The CIAOW study (Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide observational study) is a multicenter observational study underwent in 68 medical institutions worldwide during a six-month study period (October 2012-March 2013). The study included patients older than 18 years undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs).1898 patients with a mean age of 51.6 years (range 18-99) were enrolled in the study. 777 patients (41%) were women and 1,121 (59%) were men. Among these patients, 1,645 (86.7%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 253 (13.3%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 1,190 (62.7%) of the enrolled patients.827 patients (43.6%) were affected by generalized peritonitis while 1071 (56.4%) suffered from localized peritonitis or abscesses.The overall mortality rate was 10.5% (199/1898).According to stepwise multivariate analysis (PR = 0.005 and PE = 0.001), several criteria were found to be independent variables predictive of mortality, including patient age (OR = 1.1; 95%CI = 1.0-1.1; p < 0.0001), the presence of small bowel perforation (OR = 2.8; 95%CI = 1.5-5.3; p < 0.0001), a delayed initial intervention (a delay exceeding 24 hours) (OR = 1.8; 95%CI = 1.5-3.7; p < 0.0001), ICU admission (OR = 5.9; 95%CI = 3.6-9.5; p < 0.0001) and patient immunosuppression (OR = 3.8; 95%CI = 2.1-6.7; p < 0.0001).

A specific decrease in synthetic activity of the L-arginine-NO metabolic pathway contributes to decreased endothelium-dependent vasodilation in patients with congestive heart failure.

Large bowel resection, large-volume fluid resuscitation, and an increasing number of abdominal reexplorations were statistically significant predictors of ECF, EAF, or IAS in patients with an open abdomen after damage control laparotomy.

Prognostic study, level III.

The data supported the formation of six Level 1 recommendations, four Level 2 recommendations, and two Level 3 recommendations. In summary, the decision to intubate a patient following traumatic injury is based on multiple factors, including the need for oxygenation and ventilation, the extent and mechanism of injury, predicted operative need, or progression of disease. Rapid sequence intubation with direct laryngoscopy continues to be the recommended method for ETI, although the use of airway adjuncts such as blind insertion supraglottic devices and video laryngoscopy may be useful in facilitating successful ETI and may be preferred in certain patient populations. There is no pharmacologic induction agent of choice for ETI; however, succinylcholine is the neuromuscular blockade agent recommended for rapid sequence intubation.

Using arteriography as the gold standard, Color flow Doppler ultrasonography was evaluated with regard to its ability to detect peripheral vascular occlusive disease and hemodynamically significant stenosis in patients having peripheral arteriography. One hundred legs in 51 patients were compared at seven arterial segments for disease. Color flow Doppler ultrasonography correctly detected 84 occluded segments, and demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity for patency vs occlusive disease of 95% and 99%, respectively. One hundred and thirty hemodynamically significant lesions (occlusions plus significant stenosis) were correctly identified with color flow Doppler ultrasonography, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 97%, respectively. Color flow Doppler ultrasonography is a safe, inexpensive, and noninvasive method of accurately documenting significant peripheral arterial disease and offers a new first-line investigation for patients presenting with symptoms of peripheral arterial insufficiency.

Therapeutic study, level II.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter change on limited transthoracic echocardiogram (LTTE) can provide a useful guide of fluid status evaluation in critically ill patients. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Prospective evaluation of hemodynamic status was performed in hypotensive patients via LTTE. Images were obtained using an ultrasound machine without M-mode capability. Qualitative assessment of the IVC was obtained via subxyphoid window. FLAT IVC was defined as diameter less than 2 cm and FAT IVC when the vein was equal or larger than 2 cm. Collapsibility was assessed by observing respiratory variation of the vessel. Lactate was measured before and after therapy was initiated. A follow-up LTTE was obtained after fluid challenge. A total of 108 LTTE were performed. Patients’ age ranged from 18 to 89 years with an average of 53. Admission diagnosis was blunt trauma in 66 patients, penetrating trauma in 17, whereas 25 had nontraumatic intra-abdominal emergency. Sixty-nine patients were receiving mechanical ventilation at time of LTTE. Seventy-three patients had a FLAT IVC, and received fluid challenge as therapy. All patients had a change in IVC volume from “FLAT” to “FAT” after the fluid challenge. Seventy-one patients (97%) had resolution of hypotension after the first fluid challenge. Two patients had persistent hypotension and received a second fluid challenge. Follow-up LTTE demonstrated a FAT IVC and lack of collapsibility. Lactate decreased in all 73 patients after therapy guided by LTTE ( P < 0.00001) Evaluation of the IVC diameter via LTTE offers a rapid, non invasive way to evaluate fluid status in critically ill patients.