title: ACE-inhibitor therapy and survival among patients with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) of cardiac and non-cardiac origin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the sequential failure of organ systems after a trigger event (e.g. cardiogenic shock) with a high mortality. ACE-inhibitors [ACEI] are known to ameliorate depressed autonomic function (heart rate variability [HRV]) to improve endothelial function and to decrease blood pressure. Modifications of these targets reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (patients with arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure). Our study aimed to characterize potential benefits of ACEI therapy in MODS patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  178 score-defined consecutive patients were enrolled. Inclusion criterion was an APACHE II score >or=20 at admission to the ICU. Patients were evaluated for ACEI therapy and followed for 28, 180 and 365 days. HRV was calculated according to the international standards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  68 patients received an ACEI during their ICU stay whereas 110 did not. The 28-day mortality was 55% (no ACEI treatment) vs. 22% (ACEI treatment, p<0.0001) and the 1-year mortality accounted for 75% (no ACEI) vs. 50% (ACEI), p<0.0001. There was no significant survival difference between early and later application of ACEI (after day 4), both application modes were characterized by an improved survival. MODS patients with ACEI treatment at admission had a better preserved HRV.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results may suggest that MODS patients with ACEI treatment may have lower short- and longer-term mortality. HRV was less attenuated when patients received ACEI therapy at admission. Consequently, effectiveness of ACEI therapy should be validated in a prospective trial.
authors.affiliation: Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. hendrik.schmidt@medizin.uni-halle.de
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hoyer
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rauchhaus
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prondzinsky
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hennen
authors.forename: Axel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schlitt
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Kuno
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hottenrott
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Müller-Werdan
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Werdan
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buerke
mesh_terms: D018806:APACHE; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012770:Shock, Cardiogenic / Q000188:drug therapy; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors