Accuracy of Pocket-sized Ultrasound Devices to Evaluate Inferior Vena Cava Diameter and Variability in Critically Ill Patients

Purpose

By using inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements, clinicians can detect fluid status and responsiveness and find out the etiology of hypotension, acute heart failure, and sepsis easier. Pocket-sized ultrasound devices (PSUD) may take this advantage a few steps further by their lower costs, user-friendly interface, and easily applicable structure.In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of a PSUD compared with a standard ultrasound device (SD) for the measurement of IVC diameter (IVCD) and its respiratory variability.

Materials and methods

We measured the inspiratory, expiratory diameters of IVC, and calculated the inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI). We investigated 42 intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Results

There was no difference in inspiratory (PSUD: 1.34 ± 0.67 cm; SD: 1.35 ± 0.68 cm) and expiratory (PSUD: 1.98 ± 0.53 cm; SD: 2.01 ± 0.49 cm) IVCD among measurements with PSUD and SD (p > 0.05). There was also no difference between IVCCI's measured with PSUD (39 ± 20%) and SD (39 ± 20%) (p > 0.05). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the width of 95% limits of agreement were similar for both devices. There was a good inter-device agreement among PSUD and SD for measurements of IVCD, and there was no difference between IVCCI's measured using both ultrasound devices.

Conclusion

We support that the idea of a PSUD is as reliable as a SD for IVC measurements.

How to cite this article

Inci K, Gürsel G. Accuracy of Pocket-sized Ultrasound Devices to Evaluate Inferior Vena Cava Diameter and Variability in Critically Ill Patients. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):369-374.

Diagnostic Adjunct Techniques in the Assessment of Hypovolemia: A Prospective Pilot Project

INTRODUCTION

Measuring the hypovolemic resuscitation end point remains a critical care challenge. Our project compared clinical hypovolemia (CH) with three diagnostic adjuncts: 1) noninvasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM), 2) ultrasound (US) static IVC collapsibility (US-IVC), and 3) US dynamic carotid upstroke velocity (US-C). We hypothesized US measures would correlate more closely to CH than NICOM.

METHODS

Adult trauma/surgical intensive care unit patients were prospectively screened for suspected hypovolemia after acute resuscitation, excluding patients with burns, known heart failure, or severe liver/kidney disease. Adjunct measurements were assessed up to twice a day until clinical improvement. Hypovolemia was defined as: 1) NICOM: ≥10% stroke volume variation with passive leg raise, 2) US-IVC: <2.1 cm and >50% collapsibility (nonventilated) or >18% collapsibility (ventilated), 3) US-C: peak systolic velocity increase 15 cm/s with passive leg raise. Previously unknown cardiac dysfunction seen on US was noted. Observation-level data were analyzed with a Cohen's kappa (κ).

RESULTS

44 patients (62% male, median age 60) yielded 65 measures. Positive agreement with CH was 47% for NICOM, 37% for US-IVC and 10% for US-C. None of the three adjuncts correlated with CH (κ -0.045 to 0.029). After adjusting for previously unknown cardiac dysfunction present in 10 patients, no adjuncts correlated with CH (κ -0.036 to 0.031). No technique correlated with any other (κ -0.118 to 0.083).

CONCLUSIONS

None of the adjunct measurements correlated with CH or each other, highlighting that fluid status assessment remains challenging in critical care. US should assess for right ventricular dysfunction prior to resuscitation.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit: Applications, Limitations, and the Evolution of Clinical Practice

The use of point-of-care ultrasonography in the intensive care unit has been rapidly advancing over the past 20 years. This review will provide a broad overview of the discipline spanning lung ultrasonography to advanced critical care echocardiography. It will highlight new research that questions the utility of the inferior vena cava for determining volume responsiveness and will introduce the reader to cutting-edge technology including artificial intelligence, which is likely to revolutionize ultrasound teaching and image interpretation, increasing the reach of this modality for the frontline clinician.

Visual Rounds Based on Multiorgan Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the ICU

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is performed by a treating clinician at the patient's bedside, provides a acquisition, interpretation, and immediate clinical integration based on ultrasonographic imaging. The use of POCUS is not limited to one specialty, protocol, or organ system. POCUS provides the treating clinician with real-time diagnostic and monitoring information. Visual rounds based on multiorgan POCUS act as an initiative to improve clinical practice in the Intensive Care Unit and are urgently needed as part of routine clinical practice.

The Relation Between Common Carotid Artery Diameter and Central Venous Pressure for Assessment of Intravascular Fluid Status after Major Surgeries; an Observational Study

Objectives

The current study aimed to find the relation between the changes in the common carotid artery (CCA) diameter and the central venous pressure (CVP) in response to a fluid challenge in spontaneously breathing adult patients.

Methods

This study included 65 adult patients aged 20 - 60 years who were admitted to the surgical ICU. The CCA diameter and CVP were measured before and after fluid challenge, and the percentage of increase in the CCA diameter and CVP were calculated. The correlation was assessed between changes in the CVP and CCA diameter.

Results

The CCA diameter before fluid administration had a significant strong positive correlation to the CVP (r = 0.8, P value < 0.001); the increase in the CCA diameter after fluid administration had a significant moderate positive correlation with the increase in the CVP (r = 0.4, P value < 0.001). The percentage of increase in CCA diameters was positively correlated to the percentage of increase in CVP (r = 0.589, P value = 0.001) following fluid administration. However, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was an invalid test (area under curve 0.513, P value = 0.885).

Conclusions

After major surgeries, the change in the CCA diameter was positively correlated with the change in the CVP values in response to fluid administration in the spontaneously breathing adult patients, but the cut-off limit cannot be reached.

Ultrasonography in the Critical Care Unit

Purpose of Review

This article summarizes the utility and evidence supporting the use of ultrasound exams in the intensive care unit.

Recent Findings

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is widely used by intensivists managing critically ill patients whereby they can accurately and rapidly assess for many pathologies such as pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, hydronephrosis, hemoperitoneum, and deep vein thrombosis among others. Basic and advanced critical care echocardiography, including transesophageal echocardiography, are routinely performed to determine the etiology of hemodynamic instability in undifferentiated shock and to guide subsequent therapy. The use of POCUS in the assessment of volume status is controversial with studies demonstrating that respiratory variation of the IVC is not reliable and with analysis of aortic blood flow velocity after passive leg raising maneuvers being the most promising.

Summary

Point-of-care ultrasonography allows frontline clinicians to make real-time diagnoses and treatment decisions. This article will provide the reader with a broad overview of this important topic.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11886-020-01393-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Use of point-of-care ultrasound for the assessment of intravascular volume in five rural New Zealand hospitals

Introduction

Measuring the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVC) or the height of the jugular venous pressure (JVP) with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a practical alternative method for estimating a patient's intravascular volume in the rural setting. This study aims to determine whether or not POCUS of the IVC or JVP generates additional useful clinical information over and above routine physical examination in this context.

Methods

Twenty generalist physicians, working in five New Zealand rural hospitals, recorded their estimation of a patient's intravascular volume based on physical examination and then again after performing POCUS of the IVC or JVP, using a visual scale from 1 to 11.

Results

Data were available for 150 assessments. There was an only moderate agreement between the pre- and post-test findings (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.46). In 28% (42/150) of cases, the difference was four or more points on the scale, and therefore, had the potential to be clinically significant.

Conclusion

In the rural context, POCUS provides new information that frequently alters the clinician's estimation of a patient's intravascular volume.

Impact of goal directed basic echocardiography on diagnostic and therapeutic management in an ICU of cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have evaluated the impact in diagnosis and therapeutic management of basic transthoracic echocardiography in postoperated cardiac surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of basic transthoracic echocardiography in the management of this kind of patients.

DESIGN

Over an 18-month period, we prospectively studied all patients admitted to a university hospital Intensive Care Unit following heart surgery. We evaluated clinically all of them to establish a diagnosis and an initial treatment. We performed basic transthoracic echocardiography for a diagnosis evaluation that was compared with clinical diagnosis. If they differed, we assessed to change treatment and evaluate the therapeutic response. We performed a descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

We included 136 patients and performed 203 echocardiographies. Transthoracic echocardiography differed of initial diagnosis in 101 (49.8%) echocardiographies. In 56 of these echocardiographies (55.44%), we could give an alternative diagnosis with a change in the treatment in 30patients (53,6%). We found clinical improvement in 26 patients (86.76%) in the following 30-60minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic transthoracic echocardiography is useful in diagnostic and therapeutic management of postoperative cardiac surgery patients. We could not confirm the clinical diagnosis in half of the performed echocardiographies. In most patients in whom we observe a change in the diagnosis due to echocardiography, we observed a clinical improvement after changing the treatment.

Inferior vena cava evaluation in fluid therapy decision making in intensive care: practical implications

The fluid resuscitation of patients with acute circulatory failure aims to increase systolic volume and consequently improve cardiac output for better tissue oxygenation. However, this effect does not always occur because approximately half of patients do not respond to fluids. The evaluation of fluid responsiveness before their administration may help to identify patients who would benefit from fluid resuscitation and avoid the risk of fluid overload in the others. The dynamic parameters of fluid responsiveness evaluation are promising predictive factors. Of these, the echocardiographic measurement of the respiratory variation in the inferior vena cava diameter is easy to apply and has been used in the hemodynamic evaluation of intensive care unit patients. However, the applicability of this technique has many limitations, and the present studies are heterogeneous and inconsistent across specific groups of patients. We review the use of the inferior vena cava diameter respiratory variation, measured via transthoracic echocardiography, to decide whether to administer fluids to patients with acute circulatory failure in the intensive care unit. We explore the benefits and limitations of this technique, its current use, and the existing evidence.

Role of Internal Jugular Vein Ultrasound Measurements in the Assessment of Central Venous Pressure in Spontaneously Breathing Patients: A Systematic Review

Background

Few studies have tested the role of the internal jugular vein (IJV) ultrasonographic (US) diameters in the assessment of central venous pressure (CVP) in spontaneously breathing patients. No review or meta-analysis is currently available on the role of IJV assessment in this setting. The aim of this systematic review is to check the reliability and accuracy of IJV US diameters in predicting CVP and to evaluate its correlation with CVP in spontaneously breathing patients.

Methods

This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We included studies on the accuracy and reliability of the IJV ultrasound measures and studies exploring its correlation with CVP in adult spontaneously breathing patients. The studies' report quality was assessed by Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS)-2 scales.

Results

A total of five studies was eligible for final analysis. The studies on IJV ultrasound measures showed a good quality in reporting. The anterior-posterior diameter maximum of IJV (AP-IJV Dmax) showed the best correlation with the CVP with a good inter-rater reliability and validity in predicting CVP. All measures showed good inter-rater reliability and validity in predicting CVP, but only the AP-IJV Dmax showed good correlation with CVP.

Conclusions

The AP-IJV Dmax could be a potential surrogate of CVP because of its good reliability and validity in predicting CVP value and its fair-moderate correlation with CVP. Anyway, further research should confi rm these conclusions.

Consensus Document of the SEMI, semFYC, SEN, and SEC on Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Spain

This document summarizes the concept of focused cardiac ultrasound, the basic technical aspects related to this technique, and its diagnostic objectives. It also defines training requisites in focused cardiac ultrasound. This consensus document has been endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), and the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC).

Evaluation of intensivist basic training in transthoracic echocardiography in the postoperative period of heart surgery

BACKGROUND

Transthoracic echocardiography can significantly change the management of many critical patients, and is being incorporated into many Intensive Care Units (ICU). Very few studies have examined the feasibility and impact of intensivists performing basic transthoracic echocardiography upon the management of critical patients after cardiac surgery. The present study therefore evaluates the quality of acquisition and accuracy of intensivist interpretation of basic transthoracic echocardiograms in the postoperative period of heart surgery.

METHODS

Over an 8-month period we prospectively studied 148 patients within 24h after admission to a university hospital ICU following heart surgery. We performed basic transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate ventricular function, pericardial effusion, hypovolemia and mitral regurgitation. Cohen's Kappa was used to compare transthoracic echocardiograms obtained by intensivists with basic versus advanced training. Concordance on image acquisition and interpretation was evaluated.

RESULTS

We analyzed data of adequate transthoracic echocardiograms in 148 patients (92.5%). Apical four-chamber view and advanced trainees obtained better quality images. Concordance was good for right and left ventricular function (kappa=0.7±0.14 and 0.87±0.05, respectively), and moderate for the remaining parameters. Interpretation concordance between basic and advanced training intensivists was good (kappa=0.73±0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intensivists with basic training in echocardiography are capable of performing and interpreting echocardiograms in most patients during the postoperative period of heart surgery.

Echocardiographic Applications of M-Mode Ultrasonography in Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Proficiency in echocardiography and lung ultrasound has become essential for anesthesiologists and critical care physicians. Nonetheless, comprehensive echocardiography measurements often are time-consuming and technically challenging, and conventional 2-dimensional images do not permit evaluation of specific conditions (eg, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, pneumothorax), which have important clinical implications in the perioperative setting. M-mode (motion-based) ultrasonographic imaging, however, provides the most reliable temporal resolution in ultrasonography. Hence, M-mode can provide clinically relevant information in echocardiography and lung ultrasound-driven approaches for diagnosis, monitoring, and interventional procedures performed by anesthesiologists and intensivists. Although M-mode is feasible, this imaging modality progressively has been abandoned in echocardiography and is often underutilized in lung ultrasound. This article aims to comprehensively illustrate contemporary applications of M-mode ultrasonography in the anesthesia and critical care medicine practice. Information presented for each clinical application will include image acquisition and interpretation, evidence-based clinical implications in the critically ill and surgical patient, and limitations. The present article focuses on echocardiography and reviews left ventricular function (mitral annular plane systolic excursion, E-point septal separation, fractional shortening, and transmitral propagation velocity); right ventricular function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, subcostal echocardiographic assessment of tricuspid annulus kick, outflow tract fractional shortening, ventricular septal motion, wall thickness, and outflow tract obstruction); volume status and responsiveness (inferior vena cava and superior vena cava diameter and respiratory variability [collapsibility and distensibility indexes]); cardiac tamponade; systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve; and aortic dissection.

The PIEPEAR Workflow: A Critical Care Ultrasound Based 7-Step Approach as a Standard Procedure to Manage Patients with Acute Cardiorespiratory Compromise, with Two Example Cases Presented

Critical care ultrasound (CCUS) has been widely used as a useful tool to assist clinical judgement. The utilization should be integrated into clinical scenario and interact with other tests. No publication has reported this. We present a CCUS based "7-step approach" workflow-the PIEPEAR Workflow-which we had summarized and integrated our experience in CCUS and clinical practice into, and then we present two cases which we have applied the workflow into as examples. Step one is "problems emerged?" classifying the signs of the deterioration into two aspects: acute circulatory compromise and acute respiratory compromise. Step two is "information clear?" quickly summarizing the patient's medical history by three aspects. Step three is "focused exam launched": (1) focused exam of the heart by five views: the assessment includes (1) fast and global assessment of the heart (heart glance) to identify cases that need immediate life-saving intervention and (2) assessing the inferior vena cava, right heart, diastolic and systolic function of left heart, and systematic vascular resistance to clarify the hemodynamics. (2) Lung ultrasound exam is performed to clarify the predominant pattern of the lung. Step four is "pathophysiologic changes reported." The results of the focused ultrasound exam were integrated to conclude the pathophysiologic changes. Step five is "etiology explored" diagnosing the etiology by integrating Step two and Step four and searching for the source of infection, according to the clues extracted from the focused ultrasound exam; additional ultrasound exams or other tests should be applied if needed. Step six is "action" supporting the circulation and respiration sticking to Step four. Treat the etiologies according step five. Step seven is "recheck to adjust." Repeat focused ultrasound and other tests to assess the response to treatment, adjust the treatment if needed, and confirm or correct the final diagnosis. With two cases as examples presented, we insist that applying CCUS with 7-step approach workflow is easy to follow and has theoretical advantages. The coming research on its value is expected.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Performed by Pulmonary Critical Care Physicians for Right Ventricle Assessment in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism

OBJECTIVES

Risk stratification for acute pulmonary embolism using imaging presence of right ventricular dysfunction is essential for triage; however, comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography has limited availability. We assessed the accuracy and timeliness of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellow's performance of goal-directed echocardiograms and intensivists' interpretations for evaluating right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study and retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Four hundred fifty bed urban teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Adult in/outpatients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism.

INTERVENTIONS

Pulmonary critical care fellows performed and documented their goal-directed echocardiogram as normal or abnormal for right ventricular size and function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Gold standard transthoracic echocardiography was performed on schedule unless the goal-directed echocardiogram showed critical findings. Attending intensivists blinded to the clinical scenario reviewed these exams at a later date.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated for acute PE. Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellows performed 154 goal-directed echocardiograms, 110 with complete cardiology-reviewed transthoracic echocardiography within 48 hours for comparison. Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellow's area under the curve for size and function was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90), respectively. Intensivists' 1/2 area under the curve for size and function was (1) 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94), (1) 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80-0.93) and (2) 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.95), (2) 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.95). Median time difference between goal-directed echocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography was 21 hours 18 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate pulmonary critical care fellows' and intensivists' use of goal-directed echocardiography in diagnosing right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellows and intensivists made a timely and accurate assessment. Screening for right ventricular dysfunction using goal-directed echocardiography can and should be performed by pulmonary critical care physicians in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Image-based resuscitation of the hypotensive patient with cardiac ultrasound: An evidence-based review

This article is a detailed review of the literature regarding the use of cardiac ultrasound for the resuscitation of hypotensive patients. In addition, figures regarding windows and description of how to perform the test are included.

Common carotid artery diameter responds to intravenous volume expansion: an ultrasound observation

BACKGROUND

In case of intravascular fluid depletion, large veins react to volume expansion with dilation. Little is known about the reaction of arterial vessels. We herein report on the effect of a standardized fluid bolus on the diameter of the common carotid artery (CCA) and its association with hemodynamic parameters, assessed in 20 mechanically ventilated patients after cardiac surgery. CCA was visualized using ultrasound, and the percentage increase in diastolic diameter was calculated by measuring before and after administration of crystalloid infusion solution. Invasive arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure variation (PPV) were assessed in parallel.

RESULTS

Median diastolic CCA diameter was 6.2 (Q1-Q3: 5.4-7.1) mm, and it significantly increased to 6.7 (5.8-7.3) mm upon fluid administration [5.0 (1.9-10.5) % increase]. Mean arterial blood (MAP) pressure likewise increased from 68 (70-73) to 85 (71-100) mmHg, whereas PPV was significantly reduced from 17.6 (16.8-23.9) to 13.2 (6.7-18.1) %. There was a significant association between the change in CCA diameter and the hemodynamic response (delta-MAP: r = 0.53, delta-PPV: r = 0.56; p < 0.05). Furthermore, carotid diameter measured before volume expansion significantly correlated with the delta-PPV upon fluid administration (r = -0.5; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Diameter of the CCA increases in response to intravascular volume expansion. Additional studies on the interplay between carotid geometry and intravascular fluid status are necessary.

Comparison between respiratory changes in the inferior vena cava diameter and pulse pressure variation to predict fluid responsiveness in postoperative patients

PURPOSE

The objective of our study was to assess the reliability of the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava (dIVC) as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in postoperative, mechanically ventilated patients and compare its accuracy with that of the pulse pressure variation (PPV) measurement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included postoperative mechanically ventilated and sedated patients who underwent volume expansion with 500mL of crystalloids over 15minutes. A response to fluid infusion was defined as a 15% increase in the left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral according to transthoracic echocardiography. The inferior vena cava diameters were recorded by a subcostal view using the M-mode and the PPV by automatic calculation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for the baseline dIVC and PPV.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included. The area under the ROC curve for dIVC was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.63-1.0), and the best cutoff value was 16% (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 100%). The area under the ROC curve for PPV was 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.0), and the best cutoff was 12.4% (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 100%). A noninferiority test showed that dIVC cannot replace PPV to predict fluid responsiveness (P=.28).

CONCLUSION

The individual PPV discriminative properties for predicting fluid responsiveness in postoperative patients seemed superior to those of dIVC.

Point-of-Care Cardiac Ultrasound: Feasibility of Performance by Noncardiologists

Cardiac ultrasound has been used for decades to assess a wide variety of structural and functional pathology, as well as to monitor response to therapy. It offers the advantages of noninvasive, real-time dynamic functional assessment without the risk of radiation. Cardiologists have traditionally employed this modality and have established robust guidelines on the use of echocardiography. However, other specialties such as emergency medicine and critical care have realized the benefit of cardiac ultrasound and have established specialty guidelines in its use. There is growing evidence for the benefit of cardiac ultrasound at the point of care on hospital wards, clinics, and even pre-hospital environments as well. The pervasive use of focused ultrasound is perhaps most evident in the advent of ultrasound training in undergraduate medical curricula. This paper reviews some of the key literature on the use of focused, point-of-care ultrasound by noncardiologists. Feasibility, clinical utility, and emerging trends are reviewed.

International evidence-based recommendations for focused cardiac ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is a simplified, clinician-performed application of echocardiography that is rapidly expanding in use, especially in emergency and critical care medicine. Performed by appropriately trained clinicians, typically not cardiologists, FoCUS ascertains the essential information needed in critical scenarios for time-sensitive clinical decision making. A need exists for quality evidence-based review and clinical recommendations on its use.

METHODS

The World Interactive Network Focused on Critical UltraSound conducted an international, multispecialty, evidence-based, methodologically rigorous consensus process on FoCUS. Thirty-three experts from 16 countries were involved. A systematic multiple-database, double-track literature search (January 1980 to September 2013) was performed. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation method was used to determine the quality of available evidence and subsequent development of the recommendations. Evidence-based panel judgment and consensus was collected and analyzed by means of the RAND appropriateness method.

RESULTS

During four conferences (in New Delhi, Milan, Boston, and Barcelona), 108 statements were elaborated and discussed. Face-to-face debates were held in two rounds using the modified Delphi technique. Disagreement occurred for 10 statements. Weak or conditional recommendations were made for two statements and strong or very strong recommendations for 96. These recommendations delineate the nature, applications, technique, potential benefits, clinical integration, education, and certification principles for FoCUS, both for adults and pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This document presents the results of the first International Conference on FoCUS. For the first time, evidence-based clinical recommendations comprehensively address this branch of point-of-care ultrasound, providing a framework for FoCUS to standardize its application in different clinical settings around the world.

Using critical care chest ultrasonic examination in emergency consultation: a pilot study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of critical care chest ultrasonic examination (CCUE) by intensivist on the diagnosis and treatment decisions in emergent consultation for patients who may have a problem-need transfer to an intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 130 patients who required emergent consultation in the ordinary wards were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into conventional group (n = 63) and CCUE group (n = 67, added CCUE). The two groups showed no significant differences in general clinical information or final diagnosis (p > 0.05). The CCUE group had a shorter time to preliminary diagnosis, final diagnosis, treatment response and X-ray/computed tomography examination; a delay in ICU transfer and ICU stay days (3.9 ± 1.2 vs. 5.4 ± 1.9 d, p < 0.05) and a higher diagnostic accuracy than the conventional group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CCUE could help early diagnosis and therapy for the patient who may need to transfer to the ICU and reduce the ICU stay for in-hospital patients in emergent consultation.

Bedside ultrasonography for the intensivist

Critical care ultrasonography is a bedside technique performed by the frontline clinician at the point of care. Point-of-care ultrasonography is conceptually related to physical examination. The intensivist uses visual assessment, auscultation, and palpation on an ongoing basis to monitor the patient. Ultrasonography adds to traditional physical examination by allowing the intensivist to visualize the anatomy and function of the body in real time. Initial, repeated, and goal-directed ultrasonography is an extension of the physical examination that allows the intensivist to establish a diagnosis and monitor the condition of the patient on a regular basis.

Sepsis outside intensive care unit: the other side of the coin

INTRODUCTION

A growing body of evidence points out that a large amount of patients with sepsis are admitted and treated in medical ward (MW). With most of the sepsis studies conducted in intensive care unit (ICU), these patients, older and with more comorbidities have received poor attention. Provided the differences between the two groups of patients, results of diagnostic and therapeutic trials from ICU should not be routinely transferred to MW, where sepsis seems to be at least as common as in ICU.

METHODS

We analyzed clinical trials on novel tools for an early diagnosis of sepsis published in the last two year adopting strict research criteria. Moreover we conducted a target review of the literature on non-invasive monitoring of severe sepsis and septic shock.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The combination of innovative and non-invasive tools for sepsis rule in/out, as quick alternatives to blood cultures (gold standard) with bedside integrated ultrasonography could impact triage, diagnosis and prognosis of septic patients managed in MW, preventing ICU admissions, poor outcomes and costly complications, especially in elderly that are usually highly vulnerable to invasive procedures.

[Hemodynamic monitoring in the critically patient. Recomendations of the Cardiological Intensive Care and CPR Working Group of the Spanish Society of Intensive Care and Coronary Units]

Hemodynamic monitoring offers valuable information on cardiovascular performance in the critically ill, and has become a fundamental tool in the diagnostic approach and in the therapy guidance of those patients presenting with tissue hypoperfusion. From introduction of the pulmonary artery catheter to the latest less invasive technologies, hemodynamic monitoring has been surrounded by many questions regarding its usefulness and its ultimate impact on patient prognosis. The Cardiological Intensive Care and CPR Working Group (GTCIC-RCP) of the Spanish Society of Intensive Care and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) has recently impulsed the development of an updating series in hemodynamic monitoring. Now, a final series of recommendations are presented in order to analyze essential issues in hemodynamics, with the purpose of becoming a useful tool for residents and critical care practitioners involved in the daily management of critically ill patients.