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Biomedical subjects

J P Revelly

Publications and source records attributed to J P Revelly.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cerebral vascular autoregulation assessed by perfusion-CT in severe head trauma patients.

PURPOSE: To use perfusion-CT technique in order to characterize cerebral vascular autoregulation in a population of severe head trauma patients with features of cerebral edema either on the admission or on the follow-up conventional noncontrast cerebral CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 perfusion-CT examinations were obtained in 42 severe head trauma patients with features of cerebral edema on conventional noncontrast cerebral CT, either on admission or during follow-up. Perfusion-CT results, i.e. the regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and flow (rCBF), were correlated with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) measured during each perfusion-CT examination. Ratios were defined to integrate the concept of cerebral vascular autoregulation, and cluster analysis performed, which allowed identification of different subgroups of patients. MAP values and perfusion-CT results in these groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon (Mann-Whitney) tests. Moreover, the functional outcome of the 42 patients was evaluated 3 months after trauma on the basis of the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score and similarly compared between groups. RESULTS: Three main groups of patients were identified: 1) 22 perfusion-CT examinations were collected in 13 patients, characterized by high rCBV and rCBF values and by significant dependence of perfusion-CT rCBV and rCBF results on MAP values (p<0.001), 2) 23 perfusion-CT examinations collected in 19 patients showing perfusion-CT results similar to control trauma subjects, and 3) 33 perfusion-CT collected in 16 patients, with low rCBV and rCBF values and near-independence of perfusion-CT results with respect to MAP values. The first group was interpreted as showing impaired cerebral vascular autoregulation, which was preserved in the third group. The second group was associated with the best functional outcome; it was linked to the first group, because eight patients went from one group to the other from admission to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Perfusion-CT in severe head trauma patients was able to provide direct and quantitative assessment of cerebral vascular autoregulation with a single measurement. It could hence be used as a guide for brain edema therapy, as well as to monitor the treatment efficiency.

Adult↗

[The heart transplant in Lausanne from 1987 to 2003].

Since the availability of ciclosporine, the survival after heart transplantation has dramatically improved. We present our results since the beginning of our experience in 1987. We treated in the Lausanne University hospital, 150 patients for end-stage cardiac disease. Hundred and fifty-two transplantations were performed. The survival rate is comparable to the literature with 81% at one year, 70% at five year and 63 at ten year included the hospital mortality. We review the incidence of complications during the follow-up and report the modification in the management of these patients especially concerning the immunosuppression.

Adult↗

Human errors in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit: a 1-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and identify risk factors of critical incidents in an ICU. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted over 1 year to an ICU. Critical incidents were recorded using predefined criteria. Their causes and consequences were analysed. The causes were classified as technical failure, patient's underlying disease, or human errors (subclassified as planning, execution, or surveillance). The consequences were classified as lethal, leading to sequelae, prolonging the ICU stay, minor, or without consequences. The correlation between critical incidents and specific factors including patient's diagnosis and severity score, use of monitoring and therapeutic modalities was analysed by uni- and multivariate analysis. SETTING: An 11-bed multidisciplinary ICU in a non-university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 1,024 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median length of ICU stay by the 1,024 patients was 1.9 days. Of the 777 critical incidents reported 2% were due to technical failure and 67 % to secondary to underlying disease. There were 241 human errors (31%) in 161 patients, evenly distributed among planning (n = 75), execution (n = 88), and surveillance (n = 78). One error was lethal, two led to sequelae, 26 % prolonged ICU stay, and 57 % were minor and 16 % without consequence. Errors with significant consequences were related mainly to planning. Human errors prolonged ICU stay by 425 patient-days, amounting to 15 % of ICU time. Readmitted patients had more frequent and more severe critical incidents than primarily admitted patients. CONCLUSIONS: Critical incidents add morbidity, workload, and financial burden. A substantial proportion of them are related to human factors with dire consequences. Efforts must focus on timely, appropriate care to avoid planning and execution mishaps at the beginning of the ICU stay; surveillance intensity must be maintained, specially after the fourth day.

Adolescent↗

Early metabolic and splanchnic responses to enteral nutrition in postoperative cardiac surgery patients with circulatory compromise.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the hemodynamic and metabolic adaptations to enteral nutrition (EN) in patients with hemodynamic compromise. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a university hospital surgical ICU, comparing baseline (fasted) with continuous EN condition. PATIENTS: Nine patients requiring hemodynamic support by catecholamines (dobutamine and/or norepinephrine) 1 day after cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTION: Isoenergetic EN via a postpyloric tube while catecholamine treatment remained constant. Baseline (fasted) condition was compared to continuous EN condition. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac index (CI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulmonary and wedge pressures, indocyanine green (ICG) clearance, gastric tonometry, plasma glucose and insulin, and glucose turnover (6,62H2-glucose infusion) were determined repetitively every 60 min during 2 h of baseline fasting condition and 3 h of EN. During EN CI increased (from 2.9 +/- 0.5 to 3.3 +/- 0.5 l min-1 m-2), MAP decreased transiently (from 78 +/- 7 to 70 +/- 11 mmHg), ICG clearance increased (from 527 +/- 396 to 690 +/- 548 ml/min), and gastric tonometry remained unchanged, while there were increases in glucose (158 +/- 23 to 216 +/- 62 mg/dl), insulin (29 +/- 23 to 181 +/- 200 mU/l), and glucose rate of appearance (2.4 +/- 0.2 to 3.3 +/- 0.2 mg min-1 kg-1). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of EN in these postoperative patients increased CI and splanchnic blood flow, while the metabolic response indicated that nutrients were utilized. These preliminary results suggest that the hemodynamic response to early EN may be adequate after cardiac surgery even in patients requiring inotropes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Adaptive support ventilation for fast tracheal extubation after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Adaptive support ventilation (ASV) is a microprocessor-controlled mode of mechanical ventilation that maintains a predefined minute ventilation with an optimal breathing pattern (tidal volume and rate) by automatically adapting inspiratory pressure and ventilator rate to changes in the patient's condition. The aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that a protocol of respiratory weaning based on ASV could reduce the duration of tracheal intubation after uncomplicated cardiac surgery ("fast-track" surgery). METHODS: A group of patients being given ASV (group ASV) was compared with a control group (group control) in a randomized controlled study. After coronary artery bypass grafting during general anesthesia with midazolam and fentanyl, patients were randomly assigned to group ASV or group control. Both protocols were divided into three predefined phases, and weaning progressed according to arterial blood gas and clinical criteria. In phase 1, ASV mode was set at 100% of the theoretical value of volume/minute in group ASV, and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode was used in group control. When spontaneous breathing occurred, ASV setting was reduced by 50% of minute ventilation (phase 2) and again by 50% (phase 3), and the trachea was extubated. In group control, the ventilator was switched to 10 cm H2O inspiratory pressure support (phase 2), then to 5 cm H2O (phase 3) until extubation. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients completed the ASV protocol, and 20 the standard protocol; 7 patients were excluded in group ASV and 6 in group control according to explicit, predefined criteria. There were no differences between groups in perioperative characteristics or in the doses of sedation. The primary outcome of the study, that is, the duration of tracheal intubation, was shorter in group ASV than in group control (median [quartiles]: 3.2 [2.5-4.6] vs. 4.1 [3.1-8.6] h; P < 0.02). Fewer arterial blood analyses were performed in group ASV (median number [quartiles]: 3 [3-4] vs. 4 [3-6]), suggesting that fewer changes in the settings of the ventilator were required in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A respiratory weaning protocol based on ASV is practicable; it may accelerate tracheal extubation and simplify ventilatory management in fast-track patients after cardiac surgery. The evaluation of potential advantages of the use of such technology on patient outcome and resource utilization deserves further studies.

Aged↗

Impact of a bicarbonated saline solution on early resuscitation after major burns.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed at assessing the impact of the introduction of a bicarbonated saline solution on total fluid load, weight gain and acid base status during acute burn resuscitation. DESIGN: Based on a retrospective patient record review. SETTING: Burn care centre of a surgical ICU in a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Two groups of adult patients (20/20), with thermal burns of 25% or more body surface area were studied. INTERVENTION: Modification of the resuscitation fluid composition from lactated Ringer's solution (LR: Na 132 mmol/l, Cl 112 mmol/l, 263 mosm/l), to bicarbonated 0.9% saline (BS: Na 180 mmol/l, Cl 154 mmol/l, 340 mosm/l) METHODS: Age, weight, burn size and depth, inhalation injury, fluid intakes over 48 h post-injury, plasma sodium, chloride, creatinine, albumin levels, blood gases and ventilation support were recorded. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the patients (41 +/- 16 years) in the two groups were not different, with severe burns involving 44 +/- 17% body surface area. While the total fluid volumes administered did not differ, BS was associated with lower plasma pH, base excess and bicarbonate levels for 24 h and with hyperchloraemia. Clinical evolution did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Using bicarbonated saline solution for resuscitation causes a transient hyperchloraemic dilutional acidosis compared with LR, and has no other detectable clinical impact over the first 10 days after severe burn injury.

Adult↗

Pain pattern and left internal mammary artery grafting.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine whether the pain pattern in patients with an internal mammary artery (IMA) harvest differs from that in other cardiac operations and whether these patients present specific characteristics with clinical implications. METHODS: One hundred patients with left IMA grafting (IMA group) were compared prospectively with 100 patients who had a heart operation without IMA harvest (non-IMA group). Pain assessment was performed on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3, and 7, and included pain intensity (10-point scale) and pain localization. RESULTS: In the IMA group, pain intensity was higher on POD 2 (4.2 +/- 2.4 versus 3.2 +/- 2.3, p < 0.01), and there were more patients without pain on POD 7 (32 versus 19, p = 0.03). In the IMA group, more patients had left basal thoracic pain throughout the entire study period and had sternal pain on POD 7, whereas more patients in the non-IMA group complained about back pain during the early postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of IMA harvest on pain intensity is moderate, but the pain localization pattern of each group exhibits specific features that could help to better target pain management.

Adult↗

Effects of enteral carbohydrates on de novo lipogenesis in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Conversion of glucose into lipid (de novo lipogenesis; DNL) is a possible fate of carbohydrate administered during nutritional support. It cannot be detected by conventional methods such as indirect calorimetry if it does not exceed lipid oxidation. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of carbohydrate administered as part of continuous enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. DESIGN: This was a prospective, open study including 25 patients nonconsecutively admitted to a medicosurgical intensive care unit. Glucose metabolism and hepatic DNL were measured in the fasting state or after 3 d of continuous isoenergetic enteral feeding providing 28%, 53%, or 75% carbohydrate. RESULTS: DNL increased with increasing carbohydrate intake (f1.gif" BORDER="0"> +/- SEM: 7.5 +/- 1.2% with 28% carbohydrate, 9.2 +/- 1.5% with 53% carbohydrate, and 19.4 +/- 3.8% with 75% carbohydrate) and was nearly zero in a group of patients who had fasted for an average of 28 h (1.0 +/- 0.2%). In multiple regression analysis, DNL was correlated with carbohydrate intake, but not with body weight or plasma insulin concentrations. Endogenous glucose production, assessed with a dual-isotope technique, was not significantly different between the 3 groups of patients (13.7-15.3 micromol * kg(-1) * min(-1)), indicating impaired suppression by carbohydrate feeding. Gluconeogenesis was measured with [(13)C]bicarbonate, and increased as the carbohydrate intake increased (from 2.1 +/- 0.5 micromol * kg(-1) * min(-1) with 28% carbohydrate intake to 3.7 +/- 0.3 micromol * kg(-1) * min(-1) with 75% carbohydrate intake, P: < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Carbohydrate feeding fails to suppress endogenous glucose production and gluconeogenesis, but stimulates DNL in critically ill patients.

Adult↗

Intestinal absorption in patients after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: We designed this study to assess intestinal absorption in patients with adequate or altered hemodynamic status after cardiac surgery and to test clinical tolerance to early enteral nutrition. DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive study. SETTING: Surgical intensive unit in a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Cardiac surgery patients, age 64+/-10 yrs (mean +/-SD) were subdivided into two groups according to hemodynamic status: group I, 16 patients with adequate hemodynamic status; group II, 23 patients with hemodynamic failure. These groups were compared with healthy controls (group III, n = 6). INTERVENTIONS: Paracetamol pharmacokinetic study on days 1 and 3 with nasogastric or postpyloric paracetamol administration. Early postpyloric or conventional gastric nutrition in group II. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma concentrations were measured on days 1 and 3, and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Absorption was strongly reduced on day 1 in all patients after gastric administration (lower peak paracetamol and AUC), but normal after postpyloric delivery. Duration of anesthesia and of circulatory bypass did not affect paracetamol absorption. On day 3, AUC was close to normal in case of hemodynamic failure. Peak absorption on day 1 was negatively correlated with opiate dose (r2 = 0.176, p = .008). Hypocaloric enteral nutrition was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The close-to-normal AUC, during low cardiac output, despite lower peak paracetamol, shows absorption was not suppressed, only delayed, because of decreased pyloric motility. The decrease on day 1 can be attributed to opiates, known to alter pyloric function and to slow down the intestinal transit.

APACHE↗

Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess perioperative fluid changes.

OBJECTIVES: Perioperative fluid accumulation determination is a challenge for the clinician. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a noninvasive method based on the electrical properties of tissues, which can assess body fluid compartments. The study aimed at assessing their changes in three types of surgery (thoracic, abdominal, and intracranial) requiring various regimens of fluid administration. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive trial. PATIENTS: A total of 26 patients scheduled for elective surgery were separated into three groups according to site of surgery: thoracic (n = 8), abdominal aortic (n = 8), and brain surgery (n = 10). SETTING: University teaching hospital. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: Whole body, segmental (arm, trunk, and legs) BIA at multiple frequency (0.5, 50, 100 kHz) was used to assess perioperative fluid accumulation after surgery. The fluid balances were calculated from the charts. RESULTS: The patients were aged 62+/-4 yrs. Fluid balances were 4.8+/-1.0 L, 4.1+/-0.5 L, and 1.9+/-0.3 L, respectively, in the three groups. In trunk surgery patients, fluid accumulation was detected as a drop in impedance in the operated area at all frequencies. In the operated area, there was an expansion of both intra- and extracellular compartments. A reduction in high frequencies' impedance in the legs was only detected after aortic surgery. Fluid accumulation and trunk impedance changes were strongly correlated. Neurosurgery only induced minor body fluid changes. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental BIA is able to detect and localize perioperative fluid accumulation. It may become a bedside tool to quantify and to localize fluid accumulation.

Abdomen↗

Effects of norepinephrine on the distribution of intestinal blood flow and tissue adenosine triphosphate content in endotoxic shock.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, during endotoxic shock, the effect of a treatment of norepinephrine (NE) administration on the distribution of blood flow and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the intestinal wall. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Domestic pigs. INTERVENTION: A total of 18 pigs were anesthetized with ketamine and pentobarbital, mechanically ventilated, hemodynamically monitored, and then challenged with a continuous infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin (ET) (15 microg/kg) for 2 hrs. Three groups of six animals were studied; one served as time control, one group received ET and fluid resuscitation, and a third group received ET, fluid resuscitation, and a perfusion of NE to maintain constant mean arterial pressure (MAP). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiac output, mesenteric arterial blood flow, MAP, pulmonary pressure, and portal pressure were measured. Intestinal mucosal intracellular pH (pHi) was determined with saline-filled balloon tonometers. Tissue blood flows to the intestinal mucosa and to the muscular layer were independently measured with fluorescent microspheres, using the arterial reference sample method. Measurements were performed before and 3 hrs after the start of the ET challenge. At the end of the experiments, muscularis and mucosal samples were quickly frozen for further enzymatic ATP measurements. ET administration with fluid resuscitation induced a distributive shock with increased mucosal blood flow and decreased muscularis blood flow, whereas pHi decreased and mucosal ATP content was significantly lower than in the control group. In the group receiving ET plus NE, MAP remained constant, mucosal blood flow did not increase, and mucosal ATP content was equal to the time control group. Meanwhile, mucosal acidosis was not prevented. CONCLUSIONS: Normodynamic endotoxic shock may induce an alteration in mucosal oxygenation, despite an increased tissue blood flow. A treatment of NE combined with fluid resuscitation has complex effects on tissue blood flow, ATP content, and pHi.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effects of cardiogenic shock on lactate and glucose metabolism after heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlactatemia is a prominent feature of cardiogenic shock. It can be attributed to increased tissue production of lactate related to dysoxia and to impaired utilization of lactate caused by liver and tissue underperfusion. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the relative importance of these mechanisms during cardiogenic shock. PATIENTS: Two groups of subjects were compared: seven cardiac surgery patients with postoperative cardiogenic shock and seven healthy volunteers. METHODS: Lactate metabolism was assessed by using two independent methods: a) a pharmacokinetic approach based on lactate plasma level decay after the infusion of 2.5 mmol x kg(-1) of sodium lactate; and b) an isotope dilution technique for which the transformation of [13C]lactate into [13C]glucose and 13CO2 was measured. Glucose turnover was determined using 6,62H2-glucose. RESULTS: All patients suffered from profound shock requiring high doses of inotropes and vasopressors. Mean arterial lactate amounted to 7.8 +/- 3.4 mmol x L(-1) and mean pH to 7.25 +/- 0.07. Lactate clearance was not different in the patients and controls (7.8 +/- 3.4 vs. 10.3 +/- 2.1 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)). By contrast, lactate production was markedly enhanced in the patients (33.6 +/- 16.4 vs. 9.6 +/- 2.2 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1); p < .01). Exogenous [13C]lactate oxidation was not different (107 +/- 37 vs. 103 +/- 4 mmol), and transformation of [13C]lactate into [13C]glucose was not different (20.0 +/- 13.7 vs. 15.2% +/- 6.0% of exogenous lactate). Endogenous glucose production was markedly increased in the patients (1.95 +/- 0.26 vs. 5.3 +/- 3.0 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1); p < .05 [10.8 +/- 1.4 vs. 29.4 +/- 16.7 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1)]), whereas net carbohydrate oxidation was not different (1.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.3 mg x kg(-1) x min(-1) [9.4 +/- 2.8 vs. 7.2 +/- 1.7 micromol x kg(-1) x min(-1)]). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlactatemia in early postoperative cardiogenic shock was mainly related to increased tissue lactate production, whereas alterations of lactate utilization played only a minor role. Patients had hyperglycemia and increased nonoxidative glucose disposal, suggesting that glucose-induced stimulation of tissue glucose uptake and glycolysis may contribute significantly to hyperlactatemia.

Acidosis, Lactic↗

Pain location, distribution, and intensity after cardiac surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To study the location, distribution, and intensity of pain in a sample of adult cardiac surgery patients during their postoperative hospital stay. DESIGN: In a prospective study, pain location, distribution (number of pain areas per patient), and intensity (0 to 10 numerical rating scale) were documented on the first, second, third, and seventh postoperative day (POD). Patient characteristics (age, sex, size, and body mass index) were analyzed for their impact on pain intensity. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred consecutive adult patients who underwent median sternotomy for open heart surgery. There were 121 male and 79 female patients, with a mean (+/- SD) age of 60.9 +/- 19.2 years. MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS: The maximal pain intensity was significantly higher on POD 1 and 2 (3.7 +/- 2 and 3.9 +/- 1.9, respectively) and lower on POD 3 and 7 (3.2 +/- 1.5 and 2.6 +/- 1.8, respectively). The pain distribution did not vary significantly throughout the hospital stay, but the location did, with more shoulder pain on POD 7. Only age was found to have an impact on pain intensity, with patients < 60 years having a higher pain intensity than older patients on POD 2 (4.3 +/- 2.2 vs 3.6 +/- 2.4; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this patient population, the pain intensity diminished from POD 3 onward, although its distribution did not vary significantly during the first postoperative week. Moreover, pain location changed with time, with more osteoarticular type pain at the end of the first postoperative week. Among the patients' characteristics, only younger age had an impact on pain intensity, with a higher value on POD 2.

Adolescent↗

Effect of major hepatectomy on glucose and lactate metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The liver plays an important role in glucose and lactate metabolism. Major hepatectomy may therefore be suspected to cause alterations of glucose and lactate homeostasis. METHODS: Thirteen subjects were studied: six patients after major hepatectomy and seven healthy subjects who had fasted overnight. Glucose turnover was measured with 6,6(2)H glucose. Lactate metabolism was assessed using two complementary approaches: 13C-glucose synthesis and 13CO2 production from an exogenous 13C-labeled lactate load infused over 15 minutes were measured, then the plasma lactate concentrations observed over 185 minutes after lactate load were fitted using a biexponential model to calculate lactate clearance, endogenous production, and half-lives. RESULTS: Three to five liver segments were excised. Compared to healthy controls, the following results were observed in the patients: 1) normal endogenous glucose production; 2) unchanged 13C-lactate oxidation and transformation into glucose; 3) similar basal plasma lactate concentration, lactate clearance, and lactate endogenous production; 4) decreased plasma lactate half-life 1 and increased half-life 2. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose and lactate metabolism are well maintained in patients after major hepatectomy, demonstrating a large liver functional reserve. Reduction in the size of normal liver parenchyma does not lead to hyperlactatemia. The use of a pharmacokinetic model, however, allows the detection of subtle alterations of lactate metabolism.

Adult↗

Effects of isoenergetic glucose-based or lipid-based parenteral nutrition on glucose metabolism, de novo lipogenesis, and respiratory gas exchanges in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of isocaloric, isonitrogenous carbohydrate nutrition vs. lipid-based total parenteral nutrition on respiratory gas exchange and intermediary metabolism in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical trial. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit in a major university hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS: Sixteen patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive isocaloric isonitrogenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) containing 75% (TPN-glucose) or 15% (TPN-lipid) glucose over a 5-day period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Indirect glucose metabolism was assessed from plasma carbon-13 (13C)-labeled glucose and 13C-labeled CO2 production during a tracer infusion of uniformly 13C-labeled glucose, and de novo lipogenesis was estimated from the incorporation of 13C into palmitate-very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) during a tracer infusion of 1-(13)C acetate. Compared with TPN-lipid, TPN-glucose increased plasma glucose more (by 26% vs. 7%, p < .05), increased insulin more (by 284% vs. 40%, p < .01), and increased total CO2 more (by 15% vs. 0%, p < .01). Both nutrient mixtures failed to inhibit endogenous glucose production and net protein oxidation, suggesting absence of suppression of gluconeogenesis. Fractional de novo lipogenesis was markedly increased by TPN-glucose to 17.4% vs. 3.3% with TPN lipids. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of glucose administration commonly used during TPN of critically ill patients does not suppress endogenous glucose production or net protein loss, but markedly stimulates de novo lipogenesis and CO2 production. Increasing the proportion of fat may be beneficial, provided that lipid emulsion has no adverse effects.

Adolescent↗

Bedside determination of fluid accumulation after cardiac surgery using segmental bioelectrical impedance.

OBJECTIVES: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is based on the physical property of tissues to conduct electrical currents, impedance being inversely related to tissue fluid content. At high frequency, the electrical current flows across both intracellular and extracellular pathways, making the assessment of fat-free mass possible while a low-frequency current flows through the extracellular space. Similarly, segmental BIA may be used to assess segmental body fluid repartition. The aim of this study was to assess fluid accumulation after cardiac surgery by multiple frequency segmental BIA. DESIGN: Observational, clinical study. SETTING: A 17-bed, surgical intensive care unit in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-six patients before and after open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After surgery, fluid accumulation resulted in a decrease in whole-body and segmental bioelectrical impedance in the arm and in the trunk. There was a good correlation between the fluid accumulation measured by fluid balance and by whole-body or segmental impedance changes. The major part (71%) of fluid accumulation occurred in the trunk. Multiple frequency measurements did not indicate a fluid shift between the intra- and extracellular compartments. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery produced a significant decrease in segmental trunk BIA, reflecting fluid accumulation at the trunk level.

Aged↗

Energy metabolism in sepsis and injury.

The development of malnutrition is often rapid in critically ill patients with sepsis and severe trauma. In such patients, a wide array of hormonal and nonhormonal mediators are released, inducing complex metabolic changes. Hypermetabolism, associated with protein and fat catabolism, negative nitrogen balance, hyperglycemia, and resistance to insulin, constitute the hallmark of this response. Critically ill patients demonstrate a marked alteration in the adaptation to prolonged starvation: resting metabolic rate and tissue catabolism stay elevated, while ketogenesis remains suppressed. The response to nutrition support is impaired. Substrate use is modified in septic and traumatized patients. Glucose administration during severe aggression does not suppress the enhanced hepatic glucose production and the lipolysis. This phenomenon, related to tissue insulin resistance, ensures a high flow of glucose to the predominantly glucose-consuming cells, such as the wound, the inflammatory, and immune cells, all insulin-independent cells. In addition, the elevated protein catabolism is difficult to abolish, even during aggressive nutrition support. Thus, in patients with prolonged aggression, these alterations produce a progressive loss of body cell mass and foster the development of malnutrition and it dire complications. In this review, the relevant physiologic data and the nutritional implications related to energy metabolism in septic and injured patients are discussed, while potential therapeutic strategies are proposed.

Basal Metabolism↗