Steroid Therapy for Patients with Septic Shock: A Multicenter Observational Study Conducted in Japan.

Objective The Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock weakly recommend steroids for septic shock resistant to fluid resuscitation and vasopressors. This study aimed to describe the clinical practices for septic shock in the real world and to compare the association between the intermittent or continuous infusion of steroids and the prognosis. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study based on the AMOR-VENUS, in which Japanese intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients were enrolled between January and March 2018.

Diagnostic accuracy of urinary antigen tests for pneumococcal pneumonia among patients with acute respiratory failure suspected pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/objectives: Urinary antigen tests have been used for the rapid identification of infection in patients with pneumonia, thereby leading to earlier targeted therapy than when using conventional diagnostic culture methods. This study aimed to update the knowledge on the diagnostic accuracy of urinary antigen tests for among patients with acute respiratory failure suspected of pneumonia based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to 3 June 2020.

Diagnostic accuracy of urinary antigen tests for legionellosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Urinary antigen tests (UATs) have been used for the early detection of legionellosis and have demonstrated moderate sensitivity and high specificity. However, the most recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2009 evaluated the accuracy of UATs; since then, UAT accuracy may have changed owing to advances and developments in UAT technology and epidemiological changes in the frequency of Legionella species that cause legionellosis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to update the accuracy of UATs for legionellosis among patients with suspected pneumonia.

Adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients is often necessary for diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures, or admission to the intensive care unit. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe safety and adverse events during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.

Material And Methods: A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published up to June 3, 2020, and of the International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.

Occurrence and incidence rate of peripheral intravascular catheter-related phlebitis and complications in critically ill patients: a prospective cohort study (AMOR-VENUS study).

Background: The lack of precise information on the epidemiology of peripheral intravascular catheter (PIVC)-related phlebitis and complications in critically ill patients results in the absence of appropriate preventive measures. Therefore, we aimed to describe the epidemiology of the use of PIVCs and the incidence/occurrence of phlebitis and complications in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in 23 ICUs in Japan.

Treatment for renal anemia and outcomes in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: the current status of regional medicine according to the Kyoto Fushimi Renal Anemia (KFRA) study.

Background: The baseline data obtained in the CKD-JAC demonstrated that insufficient treatment was being provided for renal anemia by institutions specializing in renal disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the status of treatment for renal anemia, including renal/cardiovascular outcomes and mortality, at regional medical facilities since the development of long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (LA-ESA).

Methods: Non-dialysis outpatients with chronic kidney disease and renal anemia were eligible.

Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor .

Cetuximab is a chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody that binds competitively and with high affinity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is used to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. After receiving a total of six doses of cetuximab, a 72-year-old male presented with pretibial edema, acne-like skin rash, and nephrotic syndrome. The renal biopsy findings revealed features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), with the expansion of the subendothelial zone, reduplication of the glomerular basement, and swelling of the endothelial cells.

Increased serum soluble OX40 in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To determine levels of serum soluble OX40 (also termed CD134, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily) and their clinical associations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: Serum soluble OX40 levels were examined by ELISA in 53 patients with SSc, 15 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 32 healthy individuals.

Results: OX40 levels were significantly elevated in SSc patients (125.