Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Modified Clamshell thoracotomy, resuscitative thoracotomy, randomized control trial (PubMed Search)
Posted: 8/3/2021 by Kim Boswell, MD
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Resuscitative thoracotomy is a dramatic and heroic procedure used in the emergency department in an attempt to resuscitate a patient in arrest due to trauma. There are a few techniques commonly used, but due to the extreme nature of the procedure no prior randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been done.
The modified clamshell thoracotomy (MCT) is a technique in which the standard left anterolateral thoracotomy (LAT) is extended across the sternum, but does not involve surgical opening of the right chest. The MCT allows for increased visualization of the mediastinum and thoracic cavity structures.
Sixteen Emergency trained physicians (approximately half attending and half senior residents) from a level 1 trauma center underwent didactic and skill based training on both the MCT and LAT techniques using fresh, human cadavers. Following training they were randomized based on order of intervention, performing both techniques.
Their thoracotomies were assessed by a board certified surgeon and “success” was determined based on the complete delivery of the heart and cross clamping of the descending aorta.
Primary outcome: time to successful completion of procedure
Secondary outcomes: successful delivery of the heart from the pericardial sac (as well as time to delivery), cross clamping of the aorta (and time to clamping), procedural completion and number of iatrogenic injuries.
Overall, there was no statistical difference in primary outcome or successful completion between the MCT compared to the LAT (67% vs. 40%). However, 100% of the LAT resulted in some form of iatrogenic injury (rib fractures, lacerations of the diaphragm,/esophagus/heart/lung) compared to 67% of the MCT technique. There was no associated difference in success when previous experience (attending vs. senior resident) were compared. Lastly, MCT was the favored technique of the majority of the study subjects.
Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified Bilateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Mar;77(3):317-326 doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.05.042nnemergmed.2020.05.042Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified BiProspective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified Bilateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Mar;77(3):317-326 doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.05.042lateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Mar;77(3):317-326 doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.05.042
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: midodrine; septic shock; vasopressors; ICU LOS (PubMed Search)
Posted: 6/8/2021 by Kim Boswell, MD
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A recent pilot study was conducted in two centers (Mayo Clinic & Cleveland Clinic Affiliate) and aimed to evaluate if the administration of oral midodrine in early septic shock could decrease the use of IV vasopressors and decrease ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). The study was a placebo-controlled, double blinded randomized trial.
This study enrolled:
The study did not find a statistical difference between the two groups in the use of vasopressors or ICU/Hospital LOS. However, there was a trend in the midodrine group which is suggestive of decreased vasopressor use and ICU/Hospital LOS.
It is Important to note the study was not powered to determine clinical significance. Overall the trend noted in the midodrine group should encourage further studies that are clinically powered to determine if there is a statistical difference and therefore a potential benefit to early initiation of oral midodrine in septic shock.
Lal, A, Trivedi, V, Rizvi, MS, et al. Oral Midodrine Administration During the First 24 Hours of Sepsis to Reduce the Need of Vasoactive Agents: Placebo-Controlled Feasibility Clinical Trial, Critical Care Explorations: May 2021 - Volume 3 - Issue 5 - p e0382
doi: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000382
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Renal Replacement Therapy (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/1/2020 by Kim Boswell, MD
(Updated: 11/10/2024)
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STARRT-AKITrial
The Standard versus Accelerated initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury
The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the critical care setting portends a greater morbidity and mortality for patients. Additionally, it places the patient at high risk of complications and requires a greater use of resources. Several studies in the past have examined if the timing of initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) would result in a mortality benefit, but have failed to demonstrate consistent outcomes.
The STARRT-AKI trial was a multinational, randomized controlled trial designed to determine if early initiation of RRT in critically ill adult patients with AKI lowered the risk of 90-day mortality. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification was used to define AKI and over 2900 patients were randomly assigned to two groups over a 4 year period. Exclusion criteria included: recent RRT, a renal transplant within the preceding year, advanced CKD, an overdose necessitating RRT, or a strong suspicion of obstruction or autoimmune/vascular cause of their AKI.
Groups:
Outcomes/Results:
Take home points:
Timing of Initiation of Renal-Replacement Therapy in Acute Kidney Injury. STARRT-AKI Investigators; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group, the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group, the United Kingdom Critical Care Research Group, the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network, and the Irish Critical Care Trials Group, Bagshaw SM, Wald R, Adhikari NKJ, et al. N Engl J Med. 2020 Jul 16;383(3):240-251.
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Contrast induced nephropathy; acute kidney injury; consensus statement (PubMed Search)
Posted: 7/7/2020 by Kim Boswell, MD
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We all know the frustration that comes with the phone call from radiology asking if you “really want IV contrast” for your patient’s CT because the creatinine is elevated…
Recently, a joint statement was published between the American College of Radiology and the National Kidney Foundation regarding the safety of IV contrast in patients with kidney disease. The recommendations are based on GFR and apply to those with both chronic kidney disease as well as those who have an acute kidney injury. Summary points of the statement are below:
Every decision to use contrast should be made based on clinical need for contrast as well as individual patient risk factors and underlying disease processes.
Use of Intravenous Iodinated Contrast Media in Patients With Kidney Disease: Consensus Statements From the American College of Radiology and the National Kidney Foundation. Radiology. 2020 Mar;294(3):660-668. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2019192094. Epub 2020 Jan 21.
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: HLH, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/31/2020 by Kim Boswell, MD
(Updated: 11/10/2024)
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Please see Part I from 12/24/19 for information about causes and symptoms.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of HLH is challenging, as it often mimics sepsis or other critical illness. A high index of suspicion is vital and early treatment, imperative.
Diagnostic criteria in adults include 5 of 8 of the following:
(based on the Hscore: https://www.mdcalc.com/hscore-reactive-hemophagocytic-syndrome#use-cases)
· Presence of known immunosuppression
· Fever >38.5
· Splenomegaly or hepatomegaly
· Cytopenias
· Ferritin elevation (usually markedly elevated)
· Elevated triglycerides
· Low fibrinogen level
· ALT elevation
Immunologic testing:
· CD25 levels are elevated
· NK cell activity is low or absent
In adults, highly elevated ferritin levels (>10,000) are highly suggestive of HLH.
Elevated LDH, Ddimer, and multisystem organ dysfunction (especially CNS) is common.
Immunologic testing should not delay treatment if other lab values suggestive of HLH.
Treatment:
Given the high mortality rate, treatment should be initiated if the symptoms are suggestive of HLH. In the setting of a critically ill individual, hematology consultation is warranted for treatment guidance as treatment is based on lab values and clinical picture. Treatment usually starts with high dose , IV steroids (dexamethasone) and may include chemotherapeutic agents, such as Etoposide. For those patients with CNS involvement, intrathecal chemotherapy is usually a mainstay of treatment
Category: Airway Management
Keywords: HLH, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/24/2019 by Kim Boswell, MD
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Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) – Part I
A rare, but important disease that is becoming more widely recognized and more frequently diagnosed. This disease, while uncommon, is rapidly progressive and caries a high mortality rate.
Causes are not completely understood, but involve abnormal activation of the immune response due to a failure of the typical downregulation in hyperinflammatory processes.
Two types exist:
Congenital/Familial – genetic predisposition which usually requires a triggering event to occur
Acquired – occurs in adults with no known predisposition (often have underlying genetic predispositions) – triggering events include infections , immunodeficiency, rheumatologic disorders, and malignancy in addition to many others.
Diagnosis is challenging due to the wide variety of symptoms and constellation of symptoms, which often mimic more common infections/sepsis presentations. Common symptoms include the following:
Symptoms can, and do, occur in any body system – rashes, conjunctivitis, DIC, LFT abnormalities, hypotension/shock, and respiratory failure are all common concomitant findings in the presentation of HLH
More on the specific diagnosis and treatment to follow in part II...
McClain KL. Clinical features and diagnosis of hemophagoctyic lymphohistiocytosis. UpToDate.Waltham, MA:UpToDate Inc. https://www.uptodate.com (Accessed on December 24, 2019.)
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Pregnant, difficult airway (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/17/2019 by Kim Boswell, MD
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Most non-OB physicians experience some fear or anxiety over taking care of the average pregnant patient. There are two patients to consider when caring for these women. Critical illness adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging patient population. Due to the normal physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy there are specific and important factors to be aware of when considering and preparing for intubation.
Djabatey EA, Barclay PM. Difficult and failed intubationin 3430 obstetric general anesthesics. Anaesthesia 2009;64: 1168.
Izci B, Vennelle M, Liston WA, et al. Sleep-disordered breathing and upper airway size in pregnancy and post part. Our Respir J 2006; 27:321.
Lebowitz PW, Shay H, Straker T, et al. Shoulder and head elevation improves laryngoscope view for tracheal intubation in non obese as well as obese individuals. J Clin Anesth 2012; 24:104.
Category: Critical Care
Keywords: Right Ventricle, RV Size (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/5/2019 by Kim Boswell, MD
(Emailed: 11/10/2024)
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Rapid Assessment of the RV on Bedside Echo
There are several causes of acute RV dysfunction resulting in a patient presenting to the ER with unstable hemodynamics. Some of these include acute cor pulmonale, acute right sided myocardial infarction and acute submassive or massive pulmonary embolism. While bedside assessment of the LV function is often performed by the ED physician, simultaneous evaluation of the RV can provide crucial information that can help guide therapeutic decisions to prevent worsening of the patient’s clinical condition. A rough guideline to determine RV size and function is below using the apical 4 chamber view.
Normal RV size : <2/3 the size of the LV
Mildly enlarged RV : >2/3 the size of the LV, but not equal in size
Moderately enlarged RV: RV size = LV size
Severely enlarged RV: RV size > LV size
Patients who are found to have RV dilation should be given fluids in a judicious fashion as the RV is not tolerant of fluid overload. Early diagnosis of the cause of acute RV failure should be sought to guide definitive therapy, but early institution of inotropic support should be considered. Frequent reassessments of biventricular function during resuscitation should be performed.
Guidelines for the Echocardiographic Assessment of the Right Heart in Adults: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography Endorsed by the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology, and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2010;23:685-713
1911051940_Presentation2.pptx (178 Kb)