External Validation of the Prestroke Independence, Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ISAN) Score for Predicting Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in the Athens Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Prestroke Independence, Sex, Age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ISAN) score was developed recently for predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), one of the most common complications after stroke. The aim of the present study was to externally validate the ISAN score. METHODS: Data included in the Athens Stroke Registry between June 1992 and December 2011 were used for this analysis. Inclusion criteria were the availability of all ISAN score variables (prestroke independence, sex, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score). Receiver operating characteristic curves and linear regression analyses were used to determine the discriminatory power of the score and to assess the correlation between actual and predicted pneumonia in the study population. Separate analyses were performed for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). RESULTS: The analysis included 3204 patients (AIS: 2732, ICH: 472). The ISAN score demonstrated excellent discrimination in patients with AIS (area under the curve [AUC]: .83 [95% confidence interval {CI}: .81-.85]). In the ICH group, the score was less effective (AUC: .69 [95% CI: .63-.74]). Higher-risk groups of ISAN score were associated with an increased relative risk of SAP; risk increase was more prominent in the AIS population. Predicted pneumonia correlated very well with actual pneumonia (AIS group: R(2) = .885; β-coefficient = .941, P < .001; ICH group: R(2) = .880, β-coefficient = .938, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In our external validation in the Athens Stroke Registry cohort, the ISAN score predicted SAP very accurately in AIS patients and demonstrated good discriminatory power in the ICH group. Further validation and assessment of clinical usefulness would strengthen the score's utility further.

To return or to discard? Randomised trial on gastric residual volume management

Background: The control of gastric residual volume (GRV) is a common nursing intervention in intensive care; however the literature shows a wide variation in clinical practice regarding the management of GRV, potentially affecting patients" clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of returning or discarding GRV, on gastric emptying delays and feeding, electrolyte and comfort outcomes in critically ill patients. Method: A randomised, prospective, clinical trial design was used to study 125 critically ill patients, assigned to the return or the discard group. Main outcome measure was delayed gastric emptying. Feeding outcomes were determined measuring intolerance indicators, feeding delays and feeding potential complications. Fluid and electrolyte measures included serum potassium, glycaemia control and fluid balance. Discomfort was identified by significant changes in vital signs. Results: Patients in both groups presented similar mean GRV with no significant differences found (p=0.111), but participants in the intervention arm showed a lower incidence and severity of delayed gastric emptying episodes (p=0.001). No significant differences were found for the rest of outcome measurements, except for hyperglycaemia. Conclusions: The results of this study support the recommendation to reintroduce gastric content aspirated to improve GRV management without increasing the risk for potential complications.

Correlação do volume da vesícula vitelínica obtida por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional com a idade gestacional entre a 7ª e a 10ª semanas usando o método multiplanar

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação do volume da vesícula vitelínica aferida por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional com a idade gestacional entre a 7ª e a 10ª semanas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo do tipo corte transversal envolvendo 72 gestantes normais entre a 7ª e a 10ª semanas de gestação. Para o cálculo do volume da vesícula vitelínica, utilizou-se o método multiplanar com intervalo de 1,0 mm entre os planos. Para o volume da vesícula vitelínica foram determinadas médias, medianas, desvios-padrão e valores máximo e mínimo. Para avaliar a correlação entre o volume da vesícula vitelínica e a idade gestacional, foram criados modelos de regressão, sendo os ajustes realizados pelo coeficiente de determinação (R²). RESULTADOS: O volume da vesícula vitelínica (VV) mostrou-se fracamente correlacionado com a idade gestacional (IG), melhor representado pela regressão quadrática, representada pela equação: volume VV = 0,9757 - 0,2499 × IG + 0,0172 × IG² (R² = 0,234). O volume médio da vesícula vitelínica variou de 0,07 cm³ (0,02-0,11) a 0,20 cm³ (0,02-0,74) entre a 7ª e a 10ª semanas de gestação, com média de 0,11 cm³ (± 0,10 cm³). CONCLUSÃO: O volume da vesícula vitelínica correlacionou-se fracamente com a idade gestacional.