18 The use of flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage for the invasive diagnosis of pneumonia in the critically ill is associated with which of the following benefits?Reduced FIO2 requirementImproved cardiac outputIncreased anti‐fungal agent useReduced antibiotic durationIncreased multi‐drug resistanceFlexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to invasively identify pneumonia confers the anticipated benefit of having confidence in the diagnosis of “no pneumonia”. The lack of an infecting organism supports termination of empiric antibiotic therapy, reduced driving pressure for resistant organism genesis, and enhances an institutional approach to antibiotic stewardship. This in turn helps drive investigations into alternate explanations for the clinical findings and presentation. Flexible bronchoscopy for relief of lobar collapse from airway obstruction (but not BAL) is associated with reduced FIO2 and improved cardiac output. Anti‐fungal use is not increased by BAL, as those with risk factors for fungal pneumonia – and who have a compatible presentation – are generally empirically treated for fungal pathogens; guidelines to direct anti‐fungal use have been articulated by a variety of organizations including the Infectious Disease Society of America.Answer: DRanzani OT, Senussi T, Idone F, et al. Invasive and non‐invasive diagnostic approaches for microbiological diagnosis of hospital‐acquired pneumonia. Critical Care. 2019; 23(1): 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054‐019‐2348‐2
19 A 38‐year‐old patient with chest and abdominal blunt injury after a MVC has progressive ARDS and is managed using epinephrine and vasopressin infusions as well as glucocorticoid therapy for critical illness‐related cortico‐adrenal insufficiency. He has ongoing hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Which of the following best supports pursuing cannulation for veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV‐ECMO)?PaO2/FIO2 ratio of 135 on a FIO2 of 0.7Stabilized thoracic spine fracturesInability to undergo prone position therapyIncreasing epinephrine dose for MAP supportEjection fraction of 30%VV‐ECMO provides oxygenation support and clears CO2. It does not support cardiac performance. Therefore, an increasing need for vasopressor infusion or depressed ejection fraction does not drive one towards VV‐ECMO but would instead favor veno‐arterial ECMO. A PaO2/FIO2 ratio of 135 on an FIO2 of 0.7 indicates additional opportunity for oxygenation management such that ECMO is not required. Stabilized spine fractures should not generally influence the decision for VV ECMO. However, the inability to pursue standard care such as prone position therapy supports pursuing cannulation as rescue therapy, particularly in those with an escalating O2 requirement or the progressive inability to clear CO2.Answer: CMenk M, Estenssoro E, Sahetya SK, et al. Current and evolving standards of care for patients with ARDS. Intensive Care Med. 2020; 46:2157–2167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134‐020‐06299‐6
20 A patient with COPD has undergone an uneventful right hepatectomy for malignancy and arrives to the SICU intubated and mechanically ventilated. Settings are AC RR 12 breaths/minute, tidal volume 650 mL, FIO2 50%, PEEP 5, decelerating waveform, peak flow rate = 60 LPM; Pawpeak = 32; Pawmean = 8; SpO2 = 96%; ETCO2 = 42 torr and he is breathing with the ventilator. VS: T = 100.2°F, HR = 84 beats/minute, and BP = 132/74 mm Hg. One hour later, you are called for HR = 132 beats/minute, BP = 82/46, T = 98.9°F, SpO2 = 84%, ETCO2 = 58; RR = 20 breaths/minute. The most appropriate initial intervention is which of the following?Return to the OR for hemorrhage controlStart a continuous epinephrine infusionTherapeutic cardioversion for atrial fibrillationDisconnect the patient from the ventilatorEmergency pleural decompression Patients with COPD often undergo surgery for unrelated conditions such as the patient in this question. Given that COPD eases gas entry but renders gas exit more difficult, such patients are at increased risk of gas trapping and increased intra‐thoracic pressure. This is a particular risk on volume cycled ventilation when the patient’s respiratory rate increases (anesthesia emergence, anxiety, pain, delirium, etc.) and their coupled expiratory time decreases. The physiology resembles tension pneumothorax in that venous return is compromised leading to decreased cardiac performance, but no pleural space occupying lesion is present. Instead, pulmonary overdistension is the issue in this unique patient population. Tachycardia and hypotension as well as hypoxemia and hypercarbia ensue, the former especially related to decreased pulmonary flow. Therefore, the initial therapy of choice is to disconnect from the ventilator and allow for exhalation.Answer: DMosier JM and Hypes CD Mechanical ventilation strategies for the patient with severe obstructive lung disease. Emerg Med Clin. 2019; 37(3): 445–58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2019.04.003
9 Infectious Disease
Rathnayaka M. K. Gunasingha, MD1, Patrick Benoit, DO1, and Matthew J. Bradley, MD2
1 Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
2 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Program Director General Surgery Residency, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
1 A 28‐year‐old man is found by police obtunded with a respiratory rate of four per minute in a local park. He was administered naloxone in the field and transported to the hospital. On arrival, he continues to be lethargic with a blood pressure of 90/54 mm Hg, heart rate of 103/min, respiratory rate of 16/min, and temperature of 101.1o F. Physical exam reveals a 3cm × 3cm area of erythema, fluctuance, and induration in his left antecubital fossa as well as tender nodules on his fingertips. Auscultation of his chest reveals a blowing diastolic murmur. A transthoracic echocardiogram is negative for any signs of endocarditis. The next steps in the management of this patient including blood cultures, fluid resuscitation, and I & D of abscess should include:Transesophageal echocardiography, initiation of vancomycinTransesophageal echocardiography, initiation of vancomycin and piperacillin‐tazobactamTransesophageal echocardiographyMetronidazole and piperacillin‐tazobactamVancomycin and metronidazoleThis patient has 3 minor Modified Duke Criteria – (1) intravenous drug use, (2) fever > 100.4°F, and (3) Osler’s nodes – that indicate possible endocarditis. Intravenous drug use is a risk factor for acquisition of infective endocarditis. The patient should receive a transesophageal echo (TEE) to evaluate his cardiac valves even though the transthoracic echocardiogram was negative as TEE is more sensitive for cardiac vegetations. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism that causes infective endocarditis, followed by Viridans group Streptococci, coagulase‐negative Staphylococci, Enterococcus species, and Streptococcus bovis. Antibiotics should be started immediately after drawing blood cultures and should be broad to include MRSA coverage. Answer B is the correct choice as it provides broad‐spectrum coverage as well as the TEE that is needed after a negative TTE in this patient whose presentation is suspicious for infective endocarditis. Answer A adequately covers for MRSA, but without a known causative organism, more broad‐spectrum antibiotics should be initiated. Answer C is incorrect as it is critical that in cases of suspected endocarditis and sepsis that antibiotics be administered immediately after presentation. Answer D does not adequately cover against MRSA and is therefore incorrect. Answer E does not adequately cover gram‐negative bacteria and is