Article Text
Abstract
Background Vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by the inflammation of the vasculature vessels. Vasculitides may present as a life-threatening condition and cause higher rates of morbidity and mortality. There are few studies assessing the outcome and prognosis of patients with vasculitides admitted to the intensive care (ICU).
Objectives To assess the outcome of vasculitides patients required admission to ICU and to identify factors associated with mortality
Methods A retrospective study was carried out, including all patients who were diagnosed with vasculitides and admitted to the ICU of the Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, throughout the years 2000–2014. Continuous variables were computed as mean±standard deviation, whilst categorical variables were recorded as percentages, where appropriate. Student's t-test and chi-squared analyses were performed for investigating the impact of the clinical variables on mortality.
Results Twenty-five vasculitides patients admitted to the ICU were included in the present study (mean age 52±14y, sex ratio M/F: 12/13). The mortality rate among these patients was 48%. Leading causes for ICU admission were: infection (64%), vasculitides exacerbation (34%), and hemorrhage (16%). Variables significantly associated with mortality were: the use of Rituximab prior to admission ICU (p=0.039), involvement of the hemodynamic system (p=0.024), the SOFA score (p=0.041), blood infections during the first week at ICU (p=0.018) and persisting after the first week (p=0.007).
Conclusions Our study confirms the high mortality rate among vasculitides patients and mainly among those requiring admission to ICU. SOFA score and pre-admission treatment with rituximab have been found to be predictive of mortality.
Disclosure of Interest None declared