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Biomedical subjects

L Gattinoni

Publications and source records attributed to L Gattinoni.

144 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

[Parenteral feeding in resuscitation. Study of 190 cases].

Results observed in 190 patients receiving parenteral nutrition (including 104 thus treated for periods of 3 to 28 days) are presented. The data point to the importance of both the quantity and quality of the calorie and nitrogen intake. The energy and plastic sources used in the treatment are discussed. The modalities most suited for employment in patients with unimpaired renal functional and in those with serious renal insufficiency are described in the light of personal experience.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Low-frequency positive pressure ventilation with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (LFPPV-ECCO2R): an experimental study.

We describe a new form of mechanical pulmonary ventilation, low-frequency positive pressure ventilation with extracorporeal CO2 removal (LEPPV-ECCO2R). In a series of animal studies the rate of mechanical ventilation was 0.66, 1, 2, and 4 min-1 at a tidal volume of 3, 10, and 15 ml kg-1. We were able to maintain normal blood gases and normal lung volumes and lung mechanics even at the lowest ventilator rate with tidal volumes of 10 or 15 ml kg-1. Each experiment lasted 7 hours. Our data suggest a possible new dimension in the management of a difficult patient on mechanical pulmonary ventilation.

Animals↗

Heat stress: characteristics, pathophysiology and avoidable mistakes.

In August 2003 an exceptional heatwave was recorded in Europe. The authors would like to describe 6 patients for which the intensivist was called as a consultant. All patients had a skin temperature >40 degrees C, central nervous system impairment, severe hyponatremia [124.7 mEq/l+/-5.6 (range 117-130)] and severe metabolic acidosis [BE -6.28 mEq/l+/-3.55 (range -9.5-0), HCO3- 17.75 mEq/l+/-3.25 (range 13.4-21.9)]. All patients had decreased platelet count and coagulation abnormalities. Two patients were hypertensive, 4 hypotensive. The heat stress due to the hot environment is characterized by systemic inflammatory response (as in severe sepsis) and hemodynamic impairment (as in hypovolemic shock). The association between hypovolemia and altered microcirculation leads to cell energy failure with metabolic lactic acidosis. The energy failure may induce structural irreversible damage of mitochondria. It is possible to differentiate, during energy failure, the irreversible or reversible condition by volume loading and vasoactive drugs challenge tests. In fact, if the hemodynamic correction is associated with normalization of SvO2 with disappearance of metabolic acidosis, this suggests hemodynamic impairment with intact mitochondrial function. In contrast, if the hemodynamic improvement with normalization of SvO2 is associated and acidosis persists, this suggests irreversible structural mitochondrial damage. The threshold between reversibility and irreversibility is likely time dependent, as suggested by biochemical consideration and by 2 large randomized studies on hemodynamic treatment. The comparative analysis of these 2 studies suggests that the time of intervention may lead to significant differences in mortality. In these patients time is essential.

Acidosis, Lactic↗

Extracorporeal circulation in sheep with normal bleeding time using a surface heparinized circuit.

Bleeding due to systemic heparinization represents the major side effect of extracorporeal respiratory support. In the present animal study, a surface heparinized system (Carmeda Biological Active Surface) was applied to assess the feasibility of prolonged perfusion at low circulating heparin levels. Eight sheep divided into two groups: group A (5 animals) and group B (3 animals) underwent venovenous bypass using a heparin coated surface circuit. The following protocol was used: a) 24 hours at high heparin dose (30 to 100 U/kg/hr with an ACT [activated coagulation time] three to four times normal); b) 24 hours at low heparin dose (3 to 8 U/kg/hr with an ACT within the normal range); c) 24 hours at high heparin dose. Group B animals also received fresh frozen sheep plasma (14 ml/kg/day). During Period b, the clotting times were within baseline range. The bleeding time showed a dramatic decrease after change from a to b (27.9 +/- 3 minutes vs. 10.2 +/- 5.6 minutes). There was a negative relationship between antithrombin III (AT III) and thrombin coagulase time (TC); the latter is considered to be an aspecific indicator of circulating fibrin(ogen) degradation products. Maintaining AT III over 70%, TC changes were only minor. The use of the bioactive heparin surface allowed the performance of a 24 hour bypass, with normal coagulation times, at low circulating heparin levels.

Animals↗

Multidisciplinary approach to extracorporeal respiratory assist for acute pulmonary failure.

A case of acute post-traumatic pulmonary failure was treated by extracorporeal respiratory assist, after conventional therapy had failed. Veno-venous bypass was established, with low extracorporeal blood flow (1.6-2 l min-1), and high exchange surface area membrane lungs (7 m2), according to the technique of low-frequency positive-pressure ventilation with extracorporeal carbon-dioxide removal. After a first disconnection, the evolution of the lung disease necessitated a second surgical procedure, during which a chest tube perforated the patient's right lower, pulmonary lobe. A two-stage right thoracotomy was performed, with the patient connected to the extracorporeal system, and receiving full heparinization. Massive bleeding and severe hypoxia were encountered, but successfully overcome. The patient is now a long-term survivor.

Acute Disease↗

Constant mean airway pressure with different patterns of positive pressure breathing during the adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Twenty-one ARDS patients were divided into two groups of severity according to FIO2 and PEEP required to maintain an adequate gas exchange. The 10 most severe patients (group A) underwent continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPPV) (I/E 3:1) with the mean airway pressure maintained at 21 +/- 6.2 cmH2O. The PEEP values were 12.6 +/- 4.3 cmH2O during CPPV and 6.5 +/- 3.7 cmH2O during IRV (p less than 0.01). Eleven less severe ARDS patients (group B) underwent CPPV and positive pressure spontaneous breathing (CPAP) at constant mean airway pressure of 14.3 +/- 3.8 cmH2O. The PEEP was 7 +/- 2.5 cmH2O during CPPV and 14.9 +/- 4.3 cmH2O during CPAP (p less than 0.001). In five patients of each group, the SF6 shunt was measured as representative of true shunt. The results showed that gas exchange, including true shunt, and haemodynamics did not change between CPPV and IRV and between CPPV and CPAP tests. Taken with previous work on mean airway pressure, our results further support the concept that the main determinant of oxygenation and haemodynamics is the mean airway pressure, irrespective of the PEEP level and of the mode of ventilation.

Adolescent↗