Potentially inappropriate medications with older people in intensive care and associated factors: a historic cohort study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in critical care units remains limited, especially in terms of the factors associated with their use. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and factors associated with PIMs use in intensive care units. DESIGN AND SETTING: Historical cohort study was conducted in a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 314 patients aged ≥ 60 years who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a high-complexity hospital in Brazil. The dates were extracted from a "Patient Safety Project" database. A Chi-square test, Student's t-test, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess which factors were associated with PIMs. The statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: According to Beers' criteria, 12.8% of the identified drugs were considered inappropriate for the elderly population. The incidence rate of PIMs use was 45.8%. The most frequently used PIMs were metoclopramide, insulin, antipsychotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and benzodiazepines. Factors associated with PIMs use were the number of medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17), length of hospital stay (OR = 1.07), and excessive potential drug interactions (OR = 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the older adults in ICUs received PIM. Patients taking PIMs had a longer length of stay in the ICU, higher numbers of medications, and higher numbers of potential drug interactions. In ICUs, the use of explicit methods combined with clinical judgment can contribute to the safety and quality of medication prescriptions.

Burnout levels and associated factors among Intensive Care Unit workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile: A cross-sectional study / Niveles de Burnout y factores asociados en trabajadores de la unidad de cuidados intensivos en la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 en Chile: estudio transversal

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unpredictable healthcare crisis with a high psychological burden on healthcare workers. Objective To evaluate burnout levels and their associated demographics and occupational factors among intensive care unit healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in a single hospital in the city of Temuco, Chile. Methods A cross-sectional design in which a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services were sent to health care workers in a single Chilean Intensive Care Unit during the pandemic COVID-19. Burnout levels, demographic, and occupational factors are reported using descriptive statistics; correlations between burnout levels and demographic-occupational factors were analyzed using Spearman's and rank-biserial correlation coefficients; and multiple linear stepwise regression was used to assess the contribution of demographic and occupational factors to participants' burnout levels. Results A total of 84 participants (46 women and 38 men) were included in the analysis. Depersonalization and low personal accomplishment were evidenced in 95.2% and 98.8% of the intensive care unit healthcare workers, respectively. Emotional exhaustion was positively correlated with having children ( = 0.72; < 0.01). Age ( = 0.79; < 0.05), sex ( = 0.30; < 0.05), and prior experience in intensive care unit facilities ( = 0.71; < 0.05) were correlated with depersonalization. Feeling of personal accomplishment was positively correlated with with sex ( = 0.70; < 0.05) and type of work shift ( = 0.29; < 0.01). Conclusions The intensive care unit healthcare workers in this study reported high levels of depersonalization and low feelings of personal accomplishment during an advanced stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Older age, being female, having children, having intensive care unit experience, and working at 4th shift were factors related to burnout dimensions.

Factores de riesgo asociados a estancia hospitalaria prolongada en cuidados intensivos neonatales: Un estudio de casos y controles

Objetivo: Identificar las patologías o condiciones neonatales que influyen en la prolongación de la estancia hospitalaria en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de casos y controles; en neonatos hospitalizados de la UCIN, durante el periodo 2015 - 2019, considerando sus diagnósticos perinatales y posnatales como factores a evaluar, así como la estancia hospitalaria. Se dividieron dos grupos: casos (estancia prolongada) y controles (estancia no prolongada). Los datos recolectados fueron procesados en el programa SPSS v.23 obteniendo el OR y la Regresión Logística Binaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 361 neonatos (91 casos y 270 controles), encontrándose significancia en factores perinatales (p<0.05): Peso al nacer (1000g a <1500g, ORa 8.2: IC3.1 - 21.2) y edad gestacional (28 a 31 sem., ORa 18.6: IC4.8-71.4; 32-33 sem, ORa 8.1: IC3.5 - 18.4); y factores posnatales (p<0.05): Síndrome de distrés respiratorio (ORa 10.3:IC 4.8-22.2), Hipertensión pulmonar persistente (OR 32.2:IC 1.8-559.0), sepsis (ORa 7.1: IC 3.1-16.0), Malnutrición neonatal (ORa 10.2:IC 4.7-22.1) y anemia del prematuro (ORa 8.3:IC 2.4-28.1). No alcanzaron significancia: asfixia, taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido, neumonía, neumotórax, displasia broncopulmonar, síndrome de aspiración meconial, conducto arterioso persistente, cardiopatía congénita, hiperbilirrubinemia, hipoglicemia, enterocolitis necrotizante y apnea del prematuro. Conclusiones: El peso al nacer, edad gestacional, Síndrome de distrés respiratorio, Hipertensión pulmonar persistente, sepsis, malnutrición neonatal y anemia del prematuro son factores de riesgo para estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

Objective: Identify neonatal pathologies or conditions that influence the prolongation of hospital stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, case-control study was carried out; in neonates hospitalized in the NICU, during the period 2015-2019, considering their perinatal and postnatal diagnoses as factors to be evaluated, as well as hospital stay. Two groups were divided: cases (prolonged stay) and controls (non-prolonged stay). The collected data were processed in the SPSS v.23 program, obtaining the OR and the Binary Logistic Regression. Results: 361 neonates (91 cases and 270 controls) were included, finding significance in perinatal factors (p<0.05): Birth weight (1000g to <1500g, ORa 8.2: CI3.1 - 21.2) and gestational age (28 to 31 weeks , ORa 18.6: CI4.8-71.4; 32-33 weeks, ORa 8.1: CI3.5 - 18.4); and postnatal factors (p<0.05): RDS (ORa 10.3: CI 4.8-22.2), PHT (OR 32.2: CI 1.8-559.0), sepsis (ORa 7.1: CI 3.1-16.0), Neonatal malnutrition (ORa 10.2: CI 4.7 -22.1) and anemia of prematurity (aOR 8.3: CI 2.4-28.1). The following did not reach significance: asphyxia, transient tachypnea of ​​the newborn, pneumonia, pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, meconium aspiration syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, congenital heart disease, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and apnea of ​​prematurity. Conclusions: Birth weight, gestational age, RDS, PHPT, sepsis, neonatal malnutrition and anemia of prematurity are risk factors for prolonged hospital stay.

Frequency of Acid-Base Derangements Among the Neonates Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Background: Every year deranged acid-base physiology drives admission to a critical care arena for a vast number of neonates. The neonatal intensive care unit is a fundamental sector for the survival of high-risk newborns. The acid-base disorder must always be considered in the clinical setting. The clinician should, in most cases, be able to predict the type of acid-base imbalance before the blood gas is available. Arterial blood gases (ABG-s) are the gold standard for assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery, ventilation, and pH. This study aimed to assess the frequency of acid-base derangements among neonates admitted to the intensive care unit. Material & Methods: This was an observational cohort study that was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2009 to September 2010. In total 230 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, after fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study as study subjects. For each baby, a detailed history was recorded in a questionnaire form (enclosed herewith) from the mother or other caregiver. It was filled up by the researcher himself containing history (including antenatal history), physical examinations and laboratory findings. Arterial blood gas analysis was done (in a clinical biochemistry laboratory using an automatic analyzer machine) for each neonate at admission and that report was recorded for this study. Results: Among the total study subjects, 127 newborn babies (55.2%) had acid-base imbalances. Mixed acidosis prevailed in the highest frequency (23.9%) Then metabolic acidosis cases were at 17.8% and respiratory acidosis was at 13.9%. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were absent. Normal blood gas was observed in 44.3% of newborns. All the neonates with pH <7 were dead. After Chi-Square analysis (at df=1), we found a highly significant correlation between mortality outcome with pH <7.35, CO2 >45, HCO3 < 22 mol/l and Base deficit >-10. All modalities of acid-base imbalances were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: In this study, a significant number of neonates who were admitted to the intensive care unit, can develop acid-base derangement. Mixed acidosis was found in the highest frequency. Metabolic, respiratory and mixed acidosis all has a significant correlation with death in a NICU. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were found absent at admission

Septic complications in patients of traumatic brain injury: An impact on clinical and functional outcome

Background: Septic complications in traumatic brain injury causes short- and long-term cerebral dysregulation by disruption of blood brain barrier, reduced brain perfusion, neuroinflammation and deposition of amyloid. Materials and methods: The present study attempted to observe patients of traumatic brain injury for the development of septic complications during the hospital stay. 89 patients were included in the study with different grades of brain injury (Injury Severity Score (ISS) range, 9-72). The patients were managed according to the trauma protocol and classified into 3 groups based on the severity of trauma (ISS 9-17 (moderate), 18-30 (severe), and >32 (most severe)). The patients were observed for the development of major septic complications during the course of their hospital stay, which impacted on the morbidity and mortality while determining the clinical and functional outcome at the end. Results: Mean age of the study population was 33.5 years. TBI was more common in younger age groups with severe grades of injury, those with multiplicity of head injuries, sepsis with a pulmonary focus, prolonged ICU and in-hospital stay together with high mortality. Septic complications were also more common in cases with higher grades of TBI and more prolonged hospital stay. Patients requiring intubation had a higher risk of developing infectious complications. 69 patients (77.5%) required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Pneumonia was the most common source of sepsis leading to the respiratory failure while the most common cause being aspiration at the time of injury Genitourinary complications were also common leading to urosepsis. Most common organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter, klebsiella and Pseudomonas. Conclusion: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) when complicated by sepsis and multi organ failure increases the mortality and morbidity with less favorable clinical and functional outcome together with increased duration of ICU and hospital stay.

Panorama da qualidade biológica da água destinada ao tratamento dialítico em pacientes sob cuidados críticos em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva / Overview of the biological quality of water intended for dialysis treatment in patients under critical care in Intensive Care Units

A incidência da lesão renal aguda caracteriza-se como evento frequente em pacientes críticos internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva e está associada ao aumento de mortalidade, causando grande impacto à Saúde Pública. As intercorrências clínicas são minimizadas com intervenções dialíticas, acarretando a exposição do paciente a volumes expressivos de água tratada durante a terapia renal em leito. As análises microbiológicas e de determinação de endotoxinas bacterianas em amostras de água tratada e em soluções de dialisato foram executadas em dois hospitais públicos do município de São Paulo, seguindo metodologias analíticas preconizadas em compêndios oficiais. A avaliação demonstrou que a porcentagem de resultados satisfatórios no período de 2010 a 2022 variou entre 35,2 a 100% e de 40 a 100% para as unidades hospitalares I e II para a água tratada, respectivamente; e, 100% para as soluções de dialisato para a unidade hospitalar I. A eficácia de ações delineadas pelas equipes técnicas das unidades hospitalares, na adequação da água destinada à terapia dialítica, aponta para a importância em estimular outras instituições hospitalares na padronização e implantação de melhoria contínua de seus sistemas de tratamento de água para uso em procedimento dialítico, prevenindo riscos adicionais aos pacientes expostos à terapia renal.

The incidence of acute kidney is high among critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Units and is associated with increased mortality, having a major impact on public health. Clinical complications are minimized with dialysis interventions, which expose patients to significant volumes of treated water during in-bed renal therapy. Microbiological analyzes and determination of bacterial endotoxins were performed on treated water samples and dialysate solutions in two public hospitals in São Paulo city, using analytical methodologies recommended in official compendia. The evaluation showed that the percentage of satisfactory results for treated water ranged from 35.2% to 100% in Hospital Unit I and from 40% to 100% in Hospital Unit II between 2010 and 2022. For dialysate solutions in Hospital Unit I, the percentage of satisfactory results was 100% during the same period. The effectiveness of actions implemented by the technical hospital teams, in adapting water for dialysis therapy, points to the importance of encouraging other hospital institutions to standardize and implement a program of continuous improvement for their water treatment systems used in dialysis procedures. This will help to prevent additional risks to patients exposed to renal therapy.

A STUDY TO FIND OUT PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY IN COVID INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS POST DISCHARGE

The COVID-19 was first observed in patients in Wuhan, China, in 2019 and it widely infected people across the world thereafter. In March 2020, World Health Organization declared it as a global pandemic. Patients admitted to intensive care units are prone to developing mental illnesses; in addition, patients in the COVID Intensive care unit were at a disadvantage as they had to be kept separated from family members due to the contagious nature of their illness. Moreover, communication with medical staff was difficult due to protective equipment worn by the health care workers as well as oxygen masks and tubes assisting the patients. In this study done in year 2020 to 2022, we tried to find out the impact that intensive care unit admission in the COVID intensive care unit had on the mental health of the patients. In our study, we found that a significant number of patients developed psychiatric morbidity after discharge from the COVID intensive care unit.

Delivering care with competence on the Covid-19 frontline

By replacing bedside clinical training with online lectures and simulation-based case scenarios, the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the healthcare and medical education system of India. The compromise in clinical competency, patient interaction, coping strategies, and lack of resources and preparedness were the major constraints in delivering quality healthcare services during the pandemic. The pandemic taught us key lessons on empathy, preparedness and patience. Here is my experience as a student from the batch of MBBS students who had received their final year training through online lectures and then, as an intern having my first hospital posting amidst the second wave of Covid-19.

Based on the theory of treating impotence alone with Yang Ming to explore the intervention of finger-pressing therapy on ICU-acquired weakness in critically ill children / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical feasibility of finger-pressing therapy based on the theory of treating impotence alone with Yang Ming to reduce incidence of ICU acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in critically ill children and provide a feasible nursing plan for ICU acquired asthenia in critically ill children.Methods:A quasi-experimental study was conducted. A total of 73 critically ill children were admitted to the PICU of Kunming Children′s Hospital from January 1 to April 30, 2021. According to the random number table, the subjects were divided into the observation group (37 cases) and the control group (36 cases). Children in the control group received routine PICU nursing. The children in the observation group were treated with PICU routine nursing and finger-pressing therapy based on the theory of treating impotence alone with Yang Ming. The two groups were compared in terms of limb muscle strength score (MRC-Score), incidence of ICU-AW, basic activities of life (Barthel Index, BI), limb muscle thickness.Results:After intervention, the MRC-Score of the observation group was 50 (46, 52) points, which was higher than 46 (40, 48) points of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=-3.70, P<0.05). The incidence of ICU-AW in the observation group was 32.43% (12/37), and the incidence of ICU-AW in the control group was 72.22% (26/36). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=11.58, P<0.05). The BI score of the observation group was 63 (50, 70), which was higher than 44 (40,60) of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=-3.94, P<0.05). The reduction degree of quadriceps femoris thickness in the observation group at D3-D1 was (-0.381 ± 0.131) cm, which was lower than (-0.762 ± 0.182) cm in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=10.29, P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of finger-pressing therapy guided by theory of treating impotence alone with Yang Ming in the early rehabilitation of critically ill children can enhance muscle strength, prevent muscle atrophy and reduce the incidence of ICU-AW in critically ill children.

Effects of hospital elderly life program to prevent the ICU-acquired delirium and weakness in patients after cardiac surgery / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the applications value of hospital elderly life program in cardiac surgery patients in intensive care unit, and provide reference for improving the prognosis of patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. A total of 84 cardiac surgery patients in intensive care unit from April 2020 to February 2022 in the People′s Hospital of Leshan by convenient sampling method, they were enrolled and divided into the observation group and the control group according to the admission time, each group was 42 cases. Routine nursing care was carried out in both groups, the control group implemented delirium and debility prevention nursing, the observation group adopted hospital elderly life program. The incidence of ICU-acquired delirium and weakness, mechanical ventilation time, duration of ICU stay, the total length of stay and intensive care experience were assessed between the two groups.Results:The 42 cases were included in the final control group and 39 cases in the observation group. The incidence of ICU-acquired delirium and weakness were 17.95% (7/39) and 7.69% (3/39) in the observation group, lower than in the control group 38.10%(16/42) and 23.81%(10/42), the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.04, 3.90, both P<0.05); the duration of ICU delirium were (1.71 ± 0.95) d in the observation group, shorter than in the control group (2.81 ± 1.05) d, the difference was statistically significant ( t = 2.38, P<0.05); the mechanical ventilation time, duration of ICU stay, the total length of stay, the total score of intensive care experience in hospital in the observation group were (193.54 ± 21.67) h, (9.49 ± 2.11) d, (18.10 ± 3.12) d, (2.72 ± 0.26) points, lower than those in the control group (214.50 ± 27.25) h, (10.90 ± 1.97) d, (20.59 ± 4.07) d, (3.15 ± 0.35) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 3.11-6.35, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hospital elderly life program can decrease the incidence of ICU-acquired delirium and weakness of cardiac surgery patients in intensive care unit, shorten mechanical ventilation time and hospitalization time, alleviate discomfort in the intensive care experience.

Sepsis et choc septique en réanimation à Brazzaville (Congo) / Sepsis and septic shock in polyvalent intensive care at Brazzaville (Congo)

Objectifs. Décrire les aspects cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutifs du sepsis et du choc septique dans le service de réanimation polyvalente du CHUB. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale, monocentrique et descriptive, durant 12 mois, incluant les patients âgés d'au moins 18 ans admis en réanimation polyvalente pour un sepsis ou choc septique. Les variables épidémiologiques, cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutives ont été analysées avec Excel 2019. Résultats. 56 patients ont été retenus (20,7%). Leur âge moyen était de 43,1 ± 17,9 ans (extrêmes de 18 et 84 ans), avec 66,1% des hommes. Le foyer infectieux initial était péritonéal (64,3 %). À l'admission, le nombre médian de défaillances d'organes par patient était de trois (maximum 5). Les défaillances rénale (71,4%), hépatique (69,6%) et hémodynamique (62,5%) étaient les plus représentées. Le taux de réalisation du bilan bactériologique était de 35,7% : hémoculture (10,7%), uroculture (14,3%), porte d'entrée infectieuse (7,1%). La durée d'hospitalisation des patients sortis vivants était de 8,1 ± 6,3 jours (extrêmes de 2 et 31 jours). Le taux de mortalité était de 57,1%. Les décès survenaient au-delà de 24 h d'hospitalisation (75%), chez des patients avec comorbidités (65,6%), porte d'entrée péritonéale (59,4%), et défaillances hémodynamique (81,2%) et rénale (75%). Conclusion. Les prévalences du sepsis et du choc septique dans notre série sont superposables à celles de la littérature. Le taux de réalisation des bilans bactériologiques reste faible. La mortalité du sepsis demeure très élevée.

Introduction. No accurate data on sepsis and septic shock in intensive care unit (ICU) in the Republic of Congo are available. The aim of the study was to describe the course of patients with sepsis and/or septic shock in the polyvalent ICU of the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and methods. This was a cross-sectional, monocentric and descriptive study, lasting 12 months, including patients aged at least 18 years admitted to ICU for sepsis or septic shock. The clinical presentation, the bacteriological findings and the outcome were analyzed with Excel 2019. Results. 56 patients were selected (20.7%). The average age was 43.1 ± 17.9 years (extremes 18 and 84 years), with 66.1% of men. The initial infection was peritoneal (64.3%). At admission, the median number of organ failures per patient was three (maximum 5). Renal (71.4%), hepatic (69.6%) and hemodynamic (62.5%) failures were the most common. Bacteriological assessment rate was 35.7%: blood culture (10.7%), urine culture (14.3%). The duration of hospitalization of alive patients was 8.1 ± 6.3 days (extremes 2 and 31 days). The mortality rate was 57.1%. Deaths occurred beyond 24 hours of hospitalization (75%), in patients with comorbidities (65.6%), peritonitis (59.4%), hemodynamic (81.2%) and renal (75%) failures. Conclusion. The prevalence of sepsis and septic shock in our study is comparable to other published series. The bacteriological assessments rate is still low. The mortality is very high.

Aspects cliniques et pronostiques des accidents vasculaires cérébraux en réanimation au Cameroun / Clinical and prognostic aspects of stroke in a Cameroonian intensive care unit

Introduction. L'accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC) est une pathologie fréquente. Le but de l'étude était de décrire les aspects pronostiques des AVC en réanimation. Patients et Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude longitudinale descriptive et analytique, qui s'est déroulée de janvier à avril 2019. Nous avons recruté dans les services de réanimation de trois hôpitaux universitaires de Yaoundé. Etait inclus, tout patient hospitalisé en réanimation pour prise en charge d'un AVC, ayant réalisé un scanner cérébral. Le consentement était obtenu auprès du patient ou d'un parent. Les variables étaient les données sociodémographiques, les données cliniques et pronostiques.Les données étaient analysées à partir du logiciel Epi info 3.5.4 et Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Les proportions étaient comparées par le test de Chi carré ou le test exact de Fisher. Les médianes étaient comparées par le test de MannWhitney. La survie était représentée par une courbe de Kaplan Meier. Résultats. Au total, 34 patients étaient inclus. L'âge moyen était de 59,9±9,7 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 0,7. Le délai moyen d'admission était de 4,5±4,84 jours. L'hypertension artérielle était le facteur de risque dominant (42,5%). Une altération de la conscience était fréquente (73,5%). L'hémiplégie constituait le principal signe neurologique focal. L'AVC hémorragique était retrouvé chez 58,8% des patients. Deux patients étaient intubés (5,88%). Dix-huit décès étaient enregistrés (52,9%). La durée moyenne du séjour était de 21,8±19,4 jours. Les facteurs pronostiques étaient le score de Glasgow <8 (P=0,01), le score de NIHSS≥15 (P=0,001), l'hyperthermie (P=0,04), la présence de trouble de la déglutition à l'entrée (P=0,01) et l'effet de masse au scanner cérébral (P=0,01). Conclusion. Les AVC restent une affection fréquente dans notre pays. La mortalité est élevée.Elle est liée à la gravité clinique et la survenue des complications

Background. Stroke is a frequent pathology. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical, and prognostic aspects of stroke in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients and Methods. This was a longitudinal descriptive and analytical study, which took place from January to April 2019. We recruited from the intensive care units of three university hospitals in Yaoundé. Any patient hospitalised in the ICU for stroke management who had undergone a brain scan was included. Consent was obtained from the patient or a relative. The variables were socio-demographic data, clinical data, therapeutic data and outcome. Data were analysed using Epi info 3.5.4 and Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Proportions were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Medians were compared by the Mann-Whitney test. Survival was represented by a Kaplan Meier curve. Results. A total of 34 patients were included. The mean age was 59.9±9.7 years. The sex ratio was 0.7. The mean time to admission was 4.5 days ±4.84. Hypertension was the dominant risk factor (42.5%). Altered consciousness was common (73.5%). Hemiplegia was the main focal neurological sign. Hemorrhagic stroke was found in 58.8% of the patients. All patients received general measures. Two patients were intubated (5.88%). Eighteen deaths were recorded (52.9%). The average length of stay was 21.8±19.4 days. Prognostic factors were Glasgow score <8 (P=0.01), NIHSS score≥15 (P=0.001), hyperthermia (P=0.04), presence of swallowing disorder at admission (P=0.01) and mass effect on brain scan (P=0.01). Conclusion. Stroke remains a frequent condition in our country. Mortality is high. It is related to the clinical severity and the occurrence of complications.

Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients

Correlation Analysis between Moral Courage of ICU Nurses and Hospital Ethical Climate / 中国医学伦理学

【Objective:】 To explore the relationship between the moral courage of nurses in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the hospital ethical climate, and to provide a theoretical basis for enhancing the moral courage of ICU nurses. 【Methods:】 A total of 468 ICU nurses from 8 tertiary A hospitals in Shaanxi Province were selected as the subjects by convenience sampling method, and the General Information Form, Hospital Ethical Climate Survey, and Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale were used for the questionnaire survey. 【Results:】 A total of 468 questionnaires were distributed and 463 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective recovery rate of 98.93%. The score of hospital ethical climate for ICU nurses was (100.69±19.76), and the score of moral courage was (83.67±15.48). There was a positive correlation between hospital ethical climate and moral courage (r=0.866, P<0.001). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that hospital ethical climate entered the influencing factor model of ICU nurses’ moral courage, which can independently explain 57% of the variation in ICU nurses’ moral courage. 【Conclusion:】 The moral courage of ICU nurses was at a medium level, and positively correlated with the hospital ethical climate, that is, the better the hospital ethical climate perceived by ICU nurses, the higher their level of moral courage. Nursing managers should focus on deepening the hospital ethical climate, and enhance the level of hospital ethical climate through scientific methods to promote the improvement of ICU nurses’ moral courage.

Progress and Prospect in Intensive Care and Treatment of Patients with Solid Tumors / 肿瘤防治研究

The incidence of cancer has remained high in recent years, and anti-tumor treatment methods are emerging. Cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, and the survival rate of patients with cancer has significantly improved. Various types of new anti-tumor treatments may not only treat and control tumor growth but also place patients in critical situations that require treatment by intensive care medical personnel. Patients with cancer are in critical condition mainly due to three reasons: severe cases caused by cancer diseases themselves, complications during the perioperative period, and accompanying diseases and hospital acquired diseases. In the new situation, we should consider patient characteristics, such as abnormal metabolism, abnormal coagulation system, and abnormal immune mechanism, to save them from serious illness. We need to comprehensively evaluate patients with cancer, emphasize the role of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatment platform, and promote the treatment concept of planned transfer to ICU, to improve the success rate and efficiency of treatment. After transferring the patient out of the ICU, the planned follow-up anti-tumor treatment can still be continued as the endpoint of ICU treatment for critically ill patients with cancer. In the future, efforts will be devoted to establishing a discipline and talent echelon with distinctive characteristics of oncology critical care medicine and treating "the critical illness of cancer and the cancer of critical illness".

Research progress in cognition, attitude and willingness for organ donation among ICU staff in China / 器官移植

In recent years, organ donation and transplantation have entered a stage of steady development in China. Nevertheless, the shortage of transplant organs and the contradiction between supply and demand of organs are still the bottlenecks to achieve the strategy of "self-sufficiency in organ transplantation" advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The key reasons for donor loss described in the "critical pathway of organ donation" defined by the WHO include the identification and referral of potential donors and the maintenance and repair of organs. Smooth development, high efficiency and high-quality development of organ donation cannot be achieved without the support of intensive care medicine, which are highly associated with the cognition, recognition and participation of intensive care unit(ICU) staff. In this article, research progress in ICU staff’s cognition, attitude and willingness for organ donation were reviewed and relevant influencing factors were discussed, aiming to offer targeted suggestions on how to resolve these difficulties.

Assessment of ergonomic load on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in ICU nurses / 中国职业医学

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, assess its relationship with ergonomic load and overall exposure levels. Methods: A total of 272 ICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in a city were selected as the research subjects using convenient sampling method. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire was used to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs among the ICU nurses. The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) was used to assess the ergonomic load on the back, shoulder/arm, hand/wrist, and neck during different clinical nursing operations. Results: The annual prevalence of WMSDs was 75.7% among ICU nurses. The annual prevalence of WMSDs in different body parts, from high to low, was as follows： lower back, neck, shoulder/arm, back, knee, hip/leg, hand/wrist, ankle/foot, and elbow (54.8% vs 43.4% vs 40.8% vs 36.0% vs 21.3% vs 19.9% vs 18.8% vs 18.4% vs 8.1%, P<0.01). ICU nurses had the highest QEC scores on the back (dynamic), shoulder/arm, hand/wrist, and neck with assisting patient turning (all P<0.05) among the six clinical nursing items. During the operation of patient turning, patient lifting, patient bathing, and bed sheet changing for bedridden patients, the back (dynamic) and shoulder/arm were at a high load level, while the hand/wrist and neck were at a mild load level. When nurses were providing tracheostomy care and oral care for intubated patients, their back (static), shoulder/arm, hand/wrist, and neck were at a mild load level. The overall exposure rate for assisting patient turning, patient lifting, oral care for intubated patients, bed sheet changing for bedridden patients, patient bathing, and tracheostomy care were 77.8%, 66.5%, 63.6%, 60.2%, 58.5%, and 57.4%, respectively. The risk for assisting patient turning was classified as level four, while the risk for other clinical nursing items was level three. Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSDs in ICU nurses is high. Both ergonomic load level and total exposure rate of back, shoulder/arm, hand/wrist and neck were high during clinical nursing operations.

Effects of early standardized enteral nutrition on preventing acute muscle loss in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with mechanical ventilation / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of early standardized enteral nutrition (EN) on the cross-sectional area of erector spine muscle (ESMcsa), plasma growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), and 28-day mortality of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients with invasive mechanical ventilation (MV). METHODS: A total of 97 AECOPD patients with invasive MV were screened in the ICUs of the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang. The conventional EN group (stage I) and early standardized EN group (stage II) included 46 and 51 patients, respectively. ESMcsa loss and GDF-15 levels on days 1 and 7 of ICU admission and 28-day survival rates were analyzed. RESULTS: On day 7, the ESMcsa of the early standardized EN group was significantly higher than that of the conventional EN group, while the plasma GDF-15 levels were significantly lower than those in the conventional EN group (ESMcsa: 28.426±6.130 cm2 vs. 25.205±6.127 cm2; GDF-15: 1661.608±558.820 pg/mL vs. 2541.000±634.845 pg/mL; all P<0.001]. The 28-day survival rates of the patients in the early standardized EN group and conventional EN group were 80.40% and 73.90%, respectively (P=0.406). CONCLUSION: ESMcsa loss in AECOPD patients with MV was correlated with GDF-15 levels, both of which indicated acute muscular atrophy and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Early standardized EN may prevent acute muscle loss and intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) in AECOPD patients.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Neonatal Bacterial Meningitis: A Single-Center Experience From Vietnam

Objective: To compare the performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with bacterial culture for the diagnosis of neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM). Method: The CSF analysis of neonate with confirmed bacterial meningitis was performed with PCR and bacterial culture, and results were compared. Result: Among 24 neonates, the pathogens Identified included E. coli K1, GBS, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria. PCR identified 20 (83.3%) pathogens, and culture 4 (16.7%) pathogens. Prior antibiotics were administered to 20 (83.3%) neonates in whom PCR identified 17 (85%) and culture 3 (15%) pathogens. Conclusion: CSF PCR had a higher yield of pathogens than CSF culture in confirmed neonatal bacterial meningitis with a high rate of prior antibiotic therapy.

Comparing the Prognosticative Value of APACHE II and mSOFA Scores in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Study

Objective: Several predictive scoring systems measuring disease severity are used to predict outcomes, typically mortality, of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Two common validated predictive scoring systems include acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and modified sequential organ failure assessment score (mSOFA). To compare performance of APACHE II and mSOFA score in critically ill patients regarding the outcomes in the form of morbidity and mortality in ICU. Methods: This prospective observational clinical study was conducted on 100 patients over 6 months. For each patient, APACHE II score on day of admission and serial mSOFA scores on day 0, 3, 7 and 10 were calculated and compared. Results: The age of the non-survivors was significantly older than survivors was (57.1±11.76 and 54.28±15.16). [In our study we found that the mean length of ICU stay of non-survivors was (5.41±4.81) & survivors(8.63± 4.81) days.] In our study mortality rate was 40%.The APACHE II score with cut-off point of 23 demonstrated a sensitivity rate of 98.33% & specificity rate of 17.5%, accuracy of 66.00%. Serial mSOFA scores with cut-off of 11 on day0, day3, day7 better differentiated survivors from non-survivors with 98.3% sensitivity, 27.5% specificity and 70% accuracy. Conclusion: Both APACHE II and mSOFA scores can help ICU physicians as a significant predictive marker for mortality in critically ill patients. The serial measurement of mSOFA score in the first week is a better mortality predictor tool than APACHE II score in critically ill patients.