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Biomedical subjects

U Kaisers

Publications and source records attributed to U Kaisers.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Multiorgan failure due to chronic granulomatous disease].

A 21-year-old male patient developed an acute septic clinical picture with intra-abdominal abscesses and multiorgan failure. The underlying disease was chronic granulomatous disease, an inherited disorder of granulocyte function caused by failure of intracellular superoxide production. In spite of surgical procedures and a calculated antibiotic and antimycotic therapy, the patient died within a few days from septic shock. This case report describes the typical problems of patients with a congenital immunodeficiency who grow out of the care of highly specialised pediatric-immunological departments.

Abdominal Abscess↗

[Immunonutritive enteral feeding in the critically ill].

Since imbalances in the immune system of the critically ill patient have been demonstrated, the role of the gastrointestinal tract for the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure has been a focus of research in intensive care medicine. Particularly, the integrity of the intestinal barrier function has been studied experimentally and clinically. The enormous number of gram-negative bacteria up to 10(11)/ml intestinal liquid inducing the release of significant amounts of endotoxin, is considered to be a vital threat to the intensive care unit (ICU) patient. Acute failure of the intestinal barrier following various types of severe shock or following parenteral nutrition inducing atrophy of intestinal mucosa may lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Maintenance of hemodynamic stability is a mainstay of therapy of the critically ill. In addition, the intestinal integrity can be preserved by the early onset of enteral nutrition. Moreover, recent concepts of enteral nutrition using immunomodulating nutrients like omega-3-fatty acids, glutamine, arginine, and nucleotides are under clinical evaluation.

Critical Illness↗

"Ideal PEEP" is superior to high dose partial liquid ventilation with low PEEP in experimental acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a high dose partial liquid ventilation (PLV) approximating the amount of the functional residual capacity (FRC) with low levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) compared to a lung-protective strategy with volume-controlled mechanical ventilation (vcMV) with a PEEP level above the lower inflection point (LIP) on pulmonary gas exchange, haemodynamics, respiratory mechanics and lung injury in an experimental model of acute lung injury (ALI). DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, controlled study. METHODS: Twenty-four anaesthetised, tracheotomised and mechanically ventilated (FIO(2) 1.0) pigs underwent induction of ALI by repeated saline wash-out of surfactant. Animals were randomly assigned to receive either PLV ( PLV, n=8) with 30 ml/kg of perfluorocarbons (PF 5080, 3 M, Germany) and a PEEP level of 5 cmH(2)O, to receive vcMV with a PEEP level of 1 cmH(2)O above the LIP ( (ideal) PEEP, n=8), or to receive vcMV with a PEEP level of 5 cmH(2)O ( Controls, n=8). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Measurements of pulmonary gas exchange, respiratory mechanics and haemodynamics were performed hourly for a 6 h period. In the (ideal) PEEP group, intra-pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) decreased from 55+/-5% after induction of ALI to 10+/-3% ( p<0.05 versus Controls and versus PLV) and PaO(2) increased from 52+/-4 to 566+/-19 mmHg after 6 h of treatment ( p<0.05 versus Controls and versus PLV). In the PLV group, Qs/Qt decreased from 50+/-5% after induction of ALI to 24+/-3% ( p<0.05 versus Controls) and PaO(2) increased from 59+/-5 to 306+/-35 mmHg after 6 h of treatment ( p<0.05 versus Controls). In the PLV group and in Controls, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) was significantly increased from 27+/-2 to 38+/-2 mmHg and from 29+/-1 to 40+/-1 mmHg, respectively, 6 h after induction of ALI ( p<0.05 versus (ideal) PEEP), while in the (ideal) PEEP group, MPAP was maintained between 26+/-1 and 31+/-2 mmHg for 6 h after ALI. Cardiac output (CO) decreased significantly in the (ideal) PEEP group compared to Controls ( p<0.05), while CO did not change in the PLV group and in Controls. The compliance of the respiratory system (C(RS)) increased in the (ideal) PEEP group after induction of ALI from 11+/-2 to 22+/-5 ml/mbar ( p<0.05 versus Controls and versus PLV) and in the PLV group from 10+/-2 to 13+/-3 ml/mbar after 6 h of treatment ( p<0.05 versus Controls). On histological examination, the highest total injury scores were found in animals of the PLV group ( p<0.05 versus Controls and versus (ideal) PEEP), while the lowest total lung injury score was found in the dependent lung regions of the (ideal) PEEP group ( p<0.05 versus Controls). CONCLUSION: In this porcine model of ALI, vcMV with a PEEP level of 1 cmH(2)O above the LIP was superior to high dose PLV with a PEEP of 5 cmH(2)O in improving gas exchange and lung mechanics. In terms of lung damage, the treatment in the (ideal) PEEP group resulted in the lowest total lung injury scores.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effects of combined high-dose partial liquid ventilation and almitrine on pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics in an animal model of acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVES: To determine possible additive effects of combined high-dose partial liquid ventilation (PLV) and almitrine bismesylate (ALM) on pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics in an animal model of acute lung injury (ALI). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, controlled animal study in an animal research facility of a university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: ALI was induced in 12 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs by repeated wash-out of surfactant. After initiation of PLV with 30 ml/kg perfluorocarbon the animals were randomly assigned to receive either accumulating doses of ALM (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 micrograms/kg per minute) for 30 min each (n = 6) or the solvent malic acid (n = 6). MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS: Pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics were measured at the end of each infusion period. Compared to ALI, PLV alone significantly increased arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and decreased venous admixture (QVA/QT) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP). Administration of ALM did not result in a further improvement in PaO2, QVA/QT or MPAP compared to PLV alone but decreased PaO2 and increased QVA/QT and MPAP when 16 micrograms/kg per min ALM was compared to PLV alone. CONCLUSIONS: In an animal model of surfactant depletion induced ALI the combined treatment of PLV and ALM induced no significant improvement in pulmonary gas exchange or hemodynamics when compared to PLV alone. Moreover, high-dose ALM significantly impaired gas exchange and pulmonary hemodynamics.

Almitrine↗

Incidence and indications for reintubation during postoperative care following orthotopic liver transplantation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and indications for reintubation during postoperative care following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Large metropolitan teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 546 adult liver transplant recipients. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The medical charts of 546 patients who underwent OLT at our institution between January 1992 and September 1996 were reviewed for the incidence and indications of reintubation throughout primary hospitalization. Eighty-one of 546 patients (14.8%) required one or more episodes of reintubation after OLT. In the majority of cases, reintubation was performed for pulmonary complications (44.6%), followed by cerebral (19.1%) and surgical (14.5%) complications. Cardiac (9.1%) and peripheral neurologic (2.7%) complications were less frequent reasons for reintubation. Overall patient survival, according to the Kaplan-Meier estimates, was 89.9%, 87.5%, 86.5%, and 82.2% after 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In patients with one or more episodes of reintubation, overall survival decreased to 62.5% after 1, 2, and 3 years, and to 56.4% after 5 years (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The main indications for reintubation after OLT were pulmonary, cerebral, and surgical complications. These reintubation events had a considerable influence on the patient's postoperative recovery, and were associated with a significantly higher rate of mortality, than for OLT patients who did not undo reintubation.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Postoperative tracheal extubation after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and its influence on pulmonary function in liver transplant recipients is still debated controversially. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of immediate tracheal extubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 h following surgery), and episodes of reintubation in 546 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at our institution. RESULTS: Immediate tracheal extubation in the operating theater was achieved in 18.7% of patients, and prolonged mechanical ventilation was required by 11.2% of patients. In these, median time of extubation was 49.5 h, whereas the remaining 70.1% of patients required ventilation support for a median 5 h after OLT. As risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation we identified the indications of acute liver failure and retransplantation, as well as factors such as mechanical ventilation prior to OLT, massive intraoperative bleeding, and severe reperfusion injury of the liver graft. The incidence of reintubation was 8.8% in patients who were immediately extubated following surgery, and 13.1% in patients who underwent extubation within 24 h. The incidence was significantly increased in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (36.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate tracheal extubation was safe and well tolerated. The incidence of reintubation was not increased when compared to patients in whom extubation succeeded later. However, special attention should be given to transplant recipients presenting in reduced clinical condition at the time of OLT, undergoing complicated surgery, or receiving liver allografts with severe reperfusion injury because of an increased risk for prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Adolescent↗

Small dose of exogenous surfactant combined with partial liquid ventilation in experimental acute lung injury: effects on gas exchange, haemodynamics, lung mechanics, and lung pathology.

A combination of exogenous surfactant and partial liquid ventilation (PLV) with perfluorocarbons should enhance gas exchange, improve respiratory mechanics and reduce tissue damage of the lung in acute lung injury (ALI). We used a small dose of exogenous surfactant with and without PLV in an experimental model of ALI and studied the effects on gas exchange, haemodynamics, lung mechanics, and lung pathology. ALI was induced by repeated lavages (PaO2/FIO2 less than 13 kPa) in 24 anaesthesized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated (FIO2 1.0) juvenile pigs. They were treated randomly with either a single intratracheal dose of surfactant (50 mg kg(-1), Curosurf, Serono AG, München, Germany) (SURF-group, n=8), a single intratracheal dose of surfactant (50 mg kg(-1), Curosurf) followed by PLV with 30 ml kg(-1) of perfluorocarbon (PF 5080, 3M, Germany) (SURF-PLV-group, n=8) or no further intervention (controls, n=8). Pulmonary gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and haemodynamics were measured hourly for a 6 h period. In the SURF-group, the intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt (QS/QT) decreased significantly from mean 51 (SEM 5)% after lavage to 12 (2)%, and PaO2 increased significantly from 8.1 (0.7) to 61.2 (4.7) kPa compared with controls and compared with the SURF-PLV-group (P<0.05). In the SURF-PLV-group, QS/QT decreased significantly from 54 (3)% after induction of ALI to 26 (3)% and PaO2 increased significantly from 7.2 (0.5) to 30.8 (5.0) kPa compared with controls (P<0.05). Static compliance of the respiratory system (C(RS)), significantly improved in the SURF-PLV-group compared with controls (P<0.05). Upon histological examination, the SURF-group revealed the lowest total injury score compared with controls and the SURF-PLV-group (P<0.05). We conclude that in this experimental model of ALI, treatment with a small dose of exogenous surfactant improves pulmonary gas exchange and reduces the lung injury more effectively than the combined treatment of a small dose of exogenous surfactant and PLV.

Animals↗

Secondary insults in severe head injury--do multiply injured patients do worse?

OBJECTIVES: To study the occurrence of secondary insults and the influence of extracranial injuries on cerebral oxygenation and outcome in patients with closed severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score < or =8). DESIGN: Two-year prospective, clinical study. SETTING: Two intensive care units in a level III trauma center. PATIENTS: We studied 119 patients. Eighty patients had severe head injury and were divided into two categories: "isolated" severe head injury patients (n = 36, Injury Severity Score <30), and severe head injury patients with associated extracranial injuries (n = 44, Injury Severity Score >29). Thirty-nine patients with extracranial injuries and no head injury served as the control group. INTERVENTIONS: After patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, we began continuous multimodal cerebral monitoring of intracranial pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, end-tidal Co2, brain tissue Po2 (Licox), jugular bulb oxyhemoglobin saturation in severe head injury patients, and mean arterial blood pressure in the control group. Targets of management included intracranial pressure <20 mm Hg, cerebral perfusion pressure >60 mm Hg, Paco2 > 30 mm Hg, control of cerebral oxygenation, and delayed surgery for non-life-threatening extracranial lesions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data were analyzed for critical thresholds. The occurrence of secondary insults (intracranial pressure >20 mm Hg, mean arterial blood pressure <70 mm Hg, cerebral perfusion pressure <60 mm Hg, end-tidal Co2 <30 torr, brain tissue Po2 <10 torr, jugular bulb oxyhemoglobin saturation <50%) was comparable in patients with isolated severe head injury and those with severe head injury with associated extracranial lesions (Abbreviated Injury Scale score < or =5). The duration of intracranial hypertension and arterial hypotension significantly correlated with an unfavorable outcome, independent of the Injury Severity Score. In patients with severe head injury, 1-yr outcome was 29% dead or vegetative, 17% severely disabled, and 54% moderate or good outcome. This was similar to patients with severe head injury and extracranial injuries (31% dead or vegetative, 14% severely disabled, and 56% moderate or good outcome) and was independent of the Injury Severity Score. Patients with no head injury had less secondary insults (mean arterial blood pressure <70 mm Hg, p <.01) and a better outcome compared with both severe head injury groups (p <.044). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe head injury who have targeted management including intracranial pressure- and cerebral perfusion pressure-guided therapy and delayed surgery for extracranial lesions, the occurrence of secondary insults in the intensive care unit and long-term neurological outcome were comparable and independent of the presence of extracranial lesions (Abbreviated Injury Severity level < or =5). A severe head injury is still a major contributor predicting an unfavorable outcome in multiply injured patients.

Adult↗

[Intensive care management of ARDS].

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by (1) intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting, (2) permeability edema of the lung, and (3) alterations in pulmonary compliance. The clinical features of ARDS are due to an acute inflammatory reaction of the lung. Current clinical management of patients with ARDS aim at implementation of lung protective ventilatory strategies with adequate PEEP and low tidal volumes, diagnosis and treatment of underlying infections, and a negative fluid balance together with positional maneuvers like prone positioning.

Critical Care↗

[Management of thoracic trauma in multiple injuries in the clinic].

Injuries to the chest and lung are common in the polytraumatized patient. Clinical series have shown that on average 20% of all deaths following a polytrauma are caused by a chest trauma. The most common chest injuries are rip- and serial rip fractures with an unstable chest as well as pneumo- and hematothorax. Further common injuries to the lung parenchyma are lung contusions, lacerations and lung hematoma. The clinical outcome of chest injuries is closely related on a clear treatment strategy, with a sufficient preclinical assessment and early intubation, early temporary or definitive fracture stabilisation and implementation of intensive care and lung protective treatment rules.

Critical Care↗

Inhaled endothelin A antagonist improves arterial oxygenation in experimental acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of an inhaled endothelin A (ET(A)) receptor antagonist on hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange in experimental acute lung injury (ALI). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, and controlled study in a university laboratory. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Sixteen pigs were ventilated in a volume controlled mode during general anesthesia. ALI was induced by surfactant depletion using repetitive lung lavages until the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was below 100 mmHg. The animals were then randomly assigned to receive either a nebulized ET(A) receptor antagonist (LU-135252, 3 mg/kg, inhaled over 1 h; LU group) or nebulization of saline (5-10 ml inhaled over 1 h) with no further intervention (controls). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Parameters of hemodynamics and gas exchange were measured for 6 h after induction of ALI. In the LU group intrapulmonary right-left shunting (QS/QT) decreased from 58 +/- 8% at the onset of ALI to 27 +/- 12% 3 h and 24 +/- 9% 6 h after ALI (p < 0.05); PaO2 increased from 55 +/- 12 to 257 +/- 148 mmHg 3 h and 270 +/- 136 mmHg 6 h after ALI. (p < 0.05), whereas in controls QS/QT and PaO2 did not improve over the 6 h after onset of ALI. In the LU group mean pulmonary artery pressure was stable for 6 h after ALI (26-29 mmHg), while in controls it increased from 28 +/- 2 to 41 +/- 2 mmHg (p < 0.05). Inhaled LU-135252 reduced cardiac output by 31 +/- 11% (p < 0.05) and increased systemic vascular resistance by 60 +/- 29 % (p < 0.05), while these parameters remained stable in controls. CONCLUSION: In this porcine model of ALI the inhalation of an ET(A) receptor antagonist improved arterial oxygenation and maintained a stable pulmonary artery pressure without inducing systemic vasodilatation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Dose-dependent effects of almitrine on hemodynamics and gas exchange in an animal model of acute lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dose-response relationship of almitrine (Alm) on pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics in an animal model of acute lung injury (ALI). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. METHODS: Twenty anesthetized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated (FIO2 1.0) pigs underwent induction of ALI by repeated saline washout of surfactant. Animals were randomly assigned to either receive cumulating doses of Alm intravenously (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) for 30 min each (treatment; n = 10) or to receive the solvent malic acid (controls; n = 10). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Measurements of pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics were performed at the end of each infusion period. Alm < 4.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 improved arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (105 +/- 9 mmHg for Alm 1.0 vs 59 +/- 5 mmHg) and decreased intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) (32 +/- 4% for Alm 1.0 vs 46 +/- 4%) (P < 0.05). Alm > or = 8.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 did not improve pulmonary gas exchange compared to controls. When compared to low doses of Alm < 4.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1, high doses > or = 8.0 micrograms.kg1.min-1 decreased PaO2 (58 +/- 11 mmHg for Alm 16.0) and increased Qs/Qt (67 +/- 10% for Alm 16.0) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In experimental ALI, effects of almitrine on oxygenation are dose-dependent. Almitrine is most effective when used at low doses known to mimic hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Almitrine↗

A case of septicemia with Pediococcus acidilactici after long-term antibiotic treatment.

Presented here is a case of septicemia caused by an uncommon, multiresistant, gram-positive microorganism (Pediococcus acidilactici) after long-term antibiotic treatment. Pediococcus spp. are rarely cultivated from clinical specimens, and species differentiation is difficult due to the paucity of phenotypic traits. In this case, a polyphasic approach consisting of phenotypic and molecular genetic analyses was used, and the identification of Pediococcus acidilactici was conclusive. Precise identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of rarely isolated bacteria are required in order to provide adequate treatment to infected patients and to determine the pathogenic role of these organisms.

Adult↗