Do Asian physicians manage hypertensive crisis properly? A Southeast Asia survey analysis
Abstract
Purpose: Hypertension remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and proper management can prevent death. Over the last few decades, several changes in definitions, clinical manifestations, and management have occurred. We aimed to investigate the extent of knowledge about these changes, as the pertain to acute elevations of blood pressure among physicians in Southeast Asia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was created and validated. The survey included 25 questions about the definitions of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies, clinical presentations, ideal rate of blood pressure reduction, and other questions. Surveys were distributed at the Asia Pacific Symposium held in Indonesia in August 2017. Descriptive analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics™ version 25.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY).
Results: A total of 145 surveys were completed by physicians from India, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Of them, only 49.6% (n=72) knew the normal blood pressure cut-off limits, and 19.3% (n=28) did not recognize the differences between hypertensive urgencies and emergencies. Moreover, 53.7% (n=78) of respondents was not aware that hypertensive urgency can be completely asymptomatic. Sixty-four point eight percent (n=94) indicated that acute cerebrovascular accidents were the most common end-organ damage from hypertensive emergencies. In addition, only 44.1% (n=64) were aware of the ideal rate of blood pressure reduction, and 50.3% (n=73) considered sublingual nifedipine as an appropriate choice in hypertensive crisis management.
Conclusions: A significant percentage of physicians in Southeast Asia lack knowledge about hypertensive crisis definitions, clinical presentations, and management.
Corticosteroids and gastrointestinal bleeding in critical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Current belief suggests that patients receiving corticosteroids have an increased risk of bleeding from stress ulceration and that these patients should receive stress ulcer prophylaxis. This issue is important as many ICU patients receive corticosteroids and the pharmacologic agents used for stress ulcer prophylaxis are associated with adverse events.
Aim: The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the rate of clinically significant (overt) gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in critically ill patients receiving corticosteroids versus placebo.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database from inception through December 2018. In addition, the bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed for relevant studies and included if inclusion criteria were met. Included studies were randomized, placebo-controlled and blinded studies that compared treatment with corticosteroids for any indication in a patient population that included only ICU patients. Primary outcome of interest was rate of clinically significant GI bleeding in patients treated with corticosteroids versus placebo. Results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and risk of bias were explored. In addition, we did a subgroup analysis according to the use of “low-dose” (<400 mg hydrocortisone or equivalent/day) versus “high-dose” corticosteroid.
Results: Thirty-five studies, which enrolled 16,659 patients, met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Significant GI bleeding was recorded for 355 patients (overall rate of 2.1%). Summary data demonstrated no difference in the risk of GI bleeding between those treated with corticosteroids versus placebo (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.88-1.33; p=0.46) with minimal heterogeneity between studies (Q statistic p=0.86, I2=0%). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the risk of GI bleeding in either the low (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.78-1.38) or the high dose groups (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.84-1.53) and in those studies at low risk of bias (RR 1.16; 95% CI 0.91-1.49) and those at a high risk of bias (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.6-1.28).
Conclusion: This meta-analysis did not identify a clinically significant difference in the rate of overt GI bleeding in critically ill patients receiving corticosteroids as compared to placebo. The role of stress ulcer prophylaxis in these patients remains uncertain.
The effect of N-acetylcysteine on the myeloperxidase and Tei index in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Abstract
Bacground: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a strong oxidant and toxic to microorganisms with excess production causing tissue damage. We aimed to determine the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 consecutive days on MPO levels and left ventricle myocardial performance index (LVMPI/Tei index) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with fibrinolytics.
Methods: Pre- and post-design, single blind experimental randomized trial, conducted on 32 patients with STEMI at Intensive Cardiovascular Care Unit (ICVCU). The subjects were divided into 2 groups: 17 patients received 600 mg t.i.d NAC for 72 hours and 15 controls. MPO levels before and after 72 hours and Tei index 72 hours after NAC therapy were measured. Statistical analysis of MPO level and Tei index were analyzed with SPSS 22. Tei index was measured using the pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).Results: NAC administration showed decrease in the marker of MPO (112.76±57.28 vs 180.40±69.03, p=0.001) and delta MPO (-50.15±46.62 vs 12.06±108.65) 72 hours after NAC therapy compared with control. NAC improved the LVMPI value compared to the control group. Tei index examination using PWD (0.39±0.11 vs 0.49±0.08, p=0.005) and that using TDI (0.41±0.08 vs 0.57±0.08, p=0.001) showed improved values for NAC administration than those with controls.Conclusion: NAC 600 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 consecutive days can reduce MPO levels and improve diastolic function by decreasing LVMPI values.
The effect of oral N-acetylcysteine on galectin-3 and global longitudinal strain in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Abstract
Objective: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) plays a big role in the development of cardiac fibrosis; however, its role in remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not received sufficient attention. Post-AMI measurements of global longitudinal strain (GLS) are beneficial in providing information about infarct area and remodeling. We aimed to determine the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on Gal-3 and GLS in AMI.
Design: This was a randomized, single-blind study with pre- and post-treatment evaluations performed from May 1 to August 31, 2018.
Setting: Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Indonesia
Patients: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who received fibrinolytic therapy were randomly allocated to NAC and control groups.
Interventions: A total of 32 STEMI patients were administered fibrinolytic therapy (17 patients were administered standard therapy plus 600 mg NAC orally three times a day for 72 hours and 15 patients were administered standard therapy plus placebo as the control). Gal-3 samples were taken during admission and at 72 hours in both groups, while GLS measurement was only performed 72 hours after admission.
Measurements and results: Gal-3 levels in the NAC and control groups at admission were not significantly different; however, levels were significantly different after 72 hours (p=0.017). After comparing Gal-3 levels during admission and at 72 hours, the NAC group showed significant differences between Gal-3 levels at the time of admission and at 72 hours (p=0.0001); no difference was found in the control group. There were also significant intergroup differences in Gal-3 level changes (p=0.014). In the NAC group, a better and significantly different 72-h GLS value was obtained from that in the control group (p=0.023).
Conclusion: Supplementary therapy with NAC can reduce Gal-3 levels and GLS in AMI patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy.
Analysis of sepsis and septic shock 3- and 6-hour management at resuscitation room in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital
Abstract
Objective: To provide a record of the implementation and outcome of surviving sepsis campaign 2016 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, such as 3- and 6-hour sepsis bundle compliance as a baseline and the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score after 48 hours of treatment. SOFA values were used to predict mortality in the hospital.
Design: This was an observational experimental study that used cross sectional design.
Setting: Resuscitation room in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital.
Patients and participants: A purposive sample was taken of patients older than 17-year-old suspected with sepsis or septic shock according to diagnosis criteria from Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) 2016. Thirty-two patients, consist of 24 male and 8 female patients were included.
Interventions: After patients were suspected of sepsis or septic shock according to diagnosis criteria from SSC 2016, they were treated with 3- and 6-hour sepsis bundle, then the data were collected with questionnaire.
Measurements and results: We found 75% of patients received a 3-hour sepsis bundle in <3 hours, and 50% of patients had 6-hour sepsis bundle in <6 hours. The compliance rate of 3- and 6-hour sepsis and septic shock bundles reached 46.88%. SOFA scores before and after 48-hour management of sepsis had a significant increase with p=0.001 (p<0.05).
Conclusions: There were significant decreasing of SOFA values in baseline and 48 hours after the management of sepsis and septic shock in 81.25% patients (n=26). This result suggests that management of sepsis based on SSC 2016 contribute to the improvement of the patient's condition and better prognosis.
Correlation between zinc plasma level to inflammation response of patient with ventilator in pediatrics intensive care unit
Abstract
Objective: Critical conditions arise when there is a threat or ongoing organ failure that disrupts the balance of the body's oxygen and physiological needs. Patients often require help, such as endotracheal intubation procedures, mechanical ventilation, and renal or liver replacement therapy, in place of impaired organ function. Usually, complications are more common in children than in adults. Zinc is one of the micronutrients that plays a vital role as an antioxidant and the role of defense immune modulators against systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Outcome patient with ventilator depends on SIRS response to the disease. Meanwhile the study about zinc supplementation in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is limited. The main objective of this study was to look at the correlation of plasma zinc levels with inflammatory responses in children of 1-12 years old with ventilator in pediatric intensive care unit.
Design and setting: This study was prospective study in Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar and was calculated by Pearson analysis to determine the correlation of variables plasma zinc with levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and continued by general linier model analysis.
Results: More than 70% sample was insufficiency zinc for the first 24 hours and after 72 hours, respectively. Correlation between plasma zinc and pro-inflammatory cytokines were TNF-α; p<0.001 r: -0.91, and IL-6; p=0.013, r: -0.48 in 24 hours, and IL-6; p>0.05 r: 0.011, and TNF-α; p<0.01 r: 0.659 in 72 hours.
Conclusions: There were significant correlation in TNF-α and IL-6 measurement between zinc plasma insufficiency with pro-inflammatory cytokines in the first 24 hours and significant correlation in TNF-α in 72 hours. Therefore, zinc supplementation in 72 hours from patient admission to PICU may have important role to reduce morbidity in PICU.
Lactic acid’s role in sodium hypertonic lactic solution as a neuroprotector measured from the level of ATP, MCT-1 and necrosis area in intracerebral hematoma rats model
Abstract
Objective: To discover the role of hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) as the energy source, which in turn will act as a neuroprotector, by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT-1) and the extent of the necrotic areas.
Design: This was an experimental study that used randomized post-test only control group design.
Setting: Experimental Animal Care Unit Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Patient and participant: 32 white mice of Rattus norvegicus.
Intervention: After the protocol of this study was approved by the research ethic committee, 32 rats were randomly divided into two groups: HSL group (n=16) and NaCl 3% group (n=16) as the control group. Both groups were anesthetized using conversion-dose pentothal.
Results: ATP level in HSL group was higher compared to the control group (p=0.031). MCT-1 in HSL group was also higher than the control group (p=0.010). Necrotic areas were less extensive in the HSL group than the control group (p=0.000). Lactate levels at minute 30 (T30) and minute 360 (T360) increased in the HSL group, while increasing in the control group up to T30, then decreased gradually until T360.
Conclusion: Exogenous lactate in solution has effect as a neuroprotective of brain in the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
End-of-life care (EOLC) in Jordanian critical care units: Barriers and strategies for improving
Abstract
Background: End-of-life care (EOLC) is a pivotal element of work in ICUs and for critical care nurses, thus, it is considered one of the top research priorities recently as number of admission ICUs increasing and high percentage of deaths also.
Objective: This study was conducted to explore the obstacles of EOLC and strategies for improvement from nurses' perception.
Methods: The questionnaire, that was developed by Beckstrand and Kirchhoff (2005), was used to collect data from 163 critical care nurses from different hospitals.
Results: Two hundred questionnaires were distributed. One hundred and sixty-three questionnaires were completed and returned with response rate 81.5%. The majority of the participants were male nurse 104 (63.8%), with bachelor degree 153 (93.9%), working in adult ICU 105 (64.4%), as bedside nurse 141 (86.5 %). The highest obstacles from the nurses’ perception were family and friends who continually call the nurse wanting an update on the patient’s condition rather than calling the designated family member for information (mean=4.07). Furthermore, the highest three supportive behaviors from the nurses’ perception were physicians agreeing about direction of patient care (mean=3.96), family members accept that patient is dying (mean=3.94), and family designating one family member as contact person for the rest of the family (mean=3.89).
Conclusion: As the number of deaths is increasing in critical care units, the needs to understand how the EOLC is provided in these units. Identifying obstacles and supportive behaviours will assist the stakeholders and policymakers to set the action plans for improving the quality of EOLC.
Profile of children with rabies dog bites: Manado experience, Indonesia
Abstract
Background: Rabies is an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal following the onset of clinical signs. Forty percent of all human rabies occur in children <14-year-old. In up to 99% of rabies virus is transmitted by dogs.
Objective: To determine the mortality risk factor of children with rabies dog bites in Prof. Dr. RD Kandou Hospital, Manado, from 2012-2016.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all pediatric patients with rabies dog bites. Rabies was diagnosed via detection of nucleoprotein from dogs brain using fluorescent antibody test (FAT). We used chi-square test and calculated odd ratio using software SPSS 23.0 to determine the mortality risk factor of patients with rabies dog bites, considering p value <0.05 as significant.
Results: During the study period, 38 children came with rabies dog bites (71.1% were boys). Incubation period range from 1 week to 4 years. Most common bites location was hand. Symptoms associated with rabies mortality were hydrophobia (OR 143, 95% CI 11.78-1735.96, p=0.0001), photophobia (OR 19.6, 95% CI 2.04-181.93, p=0.002), and hypersalivation (100% mortality, p=0.0001). Post-exposure vaccination associated with mortality of patients (OR 0.003, 95% CI 0.000-0.056, p=0.0001).
Conclusion: Hypersalivation, hydrophobia, and photophobia are major risk factors of rabies dog bites mortality. Post-exposure vaccination is important to prevent rabies infection after a high-risk bite.
Multivessel spontaneous coronary arterial dissection. Usefulness of angio-CT during follow-up
Abstract
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an uncommon but important cause of myocardial ischemia associated with a high mortality rate. Its aetiology, incidence and pathogenesis are still unknown. It is characterized by the presence of a hematoma and/or the separation of the different layers in the arterial wall, causing vessel lumen stenosis. The clinical manifestation depends on the extent and limitation of the blood flow caused by the dissection, and it varies from an asymptomatic presentation to acute myocardial infarction (50-75%), sudden cardiac death (0.5%) or heart failure.
Unusual presentation of tension pneumoperitoneum during endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric tumor
Tension pneumoperitoneum is a well-known but rare complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It is defined as the massive accumulation of air in the peritoneal cavity, which results in a sudden increase in intraabdominal pressure resulting in hemodynamic or ventilatory compromise. The presentation varies from intense abdominal pain and tenderness to imminent collapse.
Surgical emphysema complicating inferior alveolar nerve cryoablation
We present a case of widespread surgical emphysema following cryoablation of the right inferior alveolar nerve in the setting of trigeminal neuralgia refractory to carbamazepine pharmacotherapy.
Electrical cardiometry for non-invasive cardiac output monitoring in children with dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock in comparison between referral and non-referral
Abstract
Objective: Shock in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is mostly caused by plasma leakage. Hemodynamic monitoring is essential for improving the quality of management and the outcome. We sought to find the hemodynamic profile of dengue hemorrhagic fever children with shock.
Design: a cohort prospective study.
Setting: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at tertiary general hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Patients and participants: Children <18-year-old admitted to the PICU with diagnosis DHF with shock.
Intervention: All patients underwent measurement of hemodynamic profile with electrical cardiometry ICON OsypkaTM after the first fluid resuscitation.
Measurements and results: There were 37 patients with DHF grade 3. All patients had normal blood pressure on first examination, with the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 82.5±9.21 mmHg and 51.8±16.32 mmHg, respectively. They had low stroke volume (66.7%), high heart rate (60.6%), low cardiac output (49%), and high systemic vascular resistance (55%). Mean resuscitation fluid volume was 35.30±31.99 ml/kg, where referral patient had significantly higher resuscitation fluid volume (49.45±39.46 ml/kg) than non-referral (19.75±0.60 ml/kg), p=0.002. Thoracic fluid content were significantly higher in referral (75%) than those in non-referral patients (16.7%), p=0.001.
Conclusion: After first fluid resuscitation, children with DHF grade 3 obtained normal blood pressure but still in hypovolemic state. Referral patients had higher fluid volume resuscitation and thoracic fluid content than those in non-referral.
The effectiveness of a short training course for emergency medicine residents to confirm tracheal tube placement by ultrasound
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of tracheal ultrasound by novice emergency medicine residents after participating in a short training course.
Methods: This was an observational prospective study conducted between July 2016 and September 2017 at three university-affiliated emergency departments in Tehran, Iran. Adult patients (over 18 years of age) who needed emergency intubation were included. Investigators were emergency medicine residents who did not have prior experience in tracheal ultrasound. Training course consisted of 40 minutes of theoretical education and three days of hands-on training. Immediately after intubation by treating physicians, two investigators evaluated the placement of the tracheal tube simultaneously. One investigator used tracheal ultrasound and the second investigator used quantitative waveform capnography. The registrant was a nurse who was asked to record the results of each investigator in the following format: 1. Correct tracheal intubation, 2. Esophageal intubation, and 3. Time spent to complete the evaluation. Finally, the ultrasound results were compared with those of capnography.
Results: Ninety patients were included in the study. Based on the capnography results, there were three (3.3%) esophageal intubations and 87 (96.6%) tracheal intubations. Investigators reported the same results by tracheal ultrasound. The mean±SD time spent to complete the evaluation was 32±10 seconds for capnography and 48±15 seconds for tracheal ultrasound (p value of 0.0001).Conclusion: Emergency medicine residents with basic knowledge of ultrasound can learn tracheal ultrasound techniques through a short training course.
Fatal neck necrotizing fasciitis caused by hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative rod enterobacteria that is notorious for its role as carrier of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and its carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) species. However, hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae is distinctly different from ESBL and CRE. We report a case of neck necrotizing fasciitis caused by hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 56-year-old male who presented to our emergency department (ED) with a swollen neck. His condition deteriorated rapidly requiring emergency intubation to secure his airway. Despite aggressive resuscitation and treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and cytokine adsorption therapy, the patient succumbed to his disease. This report describes the clinical characteristics of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae and emphasizes the importance of early detection and subsequent aggressive source control interventions in necrotizing fascitiis caused by this particular bacteria.