Early goal-directed therapy using a physiological holistic view: the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-a randomized controlled trial

Capillary refill time response to a fluid challenge or a vasopressor test: an observational, proof-of-concept study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have validated capillary refill time (CRT) as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion, and recent guidelines recommend CRT monitoring during septic shock resuscitation. Therefore, it is relevant to further explore its kinetics of response to short-term hemodynamic interventions with fluids or vasopressors. A couple of previous studies explored the impact of a fluid bolus on CRT, but little is known about the impact of norepinephrine on CRT when aiming at a higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) target in septic shock. We designed this observational study to further evaluate the effect of a fluid challenge (FC) and a vasopressor test (VPT) on CRT in septic shock patients with abnormal CRT after initial resuscitation. Our purpose was to determine the effects of a FC in fluid-responsive patients, and of a VPT aimed at a higher MAP target in chronically hypertensive fluid-unresponsive patients on the direction and magnitude of CRT response.

METHODS

Thirty-four septic shock patients were included. Fluid responsiveness was assessed at baseline, and a FC (500 ml/30 mins) was administered in 9 fluid-responsive patients. A VPT was performed in 25 patients by increasing norepinephrine dose to reach a MAP to 80-85 mmHg for 30 min. Patients shared a multimodal perfusion and hemodynamic monitoring protocol with assessments at at least two time-points (baseline, and at the end of interventions).

RESULTS

CRT decreased significantly with both tests (from 5 [3.5-7.6] to 4 [2.4-5.1] sec, p = 0.008 after the FC; and from 4.0 [3.3-5.6] to 3 [2.6 -5] sec, p = 0.03 after the VPT. A CRT-response was observed in 7/9 patients after the FC, and in 14/25 pts after the VPT, but CRT deteriorated in 4 patients on this latter group, all of them receiving a concomitant low-dose vasopressin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support that fluid boluses may improve CRT or produce neutral effects in fluid-responsive septic shock patients with persistent hypoperfusion. Conversely, raising NE doses to target a higher MAP in previously hypertensive patients elicits a more heterogeneous response, improving CRT in the majority, but deteriorating skin perfusion in some patients, a fact that deserves further research.

Consistency of data reporting in fluid responsiveness studies in the critically ill setting: the CODEFIRE consensus from the Cardiovascular Dynamic section of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine

PURPOSE

To provide consensus recommendations regarding hemodynamic data reporting in studies investigating fluid responsiveness and fluid challenge (FC) use in the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

The Executive Committee of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) commissioned and supervised the project. A panel of 18 international experts and a methodologist identified main domains and items from a systematic literature, plus 2 ancillary domains. A three-step Delphi process based on an iterative approach was used to obtain the final consensus. In the Delphi 1 and 2, the items were selected with strong (≥ 80% of votes) or week agreement (70-80% of votes), while the Delphi 3 generated recommended (≥ 90% of votes) or suggested (80-90% of votes) items (RI and SI, respectively).

RESULTS

We identified 5 main domains initially including 117 items and the consensus finally resulted in 52 recommendations or suggestions: 18 RIs and 2 SIs statements were obtained for the domain "ICU admission", 11 RIs and 1 SI for the domain "mechanical ventilation", 5 RIs for the domain "reason for giving a FC", 8 RIs for the domain pre- and post-FC "hemodynamic data", and 7 RIs for the domain "pre-FC infused drugs". We had no consensus on the use of echocardiography, strong agreement regarding the volume (4 ml/kg) and the reference variable (cardiac output), while weak on administration rate (within 10 min) of FC in this setting.

CONCLUSION

This consensus found 5 main domains and provided 52 recommendations for data reporting in studies investigating fluid responsiveness in ICU patients.

Coexistence of a fluid responsive state and venous congestion signals in critically ill patients: a multicenter observational proof-of-concept study

BACKGROUND

Current recommendations support guiding fluid resuscitation through the assessment of fluid responsiveness. Recently, the concept of fluid tolerance and the prevention of venous congestion (VC) have emerged as relevant aspects to be considered to avoid potentially deleterious side effects of fluid resuscitation. However, there is paucity of data on the relationship of fluid responsiveness and VC. This study aims to compare the prevalence of venous congestion in fluid responsive and fluid unresponsive critically ill patients after intensive care (ICU) admission.

METHODS

Multicenter, prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted in three medical-surgical ICUs in Chile. Consecutive mechanically ventilated patients that required vasopressors and admitted < 24 h to ICU were included between November 2022 and June 2023. Patients were assessed simultaneously for fluid responsiveness and VC at a single timepoint. Fluid responsiveness status, VC signals such as central venous pressure, estimation of left ventricular filling pressures, lung, and abdominal ultrasound congestion indexes and relevant clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were included. Median age was 63 [45-71] years old, and median SOFA score was 9 [7-11]. Thirty-eight percent of the patients were fluid responsive (FR+), while 62% were fluid unresponsive (FR-). The most prevalent diagnosis was sepsis (41%) followed by respiratory failure (22%). The prevalence of at least one VC signal was not significantly different between FR+ and FR- groups (53% vs. 57%, p = 0.69), as well as the proportion of patients with 2 or 3 VC signals (15% vs. 21%, p = 0.4). We found no association between fluid balance, CRT status, or diagnostic group and the presence of VC signals.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous congestion signals were prevalent in both fluid responsive and unresponsive critically ill patients. The presence of venous congestion was not associated with fluid balance or diagnostic group. Further studies should assess the clinical relevance of these results and their potential impact on resuscitation and monitoring practices.

Towards the personalization of septic shock resuscitation: the fundamentals of ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-2 trial

Septic shock is a highly lethal and prevalent disease. Progressive circulatory dysfunction leads to tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia, eventually evolving to multiorgan dysfunction and death. Prompt resuscitation may revert these pathogenic mechanisms, restoring oxygen delivery and organ function. High heterogeneity exists among the determinants of circulatory dysfunction in septic shock, and current algorithms provide a stepwise and standardized approach to conduct resuscitation. This review provides the pathophysiological and clinical rationale behind ANDROMEDA-SHOCK-2, an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial that aims to compare a personalized resuscitation strategy based on clinical phenotyping and peripheral perfusion assessment, versus standard of care, in early septic shock resuscitation.

Perioperative trajectory of plasma viscosity: a prospective, observational, exploratory study in cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

Plasma viscosity is one of the critical factors that regulate microcirculatory flow but has received scant research attention. The main objective of this study was to evaluate plasma viscosity in cardiac surgery with respect to perioperative trajectory, main determinants and impact on outcome.

METHODS

Prospective, single center, observational study, including 50 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between 1 February 2020 - 31 May 2021. Clinical perioperative characteristics, short term outcome, standard blood analysis, plasma viscosity, total proteins and fibrinogen concentrations were recorded at ten distinct time points during the first perioperative week.

RESULTS

The longitudinal analysis showed that plasma viscosity is strongly influenced by proteins and measurement time points. Plasma viscosity showed a coefficient of variation of 11.3 +/- 1.08 for EDTA and 12.1 +/-2.1 for citrate, similarly to total proteins and hemoglobin, but significantly lower than fibrinogen (p<0.001). Plasma viscosity had lower percentage changes compared to hemoglobin (RANOVA, p<0.001), fibrinogen (RANOVA, p<0.001), and total proteins (RANOVA, p<0.001). The main determinant of plasma viscosity was protein concentrations. No association with outcome was found, but the study may have been underpowered to detect it.

CONCLUSION

Plasma viscosity had a low coefficient of variation and low perioperative changes, suggesting tight regulation. Studies linking plasma viscosity with outcome would require large patient cohorts.

[Hemodynamic Monitoring in the ICU: the More Invasive, the Better?]

Less invasive or even completely non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring technologies have evolved during the last decades. However, the invasive devices such as the pulmonary artery catheter and transpulmonary thermodilution technologies are still the clinical gold standard in terms of advanced haemodynamic monitoring, especially in the treatment of critically ill patients. The current data situation regarding the early use of continuous haemodynamic monitoring in this patient population, specifically flow-based variables such as stroke volume to prevent occult hypoperfusion, is overwhelming. However, the effective implementation of these technologies in daily clinical routine is remarkably low. Given the fact that perioperative morbidity and mortality are higher than anticipated, anaesthesiologists and intensivists are in charge to deal with this problem. The recent advances in minimally invasive and non-invasive haemodynamic monitoring technologies may facilitate a more widespread use in the operating theatre and in critical care patients. This review evaluates the significance of invasive, minimally- and non-invasive monitoring devices and their specific haemodynamic variables in this particular field of perioperative medicine.

[Targeted hemodynamic monitoring in the operating theatre: what for and by what means?]

Goal directed hemodynamic monitoring and the balance in goal directed therapy between adequate fluid/volume therapy and the application of vasoactive or inotropic drugs are the basic elements of modern perioperative therapy.Surgical procedures should be accompanied by as few side effects and complications as possible. Nevertheless, the number of postoperative complications remains surprisingly high, despite of the modern surgical procedures. Anticipation of potential complications in the perioperative period and their rapid treatment build a core competence of anesthesiological action. Thus, it is clear that anesthesia plays a central role in this balancing act.This article aims to provide an overview of the application of the currently available perioperative goal directed hemodynamic monitoring. The current possibilities are discussed by using a case example and an outlook on the future of hemodynamic monitoring is given.

Trends in Adaptive Design Methods in Dialysis Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review

Rationale & Objective

Adaptive design methods are intended to improve the efficiency of clinical trials and are relevant to evaluating interventions in dialysis populations. We sought to determine the use of adaptive designs in dialysis clinical trials and quantify trends in their use over time.

Study Design

We completed a novel full-text systematic review that used a machine learning classifier (RobotSearch) for filtering randomized controlled trials and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Setting & Study Populations

We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and ClinicalTrials.gov using sensitive dialysis search terms.

Selection Criteria for Studies

We included all randomized clinical trials with patients receiving dialysis or clinical trials with dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. There was no restriction of disease type or intervention type.

Data Extraction & Analytical Approach

We performed a detailed data extraction of trial characteristics and a completed a narrative synthesis of the data.

Results

57 studies, available as 68 articles and 7 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries, were included after full-text review (initial search, 209,033 PubMed abstracts and 6,002 ClinicalTrials.gov summaries). 31 studies were conducted in a dialysis population and 26 studies included dialysis as a primary or secondary outcome. Although the absolute number of adaptive design methods is increasing over time, the relative use of adaptive design methods in dialysis trials is decreasing over time (6.12% in 2009 to 0.43% in 2019, with a mean of 1.82%). Group sequential designs were the most common type of adaptive design method used. Adaptive design methods affected the conduct of 50.9% of trials, most commonly resulting in stopping early for futility (41.2%) and early stopping for safety (23.5%). Acute kidney injury was studied in 32 trials (56.1%), kidney failure requiring dialysis was studied in 24 trials (42.1%), and chronic kidney disease was studied in 1 trial (1.75%). 27 studies (47.4%) were supported by public funding. 44 studies (77.2%) did not report their adaptive design method in the title or abstract and would not be detected by a standard systematic review.

Limitations

We limited our search to 2 databases (PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) due to the scale of studies sourced (209,033 and 6,002 results, respectively).

Conclusions

Adaptive design methods are used in dialysis trials but there has been a decline in their relative use over time.

The role of peripheral perfusion markers and lactate in septic shock resuscitation

Septic shock leads to progressive hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia. Unfortunately, numerous uncertainties exist around the best monitoring strategy, as available techniques are mere surrogates for these phenomena. Nevertheless, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂), venous-to-arterial CO₂ gap, and lactate normalization have been fostered as resuscitation targets for septic shock. Moreover, recent evidence has challenged the central role of lactate. Following the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial, capillary refill time (CRT) has become a promissory target, considering the observed benefits in mortality, treatment intensity, and organ dysfunction. Interpretation of CRT within a multimodal approach may aid clinicians in guiding resuscitative interventions and stop resuscitation earlier, thus avoiding the risk of morbid fluid overload. Integrative assessment of a patient's perfusion status can be easily performed using bedside clinical tools. Based on its fast kinetics and recent supporting evidence, targeting CRT (within a holistic assessment of perfusion) may improve outcomes in septic shock resuscitation.

Ten answers to key questions for fluid management in intensive care

This review focuses on fluid management of critically ill patients. The topic is addressed based on 10 single questions with simplified answers that provide clinicians with the basic information needed at the point of care in treating patients in the Intensive Care Unit. The review has didactic purposes and may serve both as an update on fluid management and as an introduction to the subject for novices in critical care. There is an urgent need to increase awareness regarding the potential risks associated with fluid overload. Clinicians should be mindful not only of the indications for administering fluid loads and of the type of fluids administered, but also of the importance to set safety limits. Lastly, it is important to implement proactive strategies seeking to establish negative fluid balance as soon as the clinical conditions are considered to be stable and the risk of deterioration is low.

Hemodynamic Monitoring in Sepsis-A Conceptual Framework of Macro- and Microcirculatory Alterations

Circulatory failure in sepsis is common and places a considerable burden on healthcare systems. It is associated with an increased likelihood of mortality, and timely recognition is a prerequisite to ensure optimum results. While there is consensus that aggressive source control, adequate antimicrobial therapy and hemodynamic management constitute crucial determinants of outcome, discussion remains about the best way to achieve each of these core principles. Sound cardiovascular support rests on tailored fluid resuscitation and vasopressor therapy. To this end, an overarching framework to improve cardiovascular dynamics has been a recurring theme in modern critical care. The object of this review is to examine the nature of one such framework that acknowledges the growing importance of adaptive hemodynamic support combining macro- and microhemodynamic variables to produce adequate tissue perfusion.

Effect of mean arterial pressure change by norepinephrine on peripheral perfusion index in septic shock patients after early resuscitation

Background

The peripheral perfusion index (PI), as a real-time bedside indicator of peripheral tissue perfusion, may be useful for determining mean arterial pressure (MAP) after early resuscitation of septic shock patients. The aim of this study was to explore the response of PI to norepinephrine (NE)-induced changes in MAP.

Methods

Twenty septic shock patients with pulse-induced contour cardiac output catheter, who had usual MAP under NE infusion after early resuscitation, were enrolled in this prospective, open-label study. Three MAP levels (usual MAP −10 mmHg, usual MAP, and usual MAP +10 mmHg) were obtained by NE titration, and the corresponding global hemodynamic parameters and PI were recorded. The general linear model with repeated measures was used for analysis of variance of related parameters at three MAP levels.

Results

With increasing NE infusion, significant changes were found in MAP (F = 502.46, P < 0.001) and central venous pressure (F = 27.45, P < 0.001) during NE titration. However, there was not a significant and consistent change in continuous cardiac output (CO) (F = 0.41, P = 0.720) and PI (F = 0.73, P = 0.482) at different MAP levels. Of the 20 patients enrolled, seven reached the maximum PI value at usual MAP −10 mmHg, three reached the maximum PI value at usual MAP, and ten reached the maximum PI value at usual MAP +10 mmHg. The change in PI was not significantly correlated with the change in CO (r = 0.260, P = 0.269) from usual MAP −10 mmHg to usual MAP. There was also no significant correlation between the change in PI and change in CO (r = 0.084, P = 0.726) from usual MAP to usual MAP +10 mmHg.

Conclusions

Differing MAP levels by NE infusion induced diverse PI responses in septic shock patients, and these PI responses may be independent of the change in CO. PI may have potential applications for MAP optimization based on changes in peripheral tissue perfusion.

Septic shock: a microcirculation disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to discuss the implication of microvascular dysfunction in septic shock.

RECENT FINDINGS

Resuscitation of sepsis has focused on systemic haemodynamics and, more recently, on peripheral perfusion indices. However, central microvascular perfusion is altered in sepsis and these alterations often persist despite normalization of various macro haemodynamic resuscitative goals. Endothelial dysfunction is a key element in sepsis pathophysiology. It is responsible for the sepsis-induced hypotension. In addition, endothelial dysfunction is also implicated involved in the activation of inflammation and coagulation processes leading to amplification of the septic response and development of organ dysfunction. It also promotes an increase in permeability, mostly at venular side, and impairs microvascular perfusion and hence tissue oxygenation.Microvascular alterations are characterized by heterogeneity in blood flow distribution, with adequately perfused areas in close vicinity to not perfused areas, thus characterizing the distributive nature of septic shock. Such microvascular alterations have profound implications, as these are associated with organ dysfunction and unfavourable outcomes. Also, the response to therapy is highly variable and cannot be predicted by systemic hemodynamic assessment and hence cannot be detected by classical haemodynamic tools.

SUMMARY

Microcirculation is a key element in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Even if microcirculation-targeted therapy is not yet ready for the prime time, understanding the processes implicated in microvascular dysfunction is important to prevent chasing systemic hemodynamic variables when this does not contribute to improve tissue perfusion.

Ten answers to key questions for fluid management in intensive care

This review focuses on fluid management of critically ill patients. The topic is addressed based on 10 single questions with simplified answers that provide clinicians with the basic information needed at the point of care in treating patients in the Intensive Care Unit. The review has didactic purposes and may serve both as an update on fluid management and as an introduction to the subject for novices in critical care. There is an urgent need to increase awareness regarding the potential risks associated with fluid overload. Clinicians should be mindful not only of the indications for administering fluid loads and of the type of fluids administered, but also of the importance to set safety limits. Lastly, it is important to implement proactive strategies seeking to establish negative fluid balance as soon as the clinical conditions are considered to be stable and the risk of deterioration is low.

Effects of capillary refill time-vs. lactate-targeted fluid resuscitation on regional, microcirculatory and hypoxia-related perfusion parameters in septic shock: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Persistent hyperlactatemia has been considered as a signal of tissue hypoperfusion in septic shock patients, but multiple non-hypoperfusion-related pathogenic mechanisms could be involved. Therefore, pursuing lactate normalization may lead to the risk of fluid overload. Peripheral perfusion, assessed by the capillary refill time (CRT), could be an effective alternative resuscitation target as recently demonstrated by the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial. We designed the present randomized controlled trial to address the impact of a CRT-targeted (CRT-T) vs. a lactate-targeted (LAC-T) fluid resuscitation strategy on fluid balances within 24 h of septic shock diagnosis. In addition, we compared the effects of both strategies on organ dysfunction, regional and microcirculatory flow, and tissue hypoxia surrogates.

Results

Forty-two fluid-responsive septic shock patients were randomized into CRT-T or LAC-T groups. Fluids were administered until target achievement during the 6 h intervention period, or until safety criteria were met. CRT-T was aimed at CRT normalization (≤ 3 s), whereas in LAC-T the goal was lactate normalization (≤ 2 mmol/L) or a 20% decrease every 2 h. Multimodal perfusion monitoring included sublingual microcirculatory assessment; plasma-disappearance rate of indocyanine green; muscle oxygen saturation; central venous-arterial pCO₂ gradient/ arterial-venous O₂ content difference ratio; and lactate/pyruvate ratio. There was no difference between CRT-T vs. LAC-T in 6 h-fluid boluses (875 [375–2625] vs. 1500 [1000–2000], p = 0.3), or balances (982[249–2833] vs. 15,800 [740–6587, p = 0.2]). CRT-T was associated with a higher achievement of the predefined perfusion target (62 vs. 24, p = 0.03). No significant differences in perfusion-related variables or hypoxia surrogates were observed.

Conclusions

CRT-targeted fluid resuscitation was not superior to a lactate-targeted one on fluid administration or balances. However, it was associated with comparable effects on regional and microcirculatory flow parameters and hypoxia surrogates, and a faster achievement of the predefined resuscitation target. Our data suggest that stopping fluids in patients with CRT ≤ 3 s appears as safe in terms of tissue perfusion.

Clinical Trials: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03762005 (Retrospectively registered on December 3rd 2018)

Noninvasive Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit

There has been considerable development in the field of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in recent years. Multiple devices have been proposed to assess blood pressure, cardiac output, and tissue perfusion. All have their own advantages and disadvantages and selection should be based on individual patient requirements and disease severity and adjusted according to ongoing patient evolution.

A lactate-targeted resuscitation strategy may be associated with higher mortality in patients with septic shock and normal capillary refill time: a post hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK study

Background

Capillary refill time (CRT) may improve more rapidly than lactate in response to increments in systemic flow. Therefore, it can be assessed more frequently during septic shock (SS) resuscitation. Hyperlactatemia, in contrast, exhibits a slower recovery in SS survivors, probably explained by the delayed resolution of non-hypoperfusion-related sources. Thus, targeting lactate normalization may be associated with impaired outcomes. The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial compared CRT- versus lactate-targeted resuscitation in early SS. CRT-targeted resuscitation associated with lower mortality and organ dysfunction; mechanisms were not investigated. CRT was assessed every 30 min and lactate every 2 h during the 8-h intervention period, allowing a first comparison between groups at 2 h (T2). Our primary aim was to determine if SS patients evolving with normal CRT at T2 after randomization (T0) exhibited a higher mortality and organ dysfunction when allocated to the LT arm than when randomized to the CRT arm. Our secondary aim was to determine if those patients with normal CRT at T2 had received more therapeutic interventions when randomized to the LT arm. To address these issues, we performed a post hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK dataset.

Results

Patients randomized to the lactate arm at T0, evolving with normal CRT at T2 exhibited significantly higher mortality than patients with normal CRT at T2 initially allocated to CRT (40 vs 23%, p = 0.009). These results replicated at T8 and T24. LT arm received significantly more resuscitative interventions (fluid boluses: 1000[500–2000] vs. 500[0–1500], p = 0.004; norepinephrine test in previously hypertensive patients: 43 (35) vs. 19 (19), p = 0.001; and inodilators: 16 (13) vs. 3 (3), p = 0.003). A multivariate logistic regression of patients with normal CRT at T2, including APACHE-II, baseline lactate, cumulative fluids administered since emergency admission, source of infection, and randomization group) confirmed that allocation to LT group was a statistically significant determinant of 28-day mortality (OR 3.3; 95%CI[1.5–7.1]); p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Septic shock patients with normal CRT at baseline received more therapeutic interventions and presented more organ dysfunction when allocated to the lactate group. This could associate with worse outcomes.

Prognostic value of serum lactate kinetics in critically ill patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure: a multicenter study

Lactate clearance (Δ24Lac) was reported to be inversely associated with mortality in critically ill patients. The aim of our study was to assess the value of Δ24Lac for the prognosis of critically ill patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). We analysed 954 cirrhotic patients with hyperlactatemia admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States and eastern China. The patients were followed up for at least 1 year. In the unadjusted model, we observed a 15% decrease in hospital mortality with each 10% increase in Δ24Lac. In the fully adjusted model, the relationship between the risk of death and Δ24Lac remained statistically significant (hospital mortality: odds ratio [OR] 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78- 0.90, p < 0.001; 90-day mortality: hazard ratio [HR] 0.94, 95%CI 0.92- 0.97, p < 0.001; for Δ24Lac per 10% increase). Similar results were found in patients with ACLF. We developed a Δ24Lac-adjusted score (LiFe-Δ24Lac), which performed significantly better in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) than the original LiFe score for predicting mortality. Lactate clearance is an independent predictor of death, and the LiFe-Δ24Lac score is a practical tool for stratifying the risk of death.

Quality of evidence supporting Surviving Sepsis Campaign Recommendations

Introduction

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines, released in 2017, are a combination of expert opinion and evidence-based medicine, adopted by many institutions as a standard of practice. The aim was to analyse the quality of evidence supporting recommendations on the management of sepsis.

Methods

The strength and quality of evidence (high, moderate, low-very low and best practice statements) of each recommendation were extracted. Randomised controlled trials were required to qualify as high-quality evidence.

Results

A total of 96 recommendations were formulated, and 87 were included. Among thirty-one (43%) strong recommendations, only 15.2% were supported by high-quality evidence. Overall, thirty-seven (42.5%) recommendations were based on low-quality evidence, followed by 28 (32.2%) based on moderate-quality, 15 (17.2%) were best practice statements and only seven (8.0%) were supported by high-quality evidence. Randomised controlled trials supported 21.4%, 9.5% and 8.6% recommendations on mechanical ventilation, resuscitation, and management/adjuvant therapy, respectively. In contrast, none high-quality evidence recommendation supported antimicrobial/source control (82.4% were low-very low evidence or best practice statements), and nutrition.

Conclusions

In the SSC guidelines most recommendations were informed by indirect evidence and non-systematic observations. While awaiting trials results, Delphi-like approaches or multi-criteria decision analyses should guide recommendations.

Can Peripheral Skin Perfusion Be Used to Assess Organ Perfusion and Guide Resuscitation Interventions?

Although the definition of septic shock is straightforward, the physiological response to inadequate hemodynamics in patients with septic shock is variable. Therefore, the clinical recognition is limited not only by the patient's response but also by the clinical parameters we can use at the bedside. In this short overview we will argue that the state of the peripheral perfusion can help to identify and to treat patients with septic shock.

Amputation in crush syndrome: A case report

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Crush syndrome (CS) produces severe electrolyte disorders, circulatory and multiple organ failure due to severe rhabdomyolysis and reperfusion injuries.

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To date, the main stem of management is aggressive fluid resuscitation.

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Fasciotomy for the treatment of compartment syndromes due to crush injuries is still controversial, and it is still unknown if early amputation has patient-centered benefits.

•

This case suggests a potential benefit of amputation in patients with CS and progressive deterioration. It also invites to think if this is a decision to consider early in the course of the disease.

•

The presence of risk factors for poor prognosis and the natural course of the disease can favor amputation despite the apparent viability of the limb and the morbidity of losing of an extremity.

Introduction

Crush syndrome (CS) is a condition with a high morbidity and mortality due to severe electrolyte disorders, circulatory dysfunction and multiple organ failure, secondary to severe rhabdomyolysis and reperfusion injuries. There is controversy about the role of fasciotomy in the treatment of compartment syndromes due to crush injuries and it is still unknown if early amputation has patient-centered benefits.

Case presentation

This is a 29-year-old patient whose lower body was trapped for 50 h under a 40-meter landslide. Upon admission the left thigh was edematous and painful. Laboratories revealed a creatinine of 1.58 mg/dL, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) of 88,700 U/L, suggesting CS. Despite fluid and bicarbonate infusion his renal function worsened, CPK rose and left thigh became more tense, so a fasciotomy was performed. He developed a distributive shock refractory to vasopressors, steroids and methylene blue so amputation was proposed. Two hours after amputation the vasopressor support was nearly withdrawn.

Discussion

This case suggests a potential benefit of amputation in patients with CS and progressive deterioration despite aggressive resuscitation. It also invites to think if this is a decision that should be considered before the establishment or in the initial stages of the syndrome, even if the viability of the extremity is still questionable.

Conclusion

The presence of risk factors for poor prognosis can favor amputation despite the apparent viability of the limb and the morbidity of losing an extremity.

Recommendations for fluid management of adults with sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of guidelines

BACKGROUND

Sepsis guidelines are widely used in high-income countries and intravenous fluids are an important supportive treatment modality. However, fluids have been harmful in intervention trials in low-income countries, most notably in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the relevance, quality and applicability of available guidelines for the fluid management of adult patients with sepsis in this region.

METHODS

We identified sepsis guidelines by systematic review with broad search terms, duplicate screening and data extraction. We included peer-reviewed publications with explicit relevance to sepsis and fluid therapy. We excluded those designed exclusively for specific aetiologies of sepsis, for limited geographic locations, or for non-adult populations. We used the AGREE II tool to assess the quality of guideline development, performed a narrative synthesis and used theoretical case scenarios to assess practical applicability to everyday clinical practice in resource-constrained settings.

RESULTS

Published sepsis guidelines are heterogeneous in sepsis definition and in quality: 8/10 guidelines had significant deficits in applicability, particularly with reference to resource considerations in low-income settings. Indications for intravenous fluid were hypotension (8/10), clinical markers of hypoperfusion (6/10) and lactataemia (3/10). Crystalloids were overwhelmingly recommended (9/10). Suggested volumes varied; 5/10 explicitly recommended "fluid challenges" with reassessment, totalling between 1 L and 4 L during initial resuscitation. Fluid balance, including later de-escalation of therapy, was not specifically described in any. Norepinephrine was the preferred initial vasopressor (5/10), specifically targeted to MAP > 65 mmHg (3/10), with higher values suggested in pre-existing hypertension (1/10). Recommendations for guidelines were almost universally derived from evidence in high-income countries. None of the guidelines suggested any refinement for patients with malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Widely used international guidelines contain disparate recommendations on intravenous fluid use, lack specificity and are largely unattainable in low-income countries given available resources. A relative lack of high-quality evidence from sub-Saharan Africa increases reliance on recommendations which may not be relevant or implementable.

Vasopressors in septic shock: which, when, and how much?

In addition to fluid resuscitation, the vasopressor therapy is a fundamental treatment of septic shock-induced hypotension as it aims at correcting the vascular tone depression and then at improving organ perfusion pressure. Experts’ recommendations currently position norepinephrine (NE) as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock. Vasopressin and its analogues are only second-line vasopressors as strong recent evidence suggests no benefit of their early administration in spite of promising preliminary data. Early administration of NE may allow achieving the initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) target faster and reducing the risk of fluid overload. The diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) as a marker of vascular tone, helps identifying the patients who need NE urgently. Available data suggest a MAP of 65 mmHg as the initial target but a more individualized approach is often required depending on several factors such as history of chronic hypertension or value of central venous pressure (CVP). In cases of refractory hypotension, increasing NE up to doses ≥1 µg/kg/min could be an option. However, current experts’ guidelines suggest to combine NE with other vasopressors such as vasopressin, with the intent to rising the MAP to target or to decrease the NE dosage.

Hypoxia-related parameters during septic shock resuscitation: Pathophysiological determinants and potential clinical implications

Background

Assessment of tissue hypoxia at the bedside has yet to be translated into daily clinical practice in septic shock patients. Perfusion markers are surrogates of deeper physiological phenomena. Lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (LPR) and the ratio between veno-arterial PCO₂ difference and Ca–vO₂ (ΔPCO₂/Ca–vO₂) have been proposed as markers of tissue hypoxia, but they have not been compared in the clinical scenario. We studied acute septic shock patients under resuscitation. We wanted to evaluate the relationship of these hypoxia markers with clinical and biochemical markers of hypoperfusion during septic shock resuscitation.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Septic shock patients were randomized to fluid resuscitation directed to normalization of capillary refill time (CRT) versus normalization or significant lowering of lactate. Multimodal assessment of perfusion was performed at 0, 2, 6 and 24 hours, and included macrohemodynamic and metabolic perfusion variables, CRT, regional flow and hypoxia markers. Patients who attained their pre-specified endpoint at 2-hours were compared to those who did not.

Results

Forty-two patients were recruited, median APACHE-II score was 23 [15–31] and 28-day mortality 23%. LPR and ΔPCO₂/Ca–vO₂ ratio did not correlate during early resuscitation (0–2 h) and the whole study period (24-hours). ΔPCO₂/Ca–vO₂ ratio derangements were more prevalent than LPR ones, either in the whole cohort (52% vs. 23%), and in association with other perfusion abnormalities. In patients who reached their resuscitation endpoints, the proportion of patients with altered ΔPCO₂/Ca-vO₂ ratio decreased significantly (66% to 33%, P=0.045), while LPR did not (14% vs. 25%, P=0.34).

Conclusions

Hypoxia markers did not exhibit correlation during resuscitation in septic shock patients. They probably interrogate different pathophysiological processes and mechanisms of dysoxia during early septic shock. Future studies should better elucidate the interaction and clinical role of hypoxia markers during septic shock resuscitation.

Prediction of fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients

In patients with acute circulatory failure, the primary goal of volume expansion is to increase cardiac output. However, this expected effect is inconstant, so that in many instances, fluid administration does not result in any haemodynamic benefit. In such cases, fluid could only exert some deleterious effects. It is now well demonstrated that excessive fluid administration is harmful, especially during acute respiratory distress syndrome and in sepsis or septic shock. This is the reason why some tests and indices have been developed in order to assess “fluid responsiveness” before deciding to perform volume expansion. While preload markers have been used for many years for this purpose, they have been repeatedly shown to be unreliable, which is mainly related to physiological issues. As alternatives, “dynamic” indices have been introduced. These indices are based upon the changes in cardiac output or stroke volume resulting from various changes in preload conditions, induced by heart-lung interactions, postural manoeuvres or by the infusion of small amounts of fluids. The haemodynamic effects and the reliability of these “dynamic” indices of fluid responsiveness are now well described. From their respective advantages and limitations, it is also possible to describe their clinical interest and the clinical setting in which they are applicable.

Optimal target in septic shock resuscitation

Septic shock presents a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Through therapeutic strategies, such as fluid administration and vasoactive agents, clinicians intend to rapidly restore tissue perfusion. Nonetheless, these interventions have narrow therapeutic margins. Adequate perfusion monitoring is paramount to avoid progressive hypoperfusion or detrimental over-resuscitation. During early stages of septic shock, macrohemodynamic derangements, such as hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output (CO) tend to predominate. However, during late septic shock, endothelial and coagulation dysfunction induce severe alterations of the microcirculation, making it more difficult to achieve tissue reperfusion. Multiple perfusion variables have been described in the literature, from bedside clinical examination to complex laboratory tests. Moreover, all of them present inherent flaws and limitations. After the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial, there is evidence that capillary refill time (CRT) is an interesting resuscitation target, due to its rapid kinetics and correlation with deep hypoperfusion markers. New concepts such as hemodynamic coherence and flow responsiveness may be used at the bedside to select the best treatment strategies at any time-point. A multimodal perfusion monitoring and an integrated analysis with macrohemodynamic parameters is mandatory to optimize the resuscitation of septic shock patients.

Diastolic shock index and clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock

Background

Loss of vascular tone is a key pathophysiological feature of septic shock. Combination of gradual diastolic hypotension and tachycardia could reflect more serious vasodilatory conditions. We sought to evaluate the relationships between heart rate (HR) to diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) ratios and clinical outcomes during early phases of septic shock.

Methods

Diastolic shock index (DSI) was defined as the ratio between HR and DAP. DSI calculated just before starting vasopressors (Pre-VPs/DSI) in a preliminary cohort of 337 patients with septic shock (January 2015 to February 2017) and at vasopressor start (VPs/DSI) in 424 patients with septic shock included in a recent randomized controlled trial (ANDROMEDA-SHOCK; March 2017 to April 2018) was partitioned into five quantiles to estimate the relative risks (RR) of death with respect to the mean risk of each population (assumed to be 1). Matched HR and DAP subsamples were created to evaluate the effect of the individual components of the DSI on RRs. In addition, time-course of DSI and interaction between DSI and vasopressor dose (DSI*NE.dose) were compared between survivors and non-survivors from both populations, while ROC curves were used to identify variables predicting mortality. Finally, as exploratory observation, effect of early start of vasopressors was evaluated at each Pre-VPs/DSI quintile from the preliminary cohort.

Results

Risk of death progressively increased at gradual increments of Pre-VPs/DSI or VPs/DSI (One-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Progressive DAP decrease or HR increase was associated with higher mortality risks only when DSI concomitantly increased. Areas under the ROC curve for Pre-VPs/DSI, SOFA and initial lactate were similar, while mean arterial pressure and systolic shock index showed poor performances to predict mortality. Time-course of DSI and DSI*NE.dose was significantly higher in non-survivors from both populations (repeated-measures ANOVA, p < 0.001). Very early start of vasopressors exhibited an apparent benefit at higher Pre-VPs/DSI quintile.

Conclusions

DSI at pre-vasopressor and vasopressor start points might represent a very early identifier of patients at high risk of death. Isolated DAP or HR values do not clearly identify such risk. Usefulness of DSI to trigger or to direct therapeutic interventions in early resuscitation of septic shock need to be addressed in future studies.

Systematic assessment of fluid responsiveness during early septic shock resuscitation: secondary analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial

BACKGROUND

Fluid boluses are administered to septic shock patients with the purpose of increasing cardiac output as a means to restore tissue perfusion. Unfortunately, fluid therapy has a narrow therapeutic index, and therefore, several approaches to increase safety have been proposed. Fluid responsiveness (FR) assessment might predict which patients will effectively increase cardiac output after a fluid bolus (FR+), thus preventing potentially harmful fluid administration in non-fluid responsive (FR-) patients. However, there are scarce data on the impact of assessing FR on major outcomes. The recent ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial included systematic per-protocol assessment of FR. We performed a post hoc analysis of the study dataset with the aim of exploring the relationship between FR status at baseline, attainment of specific targets, and clinically relevant outcomes.

METHODS

ANDROMEDA-SHOCK compared the effect of peripheral perfusion- vs. lactate-targeted resuscitation on 28-day mortality. FR was assessed before each fluid bolus and periodically thereafter. FR+ and FR- subgroups, independent of the original randomization, were compared for fluid administration, achievement of resuscitation targets, vasoactive agents use, and major outcomes such as organ dysfunction and support, length of stay, and 28-day mortality.

RESULTS

FR could be determined in 348 patients at baseline. Two hundred and forty-two patients (70%) were categorized as fluid responders. Both groups achieved comparable successful resuscitation targets, although non-fluid responders received less resuscitation fluids (0 [0-500] vs. 1500 [1000-2500] mL; p 0.0001), exhibited less positive fluid balances, but received more vasopressor testing. No difference in clinically relevant outcomes between FR+ and FR- patients was found, including 24-h SOFA score (9 [5-12] vs. 8 [5-11], p = 0.4), need for MV (78% vs. 72%, p = 0.16), need for RRT (18% vs. 21%, p = 0.7), ICU-LOS (6 [3-11] vs. 6 [3-16] days, p = 0.2), and 28-day mortality (40% vs. 36%, p = 0.5). Only thirteen patients remained fluid responsive along the intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic assessment allowed determination of fluid responsiveness status in more than 80% of patients with early septic shock. Fluid boluses could be stopped in non-fluid responsive patients without any negative impact on clinical relevant outcomes. Our results suggest that fluid resuscitation might be safely guided by FR assessment in septic shock patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03078712. Registered retrospectively on March 13, 2017.

Comparison of point-of-care peripheral perfusion assessment using pulse oximetry sensor with manual capillary refill time: clinical pilot study in the emergency department

Background

Traditional capillary refill time (CRT) is a manual measurement that is commonly used by clinicians to identify deterioration in peripheral perfusion status. Our study compared a novel method of measuring peripheral perfusion using an investigational device with standardized visual CRT and tested the clinical usefulness of this investigational device, using an existing pulse oximetry sensor, in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Material and methods

An ED attending physician quantitatively measured CRT using a chronometer (standardized visual CRT). The pulse oximetry sensor was attached to the same hand. Values obtained using the device are referred to as blood refill time (BRT). These techniques were compared in its numbers with the Bland-Altman plot and the predictability of patients' admissions.

Results

Thirty ED patients were recruited. Mean CRT of ED patients was 1.9 ± 0.8 s, and there was a strong correlation with BRT (r = 0.723, p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed a proportional bias pattern. The ED physician identified 3 patients with abnormal CRT (> 3 s). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of BRT to predict whether or not CRT was greater than 3 s was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.58-1.00). Intra-rater reliability of BRT was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94) and that of CRT was 0.92 (0.85-0.96). Twelve patients were admitted to the hospital. AUC to predict patients' admissions was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.46-0.87) by BRT and 0.76 (0.58-0.94) by CRT.

Conclusions

BRT by a pulse oximetry sensor was an objective measurement as useful as the standardized CRT measured by the trained examiner with a chronometer at the bedside.

Beyond Mean Arterial Pressure and Lactate: Perfusion End Points for Managing the Shocked Patient

Patients in shock present frequently to the emergency department. The emergency physician must be skilled in the resuscitation of both differentiated and undifferentiated shock. Early, aggressive resuscitation of patients in shock is essential, using macrocirculatory, microcirculatory, and clinical end points to guide interventions. Therapy should focus on the restoration of oxygen delivery to match tissue demand. This article reviews the evidence supporting common end points of resuscitation for common etiologies of shock and limitations to their use.

Narrative review: clinical assessment of peripheral tissue perfusion in septic shock

Sepsis is one of the main reasons for intensive care unit admission and is responsible for high morbidity and mortality. The usual hemodynamic targets for resuscitation of patients with septic shock use macro-hemodynamic parameters (hearth rate, mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure). However, persistent alterations of microcirculatory blood flow despite restoration of macro-hemodynamic parameters can lead to organ failure. This dissociation between macro- and microcirculatory compartments brings a need to assess end organs tissue perfusion in patients with septic shock. Traditional markers of tissue perfusion may not be readily available (lactate) or may take time to assess (urine output). The skin, an easily accessible organ, allows clinicians to quickly evaluate the peripheral tissue perfusion with noninvasive bedside parameters such as the skin temperatures gradient, the capillary refill time, the extent of mottling and the peripheral perfusion index.

Effect of a Resuscitation Strategy Targeting Peripheral Perfusion Status vs Serum Lactate Levels on 28-Day Mortality Among Patients With Septic Shock: The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Abnormal peripheral perfusion after septic shock resuscitation has been associated with organ dysfunction and mortality. The potential role of the clinical assessment of peripheral perfusion as a target during resuscitation in early septic shock has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation during early septic shock in adults is more effective than a lactate level-targeted resuscitation for reducing mortality.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, randomized trial conducted at 28 intensive care units in 5 countries. Four-hundred twenty-four patients with septic shock were included between March 2017 and March 2018. The last date of follow-up was June 12, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to a step-by-step resuscitation protocol aimed at either normalizing capillary refill time (n = 212) or normalizing or decreasing lactate levels at rates greater than 20% per 2 hours (n = 212), during an 8-hour intervention period.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 28 days. Secondary outcomes were organ dysfunction at 72 hours after randomization, as assessed by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (range, 0 [best] to 24 [worst]); death within 90 days; mechanical ventilation-, renal replacement therapy-, and vasopressor-free days within 28 days; intensive care unit and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Among 424 patients randomized (mean age, 63 years; 226 [53%] women), 416 (98%) completed the trial. By day 28, 74 patients (34.9%) in the peripheral perfusion group and 92 patients (43.4%) in the lactate group had died (hazard ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.55 to 1.02]; P = .06; risk difference, -8.5% [95% CI, -18.2% to 1.2%]). Peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation was associated with less organ dysfunction at 72 hours (mean SOFA score, 5.6 [SD, 4.3] vs 6.6 [SD, 4.7]; mean difference, -1.00 [95% CI, -1.97 to -0.02]; P = .045). There were no significant differences in the other 6 secondary outcomes. No protocol-related serious adverse reactions were confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with septic shock, a resuscitation strategy targeting normalization of capillary refill time, compared with a strategy targeting serum lactate levels, did not reduce all-cause 28-day mortality.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03078712.

Current use of vasopressors in septic shock

Background

Vasopressors are commonly applied to restore and maintain blood pressure in patients with sepsis. We aimed to evaluate the current practice and therapeutic goals regarding vasopressor use in septic shock as a basis for future studies and to provide some recommendations on their use.

Methods

From November 2016 to April 2017, an anonymous web-based survey on the use of vasoactive drugs was accessible to members of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). A total of 17 questions focused on the profile of respondents, triggering factors, first choice agent, dosing, timing, targets, additional treatments, and effects of vasopressors. We investigated whether the answers complied with current guidelines. In addition, a group of 34 international ESICM experts was asked to formulate recommendations for the use of vasopressors based on 6 questions with sub-questions (total 14).

Results

A total of 839 physicians from 82 countries (65% main specialty/activity intensive care) responded. The main trigger for vasopressor use was an insufficient mean arterial pressure (MAP) response to initial fluid resuscitation (83%). The first-line vasopressor was norepinephrine (97%), targeting predominantly a MAP > 60–65 mmHg (70%), with higher targets in patients with chronic arterial hypertension (79%). The experts agreed on 10 recommendations, 9 of which were based on unanimous or strong (≥ 80%) agreement. They recommended not to delay vasopressor treatment until fluid resuscitation is completed but rather to start with norepinephrine early to achieve a target MAP of ≥ 65 mmHg.

Conclusion

Reported vasopressor use in septic shock is compliant with contemporary guidelines. Future studies should focus on individualized treatment targets including earlier use of vasopressors.

Value of Central Venous to Arterial CO2 Difference after Early Goal-directed Therapy in Septic Shock Patients

Background and aims

Venous to arterial difference of carbon dioxide (Pv–aCO₂) tracks tissue blood flow. We aimed to evaluate if Pv–aCO₂ measured from a superior central vein sample is a prognostic index (ICU length of stay, SOFA score, 28th mortality rate) just after early goal-directed therapy (EGDT)comparing its ICU admission values between patients with normal and abnormal (>6 mm Hg) Pv–aCO₂. As secondary objectives, we evaluated the relationship of Pv–aCO₂ with other variables of perfusion during the 24 hours that followed EGDT.

Materials and methods

Prospective observational study conducted in an academic ICU adult septic shock patients after a 6-hour complete EGTD. Hemodynamic measurements, arterial/central venous blood gases, and arterial lactate were obtained on ICU admission and after 6, 18 and 24 hours.

Results

Sixty patients were included. Admission Pv–aCO₂ values showed no prognostic value. Admission Pv–aCO₂ (ROC curve 0.527 [CI 95% 0.394 to 0.658]) values showed low specificity and sensitivity as predictors of mortality. There was a difference observed in the mean Pv–aCO₂ between nonsurvivors (NS) and survivors (S) after 6 hours. Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) and Pv–aCO₂ showed significant correlation (R2 = –0.41, P < 0.0001). Patients with normal ScvO₂ (>70%) and abnormal Pv–aCO₂ (>6 mm Hg) showed higher SOFA scores. Normal Pv–aCO₂ group cleared their lactate levels in comparison to the abnormal Pv–aCO₂ group.

Conclusion

In septic shock, admission Pv–aCO₂ after EGDT is not related to worse outcomes. An abnormal Pv–aCO₂ along with a normal ScvO₂ is related to organ dysfunction.

How to cite this article

Araujo DT, Felice VB, Meregalli AF, Friedman G. Value of Central Venous to Arterial CO₂ Difference after Early Goal-directed Therapy in Septic Shock Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(10):449–453.

Prognostic relevance of serum lactate kinetics in critically ill patients

PURPOSE

Changes of lactate concentration over time were reported to be associated with survival in septic patients. We aimed to evaluate delta-lactate (ΔLac) 24 h after admission (Δ24Lac) to an intensive care unit (ICU) in critically ill patients for short- and long-term prognostic relevance.

METHODS

In total, 26,285 lactate measurements of 2191 patients admitted to a German ICU were analyzed. Inclusion criterion was a lactate concentration at admission above 2.0 mmol/L. Maximum lactate concentrations of day 1 and day 2 were used to calculate Δ24Lac. Follow-up of patients was performed retrospectively. Association of Δ24Lac and both in-hospital and long-term mortality were investigated. An optimal cut-off was calculated by means of the Youden index.

RESULTS

Patients with lower Δ24Lac were of similar age, but clinically sicker. As continuous variable, higher Δ24Lac was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality (per 1% Δ24Lac; HR 0.987 95%CI 0.985-0.990; p < 0.001) and an optimal Δ24Lac cut-off was calculated at 19%. Δ24Lac ≤ 19% was associated with both increased in-hospital (15% vs 43%; OR 4.11; 95%CI 3.23-5.21; p < 0.001) and long-term mortality (HR 1.54 95%CI 1.28-1.87; p < 0.001), even after correction for APACHE II, need for catecholamines and intubation. We matched 256 patients with Δ24Lac ≤ 19% to case-controls > 19% corrected for APACHE II scores, baseline lactate level and sex: Δ24Lac ≤ 19% remained associated with lower in-hospital and long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower Δ24Lac was robustly associated with adverse outcome in critically ill patients, even after correction for confounders. Δ24Lac might constitute an independent, easily available and important parameter for risk stratification in the critically ill.

Statistical analysis plan for early goal-directed therapy using a physiological holistic view - the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK: a randomized controlled trial

Background

ANDROMEDA-SHOCK is an international, multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing peripheral perfusion-targeted resuscitation to lactate-targeted resuscitation in patients with septic shock in order to test the hypothesis that resuscitation targeting peripheral perfusion will be associated with lower morbidity and mortality.

Objective

To report the statistical analysis plan for the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial.

Methods

We describe the trial design, primary and secondary objectives, patients, methods of randomization, interventions, outcomes, and sample size. We describe our planned statistical analysis for the primary, secondary and tertiary outcomes. We also describe the subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Finally, we provide details for presenting our results, including mock tables showing baseline characteristics, the evolution of hemodynamic and perfusion variables, and the effects of treatments on outcomes.

Conclusion

According to the best trial practice, we report our statistical analysis plan and data management plan prior to locking the database and initiating the analyses. We anticipate that this procedure will prevent analysis bias and enhance the utility of the reported results.