Critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury treated with kidney replacement therapy: Comparison between the first and second pandemic waves in São Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) who were treated with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in the first and second waves of the pandemic in the megalopolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 10 intensive care units (ICUs). Patients aged ≥18 years, and treated with KRT due to COVID-19-associated AKI were included.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome following administration of gadolinium contrast agent: a case report.

Background: Gadolinium-based contrast agents are used extensively in magnetic resonance imaging to assist diagnosis of medical conditions. Despite their documented safety profile, severe adverse events do occur, and their documentation may serve to raise the awareness of the medical community.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 15-year-old white Latin American female patient admitted to the intensive care unit for acute respiratory distress syndrome following administration of gadolinium.

An algorithm to predict the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: the experience in Sao Paulo.

Background: We aimed to characterize patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identify predictors of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in patients with COVID-19 admitted to a private network in Sao Paulo, Brazil from March to October 2020. Patients were compared in three subgroups: non-intensive care unit (ICU) admission (group A), ICU admission without receiving IMV (group B) and IMV requirement (group C).

Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Receiving Invasive Mechanical Ventilation: The Experience of a Private Network in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Introduction: The use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in COVID-19 represents in an incremental burden to healthcare systems.

Aim Of The Study: We aimed to characterize patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who received IMV and identify risk factors for mortality in this population.

Material And Methods: A retrospective cohort study including consecutive adult patients admitted to a private network in Brazil who received IMV from March to October, 2020.

Concurrent hospitalization of a married couple presenting with distinct symptoms but diagnosed with a life-threatening infectious disease.

We described the cases of a married couple hospitalized for distinct symptoms and developed a neuroparalytic syndrome with rapid progression. In Case 1, a 75-year-old woman was admitted for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blurred vision. The patient developed acute respiratory failure, ptosis, and ophthalmoplegia.

Effect of Furosemide on Urinary Oxygenation in Patients with Septic Shock.

Background: Renal medullary hypoxia precedes the development of acute kidney injury in experimental sepsis and can now be assessed by continuous measurement of urinary oxygen tension (PuO2).

Objectives: We aimed to test if PuO2 measurements in patients with septic shock would be similar to those shown in experimental sepsis and would detect changes induced by the administration of furosemide.

Method: Pilot prospective observational cohort study in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU).

Nitric Oxide in Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and safety of perioperative administration of nitric oxide in cardiac surgery.

Design: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Participants: Cardiac surgery patients.

Vasopressin versus Norepinephrine in Patients with Vasoplegic Shock after Cardiac Surgery: The VANCS Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Vasoplegic syndrome is a common complication after cardiac surgery and impacts negatively on patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vasopressin is superior to norepinephrine in reducing postoperative complications in patients with vasoplegic syndrome.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted at the Heart Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between January 2012 and March 2014.

A liberal strategy of red blood cell transfusion reduces cardiogenic shock in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are aged 60 years or more or less than 60 years after implementation of a restrictive or a liberal transfusion strategy.

Methods: This is a substudy of the Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery (TRACS) randomized controlled trial. In this subgroup analysis, we separated patients into those aged 60 years or more (elderly) and those aged less than 60 years randomized to a restrictive or a liberal strategy of red blood cell transfusion.

Strategies to reduce blood transfusion: a Latin-American perspective.

Purpose Of Review: Anemia has been demonstrated to be detrimental in several populations such as high-surgical-risk patients, critically ill elderly, and cardiac patients. Red blood cell transfusion is the most commonly prescribed therapy for anemia. Despite being life-saving, it carries a risk that ranges from mild complications to death.