Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.38-0.45 versus crystalloid or albumin in patients with sepsis: systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Fluid management in the septic peri-operative patient

PURPOSE

This review provides insight into recent clinical studies involving septic peri-operative patients and highlights gaps in understanding fluid management. The aim is to enhance the understanding of safe fluid resuscitation to optimize peri-operative outcomes and reduce complications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research shows adverse surgical and clinical outcomes with both under- and over-hydration of peri-operative patients. The kinetic of intravenous fluids varies significantly during surgery, general anaesthesia, and sepsis with damage to endothelial glycocalyx (EG), which increases vascular permeability and interstitial oedema. Among clinical anaesthesia, neuraxial anaesthesia and sevoflurane have less effect on EG. Hypervolemia and the speed and volume of fluid infusion are also linked to EG shedding. Despite improvement in the antisepsis strategies, peri-operative sepsis is not uncommon. Fluid resuscitation is the cornerstone of sepsis management. However, overzealous fluid resuscitation is associated with increased mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Personalized fluid resuscitation based on a careful assessment of intravascular volume status, dynamic haemodynamic variables and fluid tolerance appears to be a safe approach. Balanced solutions (BS) are preferred over 0.9% saline in patients with sepsis and septic shock due to a potential reduction in mortality, when exclusive BS are used and/or large volume of fluids are required for fluid resuscitation. Peri-operative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) using dynamic haemodynamic variables remains an area of interest in reducing postoperative complications and can be considered for sepsis management (Supplementary Digital Content).

SUMMARY

Optimization of peri-operative fluid management is crucial for improving surgical outcomes and reducing postoperative complications in patients with sepsis. Individualized and GDFT using BS is the preferred approach for fluid resuscitation in septic peri-operative patients. Future research should evaluate the interaction between clinical anaesthesia and EG, its implications on fluid resuscitation, and the impact of GDFT in septic peri-operative patients.

The Effect of Albumin Administration in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze the development of albumin administration in patients admitted to the adult ICU. In addition, we assessed the impact of albumin administration on serum hemoglobin concentration.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective single-center study including all patients who were admitted to the ICU from January 2013 to December 2021 and stayed at least 24 hours.

SETTING

The study was conducted in an academic hospital (University Hospital Basel, Switzerland).

PATIENTS

A total of 20,927 admissions were included, of which 3748 received albumin at least once during their ICU stay. To analyze volume expansion, 2006 admissions met the inclusion criteria, namely at least two hemoglobin measurements within 12 hours, one albumin delivery, and experienced no bleeding, dialysis, or transfusions during this period.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS

We examined the hemoglobin levels before and after albumin administration and compared them with a matched control group to assess the amount and duration of volume expansion.

MAIN RESULTS

From 2013 to 2021 the proportion of critically ill patients treated with albumin rose from 5.0% to 32.5%. An overproportioned increase in albumin use could be seen in surgical patients (4.7-47.2%) and in those receiving RBC transfusion (13.7-72.6%). In those patients receiving albumin, a significant drop in hemoglobin of around 5 g/L on average could be observed following treatment with albumin.

CONCLUSION

Hemodilution was observable for at least 12 hours after albumin administration and may have caused a decrease in hemoglobin concentration of greater than 8 g/L when isooncotic albumin solution (5%, 25 g in 500 mL) was administered. This makes albumin, especially in its isooncotic form, an ideal colloid to achieve long-lasting volume expansion. However, RBC transfusions may increase under albumin therapy, as transfusion thresholds may be undershot after albumin administration.

Identifying new safety risk of human serum albumin: a retrospective study of real-world data

Objective: To mine and analyze the adverse reaction signals of human serum albumin (HSA) using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database for the safe clinical use of this drug. Methods: Data cleaning and analysis of adverse event reports in the FAERS database for a total of 76 quarters from Q1 2004 to Q4 2022 were performed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN). Gender-differentiated signal detection was used to investigate the gender differences in the occurrence of HSA adverse events. Results: Through a combination of three methods, a total of 535 adverse event reports were identified. These reports involved 1,885 cases of adverse reactions, with respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders, as well as general disorders and administration site conditions, as the most common. One noteworthy new signal was the occurrence of transfusion-related acute lung injury. Additionally, gender-differentiated signals were present, with females experiencing paraesthesia, hypertension, pulmonary oedema, loss of consciousness, and vomiting. Conclusion: This study has revealed that HSA poses a risk of causing transfusion-related acute lung injury. It has also been observed that adverse reactions, including paraesthesia, hypertension, pulmonary oedema, loss of consciousness, and vomiting, are more prevalent in females. These findings should be taken into account when using HSA in a clinical setting.

Controversies Surrounding Albumin Use in Sepsis: Lessons from Cirrhosis

This narrative review critically examines the role of albumin in sepsis management and compares it to its well-established application in liver cirrhosis. Albumin, a key plasma protein, is effective in the management of fluid imbalance, circulatory dysfunction, and inflammation-related complications. However, its role in sepsis is more intricate and characterized by ongoing debate and varied results from clinical studies. In sepsis, the potential benefits of albumin include maintaining vascular integrity and modulating inflammation, yet its consistent clinical efficacy is not as definitive as that in cirrhosis. This review evaluated various clinical trials and evidence, highlighting their limitations and providing practical insights for clinicians. It emphasizes identifying sepsis patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from albumin therapy, particularly exploring the correction of hypoalbuminemia. This condition, which is significantly corrected in patients with cirrhosis, may have similar therapeutic advantages in sepsis. The potential effectiveness of albumin in the low-volume resuscitation and deresuscitation phases of sepsis management was noted. Given the safety concerns observed in cirrhosis, such as pulmonary edema and hypervolemia associated with albumin therapy, cautious integration of albumin into sepsis treatment is mandatory. Personalized albumin therapy is advocated for tailoring strategies to the specific needs of each patient, based on their clinical presentation and underlying conditions. The need for further research to delineate the role of albumin in sepsis pathophysiology is underscored. The review emphasizes the importance of conducting trials to assess the effectiveness of albumin in correcting hypoalbuminemia in sepsis, its impact on patient outcomes, and the establishment of appropriate dosing and administration methods. This approach to albumin use in sepsis management is posited as a way to potentially improve patient outcomes in this complex clinical scenario while being mindful of the lessons learned from its use in cirrhosis.

Albumin administration in internal medicine: A journey between effectiveness and futility

Albumin is the most abundant circulating protein and provides about 70% of the plasma oncotic power. The molecule also carries many other biological functions (binding, transport and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds, antioxidation, and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses). Hypoalbuminemia is a frequent finding in many diseases, representing usually only a biomarker of poor prognosis rather than a primary pathophysiological event. Despite that, albumin is prescribed in many conditions based on the assumption that correction of hypoalbuminemia would lead to clinical benefits for the patients. Unfortunately, many of these indications are not supported by scientific evidence (or have been even disproved), so that a large part of albumin use is nowadays still inappropriate. Decompensated cirrhosis is the clinical area where albumin administration has been extensively studied and solid recommendations can be made. Besides prevention and treatment of acute complications, long-term albumin administration in patients with ascites has emerged in the last decade has a potential new disease-modifying treatment. In non-hepatological settings, albumin is widely used for fluid resuscitation in sepsis and critical illnesses, with no clear superiority over crystalloids. In many other conditions, scientific evidence supporting albumin prescription is weak or even absent. Thus, given its high cost and limited availability, action is needed to avoid the use of albumin for inappropriate and futile indications to ensure its availability in those conditions for which albumin has been demonstrated to have a real effectiveness and an advantage for the patient.

Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign

INTRODUCTION

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign was developed to improve outcomes for all patients with sepsis. Despite sepsis being the primary cause of death after thermal injury, burns have always been excluded from the Surviving Sepsis efforts. To improve sepsis outcomes in burn patients, an international group of burn experts developed the Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign (SSABC) as a testable guideline to improve burn sepsis outcomes.

METHODS

The International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI) reached out to regional or national burn organizations to recommend members to participate in the program. Two members of the ISBI developed specific "patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcome" (PICO) questions that paralleled the 2021 Surviving Sepsis Campaign [1]. SSABC participants were asked to search the current literature and rate its quality for each topic. At the Congress of the ISBI, in Guadalajara, Mexico, August 28, 2022, a majority of the participants met to create "statements" based on the literature. The "summary statements" were then sent to all members for comment with the hope of developing an 80% consensus. After four reviews, a consensus statement for each topic was created or "no consensus" was reported.

RESULTS

The committee developed sixty statements within fourteen topics that provide guidance for the early treatment of sepsis in burn patients. These statements should be used to improve the care of sepsis in burn patients. The statements should not be considered as "static" comments but should rather be used as guidelines for future testing of the best treatments for sepsis in burn patients. They should be updated on a regular basis.

CONCLUSION

Members of the burn community from the around the world have developed the Surviving Sepsis After Burn Campaign guidelines with the goal of improving the outcome of sepsis in burn patients.

Intraoperative Use of Albumin in Major Noncardiac Surgery: Incidence, Variability, and Association With Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The impact of albumin use during major surgery is unknown, and a dearth of evidence governing its use in major noncardiac surgery has long precluded its standardization in clinical guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigate institutional variation in albumin use among medical centers in the United States during major noncardiac surgery and explore the association of intraoperative albumin administration with important postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

The study is an observational retrospective cohort analysis performed among 54 U.S. hospitals in the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group and includes adult patients who underwent major noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia between January 2014 and June 2020. The primary endpoint was the incidence of albumin administration. Secondary endpoints are acute kidney injury (AKI), net-positive fluid balance, pulmonary complications, and 30-day mortality. Albumin-exposed and albumin-unexposed cases were compared within a propensity score-matched cohort to evaluate associations of albumin use with outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 614,215 major surgeries, predominantly iso-oncotic albumin was administered in 15.3% of cases and featured significant inter-institutional variability in use patterns. Cases receiving intraoperative albumin involved patients of higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and featured larger infused crystalloid volumes, greater blood loss, and vasopressor use. Overall, albumin was most often administered at high-volume surgery centers with academic affiliation, and within a propensity score-matched cohort (n=153,218), the use of albumin was associated with AKI (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.20-1.28, P <0.001), severe AKI (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.34-1.56, P <0.001), net-positive fluid balance (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.16-1.20, P <0.001), pulmonary complications (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.30-1.86, P <0.001), and 30-day all-cause mortality (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.26-1.49, P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous albumin is commonly administered among noncardiac surgeries with significant inter-institutional variability in use in the United States. Albumin administration was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.

Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: What Have We Learned in the Last Two Decades?

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome encompassing physiologic and biological abnormalities caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis progression into septic shock is associated with a dramatic increase in mortality, hence the importance of early identification and treatment. Over the last two decades, the definition of sepsis has evolved to improve early sepsis recognition and screening, standardize the terms used to describe sepsis and highlight its association with organ dysfunction and higher mortality. The early 2000s witnessed the birth of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), which showed a dramatic reduction in mortality leading to its wide adoption, and the surviving sepsis campaign (SSC), which has been instrumental in developing and updating sepsis guidelines over the last 20 years. Outside of early fluid resuscitation and antibiotic therapy, sepsis management has transitioned to a less aggressive approach over the last few years, shying away from routine mixed venous oxygen saturation and central venous pressure monitoring and excessive fluids resuscitation, inotropes use, and red blood cell transfusions. Peripheral vasopressor use was deemed safe and is rising, and resuscitation with balanced crystalloids and a restrictive fluid strategy was explored. This review will address some of sepsis management's most important yet controversial components and summarize the available evidence from the last two decades.

A Critical Reassessment of the Kidney Risk Caused by Tetrastarch Products in the Perioperative and Intensive Care Environments

Purpose: To reassess the results of former meta-analyses focusing on the relationship between novel HES preparations (130/0.4 and 130/0.42) and acute kidney injury. Previous meta-analyses are based on studies referring to partially or fully unpublished data or data from abstracts only. Methods: The studies included in the former meta-analyses were scrutinized by the authors independently. We completed a critical analysis of the literature, including the strengths, weaknesses and modifiers of the studies when assessing products, formulations and outcomes. Results: Both the published large studies and meta-analyses show significant bias in the context of the deleterious effect of 6% 130/0.4-0.42 HES. Without (1) detailed hemodynamic data, (2) the exclusion of other nephrotoxic events and (3) a properly performed evaluation of the dose-effect relationship, the AKI-inducing property of 6% HES 130/0.4 or 0.42 should not be considered as evidence. The administration of HES is safe and effective if the recommended dose is respected. Conclusions: Our review suggests that there is questionable evidence for the deteriorating renal effect of these products. Further well-designed, randomized and controlled trials are needed. Additionally, conclusions formulated for resource-rich environments should not be extended to more resource-scarce environments without proper qualifiers provided.

Intravenous fluid therapy in sepsis

Sepsis is the dysregulated immune response to severe infection that is common and lethal among critically ill patients. Fluid administration is a common treatment for hypotension and shock in early sepsis. Fluid therapy can also cause edema and organ dysfunction. Research on the best treatment strategies for sepsis has provided insights on the optimal timing, dose, and type of fluid to treat patients with sepsis. Initial research on early goal-directed therapy for sepsis included an initial bolus of 30 ml/kg of fluid, but more recent research has supported use of smaller volumes. After initial fluid resuscitation, minimizing additional fluid administration may be beneficial, but no single measure has been established as the best method to guide ongoing fluid management in sepsis. Dynamic measures of "fluid responsiveness" can predict which patients will experience an increase in cardiac output from a fluid bolus. Use of such a measure in clinical care remains limited by applicability to patient populations and uncertainty regarding the effect on clinical outcomes. Recent research informs the effect of fluid composition on outcomes for patients with sepsis. Current data support the use of balanced crystalloids, rather than saline, and the use of crystalloids, rather than semisynthetic colloids. The role for albumin administration in sepsis remains uncertain. Future research should focus on determining the optimal volume of fluid during sepsis resuscitation, the effectiveness of measures of "fluid responsiveness" in improving outcomes, the optimal composition of crystalloid solutions, the role of albumin, and the effects of "deresuscitation" after septic shock.

Lyophilized plasma resuscitation downregulates inflammatory gene expression in a mouse model of sepsis

BACKGROUND

Plasma resuscitation may improve outcomes by targeting endotheliopathy induced by severe sepsis or septic shock. Given the logistical constraints of using fresh frozen plasma in military settings or areas with prolonged prehospital care, dried products such as lyophilized plasma (LP) have been developed. We hypothesized that resuscitation with LP would decrease lung injury, inflammation, and mortality in a mouse sepsis model.

METHODS

Adult male C57BL/6J mice received an intraperitoneal injection of cecal slurry. Twenty-two hours later, the mice were anesthetized, the femoral artery was cannulated, and the mice were randomized to receive resuscitation with LP (10 mL/kg) or lactated Ringer's (LR; 30 mL/kg) for 1 hour. At 48-hours post-cecal slurry injection, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected, the lungs were harvested, and plasma was obtained. Mortality and bronchoalveolar lavage total protein concentration (as an indicator of permeability) were compared between groups. The lungs were analyzed for histopathology and inflammatory gene expression using NanoString, and the plasma was analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial function.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in short-term mortality between LR and LP mice, 38% versus 47%, respectively ( p = 0.62). Bronchoalveolar lavage protein levels were similar among mice resuscitated with LR or LP, and there was a lack of significant histopathologic lung injury in all groups. However, LP resuscitation resulted in downregulation of pulmonary inflammatory genes, including signaling pathways such as Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription and nuclear factor κB, and a circulating inflammatory biomarker profile similar to sham animals.

CONCLUSION

Resuscitation with LP did not improve mortality or reduce permeability or injury in this model compared with LR. However, LP downregulated pulmonary inflammatory gene signaling and may also reduce circulating biomarkers of inflammation. Future studies should evaluate LP resuscitation in combination with antibiotics and other therapeutics to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of LP may improve outcomes in sepsis.

PragmaTic, prospEctive, randomized, controlled, double-blind, mulTi-centre, multinational study on the safety and efficacy of a 6% HydroxYethyl Starch (HES) solution versus an electrolyte solution in trauma patients: study protocol for the TETHYS study

BACKGROUND

Trauma may be associated with significant to life-threatening blood loss, which in turn may increase the risk of complications and death, particularly in the absence of adequate treatment. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are used for volume therapy to treat hypovolemia due to acute blood loss to maintain or re-establish hemodynamic stability with the ultimate goal to avoid organ hypoperfusion and cardiovascular collapse. The current study compares a 6% HES 130 solution (Volulyte 6%) versus an electrolyte solution (Ionolyte) for volume replacement therapy in adult patients with traumatic injuries, as requested by the European Medicines Agency to gain more insights into the safety and efficacy of HES in the setting of trauma care.

METHODS

TETHYS is a pragmatic, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, multinational trial performed in two parallel groups. Eligible consenting adults ≥ 18 years, with an estimated blood loss of ≥ 500 ml, and in whom initial surgery is deemed necessary within 24 h after blunt or penetrating trauma, will be randomized to receive intravenous treatment at an individualized dose with either a 6% HES 130, or an electrolyte solution, for a maximum of 24 h or until reaching the maximum daily dose of 30 ml/kg body weight, whatever occurs first. Sample size is estimated as 175 patients per group, 350 patients total (α = 0.025 one-tailed, power 1-β = 0.8). Composite primary endpoint evaluated in an exploratory manner will be 90-day mortality and 90-day renal failure, defined as AKIN stage ≥ 2, RIFLE injury/failure stage, or use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) during the first 3 months. Secondary efficacy and safety endpoints are fluid administration and balance, changes in vital signs and hemodynamic status, changes in laboratory parameters including renal function, coagulation, and inflammation biomarkers, incidence of adverse events during treatment period, hospital, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, fitness for ICU or hospital discharge, and duration of mechanical ventilation and/or RRT.

DISCUSSION

This pragmatic study will increase the evidence on safety and efficacy of 6% HES 130 for treatment of hypovolemia secondary to acute blood loss in trauma patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in EudraCT, No.: 2016-002176-27 (21 April 2017) and ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03338218 (09 November 2017).

The endothelial glycocalyx in critical illness: A pediatric perspective

The vascular endothelium is the interface between circulating blood and end organs and thus has a critical role in preserving organ function. The endothelium is lined by a glycan-rich glycocalyx that uniquely contributes to endothelial function through its regulation of leukocyte and platelet interactions with the vessel wall, vascular permeability, coagulation, and vasoreactivity. Degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx can thus promote vascular dysfunction, inflammation propagation, and organ injury. The endothelial glycocalyx and its role in vascular pathophysiology has gained increasing attention over the last decade. While studies characterizing vascular glycocalyx injury and its downstream consequences in a host of adult human diseases and in animal models has burgeoned, studies evaluating glycocalyx damage in pediatric diseases are relatively few. As children have unique physiology that differs from adults, significant knowledge gaps remain in our understanding of the causes and effects of endothelial glycocalyx disintegrity in pediatric critical illness. In this narrative literature overview, we offer a unique perspective on the role of the endothelial glycocalyx in pediatric critical illness, drawing from adult and preclinical data in addition to pediatric clinical experience to elucidate how marked derangement of the endothelial surface layer may contribute to aberrant vascular biology in children. By calling attention to this nascent field, we hope to increase research efforts to address important knowledge gaps in pediatric vascular biology that may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Guidelines for the choice of intravenous fluids for vascular filling in critically ill patients, 2021

PURPOSE

To provide recommendations for the appropriate choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 24 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation, SFAR) and the French Society of Emergency Medicine (Société française de médecine d'urgence, SFMU) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guideline elaboration process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide their assessment of quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised. Some recommendations were left ungraded.

METHODS

Four fields were defined: patients with sepsis or septic shock, patients with haemorrhagic shock, patients with acute brain failure, and patients during the peripartum period. For each field, the panel focused on two questions: (1) Does the use of colloids, as compared to crystalloids, reduce morbidity and mortality, and (2) Does the use of some specific crystalloids effectively reduce morbidity and mortality. Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. The analysis of the literature and the recommendations were then conducted according to the GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFMU guideline panel provided nine statements on the appropriate choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients. After two rounds of rating and various amendments, strong agreement was reached for 100% of the recommendations. Out of these recommendations, two have a high level of evidence (Grade 1 +/-), six have a moderate level of evidence (Grade 2 +/-), and one is based on expert opinion. Finally, no recommendation was formulated for two questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement among experts has been obtained to provide a sizable number of recommendations aimed at optimising the choice of fluid therapy for resuscitation of critically ill patients.

[Fluid therapy in sepsis and septic shock]

Fluid resuscitation is a crucial part of the treatment of hypotension and shock of any etiology. Particularly in septic shock, it is an essential element of the initial care bundle. Like all treatments in sepsis, it is also subject to multiple controversies: what type of fluid, how much, how long to administer it, potential risks, toxicity? The main guideline, the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, continues to indicate crystalloids as the main fluid in resuscitation. But the possibility of crystalloids balanced on 0.9% saline or combined use with albumin in the resuscitation of the septic patient is still under debate. This is probably another point where we should always consider individualizing both the type and amount of fluids to be administered in both the initial and maintenance phases of the management of sepsis and septic shock.

Hydroxyethyl Starch for Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

In critically ill patients, warnings about a risk of death and acute kidney injury (AKI) with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions have been raised. However, HES solutions may yet have a role to play in major abdominal surgery. This meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to investigate the effect of HES intravascular volume replacement on the risk of AKI, intraoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative intra-abdominal complications compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis and TSA, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intraoperative HES intravascular volume replacement to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Primary outcome was 30-day AKI, defined as a binary outcome according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, combining stages 1, 2, and 3 into an AKI category versus no AKI category (stage 0). Secondary outcomes included rates of intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative intra-abdominal complications. We used random effects models to calculate summary estimates. We used relative risk (RR) as summary measure for dichotomous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary outcome (P value <.05 was considered statistically significant) and 99% CI after Bonferroni correction for the secondary outcomes (P value <.01 was considered statistically significant).

RESULTS

Seven RCTs including 2398 patients were included. HES intravascular volume replacement was not associated with an increased risk of 30-day AKI (RR = 1.22, 95% CI, 0.94-1.59; P = .13), when compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement. According to TSA, this analysis was underpowered. HES intravascular volume replacement was associated with higher rates of blood transfusion (RR = 1.57 99% CI, 1.10-2.25; P = .001), and similar rates of postoperative intra-abdominal complications (RR = 0.76 99% CI, 0.57-1.02; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

In this meta-analysis to focus on HES intravascular volume replacement in major abdominal surgery, HES intravascular volume replacement was not associated with a higher risk of 30-day AKI when compared to crystalloid intravascular volume replacement. However, CI and TSA do not exclude harmful effects of HES intravascular volume replacement on the renal function.

Knowledge of and Compliance with Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines among Anesthesiologists: A Nationwide Survey in China

We aimed to describe anesthesiologists' knowledge of and compliance with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines in the perioperative management of patients with sepsis in China. We designed a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey. We sent out online questionnaires during 2019 to evaluate whether anesthesiologists in China were familiar with and applied SSC guidelines in perioperative management. We also compared anesthesiologists' knowledge of and compliance with the guidelines among different levels of hospital. In this study, we obtained 971 responses from anesthesiology departments across China. The survey responses showed that 39.0% of anesthesiologists rated their knowledge of the SSC guidelines as being "very familiar" or at least "somewhat familiar." In total, 68.9% of respondents chose "Initial fluid resuscitation followed by frequent hemodynamic reassessment" as their therapy strategy for patients with septic shock; 62.0% of anesthesiologists chose lactate as a marker of initial resuscitation in clinical practice, and 39.1% thought bundle therapy needed to be started within 1 hour of sepsis diagnosis. A total of 37.1% and 27.1% of respondents chose hydroxyethyl starches and gelatins, respectively, as the preferred fluids for septic shock. As the first choice of vasopressors in patients with sepsis, 727 (74.9%) anesthesiologists chose the correct answer (norepinephrine). Anesthesiologists from tertiary hospitals (class A) had greater familiarity and compliance with the SSC guidelines than those from other hospitals (P < 0.001). In summary, anesthesiologists in China have some knowledge of the SSC guidelines and tend to practice in keeping with these guidelines. However, for some items, anesthesiologists are not up to date with the latest version of the SSC guidelines. The popularity of these guidelines is not homogenous among different levels of hospital. Anesthesiologists must strengthen their knowledge of the SSC guidelines and update their practice in a regular and timely manner, especially in other tertiary and primary hospitals.

Perioperative colloid choice and bleeding in patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgery: An observational administrative database study

Background

The synthetic colloid hydroxyethyl starch (HES) received a black box warning, issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2013, in patients with sepsis, due to increased risk of bleeding, renal injury, and death. Risks of HES in populations undergoing noncardiac surgery are unclear. Here, we examine the association of colloid choice - human-derived albumin versus HES - with bleeding in musculoskeletal surgery.

Methods

Inpatient musculoskeletal surgical patients who received colloids on the day of surgery were included during a time period before the FDA warning on HES using the Premier Healthcare database. The exposure was type of colloids administered on the day of surgery: HES versus albumin. The primary outcome was major perioperative bleeding, measured on the 1^st postoperative day through hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes included acute renal failure and postoperative length of stay >75^th percentile.

Results

We identified 41,211 patients who received albumin (n = 12,803) and HES (n = 28,408) on the day of surgery. The propensity-weighted multivariable analysis demonstrated a reduced risk of major perioperative bleeding on the day after surgery following treatment with albumin versus HES (relative risk: 0.89 [95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.93]). No significant differences were observed in the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

When compared with albumin, treatment with HES on the day of musculoskeletal surgery was associated with an increased risk of major perioperative bleeding on subsequent days. Given that HES continues to be used as a colloid in multiple patient populations worldwide, further studies examining the safety of HES versus albumin solutions are needed.

A comparison of the hemodynamic effects of fluid bolus therapy with crystalloids vs. 4% albumin and vs. 20% albumin in patients after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Crystalloids, 4% albumin and 20% albumin are used for fluid bolus therapy (FBT) in patients after cardiac surgery. However, their detailed early (30 min) hemodynamic effects remain unstudied.

METHODS

In a comparative prospective observational trial of 120 ventilated, we studied post cardiac surgery patients who received crystalloid 500 ml FBT, 4% albumin 500 ml FBT or 20% albumin 100 ml FBT (40 per group). We recorded second-by-second hemodynamic parameters and 15-minutely cardiac index (CI) data before and for 30 min after FBT. We compared the crystalloid group (reference) vs. the 4% albumin group, and vs. the 20% albumin group.

RESULTS

Immediately after FBT, the mean (standard deviation) CI increase was 0.4 (0.4) L/min/m² with crystalloids, 0.4 (0.5) L/min/m² with 4% albumin and 0.3 (0.4) L/min/m² with 20% albumin, despite the much smaller FBT volume with 20% albumin. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increase was 11 (10), 12 (9) and 9 (6) mm Hg, respectively. There was no group effect or interaction for changes in CI. However, there were time-group interactions for MAP changes such that crystalloid FBT had faster MAP reduction than 4% (p<0.001) or 20% albumin (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients treated with crystalloid FBT showed a faster decline in central venous pressure, perfusion pressure than the two groups. Finally, 20% albumin attenuated the fall in temperature induced by FBT.

CONCLUSION

In postoperative cardiac surgery patients, after a similar initial CI and MAP response, the MAP effect of crystalloid FBT dissipates faster than that of 4% or 20% albumin FBT. These findings can be used to inform clinical practice.

Colloids Yes or No? - a "Gretchen Question" Answered

Colloid solutions, both natural and synthetic, had been widely accepted as having superior volume expanding effects than crystalloids. Synthetic colloid solutions were previously considered at least as effective as natural colloids, as well as being cheaper and easily available. As a result, synthetic colloids (and HES in particular) were the preferred resuscitation fluid in many countries. In the past decade, several cascading events have called into question their efficacy and revealed their harmful effects. In 2013, the medicines authorities placed substantial restrictions on HES administration in people which has resulted in an overall decrease in their use. Whether natural colloids (such as albumin-containing solutions) should replace synthetic colloids remains inconclusive based on the current evidence. Albumin seems to be safer than synthetic colloids in people, but clear evidence of a positive effect on survival is still lacking. Furthermore, species-specific albumin is not widely available, while xenotransfusions with human serum albumin have known side effects. Veterinary data on the safety and efficacy of synthetic and natural colloids is limited to mostly retrospective evaluations or experimental studies with small numbers of patients (mainly dogs). Large, prospective, randomized, long-term outcome-oriented studies are lacking. This review focuses on advantages and disadvantages of synthetic and natural colloids in veterinary medicine. Adopting human guidelines is weighed against the particularities of our specific patient populations, including the risk-benefit ratio and lack of alternatives available in human medicine.

Impact of the use of hydroxyethyl starch in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia.

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte transfusion (GT) is a therapeutic option for neutropenic patients with severe bacterial or fungal infections. Recent studies in emergency medicine have shown the potential risk of using HES, which is routinely used in granulocyte apheresis to increase yield by sedimenting red blood cells. We hypothesized that the use of a newer device (Spectra Optia) would spare the need for HES.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared granulocyte apheresis with HES (HES group, n = 89) and without HES (non-HES group, n = 36) using Spectra Optia.

RESULTS

The granulocyte yield was significantly higher in the HES group (7.3 × 10¹⁰ vs. 2.0 × 10, p < 0.01) and was attributed to the difference in collection efficiency (36% vs. 7.7%, p < 0.01). The absolute neutrophil count on the following morning of GT was significantly higher in the HES group than in the non-HES group (2460/μl vs. 505/μl, p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events between the HES and non-HES groups. The renal function was unchanged in both groups after apheresis.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the advantage of using HES remained unchanged in granulocyte apheresis using Spectra Optia.

Effect of the infusion ration between frozen plasma and plasma substitutes on the prognosis of adult patients with major burn in shock stage

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, it has been reported that the anti-shock effect of plasma substitutes in adult patients with major burn in shock stage is not good. However, due to the shortage of clinical frozen plasma supply, it is impossible to guarantee that frozen plasma is used as colloidal solution for anti-shock treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of the infusion ration between frozen plasma and plasma substitutes on the prognosis of adult patients with major burn in shock stage.

METHODS

This study enrolled 586 adult patients with major burn by selecting the hospitalization burn patients, who had been hospitalized at the Jiangxi province burn center from September 2014 to April 2019. The patients with the infusion ratio of frozen plasma to plasma substitutes ≥2꞉1 at 48 hours after admission were included in the experimental group, otherwise they were included in the control group. The basic clinical data and clinical prognosis indicator in the 2 groups were compared. Logistic univariate regression analysis was used to screen the influential factors of 30-day mortality in adult patients with major burn, and logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to obtain independent risk and protective factors; Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve of the 2 groups, and log-rank test was used to compare the 30-day survival rate of the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the infusion volume of frozen plasma and plasma substitutes between the 2 groups at 48 hours after admission (both P<0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation in the experimental group was shorter than that in the control group, the percentage of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, and the in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The percentage of burn area and total body surface area (TBSA) was an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality of adult patients with major burn (OR=1.228, 95% CI 1.010 to 1.439, P=0.039), while the infusion ration between of frozen plasma and plasma substitutes 48 hours after admission was an independent protective factor (OR=0.016, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.960, P=0.023). The 30-day survival rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Infusion ration between frozen plasma to plasma substitutes at 48 hours after admission is an independent protective factor for 30-day mortality of adult patients with major burn. In the early stage of adult patients with major burn, frozen plasma should be used as the anti-shock therapy as far as possible (frozen plasma꞉plasma substitute ≥2꞉1) to improve the prognosis and reduce the of 30-day mortality.

Effect of 0.9% NaCl compared to plasma-lyte on biomarkers of kidney injury, sodium excretion and tubular transport proteins in patients undergoing primary uncemented hip replacement - a randomized trial

Background

Isotonic saline (IS) is widely used to secure perioperative cardiovascular stability. However, the high amount of chloride in IS can induce hyperchloremic acidosis. Therefore, IS is suspected to increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Biomarkers may have potential as indicators.

Methods

In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 38 patients undergoing primary uncemented hip replacement were randomized to IS or PlasmaLyte (PL). Infusion was given during surgery as 15 ml/kg the first hour and 5 ml/kg the following two hours. Urinary samples were collected upon admission and the day after surgery. As surgery was initiated, urine was collected over the course of 4 h. Hereafter, another urine collection proceeded until the morning. Urine was analyzed for markers of AKI neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Arterious and venous blood samples for measurements of pH and plasma electrolytes including chloride (p-Cl) were collected as surgery was initiated, at the end of surgery and the following morning.

Results

IS induced an increase in p-Cl (111 ± 2 mmol/L after IS and 108 ± 3 after PL, p = 0.004) and a decrease in pH (7.39 ± 0.02 after IS and 7.43 ± 0.03 after PL, p = 0.001). Urinary NGAL excretion increased in both groups (ΔNGAL: 5.5 [4.1; 11.7] μg/mmol creatinine p = 0.004 after IS vs. 5.5 [2.1;9.4] μg/mmol creatinine after PL, p < 0.001). No difference was found between the groups (p = 0.839). Similarly, urinary KIM-1 excretion increased in both groups (ΔKIM-1: IS 115.8 [74.1; 156.2] ng/mmol creatinine, p < 0.001 vs. PL 152.4 [120.1; 307.9] ng/mmol creatinine, p < 0.001). No difference between the groups (p = 0.064).

FE_Na increased (1.08 ± 0.52% after IS and 1.66 ± 1.15% after PL, p = 0.032). ENaC excretion was different within groups (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

A significantly higher plasma chloride and a lower pH was present in the group receiving isotonic saline. However, u-NGAL and u-KIM-1 increased significantly in both groups after surgery despite absence of changes in creatinine. These results indicate that surgery induced subclinical kidney injury. Also, the IS group had a delayed sodium excretion as compared to the PL group which may indicate that IS affects renal sodium excretion differently from PL.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02528448, 19/08/2015

Temperature and haemodynamic effects of a 100 mL bolus of 20% albumin at room versus body temperature in cardiac surgery patients

Objective: To study the temperature and haemodynamic effects of room versus body temperature 20% albumin fluid bolus therapy (FBT). Design: Single-centre, prospective, before-after trial. Setting: A tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) in Australia. Participants: Sixty ventilated post-cardiac surgery patients. Intervention: Room versus body temperature 100 mL 20% albumin FBT. Main outcome measures: We recorded haemodynamic data from FBT start to 30 minutes after FBT. The cardiac index (CI) response was defined by a CI increase > 15%, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) response was defined by a MAP increase > 10%. Outcomes: Immediately after FBT, median blood temperature decreased by -0.1°C (interquartile range [IQR], -0.1 to 0.0°C) with room temperature albumin versus 0.0°C (IQR, -0.1 to 0.0°C) with body temperature albumin (P < 0.001). The CI or MAP responses were similar. There was, however, a time and study group interaction for blood temperature (P < 0.001) for absolute and relative changes. In addition, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) (P = 0.002) increased more with body temperature albumin and remained higher for most of the observation period. Conclusion: Compared with room temperature albumin FBT, body temperature 20% albumin FBT prevents FBT-associated blood temperature fall and increases mean PAP. However, CI and MAP changes were the similar between the two groups, implying that fluid temperature has limited haemodynamic effects in these patients.

[Perioperative fluid management in major abdominal surgery]

Intravascular fluid administration belongs to the cornerstones of perioperative treatment with a substantial impact on surgical outcome especially with respect to major abdominal surgery. By avoidance of hypovolemia and hypervolemia, adequate perioperative fluid management significantly contributes to the reduction of insufficient tissue perfusion as a determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The effective use of intravascular fluids requires detailed knowledge of the substances as well as measures to guide fluid therapy. Fluid management already starts preoperatively and should be continued in the postoperative setting (recovery room, peripheral ward) considering a patient-adjusted and surgery-adjusted hemodynamic monitoring. Communication between all team members participating in perioperative care is essential to optimize fluid management.

Perioperative Renoprotection: General Mechanisms and Treatment Approaches

In the perioperative setting, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication, and AKI itself is associated with adverse outcomes such as higher risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality. Various risk factors are associated with perioperative AKI, and identifying them is crucial to early interventions addressing modifiable risk and increasing monitoring for nonmodifiable risk. Different mechanisms are involved in the development of postoperative AKI, frequently picturing a multifactorial etiology. For these reasons, no single renoprotective strategy will be effective for all surgical patients, and efforts have been attempted to prevent kidney injury in different ways. Some renoprotective strategies and treatments have proven to be useful, some are no longer recommended because they are ineffective or even harmful, and some strategies are still under investigation to identify the best timing, setting, and patients for whom they could be beneficial. With this review, we aim to provide an overview of recent findings from studies examining epidemiology, risk factors, and mechanisms of perioperative AKI, as well as different renoprotective strategies and treatments presented in the literature.

Postoperative resuscitation with hypertonic saline or hyperoncotic albumin in patients following cardiac surgery: A review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Over-resuscitation in postcardiac surgery patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, there is a growing interest in hyperoncotic albumin and hypertonic saline for resuscitation in patients following cardiac surgery. In this article, we will review the use of hyperosmolar fluid therapies for resuscitation in postcardiac surgical patients from the current literature.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed) utilizing keywords, narrowing publications from 2009 to 2020.

RESULTS

Patients receiving concentrated albumin after cardiac surgery required less fluid bolus therapy, less time on vasopressors, and had a lower positive fluid balance compared with patients receiving crystalloids. There was no difference in mortality in those given 20% albumin compared with crystalloids postcardiac surgery. Patients administered hypertonic saline following cardiac surgery had increased urinary output but its effect on total fluid and body weight was not significantly different compared with crystalloids.

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis, publications on resuscitation with hyperoncotic albumin and hypertonic saline in patients following cardiac surgery were reviewed. While there is data supporting the use of alternative fluid therapies in other critically ill populations, the limited literature focused on concentrated albumin and hypertonic saline for resuscitation following cardiac surgery is equivocal.

The Septic Patient

Anesthesiologists are uniquely positioned to facilitate emergent care of patients with sepsis in the perioperative setting. A subset of sepsis patients presents with surgical pathology. Emphasis is on timely intervention with source control, antibiotic therapy, and aggressive resuscitation. Ileus, aspiration, and cardiovascular collapse must be considered when inducing patients with sepsis. Dynamic fluid responsiveness may prove an effective tool in minimizing over-resuscitation. Assessment of circulatory failure and drug therapy involves an understanding of preload, afterload, and contractility. Timely, targeted resuscitation and early source control have persisted and remain fundamental to sepsis care.

Bleeding After Musculoskeletal Surgery in Hospitals That Switched From Hydroxyethyl Starch to Albumin Following a Food and Drug Administration Warning

BACKGROUND

While US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warnings are common, their impact on perioperative outcomes is unclear. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is associated with increased bleeding and kidney injury in patients with sepsis, leading to an FDA black box warning in 2013. Among patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgery in a subset of hospitals where colloid use changed from HES to albumin following the FDA warning, we examined the rate of major perioperative bleeding post- versus pre-FDA warning.

METHODS

The authors of this article used a retrospective, quasi-experimental, repeated cross-sectional, interrupted time series study of patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgery in hospitals within the Premier Healthcare Database, in the year before and year after the 2013 FDA black box warning. We examined patients in 23 "switcher" hospitals (where the percentage of colloid recipients receiving HES exceeded 50% before the FDA warning and decreased by at least 25% in absolute terms after the FDA warning) and patients in 279 "nonswitcher" hospitals. Among patients having surgery in "switcher" and "nonswitcher" hospitals, we determined monthly rates of major perioperative bleeding during the 12 months after the FDA warning, compared to 12 months before the FDA warning. Among patients who received surgery in "switcher" hospitals, we conducted a propensity-weighted segmented regression analysis assessing differences-in-differences (DID), using patients in "nonswitcher" hospitals as a control group.

RESULTS

Among 3078 patients treated at "switcher" hospitals (1892 patients treated pre-FDA warning versus 1186 patients treated post-FDA warning), demographic and clinical characteristics were well-balanced. Two hundred fifty-one (13.3%) received albumin pre-FDA warning, and 900 (75.9%) received albumin post-FDA warning. Among patients undergoing surgery in "switcher" hospitals during the pre-FDA warning period, 282 of 1892 (14.9%) experienced major bleeding during the hospitalization, compared to 149 of 1186 (12.6%) following the warning. In segmented regression, the adjusted ratio of slopes for major perioperative bleeding post- versus pre-FDA warning was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-1.04). In the DID estimate using "nonswitcher" hospitals as a control group, the ratio of ratios was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.46-1.86), indicating no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a subset of hospitals where colloid use for musculoskeletal surgery changed following a 2013 FDA black box warning regarding HES use in sepsis. Among patients undergoing musculoskeletal surgery at these "switcher" hospitals, there was no significant decrease in the rate of major perioperative bleeding following the warning, possibly due to incomplete practice change. Evaluation of the impact of systemic changes in health care may contribute to the understanding of patient outcomes in perioperative medicine.

Bundled care in acute kidney injury in critically ill patients, a before-after educational intervention study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) often occurs in critically ill patients. AKI is associated with mortality and morbidity. Interventions focusing on the reduction of AKI are suggested by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guideline. We hypothesized that these educational interventions would improve outcome in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

METHODS

This was a pragmatic single-centre prospective observational before-after study design in an ICU in a tertiary referral hospital. All consecutive patients admitted to the ICU irrespective their illness were included. A 'Save the Kidney' (STK) bundle was encouraged via an educational intervention targeting health care providers. The educational STK bundle consisted of optimizing the fluid balance (based on urine output, serum lactate levels and/or central venous oxygen saturation), discontinuation of diuretics, maintaining a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mmHg with the potential use of vasopressors and critical evaluation of the indication and dose of nephrotoxic drugs. The primary outcome was the composite of mortality, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and progression of AKI. Secondary outcomes were the components of the composite outcome the severity of AKI, ICU length of stay and in-hospital mortality.

MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome occurred in 451 patients (33%) in the STK group versus 375 patients (29%) in the usual care group, relative risk (RR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.3, p < 0.001. Secondary outcomes were, ICU mortality in 6.8% versus 5.6%, (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.90-1.64, p = 0.068), RRT in 1.6% versus 3.6% (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.76, p = 0.002), and AKI progression in 28% versus 24% (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.35, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Providing education to uniformly apply an AKI care bundle, without measurement of the implementation in a non-selected ICU population, targeted at prevention of AKI progression was not beneficial.

Effects of Tamsulosin Combined With Solifenacin on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Evidence From a Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This study is aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin combined with solifenacin and provide clinical evidence for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang data information service platform were searched to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of tamsulosin combined with solifenacin in the treatment of BPH with LUTS. After extraction of the data, the statistical information was calculated by means of STATA 12.0. The publication bias was calculated using Egger's test and Begg's funnel plot. A total of 17 articles contained 1,870 patients treated with tamsulosin in combination with solifenacin and 1,897 patients treated with tamsulosin only were included in this study. Results show that tamsulosin combined with solifenacin therapy was more effective in reducing the Total International Prostate Symptom Score (TIPSS), Storage International Prostate Symptom Score (SIPSS), Quality of life (QOL), and Overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) in comparison with tamsulosin monotherapy treatment. However, it was found that the combination therapy may increase levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the maximal urinary flow rate (QMAX). Differences between the combination therapy and tamsulosin monotherapy were not statistically significant for urgency episodes per 24 h, micturitions per 24 h, Voiding International Prostate Symptom Score (VIPSS), and postvoid residual volume (PVR). Tamsulosin combined with solifenacin therapy is more effective than tamsulosin monotherapy for the treatment of BPH concurrent with LUTS and won't increase the risk of dysuria.

Optimisation of the organ donor and effects on transplanted organs: a narrative review on current practice and future directions

Mortality remains high for patients on the waiting list for organ transplantation. A marked imbalance between the number of available organs and recipients that need to be transplanted persists. Organs from deceased donors are often declined due to perceived and actual suboptimal quality. Adequate donor management offers an opportunity to reduce organ injury and maximise the number of organs than can be offered in order to respect the donor's altruistic gift. The cornerstones of management include: correction of hypovolaemia; maintenance of organ perfusion; prompt treatment of diabetes insipidus; corticosteroid therapy; and lung protective ventilation. The interventions used to deliver these goals are largely based on pathophysiological rationale or extrapolations from general critical care patients. There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence that has assessed whether any interventions in the donor after brain death may actually improve immediate post-transplant function and long-term graft survival or recipient survival after transplantation. Improvements in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms following brain death, in particular the role of immunological and metabolic changes in donors, offer promising future therapeutic opportunities to increase organ utilisation. Establishing a UK donor management research programme involves consideration of ethical, logistical and legal issues that will benefit transplanted patients while respecting the wishes of donors and their families.

The Beneficial Effect of HES on Vascular Permeability and Its Relationship With Endothelial Glycocalyx and Intercellular Junction After Hemorrhagic Shock

Background

Vascular leakage is a common complication of hemorrhagic shock. Endothelial glycocalyx plays a crucial role in the protection of vascular endothelial barrier function. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a commonly used resuscitation fluid for hemorrhagic shock. However, whether the protective effect of HES on vascular permeability after hemorrhagic shock is associated with the endothelial glycocalyx is unclear.

Methods

Using hemorrhagic shock rat model and hypoxia treated vascular endothelial cells (VECs), effects of HES (130/0.4) on pulmonary vascular permeability and the relationship to endothelial glycocalyx were observed.

Results

Pulmonary vascular permeability was significantly increased after hemorrhagic shock, as evidenced by the increased permeability of pulmonary vessels to albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (FITC-BSA) and Evans blue, the decreased transendothelial electrical resistance of VECs and the increased transmittance of FITC-BSA. The structure of the endothelial glycocalyx was destroyed, showing a decrease in thickness. The expression of heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate, the components of the endothelial glycocalyx, was significantly decreased. HES (130/0.4) significantly improved the vascular barrier function, recovered the thickness and the expression of components of the endothelial glycocalyx by down-regulating the expression of heparinase, hyaluronidase, and neuraminidase, and meanwhile increased the expression of intercellular junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, and VE-cadherin. Degradation of endothelial glycocalyx with degrading enzyme (heparinase, hyaluronidase, and neuraminidase) abolished the beneficial effect of HES on vascular permeability, but had no significant effect on the recovery of the expression of endothelial intercellular junction proteins induced by HES (130/0.4). HES (130/0.4) decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase-3 induced by hemorrhagic shock.

Conclusions

HES (130/0.4) has protective effect on vascular barrier function after hemorrgic shock.The mechanism is mainly related to the protective effect of HES on endothelial glycocalyx and intercellular junction proteins. The protective effect of HES on endothelial glycocalyx was associated with the down-regulated expression of heparinase, hyaluronidase, and neuraminidase. HES (130/0.4) had an anti-apoptotic effect in hemorrhagic shock.

Health economic evaluations of sepsis interventions in critically ill adult patients: a systematic review

Background

Sepsis is a global health priority. Interventions to reduce the burden of sepsis need to be both effective and cost-effective. We performed a systematic review of the literature on health economic evaluations of sepsis treatments in critically ill adult patients and summarised the evidence for cost-effectiveness.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using thesaurus (e.g. MeSH) and free-text terms related to sepsis and economic evaluations. We included all articles that reported, in any language, an economic evaluation of an intervention for the management of sepsis in critically ill adult patients. Data extracted included study details, intervention details, economic evaluation methodology, and outcomes. Included studies were appraised for reporting quality using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist.

Results

We identified 50 records representing 46 economic evaluations for a variety of interventions including antibiotics (n = 5), fluid therapy (n = 2), early goal-directed therapy and other resuscitation protocols (n = 8), immunoglobulins (n = 2), and interventions no longer in clinical use such as monoclonal antibodies (n = 7) and drotrecogin alfa (n = 13). Twelve (26%) evaluations were of excellent reporting quality. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranged from dominant (lower costs and higher effectiveness) for early goal-directed therapy, albumin, and a multifaceted sepsis education program to dominated (higher costs and lower effectiveness) for polymerase chain reaction assays (LightCycler SeptiFast testing MGRADE®, SepsiTest™, and IRIDICA BAC BSI assay). ICERs varied widely across evaluations, particularly in subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

There is wide variation in the cost-effectiveness of sepsis interventions. There remain important gaps in the literature, with no economic evaluations identified for several interventions routinely used in sepsis. Given the high economic and social burden of sepsis, high-quality economic evaluations are needed to increase our understanding of the cost-effectiveness of these interventions in routine clinical practice and to inform decision makers.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42018095980

Perioperative Management of Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock, Part I: Systematic Approach

Sepsis and septic shock are medical emergencies, with high associated mortality. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has developed definitions and management guidelines, emphasizing the use of hour-1 care bundle. Anesthesiologists frequently encounter sepsis when source control is required. The authors summarize expected manifestations of organ dysfunction and state-of-the-art management of patients with sepsis and septic shock. They highlight an increasingly vital role point-of-care ultrasound examination in the recognition and management of hemodynamic derangements in this patient population. Supporting the role of anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians, the authors provide a framework for transitions of care between operating room and intensive care units.

Human red blood cell behaviour in hydroxyethyl starch: probed by single cell spectroscopy

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a commonly used intravenous fluid in hospital settings. The merits and demerits of its application is still a debatable topic. Investigating the interaction of external agents like intravenous fluids with blood cells is of great significance in clinical environments. Micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with an optical tweezers technique has been utilized for conducting systematic investigations of single live red blood cells (RBCs) under the influence of external stress agents. The present work deals with a detailed biophysical study on the response of human live red blood cells in hydroxyethyl starch using optical techniques. Morphological changes in red blood cells were monitored using quantitate phase imaging techniques. Micro-Raman studies suggest that there is a significant reduction in the oxy-haemoglobin level in red blood cells suspended in HES. The spectra recorded by using different probe laser powers has shown that the cells are more vulnerable in HES under the influence of externally induced stress than in blood plasma. In addition, the spectral results support the possibility of heme aggregation and membrane damage for red blood cells in HES under externally induced stress. Principle component analysis performed on the Raman spectra were able to effectively discriminate between red blood cells in HES and in blood plasma. The use of Raman tweezers can be highly beneficial in elucidating biochemical alterations happening in live, human red blood cell.

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a commonly used intravenous fluid in hospital settings.