jean-michel Constantin

• MD, PhD
• Head of Department at Hôpital La Pitié Salpêtrière (Groupe Hospitalier "La Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix")

To determine whether a liberal transfusion strategy (≥ 9 g/dL) improves neurological outcomes in adults with acute brain injury (ABI). We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and trial registries for randomized controlled trials comparing liberal (≥ 9 g/dL) vs. restrictive (≥ 7 g/dL) transfusion in adults with ABI (traumat...

Purpose The respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index is used to predict high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) success in acute respiratory failure, including in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, no study has described its performance to predict failure of alternating sessions of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and HFNC in severe COVID-1...

Background Postextubation respiratory failure (PRF) frequently complicates weaning from mechanical ventilation and may increase morbidity/mortality. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) alternating with high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) may prevent PRF. Methods Ventilated patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and at high-risk of PRF d...

Background: Inhaled sedation is increasing in ICUs, with active carbon filters (ACFs) commonly used for evacuating halogenated gases. However, the potential benefits of a waste anesthetic gas system (WAGS) similar to the ones used in operating rooms should be explored. To limit the suction over the flow sensor where the WAGS is connected on ICU ve...

Background Sigh breaths may impact outcomes in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) during assisted mechanical ventilation. We investigated whether sigh breaths may impact mortality in predefined subgroups of patients enrolled in the PROTECTION multicenter clinical trial according to: 1.the physiological response in oxygenation to Sigh (respo...

Introduction: Anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can be performed using systemic anticoagulation or regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA). The 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines support the use of RCA as the first-line strategy in patients requiring CRRT, with and without bleeding risk. Implement...

Background The transfusion strategy in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a debated topic with non-standardized guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of liberal versus restrictive transfusion strategies on mortality during AMI. Methods A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the COCHRANE libr...

Introduction Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a critical therapeutic intervention for patients with severe acute kidney injury in intensive care. However, premature filter clotting remains a significant challenge during CRRT, impacting treatment efficacy, costs and patient outcomes. Anticoagulation is essential to maintain circuit pat...

Background Trunk inclination in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in the supine position has gained scientific interest due to its effects on respiratory physiology, including mechanics, oxygenation, ventilation distribution, and efficiency. Changing from flat supine to semi-recumbent increases driving pressure due to decreas...

Although noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may reduce reintubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, this strategy has not been specifically assessed in patients with obesity. We conducted a post hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing NIV delivered via facial mask to standard...

Background The STROMA-CoV-2 study was a French phase 2b, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that did not identify a significant efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. Safety on day 28 was found to be good. The aim of...

Purpose Although noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may reduce reintubation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure following abdominal surgery, this strategy has not been specifically assessed in patients with obesity. Methods We conducted a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing NIV delivered via facial...

Background Nebulisation of antibiotics is a promising treatment for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Ensuring effective antibiotic concentrations at the site of infection in the interstitial space fluid is crucial for clinical outcomes. Current assessment methods, such as epithelial lining fluid and tis...

Background Patient position, such as prone position, can improve prognosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Total verticalization is now possible using dedicated beds, but the feasibility, safety, and pulmonary or hemodynamic effects of the position remain unknown in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods Adult patients...

Purpose The present study aimed at assessing the prevalences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (main objective), anxiety, depression, and burnout syndrome (BOS) and their associated factors in intensive care unit (ICU) staff workers in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods An international cross-sectional multicent...

Background: Telemedicine can be defined as the use of telecommunication technology for performing medical acts remotely by health professionals. Currently in anesthesia, teleconsultation (TC) is becoming widespread, although the benefit and quality have not been well evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the quality, the patient sati...

Background: Monitoring delirium in critically ill patients is recognized as a major challenge. Although involving certified nursing assistants could be a valuable help in this field, such strategy has never been formally investigated. Objectives: Following theoretical training, we conducted a prospective multicenter study assessing the diagnosti...

Introduction: Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is the recommended method for anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, the optimal post-filter ionized calcium (iCa) target level remains unclear. This study aims to assess the effect of increasing the post-filter iCa target level from 0.25-0.35 mmol/L to 0.30-0.4...

Background Findings from preclinical studies and one pilot clinical trial suggest potential benefits of epidural analgesia in acute pancreatitis. We aimed to assess the efficacy of thoracic epidural analgesia, in addition to usual care, in improving clinical outcomes of intensive care unit patients with acute pancreatitis. Methods A multicenter, o...

Background: The optimal treatment duration and the nature of regimen of antibiotics (monotherapy or combination therapy) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ventilator‑associated pneumonia (PA-VAP) remain debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination antibiotic therapy is superior to a monotherapy in patients with PA-VAP in terms of...

Purpose To evaluate the heterogeneity in the definition of delirium in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in meta-analyses of delirium in intensive care units (ICUs) and to explore whether intervention effect depends on the definition used. Methods We searched PubMed for meta-analyses including RCTs evaluating prevention or treatment str...

Background: Activation of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) pathway is associated with septic shock outcomes. Data suggest that modulation of this pathway in patients with activated TREM-1 might improve survival. Soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1), a potential mechanism-based biomarker, might facilitate enrichment of patient sele...

Background Preoperative COVID-19 has been associated with excess postoperative morbi-mortality. Consequently, guidelines were developed that recommended the postponement of surgery for at least 7 weeks after the infection. We hypothesised that vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 and the large predominance of the Omicron variant attenuated the effect...

Background: Preoperative COVID-19 has been associated with excess postoperative morbi-mortality. Consequently, guidelines were developed that recommended the postponement of surgery for at least 7 weeks after the infection. We hypothesised that vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 and the large predominance of the Omicron variant attenuated the effe...

Background: The lack of a clear definition and strong methodology has led to differing results in terms of unplanned extubation (UE) epidemiology and outcomes. We aimed to determine the UE incidence and clinical significance of both accidental extubation and self-extubation. Methods: A multicentric prospective cohort study was conducted in 47 Frenc...

Introduction Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) still represents a major challenge with high mortality rates and altered quality of life. Many well-designed studies have failed to improve ARDS outcomes. Heterogeneity of etiologies, mechanisms of lung damage, different lung mechanics, and different treatment approaches may explain these fail...

Some publications suggest that pulse oximetry measurement (SpO2) might overestimate arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) measurement in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to evaluate the agreement between SpO2 and SaO2 among COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. We conducted a multicenter, prospective study including consecutive intensive care patients...

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and oxygen therapy (high-flow nasal oxygen [HFNO] or standard oxygen) following extubation have never been compared in critically ill patients with obesity. We aimed to compare NIV (alternating with HFNO or standard oxygen) and oxygen therapy (HFNO or standard oxygen) following extubation of critically il...

Introduction Postoperative pain management after orthotopic liver transplantation is complex due to impaired liver function and frequent acute kidney dysfunction. Subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block may be of interest in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of subcostal TAP block on opioid consumption afte...

Background Current guidelines suggest the introduction of early nutrition support within the first 48 h of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for patients who cannot eat. In that context, we aimed to describe nutrition practices in the ICU and study the association between the introduction of early nutrition support (< 48 h) in the ICU and...

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of patients in ICUs leading to a worldwide shortage of the intravenous sedative agents obligating physicians to find alternatives including inhaled sedation. Inhaled sedation in French ICU has been previously explored in 2019 (VOL’ICU study). This survey was designed to explore the use of in...

Background and objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the shortage of intravenous sedatives has led to renewed interest in inhaled sedation for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that inhaled sedation would be associated with improved clinical outcomes in COVID-19 ARDS patients. Met...

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS–CoV-2)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) causes high mortality. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) have potentially relevant immune-modulatory properties, whose place in ARDS treatment is not established. This phase 2b trial was undertaken to a...

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has different phenotypes and distinct short-term outcomes. Patients with non-focal ARDS have a higher short-term mortality than focal ones. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the morphological phenotypes of ARDS on long-term outcomes. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the...

Background: COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation are particularly at risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Risk factors and the prognostic impact of developing VAP during critical COVID-19 have not been fully documented. Methods: Patients invasively ventilated for at least 48 h from the prospective multicentre C...

Background Severe hypoxemia in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia might result from hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, contributing to ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Because almitrine improves V/Q, it might reduce the risk for mechanical ventilation (MV) in such patients. Our primary objective was to determine the effect of almitrine on the n...

Whether severe COVID-19 is by itself a significant risk factor for the development of candidemia currently remains an open question as conflicting results have been published. We aim to assess the occurrence of candidemia in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We conducted a retrospective study on patients with...

Preclinical studies have shown that volatile anesthetics may have beneficial effects on injured lungs, and pilot clinical data support improved arterial oxygenation, attenuated inflammation, and decreased lung epithelial injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving inhaled sevoflurane compared to intravenous midazola...

With the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting whether health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and identifying risk factors is of major concern. In this multicenter prospective cohort study, HCWs from frontline departments were included in March and April 2020 and followed for 3 months. SARS-CoV-2 serology was performe...

Background Several continuous monitoring solutions, including wireless wearable sensors, are available or being developed to improve patient surveillance on surgical wards. We designed a survey to understand the current perception and expectations of anaesthesiologists who, as perioperative physicians, are increasingly involved in postoperative car...

Objective We aimed to characterize the evolution of humoral immune response up to one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers (HCWs) during the first wave of COVID-19 in Paris. Methods Serum samples from 92 HCWs were tested at month 0 (M0), M6 and M12 after SARS-CoV-2 infection for IgG targeting the nucleocapsid (N), IgG targeting t...

Background There are limited data to detail the perioperative anesthetic management and the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications among patients requiring an anesthetic procedure while being SARS-CoV-2 positive or suspected. Methods An observational multicenter cohort study was performed including consecutive patients who were SARS-...

Background Delayed intubation is associated with high mortality. There is a lack of objective criteria to decide the time of intubation. We assessed a recently described combined oxygenation index (ROX index) to predict intubation in immunocompromised patients. The study is a secondary analysis of randomized trials in immunocompromised patients, in...

Background While aminoglycosides (AG) have been used for decades, debate remains on their optimal dosing strategy. We investigated the international practices of AG usage specifically regarding dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in critically ill patients. We conducted a prospective, multicentre, observational, cohort study in 59 intensiv...

Background The intensive care unit is increasingly recognized as a stressful environment for healthcare professionals. This context has an impact on the health of these professionals but also on the quality of their personal and professional life. However, there is currently no validated scale to measure specific stressors perceived by healthcare p...

Objective With the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting whether health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and identifying risk factors is of major concern. Methods In this multicenter prospective cohort study, HCWs from frontline departments were included in March and April 2020 and followed for 3 months. SARS-CoV-2 se...

Background: The identification of phenotypes based on lung morphology can be helpful to better target mechanical ventilation of individual patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to assess the accuracy of lung ultrasound (LUS) methods for classification of lung morphology in critically ill ARDS patients under mechanical v...

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors identified an error in Figure 2. The correct Fig. 2 is given.

Objective The authors aimed to identify risk factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after scheduled cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Design Single center, observational study. Setting Tertiary hospital Participants All adult patients who underwent scheduled cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass between Janua...

The plasma soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) is a marker of lung epithelial injury with prognostic value when measured at baseline in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, whether changes in plasma sRAGE could inform prognosis in ARDS remains unknown. In this secondary analysis of the Lung Imaging for Venti...

Background Current intensive care unit (ICU) sedation guidelines recommend strategies using non-benzodiazepine sedatives. This survey was undertaken to explore inhaled ICU sedation practice in France. Methods In this national survey, medical directors of French adult ICUs were contacted by phone or email between July and August 2019. ICU medical d...

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating critical illness that can be triggered by a wide range of insults and remains associated with a high mortality of around 40%. The search for targeted treatment for ARDS has been disappointing, possibly due to the enormous heterogeneity within the syndrome. In this perspective from the Euro...

Background: Chest injuries are associated with mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and require multimodal pain management strategies, including regional anesthesia (RA). We conducted a survey to determine the current practices of physicians working in ICUs regarding RA for the management of chest trauma in patients w...

Abstract Background Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) is a cytosolic enzyme involved in the degradation of various cardiovascular and endorphin mediators. High levels of circulating DPP3 (cDPP3) indicate a high risk of organ dysfunction and mortality in cardiogenic shock patients. Methods The aim was to assess relationships between cDPP3 during the ini...

This quality improvement study assesses the association of automated text messaging follow-up with the patient response rate after same-day surgery.

Points clés Le SARS-CoV-2, responsable de la COVID-19, est un nouveau bêta-coronavirus. Il engendre une réaction inflammatoire intense pouvant aller jusqu’à l’« orage cytokinique », avec des atteintes pulmonaires épithéliales sévères et un tableau de coagulopathie intravasculaire pulmonaire. Le tableau clinique est polymorphe, avec possible survenu...

Riassunto Le complicanze respiratorie postoperatorie (CRPO) sono complicanze frequenti dopo un intervento chirurgico, con un impatto significativo in termini di morbilità, mortalità e costo. Cambiamenti nel sistema respiratorio si verificano non appena viene indotta l’anestesia generale: la funzione muscolare viene alterata, la meccanica respirator...

Resumen Las complicaciones respiratorias postoperatorias (CRPO) son frecuentes después de una cirugía y tienen un impacto significativo en términos de morbilidad, mortalidad y coste. Los cambios en el sistema respiratorio se producen tan pronto como se induce la anestesia general: se altera la función muscular, se modifica la mecánica respiratoria...

Rationale: Whether severe COVID-19 is a significant risk factor for the development of invasive fungal superinfections is of great medical interest and remains for now an open question. Objectives: We aim to assess the occurrence of invasive fungal respiratory superinfections in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: We conducted the study on...

Background: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection, with an increasing incidence especially in patients with hematological malignancies. Its prognosis is poor because of its high invasive power and its intrinsic low susceptibility to antifungal agents. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of mucormycosis in intensive care units (ICU) and ev...

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most demanding conditions in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Management of analgesia and sedation in ARDS is particularly challenging. An expert panel was convened to produce a “state-of-the-art” article to support clinicians in the optimal management of analgesia/sedation in mechanically venti...

Background There is wide variability between intensivists in the decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatment (DFLST). Advance directives (ADs) allow patients to communicate their end-of-life wishes to physicians. We assessed whether ADs reduced variability in DFLSTs between intensivists. Methods We conducted a multicenter, prospective, simulation...

Although the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is well defined by the development of acute hypoxemia, bilateral infiltrates and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, ARDS is heterogeneous in terms of clinical risk factors, physiology of lung injury, microbiology, and biology, potentially explaining why pharmacologic therapies have been mostly u...

Background Sigh is a cyclic brief recruitment manoeuvre: previous physiological studies showed that its use could be an interesting addition to pressure support ventilation to improve lung elastance, decrease regional heterogeneity and increase release of surfactant. Research Question Is the clinical application of sigh during pressure support ven...

Introduction Recently, fluid collected from the heat-and-moisture-exchange filters, which are commonly used in most mechanically ventilated patients under intravenous sedation, has been reported as a potential surrogate for fluid in the distal airspace. Therefore, collection of this fluid represents a promising, non-invasive method for sampling the...

Background: Whereas 5415 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds were initially available, 7148 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised in the ICU at the peak of the outbreak. The present study reports how the French Health Care system created temporary ICU beds to avoid being overwhelmed. Methods: All French ICUs were contacted for answering a questionnaire...

Background: We determined whether an audit on the adherence to guidelines for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) for can improve the outcomes of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: This study was conducted at 35 ICUs in 30 hospitals. We included consecutive adult patients hospitalized in ICUs for three days or more. After a three-mo...

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of hypoxemic respiratory failure and death in critically ill patients, and there is an urgent need to find effective therapies. Preclinical studies have shown that inhaled halogenated agents may have beneficial effects in animal models of ARDS. The development of new devices to administer...