Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate to predict cardiac events in major noncardiac surgery: a secondary analysis of two large international studies.

Background: Optimised use of kidney function information might improve cardiac risk prediction in noncardiac surgery.

Methods: In 35,815 patients from the VISION cohort study and 9219 patients from the POISE-2 trial who were ≥45 yr old and underwent nonurgent inpatient noncardiac surgery, we examined (by age and sex) the association between continuous nonlinear preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the composite of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, nonfatal cardiac arrest, or death owing to a cardiac cause within 30 days after surgery. We estimated contributions of predictive information, C-statistic, and net benefit from eGFR and other common patient and surgical characteristics to large multivariable models.

Optimization of meropenem continuous infusion based on Monte Carlo simulation integrating with degradation study.

Objective: Meropenem degradation poses a challenge to continuous infusion (CI) implementation. However, data about the impact of degradation on the probability of target attainment (PTA) of meropenem has been limited. This study evaluated the stability of meropenem brands and the consequence of in-bottle degradation on PTA in different environmental scenarios.

Contemporary assessment of short- and functional 90-days outcome in old intensive care patients suffering from COVID-19.

Purpose: There are limited data about the outcome of old intensive care (ICU) patients suffering from Covid-19 in the post-vaccination era. This study distinguishes the pre- and post-acute illness living conditions of ICU survivors from non-survivors.

Methods: This prospective international multicenter study included 642 old (≥ 70 years) ICU patients, including data ranging from pre-illness condition to functional 90-days follow-up.

Reliability, validity and usability of the K-force grip dynamometer to evaluate handgrip-strength in patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness.

Objective: Handgrip dynamometry is recognised as a method for evaluating volitional muscle strength in the intensive care, but conventional handgrip dynamometers cannot accurately measure grip strength in very weak patients. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity and usability of the K-force grip in patients with intensive care unit-acquired weakness.

Design: Evaluation of measurement properties of the K-force grip.

Prokinetic agents in adult intensive care unit patients (PATIENCE)-An international inception cohort study protocol.

Background: Feeding intolerance is common in critically ill patients and can lead to malnutrition. Prokinetic agents may be used to enhance the uptake of nutrition. However, the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of prokinetic agents is sparse, and there is a lack of data on their use in intensive care units (ICU).

Myocardial Injury in Patients with Hip Fracture: A HIP ATTACK Randomized Trial Substudy.

Background: Myocardial injury after a hip fracture is common and has a poor prognosis. Patients with a hip fracture and myocardial injury may benefit from accelerated surgery to remove the physiological stress associated with the hip fracture. This study aimed to determine if accelerated surgery is superior to standard care in terms of the 90-day risk of death in patients with a hip fracture who presented with an elevated cardiac biomarker/enzyme measurement at hospital arrival.

Factors affecting adherence to recommendations on pre-operative cardiac testing: A cohort study.

Background: Cardiac risk evaluation prior to noncardiac surgery is fundamental to tailor peri-operative management to patient's estimated risk. Data on the degree of adherence to guidelines in patients at cardiovascular risk in Europe and factors influencing adherence are underexplored.

Objectives: The aim of this analysis was to describe the degree of adherence to [2014 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) guidelines] recommendations on rest echocardiography [transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)] and to stress imaging prior to noncardiac surgery in a large European sample and to assess factors potentially affecting adherence.

Prognosticating the outcome of intensive care in older patients-a narrative review.

Prognosis determines major decisions regarding treatment for critically ill patients. Statistical models have been developed to predict the probability of survival and other outcomes of intensive care. Although they were trained on the characteristics of large patient cohorts, they often do not represent very old patients (age ≥ 80 years) appropriately.

Automated surveillance of antimicrobial consumption in intensive care, northern Sweden: an observational case study.

Background: The digitalization of information systems allows automatic measurement of antimicrobial consumption (AMC), helping address antibiotic resistance from inappropriate drug use without compromising patient safety.

Objectives: Describe and characterize a new automated AMC surveillance service for intensive care units (ICUs), with data stratified by referral clinic and linked with individual patient risk factors, disease severity, and mortality.

Methods: An automated service collecting data from the electronic medical record was developed, implemented, and validated in a healthcare region in northern Sweden.

Driving pressure during routine ventilation in the ICU: Is the ICU-team as driven as they should be?

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of structured staff training on the respiratory support provided.

Materials And Methods: Staff training with emphasis on the applied DP in mechanical ventilation was provided during one year. After completion of staff training, the effect was prospectively evaluated in patients who were continuously mechanically ventilated in a controlled mode for at least 6 h starting from admission.

Case management-based post-stroke care for patients with acute stroke and TIA (SOS-Care): a prospective cohort study.

Background: The high incidence of stroke recurrence necessitates effective post-stroke care. This study investigates the effectiveness of a case management-based post-stroke care program in patients with acute stroke and TIA.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients with TIA, ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were enrolled into a 12-month case management-based program (SOS-Care) along with conventional care.

Association between self-reported functional capacity measures and postoperative myocardial injury in patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries.

Background: Self-reported functional capacity measures have an uncertain role in the pre-operative cardiovascular risk stratification.

Aim: This substudy aimed to evaluate whether self-reported metabolic equivalent (MET) could improve the prediction of postoperative myocardial injury (MI) over other well-established cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of an international multicenter prospective cohort study.

Critical care beyond organ support: the importance of geriatric rehabilitation.

Very old critically ill patients pose a growing challenge for intensive care. Critical illness and the burden of treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) can lead to a long-lasting decline of functional and cognitive abilities, especially in very old patients. Multi-complexity and increased vulnerability to stress in these patients may lead to new and worsening disabilities, requiring careful assessment, prevention and rehabilitation.

Low Versus High Blood Pressure Targets in Critically Ill and Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objectives: Hypotension is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill and perioperative patients. However, these assumptions are supported by observational studies. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aims to compare the impact of lower versus higher blood pressure targets on mortality.

ARDS in solid organ transplant recipients hospitalized for COVID-19 based on the 2023 new definition.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are more likely to suffer complications after being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Objectives: We aimed to describe the clinical features of SOTRs infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to assess independent risk factors associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following COVID-19 infection in SOTRs based on the new ARDS definition.

Methods: 358 SOTRs infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited and divided into two groups, patients with ARDS (n = 81) and patients without ARDS (n = 277).

The association of premorbid conditions with 6-month mortality in acutely admitted ICU patients over 80 years.

Background: Premorbid conditions influence the outcome of acutely ill adult patients aged 80 years and over who are admitted to the ICU. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of such premorbid conditions on 6 month survival.

Methods: Prospective cohort study in 242 ICUs from 22 countries including patients 80 years or above, admitted over a 6 months period to an ICU between May 2018 and May 2019.

The assessment of bladder cancer resectability with bimanual palpation: A prospective study in laparoscopy and open cystectomy patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the value of examination under anesthesia (EUA) in the assessment of bladder resectability during cystectomy.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study included consecutive patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer at a single center between June 2017 and October 2020. EUA was conducted before cystectomy by two urologists who assessed the bladder for limited mobility.