iGuideintensive care medicine 2009

From an idea by Tom Woodcock."Diseases desperate grown,

By desperate appliance are relieved,

Or not at all."

King Claudius in 'Hamlet' 4.3, Shakespeare,

quoted by Patrick Shackleton, Lancet  1958

"Vel parvo, vel magno, in stercore semper."

MS Neilsen

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Table of Contents.......................................................................................Good clinical practice in Critical Care 5

.......................................................................................................Defining Critical Care 5....................................................................................................................Care bundles 5

..........................................................................................................................Outreach 5......................................................................................Quality assurance in ICU practice 5

................................................................................................................Practical Procedures 7.......................................................................................................Precautions for all staff; 7

....................................................................................................Infected health workers 7..........................................................................................................................Procedures 7

..........................................................................................................Any vascular access 7................................................................................................................Taking samples 7

......................................................................................................Read The Instructions. 7.......................Use 2D Ultrasound to visualise the vessel before and after catheterising it 8

....................................................................................................................Arterial lines. 8

....................................................................................................................Central lines. 9.........................................................................................Cardiac output measurement 10

.........................................................................Pulmonary artery (right heart) catheters 10...................................................................................Haemofiltration; vascular access. 12

................................................................................................Endotracheal intubation. 12................................................................................................................Tracheostomy 12

....................................................................................................Setting up a ventilator 13............................................................................................................Patient transport 13

................................................................................................................Thoracostomy 13...............................................................................................Metabolic measurements 13

.......................................................................................................................Radiology 13.......................................................................................Management of self poisoning 14

....................................................................................................Consent to treatment. 14Withholding and withdrawing life sustaining treatments in the Critical Care Unit; a few

..............................................................................................practical and legal points. 14..........................................................................................................................General care 16

.................................................................................................................Body position 16..................................................................................................Acute Gastric dilatation 16

............................................................................................................Peptic ulceration 16........................................................................................................................Nutrition 16

...................................................................................................“Renal dose” dopamine 16........................................................................................................Neither wet nor dry 17

....................................................................................Thrombo-embolism prophylaxis 17...........................................................................................Hospital acquired infections 17

........................................................................................Breaking the cycle of infection 18..........................................................Nosocomial, or Ventilator associated, pneumonia 18

...................................................................................................Urinary tract infections 19..................................................................................................Catheter-related sepsis 19

.............................................................................Gut permeability and systemic sepsis 19..........................................................Systemic inflammatory response and septic shock 19

................................................................Anti-inflammatory therapies in severe sepsis. 21..........................................................................................Organ dysfunction or failure. 21

.................................................................................................Neuromuscular changes 22................................................................................................................Circulatory support 23

.................................................................................................................Resuscitation. 23.........................................................Do Not attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) instructions 23

................................................................................................................................Shock 23..........................................................................................................Cardiogenic shock 23

.......................................................................................................Hypovolaemic shock 23................................................................................Distributive or hyperdynamic shock 24

....................................................................................................Assessing shock state 25................................................................................................Principles of shock reversal 25

..........................................................................................ANAPHYLAXIS; a special case 26....................................................................................Sequential resuscitation phase 1 26...................................................................................Sequential resuscitation phase 2a 26..................................................................................Sequential resuscitation phase 2b 26

....................................................................................Sequential resuscitation phase 3 27

....................................................................................Sequential resuscitation phase 4 28

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....................................................................................................................Side effects 28..................................................................MODS; the multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. 28

.....................................................................................................................Small print 29.............................................................................................................Metabolic Acidosis 29

.......................................................................................................................Arrhythmias 29.....................................................................................................................Hypertension 30

..........................................................................................................The Vascular Pedicle 30...............................................................................................................Respiratory Support 32

.....................................................................................Prophylactic respiratory support 32

.....................................................................................Therapeutic respiratory support 32.................................................................................................The ventilator care bundle 33

.........................................................................................Tracheostomy; if, when, how. 33..................................................................................................Type 1 Respiratory failure 33

............................................................................................................Acute lung injury 34...............................................................................Therapy of type 1 respiratory failure 35

.....................................................................................Severe acute respiratory failure. 35.....................................................................................................................Small print 38

.................................................................................................Type II Respiratory Failure 38..............................................................................Therapy of Type II respiratory failure 38

...........................................................................................Humidification, secretions etc. 40.................................................................................Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation 40

.........................................................................................................Weaning check-list 40....................................................................................................................Rapid wean 40

......................................................................................................................Slow wean 40................................................................................................................‘Classic’ wean 40

........................................................................................“Progressive care programme” 41...........................................................................................................Minitracheostomy 41

.......................................................................................Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy (FOB) 41.....................................................................................................................Intubation. 41

.........................................................................................Fluids, solutes, acid/base balance 42......................................................................................................Essential physiology. 42

......................................................................................................................Natraemia 43....................................................................................................................Chloraemia 43

........................................................................................................................Kalaemia 43.........................................................................................................Hypomagnesaemia 43

.....................................................................................Therapeutic hypermagnesaemia 43.......................................................................................................................Calcaemia 44

...............................................................................................................Phosphataemia 44................................................................................................................Albuminaemia 44

................................................................................................Colloid osmotic pressure 44.......................................................................................................................Glycaemia 44

.....................................................................................................Crystalloid Vs Colloid 46..........................................................................................Comparing available colloids 46

....................................................................................Maintenance fluids, and deficits. 46........................................................................................................Resuscitation fluids 48

..............................................................................................Blood and clotting factors 48..........................................................................................................Acid-base balance 49

........................................................................................................................Renal Support 51..........................................................................Pathophysiology of Acute Renal Failure 51

.................................................................................................Management of oliguria 52...................................................................................Renal Replacement therapy (RRT) 52

.....................................................................................................Unphysiologic anions 54.............................................................................................................Nutrient balance 54

...............................................................................................................Drug clearance 54........................................................................................................................Outcome 54

..........................................................................................................................Liver Failure 55...............................................................................Unconjugated hyper-bilirubinaemia 55

..................................................................................Conjugated hyper-bilirubinaemia, 55.................................................................................................Acute Liver Failure (ALF) 55

...........................................................................................................................Ascites 56............................................................Upper GI tract Bleeding and Portal Hypertension. 56

................................................................................................................Nutritional Support 57.........................................................................................................................Vitamins 57

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.............................................................................................Feeding acutely ill patients 57................................................................................................Feeding starved patients 58

.....................................................................................Disease-specific considerations 58..............................................................................................................Enteral Feeding 58

........................................................................................................Parenteral nutrition 58....................................................................................................................Small print. 59

.....................................................................................................Sleep, sedation and mood 60............................................................................................................Features of sleep 60

..........................................................................................................Disorders of sleep 60........................................................................................................................Hypnosis 61

...............................................................................................Hypoxaemia during sleep 61.................................................................Pathophysiology of mood and consciousness 61

..............................................................................................Sedation in Intensive Care 63.....................................................................................................Mu receptor agonists 64

...........GABAA receptor agonists binding the gamma subunit (Benzodiazepine receptor) 64........................................................GABAA receptor agonists binding the beta subunit. 65

............................................................................................NMDA receptor antagonists 65.............................................................................................Mixed action anaesthetics. 65

...........................................................Two-pore-domain potassium channel activators. 65..........................................................................................Alpha-2 c receptor agonists. 66

...................................................................................................................Anaesthesia 66.............................................................................................................................Mood. 66

......................................................Cerebral Support and Determination of Brain Stem Death 67................................................................................................Principles of ICP control. 67

............................................................Continuous processed electro-encephalography 68.........................................................................................Jugular bulb venous oximetry 68

...........................................................................................................Status epilepticus 68.......................................................................................Coma after cerebral ischaemia 69

...........................................................................Death determined by brain stem tests. 69

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Chapter 1

Good clinical practice in Critical Care 

Defining Critical CareThe Department of Health's vision for the future of Critical Care within the National Health Service is described in a key document called Comprehensive Critical Care which you can find on the Department of Health’s world wide web pagesClinical Standards Committee of ICS have refined the definitions of levels of critical care and these too can be found on-line. Other useful standards documents are provided by the Intensive Care Society, the world's oldest professional Intensive or critical care society.http://www.ics.ac.ukand by the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the world's largest.http://www.sccm.org/

Care bundlesThe NHS Modernisation Agency’s “High Impact Change” number 6 is “Increase the reliability of performing therapeutic interventions through a Care Bundle approach” and several Care Bundles were identified for Critical Care in about 2003. Originally proposed by the United States Institute for Health Improvement, they are described as evidence-based protocols but are not immune from criticism. Typically they include Ventilator Bundle, Central Line Bundle, Sepsis Resuscitation Bundle, Sepsis Management Bundle and Optimal Glucose Control.The following are the current “Areas of Focus” for the IHI:

• Eliminate inappropriate days in the ICU• Reduce infections resulting from mechanical ventilation and central lines• Implement early identification and optimal treatment of sepsis• Institute intensive glucose management• Shorten weaning times from ventilators• Reduce sedation costs for patients on mechanical ventilation• Reduce adverse events in the ICU• Implement multidisciplinary rounds and daily goals sheets• Decrease delays in discharge by improving throughput of ICU patients• Improve efficiency by focusing on value-added processes and removing waste

Their ambitious goals are to reduce ICU mortality by at least 20% and adverse events by 75%! This Guide is IHI-compatible, so read and digest…

Outreach'Critical care without walls' was a slogan underlying the introduction of teams, often nurse-led, which support non-critical care professionals in recognizing and treating patients who are at risk or who become critically-ill. Though the benefits of this service have not yet been established, they are widely presumed to be self-evident.

Quality assurance in ICU practiceYou should familiarize yourself with the various instruments for estimating 'predicted mortality' in a cohort of patients, which allows comparison with the actual or 'observed' mortality. The ratio of observed / predicted is called the Standardised Mortality Ratio and can be used to monitor ICU performance and compare it to other ICUs. Commonly used systems are 'Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation' (APACHE), 'Simplified Acute Physiology Score' (SAPS) and Mortality Prediction Model (MPM).

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The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Council are able to monitor standards of care in participating services; see the ICNARC website to see what can be done with good-quality information;http://www.icnarc.org/The Societe Francaise d’Anesthesie et de Reanimation publish some ‘international’ pages in English which include some on-line risk-stratifying scoring systems which you may want to use on real patients;http://www.sfar.org/

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Chapter 2

Practical ProceduresPrecautions for all staff;

have vaccination and boosters against hepatitis B

cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressing

do not pass sharps hand to handdo not use hand needlesdo not guide needle with fingers

do not resheath needlesdispose of all sharps in approved

containerdisposables and waste into yellow

clinical waste bag for incineration.

Additionally, when caring for HIV, hepatitis, and high risk patients;

mark all specimens as high risk; notify laboratory staff;

special arrangements for blood gases (Ask technicians)

use minimum invasive proceduresremove unnecessary equipment

high level disciplineexperienced carers onlydouble glove, gown, mask, eye

protectiondisposable anaesthetic and respiratory

care equipmentrefer to current local policies

Infected health workersThe GMC and Department of Health recommends that staff who think they have been at risk of infection should be confidentially counselled and tested.  If the worker is HIV or Hepatitis B e-antigen positive he/she should stop performing invasive procedures.  Observation of these recommendations is regarded as mandatory by the Medical Defence Societies.  The Trust are required to take active steps to ensure staff performing invasive procedures are not infected; in the near future it may be routine to check your hepatitis B e-antigen status, so your career is at risk if you are careless. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are an expanding problem in ICUs. Be careful to wash your hands before and after patient contacts and wear protective clothing (gloves, gown) when required by infection control policy. Frequent use of antiseptic gel-dispensers is encouraged. The NHS has adopted a ‘bare below the elbows’ policy even though there is no evidence that dress or uniform policy affects hospital-acquired infections. You should cooperate with staff screening procedures (a series of three nose swabs) when these are requested.

ProceduresAny vascular accessObserve policies on skin preparation, technique, dressing and audit in order to minimize complications including catheter-related sepsis.

Taking samplesSpecimen containers must only be labeled AFTER the specimen has been taken; prelabelling invariably leads to occasional errors, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.

Read The Instructions.Whenever you perform a procedure with a kit, whether a central venous line, dialysis catheter, or tracheostomy tube, be sure you are familiar with the Manufacturers note for the Operator.  When things go wrong, and you have omitted to do something recommended by the manufacturer, it is very difficult to defend you from litigation.

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Use 2D Ultrasound to visualise the vessel before and after catheterising it2DUS is available on the ICU. Check the anatomy, and confirm patency, before attempting vascular catheterization. Confirm correct placement and absence of haematomas after placement. You can periodically inspect indwelling vascular catheters for evidence of thrombus formation.

Arterial lines.Radial or dorsalis pedis arteries are usually used for safety and convenience, but brachial and femoral lines are better sites to measure the ‘central’ arterial pressure in hypotensive patients.  In norepinephrine treated shocked patients radial artery pressure usually underestimates central arterial pressure and may lead to unnecessarily high doses of vasopressor being used. The depth of the femoral artery from the skin demands a longer catheter than the standard 20G; remember to cannulate the femoral artery (if absolutely necessary) just below the inguinal ligament, lower approaches are traumatic.  Axillary artery cannulation is described but rarely used.Blood gas analysis.

Important decisions are taken on the basis of arterial and/ or venous blood gas results.  Take steps to prevent contamination of your samples due to flush solution or air.  Cap the syringe.Analyse straightaway, or else keep sample “on ice” if there is an unavoidable delay.

Ensure sample is well mixed before introducing to the blood gas machine.  Use the “mixing wire” provided for this purpose when analysing capillary samples (see instruction sheet for details).In ICU practice it is not necessary to adjust for patient temperature.The isoshunt method is recommended for choosing the next FIO2 after arterial blood analysis. (The diagram shown here is in Torr rather than kPa, and you do have to calculate the alveolar oxygen tension; clinical approximation (in kPa) PAO2 = FIO2(PB-6.2) - 1.2

(PaCO2).) And once you have estimated the PAO2 you can easily calculate the A-a gradient!Blood Cultures.

Bacteraemia is common in Intensive Care patients and mortality can only be reduced if we use blood culture techniques appropriately. When septicaemia is suspected (temperature spike, hypotension, tachycardia) a sample must be drawn using aseptic technique (iodine prep, gown & glove) from an uncatheterised vein. If catheter-related sepsis is suspected, draw "isolator" samples for semi-quantitative results from the suspect vascular catheters.

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Central lines.Uses;

measuring/ monitoring CVP, measuring/ monitoring venous gases, acid-base, electrolytes etc.injecting indicators for haemodynamic investigations,infusing/ administering drugs, infusing/ administering fluids, nutrition.

Triple or quadruple lumen catheters are often preferred.   Heparin bonded and antibiotic impregnated catheters can be used in selected cases.   A dedicated tunnelled feeding line (usually subclavian) is preferred for longer-term parenteral nutrition. CV catheters with continuous venous oximetry are available; see below on mixed venous oximetry for rationale.Central venous access routes;

NICE Technology Appraisal No 49 relates to Ultrasound Locating Devices for placing Central Venous Catheters. Please learn both landmark and US-guided techniques for application in your practice, and make a note in patient record which you used for each procedure.Pre-insertion imaging of the vein reveals its anatomy and patency at that point;

!

Post-insertion imaging can be used to confirm intravascular position;

Right internal jugular is preferred for routine central venous access.   Be aware of different approaches; 'high' depends upon palpation of carotid artery medial to sternomastoid and is widely taught by UK anaesthetists, while 'low' locates the vein at the apex of the triangle formed by sternal and clavicular heads of the muscle (clavicle at base of this triangle) and is preferred in US/ Canadian practice. The 'low' approach is used for retrograde jugular bulb catheterization. Left subclavian is the route of second choice, but should be preserved if parenteral nutrition may be needed.  Left internal jugular and right subclavian veins are technically more difficult to cannulate.  Infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation is a possible alternative to traditional approaches and can be ultrasound-guided. Supraclavicular approach to the subclavian vein is popular in some centres.  Basilic vein can be catheterised in the arm using 2DUS and is suitable for ‘long’ multi-lumen central venous catheters. Antecubital fossa long lines should only be used for acute short-term cannulation or when other approaches are contraindicated (e.g. profound coagulopathy).  Femoral venous cannulation looks deceptively simple, but a common mistake is attempt cannulation too far below the inguinal ligament.  You may then hit the long saphenous vein or one of its tributaries.  Note the position of the inguinal ligament, and attempt to puncture the vein no more than 1 inch below the ligament. It is best practice to avoid femoral vascular access as far as possible!

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Insertion

Use whichever route and technique of insertion you have been taught and are most confident with, and always ensure that you have read the manufacturers recommendations for the specific catheterisation kit you choose.  After placement of a subclavian or jugular catheter please get CXR within the hour and inspect carefully for pneumothorax and to check tip position (do not leave tip within the right atrium).  After connecting a CV line to the transducer, examine the trace for

waveform; SVC placement? tricuspid incompetence?pressure; referred to mid-axillary line is traditional, and note response to fluid challengepressure variability with positive pressure ventilation; minimal when blood volume is

'filled'.At earliest opportunity, draw and analyse a venous blood gas (VBG). A poor man’s substitute for ‘mixed’ venous blood from the pulmonary artery, but seems to have value for decision-making. Oxyhaemoglobin saturation 65-75% is about normal, but less than this suggests tissue hypoxia and need for urgent resuscitation. There is no benefit in "routine" line changing, but when a line must be changed it is acceptable to perform a change at the same site over a guide wire so long as the site is not evidently inflamed or infected.  Use aseptic technique, and send the tip of the old catheter for culture.  Take steps to avoid air embolism during insertion, changing or removal of central venous catheters.  Antiseptic surface treated catheters are now in common use.

Cardiac output measurementIndicator dilution (indocyanine green, lithium, thermal etc) and aortic blood flow (oesophageal Doppler) techniques predominate in bedside measurement/ monitoring. Care is needed to obtain reliable results. See manufacturer's instructions.Calculated 'Vascular resistance'

Instantaneous ratio of intravascular pressure to flow. Expressed as Wood Units (mmHg divided by L/min) or SI units (Wood multiplied by fudge factor 79.92 gives dyne sec cm-5). In practice, the haemodynamic relationship between flow and pressure is non-linear, and depends upon cardiac output, blood viscosity, and laminar/ turbulent flow characteristics. Therefore you can rationally treat pressure and flow measurements, but not their calculated ratio (see for example the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines). Further logical complexities follow when you use cardiac index in place of cardiac output to calculate 'vascular resistance index'.Calculated ‘Arterial elastance’

If you can monitor stroke volume, an alternative way to assess vascular ‘tone’ is to look at the ratio of the proportionate change in arterial pressure to the proportionate change in arterial volume during an inspiratory – expiratory cycle. For example, if the arterial pressure variation is 5% and the arterial stroke volume variation is 5%, the arterial elastance is 1. When the elastance is less than 1 (volume change greater than pressure change), consider vasoconstrictor therapy. When the elastance is greater than 1 (pressure change greater than volume change), consider vasodilators.

Pulmonary artery (right heart) cathetersIf you believe that you need information about the cardiac output, pulmonary venous and arterial pressures to provide effective care for your patient you will use a pulmonary artery flotation catheter (PAFC). Proposed indications include the monitoring of patients

undergoing major surgery,with acute cardiovascular failurewith severe acute respiratory failure

A PAFC is expensive and can cause fatal complications; if you decide to use a PAFC you should make every effort to get maximum information from it and be prepared to treat any abnormalities detected; nobody gets better simply because you put in a ‘Swan’.  The best sites of insertion are right internal jugular, left subclavian or left antecubital fossa.  “Keep the curve of the catheter” and from these sites it will go easily to the right pulmonary artery. Wedging

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Remember the FOUR CRUCIAL STEPS in measuring pulmonary artery wedge pressure.

1/ check PA waveform; is it of good quality? note PA systolic/mean/diastolic.2/ inflate the balloon SLOWLY until the trace ‘wedges’then lock the syringe port.  DEFLATE if there is undue resistance or ‘overwedge’ (steadily rising pressure) 3/ PAOP is the mean pressure during expiration (the Servo ventilator features an ‘expiratory hold’ button to facilitate a steady trace).  Is the trace good? “acv” waves should be evident, and the ‘wedge’ should be lower than PA diastolic.4/ Deflate the balloon slowly; does the PA waveform return?What does the wedge pressure tell us?

If the catheter is in “West zone 3” when the artery is occluded, flow ceases up to the junction with the first venous tributary from a non-occluded arterial branch. Thus the occlusion pressure is a measure of pulmonary venous pressure. A special problem with measuring intravascular pressures in the chest is that they should be referenced to intrathoracic pressure (the transmural pressure gradient) but for expedience we reference them to extrathoracic pressure (usually the mid-axillary line). Positive pressure ventilation is an additional confounding factor. Do not disconnect patients with Type 1 respiratory failure from PEEP or CPAP in an attempt to get a truer wedge pressure; lung units collapse quickly as FRC falls and may be slow to recruit.“Left ventricular preload” would ideally be measured as the left ventricular end-diastolic volume. To correlate pressure to volume assumptions have to be made about ventricular compliance and the pressure gradient between the ventricle and pulmonary veins will depend upon heart rate and mitral valvular function. “Pulmonary capillary pressure” is a determinant of fluid flux across the capillary and is always higher than pulmonary venous. In health, the Garr formula gives a reasonable approximation of pulmonary capillary pressure;PCAP=PAOP+(0.4(mean PPA-PAOP)This presumes that 40% of the pulmonary vascular resistance is venular; in critical illness however there is substantial variability.Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Spontaneously breathing patients with PAOP or LVEDP >15cmH2O consistently show a square wave response during the strain phase of Valsalva manoeuvre, while patients with low PAOP/LVEDP (<8cmH2O) have exaggerated systolic pressure drop. In ventilated patients, look out for systolic pressure swing with IPPV as a marker of hypovolaemia. To mimic the Valsalva manoeuvre, examine effect of inspiratory pressure pause at about 30-40cmH2O on systolic BP to further assess adequacy of  LV preload. If the vascular pedicle width on the chest radiograph is greater than 70mm, the PAOP is likely to be >15. Sequential changes in the VPW reflect changes in the intravascular volume and PAOP.Mixed venous blood analysis

Venous blood streams are fully mixed by the time they get to the pulmonary artery, so oxygen consumption calculations use sVO2. By drawing back very gently with the catheter 'wedged' you can obtain true pulmonary capillary blood, but too dangerous to recommend in clinical practice! Fibreoptic catheters can be used for continuous mixed venous oximetery. Low values suggest tissue hypoxia and should be treated if possible.Cardiac output measurement by thermistor catheter

1. Refer to manufacturers guidance to prevent technical errors relating to injectate volume and temperature, and correction factors for various thermistors. Errors will produce potentially dangerous miscalculations.  You should be consistent when making repeated measures of cardiac output in the timing of injectate. Synchronisation to the respiratory cycle   may give more reproducible results than unsynchronised injections, but will

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overestimate the mean Qt if synchronised to the ventilators expiration, as is sometimes advocated, or underestimate if the patient is breathing spontaneously. You should note that tricuspid regurgitation is common in patients under mechanical ventilation, and this can cause either underestimation or overestimation of the cardiac output by thermodilution. PA catheters should be removed as soon as practicable and always by 72 hours.

Haemofiltration; vascular access.The preferred access is a double lumen catheter inserted into a subclavian vein.  The standard pack includes Seldinger wire and a rigid dilator to assist placement.  It may sometimes be necessary to use a femoral vein just below the inguinal ligament but this limits patient mobility and is more prone to contamination than other sites. If high volume haemofiltration is to be used as an adjunct to shock reversal, a larger double lumen catheter is required (consult with ICU technicians).

Endotracheal intubation.Anaesthetists seem to prefer general anaesthesia and muscle relaxation for intubation, but in the critically ill patient be prepared for exaggerated hypotension on induction and initiation of positive pressure ventilation.  It is also necessary to take precautions against regurgitation, but suxamethonium is a very dangerous drug in the presence of acidosis and/or hyperkalaemia, and in the presence of burns or denervation (e.g. spinal cord injury).   A modified rapid sequence induction with a non-depolarising agent such as vecuronium or rocuronium is often safer.  Awake fibreoptic guided intubation under local anaesthesia has advantages and is probably underused. The cuff of the tube should be liberally lubricated with gel in order to prevent leakage of pharyngeal liquids into the trachea. Even with lubrication, standard low-pressure cuffs become leaky after 24 hours.Croup;

Epiglottitis commonly affects children aged 3-7 years, but adults are sometimes severely affected. The onset is typically rapid with high fever (>38.5C), dyspnoea and sore throat.  Swallowing is so painful the patient sits up and drools.  In suspected epiglottitis summon the on-call ENT Registrar to theatre, then an experienced anaesthetist performs intubation under inhalational anaesthesia with emergency tracheotomy equipment to hand.   Place nasogastric tube. Prolonged tracheal intubation

If patients are to be intubated for more than 72 hours give consideration to nasotracheal route; an oral tube may be changed for a nasal one when convenient.  Contraindications to nasal intubation include basal skull fractures and coagulopathy.  Complications are said to include maxillary sinusitis, but evidence suggests sinusitis is is just as common with other routes of intubation. Nasotracheal intubation in ICU seems to have gone out of fashion, but remains a useful option.

TracheostomyThe evidence base is equivocal, but consideration should be given to tracheostomy if long term tracheal intubation is anticipated.  Bedside ‘percutaneous’ techniques include sequential or one-stage dilators (Ciaglia), one-stage forceps dilation (Portex), and a translaryngeal dilator which is pulled from the outside instead of pushed (Mallenkrodt). Do not attempt these procedures without prior supervised training.  Percutaneous tracheostomies are preferred to open surgical techniques in most cases.Minitracheostomy is actually performed through the cricothyroid membrane and is useful in emergencies.   Also used for airway toilet in patients unable to cough adequately, and occasionally used to allow jet ventilation. For any percutaneous tracheostomy technique, an ultrasonographic examination of the proposed tracheostomy site to reveal aberrant arteries or veins is recommended by some. Infiltration with local anaesthetic plus epinephrine provides post-procedure analgesia and reduces blood loss. A 1.5-2cm transverse incision must be made below the cricoid cartilage, and blunt dissection to the pre-tracheal fascia performed, BEFORE any attempt is made to puncture the trachea at the first-second or second-third tracheal ring space. Fibre-optic confirmation of atraumatic puncture of the trachea and suitable level is recommended before dilation begins.

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Drugs and endotracheal tubes for formal intubation should be readily to hand in case of serious complications.

Setting up a ventilatorA machine will usually be provided assembled and ready for use when a patient is intubated.  However, the responsibility for prescribing ventilator settings and checking the safe performance of the ventilator is yours. Modern ventilators feature assist/control (A/C), support and synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) modes. Familiarise yourself with the ventilators and how to set them early in your attachment.

Patient transportThe principles of safe secondary transfer are simple but too often neglected.   Critically-ill patients should be intubated and mechanically ventilated for transport. An adequate blood volume must be assured, and this will usually require monitoring of CVP.  Arterial pressure monitoring and continuous pulse oximetry are usual.   Only when the patients condition is stable should he be moved.  Nonetheless, equipment for resuscitation should be carried by the attending doctor.

ThoracostomyComplications of this procedure can be life-threatening, so please be meticulous in your technique. Patients with coagulopathy, poorly compliant lungs and pleural pathology are common in ICUs and are at special risk. Ultrasonographic localisation of fluid collections is recommended.

1. Position patient, ideally sitting up or semi-recumbent in order to lower the diaphragm.

2. Check physical signs and confirm indication for drain insertion.

3. Identify site for insertion (recommended, the “TRIANGLE OF SAFETY” in front of the midaxillary line, behind the posterior border of pectoralis major, and above the level of the nipple (T4 vertebra).

4. Prep with iodine or alcoholic chlorhexidine, drape, infiltrate with lignocaine & epinephrine (down to pleura, confirming pleural air or fluid by aspiration into syringe).

5. Horizontal skin incision at lower border of chosen rib, purse string suture placed if you have time.

6. Blunt dissection with curved forceps up and over that rib, then into the pleural space.

7. Enlarge tract by opening the jaws of the forceps.

8. Digital exploration of the pleural cavity to ensure the lung is not adherent.

9. Use no trochar or other rigid device; if possible, have ventilator disconnected while you introduce tube; pass tube into space and direct it appropriately (superior/anterior for air, posterior for fluid).

10. Connect to drainage bottle.11. Secure by sutures and adhesive

dressing.12. Check CXR.

Metabolic measurementsA Metabolic monitor can be connected to the patients ventilator circuit (or hood if extubated) to assess patients metabolic rate and therefore calorific feeding requirement.   It monitors inspired gas concentrations and draws the expired gas into a fixed flow rate generator, measures the mean PCO2 in the generator by infrared analysis and so calculates VCO2.  FECO2 is also measured, and the expired minute volume derived (VE=VCO2/FECO2).  This eliminates errors intrinsic in trying to measure VE.   Respiratory Quotient is calculated by the Haldane transformation; RQ=(1-FIO2)/([FIO2-FEO2]/FECO2)-FIO2.   VO2 is derived from the formula VO2=VCO2/RQ. 

RadiologyYou must particularly familiarise yourself with the interpretation of chest and cervical spine radiographs.

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Portable AP Chest X rays are ordered;

after intubation and ventilation of acutely ill patients (including tracheostomy),

after central venous cannulation to check position of catheter tip

after any other procedure with risk of pneumothorax,

daily in acutely ill ventilated patients to monitor vascular pedicle width, CTR, consolidation, collapse, oedema of lung parenchyma; such routine radiography may be done at longer intervals in stable but ventilated patients,

following acute cardiorespiratory changes.

Portable lateral cervical spine X rays can be performed in the A&E department or Intensive Care Unit when injuries are suspected. Assess AABCS; Adequacy (C1-C7/T1), Alignment, Bones, Cartilage and joints, Soft tissues. To exclude bony injury, request a "full cervical spine series" which will include lateral, AP, AP peg view and (only if needed to show C7/T1) swimmers view. Get Radiologists report. A normal cervical X-ray series does not exclude the possibility of significant ligamentous injury with the potential for spinal cord injury. Before cervical immobilisation can be discontinued, the conscious patient must be examined for spinal stability and absence of signs of cord injury. If patient cannot cooperate, discuss with Consultant Radiologist; options include MRI scan or dynamic lateral screened flexion and extension views.

Management of self poisoningIntensive care involvement is usually requested for patients with serious obtundation of consciousness with risk of aspiration pneumonia. Patients with no gag reflex should be intubated. Patients who retain their gag reflex need careful assessment as to intubate them will require administration of anaesthesia, which is dangerous in patients with a full stomach.Gut decontamination techniques.

Activated charcoal and gastric lavage are only of value up to one hour after ingestion. Emesis should rarely be used. Whole-bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol solution may have a place in certain poisonings.Carbon monoxide poisoning

should be treated with 100% oxygen inhalation to maximize PO2 in blood and at the mitochondrion in order to shorten the elimination half life of the poisonous gas. Despite some controversial trials, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended for patients who have been unconscious, or if CO concentration has exceeded 40%, or if there are neurological changes. However, availability and the logistics of transfer to a chamber may make treatment impracticable.

Consent to treatment.The Mental Capacity Act gives power to consent to treatment to adults who are not shown to be incapacitated, or (when they are found to lack capacity) to a donee under a Lasting Power of Attorney or to a Court-appointed Deputy. A new Court of Protection exists for those rare cases that go to law for determination. The role of kin (or of an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate where no friends or family can be identified) in the care of the incapacitated adult is to advice what the patient might hold to be important when a best interests judgment is made by the decision maker, who is usually the patient’s Consultant. Where nobody can be found to represent the interests of the incapax adult facing major treatment decisions, the local IMCA must be approached.

Withholding and withdrawing life sustaining treatments in the Critical Care Unit; a few practical and legal points.Legal

UK law puts the highest priority on the protection and preservation of life……but does not require a doctor to “strive officiously to keep alive” patients who are dying.(What does the law mean by ‘dying’? It is a medical judgment.)

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A doctor’s duty to preserve life can be overruled by a patient’s freely-made and explicitly-stated decision to refuse life-sustaining treatment.A doctor who takes active steps to end a life is guilty of attempting murder, even if the patient has requested the lethal treatment.A medical treatment which has as an unintended side effect the shortening of life may be given with consent or on the principle of necessity; this can be seen as an example of the ‘doctrine of double effect’. It includes the palliative use of opioid agonists even though they may suppress respiratory drive.Treatments being used to preserve the life of a patient who is incapable of making a decision about his treatment and who is not ‘dying’ may only be withdrawn if there can be no doubt that death is in the patient’s best interest. Perceptions of poor quality of life are not grounds for withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments. Courts are keen to protect disabled people from negative attitudes to their quality of life.Where there is dispute or uncertainty over a decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment, the final decision lies with the Court of Protection. It is a breach of a patient’s European Convention Rights (Article 8) to fail to seek the decision of a Court in reasonable time.Practical

Sometimes requests are made for treatment of dying patients in critical care units because the patient or family are insisting that ‘everything’ possible is done. Situations like this can usually be defused by diplomatic explanation that ‘everything’ does not include treatments which have no prospect of saving life, and by negotiation of a more realistic treatment plan with clear end of life arrangements. A Department of Health criterion for ICU admission and treatment is a reasonable expectation that the patient’s life can be saved.In most cases, the reason for WH/WD will be that the patient is dying in spite of all reasonable attempts to save the life. TW recommends that the patient’s family is informed of, and accepting of, a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment in anticipation that the patient will die. They should be advised that, just occasionally, patients survive after treatments intended to prolong life are withdrawn.Withdraw inotropes and pressors first; just occasionally these drugs seem to be doing more harm than good.In unstoppable haemorrhage, withhold all fluids and monitor the haemodynamic consequence; just occasionally, bleeding stops as blood pressure becomes very low and the condition stabilises.There has been some interesting debate about the ethics of withdrawing assisted ventilation from patients who are under the influence of muscle relaxant drugs. TW recommends that muscle relaxants are discontinued and their effect allowed to wear off before discontinuing ventilation.

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Chapter 3

General careBody positionCritically ill patients are often limited in mobility and posture is chosen by attending staff. Supine position seems to be the default norm. It is however known to be associated with reduced functional residual capacity even in healthy anaesthetised patients. If the ventilated patient has sufficient blood pressure to tolerate it, the semi-recumbent position (45% head up) is associated with lower incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Intermittent prone positioning improves oxygenation in some patients with acute lung injury but the effect on outcome is not established. Specialised beds for prevention of decubitus ulcer or hypostatic pneumonia are expensive.

Acute Gastric dilatationis associated with trauma or acute respiratory failure (air swallowing) and occurs in children and adults.   Made worse by CPAP or PPV with a face mask.   May cause hypotension or regurgitation, it requires decompression with a gastric tube.

Peptic ulcerationIt is held that critically ill patients are at risk of stress ulceration, though it is likely that with the modern awareness of the importance of maintaining cardiac output and tissue oxygenation, the risk (about 5% in patients ventilated for 48 hours or more) is less than it used to be.   In the past, antacids and sucralfate have been used for stress ulcer prophylaxis. In a large Canadian RCT intravenous ranitidine 50mg 8 hourly (frequency reduced in renal failure) gave protection against gastrointestinal bleeding with relatively little adverse effect on ventilator associated pneumonia. It should therefore be the routine prophylactic for patients who are expected to be ventilated for more than 48 hours. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are generally superior to H2 antagonists and so are a reasonable alternative for critically-ill patients. Omeprazole and lansoprazole use the hepatic cytochrome P450 metabolic pathway and interfere with the metabolism of numerous other drugs, especially in patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction, which are common in critical illness. Pantoprazole is, in theory at least, pharmacokinetically superior and can be considered in certain cases. Pantoprazole infusion is used to control severe GI haemorrhage. Once enteral nutrition is fully established, no prophylaxis is required unless there are other risk factors such as heparinisation, coagulopathy, chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration or steroids.

NutritionStart at the earliest opportunity, aiming to provide 25-75% of the calculated energy expenditure every day while the patient is critically-ill.  The preferred route is enteral, and studies show that the presence of bowel sounds is not necessary. Maintain good fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce opioids if there is ileus.   Remember that dopamine inhibits peristalsis and may cause nausea.  You are reminded that neuromuscular blocking drugs have no effect on visceral smooth muscle and so they do not prevent peristalsis. Gastric stasis sometimes prevents food being passed to the small bowel and some units use jejunal feed.   We prefer to try metoclopromide if stasis occurs, considering cisapride or domperidone if that fails.  Note that the antibiotic erythromycin is a very effective promotility agent.   Give feeds ‘full strength’, as there is no benefit in diluting them.   Diarrhoea is common, and is not an indication to suspend feeding. Even very small amounts of enteral feed (10ml/h) may be beneficial as nutrients of the intestinal mucosa.

“Renal dose” dopamine... should not be used.   Dopamine 1-3microg/kg/minute has been   used “to   promote splanchnic blood flow” in shocked patients and as a mild diuretic in spite of a lack of evidence for clinical benefit.Dopamine depresses the circulating concentrations of all the anterior pituitary-dependent hormones except for cortisol. Important consequences include the “sick euthyroid syndrome”, growth hormone deficiency (metabolic) and prolactin deficiency (immune problems).

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Remember that it may make patients feel nauseated, and inhibit gastric motility. It also attenuates hypoxic drive.Dopexamine combines dopaminergic properties with beta-2 and norepinephrine-1 uptake inhibition. It shares dopamine's hormonal effects.

Neither wet nor dryFluid and solute balance is crucial to a good outcome. The Danish Study on Perioperative Fluid Therapy suggests that as positive fluid balance (body weight) increases, the incidence of cardiac, pulmonary and even infectious complications rises. Daily input of more than 3.5 litres of fluid, or weight gain of more than 2.5kg from baseline is dangerous. Fluid balance charts must be scrutinised but are imprecise over the longer term. Daily weighing is recommended if possible. Learn to measure the vascular pedicle width on chest radiograph and follow sequential changes. Diuretics (e.g. furosemide up to 80mg/day or spironolactone enterally) can be used to counter the tendency of ventilated critically ill patients to accumulate excess body water.

Thrombo-embolism prophylaxisPatients with normal clotting and platelet counts who are immobilised for more than 72 hours, or who have undergone major pelvic or abdominal surgery, are at risk of thrombosis and embolism.   Prescribe unfractionated Heparin 5,000 iu sc   tds (bd in small patients) unless there are contra-indications.  Low molecular weight heparins accumulate in renal insufficiency, and monitoring their effect is difficult, so they are not to be regarded as first-line therapy for newly-admitted and unstable critically ill patients, especially when bleeding complications would be undesirable. Compression stockings or devices can be used as an alternative to or to supplement the effects of heparin.   Active or passive mobilisation by nursing and physiotherapy staff helps prevent thrombosis, disuse atrophy and contractures.

Hospital acquired infectionsThe important causes of infection in the ICU include the following organisms;Staphylococcus Aureus;

Gram-positive coccus carried by normal people and spread both airborne and via staff-patient contact.  Methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) are increasingly common.  Patients staying more than a few hours in a hospital ward were MRSA is known to be present must be isolated on Intensive Care and carefully screened.   In some instances, infected areas may have to be closed to admissions in order to eradicate MRSA from the environment. There are worrying reports of MRSA with intermediate resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin.Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS);

CNS such as Staph. epidermidis are normal skin flora and are often only sensitive to vancomycin or teicoplanin.   They are responsible for much catheter-related sepsis as they produce a “biomatrix” or “slime” which enables colonies to attach to and thrive on inert surfaces.  Infected lines must usually be removed.Enterococci;

Ent. faecalis and Ent. faecium are normal gut and vaginal Gram-positive flora which can cause urinary tract infections, wound infections, endocarditis and bacteraemia in critically-ill patients.  Widespread use of cephalosporins, to which they are often resistant, may account for the increasing importance of Enterococci.   Ampicillin or vancomycin with a second antibiotic is the first line of treatment, though resistance is increasing (glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, GRE).Pseudomonas spp and Xanthomonas;

These Gram-negative bacilli are not normal flora, but are widespread in the environment and flourish in moist areas.   In infected patients we usually use two antibiotics from amongst aminoglycosides, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and meropenem.Acinetobacter spp;

Gram-negative cocco-bacilli which flourish in moist areas, and are also part of normal skin flora.  Treat according to sensitivities.Other Gram negative opportunist bacteria;

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Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterobacter spp (collectively known as the enterobacteriaceae) are increasingly showing resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones and trimethoprim.Clostridium difficile

C. diff. associated diarrhoea (CDAD) is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and colitis, a healthcare associated intestinal infection that mostly affects elderly patients with other underlying diseases. Diagnosis is confirmed by finding toxins A & B in the stool. Metronidazole is the treatment of choice, but vancomycin may be more effective against the more virulent strains of the bacterium.Basis of resistance to antimicrobials

Resistance arises via mutation of the organism, gene transfer from one organism to another, or by selection. Mechanisms of resistance include inactivation of the antimicrobial outside the cell wall (by penicillinases, beta-lactamases, carbapenemases etc), impermeability of the cell wall to the antimicrobial, active excretion of the antimicrobial by the bacterium, changes to the antimicrobials target protein, and alternate metabolic pathways to bypass blocks produced by the antimicrobial. Intensive Care Units are recognised as danger areas for development of resistant organisms.Yeasts

Difficult to isolate, can contribute to high mortality multiple organ system failure.  Risk factors include severe illness, prolonged tracheal intubation or other body cavity catheterisation, use of broad spectrum antibiotics, parenteral nutrition and immunosuppression.   Positive diagnosis is made if the patient develops endophthalmitis or organisms are isolated from a normally sterile organ such as kidney,  lung or blood. Empiric therapy should be considered in patients with multiple site colonisation, or in single site colonisation if the patients condition is deteriorating. Commonest species Candida albicans is often sensitive to fluconazole or voriconazole. Flucytosine is an adjunctive therapy. Candida glabrata and others may necessitate amphoteracin B or caspofungin therapy. C. parapsilosis forms biofilms, lives on health workers hands, and has a predeliction to settle in central lines; mostly sensitive to fluconazole.

Breaking the cycle of infectionPrevention of secondary infections can be considered under four main headings;Surveillance

Vigilance to detect outbreaks and take appropriate action. The Department of Health has surveillance systems in place for MRSA, CDAD and GRE.Interrupting the spread

Hand washing, protective clothing, good design of the ICU, cleaning & disinfection of surfaces.Modifying risk factors

Rational use of appropriate antibiotics, rotation of antibiotic policies, avoid using unnecessary catheters and cannulae, good patient nutrition, restrictive use of drugs which impair immunity (e.g steroids, opiates, inotropes).Diminishing the reservoir;

Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract (SDD) with oropharyngeal and gastric antibiotics, plus systemic antibiotics and microbiological surveillance (also called selective parenteral and enteral antibiotic regimen, SPEAR) has been proposed as a strategy for prevention of nosocomial infections.   A randomized controlled trial involving nearly 6000 patients in 13 ICUs in the Netherlands (NEJM 2009) confirmed 28-day mortality benefit. The odds ratio for death at d28 for SDD was 0.83. Selective oropharyngeal decontamination alone (SOD) was almost as good, odds ratio 0.86. SOD can also be used in the treatment of patients with difficult Gram-negative pneumonias.  These patients should preferably be nursed in a side room.   The non-absorbable oropharyngeal and enteral drugs are polymixin, amphoteracin and tobramicin. 

Nosocomial, or Ventilator associated, pneumoniaVAP should be suspected in a patient with new or persistent radiologic features of pneumonia without other cause, plus two of; pyrexia, abnormal white cell count, purulent tracheal

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secretions or growth of potentially pathogenic micro-organisms from them, and increasing oxygen requirements. Alkalinisation of the stomach facilitates passage of potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) within the intestinal tract to the oropharynx with the risk of respiratory tract infection.   Using upright or semi-recumbent posture reduces oropharyngeal contamination and subsequent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Fibre-optic guided broncho-alveolar lavage is not superior to standard tracheal suction specimens in the management of VAP.

Urinary tract infectionsare presumed to be due to perineal soiling with PPMs in catheterised patients.   It is often necessary to replace the catheter as part of the treatment.

Catheter-related sepsisis often due to coagulase-negative staphylococci which form a protective layer of slime and are difficult to treat.  Prevention is better than cure.  If suspected;

inspect site and remove catheter if obviously  inflamed or infected, but if site is clean then;discontinue dextrose or TPN solutions down the suspect catheter andsend isolator specimen (for semi-quantitative culture) from the line plus standard venous

blood culture sample (draw these samples yourself to ensure there is no contamination, notify lab).

It is acceptable to change lines over a wire if the site looks clean, but send tip of the old catheter for culture, and remove the ‘new’ line if results suggest it may have been contaminated during wire change.

Gut permeability and systemic sepsis Shock is presumed to reduce the effectiveness of the bowel wall as a barrier to bacterial invasion, and so toxinaemia and bacteraemia may occur (by ‘translocation’ from the bowel lumen) even in ‘cardiogenic’ shock.  Minor portal vein bacteraemia or endotoxinaemia is easily mopped up by hepatic reticulo-endothelial cells (Kupffer cells) facilitated by opsonisation with plasma fibronectin, but when these defences are overwhelmed systemic sepsis occurs.   A hypothesis which provides justification of the practice of selective decontamination of the digestive tract. Good evidence in support of this theory is awaited, and the practice is not widely adopted.

Systemic inflammatory response and septic shock TERM ACCP/SCCM DEFINITION

Infection Local inflammatory response to micro-organisms or invasion of normally sterile host tissue by micro-organisms

Bacteraemia, viraemia, fungaemia, parasitaemia etc.

Presence of viable micro-organisms in the blood.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

May be due to infective or non-infective insults such as trauma, burns and pancreatitis. Two or more of the following;

1 Temperature >38C or <36C

2 Heart rate >90 beats per minute

3 Respiratory rate > 20 breaths per min.

4 White Cell Count >12,000/ml or <4,000/ml or >10% immature (band) forms. Sepsis Systemic inflammatory response to infection. Criteria as for SIRS.

Severe sepsis Sepsis associated with organ dysfunction, perfusion abnormality, or hypotension.

Septic shock Sepsis with hypotension (unresponsive to adequate fluid resuscitation) and perfusion abnormality (e.g. lactic acidosis, oliguria, acute alteration in mental status).

Hypotension Systolic blood pressure <90mmHg or <40mmHg below baseline for the patient.

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)

Presence of altered organ function in an acutely ill patient such that homeostasis cannot be maintained without intervention.

Not all that is pyrexial and leucocytotic is sepsis.

Changes in temperature, white cell count and multi-system organ dysfunction are seen in both sepsis and a number of non-septic conditions such as trauma, burns, pancreatitis and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome).   Even some of our

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common "therapeutic" interventions, like positive pressure ventilation with supranormal tidal volumes and the administration of morphine may predispose to inflammation. The unifying feature appears to be stimulation of cytokine production by macrophages and other tissues; among the more important inflammatory cytokines seem to be tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1).   Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in cell membranes appear to be an important part of the immune response to bacteria and toxins and trigger a variety of chemical responses which are of research interest.Cytopathic hypoxia; the Warburg effect

In 1931 Otto Warburg won a Nobel Prize for his work on the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by cancer cells, which rely heavily on anaerobic pathways, and so generate large amounts of lactate. More recent research is elucidating the role of mitochondrial damage, and it seems that similar changes may occur in ‘septic’ cells. Under cytokine stimulation or after severe hypoxia many tissues appear to undergo a transformation in the way they generate ATP. Glycolysis (glucose -> pyruvate -> lactate) is increased while mitochondrial respiration is impaired. Clinical studies show that tissue oxygen tensions may be normal or even high. The condition has been called cytopathic hypoxia and it can be modeled in in-vitro laboratory studies. Cytopathic hypoxia is an acquired, potentially reversible, intrinsic derangement in cellular respiration. Laboratory studies show that it develops after prolonged exposure to a pro-inflammatory milieu (at least 8-48 hours) and is caused by structural damage to mitochondria (Complex I). The mechanism of mitochondrial damage is superoxide and peroxynitrite reactions with DNA, which trigger the poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) repair mechanism, which in turn uses NAD+ and depletes its availability for respiration. Two important clinical management principles emerge from insight into the condition known as cytopathic hypoxia. Firstly, that there is a short ‘window of opportunity’ to prevent cytopathic hypoxia and MODS by rapid resuscitation and treatment. Secondly, that once cytopathic hypoxia is established, therapies that are intended to increase blood flow/ oxygen delivery/ tissue oxygen tension become unlikely to be effective, and may even become harmful. Lactate becomes an important fuel during cytopathic hypoxia and lactataemia will only resolve as cells revert to predominantly aerobic respiration. Clinical studies to date appear to support these hypotheses.Immunological and haematological changes

Interferon (IFN-gamma) is a stimulator of macrophages but its importance in the pathophysiology of systemic inflammation is not clear.   Other mediators of systemic inflammatory response include circulating and endothelial components of the coagulation cascades, platelet activating factor (PAF), the arachadonic acid metabolites (cyclooxygenase pathway leads to prostaglandins (PG), prostacyclin and thromboxane(TXA); lipoxygenase pathway produces leukotrienes (LT)), complement cascade, proteases, and the endorphins.  In addition to these circulating factors, the vascular endothelium expresses adhesion molecules (P, E and L selectins) which hold leukocytes plus intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM 1 & 2) to bind neutrophils, and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM 1) to bind lymphocytes.  The relatively low shear forces on white cells passing through the pulmonary circulation may make the lung particularly vulnerable to attack when neutrophil activation occurs. Activated Protein C exerts an antithrombotic effect by inhibiting Factors Va and VIIIa and  has indirect profibrinolytic activity through its ability to inhibit plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and limiting generation of activated thrombin-activatable-fibrinolysis-inhibitor. Additionally, Activated Protein C may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting human tumor necrosis factor production by monocytes, by blocking leukocyte adhesion to selectins, and by limiting the thrombin-induced inflammatory responses within the microvascular endothelium.

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Investigating cellular processes which occur in the interstitial space is especially challenging. Research is showing how the structural molecules of the extracellular matrix modify tissue macrophage function. Erythropoetin modulates a broad array of cellular processes in ischaemia and hypoxia and may prove to be an effective cytoprotective agent. Clinical trials strongly suggest a survival benefit in critically-ill trauma patients which cannot be accounted for by transfusion requirements.In an attempt to standardise the definitions of sepsis, the systemic inflammatory response, and shock, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and American College of Chest Physicians has proposed the criteria outlined in the above table. In 2004 an International collaboration of professional organisations (sponsored by Eli Lilly) published the first 'Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines' for care of patients with sepsis. A checklist is provided as an appendix to the Guide. The full current document can be downloaded from http://www.sccm.org/ and other web sites.SIRS/CARS & MARS?

Failure of clinical trials utilising specific antagonists of the mediators of SIRS has prompted some “experts” to reassess the theory of SIRS and to propose that in critical illness the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators may be more important than just the suppression of SIRS.  The late Roger Bone has proposed to label the anti-inflammatory response CARS (compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome) in which the HLA-DR expression on monocytes is <30% and there is a diminished ability of monocytes to produce inflammatory cytokines. In most patients there will be a mixed antagonists response (MARS) with SIRS or CARS predominating.Bones mnemonic for the consequences of SIRS/CARS/MARS is CHAOS;Cardiovascular compromise (SIRS dominant)Homeostasis (perfect balance of SIRS/CARS, return to health).Apoptosis (cell death with minimal inflammation)Organ dysfunction (SIRS dominant)Suppression of immune system (CARS dominant).“Double hit” theory

A single insult such as cardiogenic shock or pneumonia only infrequently progresses to MODS, but multiple insults are much more likely to be complicated by MODS. This observation has lead to a suggestion that the first insult in some way primes the immune system to overreact to the second insult leading to MODS, and has been called the double hit theory.

Anti-inflammatory therapies in severe sepsis.A randomised controlled trial of recombinant human activated protein C (called Drotrecogin alfa (activated)) was terminated because of 28 day mortality benefit, relative risk of death reduced by about 20%; the number needed to treat for an additional survivor is of the order of 15, more effective than thrombolysis in myocardial infarction. Licensed as an adjuvant therapy for severe sepsis.A French collaborative study of hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone in severe sepsis has shown survival benefit in patients with poor response to a corticotrophin stimulation test, but an International trial called CORTICUS failed to find any survival benefit. More research is needed to establish indications for these therapies in UK intensive care units.

Organ dysfunction or failure.Outcome is strongly correlated to the number of failing organ systems.  Various definitions of multiple organ system dysfunction or failure have been proposed.   In general, the “organ systems” and “markers of dysfunction” are as the example given below;

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Vincent JL et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction / failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22:707-710.Vincent JL et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction / failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22:707-710.Vincent JL et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction / failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22:707-710.Vincent JL et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction / failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22:707-710.Vincent JL et al. The SOFA (Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment) score to describe organ dysfunction / failure. Intensive Care Med. 1996;22:707-710.

1 2 3 4Respiratory; PaO2/FIO2

< 53 (with or without support)

< 40 (with or without support)

< 27 and mechanically ventilated

< 13 and mechanically ventilated

Nervous; GCS 13, 14 12, 11, 10 9, 8, 7 <7CVS; MAP or pressors mic/kg/min

>70 Dop<5 or dob (any)

Dop>5 or norepi <0.1 or epi <0.1

Dop>15 or norepi >0.1 or epi >0.1

Liver; bili micmol/L

20-32 33-101 102-204 >204

Coag (platelets) <150 <100 <50 <20Renal 110-170 171-299 300-440 or u/o

<0.5L/d>440 or u/o <0.2L/d

Neuromuscular changesA number of complications may occur during prolonged critical illness leading to profound weakness and delayed recovery. Monitor strength by simple parameters, such as;

1. full strength in legs/ arms/ hand grip2. unable to raise arm at shoulder, leg at hip3. unable to bend elbow, knee4. unable to move hand/ foot, fingers/ toes.

DISUSE atrophy of the diaphragm can be seen on histological, biochemical and gene-expression studies after as little as 18 hours disuse on mechanical ventilation. CATABOLIC atrophy is common.  CRITICAL ILLNESS NEUROMYOPATHY (CINM) is an axonal degeneration of sensory and motor nerves.  It is often associated with sepsis; CPK is essentially normal and muscle biopsy shows denervation changes.  Recovery may be slow, and ventilator support may be needed after oxygenation has recovered.  Patients given prolonged muscle relaxant therapy may suffer from PROLONGED BLOCKADE upon termination, or MOTOR NEUROPATHY/ MYOPATHY with raised CPK especially when steroids have also been used (called acute quadriplegic myopathy, AQM).   Rarely, patients may suffer from ACUTE MYOSITIS or PYOMYOSITIS with raised CPK, and necrosis seen on biopsy.

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Chapter 4

Circulatory supportResuscitation.You are expected to be familiar with, and capable of practising, basic and advanced life support for children and adults.  The resuscitation guidelines are frequently updated by the many expert bodies who issue them. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) has representatives from the European Resuscitation Council, the American Heart Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Resuscitation Council of South Africa and the Resuscitation Council of Latin America. They have also published guidelines for research into resuscitation.Post-resuscitation care is important. Patients who do not regain consciousness within a few minutes of restoring their circulation can benefit from a period of induced hypothermia.

Do Not attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) instructions are made on Consultant responsibility after discussion with the patient or (in patients lacking decision-making capacity) next-of-kin.  May include “Do Not Escalate” (DNE, where survival is still possible and current support is continued, but no increase or addition would be made) or “Allow Natural Death” (AND, where the focus of treatment is on a comfortable dying). DNAR orders should be reviewed periodically and can be rescinded in the light of changing circumstances. Compliance with BMA/UKCC guidelines is expected in UK practice.

Shockis said to be an acute syndrome of circulatory insufficiency leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and cellular dysfunction. There are three conceptual categories and the patient may fall into any one, or more, of them.  Patients present with hypotension (systolic BP < 90 mmHg or <individual “normal”-40mmHg) and a perfusion abnormality (impaired mentation, oliguria, lactic acidosis).

Cardiogenic shockLow cardiac output due to intrinsic pump failure often associated with high central venous pressure. Diagnosis vital as early appropriate interventions can be life saving.

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; history, ECG, troponin, cardiac enzymes; consider thrombolysis.

TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX; CXR (but don’t wait if strongly suspected); intercostal drainage.PULMONARY EMBOLISM; usually underdiagnosed especially in chronically sick patients;

anticoagulate, consider thrombolysis or embolectomy.VALVULAR DYSFUNCTION, TAMPONADE, CARDIOMYOPATHY; echocardiography; consider

surgery in acute mitral incompetence, centesis for tamponade.

Hypovolaemic shockLow cardiac output due to inadequate cardiac preload usually with low central venous pressure.     Differential diagnosis includes haemorrhagic shock, fluid deprivation, and conditions causing compartmental shifts such as pre-eclampsia, sepsis and anaphylaxis. Initially, rapid resuscitation equivalent to 15% of blood volume (500-750 colloid, 1000-1500 crystalloid) is indicated to restore an adequate stroke volume, but full replacement of lost fluids should be staged and slower to allow compensatory adaptations to re-adjust. Resuscitation in uncontrolled haemorrhage.

It is now generally accepted that it is pointless or even harmful to attempt to restore normal circulation by aggressive transfusion while the site of haemorrhage is uncontrolled. For out-of-hospital trauma patients, NICE (Technology Appraisal Guidance 74, 2004) recommends “no fluid” so long as the patient has a palpable radial pulse (systolic pressure >70mmHg), or central pulse in patients with penetrating torso injury (systolic pressure >50mmHg). The principle can be extended to emergency care of haemorrhagic shock within hospitals, and has been called “delayed resuscitation”, “low-volume resuscitation” or “permissive hypotension”. In

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the hospital setting, it should be possible to monitor arterial pressure rather than rely on the presence or absence of a pulse.

Distributive or hyperdynamic shockHyperdynamic shock is often presumed due to sepsis, but think of and check for some rarer causes of distributive shock, such as;

PANCREATITIS; check serum amylase & get abdominal ultrasound examination.FULMINANT HEPATIC FAILURE; check serum transaminases and monitor coagulation

indices, especially INR.   If these are very high, ultrasound examination of the liver and urgent opinion of hepatologist.  (NB bacteraemia and/or endotoxinaemia occur in many FHF patients).

ANAPHYLAXIS; check serum tryptase immediately and at 12 and 24 hours if suspected.  ACUTE ADRENOCORTICAL FAILURE; suggested by hyponatraemia and hyperkalemia, may

be due to auto-antibodies, DIC, anticoagulant therapy or drugs such as etomidate, rifampicin or spironolactone. 

PITUITARY FAILURE (eg Sheehans syndrome).SEVERE ANAEMIA is associated with low vascular resistance due to low blood viscosity

rather than vasodilation.PREGNANCY, THYROTOXICOSIS, BERI-BERI and A-V SHUNTS are also associated with high

resting cardiac output. Meningococcal septicaemia & purpura fulminans

The severest form of endotoxin-induced shock; patients are young and the mortality high at about 25-50%, with a high proportion of survivors requiring amputation of gangrenous extremities. Patients with rapidly developing purpura, coagulopathy   (INR, platelet abnormality) or perfusion abnormality (base deficit, oliguria) must be admitted to ICU for shock reversal even if the patient is not yet hypotensive. A substantial number of strategies are recommended by different authorities in the care of this disease so get early Consultant opinion.

choose ketamine instead of morphine for sedation/ analgesia for better haemodynamic stability and reduction of TNF levels.

resist the temptation to give plasma proteins or albumin solutions until the inflammatory process is controlled, you may just aggravate intravascular coagulation and proteolysis.

early veno-venous haemofiltration in shocked patients.replenish the natural anticoagulant activated protein C.tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis to salvage ischaemic limbs.Consider ECMO for severe cardiovascular failure.

Trauma & Burns

The management of acute traumatic injuries poses some special challenges. Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training is a didactic approach to trauma resuscitation designed for non-specialist American practitioners. Though it has not been found to improve outcome it is widely taught and commended in the U.K.  After a sensational report in 1988 that “up to” 33% of deaths following trauma could have been avoided with better care, a Regional Trauma Centre was established in the North West Midlands. Unfortunately, it has had no effect on the outcome from major trauma. Detailed study of services in the USA revealed that in patients with penetrating injuries immediate fluid resuscitation was harmful and this has inspired a theory of hypotensive resuscitation. Low blood pressure is tolerated while action is taken to prepare the patient for surgery to control the source of haemorrhage, so long as the patient remains conscious.Assessment, analgesia and fluid resuscitation are important cornerstones of initial burns management. Be familiar with the Rule of Nines for estimation of surface area, and a guide to fluid replacement such as the Parkland Formula for initial resuscitation; for >15% burns give 4 x (%2nd & 3rd degree burns) x (body weight kg) ml balanced salt solution, half in first 8 hours and half in next 16 hours.

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Early excision and grafting of burns, topical antimicrobial therapy, and multidisciplinary intensive care are said to be important features of modern burns management. Three major prognostic factors were identified from experience in New England; age >60 years, burn area >40%, and evidence of inhalation injury. Prognosis related to number of factors present (0, 1, 2 or 3) is approximately 0.3%, 3%, 33% and 90%.

Assessing shock stateThe endpoints for shock reversal are indicators of the adequacy of perfusion. Look for clinical evidence of organ dysfunction. Feel the peripheries for temperature distribution. Take blood for indices of  global oxygen utilisation; arterial acid-base status (including lactate), mixed venous (or caval venous if no RHC) oxygenation and acid-base status. Be aware, however, that lactataemia is an unreliable indicator of tissue hypoxia. Novel techniques to monitor regional acid/base status (e.g. gastric or colonic tonometry) may have a role. Adequacy of  oxygen delivery to the gut is said to determine the intramucosal gastric pH; gastric pHi is said to be calculable with a silicone balloon tonometer in the gastric lumen to measure PCO2 and a simultaneous arterial blood gas sample for arterial bicarbonate estimation.   A modified Henderson-Hasselbach equation is then used to estimate pHi.   Whether this is a clinically useful measurement remains unknown. The regional-arterial carbon dioxide tension gradient has been preferred to pHi calculations.Cardiac output has little correlation with adequacy of tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization, but it’s measurement may be of value for diagnosis and physiological monitoring. Dye dilution techniques (Stewart-Hamilton equation) use thermistors for thermal indicator detection in the pulmonary artery or a systemic artery, or detection of Lithium or indocyanine green curves fom arterial blood. A number of continuous cardiac output monitoring systems have been developed and have their enthusiasts. These include aortic Doppler flow probes, thermistor PA catheters, thoracic electrical bio-impedance and arterial pulse contour analysers. Good results have been claimed in perioperative patients who are fluid-challenged against their stroke volume (by oesophageal Doppler technique) or cardiac output (by dye dilution).

Principles of shock reversal Sequential resuscitation continues until you achieve shock reversal. Resuscitation can be considered in four main phases;

1. Oxygen therapy2. Cardiac output restoration by

o fluid resuscitationo inotrope therapy

3. Perfusion pressure restoration by pressor therapy4. Optimisation of tissue blood flow and oxygenation by drug therapy; this last is widely

practised in different ways by different Intensive Care specialists but no good evidence exists for a benefit.

Controversy continues over what constitutes an adequate cardiac output. Shoemaker’s so called “optimal” therapeutic goals for oxygen delivery and consumption in post-surgical and post-traumatic patients seem to be associated with better outcomes when applied before the onset of organ failure in very high risk (mortality >20%) cases. Jean-Louis Vincent and others have suggested ‘oxygen flux testing’ in which a vasodilator (typically dobutamine or epoprostenol) is administered to discover whether oxygen consumption is delivery dependent (which would suggest concealed tissue ischaemia).   However, there has been considerable concern that VO2 and DO2 derived from the same PA catheter thermodilution cardiac output are not independent variables and any apparent dependence may well be artefactual. An Italian national randomised controlled trial of three “haemodynamic therapy goals” for PA catheter guided treatment (supranormal cardiac index vs normal cardiac index vs normal SvO2) failed to show any benefit of one over another.  However, patients who achieved their assigned goal had a better outcome than those who failed, and failures were commoner amongst older patients. An audit group in the USA have identified right heart catheterisation in the first 24 hours of intensive care as a major independent risk factor for death, and offered some possible explanations for their findings. A Canadian national randomized controlled trial found that pulmonary artery catheterization in critically ill patients was associated with increased incidence of pulmonary embolism, but did not otherwise alter patient outcome. A

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multicentre RCT in the United Kingdom also failed to demonstrate a benefit for pulmonary artery cathetersation. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign consensus opinion is that the pursuit of an elevated cardiac output goal is not recommended in the treatment of sepsis (see Appendix). In sepsis, there is evidence that time is of the essence. Liberal resuscitation in the first six hours may prevent progression to cytopathic hypoxia state, followed by restrictive fluids because a positive fluid balance at 72 hours is associated with poorer outcome.

ANAPHYLAXIS; a special caseIn anaphylactic shock epinephrine may have to be given before i.v. access or monitoring is available; intramuscular or subcutaneous dose is 0.01ml 1:1000 per kg, or 0.5ml for an adult, repeated as needed every 5 minutes.   When iv access and continuous monitoring are established, use intravenous epinephrine 0.1ml/kg 1:10 000, 3-5 ml for an adult.  Expect to need up to 30ml/kg of colloid solution as immediate fluid resucitation.

Sequential resuscitation phase 1Give OXYGEN.Short exposure to 100% oxygen (raising alveolar, arterial and tissue oxygen tensions) is almost always beneficial and very rarely harmful for acutely ill patients. For the ventilated patient, manipulate FIO2 and mean airway pressure. Surgical patients benefit from administration of 80% oxygen during and for two hours after surgery. Wound infection rate and the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting may be reduced.

Sequential resuscitation phase 2a“Volume load” with appropriate FLUIDS to correct half the estimated deficit. If patient is tachycardic with adequate blood pressure, blood volume deficit is no more than about 15% (about 700ml). 30% deficit of the blood volume (i.e 1500ml) causes marked hypotension.Crystalloids initially; only use colloids, albumin, and blood products where a strong indication exists as liberal use of these seems to be harmful (see Chapter 6).At this point monitoring of the patient should include:

Regular BP (automated if possible)Regular pulse recordingRegular temperature recording (core - peripheral difference may be useful especially in the

child)Urinary catheter with hourly measurement of urine output

If the patient does not respond to replacement of estimated deficit and there is no pulmonary oedema then proceed to insert a CVP line, draw blood for venous blood gas analysis, and give a FLUID CHALLENGE;

reduced venous oxygen saturation (less than 70%) suggests tissue hypoxia and demands rapid correction if possible;

if CVP is initially low then aggressive fluid challenge eg 500 ml of appropriate colloid stat.if CVP is high but not rising then a more cautious fluid challenge should be given eg.

250-500 ml crystalloid in 30 minutes.assess arterial and venous pressure response to a Valsalva manoeuvre (or to the rising and

falling pleural pressure of positive pressure ventilation) as an index of left ventricular preload.

Target CVP is 8 to 12mmHg in non-ventilated or 12 to 15mmHg in ventilated patients. If the venous oxygen saturation remains low and if Valsalva response is square wave and if the CVP is high and rises after cautious fluid loading then restrict fluids and procede to …

Sequential resuscitation phase 2bAll patients requiring inotropic / pressor support should, if possible, be admitted to ICU. Table below shows commonly used drugs.

AGENT & RECEPTORS DILUTION DOSE RANGE µg/kg/min (ml/h for adult)

Dobutamine, mostly β 500 mg in 100ml 2-25+ (2-21ml/h+)

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AGENT & RECEPTORS DILUTION DOSE RANGE µg/kg/min (ml/h for adult)

Dopamine, DA, β, α 400mg in 100ml 5-20+ (6-24ml/h+)Norepinephrine

...profound shock, mostly α

4 mg in 50ml

...’neat’ 1mg/ml

0.02-0.2 (1-10ml/h)

...0.1-1.25+ (0.4-5ml/h+)Epinephrine

...profound shock, α, β

5mg in 50ml

...’neat’ 1mg/ml

0.02-0.1 (1-4ml/h)

...0.1-1+ (0.4-4ml/h+)Isoprenaline,  β 4mg in 50ml 0.05-0.2Milrinone, Phosphodiesterase inhibitor 100mg in 50ml 0.375-0.75Dopexamine, DA1 and β2 50mg in 50ml 0.5-5µg/kg/minVasopressin , V1 40u/40ml via central venous cath 0.01-0.08 u/min

(0.6-4.8ml/h)Glucose/ insulin/ potassium.   According to metabolic state.

Insert arterial catheter before or soon after starting inotropes/ pressors; check arterial gases and anions including lactate and chloride; dobutamine is the inotrope of first choice if systolic blood pressure is >90mmHg, but in hypotension dopamine gives more reliable blood pressure support. In tachycardic patients it may be preferable to use norepinephrine. Glucose/ insulin/ potassium improves cardiac function in patients with acute coronary syndromes and might be of benefit in septic shock.Consider bedside cardiac assessment techniques.

Echocardiography is useful for examining valves, ventricular wall thickness, motion abnormalities and contractility. It is the method of choice for demonstrating fluid in the pericardium.

Consider cardiac output assessment by indicator dilution;If cardiac output is subnormal (<2.5 L/m2/min) try to normalise it with an appropriate

inotrope (normal range 2.5-3.5 L/m2/min) and monitor changes in perfusion indicators (e.g. lactate, venous oxygen saturation).

In the immediate perioperative or post-traumatic phase and before organ dysfunction is established inotrope therapy to achieve supranormal cardiac output targets (>3.5 L/m2/min) may benefit selected high risk patients, but once organ dysfunction occurs supranormal goals are harmful.

Right heart (PA) catheterisation is more invasive and potentially dangerous. See Section 2 for techniques of right heart catheterisation. If used for guiding shock reversal;

Aim to get PAOP (wedge pressure) 12 - 16 mmHg with normal saline and colloid.Using continuous mixed venous oximetry

SvO2 is an index of global tissue oxygenation and haemodynamic stability and enables us to reduce the number of blood gas and cardiac output determinations necessary to ensure the patients well-being.   Normal SvO2 (70% or more) is dependent upon arterial blood oxygen content (and SaO2 while Hb is constant), cardiac output and oxygen consumption (which is not subject to rapid fluctuation so long as delivery is maintained).  Therefore rapid falls in SvO2 are almost always due to either falling SaO2 or falling cardiac output; the differential should be easy.  Conversely, rising SvO2 usually signifies improving cardiac output.  Watch the change in SvO2 as you change inotrope doses, and you will find that the new equilibrium point for SvO2 is reached within a few minutes.  SvO2 is also a rapid way to find ‘Best PEEP’; as you increase PEEP, SaO2 may rise continuously, but SvO2 only rises until the cardiac output reduction outweighs the improved arterial oxygen content (mirrored by SaO2).  Therefore, you can adjust PEEP to obtain the best SvO2. If you do not have mixed venous oximetry, cardiac output and oxygen delivery studies should be performed 20 min after instituting any inotrope or PEEP changes to assess their effectiveness.

Sequential resuscitation phase 3Like inotropes, vasopressors appear to have a narrow therapeutic window. In trials which have lower target mean arterial pressures there may be benefit from vasopressor support. Trial protocols which have set higher target pressures have shown harm from the investigational pressor. Before using vasopressors you should be confident that the patient is fully volume resuscitated and has an adequate cardiac output. Alpha-1 adrenergic agonists are the

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mainstay of pressor therapy; epinephrine seems appropriate when the heart rate is lower, norepinephrine when it is higher.

Target MAP 65-70 mmHg. In hyperdynamic septic shock norepinephrine alone may provide optimal adrenergic support. Norepinephrine is started at 1.3mcg/min and is titrated up to 15mcg/min in 40 min. Excessive use of pressors can be counter-productive; resist the temptation to increase arterial pressure to over 80mmHg in an attempt to squeeze urine from failing kidneys.

Consider the perfusion pressure if there is cause to suspect raised venous pressure; e.g. measure intracranial pressure in brain injury, or intra-abdominal pressure when the abdomen is distended and urine output low.

In the patient refractory to inotropes or vasopressors, particularly in “septic” shock;Short tetracosactrin test to exclude primary or secondary Addisonian crisis.

“short synacthen” test; take blood for basal cortisol (T0) then immediately give 250 µg tetracosactrin iv.  Take further samples for stimulated cortisol 30 and 60 minutes later (T30 and T60); cortisol level should double after stimulation.  Baseline cortisol concentration <100 nmol/L, peak <400 nmol/l suggestive of adrenocortical failure.

if Addison’s clinically suspected give hydrocortisone 100mg (1mg/kg) without awaiting results.

If shock and dependence on vasopressors persist after treatment of infection (or 48 hours from onset) and Addison’s has been excluded there is no benefit in further tests of ACTH response, nor any evidence of benefit from physiologic doses of hydrocortisone.

Vasopressin can increase urine output and reduce norepinephrine dose requirement in vasodilated shock states. In the VASST study, vasopressin was beneficial when started while the needed norepinephrine dose was less than 15mcg/minute, but of no benefit to patients needing more than 15 mcg/minute of norepinephrine. Vasopressin was started at 0.0026 units/min and titrated up to 0.03 units/min in 40min.

Results from RCTs of terlipressin are awaited.

Sequential resuscitation phase 4A varied group of theoretically attractive drugs which might augment tissue blood flow and oxygenation, or modulate the cytokine response.  There is no convincing evidence for any of them. Examples;

“Renal dose dopamine” or dopexamine to promote splanchnic blood flowN-acetyl cysteine to alleviate oxidative stress and facilitate nitric oxide activation of

guanylate cyclaseGlyceryl trinitrate or epoprostenol to promote flow in pressor-treated shockPentoxifilline to inhibit TNF synthesis and promote microvascular perfusion.Chlorpromazine to preserve splanchnic blood flow, inhibit TNF synthesis, inhibit inducible

NO synthase and protect against secondary infection.

Side effectsAdrenergic agents predispose to catabolism, hyperglycaemia, lactataemia and hypokalaemia. An insulin infusion may be required to keep blood glucose <8.3mmol/L. Additionally, dopamine causes nausea, gastric stasis, and inhibits anterior pituitary hormone secretion. It should not be continued for more than 24-48 hours. Adrenoceptors show the phenomenon of down regulation with tachyphylaxis. Thus inotrope infusions may need to be increased at regular intervals to maintain their effectiveness.  Steroids inhibit down-regulation, but are not indicated in acute shock states.

MODS; the multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.After resuscitation from acute tissue anoxia or septic shock many patients enter a phase of MODS, which may be a clinical manifestation of cytopathic hypoxia at the cellular level. There is generalised vasoparesis in which the arterial tone is typically reduced (pressure to flow ratios low) and tissue oxygen tensions are normal or even higher than normal. Continued

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attempts to push higher blood flows and higher blood pressures with inotropes and pressors can become counter-productive, and a Consultant may choose to reduce cardiac output and pressure goals of therapy in order to reduce the harmful side-effects of these drugs. In a few cases, patients have been observed to improve when inotropes and pressors are withdrawn.

Small printAnimal and in vitro evidence shows ketamine analgesia suppresses TNF blood concentration and confers survival benefit compared to morphine and may be the analgesic of choice in profound septic shock. In cases of septic shock refractory to norepinephrine or in profuse and uncontrollable haemorrhage consider vasopressin infusion; Methylene blue 1-3mg/kg inhibits guanylate cyclase and has also been reported to improve refractory vasodilation in profound sepsis.  Analogues of Arginine (such as N-methyl L-arginine) reduce NO production by NO synthetase and have been shown raise the blood pressure in septic shock, but clinical trials have been suspended because of increased mortality.  Cross-linked hemoglobins, designed as blood substitutes, scavenge free NO   in shock but may be associated with myocardial ischaemia. Dexamethasone inhibits the inducible NO synthetase and sometimes assists shock reversal, but overall the deleterious side effects of steroids weigh against their uncritical use.  An ingenious device which applies synchronised systolic lower body positive pressure has been tested and found to augment cardiac output and blood pressure in human septic shock.

Metabolic AcidosisIf the patient has non-repiratory acidosis, examine;

Plasma [Na]; hyponatraemia causes a degree of alkalosis, but more importantly examine the strong ion difference.

Plasma [Cl]; hyperchloraemia is common in patients resuscitated with sodium chloride solutions.

Blood [lactate]Plasma [albumin]; if the [alb] is half normal (i.e about 18G/L) this will account for about

6mEq of the base excess of arterial blood.Metabolic acidosis due to lactate or unmeasured anions is a sign of profound shock. We can readily measure blood lactate levels in order to follow the effectiveness of resuscitation. Extracellular acidosis alone does not seriously compromise myocardial contractility or cellular viability, therefore treat acidosis due to tissue hypoxia by improving tissue O2 tension; uncritical use of bicarbonate may worsen the situation by reducing intracellular pH even further and alters the Hb-O2 affinity curve in the “wrong” direction. Note that catecholamines (especially epinephrine infusions) raise blood lactate and pyruvate as part of their physiological effect on carbohydrate metabolism.Bicarbonate therapy (NaHCO3 1.26%, or 150ml 8.4% added to 5% Dex) is appropriate for bicarbonate-losing or hyperchloraemic acidosis, eg in renal acidosis or high volume haemofiltration or during crystalloid resuscitation. For rapid emergency improvement of very high hydrogen ion concentration/ low pH, use hyperventilation and NaHCO3 8.4%. NaHCO3 8.4% is 1mmol/ml, therefore dose calculation is simple but it is very hypertonic.

ArrhythmiasFirst get a 12 lead EGG to diagnose the type of arrhythmia predominating. Check electrolyte levels and correct any [K+] deficiency to above 4.0 mmol/L with KCl 30mmol/hour and, if the patient is not hypotensive or oliguric, magnesium sulphate 50% 10ml in one hour - this will often terminate recurrent ventricular ectopics. Correct hypovolaemia and check acid-base status which may indicate the need for increasing oxygen delivery by increasing FIO2 and/or using inotropic support. If the above measures are unsuccessful then treat the arrhythmia appropriately.  Amiodarone should be used with caution in patients receiving supplementary oxygen as a number of case reports and series imply that this combination can cause or aggravate acute lung injury in as many as 30% of patients.The treatment of choice for patients with narrow complex tachyarrhythmia (except atrial fibrillation) is ADENOSINE starting at 3mg given rapidly and followed by a saline flush; if unsuccessful give increasing doses (6mg, 12mg, 12mg); remember that theophylline is an adenosine antagonist. If there is no response, or if patient is in A.F. then;

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IF PATIENT IS HAEMODYNAMICALLY COMPROMISED treat by  SYNCHRONISED CARDIOVERSION (100J:200J:360J) followed by AMIODARONE 300mg/15minutes and 300mg/1hour. If required, you can repeat cardioversion after amiodarone loading.IF PATIENT IS NOT SHOCKED then choose from various drug therapies;  if the patient has not already received it for treatment of hypokalaemia, MAGNESIUM (as sulphate) 0.15mmol/L over 5 minutes, then infusion at 0.1mmol/kg/hour.   (For 70kg this equates to 2.5G bolus (5ml 50% MgSO4) then 1.75G (3.5ml 50% MgSO4) per hour). Check plasma magnesium concentrations daily on therapy, aiming for a “therapeutic” level of around 2mmol/L.  Do not use magnesium in hypotensive or renal failure patients. AMIODARONE can also be used to slow, convert, or protect against atrial tachyarrhythmias; 300mg over one hour, and repeat once if needed.DIGOXIN up to 500mg in 30 minutes, may be repeated once.  ESMOLOL  boluses 40mg over 1 minute and infusion at 4-12mg/min.VERAPAMIL 5-10mg.Broad complex tachyarrhythmias should be treated initially with LIGNOCAINE 50mg boluses up to 200mg, and infuse at 2mg/minute. If this fails, or if the patient is haemodynamically compromised, consider CARDIOVERSION and AMIODARONE as above. Other anti-arrhythmics which may be effective include flecainide, procainamide or bretylium.PACING is indicated in all inferior myocardial infarctions with heart block as this improves prognosis.

HypertensionSystemic hypertension after surgery is often due to pain which should be treated.  Careful control of hypertension is necessary after cardiac or major vascular surgery, and SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE is the drug of choice. Hydroxocobolamine may protect against cyanide poisoning for prolonged use.  GLYCERYL TRINITRATE is adequate for mild hypertension or left ventricular failure especially in the presence of coronary artery disease, but the patient soon develops tachyphylaxis unless n-acetyl cysteine is co-administered.   If tachycardia is a problem, use LABETALOL. CLONIDINE is sometimes useful for young patients who are difficult to sedate.  It can be given by slow i.v injection (150 microgram bd or tds) or into the stomach in initial dose of 100 micrograms tds, rising to 600-900 micrograms per day.  It is an alpha 2 agonist which inhibits endogenous epinephrine and norepinephrine release.  Effects include reduced blood pressure and heart rate, sedation and analgesia. In isolated pulmonary hypertension the agent of choice to reduce the pulmonary pressure is EPOPROSTENOL. Inhaled NITRIC OXIDE is a powerful short-acting pulmonary vasodilator but is too toxic to be recommended.

The Vascular PedicleUsing the portable CXR to monitor blood volume changes. The vascular pedicle width (VPW) is the horizontal distance between the origin of the left subclavian artery (1) and the point at which the shadow of the superior vena cava crosses the right main bronchus (2). The cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is the ratio of maximum cardiac width to maximum thoracic width. Patients with VPW >70mm and CTR >0.55 are likely to have pulmonary artery occlusion pressure >18, i.e to be “fluid overloaded” (Eli & Haponik 2002). A change of 5mm in the VPW is said to reflect a change of about 1 litre blood volume, 3 to 4 litres of body water (assessed by fluid balance or weighing).

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Chapter 5

Respiratory SupportRespiratory support may be provided PROPHYLACTICALLY or THERAPEUTICALLY.Clear evidence of the rapidity of diaphragmatic disuse atrophy in fully-ventilated patients strongly supports the use of respiratory support that preserves diaphragmatic work. Histological, biochemical and gene-expression changes can be detected after less than 24 hours.

Prophylactic respiratory supportUsed after major surgery; most patients have essentially normal lung function pre-operatively. Once haemodynamically stable and warm (core temp. > 35oC) with a reasonable urine output sedation can be discontinued and the patient allowed to wake up and wean rapidly from ventilation. Many of the patients in this category will require less than 24 hours support and are the group of patients in which it is very reasonable to use propofol for sedation.

Therapeutic respiratory supportused in the management of acute and acute-on-chronic respiratory failure. The level and type of support needed depends on the aetiology of the respiratory failure. CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION (CMV)   is only appropriate for apnoeic or pharmacologically paralysed patients. On modern intensive care ventilators, the control modes also allow the patient to trigger the inspiration and to receive more control breaths than the set rate. Such modes are more appropriately termed Assist/Control (A/C) and are more comfortable for the patient than older style CMV. They reduce the work of breathing substantially. Typically, A/C modes can be delivered with Volume control (VC), Pressure control (PC) or Pressure-regulated Volume control (PRVC). The patient who experiences air-hunger may benefit from increasing the inspiratory flow rate to satisfy his dyspnoea. It must be emphasised that, used properly, A/C modes are very acceptable to patients who are lightly sedated and able to trigger the ventilator; it is not necessary to switch to IMV or pressure support.SUPPORT MODES are used for the patient who   is capable of triggering the ventilator consistently and with an efficient pattern. Typically we use pressure support (IPS) but an alternative is volume support (VS) in which the ventilator calculates and varies the pressure support needed to attain prescribed tidal volumes; in theory, as the patients strength recovers he can take on increasing proportions of the work of breathing (WOB) with this mode, but in practice many patients just let the machine do the work!BILEVEL features on some modern ventilators with suitable valve technology and can be prescribed in three main ways. Pressure controlled ventilation; the higher and lower pressure levels are set as the inspiratory and expiratory pressures, the time in each set to provide a traditional respiratory rate and I:E ratio. Suitable for fully ventilated patients. Typical prescription might be higher pressure 20 for 1.2 seconds, lower pressure 5 for 1.8 seconds (therefore respiratory rate 20, I:E ratio 1:1.5). Pressure support can be set to 0. BIPAP; the higher and lower pressure levels are both treated as expiratory pressures, with the patient triggering inspiratory efforts which are pressure supported from either. The cycling from higher to lower causes some mandatory alveolar ventilation with no work on the patient’s part. Equivalent to CPAP/ IPS. Typical prescription high 8 for 3 seconds, low 4 for 3 seconds, pressure support as needed. Airway Pressure Release (APRV): the higher level is used as the baseline from which the patient can trigger supported inspirations, with very short mandatory drops to the lower level to provide supplementary alveolar ventilation with no effort by the patient. The time at lower level is deliberately set to be shorter than the time to zero flow, so there is autoPEEP. Potentially a dangerous mode, especially for patients with predominantly resistance pathology (and raised FRC) like asthma. Suitable for lightly-sedated triggering patients with reduced FRC but only after expert assessment and prescription with careful and frequent monitoring.SYNCHRONISED INTERMITTENT MANDATORY VENTILATION (SIMV) modes deliver a prescribed number of control breaths and allow unsupported or   supported breaths to be taken in

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between. IMV valves were added to older CMV ventilator circuits to allow spontaneous breathing, and SIMV is the electronic descendant of that modification. However, trials show that SIMV is associated with higher work of breathing than A/C modes and does not, contrary to expectations, help patients to wean from sedation or mechanical ventilatory support. If the triggered breaths are not supported, the lower intrathoracic pressures generated by inspiratory effort would be expected to enhance venous return and so increase cardiac output when compared to other modes.Jet ventilation, high frequency oscillation, and external oscillation or cuirass ventilators are occasionally used in special cases after Consultant review.

The ventilator care bundleInitiatives from the USA and UK are promoting five standards of care for ventilated patients which are established to reduce the duration of ventilator dependency and improve survival. They are;

1. Elevating the head of the patient’s bed (HOB) to 30 degrees or higher. Most VAP episodes are thought to develop from the aspiration (inhalation) of secretions containing potentially pathogenic organisms. Being on mechanical ventilation interrupts the body’s defenses against aspiration, thus increasing the risk of its occurrence.

2. Giving some patients on ventilation prophylactic treatment for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

3. Giving patients prophylactic treatment for peptic ulcer disease (PUD), which reduces the risk of upper-GI bleeding.

4. Conducting a daily “sedation vacation” for patients on ventilation, an interruption of sedative drug infusion until the patient reaches a point of alertness. This is important because over-sedation further complicates and extends the patient’s care.

5. Conducting a daily screening of respiratory function, followed by trials of “spontaneous breathing,” which can reduce the LOS as well as the length of time a patient is on mechanical ventilation (speed the “weaning”).

Tracheostomy; if, when, how.It has become fashionable in the UK to perform tracheostomy on patients needing more than a few days of assisted ventilation, but the technique is not without complications, which include late tracheal stenosis. We believe that patients are more comfortable with a tracheostomy. We tend to consider tracheostomy for periods of assisted ventilation which exceed ten days, but this number is arbitrarily chosen, and now happens to be the average time that UK intensive care physicians perform a tracheostomy. A large UK randomised controlled trial showed no advantage for tracheostomy earlier than ten days.Tracheostomy can be performed on the ICU and does not require transfer to theatre. The patient is sedated, and lidocaine/ epinephrine infiltration provides analgesia with vasoconstriction. After making a skin incision and blunt dissecting to the pretracheal fascia, a Seldinger wire-based dilational technique is used and is at least as safe and effective when performed by skilled operators as the traditional ‘surgical’ tracheostomy.

Type 1 Respiratory failurecharacterised by

rapid onsetoften previously normal lungshypoxemia with hypocapnia progressing to hypercapniainitially a reduced functional residual capacity (FRC)

Notes on “ARDS”

Initially labelled “adult” to differentiate it from “infant” respiratory distress syndrome, though it can of course occur in infants and children.  Sometimes therefore called “acute” respiratory distress syndrome, and more recently the popular term is acute lung injury.   Diagnosis requires a suspected cause of the lung injury, radiologic appearance of bilateral infiltrates, hypoxaemia, and reduced lung compliance. It is no longer considered necessary to exclude

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hydrostatic or cardiogenic pulmonary oedema by measurement of the pulmonary artery wedge pressure.   Almost all cases proceeding to "ARDS" have positive fluid balance and hyoalbuminaemia, so careful attention to fluid balance is strongly recommended. Studies suggest targeting low central venous pressure with avoidance of positive fluid balance (especially following acute circulatory resuscitation with crystalloids). The vascular pedicle width has been found to reflect intravascular volume status in patients with acute lung injury, and can be used to track the response to diuretics. Recognising there is a spectrum of lung injury severity, Murray has proposed a lung injury scoring system.

Acute Lung Injury Score. Murray JF et al Am Rev Respir Dis. 1988;138:720-3.Score for CXR, PaO2/FIO2 and PEEP each day the patient is on more than 50% oxygen. Acute Lung Injury Score is the average of the three point scores.  Include Compliance score if severe ARDS; ALI is then the average of the four scores

Acute Lung Injury Score. Murray JF et al Am Rev Respir Dis. 1988;138:720-3.Score for CXR, PaO2/FIO2 and PEEP each day the patient is on more than 50% oxygen. Acute Lung Injury Score is the average of the three point scores.  Include Compliance score if severe ARDS; ALI is then the average of the four scores

Acute Lung Injury Score. Murray JF et al Am Rev Respir Dis. 1988;138:720-3.Score for CXR, PaO2/FIO2 and PEEP each day the patient is on more than 50% oxygen. Acute Lung Injury Score is the average of the three point scores.  Include Compliance score if severe ARDS; ALI is then the average of the four scores

Acute Lung Injury Score. Murray JF et al Am Rev Respir Dis. 1988;138:720-3.Score for CXR, PaO2/FIO2 and PEEP each day the patient is on more than 50% oxygen. Acute Lung Injury Score is the average of the three point scores.  Include Compliance score if severe ARDS; ALI is then the average of the four scores

Acute Lung Injury Score. Murray JF et al Am Rev Respir Dis. 1988;138:720-3.Score for CXR, PaO2/FIO2 and PEEP each day the patient is on more than 50% oxygen. Acute Lung Injury Score is the average of the three point scores.  Include Compliance score if severe ARDS; ALI is then the average of the four scoresPOINTS CXR alveolar

consolidationPaO2/FIO2 kPa PEEP

cmH2OCompliance* ml/cmH20

0 no consolidation 40+ 0-5 80+

1 1 quadrant 30-39 6-8 60-79

2 2 quadrants 23-29 9-11 40-59

3 3 quadrants 13-22 12-14 20-39

4 4 quadrants <13 15+ <20

 *static respiratory system compliance measured in an apnoeic patient with a super syringe at about 10ml/kg above FRC. *static respiratory system compliance measured in an apnoeic patient with a super syringe at about 10ml/kg above FRC. *static respiratory system compliance measured in an apnoeic patient with a super syringe at about 10ml/kg above FRC. *static respiratory system compliance measured in an apnoeic patient with a super syringe at about 10ml/kg above FRC. *static respiratory system compliance measured in an apnoeic patient with a super syringe at about 10ml/kg above FRC.

The threshhold at which ARDS is diagnosed has been suggested to be LIS 2.5 or higher, or PaO2/FIO2 ratio >26.6kPa.Following the lung injury tachypnoea and hypoxaemia may occur while the chest X-ray is still essentially normal.  During this “pre-ARDS” phase, there is capillary leak with increased fluid flux from the capillaries to the interstitial space, but the total lung water remains normal (circa 500 ml in an adult) so long as it can be cleared, predominantly via the lymphatic system. 

Acute lung injuryOnce the drainage capacity is exceeded, lung water increases rapidly to 2,000ml or more, and the CXR shows the typical appearance of early ARDS.   This early phase is termed the EXUDATIVE PHASE.   Electron microscopy reveals cellular damage to both the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium.   Hyaline membranes (eosinophilic bands of fibrin, cellular debris and exuded plasma proteins) form in the distal airspaces.   Resident macrophages have, in many cases, been stimulated to secrete cytokines which intitiate or amplify the inflammatory response directly or via activation of neutrophils, with release of cytotoxic proteases and oxygen radicals.   Over-activation of the coagulation cascade (particularly platelets and the contact system) leads to platelet micro-emboli and microthromboses, and thromboxane-induced vasoconstriction.  As type 1 pneumocytes (the flat, gas-exchanging cells) are lost from the alveolar capillary membrane, they leave areas of denuded basement membrane.  CAT scanning of the thorax (vide infra) shows graded areas of poor aeration and consolidation in dependent zones of the lung, and these gradients are inverted within minutes of turning the patient from supine to prone position.  If the patient does not rapidly recover or die during the first 3-4 days, he enters the second phase of ARDS, PROLIFERATION AND FIBROSIS.   Mesenchymal cells replicate within the intimal and medial layers of pulmonary vessels, narrowing the lumen and contributing to pulmonary hypertension.   Proliferating type 2 pneumocytes cover the gaps left by the necrosis of type 1 pneumocytes.  Fibroblasts proliferate, laying down fibrin within the interstitium and airspaces.  Fibrosis becomes significant 8-10 days after the initial lung injury.   RESOLUTION occurs when type 2 pneumocytes differentiate into type 1 in sufficient quantities to restore adequate gas exchange.Mortality from ALI/ARDS is consistently found in some series to exceed 50% but experience in some specialist units suggests an improving outlook.It seems to be possible to minimise ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) by intelligent prescription of ventilator settings (called “protective mechanical ventilation”). Excessive distension of vulnerable lung units during inspiration (volutrauma rather than barotrauma) and repeated collapse and re-expansion (RECOREX or atelectrauma) of vulnerable units in expiration have been cited as important mechanisms, leading to speculation   that careful selection of PEEP and avoidance of high tidal volume positive-pressure breaths may improve

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evolution of lung injury and final outcome. The third aspect to VILI the inflammatory response (biotrauma).Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is recognised as a complication of transfusion of plasma containing antibodies to the patient’s white blood cells, especially associated with FFP transfusions donated by women who have experienced pregnancy. Onset of dyspnoea within 24 hours of exposure.

Therapy of type 1 respiratory failure Is aimed at preventing extreme hypoxemia with PaO2> 7kPa. Where possible pH should be >7.25; FIO2 should be  <0.6. The cause of respiratory failure should be treated appropriately.  In mild cases of type I respiratory failure added oxygen via a Venturi type face mask will be sufficient to correct the hypoxemia.  In co-operative patients mask positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be of benefit with up to 10 cm H2O CPAP which increases FRC; beware, however, the development of gastric distension.  Any patient who is unable to protect their airway must be intubated; CPAP may then be applied via the endotracheal tube.Ventilation is necessary when hypoxemia and hypercapnia are present. Initially try A/C mode rate 12 - 15 and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)  up to 10 cm H2O. High tidal volumes (12ml/kg ideal body weight in the NIH study) are known to have excess mortality compared to "normal" (6ml/kg ideal body weight). Therefore, restrict tidal volume as best you can and never exceed 700ml in an adult for more than a very short period. The I:E ratio is set to achieve an inspiratory time of 0.8-1 second for most patients; at the highest rates (30-35) I:E ration must be 40-50%, but at more normal rates (12-15) much smaller I:E ratios are needed. As the patient improves the control ventilation rate may be reduced. When the patient is ready to wean inspiratory pressure support (IPS) of the patient’s own breaths should chosen; IPS may initially be high; 20 - 25 cm H2O above PEEP but can be reduced as the patient improves.Try not to curarise ventilated patients since there is always the problem of awareness with too little sedation; a level of sedation can usually be found at which the patient is comfortable and arousable in order to communicate wherever appropriate.     Indications for neuromuscular block in Intensive Care are few. 

for intubation under general anaesthesiato minimise O2 consumption in severe hypoxaemia (dubious)to minimise ICP in brain injury (also dubious)to prevent spasms in severe tetanusto control patients whose circulation will not tolerate the side effects of adequate sedation

(cruel-to-be-kind; should be rare).Pancuronium in intermittent doses is recommended by SCCM, but infusion of vecuronium or atracurium is a commoner practice.

Severe acute respiratory failure.PaO2 of 7-9kPa (SaO2 circa 90%) is quite adequate while the FIO2 is greater than 0.5, and 10kPa is unnecessarily high.   Sedation is often used to inhibit dyspnoea and optimise ventilation control.   It is widely held that the peak inspiratory pressure should not exceed 35-40cmH2O. Curarisation may also be required. Curarised patients should be sedated, but anaesthesia is impracticable so do talk to them and give reassurance. An appealing alternative approach is APRV with minimal sedation, encouraging patient-triggered inspirations. This mode needs expert prescription and monitoring.A balloon-tipped flow-directed pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is sometimes used to check for excessive hydrostatic pressure (as estimated from PAOP) and to optimise oxygen delivery, though the benefits of this are controversial.  Indeed, superior vena cava pressure may be a more important factor than wedge pressure in controlling pulmonary oedema, as it influences lymphatic drainage from the thoracic duct. The objective of care is to achieve adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues with minimal FIO2 and mean airway pressure. Attention must be paid to blood volume and inotropic cardiac support as well as lung ventilation.  After adequate intravascular resuscitation PEEP can be selected in one of three ways;

empirically choosing the lowest PEEP which enables you to keep the PaO2 above 8kPa; the NIH study used a scale linking PEEP to the FIO2; rule of thumb is that appropriate PEEP is O2%/5.

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adjusting the PEEP to get the best SvO2; the rational approach for shocked patients when you are using a PAC, but no evidence of outcome benefit.

adjusting the PEEP to the thoracic compliance curve (oesophageal-pressure guided).  A randomized controlled trial has shown substantial benefit for oxygenation and compliance, but effects on outcome remain unknown.

Remember that PEEP can be both extrinsic (ePEEP, the PEEP we set in the PEEP dial on the ventilator) or intrinsic (expiratory gas flow still occurring at end expiration; iPEEP is revealed after an expiratory hold). Intrinsic PEEP is also known as “auto-PEEP”. From computerised axial tomography radiological studies Gattinoni hypothesises that in ARDS the number of ventilatable lung units is greatly reduced; a variable proportion are collapsed but ‘recruitable’ by appropriate posture change or ventilation, and the rest are collapsed and ‘non-recruitable’.  Amato and his colleagues recommend frequent periodic application of high continuous positive airway pressure (30-35 cmH2O for 10-20 seconds; or up to 40 cmH2O for 40 seconds in extreme cases) to re-recruit collapsed lung units, especially after interruption of ventilation with PEEP. The success or otherwise of this manoeuvre is revealed by a step change in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio. If possible, try changes in POSTURE   (especially prone) for their effects on lung unit recruitment and so gas exchange. Typically patients develop air leaks (pneumo-thorax or peritoneum or mediastinum) in the second week of respiratory failure when higher airway pressures are being used to maintain gas exchange, and patchy lung necrosis is occurring.  It can be very difficult to differentiate intraparenchymal lung cysts from loculated pneumothoraces.  Intercostal drainage is dangerous because the lung is very fragile and easily traumatised by the tube.  Moreover, it loses elasticity and may be difficult to re-expand.  It is probably preferable to use ventilation techniques that maintain lung expansion even if air leaks persist rather than accept lung collapse.   There are hypothetical reasons why HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION might improve and sustain lung unit aeration. HFJV has been superimposed on conventional lung ventilation (combined high frequency ventilation) and sometimes improves gas exchange.   HIGH FREQUENCY OSCILLATION is still undergoing evaluation in adult respiratory failure. INDEPENDENT LUNG VENTILATION is occasionally used on patients with markedly unilateral pathology, such as contusion or pneumonia.  The object is to apply higher airway pressures via a double lumen tracheal tube to the diseased lung while protecting the good lung.  Obviously two ventilators are required, but they do not need to be synchronised.   Check the CXR within a few hours of starting, to exclude excessive mediastinal shift. With modern ventilators with the ability to let the patient breath spontaneously from lower or higher airway pressures, modes with names like bi-level and airway pressure release have been proposed and tried, but no evidence for benefit has been published yet.Studies suggest that ventilation techniques should aim to prevent hypoxemia but not necessarily reduce hypercapnia; Hickling’s so-called ‘PERMISSIVE HYPERCAPNIA’ technique (originally described in Intensive Care Medicine 1990) uses pressure-limited ventilation to achieve adequate oxygenation (PaO2 >7kPa) regardless of PaCO2 which may be allowed to rise as high as 12kPa. There is not enough biological evidence to convince us that hypercapnia is beneficial, but enough evidence to believe patients can tolerate hypercapnia when better alveolar ventilation is difficult or dangerous to achieve. Particular attention to ventilating the injured lung over the steepest section of its compliance curve is believed to be the key to success, but the hypothesis has not been convincingly confirmed by randomised controlled trials. A NIH trial of standardised ventilation strategies comparing "normal" tidal volume (6ml/kg ideal body weight for height) versus high tidal volume (12ml/kg ideal body weight for height) in the USA was stopped because of excess mortality in the 12ml/kg group. A further multicentre Canadian/ Australian/ Arabian trial (JAMA 2008) showed additional benefit from the use of intermittent lung recruitment procedures (halved the need for hypoxaemia rescue therapies and halved the number of hypoxaemia deaths).In severe acute respiratory failure fluid retention is commonly found partly as a result of leaky capillaries and partly due to the hormonal response to prolonged positive pressure ventilation and opioid sedation. This fluid-overload   impairs gas exchange and can be controlled by FLUID AND SOLUTE RESTRICTION, PHARMACOLOGICAL DEHYDRATION (e.g. frusemide infusion) and, in desperate cases, HAEMOFILTRATION.   Circulating blood volume must be maintained while shrinking the extracellular fluid volume. O2 consumption can be reduced by avoiding pyrexia, or COOLING to subnormal temperature (minimum 34C, chlorpromazine is used to help reset the temperature regulatory centre).

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NITRIC OXIDE added to the inspired gases selectively vasodilates ventilated lung units, acutely reducing PA pressure, improving V/Q match and so improving arterial oxygenation, but meta-analysis of the published experience to date is that it has no effect on outcome, and may even be harmful.   iNO does appear to be effective in some cases of neonatal pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure and may reduce the need for neonatal ECMO. Delivery, monitoring, scavenging and health and safety issues must be addressed before iNO is used.STEROIDS are proven to be ineffective or even counter-productive when administered in high dose early in the exudative phase of ALI, but there is some randomised controlled trial evidence that they can speed recovery when used in lower doses. There is no evidence to support steroid therapy in ‘late’ (after 14 days) ARDS. Response is judged by improvement in the elements of the acute lung injury score (PaO2/FIO2, compliance, need for PEEP, radiology) and may take 7-10 days to manifest. VIRAL PNEUMONIA is a rarer cause of type 1 respiratory failure. Anti-viral therapy may be exhibited, though outcome benefit is not established. Similarly, steroid therapy is sometimes resorted to for suppression of inflammatory cytokines, but with no evidence base. Other unproven therapies to consider include immunoglobulin therapy, immunosupportive sedatives such as phenothiazine plus ketamine rather than opiate plus benzodiazepine, methylene blue for multiple organ failure, and early ECLS for severe hypoxaemia.Extra-Corporeal Lung Support (ECLS).

The first adult ECMO trial (USA) in severe acute respiratory failure resulted in 95% mortality in both treated and untreated groups.   Gattinoni (Italy) proposed the use of low blood flow (approximately 25% cardiac output) veno-venous ECMO designed primarily to excrete CO2 while the lungs were used for almost apnoeic oxygenation (low frequency positive pressure ventilation).   He called it LFPPV/ECCO2R and claims 50% survival in ECMO-entry criteria patients, but refuses to undertake a controlled trial.  A controlled trial of Gattinoni’s protocol conducted in Salt Lake City, USA, found 70% mortality in control and treatment groups so throwing grave doubt on the benefits of LFPPV/ECCO2R. There are now few ECMO centres around the world with limited capacity, but the threat of large numbers of patients with H1N1 viral pneumonia and severe hypoxaemia is forcing consideration of greater provision.  Patients facing imminent hypoxaemic or hypercapnic death can be supported by high flow veno-venous or veno-arterial ECMO but the technique is difficult and it is impossible to predict whether the lungs will eventually recover.    The entry criteria of the ECMO trials were:

’FAST’ ENTRY: PaO2 less than 6.7 kPa (50 mmHg) for more than 2 hours on FIO2 of 1.0 and PEEP 5 cmH2O

’SLOW’ ENTRY:- PaO2 less than 6.7 kPa (50 mmHg) for 12 hours with FIO2 0.6 and PEEP 5 cmH2O.

CESAR criteria: 4-parameter Murray score at least 3.0, or respiratory acidosis pH <7.2.Patients will only be considered if they have potentially reversible lung pathology. Early ECMO for very severe acute lung injury (<48 hours ALI) is likely to be the most effective use of ECMO. Patients in ARDS (Murray 2.5+) for more than 10 days and patients who have been subjected to high-pressure ventilation or high-oxygen exposure (plateau >35, FiO2 >0.8) for more than 7 days are not suitable candidates.  Complications are mostly related to anticoagulation therapy, so contra-indications include head injury, liver failure, coagulopathy and thrombocytopaenia (<100,000). Preference will be given to patients with greater life expectancy before the onset of ALI and with fewer comorbidities. Patients considered moribund will not be offered ECMO.ECMO centres often target normal haematocrit (Hb 140g/L) and plasma oncotic pressure, so consider transfusion therapy before proceeding to ECMO. Objectives are to maximise oxygen delivery at lower oxygen tensions and to inhibit extravascular lung water accumulation. Other possible benefits include oxygen and NO radical scavenging and increased pressure/ flow ratio (higher calculated SVR). Patients are kept euvolaemic and ‘dry’ by liberal use of diuretics, haemofiltration and colloid/ RBC transfusion. Haemofiltration capability can be included in the ECMO circuit.Reliable arterial access is needed. A central arterial cannula (i.e. Axillary, brachial or femoral) of at least 18G before heparinisation is recommended. The decision to go onto ECMO will be made by the consultant in charge; the cannulae used are large (21 FG) and a significant volume of blood may be lost upon their insertion. Right internal jugular and a femoral (or bilateral femoral) access is needed. 2DUS guided percutaneous

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technique is preferred, but surgical cutdown is an alternative. Blood is drained from the right atrium and returned to the IVC. Blood is also used to prime the extracorporeal circuit so ensure at least 12 units of blood have been cross matched if ECMO is imminent. Use of two membranes makes for easier changes during prolonged perfusion. The circuit must be capable of blood flows up to 0.12L/kg/min. Heparin bonded tubing is available which makes full anti-coagulation  unnecessary although if haemofiltration is also required then this circuit must be heparinised.   Aprotinin is sometimes used to reduce haemorrhage.   Thrombin solution can be applied to the cannulation sites.Systemic heparinisation is used to achieve activated clotting time (ACT) 160-220s. Be prepared for cardiovascular instability at the start of ECMO. Slowly increase the blood flow rate to approximately 25% of the cardiac output, stabilise and assess. Use the lowest extracorporeal flow compatible with the preservation of life during lung rest (FiO2 no more than 40%, inspiratory and expiratory pressures less than 20, respiratory rate 10 or less). Arterial oxygen tension 85-90% is adequate, especially as haemoglobin concentration will be higher than non-ECMO practice. Oxygenation will require higher blood flows, usually 50-75% of the cardiac output. Changes in cardiac output will cause changes in ‘shunting’ of the venous return which has not been oxygenated and must be considered when interpreting arterial blood samples. Cardiac output management is essential. The other phenomenon to consider is recirculation of already-oxygenated venous blood into the ECMO circuit. Body temperature is kept at 35-37C; lower temperatures may be attractive for suppression of metabolic rate, but coagulation considerations make this risky.After heparinisation, it is impractical to provide new vascular access. Haemofiltration can be incorporated into the ECMO circuit, and drugs including parenteral nutrition can be administered downstream of the membrane oxygenator.

Small printReplenishment of the anti-oxidant amino-acids glutathione and cysteine (e.g with Acetyl cysteine (Parvolex) seems to improve DO2 in ARDS, and may “protect” the lungs if given early reducing the number of organ failure free (OFF) days but has not been shown to change mortality. KETOCONAZOLE (an imidazole antifungal agent which is also a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor) and LISOPHYLLINE failed to produce benefit in definitive RCTs. EPOPROSTENOL (prostacyclin, PGI2) has been demonstrated to be an effective (if expensive) nebulised pulmonary vasodilator.  ALPROSTADIL (PGE1) showed some promise either alone or in a liposomal carrier in reversing early ARDS but trials have failed to find a substantial benefit. ALMITRINE  might be a complementary agent to NO as it is given intravenously and augments hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.  SURFACTANT therapy has been disappointing. PARTIAL LIQUID VENTILATION (also called perfluorocarbon associated gas exchange, PAGE) is practicable and has theoretical mechanical benefits, opening and keeping open lung units in dependent zones, but whether it will help patients either alone or in combination with other therapies (like surfactants or nitric oxide) awaits study.

Type II Respiratory FailureCharacterised by

Previously diseased lungsSlower onsetHypoxemia, hypercapniaIncreased FRC

e.g. COPD, asthma

Therapy of Type II respiratory failureIncrease FIO2 and humidification.  Antibiotics only if bacterial infection is likely.  Nebulised salbutamol 5mg or terbutaline 10mg should be given at 15-30 minute intervals until improvement is seen. Alternatively use a continuous nebuliser delivering up to 10mg/ hour salbutamol. Add nebulised Ipratropium bromide (0.5mg adults). Asthmatics benefit from steroids; prednisolone 40mg od orally or hydrocortisone 100mg qds intravenously for adults. 

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A single dose of magnesium 1.2-2G over 20 minutes can help in patients who have not responded to salbutamol and steroids, but should not be repeated.In severe cases iv salbutamol (slow loading dose 250µg then 3-20µg/minute under ECG monitoring). Patients normally taking theophylline can receive intravenous aminophylline infusion at 0.5-0.7mg/kg/hour.   If theophylline loading dose is needed give 5mg/kg over 20 minutes. Therapeutic levels should be measured in serum (10 ml clotted blood before next dose or >1 h after starting infusion). Therapeutic level is 55 - 110 µmol/l (10 - 20 mg/l).  Convulsions are a sign of toxicity so avoid paralysis if possible. In some of the chronically hypercarbic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (typically the ‘blue bloaters’) use of high FIO2  may worsen hypercapnia by increasing dead space in patients unable to increase minute ventilation or by reducing “hypoxic” respiratory drive. Thus regular blood gases should be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy. Avoid all sedative medication.  NIPPV (non-invasive positive pressure ventilation) is proven to be an effective supportive intervention for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD.   Indications are acidaemia (pH<7.35) and tachypnoea (RR >30 breaths/min). NIPPV can be performed with special ventilators on the respiratory wards at SGH.  Alternatively, a flow triggered ICU ventilator can be used in pressure control mode (20cmH2O) with 0-5cmH2O PEEP, but the sensitivity of the alarms on such ventilators makes it impractical to use them for NIPPV for more than a short period of time.The decision to intubate and ventilate a patient with COPD is often difficult and such a decision should have been made after discussion with both ICU and Respiratory consultants. Ideally when such patients are admitted there should be early discussion over the patient’s suitability for ventilation before their condition deteriorates. Such decisions are based on health prior to the acute episode, examination, investigation, and social history. The number of acute admissions in the previous year and previous episodes requiring ventilation should also be considered. Patients who are at best house-bound by their respiratory insufficiency should not be ventilated.DOXAPRAM infusion may be of benefit in those patients not considered suitable for ventilation.Indications for intubation and ventilation are:

exhaustioninability to coughdecreasing conscious levelrising PaCO2

persistently low PaO2

It may be most appropriate to intubate these patients awake to avoid the cardiovascular instability associated with induction of anaesthesia; such patients are often very dehydrated. Pressure support ventilation is then appropriate with pressures up to 30 cm H2O above a low PEEP (2.5 cm H2O). Aim for normal PaCO2 of 5.3 kPa with PaO2 > 8 kPa. A novel variant of pressure support/ PEEP is pressure support/ bi-level PEEP. Some mandatory tidal excursion occurs as the ventilator cycles between the low and high PEEP levels. With persistently high HCO3- levels correction with acetazolamide may be of benefit (250 mg bd). Salbutamol will cause a lowering of plasma potassium which should be corrected if < 3.5 mmol/l. As the patient improves so the pressure support may be reduced. Once support is minimal a ‘T’ piece cross-flow circuit should be used prior to extubation. Avoid high levels of PEEP and CPAP.  Asthma poses some special challenges. Most patients presenting to ICU with acute severe asthma have chronic moderate to severe airflow obstruction with deterioration over several days. They have been treated with increased beta agonists and steroids and the pathophysiology seems to be mucosal oedema and hypertrophy with plugging of secretions which contain eosinophils. These patients could benefit from bronchial lavage. In the asthmatic patient requiring ventilation there is a risk of tension pneumothorax if airway pressures exceed  45 cm H2O. Inflation pressures are often high and pressure controlled ventilation may be the best mode with a slow respiratory rate and prolonged expiration. Permissive hypercapnia may be necessary in such circumstances until bronchospasm subsides.  A number of further techniques have been used in extreme asthma; they all have the potential to cause complications and are not invariably successful.

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HELIOX (oxygen in helium) has a lower viscosity than air and is easier to breath.ANAESTHETIC AGENTS have been reported to improve bronchospasm.  Ketamine is probably the anaesthetic of choice in asthma.  The inhalational agents may cause sudden hypotension when given in acute severe asthma.BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE   is sometimes used to clear mucus plugging,   Transient deterioration in blood gases should be anticipated.FORCED EXHALATION  uses a nurse kneeling astride the patient to press on his chest to aid exhalation in order to overcome air trapping.  Only used in extremis!

Humidification, secretions etc.Heat-moisture exchangers (filter humidifiers) are adequate for most cases. Heated water humidifiers can become contaminated with bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Nebulised salbutamol (5mg) is both a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory agent. Nebulised heparin (50,000 units in 5ml) reduces the elasticity of viscid bronchial secretions. N-acetyl cysteine is a mucolytic which can be nebulised in 20% solution (but smells and tastes of rotten eggs) or given intravenously. Nebulised hypertonic saline (5ml of 3-7%) is more effective than isotonic saline (0.9%) at assisting expectoration, but both can acutely increase airway resistance.

Weaning from Mechanical VentilationBefore weaning starts, the patient should be at his/her best.

Weaning check-list1.       Ensure that acid-base status, electrolyte and PCV values are normal. Abnormal levels of K+, Mg++,

PO4-- and Ca++ may impair muscle function.2.       Circulation stable; weaning can start if only a low level of inotropic support is required.3.       Gas exchange is satisfactory: PaO2 >8kPa; FIO2 <0.4; PEEP <5cmH2O. Areas of atelectasis should

have been re-expanded (CXR). 4.       Respiratory rate should be <35/min with a minute volume >200 ml/kg/min. A widely quoted test for

adult patients is frequency (breaths per minute) divided by tidal volume (litres) two minutes after disconnection from mechanical support; values of 100 or more suggest the patient still needs support.

5.       The patient is awake and co-operative; respiratory drive must be optimal; respiratory muscles should be working normally (vital capacity should be >15 m/kg and maximal inspiratory pressure more negative than -16). Gag and cough reflexes must be intact.

6.       Empty stomach prior to extubation; abdominal distension may hinder weaning.

Decide what form of weaning is appropriate for the patient;

Rapid weanis often suitable for patients who were ventilated prophylactically after major surgery where lung function was normal prior to that surgery. Some asthmatics may also do well with a rapid wean when bronchospasm has resolved. These patients should be put onto a cross-flow ‘T’ piece with humidified gas at an FIO2 of 40% once awake and fully co-operative. If respiratory pattern is acceptable and comfortable for the patient then if SaO2 remains in the low 90s or above then proceed to extubation as soon as indicated.

Slow weanis used for patients with pre-existing lung disease or in those who have undergone prolonged periods of ventilation.  After prolonged critical illness profound weakness is common and has been attributed to a polyneuropathy, whose aetiology is unclear.  Weakness may affect even the respiratory muscles, but most patients eventually recover.Weaning starts with a reduction in ventilatory support by a reduction in the control rate. Switch to pressure support when the patient has adequate respiratory drive at an acceptable arterial CO2 tension.  Pressure support is then reduced in small steps. A poor prognostic sign is a fall in tidal volume with progressive reduction in the support level above PEEP. Arterial blood gas monitoring is essential in the early phase of weaning such patients; progress should be slow but steady.

‘Classic’ wean

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Some patients who have had prolonged periods of ventilation or who have severe pre-existing COPD with poor cardiorespiratory reserve whose respiratory muscles may not be able to function adequately in the weaning modes described above may successfully wean by the classic method. Instead of switching to IPS, patients are allowed to breathe spontaneously via T-piece or continuous-flow CPAP circuit for a short period at regular intervals: e.g. 5 min every hour. This period of spontaneous ventilation is gradually increased until extubation is possible.

“Progressive care programme”In some difficult-to-wean patients an alternative is the BiPap machine (available through the senior physiotherapist). In some COPD patients this may make weaning easier and more rapid; this machine can also be used in the extubated patient using a tightly fitting face-mask. Some patients may require prolonged ventilatory support on discharge to the ward or even from hospital.

MinitracheostomyHas a limited place in respiratory support but may be of use in the mildly obtunded patient whose major problems are of impaired cough with subsequent sputum retention. In such patients it may avoid formal intubation or re-intubation in a patient who has been weaned and extubated. There are several complications associated with minitracheostomy of which bleeding and malplacement may cause additional problems. Minitracheostomies should therefore be inserted only by someone familiar with the technique.  The Seldinger insertion method is prefered.   Jet ventilation can be applied through a Minitrach, but displacement causes dramatic problems so take care.

Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy (FOB)Please handle the Flexible Fibreoptic Bronchoscope (FFB) with care, and always with permission of Consultant.  Indications include; aid to intubation, confirmation of correct tube positioning, airway toilet, and obtaining specimens from selected parts of the bronchial tree.  A catheter mount with a diaphragm through which the FFB is passed while ventilation proceeds is available.   Administer 100% oxygen and ensure somebody is monitoring the patients vital signs.

Intubation.Apply topical local anaesthesia (with vasoconstrictor if nasal intubation).   It is sometimes useful to pass the ET tube to pharynx and then pass FFB through.  When cords are seen, inject local anaesthetic onto them and wait a moment before advancing to trachea.  The patient will often cough on intubation even with good analgesia.  Slide tube over FFB to trachea.Down the tube you will see (1)  inside of the endotracheal tube (ETT), (2) the Murphy eye, (3) the trachea and carina. If the ETT is coated with inspissated secretions, change it!  Recheck position of new tube by FOB.  The carina is sometimes haemorrhagic if the patient has been intubated for several days and suctioned frequently.  Examine the ‘good’ side first, if there is one, to minimise contamination.  The right bronchus is usually more obvious as it is more ‘in line’ with the trachea.  Going down the right bronchus you will notice almost immediately the right upper lobe bronchus.  This has three segmental bronchi, apical, posterior and anterior.  Continuing down the right bronchus you will find the middle lobe bronchus which has two segmental bronchi, the medial and lateral.  The continuation of the right bronchus is the lower lobe bronchus which has five segmental bronchi, apical, medial, lateral, anterior, posterior.  Now, coming back to the carina and going 45cm down the left bronchus, you will first see the upper lobe bronchus which has four or five segmental bronchi in two groups; apical bronchi are  the apicoposterior (or apical and posterior) and anterior, lingula bronchi are the superior lingula and inferior lingula.  The continuation of the left bronchus is the lower lobe bronchus and terminates in four (or five) segmental bronchi, apical, anterior, posterior, lateral (the medial is greatly reduced on the left by the heart). Secretions from specific parts of the lower respiratory tract can be collected in a sterile sputum trap to confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia.  If necessary, 10ml saline can be used to obtain a lavage specimen, but without specialised protected suction apparatus contamination from the trachea cannot be excluded.

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Chapter 6

Fluids, solutes, acid/base balanceMaintenance compensates for obligatory salt and water loss in urine, stool, evaporation while Nil By Mouth and preserves homeostasis.Deficit is added to maintenance to compensate for extra losses.Resuscitation compensates for extreme losses of blood, water and/ or electrolytes which are causing organ dysfunction.Parenteral nutrition. Specialist advice.Therapeutic uses of IV fluids, Specialist advice.

Essential physiology.Bio fluids are aqueous solutions of;

• Strong ions, e.g. Na+, K+, Cl-, lactate etc

• Carbon dioxide/ carbonic acid/ bicarbonate equilibrium (enzyme carbonic anhydrase)

• Weak ions (mostly weak acids), e.g. Albumin, phosphate, amino acids etc.

• Non-electrolyte molecules.All membranes are permeable to water; hypothalamic – pituitary – renal axis maintains body fluid osmolarity at about 285 m.osmol/litre. In a 70kg man (42 litres total body water);

RBC ICF 1 litre Plasma 3 litres ISF 14 litres ICF 24 litres

Na+ 19 140 135 10

Cl- 50 105 110 10

K+ 95 4 3 155

Weak anions A- 42 15 - 115

Mg++ 5 2 2 10

Other anions 10 1 1 35

HCO3- 15 25 30 12

pH 7.2 7.4 7.4 7.0

Daily renal excretion approximately 500 mosmol nitrogen-containing molecules plus electrolytes, an active person takes in about 2.5 litres water per day, produces about 1.8 litres urine with about 700 mosmol (390 mosmol / L), but under restrictive fluid input can easily excrete the 700 mosmol in about 1000ml concentrated urine / 24 hours.Stress and systemic inflammation increase proteolysis and so increase the nitrogen load to be excreted, but the hormonal environment inhibits increase in urine output, and maximal concentrating ability is reduced from about 1200 to perhaps only 500 mosmol/L. Expect therefore to see transient rise in plasma urea and urine output reduced to about 1000ml / day after surgery or in acute illness. Giving liberal intravenous fluids has only small effect on urine output but may reduce plasma urea by dilution. Unless the patient was depleted, most of the extra water and electrolytes are retained as oedema (“fluid overload”). Patient gains weight (1litre = 1kg). Weight gain > 4kg (fluid balance > 4 litres) increases complications including ileus, infection, and arrhythmias. Transient hypoalbuminaemia and hypomagnesaemia (and low urea) are common after major surgery and acute illness for which liberal intravenous therapy has been used. It is not necessary to ‘correct’ them by giving albumin or magnesium unless severe or unless the patient is symptomatic. Evaporative loss as sweat may be as little as 10-20ml/ hour in a temporate climate, but much greater in summer heat or in pyrexial illness or after exercise. Water (and carbon dioxide)

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produced by metabolism matches water lost by exhalation. (The partial pressures of CO2 and water in exhaled air are similar).

Natraemia  Hyponatraemia is the commonest electrolyte abnormality and is usually due to water overload (sometimes inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).  Restrict fluid volume if possible.  Pseudo-hyponatraemia is due to lipaemic serum (especially patients on parenteral nutrition).  Severe hyponatraemia and its treatment can cause irreversible neurological injury (typically central pontine myelinolysis).  Treatment is controversial.  In acute hyponatraemia (less than 24 hours) use fluid restriction and 2xnormal saline therapy to get [Na+] 120-130mmol/l (maximum daily increase 20mmol/l).  In chronic hyponatraemia due to overload restrict fluids and consider frusemide; if diuretic induced use potassium/insulin/glucose infusion.  In either case give normal saline to replace urinary sodium losses (which should be measured).  Limit plasma sodium increase to 12mmol/l/day. Mild hyponatraemia sometimes develops during continuous haemofiltration; this can be corrected by increasing [Na] of HF Replacement solution.Hypernatremia is usually due to water deficit, restrict Na and rehydrate.

ChloraemiaNeeds to be assessed relative to sodium concentration, see Balasubramanian’s worksheet at the end of this chapter.

Kalaemia Hypokalaemia is common and may be associated with a metabolic alkalosis. It can be aggravated by beta2 agonist therapy   or magnesium deficiency.   Replace aggressively to maintain 4-4.5 mmol/l.    Monitor ECG continuously for signs of adequacy of replacement.  NEVER ADMINISTER CONCENTRATED POTASSIUM SOLUTION THROUGH A PERIPHERAL IV CANNULA.Hyperkalaemia is treated by restriction, chelating agents when practicable, or insulin/glucose therapy (20 units to 50ml 50% Glucose).  Treat metabolic acidosis if present.  Salbutamol or dopexamine may also be beneficial.

Hypomagnesaemia... by dilution is a common coincidental finding in acutely ill patients, and is associated with changed albumin and other electrolyte concentrations rather than true magnesium deficiency. There is no evidence that 'correction' of dilutional hypomagnesaemia is beneficial. True deficiency is usually associated with hypokalaemia and/ or hypophosphataemia. Can occur in severe chronic malnutrition.

Therapeutic hypermagnesaemiaSpecific indications include pre-eclampsia, tetanus, cardiac arrythmias and acute severe asthma. See disease-specific protocols. Monitor ankle jerks and regular serum magnesium levels. Magnesium is both a muscle relaxant and an anaesthetic agent, so close supervision is needed. CaCl is used to treat intoxication.

Specialist therapy; magnesium sulphate for acute severe asthmaSpecialist therapy; magnesium sulphate for acute severe asthma2g Magnesium sulphate (20ml of 10% MgSO4) over ten minutes.

Caution in oliguria.

Specialist therapy; magnesium sulphate for pre eclampsia or tetanusSpecialist therapy; magnesium sulphate for pre eclampsia or tetanus4g Magnesium sulphate in twenty minutes then maintain at 1g magnesium sulphate per hour. Target plasma concentration magnesium 1.5 - 3.5 mmol/ L

Careful regular examination of knee and ankle jerk reflexes, respiratory rate, muscle strength.

Specialist therapy; severe hypomagnesaemia.Specialist therapy; severe hypomagnesaemia.5g Magnesium sulphate over five hours. Caution in oliguria.

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CalcaemiaHypocalcaemia is seen in hypoalbuminaemia and after parathyroid surgery. Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s signs may be positive. Correct carefully with CaCl 10% by slow i.v injection.Hypercalcaemia is associated with dehydration; in severe cases, forced diuresis may be necessary.

PhosphataemiaHyperphosphataemia ocurs in renal failure or lactic acidosis and may have significant acid-base consequences. Treat underlying cause.Mild hypophosphatamia does not need active correction.

Specialist therapy; moderate to severe hypophosphataemia (phosphate deficiency).Hypophosphataemia due to redistribution is seen in alkalosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin/ glucose therapy and recovery from burns.

Specialist therapy; moderate to severe hypophosphataemia (phosphate deficiency).Hypophosphataemia due to redistribution is seen in alkalosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, insulin/ glucose therapy and recovery from burns.Moderate, PO4 < 0.5 mmol/l.10mmol as sodium phosphate or dipotassium hydrogen phosphate in 500ml Glucose 5% or Sodium Chloride 0.9% over 12 hours.Severe, PO4 <0.3 mmol/l.10mmol as sodium phosphate or dipotassium hydrogen phosphate 17.42% in 500ml Glucose 5% or Sodium chloride 0.9% over 6-8 hours and recheck.

Albuminaemia Hypoalbuminaemia is common and probably of little consequence for most patients.  It is, however, an index of severity of illness and strongly associated with increased risk of death. In the SAFE study, using albumin to treat hypovolaemia produced no overall advantage or disadvantage when compared to crystalloid resuscitation, but albumin resuscitation was HARMFUL in patients with traumatic brain injury. Albumin replacement in the acutely-ill patient is not indicated, except perhaps in profound (<15 mmol/l. by BCP method) symptomatic hypoalbuminaemia. Hyperalbuminaemia occurs in acute dehydration. Treat by rehydration.

Colloid osmotic pressureVery controversial in therapeutics. While it is generally accepted that albumin therapy offers little benefit, some clinicians use synthetic colloids to maintain plasma oncotic pressure and preserve plasma volume in hypoalbuminaemic patients. Excessive use of colloids is probably harmful to renal function.

GlycaemiaHyperglycaemia is common in stressed patients, even those who are not diabetic, and sound evidence exists for improved clinical outcome using intensive insulin therapy (with adequate carbohydrate provision) to achieve normoglycaemia in patients with acute myocardial infarction, acute brain injury, and following major surgery. DO NOT treat hyperglycaemia by withholding glucose.Hypoglycaemia is an occasional complication of over-enthusiastic insulin therapy. Give aliquots of 50% glucose i.v.

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Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Some Crystalloids; ions (mmol) and glucose (g) per litre.Na+ K+ Cl- HCO3- Gluc

Sodium chloride 0.9% 154 154Potassium chloride 0.15% or 0.3% / Sodium chloride 0.9%

154 20 or 40 175 or 195

Sodium chloride 1.8% 310 310Glucose 5% (280 mmol/L) 50g Potassium chloride 0.15% or 0.3% / Glucose 5%

20 or 40 20 or 40 50g

Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18%

31 31 40g

Potassium chloride 0.15% or 0.3% / Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18%

31 20 or 40 51 or 71 40g

Glucose 5% / Sodium chloride 0.45%

77 77 50g

Glucose 10% 100gSodium bicarbonate 1.26% 150 150

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% 1000 1000Compound sodium lactate 131 5 111 Lactate metabolised to

HCO3 and glucose. Calcium.

Lactate metabolised to HCO3 and glucose. Calcium.

Fluids for ECF and blood volume expansion, these solutions have little or no potassium or glucose.ions mmol / l

Fluids for ECF and blood volume expansion, these solutions have little or no potassium or glucose.ions mmol / l

Fluids for ECF and blood volume expansion, these solutions have little or no potassium or glucose.ions mmol / l

Fluids for ECF and blood volume expansion, these solutions have little or no potassium or glucose.ions mmol / l

Na+ Cl- / HCO3- Other moleculeBalanced salt solution (e.g. Sterofundin (Braun) or Plasmalyte (Baxter)

140 105 / 35(Acetate, malate, gluconate as bicarb substitute.)

K+ , some have Ca++ and/ or Mg++ in plasma concentration

Gelofusine 4% 154 120 / 34 (OH) Gelatine 40gVoluven 6% in balanced salt solution (Volulyte)

137 110 / 34 (acetate) Hydroxyethyl starch 60g Mg 1.5

Plasma, Human Albumin Solution 4.5%.

140 105 / 35 Albumin 45g

Human Albumin Solution 20% 140 105 / 35 Albumin 200g

Fluids for ECF expansion in patients with hyperchloraemic acidosis or for alkaline diuresisIons mmol / l. Select according to plasma sodium.

Fluids for ECF expansion in patients with hyperchloraemic acidosis or for alkaline diuresisIons mmol / l. Select according to plasma sodium.

Fluids for ECF expansion in patients with hyperchloraemic acidosis or for alkaline diuresisIons mmol / l. Select according to plasma sodium.

Fluids for ECF expansion in patients with hyperchloraemic acidosis or for alkaline diuresisIons mmol / l. Select according to plasma sodium.

Fluids for ECF expansion in patients with hyperchloraemic acidosis or for alkaline diuresisIons mmol / l. Select according to plasma sodium.Bag of… Add… Na+ Cl-/ HCO3- Gluc g/LSodium bicarbonate 1.26% 1000ml

150 0 / 150

Glucose 5% 1000ml Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 150ml

130 0 / 130 43Glucose 5% 1000ml Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 150ml “Sodium bicarbonate 1.1% / glucose

4.3%”“Sodium bicarbonate 1.1% / glucose 4.3%”“Sodium bicarbonate 1.1% / glucose 4.3%”

Glucose 5% / Sodium chloride 0.45% 500ml

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% 50ml

162 71 / 91 43Glucose 5% / Sodium chloride 0.45% 500ml

Sodium bicarbonate 8.4% 50ml “Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium

chloride 0.41% / glucose 4.3%”“Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium chloride 0.41% / glucose 4.3%”“Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium chloride 0.41% / glucose 4.3%”

Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% 500ml

Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 50ml

118 27 / 91 36Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% 500ml

Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 50ml “Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium

chloride 0.16% / glucose 3.6%”“Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium chloride 0.16% / glucose 3.6%”“Sodium bicarbonate 0.76% / sodium chloride 0.16% / glucose 3.6%”

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Crystalloid Vs Colloid  CRYSTALLOIDS COLLOIDS

Distribution extracellular mostly intravascular Haemodynamic effects transient  rapid, sustained Volume required  at least  x2  smaller Risks  oedema (reduced COPmv)  i/ oedema  (increased Pmv)

ii/ anaphylaxis (esp gelofusine), renal failure (dose-dependent effect of HES in sepsis)III/ excess mortality risk?

 Cost  Cheap  Expensive

Comparing available colloids  GELATIN DEXTRAN  70 HE STARCHESHE STARCHES

CONC. 3.5% 6% 6%-10%MOL WT (1000) 35 70 130-450VOL EFFECT% 80% 120% 100%-140%PLASMA T½ H 3 6 6-8ELIMINATION very rapid rapid Larger MW solutions are very slowLarger MW solutions are very slowELECTROLYTES Na 154

Cl 120various variousvarious

COMMENTS Gelofusin is Ca free and pH balanced. Anaphylaxis risk 1:2000 

Possible anaphylaxis, platelet inhibition, cell wash before cross matching.Does it protect against DVT, ARDS?

Hyper-amylasaemia.Overload the reticulo-endothelial system?Coagulopathy? (binds clotting factors).Fewer hydroxyl groups (lower degree of substition) may be advantageous (0.4-0.6)

Hyper-amylasaemia.Overload the reticulo-endothelial system?Coagulopathy? (binds clotting factors).Fewer hydroxyl groups (lower degree of substition) may be advantageous (0.4-0.6)

Maintenance fluids, and deficits.Assess needs carefully.

Before any intravenous fluid is prescribed, whether for replacement or maintenance, the following should be considered:

• Clinical assessment of the patient’s fluid status, i.e. is there a deficit requiring replacement or does the patient need maintenance fluids only.

• Where a fluid deficit is identified (e.g. haemorrhage or vasodilatation, diarrhoea or vomitus, insensible or renal losses) the nature of the fluid deficit must be identified.

• The type of fluid which will best treat the deficit.

• The appropriate rate of fluid administration guided by clinical assessment and safety limits.

• The proposed clinical endpoint.

• Continued monitoring of fluid and electrolyte status.

Dehydration (whole body water depletion; repletion is a necessarily slow process)Dehydration (whole body water depletion; repletion is a necessarily slow process)Estimate water deficiency from degree of hypernatraemia and replace with Glucose 5% 100-250ml/hour. Monitor Na+ concentration and avoid change of more than 20mmol / 24h. Monitor glucose and consider insulin.

Estimate water deficiency from degree of hypernatraemia and replace with Glucose 5% 100-250ml/hour. Monitor Na+ concentration and avoid change of more than 20mmol / 24h. Monitor glucose and consider insulin.

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Diabetes insipidus Measure hourly urine volume and match with Glucose 5% plus Potassium chloride or Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% according to electrolytes. Consider insulin to prevent hyperglycaemia. Consider V1 agonist to control polyuria.

Understanding typical constitution of some GI losses.Understanding typical constitution of some GI losses.Understanding typical constitution of some GI losses.Understanding typical constitution of some GI losses.Understanding typical constitution of some GI losses.Body Secretion & typical ions.

Na+ mmol/L K+ mmol/L Cl- mmol/L HCO3- mmol/L

Gastric 20-60 15 140 0 – 15Pancreatic 130 10 50 85Bile & small intestinal

145 5 105-135 8-30

Diarrhoea 30 – 140 30 – 70 20 – 80

When allowing for nutritional volume, remember that lipid solutions are not entirely aqueous.  You can assess lipaemia by inspecting the plasma of a small saved sample once the cells have settled.  If present, reduce lipid administration.

Daily maintenance prescriptions.Daily maintenance prescriptions.Daily maintenance prescriptions.Daily maintenance prescriptions.Daily maintenance prescriptions.

Restrictive prescription; the “1ml/kg rule” for adults. Flow rate 1ml/kg IBW/hDaily volume 24ml/kg IBWAdult Female typically 60ml / h, 1.42 litres per day.Adult Male typically 70 ml / h, 1.68 litres per day.

Restrictive prescription; the “1ml/kg rule” for adults. Flow rate 1ml/kg IBW/hDaily volume 24ml/kg IBWAdult Female typically 60ml / h, 1.42 litres per day.Adult Male typically 70 ml / h, 1.68 litres per day.

Restrictive prescription; the “1ml/kg rule” for adults. Flow rate 1ml/kg IBW/hDaily volume 24ml/kg IBWAdult Female typically 60ml / h, 1.42 litres per day.Adult Male typically 70 ml / h, 1.68 litres per day.

Restrictive prescription; the “1ml/kg rule” for adults. Flow rate 1ml/kg IBW/hDaily volume 24ml/kg IBWAdult Female typically 60ml / h, 1.42 litres per day.Adult Male typically 70 ml / h, 1.68 litres per day.

Restrictive prescription; the “1ml/kg rule” for adults. Flow rate 1ml/kg IBW/hDaily volume 24ml/kg IBWAdult Female typically 60ml / h, 1.42 litres per day.Adult Male typically 70 ml / h, 1.68 litres per day.Liberal prescription; the “4-2-1 rule” for children and adults. Flow rate is 4ml/kg up to 10kg, 2ml/kg 11-20kg, then 1ml/kg. For >20kg patient, 1ml/kg +40ml/hour. Daily volume 24ml/kg IBW + 960ml.Adult Female typically 100 ml / hour, 2.4 litres per day.Adult Male typically 110 ml/ hour, 2.64 litres per day.

Liberal prescription; the “4-2-1 rule” for children and adults. Flow rate is 4ml/kg up to 10kg, 2ml/kg 11-20kg, then 1ml/kg. For >20kg patient, 1ml/kg +40ml/hour. Daily volume 24ml/kg IBW + 960ml.Adult Female typically 100 ml / hour, 2.4 litres per day.Adult Male typically 110 ml/ hour, 2.64 litres per day.

Liberal prescription; the “4-2-1 rule” for children and adults. Flow rate is 4ml/kg up to 10kg, 2ml/kg 11-20kg, then 1ml/kg. For >20kg patient, 1ml/kg +40ml/hour. Daily volume 24ml/kg IBW + 960ml.Adult Female typically 100 ml / hour, 2.4 litres per day.Adult Male typically 110 ml/ hour, 2.64 litres per day.

Liberal prescription; the “4-2-1 rule” for children and adults. Flow rate is 4ml/kg up to 10kg, 2ml/kg 11-20kg, then 1ml/kg. For >20kg patient, 1ml/kg +40ml/hour. Daily volume 24ml/kg IBW + 960ml.Adult Female typically 100 ml / hour, 2.4 litres per day.Adult Male typically 110 ml/ hour, 2.64 litres per day.

Liberal prescription; the “4-2-1 rule” for children and adults. Flow rate is 4ml/kg up to 10kg, 2ml/kg 11-20kg, then 1ml/kg. For >20kg patient, 1ml/kg +40ml/hour. Daily volume 24ml/kg IBW + 960ml.Adult Female typically 100 ml / hour, 2.4 litres per day.Adult Male typically 110 ml/ hour, 2.64 litres per day.Remember that many drugs come as sodium salts, so that total sodium input may be much higher than fluid prescription. For most adults Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% with Potassium chloride 0.15% at 60-80ml/h.

Remember that many drugs come as sodium salts, so that total sodium input may be much higher than fluid prescription. For most adults Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% with Potassium chloride 0.15% at 60-80ml/h.

Remember that many drugs come as sodium salts, so that total sodium input may be much higher than fluid prescription. For most adults Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% with Potassium chloride 0.15% at 60-80ml/h.

Remember that many drugs come as sodium salts, so that total sodium input may be much higher than fluid prescription. For most adults Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% with Potassium chloride 0.15% at 60-80ml/h.

Remember that many drugs come as sodium salts, so that total sodium input may be much higher than fluid prescription. For most adults Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% with Potassium chloride 0.15% at 60-80ml/h.

Na+ K+ Cl- GlucDaily requirement mmol/kg 1-2 1-2

2000ml / day of following prescriptions provides;2000ml / day of following prescriptions provides;2000ml / day of following prescriptions provides;2000ml / day of following prescriptions provides;Prescription(83ml / hour = 2000ml / day)

Na+ mmol / day

K+ mmol / day

Cl-mmol / day

Gluc g / day

Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% 83ml/h 62 62 80gGlucose 5% 83ml/h x 2, 0.9% Sodium chloride 83ml/h x1

103 103 33.5g

Glucose 5% 83ml/h alternating 0.9% Sodium chloride 83ml/h

154 154 50g

Glucose 5% / Sodium chloride 0.45% 83 ml/h

154 154 100g

… + Potassium chloride 20mmol / l (0.15%). + 40 + 40… + Potassium chloride 40mmol / l (0.3%). + 80 + 80

Specialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; hepatobiliary surgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; hepatobiliary surgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; hepatobiliary surgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; hepatobiliary surgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; hepatobiliary surgeryPrescription Na+ mmol /

dayK+ mmol / day

Cl-mmol / day

Gluc g / day

Glucose 4% / Sodium chloride 0.18% 80ml/h

62 62 80g

Gelofusine 30ml/h 95 6 86Human Albumin Solution used for correction of hypovolaemia.Human Albumin Solution used for correction of hypovolaemia.Human Albumin Solution used for correction of hypovolaemia.Human Albumin Solution used for correction of hypovolaemia.Human Albumin Solution used for correction of hypovolaemia.

Specialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; neurosurgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; neurosurgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; neurosurgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; neurosurgerySpecialist service maintenance preference at SUHT; neurosurgeryPrescription Na+ mmol /

dayK+ mmol / day

Cl-mmol / day

Gluc g / day

Sodium chloride 0.9% 80ml/h 300 300Enteral feeding when possible. Emphasis on avoiding free water which adds to brain swelling.Enteral feeding when possible. Emphasis on avoiding free water which adds to brain swelling.Enteral feeding when possible. Emphasis on avoiding free water which adds to brain swelling.Enteral feeding when possible. Emphasis on avoiding free water which adds to brain swelling.Enteral feeding when possible. Emphasis on avoiding free water which adds to brain swelling.

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Resuscitation fluids Meta-analysis of published RCTs finds no obvious advantages for the more expensive and risky colloids over sodium-containing crystalloids in trauma resuscitation and surgical patients. Crystalloids are preferred for trauma and surgery in US but at possible cost of peripheral oedema.   Healthy lungs are partly protected by low reflection co-efficient to albumin and high lymph flow capacity.   Choose synthetic colloid and blood (if indicated) for very rapid resuscitation in profound hypovolaemic shock.  Rapid infusion cannulae and giving sets and fluid heat exchanger should be used when available.  Published studies suggest that excessively-aggressive fluid resuscitation can be harmful, so an estimate of the likely deficit, and care not to exceed that volume, could be helpful. Albumin for fluid resuscitation in patients with traumatic brain injury is NOT SAFE. This subgroup from the SAFE study had reduced survival compared to saline-resuscitated patients.

Low extra-cellular fluid volume / adequate blood volume Dry membranes, reduced skin turgor, oliguria (or polyuria as cause of ECF volume depletion as in diabetes mellitus). Plasma sodium often low. Need frequent reassessment especially for rising venous pressure/ pulmonary oedema. Do not use colloids.

Low extra-cellular fluid volume / adequate blood volume Dry membranes, reduced skin turgor, oliguria (or polyuria as cause of ECF volume depletion as in diabetes mellitus). Plasma sodium often low. Need frequent reassessment especially for rising venous pressure/ pulmonary oedema. Do not use colloids.Immediately;Immediately;(chemistry not known) Sodium chloride 500ml in thirty minutes.After blood (and urine if possible) chemistry results;After blood (and urine if possible) chemistry results;Plasma sodium normal or high, no acidosis,

balanced salt solution 150-250ml/h

Plasma sodium low, no acidosis, 0.9% Sodium chloride at 150-250ml/hPlasma sodium low, acidosis 1.26% Na Bicarbonate at 150-250ml/hContinue until response (improved urine output, rising venous pressure etc). Use insulin sliding scale when blood sugar > 8.3 mmol/L (N.B. diabetes mellitus)Continue until response (improved urine output, rising venous pressure etc). Use insulin sliding scale when blood sugar > 8.3 mmol/L (N.B. diabetes mellitus)

Low blood volume (haemorrhage or extreme ECF depletion).Falling BP, rising heart rate, low venous pressure, oliguria, altered mental state.THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, do not leave patient unattended until circulation restored.

Low blood volume (haemorrhage or extreme ECF depletion).Falling BP, rising heart rate, low venous pressure, oliguria, altered mental state.THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, do not leave patient unattended until circulation restored.Balanced Salt Solution (preferred) or 0.9% Sodium chloride.

1000ml (or 20ml / kg) immediately then second 1000ml bolus

Plasma substitute; Colloid in Balanced salt solution or 0.9% Sodium chloride.

500ml boluses

Plasma; Human Albumin 4.5% Expensive, no benefit over BSS or plasma substitute in acute resuscitation. Only use in very hypoalbuminaemic patients.

RBC transfusion Blood loss >30% blood volume or > 1000ml or Hb <70g/l FFP Blood loss > 50% blood volume or Bleeding and INR >2Platelets Bleeding and platelets <50

Experimental studies suggests a possible future for hypertonic saline (up to 7.5% NaCl) with or without a colloid for rapid resuscitation. Hypertonic saline is postulated to have benefits beyond the anticipated expansion of ECF from intracellular fluid redistribution; these include vasodilation, deswelling of intravascular and endothelial cells, and central sympathetic nervous system activation.

Blood and clotting factorsThere is no optimal haemoglobin concentration, but for critically ill adults somewhere in the range 70-120g/L is acceptable.   A Canadian RCT found that most patients benefit from a ‘restrictive’ approach to transfusion (70-90g/L). However, there remains a concern that there may be subgroups who would benefit from keeping the Hb higher. Though recently transfused RBCs transport relatively small quantities of oxygen, transfusion increases blood viscosity with possible improvement of tissue perfusion. RBC transfusion may cause minor allergic or pyrexial reactions, which can be diminished by co-administration of chlorpheniramine and paracetamol. Rarely the patient can experience acute and severe haemolysis, anaphylaxis or bacteraemia. Delayed haemolysis can occur in

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patients previously transfused. Post-transfusion purpura occurs 5-9 days after blood transfusion and is due to PLA-1 positive platelets given to a PLA-1 negative patient.Evidence suggests erythropoietin (Epoitin Alfa 40,000 units weekly up to three doses) have little if any effect on transfusion requirements for critically-ill patients, but there is a survival benefit for trauma patients.Platelet count below 20,000 or INR   >5 should usually be treated to minimise the risk of bleeding.  In the presence of bleeding, check Hb, platelet count and INR regularly.  If platelet count is low and INR prolonged, request fibrinogen levels and fibrin degradation products. In the presence of ACTIVE HAEMORRHAGE, treat;

platelet count <100,000 with platelet transfusion, INR >1.8 with fresh frozen plasma, fibrinogen <0.8g/L with cryoprecipitate.

A rare cause of thrombocytopenia is an immune reaction to heparin. The “4T score” estimates the a priori likelihood of this diagnosis;

Thrombocytopenia: the fall exceeds 50% of baseline or nadir count is 20-100 = 2 points, the fall is 30-50% or nadir count is 10-19 = 1 point.

Timing: 5-10 days after heparin treatment initiated or 1 day if prior exposure to heparin within 30 days = 2points, more than 10 days after treatment initiated or more than 30 days from prior exposure = 1point

Thrombosis: new proven thrombosis or skin necrosis or systemic reaction = 2points, progressive or recurrent thrombosis or red skin lesions = 1 point.

By exclusion: no alternative cause = 2 points, possible alternative cause = 1 point.If 4T score is 1-3 (HIT unlikely), continue heparin while awaiting results of investigations. If 4T score 6-8 (HIT probable), withdraw heparin and use alternatives. First request ELISA test for antibodies to heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4). ELISA-positive patients may then be offered serotonin-release assay (SRA) to confirm or refute diagnosis. Aprotinin ("Trasylol") is a protease inhibitor which appears to protect platelet glycoprotein 1b (GP1b) receptors from damage thereby reducing blood loss due to platelet dysfunction during extracorporeal blood circulation or major surgery. Severity of illness correlates with the extent of depletion of the natural anti-coagulants antithrombin III (ATIII) and activated protein C (APC). In severe sepsis, cytokines induce coagulopathy via the protein C and S pathway so APC replacement is a rational approach. Indiscriminate administration of pro-coagulation factors in an attempt to correct coagulopathy before the DIC is terminated can make things worse; “throwing coals on the fire”. Indeed, evidence exists for a harmful effect of fresh frozen plasma in acute septic shock from animal experiments and clinical audit.In refractory haemorrhagic states, treatment with recombinant activated tissue factor (NovoSeven) can be life-saving; get haematology advice and assistance. Clotting factors activities are increased by alkalaemia.

Acid-base balanceReinterpretations of the mechanisms of acid-base balance suggest an important role for the liver. There has also been a recent return to fashion of Peter Stewart’s approach to acid base balance; in essence this focuses on “strong ions” and the “strong ion difference” (particularly Na and Cl) rather than bicarbonate as determinative of hydrogen ion concentration in plasma.  In shock mixed venous or central venous blood probably gives a better indication of the severity of derangements of acid/base balance than arterial.  Respiratory acidosis is treated by controlled ventilation if possible, but may have to be tolerated if high lung resistance (eg severe asthma) or low compliance (eg severe ARDS) limit the attainable alveolar ventilation ('permissive hypercarbia').  Extreme respiratory acidosis is countered by sodium bicarbonate infusion.Metabolic acidosis is treated by correction of the underlying cause.   Note that a common cause of post-operative base deficit is narrowing of the strong ion difference by hyperchloraemia; this acidosis is does not appear to be harmful but can be prevented by attention to chloride input. Sodium bicarbonate is of limited value in lactic acidosis or diabetic

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ketoacidosis and should not be used without careful consideration unless pH <7.15 and care to avoid sodium overload.  In profound refractory acidosis haemofiltration and bicarbonate-based filtrate replacement fluids may be indicated. Balasubramanian worksheet for bedside assessment of acid – base status.

Print out and take with you to the bedside. After you have done the calculation a few times, you will no longer need the worksheet. You need to know the base excess, Na, Cl and albumin. Lactate is useful too.

From the blood gas machine’s calculationFrom the blood gas machine’s calculationFrom the blood gas machine’s calculation Base excess calculated from

pH/ PCO2 Na

Calculate the base excess due to free water0.3 (Na – 140)Calculate the base excess due to free water0.3 (Na – 140)Calculate the base excess due to free water0.3 (Na – 140)

Befw =

Cl

Calculate the base excess due to chloride(adjusted for the Na concentration)102 – (Cl x 140/Na)

Calculate the base excess due to chloride(adjusted for the Na concentration)102 – (Cl x 140/Na)

Calculate the base excess due to chloride(adjusted for the Na concentration)102 – (Cl x 140/Na)

BECl =

Alb

Calculate the base excess due to albumin0.34 x (45 – alb)Calculate the base excess due to albumin0.34 x (45 – alb)Calculate the base excess due to albumin0.34 x (45 – alb)

BEAlb =

Calculate the BE due to unmeasured anionsBE – Befw – BECl –BEAlbCalculate the BE due to unmeasured anionsBE – Befw – BECl –BEAlbCalculate the BE due to unmeasured anionsBE – Befw – BECl –BEAlb

Beua =

Lactate

Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

BELact =Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

Lactate can be considered a strong ion and you can also calculate base excess due to lactate;-Lact

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Chapter 7

Renal SupportURINE physiologic oliguria oliguric renal failureProtein nil +Specific gravity >1020 1010Osmolality >500mmol/l  200-350mmol/lU. sodium <15mmol/l  >60mmol/lUrine/plasma osm. >1.3 <1.1U. urea >250mmol/l  <160mmol/lFe Na (fractional excretion of sodium) U.Na/(U/P creat)

<1 >1

 sediment normal granular or epithelial cell casts

 response to volume always  Occasionally

Definitions• OLIGURIA is a urine output averaging less than 15ml/hour (400ml/day or 200ml/12h)

in any patient older than 8 years.  It may be a physiological response to renal hypoperfusion or dehydration.

• ANURIA suggests urinary tract obstruction or severe acute parenchymal disease.• ACUTE RENAL FAILURE is an abrupt decline in renal function associated with retention

of water, hydrogen and potassium ions, and nitrogenous waste products.  Usually oliguric, may sometimes feature normal or even high urine volume (polyuric renal failure).  The mortality is high.

• ACUTE TUBULAR NECROSIS is the morphological feature in 75% of cases. • ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY in severe sepsis usually has no morphological features at

autopsy.Acute kidney injury stratification; Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage Kidney (RIFLE) classification. (proposed by the “AKI Network”).

Class Glomerular filtration rate criteria Urine output criteriaRisk (AKIN stage 1)

Serum creatinine × 1.5 < 0.5 ml/kg/hour × 6 hours

Injury (AKIN stage 2)

Serum creatinine × 2 < 0.5 ml/kg/hour × 12 hours

Failure (AKIN stage 3)

Serum creatinine × 3, or serum creatinine ≥ 4 mg/dl with an acute rise > 0.5 mg/dl.RRT.

< 0.3 ml/kg/hour × 24 hours, or anuria × 12 hours

Loss Persistent acute renal failure = complete loss of kidney function > 4 weeksPersistent acute renal failure = complete loss of kidney function > 4 weeksEnd-stage kidney disease

End-stage kidney disease > 3 monthsEnd-stage kidney disease > 3 months

Author’s note; I have tried but failed to find the authority behind “half a mil per kilo” as a urine output criterion. Is this actual or lean body weight, do age or gender matter? Need we worry about just one or two hours of oliguria? My advice is that any female passing less than 120ml of urine in any four hours, and any male passing less than 160 ml in any four hours, deserves investigation. Giving a loop diuretic to increase urine volume before measuring urine and plasma chemistry is lazy and dangerous practice. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment of oliguria can prevent renal failure, but frusemide does not.

Pathophysiology of Acute Renal FailureNormally renal blood flow is very high (approx. 25% of cardiac output) and cortical flow (4ml/g/min) predominates over medullary (2ml/g/min).  Tissue PO2 in the cortex is around 6kPa, but only 2kPa in the medulla. Relative medullary ischaemia/hypoxia is necessary to maintain

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osmolality gradients (built up by the countercurrent exchange mechanism) which enable us to produce concentrated urine.  The major O2 demand in the medulla is for active reabsorption in the thick ascending limb; inhibition of active transport by a loop diuretic such as frusemide increases medullary PO2 to 4kPa.   A complex system of intrinsic renal vasodilators and vasoconstrictors exists to maintain renal homeostasis.   Of importance are the eicosanoid vasodilators such as PGE2, dopamine (a medullary vasodilator), adenosine (which causes cortical vasoconstriction and medullary vasodilation), urodilatin (same as atrial natriuretic peptide but produced by renal distal tubular cells) and the potent vasoconstrictors endothelin and angiotensin II.  Tuboglomerular feedback (via the macula densa) diminishes GFR if sodium reabsorption diminishes, limiting the oxygen demand. Though hyperaldosteronism is seen in critical illness (sodium retention and potassium wasting), in some series approximately half the hospital patients with renal insufficiency show hyperreninaemic hypoaldosteronism (low aldosterone=renin ratio) and have a worse prognosis for renal failure. The actions of aldosterone gave been described as a cardiovascular assault, with vascular endothelial dysfunction and reduced fibrinolysis damaging the heart, the brain and the kidneys. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade with spironolactone appears to be beneficial.While the healthy kidney can concentrate urine to about 1200mosmol/L, under stress and critical illness this ability is severely diminished. With more than 500mosmol of nitrogen-carrying molecules to excrete every day, the capacity to excrete other solutes/ electrolytes (such as a sodium load with a salt solution or colloid) is limited and patients are susceptible to iatrogenic fluid overload.In acute injury, tubular cells swell and lose their villi.   Adhesion molecules, expressed by vascular endothelial cells, predispose to aggregation of neutrophils and platelets.  Glomeruli and collecting ducts are relatively resistant to ischaemia.

Management of oliguriaGet a urine sample for chemistry analysis.  Microscopy of a fresh urine sediment may give valuable clues to the aetiology of oliguria.   Optimise blood and extracellular fluid volume, protect renal perfusion pressure. The kidneys have powerful intrinsic autoregulation and renal perfusion may improve when an adequate arterial pressure (MAP at least 60mmHg, up to 80mmHg) is achieved, if necessary by the use of vasoconstrictors like norepinephrine.   If oliguria persists in spite of adequate blood volume resuscitation, blood pressure and flow, recheck the urinary Na and osmolality and arterial blood pH, Na and Cl.  If urinary sodium is low and arterial pH and chloride normal, use normal saline to “salt load” the patient; this reduces the work of renal concentration and stimulates intrarenal prostaglandin and dopamine synthesis.  If the pH is low or the chloride high, prefer sodium bicarbonate 1.26%. Give a bolus of the sodium (chloride or bicarbonate) solution and continue at, e.g, 200ml/hour until urine output picks up or obvious signs of overload (eg fast-rising CVP or PAWP) force you to stop.  When you are confident the patient is adequately salt-loaded, stop sodium loading and consider diuretic drugs. Furosemide (bolus 20mg and infuse at 3 mg/hour) further reduces medullary oxygen consumption and increases urine output. Metolozone (enteral adminstration) is a thiazide-like diuretic which inhibits the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule and potentiates the effect of loop diuretics, even in renal failure. Spironolactone (enteral administration) will inhibit aldosterone-induced salt and water retention and potassium excretion, so useful in patients needing potassium supplements. Furosemide dose can be escalated if necessary to a maximum of 250mg in five hours.Ultrasound of the kidneys is indicated if post renal obstruction is possible.Dopamine infusions do more harm than good in oliguric critically ill patients.In established renal failure conservative management consists of meticulous attention to fluid and electrolyte balance, nutrition and monitoring of pH and K+.   Try frusemide 20-80 mg boluses or infuse 250mg over 30 minutes.  Treat hyperkalaemia with calcium resonium and glucose/insulin infusion (50G/10iu), repeated as necessary.    A b2 agonist like salbutamol or dopexamine may sometimes buy time.   Actual or anticipated failure of conservative management are the indications for filtration or dialysis.  Patients without cardiorespiratory failure should be refered to the Renal team at the earliest convenience.  If there is doubt over the diagnosis of acute renal failure, ask for renal consultation.

Renal Replacement therapy (RRT)In acute renal failure the indications for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are;

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fluid overloadhyperkalaemiaacidosissymptomatic uraemia.

Occasionally we will use haemofiltration in the treatment of refractory oedema (especially in severe acute respiratory failure), lactic acidosis, and poisoning.  Research suggests a possible but unproven benefit in sepsis or liver failure.Why do we need haemodiafiltration?   What's wrong with good old fashioned peritoneal dialysis?  The major drawback of PD is that clearance rates sufficient to sustain a severely catabolic critically ill patients are difficult to achieve.   Other problems are the need for an intact peritoneum (excludes many surgical patients), protein loss, and elevation of the diaphragm causing some respiratory embarrassment.Haemofiltration.

Plasma water is filtered through a semi-permeable membrane along with small molecules (including urea) and the lost volume is replaced with a suitable electrolyte solution.    Clearance of filterable molecules is by CONVECTION; there is no concentration gradient across the membrane and clearance is entirely dependent on the volume of the filtrate.   Modern filters will also convect larger molecules of about 500 Daltons ('middle molecules'), which include some cytokines and mediators of the sepsis syndrome. 

• The clearance of a filterable molecule (e.g. urea) is proportionate to the amount of filtrate produced.

• The amount of filtrate produced is proportionate to the amount of blood circulated through the filter …

• … so that clearance by haemofiltration is regulated by increasing or reducing blood flow to the filter.

• By balancing filtrate volume against replacement solution volume one has powerful control over the patients extracellular fluid volume.

EXTERNAL BLOOD PUMP enables us to draw blood from, and return blood to, the central venous system rather than use arterial to venous pressure gradients. Higher filter blood flows are easily achieved and so proportionately increases the filtrate production and urea clearance.  Expensive electrical equipment with fail-safe devices is necessary to protect the patient from air embolism if the circuit is inadvertently opened.  Standard filtration therapy is continuous veno-venous pumped haemofiltration (CVVH).  With dedicated double-lumen catheters only one venepuncture is necessary.  The higher the blood urea, the more moles will be removed by filtration; when the plasma urea concentration is 40mmol/L, each litre of filtrate will contain 40mmol urea. If the rate of urea production is 600mmol/24h, then 15 litres of filtration per day will prevent a rise in plasma urea. More than 15 litres per day will cause the plasma urea to fall. When the plasma urea concentration is 20, 30 litres of filtration will prevent a rise.Optimal HF dosage seems to be of the order of 35ml/kg/hour (2-2.5 litres per hour). With a urea production rate of 600mmol/24h, the plasma urea concentration will settle at about 12mmol/L after a few days. HIGH VOLUME HAEMOFILTRATION uses higher blood flow rates, demands bigger catheters, and results in larger filtration volumes (75 litres/ day or more) which have to be replaced with larger volumes of filtrate replacement solutions. More rapid correction of chemical abnormalities and haemodynamic instability, but outcome benefit remains to be established.Haemodiafiltration

A dialysis solution flows along the semi-permeable membrane countercurrent to the blood flow.  If the outflow volume is constrained to be the same as inflow then solutes are cleared entirely by DIFFUSION across the membrane.   Small molecules like urea (60 Daltons) are efficiently cleared, larger molecules like creatinine (113 Daltons) less so, and the middle molecules (500 Daltons or more) are not significantly cleared.  In practice, the outflow volume usually exceeds inflow during dialysis, the difference being due to some haemofiltration; hence the compound term 'haemodiafiltration' (HDF).

• The clearance of a diffusible molecule (e.g. urea) by dialysis is proportionate to the amount of dialysate passed over the semipermeable membrane.

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• The amount of dialysate is limited by the characteristics of the filter, but 48 litres per day (two litres per hour) is adequate in continuous RRT on ICUs.

• Clearance by haemodiafiltration is regulated by increasing or reducing dialysate flow• … and a relatively small extracorporeal blood circulation can achieve more urea

clearance than by filtration alone.Summarising, continuous veno-venous haemodiafiltration includes elements of both filtration (solutes up to middle molecule size cleared by convection, clearance proportional to filtrate volume) and dialysis (mostly small molecules cleared by diffusion, clearance proportional to dialysate flow).   For control of refractory oedema low volume haemofiltration alone is satisfactory.  To control urea concentrations in catabolic patients it may be necessary to use a dialysate or to increase extracorporeal blood flow for higher volume haemofiltration.Too much RRT...

is not good for you. The efficiency of solute removal falls as the abnormally high concentrations are brought down, prolonged extracorporeal circulation damages the blood cellular elements and activates complemement, cytokines, coagulation cascades etc, and “trace” elements and small molecules are removed to the detriment of normal homeostasis. When the volume, pH and urea status has been stabilised, give your patient breaks from RRT, and just see if the urine output will pick up.Anticoagulation

is usually necessary to prevent filter clotting.  For an adult with normal coagulation it is our practice to give a bolus dose of 5,000 I.U. heparin before starting HDF, then infuse heparin 10,000 I.U. in 1000ml saline at about 10 I.U (=1ml)/kg body weight/hour into the 'arterial' limb of the circuit.  If the filter lasts more than 48 hours and the patient does not bleed we are satisfied!  Citrate infusion is a viable alternative to systemic anticoagulation for patients at high risk of bleeding. Rare patients become thrombocytopenic when heparinised, and the filter fails prematurely with a distinctive white clot.  The condition is called heparin associated (or induced) thrombocytopenia (HIT or HAT). Calculate the “4T score” (see section on blood transfusion). The Consultant will consider further investigations and whether to use epoprostenol or citrate infusion. Leprirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor.

Unphysiologic anions Cheaper filtrate replacement solutions may contain lactate or acetate as an anion.  Bicarbonate is therefore filtered out and replaced with lactate or acetate, sometimes in excess of the patients ability to convert the unphysiologic anions.   This is a particular problem for the shocked patient.  If the arterial base deficit during HDF is 6mmol/L or worse, or if lactate >3mmol/L, prescribe only bicarbonate-based filtrate replacement fluid.

Nutrient balance is not a serious problem during HDF, but there will be some loss of amino-acids (including carnitine incriminated in muscle breakdown) and phosphate.  There is evidence that early HDF permits adequate TPN in critically ill patients and shows some survival benefit.  Hyperphosphataemia often develops during treatment, and is controlled by enteral aluminium hydroxide (Aludrox).

Drug clearance is predictable by molecular size, protein binding, adherence to the filter, and the ratio of convective to diffusive clearance.  Obviously it is complex and in practice it is advisable to measure levels of drugs like antibiotics periodically.  Beware of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (anaphylactoid reaction with certain types of filter) and clonidine (poorly cleared).

Outcomeof haemodiafiltration in an Intensive Care Unit depends upon the severity of illness.  Intensive Care patients in acute renal failure have survival rates of less than 50% in published studies. “More is not better”; a trial conducted by the VA/NIH Acute Renal failure Trial Network showed no survival benefit for more intensive RRT over less intensive.

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Chapter 8

Liver FailureJaundice is a marker of hepatic dysfunction in critically ill patients. The different patterns of jaundice are all seen in “SIRS” but the commonest is an intrahepatic cholestasis. Consider pre-existing liver disease when assessing a critically ill patient.

Unconjugated hyper-bilirubinaemiaTypically indicates haemolysis (anaemia, reticulocytosis, LDH) and may be due to transfusion, drugs, sepsis or high flow extracorporeal circulation (e.g. ECMO with blood transfusion).

Conjugated hyper-bilirubinaemia, Cholestatic jaundice (high alkaline phosphatase) is due to extrahepatic obstruction if dilated bile ducts are seen on abdominal ultrasound examination.   If bile ducts are normal then cholestasis may be associated with severe illness, drugs, TPN, sepsis or ischaemia. Curiously, alkaline phosphatase inhibits iNOS and could afford some protection against SIRS-induced vasoparesis.Hepatocellular jaundice (high transaminases) can follow severe hypotension and ischaemia (confirmed by ultrasound appearances), sepsis, drugs (including halothane) or viral hepatitis. You will need to be familiar with the up-to-date recommendations on the management of paracetamol poisoning.  Patients with end-stage liver disease and portal hypertension of all forms are increasingly being referred for specialist opinion and treatment.  Massive upper GI tract haemorrhage associated with liver disease may precipitate admission to ICU.

Acute Liver Failure (ALF)… is a rare syndrome characterised by abrupt loss of function with hepatic encephalopathy and coagulopathy within 6 months of first symptoms of liver disease (usually jaundice). Hyperacute liver failure (fulminant hepatic failure) when jaundice to encephalopathy interval is less than 7 days. Commonest causes are paracetamol poisoning, idiosyncratic drug reaction and viral hepatitis. Rare causes with specific therapies include Amanita mushroom poisoning (give continuous i.v Penicillin G or cephalosporin) or acute fatty liver of pregnancy (deliver the baby) or Wilson’s disease (zinc and trientine). Subacute liver failure when jaundice to encephalopathy interval is more than 28 days. Clinical picture includes ascites and azotaemia. Prognosis is poor. Glutathione depletion is common in critical illness. Glutathione levels are replenished by n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) treatment. Glutathione scavenges the reactive paracetamol metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine. There is some, albeit small, benefit from NAC even in non-paracetamol ALF.Steroids have been tried in auto-immune hepatitis with no benefit and possible harm from immunosuppression.Up to 90% of all ALF patients suffer sepsis, the common organisms being Gram negative bacilli, gram positive cocci, and candida spp. Prophylactic antibiotics, including SDD strategies, are not effective. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated in encephalopathy or acute renal failure. Remember possibility of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.Hyperacute ALF patients are at particular risk of cerebral oedema as rapidly-rising ammonaemia leads to osmotically-active glutamine accumulation in astrocytes, which then take up water and swell. In subacute ALF compensatory fall in other intracellular osmolytes reduces the risk of oedema. Watch for signs of raised ICP in encephalopathic patients (especially pupillary light reflexes and high BP). Nurse head up with neutral neck position and minimise stimuli which cause coughing and straining. Mild hyperventilation, either spontaneous or supported, is probably optimal. Care with fluid balance, consider ICP monitoring with mannitol therapy and hypertonic saline to achieve slight hypernatraemia (145-155). Prevent pyrexia, consider hypothermia. Consider heavy sedation, barbiturate coma.Attend to the coagulopathy. Vitamin K may be given but is probably not helpful. Monitor INR and other clotting tests; remember INR is one of the best measures of the progress of liver

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failure, only treat with FFP if bleeding is a problem or invasive procedures with bleeding risk are to undertaken,Check for hyperammonaemia and use a non-absorbable disaccharide (lactulose) to promote colonic non-urease-producing lactobacilli.Hepato-renal failure may be precipitated by shock or hypovolaemia.   The urinary sodium excretion is low (fractional excretion <1%, urinary concentration <10mmol/L) until ATN sets in. Use early haemodiafiltration in renal failure but take care to prevent rapid fall in serum osmolarity during dialysis; measure osmolarity and if necessary keep it up with 20% mannitol. Restrict (but no need to entirely withhold) amino-acid or protein nutrition.Extra-Corporeal Albumin Dialysis (ECAD) s an experimental holding therapy for pre-transplant patients and occasionally used in ICUs.

AscitesDiagnostic paracentesis includes serum to ascites albumin gradient and microbiology examination. In portal hypertension the ascitic fluid has low albumin concentration and the portal and hepatic veins should be imaged by abdominal ultrasound. Large-volume paracentesis (>5L) may cause hypovolaemia; treat with albumin infusion.

Upper GI tract Bleeding and Portal Hypertension.Intensive Care is indicated if there is severe shock or concomitant respiratory failure. Resuscitate carefully. Arrange endoscopic assessment by GI team. Prescribe pharmacologic reduction of portal blood flow with vasopressin (vasoconstriction) or somatostatin (less vasoconstriction). Consider Sengstaken-Blakemore tube (inflated gastric balloon is impacted into gastro-oesophageal junction by traction with a fluid bag or similar weight: oesophageal balloon may be inflated (typically 40mmHg pressure) to tamponade oesophageal varices. Consider endoscopic sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation of varices. If refractory to this therapy, patients can be considered for transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (an invasive radiology procedure sometimes done under GA). Final resort is to surgical portal-systemic shunt or oesophageal transection.

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Chapter 9

Nutritional Support "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with food that is needful to me."PROVERBS 30.8

Basic daily requirement is 25-30 KCALS/ KG as;

carbohydrate (4kcal/G) 2-4G/kg, protein (4kcal/G) 1-2G/kg (or 11-22 G nitrogen per day), fat (9kcal/G) 1-2G/kg. 

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in critically-ill patients. Measures of malnutrition fall into three broad categories; anthropometric, immune responsivity and blood chemistry.   However, these are of limited value in complicated critical illness. HARRIS BENEDICT EQUATIONS are an accepted way of estimating the basal energy expenditure (wt in kg, ht in cm, age in years);

Male BEE = 66+(13.7*wt)+(5*ht)-(6.8*age)Female BEE = 655+(9.6*wt)+(1.8*ht)-(4.7*age)Fever increases the metabolic rate by 13% per C.  Finally, apply the 'stress factor;*1.25(mild), *1.5(moderate) or *1.75(severe).

SCHOFIELD EQUATIONS are another option. Equations tend to overestimate the need for energy in Intensive Care patients; preferably measure energy expenditure and RQ with a metabolic monitor, input should match expenditure and should never exceed it by more than 15%.  Outcome data suggest patient benefit for “underfeeding” during critical illness; no more than 75% of the calculated basal energy requirement, and no less than 25%. It should be unusual to have to feed more than 2,000 kcal/day.  Oxygen consumption as calculated by PA catheter studies does not include the lungs, where in critical illness metabolism can be substantial.  Patients should ideally be in positive nitrogen balance. Nitrogen Balance = input – output.

Output calculation requires a urine collection for total urinary urea nitrogen (UUN).UUN = [UUN] * urine volume.Nitrogen output = 1.2*UUN + 2G.

Influences on metabolism

Critical illnesses and the adrenergic therapies that are widely applied are associated with net catabolism and loss of lean body mass in spite of feeding, so an intervention which enhances anabolism and improves recovery would be attractive. A trial of growth hormone showed net harm from treatment and was terminated. A trial of ‘aggressive’ insulin therapy to keep the blood sugar concentration within the normal range produced substantial improvement in morbidities (septicaemia, renal failure, ventilator dependence, polyneuropathy) and mortality. A trial of propranolol in children with severe burns showed dramatic metabolic benefits which we must now wait to see confirmed in larger trials of a broader cohort of patients.

VitaminsDeficiency is rare in Britain but sometimes associated with critical illness in poorly nourished / alcoholic / liver disease patients. Beri-beri and Wernickes encephalopathy should be considered. Vitamin K deficiency is common in critical illness; prolongation of INR is a late stage.  Older patients with haemodynamic problems may be given B12 and folate supplements.

Feeding acutely ill patients

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Nutrition is poorly tolerated because of insulin resistance and complex changes in micronutrient fluxes. It is impractical and even harmful to attempt full nutrition until shock reversal has been achieved.

Feeding starved patientsAdaptations to starvation include a decrease in activity of the Na/K exchange pump in cell membranes, reduced intracellular magnesium levels and reduced manufacture of high energy phosphates such as ATP. Sudden return to normal feeding in starved patients may precipitate life-threatening hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypophosphataemia (the refeeding syndrome). Therefore, recommence nutrition cautiously in starved patients.

Disease-specific considerationsIn all the following, benefits compared to "standard" feeds are at best modest.VENTILATORY FAILURE; shift to fat as primary energy source reduces RQ and lessens CO2 production.RENAL FAILURE; volume, sodium, potassium, nitrogen may need to be restricted in the absence of dialysis, but standard feed can be used in filtered/dialysed patients.HEPATIC FAILURE; volume and sodium may need to be restricted.   Amino acids are better tolerated than the equivalent enteral protein feed.   Encephalopathy is associated with abnormal ratio of aromatic to branched chain amino acids, and BCAA enriched feeds can improve encephalopathy but do not affect mortality. Early restoration of full nutrition may be associated with improved survival; nutrition for critically-ill patients should not be withheld for more than 72 hours.  Parenteral nutrition is expensive, and dangerous because of catheter-related trauma and sepsis, and immune suppression and free radical production by i.v lipids.   Additionally, TPN solutions lack glutamine and butyrate, and suppress ketone production, which are important intestinal metabolic substrates.  This may lead to mucosal atrophy and bacterial translocation from the gut to the portal venous system. Enteral nutrition is therefore greatly preferred.

Enteral FeedingTry early.  Bowel sounds are a poor indicator of ability to tolerate enteral feeding.  Use full strength feeds (there is no benefit in diluting them).  Even very small volumes (eg 10ml/hr) may benefit the patient if absorption is poor and should be persisted with. Gastric stasis may respond to reducing the level of sedation (especially opioids) and correcting electrolyte abnormalities.   Otherwise, try metoclopromide, followed if necessary by cisapride.   Jejunal feeding has its advocates, but is difficult to perform other than by surgically placed jejunostomy.   Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is another option.   Diarrhoea should be treated with codeine phosphate; consider enterocolitis (if stool is bloody or slimy send for toxin analysis and culture).   Do not discontinue feed.   Sometimes correction of hypoalbuminaemia improves diarrhoea.  Formulas may be polymeric or elemental.  Specialist feeds include high fat (Pulmocare, for ventilatory failure), high arginine, RNA and omega-3 fatty acids for "immune-enhancement" (Impact) and high glutamine (Alitraq). The 'immunonutrition' feeds may be HARMFUL in acutely-ill patients.

Parenteral nutritiondoes not improve the outcome of acute severe illness. The reason is not clear, but intravenous lipids may amplify the prostaglandin response and are potentially hazardous.  In the longer term intravenous lipids may cause fatty liver with abnormal LFTs, and should be restricted if this occurs.  Consider every day;

the acceptable fluid volume loadnitrogen requirement (usual range 9-18 G)caloric requirementelectrolytes Na+, K+ (circa 10mmol/G N2), Mg++ (circa 1mmol/G N2), Zn++ (circa

40-80μmol) and PO4--(circa 10-20mmol)trace elements (Cu, Se, Cr, Fe, Mn, I, Mb).

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vitamins (water & fat soluble).Measure DAILY urea, creatinine, PO4, electrolytes, glucose, ABG, FBC.   Examine serum for lipaemia. “Metabolic cart” if available. At least TWICE PER WEEK measure LFT, albumin, Ca++, PO4--, Mg++, Zn++.coagulation profile.

Small print. Sulphhydryl donor amino acid depletion may impair the bodies protection against oxidising radicals.  If the plasma and red cell glutathione levels are low there may be some benefit in infusing N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; "Parvolex"). Possible indications include severe sepsis, ALI with high FIO2, and hepato-renal syndrome.

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Chapter 10

Sleep, sedation and moodICU patients are usually too ill, too sedated, or too disturbed to get REM sleep. Deprivation is probably harmful, and most patients get their compensatory REM sleep after discharge from the ICU. A detailed description of normal sleep is given here to help you appreciate the fact that comatose or anaesthetized patients with their eyes closed are not sleeping.

Features of sleepCircadian Rhythm

Without external indicators of time ("Zeitgebers" from German, literally time-givers) the circadian rhythm is about 25 hours.   Within the cycle there exist two “sleep gates” during which sleep can be initiated, separated by a “forbidden zone” when sleep is almost impossible.  The normal gates are mid afternoon and late evening.  The forbidden zone is about 9pm; after late nights on Friday and Saturday, you may   push back your forbidden zone on Sunday (“Sunday night insomnia”).   The wake/sleep cycle is dependent upon numerous chemical mediators.   Interleukin-1 has a reciprocal rhythm to beta-endorphin, and influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal hormone axis.       Melatonin supports normal sleep, and deficiency leads to insomnia which is improved with replacement therapy.   Major illnesses which disrupt circadian rhythm will impair the normal wake/sleep cycle.Non-REM (NREM)

Sleep onset is characterised by EEG spindle activity.  Spindles are high-voltage bursts of EEG activity in the 12-14Hz range ("K-complexes").  Slow waves (1-4Hz) become intermixed with spindles as sleep progresses, and the four stages of non-REM sleep are defined by the proportion of spindles to slow waves;Stage 1; drowsiness/wakefulnessStage 2; sleep with K-complexesStages 3 and 4 are slow wave sleep (SWS) with increasing delta wave activity, stage 4 having the greatest proportion of slow waves.In NREM sleep, cerebral blood flow and glucose utilisation fall, though autonomic regulation of temperature and respiration is preserved.  Muscle tone is reduced but present.REM

REM is characterised by simultaneous presence of desynchronised low voltage EEG (typical of an 'active' brain), absence of tone in the antigravity muscles (interrupted by occasional twitches), and periodic bursts of rapid eye movement.  It usually follows a period of NREM and recurs typically 4-5 times a night.  In infants REM sleep is not seen, though phasic muscle twitches and eye movements are seen instead (a state called 'active sleep').   While the cortical EEG of REM is desynchronised, subcortical EEG recordings shows very synchronised patterns in the hippocampus (theta waves) and ponto-geniculo-occipital region (spikes).  Atonia is due to active inhibition (hyperpolarisation) of the affected motorneurones, and in contrast to NREM the sympathetic nervous system is inhibited. Miosis of the pupil and changes in control of respiration and the circulation occur.  Most people awoken suddenly from REM sleep report that they were dreaming. Why do we sleep?

It is obvious that occasional sleep is necessary for alertness during wakefulness and for our psychological wellbeing.  The role of NREM may be  to enforce inactivity and conserve energy, and it has been suggested that a beneficial effect of IL-1, released in sepsis, may be to induce NREM and reduce hypermetabolism.  Growth hormone levels are high during SWS and it has been suggested that “growth and repair” are maximal during sleep.  NREM is also a necessary precursor to REM and dreaming, which "..permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives." (WC Dement).  Sleep deprivation is not entirely harmful, however, as depressed patients seem to be improved by it!

Disorders of sleepFour main categories are 1.      disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) which includes insomnia,

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2.      disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES) including narcoleptic syndrome and sleep apnoea syndromes,3.      disorders of the sleep/wake cycle such as shift-working and jet-lag, and 4.      parasomnias such as night terrors and sleep walking.

HypnosisPatients complaining of insomnia are frequently prescribed benzodiazepines which shorten the time taken to get to sleep and prolong sleep.  Tolerance to this effect occurs within a few nights, but patients seem happy to continue the drug.  REM sleep is diminished.

Hypoxaemia during sleepApnoea (cessation of airflow at the mouth >10 seconds) during sleep with some HbO2 desaturation is common, especially amongst men.   Apnoea is classified as obstructive (thoracoabdominal movement present), central or mixed.  Hypersomnia sleep apnoea syndrome (HSA)

Characterised by excessive daytime somnolence, >30 sleep apnoeas per night, and few or no other clinical signs.  Loud snoring is common. Arterial blood gases are normal.Obese hypoventilation syndrome (OHS, Pickwickian)

Features hypersomnolence and multiple sleep apnoeas, but the patients are by definition obese and have arterial hypercapnia.  They may also be cyanosed, and suffer from pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.  The vital capacity is reduced.  Sudden nocturnal death is a risk.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

is often associated with severe nocturnal HbO2 desaturation.  Desaturation is profoundest and longest in these patients during REM sleep.  An important mechanism in these patients may be the loss of muscle tone during REM sleep leading to FRC (and so V/Q mismatch) changes.Post surgical hypoxaemia

has been shown to be very common especially during sleep. It is speculated that sleep hypoxaemia may be responsible for postoperative cerebral or myocardial morbidity.  Morphine prolongs sleep time and may worsen apnoeas.   Detailed sleep studies are difficult in postoperative patients, but it has been shown that morphine analgesia abolishes REM sleep, and that withdrawal of morphine leads not only to recovery of REM but overshoot and excess REM.  Stress, whether surgical, traumatic or exercise-induced also inhibits REM sleep, perhaps mediated by IL-1, and may also produce increased REM-associated HbO2 desaturation during recovery.There seems to be little knowledge of the problems of sleep in the Intensive Care Unit.  It is generally held that sleep deprivation occurs due to disturbance and that 'sedation' is beneficial.   However, few people have addressed the fact that sedatives like opioids, benzodiazepines, and general anesthetics given in sub-anaesthetic concentration may cause drowsiness but they do not promote normal sleep.   REM deprivation, sleep/ wake cycle disturbance, and parasomnias are common.

Pathophysiology of mood and consciousnessThe tuberomammillary nucleus is a subnucleus of the posterior third of the hypothalamus. Mostly histamine-secreting neurons involved with the control of arousal, sleep and circadian rhythm. Axons project to the cerebral cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, basal forebrain, and hypothalamus. The histaminergic projections to the cerebral cortex directly increase cortical activation and arousal (H1 receptors), and projections to acetylcholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain and dorsal pons do so indirectly, by increasing the release of acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex. Slow wave sleep occurs when TMN

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histaminergic neurons firing rate falls to about 0.5Hz so that cortical activation is greatly diminished.The ventrolateral preoptic nucleus is a group of neurons in the hypothalamus. Active during sleep, and inhibit other neurons that are involved in wakefulness. The VLPO neurons release the inhibitory neurotransmitters galanin and GABA to inhibit the monaminergic cell groups in the locus ceruleus, the raphe nucleus, and the tuberomammillary nucleus. VLPO is activated by various somnogens (substances inducing sleep). A2A receptor (adenosine) is an important activator. VLPO is inhibited by arousal transmitters such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine. Rapid eye movement sleep occurs when the TMN is turned off by the VLPO which is activated by various somnogens including adenosine (A2A receptors). The locus ceruleus is in the dorsal wall of the rostral pons in the lateral floor of the fourth ventricle. This nucleus is the principal site for synthesis of norepinephrine in the brainThe norepinephrine from the LC has an excitatory effect on most of the brain, mediating arousal and priming the brain neurons to be activated by stimuli, while inhibiting the VLPO.

The Raphe nuclei are cluster of nuclei found in the brain stem. They release serotonin to the rest of the brain, modulating mood, memory, sleep and cognition. Projections to dorsal horn of spinal cord grey matter modulate pain perception through enkephalin release.The glycine receptor chloride channel (GlyR) is a member of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family of ligand-gated ion channels. GlyRs are involved in motor reflex circuits of the spinal cord and provide inhibitory synapses onto pain sensory neurons.Enkephalin-releasing interneurons in the dorsal horn grey matter stimulate mu opioid receptors and thereby inhibit pain pathways.Encephalopathy /coma can be induced by a variety of means including;

•I n t e r l e u k i n - 1 induction and intense IL-1 receptor activation induces drowsiness and pyrexia in sepsis.

•Prostaglandin D2 enhances adenosine release (A2A agonist).

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• Kynurenic acid (NMDA antagonist) in tick-borne encephalitis and HIV infection.

• Allopregnanolone (tetrahydroprogesterone), an endogenous neurosteroid (GABA agonist) in hepatic encephalopathy.

• LC destruction causes encephalitis lethargica, a rare complication of influenza.It is believed that arousal/consciousness is not possible when brain stem function ceases, so patients with irreversible loss of brain stem function (permanent apnoeic coma) are regarded by most people as dead even if other parts of the brain remain functional.

Sedation in Intensive Care Sedation/anaesthesia can be induced by a variety of means including;

• Two-pore potassium channel activators which stabilise the resting membrane potential of all neurons (e.g. isoflurane, halothane).

• GABA receptor agonists (e.g. propofol and etomidate on the gamma subunit increase pore opening duration, benzodiazepines on the beta subunit increase pore opening frequency. Isoflurane, halothane).

• NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g. ketamine, cyclopropane, nitrous oxide)

• Thiopentone, a short acting barbiturate, works at both GABA and NMDA sites.

• Mu opioid receptor agonists which are inhibitory, especially on pain pathways (e.g. morphine, fentanyl).

• Alpha 2 receptor agonists which inhibit norepinephrine release, especially in the LC (e.g. clonidine, dexmedetomidine)

• Facilitation of GlyR activation to suppress spinal cord reflexes (most anaesthetic drugs).Etomidate was an anaesthetic with minimal cardiorespiratory side effects thought to be safe for sedation in Intensive Care; audit showed, however, a large increase in mortality associated with (but emphatically not due to) inhibition of adrenal hydroxylases preventing synthesis of cortisol.Objectives are freedom from anxiety and relief from pain.  Sedation has only a minor role to play in 'settling the patient on the ventilator'.Natural sleep and hormonal changes of the circadian rhythm are impaired in critical illness.  While small doses of analgesics and sedatives may improve the conditions for natural sleep to occur in the recovering patient, larger doses cause coma but not sleep. There have been almost as many proposed 'Sedation scales' as there have been papers on sedation.  Many are modifications of the Glasgow Coma Scale, but the most widely accepted are;

Ramsey sedation scale; Richmond agitation-sedation scale;

1.      agitated, +4 combative

+3 very agitated

+2 agitated

+1 restless

2.      cooperative, 0

3.      responds  to  voice, -1 responds to voice & maintains eye contact3.      responds  to  voice,

-2 responds to voice, eye contact <10 sec.

4.           brisk response to loud noise/touch,

-3 responds to voice

5.      sluggish response, -4 responds to physical stimulation

6.      no response. -5 unrousable

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Optimal level of sedation is Ramsay 2 or 3.  Daily reduction or discontinuation of sedatives (with restart as needed) is recommended to guard against cumulative intoxication. In Care Bundle terminology, sedation breaks.Prolonged deep sedation or anaesthesia has several side effects or complications.  Almost all such drugs DEPRESS THE MYOCARDIUM leading to hypotension and perhaps reduced oxygen delivery to the tissues.  Though most anaesthetics reduce the metabolic oxygen demand, they have a disproportionately large depressant effect on supply.   Sedation lowers endogenous catecholamine production, so exogenous sympathomimetics may be necessary to support the circulation in the deeply sedated patient. The immune system is compromised by sedation so special care is needed to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections.The immobility of heavy sedation has several consequences.  MUSCLE WASTING, DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS, PERIPHERAL OEDEMA, DECALCIFICATION OF BONE AND SKIN BREAKDOWN are among the more common.  The FUNCTIONAL RESIDUAL CAPACITY FALLS due to poor muscle tone and supine position (except in ketamine anaesthesia), while lack of cough leads to ATELECTASIS and SPUTUM RETENTION which require intensive physiotherapy and suction to prevent or treat. ACALCULOUS CHOLECYSTITIS (sludging, obstruction of the biliary tree and sepsis) and POLYNEUROPATHY OF THE CRITICALLY ILL are two ICU syndromes which may be in part due to sedatives. Tolerance occurs progressively to most sedatives; cancer patients taking 1000mg or more of morphine per day are quite capable of driving a car safely!  After two to three weeks of high dose opioids and benzodiazepines physical dependence becomes a problem, and recovering patients will need a program of gradually reducing dosage.  Signs of withdrawal are sometimes seen.   Twitching and involuntary movements can occur after midazolam or propofol.  Morphine withdrawal leads to sweating, fever, diarrhoea, piloerection ('goose pimples' or 'cold turkey'), nausea and insomnia. The pupils are dilated. Clonidine is reported to help.Late complications (seen after hospital discharge) attributable to sedation practice are POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER and DEPRESSION. They are particularly associated with higher benzodiazepine dose.

Mu receptor agonistsMORPHINE is a reliable sedative and analgesic, and for most patients is the 'drug of choice'.  However in oliguria the active metabolites morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide are not excreted.  Morphine pretreatment of rodents makes them susceptible to bacterial, fungal and viral infections. There is concern that immune suppression by morphine or other mu-receptor agonists could also contribute to human disease, but this should not deter you from prescribing adequate analgesia. Hypotension (nitric oxide synthase stimulation via mu-3 receptor) commoner than with more potent opioids.FENTANYL is very potent and so is the preferred opioid in shock, oliguria and renal failure.  Can be delivered transcutaneously. Prolongs elimination half-time of midazolam.ALFENTANIL is a shorter acting but more expensive alternative which competes for the same hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme as midazolam, so when used together elimination may be prolonged.REMIFENTANYL is the shortest-acting mu receptor agonist and must be given by continuous infusion.Naloxone is the standard mu-receptor antagonist. At very low dose (0.25mcg/kg/hour) in combination with epidural or systemic morphine it reduces opiate side effects (itching, nausea) without reducing analgesia. In higher doses, it is antanalgesic. Was trialled in high dose to antagonise endogenous opioids in septic shock without success.

GABAA receptor agonists binding the gamma subunit (Benzodiazepine receptor)Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in man (and indeed in all vertebrates). The GABAA receptor is linked to chloride channels in cell membranes, and its stimulation increases chloride conductance thereby stabilizing the resting membrane potential. Many sedatives and anaesthetics have now been shown to work in part or wholly through the GABAA receptor. The agonist effect of benzodiazepines is through binding to the gamma sub-unit of the receptor and to increase pore opening frequency. The major sites of binding are the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.

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MIDAZOLAM is the benzodiazepine of choice for short-term sedation due to its water solubility, rapid onset and shorter elimination half time (<8h), but clearance can be greatly reduced in critical illness or by drugs sharing metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A).  To some extent clearance depends on hepatic blood flow, but extrahepatic metabolism (e.g. in the intestinal mucosa) does occur.  In oliguria, the active metabolite alpha-hydroxymidazolam glucuronide accumulates (t1/2 50-80h) and so midazolam should be used sparingly if at all in renal failure. Doses greater than 75mg/day (3mg/hour) predispose to depression in survivors, so alternatives should be considered for deep or prolonged sedation.LORAZEPAM is slower in onset than midazolam, and is intermediate in duration of action. However, its metabolism is less susceptible to inhibition than midazolam, and recovery from lorazepam may be quicker than from midazolam in critical illness. SCCM consensus regards it as the benzodiazepine of choice in protracted critical illness. Has been used in high doses to terminate status epilepticus.DIAZEPAM is used occasionally for its anticonvulsant properties.Flumazenil is the standard benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Occasionally used to diagnose or exclude benzodiazepine “overdose”.

GABAA receptor agonists binding the beta subunit.Propofol and etomidate both bind to and interfere with the beta subunit of the GABAA receptor to prolong pore opening. Minor changes to the beta subunit can greatly alter the susceptibility of an animal to etomidate or propofol.PROPOFOL is suitable for patients required to wake quickly from a short period of sedation.  Maximum dose 4mg/kg/hour (or about 30ml/hour). Use in children is controversial. There have been reports of refractory metabolic acidosis and circulatory collapse (propofol infusion syndrome) and the Committee for Safety of Medicines advise against propofol infusions for sick children, but some paediatric intensive care units continue to use it. There are also reports of adult deaths from propofol infusion syndrome.ETOMIDATE should not be used because of its lethal side-effects.

NMDA receptor antagonistsN-methyl d-aspartate is an excitatory amino acid and antagonists suppress wakefulness in a peculiar way. Nitrous oxide and ketamine are used in clinical practice, while the rare gas Xenon is too rare for routine use and cyclopropane is too explosive!KETAMINE is an N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and mu-opioid receptor antagonist and a strong analgesic which is used in asthma, burns, or haemodynamically unstable adults or children. It does not appear to reduce gastrointestinal motility, and enhances opioid analgesia by inhibiting "wind-up" of dorsal horn nociceptive neurones.  Theoretical beneficial effects for reperfusion injury have not been proven in trials. Suppresses Tumour Necrosis Factor response to acute sepsis but not proven to improve outcome. Benzodiazepines can prevent hallucinations which occur during emergence from ketamine anaesthesia. Has been used to terminate status epilepticus refractory to conventional anti-convulsants. Is shown to be a rapid and powerful anti-depressant. In severely depressed patients 0.5mg/kg produced improvement of symptoms within 2 hours of slow i.v. administration, and at 24 hours two thirds were still improved, with remission of symptoms in one third.

Mixed action anaesthetics.THIOPENTONE and PENTOBARBITONE are sometimes used to induce ‘flat EEG’ as a brain protection strategy. Modes of action include effects on both the GABAA receptor (agonists) and NMDA receptor (antagonists). There are endogenous neurosteroids like pregnenolone, but synthetic neurosteroids have been used as anaesthetics. Minaxolone was one of the first, and Althesin (alphaxalone/ alphadolone) was very popular once.   Though none are currently available for human anaesthesia, future developments may see a return.

Two-pore-domain potassium channel activators.The two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2P channels, also known as leak channels) regulate the currents generated by ions moving across a membrane. They are influenced by oxygen tension, hydrogen ion concentration, mechanical stretch and various G-proteins. The commonly-used anaesthetic vapours have recently been found to activate potassium channels as well as having an agonist effect at the GABAA receptor.

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ISOFLURANE 0.5% has been used successfully for short term sedation but nephrotoxic levels of fluoride have been reported after 50 MAC hours. Scavenging can be a problem in Intensive Care. The anaesthetic vapours may have beneficial side effects including myocardial protection by preconditioning. There is evidence that sub-anaesthetic concentrations of SEVOFLURANE prevent ‘emotive’ memories.

Alpha-2 c receptor agonists.The sedative effect of these drugs is very specifically within the tiny locus coerulius (LC) where alpha-2 agonism inhibits noradrenaline release. The VLPO is thereby disinhibited and sleep is facilitated.CLONIDINE is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist occasionally used as an adjunct in patients who are hypertensive and tachycardic in spite of high doses of sedative medication (tetanus being an excellent example).  It appears to enhance the effects of opioids at spinal cord level.  Start at 100-150 micg 4-8 hourly.   Not cleared in renal failure even by filtration. DEXMEDETOMIDINE has fewer haemodynamic effects and has been found to be superior to lorazepam for sedation of ventilated patients (MENDS trial) but is not currently available in the UK.

AnaesthesiaIs a drug-induced condition in which the patient shows no response to noxious stimulus (usually a surgical operation) and has no explicit recall of the noxious stimulus. Immobility is a result of spinal cord obtundation and can be brought about by a skilled anaesthetist using a variety of drugs. About one patient in every thousand experiences some degree of ‘awareness’ because there is a wide variation in people’s susceptibility to the cerebral effects of anaesthesia. Spectral analysis of the EEG has been shown ineffective in preventing awareness. Very rarely a cock-up leaves a patient curarised but unanaesthetised.

Mood.Sadness (reactive depression) is common after acute illness. It does NOT respond to ant-depressants, which have serious side effects and should not be given to acutely-ill patients without psychiatric consultation and careful consideration about drug safety. For recovering patients experiencing pain and insomnia, a nocte dose of amitriptiline seems to be safe and effective.Cognitive dysfunction following surgery, trauma or major illness is particularly common in older patients and is made worse by the use of benzodiazepines, pethidine and anti-cholinergic medications. Delirium is associated with poorer outcomes for critically ill patients. If it is troubling enough to demand treatment, use a dopamine-antagonist tranquiliser such as haloperidol or levomepromazine. Recent retrospective data from Pittsbugh even suggested an outcome benefit for haloperidol treatment in ventilated patients, but note that droperidol was withdrawn from the market following case reports of lethal cardiac arrhythmias including torsades des pointes, and haloperidol shares this unfortunate ability to prolong the QT interval.

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Chapter 11

Cerebral Support and Determination of Brain Stem DeathYou must be conversant with the Glasgow Coma Scale. A number of modified scales suitable for younger children have been proposed.

Glasgow C o m a Scale

1 2 3 4 5 6

Eyes Does not open eyes

Opens eyes in response to painful stimuli

Opens eyes in response to voice

Opens eyes spontaneously

N/A N/A

Verbal Makes no sounds

Incomprehensible sounds

U t t e r s inappropriate words

C o n f u s e d , disoriented

Oriented, converses normally

N/A

Motor Makes no movements

Extension to painful stimuli

A b n o r m a l flexion to painful stimuli

Flexion / Withdrawal to painful stimuli

Local izes p a i n f u l stimuli

O b e y s Commands

Following any type of brain injury, further damage must be prevented by normalising the blood pressure, arterial blood oxygen content, and carbon dioxide tension. Resuscitation must be achieved before interhospital transfer.   Hyperglycaemia is known to be dangerous and should be avoided. Pyrexia is associated with increased metabolic rate and should be treated. Anticonvulsant therapy has no influence on the incidence of late post traumatic epilepsy. Steroids are of no benefit in acute traumatic brain injury. Patients presenting with other conditions in which ICP monitoring may be indicated include fulminant hepatic failure and Reyes syndrome.Computerised axial tomography is performed in severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 4-8) and accessible mass lesions estimated to be greater than 25ml are usually evacuated.  Intracranial pressure monitoring may then be instituted to guide therapy aimed at reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) to less than 20mmHg.

Principles of ICP control.cardiorespiratory resuscitation.  The mean arterial pressure should be high enough for a

cerebral perfusion pressure of 70mmHg.sedation and controlled endotracheal hyperventilation.  The PaCO2 should be lowered in

steps, and should never be less than 3.5kPa.  Morphine and/or midazolam are suitable sedatives.  Propofol can have a detrimental effect on cerebral perfusion pressure.  Softening doses of muscle relaxants are said to help prevent coughing and straining which may raise ICP.

nurse the patient 'head up', free of neck constrictions, and use maintenance fluids only sparingly (30-50ml/kg/day for children and adults, 100ml/kg/day for infants).

prevent pyrexia.  Mild hypothermia (to 35C) may offer worthwhile reduction in CMRO2 without adverse circulatory effects. Early cooling to 33C maintained for 24 hours hastened recovery from traumatic coma (GCS 5-7) in one RCT.

transient increases in ICP to over 20mmHg often respond to a brief period of manual hyperventilation (bagging).  Sustained rises should be treated by lowering PaCO2 if possible, and increasing sedation.  Is a repeat scan indicated? Neurosurgical opinion.

If ICP remains higher than 20mmHg and surgically remediable lesions have been excluded by scan, consider jugular bulb oximetry for rational prescription of pressure-reducing therapy (see below).

if a ventricular pressure monitor is in place, consider controlled CSF drainage.  Mannitol 0.5G/kg should also be considered (monitor serum osmolality).  Non-osmotic diuretics reduce CSF formation but are of limited clinical value.

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finally consider 'barbiturate coma'; EEG monitoring is valuable if this is to be used.  Thiopentone is given as a loading dose and infusion (taking care to maintain the mean arterial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure with dopamine or norepinephrine if necessary) to achieve "burst suppression" (periods of isoelectricity), at which point functional O2 consumption is minimal.

In trauma, early rises of ICP are thought to be more significant and are treated more aggressively than later rises which can occur during weaning from ventilation (so take out the monitor after 48-72 hours!) RCTs on the management of ATBI are mostly inconclusive.A novel protocol for the management of acute traumatic brain injury is reported from Lund (Sweden) in which the emphasis is towards brain volume regulation by anti-hypertensive and anti-stress pharmacotherapy. Published clinical experience to date is encouraging, but adoption of this unconventional therapy should await results of controlled trials.

Continuous processed electro-encephalography The electrodes must be placed with careful prior skin preparation to achieve a low impedance In many devices the EEG is broken down by Fourier analysis into its harmonic components which are then displayed by amplitude (up; scale 50-200 microV, selectable) and frequency (along; 0.5-30 Hz), with the time scale (5-30 minutes, selectable) stretching back. When assessing the processed EEG trace think SAFE;Symmetry? (if not, something is obviously wrong on at least one side!)Amplitude? the highest amplitudes should be in the lower frequency bands, at about 100-200 microV.  Absence of activity may be due to deep anaesthesia (though NOT opiates alone) or death.Frequency spread? Only low frequency waves are seen in deep opiate sedation or brain injury.Edge? (Spectral edge or median power frequency)Epileptic discharges show up as very high amplitude waves right across the frequency range, often followed by a transient reduction in EEG activity.

Jugular bulb venous oximetryOffers a valuable insight into the effects of therapy in head injury.  The catheter is passed retrogradely from the internal jugular vein and its position is confirmed radiographically.  A continuous oximetric trace is monitored, and periodically recalibrated against samples.  Lactate measurements can also be made intermittently.Low SjO2 (<40%) implies global ischaemia, and venous lactate will be raised. However, cerebral ischaemia may be present even with normal SjO2 (54-75%) so the Lactate Oxygen Index (LOI) can be estimated.

LOI = ajD.lact(mmol / l)aj DO (ml / dl)

* 2.242

LOI is normally less than 0.03 but rises to over 0.08 in the presence of ischaemia. Raised intracranial pressure with ischaemia is rationally treated by increasing mean arterial pressure and reducing cerebral oedema with diuretics.SjO2 is greater than 75% in the presence of inappropriately high cerebral blood flow (hyperaemia), or cessation of oxygen consumption (brain death). Raised intracranial pressure with hyperaemia is rationally treated by further hyperventilation plus thiopentone (monitor EEG and titrate thiopentone to achieve burst suppression).

Status epilepticusPatients are usually admitted to ICU if boluses of diazepam with loading and maintenance doses of phenytoin have failed to control the fits.  EEG monitoring is helpful.  Any anaesthetic agent (thiopentone, methohexitone, propofol, isoflurane) will temporarily stop the fitting, but it will often return on recovery unless anticonvulsants are given effectively. Watch the blood pressure!  Intubation and ventilation are the only safe way to care for anaesthetised patients on ICU.  In refractory status epilepticus there are reports of ketamine being used successfully as a supplementary agent to block the effects of excitatory amino acids. We have used intravenous paraldehyde in a weak 4% solution from syringe and tubing suitable for sodium

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nitroprusside (though no manufacturer will recommend such use!) but the major complication is acute heart failure.

Coma after cerebral ischaemiaPatients who do not wake up after cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be admitted to ICU.  Induced hypothermia – initiated within 2 hours of arrest, and continued for at least 24 hours - has been found to improve neurological recovery. Normal sedative medication may be used if ventilation is required.  Patients in coma (GCS<6) at 72 hours are unlikely to leave hospital alive. 

Death determined by brain stem tests.(Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (70 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8AX). A Code of Practice for the Diagnosis and Confirmation of Death, October 2008)A Code of Practice was first issued by the Royal Colleges in 1983 and was updated in 1998 and 2008. They define death in the United Kingdom as "the irreversible loss of capacity for consciousness, combined with the irreversible loss of the capacity to breath" and emphasise that it does not imply death of the whole brain. The diagnosis can be considered in a patient aged two months or older who is in deep coma and showing no spontaneous movement.  You must know the cause of the brain injury, and be satisfied that coma is not due to drugs, circulatory, endocrine or metabolic abnormality, or hypothermia.  Some patients will have diabetes insipidus, and will require water supplementation (5% Dextrose with KCl) to prevent dehydration.  Extreme polyuria (>200ml/hour) can be controlled with small doses of DDAVP or vasopressin infusion.  In brain dead patients the heart beat is remarkably steady with little 'beat to beat variation'.  The metabolic rate is also reduced, so relatively small minute volume ventilation is all that is needed to maintain normocapnia, and active warming is often needed to prevent hypothermia.  A detailed neurological examination is performed. After the first examination the relatives should be informed of the findings, and it must be explained that the examination will be repeated.  If the findings are the same at the second examination then the patient will be confirmed to have been diagnosed dead at the first examination (i.e. time of death is time of the first determination).  If the relatives understand this, and have had an opportunity to ask questions, this is a good moment to ask them to "consider whether John would have wished to help other people by organ donation in the event of his sudden death".  Phrased this way, the emphasis is on what the patient would have wanted.   The "will you give us his organs?" approach puts an unnecessary burden of responsibility on the relatives, who may reply that John was generally in favour of organ donation, but "we do not want to put him through any more suffering".  Give them time to consider your approach about organ donation; most know immediately one way or the other what Johnny would have wanted, but sometimes a family will want to consult amongst themselves and talk to you again.Perform the second examination at a suitable time 1-24 hours later.ELECTIVE VENTILATION is a misleading title for the practice of   admitting near-terminal patients (typically with intracranial haemorrhage) to ICU so that they can be intubated and ventilated just as apnoea is judged to occur.  This scheme to increase the number of potential organ donors was pioneered in Exeter and enthusiastically backed by the Department of Health but has obvious ethical problems and was later ruled to be an assault upon the patient which must not be undertaken. Though many people hope it will soon be forgotten, the British Transplantation Society continue to push for law reform to enable its implementation.PRESUMED CONSENT describes a system in which people are presumed to have consented to be donors unless they have registered as objectors or their families can prove they were objectors. Also intended to increase the donor pool. Now advocated by the BMA after a change of heart in 1999 but opposed by public opinion, by Scottish Parliament (twice), the UK Organ Donation Taskforce (2008) and the British Organ Donation Association (BODY). Should 'a gift of life' be swapped for a 'tax on death’?

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