Iatrogenic Toxicities in the Intensive Care Unit

Drug-induced iatrogenic toxicities are common in critically ill patients and have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and management of iatrogenic toxicities is essential; however, the diagnosis is usually complicated by the underlying critical illness, comorbidities, and administration of multiple medications. This article reviews several types of iatrogenic toxicities associated with medications that are commonly used in critically ill patients. The mechanism of the iatrogenic toxicities, clinical presentation, and diagnosis, as well as management are discussed.

Effect of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone on clinical outcomes in oncology patients with septic shock

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids are used as adjunctive treatment of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in patients with septic shock. This study aims to compare the impact of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone on duration of septic shock in critically ill oncology patients.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients receiving hydrocortisone ≥200 mg/day or methylprednisolone ≥40 mg/day with septic shock. The primary outcome was time to shock reversal defined as time to systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg without vasopressors for ≥24 h.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were included, 49 patients received hydrocortisone and 39 patients received methylprednisolone. Solid tumor malignancy was more common in the hydrocortisone group, while hematological malignancy was more common in the methylprednisolone group (p = 0.009). Time to shock reversal was similar between hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone groups (72.4 versus 70.4 h; p = 0.825). Intensive care unit mortality occurred in 51.02% versus 53.85% of patients in hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone, respectively (p = 0.792). Patients who received methylprednisolone had higher rates of mechanical ventilation (89.74% versus 55.1%, p < 0.001) and longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay (4.2 versus 11.4 days and 14.3 versus 25.7 days; p < 0.001) compared to hydrocortisone. No differences were seen in incidence of steroid-related adverse effects between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In oncology patients with septic shock, the use of hydrocortisone versus methylprednisolone does not appear to affect time to shock reversal.

The chimeric antigen receptor-intensive care unit (CAR-ICU) initiative: Surveying intensive care unit practices in the management of CAR T-cell associated toxicities

PURPOSE

A task force of experts from 11 United States (US) centers, sought to describe practices for managing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell toxicity in the intensive care unit (ICU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June-July 2019, a survey was electronically distributed to 11 centers. The survey addressed: CAR products, toxicities, targeted treatments, management practices and interventions in the ICU.

RESULTS

Most centers (82%) had experience with commercial and non-FDA approved CAR products. Criteria for ICU admission varied between centers for patients with Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) but were similar for Immune Effector Cell Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS). Practices for vasopressor support, neurotoxicity and electroencephalogram monitoring, use of prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs and tocilizumab were comparable. In contrast, fluid resuscitation, respiratory support, methods of surveillance and management of cerebral edema, use of corticosteroid and other anti-cytokine therapies varied between centers.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey identified areas of investigation that could improve outcomes in CAR T-cell recipients such as fluid and vasopressor selection in CRS, management of respiratory failure, and less common complications such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, infections and stroke. The variability in specific treatments for CAR T-cell toxicities, needs to be considered when designing future outcome studies of critically ill CAR T-cell patients.