Is near-infrared spectroscopy a promising predictor for early intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis in the Emergency Department?

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a serious medical condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the outcome in patients with ICH. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that has been used to detect changes in brain tissue oxygenation and blood flow in various conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive potential of NIRS for early diagnosis of ICH in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) triage with headache. A total of 378 patients were included in the study. According to the final diagnosis of the patients, 4 groups were formed: migraine, tension-cluster headache, intracranial hemorrhage and intracranial mass, and control group. Cerebral NIRS values "rSO2" were measured at the first professional medical contact with the patient. The right and left rSO2 (RrSO2, LrSO2) were significantly lower and the rSO2 difference was significantly higher in the intracranial hemorrhage group compared to all other patient groups (P<0.001). The cut-off values determined in the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were RrSO2 ≤67, LrSO2 ≤67, and ΔrSO2 ≥9. This study found that a difference of more than 9 in cerebral right-left NIRS values can be a non-invasive, easy-to-administer, rapid, and reliable diagnostic test for early detection of intracranial bleeding. NIRS holds promise as an objective method in ED triage for patients with intracranial hemorrhage. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of this method.

Risk factors of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation at Addis Ababa governmental COVID-19 treatment centers

Introduction: during the global COVID-19 pandemic, non-invasive ventilation has become a widely utilized method for treating patients experiencing acute respiratory failure. Noninvasive pressure ventilation is frequently employed as a standard approach for managing acute respiratory failure resulting from COVID-19 pneumonia, as opposed to invasive ventilation methods. However, there is a lack of research on its effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation. Methods: a multi-centric retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on the records of 402 patients at the Eka Kotebe COVID-19 Center, St. Peter COVID-19 Care Center, and Millennium COVID-19 Treatment Center. The systematic random selection technique was employed in order to select the study unit, and data was extracted from patient charts using a pretested method and validated before being entered into Epi-data Manager 4.6 versions. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed using binary logistic regression in SPSS 25. In the multivariate logistic regression, a predictor variable was considered to have a significant connection if its p-value was less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence level. Results: four hundred and two patient records were reviewed during the study period and showed the mean patient´s age was 62.6 years, with male predominance. It revealed that 11.7% [CI: 8.7-15.2] of COVID-19 patients who received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation died, as being critical for COVID-19 patients was a main cause of noninvasive initiation. Patients over the age of 60 were more likely to die among those who received noninvasive ventilation for COVID-19 [AOR = 5.4 95% CI 1.32, 23.1]. Conversely, patients without diabetes were less likely to die [AOR = 0.23 95% CI 0.11, 0.48]. Moreover, patients with a tidal volume greater than 500 ml were more likely to pass away [AOR =2.2 95% CI 1.11,4.43], as were those who were on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for more than 8 days [AOR = 0.24 95% CI.08, 0.81]. Conclusion: the significance of patients who were given non-invasive ventilators ended up dying. Age, diabetes, and high tidal volumes are linked to a higher risk of death. Non-invasive ventilation for over eight days showed a protective effect. Removing factors that caused NIV and ventilated COVID-19 patients' deaths may reduce mortality.

Desarrollo de un modelo por inteligencia artificial con hemodinamia no invasiva para predecir preeclampsia en embarazos de alto riesgo / Artificial Intelligence Modeling with Non-Invasive Hemodynamics to Predict Preeclampsia in High-Risk Pregnancy

RESUMEN Introducción: la preeclampsia (PE) es la principal causa de morbimortalidad materno-fetal en nuestro país. Alteraciones hemodinámicas precoces durante el embarazo podrían predecir la evolución a PE. El machine learning (ML) permite el hallazgo de patrones ocultos que podrían detectar precozmente el desarrollo de PE. Objetivos: desarrollar un árbol de clasificación con variables de hemodinamia no invasiva para predecir precozmente desarrollo de PE. Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo con embarazadas de alto riesgo (n=1155) derivadas del servicio de Obstetricia desde enero 2016 a octubre 2022 para el muestreo de entrenamiento por ML con árbol de clasificación j48. Se seleccionaron 112 embarazadas entre semanas 10 a 16, sin tratamiento farmacológico y que completaron el seguimiento con el término de su embarazo con evento final combinado (PE): preeclampsia, eclampsia y síndrome HELLP. Se evaluaron simultáneamente con cardiografía de impedancia y velocidad de onda del pulso y con monitoreo ambulatorio de presión arterial de 24 hs (MAPA). Resultados: presentaron PE 17 pacientes (15,18%). Se generó un árbol de clasificación predictivo con las siguientes variables: índice de complacencia arterial (ICA), índice cardíaco (IC), índice de trabajo sistólico (ITS), cociente de tiempos eyectivos (CTE), índice de Heather (IH). Se clasificaron correctamente el 93,75%; coeficiente Kappa 0,70, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) 0,94 y negativo (VPN) 0,35. Precisión 0,94, área bajo la curva ROC 0,93. Conclusión: las variables ICA, IC, ITS, CTE e IH predijeron en nuestra muestra el desarrollo de PE con excelente discriminación y precisión, de forma precoz, no invasiva, segura y con bajo costo.

ABSTRACT Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is the main cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality in our country. Early hemodynamic changes during pregnancy could predict progression to PE. Machine learning (ML) enables the discovery of hidden patterns that could early detect PE development. Objectives: The aim of this study was to build a classification tree with non-invasive hemodynamic variables for the early prediction of PE occurrence. Results: Seventeen patients (15.18%) presented PE. A predictive classification tree was generated with arterial compliance index (ACI), cardiac index (CI), cardiac work index (CWI), ejective time ratio (ETR), and Heather index (HI). A total of 93.75% patients were correctly classified (Kappa 0.70, positive predictive value 0.94 and negative predictive value 0.35; accuracy 0.94, and area under the ROC curve 0.93). Conclusion: ACI, CI, CWI, ETR and HI variables predicted the early development of PE in our sample with excellent discrimination and accuracy, non-invasively, safely and at low cost.

Métodos no invasivos de oxigenación en pacientes con COVID-19 / Non-invasive oxygenation methods in patients with COVID-19

Resumen: Desde el inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19, dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes de esta infección se encuentran la neumonía y el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. La hipoxemia y el aumento del trabajo respiratorio son determinantes para adoptar diversas estrategias terapéuticas de oxigenación no invasiva en pacientes con COVID-19. Es importante conocer y describir las diferentes modalidades de oxigenoterapia no invasiva, con la finalidad de preservar la oxigenación y un adecuado trabajo respiratorio, las estrategias descritas en la literatura abarcan: cánulas nasales convencionales, cánulas nasales de alto flujo y ventilación mecánica no invasiva, aunado a otras medidas de soporte como posición prono, administración de esquemas con esteroide, inmunomoduladores y óxido nítrico inhalado. Las estrategias no invasivas de oxigenación por diferentes métodos son herramientas indispensables para el tratamiento de pacientes con neumonía por COVID-19 moderada-grave. Es necesario evaluar el dispositivo a emplear, ya que esta enfermedad tiene características heterogéneas de acuerdo con gravedad y el tiempo de evolución.

Abstract: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the most frequent complications of this infection include pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Hypoxemia and increased work of breathing are determining factors in adopting various non-invasive oxygenation therapeutic strategies in patients with COVID-19. It is important to know and describe the different modalities of non-invasive oxygen therapy, in order to preserve oxygenation and adequate respiratory work, the strategies described in the literature include: conventional nasal cannulas, high-flow nasal cannulas and non-invasive mechanical ventilation coupled with other support measures such as prone position, administration of schemes with steroids, immunomodulators and inhaled nitric oxide. Non-invasive oxygenation strategies by different methods are essential tools for the treatment of patients with moderate-severe COVID-19 pneumonia. It is necessary to evaluate the device to be used, since this disease has heterogeneous characteristics according to severity and time of evolution.

High-flow nasal cannula and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric asthma exacerbation: two-year prospective observational study in intensive care / Cánula nasal de alto flujo y ventilación no invasiva en asma pediátrico grave: estudio observacional prospectivo de dos años de duración en cuidados intensivos

Abstract Background: Asthma is a common cause of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We described and analyzed the therapies applied to children admitted to a tertiary PICU because of asthma. Later, we evaluated high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in these patients and compared their evolution and complications with those who received non-invasive ventilation. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study (October 2017-October 2019). Collected data: epidemiological, clinical, respiratory support therapy needed, complementary tests, and PICU and hospital stay. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) only HFNC; (2) HFNC and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV); and (3) only NIMV. Results: Seventy-six patients were included (39 female). The median age was 2 years and 1 month. The median pulmonary score was 5. The median PICU stay was 3 days, and the hospital stay was 6 days. Children with HNFC only (56/76) had fewer PICU days (p = 0.025) and did not require NIMV (6/76). Children with HFNC had a higher oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio ratio (p = 0.025) and lower PCO2 (p = 0.032). In the group receiving both therapies (14/76), NIMV was used first in all cases. No epidemiologic or clinical differences were found among groups. Conclusion: HFNC was a safe approach that did not increase the number of PICU or hospital days. On admission, normal initial blood gases and the absence of high oxygen requirements were useful in selecting responders to HFNC. Further randomized and multicenter clinical trials are needed to verify these data.

Resumen Introducción: El asma es una causa frecuente de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP). En este, cuadro el uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo (CNAF) se ha visto extendido. En este trabajo se describe el tratamiento global en la UCIP ante el ingreso por asma en un hospital monográfico pediátrico y se evalúa la respuesta al uso de la CNAF, comparando la evolución de los pacientes con aquellos que recibieron ventilación no invasiva (VNI). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional prospectivo (de octubre del 2017 a octubre del 2019). Se describieron epidemiología, clínica, tratamiento y soporte respiratorio. Para la comparación se crearon tres grupos de pacientes: 1) solo CNAF; 2) CNAF y VNI; y 3) solo VNI. Resultados: Se incluyeron 76 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de dos años y un mes; la mediana de índice pulmonar fue 5. La mediana de ingreso en UCIP fue de tres días y de ingreso hospitalario, seis días. Los niños con solo CNAF (56/76) mostraron menos días de UCIP (p = 0.025) y no requirieron VNI (6/76). También mostraron mayor SatO2/FiO2 (saturación de oxígeno/fracción de oxígeno inspirado) (p = 0.025) y menor nivel de PCO2 (presión parcial de CO2) (p = 0.032). La VNI se utilizó primero siempre en el grupo que recibió ambas modalidades (14/76). No se encontraron diferencias epidemiológicas o clínicas entre grupos. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, el uso de CNAF no aumentó los días de ingreso en la UCIP ni de hospital. Tampoco requirió cambio a VNI. Al ingreso, una gasometría normal y bajo requerimiento de oxígeno permitieron seleccionar a los pacientes respondedores. Se necesitan más ensayos multicéntricos clínicos aleatorizados para verificar estos datos.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con dismunición de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

Conocimiento y manejo de cuidados respiratorios especializados en pacientes con enfermedades neuromusculares en unidades de cuidado intensivo: aproximación por encuesta a profesionales de la salud / Knowledge and management in specialized respiratory care of patients with neuromuscular diseases in intensive care units: survey to health professionals

Introducción: En las enfermedades neuromusculares la disminución de la capacidad vital se relaciona con disminución de la capacidad tusígena y luego ventilatoria, la combinación de ambas genera complicaciones graves por falla ventilatoria. En los pacientes que son intubados, limita la extubación, sino se realizan cuidados respiratorios especializados. El conocimiento y aplicación de los profesionales que atienden a estos pacientes en cuidados intensivos resulta esencial. Objetivos: Reportar el conocimiento y aplicación especializada de cuidados respiratorios en enfermedades neuromusculares en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal, no probabilístico, a criterio. La población accesible fueron profesionales de la Salud de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, y el análisis de las respuestas de una encuesta estructurada, enviada a distintos profesionales a nivel mundial. Resultados: Se incluyeron los cuestionarios de 41 profesionales, el 34% de los profesionales reportaron la utilización regular de Asistente Mecánico de la Tos; 22% refirieron la utilización regular de apilamiento de aire; 31% reportaron la utilización regular de Asistencia Ventilatoria No Invasiva, 56.1% de los profesionales afirmaron conocer la diferencia entre Ventilación No Invasiva y Soporte Ventilatorio No Invasivo, 34% de los profesionales refirieron tener formación especializada en el área. Conclusión: Pese a existir una alta proporción de profesionales con conocimiento especializado, un grupo importante no los aplica rutinariamente. La justificación es principalmente por la dificultad de adquisición y financiación de los equipos necesarios.

Introduction: In neuromuscular diseases, the decrease in vital capacity relates to decreased coughing and then ventilatory capacity, the combination of both generating serious complications due to ventilatory failure. In intubated patients, the extubation process is difficult unless specialized respiratory care is provided. The knowledge and treatment application of the professionals who care for these patients in intensive care is of outmost importance. Objectives: Report the knowledge and specialized application of respiratory care in neuromuscular diseases in Intensive Care Units. Materials and methods: Qualitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study, at criteria. The accessible population were Health professionals from the Intensive Care Units, and the analysis of the responses of a structured survey, sent to different professionals worldwide. Results: The questionnaires of 41 professionals were included, 34% of the professionals reported the regular use of the Mechanical Cough Assistant; 22% reported the regular use of air stacking; 31% reported the regular use of Non-Invasive Ventilatory Assistance. 56.1% of the professionals stated that they knew the difference between Non-Invasive Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilatory Support, 34% of the professionals reported having specialized training in the area. Conclusion: Despite the existence of a high proportion of professionals with specialized knowledge, an important group does not routinely apply them. The justification is mainly due to the difficulty of acquiring and financing the necessary equipment.

¿Cómo Intervenir el Proceso de Caries en Personas Mayores? Adaptación del Consenso de ORCA/EFCD/DGZ

Los cambios demográficos y epidemiológicos actuales determinarán un aumento en la prevalencia e incidencia de caries, específicamente lesiones de caries radicular (RCLs, por sus siglas en inglés) en personas mayores, por lo que la necesidad de tratamiento de mayor cobertura y efectividad será también cada vez mayor. Este artículo resume en español la evidencia actual disponible acerca de las recomendaciones clínicas para las intervenciones preventivas, no invasivas, micro o mínimamente invasivas e invasivas para el manejo de la caries dental en personas mayores, con especial énfasis en RCLs. La presente publicación se basa en un taller de consenso, seguido de un proceso de consenso e-Delphi, realizado por un panel de expertos nominados por la Organización Europea para la Investigación en Caries (ORCA), la Federación Europea de Odontología Conservadora (EFCD) y la Federación Alemana de Odontología Conservadora (DGZ). El propósito de este artículo es presentar las principales conclusiones alcanzadas en el consenso de ORCA/EFCD/DGZ para permitir una mejor difusión del conocimiento y la aplicación de estos conceptos en la práctica clínica, orientando la correcta toma de decisiones en el manejo de la enfermedad y RCLs en las personas mayores.

Current demographic and epidemiological changes will condition increased caries prevalence and incidence, specifically root caries lesions (RCLs) in the elderly. There will be a need, therefore, for therapeutic approaches with greater coverage and effectiveness. This article summarizes, in Spanish, the current available evidence leading to clinical recommendations for preventive, non-invasive, micro or minimally invasive and invasive interventions for the management of dental caries in older people, with special emphasis on RCLs. This publication is based on a consensus workshop, followed by an e-Delphi consensus process, conducted by a panel of experts nominated by the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA), the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD) and the German Federation of Conservative Dentistry (DGZ). The purpose of this article is to present the main conclusions reached in the ORCA/EFCD/DGZ consensus to allow a better dissemination of knowledge and the application of these concepts in clinical practice, guiding the correct decision-making for the disease management and the RCLs in the elderly.

Parameters and results of non-invasive neuromodulation in the management of chronic pelvic pain: integrative literature review / Parâmetros e resultados da neuromodulação não invasiva no manejo da dor pélvica crônica: revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is characterized by persistent pain in the pelvic region for more than six months, affecting both men and women and causing significant impairment in quality of life (QoL). Two of the main non-invasive approaches are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). These techniques aim to modulate neural activity and promote pain relief. In this context, this research conducted an integrative literature review to summarize the results of relevant studies, aiming to identify the key parameters used in TMS and tDCS for CPP treatment. The objective was to assess the effect and efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation as a therapeutic intervention for CPP. CONTENTS: For this integrative review, electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, examining studies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The keywords "pelvic pain," "transcranial direct current stimulation," and "transcranial magnetic stimulation" and their derivatives were searched in the three languages in studies from 2013 to 2023. Seven studies were included for analysis. Both techniques showed positive effects in managing CPP, improving pain levels and quality of life to a relevant extent. However, there is still no consensus on the parameters applied in TMS and tDCS techniques for CPP. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive neuromodulation improves pain levels and quality of life in patients with CPP. Further studies are needed to establish more reliable parameter relationships, and the limited number of studies restricts definitive conclusions on the subject.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é caracterizada pela persistência da dor na região pélvica por mais de seis meses, afetando tanto homens quanto mulheres e causando prejuízos significativos na qualidade de vida (QV). Duas das principais abordagens não invasivas são Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana (EMT) e a Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC). Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa realizou uma revisão integrativa da literatura com o intuito de resumir os resultados de estudos relevantes, buscando identificar os principais parâmetros utilizados no tratamento da DPC. O objetivo foi fornecer uma visão abrangente sobre essas técnicas de neuromodulação e suas aplicações específicas no controle da dor pélvica crônica. CONTEÚDO: Para esta revisão integrativa, as buscas eletrônicas ocorreram nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane e Scopus, verificando estudos em português, inglês ou espanhol. "Dor pélvica", "estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua" e "estimulação magnética transcraniana" e suas derivações foram pesquisadas nos três idiomas em estudos entre 2013 e 2023. Sete estudos foram incluídos para análise. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram efeitos positivos no manejo da DPC, melhorando os níveis de dor e a QV em proporções relevantes. Entretanto, ainda não há um consenso sobre os parâmetros aplicados nas técnicas de EMT e ETCC para DPC. CONCLUSÃO: A neuromodulação não invasiva melhora os níveis de dor e a QV em pacientes com DPC. São necessários mais estudos para que relações mais confiáveis de parâmetros possam ser preestabelecidas e a ausência de um maior número de estudos limita conclusões acerca do assunto.

Uso de cánula nasal de alto flujo artesanal como oxigenoterapia en insuficiencia respiratoria por COVID-19 / Use of artisanal high flow nasal cannula as oxygen therapy in respiratory failure due to COVID-19

Los riesgos asociados a la neumonía por (SARS-CoV-2) es la generación de insuficiencia respiratoria secundaria que en algunos casos desencadenara al tan temido síndrome de distres respiratorio (SDRA); Informes sobre atención clínica, indican que tiene una incidencia (SDRA) de 3-10 % con necesidad de Asistencia Respiratoria Mecánica (ARM) en pacientes hospitalizados; por lo que dispositivos de oxigenación no invasivos siguen siendo una opción atractiva, de forma inicial. Caso clínico: mujer de 47 años con insuficiencia respiratoria secundario a neumonía por COVID-19, por la gravedad se indica su ingreso a terapia intensiva, pero por razones de falta de unidad es manejada en unidad respiratoria, con el uso de dispositivos de oxigenación de armado ARTESAL, de manera exitosa, con la utilización de CNAF-artesanal, se pretende mejorar el trabajo respiratorio, índices de oxigenación, mientras se da tratamiento a la infección por el COVID-19; el objetivo del presente caso es reportar el presente caso con evolución favorable a la literatura disponible. Discusión: El uso de terapia de oxigenación con dispositivo de Cánula Nasal de Alto Flujo, aún no ha sido normatizado en pacientes con COVID-19, pero existe evidencia clínica sobre los efectos beneficiosos en la insuficiencia respiratoria en neonatos mas no en adultos. Conclusión: El uso temprano de la CNAF-artesanal en la insuficiencia respiratoria resulta muy atractivo, más aún con dispositivo de confección artesanal, da una opción más al paciente fuera de UTI, pudiendo apoyar en evitar la intubación y su ingreso a ventilación mecánica.

The risks associated with pneumonia (SARS-CoV-2) is the generation of secondary respiratory failure that in some cases will trigger the much feared respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Reports on clinical care indicate that it has an incidence (ARDS) of 3-10% with the need for Mechanical Respiratory Assistance (ARM) in hospitalized patients; so non-invasive oxygenation devices remain an attractive option, initially. Clinical case: a 47-year-old woman with respiratory failure secondary to covid-19 pneumonia. Due to the severity, her admission to intensive care is indicated, but for reasons of lack of unity, she is managed in a common room, with the use of high-pressure oxygenation devices. ARTISAL assembly, successfully, with the use of CNAF-artisanal, is intended to improve the work of breathing, and oxygenation indices, while treating the infection by COVID-19; The objective of this case is to report the present case with a favorable evolution based on the available literature. Discussion: The use of oxygenation therapy with a High Flow Nasal Cannula device has not yet been standardized in patients with COVID-19, but there is clinical evidence on the beneficial effects in respiratory failure in neonates but not in adults. Conclusion: The early use of the artisan HFNC in respiratory failure is very attractive, even more so with an artisanal device, it gives the patient another option outside the ICU, being able to help avoid intubation and admission to mechanical ventilation.

Non-invasive prenatal screening & diagnosis of ?-thalassaemia in an affected foetus

Background & objectives: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of maternally inherited alleles of ?-thalassaemia (MIB) remains to be a challenge. Furthermore, current techniques are not available for use as routine tests. NIPT for ?-thalassaemia disease was developed by using a specific droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to analyze the cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) derived from maternal plasma. Methods: Pregnant women and their spouses who are at risk of bearing an offspring with ?-thalassaemia disease from common MIB mutations (CD 41/42-TCTT, CD17A>T, IVS1-1G>T and CD26G>A) were enrolled. The ddPCR assay sets were constructed for each of the four mutations. All cell-free DNA samples were first screened for the paternally inherited ?-thalassaemia (PIB) mutation. The PIB-negative samples were considered as non-disease and were not further analyzed. For PIB-positive samples, DNA fragments of 50-300 base pairs in size were isolated and purified, and further analyzed for MIB mutation. The allelic ratio between the mutant and the wild-type was used to determine the presence of MIB in cffDNA. All cases underwent a prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis for a definite diagnosis. Results: Forty two couples at risk were enrolled. Twenty two samples were positive for PIBs. Among these 22 samples, there were 10 cases with allelic ratio >1.0 (MIB positive). All foetuses with over-represented mutant alleles were further diagnosed with ?-thalassaemia disease; eight with compound heterozygous and two with homozygous mutations. The 20 PIB-negative and 12 MIB-negative foetuses were non-affected. Interpretation & conclusions: The results of this study suggest that NIPT utilizing the ddPCR assay can be effectively used for the screening and diagnosis of foetal ?-thalassaemia in at risk pregnancies.

Multifaceted role of cardiovascular biomarkers

Cardiovascular diseases, a global health issue, claim the lives of many every year. Lifestyle changes and genetic predisposition are the key drivers for the development of CVDs. In many of the patients, the disease is detected at the end stage making heart transplantation the only treatment option. Hence every attempt should be made to identify the risk at an early stage and initiate preventive measures to improve the quality of their life. Biomarkers are one of the critical factors that aid in the early diagnosis of CVDs. More specific and highly sensitive biomarkers have been discovered lately and have been employed for prognosis and diagnosis of CVDs. The present review briefs about the various categories of cardiovascular biomarkers with emphasis on novel biomarkers and discusses the biomarkers employed for different purposes in CVDs. The biomarkers have also helped in identifying COVID-19 patients with increased risk for developing cardiovascular complications. Being non-invasive makes biomarkers advantageous over other methods for evaluating the pathophysiological status of CVDs.

Mapping the modulating effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on voxel-based analyses in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Introduction: Seed-based analysis has shown that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can modulate the dysfunctional brain network in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the voxel-based neuropsychological mechanism of taVNS on patients with first-episode MDD is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week course of taVNS on patients with first-episode MDD. Methods: Twenty-two patients with first-episode MDD accepted an 8-week course of taVNS treatment. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans were performed before and after treatment. Voxel-based analyses were performed to characterize spontaneous brain activity. Healthy controls (n=23) were recruited to minimize test-retest effects. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to ascertain treatment-related changes. Then, correlations between changes in brain activity and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)/Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) remission rate were estimated. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions on voxel-based analyses were observed in the inferior ventral striatum (VSi) and precuneus. Post-hoc analyses showed that taVNS inhibited higher brain activity in the VSi, while upregulating it in the precuneus. Functional connectivity (FC) between the VSi and precuneus decreased. Positive correlations were found between the HAM-D remission rate and changes in brain activity in the VSi. Conclusion: taVNS reduced the FC between VSi and precuneus by normalizing the abnormal spontaneous brain activity of VSi in first-episode MDD patients.

Fatty Liver (part 2): Clinical Approach and Treatment

Patients with fatty liver are almost always asymptomatic; aminotransferases are usually elevated two to five times the expected value and are an important cause of initial consultation. All images can show fatty liver, and liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. In any patient, non-invasive tests are an excellent alternative to biopsy to determine the degree of liver fibrosis and establish the stage of fibrogenesis. Weight loss and exercise are the fundamental pillars of the indicated treatment for all patients with overweight or obesity; a weight loss between 5% and 10% and a diet with caloric restriction of 500-1000 kcal/day, low in saturated fat and rich in Mediterranean diet products such as fruit, fish, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, among others, are recommended. There are other treatments, such as pharmacological measures and endoscopic and surgical procedures.

Los pacientes con hígado graso son casi siempre asintomáticos, las aminotransferasas usualmente están elevadas dos a cinco veces el valor normal y son una causa importante de consulta inicial. Todas las imágenes pueden evidenciar el hígado graso y la biopsia hepática sigue siendo la prueba de oro para su diagnóstico. En cualquier paciente las pruebas no invasivas son una excelente alternativa a la biopsia para determinar el grado de fibrosis hepática y establecer en qué etapa de la fibrogénesis se encuentra. La pérdida de peso y el ejercicio son los pilares fundamentales del tratamiento indicado para todos los pacientes con sobrepeso u obesidad; se recomienda una pérdida de peso entre 5% y 10% del peso corporal y una dieta con restricción calórica de 500-1000 kcal/día, baja en grasas saturadas y rica en productos de la dieta mediterránea como fruta, pescado, verduras, frutos secos, aceite de oliva, entre otros. Hay otros tratamientos como las medidas farmacológicas y los procedimientos endoscópicos y quirúrgicos.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada en cuidados intensivos: diez años de experiencia / Non invasive mechanic ventilation in patients with acute chronic obstructive lung disease in intensive cares: ten years of experience:en

Introducción: La ventilación no invasiva es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar agudizada. Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas, clínicas, ventilatorias y hemogasométricas en pacientes tratados con ventilación no invasiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 234 pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica agudizada, ventilados de forma no invasiva en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba de enero de 2011 a septiembre de 2021. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino, la neumonía extrahospitalaria y la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica; mientras que la edad media fue de 71 años y la ventilación no invasiva fracasó en 53,8 % de los afectados. Asimismo, la frecuencia respiratoria disminuyó de 34,3 a 23,5 respiraciones por minuto en la segunda hora y se observó, además, un incremento del pH, así como de la relación presión arterial de O2/fracción inspirada de O2 y saturación de oxígeno a la pulsioximetría/fracción inspiratoria de O2. La presión arterial de CO2 tuvo valores promedio de 61,8 mmHg al inicio y de 60,7 mmHg en la segunda hora. Conclusiones: Los valores basales de las variables clínicas, hemogasométricas y ventilatorias mejoraron luego del tratamiento con ventilación no invasiva. Entre los parámetros asociados al fracaso del tratamiento figuraron: frecuencia cardiaca, frecuencia respiratoria, presión arterial de CO2, escala de coma de Glasgow, pH y presencia de fugas; igualmente, la estadía prolongada, la ventilación por más de 48 horas y la mortalidad estuvieron relacionadas con dicho fracaso.

Introduction: The non invasive ventilation is an effective treatment in patients with acute lung disease. Objective: To describe the demographic, clinical, ventilatory and hemogasometric characteristics in patients treated with non invasive ventilation. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of 234 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, non-invasive ventilated in the Intensive Cares Unit of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out, from January, 2011 to September, 2021. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of male sex, non hospital acquired pneumonia and chronic heart failure; while the mean age was 71 years and non invasive ventilation failed in 53.8 % of those affected. Also, the respiratory rate decreased from 34.3 to 23.5 breaths per minute in the second hour and an increase in pH was also observed, as well as in the relationship arterial pressure of O2/inspired fraction of O2 and oxygen saturation to the pulsioximetry/inspiratory fraction of O2. The arterial pressure of CO2 had average values of 61.8 mmHg to the beginning and of 60.7 mmHg in the second hour. Conclusions: The basal values of clinical, hemogasometric and ventilatory variables improved after treatment with non invasive ventilation. Among the parameters associated with the treatment failure there were heart frequency, respiratory frequency, arterial pressure of CO2, coma Glasgow scale, pH and leaks; equally, the long stay, the ventilation for more than 48 hours and mortality were related to this failure.

Application of self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover in preventing facial pressure injury in patients with non-invasive ventilation / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To observe the application effect of self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover on the prevention of facial pressure injury in patients with non-invasive ventilation, and to explore the effective method of preventing facial pressure injury.Methods:A prospective study was conducted. Patients with mild to moderate respiratory failure and non-invasive ventilation admitted to the department of intensive care medicine of Harisen International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University from March 2020 to August 2021 were enrolled, and they were divided into gauze pad group, foam dressing group and self-made anti-pressure ulcer cotton cover group by random number table method. Before wearing the ventilator mask, the gauze pad group and the foam auxiliary dressing group should fold or cut out the auxiliary dressing with the corresponding size and suitable for the patient's facial contour. In the self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover group, the ventilator cotton cover could be worn only by selecting the cotton cover suitable for the patient's face shape, aligning the vent to the mouth and nose, and tying the fixed belt behind the ear. The incidence of facial pressure sore, the time required to connect man-machine interface (from the preparation of auxiliary dressing for pressure sores to the connection of ventilator) and the cost of dressing were compared among the three groups.Results:A total of 150 patients with non-invasive ventilation were enrolled, with 50 patients in each group. Compared with the gauze pad group and the foam dressing group, the incidence of facial pressure sore in the self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover group was significantly reduced [6.0% (3/50) vs. 44.0% (22/50), 12.0% (6/50), both P < 0.05], and the time required to connect the man-machine interface was significantly shortened (minutes: 5.0±1.5 vs. 10.0±1.5, 8.0±2.0, both P < 0.05), dressing cost was significantly reduced (yuan: 30±10 vs. 150±20, 118±29, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Compared with the gauze pad and the foam dressing, the incidence of facial pressure sore in non-invasive ventilation patients with self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover is lower, the time required to connect man-machine interface is shorter, and the cost of pressure sore prevention dressing is less, which is suitable for the prevention of facial pressure injury in non-invasive ventilation patients.

Early clinical application and prediction of ROX index in patients with high-flow nasal canula oxygen therapy / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the application value of ROX index in evaluating the effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) on patients diagnosed with respiratory failure, and to find a simpler and more effective method to observe the efficacy of HFNC.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients who were admitted to department of critical care medicine of the Tianjin Third Central Hospital from April 2020 to August 2022, diagnosed with type Ⅰ respiratory failure, and treated with HFNC after failure of conventional oxygen therapy were enrolled. Oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2), gas flow rate at the initial time of admission, and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2), FiO 2 and respiratory rate (RR) at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours of HFNC were collected, and ROX index was calculated. The patients with symptoms and PaO 2/FiO 2 improved after HFNC treatment and without higher respiratory support lately were defined as HFNC success, while other patients with symptoms worsening and needing follow-up non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) were defined as HFNC failure. The tendency of changes in the ROX index at each time point was observed. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted to obtain the optimum cut-off value of ROX index for predicting HFNC outcome and the optimal monitoring time point for HFNC. Results:A total of 142 patients were eventually enrolled, among whom 96 patients (67.61%) were in treated with HFNC successfully, while 46 patients (32.39%) were recorded as HFNC failure (39 patients and 7 patients received NIPPV or IPPV, respectively), with an overall intubation rate of 4.93% (7/142). Compared with the HFNC success group, the HFNC failure group had lower PaO 2/FiO 2 [mmHg (1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 208.8±37.3 vs. 235.7±48.3, P < 0.01] and higher initial gas flow rate (L/min: 46.4±3.9 vs. 42.3±4.9, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in gender, age, primary diagnosis, severity of disease, hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) between the two groups. In the HFNC failure group, there were 12 patients (26.09%) received progressive oxygen therapy within 12 hours of HFNC, of which 3 patients (6.52%) occurred within 6 hours, while the other 9 patients (19.57%) occurred after 6 hours. The initial ROX index was not statistically significant between the two groups. Both groups showed a continuous increasing ROX index with longer treatment duration of HFNC, and the ROX index at all of the time points of the HFNC failure group was significantly lower than that of the HFNC success group with statistically significant difference (2 hours: 9.39±2.85 vs. 10.91±3.51, 4 hours: 8.62±2.29 vs. 11.40±3.18, 6 hours: 7.62±1.65 vs. 11.85±3.45, 8 hours: 7.79±1.59 vs. 11.62±3.10, 10 hours: 7.97±1.62 vs. 12.44±2.75, 12 hours: 8.84±2.51 vs. 12.45±3.03, all P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of ROX index assessing the effect of HFNC at the time of treating 6, 8 and 10 hours were better than 2, 4 and 12 hours (0.890, 0.903, 0.930 vs. 0.585, 0.738 and 0.829), indicating that the ROX index could determine the efficacy at the early stage of HFNC (within 6 hours). When the optimum cut-off value of ROX index was 8.78, the sensitivity was 90.6%, and the specificity was 76.5%. Conclusion:The ROX index at 6 hours of HFNC has a certain predictive value for the efficacy of HFNC with an optimum cut-off value of 8.78, which can provide clinical health care personnel a method for observing the efficacy of HFNC, and guide the correct selection of oxygen therapy modality at an early stage and timely adjustment of oxygen therapy strategy.

Predictive value of HACOR score on the clinical outcome of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pulmonary encephalopathy / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the predictive value of HACOR score [heart rate (H), acidosis (A), consciousness (C), oxygenation (O), and respiratory rate (R)] on the clinical outcome of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in patients with pulmonary encephalopathy due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:A prospective study was conducted. The patients with COPD combined with pulmonary encephalopathy who were admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 1, 2017 to June 1, 2021 and initially received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation were enrolled. Besides non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, standard medical treatments were delivered to these patients according to guidelines. The need for endotracheal intubation was judged as failure of non-invasive ventilation treatment. Early failure was defined as the need for endotracheal intubation within 48 hours of treatment, and late failure was defined as the need for endotracheal intubation 48 hours and later. The HACOR score at different time points after non-invasive ventilation, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the total length of hospital stay, and the clinical outcome were recorded. The above indexes of patients with non-invasive ventilation were compared between successful and failed groups. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive effect of HACOR score on the failure of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the treatment of COPD with pulmonary encephalopathy.Results:A total of 630 patients were evaluated, and 51 patients were enrolled, including 42 males (82.35%) and 9 females (17.65%), with a median age of 70.0 (62.0, 78.0) years old. Among the 51 patients, 36 patients (70.59%) were successfully treated with non-invasive ventilation and discharged from the hospital eventually, and 15 patients (29.41%) failed and switched to invasive ventilation, of which 10 patients (19.61%) were defined early failure, 5 patients (9.80%) were late failure. The length of ICU and the total length of hospital stay of the non-invasive ventilation successful group were significantly longer than those of the non-invasive ventilation failure group [length of ICU stay (days): 13.0 (10.0, 16.0) vs. 5.0 (3.0, 8.0), total length of hospital stay (days): 23.0 (12.0, 28.0) vs. 12.0 (9.0, 15.0), both P < 0.01]. The HACOR score of patients at 1-2 hours in the non-invasive ventilation failure group was significantly higher than that in the successful group [10.47 (6.00, 16.00) vs. 6.00 (3.25, 8.00), P < 0.05]. However, there was no significant difference in HACOR score before non-invasive ventilation and at 3-6 hours between the two groups. The ROC curve showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 1-2 hour HACOR score after non-invasive ventilation for predicting non-invasive ventilation failure in COPD patients with pulmonary encephalopathy was 0.686, and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.504-0.868. When the best cut-off value was 10.50, the sensitivity was 60.03%, the specificity was 86.10%, positive predictive value was 91.23%, and negative predictive value was 47.21%. Conclusions:Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation could prevent 70.59% of COPD patients with pulmonary encephalopathy from intubation. HACOR score was valuable to predict non-invasive positive pressure ventilation failure in pulmonary encephalopathy patients due to COPD.

Prenatal Diagnosis of 18q Deletion Syndrome / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the prenatal diagnostic methods of 18q deletion syndrome and improve understanding on the value of non-invasive prenatal testing （NIPT） in prenatal diagnosis of 18q deletion syndrome. Methods18q deletion syndrome was detected by conventional methods such as serological screening， ultrasonic imaging examination， chromosome karyotype analyses of both amniotic fluid cells and parental peripheral blood， and molecular biological techniques including NIPT， chromosomal microarray analysis （CMA） and copy number variation sequencing （CNV-Seq）. Genetic counseling was conducted based on these examination results. ResultsNIPT identified a 24 MB deletion on the chromosome 18 which contained 17 genes including BCL2 by karyotype analysis of amniotic fluid cells and CMA. Further ultrasonic imaging examination confirmed the diagnosis of 18q deletion syndrome and karyotype analysis of parental peripheral blood revealed a de novo deletion mutation. ConclusionsInterventional prenatal diagnosis is an integral standard for the diagnosis of 18q deletion syndrome. NIPT， as an important screening test in middle pregnancy， can indicate the early possible chromosome segment deletion and reduce the time and economic cost when no abnormality is found in ultrasonic imaging.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus non-invasive ventilation for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with acute-moderate hypercapnic respiratory failure: a randomized controlled trial of non-inferiority / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with moderate typeⅡ respiratory failure, to clarify the feasibility of HFNC in the treatment of AECOPD, and to explore the influencing factors of HFNC failure.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial of non-inferiority. Patients with AECOPD with moderate type Ⅱ respiratory failure [arterial blood gas pH 7.25-7.35, partial pressure of arterial blood carbon dioxide (PaCO 2)> 50 mmHg] admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from January 2018 to December 2021 were randomly assigned to the HFNC group and NIV group to receive respiratory support. The primary endpoint was the treatment failure rate. The secondary endpoints were blood gas analysis and vital signs at 1 h, 12 h, and 48 h, total duration of respiratory support, 28-day mortality, comfort score, ICU length of stay, and total length of stay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the failure factors of HFNC treatment. Results:Totally 228 patients were randomly divided into two groups, 108 patients in the HFNC group and 110 patients in the NIV group. The treatment failure rate was 29.6% in the HFNC group and 25.5% in the NIV group. The risk difference of failure rate between the two groups was 4.18% (95% CI: -8.27%~16.48%, P=0.490), which was lower than the non-inferiority value of 9%. The most common causes of failure in the HFNC group were carbon dioxide retention and aggravation of respiratory distress, and the most common causes of failure in the NIV group were treatment intolerance and aggravation of respiratory distress. Treatment intolerance in the HFNC group was significantly lower than that in the NIV group (-29.02%, 95% CI -49.52%~-7.49%; P=0.004). After 1 h of treatment, the pH in both groups increased significantly, PaCO 2 decreased significantly and the oxygenation index increased significantly compared with baseline (all P < 0.05). PaCO 2 in both groups decreased gradually at 1 h, 12 h and 48 h after treatment, and the pH gradually increased. The average number of daily airway care interventions and the incidence of nasal and facial lesions in the HFNC group were significantly lower than those in the NIV group ( P < 0.05), while the comfort score in the HFNC group was significantly higher than that in the NIV group ( P=0.021). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the total duration of respiratory support, dyspnea score, ICU length of stay, total length of stay and 28-day mortality (all P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ score (≥15), family NIV, history of cerebrovascular accident, PaCO 2 (≥60 mmHg) and respiratory rate (≥32 times/min) at 1 h were independent predictors of HFNC failure. Conclusions:HFNC is not inferior to NIV in the treatment of AECOPD complicated with moderate type Ⅱ respiratory failure. HFNC is an ideal choice of respiratory support for patients with NIV intolerance, but clinical application should pay attention to the influencing factors of its treatment failure.