The Various Scoring Systems in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The discrimination power of the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM), pediatric index of mortality (PIM), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PELOD) may not always be true for countries such as India due to differences in factors from those nations where these scoring systems were validated. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine and compare severity, course of illness, and outcomes in critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) using different scoring systems such as PRISM 4, PIM 3, PELOD 2, and the pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA ) score, and to analyze the clinical spectrum and demographic profile of children admitted to the PICU.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This was a prospective, single-center, observational study conducted in the PICU of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, India, over two years. Two hundred children in the age group of one month to 14 years admitted to the PICU were recruited into the study. Prognostic scoring systems, including PRISM4 and PIM3, were used to compare the outcome, mortality, and length of PICU stay, whereas PELODS and pSOFA were descriptive scores that assessed the multiorgan dysfunction. A correlation between the different scoring systems and the outcome was determined.

RESULTS

The majority of children (26.5%, n=53) were one to three years of age. The maximum number of patients was male (66.5%, n=133). Renal complications were the predominant admission diagnosis in 19% (n=38) of children. The mortality rate was found to be 18.5%. The mortality was most common in infants <1 year of age (n=11, 29.73%) and those of the male sex (n=22, 59.46%). A significant correlation was found between length of stay and mortality (p<0.00001). A significant positive correlation was observed between mortality and PRISM 4, PIM 3, PELOD 2, and pSOFA scores on the first day of admission (p<0.00001). The pSOFA and PELOD2 showed better discrimination power (area under the curve (AUC): 0.77 and 0.74, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the pSOFA and PELOD2 scores are reliable predictors of mortality in critically ill children.

QSOFA and SOFA scores are valuable tools for predicting postoperative sepsis resulting from ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL)

The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) scores are new tools which are used to assess sepsis based on the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock Task Force. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using the SOFA and qSOFA to predict post-ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) sepsis. Patients who underwent URSL due to ureteral stone obstruction were retrospectively reviewed using SOFA and qSOFA scores. Patient characteristics including age, gender, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification, stone burden, stone location, hydronephrosis status, infectious status, preoperative SOFA and qSOFA score were collected. Preoperative factors were analyzed to determine if they were correlated with postoperative sepsis. A total of 830 patients were included in this study, of whom 32 (3.9%) had postoperative sepsis. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, proximal ureteral stones, severe hydronephrosis, and high preoperative qSOFA or SOFA score were significantly associated with postoperative sepsis. The areas under the curves of a qSOFA score ≥ 1 and SOFA score ≥ 2 for predicting postoperative sepsis were 0.754 and 0.823, respectively. Preoperative qSOFA and SOFA scores are convenient and effective for predicting post-URSL sepsis. Further preventive strategies should be performed in these high-risk patients.

The Impact of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score on Mortality in Geriatric Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock in the ICU

Objective One of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in elderly patients is sepsis. Malnutrition is widespread in elderly patients, affecting mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical features of patients hospitalized in the tertiary intensive care unit with the diagnosis of sepsis, as well as the effects of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, prealbumin, albumin, and other laboratory parameters on hospital mortality. Methods The patients were divided into two groups according to their survival. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Independent risk factors affecting mortality were determined by logistic regression. Results A total of 653 patients admitted to the medical ICU were evaluated out of which 254 geriatric patients with sepsis and septic shock were included. There was in-hospital mortality in 122 (48%) patients. There was no difference in age in both groups (76 (71-84) vs. 76 (70-84), p=0.896). BUN (p=0.013), LDH (p=0.014), LDH/albumin (p<0.001), BUN/albumin (p<0.001), lactate/albumin (p= 0.007), and CRP/albumin (p=0.001) was higher in deceased patients compared to surviving patients. Prealbumin and albumin were lower in non-survivors (p=0.001). When the factors affecting mortality were examined by multivariate analysis, it was determined that none of the laboratory parameters alone predicted mortality. SOFA score was the only independent risk factor indicating mortality in the geriatric patient population with sepsis (OR=1.886 (1.410-2.510), p<0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, we demonstrated that high age and parameters of nutrition indicators did not affect mortality in geriatric patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit due to sepsis. In our study, the SOFA score was an independent risk factor affecting mortality in geriatric patients with sepsis, as in all sepsis cases.

Infant Sleep Hazards and the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of infant sofa-sleeping, recent use by caregivers of alcohol, cannabis, and/or other drugs, and bed type and pillows, on the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in New Zealand.

STUDY DESIGN

A nationwide prospective case-control study was implemented between March 2012 and February 2015. Data were collected during interviews with parents/caregivers. "Hazards" were defined as infant exposure to 1 or more of sofa-sleeping and recent use by caregivers of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. The interaction of hazards with tobacco smoking in pregnancy and bed sharing, including for very young infants, and the difference in risk for Māori and non-Māori infants, also were assessed.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 132 cases and 258 controls. SUDI risk increased with infant sofa-sleeping (imputed aOR [IaOR] 24.22, 95% CI 1.65-356.40) and with hazards (IaOR 3.35, 95% CI 1.40-8.01). The SUDI risk from the combination of tobacco smoking in pregnancy and bed sharing (IaOR 29.0, 95% CI 10.10-83.33) increased with the addition of 1 or more hazards (IaOR 148.24, 95% CI 15.72-1398), and infants younger than 3 months appeared to be at greater risk (IaOR 450.61, 95% CI 26.84-7593.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco smoking in pregnancy and bed sharing remain the greatest SUDI risks for infants and risk increases further in the presence of sofa-sleeping or recent caregiver use of alcohol and/or cannabis and other drugs. Continued implementation of effective, appropriate programs for smoking cessation, safe sleep, and supplying safe sleep beds is required to reduce New Zealand SUDI rates and SUDI disparity among Māori.

Red Cell Distribution Width at Admission Predicts the Frequency of Acute Kidney Injury and 28-Day Mortality in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association of red cell distribution width (RDW) at admission with frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) and 28-day mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-eight ARDS patients were investigated in retrospective and prospective studies. The primary outcome was frequency of AKI. The secondary outcome was 28-day mortality.

RESULTS

The retrospective study included 193 ARDS patients, of which 67 (34.7%) were confirmed AKI and 76 (39.4%) died within 28 days. The RDW level in the AKI group was significantly higher than in the non-AKI group ([15.15 ± 2.59]% vs. [13.95 ± 1.89]%). Increased RDW was a significant predictor of frequency of AKI (odds ratio: 1.247, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044, 1.489). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of RDW for predicting AKI was 0.687 (95%CI: 0.610, 0.764) and the cut-off value was 14.45 (sensitivity, 56.7%; specificity, 72.8%). In addition, the proportion of patients with RDW ≥ 14.45% in the non-survival group was notably higher compared with the survival group (48.7% vs. 29.1%). Furthermore, cox regression analysis revealed that RDW ≥ 14.45% was associated with 28-day mortality (hazard ratio: 1.817, 95%CI: 1.046, 3.158), while Kaplan-Meier analysis showed patients with RDW ≥ 14.45% had a significantly lower survival rate than those with RDW < 14.45%. The prospective study, on the other hand, included 65 ARDS patients, with frequency of AKI and 28-day mortality in the RDW ≥ 14.45% group significantly higher than in RDW < 14.45%.

CONCLUSION

RDW was a significant, independent predictor for frequency of AKI and 28-day mortality in ARDS patients.

Gene Expression Scoring of Immune Activity Levels for Precision Use of Hydrocortisone in Vasodilatory Shock

PURPOSE

Among patients with vasodilatory shock, gene expression scores may identify different immune states. We aimed to test whether such scores are robust in identifying patients' immune state and predicting response to hydrocortisone treatment in vasodilatory shock.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We selected genes to generate continuous scores to define previously established subclasses of sepsis. We used these scores to identify a patient's immune state. We evaluated the potential for these states to assess the differential effect of hydrocortisone in two randomized clinical trials of hydrocortisone versus placebo in vasodilatory shock.

RESULTS

We initially identified genes associated with immune-adaptive, immune-innate, immune-coagulant functions. From these genes, 15 were most relevant to generate expression scores related to each of the functions. These scores were used to identify patients as immune-adaptive prevalent (IA-P) and immune-innate prevalent (IN-P). In IA-P patients, hydrocortisone therapy increased 28-day mortality in both trials (43.3% vs 14.7%, P = 0.028) and (57.1% vs 0.0%, P = 0.99). In IN-P patients, this effect was numerically reversed.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression scores identified the immune state of vasodilatory shock patients, one of which (IA-P) identified those who may be harmed by hydrocortisone. Gene expression scores may help advance the field of personalized medicine.

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Early Hyperbilirubinemia in Critically Ill Patients: Insights From the MARS Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of early hyperbilirubinemia in critically ill patients.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study.

PATIENTS

Patients with measured bilirubin levels within the first 2 days after ICU admission were eligible. Patients with liver cirrhosis were excluded.

ENDPOINTS

The primary endpoint was the incidence of early hyperbilirubinemia, defined as bilirubin ≥33 μmol/L within 2 days after ICU admission. Secondary endpoints included clinical characteristics of patients with versus patients without early hyperbilirubinemia, and outcomes up to day 30.

RESULTS

Of 4,836 patients, 559 (11.6%) patients had early hyperbilirubinemia. Compared to patients without early hyperbilirubinemia, patients with early hyperbilirubinemia presented with higher severity of illness scores, and higher incidences of sepsis and organ failure. After adjustment for confounding variables, early hyperbilirubinemia remained associated with mortality at day 30 (odds ratio, 1.31 [95%-confidence interval 1.06-1.60]; P = 0.018). Patients with early hyperbilirubinemia and thrombocytopenia (interaction P-value = 0.005) had a higher likelihood of death within 30 days (odds ratio, 2.61 [95%-confidence interval 2.08-3.27]; P < 0.001) than patients with early hyperbilirubinemia and a normal platelet count (odds ratio, 1.09 [95%-confidence interval 0.75-1.55]; P = 0.655).

CONCLUSIONS

Early hyperbilirubinemia occurs frequently in the critically ill, and these patients present with higher disease severity and more often with sepsis and organ failures. Early hyperbilirubinemia has an association with mortality, albeit this association was only found in patients with concomitant thrombocytopenia.

Association of the Circulating Supar Levels with Inflammation, Fibrinolysis, and Outcome in Severe Burn Patients

BACKGROUND

Hyperfibrinolysis and pro/anti-inflammatory imbalance usually occur in the early stage of severe burns. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is involved in fibrinolysis and inflammation. To date, the levels of circulating suPAR in non-survivors with severe burns remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the early association between circulating suPAR levels and biomarkers of fibrinolysis, pro/anti-inflammatory, and prognosis.

METHODS

Sixty-four consecutive Chinese patients with severe burns and 26 healthy volunteers were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were collected prospectively. Blood samples were collected at 48 h post-burn, and suPAR and biomarkers of pro/anti-inflammatory and fibrinolysis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Important indicators between non-survivors and survivors were compared. Linear regression analysis was performed to screen variables associated with suPAR. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of suPAR.

RESULT

Compared with the control group, the circulating suPAR levels in the survivors (P < 0.001) and non-survivors (P = 0.017) were higher. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had lower circulating suPAR levels at 48 h post-burn, and they showed a higher degree of fibrinolysis (higher D-dimer) and a lower TNF-α/IL-10 ratio. According to linear regression analysis, the variables independently associated with a lower suPAR level were lower platelet factor 4 (PF-4), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), and TNF-α/IL-10 levels and a higher D-dimer level. Logistic regression and ROC analyses indicated that a suPAR level ≤ 4.70 μg/L was independently associated with 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Low circulating suPAR levels at 48 h post-burn in severe burn patients may reflect decreased TNF-α/IL-10 ratio and increased hyperfibrinolysis. suPAR can predict 30-day mortality in patients with severe burn.

The 28-Day Mortality Outcome of the Complete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle in the Emergency Department

INTRODUCTION

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign published the Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle in 2018. The first-hour management of patients with sepsis in the emergency department (ED) is important, as suggested in the Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate 28-day mortality and delayed septic shock with use of a complete and incomplete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle in the ED.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included adult patients with sepsis from March to July 2019. We followed the sepsis protocol used in the ED of a tertiary care hospital.

RESULTS

We enrolled 593 patients, with 55.9% in the complete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle group. The 28-day mortality was 3.9% overall and no significant difference between the complete and incomplete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle groups (3.6% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.707). Complete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle treatment was not associated with 28-day mortality (adjusted OR = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72-5.74, P = 0.176) or delayed septic shock (adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.30-1.78, P = 0.499). Completion of each bundle did not affect outcomes of 28-day mortality and delayed septic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

The complete Hour-1 Sepsis Bundle treatment in the ED was not significantly associated with 28-day mortality and delayed septic shock.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in the Thai Clinical Trial Registry, TCTR 20200526013.

Findings and Prognostic Value of Lung Ultrasonography in Coronal Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia

PURPOSE

We used lung ultrasonography to identify features of COVID-19 pneumonia and to evaluate the prognostic value.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed lung ultrasonography on 48 COVID-19 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) (Wuhan, China) using a 12-zone method. The associations between lung ultrasonography score, PaO2/FiO2, APACHE II, SOFA, and PaCO2 with 28-day mortality were analyzed and the receiver operator characteristic curve was plotted.

RESULTS

25.9% areas in all scanning zones presented with B7 lines and 23.5% with B3 lines (B-pattern) on lung ultrasonography; 13% areas with confluent B lines (B-pattern), 24.9% in areas with consolidations, and 9.9% in areas with A lines. Pleural effusion was observed in 2.8% of areas. Lung ultrasonography score was negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (n = 48, r = -0.498, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with APACHE II (n = 48, r = 0.435, P < 0.05). Lung ultrasonography score was independently associated with 28-day mortality. The areas under receiver operator characteristic curves of lung ultrasonography score were 0.735 (95% CI: 0.586-0.844). The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values were 0.833, 0.722, and 22.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung ultrasonography could be used to assess the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, and it could also reveal the pathological signs of the disease. The lung ultrasonography score on ICU admission was independently related to the ICU 28-day mortality.

Mid-Regional Proadrenomedullin and Mid-Regional Proatrial Natriuretic Peptide Clearance Predicts Poor Outcomes Better Than Single Baseline Measurements in Critically Ill Patients With Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

We assessed the ability of baseline and serial measurements of mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and mid-regional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) to predict 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with pneumonia compared with Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) model and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.

Methodology

Biomarkers were collected for the first five days in this retrospective observational cohort study. Biomarker clearance (as a percentage) was presented as biomarker decline in five days. We investigated the relationship between biomarkers and mortality in a multivariable Cox regression model. APACHE IV and SOFA were calculated after 24 hours from intensive care unit admission.

Results

In 153 critically ill patients with pneumonia, 28-day mortality was 26.8%. Values of baseline MR-proADM, MR-proANP, and APACHE IV were significantly higher in 28-day nonsurvivors, but not significantly different for SOFA score. Baseline MR-proADM and MR-proANP, APACHE IV, and SOFA had a low area under the curve in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. No optimal cut-off points could be calculated. Biomarkers and severity scores were divided into tertiles. The highest tertiles baseline MR-proADM and MR-proANP were not significant predictors for 28-day mortality in a multivariable model with age and APACHE IV. SOFA was not a significant predictor in univariable analysis. Clearances of MR-proADM and MR-proANP were significantly higher in 28-day survivors. MR-proADM and MR-proANP clearances had similar low accuracy to identify nonsurvivors in ROC curves and were divided into tertiles. Low clearances of MR-proADM and MR-proANP (first tertiles) were significant predictors for 28-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-4.70; p = 0.013 and HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.16-4.46; p = 0.017) in a model with age and APACHE IV.

Conclusions

MR-proADM and MR-proANP clearance performed better in predicting 28-day mortality in a model with age and APACHE IV compared with single baseline measurements in a mixed population of critically ill with pneumonia.

Validity of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in Assessing Mortality Rate in the Intensive Care Unit With or Without Sepsis

Introduction

Sepsis and septic shock (sepsis-induced hypotension not improved by adequate fluid resuscitation) are among the most common reasons for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and display high mortality rates. Different scoring systems are used to diagnose and predict the mortality of patients having sepsis. This study aims to validate the prognostic accuracy of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) in determining the mortality of both septic and non-septic patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in May 2018 in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) of a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Past 200 patient records, from January 2018 to April 2018, were examined, and 20 records were discarded due to insufficient data. Sufficient observational data were collected, which was used to assess the validity of the SOFA and qSOFA in determining the mortality rate of sepsis. A comparison of the two modalities was made.

Results

Out of the 200 patients, 180 were enrolled. Data from their entire ICU stay were used to calculate their initial, highest, and mean SOFA and qSOFA. Mean SOFA score up to nine correlated with a mortality rate of up to <79%, while scores 10 and above predicted a 100% mortality rate. A mean qSOFA score of three predicted a 67% mortality rate. Univariate logistic analysis performed with odds ratio showed that the mean qSOFA score was in comparison more closely able to predict mortality, followed by mean SOFA score (p values < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study concluded that both SOFA and qSOFA scores are good predictors of mortality. However, qSOFA is more closely accurate in predicting mortality than SOFA. But further analysis with larger sample size for a longer duration as well as the application of these scores in the emergency departments and general wards can prove the precision of this study.

Epidemiology and Management Trends of Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock in the Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Trial in the Caribbean

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiology, management, and predictors of mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago.

Methods

A prospective observational study in four ICUs over a one-year period (August 2017-August 2018) was conducted. Physiologic variables, treatment data, and outcomes were collected on admission to ICU and daily until 28 days. The 28-day mortality and ICU mortality were recorded. Subgroup analysis was performed based on survival, and predictors of mortality were determined through logistic regression.

Results

Outcome data were available for 163 patients. The 28-day mortality rates for sepsis and septic shock were 42% and 47%, respectively. ICU mortality rate for sepsis was 34%. The most common suspected source of infection was pneumonia (33%). Acute kidney injury (AKI) was common and present in 71% of patients, with renal replacement therapy only being used in 30% of cases. Mechanical ventilation was required in 84% of cases. Moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (OR: 4; 95% CI: 1.9-8.8; p < 0.001) and the development of AKI (all stages) (OR: 10; 95% CI: 3.9-30.2; p < 0.001) were found to be predictive of mortality. Incidence of mechanical ventilation, moderate-to-severe ARDS, stage 3 AKI, septic shock, and failure to achieve a mean arterial pressure of > 60 mmHg within the first 24 hours of admission were higher in patients who did not survive (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sepsis and septic shock are associated with a high 28-day mortality. Organ dysfunction with renal and pulmonary involvement was an important factor in predicting a higher mortality.

The use of distributed random forest model to quantify risk predictors for tracheostomy requirements in septic patients: A retrospective cohort study

The search for early clinical risk factors in the intensive care setting may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. The objective of this retrospective study is to identify and quantify early predictors for patients who would require tracheostomy. Five hundred and forty four septic patients were divided in 2 groups: non-tracheostomized (NT) (n = 484) and tracheostomized (T) (n = 60). The patients consisted of 241 males (49.8%) in NT and 27 (45%) in T group, respectively (P = .4971). The median and interquartile range difference of age of NT group was of 72 years [59-82] and T of 75 [55.0-83.5] (P = .4687). The SAPS 3 for the group NTxT was 70 [55-85] and 85.5 [77-91] (P = .0001), the SOFA of 9 [6-13] and 12 [10-14] (P = .0002). The comparison of logistic regression analysis for predictors of non-tracheostomy and tracheostomy groups showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) for SAPS 3 range between 74 and 87 of 18.14 (95%CI = 3.36-97.84) and between 88 and 116 of 27.77 (95%CI = 4.43-174.24) (P < .05). For SOFA, the adjusted OR between 10 and 13 was 12.23 (95%CI = 2.46-60.81) and between 14 and 20 was 8.45 (95%CI = 1.58-45.29) (P < .05). The need for blood transfusions and dialysis presented an OR of 2.74 (95%CI = 1.23-6.08) and 3.33 (95%CI = 1.43-7.73) (P < .05), respectively. Our data shows that SAPS 3 ≥ 74, SOFA ≥ 11, blood transfusions and the need for dialysis were independently associated and could be considered major predictors for tracheostomy requirements in septic patients.

Sepsis: evolving concepts and challenges

Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increased burden in low- and middle-resource settings. The role of the inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of the syndrome has supported the modern concept of sepsis. Nevertheless, a definition of sepsis and the criteria for its recognition is a continuous process, which reflects the growing knowledge of its mechanisms and the success and failure of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Here we review the evolving concepts of sepsis, from the "systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by infection" (Sepsis-1) to "a severe, potentially fatal, organic dysfunction caused by an inadequate or dysregulated host response to infection" (Sepsis-3). We focused in the pathophysiology behind the concept and the criteria for recognition and diagnosis of sepsis. A major challenge in evaluating the host response in sepsis is to characterize what is protective and what is harmful, and we discuss that, at least in part, the apparent dysregulated host response may be an effort to adapt to a hostile environment. The new criteria for recognition and diagnosis of sepsis were derived from robust databases, restricted, however, to developed countries. Since then, the criteria have been supported in different clinical settings and in different economic and epidemiological contexts, but still raise discussion regarding their use for the identification versus the prognostication of the septic patient. Clinicians should not be restricted to definition criteria when evaluating patients with infection and should wisely use the broad array of information obtained by rigorous clinical observation.

Red-flag sepsis and SOFA identifies different patient population at risk of sepsis-related deaths on the general ward

Controversy exists regarding the best diagnostic and screening tool for sepsis outside the intensive care unit (ICU). Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score has been shown to be superior to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, however, the performance of "Red Flag sepsis criteria" has not been tested formally.The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of Red Flag sepsis criteria to identify the patients at high risk of sepsis-related death in comparison to SOFA based sepsis criteria. We also investigated the comparison of Red Flag sepsis to quick SOFA (qSOFA), SIRS, and national early warning score (NEWS) scores and factors influencing patient mortality.Patients were recruited into a 24-hour point-prevalence study on the general wards and emergency departments across all Welsh acute hospitals. Inclusion criteria were: clinical suspicion of infection and NEWS 3 or above in-line with established escalation criteria in Wales. Data on Red Flag sepsis and SOFA criteria was collected together with qSOFA and SIRS scores and 90-day mortality.459 patients were recruited over a 24-hour period. 246 were positive for Red Flag sepsis, mortality 33.7% (83/246); 241 for SOFA based sepsis criteria, mortality 39.4% (95/241); 54 for qSOFA, mortality 57.4% (31/54), and 268 for SIRS, mortality 33.6% (90/268). 55 patients were not picked up by any criteria. We found that older age was associated with death with OR (95% CI) of 1.03 (1.02-1.04); higher frailty score 1.24 (1.11-1.40); DNA-CPR order 1.74 (1.14-2.65); ceiling of care 1.55 (1.02-2.33); and SOFA score of 2 and above 1.69 (1.16-2.47).The different clinical tools captured different subsets of the at-risk population, with similar sensitivity. SOFA score 2 or above was independently associated with increased risk of death at 90 days. The sequalae of infection-related organ dysfunction cannot be reliably captured based on routine clinical and physiological parameters alone.

The use of SAPS 3, SOFA, and Glasgow Coma Scale to predict mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort study

Guidelines for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) management and several grading systems or prognostic indices have been used not only to improve the quality of care but to predict also the outcome of these patients. Among them, the gold standards Fisher radiological grading scale, Hunt-Hess and the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) are the most employed. The objective of this study is to compare the predictive values of simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) 3, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in the outcome of patients with aneurysmal SAH.Fifty-one SAH patients (33% males and 67% females; mean age of 54.1 ± 10.3 years) admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) in the post-operative phase were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into survivors (n=37) and nonsurvivors (n = 14). SAPS 3, Fischer scale, WFNS, SOFA, and GCS were recorded on ICU admission (day 1 - D1), and 72-hours (day 3 - D3) SOFA, and GCS. The capability of each index SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS (D1 and D3) to predict mortality was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the respective confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the index accuracy. The level of significance was set at P < .05.The mean SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS on D1 were 13.5 ± 12.7, 3.1 ± 2.4, and 13.7 ± 2.8 for survivors and 32.5 ± 28.0, 5.6 ± 4.9, and 13.5 ± 1.9 for nonsurvivors, respectively. The AUC and 95% CI for SAPS 3, SOFA, and GCS on D1 were 0.735 (0.592-0.848), 0.623 (0.476-0.754), 0.565 (0.419-0.703), respectively. The AUC and 95% CI for SOFA and GCS on D3 were 0.768 (0.629-0.875) and 0.708 (0.563-0.826), respectively. The overall mortality was 37.8%.Even though SAPS 3 and Fischer scale predicted mortality better on admission (D1), both indices SOFA and GCS performed similarly to predict outcome in SAH patients on D3.

Sequential Organ Failure Assessment predicts outcomes of pulse indicator contour continuous cardiac output-directed goal therapy: A prospective study

According to the new sepsis definitions, septic shock is defined as a subset of sepsis in which the underlying circulatory and cellular/metabolic abnormalities are profound enough to substantially increase mortality. We evaluated the predictive efficacy of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in critically ill patients with septic shock undergoing pulse indicator contour continuous cardiac output (PiCCO)-directed goal therapy (PDGT).We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study of 52 patients with septic shock undergoing PDGT. The putative prognostic factors, including the severity scores (SOFA and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II] scores), were analyzed within 24 hours after diagnosis of septic shock. We assessed and compared the predictive efficacy of risk factors for 28-day mortality of patients with septic shock undergoing PDGT.Among the patients with septic shock undergoing PDGT, the SOFA scores of nonsurvivors were significantly higher than those of survivors (P < .001); the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was higher for SOFA than for APACHE II (P = .005). The outcomes of the logistic regression analysis for 28-day mortality showed that the odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, and P-value of SOFA were 1.6, 1.2 to 2.1, and <.001, respectively.The predictive model of the SOFA score is able to accurately predict the outcomes of critically ill patients with septic shock undergoing PDGT.

Sofas and infant mortality

OBJECTIVE

Sleeping on sofas increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths. We sought to describe factors associated with infant deaths on sofas.

METHODS

We analyzed data for infant deaths on sofas from 24 states in 2004 to 2012 in the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths Case Reporting System database. Demographic and environmental data for deaths on sofas were compared with data for sleep-related infant deaths in other locations, using bivariate and multivariable, multinomial logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1024 deaths on sofas made up 12.9% of sleep-related infant deaths. They were more likely than deaths in other locations to be classified as accidental suffocation or strangulation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-2.3) or ill-defined cause of death (aOR 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5). Infants who died on sofas were less likely to be Hispanic (aOR 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9) compared with non-Hispanic white infants or to have objects in the environment (aOR 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.7) and more likely to be sharing the surface with another person (aOR 2.4; 95% CI, 1.9-3.0), to be found on the side (aOR 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.4), to be found in a new sleep location (aOR 6.5; 95% CI, 5.2-8.2), and to have had prenatal smoke exposure (aOR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6). Data on recent parental alcohol and drug consumption were not available.

CONCLUSIONS

The sofa is an extremely hazardous sleep surface for infants. Deaths on sofas are associated with surface sharing, being found on the side, changing sleep location, and experiencing prenatal tobacco exposure, which are all risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome and sleep-related deaths.

Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores differ between genders in a sepsis cohort: cause or effect?

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding the influence of gender on sepsis events and outcome. Epidemiological data from other countries may not always apply to local circumstances. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome related to the occurrence of sepsis at admission to the ICU.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study on patients admitted to the ICU over a 3-year period fulfilling sepsis criteria during the first 24 hours. Demographic data, APACHE II score, SOFA score, TISS 76, aetiology, length of stay (LOS), mortality rate, and aspects of treatment were collected and then analysed with respect to gender differences.

RESULTS

There were no gender-related differences in mortality or length of stay. Early organ dysfunction assessed as SOFA score at admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. This discrepancy was mainly associated with the coagulation sub-score. CRP levels differed between genders in relation to hospital mortality. Infection from the abdominopelvic region was more common among women, whereas infection from skin or skin structures were more common in men.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, gender was not associated with increased mortality during a 2-year follow-up period. SOFA score at ICU admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. The discrepancy was mainly related to the coagulation SOFA sub-score. Together with differences in CRP levels this may suggest differences in inflammatory response patterns between genders.

Clinical features, complications and mortality in critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Sfax,Tunisia

PURPOSE

Africa, as the rest of the world, was touched by the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1). In the literature, a few publications covering this subject emerged from this continent. We prospectively describe baseline characteristics, treatment and outcomes of consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Sfax hospital.

METHODS

From 29 November 2009 through 21 January 2010, 32 patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A(H1N1) were admitted to our ICU. We prospectively analysed data and outcomes of these patients and compared survivors and dead patients to identify any predictors of death.

RESULTS

Patients were young (mean, 36·1 [SD], 20·7 years) and 21 (65·6%) of whom had co-morbidities. During ICU care, 29 (90·6%) patients had respiratory failure; among these, 15 (46·9%) patients required invasive ventilation with a median duration of 9 (IQR 3-12) days. In our experience, respiratory dysfunction can remain isolated but may also be associated with other dysfunctions or complications, such as, septic shock, seizures, myasthenia gravis exacerbation, Guillan-Barre syndrome, acute renal failure, nosocomial infections and biological disturbances. The nine patients (28·1%) who died had greater initial severity of illness (SAPS II and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores) but also a higher SOFA score and increasing severity of organ dysfunction during their ICU evolution.

CONCLUSION

Critical illness from the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Sfax occurred in young individuals and was associated with severe acute respiratory and additional organ system failure. SAPS II and SOFA scores at ICU admission, and also during evolution, constitute a good predictor of death.

Comparison of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentrations at different SOFA scores during the course of sepsis and MODS

OBJECTIVES: The relation of procalcitonin (PCT) plasma concentrations compared with C-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed in patients with different severity of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and systemic inflammation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PCT, CRP, the sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, the Acute Physiology, Age, Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and survival were evaluated in 40 patients with systemic inflammation and consecutive MODS over a period of 15 days. RESULTS: Higher SOFA score levels were associated with significantly higher PCT plasma concentrations (SOFA 7-12: PCT 2.62 ng/ml, SOFA 19-24: PCT 15.22 ng/ml) (median), whereas CRP was elevated irrespective of the scores observed (SOFT 7-12: CRP 131 mg/l, SOFT 19-24: CRP 135 mg/l). PCT of non-surviving patients was initially not different from that of survivors but significantly increased after the fourth day following onset of the disease, whereas CRP was not different between both groups throughout the whole observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of PCT concentrations during multiple organ dysfunction syndrome provides more information about the severity and the course of the disease than that of CRP. Regarding the strong association of PCT and the respective score systems in future studies we recommend evaluation also of the severity of inflammation and MODS when PCT concentrations were compared between different types of disease.

Sepsis-related organ failure assessment and withholding or withdrawing life support from critically ill patients

BACKGROUND: We studied the incidence of withholding or withdrawing therapeutic measures in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, as well as the possible implications of sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) in the decision-making process and the ethical conflicts emerging from these measures. METHODS: The patients (n = 372) were placed in different groups: those surviving 1 year after ICU admission (S; n = 301), deaths at home (DH; n = 2), deaths in the hospital after ICU discharge (DIH; n = 13) and deaths in the ICU (DI; n = 56). The last group was divided into the following subgroups: two cardiovascular deaths (CVD), 20 brain deaths (BD), 25 deaths after withholding of life support (DWH) and nine deaths after withdrawal of life support (DWD). RESULTS: APACHE III, daily therapeutic intervention scoring system (TISS) and daily SOFA scores were good mortality predictors. The length of ICU stay in DIH (20 days) and in DWH (14 days) was significantly greater than in BD (5 days) or in S (7 days). The number of days with a maximum SOFA score was greater in DWD (5 days) than in S, BD or DWH (2 days). CONCLUSIONS: Daily SOFA is a useful parameter when the decision to withhold or withdraw treatment has to be considered, especially if the established measures do not improve the clinical condition of the patient. Although making decisions based on the use of severity parameters may cause ethical problems, it may reduce the anxiety level. Additionally, it may help when considering the need for extraordinary measures or new investigative protocols for better management of resources.