Contributions to nephrology
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Polymyxin B fiber column is a medical device designed to reduce blood endotoxin levels in sepsis. Gram-negative-induced abdominal sepsis is likely to be associated with high circulating endotoxin. In June 2009, the EUPHAS study (Early Use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion in Abdominal Sepsis) was published in JAMA. ⋯ The PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio increased slightly (235 to 264; p = 0.049) in the polymyxin B group, but not in the conventional therapy group (217 to 228; p = 0.79). SOFA scores improved in the polymyxin B group, but not in the conventional therapy group (change in SOFA: -3.4 vs. -0.1; p = 0.001), and 28-day mortality was 32% (11/34 patients) in the polymyxin B group and 53% (16/30 patients) in the conventional therapy group (unadjusted HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.94; adjusted HR: 0.36, 95% CI:0.16-0.80). The study demonstrated how polymyxin B hemoperfusion added to conventional therapy significantly improved hemodynamics and organ dysfunction and reduced 28-day mortality in a targeted population with severe sepsis and/or septic shock from intra-abdominal Gram-negative infections.
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Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been extensively used in Japan as renal support for critically ill patients managed in the ICU. In Japan, active research has also been conducted on non-renal indications for CRRT, i.e. the use of CRRT for purposes other than renal support. Various methods of blood purification have been attempted to remove inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. ⋯ In evaluating the efficacy of CRRT for non-renal indications, it is essential to focus on patients subjected to be studied, such as severe sepsis or septic shock, and to evaluate its indication, commencement, termination of therapy and also its therapeutic effects based on analysis of blood levels of the target substances to be removed (e.g. cytokines). IL-6 blood level appears to be useful as a variable for this evaluation. It is expected that evidence endorsing the validity of these methods now being attempted in Japan will be reported near future.
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Diuretics are commonly used in the intensive care unit, especially for patients with oliguric acute kidney injury. This practice is controversial since there is a lack of evidence regarding any beneficial effects of diuretics either on prevention or treatment of acute kidney injury. ⋯ However, diuretics can minimize fluid overload, making patient management easier and potentially avoiding many cardiopulmonary and non-cardiopulmonary complications. We will briefly review the available evidence for and against the use of diuretics in the critically ill, including cardiorenal syndromes.
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Fluid overload may occur in patients with heart failure. Further complications may arise when cardiorenal syndromes develop and the kidneys are unable to eliminate the accumulated fluid. Diuretics represent the fist line of treatment, although in some case they may be ineffective or even dangerous for the patient. ⋯ Then, an evaluation of biomarkers of heart failure and a careful analysis of body fluid composition by bioimpedance vector analysis should be carried out to establish the level of hydration and to guide fluid removal strategies. Last but not least, an adequate extracorporeal technique should be employed to remove excess fluid. Preference should be given to continuous forms of ultrafiltration (slow continuous ultrafiltration, continuous venovenous hemofiltration); these techniques guided by a continuous monitoring of circulating blood volume allow for an adequate restoration of body fluid composition minimizing hemodynamic complications and worsening of renal function especially during episodes of acute decompensated heart failure.
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The risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) is significantly increased in the elderly. It is the age-related renal and systemic changes as well as frequent comorbidities that render older individuals greatly susceptible to acute renal impairment. ⋯ Serum creatinine is most commonly used for diagnosis, despite it having several limitations, especially in the elderly. The mainstay of management is prevention of further deterioration, as the chances of renal recovery may be lower in older patients.