Browsing by Author "Bumbasirevic, Vesna (8915014500)"

Objective: To identify the risk factors of the adverse outcomes following surgery for the acute bowel obstruction (ABO). Methods: Annual cross-section included patients undergoing surgery for the acute bowel obstruction, at the Clinic for Emergency Surgery, from December 2009 to December 2010. Patients had non-resection procedures or bowel resection with the intestinal anastomosis or temporary intestinal diversion. Demographic and perioperative data as well as outcome results were collected. Stepwise logistic regression was used to build models predicting 30-day morbidity and mortality and derive risk index values. Results: Out of 272 patients, 145 underwent non-resection surgical procedures and 127 underwent bowel resection. The median ICU stay and median hospital stay was significantly higher among patients who underwent bowel resection (p=0,001 and p<0.0001,respectively). Morbidity was 37.1%. In multivariate analysis, the variables with the highest risk values included age over 65 years and ASA class 4-5, for 30-day morbidity. The overall 30-day mortality was 10.3%. For 30-day mortality, age over 65 years, comorbidity conditions, ASA class 4-5 and malignant etiology of ABO were the variables with the highest risk values. Conclusions: Advanced age and ASA score with delayed operation were the risk factors significantly associated with the increased complication rate, while the advanced age and ASA score, comorbidity and malignant etiology were the risk factors significantly associated with the increased death rate. Surgery type was not a predictor of the adverse outcomes. Identification of risk factors is useful to predict outcomes and provide supportive care to high-risk patients undergoing surgery for ABO.

Introduction: We aimed to describe incidence, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance markers of causative agents of bacterial BSI in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a trauma center in Serbia. Methodology: Prospective surveillance was conducted from November 2014 to April 2016 in two trauma-surgical ICUs of the Emergency Department of Clinical center of Serbia. Bloodstream infections were diagnosed using the definitions of Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: Out of 406 trauma patients, 57 had at least one episode of BSI (cumulative incidence 14.0%). Overall 62 BSI episodes were diagnosed (incidence rate 11.8/1000 patient/days), of which 43 (69.4%) were primary BSI (13 catheter-related BSI and 30 of unknown origin) and 19 (30.6%) were secondary BSI. The most common isolated pathogen was Acinetobacter spp. [n = 24 (34.8%)], followed by Klebsiella spp. [n = 17 (24.6%)] and P. aeruginosa [n = 8 (1.6%)]. All S. aureus [n = 6 (100%)] and CoNS [n = 3 (100%)] isolates were methicillin resistant, while 4 (66%) of Enterococci isolates were vacomycin resistant. All isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins [n = 22 (100%)] while 7 (87.5%) of P. aeruginosa and 23 (95.8%) of Acinetobacter spp. isolates were resistant to carbapenems. All-cause mortality and sepsis were significantly higher in trauma patients with BSI compared to those without BSI (P < 0.001 each). Conclusions: BSI is a common healthcare-associated infection in trauma ICU and it is associated with worse outcome. Better adherence to infection control measures and guidelines for prevention of primary BSI must be achieved. © 2018 Djuric et al.

Introduction: We aimed to describe incidence, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance markers of causative agents of bacterial BSI in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a trauma center in Serbia. Methodology: Prospective surveillance was conducted from November 2014 to April 2016 in two trauma-surgical ICUs of the Emergency Department of Clinical center of Serbia. Bloodstream infections were diagnosed using the definitions of Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: Out of 406 trauma patients, 57 had at least one episode of BSI (cumulative incidence 14.0%). Overall 62 BSI episodes were diagnosed (incidence rate 11.8/1000 patient/days), of which 43 (69.4%) were primary BSI (13 catheter-related BSI and 30 of unknown origin) and 19 (30.6%) were secondary BSI. The most common isolated pathogen was Acinetobacter spp. [n = 24 (34.8%)], followed by Klebsiella spp. [n = 17 (24.6%)] and P. aeruginosa [n = 8 (1.6%)]. All S. aureus [n = 6 (100%)] and CoNS [n = 3 (100%)] isolates were methicillin resistant, while 4 (66%) of Enterococci isolates were vacomycin resistant. All isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins [n = 22 (100%)] while 7 (87.5%) of P. aeruginosa and 23 (95.8%) of Acinetobacter spp. isolates were resistant to carbapenems. All-cause mortality and sepsis were significantly higher in trauma patients with BSI compared to those without BSI (P < 0.001 each). Conclusions: BSI is a common healthcare-associated infection in trauma ICU and it is associated with worse outcome. Better adherence to infection control measures and guidelines for prevention of primary BSI must be achieved. © 2018 Djuric et al.

Background/Aims: Liver resection is the gold standard in managing patients with metastatic or primary liver cancer. The aim of our study was to compare the traditional clamp-crushing technique to the radiofrequency-assisted liver resection technique in terms of postoperative liver function. Methodology: Liver function was evaluated preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 7. Liver synthetic function parameters (serum albumin level, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio), markers of hepatic injury and necrosis (serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin level) and microsomal activity (quantitative lidocaine test) were compared. Results: Forty three patients completed the study (14 had clamp-crushing and 29 had radiofrequency assisted liver resection). The groups did not differ in demographic characteristics, pre-operative liver function, operative time and perioperative transfusion rate. In postoperative period, there were similar changes in monitored parameters in both groups except albumin levels, that were higher in radiofrequency-assisted liver resection group (p=0.047). Conclusions: Both, traditional clamp-crushing technique and radiofrequency assisted liver resection technique, result in similar postoperative changes of most monitored liver function parameters. © H.G.E. Update Medical Publishing S.A.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on the clinical value of parameters of hemostasis in predicting pancreatitis-associated complications are still scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to identify the useful hemostatic markers for accurate determination of the subsequent development of organ failure (OF) during the very early course of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: In 91 consecutive primarily admitted patients with AP, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, d-dimer, and plasminogen were measured in plasma within the first 24 hours of admission and 24 hours thereafter. Two study groups comprising 24 patients with OF and 67 patients without OF were compared. RESULTS: Levels of prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and d-dimer on admission were significantly different between the OF and non-OF groups, and all these parameters plus antithrombin III were significantly different 24 hours later. A d-dimer value of 414.00 μg/L on admission was the best cutoff value in predicting the development of OF with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90%, 89%, 75%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of plasma levels of d-dimer on the admission is an accurate method for the identification of patients who will develop OF in the further course of AP. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on the clinical value of parameters of hemostasis in predicting pancreatitis-associated complications are still scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to identify the useful hemostatic markers for accurate determination of the subsequent development of organ failure (OF) during the very early course of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: In 91 consecutive primarily admitted patients with AP, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, d-dimer, and plasminogen were measured in plasma within the first 24 hours of admission and 24 hours thereafter. Two study groups comprising 24 patients with OF and 67 patients without OF were compared. RESULTS: Levels of prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and d-dimer on admission were significantly different between the OF and non-OF groups, and all these parameters plus antithrombin III were significantly different 24 hours later. A d-dimer value of 414.00 μg/L on admission was the best cutoff value in predicting the development of OF with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90%, 89%, 75%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of plasma levels of d-dimer on the admission is an accurate method for the identification of patients who will develop OF in the further course of AP. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Background. Development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a strong impact on the course of disease. Number of patients with this complication increases during the years due more aggressive fluid resuscitation, much bigger proportion of patients who is treated conservatively or by minimal invasive approach, and efforts to delay open surgery. There have not been standard recommendations for a surgical or some other interventional treatment of patients who develop ACS during the SAP. The aim of DECOMPRESS study was to compare decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure and percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in these patients. Methods. One hundred patients with ACS will be randomly allocated to two groups: I) decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure or II) percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter. Patients will be recruited from five hospitals in Belgrade during two years period. The primary endpoint is the mortality rate within hospitalization. Secondary endpoints are time interval between intervention and resolving of organ failure and multi organ dysfunction syndrome, incidence of infectious complications and duration of hospital and ICU stay. A total sample size of 100 patients was calculated to demonstrate that decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure can reduce mortality rate from 60% to 40% with 80% power at 5% alfa. Conclusion. DECOMPRESS study is designed to reveal a reduction in mortality and major morbidity by using decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure in comparison with percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with ACS during SAP. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NTC00793715. Copyright © 2010 Radenkovic et al.

Objectives To analyze the incidence of the overlap syndrome of depressive symptoms and delirium, risk factors, and independent and dose-response effect of the overlap syndrome on outcomes in elderly adults with hip fracture. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University hospital. Participants Individuals with hip fracture without delirium (N = 277; aged 78.0 ± 8.2) consequently enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Measurements Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire upon hospital admission. Incident delirium was assessed daily during the hospital stay using the Confusion Assessment Method. Information on complications acquired in the hospital, severity of complications, re-interventions, length of hospital stay, and 1-month mortality was recorded. Results Thirty (10.8%) participants had depressive symptoms alone, 88 (31.8%) delirium alone, 60 (21.7%) overlap syndrome, and 99 (35.7%) neither condition. According to multivariate regression analysis, participants with the overlap syndrome had significantly higher incidence of vision impairment (P =.02), longer time-to-surgery (P =.03), and lower cognitive function (P <.001) than participants with no depressive symptoms and no delirium. In the adjusted regression analysis, participants with neither condition were at lower risk of complications than those with the overlap syndrome (P =.03). After adjustment, participants with the overlap syndrome were at higher risk of longer hospital stay independently (P =.003) and in a dose-response manner in the following order: no depression and no delirium, depressive symptoms alone, delirium alone, and the overlap syndrome (P =.002). Conclusion Depressive symptoms and delirium increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes after hip fracture in a step-wise manner when they coexist. To reduce the risk of adverse outcome in individuals with hip fracture, efforts to identify, prevent, and treat this condition need to be increased. © 2014, The American Geriatrics Society.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to delirium after hip fracture and assess the effect of incident delirium on short-term clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 270 non-delirious, consecutive hip fracture patients 60 years and older were included in a prospective cohort study. The patients were assessed with respect to physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, medical comorbidities with the Charlson Comorbidity Index, cognitive function with the Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and depression with the Geriatric Depressive Scale. Incident delirium was evaluated daily. Clinical outcomes and 1-month mortality were recorded. Results: Incident delirium was present in 53.0% of patients. Patients with delirium were older (P=0.046), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (P<0.001), lower Portable Mental Status Questionnaire scores and higher Geriatric Depressive Scale scores (P<0.001, P=0.003, respectively). After adjusting for age, multivariate regression analysis in the first model showed that patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P<0.05), complications P<0.001), a higher severity complication score (P<0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P<0.001). In the second model, after adjusting for propensity score, patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P<0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P<0.01). Conclusions: Patients who are older, with worse physical status, worse cognitive function and depression are more likely to develop delirium after hip fracture. Incident delirium has negative independent effects on short-term outcomes in elderly patients after hip fracture. © 2014 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to delirium after hip fracture and assess the effect of incident delirium on short-term clinical outcomes. Methods: A total of 270 non-delirious, consecutive hip fracture patients 60 years and older were included in a prospective cohort study. The patients were assessed with respect to physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, medical comorbidities with the Charlson Comorbidity Index, cognitive function with the Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and depression with the Geriatric Depressive Scale. Incident delirium was evaluated daily. Clinical outcomes and 1-month mortality were recorded. Results: Incident delirium was present in 53.0% of patients. Patients with delirium were older (P=0.046), had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (P<0.001), lower Portable Mental Status Questionnaire scores and higher Geriatric Depressive Scale scores (P<0.001, P=0.003, respectively). After adjusting for age, multivariate regression analysis in the first model showed that patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P<0.05), complications P<0.001), a higher severity complication score (P<0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P<0.001). In the second model, after adjusting for propensity score, patients with delirium were at higher risk of reintervention plus death (P<0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (P<0.01). Conclusions: Patients who are older, with worse physical status, worse cognitive function and depression are more likely to develop delirium after hip fracture. Incident delirium has negative independent effects on short-term outcomes in elderly patients after hip fracture. © 2014 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Bony defects caused by trauma, tumors, infection or congenital anomalies can present a significant surgical challenge. Free vascularised fibular bone grafts (FVFGs) have proven to be extremely effective in managing larger defects (longer than 6 cm) where other conventional grafts have failed. FVFGs also have a role in the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, failed spinal fusions and complex arthrodeses. Due to the fact that they have their own blood supply, FVFGs are effective even in cases where there is poor vascularity at the recipient site, such as in infection and following radiotherapy. This article discusses the versatility of the FVFG and its successful application to a variety of different pathologies. It also covers the applied anatomy, indications, operative techniques, complications and donor-site morbidity. Though technically challenging and demanding, the FVFG is an extremely useful salvage option and can facilitate limb reconstruction in the most complex of cases. © Springer-Verlag 2014.

Aim: Postoperative delirium (PD) is a frequent complication of hip fracture surgery, but its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We investigated the impact of a single episode of intraoperative hyper/hypotension, blood pressure (BP) fluctuation (ΔMAP), and pulse pressure (PP) on hyper/hypoactive PD in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. We also assessed the effect of PD on clinical outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective 1-year follow-up study of patients over 60 years of age with a primary diagnosis of acute low-energy hip fracture. Perioperative delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM); the development of PD and the type, hyperactive or hypoactive PD, were recorded. Cognitive assessment was evaluated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). The lowest and highest BP values were extracted from the patients’ anaesthesia charts. Postoperative complications, reinterventions and 1-month mortality were recorded. Results: PD occurred in 148 (53%) patients during the first postoperative week, with 75% of the cases diagnosed as hypoactive PD. Patients developing PD of any type were older, had a lower body mass index, higher SPMSQ and Charlson scores, more severe systemic diseases, a lower lowest intraoperative BP, a higher ΔMAP, a lower PP, and a higher postoperative pain score. They also took more drugs and received more blood transfusion intraoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a higher MAP min had a protective effect on the occurrence of any type of PD, as well as hypoactive and hyperactive. PD had negative effect on outcomes. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of an association between maximal hypotension, the lowest intraoperative mean blood pressure (MAP), ΔMAP, PP, and PD. A progressive decrease in MAP during surgery was associated with the increased odds of developing either type of PD. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Rationale: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The evidence supporting NIV use in patients with ARDS remains relatively sparse. Objectives: To determine whether, during NIV, the categorization of ARDS severity based on the PaO2/FIO2 Berlin criteria is useful. Methods: TheLUNGSAFE(Large Observational Study to Understand the Global Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Failure) study described the management of patients with ARDS. This substudy examines the current practice of NIV use in ARDS, the utility of the PaO2/FIO2 ratio in classifying patients receiving NIV, and the impact of NIV on outcome. MeasurementsandMain Results:Of2,813 patients with ARDS,436 (15.5%) were managed with NIV on Days 1 and 2 following fulfillment of diagnosticcriteria.Classification of ARDS severity based on PaO2/FIO2ratio was associated with an increase in intensity of ventilatory support, NIV failure, and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. NIV failure occurred in 22.2% of mild, 42.3% of moderate, and 47.1% of patients with severe ARDS. Hospital mortality in patients with NIV success and failure was 16.1% and 45.4%, respectively. NIV use was independently associated with increased ICU (hazard ratio, 1.446 [95% confidence interval, 1.159-1.805]), but not hospital, mortality. In a propensity matched analysis, ICU mortality was higher in NIV than invasively ventilated patients with a PaO2/FIO2 lower than 150 mm Hg. Conclusions:NIV was used in 15% of patients with ARDS,irrespective of severity category. NIV seems to be associated with higher ICU mortality in patients with a PaO2/FIO2 lower than 150 mm Hg. © 2017 by the American Thoracic Society.

Purpose. The optimal operative treatment for severe necrotizing pancreatitis (SNP) still remains controversial. This article describes the operative approach with a planned staged necrosectomy using the "zipper" technique. Methods. Between 1996 and 2000, 35 patients with SNP were treated with this approach. The patient demographics, etiology and severity of SNP, hospital course, and outcome were recorded and comparisons of several parameters were made between the patients who survived and those who died. Results. Hospital mortality was 34%. A total of 16 fistulae developed in 11 patients (31%), recurrent intra-abdominal abscesses in 4 (11%), and hemorrhaging in 5 (14%). The patients who died compared with those who survived had a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II score on admission (14.5 vs 9, P < 0.001), extrapancreatic extension of necrosis more often (100% vs 65%, P = 0.02), and developed postoperative hemorrhaging more often (33% vs 4%, P = 0.038). A multivariate logistic analysis revealed an APACHE-II score of >13 on admission (P = 0.018) and an extension of necrosis behind both paracolic gutters (P < 0.001) to both be prognostic factors for mortality. Conclusions. Severe necrotizing pancreatitis still carries significant morbidity and mortality. This surgical approach facilitates the removal of all devitalized tissue and seems to decrease the incidence of recurrent intra-abdominal infection requiring reoperation. An APACHE-II score of ≥13 and an extension of necrosis behind both paracolic gutters was thus found to signify a worse outcome. © Springer-Verlag 2005.

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for severe postoperative pain immediately after hip-fracture surgery. Patients and methods Three hundred forty-four elderly patients with an acute hip fracture were admitted to the hospital during a 12-months period. All patients who entered the study answered a structured questionnaire to assess demographic characteristics, previous diseases, drug use, previous surgery, and level of education. Physical status was assessed through the American Society of Anesthesiologists' preoperative risk classification, cognitive status using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale. The presence of preoperative delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method was assessed during day and night shifts until surgery. Pain was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS). An NRS ≥7 one hour after surgery indicated severe pain. Results Patients with elementary-level education (8 yr in school) presented a higher risk for immediate severe postoperative pain than university-educated patients (>12 yr in school) (P < 0.05). Higher cognitive function was associated with higher postoperative pain (P < 0.01). Patients with symptoms of depression and patients with preoperative delirium presented a higher risk for severe pain (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that depression and a low level of education were independent predictors of severe pain immediately after surgery. Conclusion Depression and lower levels of education were independent predictors of immediate severe pain following hip-fracture surgery. These predictors could be clinically used to stratify analgesic risk in elderly patients for more aggressive pain treatment immediately after surgery. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

To evaluate the predictive value of protein C as a marker of severity in patients with diffuse peritonitis and abdominal sepsis, protein C levels were repeatedly determined and compared with serum levels of antithrombin III, plasminogen, α 2 -antiplasmin, Plasminogen activator inhibitor, D-dimer, C1-inhibitor, high molecular weight kininogen, and the C5a, C5b-9 fragments of the complement system. We carried out a prospective study from 44 patients with severe peritonitis confirmed by laparotomy and 15 patients undergoing elective ventral hernia repair who acted as controls. Analyzed biochemical parameters were determined before operations and on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 after operations. For the study group, preoperative average protein C level was significantly lower in the patients who developed septic shock in the late course of the disease, with lethal outcome, than in the patients with severe peritonitis and sepsis who survived (p = 0.0001). In non-survivors, protein C activity remained decreased below 70%, whereas the course of survivors was characterized by increased values that were significantly higher (p < 0.03) at every time point than in those patients who died. Protein C was of excellent predictive value and achieved a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 87.5% in discriminating survivors from non-survivors within the first 48 hours of the study (AUC-0.917; p < 0.001), with a "cut-off" level of 66.0%. As for the control group, throughout the study period, protein C activity was permanently maintained within the range of normal, with significant differences with reference to the study group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that protein C represents a sensitive and early marker for the prediction of severe septic complications during diffuse peritonitis, and of outcome. © 2005 by the Société Internationale de Chirurgie.

Purpose: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of orthopaedic surgery in the industrialised world; though there may be variability between population groups. This study aims to define the incidence and risk factors for symptomatic VTE following primary elective total hip and knee arthoplasty surgery in a single centre in Eastern Europe. Methods: This prospective study included 499 adult patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty for symptomatic osteoarthritis over a two-year period at the Clinic of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Belgrade. Results: The overall rate of confirmed symptomatic VTE during hospitalisation was 2.6%. According to the univariate logistic regression, an age greater than 75 years (OR=3.08; 95%CI=1.01-9.65), a family history of VTE (OR=6.61; 95% CI=1.33-32.90), varicose veins (OR=3.13; 95% CI01.03-9.48), and ischemic heart disease (OR=4.93; 95% CI01.61-15.09) were significant risk factors for in-hospital VTE. A family history of VTE and ischemic heart disease were independent risk factors according to multivariate regression analysis. Preoperative initiation of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (p=0.03) and a longer duration of thromboprophylaxis (p=0.001) were protective for postoperative DVT. Though thromboprophylaxis was safe, with very few patients suffering major haemorrhage or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, there was a general reluctance by our local surgeons to use prolonged thromboprophylaxis. Conclusion: VTE is common following hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. Orthopaedic patients with a family history of VTE, heart failure and coronary heart disease are at a considerable risk of thromboembolic complications in the postoperative period. There may be a role for preoperative thromboprophylaxis in addition to prolonged postoperative treatment. © Springer-Verlag 2011.

Introduction: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), (2) to identify risk factors for developing VAP, and (3) to assess the prevalence of the pathogens responsible. Patients and methods: The following data were collected prospectively from patients admitted to a 24-bed intensive care unit (ICU) during 2013/14: the mechanism of injury, trauma distribution by system, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score, the Injury Severity Score (ISS), underlying diseases, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, use of vasopressors, need for intubation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation upon admission, and presence of pulmonary contusions. All patients were managed with a standardized protocol if VAP was suspected. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) were measured on the day of VAP diagnosis. Results: Of the 144 patients with TBI who underwent mechanical ventilation for >48h, 49.3% did not develop VAP, 24.3% developed early-onset VAP, and 26.4% developed late-onset VAP. Factors independently associated with early-onset VAP included thoracic injury (odds ratio (OR) 8.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.05-35.70; p=0.003), ISS (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15; p=0.002), and coma upon admission (OR 13.40, 95% CI 3.12-57.66; p<0.001). Age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07; p=0.002), ISS (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.13; p<0.001), and coma upon admission (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.44-10.28; p=0.007) were independently associated with late-onset VAP (Nagelkerke r2=0.371, area under the curve (AUC) 0.815, 95% CI 0.733-0.897; p<0.001). The 28-day survival rate was 69% in the non-VAP group, 45.7% in the early-onset VAP group, and 31.6% in the late-onset VAP group. Acinetobacter spp was the most common pathogen in patients with early- and late-onset VAP. Conclusions: These results suggest that the extent of TBI and trauma of other organs influences the development of early VAP, while the extent of TBI and age influences the development of late VAP. Patients with early- and late-onset VAP harboured the same pathogens. © 2015 The Authors.

OBJECTIVES: To determine overall mortality and timing of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and factors affecting mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study of 110 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2003 to January 2006. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 53.6% (59/110); 25.4% (n = 15) of deaths were early (≤14 days after ICU admission). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or surgical/medical treatment between survivors and nonsurvivors. Median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was higher among nonsurvivors than survivors (score = 26 vs 19, respectively; P < 0.001), and the duration of hospitalization before ICU admission was significantly longer (4 vs 1 day; P < 0.001). Among the 59 patients who died, those in the early-mortality group were admitted to the ICU significantly earlier than those in the late-mortality group (3 vs 6.5 days; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality and median APACHE II score were high. Death predominantly occurred late and was unaffected by patient age, length of stay in the ICU, or surgical/medical treatment. An APACHE II cutoff of 24.5 and pre-ICU admission time of 2.5 days were sensitive predictors of fatal outcome. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

OBJECTIVES: To determine overall mortality and timing of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and factors affecting mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study of 110 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2003 to January 2006. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 53.6% (59/110); 25.4% (n = 15) of deaths were early (≤14 days after ICU admission). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or surgical/medical treatment between survivors and nonsurvivors. Median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was higher among nonsurvivors than survivors (score = 26 vs 19, respectively; P < 0.001), and the duration of hospitalization before ICU admission was significantly longer (4 vs 1 day; P < 0.001). Among the 59 patients who died, those in the early-mortality group were admitted to the ICU significantly earlier than those in the late-mortality group (3 vs 6.5 days; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality and median APACHE II score were high. Death predominantly occurred late and was unaffected by patient age, length of stay in the ICU, or surgical/medical treatment. An APACHE II cutoff of 24.5 and pre-ICU admission time of 2.5 days were sensitive predictors of fatal outcome. Copyright © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.