Noradrenaline modifies arterial reflection phenomena and left ventricular efficiency in septic shock patients: A prospective observational study

PURPOSE

To determine whether noradrenaline alters the arterial pressure reflection phenomena in septic shock patients and the effects on left ventricular (LV) efficiency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-seven septic shock patients with a planned change in noradrenaline dose. Timing and magnitude (Reflection Magnitude and Augmentation Index) of arterial reflections were evaluated. Total, steady, and oscillatory LV power (also expressed as fraction of the total power), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), energy efficiency and transmission ratios were used as a marker of LV efficiency.

RESULTS

An incremental change in noradrenaline increased Reflection Magnitude [0.28(0.09) to 0.31(0.1], Augmentation Index [-6.4(23.6) to 4.8(20.7)%], and LV total power [0.79(IQR:0.47-1) to 0.98(IQR:0.57-1.27)W], all p < 0.001; whereas decreased arrival time of reflected waves [from 95(87 to 121) to 83(79 to 101)ms; p < 0.001]. Variables of LV performance showed a decreased efficiency: oscillatory fraction and energy efficiency ratio increased [20.9(5.7) to 22.8(4.9)%, and 8.2(1.7) to 10.1(2) mW.min.litre^-1; p < 0.001, respectively]; and energy transmission ratio and SEVR decreased [73.8(9.9) to 72(9.8)% and 146(IQR:113-188) to 143(IQR:109-172)%, p = 0.003 and p = 0.041, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

Noradrenaline increased reflection phenomena, increasing LV workload and worsening LV performance in septic shock patients. These conditions could explain the detrimental effects during long-term use of noradrenaline.

The Role of Cell Cycle Arrest Biomarkers for Predicting Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter, Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

Patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have a high risk for developing acute kidney injury (AKI) which is associated with an increased risk of death and persistent renal failure. Early prediction of AKI is crucial in order to implement preventive strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive performance of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 and insulin like growth factor binding protein 7 (TIMP-2) × (IGFBP7) in critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Twelve centers across Europe and United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

Patients with moderate or severe COVID-19-associated ARDS were included and serial measurements of (TIMP-2) × (IGFBP7) were performed.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary endpoint was the development of moderate or severe AKI according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes definition. Three hundred patients were available for the primary analysis, and 39 met the primary endpoint. At enrollment, urinary (TIMP-2) × (IGFBP7) had high predictive value for the primary endpoint with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84-0.93). (TIMP-2) × (IGFBP7) was significantly higher in endpoint-positive patients at enrollment and at 12 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary (TIMP-2) × (IGFBP7) predicts the occurrence of AKI in critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS.