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Davids R, Robinson G, Van Tonder C, Robinson J, Ahmed N, Domingo A. Jehovah's Witness Needing Critical Care: A Narrative Review on the Expanding Arsenal. Crit Care Res Pract 2024; 2024:1913237. [PMID: 38813134 PMCID: PMC11136542 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1913237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Present day Jehovah's Witness (JW) religion accounts for 8.5 million followers. A tenant feature of the JW faith is religious objection to transfusions of blood and blood products. Interpatient variability, as it pertains to blood and blood products may occur; hence, a confidential interview will determine which products individual may consent to (Marsh and Bevan, 2002). This belief and practice place great restrictions on treating medical professionals in scenarios of life-threatening anaemia and active haemorrhage. The review to follow explores the physiological and pathophysiological consequences of severe anaemia. Non-blood transfusion practices are explored, many of which are potentially lifesaving. Particular attention is drawn to the evolving science involving artificial oxygen carriers and their use in emergency situations. A greater safety profile ensures its future use amongst religious objectors to be greatly beneficial. Intravenous iron supplementation has enjoyed a lively debate within the critical care community. A review of recent systematic and meta-analysis supports its use in the ICU; however, more investigation is needed into the complementary use of hepcidin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Davids
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Gareth Robinson
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Charmé Van Tonder
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Jordan Robinson
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Nadiyah Ahmed
- Department of Critical Care, University of Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Abdurragmaan Domingo
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Rawal G, Kumar R, Yadav S, Singh A. Anemia in Intensive Care: A Review of Current Concepts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:109-114. [PMID: 29967848 DOI: 10.1515/jccm-2016-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anemia in patients admitted to an intensive care unit is common and affects almost all critically ill patients. The intensivist is faced with the challenge of treating multifactorial etiologies, mainly bleeding and blood loss due to phlebotomy and decreased erythropoiesis. Red cell transfusion, the most common treatment for anemia, comes with associated risks, which may further reduce the chance of survival of these patients. The best evidence suggests the practice of restrictive RBC transfusion (transfusion at Hb<7 g/dl). In this article, the etiopathogenesis of the anemia in critically ill is reviewed, and current opinion on the pros and cons of various management strategies are discussed with emphasize on restrictive transfusion policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Rawal
- Respiratory Intensive Care, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj Kumar
- Respiratory Intensive Care, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
| | - Sankalp Yadav
- Department of Medicine & TB, Chest Clinic Moti Nagar, North Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrita Singh
- Gen-X Diagnostics, Madhu Vihar, New Delhi, India
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3
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Huang KC, Tsai YH, Huang KC, Lee MS. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score as a predictor and monitor of mortality in patients with Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003720. [PMID: 25923115 PMCID: PMC4414517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (VNSSTIs) usually predispose patients with or without preexisting liver disease to septic shock, and then evolve to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), thus resulting in high mortality in humans. However, clinicians do not have a valid prediction model to provide a reliable estimate of case-fatality rate when caring for these acutely and/or critically ill patients. Methods/Principal Findings We retrospectively analyzed 39 consecutive patients with VNSSTIs (mean age: 65.7 ± 11.3 years) at our institution between 2007 and 2010. All patients were treated with the same protocol. Demographic and clinical characteristics, disease severity on admission, treatment details, and outcomes were collected for each patient and extracted for analyses. We studied the predictive value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), modified MELD including sodium (MELD-Na), and laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) scores for case-fatality. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. The mean MELD, MELD-Na and LRINEC scores on admission were 15.1 ± 1.1, 17.7 ± 1.1, and 3.4 ± 0.4 points, respectively. After admission, these patients had temporary or progressive deterioration of nearly all their scores and lab values. The area under the ROC curve for the MELD and ΔMELD scoring models were 0.929 (p = 0.002) and 0.897 (p = 0.005), respectively. An optimal MELD/ΔMELD cutoff value ≥ 20/2 had a good sensitivity and specificity (all > 80%), with a 64/13-fold increased odds for case-fatality. Additionally, the development of severe forms of anemia (p = 0.014) and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.019) were associated with an increased case-fatality rate. Discussion The MELD/ΔMELD scoring model is an effective risk stratification indicator at the time of admission and also an excellent condition monitor during hospitalization for medical care of acutely and/or critically ill patients with VNSSTIs. VNSSTIs have increased significantly over the last two decades, with cases now regularly reported globally. Despite advancing antibiotic and infection control practices, these infections are still highly lethal and disabling diseases. They usually predispose patients to septic shock and then evolve to liver dysfunction and MODS, thus resulting in high mortality in humans. However, clinicians do not have a valid prediction model to provide a reliable estimate of case-fatality rate when caring for these acutely and critically ill patients. MELD scoring system was originally developed to assess the short-term prognosis of cirrhotic patients undergoing the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure. By using the MEGX test, the strong negative association between the scores and the residual liver function has been confirmed. Therefore, it has been validated and applied to a wide spectrum of clinical scenarios in recent years. In this work, we studied the predictive value of the MELD scoring system for case-fatality in patients suffering VNSSTIs. We have found that the MELD scoring system is an effective risk stratification indicator at the time of admission, and also an excellent condition monitor during hospitalization for medical care of acutely and critically ill patients with VNSSTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chin Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yao-Hung Tsai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Huang
- Department of Business Administration (Statistics), Nanhua University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Mel S. Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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4
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Optimal hemoglobin concentration in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage after surgical treatment to prevent symptomatic cerebral vasospasm. Neuroreport 2015; 26:263-6. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Abstract
Erythropoiesis is a vital process governed through various factors. There is extreme unavailability of suitable donor due to rare phenotypic blood groups and other related complications like hemoglobinopathies, polytransfusion patients, and polyimmunization. Looking at the worldwide scarcity of blood, especially in low income countries and the battlefield, mimicking erythropoiesis using ex vivo methods can provide an efficient answer to various problems associated with present donor derived blood supply system. Fortunately, there are many ex vivo erythropoiesis methodologies being developed by various research groups using stem cells as the major source material for large scale blood production. Most of these ex vivo protocols use a cocktail of similar growth factors under overlapping growth conditions. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a key regulator in most ex vivo protocols along with other growth factors such as SCF, IL-3, IGF-1, and Flt-3. Now transfusable units of blood can be produced by using these protocols with their set of own limitations. The present paper focuses on the molecular mechanism and significance of various growth factors in these protocols that shall remain helpful for large scale production.
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Kotwal J, Singh V, Kotwal A, Dutta V, Nair V. A study of haematological and bone marrow changes in symptomatic patients with human immune deficiency virus infection with special mention of functional iron deficiency, anaemia of critically ill and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Med J Armed Forces India 2013; 69:319-25. [PMID: 24600136 PMCID: PMC3862888 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haematological abnormalities are among the most common complications of HIV. These involve all lineages of blood cells. Bone marrow studies form integral part of complete workup of the HIV positive patients specially when they present as case of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), refractory anaemia and pancytopenia. METHOD 55 HIV infected symptomatic patient requiring bone marrow examination were included in the study. Relevant clinical history, baseline haematological investigations including full blood count, CD4 cell counts using flow cytometry were recorded. RESULTS Median ANC values in males were found to be significantly lower than females (p = 0.046). CD4 cell count statistically significantly correlated with age, TLC, ANC & platelet count. Anaemia was present in 45 patients and out of which 66.66% patients had normocytic normochromic anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia was present in (37.77%) patients and anaemia of chronic disease in (62.22%) patients. 2 patients had anaemia of the critically ill. Two patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and showed lymphoma deposit in the bone marrow. Gelatinous degeneration was seen in 3 patients. Ill formed epithelioid cell granulomas were seen in 7 cases, and 2 cases were positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Haemophagocytosis was seen in 8 cases; two cases later diagnosed as a case of infection induced HLH. Leishmania donovani (LD) bodies seen in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS Bone marrow study is an important investigation in HIV infected symptomatic patients with peripheral haematological abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Kotwal
- Senior Advisor & Professor, Dept of Pathology, AFMC, Pune 40, India
| | - Vikram Singh
- Resident, Dept of Pathology, AFMC, Pune 40, India
| | | | - Vibha Dutta
- Professor & Head, Dept of Pathology, AFMC, Pune 40, India
| | - Velu Nair
- Dean & Deputy Comdt, AFMC, Pune-40, India
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7
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Güresir E, Vasiliadis N, Konczalla J, Raab P, Hattingen E, Seifert V, Vatter H. Erythropoietin prevents delayed hemodynamic dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage in a randomized controlled experimental setting. J Neurol Sci 2013; 332:128-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Revised: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Jelkmann I, Jelkmann W. Impact of erythropoietin on intensive care unit patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 40:310-8. [PMID: 24273484 DOI: 10.1159/000354128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Anemia is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are mainstays of their treatment and can be life-saving. Allogeneic blood components inherently bear risks of infection and immune reactions. Although these risks are rare in developed countries, recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) and other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been considered alternative anti-anemia treatment options. As summarized herein, however, most of the clinical studies suggest that ESAs are not usually advisable in ICU patients unless approved indications exist (e.g., renal disease). First, ESAs act in a delayed way, inducing an increase in reticulocytes only after a lag of 3-4 days. Second, many critically ill patients present with ESA resistance as inflammatory mediators impair erythropoietic cell proliferation and iron availability. Third, the ESA doses used for treatment of ICU patients are very high. Fourth, ESAs are not legally approved for general use in ICU patients. Solely in distinct cases, such as Jehovah's Witnesses who refuse allogeneic blood transfusions due to religious beliefs, ESAs may be considered an exceptional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Jelkmann
- Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck, Germany
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9
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Sherman CH, Macivor DC. Blood utilization: fostering an effective hospital transfusion culture. J Clin Anesth 2012; 24:155-63. [PMID: 22414711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2011.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
An effective hospital transfusion culture should encourage clinicians to consider the possibility of transfusion in their patients well before the need actually arises, and to plan ahead in an attempt to use blood products most efficiently. Strategies for improved blood utilization include timely and adequate preoperative assessment of risk, optimization of baseline hemoglobin, anticipation of potential transfusion problems, intraoperative techniques to minimize blood loss, blood conservation technologies, transfusion guidelines and targeted therapy, point of care testing, and massive transfusion protocols. Attention to these elements promotes a safe and cost-effective transfusion culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Hyatt Sherman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Kaur P, Basu S, Kaur G, Kaur R. Transfusion protocol in trauma. J Emerg Trauma Shock 2011; 4:103-8. [PMID: 21633577 PMCID: PMC3097557 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2700.76844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood and blood components are considered drugs because they are used in the treatment of diseases. As with any drug, adverse effects may occur, necessitating careful consideration of therapy. Like any other therapeutic decision, the need for transfusion should be considered on the basis of risks and benefits and alternative treatments available to avoid over- and under-transfusion. This review is focused on the blood transfusion protocol in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock. Besides, issues related to emergency and massive transfusion have also been elaborated. We conducted a comprehensive MEDLINE search and reviewed the relevant literature, with particular reference to emergency medical care in trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramjit Kaur
- Blood Bank, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, India
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11
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Clinical practice guideline: Red blood cell transfusion in adult trauma and critical care*. Crit Care Med 2009; 37:3124-57. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3181b39f1b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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12
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Influence of red blood cell transfusion on mortality and long-term functional outcome in 292 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage*. Crit Care Med 2009; 37:1886-92. [DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e31819ffd7f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Anemia of critical illness, a commonly encountered clinical situation, is hematologically similar to that of chronic anemia, except that the onset is generally sudden. The etiology is usually multifactorial, occurring as a consequence of direct inhibitory effects of inflammatory cytokines, erythropoietin deficiency, blunted erythropoietic response, blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, and renal insufficiency. Although anemia is not well tolerated by critically ill patients, aggressive treatment of anemia can be just as detrimental as no treatment. Different types of anemia may coexist in a patient in the intensive care unit, making diagnosis and differentiation among these anemias complex, therefore requiring good diagnostic skills. Although several therapeutic options are available to treat anemia, critically ill patients often receive a transfusion, and yet, most recent studies indicate that blood transfusions in critically ill patients are associated with worse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality. These studies have generated interest in the administration of exogenous erythropoietin and iron therapy. Unfortunately, the accurate determination of iron status can be a rather difficult task, an undertaking that is made even more difficult by the presence of comorbid conditions that can affect the commonly used parameters for guiding iron therapy. The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents is rapidly gaining acceptance, although they also present potential problems of their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwame Asare
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee 37202, USA
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Kanakaris NK, Petsatodis G, Chalidis B, Manidakis N, Kontakis G, Giannoudis PV. The role of erythropoietin in the acute phase of trauma management: evidence today. Injury 2009; 40:21-7. [PMID: 19117559 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2008.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Revised: 09/05/2008] [Accepted: 09/05/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Trauma patients often present in a state of haemorrhagic shock. Blood products remain the gold standard of resuscitation, but allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) are associated with several risks. The stimulating effect of recombinant-erythropoietin (EPO-A) on erythropoiesis has raised interest in its administration as an alternative. The existing evidence on the early use of EPO-A in the acute phase of trauma patients management consists of only 14 publications. The level of evidence of these studies and the number of treated patients was not found to be adequate to support its generalised use, despite their favourable results. Its safety profile, the preliminary proofs of its efficacy, and the additional cyto-protective properties of EPO-A strongly encourage further controlled studies assessing its use in the acute setting of initial trauma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Kanakaris
- Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK
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15
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Hassan E. Anemia in the Critically Ill Patient. J Pharm Pract 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/0897190008318912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Anemia in critically ill patients has been described as an acute form of anemia of inflammatory disease and is characterized by a blunted erythropoietic response due in part to proinflammatory mediators. Management of anemia in critically ill patients is a complex issue and is best approached via a multiprofessional team regarding the use of allogenic blood, iron, nutritional therapy, and erythropoietic agents. Indiscriminant, ``routine'' red blood cell transfusions may not only be unnecessary, but may pose unnecessary risk to the intensive care unit patient. Most intensive care unit patients can tolerate lower hemoglobin/hematocrit concentrations than the typically accepted ``10/30 rule.'' Lower transfusion triggers with an overall transfusion strategy is warranted in the intensive care unit patient. The use of recombinant human erythropoietic agents may not be necessary with appropriate transfusion practices.
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Zink M, Englisch S, Dressing H. Neurobiology confirms psychopathology. On the antagonism of psychosis and obsessive-compulsive syndromes. Psychopathology 2008; 41:279-85. [PMID: 18594162 DOI: 10.1159/000141922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathological concepts of the 19th and early 20th century postulated an antagonism between psychotic and obsessive-compulsive disorders, assuming obsessions and compulsions to have protective effects on psychotic disintegration. Although both disorders have been subject to intense multimodal research, their pathogeneses are yet to be fully understood. METHODS Here, we discuss recent neurobiological findings pointing towards opposite directions which are strongly reminiscent of the historical psychopathological antagonism. RESULTS Obsessive-compulsive syndromes (OCS) are efficiently treated with serotonergic substances, while on the other hand modern antipsychotic drugs exert antiserotonergic effects. Especially these atypical antipsychotic substances, however, were found to involve the risk of inducing second-onset OCS. Dopamine antagonists are potent antipsychotic substances, whereas the partial dopamine agonist aripiprazole has been associated with an antiobsessive potency. Within the glutamatergic system, reduced NMDA-dependent glutamatergic neurotransmission is discussed to be one major pathomechanism of psychotic disorders, whilst NMDA antagonists have proven to be effective in improving treatment-resistant OCS. While neurogenetic findings seem to separate the populations in heterogeneous samples, detailed neuroimaging studies suggest that both disorders affect similar neurocircuits in different manners. CONCLUSIONS With regard to these findings, future research on schizo-obsessive syndromes will have to be multimodal, integrating psychopathology, neuropsychology, functional imaging, neurogenetics and psychopharmacology. Prospective trials involving these methods might be able to elucidate the dysbalances of neurotransmission and to locate the neuroanatomical and neuropsychological correlates. In particular, this might contribute to defining schizophrenic patients at risk for developing second-onset OCS and to evaluating new treatment strategies in patients suffering from both psychosis and OCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Zink
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatryand Psychotherapy, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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18
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Abstract
The surgical specialty of critical care has evolved into a field where the surgeon manages complex medical and surgical problems in critically ill patients. As a specialty, surgical critical care began when acutely ill surgical patients were placed in a designated area within a hospital to facilitate the delivery of medical care. As technology evolved to allow for development of increasingly intricate and sophisticated adjuncts to care, there has been recognition of the importance of physician availability and continuity of care as key factors in improving patient outcomes. Guidelines and protocols have been established to ensure quality improvement and are essential to licensing by state and national agencies. The modern ICU team provides continuous daily care to the patient in close communication with the primary operating physician. While the ultimate responsibility befalls the primary physician who performed the preoperative evaluation and operative procedure, the intensivist is expected to establish and enforce protocols, guidelines and patient care pathways for the critical care unit. It is difficult to imagine modern surgical ICU care without the surgical critical care specialist at the helm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Stawicki
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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