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IntroductionCapillary leak in critically ill patients leads to interstitial edema. Fluid overload is independently associated with poor prognosis. Bedside measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), fluid balance, and capillary leak index (CLI) may provide a valuable prognostic tool in mechanically ventilated patients.MethodsWe performed an observational study of 123 mechanically ventilated patients with extended hemodynamic monitoring, analyzing process-of-care variables for the first week of ICU admission. The primary outcome parameter was 28-day mortality. ΔmaxEVLWI indicated the maximum difference between EVLWI measurements during ICU stay. Patients with a ΔmaxEVLWI <−2 mL/kg were called 'responders'. CLI was defined as C-reactive protein (milligrams per deciliter) over albumin (grams per liter) ratio and conservative late fluid management (CLFM) as even-to-negative fluid balance on at least two consecutive days.ResultsCLI had a biphasic course. ΔmaxEVLWI was lower if CLFM was achieved and in survivors (−2.4 ± 4.8 vs 1.0 ± 5.5 mL/kg, p = 0.001; −3.3 ± 3.8 vs 2.5 ± 5.3 mL/kg, p = 0.001, respectively). No CLFM achievement was associated with increased CLI and IAPmean on day 3 and higher risk to be nonresponder (odds ratio (OR) 2.76, p = 0.046; OR 1.28, p = 0.011; OR 5.52, p = 0.001, respectively). Responders had more ventilator-free days during the first week (2.5 ± 2.3 vs 1.5 ± 2.3, p = 0.023). Not achieving CLFM and being nonresponder were strong independent predictors of mortality (OR 9.34, p = 0.001 and OR 7.14, p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThere seems to be an important correlation between CLI, EVLWI kinetics, IAP, and fluid balance in mechanically ventilated patients, associated with organ dysfunction and poor prognosis. In this context, we introduce the global increased permeability syndrome.

Background: Haemodynamic monitoring with transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) is less invasive than a pulmonary artery catheter, and is increasingly used in the Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room. Optimal treatment of the critically ill patient demands adequate, precise and continuous monitoring of clinical parameters. Little is known about staff knowledge of the basic principles and practical implementation of TPTD measurements at the bedside. The aims of this review are to: 1) present the results of a survey on the knowledge of TPTD measurement among 252 nurses and doctors; and 2) to focus on specific situations and common pitfalls in order to improve patient management in daily practice. Methods: Web-based survey on knowledge of PiCCO technology (Pulsion Medical Systems, Feldkirchen, Germany), followed by PubMed and Medline search with review of the relevant literature regarding the use of TPTD in specific situations. Results: In total, 252 persons participated in the survey: 196 nurses (78%) and 56 medical doctors (22%) of whom 17 were residents in training. Knowledge on the use of TPTD appears to be suboptimal, with an average score of 58.3%. Doctors performed better than nurses (62.7% vs 57.0%, P = 0.012). About 190 out of 252 (75.4%) scored at least 50% but only 45 respondents (17.9%) obtained a score of 70% or more. Having five years of PiCCO experience was present in 15.8% of the participants and this was correlated to passing the test, defined as obtaining a test result of ≥ 50% (P = 0.07) or obtaining a test result of ≥ 70% (P = 0.05). There were no other parameters significantly predictive for obtaining a result above 50% or above 70% such as gender or doctor versus nurse or Belgian versus Dutch residency, or years of ICU experience. High quality education of nursing and medical staff is necessary to perform the technique correctly and to analyse and interpret the information that can be obtained. Visual inspection of thermodilution curves is important as this can point towards specific pathology. Interpretation of the parameters that can be obtained with TPTD in specific conditions is discussed. Finally, a practical approach is given in ten easy steps for nurses and doctors. Conclusion: TPTD has gained its place in the haemodynamic monitoring field, but, as with any technique, its virtue is only fully appreciated with correct use and interpretation.

IntroductionAchievement of a negative fluid balance in patients with capillary leak is associated with improved outcome. We investigated the effects of a multi-modal restrictive fluid strategy aiming for negative fluid balance in patients with acute lung injury (ALI).MethodsIn this retrospective matched case-control study, we included 114 mechanically ventilated (MV) patients with ALI. We compared outcomes between a group of 57 patients receiving PAL-treatment (PAL group) and a matched control group, abstracted from a historical cohort. PAL-treatment combines high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure, small volume resuscitation with hyperoncotic albumin, and fluid removal with furosemide (Lasix®) or ultrafiltration. Effects on extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), organ function, and vasopressor therapy were recorded during 1 week. The primary outcome parameter was 28-day mortality.ResultsAt baseline, no significant intergroup differences were found, except for lower PaO2/FIO2 and increased IAP in the PAL group (174.5 ± 84.5 vs 256.5 ± 152.7, p = 0.001; 10.0 ± 4.2 vs 8.0 ± 3.7 mmHg, p = 0.013, respectively). After 1 week, PAL-treated patients had a greater reduction of EVLWI, IAP, and cumulative fluid balance (-4.2 ± 5.6 vs -1.1 ± 3.7 mL/kg, p = 0.006; -0.4 ± 3.6 vs 1.8 ± 3.8 mmHg, p = 0.007; -1,451 ± 7,761 vs 8,027 ± 5,254 mL, p < 0.001). Repercussions on cardiovascular and renal function were limited. PAL-treated patients required fewer days of intensive care unit admission and days on MV (23.6 ± 15 vs 37.1 ± 19.9 days, p = 0.006; 14.6 ± 10.7 vs 25.5 ± 20.2 days, respectively) and had a lower 28-day mortality (28.1% vs 49.1%, p = 0.034).ConclusionPAL-treatment in patients with ALI is associated with a negative fluid balance, a reduction of EVLWI and IAP, and improved clinical outcomes without compromising organ function.

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