Índice leucocitos/eosinófilos como marcador pronóstico del choque séptico / Leukocyte/eosinophil Ratio as a Prognostic Marker of Septic Choque

Introducción: Se ha reconocido mundialmente el choque séptico como causa de una alta incidencia en la mortalidad. La incorporación de nuevos biomarcadores posibilita la obtención de un diagnóstico rápido y preciso. Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos como marcador pronóstico del choque séptico. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación en dos etapas: la primera descriptiva en la cual se detallaron las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y las variaciones de los estudios de laboratorio y la segunda explicativa de cohorte para estimar el valor predictivo del biomarcador leucocitos/eosinopenia en el choque séptico. Se realizó el recuento de eosinófilos y se obtuvo la media aritmética. Se consideró eosinopenia relativa con valores por debajo de la media de eosinófilos. Resultados: En el estudio se demostró que la leucocitosis fue de (27,4 células*mm3), la disminución del hematocrito (32,2 por ciento) y el descenso del número plaquetario (125,6 célula*mm3) prevalecen en el choque séptico. Además se refleja el descenso de los eosinófilos (18,5 células/mcl), aumento del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos (148,1) y empeoramiento del SOFA (2,8). El aumento del índice leucocitos/eosinófilos se correlaciona con el aumento de la proteína C reactiva y la procalcitonina. Conclusiones: La correlación de la leucocitosis y la eosinopenia mostró la utilidad del índice leucocitos/eosinopenia como factor de predicción del choque séptico(AU)

Introduction: Septic shock has been recognized worldwide as a cause of high incidence of mortality. The incorporation of new biomarkers makes it possible to obtain a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio as a prognostic marker of septic shock. Methods: An investigation was carried out in two stages: in the first (the descriptive phase) the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and variations of the laboratory studies were detailed and in the second (the explanatory cohort phase), the predictive value of the leukocytes/eosinopenia biomarker in septic shock was estimated. The eosinophil count was performed and the arithmetic mean was obtained. Relative eosinopenia was considered with eosinophil values below the average. Results: The study showed that leukocytosis was 27.4 cells*mm3, hematocrit decreased in 32.2percent and decreased platelet number (125.6 cells*mm3) prevail in septic shock. In addition, a decrease in eosinophils (18.5 cells/mcl), an increase in the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio (148.1) and worsening of SOFA (2.8) are reflected. The increase in the leukocyte/eosinophil ratio is correlated with the increase in C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Conclusions: The correlation of leukocytosis and eosinopenia showed the usefulness of the leukocyte/eosinopenia index as a predictor of septic shock(AU)

Mortalidad de la sepsis en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Mortality from sepsis in intensive care unit

INTRODUCCIÓN. La sepsis es un estado de disfunción multisistémica, que se produce por una respuesta desregulada del huésped a la infección. Diversos factores influyen en la gravedad, manifestaciones clínicas y progresión de la sepsis, tales como, heterogeneidad inmunológica y regulación dinámica de las vías de señalización celular. La evolución de los pacientes depende del tratamiento oportuno, las escalas de puntuación clínica permiten saber la mortalidad estimada. OBJETIVO. Evaluar la mortalidad en la unidad de cuidados intensivos; establecer el manejo y la utilidad de aplicar paquetes de medidas o "bundlers" para evitar la progresión a disfunción, fallo multiorgánico y muerte. METODOLOGÍA. Modalidad de investigación tipo revisión sistemática. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos como Google académico, Mendeley, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, revistas como New England Journal Medicine, Critical Care, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal. Se obtuvo las guías "Sobreviviendo a la sepsis" actualización 2021, 3 guías internacionales, 10 estudios observacionales, 2 estudios multicéntricos, 5 ensayos aleatorizados, 6 revisiones sistémicas, 5 metaanálisis, 1 reporte de caso clínico, 4 artículos con opiniones de expertos y actualizaciones con el tema mortalidad de la sepsis en UCI con un total de 36 artículos científicos. RESULTADOS. La mortalidad de la sepsis en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, fue menor en el hospital oncológico de Guayaquil, seguido de Australia, Alemania, Quito, Francia, Estados Unidos de Norteamérica y Vietnan, La mortalidad más alta se observa en pacientes con enfermedades del tejido conectivo. DISCUSIÓN. La aplicación de los paquetes de medidas o "bundlers" en la sepsis, se asocia con una mejor supervivencia y menores días de estancia hospitalaria. CONCLUSIÓN. Las escalas SOFA, APACHE II y SAPS II ayudan a predecir la mortalidad de forma eficiente, en la detección y el tratamiento temprano en pacientes con enfermedades agudas y de alto riesgo.

INTRODUCTION. Sepsis is a state of multisystem dysfunction, which is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Several factors influence the severity, clinical manifestations and progression of sepsis, such as immunological heterogeneity and dynamic regulation of cell signaling pathways. The evolution of patients depends on timely treatment, clinical scoring scales allow to know the estimated mortality. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate mortality in the intensive care unit; to establish the management and usefulness of applying bundlers to prevent progression to dysfunction, multiorgan failure and death. METHODOLOGY. Systematic review type research modality. A bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as Google Scholar, Mendeley, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, journals such as New England Journal Medicine, Critical Care, Journal of the American Medical Association, British Medical Journal. We obtained the guidelines "Surviving Sepsis" update 2021, 3 international guidelines, 10 observational studies, 2 multicenter studies, 5 randomized trials, 6 systemic reviews, 5 meta-analyses, 1 clinical case report, 4 articles with expert opinions and updates on the subject of sepsis mortality in ICU with a total of 36 scientific articles. RESULTS. The mortality of sepsis in the intensive care unit, was lower in the oncological hospital of Guayaquil, followed by Australia, Germany, Quito, France, United States of America and Vietnam, The highest mortality is observed in patients with connective tissue diseases. DISCUSSION. The application of bundlers in sepsis is associated with better survival and shorter days of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS. The SOFA, APACHE II and SAPS II scales help to predict mortality efficiently in the early detection and treatment of patients with acute and high-risk disease.

Asociación entre índice de masa corporal y mortalidad en pacientes críticos con choque séptico / Association between body mass index and mortality in critical ill patients with septic shock

INTRODUCCIÓN. La paradoja de la obesidad propone que, en determinadas enfermedades, los enfermos con obesidad tienen menor mortalidad. OBJETIVO. Asociar el índice de masa corporal con la mortalidad a 30 días en adultos con choque séptico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, multicéntrico. Se analizaron 673 pacientes con choque séptico, ingresados en terapia intensiva de dos hospitales de la ciudad de la ciudad de Quito ­ Ecuador, durante enero 2017 - diciembre 2019. Criterios de inclusión: Mayores a 18 años, choque séptico, registro de peso, talla y condición vital al día 30. Criterios de exclusión: Orden de no reanimación, embarazadas, protocolo de donación de órganos, cuidados paliativos. Las variables se recolectaron a partir de las historias clínicas digitales y físicas de los centros participantes. Las estimaciones de riesgo calculadas se presentaron como OR (Odds Ratio) en el análisis bivariado y OR Adj (OR ajustado) para el análisis multivariado. Un valor de p <0.05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. Todos los análisis estadísticos se realizaron usando el software estadístico R® (Versión 4.1.2). RESULTADOS. La edad promedio fue de 65 años, índice de masa corporal promedio 25,9 Kg/m2 (+4,9 Kg/m2). El 54,3% tuvo índice de masa corporal > 25 Kg/m2. La mortalidad general fue 49.2%. Sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad tuvieron menor mortalidad, OR: 0,48 (IC 95%: 0.34, 0.68; p <0.0001) y OR 0.45 (IC 95 %: 0.28, 0.70; p =0.001) respectivamente, con similar tendencia en el análisis multivariado. Los sujetos con peso bajo tuvieron la mayor mortalidad (OR: 2.12. IC 95%: 0.91 - 5.54. p: 0.097). DISCUSIÓN. Los resultados obtenidos apoyan la teoría de paradoja de obesidad, sin embargo, no se realizó evaluación según los niveles de obesidad. CONCLUSIÓN. La mortalidad en choque séptico es menor en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad comparada con sujetos con peso normal o bajo peso.

The obesity paradox proposes that, in certain diseases, patients with obesity have lower mortality. OBJECTIVE. To associate body mass index with 30-day mortality in adults with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical, retrospective, multicenter, retrospective study. We analyzed 673 patients with septic shock, admitted to intensive care in two hospitals in the city of Quito - Ecuador, during January 2017 - December 2019. Inclusion criteria: older than 18 years, septic shock, weight, height and vital condition at day 30. Exclusion criteria: Do not resuscitate order, pregnant women, organ donation protocol, palliative care. Variables were collected from the digital and physical medical records of the participating centers. Calculated risk estimates were presented as OR (Odds Ratio) in bivariate analysis and OR Adj (adjusted OR) for multivariate analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analyses were performed using R® statistical software (Version 4.1.2). RESULTS. The mean age was 65 years, mean body mass index 25.9 kg/m2 (+4.9 kg/m2). Body mass index > 25 kg/m2 was 54.3%. Overall mortality was 49.2%. Overweight and obese subjects had lower mortality, OR: 0.48 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.68; p<0.0001) and OR 0.45 (95 % CI: 0.28, 0.70; p=0.001) respectively, with similar trend in multivariate analysis. Underweight subjects had the highest mortality (OR: 2.12. 95% CI: 0.91 - 5.54. p: 0.097). DISCUSSION. The results obtained support the obesity paradox theory, however, assessment according to obesity levels was not performed. CONCLUSIONS. Mortality in septic shock is lower in overweight and obese subjects compared to normal weight or underweight subjects.

Aplicación del índice de mortalidad pediátrica 3 y evaluación de falla orgánica secuencial pediátrica en una unidad de cuidados intensivos en México / Implementation of the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 and the pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in an intensive care unit in Mexico

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el índice de mortalidad pediátrica 3 (PIM 3) y la evaluación de falla orgánica secuencial pediátrica (pSOFA) para predicción de muerte. Métodos. Estudio observacional prospectivo; se incluyeron pacientes de 1 mes a 17,9 años. La precisión se evaluó con el área bajo la curva (AUC) y se estimó la tasa de mortalidad estandarizada. Resultados. Se estudiaron 244 ingresos; la mediana de edad fue 60 meses. Los diagnósticos principales fueron neoplasias sólidas o hematológicas (26,5 %). La mortalidad por ingresos fue del 18 % (44/244). Para PIM 3 el AUC fue de 0,77 y para pSOFA, de 0,81; ambas escalas mostraron adecuada calibración (p > 0,05). La tasa de mortalidad estandarizada fue de 1,91. Conclusiones. Identificamos que las escalas de evaluación de mortalidad PIM 3 y pSOFA muestran capacidad de discriminación aceptable. En pacientes con neoplasias sólidas o hematológicas, PIM 3 no mostró adecuada calibración.

Introduction. The study objective was to analyze the Pediatric Index of Mortality 3 (PIM 3) and the pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) for the prediction of mortality. Methods. Observational, prospective study; patients aged 1 month to 17.9 years were included. Assessment of area under the curve (AUC) accuracy and estimation of standardized mortality rate. Results. A total of 244 admissions were studied: median age was 60 months. The main diagnoses were solid or hematologic neoplasms (26.5%). The mortality by admission was 18% (44/244). The AUC was 0.77 for PIM 3 and 0.81 for pSOFA; both scales showed an adequate calibration (p > 0.05). The standardized mortality rate was 1.91. Conclusions. We identified that the PIM 3 and pSOFA have an acceptable discrimination power. The calibration of the PIM 3 was not adequate in patients with solid or hematologic neoplasms.

Ética do uso de escores prognósticos em unidade de terapia intensiva: revisão integrativa / Ethics in the use of prognostic scores in intensive care units: an integrative review / Ética del uso de puntajes pronósticos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos: una revisión integradora

Resumo O enfrentamento da covid-19 suscitou uma série de problemas na área da saúde, em razão do aumento da demanda de cuidados intensivos. Para solucionar a crise causada pela escassez de recursos de alta complexidade, a tomada de decisão tem se norteado por escores prognósticos, porém esse processo inclui uma dimensão moral, ainda que esta seja menos evidente. Mediante revisão integrativa, este artigo buscou refletir sobre a razoabilidade da utilização de indicadores de gravidade para definir a alocação de recursos escassos na saúde. Observou-se que o trabalho realizado em situações de escassez de recursos provoca sobrecarga moral, convergindo para busca por soluções padronizadas e objetivas, como a utilização de escores prognósticos. Conclui-se que seu uso isolado e indiscriminado não é eticamente aceitável e merece avaliação cautelosa, mesmo em situações emergenciais, como a da covid-19.

Abstract Facing COVID-19 caused many problems in the healthcare field, due to the rise in the intensive care demand. To solve this crisis, caused by the scarcity of resources of high complexity, decision-making has been guided by prognostic scores; however, this process includes a moral dimension, although less evident. With na integrative review, this article sought to reflect on the reasonability of using severity indicators to define the allocation of the scarce resources in healthcare. We observed that the work carried out on resource scarcity situations causes moral overload, converging to the search for standard and objective solutions, such as the use of prognostic scores. We conclude that their isolated and indiscriminate use is not ethically acceptable and deserves cautious evaluation, even in emergency situations, such as COVID-19.

Resumen La lucha contra el Covid-19 implicó una serie de problemas en el área de la salud, debido al aumento de la demanda de cuidados intensivos. Para solucionar la crisis provocada por la escasez de recursos de alta complejidad, la toma de decisiones estuvo orientada por puntuaciones pronósticas, pero este proceso incluye una dimensión moral aún menos evidente. A partir de una revisión integradora, este artículo buscó reflexionar sobre la razonabilidad de utilizar indicadores de gravedad para definir la asignación de recursos escasos en salud. El trabajo realizado en situaciones de escasez de recursos genera sobrecarga moral, llevando a la búsqueda de soluciones estandarizadas y objetivas, como el uso de puntuaciones de pronóstico. Se concluye que su uso aislado e indiscriminado no es éticamente aceptable y merece una cuidadosa evaluación, incluso en situaciones de emergencia, como la del Covid-19.

Cirrosis hepática o falla hepática crónica agudizada: definición y clasificación / Cirrhosis or acute-on-chronic liver failure: definition and classification

Objetivo: la cirrosis se considera el estadio crónico e irreversible de la lesión hepática. Su etiología es diversa y abarca causas como las infecciones víricas, tóxicos como el alcohol, medicamentos, patologías autoinmunes y otras. Discusión: la descompensación de la cirrosis hepática es consecuencia de cambios fisiopatológicos que se dan con el tiempo como ascitis, peritonitis bacteriana espontánea, hemorragia del tubo digestivo, síndrome hepatorrenal, encefalopatía hepática o hipertensión portopulmonar, mientras que la falla hepática crónica agudizada debe considerarse como una entidad que debe diferenciarse de la anterior, ya que es una falla multiorgánica de curso rápido, por lo regular en pacientes hospitalizados en unidad de cuidado intensivo, a menudo secundaria a desencadenantes como estados de choque. El clínico debe identificarlas para su abordaje y evaluación. Conclusiones: el método actual adecuado para estadificar esta entidad es el puntaje CLIFF SOFA, que evalúa la mortalidad a 28 y 90 días, permitiendo intervenciones adecuadas en cada caso.

Objetive: cirrhosis is considered the chronic and irreversible stage of liver injury. Its etiology is diverse and includes causes such as viral infection, toxic substances such as alcohol, drugs, autoimmune conditions and others. Discussion: decompensated cirrhosis is a consequence of pathophysiological changes that occur over time, such as ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy or portopulmonary hypertension, while acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) should be differentiated from cirrhosis, for it is a multiple organ failure of rapid clinical course, usually in patients in the intensive care unit, often secondary to precipitating events such as shock. The clinician must identify the difference between the two for an appropriate approach and evaluation. Conclusion: the current suitable method to stage this entity is the CLIFF SOFA score, which evaluates 28-day and 90-day mortality risk factors, allowing appropriate interventions in each case.

Relação do risco nutricional e perfil glicêmico no desfecho de pacientes críticos / Relationship of nutritional risk and glycemic profile in the outcome of critically ill patients

Em pacientes críticos o risco nutricional e a hiperglicemia associam-se ao aumento da incidência de desfechos desfavoráveis. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação do risco nutricional pelo Nutrition Risk in Critically III, versão modificada (mNUTRIC) e perfil glicêmico nos desfechos de alta, óbito e tempo de internação de pacientes críticos e verificar o impacto das ferramentas Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II (APACHE II) e do Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) nesses desfechos. Método: Estudo longitudinal prospectivo desenvolvido em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Foram incluídos adultos, com tempo ≥ 48 horas de internação e com registro mínimo de duas aferições glicêmicas. Excluíram-se pacientes em cuidados paliativos, readmitidos nas UTI e gestantes. O teste Exato de Fisher e Shapiro Wilk foram utilizados para avaliar as variáveis categóricas e contínuas, respectivamente. Posteriormente, utilizou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney ou t-Student não pareado. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística e linear. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Ao avaliar 35 pacientes, 45,7% apresentaram alto risco nutricional. Foi observado associação do risco nutricional com os desfechos de alta e óbito; o SOFA associou-se ao óbito e tempo de internação. O incremento de 1 ponto no escore do SOFA aumentou a chance de óbito em 83% e tempo maior de internação em 0,49 dias. O perfil glicêmico e APACHE II não se associou aos desfechos. Conclusão: o escore SOFA foi o instrumento que apresentou associações significativas com o desfecho do óbito e maior tempo de internação de pacientes críticos

In critically ill patients, nutritional risk and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased incidence of unfavorable outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the relationship of nutritional risk by the Nutrition Risk in Critically III, modified version (mNUTRIC) and glycemic profile in the outcomes of discharge, death and length of stay in critically ill patients and to verify the impact of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II (APACHE II) and the Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) tools on these outcomes. Method: Prospective longitudinal study developed in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Adults were included, with ≥ 48 hours of hospitalization and with a minimum record of two blood glucose measurements. Patients in palliative care, readmitted to ICU and pregnant women were excluded. Fisher's Exact test and Shapiro Wilk test were used to evaluate categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Subsequently, the Mann-Whitney or unpaired t-Student test was used. Logistic and linear regression analysis was performed. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: When evaluating 35 patients, 45.7% were at high nutritional risk. An association was observed between nutritional risk and discharge and death outcomes; SOFA was associated with death and length of hospital stay. The increment of 1 point in the SOFA score increased the chance of death by 83% and a longer hospital stay by 0.49 days. Glycemic profile and APACHE II were not associated with outcomes. Conclusion: the SOFA score was the instrument that showed significant associations with the outcome of death and longer hospital stay in critically ill patients

Evaluación de gravedad en pacientes agudos / Evaluation of severity in acute patients

Severity meaning the risk of adverse outcomes, death or disability, varies along disease's characteristics and patient related factors. Its evaluation is complex and besides subjective perception several, more objective, clinical tools exist along with laboratory data that independently or used in combination, allows the clinician to approach severity of a given patient's condition or a particular disease. We will review several aspects of the evaluation of severity, clinical and laboratory based in addition of some scoring systems, emphasizing perfusion and organ dysfunction evaluation as key elements to assess severity particularly in critical situations. (AU)

Disfunción orgánica en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia linfoide aguda en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología / Organic dysfunction in pediatric patients with acute lymphoid leukemia at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology

Introducción: El pronóstico de las enfermedades hematológicas malignas ha experimentado un importante avance en las últimas décadas, sobre todo por las nuevas combinaciones de quimioterapia. Estos hechos han propiciado que muchos de estos pacientes, en algún momento de su enfermedad, sean tratados en unidades de cuidados intensivos, lo que no era frecuente hace dos décadas. Objetivo: Describir el desarrollo de la disfunción múltiple de órganos en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia linfoide aguda en terapia intensiva en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio clínico, observacional, transversal en el que se incluyeron los pacientes pediátricos con leucemia linfoblástica aguda y disfunción múltiple de órganos, atendidos en el servicio de terapia intensiva en el periodo 2018 a 2020. Se analizaron las variables: sociodemográficas, estado nutricional, diagnóstico al ingreso, puntaje del score pSOFA, conducta fármaco-terapéutica. Resultados: El grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 1 a 4 años, en su mayoría normopesos, con complicaciones de choque séptico, distrés respiratorio, y con 33 por ciento de mortalidad mayor en aquellos pacientes con score pSOFA con más de 10 puntos. La conducta terapéutica más utilizada fue la administración de oxígeno, fluidoterapia y antibióticos de tercera y cuarta generación en la primera hora de ingreso al servicio. Conclusiones: Si el puntaje del score pSOFA es mayor de 10 puntos existe mayor riesgo de muerte y mortalidad pediátrica (90 por ciento )(AU)

Introduction: The prognosis of hematological malignancies has undergone an important advance in the last decades, mainly due to the new chemotherapy combinations. These facts have led many of these patients to be treated in intensive care units at some point during their illness. Objective: To describe the development of multiple organ dysfunction in pediatric patients with acute lymphoid leukemia in intensive care at the Institute of Hematology and Immunology. Methods: A clinical, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out that included pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple organ dysfunction, treated in the intensive care service in the period from 2018 to 2020. The variables were analyzed: sociodemographic, nutritional status, diagnosis on admission, pSOFA score, drug-therapeutic behavior. Results: The most affected age group was 1 to 4 years old, mostly normal weight, with complications of septic shock, respiratory distress, and 33 percent higher mortality in those patients with a pSOFA score with more than 10 points. The most used therapeutic approach was the administration of oxygen, fluid therapy and third and fourth generation antibiotics in the first hour of admission to the service. Conclusions: If the pSOFA score is greater than 10 points, there is a greater risk of death and pediatric mortality (90 percent)(AU).

Exercise Testing, Family History, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis Markers for Cardiovascular Risk Reclassification in Middle-Aged Women

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.

Desempenho dos escores APACHE II e SOFA em pacientes com injúria renal aguda em uma unidade de terapia intensiva / Performance of APACHE II and SOFA scores in patients with acute kidney injury in an intensive care unit

Objetivo: Validar o desempenho dos escores APACHE II e SOFA para predizer a mortalidade em pacientes com injúria renal aguda em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo observacional e retrospectivo realizado de janeiro de 2018 a setembro de 2020 em um hospital do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram incluídos 256 pacientes. Resultados: Ambos os escores apre- sentaram desempenho adequado para a discriminação da mortalidade em pacientes com injúria renal aguda (área sob a curva para APACHE II de 0,80 e para SOFA de 0,77). Conclusão: A injúria renal aguda é uma condição frequente em ambiente de unidade de terapia intensiva, e os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que ambos os índices são mais precisos quando aplicados em centros únicos e podem ser utilizados rotineiramente para predizer a mortalidade na população

Objective: To validate the performance of the APACHE II and SOFA scores to predict mortality in patients with acute kidney injury in an Intensive Care Unit. Methods: This is an observational and retrospective study conducted from January 2018 to September 2020 at a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 256 patients were included. Results: Both scores showed adequate performance for the discrimination of mortality in acute kidney injury patients (area under the curve of 0.80 for APACHE II and 0.77 for SOFA). Conclusion: Acute kidney injury is a frequent condition in intensive care unit settings and the results of the present study suggest that both indices are more accurate when applied in single centers, and can be used routinely to predict mortality in the population

Funcionalidade e disfunções orgânicas agudas influenciam a mortalidade hospitalar de pacientes críticos com câncer e suspeita de infecção: análise retrospectiva de uma coorte / Performance status and acute organ dysfunction influence hospital mortality in critically ill patients with cancer and suspected infection: a retrospective cohort analysis

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar como a funcionalidade e a disfunção orgânica aguda influenciam a mortalidade hospitalar de pacientes oncológicos admitidos com suspeita de sepse. Métodos: Os dados foram obtidos de uma coorte retrospectiva de pacientes oncológicos com suspeita de infecção admitidos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Estes receberam antibióticos por via parenteral e tiveram suas culturas coletadas. Utilizamos uma regressão logística, para avaliar a mortalidade hospitalar como desfecho, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment e Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group como preditores, além de suas interações. Resultados: Dentre os 450 pacientes incluídos, 265 (58,9%) morreram no hospital. Para os pacientes admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva com Sequential Organ Failure Assessment baixo (≤ 6), o comprometimento da funcionalidade influenciou a mortalidade hospitalar, que foi de 32% entre os pacientes sem comprometimento ou com comprometimento mínimo da funcionalidade e 52% entre os pacientes com comprometimento moderado e grave (p < 0,01). Nos pacientes com Sequential Organ Failure Assessment elevado (> 6), a funcionalidade não influenciou a mortalidade hospitalar (73% entre os pacientes sem comprometimento ou com comprometimento mínimo, e 84% entre os pacientes com comprometimento moderado e grave; p = 0,1). Conclusão: O comprometimento da funcionalidade parece influenciar a mortalidade hospitalar de pacientes oncológicos com suspeita de sepse sem disfunções orgânicas agudas ou que apresentem disfunções leves no momento da admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate how performance status impairment and acute organ dysfunction influence hospital mortality in critically ill patients with cancer who were admitted with suspected sepsis. Methods: Data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of patients, admitted to an intensive care unit, with cancer and with a suspected infection who received parenteral antibiotics and underwent the collection of bodily fluid samples. We used logistic regression with hospital mortality as the outcome and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, and their interactions as predictors. Results: Of 450 patients included, 265 (58.9%) died in the hospital. For patients admitted to the intensive care unit with lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (≤ 6), performance status impairment influenced the in-hospital mortality, which was 32% among those with no and minor performance status impairment and 52% among those with moderate and severe performance status impairment, p < 0.01. However, for those with higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (> 6), performance status impairment did not influence the in-hospital mortality (73% among those with no and minor impairment and 84% among those with moderate and severe impairment; p = 0.1). Conclusion: Performance status impairment seems to influence hospital mortality in critically ill cancer patients with suspected sepsis when they have less severe acute organ dysfunction at the time of intensive care unit admission.

Utilidad pronóstica de la escala qSOFA en pacientes ingresados en un servicio de Medicina Interna por enfermedades infecciosas / Prognostic utility of the qSOFA scale in patients admitted to an Internal Medicine service due to infectious diseases

INTRODUCCIÓN: La sepsis es una entidad grave siendo su sospecha y tratamiento precoces claves para el pronóstico. OBJETIVO: Analizar la utilidad pronóstica de la escala qSOFA en pacientes que ingresan por infección en un servicio de Medicina Interna. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, tranversal, de los pacientes ingresados con infección en el Hospital General de Castellón (España) de noviembre de 2017 a febrero de 2018. Criterio de inclusión: pacientes admitidos por la sospecha de un proceso infeccioso. Variable principal dependiente: mortalidad. Variable principal independiente: qSOFA. Variables secundarias: tiempo hasta primera valoración médica y hasta inicio de antibioterapia empírica en Urgencias (minutos), características demográficas del paciente, analíticas y evolutivas. RESULTADOS: Se analizó un total de 311 pacientes, 145 varones, edad media 78 años (DE 16,23). Setenta y cinco (24%) presentaron qSOFA ≥ 2. Se observó una mayor mortalidad en aquellos pacientes con qSOFA ≥ 2 (36 vs 11%, p = 0,00). CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes admitidos con enfermedades infecciosas, un valor de qSOFA > = 2 se asoció a mayor mortalidad. Se requieren futuros estudios para comprobar su potencial utilidad diagnóstica.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a serious entity. Diagnosis and early treatment is important for the prognosis. AIM: To analyze the prognostic utility of the qSOFA scale as a predictor of mortality in patients admitted by infection in an Internal Medicine Service and describe its demographic characteristics and possible association with mortalilty. METHODS: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of patients admitted with diagnosis of acute infection at the General Hospital of Castellon (Spain) from November 2017 to February 2018. Inclusion criteria: patients admitted on suspicion of an infectious process. Main dependent variable: mortality. Independent main variable: qSOFA scale. Secondary variables: time until the first medical evaluation and the start of empirical antibiotic therapy, demographic characteristics of the patient, analytics and evolutional. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients were analyzed, 145 men with an average age of 78 (DE 16,23). Seventy five presented qSOFA ≥ 2. Higher mortality was observed in those patients with qSOFA ≥ 2 (36% vs 11%, p = 0.00). CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with infectious diseases, a qSOFA value > = 2 was associated with higher mortality. Future studies are required to verify its potential diagnostic utility.

Inflamación sistémica y sepsis. Parte II: consecuencias funcionales de la tormenta / Systemic inflammation and sepsis. Part II: Functional consequences of the storm

Ningún órgano se encuentra exento de la disfunción ocasionada por la sepsis. La actividad inflamatoria sostenida y no controlada pone en marcha una secuencia de mecanismos sistémicos tendientes a alterar la homeostasis vascular y tisular. Esto es potenciado por el efecto propio de los microorganismos, lo que genera graves consecuencias funcionales para el paciente.El organismo del niño es particularmente sensible a los efectos de la sepsis, en parte, debido a la inmadurez de numerosas variables fisiológicas. En consecuencia, el impacto clínico suele ser precoz y se asocia con mayor gravedad.Si bien los mecanismos que generan disfunción orgánica son múltiples, complejos y muchos de ellos no completamente dilucidados, su conocimiento facilita la comprensión del escenario clínico y permite decidir la estrategia terapéutica apropiada para cada caso en particular

No organ is exempt from sepsis-induced dysfunction. Sustained, uncontrolled inflammatory activity triggers a sequence of systemic mechanisms that tend to affect tissue and vascular homeostasis. This is boosted by the effect typical of microorganisms, which leads to severe functional consequences for the patient.A child's body is particularly sensitive to the effects of sepsis, partly due to the immaturity of several physiological variables. As a result, there is usually an early clinical impact associated with a greater severity.Although several intricate mechanisms lead to organ dysfunction, and many of them have not been fully elucidated, knowing them facilitates the understanding of the clinical picture and allows to establish an adequate therapeutic approach for each specific case.

Evolución de los pacientes con enfermedad hepática crítica / Prognosis of patients with critical hepatic disease

INTRODUCTION: The acute liver failure on chronic (ACLF), is an entity, whose recognition is increasing. The ACLF and CLIF OF indexes have been recently presented with the objective of predicting mortality in this kind of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients admitted to the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital diagnosed of acute liver failure on chronic during 2016 and 2017 were collected. We collect the scores: SOFA, CLIF, APACHE II, SAPS II and ACLF score in patients admitted to the ICU by comparing them with each other and define which stages have worse prognosis. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients were collected. The study presents an intra ICU mortality of 31% (15/46) and a six-month mortality of 59.6% (28/46). Patients classified as death, present ACLF values ​​at admission (49.5 vs 60 p = 0.001), and at three days (46.66 vs 59.4 p = 0.001) higher than survivors. In the analysis of the ROC curve, the area under the curve in relation to six-month mortality is higher in the ACLF index (0.8) compared to the MELD (0.69) SOFA (0.66) SAPS II (0.69) or APACHE II (0.65). Patients with ACLF indexes above 65 had an intra UCI mortality of 54%, however, mortality at 6 months is 90%. Patients with ACLF values ​​greater than 65 present mean values ​​of lactic acid, leukocytes, INR or bilirubin higher than those under 65 in a statistically significant manner. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented in this study suggest that the ACLF index works as an adequate predictor of intra-ICU mortality and at 6 months.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El fallo hepático agudo sobre crónico es una entidad cuyo reconocimiento va en aumento. Los índices ACLF y CLIF OF, han sido presentados recientemente con el objetivo de predecir la mortalidad en este tipo de enfermos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se recogen todos los pacientes ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) de un hospital terciario universitario, diagnosticados de fallo hepático agudo sobre crónico durante 2016 y 2017. Recogemos los índices SOFA, CLIF, APACHE II, SAPS II Y ACLF en pacientes ingresados en UCI comparándolos entre sí. Definimos que estadios presentan peor pronóstico. RESULTADOS: Se analizan un total de 46 pacientes. El estudio presenta una mortalidad intra-UCI del 31% (15/46) y una mortalidad a los seis meses de 59,6% (28/46). Los pacientes clasificados como éxitus presentan valores ACLF al ingreso (49,5 vs 60 p = 0,001), a los tres días (46,66 vs 59,4 p = 0,001) superiores a los supervivientes. En el análisis de la curva COR, el área bajo la curva en relación a la mortalidad a los seis meses, es superior en el índice ACLF (0,8) en comparación con el MELD (0,69) SOFA (0,66) SAPS II (0,69) o APACHE II (0,65). Los pacientes con índices ACLF superiores a 65 presentaban una mortalidad intra-UCI del 54% sin embargo, la mortalidad a los 6 meses es del 90%. Los pacientes con valores ACLF superiores a 65 presentan a su vez valores medios de láctico, leucocitos, INR o bilirrubina mayores de forma estadísticamente significativa. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos presentados en este estudio sugieren que el índice ACLF funciona como un adecuado predictor de mortalidad intra-UCI y a los 6 meses.

Clinical significance of sirtuin 1 level in sepsis: correlation with disease risk, severity, and mortality risk

This study aimed to investigate the value of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in differentiating sepsis patients from healthy controls (HCs), and its correlation with inflammation, disease severity, as well as prognosis in sepsis patients. Serum samples were collected from 180 sepsis patients and 180 age- and gender-matched HCs. The SIRT1 level in the serum samples was detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The clinical data of the sepsis patients were documented, and their disease severity scores and 28-day mortality rate were assessed. SIRT1 was decreased in sepsis patients compared with HCs, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that SIRT1 distinguished sepsis patients from HCs (area under the curve (AUC): 0.901; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.868-0.934). In sepsis patients, SIRT1 negatively correlated with serum creatinine (Scr), white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), acute physiology, and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, while it positively correlated with albumin. No correlation of SIRT1 with primary infection site or primary organism was observed. Furthermore, SIRT1 was reduced in 28-day non-survivors compared with 28-day survivors, and subsequent ROC showed that SIRT1 predicted 28-day mortality of sepsis patients (AUC: 0.725; 95% CI: 0.651-0.800), and its prognostic value was not inferior to Scr, albumin, WBC, and CRP, but was less than SOFA score and APACHE II score. In conclusion, measurement of serum SIRT1 might assist with the optimization of disease assessment, management strategies, and survival surveillance in sepsis patients.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation: description, risk factors for mortality, and performance of the SOFA score / Pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica em pacientes em ventilação mecânica prolongada: descrição, fatores de risco associados à mortalidade e desempenho do escore SOFA

ABSTRACT Objective: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication of mechanical ventilation (MV). However, data on VAP in patients on prolonged MV (PMV) are scarce. We aimed to describe the characteristics of VAP patients on PMV and to identify factors associated with mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including VAP patients on PMV. We recorded baseline characteristics, as well as 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. Variables associated with mortality were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model. Results: We identified 80 episodes of VAP in 62 subjects on PMV. The medians for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, SOFA score, and days on MV were, respectively, 69.5 years, 5, 4, and 56 days. Episodes of VAP occurred between days 21 and 50 of MV in 28 patients (45.2%) and, by day 90 of MV, in 48 patients (77.4%). The 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were 30.0% and 63.7%, respectively. There were associations of 30-day mortality with the SOFA score (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.12-1.52; p < 0.001) and use of vasoactive agents (HR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.2-12.9; p = 0.02), whereas 90-day mortality was associated with age (HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00-1.05; p = 0.003), SOFA score (HR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.07-1.34; p = 0.001), use of vasoactive agents (HR = 4.07; 95% CI: 1.93-8.55; p < 0.001), and COPD (HR = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.71-6.60; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Mortality rates in VAP patients on PMV are considerably high. The onset of VAP can occur various days after MV initiation. The SOFA score is useful for predicting fatal outcomes. The factors associated with mortality could help guide therapeutic decisions and determine prognosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: A pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAVM) é uma séria complicação da ventilação mecânica (VM). Entretanto, dados sobre PAVM em pacientes em VM prolongada (VMP) são escassos. Nosso objetivo foi descrever as características de pacientes com PAVM em VMP e identificar fatores associados à mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluindo pacientes com PAVM em VMP. Foram registradas características basais, bem como as taxas de mortalidade em 30 e 90 dias. As variáveis associadas à mortalidade foram determinadas por meio da análise de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier e do modelo de regressão de Cox. Resultados: Foram identificados 80 episódios de PAVM em 62 indivíduos em VMP. As medianas de idade, índice de comorbidade de Charlson, pontuação no SOFA, e dias em VM foram, respectivamente, de 69,5 anos, 5, 4 e 56 dias. Os episódios de PAVM ocorreram entre o 21º e o 50º dia de VM em 28 pacientes (45,2%) e até o 90º dia de VM em 48 pacientes (77,4%). As taxas de mortalidade em 30 e 90 dias foram de 30,0% e 63,7%, respectivamente. A mortalidade em 30 dias associou-se a pontuação no SOFA (razão de risco [RR] = 1,30; IC95%: 1,12-1,52; p < 0,001) e uso de drogas vasoativas (RR = 4,0; IC95%: 1,2-12,9; p = 0,02), enquanto a mortalidade em 90 dias associou-se a idade (RR = 1,03; IC95%: 1,00-1,05; p = 0,003), pontuação no SOFA (RR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,07-1,34; p = 0,001), uso de drogas vasoativas (RR = 4,07; IC95%: 1,93-8,55; p < 0,001) e DPOC (RR = 3,35; IC95%: 1,71-6,60; p < 0,001). Conclusões: As taxas de mortalidade em pacientes com PAVM em VMP são consideravelmente altas. O início da PAVM pode ocorrer vários dias após a instituição da VM. O escore SOFA é útil para predição de desfechos fatais. Os fatores associados à mortalidade podem ajudar a orientar as decisões terapêuticas e a determinar o prognóstico.

Anticoagulación en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 / Anticoagulation in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection/COVID-19

Resumen Introducción: El COVID-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa ocasionada por el virus RNA SARS-CoV-2, con una alta tasa de contagio y con un curso clínico heterogéneo. Existe evidencia que en fase avanzada de COVID-19 hay un riesgo aumentado de coagulación intravascular diseminada. Por lo tanto, el manejo con heparinas debe ser considerado como una estrategia terapéutica. Objetivos: Nuestro objetivo principal es mostrar la literatura más relevante disponible, con referencia a la utilidad de la anticoagulación en el manejo de la hipercoagulabilidad en los pacientes con COVID-19 graves. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión narrativa a partir de la búsqueda avanzada con los términos DeSC: Infecciones por Coronavirus; SARS-CoV; Coagulación Sanguínea; Coagulación Intravascular Diseminada; Disfunción orgánica múltiple; Sepsis; Síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica; Lesión renal aguda. Se utilizaron los motores de búsqueda Clinical Key, Embase, PubMed y Ovid, obteniendo un total de 143 resultados, entre artículos originales, reportes de casos, series de casos y revisiones de la literatura, se seleccionaron un total de 56 artículos que fueron utilizados para la elaboración de la presente revisión de tema. Conclusiones: El manejo con heparinas debe ser considerado como una estrategia terapéutica. Continuamos con la necesidad de futuros estudios que indaguen interrogantes en el paciente COVID-19 hospitalizado, especialmente que definan, evaluando riesgo/beneficio, que se justifica o no con respecto a la anticoagulación plena en algunos pacientes específicos con COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the RNA SARS-CoV-2 virus, with a high rate of infection and a heterogeneous clinical course. There is evidence that in the advanced phase of COVID-19 there is an increased risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Therefore, heparin management should be considered as a therapeutic strategy. Objectives: Our main objective is to show the most relevant literature available, with reference to the usefulness of anticoagulation in the management of hypercoagulability in patients with COVID-19 and severe manifestations. Methodology: A narrative review was performed from the advanced search with the terms DeSC: Coronavirus Infections; SARS-CoV; Blood Coagulation; Disseminated intravascular coagulation; Multiple organic dysfunction; Sepsis; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; Acute kidney injury. The Clinical Key, Embase, PubMed and Ovid search engines were used, obtaining a total of 143 results, among original articles, case reports, case series and literature reviews, a total of 56 articles were selected that were used to the preparation of this topic review. Conclusions: Heparin management should be considered as a therapeutic strategy. We continue with the need for future studies that investigate questions in the hospitalized COVID-19 patient, especially defining, evaluating risk / benefit, which is justified or not with respect to full anticoagulation in some specific patients with COVID-19.

Síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo associada à COVID-19 tratada com DEXametasona (CoDEX): delineamento e justificativa de um estudo randomizado / COVID-19-associated ARDS treated with DEXamethasone (CoDEX): study design and rationale for a randomized trial

RESUMO Objetivo: A infecção causada pelo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disseminou-se por todo o mundo e foi categorizada como pandemia. As manifestações mais comuns da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 (doença pelo coronavírus 2019 - COVID-19) se referem a uma pneumonia viral com graus variáveis de comprometimento respiratório e até 40% dos pacientes hospitalizados, que podem desenvolver uma síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Diferentes ensaios clínicos avaliaram o papel dos corticosteroides na síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo não relacionada com COVID-19, obtendo resultados conflitantes. Delineamos o presente estudo para avaliar a eficácia da administração endovenosa precoce de dexametasona no número de dias vivo e sem ventilação mecânica nos 28 dias após a randomização, em pacientes adultos com quadro moderado ou grave de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo causada por COVID-19 provável ou confirmada. Métodos: Este é um ensaio pragmático, prospectivo, randomizado, estratificado, multicêntrico, aberto e controlado que incluirá 350 pacientes com quadro inicial (menos de 48 horas antes da randomização) de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo moderada ou grave, definida segundo os critérios de Berlim, causada por COVID-19. Os pacientes elegíveis serão alocados de forma aleatória para tratamento padrão mais dexametasona (Grupo Intervenção) ou tratamento padrão sem dexametasona (Grupo Controle). Os pacientes no Grupo Intervenção receberão dexametasona 20mg por via endovenosa uma vez ao dia, por 5 dias, e, a seguir, dexametasona por via endovenosa 10mg ao dia por mais 5 dias, ou até receber alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, o que ocorrer antes. O desfecho primário será o número de dias livres de ventilação mecânica nos 28 dias após a randomização, definido como o número de dias vivo e livres de ventilação mecânica invasiva. Os desfechos secundários serão a taxa de mortalidade por todas as causas no dia 28, a condição clínica no dia 15 avaliada com utilização de uma escala ordinal de seis níveis, a duração da ventilação mecânica desde a randomização até o dia 28, a avaliação com o Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score após 48 horas, 72 horas e 7 dias, e o número de dias fora da unidade de terapia intensiva nos 28 dias após a randomização.

Abstract Objective: The infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads worldwide and is considered a pandemic. The most common manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection (coronavirus disease 2019 - COVID-19) is viral pneumonia with varying degrees of respiratory compromise and up to 40% of hospitalized patients might develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Several clinical trials evaluated the role of corticosteroids in non-COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome with conflicting results. We designed a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of early intravenous dexamethasone administration on the number of days alive and free of mechanical ventilation within 28 days after randomization in adult patients with moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to confirmed or probable COVID-19. Methods: This is a pragmatic, prospective, randomized, stratified, multicenter, open-label, controlled trial including 350 patients with early-onset (less than 48 hours before randomization) moderate or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, defined by the Berlin criteria, due to COVID-19. Eligible patients will be randomly allocated to either standard treatment plus dexamethasone (Intervention Group) or standard treatment without dexamethasone (Control Group). Patients in the intervention group will receive dexamethasone 20mg intravenous once daily for 5 days, followed by dexamethasone 10mg IV once daily for additional 5 days or until intensive care unit discharge, whichever occurs first. The primary outcome is ventilator-free days within 28 days after randomization, defined as days alive and free from invasive mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes are all-cause mortality rates at day 28, evaluation of the clinical status at day 15 assessed with a 6-level ordinal scale, mechanical ventilation duration from randomization to day 28, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score evaluation at 48 hours, 72 hours and 7 days and intensive care unit -free days within 28.