Thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusions in ICU patients: an international inception cohort study (PLOT-ICU)

Purpose Thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150 × 109/L) is common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is likely associated with worse outcomes. In this study we present international contemporary data on thrombocytopenia in ICU patients. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study in adult ICU patients in 52 ICUs across 10 countries. We assessed frequencies of thrombocytopenia, use of platelet transfusions and clinical outcomes including mortality. We evaluated pre-selected potential risk factors for the development of thrombocytopenia during ICU stay and associations between thrombocytopenia at ICU admission and 90-day mortality using pre-specified logistic regression analyses. Results We analysed 1166 ICU patients; the median age was 63 years and 39.5% were female. Overall, 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 40.4–46.1) had thrombocytopenia; 23.4% (20–26) had thrombocytopenia at ICU admission, and 19.8% (17.6–22.2) developed thrombocytopenia during their ICU stay. Non-AIDS-, non-cancer-related immune deficiency, liver failure, male sex, septic shock, and bleeding at ICU admission were associated with the development of thrombocytopenia during ICU stay. Among patients with thrombocytopenia, 22.6% received platelet transfusion(s), and 64.3% of in-ICU transfusions were prophylactic. Patients with thrombocytopenia had higher occurrences of bleeding and death, fewer days alive without the use of life-support, and fewer days alive and out of hospital. Thrombocytopenia at ICU admission was associated with 90-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.19–2.42). Conclusion Thrombocytopenia occurred in 43% of critically ill patients and was associated with worse outcomes including increased mortality. Platelet transfusions were given to 23% of patients with thrombocytopenia and most were prophylactic.publishedVersio

Sonometric assessment of cough predicts extubation failure: SonoWean—a proof-of-concept study

Abstract Background Extubation failure is associated with increased mortality. Cough ineffectiveness may be associated with extubation failure, but its quantification for patients undergoing weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains challenging. Methods Patients under IMV for more than 24 h completing a successful spontaneous T-tube breathing trial (SBT) were included. At the end of the SBT, we performed quantitative sonometric assessment of three successive coughing efforts using a sonometer. The mean of the 3-cough volume in decibels was named Sonoscore. Results During a 1-year period, 106 patients were included. Median age was 65 [51–75] years, mainly men (60%). Main reasons for IMV were acute respiratory failure (43%), coma (25%) and shock (17%). Median duration of IMV at enrollment was 4 [3–7] days. Extubation failure occurred in 15 (14%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between success and failure extubation groups, except percentage of simple weaning which was lower and MV duration which was longer in extubation failure patients. Sonoscore was significantly lower in patients who failed extubation (58 [52–64] vs. 75 [70–78] dB, P < 0.001). After adjustment on MV duration and comorbidities, Sonoscore remained associated with extubation failure. Sonoscore was predictive of extubation failure with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91 (IC95% [0.83–0.99], P < 0.001). A threshold of Sonoscore < 67.1 dB predicted extubation failure with a sensitivity of 0.93 IC95% [0.70–0.99] and a specificity of 0.82 IC95% [0.73–0.90]. Conclusion Sonometric assessment of cough strength might be helpful to identify patients at risk of extubation failure in patients undergoing IMV

Improvement of central vein ultrasound-guided puncture success using a homemade needle guide—a simulation study

Abstract Background Out-of-plane (OOP) approach is frequently used for ultrasound-guided insertion of central venous catheter (CVC) owing to its simplicity but does not avoid mechanical complication. In-plane (IP) approach might improve safety of insertion; however, it is less easy to master. We assessed, a homemade needle guide device aimed to improve CVC insertion using IP approach. Method We evaluated in a randomized simulation trial, the impact of a homemade needle guide on internal jugular, subclavian and femoral vein puncture, using three approaches: out-of-plane free hand (OOP-FH), in-plane free hand (IP-FH), and in-plane needle guided (IP-NG). Success at first pass, the number of needle redirections and arterial punctures was recorded. Time elapsed (i) from skin contact to first skin puncture, (ii) from skin puncture to successful venous puncture and (iii) from skin contact to venous return were measured. Results Thirty operators performed 270 punctures. IP-NG approach resulted in high success rate at first pass (jugular: 80%, subclavian: 95% and femoral: 100%) which was higher than success rate observed with OOP-FH and IP-FH regardless of the site (p = .01). Compared to IP-FH and OOP-FH, the IP-NG approach decreased the number of needle redirections at each site (p = .009) and arterial punctures (p = .001). Compared to IP-FH, the IP-NG approach decreased the total procedure duration for puncture at each site. Conclusion In this simulation study, IP approach using a homemade needle guide for ultrasound-guided central vein puncture improved success rate at first pass, reduced the number of punctures/redirections and shortened the procedure duration compared to OOP and IP free-hand approaches

Albumin versus saline infusion for sepsis-related peripheral tissue hypoperfusion: a proof-of-concept prospective study

International audienceBackground: Albumin has potential endothelial protective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of albumin on peripheral tissue perfusion in human sepsis remains poorly known. Methods: Bi-centric prospective study included patients with sepsis with or without shock and prolonged CRT > 3 s despite initial resuscitation. Clinicians in charge of the patients were free to infuse either saline 500 mL or human serum albumin 20% 100 mL over 15 min. Global hemodynamic parameters as well as peripheral tissue perfusion were analyzed after 1 (H1) and 4 h (H4). The primary endpoint was CRT normalization (Results: 62 patients were screened, and 50 patients (13 sepsis and 37 septic shock) were included, 21 in the saline group and 29 in the albumin group. SOFA score was 8 [5–11], and SAPS II was 53 [45–70]. Median age was 68 [60–76] years with a higher proportion of men (74%). The primary sources of infection were respiratory (54%) and abdominal (24%). At baseline, comorbidities, clinical and biological characteristics were similar between groups . At H1, CRT normalization (Conclusion: In patients with resuscitated sepsis, albumin infusion might lead to greater improvement of tissue hypoperfusion compared to saline. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05094856.gov Identifier: NCT05094856

Prediction of esophagogastroduodenoscopy therapeutic usefulness for in-ICU suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding: the SUGIBI score study

International audienceBackground: Suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding (SUGIB) is a common issue during ICU stay. In the absence of specific guidelines on the indication and timing of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), there is substantial variability in EGD indication depending on accessibility and clinical presentation. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with the need for per-EGD hemostatic therapy and to create a score predicting therapeutic benefit of emergency bedside EGD in ICU patients with SUGIB. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in our ICU to identify factors associated with the need for hemostatic procedure during EGD performed for SUGIB. From this observational cohort, we derived a score predicting the need for hemostasis during EGD, the SUGIBI score. This score was subsequently validated in a retrospective multicenter cohort. Results: Two hundred fifty-five patients not primarily admitted for GI bleeding who underwent a bedside EGD for SUGIB during their ICU stay were analyzed. The preeminent EGD indication were anemia (79%), melena (19%), shock (14%), and hematemesis (13%). EGD was normal in 24.7% of cases, while primary lesions reported were ulcers (23.1%), esophagitis (18.8%), and gastritis (12.5%). Only 12.9% of patients underwent hemostatic endotherapy during EGD. A SUGIBI score Conclusions Our study shows that the therapeutic usefulness of bedside emergency EGD for SUGIB in critically ill patients is limited to a minority of patients. The SUGIBI score should help clinicians stratify the probability of a therapeutic EGD

Additional file 1 of Sonometric assessment of cough predicts extubation failure: SonoWean—a proof-of-concept study

Additional file 1. Supplemental Fig 1: Description of the Pulsar Model 14® Sound Level Meter and method for measurement. The Model 14 is a general purpose digital sound level meter which meets the full requirements of IEC 61672 to Class 2. Before each inclusion the Sound Level Meter was calibrated acoustically using an external reference, i.e the Sound Level Calibrator Model 106, which is placed over the microphone. The calibrator generates a stabilized Sound Pressure Level of 94dB (+- 0.3dB) at a frequency of 1 kHz. Using a Low range (Low = 35dB to 100dB), maximum sound level was measured pressing the MAX HOLD button for at least ½ second and was ultimately noticed. A level of sound in decibels (L) is defined as ten times the base-10 logarithm of the ratio between two power-related quantities I (i.e cough-volume related sound) and Io (i.e the human hearing threshold) as follows: L = 10 * Log 10 (I/ Io). Thus, an apparent mild increase from 73 to 76 dB in sound level results in multiplying acoustic energy by a factor two

Additional file 1 of Albumin versus saline infusion for sepsis-related peripheral tissue hypoperfusion: a proof-of-concept prospective study

Additional file 1. Flow chart