Acute and Critical Care

Volume 39 (3); August 2024

Review Articles

Basic science and research
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency: latest pathophysiology and management guidelines: Fremita Chelsea Fredrick, Anish Kumar Reddy Meda, Bhupinder Singh, Rohit Jain; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):331-340. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00647

1,225 View
645 Download

Abstract PDF: Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in the United States exceed 5.7 million annually, often leading to complications such as post-intensive care syndrome and high mortality rates. Among these challenges, critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) requires emphasis due to its complex, multiple-cause pathophysiology and varied presentations. CIRCI, characterized by adrenal insufficiency during critical illness, presents in up to 30% of ICU patients and may manifest as an exaggerated inflammatory response. Factors such as dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, altered cortisol metabolism, tissue corticosteroid resistance, and drug-induced suppression contribute to CIRCI. Diagnosis is a complex process, relying on a comprehensive assessment including clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and dynamic stimulatory testing. Treatment involves intensive medical care and exacting glucocorticoid therapy. Recent guidelines advocate for individualized approaches tailored to patient presentation and etiology. Understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of CIRCI is vital for clinicians managing critically ill patients and striving to improve outcomes. This research paper aims to explore the latest developments in the pathophysiology and management of CIRCI.

Nursing
Specialized nursing intervention on critically ill patient in the prevention of intubation-associated pneumonia: an integrative literature review: Daniela Fradinho Almeida, Maria do Rosário Pinto, Maria Candida Durao, Helga Rafael Henriques, Joana Ferreira Teixeira; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):341-349. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00528

1,419 View
106 Download

Abstract PDF: Healthcare-associated infections are adverse events that affect people in critical condition, especially when hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The most prevalent is intubation-associated pneumonia (IAP), a nursing-care-sensitive area. This review aims to identify and analyze nursing interventions for preventing IAP. An integrative literature review was done using the Medline, CINAHL, Scopus and PubMed databases. After checking the eligibility of the studies and using Rayyan software, ten final documents were obtained for extraction and analysis. The results obtained suggest that the nursing interventions identified for the prevention of IAP are elevating the headboard to 30º; washing the teeth, mouth and mucous membranes with a toothbrush and then instilling chlorohexidine 0.12%–0.2% every 8/8 hr; monitoring the cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube (ETT) between 20–30 mm Hg; daily assessment of the need for sedation and ventilatory weaning and the use of ETT with drainage of subglottic secretions. The multimodal nursing interventions identified enable health gains to be made in preventing or reducing IAP. This area is sensitive to nursing care, positively impacting the patient, family, and organizations. Future research is suggested into the effectiveness of chlorohexidine compared to other oral hygiene products, as well as studies into the mortality rate associated with IAP, with and without ETT for subglottic aspiration.

Original Articles

Immunology
Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as indices of early sepsis and mortality in North Indian pediatric burn injuries: a prospective evaluation and literature review: Nupur Aggarwal, Durga Karki, Rajni Gaind, Monika Matlani, Vamseedharan Muthukumar; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):350-358. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00759

731 View
54 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Delays in diagnosing sepsis in children afflicted with thermal injuries can result in high morbidity and mortality. Our study evaluated the role of the biomarkers Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictors of early sepsis and mortality, respectively, in this group of patients. Methods: This was a prospective evaluation of 90 pediatric burn cases treated at a tertiary care burn center in Northern India. Patients, aged 1–16 years, presenting within 24 hours of being burned, with >10% body surface area of burn injury were included in the study. Levels of PCT and CRP were measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Patients were followed until discharge, 30th post-burn day, or death, whichever occurred first. Results: Sepsis was clinically present in 49 of 90 (54.4%) cases with a median 30% total body surface area (TBSA) of burns. Mortality was seen in 31 of 90 (34.4%) cases with a median of 35% TBSA burns. High PCT and CRP were seen in the sepsis group, particularly on days 3, 5, and 7. PCT was also significantly higher in the mortality group (days 1 and 3). Conclusions: While PCT was a good early predictor of sepsis and mortality in children with burns, CRP was reliable as a predictor of sepsis only. Both markers, however, can serve as adjuncts to culture sensitivity reports for diagnosing early onset sepsis and initiation of antibiotic therapy in appropriate patients.

Pulmonary
Increased red cell distribution width predicts mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to a Dutch intensive care unit: Anthony D. Mompiere, Jos L.M.L. le Noble, Manon Fleuren-Janssen, Kelly Broen, Frits van Osch, Norbert Foudraine; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):359-368. Published online August 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01137

817 View
54 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Abnormal red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with poor cardiovascular, respiratory, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. However, whether RDW provides prognostic insights regarding COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was unknown. Here, we retrospectively investigated the association of RDW with 30-day and 90- day mortalities, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU and hospital stay in patients with COVID-19. Methods: This study included 321 patients with COVID-19 aged >18 years who were admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and July 2022. The outcomes were mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay. RDW >14.5% was assessed in blood samples within 24 hours of admission. Results: The mortality rate was 30.5%. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed an association between increased RDW and 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.64; 95% CI, 1.54–8.65), 90-day mortality (HR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.59–8.40), and shorter duration of invasive ventilation (2.7 ventilator-free days, P=0.033). Conclusions: Increased RDW in COVID-19 patients at ICU admission was associated with increased 30-day and 90-day mortalities, and shorter duration of invasive ventilation. Thus, RDW can be used as a surrogate biomarker for clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU.

Nephrology
A clinical risk score for predicting acute kidney injury in sepsis patients receiving normal saline in Northern Thailand: a retrospective cohort study: Phaweesa Chawalitpongpun, Sukrit Kanchanasurakit, Nattha Sanhatham, Warinda Sasom, Siriwan Thanommim, Araya Senpradit, Wuttikorn Siriplabpla; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):369-378. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00514

800 View
52 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Normal saline is commonly used for resuscitation in sepsis patients but has a high chloride content, potentially increasing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study evaluated risk factors and developed a predictive risk score for AKI in sepsis patients treated with normal saline. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized the medical and electronic health records of sepsis patients who received normal saline between January 2018 and May 2020. Predictors of AKI used to construct the predictive risk score were identified through multivariate logistic regression models, with discrimination and calibration assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the expected-to-observed (E/O) ratio. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping techniques. Results: AKI was reported in 211 of 735 patients (28.7%). Eight potential risk factors, including norepinephrine, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, serum chloride, respiratory failure with invasive mechanical ventilation, nephrotoxic antimicrobial drug use, history of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers use, history of liver disease, and serum creatinine were used to create the NACl RENAL-Cr score. The model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (AUROC, 0.79; E/O, 1). The optimal cutoff was 2.5 points, with corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value scores of 71.6%, 72.5%, 51.2%, and 86.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The NACl RENAL-Cr score, consisting of eight critical variables, was used to predict AKI in sepsis patients who received normal saline. This tool can assist healthcare professionals when deciding on sepsis treatment and AKI monitoring.

Nephrology
Incidence of hypothermia in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy in Siriraj Hospital, Thailand: Thonnarat Pornsirirat, Nualnapa Kasemvilawan, Patcharavalia Pattanacharoenwong, Saisunee Arpibanwana, Hatairat Kondon, Thummaporn Naorungroj; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):379-389. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00038

848 View
56 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Hypothermia is a relatively common complication in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, few studies have reported the factors associated with hypothermia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in five intensive care units (ICUs) to evaluate the incidence of hypothermia and the predictive factors for developing hypothermia during CRRT, with hypothermia defined as a time-weighted average temperature <36 °C. Results: From January 2020 to December 2021, 300 patients were enrolled. Hypothermia developed in 23.7% of them within the first 24 hours after CRRT initiation. Compared to non-hypothermic patients, hypothermic patients were older and had lower body weight, more frequent acidemia, and higher ICU and 30-day mortality rates. In the multivariate analysis, age >70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.59; 95% CI, 1.38–4.98; P=0.004), higher positive fluid balance on the day before CRRT (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02–1.22; P=0.02), and CRRT dose (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.00–1.01; P=0.04) were significantly associated with hypothermia. Conversely, a higher body weight was independently associated with mitigated risk of hypothermia (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81–0.97; P=0.01). Moreover, a higher coefficient of variance of temperature was associated with greater ICU mortality (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13–1.78; P=0.003). Conclusions: Hypothermia during CRRT is a relatively common occurrence, and factors associated with hypothermia onset in the first 24 hours include older age, lower body weight, higher positive fluid balance on the day before CRRT, and higher CRRT dose. Greater temperature variability was associated with increased ICU mortality.

Epidemiology
The impact of age on mortality in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study in Malaysia: Abdul Jabbar Ismail, W Mohd Nazaruddin W Hassan, Mohd Basri Mat Nor, Wan Fadzlina Wan Muhd Shukeri; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):390-399. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00640

458 View
48 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Age is a significant consideration for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, the reported associations between increasing age and mortality vary across studies, and data in the local context of Malaysia are lacking. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of ICU patients was conducted between January 2020 and November 2023 at a university hospital in Malaysia. Patients were classified into two categories according to age (years) and into four groups according to National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): young adult (19–24), adult (25–44), middle age (45–64), and elderly (≥65). The Cochran-Armitage test for trend and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality. Results: A total of 1,661 patients was analyzed. The Cochran-Armitage test showed a significant positive association between ICU mortality rate and age group (Z=−4.86, P<0.01) or MeSH category (Z=−5.36, P<0.01). After adjusting for other confounders, the strongest predictor for ICU mortality in the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was age, with the elderly age group having the highest adjusted hazard ratio of 4.777 (95% CI, 1.128–20.231; P=0.03). Conclusions: Age had a significant impact on ICU mortality in our cohort of critically ill patients.

Pediatrics
Pediatric septic shock estimation using deep learning and electronic medical records: Ji Weon Lee, Bongjin Lee, June Dong Park; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):400-407. Published online August 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00031

625 View
52 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Diagnosing pediatric septic shock is difficult due to the complex and often impractical traditional criteria, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which result in delays and higher risks. This study aims to develop a deep learning-based model using SIRS data for early diagnosis in pediatric septic shock cases. Methods: The study analyzed data from pediatric patients (<18 years old) admitted to a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to July 2023. Vital signs, lab tests, and clinical information were collected. Septic shock cases were identified using SIRS criteria and inotrope use. A deep learning model was trained and evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC). Variable contributions were analyzed using the Shapley additive explanation value. Results: The analysis, involving 9,616,115 measurements, identified 34,696 septic shock cases (0.4%). Oxygen supply was crucial for 41.5% of the control group and 20.8% of the septic shock group. The final model showed strong performance, with an AUROC of 0.927 and AUPRC of 0.879. Key influencers were age, oxygen supply, sex, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, while body temperature had minimal impact on estimation. Conclusions: The proposed deep learning model simplifies early septic shock diagnosis in pediatric patients, reducing the diagnostic workload. Its high accuracy allows timely treatment, but external validation through prospective studies is needed.

Nursing
The Glasgow Coma Scale and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score evaluation to predict patient outcomes with neurological illnesses in intensive care units in West Bank: a prospective cross-sectional study: Wourod Mahmoud Omar, Imad Rasheed Abu Khader, Salam Bani Hani, Mohammed ALBashtawy; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):408-419. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00570

403 View
47 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Determining the clinical neurological state of the patient is essential for making decisions and forecasting results. The Glasgow Coma Scale and the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) Scale are commonly used tools for measuring behavioral consciousness. This study aims to compare scales among patients with neurological disorders in intensive care units (ICUs) in the West Bank. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional design was employed. All patients admitted to ICUs who met inclusion criteria were involved in this study. Data were collected from from An-Najah National University, Al-Watani, and Rafedia Hospital. Both tools were used to collect data. Results: A total of 84 patients were assessed, 69.0% of the patients were male, and the average length of stay was 6.4 days. The mean score on the Glasgow Coma scale was 11.2 on admission 11.6 after 48 hours, and 12.2 on discharge. The mean FOUR Scale score was 12.2 on admission, 12.4 after 48 hours, and 12.5 at discharge. Conclusions: This study indicates that both the Glasgow Coma Scale and the FOUR scale are effective in predicting outcomes for neurologically deteriorated critically ill patients. However, the FOUR scale proved to be more reliable when assessing outcomes in ICU patients.

Nursing
A study to assess the psychosocial needs of patient family members in the intensive care unit in India: Lalthlanawmi Renthlei, Ronur Srikantasastry Ramesh, Mahalakshmy Thulasingam, Manjini Jeyaram Kumari; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):420-429. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01116

361 View
43 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) is considered a mental crisis for patients and their families as they are unprepared for such a stressful and difficult situation. Hence, the objectives of this study are to assess the psychosocial needs of patient family members in the ICU in various dimensions such as assurance, proximity, information, support, and comfort; and to associate their psychosocial needs with their socio-demographic variables and clinical variables of the patient. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 among 188 family members of patients admitted to the ICU using a convenience sampling technique in a tertiary hospital in Puducherry, India. The modified Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) questionnaire was administered to all consenting family members to determine their needs. Results: The overall most important need among the five dimensions of modified CCFNI scores identified by the family members is the need for assurance (2.71±0.38). Using analysis of variance, statistical significances were found as follows. Education and comfort (F-statistic and P-value): 2.76 (0.029); relationship with the patient and assurance: 2.61 (0.036); relationship with the patient and support: 2.44 (0.048); level of consciousness and comfort: 4.63 (0.010); ICU visit restriction and assurance: 3.28 (0.022); ICU visit restriction and comfort: 8.08 (<0.001). Conclusions: Since family members are essential members of the treatment teams, nurses should concentrate on reassuring them, assisting them in emerging from crises through appropriate communication, offering support, and attending to their needs.

Nursing
A quasi-experimental study to assess the effect of Benson’s relaxation on anxiety and depression among patients with heart failure in Jordan: Asad Allah Mohammed Aloran, Samiha Sohail Jarrah, Fatma Refaat Ahmed, Mohannad Eid AbuRuz; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):430-438. Published online August 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.01053

554 View
40 Download
1 Web of Science
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Background
Despite advancements in treatment, heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of death. Anxiety and depression (A&D) are highly prevalent among patients with HF, negatively impacting their mortality, and morbidity. The Benson relaxation technique (BRT) is a non-pharmacological approach that is easy to learn, use, and apply for reducing A&D. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the BRT in reducing A&D among patients with HF in Jordan. Methods: This quasi-experimental pre and post-design study involved a consecutive sample of 204 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of HF. Data were collected from four hospitals in Jordan. Results: A total of 204 patients participated in this study, with 138 males and 66 females. The mean A&D scores for the sample at baseline were 11.09±2.60 and 10.80±2.30, respectively. In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant difference between pre-intervention anxiety and post-intervention anxiety levels (P<0.001), as well as between pre-intervention depression and post-intervention depression levels (P<0.001). In contrast, the control group showed no statistically significant differences between pre-intervention and post-intervention A&D levels (P=0.83 and P=0.34) respectively. Conclusions: BRT can be used as an adjunctive intervention for patients with HF to reduce A&D. Healthcare professionals should consider incorporating BRT into treatment plans, while nursing departments can lead its implementation.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

New applications of non-pharmacological therapy for reducing anxiety and depression: a component of comprehensive heart failure treatment
Min-Seok Kim
Acute and Critical Care.2024; 39(3): 439. CrossRef

Editorial

Cardiology
New applications of non-pharmacological therapy for reducing anxiety and depression: a component of comprehensive heart failure treatment: Min-Seok Kim; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):439-440. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.00934

244 View
30 Download

PDF

Case Report

Neurology
Abducens paralysis—a rare complication of spinal anesthesia at an emergency department: a case report: Mustafa Korkut, Cihan Bedel; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(3):441-443. Published online July 5, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2021.01697

3,762 View
99 Download
1 Web of Science
1 Crossref

Abstract PDF

The sixth cranial nerve (CN VI) is a rare site of complication associated with spinal anesthesia and can produce secondary symptoms of ocular muscle palsy. A 38-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with complaint of diplopia and limited lateral gaze in the first week after endoscopic urological surgery under spinal anesthesia. Isolated unilateral CN VI palsy was considered after excluding differential diagnoses. Ocular palsy and diplopia regressed with conservative treatment during follow-up, and the patient was discharged. This article aims to show that CN VI palsy is a rare complication of spinal anesthesia, which can be observed in the emergency department.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Cranial Nerve Six Palsy After Vaginal Delivery with Epidural Anesthesia: A Case Report
Jennifer Olivarez, Scott Gutovitz, Caylyne Arnold
The Journal of Emergency Medicine.2024; 66(3): e338. CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

New issue