Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Uses in Refractory Cardiogenic Shock After Open-Heart Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the first-line therapy for temporary mechanical circulatory support allowing cardiac and pulmonary recovery or as a bridge to further therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study was to report clinical outcomes in adult patients with refractory cardiac failure after open-heart surgery undergoing ECMO in a single center with an ECMO unit in Chile. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adults with refractory cardiac failure after open-heart surgery who required a venoarterial (VA) ECMO between 2016 and 2021. Results: Of 16 patients with VA ECMO, 60% were men (n=10), 90% had hypertension (n=14), 69% had < 30% of left ventricular ejection fraction (n=11), and the mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score was 12 ± 11%. ECMO support with central cannulation accounts for 81% (n=13), and an intra-aortic balloon pump was used in nine patients (56%). The mean time of support was 4.7 ± 2.6 days (1.5 - 12 days). ECMO weaning was achieved in 88% of patients, and in-hospital mortality was 44% (n=7) after discharge. The freedom from all-cause mortality at one year of follow-up of the entire cohort was 38% (n=6). Conclusion: VA ECMO is now a well-known life-saving therapeutic option, but mortality and morbidity remain high. Implementation of an ECMO program with educational training is mandatory in order to find the proper balance between patient benefits, ethical considerations, and public health financial input in South America.

Evaluación del soporte nutricional intensivo en pacientes con neumonía grave por COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: En los pacientes críticos con COVID-19 ocurren una serie de alteraciones metabólicas, las cuales afectan directamente el estado nutricional del paciente. Para mejorar la sobrevida de los pacientes con COVID-19, se hace relevante el tratamiento nutricional oportuno, idealmente dentro de las primeras 24-48 horas de la admisión a la UCI. El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar la evolución, desde el ingreso hasta el egreso, del balance nitrogenado, diversos parámetros bioquímicos y el estado nutricional de los pacientes con neumonía por COVID-19. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de temporalidad longitudinal, se realizó en la UCI del Hospital Las Higueras de Talcahuano, Chile. Se incluyeron a 33 pacientes al ingreso y al egreso de la UCI. Resultados: Se reportó un incremento significativo del balance nitrogenado al egreso de los pacientes de UCI, sin embargo, no se registraron cambios en la media de talla, peso, IMC, prevalencia de desnutrición durante la estancia en la UCI. La prevalencia de desnutrición moderada y severa fue de un 14,0%, valor inferior al 45,0% informado en pacientes con COVID-19. Conclusión: En este estudio se reportó que la implementación del protocolo y la terapia nutricionales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 se asoció a un aumento del balance nitrogenado y un mejor control glicémico en los pacientes que egresan de la UCI por neumonía de COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In critically ill patients with COVID-19, a series of metabolic alterations occur, which directly affect the patient's nutritional status. To improve the survival of patients with COVID-19, timely nutritional treatment is relevant, ideally within the first 24-48 hours of admission to the ICU. The objective of this study was to report the evolution, from admission to discharge, of the nitrogen balance, various biochemical parameters and the nutritional status of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Method: We conducted a retrospective observational study in the ICU of Las Higueras Hospital in Talcahuano, Chile. Thirty-three patients were included at admission and discharge from the ICU. Results: A significant increase in nitrogen balance was reported at ICU patient discharge, however, no changes were recorded in mean height, weight, BMI, or prevalence of malnutrition during ICU stay. The prevalence of moderate and severe malnutrition was 14.0%, a value lower than the 45.0% reported in patients with COVID-19. Discussion: In this study we reported that the implementation of the nutritional protocol and therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in nitrogen balance and better glycemic control in patients discharged from the ICU due to COVID-19 pneumonia.