.5 g/dl had the lowest in-hospital and 1-year mortality with progressively increased in-hospital mortality observed with decreased admission serum albumin. In adjusted analysis, compared with serum albumin of 4.0-4.4 g/dl, serum albumin of ≤2.4, 2.5-2.9, 3.0-3.4 and 3.5-3.9 were significantly associated with increased in-hospital and 1-year mortality. In contrast, serum albumin of ≥4.5 g/dl was significantly associated with lower 1-year mortality but not in-hospital mortality. Admission serum albumin <4.0 g/dl was significantly associated with a prolonged hospital stay, while admission serum albumin of ≥4.5 g/dl was significantly associated with shorter hospital stay, compared with serum albumin of 4.0-4.4 g/dl.

CONCLUSION

Low albumin level at admission was progressively associated with increased short- and long-term mortality in all hospitalized patients even when albumin level was considered in normal range.

The Impact of Health Resort Treatment on the Nonenzymatic Endogenous Antioxidant System

Introduction. Oxygen, reacting with organic compounds in living organisms, oxidizes them without being completely reduced due to numerous exogenous as well as endogenous factors. As a consequence, free radicals or reactive oxygen species are formed. Health resort-based balneophysiotherapy is a comprehensive therapeutic intervention that triggers positive therapeutic effects within the entire system. Material and Methods. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of health resort-based balneophysiotherapy on the levels of nonenzymatic endogenous antioxidants in patients with degenerative motor organ diseases, as well as to determine potential correlation of these changes with free radical-mediated processes. Observation was carried out in patients undergoing health resort therapy as part of 21-day stay periods. The study population consisted of n = 110 patients with articular and spinal pains due to degenerative diseases or discopathies.

Risk of acute respiratory failure among hospitalized patients with various admission serum albumin levels: A cohort study

Serum albumin is a marker of nutritional and frailty status. This study aimed to assess the association between serum albumin at the time of admission and the risk of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in hospitalized patientsThis cohort study, performed at a tertiary referral hospital, included all hospitalized adult patients from January 2009 to December 2013 who had serum albumin measurement and were not on mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of hospital admission. Serum albumin was stratified into 2.4, 2.5 to 2.9, 3.0 to 3.4, 3.5 to 3.9, 4.0 to 4.4, and ≥4.5 g/dL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain adjusted odds ratio (OR) of risk of ARF requiring mechanical ventilation based on various admission serum albumin levels.Of 12,719 patients, ARF requiring mechanical ventilation occurred in 1128 (8.9%) during hospitalization. Hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased risk of ARF, in particular when serum albumin was ≤2.4 g/dL. Compared with serum albumin of 4.0-4.4 g/dL, serum albumin ≤2.4 g/dL at admission was associated with 2.38-time higher odds of ARF during hospitalization (OR 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-3.07). In contrast, elevated serum albumin ≥4.5 g/dL was associated with lower odds of ARF (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97).Admission serum albumin level lower than 3.5 g/dL was associated with a higher risk of ARF requiring mechanical ventilation, whereas elevated serum albumin level at least 4.5 g/dL was associated with a lower risk of ARF. Therefore, admission albumin level at admission might be useful in the prediction of ARF during hospitalization.

Hyperglycemia is associated with poor in-hospital outcome in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke

Fasting hyperglycemia is associated with poor neurologic outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its relationship with in-hospital outcome in elderly patients remains largely unknown. To assess the association of in-hospital outcome with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels at admission in individuals with AIS.This retrospective propensity score-matched case-control study included patients aged over 60 years suffering from AIS and who were admitted to the emergency department from November 2013 to October 2016. Subjects were grouped into the poor-outcome and good-outcome groups based on mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.The poor- and good-outcome groups comprised 74 and 1927 cases, respectively, before propensity score matching (PSM), and 74 and 296 cases, respectively, after PSM. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that initial FPG after admission was associated with poor in-hospital outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that initial FPG after admission was an independent predictor of poor in-hospital outcome (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.037-1.188, P = .003).This study used PSM and strongly suggests that FPG is an independent predictive factor of poor in-hospital outcome in elderly patients with AIS. High initial FPG levels after admission may predict poor in-hospital outcome. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Perioperative serum albumin and its influence on clinical outcomes in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: a multi-centre retrospective study

Hypoalbuminemia is associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. In this multi-centre retrospective study, we aimed to determine normative values of serum albumin in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease, evaluate perioperative changes in albumin levels, and determine if low serum albumin influences post-operative outcomes. Consecutive eligible neonates and infants who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at one of three medical centres, January 2012-August 2013, were included. Data on serum albumin levels from five data points (pre-operative, 0-24, 24-48, 48-72, 72 hours post-operative) were collected. Median pre-operative serum albumin level was 2.5 g/dl (IQR, 2.1-2.8) in neonates versus 4 g/dl (IQR, 3.5-4.4) in infants. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as &lt;25th percentile of these values. A total of 203 patients (126 neonates, 77 infants) were included in the study. Post-operative hypoalbuminemia developed in 12% of neonates and 20% of infants; 97% occurred in the first 48 hours. In multivariable analysis, perioperative hypoalbuminemia was not independently associated with any post-operative morbidity. However, when analysed as a continuous variable, lower serum albumin levels were associated with increased post-operative morbidity. Pre-operative low serum albumin level was independently associated with increased odds of post-operative hypoalbuminemia (OR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.01-13.29) and prolonged length of hospital stay (RR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.08-1.82). Lower 0-24-hour post-operative serum albumin level was independently associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.64). Future studies should further assess hypoalbuminemia in this population, with emphasis on evaluating clinically meaningful cut-offs and possibly the use of serum albumin levels in perioperative risk stratification models.

Resolution of unexpected pregnancy-related findings in a rat embryofetal development and toxicokinetic study of monoclonal antibodies specific for hCMV

BACKGROUND

Developmental and reproductive toxicity testing is not uniformly warranted for biopharmaceuticals that lack relevant targets in test species. However, RG7667, consisting of two monoclonal antibodies specific for human cytomegalovirus (hCMV), was intended for administration to pregnant women to prevent transmission of CMV to the developing fetus.

METHODS

Considering the target indication, a Pilot Embryo Fetal Development/Toxicokinetic study was conducted to assess toxicokinetics in the dam and fetuses and general tolerability.

RESULTS

RG7667 administered intravenously to presumed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats was well tolerated with no clinical signs in any dam and comparable litter sizes and viability across groups. However, at cesarean section, hepatic necrosis and pancreatic edema were identified in two dams administered RG7667, with no clear dose relationship. Investigation of total protein, albumin, and transaminase activity in residual serum from TK samples demonstrated striking hypoproteinemia and elevated transaminases limited to these two dams. Overall, these pathology findings in dams were considered of uncertain relationship to RG7667; therefore, a subsequent Pivotal EFD study was conducted, which did not repeat the liver or pancreatic findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the Pivotal study confirmed the lack of overt toxicity, teratogenicity, or effects on litter size and viability when human or humanized monoclonal antibodies that lack an endogenous target are administered IV to rats during pregnancy. With these additional data, we concluded that the unexpected pathology findings in the Pilot study were not specific to RG7667, but rather highlight some clinical pathology and macroscopic/microscopic findings that can occur during pregnancy in rats.

U-shape association of serum albumin level and acute kidney injury risk in hospitalized patients

Background

While an association between hypoalbuminemia and increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is well-established, the risk of AKI development and its severity among patients with elevated serum albumin is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of AKI in hospitalized patients stratified by various admission serum albumin levels.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All adult hospitalized patients who had admission albumin levels available between January 2009 and December 2013 were enrolled. Admission albumin was categorized based on its distribution into six groups (≤2.4, 2.5–2.9, 3.0–3.4, 3.5–3.9, 4.0–4.4, and ≥4.5 mg/dL). The primary outcome was the incidence of hospital-acquired AKI (HAKI). Logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratio of AKI for various admission albumin strata using the albumin 3.5 to 3.9 mg/dL (lowest incidence of AKI) as the reference group.

Results

Of the total 9,552 studied patients, HAKI occurred in 1,556 (16.3%) patients. The incidence of HAKI among patients with admission albumin ≤2.4, 2.5–2.9, 3.0–3.4, 3.5–3.9, 4.0–4.4, and ≥4.5 mg/dL was 18.3%, 14.3%, 15.5%, 14.2%, 16.7%, and 26.0%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, admission serum albumin levels ≤2.4 and ≥4.5 mg/dL were associated with an increased risk of HAKI with odds ratios of 1.52 (95% CI 1.18–1.94) and 2.16 (95% CI 1.74–2.69), respectively. While stage 1 HAKI was significantly more frequent among patients with admission albumin ≥4.5 mg/dL (23.0% vs. 11.6%, P<0.001), incidence of stage 3 HAKI was higher in those with albumin ≤2.4 mg/dL (2.8% vs 0.3%, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Admission serum albumin levels ≤2.4 and ≥4.5 mg/dL were associated with an increased risk for HAKI. Patients with admission albumin ≥4.5 mg/dL had HAKI with a lower intensity when compared with those who had admission albumin levels ≤2.4 mg/dL.

Endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants in the human body

The exposure of cells, tissues and extracellular matrix to harmful reactive species causes a cascade of reactions and induces activation of multiple internal defence mechanisms (enzymatic or non-enzymatic) that provide removal of reactive species and their derivatives. The non-enzymatic antioxidants are represented by molecules characterized by the ability to rapidly inactivate radicals and oxidants. This paper focuses on the major intrinsic non-enzymatic antioxidants, including metal binding proteins (MBPs), glutathione (GSH), uric acid (UA), melatonin (MEL), bilirubin (BIL) and polyamines (PAs).

Hilar en bloc resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma in patients with limited liver capacities-preserving parts of liver segment 4

Background

A right trisectionectomy with portal vein resection represents the conventional approach for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we present a technical modification of hilar en bloc resection in order to increase the remnant volume by partially preserving liver segment 4.

Methods

The caudal parenchymal dissection line starts centrally between the left lateral and left medial segments. Cranially, the resection line switches to the right towards Cantlie's line and turns again upwards perpendicularly. Hence, segment 4a and subtotal segment 4b are partially preserved by this novel technique. The left hepatic duct is dissected at the segmental ramification and reconstruction is performed as a single hepaticojejunostomy. The feasibility of the novel parenchyma-sparing approach for hilar cholangiocarcinoma was proven in a case series and medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Ten patients (6 male, 4 female) underwent segment 4 partially preserving right trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Estimated future liver remnant volume was significantly increased (FLRV 38.3%), when compared to standard right trisectionectomy (FLRV 23.9%; p < 0.01). Three of 10 liver resections were associated with major surgical complications (≥IIIb; n = 3); categorized according to the Dindo-Clavien classification. No patient died due to complications associated with postoperatively impaired liver function. Tumor-free margins could be achieved in 8 patients while median overall survival and disease-free survival were 547 and 367 days, respectively.

Conclusion

This novel parenchyma-sparing modification of hilar en bloc resection by partially preserving segment 4 allows to safely increase the remnant liver volume without neglecting principles of local radicality.

Chronic Critical Illness: The Limbo Between Life and Death

The entity of chronic critical illness (CCI) has shown a rise in the past decades for popularity and prevalence. CCI is loosely defined as the group of patients who require the intensive care setting for weeks to months; its hallmark is prolonged mechanical ventilation. The outcomes of chronically critically ill patients have been dismal and have not improved over time; 1-year survival hovers at approximately 50%. Given the high mortality, prognostic variables are important when making medical decisions. CCI encompasses a syndrome that includes altered pathophysiology across a variety of organ systems. Another crucial element of CCI is the symptom burden that patients experience which include feelings of dyspnea, difficulty communicating and pain. This patient population necessitates the combined efforts of multiple care teams and the early integration of palliative and critical care. Future directions need to include improving the symptom management and communication for patients with CCI.

Does small-volume resuscitation with crystalloids or colloids influence hemostasis and survival of rabbits subjected to lethal uncontrolled hemorrhage?

BACKGROUND

Prehospital, small-volume resuscitation of combat casualties with a synthetic colloid (6% hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 670/0.75) has been recommended when blood or blood components are unavailable. We studied hemostatic effects of a newer synthetic colloid (6% HES, 130/0.4) compared with either a natural colloid (albumin) or to crystalloids in an uncontrolled hemorrhage model.

METHODS

Spontaneously breathing New Zealand white rabbits (3.4 ± 0.1 kg) were anesthetized, instrumented, and subjected to a splenic injury with uncontrolled bleeding. Fifteen minutes after injury, rabbits were in shock (mean arterial pressure [MAP] = 26 ± 1.3 mm Hg, and received colloids (6% HES, 130/0.4 or 5% albumin at 15 mL/kg), or crystalloids (normal saline at 30 mL/kg or 5% hypertonic saline at 7.5 mL/kg) for resuscitation in two intravenous bolus injections (15 minutes apart) to raise their MAP to 65 mm Hg, n = 9/group. Animals were monitored for 2.5 hours or until death, and blood losses were measured. Blood samples were analyzed for arterial blood gas, complete blood count, and coagulation measures.

RESULTS

There were no differences among groups in baseline measures and initial hemorrhage volume (11.9 ± 0.6 mL/kg) at 15 minutes postinjury. Twenty minutes after fluid resuscitation (1 hour postinjury), MAP was higher, shock indices were lower, and blood pH was higher in colloids versus. crystalloids groups (p < 0.05). Administration of 6% HES 130/0.4 colloid produced the largest hemodilution (54% decrease in hematocrit, p < 0.05 vs. hypertonic saline). Activated partial thromboplastin time increased approximately 35% above baseline in all groups except in 6% HES 130/0.4 group in which it doubled. Clot strength was reduced (15%) only in the 6% HES 130/0.4 group. 6% HES 130/0.4 resuscitation produced the largest blood loss and 33% survival rate that was not different than the crystalloid groups. Albumin produced the best hemostatic and survival outcomes (78%).

CONCLUSION

Small-volume resuscitation with crystalloids appeared inadequate to treat hypovolemic shock and prevent death. 6% HES 130/0.4 was effective hemodynamically but detrimental to hemostasis. Albumin produced the best outcomes consistent with our previous observations. Further studies are needed to prove benefit of albumin solution as a possible resuscitation fluid for treating combat casualties at the point of injury.