Critical care management of acute ischemic stroke

Small Peptides as Modulators of Serine Proteases

Serine proteases play critical roles in many physiological and pathological processes, and are proven diagnostic and therapeutic targets in a number of clinical indications. Suppression of the aberrant proteolytic activities of these proteases has been clinically used for the treatments of relevant diseases. Polypeptides with 10-20 residues are of great interests as medicinal modulators of serine proteases, because these peptides demonstrate the characteristics of both small molecule drugs and macromolecular drugs. In this review, we summarized the recent development of peptide-based inhibitors against serine proteases with potent inhibitory and high specificity comparable to monoclonal antibodies. In addition, we also discussed the strategies of enhancing plasma half-life and bioavailability of peptides in vivo, which is the main hurdle that limits the clinical translation of peptide-based drugs. This review advocates new avenue for the development of effective serine protease inhibitors and highlights the prospect of the medicinal use of these inhibitors.

Occurrence and outcome of fever in critically ill adults

OBJECTIVE

Although fever is common in the critically ill, only a small number of studies have specifically investigated its epidemiology in the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of fever in the critically ill and assess its effect on ICU outcome.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort. Fever was defined by temperature > or = 38.3 degrees C and high fever by > or = 39.5 degrees C.

SETTING

Calgary Health Region during 2000-2006.

PATIENTS

All adults (> or = 18 yrs) admitted to ICUs.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 24,204 ICU admission episodes occurred among 20,466 patients; 35% were classified as medical, 33% as cardiac surgical, 16% as other surgical, and 15% as trauma/neurologic. The cumulative incidence of fever and high fever was 44% and 8% and the incidence density was 24.3 and 2.7 per 100 days of ICU admission, respectively. The incidence density of fever was higher in trauma/neuro patients, males, younger patients, and was lower in those with admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores > or = 25. Seventeen percent and 31% of patients with fever and high fever had associated positive cultures. Resolution of fever and high fever occurred in 27% and 53% of patients before ICU discharge and prolonged fever and high fever lasting for 5 or more days in the ICU occurred in 18% and 11% of febrile patients, respectively. Although the presence of fever was not associated with increased ICU mortality (13% vs. 12%; p = .08), high fever was associated with significantly increased risk for death (20.3% vs. 12%, p < .0001). After controlling for confounding factors using multivariable logistic regression models, the influence of fever on the ICU mortality varied significantly according to its timing of onset, degree, and main admission category.

CONCLUSIONS

Fever is common in patients admitted to the ICU and its occurrence and impact on outcome varies among defined patient populations.

Evolution of a model for the thrombolysis of acute stroke patients

The National Audit Office (NAO, 2005) has reported that the priority afforded to stroke care should be increased, given its impact on health and cost to the NHS. It recommends improvements in preventing, treating and managing stroke patients in line with recent evidence. Thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke is a proven treatment that produces good results in significant numbers of patients (Mar et al, 2005). However, owing to various barriers, many hospitals in the UK have failed to implement effective systems to facilitate the delivery of this treatment to acute stroke patients. These barriers include a lack of skill, nursing knowledge, and 'fast-track' organization relating to thrombolysis as a treatment for acute stroke. Fears of intracranial bleeding and lack of appropriate stroke unit beds and issues of consent have also been identified as further problems (Innes and International Stroke Trial (IST-3), 2003). Taking these concerns into consideration, Scarborough District General Hospital has developed a multidisciplinary model with the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), integral to the delivery of treatment. Between 2003 and 2005, 24 stroke patients have received thrombolysis treatment and have been cared for in CCU. Outcome results have been positive, with 51% of patients demonstrating a significant benefit at 7 days post-stroke. This model has broken traditional professional and speciality boundaries to allow patients to receive treatments they otherwise would not have received. Moreover, it provides the potential for further exploration into the wider implementation of thrombolysis for acute stroke patients in the UK.