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Biomedical subjects

D F Zandstra

Publications and source records attributed to D F Zandstra.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The virtual absence of stress-ulceration related bleeding in ICU patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation without any prophylaxis. A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of stress-ulcer related bleeding in ICU patients receiving prolonged (> 2 days) mechanical ventilation without any stress ulceration prophylaxis. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study in 183 patients. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received clinical treatment including maintenance of adequate tissue perfusion (with low dose inotropes and vasodilators), infection prevention (by selective decontamination of the digestive tract) throughout ICU stay and suppression of generalized inflammatory reaction (by steroids). SETTING: Medical/surgical ICU of a major teaching hospital in Amsterdam (Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: 167 patients were evaluated during 2182 treatment days in the ICU and during 1753 days on mechanical ventilation without stress ulceration prophylaxis. The mean total risk score for stress ulceration related bleeding was 38 (Tryba score). Stress ulceration related bleeding developed in 1 patient (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SURB was less then 1% in this cohort of ICU patients receiving longterm mechanical ventilation with a high risk for SURB (mean total risk score 38). All patients received agressive shock resuscitation, infection prevention with selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) and suppression of inflammatory response with steroids. Further studies are needed to evaluate the contribution of each of these elements of the integral approach.

Aged↗

Non-invasive pulmonary blood flow measurement by means of CO2 analysis of expiratory gases.

Two different methods of CO2-derived non-invasive assessment of the pulmonary blood flow were evaluated. The principle of the formula, as proposed by Gedeon et al., is based on a rapid change in arterial CO2 content and subsequent changes in endtidal PCO2 and CO2 elimination. Both methods were compared to thermodilution cardiac output in 44 postoperative patients after CABG. The first method consisted of a short period of hyperventilation followed by hypoventilation. Comparison with the thermodilution cardiac output showed a low correlation coefficient: using a measured arterial--end-tidal PCO2 difference (E) r = 0.397 was found. Entering a fixed E of 0.53 kPa resulted in r = 0.454. These disappointing figures may be explained by procedural mistakes. The second method, based on partial rebreathing by means of adding an additional dead space of 220 ml for 30-45 s, correlated very well with the thermodilution findings. Correlation coefficients of r = 0.925 (measured E) and r = 0.925 (fixed E) were found. Considering the simplicity of the method, the additional dead space approach seems to be an easy and reliable way to determine pulmonary blood flow.

Adult↗

Fulminant falciparum malaria.

A case of fulminant falciparum malaria with a 35% parasitaemia, shock and subcoma was treated successfully by using parenteral chemotherapy, exchange transfusion, dexamethasone, circulatory support and mechanical ventilation. Pathophysiology and complications of falciparum malaria are discussed. The treatment of severe malaria should aim for a fast reduction in parasitaemia and toxic products. An exchange transfusion can be additive to parenteral chemotherapy. Blocking the over-reacting cell-mediated immune response, aggressive shock treatment, prevention of secondary infections and maintaining normoglycaemia might reduce morbidity and mortality of fulminant falciparum malaria.

Animals↗

Monitoring lung mechanics and airway pressures during differential lung ventilation (DLV) with emphasis on weaning from DLV.

Fifteen polytrauma patients with asymmetric pulmonary contusion were treated with differential lung ventilation (DLV) for a mean of 106 hours (range 24-298, median 83). The differential time constant (Tc), compliance (Ct), inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance (Rawinsp, Rawexp) and peak-airway pressure (Pawpeak) were monitored to evaluate the function of each lung. Values measured after starting DLV were compared to those obtained prior to stopping DLV in order to analyse whether these parameters had returned to symmetrical values when recommencement of conventional mechanical ventilation was considered on clinical parameters and also whether these could be useful criteria for weaning from DLV. The significant difference in Tc of the contused lung compared to the contralateral lung after starting DLV is mainly determined by altered Ct resulting from contusion. During DLV improvement of Ct resulted in identical Tc of both lungs prior to stopping DLV. Changes in the Rawinsp contributed little to changes in Tc. Identical Tc prior to stopping DLV coincided with identical Pawpeak on symmetrical ventilator settings. These data suggest that when less advanced monitoring equipment is available, the differential Pawpeak might be used as a measure of differential lung mechanics in asymmetrical pulmonary contusion.

Adult↗

Reflection of differential pulmonary perfusion in polytrauma patients on differential lung ventilation (DLV). A comparison of two CO2-derived methods.

Seventeen polytrauma patients with asymmetric pulmonary contusion were treated with differential lung ventilation (DLV). The ratios of differential values of end-tidal CO2 concentration (ETCO2) and CO2 excretion ml/min (VCO2) were compared as indirect parameters for differential pulmonary perfusion. Both CO2-derived methods indicated asymmetry after starting DLV suggesting asymmetric pulmonary perfusion as a consequence of contusion. Prior to stopping DLV a significant improvement in asymmetry was indicated by the differential ratios of ETCO2 and VCO2 values. The ETCO2 ratio increased from 0.74 +/- 0.17 to 0.88 +/- 0.10, the VCO2 ratio from 0.57 +/- 0.23 to 0.86 +/- 0.11. In two patients with very severe contusion who underwent bilobectomies a marked difference between the ratios of ETCO2 and VCO2 was observed. It is concluded that differential measurement of CO2-derived variables may be useful in indicating differential perfusion in clinical practice on DLV. In very severe asymmetric contusion ETCO2 ratios may underestimate the differential perfusion ratio.

Adolescent↗

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract improves survival in patients receiving differential lung ventilation.

In a review of the literature on differential lung ventilation (DLV) the average mortality was found to be 47%. The major cause of death (66%) was infection. The effect of a novel infection prevention regimen on the colonisation and infection rate of the respiratory tract and on outcome was studied in polytrauma patients. Nineteen patients who presented with asymmetric pulmonary contusion were treated with DLV (103 +/- 72 h) and conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) (16 +/- 10 days). They were treated with selective decontamination of the digestive tract with topical non-absorbable antibiotics in combination with systemic antibiotic prophylaxis starting immediately after admission. In one patient colonisation of the respiratory tract was found with Staphylococcus aureus. This disappeared after continued systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Colonisation with hospital-acquired Gram-negative bacteria or yeasts was not observed. No patient developed pneumonia throughout the period on conventional mechanical ventilation or on DLV. One patient died from cerebral injury. It is concluded that prolonged endobronchial intubation for DLV can be used without increased risk for pneumonia with this antibiotic regimen and that the very low mortality in this study may be attributed to the prevention of infectious complications.

Adolescent↗

Monitoring differential CO2 excretion during differential lung ventilation in asymmetric pulmonary contusion. Clinical implications.

Eighteen severely injured polytrauma patients (ISS 38 +/- 18) with severe asymmetric pulmonary contusion were ventilated with differential lung ventilation (DLV) to improve oxygenation and/or to prevent further unnecessary barotrauma to the lesser involved lung. Differential VCO2 was studied as a parameter for indirect measurement of effective individual pulmonary perfusion. One hour after starting DLV, difference in differential VCO2 (delta VCO2) was 81 +/- 57 ml/min. In 16 patients this had fallen significantly (p less than 0.001) to 32 +/- 30 ml/min, 1 h before DLV was discontinued. In 2 patients, VCO2 remained greater than 200 ml/min, coinciding with clinical deterioration and increasing consolidation of the pulmonary contusion. Bilobectomies were performed in both patients. The excised lobes appeared to be destroyed as the result of laceration, bleeding and subsequent haematomas. This clinical study supports laboratory studies suggesting the usefulness of monitoring differential VCO2 to assess effective differential pulmonary perfusion during DLV.

Adolescent↗

Cefotaxime combined with selective decontamination in long term intensive care unit patients. Virtual absence of emergence of resistance.

Emergence of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents was studied during a period of 30 months of continuous use of parenteral cefotaxime combined with oral non-absorbable polymyxin E and tobramycin (selective decontamination) in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU). No increase in drug-resistance micro-organisms was found. Colonisation of the oropharyngeal cavity or intestine or both by strains resistant to polymyxin E occurred in 8% of patients (invariably Proteus and Morganella species). Tobramycin-resistant strains (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species) were found in 4% of patients. Intestinal colonisation with cefotaxime-resistant bacilli (e.g. Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species) occurred in 10% of patients, but in most patients these strains were eliminated by therapy with the topical antibiotics within one week. The control of emergence of resistance has major implications for the antibiotic policy in the ICU: firstly, the number of different antimicrobials used is sharply reduced since the switching of antibiotics to treat suprainfections is seldom necessary; secondly, it is possible to use a third generation cephalosporin such as cefotaxime for systemic prophylaxis, without risk of induction of resistance.

Administration, Oral↗

Efficacy of a heat and moisture exchange device during high-frequency jet ventilation.

A hygroscopic condensor humidifier has been tested during high-frequency jet ventilation, in an experimental set up. The influence of various ventilator settings on relative humidity, temperature and water content of the inspiratory and expiratory gases was investigated. The device provides adequate conditioning of the inspired gases with regard to relative humidity, temperature and water content at various ventilator settings.

Gases↗

Treatment of massive unilateral pulmonary embolism by differential lung ventilation.

A patient with massive unilateral pulmonary embolism was treated with thrombolytic therapy and differential lung ventilation and selective PEEP. Differential lung ventilation affords besides therapy, selective monitoring of VCO2. Effects of thrombolytic therapy and SPEEP were evaluated by monitoring differential VCO2. Hypercapnia persisting in spite of conventional mechanical ventilation reduced remarkably after starting differential lung ventilation with selective PEEP on the noninjured lung.

Acute Disease↗

Post lobectomy atelectasis: the use of a Servo 900 B as a high-frequency ventilator.

High-frequency ventilation (HFV) has been used with good results in a variety of clinical situations where conventional ventilation has proved ineffective. However, all of the reports so far have involved the use of a specially purchased specifically designed ventilator which tends to be unfamiliar to most medical and nursing staff responsible for its use. A case where HFV was used in combination with differential lung ventilation in the treatment of unilateral pulmonary atelectasis is described using a Servo 900B as the high-frequency ventilator. It serves to demonstrate that the Servo 900B can be used as an occasional high-frequency ventilator as required, thus avoiding the expense of purchasing a specialized ventilator.

Humans↗

The effect of oral non-absorbable antibiotics on the emergence of resistant bacteria in patients in an intensive care unit.

Critically ill patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit since 1982 have been treated prophylactically with oral non-absorbable antibiotics combined with parenteral cefotaxime. A mixture of polymyxin E, tobramycin and amphotericin B has been administered via a nasogastric tube and also applied topically to the buccal mucosa. This regimen has proven to be highly effective in reducing the infection rate. The present study evaluated the occurrence of resistant bacteria with this regimen during a 30-month period, in 164 patients with multiple trauma. No increase in the percentage of patients with acquired drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli was found during this period. Colonization of the oral cavity and/or gastro-intestinal canal by polymyxin E-resistant strains (invariably Proteus spp.) occurred in 8% of patients, and by tobramycin-resistant bacilli (Escherichia coli or Acinetobacter or Pseudomonas spp.) in 4%. Intestinal colonization with cefotaxime-resistant strains (e.g. Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter or Enterobacter spp.) was observed in 17 patients (10%). Of these strains 82% were eliminated within one week by the oral non-absorbable antibiotics. Colonization of the respiratory tract, urinary tract or wounds with cefotaxime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli occurred in only three patients (2%).

Adolescent↗

The effect of oropharyngeal decontamination using topical nonabsorbable antibiotics on the incidence of nosocomial respiratory tract infections in multiple trauma patients.

The incidence of respiratory tract infections was determined in 59 multiple trauma patients requiring prolonged intensive care (greater than 5 days) and receiving no antibiotic prophylaxis. Early pneumonia (less than 48 hr) with S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and/or H. influenzae was found in 44% of patients. Secondary colonization of the oropharynx and respiratory tract with ICU-associated Gram-negative bacilli followed by pneumonia occurred in 12 patients (20%). The overall incidence of respiratory tract infections was 59%. In a prospective open trial three prophylactic antibiotic regimens were compared: 17 patients were treated with intestinal decontamination using nonabsorbable antibiotics (polymyxin E 400 mg, tobramycin 320 mg, amphotericin B 2,000 mg/day). No difference in infection rate was found. Twenty-five patients were treated with intestinal and oropharyngeal decontamination using an ointment containing 2% of the same antibiotics. Secondary colonization and infection of the respiratory tract with Gram-negative bacilli was significantly reduced (p less than 0.001). The incidence of early (Gram-positive) infections, however, was unchanged. Another group of 63 patients was treated with systemic antibiotic prophylaxis during the first days in combination with oropharyngeal and intestinal decontamination. The incidence of early pneumonia was significantly reduced (p less than 0.001). Five patients (8%) developed an infection. Superinfections were not observed.

Administration, Topical↗

Nosocomial gram-negative pneumonia in critically ill patients. A 3-year experience with a novel therapeutic regimen.

The efficacy of selective decontamination of the oral cavity and GI-tract in the treatment of established gram-negative pneumonia in critically ill patients was evaluated in a prospective open trial. 25 patients with pneumonia caused by Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonadaceae were studied. All patients were mechanically ventilated (range 2-60 days). Non-absorbable antibiotics (polymyxin E 100 mg, tobramycin 80 mg, amphotericin B 500 mg) were administered through the nasogastric tube four times a day. The oral cavity was decontaminated with an ointment containing 2% of the same antibiotics, applied to the buccal mucosa four times a day. For systemic therapy a combination of tobramycin (3-6 mg X kg-1) with either cefotaxim (50-100 mg X kg-1) or ceftazidime (100 mg X kg-1) was given both intravenously and by aerosol (50% IV dose/5 ml saline) four times a day. Eradication of pathogens from the respiratory tract was achieved in 24 patients within 9 days (median 5 days). The cure rate was 96%. Two patients had a relapse. Neither recolonization with resistant organisms nor supra-infections were found for the remaining period of mechanical ventilation (up to 60 days), also after systemic/aerosol therapy had been discontinued. Only 3 patients died (12%).

Aerosols↗