Surge in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias and Bloodstream Infections in An Academic Referral Center Converted to Treat COVID-19 Patients

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important adverse events that must be prevented. Objective: The objective of the study was to report and study possible changes in HAI rates as well as their causes after the COVID-19 hospital surge capacity response (HSCR) in an academic referral center. Methods: This was a before-after observational study. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program (prospective surveillance, prevention bundles, antibiotic stewardship, continuing education, and feedback) was transiently disrupted after the start of HSCR (March 2020). HAI rates were compared before (January 2019-February 2020) and after (April-July 2020) HSCR, and plausible predisposing factors in affected patients were compared. Results: An increase in the HAI rate from 6.2 to 11.8 cases/1000 patient-days was noted between periods due to increases in ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. More critically ill patients were admitted during HSCR, and use of invasive devices increased. Prone positioning and infusion of muscle relaxants became commonplace. The nurse-to-patient ratio in the intensive care unit decreased, and 4 h shifts were introduced to avoid fatigue. The BSI rate decreased after the IPC program with additional measures was reintroduced in May 2020. Conclusions: The strain on the workforce and modifications to the IPC program very possibly underlay the findings. IPC programs continue to be essential during the pandemic.

Impacto de las asincronías en el pronóstico del paciente bajo ventilación mecánica invasiva / Prognosis impact of the asynchronies in the mechanical ventilated patient / Impacto das assincronias no prognóstico do paciente com ventilação mecânica invasiva

Resumen: La ventilación mecánica es común en pacientes críticos. La asincronía paciente-ventilador existe cuando las fases de la respiración administradas por el ventilador no coinciden con las del paciente. Las asincronías son frecuentes e infradiagnosticadas, éstas se han asociado con desenlaces desfavorables como son: mayor duración de ventilación mecánica, estancia en la unidad de terapia intensiva, mortalidad, incomodidad del paciente, alteraciones del sueño y disfunción diafragmática. Esta revisión describe los desenlaces adversos reportados que se han asociado a la presencia de asincronías en pacientes adultos bajo ventilación mecánica invasiva. La evidencia actual sugiere que el mejor enfoque para manejar las asincronías es ajustar la configuración del ventilador y mejorar su detección. Si bien la mayoría de la evidencia proviene de estudios observacionales y ensayos clínicos aleatorizados realizados en poblaciones heterogéneas y con un número limitado de pacientes, los resultados sugieren desenlaces desfavorables clínicamente significativos en los pacientes que experimentan un índice de asincronía elevado. Por lo anterior, es necesario generar mayor evidencia en este tópico.

Abstract: Mechanical ventilation is common in critically ill patients. Patient-ventilator asynchrony exists when the breathing phases administered by the ventilator do not match those of the patient. They are frequent but underdiagnosed, and have been associated with worse outcomes because they negatively affect patient comfort, length of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit and mortality. This review describes the negative outcomes associated with the presence of asynchronies in adult patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. Current evidence suggests that the best approach to handle asynchronies is to adjust the fan settings and improve the quality of detection. While most of this evidence comes from observational studies and randomized clinical trials which were done with heterogeneous populations and a limited number of patients, the results suggest less favorable clinically significant outcomes in patients with asynchronies. So it is necessary to generate more evidence in this topic.

Resumo: A ventilação mecânica é comum em pacientes críticos. A assincronia paciente-ventilador existe quando as fases da respiração fornecida pelo ventilador não coincidem com as do paciente. As assincronas são frequentes e subdiagnosticadas, tendo sido associadas a desfechos desfavoráveis como: maior tempo de ventilação mecânica, permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva, mortalidade, desconforto do paciente, distúrbios do sono e disfunção diafragmática. Esta revisão descreve os resultados adversos relatados que foram associados à presença de assincronia em pacientes adultos sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. A evidência atual sugere que a melhor abordagem para gerenciar assincronias é ajustar as configurações do ventilador e melhorar a detecção do ventilador. Embora a maioria das evidências provenha de estudos observacionais e ensaios clínicos randomizados conduzidos em populações heterogêneas e com um número limitado de pacientes, os resultados sugerem resultados clinicamente desfavoráveis significativos em pacientes que apresentam uma alta taxa de assincronia. Portanto, é necessário gerar mais evidências sobre este tema.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with covid-19 in a tertiary care center in Mexico City: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background: Regional information regarding the characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is needed for a better understanding of the pandemic. Objective: The objective of the study to describe the clinical features of COVID-19 patients diagnosed in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City and to assess differences according to the treatment setting (ambulatory vs. hospital) and to the need of intensive care (IC). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort, including consecutive patients with COVID-19 from February 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. Results: We identified 309 patients (140 inpatients and 169 outpatients). The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 33-54), 59.2% men, and 18.6% healthcare workers (12.3% from our center). The median body mass index (BMI) was 29.00 kg/m2 and 39.6% had obesity. Compared to outpatients, inpatients were older, had comorbidities, cough, and dyspnea more frequently. Twenty-nine (20.7%) inpatients required treatment in the IC unit (ICU). History of diabetes (type 1 or 2) and abdominal pain were more common in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients. ICU patients had higher BMIs, higher respiratory rates, and lower room-air capillary oxygen saturations. ICU patients showed a more severe inflammatory response as assessed by white blood cell count, neutrophil and platelet count, C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, and albumin levels. By the end of the study period, 65 inpatients had been discharged because of improvement, 70 continued hospitalized, and five had died. Conclusions: Patients with comorbidities, either middle-age obese or elderly complaining of fever, cough, or dyspnea, were more likely to be admitted. At admission, patients with diabetes, high BMI, and clinical or laboratory findings consistent with a severe inflammatory state were more likely to require IC.

Choque cardiogénico: de la definición al abordaje / Cardiogenic shock: from definition to the approach / Choque cardiogênico: da definição à abordagem

Resumen: El choque cardiogénico es la mayor catástrofe del infarto agudo al miocardio y de las cardiopatías en general. Se define como un estado en el cual el gasto cardiaco es ineficiente para perfundir y oxigenar los tejidos, por lo que se manifiesta con signos de hipoperfusión tisular y congestión capilar. Aunque las últimas guías no exijan el diagnóstico por medio de medidas hemodinámicas, el basarse sólo en lo clínico puede generar errores hasta en 30%. Las causas se dividen en isquémicas y no isquémicas, siendo la primera la más común. Pese a la aparición de nuevos dispositivos mecánicos, aunados al soporte médico, sólo se ha demostrado la mejora de los desenlaces con las terapias endovasculares.

Abstract: Cardiogenic shock (CSh) is the major catastrophe of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart disease in general. It is defined as a state in which cardiac output (CO) is inefficient to perfuse and oxygenate tissues, which is why it manifests with signs of tissue hypoperfusion and capillary congestion. Although the latest guidelines do not require diagnosis with hemodynamic measures, relying only on the clinical can generate errors up to 30%. The causes are divided into ischemic (AMI) and non-ischemic, with the former being the most common. Despite the appearance of new mechanical devices, coupled with medical support, it has only shown the improvement of outcomes with endovascular therapies.

Resumo: O choque cardiológico (ChC) é a principal catástrofe do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e das cardiopatias em geral. Definida como um estado no qual o débito cardíaco (DC) é ineficiente para perfundir e oxigenar os tejidos, razão pela qual se manifiesta com sinais de hipoperfusão tecidual e congestão capilar. Embora as diretrizes mais recentes não exijam diagnóstico por meio de medidas hemodinâmicas, depender apenas da clínica pode gerar erros de até 30%. As causas são divididas em isquêmicas (IAM) e não isquêmicas, sendo a primeira a mais comum. Apesar do surgimento de novos dispositivos mecânicos aliados ao suporte médico, só demonstrou-se a melhora dos resultados com terapias endovasculares.

Modelos de reanimación en la terapia intensiva y desarrollo de complicaciones en el postoperatorio de trasplante hepático / Resuscitation models for liver transplantation at the intensive care unit and the development of postoperatory complications / Modelos de reanimação na terapia intensiva e desenvolvimento das complicações pós-operatórias em transplante hepático

Resumen: El periodo de reanimación después del trasplante hepático ortotópico (THO) es un desafío debido a las alteraciones fisiológicas relacionadas con la enfermedad hepática terminal (EHT). Material y métodos: Este es un estudio retrospectivo que evalúa las primeras 48 horas de manejo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital de la Ciudad de México. Los pacientes se clasificaron en 4 grupos según la dosis de norepinefrina (NADR) utilizada y el balance neto de líquidos (BalT): Grupo 1 norepinefrina menos de 0.1 μg/1 kg/min/BalT 3,805 ml, grupo 2 norepinefrina mayor de 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT menos de 3,805 ml, grupo 3 norepinefrina menos de 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT mayor de 3,805 ml, grupo 4 norepinefrina mayor de 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT mayor de 3,805 ml. Se evaluó el desarrollo de complicaciones Post-THO. Las variables principales de valoración fueron; complicaciones médicas generales, reoperación quirúrgica y duración de estancia en el hospital (DEH), duración de la ventilación mecánica, lesión renal aguda, función anormal del injerto y cultivos positivos. Resultados: 36.6% de los pacientes pertenecían al grupo 1, 18.8% al grupo 2, 17.8% al grupo 3 y 26.7% al grupo 4. La duración de la estancia fue de 3.39 días, tiempo medio de ventilación mecánica de 16.5 horas. El 67% desarrolló complicaciones médicas, el 15.8% de reoperación quirúrgica, el 62% de lesión renal aguda, el 50.5% de función anormal del injerto y el 45.5% de cultivos perioperatorios positivos. La duración de la estancia fue de 3.39 días, tiempo medio de ventilación mecánica de 16.5 horas. De estos criterios de valoración primarios, sólo la duración de la estancia y la duración de la ventilación mecánica fueron diferentes entre los grupos. Conclusiones: La duración de la estancia y la necesidad de ventilación mecánica, fueron diferentes entre los grupos. El desarrollo de otros criterios de valoración primarios fue independiente del modelo de resucitación.

Abstract: The resuscitation period after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is challenging due to the physiological alterations related to end stage liver disease (ESLD). Material and methods: This is a retrospective study assessing the first 48 hours management at the intensive care unit (ICU) of at hospital in México City. Patients were categorized into 4 groups according to norepinephrine (NADR) dose used and net fluid balance (BalT): group 1 norepinephrine < 0.1 μg/1 kg/min/BalT 3,805 mL, group 2 norepinephrine > 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT < 3,805 mL, group 3 norepinephrine < 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT > 3,805 mL, group 4 norepinephrine > 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT > 3,805 mL. The relationship with the development of Po-OLT complications was assessed. Primary endpoints were general medical complications, surgical reoperation, and length of stay (LOS), length of mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury, abnormal graft function and positive cultures. Results: 36.6% of the patients belonged to group 1, 18.8% to group 2, 17.8% to group 3, and 26.7% to group 4. The length of stay was 3.39 days, mean time of mechanical ventilation of 16.5 hours. 67% developed medical complications, 15.8% surgical reoperation, 62% acute kidney injury, 50.5% abnormal graft function and 45.5% positive perioperative cultures. Of these primary endpoints, only length of stay and length of mechanical ventilation were different among groups. Conclusions: Length of stay and mechanical ventilation need was different among groups. Development of other primary endpoints was independent of the resuscitation model.

Resumo: O período de reanimação no pós-operatório de transplante hepático ortotópico (THO) é um desafio devido a alterações fisiológicas relacionados com a doença hepática terminal (DHT). Material e métodos: Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo que avaliou as primeiras 48 horas do THO na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de um hospital na Cidade do México. Os pacientes foram classificados em 4 grupos de acordo com a dose de norepinefrina (NADR) utilizada e o balaço hidrico (BalT): grupo 1 norepinefrina menor de 0.1 μg/1 kg/min/BalT menor de 3.805 ml, grupo 2 norepinefrina maior de 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT menor de 3.805 ml, grupo 3 norepinefrina menor de 0.1 μg/kg/min/BalT maior de 3.805 ml, grupo 4 norepinefrina maior de 0.1 μg/kg /min/BalT maior de 3.805 ml. Analizou-se a relação que existe com o desenvolvimento de complicações Post-THO. As principais variáveis da avaliação foram: complicações médicas, reintervenção cirúrgica e tempo de permanência hospitalária, duração da ventilação mecânica, lesão renal aguda, função anormal do enxerto e cultivos positivos. Resultados: 36.6% dos pacientes pertenciam ao grupo 1, 18.8% ao grupo 2, 17.8% para o grupo 3 e 26.7% ao grupo 4. O tempo de permanência hospitalar foi 3.39 dias, ventilação mecânica de 16.5 horas tempo médio. 67% desenvolveram complicações médicas, 15.8% reintervenção cirúrgica, 62% de lesão renal aguda, 50.5% função anormal do enxerto e 45.5% de cultivos pré-operatórios positivos. Destes parâmetros, o TEUTI e TVM apresentaram diferenças entre os modelos de reanimação. Conclusão: O TEUTI e TVM variaram de acordo ao modelo de reanimação. Os outros resultados primários foram independentes ao modelo de reanimação.

Hipertensión arterial pulmonar por ecocardiografía en pacientes con enfermedades de tejido conectivo / Pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is an important cause ofcomplica-tions amongpatients with connective tissue diseases. Aim: To describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics ofpatients with pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases. Material and Methods: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study. We analyzed 35 patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases. All patients were evaluated and diagnosed by at least one medical specialist in rheumatology. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was defined as a pulmonary artery systolic pressure ≥ 40 mmHg by echocardiography. The group was divided as not severe when pressures ranged from 40 to 64 mmHg and severe, when pressures were ≥ 65 mmHg. Results: The most common connective tissue disease associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension was diffuse scleroderma in 46% of cases. Eighty nine percent of patients were female. Time of evolution of the pulmonary hypertension was 18.8 ± 21.8 months. The distance walked in the six minute walk test was < 400 m both in patients with and without severe pulmonary hypertension. Fifty one percent ofpatients had pulmonary restriction. No differences in gas exchange parameters were observed between groups. Comparing echocardio-graphic findings in patients with and without severe hypertension, the former had a higher frequency ofright ventricular dilatation (85.7 and 52.3% respectively, p = 0.04), right ventricular hypertrophy (42.8 and 0% respectively, p = 0.02) and right ventricular hypokinesia (71.4 and 9.5% respectively p = < 0.01). Conclusions: Patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension associated to connective tissue diseases have more commonly dilated, hypertrophic and hypokinetic right ventricles.