Sepsis after major cancer surgery

Identifying Effective Biomarkers for Accurate Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis Using Statistical Machine Learning

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the lowest survival rates among all major types of cancer. Consequently, it is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Serum biomarkers historically correlate well with the early prognosis of post-surgical complications of PC. However, attempts to identify an effective biomarker panel for the successful prognosis of PC were almost non-existent in the current literature. The current study investigated the roles of various serum biomarkers including carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL-8), procalcitonin (PCT), and other relevant clinical data for identifying PC progression, classified into sepsis, recurrence, and other post-surgical complications, among PC patients. The most relevant biochemical and clinical markers for PC prognosis were identified using a random-forest-powered feature elimination method. Using this informative biomarker panel, the selected machine-learning (ML) classification models demonstrated highly accurate results for classifying PC patients into three complication groups on independent test data. The superiority of the combined biomarker panel (Max AUC-ROC = 100%) was further established over using CA19-9 features exclusively (Max AUC-ROC = 75%) for the task of classifying PC progression. This novel study demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined biomarker panel in successfully diagnosing PC progression and other relevant complications among Egyptian PC survivors.

Protein-energy malnutrition and worse outcomes after major cancer surgery: A nationwide analysis

Background

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) has been recognized as a poor prognostic factor in many clinical issues. However, nationwide population studies concerning the impact of PEM on outcomes after major cancer surgery (MCS) are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes associated with PEM following MCS.

Methods

By using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, data of patients undergoing MCS including colectomy, cystectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, lung resection, pancreatectomy, or prostatectomy were analyzed retrospectively from 2009 to 2015, resulting in a weighted estimate of 1,335,681 patients. The prevalence trend of PEM, as well as mortality and major complications after MCS were calculated. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to estimate the impact of PEM on postoperative outcomes after MCS.

Results

PEM showed an estimated annual percentage increase of 7.17% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4-10.44%) from 2009 to 2015, which contrasts with a 4.52% (95% CI: -6.58-2.41%) and 1.21% (95% CI: -1.85-0.56%) annual decrease in mortality and major complications in patients with PEM after MCS. PEM was associated with increased risk of mortality (odds ratio (OR)=2.26; 95% CI: 2.08-2.44; P < 0.0001), major complications (OR=2.46; 95% CI: 2.36-2.56; P < 0.0001), higher total cost ($35814 [$22292, $59579] vs. $16825 [$11393, $24164], P < 0.0001), and longer length of stay (14 [9-21] days vs. 4 [2-7] days, P < 0.0001), especially in patients underwent prostatectomy, hysterectomy and lung resection.

Conclusions

PEM was associated with increased worse outcomes after major cancer surgery. Early identification and timely medical treatment of PEM for patients with cancer are crucial for improving postoperative outcomes.

Infection prevention requirements for the medical care of immunosuppressed patients: recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute

In Germany, guidelines for hygiene in hospitals are given in form of recommendations by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention, "KRINKO"). The KRINKO and its voluntary work are legitimized by the mandate according to § 23 of the Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz, "IfSG"). The original German version of this document was published in February 2021 and has now been made available to the international professional public in English. The guideline provides recommendations on infection prevention and control for immunocompromised individuals in health care facilities. This recommendation addresses not only measures related to direct medical care of immunocompromised patients, but also management aspects such as surveillance, screening, antibiotic stewardship, and technical/structural aspects such as patient rooms, air quality, and special measures during renovations.

Adiponectin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Apoptosis by Regulating the Cx43/PI3K/AKT Pathway

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is a crucial factor leading to myocardial dysfunction. Adiponectin (APN) has a cardiomyocyte-protective impact. Studies have shown that the connexin43 (Cx43) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways play an important role in the heart, but whether APN plays a protective role by regulating these pathways is unclear. Our study aimed to confirm whether APN protects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and to explore whether it plays an important role through regulating the Cx43 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In addition, our research aimed to explore the relationship between the Cx43 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In vitro experiments: Before H9c2 cells were treated with LPS for 24 h, they were pre-treated with APN for 2 h. The cytotoxic effect of APN on H9c2 cells was evaluated by a CCK-8 assay. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, Cx43, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT and p-AKT were evaluated by Western blot analysis, and the apoptosis rate was evaluated by flow cytometry. APN attenuated the cytotoxicity induced by LPS. LPS upregulated Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 and downregulated Bcl2 in H9c2 cells; however, these effects were attenuated by APN. In addition, LPS upregulated Cx43 expression, and APN downregulated Cx43 expression and activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. LPS induced apoptosis and inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in H9c2 cells, and these effects were attenuated by Gap26 (a Cx43 inhibitor). Moreover, the preservation of APN expression was reversed by LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor). In vivo experiments: In C57BL/6J mice, a sepsis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS, and APN was injected into enterocoelia. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3, and Cx43 were evaluated by Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect Cx43 expression and localization in myocardial tissue. LPS upregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulated Bcl2 in sepsis; however, these effects were attenuated by APN. In addition, the expression of Cx43 was upregulated in septic myocardial tissue, and APN downregulated Cx43 expression in septic myocardial tissue. In conclusion, both in vitro and in vivo, the data demonstrated that APN can protect against LPS-induced apoptosis during sepsis by modifying the Cx43 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Sepsis after elective surgery - Incidence, aetiology and outcome

BACKGROUND

Sepsis requiring admission to intensive care (ICU) is a rare complication of elective surgery, but is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and outcome of sepsis following elective surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational study where all admissions to Icelandic ICUs during calendar years 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 were screened, identifing patients with sepsis following elective surgery (ACCP/SCCM criteria). The number of elective operations performed at the largest center (Landspitali) during the study years were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the incidence and outcome of patients with sepsis after elective surgery.

RESULTS

During the study years, 88 patients were admitted to Icelandic ICUs with sepsis following elective surgery. Of those, 80 were operated at Landspitali, where the incidence of sepsis was 0.19% per elective procedure, highest following pancreaticoduodenectomies (14%, CI 6-25) and esophagectomies (13%, CI 4-27), but the greatest number of patients (30% (26/88)) developed sepsis after a colorectal procedure. The most common infection sources were the abdomen (65% (57/88)) and lungs/mediastinum (22% (19/88)), frequently polymicrobial (58% (36/62) of patients with cultures). The incidence of insufficient empirical antibiotics was high (50% (30/60)). The median ICU and hospital length-of-stay were 5.5 and 26 days and the 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were 16% (14/88) and 41% (36/87), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of sepsis following elective surgery is low in Iceland but mortality is high. Initial antimicrobial therapy needs careful consideration in these hospital-acquired, often polymicrobial infections.

Increased reporting but decreased mortality associated with adverse events in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery: Competing forces in an era of heightened focus on care quality?

INTRODUCTION

Advances in surgical techniques have improved clinical outcomes and decreased complications. At the same time, heightened attention to care quality has resulted in increased identification of hospital-acquired adverse events. We evaluated these divergent effects on the reported safety of lung cancer resection.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We analyzed hospital-acquired adverse events in patients undergoing lung cancer resection using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) database from 2001-2010. Demographics, diagnoses, and procedures data were abstracted using ICD-9 codes. We used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety Indicators (PSI) to identify hospital-acquired adverse events. Weighted analyses were performed using t-tests and chi-square.

RESULTS

A total of 302,444 hospitalizations for lung cancer resection and were included in the analysis. Incidence of PSI increased over time (28% in 2001-2002 vs 34% in 2009-2010; P<0.001). Those with one or more PSI had increased in-hospital mortality (aOR = 11.1; 95% CI, 4.7-26.1; P<0.001) and prolonged hospitalization (12.5 vs 7.8 days; P<0.001). However, among those with PSI, in-hospital mortality decreased over time, from 17% in 2001-2002 to 2% in 2009-2010.

CONCLUSIONS

In a recent ten-year period, documented rates of adverse events associated with lung cancer resection increased. Despite this increase in safety events, we observed that mortality decreased. Because such metrics may be incorporated into hospital rankings and reimbursement considerations, adverse event coding consistency and content merit further evaluation.

A Prospective Study of Community Mediators on the Risk of Sepsis After Cancer

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined whether community factors mediate the relationship between patients surviving cancer and future development of sepsis. We determined the influence of community characteristics upon risk of sepsis after cancer, and whether there are differences by race.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis using data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort years 2003 to 2012 complemented with county-level community characteristics from the American Community Survey and County Health Rankings. We categorized those with a self-reported prior cancer diagnosis as "cancer survivors" and those without a history of cancer as "no cancer history." We defined sepsis as hospitalization for a serious infection with ≥2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. We examined the mediation effect of community characteristics on the association between cancer survivorship and sepsis incidence using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, race, and total number of comorbidities. We repeated analysis stratified by race.

RESULTS

There were 28 840 eligible participants, of which 2860 (9.92%) were cancer survivors, and 25 289 (90.08%) were no cancer history participants. The only observed community-level mediation effects were from income (% mediated 0.07%; natural indirect effect [NIE] on hazard scale] = 1.001, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.000-1.005) and prevalence of adult smoking (% mediated = 0.21%; NIE = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.004). We observed similar effects when stratified by race.

CONCLUSION

Cancer survivors are at increased risk of sepsis; however, this association is weakly mediated by community poverty and smoking prevalence.

Health Disparities and Sepsis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Influence of Race on Sepsis-Related Mortality

RATIONALE

Racial disparities in sepsis outcomes have been previously reported. However, recently, there have been inconsistencies in identifying which socioeconomic variables, such as race, account for these disparities. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review in order to examine the impact of race on sepsis-attributable mortality.

METHODS

Systematic searches for English-language articles identified through MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, PubMed, ERIC, and Cochrane Library databases from 1960 to 1 February 2017. Included studies examined sepsis outcomes in the context of sepsis incidence and/or mortality. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed study quality. The meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies adhered to the predefined selection criteria and were included in the review. Of the 21 studies, we pooled data from 6 studies comparing African American/Black race as a risk factor for sepsis-related mortality disparities (reference group being Caucasian/White). From the meta-analysis on these six studies, African American/Black race was found to have no statistical significant relationship with sepsis-related mortality (odds ratio 1.20, 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.77). Similar results were found for other races (Native Americans, Asians) and ethnicities (Hispanic/Latinos).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of available evidence from a limited number of observation retrospective studies, race alone cannot fully explain sepsis-related disparities, especially sepsis-attributable mortality.

Comprehensive analysis of in-hospital delirium after major surgical oncology procedures: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Very few population-based assessments of delirium have been performed to date. These have not assessed the implications of delirium after major surgical oncology procedures (MSOPs). We examined the temporal trends of delirium following 10 MSOPs, as well as patient and hospital delirium risk factors. Finally, we examined the effect of delirium on length of stay, inhospital mortality, and hospital charges.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent prostatectomy, colectomy, cystectomy, mastectomy, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy, oophorectomy, lung resection, or pancreatectomy within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003-2013). We yielded a weighted estimate of 3 431 632 patients. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses identified the determinants of postoperative delirium, as well as the effect of delirium on length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and hospital charges.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2013, annual delirium rate increased from 0.7 to 1.2% (+6.0%; p<0.001). Delirium rates were highest after cystectomy (predicted probability [PP] 3.1%) and pancreatectomy (PP 2.6%), and lowest after prostatectomy (PP 0.15%) and mastectomy (PP 0.13%). Advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 3.80), maleness (OR 1.38), and higher Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.20), as well as postoperative complications represent risk factors for delirium after MSOPs. Delirium after MSOP was associated with prolonged length of stay (OR 3.00), higher mortality (OR 1.15), and increased in-hospital charges (OR 1.13).

CONCLUSIONS

No contemporary population-based assessments of delirium after MSOP have been reported. According to our findings, delirium after MSOP has a profound impact on patient outcomes that ranges from prolonged length of stay to higher mortality and increased in-hospital charges.

Risk Factors for Post-Operative Sepsis and Septic Shock in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Background: Sepsis after emergency surgery is associated with a higher mortality rate than elective surgery, and total hospital costs increase by 2.3 times. This study aimed to identify risk factors for post-operative sepsis or septic shock in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) by identifying patients undergoing emergency surgery between 2012 and 2015 and comparing those who developed post-operative sepsis or septic shock (S/SS) with those who did not. Patients with pre-operative sepsis or septic shock were excluded. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the development of S/SS in patients undergoing non-elective surgery. Results: Of 122,281 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 2,399 (2%) developed S/SS. Risk factors for S/SS were American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) class 2 or higher (odds ratio [OR] 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.19-3.02; p < 0.0001), totally dependent (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.38-2.83; p = 0.00021) or partially dependent (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.35-2.00; p < 0.0001) functional status, and male gender (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.18-1.45; p < 0.0001). Compared with colorectal procedures, patients undergoing pancreatic (OR 2.33, CI 1.40-3.87; p = 0.00108) and small intestine (OR 1.27; CI 1.12-1.44; p = 0.00015) surgery were more likely to develop S/SS. Patients undergoing biliary surgery (OR 0.38; CI 0.30-0.48; p < 0.0001) were less likely to develop S/SS. Conclusions: Risk factors for the development of sepsis or septic shock are ASA PS class 2 or higher, partially or totally dependent functional status, and male gender. Emergency pancreatic or small intestinal procedures may confer a higher risk. Greater vigilance and early post-operative screening may be of benefit in patients with these risk factors.

Impact of a hospital-wide sepsis pathway on improved quality of care and clinical outcomes in surgical patients at a comprehensive cancer centre

PURPOSE

Sepsis is a significant complication following cancer surgery. Although standardised care bundles improve sepsis outcomes in other populations, the benefits in cancer patients are unclear. The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of sepsis in cancer patients post-surgery, and to evaluate the impact of a clinical sepsis pathway on management and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A standardised hospital-wide sepsis pathway was developed in 2013, and all cases of sepsis at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were sepsis onset during the 100-day period following a surgical procedure for cancer diagnosis. Patients were identified using ICD-10-AM sepsis discharge codes, audit documentation and the hospital's antimicrobial approval system. Sepsis episodes were classified as managed on- or off-pathway.

RESULTS

A total of 119 sepsis episodes were identified. Of these, 71 (59.7%) were managed on the sepsis pathway. Episodes managed on-pathway resulted more frequently in administration of appropriate antibiotics compared to those off-pathway (94.4% vs. 66.7%, p < 0.001), and had shorter time to first-dose antibiotics (median 85 vs. 315 min, p < 0.001). Pathway utilisation was associated with significant reductions in need for inotropes (7% vs. 13%, p = 0.023), ventilation (3% vs. 10%, p = 0.006) and length of hospitalisation (median 15 vs. 30 days, p = 0.008). The most frequent source of infection was organ-space surgical site infection (24.4% of instances).

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated hospital-wide sepsis pathway had significant impact on the quality of care and clinical outcomes of sepsis in cancer surgery patients. Cost-benefit analysis of sepsis pathways for cancer patients is required.

Adiponectin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced cell injury of H9c2 cells by regulating AMPK pathway

Adiponectin, an adipokine synthesized and secreted majorly by adipose tissue, is reported to exert cardioprotective properties via anti-inflammation and antiapoptosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common inflammation and apoptosis inducer of cardiomyocytes. However, few studies have reported the roles of adiponectin on LPS-induced inflammation as well as apoptosis of H9c2 cells, and the possible mechanisms of these effects. In the present study, we found that adiponectin significantly relieved LPS-induced cytotoxicity including decreased viability and elevated LDH release, inhibited LPS-triggered inflammation, which is evidenced by increases in release of TNF-α, IL-1β as well as IL-6, and attenuated the enhanced rates of apoptotic cells as well as increased caspase-3 activity caused by LPS in H9c2 cells. In addition, our data demonstrated that adiponectin upregulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation of H9c2 cells with or without LPS administration. Moreover, we found that blocking AMPK pathway by compound c attenuated the protective effects of adiponectin against the cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and apoptosis of H9c2 cells resulted from LPS. Our observations bring novel insights for understanding the mediatory role of AMPK pathway implicated in the protective effects of adiponectin against LPS-induced cardiotoxicity.

Cardiovascular and other competing causes of death among patients with cancer from 2006 to 2015: An Australian population-based study

BACKGROUND

With improved cancer survivorship, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other noncancer events compete with cancer as the underlying cause of death, but the risks of mortality in competing-risk settings have not been well characterized.

METHODS

The authors identified 21,637 individuals who had a first cancer registered between 2006 and 2013, with follow-up to 2015, in the Australian population-based Tasmanian Cancer Registry. The cumulative incidence of deaths from specific competing events was assessed in competing-risk analyses. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs) for deaths from noncancer causes were calculated for comparison with the general population.

RESULTS

Overall, 8844 deaths were observed, with 1946 (22%) from competing events. The cumulative incidence of deaths from CVD increased significantly with age at first cancer diagnosis and exceeded other competing events at age ≥65 years. The risk of death from CVD was more common than expected in the first year of follow-up (SMR, 1.44 [95% confidence interval, 1.26-1.64]; AER, 36.8 per 10,000 person-years). The SMR and AER for CVD deaths varied by first cancer site, indicating increased risks after a first diagnosis of lung cancer, hematologic malignancy, and urinary tract cancer. For other noncancer events, the SMRs increased significantly for deaths from infectious disease and respiratory disease and were highest in the first year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

CVD was the leading cause of competing mortality among Tasmanian patients with cancer who were diagnosed from 2006 to 2013. The higher than expected occurrence of death from CVD and other noncancer events during the first year after a cancer diagnosis highlights the importance of early preventive interventions.

Mediating Effects of Frailty Indicators on the Risk of Sepsis After Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors are at increased risk of sepsis, possibly attributed to weakened physiologic conditions. The aims of this study were to examine the mediation effect of indicators of frailty on the association between cancer survivorship and sepsis incidence and whether these differences varied by race.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis using data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke cohort from years 2003 to 2012. We categorized frailty as the presence of ≥2 frailty components (weakness, exhaustion, and low physical activity). We categorized participants as "cancer survivors" or "no cancer history" derived from self-reported responses of being diagnosed with any cancer. We examined the mediation effect of frailty on the association between cancer survivorship and sepsis incidence using Cox regression. We repeated analysis stratified by race.

RESULTS

Among 28 062 eligible participants, 2773 (9.88%) were cancer survivors and 25 289 (90.03%) were no cancer history participants. Among a total 1315 sepsis cases, cancer survivors were more likely to develop sepsis (12.66% vs 3.81%, P < .01) when compared to participants with no cancer history (hazard ratios: 2.62, 95% confidence interval: 2.31-2.98, P < .01). The mediation effects of frailty on the log-hazard scale were very small: weakness (0.57%), exhaustion (0.31%), low physical activity (0.20%), frailty (0.75%), and total number of frailty indicators (0.69%). Similar results were observed when stratified by race.

CONCLUSION

Cancer survivors had more than a 2-fold increased risk of sepsis, and indicators of frailty contributed to less than 1% of this disparity.

A prospective study of cancer survivors and risk of sepsis within the REGARDS cohort

BACKGROUND

Hospitalized cancer patients are nearly 10 times more likely to develop sepsis when compared to patients with no cancer history. We compared the risk of sepsis between cancer survivors and no cancer history participants, and examined whether race was an effect modifier.

METHODS

We performed a prospective analysis of data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. We categorized participants as "cancer survivors" or "no cancer history" derived from self-reported responses of being diagnosed with any cancer, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. We defined sepsis as hospitalization for a serious infection with ≥2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria. We performed Cox proportional hazard models to examine the risk of sepsis after cancer (adjusted for sociodemographics, health behaviors, and comorbidities), and stratified by race.

RESULTS

Among 29,693 eligible participants, 2959 (9.97%) were cancer survivors, and 26,734 (90.03%) were no cancer history participants. Among 1393 sepsis events, the risk of sepsis was higher for cancer survivors (adjusted HR: 2.61, 95% CI: 2.29-2.98) when compared to no cancer history participants. Risk of sepsis after cancer survivorship was similar for Black and White participants (p value for race and cancer interaction = 0.63).

CONCLUSION

In this prospective cohort of community-dwelling adults we observed that cancer survivors had more than a 2.5-fold increased risk of sepsis. Public health efforts should attempt to mitigate sepsis risk by awareness and appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotic administration) to cancer survivors with suspected infection regardless of the number of years since cancer remission.

Immunothrombotic Activity of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Extracellular Vesicles in Secondary Organ Failure Induced by Trauma and Sterile Insults

Despite significant improvements in injury prevention and emergency response, injury-related death and morbidity continues to increase in the US and worldwide. Patients with trauma, invasive operations, anti-cancer treatment, and organ transplantation produce a host of danger signals and high levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mediators, such as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs). DAMPs (e.g., nucleic acids, histone, high-mobility group box 1 protein, and S100) are molecules released from injured, stressed, or activated cells that act as endogenous ligands of innate immune receptors, whereas EVs (e.g., microparticle and exosome) are membranous vesicles budding off from plasma membranes and act as messengers between cells. DAMPs and EVs can stimulate multiple innate immune signaling pathways and coagulation cascades, and uncontrolled DAMP and EV production causes systemic inflammatory and thrombotic complications and secondary organ failure (SOF). Thus, DAMPs and EVs represent potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for SOF. High plasma levels of DAMPs and EVs have been positively correlated with mortality and morbidity of patients or animals with trauma or surgical insults. Blocking or neutralizing DAMPs using antibodies or small molecules has been demonstrated to ameliorate sepsis and SOF in animal models. Furthermore, a membrane immobilized with nucleic acid-binding polymers captured and removed multiple DAMPs and EVs from extracellular fluids, thereby preventing the onset of DAMP- and EV-induced inflammatory and thrombotic complications in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge of DAMPs, EVs, and SOF and discuss potential therapeutics and preventive intervention for organ failure secondary to trauma, surgery, anti-cancer therapy, and allogeneic transplantation.

Clinical factors influencing mortality risk in hospital-acquired sepsis

BACKGROUND

Identification of factors that confer an increased risk of mortality in hospital-acquired sepsis (HAS) is necessary to help prevent, and improve the outcome of, this condition.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality in patients with HAS.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with HAS in a major Spanish Hospital from 2011 to 2015. Data from adults receiving any of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes associated with sepsis were collected. Those fulfilling the SEPSIS-2 definition with no evidence of infection during the first 48 h following hospitalization were included (N = 196). Multivariate analysis was employed to identify the risk factors of mortality.

FINDINGS

HAS patients were found to have many of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (male sex, ageing, antecedent of cardiac disease, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, smoking habit) and cancer. Vascular disease or chronic kidney disease were associated with 28-day mortality. Time from hospital admission to sepsis diagnosis, and the presence of organ failure were risk factors for 28-day and hospital mortality. Experiencing more than one episode of sepsis increased the risk of hospital mortality. 'Sepsis code' for the early identification of sepsis was protective against hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies several major factors associated with mortality in patients suffering from HAS. Implementation of surveillance programmes for the early identification and treatment of sepsis translate into a clear benefit.

Postoperative sepsis prediction in patients undergoing major cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients are at increased risk for postoperative sepsis. However, studies addressing the issue are lacking. We sought to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors of 30-d sepsis after major cancer surgery (MCS) and derive a postoperative sepsis risk stratification tool.

METHODS

Patients undergoing one of nine MCSs (gastrointestinal, urological, gynecologic, or pulmonary) were identified within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2011, n = 69,169). Multivariable adjusted analyses (MVA) were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative sepsis. A composite sepsis risk score (CSRS) was constructed using the regression coefficients of predictors significant on MVA. The score was stratified into low, intermediate, and high risk, and its predictive accuracy for sepsis, septic shock, and mortality was assessed using the area under the curve analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 4.3% (n = 2954) of patients developed postoperative sepsis. In MVA, Black race (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30, P = 0.002), preoperative hematocrit <30 (OR = 1.40, P = 0.022), cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular comorbidities (P < 0.010), American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (P < 0.05), operative time (OR = 1.002, P < 0.001), surgical approach (OR = 1.81, P < 0.001), and procedure type (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of postoperative sepsis. CSRS demonstrated favorable accuracy in predicting postoperative sepsis, septic shock, and mortality (area under the curve 0.72, 0.75, and 0.74, respectively). Furthermore, CSRS risk stratification demonstrated high concordance with sepsis rates, 1.3% in low-risk patients versus 9.7% in high-risk patients. Similarly, 30-d mortality rate varied from 0.5% to 5.5% (10-fold difference) in low-risk patients versus high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identifies the major risk factors for 30-d sepsis after MCS. These risk factors have been converted into a simple, accurate bedside sepsis risk score. This tool might facilitate improved patient-physician interaction regarding the risk of postoperative sepsis and septic shock.

Failure to rescue patients from early critical complications of oesophagogastric cancer surgery

'Failure to rescue' is a significant cause of mortality in gastrointestinal surgery. Differences in mortality between high and low-volume hospitals are not associated with large difference in complication rates but to the ability of the hospital to effectively rescue patients from the complications. We reviewed the critical complications following surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer, their prevention and reasons for failure to rescue. Strategies focussing on perioperative optimization, the timely recognition and management of complications may be essential to improving outcome in low-volume hospitals.

Sepsis following cancer surgery: the need for early recognition and standardised clinical care

Despite the implementation of multimodal bundles of care in hospitalised patients, post-operative sepsis in patients with cancer still accounts for a significant burden of illness and substantial healthcare costs. Patients undergoing surgery for cancer are at particular risk of sepsis due to underlying malignancy, being immunocompromised associated with cancer management and the complexity of surgical procedures performed. In this review, we evaluate the burden of illness and risks for sepsis following surgery for cancer. Current evidence supporting standardised strategies for sepsis management (including early recognition and resuscitation) is examined together with challenges in implementing quality improvement programs.