Inhaled nitric oxide test in a pregnant patient with severe pulmonary hypertension.
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Abortion, Therapeutic↗
Biomedical subjects
A Braschi
Publications and source records attributed to A Braschi.
Echocardiographic assessment of cardiovascular failure.
In the last few years echocardiography has gained an increasing role in critical care settings as invaluable tool for hemodynamic assessment of the unstable patient, due to its unique features of dynamic bedside imaging technique which can yield both morphologic and functional information. The main characteristics of cardiovascular function can be thoroughly explored, and a practical clinically-oriented approach can lead to answer the crucial questions of patient management, integrating (and often substituting) invasive monitoring, and allowing invasive monitoring pitfalls correction. Therapeutic impact of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has proven to be substantial in intensive care unit (ICU) population, although large randomized controlled studies are currently missing. Echocardiography requires specific training, but short training focused on the key hemodynamic information obtained from the shocked patient is proving to be effective. Echocardiographic hemodynamic evaluation should become part of routine assessment in the ICU soon, and critical care teams could achieve a hierarchic organization with respect to echocardiographic skills, with all members being at least able to perform a basic ultrasound examination of the heart, and a fewer who have gone through higher level formal training and board certification.
Heart Failure↗
Anesthesia for MRI in the paediatric patient.
The magnetic resonance imaging suite is a challenging environment for the anaesthesiologists, and carries inherent risks. Several factors account for this, including the remote location, the unique features of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner and patient-related factors. A systematic approach, similar to that of anesthesia provided in the operating room (i.e. proper fasting, informed consent, focused airway examination, medical and surgical history, family history, previous sedation experiences) is mandatory. Understanding the implications of the magnetic resonance imaging environment will facilitate ensuring the safety of the patient. A well-equipped anesthesia machine, standard monitoring (electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation and non-invasive blood pressure), trained personnel and adequate planning should be standard for all out of the operating room procedures. Finally, rigorous discharge criteria are recommended to detect residual sedation.
Anesthesia↗
Effectiveness of cycling-off during pressure support ventilation.
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Humans↗
Evaluation of adaptive support ventilation in paralysed patients and in a physical lung model.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the respiratory pattern selected by the Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) in ventilated patients with acute, chronic respiratory failure and normal lungs and in a physical lung model. DESIGN: We tested ASV both on patients and in a physical lung model, with a normal level of minute ventilation and with minute ventilation increased by 30%. In each patient, respiratory pattern, mechanics and blood gases were recorded. SETTING: General ICU of a University Hospital. RESULTS: In patients with normal lungs, mean values+/-SD were: tidal volume (Vt) 558.1+/-142.4 mL, respiratory rate (RR) 12.6+/-1.3b/min and inspiratory time/total time ratio (Ti/Ttot) 42.4+/-4.1%; in COPD, mean values+/-SD were: Vt 724+/-171 mL, RR 9.2+/-2.7b/min and Ti/Ttot 26.6+/-10.5%; in restrictive ones, mean values+/-SD were: Vt 550.2+/-77.0 mL, RR 15.8+/-2.6b/min, Ti/Ttot 47.5+/-2.5%. In the lung model, at a normal setting, mean values+/-SD were: Vt 523+/-18.5 mL, RR 14+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 44.0%, in COPD, mean values+/-SD were: Vt 678+/-0.0 mL, RR 9+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 20+/-0.7%, in restrictive one, mean values+/-SD were: Vt 513+/-12.8 mL, RR 15+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 48+/-1.5%. In model hyperventilation conditions in a normal setting a Vt of 582+/-16.6 mL, RR 16+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 48+/-0.0% were selected, in the obstructive setting Vt 883+/-0.0 mL, RR 9+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 20+/-0.0% and in a restrictive one Vt 545+/-8.4 mL, RR 18+/-0.0b/min, Ti/Ttot 50-0.0%. CONCLUSIONS: In normal patients ASV selected a ventilatory pattern close to the physiological one, in COPD almost a high expiratory time pattern and in restrictive ones a reduced tidal volume pattern. In the model the selection was similar. In the hyperventilation test, ASV chose a balanced increase in both Vt and RR.
Carbon Dioxide↗
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in an Italian intensive care unit: clinical and therapeutical remarks.
In this study we evaluated the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae and the epidemiology of ESBL+ microorganisms in an ICU of our Institution over a 5-year period and analyzed the clinical features and outcomes of the infections caused by these microorganisms. The most frequent ESBL+ isolate was Proteus mirabilis (69 isolates, 58%); a high rate of positive results in the double-disk synergy test (DDS) was also recognized for Klebsiella pneumoniae (52 isolates, 51%), whereas this phenomenon was observed less frequently in other species. In 312 cases the isolated microorganism was considered to be the cause of infection; we documented 103 wound infections, 89 UTIs, 62 LRTIs, 30 primary bacteremias, 27 infections of indwelling catheters and 1 CNS infection. The overall mortality rate due to ESBL+ strains was 1%, compared with 10.6% rate caused by ESBL-negative Enterobacteriaceae. This could be explained because ESBL+ strains caused mostly localized infections (wound infections and UTIs), whereas systemic or severe infections were sustained by ESBL-negative strains, and therapy with carbapenems was started promptly after ESBL+ isolation (always within 24h after strain isolation).
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Long-term durable benefit after whole lung lavage in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
Whole lung lavage (WLL) is still the gold-standard therapy for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). The few studies on the duration of the effect of WLL, belonging to a rather remote period, show significant but transient benefits. In 21 patients with idiopathic PAP, the duration of any benefit and, in 16 of them, the time course of lung function improvement (at baseline, 1 week, 6 months, 1 yr and then every 2 yrs after WLL) were evaluated. The present WLL technique takes longer, is invasively monitored and partially modified with respect to past techniques. More than 70% of patients remained free from recurrent PAP at 7 yrs. The bulk of the improvement in spirometric results was almost completely gained in the immediate post-WLL period due to the efficient clearance of the alveoli. At a median of 5 yrs, recovery of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide was incomplete (75 +/- 19% of the predicted value) and there were residual gas exchange abnormalities (alveolar to arterial oxygen tension difference 3.6 +/- 1.5 kPa (27 +/- 11 mmHg)) and exercise limitation, probably explained by engorgement of lymphatic vessels. In conclusion, whole lung lavage for idiopathic pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is currently a safe procedure in an experienced setting, and provides long-lasting benefits in the majority of patients.
Adolescent↗
Prospective study of the success and efficacy of spinal cord stimulation.
AIM: To explore success, the percentage of patients who received definitive implants compared to all patients screened, and efficacy, the percentage of patients that had improved in at least 3 of the 5 parameters after 1 year. In addition, we determined if there was a statistically significant reduction in pain and functional limiting. Finally, we wanted to investigate if the different paresthesia coverage has a different outcome after 1 year of SCS treatment. METHODS: We studied 170 patients with neuropathic pain syndrome, failed back surgery syndrome and vascular disease, who received spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the last 4 years. We evaluated, at the beginning and after 1 year, the patients with a questionnaire that assessed pain, what kind of function, drug consumption, patient's satisfaction and the improvement in the quality of life. RESULTS: This study showed a success of more than 50% and an efficacy of more than 69.9%, with no significant differences in 3 different chronic pain conditions. Pain and functional limiting presented a statistically significant reduction. Finally, we confirmed that there were no statistically significant differences between patients with different paresthesia coverage. CONCLUSION: This prospective study confirmed that SCS had good success and efficacy in the treatment of several types of chronic pain. Finally, our study showed the importance of obtaining paresthesia in the affected area but it is not essential to cover the entire painful area.
Adolescent↗
Pathophysiology of severe pulmonary hypertension in the critically ill patient.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a threatening condition that can be associated with a great variety of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases. In all forms of severe PH the pulmonary vascular bed looses its physiological features of a "high flow-low pressure system", putting an increased afterload on the right ventricle (RV). Acute pulmonary hypertension in the intensive care unit often represents a clinical problem secondary to acute respiratory failure, left heart failure, pulmonary embolism, or decompensation of prior PH by concurrent pulmonary or cardiovascular disease. Right ventricular failure (acute cor pulmonale) occurs when relevant increases in pulmonary vascular resistance overwhelm its compensatory mechanisms, both abruptly on a previously normal RV, or gradually on a chronic cor pulmonale. This review addresses the main pathophysiological aspects of severe PH, focusing on the hemodynamic derangements occurring in the setting of acute cor pulmonale, and emphasizing the role of ventricular interdependence (the way right ventricular failure greatly affects diastolic and systolic function of the left ventricle), the risk of RV ischemia (the end stage of RV failure) and systemic organ hypoperfusion (caused by antegrade and retrograde heart failure). The understanding of the peculiar features of this type of cardiovascular insufficiency is necessary to both provide effective monitoring and adequate supportive therapy.
Critical Illness↗
Influence of underlying lung disease on early postoperative course after single lung transplantation.
BACKGROUND: Single lung transplantation can be a suitable therapeutic option for a wide range of end-stage lung diseases: pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, primary pulmonary hypertension and Eisenmenger's syndrome. Yet, patients suffering from different diseases have significantly different cardiovascular and respiratory functional profiles that can exert a profound influence on their response to the perioperative procedures. Our purpose is to analyze whether the patient's underlying disease can influence the early postoperative outcome after single lung transplantation. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis on perioperative charts of patients undergoing single lung transplantation during an 8-year period. We focused our attention on the following data: underlying lung disease, age, sex, baseline cardiorespiratory data (pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac index, forced expired volume, vital capacity, arterial blood gases, body mass index), intraoperative data (duration of graft ischemia, use of cardiopulmonary bypass) and indexes of adverse postoperative outcome (in-hospital death, mechanical ventilatory support >7 days). Patients were gathered in 3 groups (restrictive, obstructive and vascular) according to the kind of disease and functional data and the association between disease and outcome was assessed by means of logistic regression analysis. Moreover, we evaluated whether any of the patient's functional parameters could be considered predictive of adverse postoperative outcome. RESULTS: We observed a weak association between restrictive disease and adverse postoperative outcome while, on the other hand, obstructive and vascular forms showed a close association with an adverse outcome, with a borderline statistical significance. Among all the considered variables, only intraoperative use of CPB turned out to be predictive of adverse outcome, while other variables simply indicated a trend towards a better outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with vascular and obstructive diseases have the worst postoperative course, with a higher in-hospital mortality rate and longer duration of ventilation; in particular, the perioperative course of vascular patients is heavily influenced by the intraoperative use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Adult↗
Salbutamol delivery during non-invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, controlled study.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated the clinical response to equivalent doses of salbutamol delivered, via metered dose inhaler (MDI) during non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV-MDI), during spontaneous breathing using a spacer (MDI-Spacer), and also during intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB). SETTING: A respiratory intensive care unit. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, and placebo-controlled study. PATIENTS: Eighteen stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean FEV1=38.5+/-8.8% predicted). RESULTS: Overall salbutamol administration induced, compared to placebo, a significant improvement in FEV1, irrespective of the mode of administration (+7.9+/-7.1% or +108+/-91 ml for IPPB, +9.6+/-8.8% or 112+/-67 ml for MDI-NIMV (inspiratory pressure=14.3+/-1.8 cmH2O; expiratory pressure=none), and +10.8+/-11.4% or 119+/-114 ml for MDI-Spacer, respectively). DeltaFVC significantly increased from placebo only in MDI-NIMV (+214+/-182 ml P=0.02). A second set of experiments performed in eight patients to ascertain the possible effect of NIMV on pulmonary function tests, showed a significant improvement from baseline values in FVC both after the delivering of placebo or salbutamol via NIMV-MDI (+206+/-147 ml and 208+/-145, respectively). FEV1 significantly increased only after salbutamol. No changes in gas exchange were observed after bronchodilator delivery. CONCLUSIONS: We show that delivery of bronchodilators via MDI with a spacer chamber during NIMV is feasible and induces a significant bronchodilator effect compared to placebo, even though it may be slightly less effective than the classical delivery system (MDI-Spacer).
Administration, Inhalation↗
Closed-loop support of ventilatory workload: the P0.1 controller.
Conventional mechanical ventilation modes fail to provide a setting for direct control of a patient's ventilatory effort; however, with all modes clinicians may manipulate conventional controls to modulate the spontaneous respiratory activity of the patient. For instance, during pressure support ventilation the spontaneous respiratory activity can be decreased by increasing the pressure support level to achieve an adequate residual load for the respiratory muscles of the patient, neither too high nor too low. This choice is based on the clinical observation. A closed-loop controller can be envisaged to accomplish automatically, precisely, and on a breath-by-breath basis, this difficult task. The closed-loop controller should be based on the continuous and possibly noninvasive monitoring of a parameter that quantitatively reflects the patient's effort for ventilation. Occlusion pressure at 0.1 second (P0.1) can be the ideal parameter for that purpose. The authors have designed a noninvasive method for breath-by-breath monitoring of P0.1, and then a closed-loop control mode that automatically adapts the pressure support level to reach and maintain a user-set P0.1 and alveolar volume. This article discusses features and performance of this P0.1 control mode, fields of application, known limits, and possible future improvements.
Algorithms↗
Therapeutic use of nitric oxide in critical settings.
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Clinical Trials as Topic↗
[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an intensive care unit: a one-year survey].
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequently isolated in nosocomial outbreaks. In our study, we analysed the occurrence of colonisation and infection in an Intensive Care Unit of our hospital during a 12-month period. We also evaluated the possibility of using automated ribotyping as a molecular method in order to type the isolates. Twice a week a nasal swab and a rectal swab were performed on all patients; from ventilator-assisted patients, a sputum culture was also taken. All the MRSA isolated were identified by using commonly phenotypic procedures and on all isolates susceptibility tests were performed. An automated ribotyping using EcoRI was also done. Out of 292 patients enrolled in the study, 205 were never colonised (group N); among the other 87 who were colonised by MRSA (29.8%), 40 patients (group A) were MRSA carriers at the time of admission, while 47 (group B) were colonised in the ICU. Twenty-seven patients (11 from group A, 15 from group B and 1 from group N) developed 31 infections due to MRSA. Patients from group A exhibited, as a rule, worse clinical conditions than those from the other two groups. For the former group, MRSA infection was frequently systemic (sepsis), while in group B pneumonia was the predominant infection. The prevalence of colonisations in our study was 30%, which is a value comparable to those presented by other authors in similar cases. MRSA colonisation is a necessary condition for subsequent infections in almost all cases, with an average lag of 7 days. Susceptibility tests were non-discriminating among the isolates: all the strains were susceptible to glycopeptides; nearly all of them were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Automated ribotyping allowed us to distinguish 12 different ribogroups, the most frequent of which was composed of 146 isolates. In our study, this molecular method was able to define a possible endemic clone that should be better investigated by using methods with a higher discriminatory power, such as RAPD or PFGE. The method that we employed is highly reliable, easy to perform and not time-consuming. In our opinion, it could be the method of choice in the first screening of high numbers of isolates.
Aged↗
Blood levels of propofol during induction of anesthesia.
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Aged↗
Mechanical effects of heat-moisture exchangers in ventilated patients.
Although they represent a valuable alternative to heated humidifiers, artificial noses have unfavourable mechanical effects. Most important of these is the increase in dead space, with consequent increase in the ventilation requirement. Also, artificial noses increase the inspiratory and expiratory resistance of the apparatus, and may mildly increase intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure. The significance of these effects depends on the design and function of the artificial nose. The pure humidifying function results in just a moderate increase in dead space and resistance of the apparatus, whereas the combination of a filtering function with the humidifying function may critically increase the volume and the resistance of the artificial nose, especially when a mechanical filter is used. The increase in the inspiratory load of ventilation that is imposed by artificial noses, which is particularly significant for the combined heat-moisture exchanger filters, should be compensated for by an increase either in ventilator output or in patient's work of breathing. Although both approaches can be tolerated by most patients, some exceptions should be considered. The increased pressure and volume that are required to compensate for the artificial nose application increase the risk of barotrauma and volutrauma in those patients who have the most severe alterations in respiratory mechanics. Moreover, those patients who have very limited respiratory reserve may not be able to compensate for the inspiratory work imposed by an artificial nose. When we choose an artificial nose, we should take into account the volume and resistance of the available devices. We should also consider the mechanical effects of the artificial noses when setting mechanical ventilation and when assessing a patient's ability to breathe spontaneously.
Filtration↗
Pulmonary atelectasis during paediatric anaesthesia: CT scan evaluation and effect of positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP).
The case series consisted of ten children, ranged in age from one to three years (median 1.8 yrs), and in body weight from 10.2 to 13.5 kg (median 11.7 kg), in ASA class 1 or 2, all without lung disease. Having undergone general anaesthesia for cranial or abdominal CT scans, the patients were studied for pulmonary morphology. The first pulmonary CT scan was taken five min after induction of general inhalational anaesthesia; preoxygenation was avoided and an intraoperative FiO2</=0.4 was used. Densities in dependent regions of both lungs were observed in all children. After ventilation with PEEP of 5 cmH2O, all the observed densities disappeared without impairment of heart rate, blood pressure, haemoglobin saturation and endtidal CO2 (PECO2). We conclude that the appearance in children of atelectasis cannot be explained by a reabsorption of O2 mechanism and by denitrogenation. However, a PEEP of 5 cmH2O is able both to recruit all the available alveolar units, and to induce the disappearance of atelectasis in dependent lung regions.
Anesthesia, Inhalation↗
[Severe infection from invasive beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A. Three cases of toxic shock observed in resuscitation].
Group A streptococci (GAS) may cause a variety of infections, some of which are severe and may be life-threatening. Patients affected by severe invasive GAS infections may develop, early in the course of the infection, a syndrome characterized by circulatory insufficiency with multiple organ failure: Streptococcal Toxic Shock-Like syndrome (Strep-TSLS). The presence of shock and organ failure differentiate it from other types of invasive GAS infections. Three cases patients presenting with the Strep-TSLS, over a period of 16 months in our multidisciplinary 10-bed ICU are described. The Strep-TSLS was of nosocomial origin in the first case, due to poststernotomy wound infection, caused from erysipela in the second patient, and associated to a puerperal sepsis in the third case, respectively. In this small series the primary sources of streptococcal infection associated with the syndrome are confirmed to be in soft tissues and skin. One patient died early after the admission to the ICU, whereas the other two patients completely recovered with appropriate antibiotic and supportive treatment although early diagnosis and radical operative debridement may have been conclusive in one case. All 3 observed cases fulfilled the consensus case definition of "certain case of Strep-TSLS", whose criteria have been recently revised.
Adult↗