Meckel syndrome (MKS) is a rare autosomal recessive lethal condition characterized by central nervous system malformations, polydactyly, multicystic kidney dysplasia, and ductal changes of the liver. Three loci have been mapped (MKS1-MKS3), and two genes have been identified (MKS1/FLJ20345 and MKS3/TMEM67), whereas the gene at the MKS2 locus remains unknown. To identify new MKS loci, a genomewide linkage scan was performed using 10-cM-resolution microsatellite markers in eight families. The highest heterogeneity LOD score was obtained for chromosome 12, in an interval containing CEP290, a gene recently identified as causative of Joubert syndrome (JS) and isolated Leber congenital amaurosis. In view of our recent findings of allelism, at the MKS3 locus, between these two disorders, CEP290 was considered a candidate, and homozygous or compound heterozygous truncating mutations were identified in four families. Sequencing of additional cases identified CEP290 mutations in two fetuses with MKS and in four families presenting a cerebro-reno-digital syndrome, with a phenotype overlapping MKS and JS, further demonstrating that MKS and JS can be variable expressions of the same ciliopathy. These data identify a fourth locus for MKS (MKS4) and the CEP290 gene as responsible for MKS.

Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction, results from a dysregulated host response to invading pathogens that may be characterized by overwhelming systemic inflammation or some sort of immune paralysis. Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Treatment is nonspecific and relies on source control and organ support. Septic shock, the most severe form of sepsis is associated with the highest rate of mortality. Two large multicentre trials, undertaken 15 years apart, found that the combination of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone significantly reduces mortality in septic shock. The corticosteroids family is composed of several molecules that are usually characterized according to their glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid power, relative to hydrocortisone. While the immune effects of glucocorticoids whether mediated or not by the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor have been investigated for several decades, it is only very recently that potential immune effects of mineralocorticoids via non-renal mineralocorticoid receptors have gained popularity. We reviewed the respective role of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in counteracting sepsis-associated dysregulated immune systems.

Thiamine is an essential co-factor for aerobic metabolism. Both thiamine deficiency and sepsis may be associated with hyperlactatemia and hypotension. We assessed the relationship between thiamine compounds, lactate concentrations and clinical outcomes in septic patients. We undertook a prospective observational single-center study. Erythrocyte levels of total thiamine, free thiamine, thiamine mono, di and triphosphate (TMP, TDP, and TTP respectively), the erythrocyte transketolase activity (ETKA) and the effect of thiamine diphosphate on ETKA were measured in septic patients by high performance liquid chromatography and correlated with arterial lactate. Vital status at the end of intensive care unit stay was recorded. Overall, 28 patients suffering from sepsis were included. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 60 [44–77.3] years, 15 (53.6%) patients were male, median [IQR] simplified acute physiology score II was 40 [27–50]. There was no correlation between total thiamine and lactate levels (P = .33). There was no correlation between free thiamine (P = .81), TMP (P = .71), TDP (P = .31), TTP (P = .86), and lactate levels in our population. There was no correlation between ETKA (P = .58) or the effect of TDP on ETKA (P = .40) and lactate concentration. Total thiamine and TDP concentration were significantly higher in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors than in nonsurvivors (P = .03 and P = .03). The effect of TDP on ETKA was significantly higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (P = .04). We found no correlation between thiamine compounds and lactate concentration in sepsis. Thiamine deficiency in sepsis may be associated with ICU-mortality.

Objectives: Anxiety results from the anticipation of a threat and might be associated with poor outcome in the critically ill. This study aims at showing that anxiety at admission in critically ill patients is associated with new organ failure over the first 7 days of ICU hospitalization independently of baseline organ failure at admission. Design: Prospective multicenter cohort study. Setting: Three mixed ICU from April 2014 to December 2017. Patients: Coma-, delirium-, and invasive mechanical ventilation-free patients admitted to the ICU were included. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: “State anxiety” was assessed using the state component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State. Severity of illness was measured using Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. Primary endpoint was a composite of occurrence of death or new organ failure in the first 7 days after admission. Three hundred ninety-one patients were included; 159 of 391 women (40.7%); median age 63 years (49–74 yr); median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II 28 (19–37). Two hundred three out of 391 patients (51.9%) reported moderate to severe anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State ≥ 40). One hundred two out of 391 patients (26.1%) developed a new organ failure. After adjustment to Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State greater than or equal to 40 was associated with the primary endpoint (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.18–3.18; p = 0.009) and respiratory failure. In post hoc analysis, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State greater than or equal to 40 was associated with new organ failure independently and notably of respiratory status at admission (dyspnea-Visual Analogic Scale and Paco 2 ≥ 45 mm Hg). Conclusions: Moderate to severe anxiety at ICU admission is associated with early occurrence of new organ failure in critically ill patients, independently of respiratory status and severity of critical illness. The causality link could be addressed in an interventional trial.

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Rationale: Intensity of anxiety at admission in intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with subsequent deterioration.Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess predictive value of stressful fears and feelings to predict new organ failure within the first seven days after ICU admission.Methods: We conducted a prospective three-center cohort study of non-comatose patients without delirium or invasive mechanical ventilation. A twelve-item questionnaire was developed to assess stressful fears and feelings. Illness severity was assessed using SAPS-II and SOFA scores. Intensity of chronic and acute anxiety was assessed with the ‘Trait’ and ‘State’ forms of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Patients were followed-up for seven days. Results: From April 2014 to December 2017, 373 patients (median age, 63y.o. [49-74]; 159 [40.7%] women; SAPS-II 28 [19-37]) were included. Feeling of vulnerability and fear of dying was reported in 209 (54.4%) and 178 (46.4%) patients, respectively. STAI was equal or above 40 in 192 (51.5%) patients. Ninety-four (25.2%) patients developed a new organ failure. Feeling of vulnerability (OR=1.96, 95%CI:1.12-3.43], p=0.01) and absence of fear of dying (OR=2.38, 95%CI:1.37-4.17], p=0.002) were associated with occurrence of a new organ failure after adjustment on STAI ≥40, SAPS-II and SOFA. Conclusion: Absence of fear of dying is associated with occurrence of new organ failure within the seven post-ICU admission days. We hypothesize that fear of dying might be protective for subsequent deterioration by mobilizing patient’s homeostatic resources. Trial registration: NCT02355626

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