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The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Nov 2023Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication of advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. It is characterized by the... (Review)
Review
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a critical and potentially life-threatening complication of advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. It is characterized by the development of renal dysfunction in the absence of underlying structural kidney pathology. The pathophysiology of HRS involves complex interactions between systemic and renal hemodynamics, neurohormonal imbalances, and the intricate role of vasoconstrictor substances. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for the timely identification and management of HRS. The diagnosis of HRS is primarily clinical and relies on specific criteria that consider the exclusion of other causes of renal dysfunction. The management of HRS comprises two main approaches: vasoconstrictor therapy and albumin infusion, which aim to improve renal perfusion and mitigate the hyperdynamic circulation often seen in advanced liver disease. Additionally, strategies such as liver transplantation and renal replacement therapy are essential considerations based on individual patient characteristics and disease severity. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of hepatorenal syndrome, focusing on its pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and current management strategies.
Topics: Humans; Hepatorenal Syndrome; Kidney; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation
PubMed: 37997218
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.108 -
Chest Mar 2021Sepsis is a frequently lethal state, commonly associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in sepsis is less well understood.
BACKGROUND
Sepsis is a frequently lethal state, commonly associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in sepsis is less well understood.
RESEARCH QUESTION
In septic patients, how common is RV dysfunction, and is it associated with worse outcomes?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
We measured echocardiographic parameters on critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock within the first 24 hours of ICU admission. We defined RV dysfunction as fractional area change (FAC) less than 35% or tricuspid annulus systolic plane excursion (TAPSE) less than 1.6 cm. We defined LV systolic dysfunction as ejection fraction (EF) less than 45% or longitudinal strain greater than -19%. Using logistic regression, we assessed the relationship between 28-day mortality and presence of RV dysfunction and LV systolic dysfunction, controlling for receipt of vasopressors, receipt of fluid, mechanical ventilation, and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score.
RESULTS
We studied 393 patients. RV and LV dysfunction were common (48% and 63%, respectively). Mean echocardiographic values were: RV end-diastolic area, 22.4 ± 7.0 cm; RV end-systolic area, 14.2 ± 6.0 cm; RV FAC, 38 ± 11%; TAPSE, 1.8 ± .06 cm; RV longitudinal strain, -15.3 ± 6.5%; LV EF, 60% ± 14%; LV longitudinal strain, -16.5% ± 6.0%. Patients with RV dysfunction had higher 28-day mortality (31% vs 16%, P = .001). In our multivariable regression model, RV dysfunction was associated with increased mortality (OR, 3.4; CI, 1.7-6.8; P = .001), and LV systolic dysfunction was not (OR, 0.63; CI, 0.3 -1.2; P = .32) INTERPRETATION: Right ventricular dysfunction is present in nearly half of studied septic patients and is associated with over threefold higher 28-day mortality.
Topics: APACHE; Cardiomyopathies; Echocardiography; Female; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Respiration, Artificial; Sepsis; Shock, Septic; Stroke Volume; United States; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right
PubMed: 33068615
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.09.274 -
Journal of the American Heart... Oct 2022
Small Interfering RNA Therapeutics in Hypertension: A Viewpoint on Vasopressor and Vasopressor-Sparing Strategies for Counteracting Blood Pressure Lowering by Angiotensinogen-Targeting Small Interfering RNA.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Rats; Angiotensinogen; Blood Pressure; RNA, Small Interfering; Hypertension; Rats, Inbred SHR; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 36216481
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.122.027694 -
Shock (Augusta, Ga.) Apr 2022Septic shock is often characterized by tachycardia and a hyperdynamic hemodynamic profile. Use of the beta antagonist esmolol has been proposed as a therapy to lower... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Septic shock is often characterized by tachycardia and a hyperdynamic hemodynamic profile. Use of the beta antagonist esmolol has been proposed as a therapy to lower heart rate, thereby improving diastolic filling time and improving cardiac output, resulting in a reduction in vasopressor support.
METHODS
We conducted a two-center, open-label, randomized, Phase II trial comparing esmolol to placebo in septic shock patients with tachycardia. The primary endpoint was improvement in hemodynamics as measured by the difference in norepinephrine equivalent dose (NED) between groups at 6 hours after initiation of study drug. Secondary outcomes included assessing differences in inflammatory biomarkers and oxygen consumption (VO2).
RESULTS
A total of 1,122 patients were assessed for eligibility and met inclusion criteria; 42 underwent randomization, and 40 received study interventions (18 in the esmolol arm and 22 in the usual care arm). The mean NED at 6 h was 0.30 ± 0.17 mcg/kg/min in the esmolol arm compared to 0.21 ± 0.19 in the standard care arm (P = 0.15). There was no difference in number of shock free days between the esmolol (2, IQR 0, 5) and control groups (2.5, IQR 0, 6) (P = 0.32). There were lower levels of C-reactive protein at 12 and 24 h in the esmolol arm, as well as a statistically significant difference in trend over time between groups. There were no differences in terms of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα. Among a subset who underwent VO2 monitoring, there was decreased oxygen consumption in the esmolol patients; the mean difference between groups at 24 h was -2.07 mL/kg/min (95% CI -3.82, -0.31) (P = 0.02), with a significant difference for the trend over time (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Among patients with septic shock, infusion of esmolol did not improve vasopressor requirements or time to shock reversal. Esmolol was associated with decreased levels of C-reactive protein over 24 h.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
www.clinicaltrials.gov. Registered February 24, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02369900.
Topics: C-Reactive Protein; Hemodynamics; Humans; Norepinephrine; Propanolamines; Shock, Septic; Tachycardia; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 35066509
DOI: 10.1097/SHK.0000000000001905 -
Chest Feb 2021Vasodilatory shock refractory to catecholamine vasopressors and arginine vasopressin is highly morbid and responsible for significant mortality. Synthetic angiotensin II... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Vasodilatory shock refractory to catecholamine vasopressors and arginine vasopressin is highly morbid and responsible for significant mortality. Synthetic angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that may be suitable for use in these patients.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the safety and effectiveness of angiotensin II and what variables are associated with a favorable hemodynamic response?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
We performed a multicenter, retrospective study at five tertiary medical centers in the United States. The primary end point of hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II was defined as attainment of mean arterial pressure (MAP) of ≥ 65 mm Hg with a stable or reduced total vasopressor dosage 3 h after drug initiation.
RESULTS
Of 270 included patients, 181 (67%) demonstrated hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II. Responders showed a greater increase in MAP (+10.3 mm Hg vs +1.6 mm Hg, P < .001) and reduction in vasopressor dosage (-0.20 μg/kg/min vs +0.04 μg/kg/min; P < .001) compared with nonresponders at 3 h. Variables associated with favorable hemodynamic response included lower lactate concentration (OR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17, P < .001) and receipt of vasopressin (OR, 6.05; 95% CI, 1.98-18.6; P = .002). In severity-adjusted multivariate analysis, hemodynamic responsiveness to angiotensin II was associated with reduced likelihood of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35-0.71; P < .001). Arrhythmias occurred in 28 patients (10%) and VTE was identified in 4 patients.
INTERPRETATION
In postmarketing use for vasopressor-refractory shock, 67% of angiotensin II recipients demonstrated a favorable hemodynamic response. Patients with lower lactate concentrations and those receiving vasopressin were more likely to respond to angiotensin II. Patients who responded to angiotensin II experienced reduced mortality.
Topics: Angiotensin II; Female; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Retrospective Studies; Shock; United States; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 32882250
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.2074 -
Anesthesiology Apr 2024The treatment of intraoperative hypotension with phenylephrine may impair cerebral perfusion through vasoconstriction, which has been linked to postoperative delirium....
BACKGROUND
The treatment of intraoperative hypotension with phenylephrine may impair cerebral perfusion through vasoconstriction, which has been linked to postoperative delirium. The hypothesis was that intraoperative administration of phenylephrine, compared to ephedrine, is associated with higher odds of postoperative delirium.
METHODS
A total of 103,094 hospitalized adults undergoing general anesthesia for noncardiac, non-neurosurgical procedures between 2008 and 2020 at two tertiary academic healthcare networks in Massachusetts were included in this multicenter hospital registry study. The primary exposure was the administration of phenylephrine versus ephedrine during surgery, and the primary outcome was postoperative delirium within 7 days. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for a priori defined confounding variables including patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedural factors including magnitude of intraoperative hypotension were applied.
RESULTS
Between the two healthcare networks, 78,982 (76.6%) patients received phenylephrine, and 24,112 (23.4%) patients received ephedrine during surgery; 770 patients (0.8%) developed delirium within 7 days. The median (interquartile range) total intraoperative dose of phenylephrine was 1.0 (0.2 to 3.3) mg and 10.0 (10.0 to 20.0) mg for ephedrine. In adjusted analyses, the administration of phenylephrine, compared to ephedrine, was associated with higher odds of developing postoperative delirium within 7 days (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.71; and adjusted absolute risk difference, 0.2%; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.3%; P = 0.015). A keyword and manual chart review-based approach in a subset of 45,465 patients further validated these findings (delirium incidence, 3.2%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.37; P < 0.001). Fractional polynomial regression analysis further indicated a dose-dependent effect of phenylephrine (adjusted coefficient, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.14; P = 0.013, per each μg/kg increase in the cumulative phenylephrine dose).
CONCLUSIONS
The administration of phenylephrine compared to ephedrine during general anesthesia was associated with higher odds of developing postoperative delirium. Based on these data, clinical trials are warranted to determine whether favoring ephedrine over phenylephrine for treatment of intraoperative hypotension can reduce delirium after surgery.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Phenylephrine; Ephedrine; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Emergence Delirium; Retrospective Studies; Hypotension
PubMed: 37725759
DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000004774 -
BMJ Case Reports Feb 2020A 62-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease stage 4, sleep apnoea on continuous positive airway pressure and recent admission for acute-on-chronic diastolic heart...
A 62-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease stage 4, sleep apnoea on continuous positive airway pressure and recent admission for acute-on-chronic diastolic heart failure presented to emergency room with weakness. She was hypotensive and had symptomatic bradycardia in the 30 s secondary to hyperkalaemia and beta-blockers, raising concern for BRASH syndrome. Antihypertensives were immediately held. Potassium-lowering agents (with calcium gluconate for cardiac stability) were begun, as were fluids and dopamine for vasopressor support. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit and electrophysiology was consulted. Over the next 2 days, the patient clinically improved: she remained off dopamine for over 24 hours; potassium levels and renal function improved; and heart rate stabilised in 60 s. The patient was eventually discharged and advised to avoid metolazone, bumetanide and carvedilol, with primary care provider and cardiology follow-up.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Atrioventricular Block; Bradycardia; Bumetanide; Carvedilol; Female; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Metolazone; Middle Aged; Renal Insufficiency; Shock; Syndrome; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 32094236
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233825 -
Critical Care Medicine Jan 2020
Topics: Critical Care; Critical Illness; Enteral Nutrition; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 31414992
DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003965 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2023Patients with sepsis often require emergency intubation. In emergency departments (EDs), rapid-sequence intubation with a single-dose induction agent is standard... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Patients with sepsis often require emergency intubation. In emergency departments (EDs), rapid-sequence intubation with a single-dose induction agent is standard practice, but the best choice of induction agent in sepsis remains controversial. We conducted a randomized, controlled, single-blind trial in the ED. We included septic patients who were aged at least 18 years and required sedation for emergency intubation. Patients were randomly assigned by a blocked randomization to receive 0.2-0.3 mg/kg of etomidate or 1-2 mg/kg of ketamine for intubation. The objectives were to compare the survival outcomes and adverse events after intubation between etomidate and ketamine. Two hundred and sixty septic patients were enrolled; 130 patients/drug arm whose baseline characteristics were well balanced at baseline. In the etomidate group, 105 patients (80.8%) were alive at 28 days, compared with 95 patients (73.1%) in the ketamine group (risk difference [RD], 7.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], - 2.5 to 17.9%; P = 0.092). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who survived at 24 h (91.5% vs. 96.2%; P = 0.097) and survived at 7 days (87.7% vs. 87.7%; P = 0.574). A significantly higher proportion of the etomidate group needed a vasopressor within 24 h after intubation: 43.9% vs. 17.7%, RD, 26.2% (95% CI, 15.4 to 36.9%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, there were no differences in early and late survival rates between etomidate and ketamine. However, etomidate was associated with higher risks of early vasopressor use after intubation. Trial registration: The trial protocol was registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (identification number: TCTR20210213001). Registered 13 February 2021-Retrospectively registered, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/export/pdf/TCTR20210213001 .
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Etomidate; Ketamine; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Single-Blind Method; Intubation, Intratracheal; Sepsis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 37076524
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33679-x -
Critical Care (London, England) Feb 2024Septic shock typically requires the administration of vasopressors. Adrenergic agents remain the first choice, namely norepinephrine. However, their use to counteract... (Review)
Review
Septic shock typically requires the administration of vasopressors. Adrenergic agents remain the first choice, namely norepinephrine. However, their use to counteract life-threatening hypotension comes with potential adverse effects, so that non-adrenergic vasopressors may also be considered. The use of agents that act through different mechanisms may also provide an advantage. Nitric oxide (NO) is the main driver of the vasodilation that leads to hypotension in septic shock, so several agents have been tested to counteract its effects. The use of non-selective NO synthase inhibitors has been of questionable benefit. Methylene blue, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, an important enzyme involved in the NO signaling pathway in the vascular smooth muscle cell, has also been proposed. However, more than 25 years since the first clinical evaluation of MB administration in septic shock, the safety and benefits of its use are still not fully established, and it should not be used routinely in clinical practice until further evidence of its efficacy is available.
Topics: Humans; Methylene Blue; Shock, Septic; Hypotension; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase; Norepinephrine; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 38365828
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-04839-w