Association of Shock Indices with Peri-Intubation Hypotension and Other Outcomes: A Sub-Study of the KEEP PACE Trial

BACKGROUND

Based on current evidence, there appears to be an association between peri-intubation hypotension and patient morbidity and mortality. Studies have identified shock indices as possible pre-intubation risk factors for peri-intubation hypotension. Thus, we sought to evaluate the association between shock index (SI), modified shock index (MSI), and diastolic shock index (DSI) and peri-intubation hypotension along with other outcomes.

METHODS

The present study is a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial involving critically ill patients undergoing intubation. We defined peri-intubation hypotension as a decrease in mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg and/or a reduction of 40% from baseline; or the initiation of, or increase in infusion dosage of, any vasopressor medication (bolus or infusion) during the 30-min period following intubation. SI, MSI, and DSI were analyzed as continuous variables and categorically using pre-established cut-offs. We also explored the effect of age on shock indices.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Mean pre-intubation SI was 1.0  ±  0.3, MSI 1.5  ±  0.5, and DSI 1.9  ±  0.7. Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension (OR [95% CI] per 0.1 increase  =  1.16 [1.04, 1.30], P  =  .009 for SI; 1.14 [1.05, 1.24], P  =  .003 for MSI; and 1.11 [1.04, 1.19], P  =  .003 for DSI). The area under the ROC curves did not differ across shock indices (0.66 vs 0.67 vs 0.69 for SI, MSI, and DSI respectively; P  =  .586). Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with worse sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (spearman rank correlation: r  =  0.30, r  =  0.40, and r  =  0.45 for SI, MSI, and DSI, respectively, all P < .001) but not with other outcomes. There was no significant impact when incorporating age.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were all significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension and worse SOFA scores but not with other outcomes. Shock indices remain a useful bedside tool to assess the potential likelihood of peri-intubation hypotension.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier - NCT02105415.

A Systematic Review Supporting the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in Adults

CONTEXT

Hypercalcemia is a common complication of malignancy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To support development of the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy in adults.

METHODS

We searched multiple databases for studies that addressed 8 clinical questions prioritized by a guideline panel from the Endocrine Society. Quantitative and qualitative synthesis was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We reviewed 1949 citations, from which we included 21 studies. The risk of bias for most of the included studies was moderate. A higher proportion of patients who received bisphosphonate achieved resolution of hypercalcemia when compared to placebo. The incidence rate of adverse events was significantly higher in the bisphosphonate group. Comparing denosumab to bisphosphonate, there was no significant difference in the rate of patients who achieved resolution of hypercalcemia. Two-thirds of patients with refractory/recurrent hypercalcemia of malignancy who received denosumab following bisphosphonate therapy achieved resolution of hypercalcemia. Addition of calcitonin to bisphosphonate therapy did not affect the resolution of hypercalcemia, time to normocalcemia, or hypocalcemia. Only indirect evidence was available to address questions on the management of hypercalcemia in tumors associated with high calcitriol levels, refractory/recurrent hypercalcemia of malignancy following the use of bisphosphonates, and the use of calcimimetics in the treatment of hypercalcemia associated with parathyroid carcinoma. The certainty of the evidence to address all 8 clinical questions was low to very low.

CONCLUSION

The evidence summarized in this systematic review addresses the benefits and harms of treatments of hypercalcemia of malignancy. Additional information about patients' values and preferences, and other important decisional and contextual factors is needed to facilitate the development of clinical recommendations.

Diagnostic accuracy of the physical examination in emergency department patients with acute vertigo or dizziness: A systematic review and meta-analysis for GRACE-3

BACKGROUND

History and physical examination are key features to narrow the differential diagnosis of central versus peripheral causes in patients presenting with acute vertigo. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy of physical examination findings.

METHODS

This study involved a patient-intervention-control-outcome (PICO) question: (P) adult ED patients with vertigo/dizziness; (I) presence/absence of specific physical examination findings; and (O) central (ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, others) versus peripheral etiology. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) was assessed.

RESULTS

From 6309 titles, 460 articles were retrieved, and 43 met the inclusion criteria: general neurologic examination-five studies, 869 patients, pooled sensitivity 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.3%-61.9%, moderate certainty) and specificity 92.8% (95% CI 75.7%-98.1%, low certainty); limb weakness/hemiparesis-four studies, 893 patients, sensitivity 11.4% (95% CI 5.1%-23.6%, high) and specificity 98.5% (95% CI 97.1%-99.2%, high); truncal/gait ataxia-10 studies, 1810 patients (increasing severity of truncal ataxia had an increasing sensitivity for central etiology, sensitivity 69.7% [43.3%-87.9%, low] and specificity 83.7% [95% CI 52.1%-96.0%, low]); dysmetria signs-four studies, 1135 patients, sensitivity 24.6% (95% CI 15.6%-36.5%, high) and specificity 97.8% (94.4%-99.2%, high); head impulse test (HIT)-17 studies, 1366 patients, sensitivity 76.8% (64.4%-85.8%, low) and specificity 89.1% (95% CI 75.8%-95.6%, moderate); spontaneous nystagmus-six studies, 621 patients, sensitivity 52.3% (29.8%-74.0%, moderate) and specificity 42.0% (95% CI 15.5%-74.1%, moderate); nystagmus type-16 studies, 1366 patients (bidirectional, vertical, direction changing, or pure torsional nystagmus are consistent with a central cause of vertigo, sensitivity 50.7% [95% CI 41.1%-60.2%, moderate] and specificity 98.5% [95% CI 91.7%-99.7%, moderate]); test of skew-15 studies, 1150 patients (skew deviation is abnormal and consistent with central etiology, sensitivity was 23.7% [95% CI 15%-35.4%, moderate] and specificity 97.6% [95% CI 96%-98.6%, moderate]); HINTS (head impulse, nystagmus, test of skew)-14 studies, 1781 patients, sensitivity 92.9% (95% CI 79.1%-97.9%, high) and specificity 83.4% (95% CI 69.6%-91.7%, moderate); and HINTS+ (HINTS with hearing component)-five studies, 342 patients, sensitivity 99.0% (95% CI 73.6%-100%, high) and specificity 84.8% (95% CI 70.1%-93.0%, high).

CONCLUSIONS

Most neurologic examination findings have low sensitivity and high specificity for a central cause in patients with acute vertigo or dizziness. In acute vestibular syndrome (monophasic, continuous, persistent dizziness), HINTS and HINTS+ have high sensitivity when performed by trained clinicians.

Perioperative Management of Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The management of patients who are receiving chronic oral anticoagulation therapy and require an elective surgery or an invasive procedure is a common clinical scenario.

RESAERCH QUESTION

What is the best available evidence to support the development of American College of Chest Physicians guidelines on the perioperative management of patients who are receiving long-term vitamin K agonist (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and require elective surgery or procedures?

STUDY DESIGH AND METHODS

A literature search including multiple databases from database inception through July 16, 2020, was performed. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate.

RESULTS

In patients receiving VKA (warfarin) undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, shorter (< 5 days) VKA interruption is associated with an increased risk of major bleeding. In patients who required VKA interruption, heparin bridging (mostly with low-molecular-weight heparin [LMWH]) was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of major bleed (relative risk [RR], 9.1; 95% CI, 1.62-51.3), representing a very low certainty of evidence (COE). Compared with DOAC interruption 1 to 4 days before surgery, continuing DOACs was not associated with a statistically significant difference in the risk of bleeding, representing a very low COE. Continuing dabigatran was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of thromboembolism (RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.8), representing a low COE. In patients who needed DOAC interruption, bridging with LMWH was associated a with statistically significant increased risk of minor bleeding compared with no bridging (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.13-2.7), representing a low COE.

INTERPRETATION

The certainty in the evidence supporting the perioperative management of anticoagulants remains limited. No high-quality evidence exists to support the practice of heparin bridging during the interruption of VKA or DOAC therapy for an elective surgery or procedure or for the practice of interrupting VKA therapy for minor procedures, including cardiac device implantation, or continuation of a DOAC vs short-term interruption of a DOAC (1-4 days) in the perioperative period.

A Systematic Review Supporting the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Hyperglycemia in Adults Hospitalized for Noncritical Illness or Undergoing Elective Surgical Procedures

CONTEXT

Individuals with diabetes or newly recognized hyperglycemia account for over 30% of noncritically ill hospitalized patients. Management of hyperglycemia in these patients is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To support development of the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline for management of hyperglycemia in adults hospitalized for noncritical illness or undergoing elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

We searched several databases for studies addressing 10 questions provided by a guideline panel from the Endocrine Society. Meta-analysis was conducted when feasible. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 94 studies reporting on 135 553 patients. Compared with capillary blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring increased the number of patients identified with hypoglycemia and decreased mean daily blood glucose (BG) (very low certainty). Data on continuation of insulin pump therapy in hospitalized adults were sparse. In hospitalized patients receiving glucocorticoids, combination neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) and basal-bolus insulin was associated with lower mean BG compared to basal-bolus insulin alone (very low certainty). Data on NPH insulin vs basal-bolus insulin in hospitalized adults receiving enteral nutrition were inconclusive. Inpatient diabetes education was associated with lower HbA1c at 3 and 6 months after discharge (moderate certainty) and reduced hospital readmissions (very low certainty). Preoperative HbA1c level < 7% was associated with shorter length of stay, lower postoperative BG and a lower number of neurological complications and infections, but a higher number of reoperations (very low certainty). Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes and mild hyperglycemia was associated with lower frequency of hypoglycemic events than insulin therapy (low certainty). Caloric oral fluids before surgery in adults with diabetes undergoing surgical procedures did not affect outcomes (very low certainty). Counting carbohydrates for prandial insulin dosing did not affect outcomes (very low certainty). Compared with scheduled insulin (basal-bolus or basal insulin + correctional insulin), correctional insulin was associated with higher mean daily BG and fewer hypoglycemic events (low certainty).

CONCLUSION

The certainty of evidence supporting many hyperglycemia management decisions is low, emphasizing importance of shared decision-making and consideration of other decisional factors.

A Systematic Review Supporting the Society for Vascular Surgery Guidelines on the Management of Carotid Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

To support the development of guidelines on the management of carotid disease, a writing committee from the Society for Vascular Surgery has commissioned this systematic review.

METHODS

We searched multiple data bases for studies addressing 5 questions: medical management vs. carotid revascularization (CEA) in asymptomatic patients, CEA vs. CAS in symptomatic low surgical risk patients, the optimal timing of revascularization after acute stroke, screening high risk patients for carotid disease, and the optimal sequence of interventions in patients with combined coronary and carotid disease. Studies were selected and appraised by pairs of independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were performed when feasible.

RESULTS

Medical management compared to carotid interventions in asymptomatic patients was associated with better early outcome during the first 30 days. However, CEA was associated with significantly lower long-term rate of stroke/death at 5 years. In symptomatic low risk surgical patients, CEA was associated with lower risk of stroke, but a significant increase in MI compared to CAS during the first 30 days. When the long-term outcome of transfemoral CAS vs. CEA in symptomatic patients were examined using pre-planned pooled analysis of individual patient data from four randomized trials, the risk of death or stroke within 120 days of the index procedure was 5.5% for CEA and 8.7% for CAS, which lends support that over the long-term, CEA has superior outcome than transfemoral CAS. When managing acute stroke, the comparison of CEA during the first 48 hours to that between day 2 and day14 did not reveal a statistically significant difference on outcomes during the first 30 days. Registry data show good results with CEA performed in the first week, but not within the first 48 hours. A single risk factor, aside from PAD, was associated with low carotid screening yield. Multiple risk factors greatly increase the yield of screening. Evidence on the timing of interventions in patients with combined carotid and coronary disease was sparse and imprecise. Patients without carotid symptoms, who had the carotid intervention first, compared to a combined carotid intervention and CABG, had better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated evidence summary will support the SVS clinical practice guidelines for commonly raised clinical scenarios. CEA was superior to medical therapy in long-term prevention of stroke/death over medical therapy. CEA was also superior to transfemoral CAS in minimizing long-term stroke/death for symptomatic low risk surgical patients. CEA should optimally be performed between 2-14 days from the onset of acute stroke. Having multiple risk factors increases the value of carotid screening.

A Systematic Review Supporting the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Guidelines on the Prevention and Treatment of Adverse Events of Injectable Fillers

BACKGROUND

As the use of injectable skin fillers increase in popularity, an increase in the reported adverse events is expected.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review supports the development of American Society for Dermatologic Surgery practice guideline on the management of adverse events of skin fillers.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Several databases for studies on risk factors or treatments of injection-related visual compromise (IRVC), skin necrosis, inflammatory events, and nodules were searched. Meta-analysis was conducted when feasible.

RESULTS

The review included 182 studies. However, IRVC was very rare (1-2/1,000,000 patients) but had poor prognosis with improvement in 19% of cases. Skin necrosis was more common (approximately 5/1,000) with better prognosis (up to 77% of cases showing improvement). Treatments of IRVC and skin necrosis primarily depend on hyaluronidase injections. Risk of skin necrosis, inflammatory events, and nodules may be lower with certain fillers, brands, injection techniques, and volume. Treatment of inflammatory events and nodules with antibiotics, corticosteroids, 5-FU, and hyaluronidase was associated with high response rate (75%-80%). Most of the studies were small and noncomparative, making the evidence certainty very low.

CONCLUSION

Practitioners must have adequate knowledge of anatomy, elicit history of skin filler use, and establish preemptive protocols that prepare the clinical practice to manage complications.

Vasopressin in vasoplegic shock: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Vasoplegic shock is a challenging complication of cardiac surgery and is often resistant to conventional therapies for shock. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are standards of care for vasoplegic shock, but vasopressin has increasingly been used as a primary pressor in vasoplegic shock because of its unique pharmacology and lack of inotropic activity. It remains unclear whether vasopressin has distinct benefits over standard of care for patients with vasoplegic shock.

AIM

To summarize the available literature evaluating vasopressin vs non-vasopressin alternatives on the clinical and patient-centered outcomes of vasoplegic shock in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

This was a systematic review of vasopressin in adults (≥ 18 years) with vasoplegic shock after cardiac surgery. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohorts, and retrospective cohorts comparing vasopressin to norepinephrine, epinephrine, methylene blue, hydroxocobalamin, or other pressors were included. The primary outcomes of interest were 30-d mortality, atrial/ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, ICU length of stay, duration of vasopressor therapy, incidence of acute kidney injury stage II-III, and mechanical ventilation for greater than 48 h.

RESULTS

A total of 1161 studies were screened for inclusion with 3 meeting inclusion criteria with a total of 708 patients. Two studies were randomized controlled trials and one was a retrospective cohort study. Primary outcomes of 30-d mortality, stroke, ventricular arrhythmias, and duration of mechanical ventilation were similar between groups. Conflicting results were observed for acute kidney injury stage II-III, atrial arrhythmias, duration of vasopressors, and ICU length of stay with higher certainty of evidence in favor of vasopressin serving a protective role for these outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Vasopressin was not found to be superior to alternative pressor therapy for any of the included outcomes. Results are limited by mixed methodologies, small overall sample size, and heterogenous populations.

Risk factors for and prediction of post-intubation hypotension in critically ill adults: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Objective

Hypotension following endotracheal intubation in the ICU is associated with poor outcomes. There is no formal prediction tool to help estimate the onset of this hemodynamic compromise. Our objective was to derive and validate a prediction model for immediate hypotension following endotracheal intubation.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective, cohort study enrolling 934 adults who underwent endotracheal intubation across 16 medical/surgical ICUs in the United States from July 2015-January 2017 was conducted to derive and validate a prediction model for immediate hypotension following endotracheal intubation. We defined hypotension as: 1) mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg; 2) systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and/or decrease in systolic blood pressure of 40% from baseline; 3) or the initiation or increase in any vasopressor in the 30 minutes following endotracheal intubation.

Results

Post-intubation hypotension developed in 344 (36.8%) patients. In the full cohort, 11 variables were independently associated with hypotension: increasing illness severity; increasing age; sepsis diagnosis; endotracheal intubation in the setting of cardiac arrest, mean arterial pressure <65 mmHg, and acute respiratory failure; diuretic use 24 hours preceding endotracheal intubation; decreasing systolic blood pressure from 130 mmHg; catecholamine and phenylephrine use immediately prior to endotracheal intubation; and use of etomidate during endotracheal intubation. A model excluding unstable patients’ pre-intubation (those receiving catecholamine vasopressors and/or who were intubated in the setting of cardiac arrest) was also developed and included the above variables with the exception of sepsis and etomidate. In the full cohort, the 11 variable model had a C-statistic of 0.75 (95% CI 0.72, 0.78). In the stable cohort, the 7 variable model C-statistic was 0.71 (95% CI 0.67, 0.75). In both cohorts, a clinical risk score was developed stratifying patients’ risk of hypotension.

Conclusions

A novel multivariable risk score predicted post-intubation hypotension with accuracy in both unstable and stable critically ill patients.

Study registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02508948 and Registered Report Identifier: RR2-10.2196/11101.

A Framework for Evidence Synthesis Programs to Respond to a Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires making rapid decisions based on sparse and rapidly changing evidence. Evidence synthesis programs conduct systematic reviews for guideline developers, health systems clinicians, and decision-makers that usually take an average 6 to 8 months to complete. We present a framework for evidence synthesis programs to respond to pandemics that has proven feasible and practical during the COVID-19 response in a large multistate health system employing more than 78,000 people. The framework includes four components: an approach for conducting rapid reviews, a repository of rapid reviews, a registry for all original studies about COVID-19, and twice-weekly prioritized update of new evidence sent to key stakeholders. As COVID-19 will not be our last pandemic, we share the details of this framework to allow replication in other institutions and re-implementation in future pandemics.

Nonpharmacologic Therapies in Patients With Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events of nonpharmacologic interventions in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov from database inception to January 2, 2019, for randomized controlled trials that enrolled adults with exacerbation of COPD and evaluated the effect of nonpharmacologic interventions on clinical outcomes and/or lung function.

RESULTS

We included 30 randomized controlled trials with 2643 participants. Improvement in 6-minute walking test distance was associated with resistance training (weighted mean difference [WMD], 74.42; 95% CI, 46.85 to 101.99), pulmonary rehabilitation (WMD, 20.02; 95% CI, 12.06 to 28.67), whole body vibration (WMD, 89.42; 95% CI, 45.18 to 133.66), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (WMD, 64.54; 95% CI, 53.76 to 75.32). Improvement in quality of life was associated with resistance training (WMD, 18.7; 95% CI, 5.06 to 32.34), combined breathing technique and range of motion exercises (WMD, 14.89; 95% CI, 5.30 to 24.50), whole body vibration (WMD, -12.02; 95% CI, -21.41 to -2.63), and intramuscular vitamin D (WMD, -4.67; 95% CI, -6.00 to -3.35 at the longest follow-up). Oxygen titration with a target oxygen saturation range of 88% to 92% was associated with reduced mortality compared with high flow oxygen (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.88). All findings were based on low strength of evidence.

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized for exacerbation of COPD, exercise interventions and pulmonary rehabilitation programs may ameliorate functional decline. Oxygen should be titrated with a target oxygen saturation of 88% to 92% in these patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42018111609.

Effect of Ketamine/Propofol Admixture on Peri-Induction Hemodynamics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To evaluate the effectiveness of an admixture of ketamine and propofol on peri-induction hemodynamics during airway manipulation, we searched electronic databases of randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2000, to October 17, 2018. Trial screening, selection, and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers with outcomes pooled across included trials using the random-effects model. We included 10 randomized trials (722 patients, mean age of 53.99 years, 39.96% female). American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status was reported in 9 trials with classes I and II representing the majority. Ketamine/propofol admixture was associated with a nonsignificant increase in heart rate (weighted mean difference, 3.36 beats per minute (95% CI, -0.88, 7.60), I 2 = 88.6%), a statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference, 9.67 mmHg (95% CI, 1.48, 17.86), I 2 = 87.2%), a nonsignificant increase in diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference, 2.18 mmHg (95% CI, -2.82, 7.19), I 2 = 73.1%), and a nonsignificant increase in mean arterial pressure (weighted mean difference, 3.28 mmHg (95% CI, -0.94, 7.49), I 2 = 69.9%) compared to other agents. The risk of bias was high and the certainty of evidence was low. In conclusion, among patients undergoing airway manipulation and needing sedation, the use of a ketamine/propofol admixture may be associated with better hemodynamics compared to nonketamine/propofol sedation. This trial is registered with CRD42019125725.

Derivation and validation of a computable phenotype for acute decompensated heart failure in hospitalized patients

Background

With higher adoption of electronic health records at health-care centers, electronic search algorithms (computable phenotype) for identifying acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) among hospitalized patients can be an invaluable tool to enhance data abstraction accuracy and efficacy in order to improve clinical research accrual and patient centered outcomes. We aimed to derive and validate a computable phenotype for ADHF in hospitalized patients.

Methods

We screened 256, 443 eligible (age > 18 years and with prior research authorization) individuals who were admitted to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2014. Using a randomly selected derivation cohort of 938 patients, several iterations of a free-text electronic search were developed and refined. The computable phenotype was subsequently validated in an independent cohort 100 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the computable phenotype were compared to the gold standard (expert review of charts) and International Classification of Diseases-9 (ICD-9) codes for Acute Heart Failure.

Results

In the derivation cohort, the computable phenotype achieved a sensitivity of 97.5%, and specificity of 100%, whereas ICD-9 codes for Acute Heart Failure achieved a sensitivity of 47.5% and specificity of 96.7%. When all Heart Failure codes (ICD-9) were used, sensitivity and specificity were 97.5 and 86.6%, respectively. In the validation cohort, the sensitivity and specificity of the computable phenotype were 100 and 98.5%. The sensitivity and specificity for the ICD-9 codes (Acute Heart Failure) were 42 and 98.5%. Upon use of all Heart Failure codes (ICD-9), sensitivity and specificity were 96.8 and 91.3%.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that using computable phenotype to ascertain ADHF from the clinical notes contained within the electronic medical record are feasible and reliable. Our computable phenotype outperformed ICD-9 codes for the detection of ADHF.

Pharmacologic Therapies in Patients With Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by frequent exacerbations.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and adverse events (AEs) of pharmacologic interventions for adults with exacerbation of COPD.

DATA SOURCES

English-language searches of several bibliographic sources from database inception to 2 January 2019.

STUDY SELECTION

68 randomized controlled trials that enrolled adults with exacerbation of COPD treated in out- or inpatient settings other than intensive care and compared pharmacologic therapies with placebo, "usual care," or other pharmacologic interventions.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated study quality and strength of evidence (SOE).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Compared with placebo or management without antibiotics, antibiotics given for 3 to 14 days were associated with increased exacerbation resolution at the end of the intervention (odds ratio [OR], 2.03 [95% CI, 1.47 to 2.80]; moderate SOE) and less treatment failure at the end of the intervention (OR, 0.54 [CI, 0.34 to 0.86]; moderate SOE), independent of severity of exacerbations in out- and inpatients. Compared with placebo in out- and inpatients, systemic corticosteroids given for 9 to 56 days were associated with less treatment failure at the end of the intervention (OR, 0.01 [CI, 0.00 to 0.13]; low SOE) but also with a higher number of total and endocrine-related AEs. Compared with placebo or usual care in inpatients, other pharmacologic interventions (aminophyllines, magnesium sulfate, anti-inflammatory agents, inhaled corticosteroids, and short-acting bronchodilators) had insufficient evidence, showing either no or inconclusive effects (with the exception of the mucolytic erdosteine) or improvement only in lung function.

LIMITATION

Scant evidence for many interventions; several studies had unclear or high risk of bias and inadequate reporting of AEs.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids reduce treatment failure in adults with mild to severe exacerbation of COPD.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO: CRD42018111609).

Short- and Long-term Outcomes After Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the procedures of choice for restoration of intestinal continuity in ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. This systematic review aims to assess short-term postoperative and long-term functional outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing IPAA.

METHODS

A literature search was performed for all publications of pediatric IPAA in which short- and long-term outcomes were reported. Papers were excluded based on title, abstract, and full-length review. Data collection included patient demographics, medication use preoperatively, operative approach, 30-day postoperative outcomes, long-term functional outcomes (to maximal date of follow-up), and pouch failure rate. Outcomes were compared in those patients with and without perioperative corticosteroid exposure. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale as all studies were cohort studies.

RESULTS

Of 710 records reviewed, 42 full papers were included in the analysis. Rates of superficial surgical site infection, pelvic sepsis, ileus, and small bowel obstruction at <30 days were 10%, 11%, 10%, and 14%, respectively. Rates of pouchitis, stricture, chronic fistula tract, incontinence, and pouch failure were 30%, 17%, 12%, 20%, and 8%, respectively, at 37-109 months of follow-up; incontinence was significantly higher in those exposed to corticosteroids preoperatively (52% vs 20%; P < 0.001). The median daytime, nighttime, and 24-hour stool frequency were 5.3, 1.4, and 5 bowel movements, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IPAA is safe with good long-term functional outcomes in pediatric patients.

Survey on the Current State of Endotracheal Intubation Among the Critically Ill

Objectives:

In the last decade, the practice of intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) has evolved. To further examine the current intubation practice in the ICU, we administered a survey to critical care physicians.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey study design.

Setting:

Thirty-two academic/nonacademic centers nationally and internationally.

Measurements and Main Results:

The survey was developed among a core group of physicians with the assistance of the Survey Research Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The survey was pilot tested for functionality and reliability. The response rate was 82 (51%) of 160 among the 32 centers. Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, there was a significant difference with actual ketamine use and those who indicated a preference for it (ketamine: 52% vs 61%; P < .001). The most common airway device used for intubation was direct laryngoscopy (Miller laryngoscope blade) at 56 (68%) followed by video laryngoscopy at 26 (32%). Most (>90%) indicated that they have a difficult airway cart, but only 55 (67%) indicated they have a documented plan to handle a difficult airway with even lower results for documented review of adverse events (49%).

Conclusion:

Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, ketamine was a medication that many preferred to use, possibly relating to the fact that the most common complication postintubation is hypotension. Direct laryngoscopy remains the primary airway device for endotracheal intubation. Finally, although the majority stated they had a difficult airway cart available, most did not have a documented plan in place when encountering a difficult airway or a documented process to review adverse events surrounding intubation.

Readability of Online Health Information: A Meta-Narrative Systematic Review

Online health information should meet the reading level for the general public (set at sixth-grade level). Readability is a key requirement for information to be helpful and improve quality of care. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the readability of online health information in the United States and Canada. Out of 3743 references, the authors included 157 cross-sectional studies evaluating 7891 websites using 13 readability scales. The mean readability grade level across websites ranged from grade 10 to 15 based on the different scales. Stratification by specialty, health condition, and type of organization producing information revealed the same findings. In conclusion, online health information in the United States and Canada has a readability level that is inappropriate for general public use. Poor readability can lead to misinformation and may have a detrimental effect on health. Efforts are needed to improve readability and the content of online health information.

Determinants of Endotracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Under Conscious Sedation

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aim was to determine the factors leading to prophylactic endotracheal intubation in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Secondary aims were to determine the rate of unplanned endotracheal intubations during endoscopy and to determine the rate of aspiration following endoscopy for patients admitted to the ICU.

METHODS

Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent upper and lower endoscopic procedures from January 2012 to July 2016 in a medical/surgical ICU were included. Determinants of prophylactic endotracheal intubation prior to endoscopy as well as other postprocedure outcomes were electronically captured by a validated data mart system. Given our focus on aspiration in those who were not endotracheally intubated prior to endoscopy, we used a validated definition a priori.

RESULTS

A total of 320 patients were included in the final analysis: 76(24%) were intubated prior to endoscopy and 244 (76%) were not. The endotracheally intubated group had a significantly higher Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation III (44.5 [16.2] vs 39.5 [15.5]; P = .02) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (6.9 [4.4] vs 3.8 [3]; P ≤ .01) scores, higher rate of hematemesis within 24 hours of endoscopy (28 [37%] vs 45 [18%]; P ≤ .01), and higher rate of upper endoscopy (72 [96%] vs 181 [74%]; P ≤ .01). We composed a composite outcome for multivariable analyses, which demonstrated the rate of any complication was significantly higher among those who were intubated prior to the procedure versus those who were not intubated previously (odds ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-6.72, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy performed in the ICU without endotracheal intubation is safe. However, patient selection for prophylactic intubation prior to endoscopy is of critical importance as illustrated in this study with higher illness severity, planned upper endoscopy, and hematemesis 24 hours prior being key factors on deciding to perform endotracheal intubation. Prophylactic intubation for endoscopy and preexisting cardiac disease were associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes.

Predictors of hemodynamic derangement during intubation in the critically ill: A nested case-control study of hemodynamic management-Part II

PURPOSE

Our primary aim was to identify predictors of immediate hemodynamic decompensation during the peri-intubation period.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study of a previously identified cohort of adult patients needing intubation admitted to a medical-surgical ICU during 2013-2014. Hemodynamic derangement was defined as cardiac arrest and/or the development of systolic blood pressure <90mmHg and/or mean arterial pressure <65mmHg 30min following intubation. Data during the peri-intubation period was analyzed.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 420 patients. Immediate hemodynamic derangement occurred in 170 (40%) patients. On multivariate modeling, age/10year increase (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.39, p=0.02), pre-intubation non-invasive ventilation (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04-2.80, p=0.03), pre-intubation shock index/1 unit (OR 5.37 95% CI 2.31-12.46, p≤0.01), and pre-intubation modified shock index/1 unit (OR 2.73 95% CI 1.48-5.06, p≤0.01) were significantly associated with hemodynamic derangement. Those experiencing hemodynamic derangement had higher ICU [47 (28%) vs. 33 (13%); p≤0.001] and hospital [69 (41%) vs. 51 (20%); p≤0.001] mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemodynamic derangement occurred at a rate of 40% and was associated with increased mortality. Increasing age, use of non-invasive ventilation before intubation, and increased pre-intubation shock and modified shock index values were significantly associated with hemodynamic derangement post-intubation.

Predictors of arterial desaturation during intubation: a nested case-control study of airway management-part I

Background

Arterial desaturations experienced during endotracheal intubation (ETI) may lead to poor outcomes. Thus, our primary aim was to identify predictors of arterial desaturation (pulse oximetry <90%) during the peri-intubation period and to assess outcomes of those who developed arterial hypoxemia.

Methods

Adult patients admitted to a medical and/or surgical intensive care unit (ICU) over the time period of January 1st 2013 through December 31st 2014 who required ETI were included. Only the first intubation was captured. Arterial desaturation was defined as pulse oximetry readings of <90% (hypoxemia) in the immediate peri-intubation period. Patients were then grouped in cases (those who developed desaturation) and controls (those who did not develop this complication).

Results

The final cohort included 420 patients. Arterial desaturations occurred in 74 (18%) patients. When adjusting for significant predictors on univariate analysis and known predictors of a difficult airway, only acute respiratory failure (OR 2.38; 95% CI: 1.15-4.93; P=0.02) and provider training level (OR 7.12; 95% CI: 1.65-30.67; P=0.016) remained significant. Higher pulse oximetry readings prior to intubation was found to be protective on multivariate analysis (OR 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89-0.96; P<0.01; per one percent increase).

Conclusions

Patients who were intubated for acute respiratory failure and those who were intubated by junior level trainees had increased odds of experiencing arterial desaturation in the peri-intubation period. Patients experiencing arterial desaturation had lower pulse oximetry readings prior to intubation suggesting a possible delay at intubation.

The Incidence of and Risk Factors for Postintubation Hypotension in the Immunocompromised Critically Ill Adult

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aim was to ascertain the frequency of postintubation hypotension in immunocompromised critically ill adults with secondary aims of arriving at potential risk factors for the development of postintubation hypotension and its impact on patient-related outcomes.

METHODS

Critically ill adult patients (≥18 years) were included from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. We defined immunocompromised as patients with any solid organ or nonsolid organ malignancy or transplant, whether solid organ or not, requiring current chemotherapy. Postintubation hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure to less than 90 mm Hg or a decrease in mean arterial pressure to less than 65 mm Hg or the initiation of any vasopressor medication. Patients were then stratified based on development of postintubation hypotension. Potential risk factors and intensive care unit (ICU) outcome metrics were electronically captured by a validated data mart system.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 269 patients. Postintubation hypotension occurred in 141 (52%; 95% confidence interval: 46-58) patients. Several risk factors predicted postintubation hypotension on univariate analysis; however, only Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score in the first 24 hours, preintubation shock status, and preintubation hemodynamic instability remained significant on all 4 multivariate analyses. Patients developing postintubation hypotension had higher ICU and hospital mortality (54 [38%] vs 31 [24%], P = .01; 69 [49%] vs 47 [37%], P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Based on previous literature, we found a higher frequency of postintubation hypotension in the immunocompromised than in the nonimmunocompromised critically ill adult patients. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score in the first 24 hours, preintubation shock status, and preintubation hemodynamic instability were significant predictors on multivariate analyses. Postintubation hypotension led to higher ICU and hospital mortality in those experiencing this complication.

Practice of Intubation of the Critically Ill at Mayo Clinic

OBJECTIVE

To describe the practice of intubation of the critically ill at a single academic institution, Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, and to report the incidence of immediate postintubation complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Critically ill adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a medical-surgical intensive care unit from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014, who required endotracheal intubation included.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 420 patients. The mean age at intubation was 62.9 ± 16.3 years, with 58% (244) of the cohort as male. The most common reason for intubation was respiratory failure (282 [67%]). The most common airway device used was video laryngoscopy (204 [49%]). Paralysis was used in 264 (63%) patients, with ketamine as the most common sedative (194 [46%]). The most common complication was hypotension (170 [41%]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.7-45.3) followed by hypoxemia (74 [17.6%]; 95% CI: 14.1-21.6), with difficult intubation occurring in 20 (5%; 95% CI: 2.9-7.3).

CONCLUSION

We found a high success rate of first-pass intubation in critically ill patients (89.8%), despite the procedure being done primarily by trainees 92.6% of the time; video was the preferred method of laryngoscopy (48.6%). Although our difficult intubation (4.8%) and complication rates typically associated with the act of intubation such as aspiration (1.2%; 95% CI: 0.4-2.8) and esophageal intubation (0.2%; 95% CI: 0.01-1.3) are very low compared to other published rates (8.09%), postintubation hypotension (40.5%) and hypoxemia (17.6%) higher.

Elevated Modified Shock Index Within 24 Hours of ICU Admission Is an Early Indicator of Mortality in the Critically Ill

PURPOSE

To assess whether exposure to modified shock index (MSI) in the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

Adult critically ill patients were included in a case-control design with 1:2 matching. Cases (death) and controls (alive) were abstracted by a reviewer blinded to exposure status (MSI). Cases were matched to controls on 3 factors-age, end-stage renal disease, and ICU admission diagnosis.

RESULTS

Eighty-three cases and 159 controls were included. On univariate analysis, lorazepam administration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.75, confidence interval [CI] = 2.28-14.47; P ≤ .01), shock requiring vasopressors (OR: 3.62, CI = 1.77-7.40; P ≤ .01), maximum MSI (OR: 2.77 per unit, CI = 1.63-4.71; P ≤ .001), and elevated acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.41 per 10 units, CI = 1.19-1.66; P ≤ .001) were associated with mortality. Maximum MSI (OR: 1.93 per unit, CI = 1.07-3.48, P = .03) and APACHE III score at 1 hour (OR: 1.29 per 10 units, CI = 1.09-1.53; P = .003) remained significant with mortality in the multivariate analysis. The optimal cutoff point for high MSI and mortality was 1.8.

CONCLUSION

Critically ill patients who demonstrate an elevated MSI within the first 24 hours of ICU admission have a significant mortality risk. Given that MSI is easily calculated at the bedside, clinicians may institute interventions earlier which could improve survival.

Breast cancer characteristics in very young Egyptian women ≤35 years

Background

Breast cancer in very young patients represents a unique issue that needs more attention as the number of cases is increasing and it has special characteristics at presentation, diagnosis, and biologic behaviors which reflect on both treatment strategies and survival. The aim of the current study was to analyze and report the clinico-pathological characteristics and treatment procedures used for breast cancer in very young patients over the last decade in a single Egyptian cancer center.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study was conducted in the Oncology Center – Mansoura University, where the data of all breast cancer patients, between September 2006 and August 2015, were reviewed. Among 4,628 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer during this period, only 300 patients aged ≤35 years had complete registry data. Clinico-pathological characteristics, therapeutic procedures, and survival outcome were reported.

Results

Three hundred and seventy-nine patients (8.19%) were aged ≤35 years at the time of presentation. The age ranged between 21 and 35 years, and the mean age was 31 years (±3 standard deviation). Positive family history of breast cancer was found in 12.3%, and metastatic presentation was seen in 4.7%. The rate of axillary lymph nodes involvement was 75.7%. The estrogen receptor-negative disease was found in 51%, and among 217 patients who did HER2 test, 82 patients (37.8%) were HER2 positive, while triple-negative subtype was found in 57 patients (26.4%). Ki 67 percentage ranged between 3% and 66% (median was 35%). The median disease-free survival was 61 months (95% confidence interval 44–78 months); the 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival were 58% and 50%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival were 88% and 68%, respectively.

Conclusion

Very young Egyptian patients with breast cancer should be given focus and specially studied as the presentation has more aggressive biologic behavior at advanced stages, so the treatment strategies have to be tailored in a very precise manner.