Intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy: a phase IV cohort study / Traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas: um estudo de coorte de fase IV

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe, with a larger number of patients in a real-world scenario following routine implementation, intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilational tracheostomy and the possible risks and complications of the procedure not identified in clinical trials. Methods: This was a phase IV cohort study of patients admitted to three intensive care units of a quaternary academic hospital who underwent intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in Brazil from September 2017 to December 2021. Results: There were 4,810 intensive care unit admissions during the study period; 2,084 patients received mechanical ventilation, and 287 underwent tracheostomy, 227 of which were performed at bedside by the intensive care team. The main reason for intensive care unit admission was trauma, and for perform a tracheostomy it was a neurological impairment or an inability to protect the airways. The median time from intubation to tracheostomy was 14 days. Intensive care residents performed 76% of the procedures. At least one complication occurred in 29.5% of the procedures, the most common being hemodynamic instability and extubation during the procedure, with only 3 serious complications. The intensive care unit mortality was 29.1%, and the hospital mortality was 43.6%. Conclusion: Intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy is feasible out of a clinical trial context with outcomes and complications comparable to those in the literature. Intensivists can acquire this competence during their training but should be aware of potential complications to enhance procedural safety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever, com um número maior de pacientes em um cenário do mundo real após a implementação rotineira, a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas e os possíveis riscos e complicações do procedimento não identificados em estudos clínicos. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo de coorte de fase IV de pacientes internados em três unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital acadêmico quaternário que foram submetidos a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas no Brasil de setembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2021. Resultados: Entre as 4.810 admissões na unidade de terapia intensiva durante o período do estudo, 2.084 pacientes receberam ventilação mecânica, e 287 foram submetidos a traqueostomia, 227 das quais foram realizadas à beira do leito pela equipe de terapia intensiva. O principal motivo para a admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva foi trauma, e para a realização de uma traqueostomia foi comprometimento neurológico ou incapacidade de proteger as vias aéreas. O tempo médio entre a intubação e a traqueostomia foi de 14 dias. Residentes de terapia intensiva realizaram 76% dos procedimentos. Ao menos uma complicação ocorreu em 29,5% dos procedimentos, sendo instabilidade hemodinâmica e extubação durante o procedimento as complicações mais comuns, com apenas três complicações graves. A mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 29,1%, e a mortalidade hospitalar foi de 43,6%. Conclusão: A traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas é viável fora do contexto de um estudo clínico com resultados e complicações comparáveis aos da literatura. Os intensivistas podem adquirir essa competência durante seu treinamento, mas devem estar cientes das possíveis complicações para aumentar a segurança do procedimento.

Factors influencing pulmonary infection in elderly neurocritical patients and their predictive values: a data analysis for consecutive four-year / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the factors influencing pulmonary infections in elderly neurocritical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to explore the predictive value of risk factors for pulmonary infections.Methods:The clinical data of 713 elderly neurocritical patients [age ≥ 65 years, Glasgow coma score (GCS) ≤ 12 points] admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether or not they had HAP, the elderly neurocritical patients were divided into hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) group and non-HAP group. The differences in baseline data, medication and treatment, and outcome indicators between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of pulmonary infection.The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted for risk factors and a predictive model was constructed to evaluate the predictive value for pulmonary infection.Results:A total of 341 patients were enrolled in the analysis, including 164 non-HAP patients and 177 HAP patients. The incidence of HAP was 51.91%. According to univariate analysis, compared with the non-HAP group, mechanical ventilation time, the length of ICU stay and total hospitalization in the HAP group were significantly longer [mechanical ventilation time (hours): 171.00 (95.00, 273.00) vs. 60.17 (24.50, 120.75), the length of ICU stay (hours): 263.50 (160.00, 409.00) vs. 114.00 (77.05, 187.50), total hospitalization (days): 29.00 (13.50, 39.50) vs. 27.00 (11.00, 29.50), all P < 0.01], the proportion of open airway, diabetes, proton pump inhibitor (PPI), sedative, blood transfusion, glucocorticoids, and GCS ≤ 8 points were significantly increased than those in HAP group [open airway: 95.5% vs. 71.3%, diabetes: 42.9% vs. 21.3%, PPI: 76.3% vs. 63.4%, sedative: 93.8% vs. 78.7%, blood transfusion: 57.1% vs. 29.9%, glucocorticoids: 19.2% vs. 4.3%, GCS ≤ 8 points: 83.6% vs. 57.9%, all P < 0.05], prealbumin (PA) and lymphocyte count (LYM) decreased significantly [PA (g/L): 125.28±47.46 vs. 158.57±54.12, LYM (×10 9/L): 0.79 (0.52, 1.23) vs. 1.05 (0.66, 1.57), both P < 0.01]. Logistic regression analysis showed that open airway, diabetes, blood transfusion, glucocorticoids and GCS ≤ 8 points were independent risk factors for pulmonary infection in elderly neurocritical patients [open airway: odds ratio ( OR) = 6.522, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 2.369-17.961; diabetes: OR = 3.917, 95% CI was 2.099-7.309; blood transfusion: OR = 2.730, 95% CI was 1.526-4.883; glucocorticoids: OR = 6.609, 95% CI was 2.273-19.215; GCS ≤ 8 points: OR = 4.191, 95% CI was 2.198-7.991, all P < 0.01], and LYM, PA were the protective factors for pulmonary infection in elderly neurocritical patients (LYM: OR = 0.508, 95% CI was 0.345-0.748; PA: OR = 0.988, 95% CI was 0.982-0.994, both P < 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting HAP using the above risk factors was 0.812 (95% CI was 0.767-0.857, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 72.3% and a specificity of 78.7%. Conclusions:Open airway, diabetes, glucocorticoids, blood transfusion, GCS ≤ 8 points are independent risk factors for pulmonary infection in elderly neurocritical patients. The prediction model constructed by the above mentioned risk factors has certain predictive value for the occurrence of pulmonary infection in elderly neurocritical patients.

Encuesta nacional de atención del paciente neurocrítico / National survey of neurocritical care patients / Pesquisa nacional de cuidados a pacientes neurocriticos

Antecedentes: los pacientes neurocríticos constituyen un subgrupo especial en la medicina intensiva. Estudios internacionales recientes han mostrado variabilidad en su monitorización y manejo terapéutico. Objetivo: conocer las características de la atención y manejo de los pacientes neurocríticos en Uruguay. Métodos: estudio prospectivo y descriptivo. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica basada en un cuestionario de estructuras y procesos en la asistencia del paciente neurocrítico. Fue diseñado por la comisión de neurocríticos de la SUMI. Se entrevistó a jefes o coordinadores de cada unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI), de forma voluntaria y anónima. Resultados: se encuestaron 52 UCI (98% del país), 67% correspondieron al Interior y 65% al sector privado del país. 96% de las UCI reciben pacientes neurocríticos. Se cuenta con neurocirugía presencial en 46%. El estudio de neuroimagen más disponible es la tomografía computada (81%). Se realiza: monitorización de presión intracraneana en 65%, oximetría yugular en 27% y neuromonitorización no invasiva en 58%, siendo la ultrasonografía la más frecuente. Las estrategias más utilizadas para el tratamiento de la hipertensión intracraneana son: osmoterapia (salino hipertónico en 100%), propofol (85%), bloqueo muscular (78%) y descompresiva (75%). Reperfusión en ataque cerebrovascular: trombolisis (88%) y trombectomía mecánica (44%). Los fármacos antiepilépticos más utilizados son: midazolam (100%), levetiracetam y fenitoína (96%). Tratamiento del aneurisma cerebral: clipado quirúrgico (98%) y endovascular (66%). Protocolización en 96% y realización de ateneos clínicos en 61%. Conclusiones: se presenta el primer trabajo realizado en nuestro país sobre el tema. Se encontró variabilidad en la monitorización así como en la disponibilidad de neuroimagenología y especialidades neurointervencionistas. Este estudio proporciona una oportunidad para la investigación comparativa de efectividad.

Background: neurocritical care patients constitute a special subgroup in intensive care medicine. Recent international studies have shown variability in their monitoring and therapeutic handling. Objective. to learn about the handling and care characteristics of neurocritical patients in Uruguay. Method: prospective, descriptive study. A telephone survey was conducted based on a structure and processes questionnaire on neurocritical patients' care. It was designed by the Neurocritical Patients Comittee of the Uruguayan Society of Intensive Medicine (SUMI). Chiefs or coordinators of each intensive care units were interviewed, their participation being voluntary an anonymous. Results: 52 ICU in the country were interviewed, 67% were located in the provinces and 65% belonged to the private sector. 96% of intensive care units received neurocritical care patients. Routine neurosurgery was available in 46% of cases. Computerized technology was the most widely available imaging study (81%). The following procedures were conducted: intracranial pressure monitoring in 65% of patients, jugular venous oximetry in 27%, non-invasive neuromonitoring in 58%, ultrasound being the most frequently used. The most commonly used strategies to treat intracranial hypertension are: osmotherapy (hypertonic saline in 100%), propofol (85%), muscular blockade (78%) and decompressive craniectomy (75%). Reperfusion in cerebrovascular attack, thrombolisis (88%) and mechanical thrombectomy (44%). The most widely used antiepileptic drugs are: midazolam (100%), levetiracetam y phenytoin (96%). Cerebral aneurysm was treated with surgical clipping (98%) and endovascular treatment (66%). Protocols were followed in 96% and case conferences were organized in 61%. Conclusions: the study presents the first research conducted on this topic in our country and it found variability in terms of monitorization and availability of neuro-imagining and neurointerventionist special strategies. The study represents an opportunity for effectiveness comparative research.

Introdução: os pacientes neurocríticos constituem um subgrupo especial na medicina intensiva. Estudos internacionais recentes têm mostrado variabilidade em seu monitoramento e manejo terapêutico. Objetivo: conhecer as características de atendimento e manejo de pacientes neurocríticos no Uruguai. Métodos: estudo prospectivo e descritivo. Fez-se uma pesquisa telefônica utilizando um questionário sobre estruturas e processos do cuidado de pacientes neurocríticos. Foi projetado pela comissão de neurocríticos de la Sociedad Uruguaya de Medicina Intensiva. Os chefes ou coordenadores de cada unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) foram entrevistados de forma voluntária e anônima. Resultados: pesquisaram-se 52 UTIs (98% do país), 67% do Interior e 65% do setor privado do país. 96% das UTIs recebem pacientes neurocríticos. A neurocirurgia no local está disponível em 46%. O estudo de neuroimagem mais disponível é a tomografia computadorizada (81%). Realiza-se monitorização da pressão intracraniana em 65%, oximetria jugular em 27% e neuromonitorização não invasiva em 58%, sendo a ultrassonografia a mais frequente. As estratégias mais utilizadas para o tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana são: osmoterapia (soro fisiológico 100% hipertônico), propofol (85%), bloqueio muscular (78%) e descompressão (75%). Faz-se reperfusão no ataque cerebrovascular por trombólise (88%) e trombectomia mecânica (44%). As drogas antiepilépticas mais utilizadas são: midazolam (100%), levetiracetam e fenitoína (96%). Tratamento do aneurisma cerebral: clipagem cirúrgica (98%) e endovascular (66%). Protocolização em 96% e reuniões clínicas em 61%. Conclusões: este é o primeiro trabalho realizado em nosso país sobre o tema. Foi encontrada variabilidade no monitoramento, bem como na disponibilidade de especialidades de neuroimagem e neurointervenção. Este estudo oferece uma oportunidade para a pesquisa comparativa de eficácia.

Evaluación de nivel de conocimientos sobre cuidado para pacientes neurocríticos en personal de enfermería / Evaluation of the level of knowledge about caring for neurocritical patients in nursing staff

Introducción: Los pacientes neurocríticos son aquellos con afectaciones en el sistema nervioso central y otros sistemas vitales, principalmente como consecuencia de traumatismos severos o complicaciones graves derivadas de enfermedades degenerativas. Su atención es fundamental durante el ingreso a las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), y su correcta realización por parte del personal de enfermería puede ser un factor decisivo para reducir efectos colaterales. Objetivo: Reconocer los niveles de conocimientos sobre el cuidado de pacientes neurocríticos del personal de enfermería de la UCI del Centro Médico Naval. Materiales y métodos: Se adaptó un instrumento para la evaluación de los cuidados en pacientes neurocríticos y se conformaron trece reactivos en forma de indicadores sobre tipo de conocimientos. Además, se aplicó una prueba no paramétrica de chi-cuadrada para variables cualitativas y una prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados: El estudio arrojó una correlación entre un mayor nivel de conocimientos y los años de experiencia (p<0.005), el nivel de estudios (p<0.001) y la edad (p<0.002). No se encontraron asociaciones con el sexo o el turno de servicio. Conclusiones: En 22.5% de los casos se obtuvo un nivel regular de conocimientos, 2.5% tuvo un nivel deficiente y el 75% restante obtuvo un nivel de conocimientos por encima de lo esperado. La asociación entre el nivel de conocimientos sobre el cuidado de pacientes neurocríticos y el nivel de estudios, así como los años de experiencia en servicio, permiten mejorar las técnicas de atención a través de la capacitación continua del personal de enfermería.

Introduction: Neurocritical patients are those who suffer injuries in the central nervous system and other vital systems, mainly as a result of severe trauma or serious complications derived from degenerative diseases. The adequate care of these patients is essential during their admission to the Intensive Care Units (ICU); correct nursing staff performance is determinant to reduce collateral effects. Objective: To assess the level of neurocritical care expertise of the nursing staff of the ICU in the Centro Médico Naval. Materials and methods: An instrument for the evaluation of neurocritical care was adapted and 13 test items were used as indicators. In addition, a nonparametric chi-square test for qualitative variables and a Fisher exact test were applied. Results: The study showed a significant correlation between a higher level of knowledge and years of experience (p<0.005), level of education (p<0.001) and age (p<0.002). No associations were found between gender and nursing shift. Conclusions: 22.5% of the nursing staff had an average level of knowledge, 2.5% had a deficient level, and the remaining 75% had an unexpectedly high level of knowledge. The association between neurocritical care expertise and educational background, as well as the years of experience, generate an improvement in care skills through the continuous training of nursing staff.

Weaning and extubation in neurocritical care patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Due to primary diseases of neurocritical care unit (NCU) patients, they have particularities with low level of consciousness, poor airway protective ability, damaged respiratory drive and respiratory motor conduction pathway. Such patients have higher rates of weaning difficulty, delayed extubation, extubation failure and tracheostomy. There are several guidelines on weaning and extubation for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, while there are no guidelines for for NCU patients. Therefore, we reviewed current guidelines and recommendations on weaning and extubation in both ICU and NCU patients suggesting considerations of neurological condition, level of consciousness and presence of airway protective reflexes before extubation, moreover, we introduced researches about protocols of weaning for NCU patients and related predictors.

Research progress of the effect of enteral nutrition on intestinal microecology in neurocritical ill patients / 中华危重病急救医学

The intestinal flora and the intestinal environment in which it resides together constitute the intestinal microecosystem, it is significantly disturbed in neurocritical ill patients, as manifested by the decrease of bacterial diversity, an increase of pathogen, and the destruction of the intestinal barrier. Appropriate enteral nutrition is effective in maintaining intestinal barrier stability, regulating intestinal immune function, inhibiting intestinal inflammation, and regulating specific intestinal microbiota and intestinal function. It is important for sustaining intestinal microecological balance, reducing clinical complications in patients, and is a new target for the treatment of neurocritical ill patients. This review elaborates the alteration of intestinal microecology and treatment options recommended by current clinical guidelines in neurocritical ill patients and summarizes the research progress of the effects of enteral nutrition and several nutritional additives on intestinal flora and intestinal functions, to provide a reference for the follow-up research.

Predictive value of stroke-related early tracheotomy score for tracheotomy in neurocritical patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the predictive value of stroke-related early tracheotomy score (SET) for tracheotomy in neurocritical patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of neurocritical patients admitted to the department of intensive care unit (ICU) of the Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Patients were divided into tracheostomy group and non-tracheostomy group according to whether they underwent tracheotomy during hospitalization; according to SET score, patients were divided into groups with SET score < 10 points and SET score ≥ 10 points. The differences in gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ), Glasgow coma score (GCS), SET score, the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time were compared between the two groups. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to analyze the predictive value of SET score for the length of ICU stay > 10 days, mechanical ventilation time > 5 days, and tracheotomy treatment, and the predictive value of APACHEⅡ score for tracheotomy treatment.Results:Among 66 patients, 35 cases underwent a tracheotomy, 31 cases did not; SET score < 10 points in 19 cases, while SET score ≥ 10 points in 47 cases. Compared with the non-tracheostomy group, there were more male patients in the tracheostomy group (cases: 27 vs. 13), the GCS score was lower (7.00±2.41 vs. 11.52±2.00), the APACHEⅡ score and the SET score were higher (22.43±4.45 vs. 19.58±5.86, 16.11±3.67 vs. 8.61±4.27), and the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time was longer [days: 27.54±18.82 vs. 7.45±5.30, 13 (9, 19) vs. 0 (0, 2)], and all differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with SET score < 10 points group, the proportion of traumatic brain injury and tracheotomy in the SET score ≥ 10 points group was higher (44.68% vs. 15.79%, 70.21% vs. 5.26%), the GCS score was lower (8.00±2.87 vs. 11.89±1.97), APACHEⅡ score was higher (22.30±4.80 vs. 18.11±5.49), and the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time was longer [days: 22.38±18.74 vs. 7.53±4.60, 9 (4, 16) vs. 0 (0, 2)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of SET score predicting the length of ICU stay > 10 days of neurocritical patients was 0.877, and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.790-0.964 ( P = 0.000), and its cut-off value was 13.50, the sensitivity was 80.0%, and the specificity was 87.1%. The SET score predicts the AUC for mechanical ventilation time > 5 days was 0.915, the 95% CI was 0.851-0.979 ( P = 0.000), the cut-off value was 13.50, the sensitivity was 78.4%, and the specificity was 89.7%. SET score predicts the AUC of tracheotomy treatment was 0.919, 95% CI was 0.853-0.985 ( P = 0.000), its cut-off value was 13.50, the sensitivity was 82.9%, and the specificity was 90.3%, which was significantly better than that of APACHEⅡ score in predicting the value of tracheotomy (AUC was 0.647, 95% CI was 0.512-0.783, P = 0.040, its cut-off value was 17.50, the sensitivity was 91.4%, and the specificity was 41.9%). Conclusion:SET score has a good predictive value for the length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation time and tracheotomy in neurocritical patients.

Relationship between homology and genomics of Klebsiella pneumoniae in patients with neurocritical infection / 中国综合临床

Objective:To analyze the relationship between homology of Kleber pathogen pneumoniae (KP) in patients with neurocritical infections and the Genomics.Method:Five non-multidrug resistant pathogen KP were identified in 2015 to 2018, including the same cloning strain of P90 and P91, the same popular cloning system of P66,P90 and P91, and there is no homology between P20,P39 and other strains, which makes a second generation full genome sequencing. A variety of bioinformatics software were used for genomic analysis to understand the basic genomic information, chromosomal and plasmid distribution, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences and gene family clustering characteristics, meanwhile with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website registered 18 KP strains (2013--2016) to analyze the evolutionary affinity between strains.Results:The total genome sizes of P20, P39, P66, P90 and P91 were 5 469 543 bp, 5 480 332 bp, 5 768 352 bp, 5 745 666 bp, 5 722 999 bp. The GC contents were 57.07% (1 559 929+1 561 432)/5 469 543, 57.27% (1 566 970+1 571 424)/5 480 322, 56.96% (1 640 438+1 645 432)/5 768 352, 56.88% (1 634 285+1 634 038)/5 745 666, and 56.95% (1 627 360+1 631 781)/5 722 999, respectively. Compared with P20 reference strains, the total number of SNP in P39, P66, P90 and P91 were 32 682, 34 226, 34 292, 34 375, and the total mutation rates of gene coding region sequences were87.18% (28 491/32 682), 86.71% (29 679/34 226), 85.26% (29 238/34 292), 86.22% (29 638/34 375), respectively. Nonsynonymous mutations accounted for some advantages, and the rates were 44.57% (14 566/32 682), 44.01% (15 063/34 226), 48.01% (16 465/34 292), 48.75% (16 758/34 375), and synonymous mutations were 42.61% (13 925/32 682), 42.70% (14 616/34 226), 37.25% (12 773/34 292), 37.47% (12 880/34 375), respectively. P90 and P91 have 6 specific gene families, and P66 has 4 specific gene families. The same popular clone lines P66, P90 and P99 are on the same evolutionary branch of the phylogenetic tree. The same clone P90 and P99 are on the same subbranch. P20 and P39 without homology are on different evolutionary branches respectively. P20, P39, P66, P90 and P91 on the evolutionary branches of phylogenetic tree are closely related to the evolutionary grade of strain KP52-145 from France and strain ED23 from Taiwan, China submitted on NCBI website.Conclusion:Klebsiella pneumoniae in patients with neurocritical infection has the same clone, and the number of unique gene families among strains is the same. There are small differences in the number of unique gene families and the total number of SNPs among the same epidemic clone lines, and they are characteristic of the same evolutionary branch of the phylogenetic tree. The number of unique gene families and the total number of SNPs of non homologous strains are quite different, and they are in different evolutionary branches of the phylogenetic tree.

Early identification of potential brain death organ donors based on prediction of spontaneous respiratory arrest

Background: This study was designed to build a Nomogarm prediction model of spontaneous respiratory arrest (SRA) in nerocritical patients within 72 hours after brain injury for early identification of potential brain death organ donors.Methods: From October 2017 to May 2019, the neurocritical patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, were enrolled. The occurrence of SRA within 72 hours after brain injury was regarded as the time interest point and grouping factor, factors associated with SRA were screened by univariate and multivariate analysis, and then the Nomogarm prediction model was developed. Finally, the Nomogarm prediction model was tested in the validation set.Results: In training set, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the midline shift (OR=4.56, 95% 1.87-19.21), absent of ambient cistern (OR=4.83, 95% 1.35-16.34), cough reflex absence (OR=3.82, 95% 1.15-12.42), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR=3.16, 95% 1.53-14.52) and serum Na+<125mmol/L (OR=3.06, 95% 1.53-13.44) were associated with SRA within 72 hours. In the training set and validation set, the predicted C index of SRA rate within 72 hours was 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.85) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.83), respectively. Further statistical analysis showed that 140 points, 160 points and 170 points were dangerous cut-off points, of which 140 points, 160 points and 170 points were 30.1%, 65.6% and 93.4% associated with SRA within 72 hours, respectively.Conclusions: Nomogram prediction model based on brain injury assessment parameters can predict the time of SRA in neurocritical patients, and can be used for early identification of potential brain death organ donors.

Non-Invasive Intracranial Pressure Evaluation in an Emergency Room ­ Point-of-Care Ultrasonography

Point-of-care ultrasound ismodifying conducts in emergency care. The variousmedical specialties, in addition to traditional indications in cases of multiple trauma, are using this technique for rapid diagnosis at the bedside without patient mobilization and without radiation. Point-of-care ultrasound in neurocritical patients, through its transorbital window, can estimate the intracranial pressure by a non-invasive method. Through the measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath 3mmposterior to the retina, the intracranial pressure is estimated if the value of the diameter is >5mm, as it has been verified in other studies. The present article describes the most current data on this topic, and it also highlights the need formoremulticentric and randomized trials to determine the correct cut-off points that represent the high sensibility and specificity of the method.

Key-points of cerebral hemodynamic therapy in neuro critical cases / 中国实用内科杂志

Cerebral hemodynamic therapy has the ultimate goal of brain function improvements.The therapeutic endpoint is to optimize cerebral perfusion in order to stop primary or secondary injury and promote brain function recovery.Clinically,cerebral perfusion can be indirectly measured by brain oxygenation instruments including Near-infrared spectroscopy.Cerebral blood flow optimization should be the core target of cerebral hemodynamic therapy.Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex and Transcranial Doppler sonography are essential techniques to quantify cerebral blood flow,evaluate vascular resistance,and alert for increased intracranial pressure non-invasively by bedside measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter.Hemodynamic targets including blood pressure,cardiac output,and oxygen delivery require extra considerations beyond traditional hemodynamic therapy in order to promote cerebral function.Brain electricity monitoring should be read with caution where low brain activity might indicate insufficient cerebral perfusion,whereas overactive brain function shows high oxygen consumption.In clinical practice,the integrated monitoring of cerebral blood flow,brain oxygenation and brain function would improve the management of neurocritical patients.

Effect of post-pyloric feeding by spiral nasoenteric tubes on ventilator-associated pneumonia in neurocritical care patients: a retrospective analysis of three clinical randomized controlled trials / 中华危重病急救医学

To explore the effect of post-pyloric feeding by spiral nasoenteric tubes on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neurocritical care patients. Methods A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 175 neurocritical care adult patients with mechanical ventilation (MV) more than 48 hours, who were enrolled in three randomized controlled trials (RCT) conducted by Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital for post-pyloric tube placement between April 2012 to March 2019. The following patient clinical data were collected when patients were enrolled: gender, age, neurologic diagnosis, comorbidities, medication, endotracheal reintubation, bronchoscope treatment, the distal site of nasoenteric tubes, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) grade assessed. Patients were divided into VAP group and non-VAP group according to the occurrence of VAP, and the differences of each index between the two groups were compared. Then the influencing factors of P < 0.1 were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the potential risk factors affecting the incidence of VAP. Furthermore, patients were divided into gastric feeding group and post-pyloric feeding group according to the distal site of nasoenteric tubes, and subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the variety of VAP in patients with different tube sites and status. Results ① Forty-two patients occurred VAP in 175 MV patients, and the incidence of VAP was 24.0%. ② Univariate analysis showed the P value of post-pyloric feeding, APACHE Ⅱscore, GCS score and bronchoscope treatment were less than 0.1, and post-pyloric feeding and GCS score in VAP group were significantly lower than those in non-VAP group [post-pyloric feeding: 19.0% (8/42) vs. 36.8% (49/133), GCS:5 (3, 7) vs. 6 (4, 9), both P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that post-pyloric feeding was independent protective factor [odds ratio (OR) = 0.360, 95% confidence internal (95%CI) = 0.151-0.857, P = 0.021] and bronchoscope treatment was the independent risk factor (OR = 2.210, 95%CI = 1.051-4.647, P = 0.036) for VAP. ③ The incidence of VAP was 28.8% (34/118), 0% (0/4), 8.3% (1/12), 26.7% (4/15), 22.2% (2/9) and 5.9% (1/17) respectively when tube tip in stomach, D1, D2, D3, D4 and jejunum confirmed by abdominal radiography. Post-pyloric feeding in each proportion seemed to present lower VAP rate compared with gastric feeding, however, no significant difference was found (all P > 0.05). ④ The incidence of VAP in post-pyloric feeding group was significantly lower than that in gastric feeding group [14.0% (8/57) vs. 28.8% (34/118), OR = 0.403, 95%CI = 0.173-0.941, P = 0.032]. Lower VAP rate appeared on patients with SOFA < 12 (OR = 0.392, 95%CI = 0.154-0.995, P = 0.044) and AGI grade ≥Ⅱ (OR =0.086, 95%CI = 0.011-0.705, P = 0.006) fed by post-pyloric route according to the result of subgroup analysis stratified by age, gender, APACHEⅡ score, SOFA score and AGI grade. Conclusion Post-pyloric feeding would decrease the incidence of VAP in neurocritical care patients on MV.

Training practice of neurocritical care in standardized training of neurosurgical specialists / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The training of neurocritical care is an important component in standardized training of neurosurgical specialists. As a subspeciality of neurosurgery, as well as with the characteristics of critical care medicine, neurocritical care carries its own discipline features. Based on clinical training and practice experiences, the training mode and practice experience were summarized, including basic requirement, theory training, skill training, research training, humanity accomplishment improvement and evaluation stan-dard, in order to discuss the appropriate training mode of neurocritical care in standardized training of neurosurgical specialists, improve the training methods and advance the training effectiveness, and provide reference for cultivating qualified and comprehensively developed neurosurgical specialists.

Clinical application of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in PICU / 中国小儿急救医学

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography(TCD)can be usd to monitor the cerebral blood flow changes noninvasively in real time. It provides important information for cerebrovascular hemodynamics in children with nervous system diseases,especially for the critically ill children.TCD is widely used in diagnosis and therapy of traumatic brain injury,increased intracranial pressure,cerebral vasospasm,stroke,cerebral vascular dysfunction,central nervous system infection,brain death.TCD can reveal the cerebral perfusion and the response to the treatment and help to guide the treatment.Besides,through the analysis of the change of the cerebrovascular hemodynamics,we can find the underlying pathophysiology mechanism of the diseases. In this paper,the application of TCD was reviewed to spread the use of TCD in monitoring and treantment of children in PICU.

Una revisión sistemática del monitoreo de la presión intracraneana en adultos con trauma craneoencefálico severo / A systematic review of intracranial pressure monitoring in adults with severe traumatic brain injury

Objetivos: Revisar sistemáticamente la evidencia relacionada con el monitoreo de la presion intracraneana en unidades de cuidado neurocrítico en el contexto de trauma craneoencefálico severo. Criterios de elección: Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que comparen el uso del monitoreo de la presión intracraneana (PIC) que muestren un estimado de mortalidad/discapacidad a 6 meses, en pacientes mayores de 12 años de edad con trauma craneoencefálico severo (escala de Glasgow menor a 8). Método de búsqueda: En Medline, el Registro Central de Ensayos Controlados (CENTRAL); PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE; Grupo Cochrane de Lesiones y las listas de referencias de artículos. De acuerdo con el Manual Cochrane para meta-análisis y revisión sistemática. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre el grupo de PIC y el control en el pronóstico de discapacidad (RR [Riesgo Relativo]1.01, 95 por ciento CI 0.87 to 1.18). Sin embargo, el monitoreo de la PIC reduce la estancia en UCI en comparación con otros métodos. La estancia en UCI con tratamiento cerebral específico también se redujo en comparación con grupo control. Conclusiones: En pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico, no hubo diferencia entre el monitoreo de la PIC y el examen clínico sin embargo, para mantener una PIC baja, hubo una sustancial reducción de requerimiento de solución salina hipertónica y un descenso en la hiperventilación trayendo consigo beneficios para pacientes en UCI.

Objectives: To systematically review the evidence of intracranial pressure monitoring in neuro critical care unit in the context of a severe head injury. Study eligibility criteria: Patients were older than 12 years ,had a severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow coma scale < 8), that compared the use of ICP monitoring with control, that presented an estimate of mortality/ disability prognosis 6 months after injury.only randomized clinical trials. Methods: Searched MEDLINE, the Central Registerof Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed, HINARI,EMBASE; Cochrane Injuries group and the reference lists of articles. In accordance with the Cochrane handbook for meta-analysis and systematic review. Results: In the ICP and control groups there was no difference in the prognosis of disability (RR [Relative Risk]1.01, 95 percent CI 0.87 to 1.18). However, ICP monitoring reduced the duration of stay in ICU compared to other surveillance methods. The stay in the ICU with specific medical support for brain injury was also reduced compared to the control group. Conclusions: In patients with severe traumatic brain injury, the ICP monitoring was not difference to imaging and clinical examination. However, by keeping the ICP low there was a substantial reduction in the requirement for hypertonic saline and a decrease in hyperventilation providing benefits to thepatient in the ICU.

Establishment and application of neonatal neurocritical care unit / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Advances in resuscitation and intensive care have led to high rates of survival among neonates with life -threatening conditions such as asphyxia,prematurity and congenital malformations.The sequelae of neurologic con-ditions arises in the neonatal period include lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy,epilepsy,intellectual and beha-vioral disabilities.There is an increasing demand for resource -intense strategies for acute neurological care within neo-natal intensive care unit.Neonatal neurocritical care is a multidisciplinary subspecialty that combines expertise in neo-natology,pediatric neurology,radiology,rehabilitation,surgery,and has led to improved outcomes in newborn that have critical illnesses.Neonatal neurocritical care focus the needs of the developing newborn brain,including attention to physiology to help prevent secondary brain injury,a protocol -driven approach for common conditions such as hypoxic -ischemic encephalopathy and seizures,education of specialized teams that use brain monitoring and imaging to evaluate the effect of critical illness on brain function.

Clinical Experience of the Lower Extremity Nerve Block for a Neurocritically Ill Patient Who is Not Able to Communicate:A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

A 73-year-old man was scheduled for the surgical reduction of fractured femur which occurred ar 3 months ago by the accident. The mental status of the patient was stuporous (Glasgow coma scale: 5) due to the complication of the head trauma. We performed nerve blocks (femoral, sciatic, lateral femoral cutaneous, and illiohypogastric nerve blocks) for the surgical reduction of left femur with 55 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine. The electroencephalography was monitored continuously during the 4 hour operation as well as monitoring the hemodynamic and respiratory parameters. The operation was performed successfully and the patient recovered uneventfully.