Prediction of Patient Survival in Cases of Acute Paraquat Poisoning

Paraquat concentration-time data have been used to predict the clinical outcome following ingestion. However, these studies have included only small populations, although paraquat poisoning has a very high mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and reliable model to predict survival according to the time interval post-ingestion in patients with acute paraquat poisoning. Data were retrospectively collected for patients who were admitted with paraquat poisoning to Soonchunhyang University Choenan Hospital between January 2005 and December 2012. Plasma paraquat levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. To validate the model we developed, we used external data from 788 subjects admitted to the Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Korea, between January 2007 and December 2012. Two thousand one hundred thirty six patients were included in this study. The overall survival rate was 44% (939/2136). The probability of survival for any specified time and concentration could be predicted as (exp(logit))/(1+exp(logit)), where logit = 1.3544+[−3.4688×log10(plasma paraquat μg/M)]+[−2.3169×log10(hours since ingestion)]. The external validation study showed that our model was highly accurate for the prediction of survival (C statics 0.964; 95% CI [0.952–0.975]). We have developed a model that is effective for predicting survival after paraquat intoxication.     

Mechanisms Underlying Early Rapid Increases in Creatinine in Paraquat Poisoning

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after severe paraquat poisoning and usually heralds a fatal outcome. The rapid large increases in serum creatinine (Cr) exceed that which can be explained by creatinine kinetics based on loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Methods and Findings

This prospective multi-centre study compared the kinetics of two surrogate markers of GFR, serum creatinine and serum cystatin C (CysC), following paraquat poisoning to understand and assess renal functional loss after paraquat poisoning. Sixty-six acute paraquat poisoning patients admitted to medical units of five hospitals were included. Relative changes in creatinine and CysC were monitored in serial blood and urine samples, and influences of non-renal factors were also studied.

Results

Forty-eight of 66 patients developed AKI (AKIN criteria), with 37 (56%) developing moderate to severe AKI (AKIN stage 2 or 3). The 37 patients showed rapid increases in creatinine of >100% within 24 hours, >200% within 48 hours and >300% by 72 hours and 17 of the 37 died. CysC concentration increased by 50% at 24 hours in the same 37 patients and then remained constant. The creatinine/CysC ratio increased 8 fold over 72 hours. There was a modest fall in urinary creatinine and serum/urine creatinine ratios and a moderate increase in urinary paraquat during first three days.

Conclusion

Loss of renal function contributes modestly to the large increases in creatinine following paraquat poisoning. The rapid rise in serum creatinine most probably represents increased production of creatine and creatinine to meet the energy demand following severe oxidative stress. Minor contributions include increased cyclisation of creatine to creatinine because of acidosis and competitive or non-competitive inhibition of creatinine secretion. Creatinine is not a good marker of renal functional loss after paraquat poisoning and renal injury should be evaluated using more specific biomarkers of renal injury.     

血清胱抑素C在百草枯中毒所致急性肾功能损伤中的早期诊断意义

目的:探讨急性百草枯中毒(acute paraquat poisoning,APP)患者血清胱抑素C(ScysC)水平对百草枯所致急性肾功能损伤(acute renal injury,AKI)早期诊断的意义和临床价值.方法:以43例急性百草枯中毒患者和20例健康体检者为研究对象,通过紫外分光光度法检测患者入院时百草枯的血药浓度,并据此将患者分为0～5mg·L-1组、5～10mg·L-1组、＞ 10mg·L-1组,检测患者入院第1天内血肌酐(SCr)、尿素氮(Urea)、ScysC的水平.结果:不同的百草枯血药浓度组SCr和Urea的水平与对照组比较均无显著性差异(P＞0.05);0～5mg· L-1组ScysC的水平与对照组比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),但5～10mg·L-1组及＞10mg·L-1组ScysC的水平均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05),且与血药浓度呈显著正相关;入院第1天内5～10mg· L-1组及＞10mg· L-1组的ScysC异常检出率均显著高于各组SCr和Urea异常检出率(P＜0.05).结论:ScysC能更早地反映APP所致AKI,且与中毒程度呈正相关性,可能是APP发病早期一个较SCr、Urea更敏感反映患者病情的指标.     

不同剂量甲泼尼龙对大鼠急性百草枯中毒肾脏的影响

目的：观察不同剂量甲泼尼龙治疗大鼠百草枯中毒肾脏损伤的疗效。方法：将120只Wistar大鼠随机分为五组,空白组,染毒组和干预组（根据甲泼尼龙剂量不同分为三组）,除空白组外,均予百草枯（22mg／kg）稀释后腹腔注射,2h后依照组别、体重注射甲泼尼龙,在第1、3、7天共3个时间点,按抽签法处死实验对象6只获取标本,观察肾功能和病理变化。结果：各组血尿素氮（P=0．001〈0．05）和肌酐（P=0．01〈0．05）差异有统计学意义,干预组中5mg／kg甲泼尼龙组同染毒组比较差异有统计学意义。不同时间点血尿素氮（P=0．007〈0．05）和肌酐（P=0．016〈0．05）差异有统计学意义,其中第七天明显低于第一、三天。病理评分各组（P=O．21〉0．05）差异无统计学意义。讨论：早期应用糖皮质激素治疗PQ中毒大鼠,可以显著减轻PQ中毒所致的肾损伤程度,改善肾功能,尤其小剂量改善显著,传统的大剂量糖皮质激素冲击治疗不值的推崇。     

不同剂量甲泼尼龙对大鼠急性百草枯中毒肾脏的影响

目的:观察不同剂量甲泼尼龙治疗大鼠百草枯中毒肾脏损伤的疗效。方法:将120只Wistar大鼠随机分为五组,空白组,染毒组和干预组(根据甲泼尼龙剂量不同分为三组),除空白组外,均予百草枯(22mg/kg)稀释后腹腔注射,2h后依照组别、体重注射甲泼尼龙,在第1、3、7天共3个时间点,按抽签法处死实验对象6只获取标本,观察肾功能和病理变化。结果:各组血尿素氮(P=0.001<0.05)和肌酐(P=0.01<0.05)差异有统计学意义,干预组中5mg/kg甲泼尼龙组同染毒组比较差异有统计学意义。不同时间点血尿素氮(P=0.007<0.05)和肌酐(P=0.016<0.05)差异有统计学意义,其中第七天明显低于第一、三天。病理评分各组(P=0.21>0.05)差异无统计学意义。讨论:早期应用糖皮质激素治疗PQ中毒大鼠,可以显著减轻PQ中毒所致的肾损伤程度,改善肾功能,尤其小剂量改善显著,传统的大剂量糖皮质激素冲击治疗不值的推崇。     

Absolute Lymphocyte Count as a Predictor of Mortality in Emergency Department Patients with Paraquat Poisoning

Background

Paraquat (PQ) is a potent, highly toxic and widely used herbicide. The major medical problems associated with PQ are accidental or suicidal ingestion. There are several prognostic markers of PQ poisoning, with the serum PQ concentration considered to be the best indicator of outcome. However, the measurement of such markers is limited in many hospitals.

Objective

The present study was conducted to investigate the association of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and the 30-day mortality rate in patients with PQ poisoning.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the emergency department after paraquat poisoning between January 2010 and April 2013. Independent risk factors including ALC for 30-day mortality were determined. The ALC was categorized in quartiles as ≤1700, 1700 to 3200, 3200 to 5000, and >5000. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis were performed to determine the independent risk factors for mortality.

Results

A total of 136 patients were included in the study, and the 30-day mortality was 73.5%. ALC was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. The highest ALC quartile (ALC>5000; hazard ratio, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.08–6.21) was associated with increased mortality in multivariate analysis. In addition, old age, lower arterial PaCO₂, increased peripheral neutrophil count, and high serum levels of creatinine were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

The absolute lymphocyte count is associated with the 30-day mortality rate in patients with paraquat poisoning.     

C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Predicts 90-Day Mortality of Septic Patients

Introduction

Residual inflammation at ICU discharge may have impact upon long-term mortality. However, the significance of ongoing inflammation on mortality after ICU discharge is poorly described. C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin are measured frequently in the ICU and exhibit opposing patterns during inflammation. Since infection is a potent trigger of inflammation, we hypothesized that CRP levels at discharge would correlate with long-term mortality in septic patients and that the CRP/albumin ratio would be a better marker of prognosis than CRP alone.

Methods

We evaluated 334 patients admitted to the ICU as a result of severe sepsis or septic shock who were discharged alive after a minimum of 72 hours in the ICU. We evaluated the performance of both CRP and CRP/albumin to predict mortality at 90 days after ICU discharge. Two multivariate logistic models were generated based on measurements at discharge: one model included CRP (Model-CRP), and the other included the CRP/albumin ratio (Model-CRP/albumin).

Results

There were 229 (67%) and 111 (33%) patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, respectively. During the 90 days of follow-up, 73 (22%) patients died. CRP/albumin ratios at admission and at discharge were associated with a poor outcome and showed greater accuracy than CRP alone at these time points (p = 0.0455 and p = 0.0438, respectively). CRP levels and the CRP/albumin ratio were independent predictors of mortality at 90 days (Model-CRP: adjusted OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.14–4.83, p = 0.021; Model-CRP/albumin: adjusted OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.10–4.67, p = 0.035). Both models showed similar accuracy (p = 0.2483). However, Model-CRP was not calibrated.

Conclusions

Residual inflammation at ICU discharge assessed using the CRP/albumin ratio is an independent risk factor for mortality at 90 days in septic patients. The use of the CRP/albumin ratio as a long-term marker of prognosis provides more consistent results than standard CRP values alone.     

Using Bosentan to Treat Paraquat Poisoning-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Background

Paraquat poisoning is well known for causing multiple organ function failure (MODS) and high mortality. Acute lung injury and advanced pulmonary fibrosis are the most serious complications. Bosentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist. It plays an important role in treating PF. There is no related literature on the use of bosentan therapy for paraquat poisoning.

Objective

To study the use of bosentan to treat acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis as induced by paraquat.

Method

A total of 120 adult Wister male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: the paraquat poisoning group (rats were intragastrically administered with paraquat at 50 mg/kg body weight once at the beginning); the bosentan therapy group (rats were administered bosentan at 100 mg/kg body weight by intragastric administration half an hour after paraquat was administered, then the same dose was administered once a day); and a control group (rats were administered intragastric physiological saline). On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days following paraquat exposure, rats were sacrificed, and samples of lung tissue and venous blood were collected. The levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and hydroxyproline (HYP) in the plasma and lung homogenate were determined. Optical and electronic microscopes were used to examine pathological changes.

Result

The TGF-β1, ET-1, and HYP of the paraquat poisoning group were significantly higher than in the control group, and they were significantly lower in the 21st day therapy group than in the paraquat poisoning group on the same day. Under the optical and electronic microscopes, lung tissue damage was observed to be more severe but was then reduced after bosentan was administered.

Conclusion

Bosentan can reduce inflammation factor release. It has a therapeutic effect on acute lung injury as induced by paraquat.     

Effective Treatment for Paraquat Poisoning in Rats and its Relevance to Treatment of Paraquat Poisoning in Man

After oral administration of a lethal dose of paraquat to rats the plasma concentration remained relatively constant over four to 30 hours and was related to the paraquat content of the small intestine over the first 16 hours. During the first 30 hours the concentration of paraquat in the lung rose progressively above that of the plasma to levels which are known to cause pulmonary damage. A treatment has been devised which prevents the absorption of paraquat into the plasma and prevents accumulation of paraquat in the lung. This treatment consists of a stomach was followed by four administrations of bentonite plus purgatives at two- to three-hour intervals. Even when treatment was delayed until 10 hours after administration of paraquat 80% survival was obtained. The relevance of this treatment to paraquat poisoning in man is discussed in the light of the finding that slices of human lung accumulate paraquat in the same way as those of rat lung.     

百草枯致急性肺损伤大鼠模型的建立

目的建立一种百草枯诱导的急性肺损伤（ALI）大鼠模型。方法将20只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组10只、实验组10只。实验组一次性口服灌胃百草枯（PQ）80mg／kg,于给药后1天处死大鼠,观察光镜下肺组织病理改变、肺动脉血氧分压（PaO2）、支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）蛋白含量等。结果给予百草枯1天后肺形态学出现显著异常,PaO2及BALF蛋白含量出现显著改变。结论一次性灌胃百草枯80mg／kg成功建立急性肺损伤动物模型。     

Traditional Chinese Medicine Xuebijing Treatment Is Associated with Decreased Mortality Risk of Patients with Moderate Paraquat Poisoning

Paraquat poisoning causes multiple organ injury and high mortality due to severe toxicity and lack of effective treatment. Xuebijing (XBJ) injection, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation of five Chinese herbs (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhiae, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Flos Carthami, Angelica Sinensis and Radix Paeoniae Rubra), has an anti-inflammatory effect and is widely used in the treatment of sepsis. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the effects of XBJ combined with conventional therapy on mortality risk of patients with acute paraquat poisoning. Out of 68 patients, 27 were treated with conventional therapy (control group) and 41 were treated with intravenous administration of XBJ (100 ml, twice a day, up to 7 days) plus conventional therapy (XBJ group). Vital organ function, survival time within 28 days and adverse events during the treatment were reviewed. Results indicated that XBJ treatment significantly increased median survival time among patients ingesting 10-30 ml of paraquat (P=0.02) compared with the control group. After adjustment for covariates, XBJ treatment was associated significantly with a lower mortality risk (adjusted HR 0.242, 95% CI 0.113 to 0.516, P=0.001) compared with the control group. Additionally, compared with Day 1, on Day 3 the value of PaO₂/FiO₂ was significantly decreased, and the values of serum alanine aminotransferase, creatinine and troponin T were significantly increased in the control group (all P<0.05), but these values were significant improved in the XBJ group (all P<0.05). Only one patient had skin rash with itch within 30 minutes after injection and no severe adverse events were found in the XBJ group. In conclusion, XBJ treatment is associated with decreased mortality risk of patients with moderate paraquat poisoning, which may be attributed to improved function of vital organs with no severe adverse events.     

In Nonagenarians,Acute Kidney Injury Predicts In-Hospital Mortality,while Heart Failure Predicts Hospital Length of Stay

Background/Aims

The elderly constitute an increasing proportion of admitted patients worldwide. We investigate the determinants of hospital length of stay and outcomes in patients aged 90 years and older.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all admitted patients aged >90 years from the general medical wards in a tertiary referral medical center between August 31, 2009 and August 31, 2012. Patients’ clinical characteristics, admission diagnosis, concomitant illnesses at admission, and discharge diagnosis were collected. Each patient was followed until discharge or death. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to study factors associated with longer hospital length of stay (>7 days) and in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 283 nonagenarian in-patients were recruited, with 118 (41.7%) hospitalized longer than one week. Nonagenarians admitted with pneumonia (p = 0.04) and those with lower Barthel Index (p = 0.012) were more likely to be hospitalized longer than one week. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with lower Barthel Index (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; p = 0.021) and those with heart failure (OR 3.05; p = 0.046) had hospital stays >7 days, while patients with lower Barthel Index (OR 0.93; p = 0.005), main admission nephrologic diagnosis (OR 4.83; p = 0.016) or acute kidney injury (OR 30.7; p = 0.007) had higher in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

In nonagenarians, presence of heart failure at admission was associated with longer hospital length of stay, while acute kidney injury at admission predicted higher hospitalization mortality. Poorer functional status was associated with both prolonged admission and higher in-hospital mortality.     

不同剂量甲泼尼龙对急性百草枯中毒大鼠早期肺损伤干预研究

目的：探讨不同剂量的甲泼尼龙（Methylprednisolone,MPS）对急性百草枯（paraquat,PQ）中毒大鼠早期肺损伤的疗效。方法：采用腹腔注射20％的PQ溶液制作大鼠急性PQ中毒的模型,随机均分为五组,正常对照组（A组）、染毒组（B组）、5mg／kg甲泼尼龙干预组（C组）、15mg／kg甲泼尼龙干预组（D组）、30mg／kg甲泼尼龙干预组（E组）。分三个不同时间点（24、72、168h）处死大鼠（每组每时间点6只）。观察各时间点大体标本,组织病理、肺系数和氧合指数。结果：光镜下肺组织病理学观察,与B组比较C、D、E组大鼠肺的病理学改变,肺泡腔内出血、渗出,炎性细胞浸润、肺泡隔炎性细胞浸润相对较轻,其中以C、E组减轻最为明显。在各组相同时间点肺系数：在三个时间点的值均比B组低（P〈0．05）,其中E组在24h、72h时间点上与C、D组有显著差异（P〈0．05）。C、D、E组与B组的氧合指数的比较各个时间点上均与B组有差异（P〈0．05）,三组之间相互无明显差异。结论：本实验结果显示甲泼尼龙对急性百草枯中毒大鼠的肺损伤具有保护作用,且30mg／kg甲泼尼龙组要优于5mg／kg、15mg／kg甲泼尼龙组。     

Glycyrrhizic Acid Prevents Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury and Mortality in Rats

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), an active ingredient in licorice, has multiple pharmacological activities. However, the effects of GA on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) have not been determined. Tthe aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the effects of GA against sepsis-induced ALI in rats. We found that GA alleviated sepsis-induced ALI through improvements in various pathological changes, as well as decreases in the lung wet/dry weight ratio and total protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and a significant increase in the survival rate of treated rats. Additionally, GA markedly inhibited sepsis-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses. Moreover, we found that treatment with GA inhibited oxidative stress damage and apoptosis in lung tissue induced by ALI. Finally, GA treatment significantly inhibited NF-κ B, JNK and P38 MAPK activation. Our data indicate that GA has a protective effect against sepsis-induced ALI by inhibiting the inflammatory response, damage from oxidative stress, and apoptosis via inactivation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, providing a molecular basis for a new medical treatment for sepsis-induced ALI.     

Extent of Spine Deformity Predicts Lung Growth and Function in Rabbit Model of Early Onset Scoliosis

Early onset deformity of the spine and chest wall (initiated <8 years of age) is associated with increased morbidity at adulthood relative to adolescent onset deformity of comparable severity. Presumably, inhibition of thoracic growth during late stage alveolarization leads to an irreversible loss of pulmonary growth and thoracic function; however the natural history of this disease from onset to adulthood has not been well characterized. In this study we establish a rabbit model of early onset scoliosis to establish the extent that thoracic deformity affects structural and functional respiratory development. Using a surgical right unilateral rib-tethering procedure, rib fusion with early onset scoliosis was induced in 10 young New Zealand white rabbits (3 weeks old). Progression of spine deformity, functional residual capacity, total lung capacity, and lung mass was tracked through longitudinal breath-hold computed tomography imaging up to skeletal maturity (28 weeks old). Additionally at maturity forced vital capacity and regional specific volume were calculated as functional measurements and histo-morphometry performed with the radial alveolar count as a measure of acinar complexity. Data from tethered rib rabbits were compared to age matched healthy control rabbits (N = 8). Results show unilateral rib-tethering created a progressive spinal deformity ranging from 30° to 120° curvature, the severity of which was strongly associated with pulmonary growth and functional outcomes. At maturity rabbits with deformity greater than the median (55°) had decreased body weight (89%), right (59%) and left (86%) lung mass, right (74%) and left (69%) radial alveolar count, right lung volume at total lung capacity (60%), and forced vital capacity (75%). Early treatment of spinal deformity in children may prevent pulmonary complications in adulthood and these results provide a basis for the prediction of pulmonary development from thoracic structure. This model may also have future use as a platform to evaluate treatment effectiveness.     

血液透析对急性百草枯中毒的临床疗效分析

目的：探讨血液透析（hemodilalysis,HD）治疗急性百草枯中毒的临床疗效,为临床应用HD治疗急性百草枯中毒提供依据。方法：选择我院2003 年3 月~2012 年7 月收治的百草枯中毒患者40 例,根据患者使用是否行透析治疗分为透析组（A组17 例）和非透析组（B 组23 例）,比较分析两组患者治疗后的肝功能、肾功能、肺功能及心肌酶学指标的变化,治疗效果及存活情况。结果：两组患者入院后前3 天ALT、AST、BUN、CR、CK、CK-MB 水平均呈上升趋势,且非透析组患者以上指标的水平高于透析组患者,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）,入院后第7 天,两组以上指标的比较亦无统计学差异（P〉0.05）;两组患者之间入院时和入院后72小时内最低的SPO2%、血气分析中PaO2和PaCO2水平比较无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;透析组和非透析组患者的病死率分别为70.6%和69.6%,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：百草枯溶液中毒的患者预后差、病死率高,血液透析治疗并不能显著提高急性百草枯中毒患者的生存率。     

大潮气量致急性肺损伤犬呼吸机相关性肺损伤模型的构建

目的建立大潮气量致急性肺损伤（ALI）犬呼吸机相关性肺损伤（VILI）模型。方法健康雄性杂种犬12只用油酸静脉注射法制备犬ALI模型,造模成功后进行支持通气15min过渡,然后随机分为VILI组及对照组行机械通气6 h,每组6只。VILI组潮气量（Vt）=20 mL/kg,对照组Vt=6 mL/kg,两组呼气末正压（PEEP）均为10 cmH2O。动态观察各组血气交换指标变化。通气6 h后取支气管肺泡灌洗液（BALF）作白蛋白浓度检查,取肺组织作病理切片肺损伤评分。结果各组在油酸静脉注射后（2.50±0.80）h达到ALI标准。VILI组在犬机械通气6 h后PaO2、SaO2及氧合指数（OI）较对照组略下降（P〈0.05）,而PaCO2波动不大,且心率、血压波动也较对照组小（P〈0.05）。VILI组BALF中蛋白浓度和肺组织损伤评分均较对照组显著升高（分别P〈0.05,P〈0.01）。结论本实验成功建立了大潮气量致ALI犬VILI模型。     

Predicting the Mortality Benefit of CT Screening for Second Lung Cancer in a High-Risk Population

Patients who survive an index lung cancer (ILC) after surgical resection continue to be at significant risk for a metachronous lung cancer (MLC). Indeed, this risk is much higher than the risk of developing an ILC in heavy smokers. There is currently little evidence upon which to base guidelines for screening at-risk patients for MLC, and the risk-reward tradeoffs for screening this patient population are unknown. The goal of this investigation was to estimate the maximum mortality benefit of CT screening for MLC. We developed a computational model to estimate the maximum rates of CT detection of MLC and surgical resection to be expected in a given population as a function of time after resection of an ILC. Applying the model to a hypothetical high-risk population suggests that screening for MLC within 5 years after resection of an ILC may identify only a very small number of treatable cancers. The risk of death from a potentially resectable MLC increases dramatically past this point, however, suggesting that screening after 5 years is imperative. The model also predicts a substantial detection gap for MLC that demonstrates the benefit to be gained as more sensitive screening methods are developed.