Browsing by Author "Bakker, Jan"
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- ItemA lactate-targeted resuscitation strategy may be associated with higher mortality in patients with septic shock and normal capillary refill time: a post hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK study(2020) Kattan Tala, Eduardo José; Hernández P., Glenn; Ospina Tascón, Gustavo A.; Valenzuela, Emilio Daniel; Bakker, Jan; Castro López, RicardoAbstract Background Capillary refill time (CRT) may improve more rapidly than lactate in response to increments in systemic flow. Therefore, it can be assessed more frequently during septic shock (SS) resuscitation. Hyperlactatemia, in contrast, exhibits a slower recovery in SS survivors, probably explained by the delayed resolution of non-hypoperfusion-related sources. Thus, targeting lactate normalization may be associated with impaired outcomes. The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial compared CRT- versus lactate-targeted resuscitation in early SS. CRT-targeted resuscitation associated with lower mortality and organ dysfunction; mechanisms were not investigated. CRT was assessed every 30 min and lactate every 2 h during the 8-h intervention period, allowing a first comparison between groups at 2 h (T2). Our primary aim was to determine if SS patients evolving with normal CRT at T2 after randomization (T0) exhibited a higher mortality and organ dysfunction when allocated to the LT arm than when randomized to the CRT arm. Our secondary aim was to determine if those patients with normal CRT at T2 had received more therapeutic interventions when randomized to the LT arm. To address these issues, we performed a post hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK dataset. Results Patients randomized to the lactate arm at T0, evolving with normal CRT at T2 exhibited significantly higher mortality than patients with normal CRT at T2 initially allocated to CRT (40 vs 23%, p = 0.009). These results replicated at T8 and T24. LT arm received significantly more resuscitative interventions (fluid boluses: 1000[500–2000] vs. 500[0–1500], p = 0.004; norepinephrine test in previously hypertensive patients: 43 (35) vs. 19 (19), p = 0.001; and inodilators: 16 (13) vs. 3 (3), p = 0.003). A multivariate logistic regression of patients with normal CRT at T2, including APACHE-II, baseline lactate, cumulative fluids administered since emergency admission, source of infection, and randomization group) confirmed that allocation to LT group was a statistically significant determinant of 28-day mortality (OR 3.3; 95%CI[1.5–7.1]); p = 0.003). Conclusions Septic shock patients with normal CRT at baseline received more therapeutic interventions and presented more organ dysfunction when allocated to the lactate group. This could associate with worse outcomes.Abstract Background Capillary refill time (CRT) may improve more rapidly than lactate in response to increments in systemic flow. Therefore, it can be assessed more frequently during septic shock (SS) resuscitation. Hyperlactatemia, in contrast, exhibits a slower recovery in SS survivors, probably explained by the delayed resolution of non-hypoperfusion-related sources. Thus, targeting lactate normalization may be associated with impaired outcomes. The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK trial compared CRT- versus lactate-targeted resuscitation in early SS. CRT-targeted resuscitation associated with lower mortality and organ dysfunction; mechanisms were not investigated. CRT was assessed every 30 min and lactate every 2 h during the 8-h intervention period, allowing a first comparison between groups at 2 h (T2). Our primary aim was to determine if SS patients evolving with normal CRT at T2 after randomization (T0) exhibited a higher mortality and organ dysfunction when allocated to the LT arm than when randomized to the CRT arm. Our secondary aim was to determine if those patients with normal CRT at T2 had received more therapeutic interventions when randomized to the LT arm. To address these issues, we performed a post hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK dataset. Results Patients randomized to the lactate arm at T0, evolving with normal CRT at T2 exhibited significantly higher mortality than patients with normal CRT at T2 initially allocated to CRT (40 vs 23%, p = 0.009). These results replicated at T8 and T24. LT arm received significantly more resuscitative interventions (fluid boluses: 1000[500–2000] vs. 500[0–1500], p = 0.004; norepinephrine test in previously hypertensive patients: 43 (35) vs. 19 (19), p = 0.001; and inodilators: 16 (13) vs. 3 (3), p = 0.003). A multivariate logistic regression of patients with normal CRT at T2, including APACHE-II, baseline lactate, cumulative fluids administered since emergency admission, source of infection, and randomization group) confirmed that allocation to LT group was a statistically significant determinant of 28-day mortality (OR 3.3; 95%CI[1.5–7.1]); p = 0.003). Conclusions Septic shock patients with normal CRT at baseline received more therapeutic interventions and presented more organ dysfunction when allocated to the lactate group. This could associate with worse outcomes.
- ItemA novel mortality risk score predicting intensive care mortality in cardiogenic shock patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(2020) Akin, Sumeyra; Caliskan, K; Soliman, O; Muslem, R; Guven, G; van Thiel, RJ; Struijs, A; Gommers, D; Zijlstra, F; Bakker, Jan; Miranda, DD
- ItemAbility of diastolic arterial pressure to better characterize the severity of septic shock when adjusted for heart rate and norepinephrine dose(2025) Goury, Antoine; Djerada, Zoubir; Hernández P., Glenn; Kattan Tala, Eduardo José; Griffon, Romain; Ospina Tascón, Gustavo A.; Bakker, Jan; Teboul, Jean-Louis; Hamzaoui, OlfaBackground Septic shock is commonly associated with reduction in vasomotor tone, mainly due to vascular hyporesponsiveness to norepinephrine (NE). Although the diastolic arterial pressure (DAP)/heart rate (HR) ratio reflects vasomotor tone, it cannot be a reliable index of vascular responsiveness to NE (VNERi). We hypothesized that adjusting DAP/HR for the NE dose could yield a VNERi value (VNERi = DAP/(NE dose x HR)), knowledge of which can help guiding therapeutic strategies in cases of persistent hypotension despite NE (e.g., increasing NE doses vs. introducing additional vasopressors). For our hypothesis be valid, at least VNERi should demonstrate a stronger association with patient outcome than DAP, DAP/HR or mean arterial pressure (MAP)/NE dose, a global marker of NE responsiveness. Methods We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the ANDROMEDA-SHOCK database. Hemodynamic variables and initial NE doses were recorded at the randomization time-point, within 4 h of septic shock diagnosis. NE doses were expressed in µg/kg/min (using the bitartrate NE formulation). A multivariate model was employed to compare the associations between these variables and key clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, numbers of vasopressor-free days and of renal replacement therapy (RRT)-free days up to day 28. Results The ANDROMEDA-SHOCK database included 424 patients with septic shock receiving NE. The median DAP was 52 mmHg [IQR: 45–50] and the median NE dose at inclusion was 0.2 µg/kg/min [IQR: 01-0.4]. In-hospital mortality was 43%. VNERi demonstrated the strongest association with in-hospital mortality compared to DAP, DAP/HR, and MAP/NE dose, emerging as the most significant covariate in the multivariate model. Similar findings were found for the associations with numbers of vasopressor-free days and RRT-free days up to day 28. The model revealed an inverted J-shaped relationship between in-hospital mortality and VNERi, with a nadir point at 6.7, below which mortality increased. Conclusions In patients receiving NE during early septic shock, VNERi demonstrated the strongest association with outcome compared to DAP, DAP/HR, and MAP/NE dose. Due to its physiological basis and robust association with outcomes, VNERi may serve as a valuable bedside marker of the vascular responsiveness to NE. This index could potentially be integrated into decision-making of early septic shock.
- ItemAcidosis predicts mortality independently from hyperlactatemia in patients with sepsis(2020) Wernly, B.; Heramvand, N.; Masyuk, M.; Rezar, R.; Bruno, R. R.; Kelm, M.; Niederseer, D.; Lichtenauer, M.; Hoppe, U. C.; Bakker, Jan; Jung, C.
- ItemAssessment of mortality and performance status in critically ill cancer patients: A retrospective cohort study(2021) van der Zee, Esther N.; Noordhuis, Lianne M.; Epker, Jelle L.; van Leeuwen, Nikki; Wijnhoven, Bas P. L.; Benoit, Dominique D.; Bakker, Jan; Kompanje, Erwin J. O.Introduction Given clinicians' frequent concerns about unfavourable outcomes, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) triage decisions in acutely ill cancer patients can be difficult, as clinicians may have doubts about the appropriateness of an ICU admission. To aid to this decision making, we studied the survival and performance status of cancer patients 2 years following an unplanned ICU admission.
- ItemAssociation of tissue oxygen saturation levels with skeletal muscle injury in the critically ill(2024) Sugiya, Ryuji; Arizono, Shinichi; Higashimoto, Yuji; Kimoto, Yuta; Shiraishi, Masashi; Mizusawa, Hiroki; Tawara, Yuichi; Shigeoka, Hironori; Bakker, Jan; Shinozaki, KoichiroThis study aimed to investigate the association between the level of tissue oxygen saturation (StO(2)) and quadriceps/skeletal muscle dysfunction, measured using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and ultrasonography, in critically ill patients. Thirty-four patients hospitalized at the Critical Care Medicine Center of Kindai University Hospital, between January 2022 and March 2023, were enrolled in this study. The StO(2) of the quadriceps muscle was measured via near-infrared spectroscopy. Muscle atrophy was measured by the thickness, cross-sectional area (CSA), and echo intensity of the rectus femoris (RF). These values were evaluated every alternate day until 13 days after admission or until discharge, whichever occurred first. Muscle weakness was assessed using the sum score of the MRC scale (MRC-SS), with the patient sitting at bedside. The mean age of the patients was 67.3 +/- 15.3 years, and 20 (59%) were men. Seven patients (21%) were admitted for trauma, and 27 (79%) were admitted for medical emergencies or others. The mean score for the MRC-SS was 51.0 +/- 7.9 points. RF thickness and CSA significantly decreased after day 7 (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in StO(2) levels during hospitalization. However, there were positive correlations between the nadir StO(2) during hospitalization and MRC-SS, and changes in RF thickness and CSA at discharge (r = 0.41, p = 0.03; r = 0.37, p = 0.03; and r = 0.35, p = 0.05, respectively). StO(2) in the quadriceps muscle may be useful for predicting muscle atrophy and dysfunction in patients with critical illnesses.
- ItemBlood volume and albumin transudation in critically ill COVID-19 patients(2021) Bakker, Jan; Horowitz, James M.; Hagedorn, Jackie; Kozloff, Sam; Kaufman, David; Castro, Ricardo
- ItemCapillary refill time during fluid resuscitation in patients with sepsis-related hyperlactatemia at the emergency department is related to mortality(2017) Lara Hernández, Bárbara Alejandra; Enberg, L.; Ortega Gutiérrez, Marcos Eduardo; León, P.; Kripper, Cristóbal; Aguilera Fuenzalida, Pablo René; Kattan Tala, Eduardo José; Castro López, Ricardo; Bakker, Jan; Hernández P., Glenn
- ItemCapillary refill time response to a fluid challenge or a vasopressor test: an observational, proof-of-concept study(2024) Hernández, Glenn; Valenzuela, Emilio Daniel; Kattan, Eduardo; Castro, Ricardo; Guzmán, Camila; Kraemer, Alicia Elzo; Sarzosa, Nicolás; Alegria, Leyla; Contreras, Roberto; Oviedo, Vanessa; Bravo, Sebastián; Soto, Dagoberto; Sáez, Claudia; Ait-Oufella, Hafid; Ospina Tascón, Gustavo A.; Bakker, JanBackground: Several studies have validated capillary refill time (CRT) as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion, and recent guidelines recommend CRT monitoring during septic shock resuscitation. Therefore, it is relevant to further explore its kinetics of response to short-term hemodynamic interventions with fluids or vasopressors. A couple of previous studies explored the impact of a fluid bolus on CRT, but little is known about the impact of norepinephrine on CRT when aiming at a higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) target in septic shock. We designed this observational study to further evaluate the effect of a fluid challenge (FC) and a vasopressor test (VPT) on CRT in septic shock patients with abnormal CRT after initial resuscitation. Our purpose was to determine the effects of a FC in fluid-responsive patients, and of a VPT aimed at a higher MAP target in chronically hypertensive fluid-unresponsive patients on the direction and magnitude of CRT response. Methods Thirty-four septic shock patients were included. Fluid responsiveness was assessed at baseline, and a FC (500 ml/30 mins) was administered in 9 fluid-responsive patients. A VPT was performed in 25 patients by increasing norepinephrine dose to reach a MAP to 80–85 mmHg for 30 min. Patients shared a multimodal perfusion and hemodynamic monitoring protocol with assessments at at least two time-points (baseline, and at the end of interventions). Results CRT decreased significantly with both tests (from 5 [3.5–7.6] to 4 [2.4–5.1] sec, p = 0.008 after the FC; and from 4.0 [3.3–5.6] to 3 [2.6 -5] sec, p = 0.03 after the VPT. A CRT-response was observed in 7/9 patients after the FC, and in 14/25 pts after the VPT, but CRT deteriorated in 4 patients on this latter group, all of them receiving a concomitant low-dose vasopressin. Conclusions Our findings support that fluid boluses may improve CRT or produce neutral effects in fluid-responsive septic shock patients with persistent hypoperfusion. Conversely, raising NE doses to target a higher MAP in previously hypertensive patients elicits a more heterogeneous response, improving CRT in the majority, but deteriorating skin perfusion in some patients, a fact that deserves further research.
- ItemCapillary refill time: testing microcirculatory responses to maintain blood flow(2025) Ospina Tascón, Gustavo A.; Kattan Tala, Eduardo José; Bakker, Jan; Hernández P., Glenn
- ItemChanges in peripheral perfusion relate to visceral organ perfusion in early septic shock : a pilot study(2016) Brunauer, Andreas; Kokoefer, Andreas; Bataar, Otgon; Gradwohl-Matis, Ilse; Dankl, Daniel; Bakker, Jan; Dünser, Martin W.
- ItemCirculating Arsenic is Associated with Long-Term Risk of Graft Failure in Kidney Transplant Recipients : A Prospective Cohort Study(2020) Sotomayor, C. G.; Groothof, D.; Vodegel, J. J.; Gacitua, T. A.; Gomes Neto, A. W.; Oste, M. C. J.; Pol, R. A.; Ferreccio Readi, Catterina; Berger, S. P.; Chong, G.; Slart, R. H. J. A.; Rodrigo, R.; Navis, G. J.; Touw, D. J.; Bakker, Jan
- ItemClinical assessment of hemodynamic instability(2019) Bakker, Jan; Pinsky, Michael R.; Teboul, Jean-Louis; Vincent, Jean-Louis
- ItemClinical validation of a computerized algorithm to determine mean systemic filling pressure(2022) Meijs, Loek P. B.; van Houte, Joris; Conjaerts, Bente C. M.; Bindels, Alexander J. G. H.; Bouwman, Arthur; Houterman, Saskia; Bakker, JanMean systemic filling pressure (Pms) is a promising parameter in determining intravascular fluid status. Pms derived from venous return curves during inspiratory holds with incremental airway pressures (Pms-Insp) estimates Pms reliably but is labor-intensive. A computerized algorithm to calculate Pms (Pmsa) at the bedside has been proposed. In previous studies Pmsa and Pms-Insp correlated well but with considerable bias. This observational study was performed to validate Pmsa with Pms-Insp in cardiac surgery patients. Cardiac output, right atrial pressure and mean arterial pressure were prospectively recorded to calculate Pmsa using a bedside monitor. Pms-Insp was calculated offline after performing inspiratory holds. Intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and assessment of agreement were used to compare Pmsa with Pms-Insp. Bias, coefficient of variance (COV), precision and limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. Proportional bias was assessed with linear regression. A high degree of inter-method reliability was found between Pmsa and Pms-Insp (ICC 0.89; 95%CI 0.72-0.96, p = 0.01) in 18 patients. Pmsa and Pms-Insp differed not significantly (11.9 mmHg, IQR 9.8-13.4 vs. 12.7 mmHg, IQR 10.5-14.4, p = 0.38). Bias was -0.502 +/- 1.90 mmHg (p = 0.277). COV was 4% with LOA -4.22 - 3.22 mmHg without proportional bias. Conversion coefficient Pmsa -> Pms-Insp was 0.94. This assessment of agreement demonstrates that the measures Pms-Insp and the computerized Pmsa-algorithm are interchangeable (bias - 0.502 +/- 1.90 mmHg with conversion coefficient 0.94). The choice of Pmsa is straightforward, it is non-interventional and available continuously at the bedside in contrast to Pms-Insp which is interventional and calculated off-line. Further studies should be performed to determine the place of Pmsa in the circulatory management of critically ill patients.
- ItemCoexistence of a fuid responsive state and venous congestion signals in critically ill patients: a multicenter observational proof-of-concept study(2024) Muñoz, Felipe; Born, Pablo; Bruna, Mario; Ulloa, Rodrigo; Gonzalez Almonacid, Cecilia Ignacia; Philp Sandoval, Valerie Rose; Mondaca Pavie, Roberto Francisco ; Blanco Guerrero, Juan Pablo; Valenzuela Espinoza, Emilio Daniel; Retamal Montes, Jaime; Miralles, Francisco; Wendel-Garcia, Pedro D.; Ospina Tascón, Gustavo A.; Castro Lopez, Ricardo Adolfo; Rola, Philippe; Bakker, Jan; Hernández P., Glenn; Kattan Tala, Eduardo JoséBackground: Current recommendations support guiding fluid resuscitation through the assessment of fluid responsiveness. Recently, the concept of fluid tolerance and the prevention of venous congestion (VC) have emerged as relevant aspects to be considered to avoid potentially deleterious side effects of fluid resuscitation. However, there is paucity of data on the relationship of fluid responsiveness and VC. This study aims to compare the prevalence of venous congestion in fluid responsive and fluid unresponsive critically ill patients after intensive care (ICU) admission. Methods: Multicenter, prospective cross-sectional observational study conducted in three medical–surgical ICUs in Chile. Consecutive mechanically ventilated patients that required vasopressors and admitted < 24 h to ICU were included between November 2022 and June 2023. Patients were assessed simultaneously for fluid responsiveness and VC at a single timepoint. Fluid responsiveness status, VC signals such as central venous pressure, estimation of left ventricular filling pressures, lung, and abdominal ultrasound congestion indexes and relevant clinical data were collected. Results: Ninety patients were included. Median age was 63 [45–71] years old, and median SOFA score was 9 [7–11]. Thirty-eight percent of the patients were fluid responsive (FR+), while 62% were fluid unresponsive (FR−). The most prevalent diagnosis was sepsis (41%) followed by respiratory failure (22%). The prevalence of at least one VC signal was not significantly different between FR+ and FR− groups (53% vs. 57%, p = 0.69), as well as the proportion of patients with 2 or 3 VC signals (15% vs. 21%, p = 0.4). We found no association between fluid balance, CRT status, or diagnostic group and the presence of VC signals. Conclusions: Venous congestion signals were prevalent in both fluid responsive and unresponsive critically ill patients. The presence of venous congestion was not associated with fluid balance or diagnostic group. Further studies should assess the clinical relevance of these results and their potential impact on resuscitation and monitoring practices.
- ItemControl of Confounding and Reporting of Results in Causal Inference Studies Guidance for Authors from Editors of Respiratory, Sleep, and Critical Care Journals(2019) Lederer, David J.; Bell, Scott C.; Branson, Richard D.; Chalmers, James D.; Marshall, Rachel; Maslove, David M.; Ost, David E.; Punjabi, Naresh M.; Schatz, Michael; Bakker, Jan
- ItemCounterbalancing work-related stress? Work engagement among intensive care professionals(2018) van Mol, Margo M. C.; Nijkamp, Marjan D.; Bakker, Jan; Schaufeli, Wilmar B.; Kompanje, Erwin J. O.
- ItemCurrent use of inotropes in circulatory shock(2021) Scheeren, Thomas W. L.; Bakker, Jan; Hernández P., Glenn; Kaufmann, Thomas; Annane, Djillali; Asfar, Pierre; Boerma, E. Christiaan; Cecconi, Maurizio; Chew, Michelle S.; Cholley, BernardAbstract Background Treatment decisions on critically ill patients with circulatory shock lack consensus. In an international survey, we aimed to evaluate the indications, current practice, and therapeutic goals of inotrope therapy in the treatment of patients with circulatory shock. Methods From November 2016 to April 2017, an anonymous web-based survey on the use of cardiovascular drugs was accessible to members of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). A total of 14 questions focused on the profile of respondents, the triggering factors, first-line choice, dosing, timing, targets, additional treatment strategy, and suggested effect of inotropes. In addition, a group of 42 international ESICM experts was asked to formulate recommendations for the use of inotropes based on 11 questions. Results A total of 839 physicians from 82 countries responded. Dobutamine was the first-line inotrope in critically ill patients with acute heart failure for 84% of respondents. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) stated to use inotropes when there were persistent clinical signs of hypoperfusion or persistent hyperlactatemia despite a supposed adequate use of fluids and vasopressors, with (44%) or without (22%) the context of low left ventricular ejection fraction. Nearly half (44%) of respondents stated an adequate cardiac output as target for inotropic treatment. The experts agreed on 11 strong recommendations, all of which were based on excellent (> 90%) or good (81–90%) agreement. Recommendations include the indications for inotropes (septic and cardiogenic shock), the choice of drugs (dobutamine, not dopamine), the triggers (low cardiac output and clinical signs of hypoperfusion) and targets (adequate cardiac output) and stopping criteria (adverse effects and clinical improvement). Conclusion Inotrope use in critically ill patients is quite heterogeneous as self-reported by individual caregivers. Eleven strong recommendations on the indications, choice, triggers and targets for the use of inotropes are given by international experts. Future studies should focus on consistent indications for inotrope use and implementation into a guideline for circulatory shock that encompasses individualized targets and outcomes.
- ItemCurrent use of vasopressors in septic shock(2019) Scheeren, Thomas W. L.; Bakker, Jan; Backer, Daniel de; Annane, Djillali; Asfar, Pierre; Boerma, E. Christiaan; Cecconi, Maurizio; Dubin, Arnaldo; Dünser, Martin W.; Duranteau, Jacques; Gordon, Anthony C.; Hamzaoui, Olfa; Hernández P., Glenn; Leone, Marc; Levy, Bruno; Martin, Claude; Mebazaa, Alexandre; Monnet, Xavier; Morelli, Andrea; Payen, Didier; Pearse, Rupert; Pinsky, Michael R.; Radermacher, Peter; Reuter, Daniel; Saugel, Bernd; Sakr, Yasser; Singer, Mervyn; Squara, Pierre; Vieillard‑Baron, Antoine; Vignon, Philippe; Vistisen, Simon T.; Horst, Iwan C. C. van der; Vincent, Jean‑Louis; Tebou, Jean‑Louis
- ItemDelphi study to derive expert consensus on a set of criteria to evaluate discharge readiness for adult ICU patients to be discharged to a general ward — European perspective(2022) Hiller, Maike; Wittmann, Maria; Bracht, Hendrik; Bakker, JanBackground/purpose: Discharge decisions in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients are frequently taken under pressure to free up ICU beds. In the absence of established guidelines, the evaluation of discharge readiness commonly underlies subjective judgements. The challenge is to come to the right decision at the right time for the right patient. A premature care transition puts patients at risk of readmission to the ICU. Delayed discharge is a waste of resources and may result in over-treatment and suboptimal patient flow. More objective decision support is required to assess the individual patient’s discharge readiness but also the current care capabilities of the receiving unit. Methods: In a modified online Delphi process, an international panel of 27 intensive care experts reached consensus on a set of 28 intensive care discharge criteria. An initial evidence-based proposal was developed further through the panelists’ edits, adding, comments and voting over a course of 5 rounds. Consensus was defined as achieved when ≥ 90% of the experts voted for a given option on the Likert scale or in a multiple-choice survey. Round 1 to 3 focused on inclusion and exclusion of the criteria based on the consensus threshold, where round 3 was a reiteration to establish stability. Round 4 and 5 focused on the exact phrasing, values, decision makers and evaluation time frames per criterion. Results: Consensus was reached on a standard set of 28 ICU discharge criteria for adult ICU patients, that reflect the patient’s organ systems ((respiratory (7), cardiovascular (9), central nervous (1), and urogenital system (2)), pain (1), fluid loss and drainages (1), medication and nutrition (1), patient diagnosis, prognosis and preferences (2) and institution-specific criteria (4). All criteria have been specified in a binary decision metric (fit for ICU discharge vs. needs further intensive therapy/monitoring), with consented value calculation methods where applicable and a criterion importance rank with “mandatory to be met” flags and applicable exceptions. Conclusion: For a timely identification of stable intensive care patients and safe and efficient care transitions, a standardized discharge readiness evaluation should be based on patient factors as well as organizational boundary conditions and involve multiple stakeholders.