Shock : molecular, cellular, and systemic pathobiological aspects and therapeutic approaches : the official journal the Shock Society, the European Shock Society, the Brazilian Shock Society, the International Federation of Shock Societies
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Sepsis is the main cause of close to 70% of all cases of acute respiratory distress syndromes (ARDS). In addition, sepsis increases susceptibility to ventilator-induced lung injury. Therefore, the development of a ventilatory strategy that can achieve adequate oxygenation without injuring the lungs is highly sought after for patients with acute infection and represents an important therapeutic window to improve patient care. ⋯ Consequently, most of the recommendations regarding mechanical ventilation in sepsis patients are derived from ARDS trials that included multiple clinical diagnoses. While there have been important improvements in general ventilatory management that should apply to all critically ill patients, sepsis-related lung injury might still have particularities that could influence bedside management. After revisiting the interplay between sepsis and ventilation-induced lung injury, this review will reappraise the evidence for the major components of the lung protective ventilation strategy, emphasizing the particularities of sepsis-related acute lung injury.
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The growing population of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is at a significantly increased risk for developing infections. In some patients, the infection can lead to a dysregulated systemic inflammatory response with acute organ dysfunction. SOT recipients with sepsis tend to have less fever and leukocytosis instances. ⋯ There is no consensus on how to manage immunosuppressive therapies during sepsis, although dose reduction or withdrawal is suggested to improve the host immunological response. There is compelling evidence suggesting that infections are associated with reduced allograft and patient survival. However, the traditional belief that SOT patients who develop sepsis have worse outcomes than non-transplanted patients has been challenged.
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In this study we review the rationale for using selective digestive decontamination (SDD) in critically ill patients, and its effects on clinical outcomes and rates of infection with antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. SDD consists of the application of nonabsorbable antibiotics to the oropharynx and through a nasogastric or nasoenteral tube, in association with a 4-day course of an intravenous third-generation cephalosporin. The enteral component aims at preventing oral and rectal colonization with potentially pathogenic nosocomial aerobic gram-negative bacilli and yeasts while preserving normal protective anaerobic enteral flora. ⋯ However, several limitations decrease our confidence on these data, particularly for settings with high baseline rates of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Although SDD has a clear potential to improve clinical outcomes of critically patients, its long-term ecologic effects on rates of antimicrobial resistant require appropriate assessment by large multinational cluster randomized trials. Before these results are available, the use of SDD cannot be recommended in most parts of the world, except in settings with very low baseline prevalence of antibiotic resistance.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Modulation by Polymyxin-B Hemoperfusion of Inflammatory Response Related to Severe Peritonitis.
Conflicting results have been reported on the influence of Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion treatment on systemic inflammation markers. The aim of the study was to assess in a randomized control trial the influence on plasma cytokine concentrations of Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion in septic shock due to peritonitis. A panel of 10 pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines was measured in 213 patients with peritonitis-induced septic shock enrolled in the randomized trial ABDOMIX testing the impact of 2 Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion sessions with standard treatment. ⋯ At the end of the second Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion session or at corresponding time in controls, plasma levels of cytokines did not differ between the two groups. Similar results were found in the subgroup of patients with gram-negative peritonitis who completed two Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion sessions. These results do not support a significant influence of Polymyxin-B hemoperfusion on circulating cytokines assessed except for IL-17A which clinical significance remains to be elucidated.
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"Shock bowel" is one of the computed tomographic (CT) signs of hypotension, yet its clinical implications remain poorly understood. We evaluated how shock bowel affects clinical outcomes and the extent of intestinal epithelial damage in trauma patients by measuring the level of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP). We reviewed the initial CT scans, taken in the emergency room, of 92 patients with severe blunt torso trauma who were consecutively admitted during a 24-month period. ⋯ There was no difference in mortality. In conclusion, shock bowel is not always due to hemodynamic shock. It does, however, indicate severe intestinal mucosal damages and may predict feeding intolerance.