Ákos Vince Andrejkovits, Adina Huțanu, Ervin József Susányi, Valentina Negrea, Anca Meda Văsieșiu
{"title":"The Prognostic Utility of Cytokines in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.","authors":"Ákos Vince Andrejkovits, Adina Huțanu, Ervin József Susányi, Valentina Negrea, Anca Meda Văsieșiu","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2023-0025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2023-0025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The severity of COVID-19 relies on several factors, but the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines remains a central mechanism. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive utility of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) measurement in patients with COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>We prospectively enrolled 181 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the 1<sup>st</sup> Infectious Disease County Hospital Târgu Mureș from December 2020 to September 2021. Serum cytokine levels were measured and correlated with disease severity, need for oxygen therapy, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, and outcome.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found significantly higher serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in patients with severe COVID-19 and in those with a fatal outcome. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant predictive value for IL-8 regarding disease severity, and for IL6 and IL-10 regarding ICU transfer and fatal outcome.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were significantly increased in patients with COVID-19, but their predictive value regarding disease severity and the need for oxygen therapy was poor. We found IL-6 and IL-10 to have a good predictive performance regarding ICU transfer and fatal outcome.</p>","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"9 4","pages":"208-217"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2023-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10644278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134650090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients Requiring Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in a Lower Middle-Income Country.","authors":"Taymmia Ejaz, Fazal Rehman, Arslan Ahmed, Safia Akhlaq, Sheema Saadia, Adil Aziz, Erfan Hussain","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0044","DOIUrl":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requires intensive care, which is highly expensive in lower-income countries. Outcomes of COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in Pakistan have not been widely reported. Identifying factors forecasting outcomes will help decide optimal care levels and prioritise resources.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-centre, retrospective study on COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation was conducted from 1st March to 31st May 2020. Demographic variables, physical signs, laboratory values, ventilator parameters, complications, length of stay, and mortality were recorded. Data were analysed in SPSS ver.23.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 71 study patients, 87.3% (62) were males, and 12.7% (9) were females with a mean (SD) age of 55.5(13.4) years. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common comorbidities in 54.9% (39) patients. Median(IQR) SOFA score on ICU admission and at 48 hours was 7(5-9) and 6(4-10), and median (IQR) APACHE-II score was 15 (11-24) and 13(9-23), respectively. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 57.7%; 25% (1/4), 55.6% (20/36) and 64.5% (20/31) in mild, moderate, and severe ARDS, respectively. On univariate analysis; PEEP at admission, APACHE II and SOFA score at admission and 48 hours; Acute kidney injury; D-Dimer>1.5 mg/L and higher LDH levels at 48 hours were significantly associated with mortality. Only APACHE II scores at admission and D-Dimer levels> 1.5 mg/L were independent predictors of mortality on multivariable regression (p-value 0.012 & 0.037 respectively). Admission APACHE II scores, Area under the ROC curve for mortality was 0.80 (95%CI 0.69-0.90); sensitivity was 77.5% and specificity 70% (cut-off ≥13.5).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was a high mortality rate in severe ARDS. The APACHE II score can be utilised in mortality prediction in COVID-19 ARDS patients. However, larger-scale studies in Pakistan are required to assess predictors of mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"23-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8852288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48149734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Target Controlled Infusion: an Anaesthetic Technique Brought in ICU","authors":"J. Szederjesi","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2022-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2022-0001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"3 - 5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42647022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Derrick Anthony Cleland, Clarence H. H. Tsai, J. Vo, D. Moretta
{"title":"COVID-19 Infection Or Buttock Injections? the Dangers of Aesthetics and Socializing During a Pandemic","authors":"Derrick Anthony Cleland, Clarence H. H. Tsai, J. Vo, D. Moretta","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0043","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane) injections are used for cosmetic augmentation. Their use is associated with life-threatening complications such as acute pneumonitis, alveolar hemorrhage, and acute respiratory distress among others [1,2]. We report a case of a Hispanic woman who developed severe respiratory distress syndrome after gluteal silicone injections. Case Presentation A 44-year-old Hispanic female presented to the Emergency Department complaining of progressive dyspnea on exertion for two weeks. Chest imaging revealed patchy bibasilar airspace opacities of peripheral distribution. Labs were significant for leukocytosis, elevated PT, D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, and fibrinogen, concerning for COVID-19, however SARS-CoV-2 testing was negative multiple times. The patient later became encephalopathic, hypoxemic, and eventually required intubation. Further history uncovered that the patient had received illicit gluteal silicone injections a few days prior to her onset of symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with silicone embolism syndrome (SES) and initiated on high dose intravenous methylprednisolone [1]. Case Discussion Patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds utilize illicit services to receive silicone injections at minimal costs. This leads to dangerous outcomes. The serology and imaging findings observed in our case have similarities to the typical presentation of COVID-19 pneumonia making the initial diagnosis difficult. This case serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of thorough history taking in patients with concern for COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"49 - 54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48945216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Störmann, John M. Hoppe, D. Steinert, M. Angstwurm
{"title":"A Case of Self-salvation in a Determined Chloroquine Suicide Attempt","authors":"S. Störmann, John M. Hoppe, D. Steinert, M. Angstwurm","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0036","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This report concerns a young man who attempted suicide by ingesting a cocktail with a lethal dose of chloroquine phosphate and large amounts of diazepam. On presentation, the patient was drowsy, unresponsive and in cardiogenic shock with severely impaired left ventricular function. Active charcoal and vasopressors were administered, and despite his intoxication with diazepam, a high-dose diazepam treatment was initiated in the hospital. It is concluded that diazepam in the cocktail played a vital role in the survival of this patient. With a rise in numbers, every emergency and intensive care physician should be familiar with chloroquine poisoning.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"61 - 65"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48640697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Methanol Poisoning Leading To Brain Death: a Case Report","authors":"Jakub Glowala, J. Richards","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0039","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has put increased stress on medical systems, infrastructure, and the public in expected and unexpected ways. This case report summarises an unexpected case of methanol poisoning from hand sanitiser ingestion due to changes in industry regulations, increased demand for cleaning products and severe psychosocial stressors brought on by the pandemic. Severe methanol toxicity results in profound metabolic disturbances, damage to the retina and optic nerves, and potentially death. Case Presentation The patient was a 26-year-old male with alcohol use disorder who presented with one day of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after consuming hand sanitiser. Within a few hours, the patient had suffered multiple seizures, cardiac arrests and required admission to the ICU for emergent management of methanol poisoning. EEG and brain perfusion imaging were performed to confirm brain death, given concerns about the cranial nerve exam after methanol poisoning. Conclusions While rare, methanol toxicity remains a potentially fatal poisoning in the United States and worldwide. When healthcare and public resources are strained, healthcare professionals must consider particularly abnormal presentations. In patients suspected of brain death from methanol toxicity, cranial nerve examination may be unreliable. Therefore, additional testing is necessary to confirm brain death.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"66 - 70"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41888013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Pathophysiology and Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in COVID-19 Patients: a Literature Review","authors":"M. Tilinca, M. Gliga, A. Varga","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0024","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Diabetic individuals are considered a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and several studies noted worse outcomes, including death, among those who get infected. Diabetic emergencies, such as ketoacidosis (DKA), are common and potentially life-threatening conditions in uncontrolled patients. While the pathophysiological background of the relationship between COVID-19 and DKA is not fully understood, early reports available so far indicate that patients with pre-existing diabetes who get infected with the SARS-CoV 2 virus are at higher risk of DKA. It was also suggested that DKA is a poor prognostic sign for infected patients, these being at higher risk of developing worse forms of COVID-19 disease and having high mortality. Therefore, healthcare personnel dealing with such patients face a considerable challenge, as the correct and safe emergency management of such cases is far from established. This article aimed to conduct a study that reviews the current published data available about patients with DKA and COVID-19.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"6 - 13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46354478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Sarfraz, Z. Sarfraz, Aman Siddiqui, Ali Totonchian, S. A. Bokhari, Hafiza Hussain, Muzna Sarfraz, Gaurav Patel, Muhammad Hassaan Amjad, S. Tebha, I. Chérrez-Ojeda, P. Dreyer, H. Amin, Jack Michel
{"title":"Hypercoagulopathy in Overweight and Obese COVID-19 Patients: a Single-Center Case Series","authors":"A. Sarfraz, Z. Sarfraz, Aman Siddiqui, Ali Totonchian, S. A. Bokhari, Hafiza Hussain, Muzna Sarfraz, Gaurav Patel, Muhammad Hassaan Amjad, S. Tebha, I. Chérrez-Ojeda, P. Dreyer, H. Amin, Jack Michel","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A case series is presented of five overweight or obese patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Miami, Florida, United States. A multitude of coagulation parameters was suggestive of a hypercoagulable state among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This article reports various manifestations of hypercoagulable states in overweight and obese patients, such as overt bleeding consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation, venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal bleeding as well as retroperitoneal hematoma. All of the required admission to the intensive care unit and subsequently patients died. The characteristics of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy are atypical and warrant a further understanding of the pathophysiology to improve clinical outcomes, specifically in overweight or obese patients.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"41 - 48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46842009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Windham, Kellen Hirsch, R. Peterson, David Douin, Lakshmi Chauhan, Lauren M Heery, Connor Fling, Nemanja Vukovic, F. Holguin, Shanta Zimmer, Kristine M. Erlandson
{"title":"The Predictive Potential of Elevated Serum Inflammatory Markers in Determining the Need for Intubation in CoVID-19 Patients","authors":"S. Windham, Kellen Hirsch, R. Peterson, David Douin, Lakshmi Chauhan, Lauren M Heery, Connor Fling, Nemanja Vukovic, F. Holguin, Shanta Zimmer, Kristine M. Erlandson","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0035","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Introduction The predictive potential of demographics, clinical characteristics, and inflammatory markers at admission to determine future intubation needs of hospitalised CoVID-19 patients is unknown. The study aimed to determine the predictive potential of elevated serum inflammatory markers in determining the need for intubation in CoVID-19 Patients. Methods In a retrospective cohort study of hospitalised SARS-CoV2 positive patients, single and multivariable regression analyses were used to determine covariate effects on intubation odds, and a minimax concave penalty regularised logistic regression was used to build a predictive model. A second prospective independent cohort tested the model. Results Systemic inflammatory markers obtained at admission were higher in patients that required subsequent intubation, and adjusted odds of intubation increased for every standard deviation above the mean for c-reactive protein (CRP) OR:2.8 (95% CI 1.8-4.5, p<0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase OR:2.1 (95% CI 1.33.3, p=0.002). A predictive model incorporating C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and diabetes status at the time of admission predicted intubation status with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 with corresponding sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 63%. This predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.83, 91% sensitivity, and 41% specificity on the validation cohort. Conclusion In patients hospitalised with CoVID-19, elevated serum inflammatory markers measured within the first twenty-four hours of admission are associated with an increased need for intubation. Additionally, a model of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and the presence of diabetes may play a predictive role in determining the future need for intubation.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"14 - 22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47472400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah A. Bachman, Ryan S. Peterson, P. Burrage, Leigh C. Hickerson
{"title":"Pheochromocytoma, Fulminant Heart Failure, and a Phenylephrine Challenge. the Perioperative Management of Adrenalectomy in a Jehovah’s Witness Patient: a Case Report","authors":"Sarah A. Bachman, Ryan S. Peterson, P. Burrage, Leigh C. Hickerson","doi":"10.2478/jccm-2021-0038","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/jccm-2021-0038","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Perioperative management of pheochromocytoma in the setting of catecholamine-induced heart failure requires careful consideration of hemodynamic optimization and possible mechanical circulatory support. A Jehovah’s Witness patient with catecholamine-induced acutely decompensated heart failure required dependable afterload reduction for a cardio-protective strategy. This was emphasized due to the relative contraindication to perioperative anticoagulation required for mechanical circulatory support. A phenylephrine challenge clearly demonstrated adequate alpha blockade after only 24 hours of phenoxybenzamine treatment. This resulted in advancement of the surgery date. This case also highlights management of beta blockade, volume and salt loading, autologous blood transfusion, and profound post-operative vasoplegia in the setting of cardiogenic shock. Careful attention to hemodynamic optimization and cardio-protective strategies ultimately resulted in positive outcome for this challenging clinical scenario.","PeriodicalId":44227,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Critical Care Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"55 - 60"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2021-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43478679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}