The correlation of bedside ultrasound inferior vena cava distensibility index with pulse pressure variation and central venous pressure in ventilated sepsis patient in assessing fluid status in intensive care unit Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Introduction: Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index, pulse pressure variation (PPV), and central venous pressure (CVP) are known to be important variables in assessing fluid status of critically ill patients. A study showed that CVP is a poor predictor of fluid status. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index, PPV and CVP with adult ventilated septic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in assessing fluid responsiveness. Methods: A cross sectional study was done to 67 ventilated adult sepsis patients admitted to ICU Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from April 2014 until November 2014. Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index was measured by bedside ultrasound machine, PPV calculated manually and CVP was directly measured. Results: There was a fair correlation between Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index and PPV (r= 0.49, p- value <0.001. However there was no significant correlation between Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index and CVP and between PPV and CVP. Conclusion: Therefore, Inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility index and PPV was useful as a dynamic tool of measurement of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patient

Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Sepsis for the Glycemic Control Outcome of Two Intensive Care Units in Malaysia

Close monitoring and tight glycemic control are required among critically ill patients as they have dynamic metabolism which may precipitate stress-induced hyperglycemia. Clinically, diabetes mellitus (DM) patient with sepsis indicated a high mortality rate. This study investigates the association between DM and non-DM related to sepsis and non-sepsis patients from different insulin infusion therapy management. This study used 128 retrospective data from Hospital A, and 37 retrospective data from Hospital B. ICU patients who received insulin infusion therapy during their stay in the ICU were selected. Both centres implement the sliding scale-based insulin infusion therapy with the target range for blood glucose (BG) level within 6.0 – 10.0 mmol/L. The retrospective clinical data were compared among cohorts for DM and non-DM associated with sepsis and non-sepsis conditions. Findings showed that the DM group had higher insulin sensitivity than non-DM for both cohorts. Meanwhile, cohort B had higher insulin sensitivity than cohort A for all classes. Cohort A (DM+Sepsis) had low insulin sensitivity (66.7 L/(mU.min) and worst condition with sepsis&nbsp;which resulted from the lowest percentage (30.81%) of BG measurement within the target range. The (nonDM+nonSepsis) class had the tightest glycemic control for cohort A (3.4 mmol/L) and cohort B (2.2 mmol/L), as observed by the BG interquartile range. Furthermore, cohort A (nonDM+nonSepsis) had a 41.55% of severe hyperglycemia and 0.12% for severe hypoglycemia. Contrary, cohort B (nonDM+nonSepsis) had the highest percentage within the target range (74.31%) and the lowest percentage of hyperglycemia (18.78%). There was significantly different (p-values &lt;0.05) between cohort A and cohort B in BG level and glucose intake, likewise between sepsis and non-sepsis of non-DM for both cohorts. The findings indicate that a successful glycemic control protocol is much influenced by insulin sensitivity, patient variability, diabetes condition, and patient sepsis status

Point-of-care procalcitonin to guide the discontinuation of antibiotic treatment in the intensive care unit: a Malaysian randomised controlled trial

Introduction: This work aims to establish the practicality of simple point-of-care (POC) measurements of procalcitonin (PCT) coupled with the standard PCT-guided antibiotic treatment discontinuation algorithm to guide the cessation of antibiotic treatment in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: In this randomised-controlled trial, 80 adult patients with suspected bacterial infections were randomised to either the POC PCT-guided arm (n = 40) or the standard-of-care arm (n = 40). The decision to discontinue antibiotic treatment in the POC PCT-guided arm was based on the POC PCT-guided antibiotic-treatment discontinuation strategy, which states that discontinuation is urged once the PCT concentration has reduced by ≥ 80% or to < 0.5 ng/mL. In the standard-of-care arm, the antibiotic-treatment duration followed the local guidelines. Results: The median duration of antibiotic treatment was 6.5 [IQR = 5.0-7.0] days in the POC PCT-guided antibiotic-treatment arm versus 7.5 [IQR = 5.0-14.0] days in the standard-of-care arm (p = 0.010). The mean antibiotic-free days in the first 30 days after study inclusion was 20.7 (SD = 5.3) days in the POC PCT-guided antibiotic-treatment arm versus 16.4 (SD = 7.4) days in the standard-of-care arm (p = 0.004). The number of patients who took an antibiotic for more than 10 days was 2 (5%) in the POC PCT-guided antibiotic-treatment arm versus 13 (32.5%) in the standard-of-care arm (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Antibiotic use in patients with symptoms of bacterial infections in the ICU was substantially minimised with the installation of a POC PCT-guided antibiotic-treatment cessation

The effects of insulin infusion protocol on the glycemic level of the intensive care patients

Insulin infusion protocol is the standard protocol that has been practiced in Malaysia's intensive care unit (ICU) for controlling the hyperglycemia. Multiple sliding scale method of the insulin infusion protocol may drive conflict in selecting an appropriate scale to be applied to the patient. The objective of this paper is to analyse the blood glucose outcome of eight sliding scales insulin infusion protocol adopted in the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM). A retrospective data of 78 ICU patients of HUSM were fitted using a validated glucose-insulin system to identify insulin sensitivity profiles of the patients. Then, these SI profiles were simulated on various scale protocols. The results obtained from this study showed that among eight scales, Scale 4 had the highest percentage of BG within the HUSM's target of 6.0-10.0 mmol/L. Scale 1 had the highest percentage of BG for the BG measurement more than 10.0 mmol/L while Scale 8 had the highest percentage of BG measurement of less than 6.0 mmol/L. However, none of the scale shown better performance than the current clinical practice. Furthermore, all of the eight scales had a more substantial number of BG measurement compared to the clinical. This study shows that Scale 2 and Scale 3 result in a similar outcome. Similarly, Scale 5 is almost the same as Scale 6. Thus, at least two sets of scale can be combined to reduce the number of scales. The reduction of scales consequently avoid confusion and helps the clinician in selecting the appropriate scale to be applied to the patients. From this study, it can be concluded that the HUSM protocol is a combination of scales. The scales may be shifted from one to another scale depending on patient condition and clinician judgement. A proper guideline for the scale shifting seems necessary to allow optimum glycemic management in the ICU

Awake Nasal Fiberoptic Intubation in Diffuse Para-pharyngeal Abscess

This is a case report on awake fibreoptic intubation for a patient with a deep neck space infection. Intubation in this group of patients is considered difficult. It is challenging to anaesthesiologists, emergency physicians and otorhinolaryngologists because there is no consensus for airway management in these patients. We present a 30-year-old gentleman with swelling over the right cheek, difficulty breathing and severe trismus. He had a history of toothache one month prior to admission. Upon clinical examination, there was a diffuse swelling over the right mandible. Other examinations were unremarkable. Provisional diagnosis of a right para-pharyngeal abscess was made secondary to a possible infected right lower 3rd molar, with a differential diagnosis of a right parotid abscess with para-pharyngeal extension. Radiological assessment using computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck region showed an abscess over the right para-pharyngeal area, soft palate and right submandibular region. The narrowest part of the airway was at the region posterior to the soft palate, measuring approximately 1 cm. All staff and equipment were prepared for intubating a difficult airway. The patient was transferred to the control environment (operation theatre) for intubation. Awake nasal fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) was successfully performed for this patient using intravenous dexmedetomidine alone as the sedative

Antibiotic prescribing in an intensive care unit: Findings from a public Malaysian setting

Introduction: Data on antibiotic prescribing together with its knowledge and perception in Malaysian ICU is lacking. Objectives: To explore knowledge, perception, and antibiotic prescribing among specialists and advanced trainees in Malaysian ICU. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was employed which consisted of three sections namely knowledge, perception, and practice. Three case vignettes consisted of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), infected necrotising pancreatitis (INP), and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) were presented in the practice section to gather information on prescribing practice. Results: About 868 respondents were approached but only 104 responded (12.0% response rate). Seven different classes of antibiotics giving a total of 390 were empirically prescribed for the three cases combined. Antibiotic prescribing compliance which indicates correct choice of antibiotics and dosing were 66.3%, 56.7%, and 19.2% for HAI, INP, and CRBSI respectively. In perception, 97.2% and 85.6% of respondents conceded that antibiotic concentration is inadequate, and that dosing be based on MIC respectively. Majority (94.2%) perceived that antibiotic dosing follows PK/PD profile but only half (50.9%) agreed that therapeutic drug monitoring be routinely performed. Comprehension on antibiotics showed that all respondents acknowledged PK/PD profile of antibiotics but only 64.4% able to correlate given antibiotic with their respective PK/PD. Only 13.5% of respondents able to identify the best PD approach for Î-lactam antibiotics in sepsis patients. Conclusion: Antibiotic prescribing was somewhat appropriate in Malaysian ICU. Prolong therapy and inadequate coverage are the hallmark need to be considered especially in CRBSI. Clinicians are conversant with available antibiotics but apprehension in its PK/PD is scan

Non-invasive ventilation in a pregnancy with severe pneumonia

Introduction: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is not proven to be effective in treating respiratory failure in severe pneumonia. However, some clinicians nevertheless attempt NIV to indirectly deliver adequate oxygenation and avoid unnecessary endotracheal intubation. Case presentation: In this article, we report the case of a 24-year-old woman at 32 weeks' gestation who presented with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. She was successfully managed by NIV. Discussion: However, NIV must be managed by providers who are trained in mechanical ventilation. This is of the utmost importance in avoiding any delay should the patient's condition worsen and require endotracheal intubation. Moreover, in pregnant women, the severity of illness may progress quickly due to the immunosuppression inherent in these patients. Conclusion: Special attention should be given to the choices of invasive ventilation and NIV to manage community acquired pneumonia patients in third trimester

The Impact of educational intervention on attitude toward organ donation among health care workers in Malaysia

Background. The attitudes of the health care workers (HCWs) are essential in influencing organ donation rate. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an educational intervention on attitudes toward organ donation among HCWs. Methods. A questionnaire-based interventional study was conducted with 458 HCW from 5 hospitals in Malaysia. A 26-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed online as a pre- intervention test. Respondents then went through website-based educational materials followed by a post-intervention questionnaire. Results. A total of 345 (75.3%) respondents completed the tests. Their attitude toward organ dona- tion was positive preintervention. After the intervention, respondents expressed an increase willingness to donate their own organs (P = .008) and their relatives’ organs (P < .001) after death; were more willing to adopt organ donation as part of end-of-life care (P =.002); were more comfortable talking to relatives about organ donation (P =.001); and expressed an increase consideration to execute the action at any time (P =.001). There was increased willingness to admit to the intensive care unit for facilitating organ donation (P =.007); to employ the same resources to maintain a potential brain-dead donor (P < .001); and to support organ donation in case they or their relatives were diagnosed with end-stage organ failure (P =.008). However, there was an increase in negative attitudes regarding the association between organ donation with health care failure (P =.004) and with pain (P =.003). Posi- tive attitude scores were higher after the intervention (P < .001). Conclusion. An educational website-based intervention was able to improve the attitudes of HCWs toward organ donation

The impact of educational intervention on attitude towards organ donation among healthcare workers in five hospitals in Malaysia

Introduction : The attitude of healthcare workers (HCW) are essential in influencing organ donation rates. Objective : The study aimed to assess the impact of educational intervention on attitudes towards organ donation among HCW. Methodology : A questionnaire-based interventional study was conducted among 458 HCW from five hospitals in Malaysia. A 26-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed online as a pre-intervention test. Afterwards, the respondents went through a website-based educative materials about organ donation and answered the same questionnaire again. Results : A total of 345 (75.3%) respondents completed the tests. Their attitude towards organ donation was positive pre-intervention. Following it, respondents expressed increase willingness to donate organs (P = 0.008) and their relatives’ organs (P <0.001); were more willing to adopt organ donation as part of the end-of-life care (P = 0.002) and were more comfortable to talk to relatives about organ donation (P = 0.001). There was increased willingness to admit patients to the Intensive Care unit for facilitating organ donation (P = 0.007); to employ the same resources to maintain a potential brain-dead donor (P <0.001); and to support organ donation if they or their relatives have end-stage organ failure (P = 0.008). However, there was increased negative attitude regarding association between organ donation with healthcare failure (P = 0.004), and with pain (P = 0.003). The positive attitude scores were higher following the intervention (P <0.001). Conclusion : An educational website-based intervention was able to improve HCW attitudes towards organ donation although some potential improvements are required

Protocol and statistical analysis plan for the mega randomised registry trial comparing conservative vs. liberal oxygenation targets in adults with sepsis in the intensive care unit (Mega-ROX Sepsis)

Background: The effect of conservative vs. liberal oxygen therapy on 90-day in-hospital mortality in adults with sepsis receiving unplanned invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is uncertain. Objective: The objective of this study was to summarise the protocol and statistical analysis plan for the Mega-ROX Sepsis trial. Design, setting, and participants: The Mega-ROX Sepsis trial is an international randomised clinical trial that will be conducted within an overarching 40,000-patient registry-embedded clinical trial comparing conservative and liberal ICU oxygen therapy regimens. We anticipate that between 10,000 and 13,000 patients with sepsis who are receiving unplanned invasive mechanical ventilation in the ICU will be enrolled in this trial. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome is in-hospital all-cause mortality up to 90 days from the date of randomisation. Secondary outcomes include duration of survival, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and the proportion of patients discharged home. Results and conclusions: Mega-ROX Sepsis will compare the effect of conservative vs. liberal oxygen therapy on 90-day in-hospital mortality in adults with sepsis who are receiving unplanned invasive mechanical ventilation in the ICU. The protocol and a prespecified approach to analyses are reported here to mitigate analysis bias