A multivariate prognostic score for predicting mortality of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure and Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia

Background Severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (SHRF) due to Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in AIDS patients represents the main cause of admission and mortality in respiratory intensive care units (RICUs) in low- and middle-income countries. Objective The objective of this study was to develop a predictive scoring system to estimate the risk of mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with PJP and SHRF. Methods We analyzed data of patients admitted to the RICU between January 2013 and January 2018 with a diagnosis of HIV infection and PJP. Multivariate logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier method were used in data analysis. The RICU and inhospital mortality were 25% and 26%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified four independent predictors: body mass index, albumin, time to ICU admission, and days of vasopressor support. A predictive scoring system was derived and validated internally. The discrimination was 0.869 (95% confidence interval: 0.821-0.917) and calibration intercept (α) and slope (β) were 0.03 and 0.99, respectively. The sensitivity was 47.2%, specificity was 84.6%, positive predictive value was 89.2%, and negative predictive value was 82.6%. Conclusions This scoring system is a potentially useful tool to assist clinicians, in low- and medium-income countries, in estimating the RICU and inhospital mortality risk in patients with HIV/AIDS and SHRF caused by PJP.

Factores pronóstico de mortalidad asociados al síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda por ventilación mecánica / Mortality prognosis factors associated with the acute respiratory failure due to mechanical ventilation

Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, de serie de casos, de 31 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, de enero de 2014 a igual mes de 2017, quienes presentaron el síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, con vistas a describir los factores pronóstico de mortalidad por esta causa. En la serie predominaron el sexo masculino, la edad promedio de 57 años y la hipertensión arterial como enfermedad crónica asociada. La mayoría de los pacientes recibía ventilación mecánica previa al diagnóstico, en la modalidad controlada por volumen, y en un menor número se aplicaron maniobras de incorporación alveolar. La insuficiencia respiratoria moderada de causa extrapulmonar figuró en pacientes con ventilación prolongada, en tanto la complicación más frecuente fue la disfunción multiorgánica, que además resultó la principal causa de muerte. Finalmente, no se encontró relación directa entre la presencia de estos factores pronóstico de mortalidad y la probabilidad de fallecer.

A descriptive investigation, of cases series, in 31 patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical-Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January, 2014 to same month in 2017, who presented acute respiratory failure, with the aim of describing the mortality prognosis factors for this cause. In the series the male sex, the average age 57 year-old and hypertension prevailed as associated chronic diseases. Most of the patients received mechanic ventilation previous to the diagnosis, in the modality controlled through volume, and in a lower number maneuvers of alveolar incorporation were applied. The moderate respiratory failure of extrapulmonar cause was present in patients with prolonged ventilation, as long as the most frequent complication was the multiple organs dysfunction which was also the main cause of death. Finally, there was no direct relationship between the presence of these mortality factors prognosis and the probability of dying.

Factors associated with hospital mortality in renal transplant patients admitted to the intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure / Fatores associados à mortalidade hospitalar em pacientes com transplante renal admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva com insuficiência respiratória aguda

Abstract Introduction: The lungs are often involved in a variety of complications after kidney transplantation. Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is one of the most serious manifestations of pulmonary involvement. Objective: To describe the main causes of ARF in kidney transplant patients who require intensive care and identify the factors associated with mortality. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated adult patients with ARF admitted to the intensive care unit of a center with high volume of transplants from August 2013 to August 2015. Demographic, clinical, and transplant characteristics were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with hospital mortality. Results: 183 patients were included with age of 55.32 ± 13.56 years. 126 (68.8%) were deceased-donor transplant, and 37 (20.2%) patients had previous history of rejection. The ICU admission SAPS3 and SOFA score were 54.39 ± 10.32 and 4.81 ± 2.32, respectively. The main cause of hospitalization was community-acquired pneumonia (18.6%), followed by acute pulmonary edema (15.3%). Opportunistic infections were common: PCP (9.3%), tuberculosis (2.7%), and cytomegalovirus (2.2%). Factors associated with mortality were requirement for vasopressor (OD 8.13, CI 2.83 to 23.35, p < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (OD 3.87, CI: 1.29 to 11.66, p = 0.016), and SAPS3 (OD 1.04, CI 1.0 to 1.08, p = 0.045). Conclusion: Bacterial pneumonia is the leading cause of ARF requiring intensive care, followed by acute pulmonary edema. Requirement for vasopressor, invasive mechanical ventilation and SAP3 were associated with hospital mortality.

Resumo Introdução: Os pulmões são frequentemente envolvidos em uma variedade de complicações após o transplante renal. A insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRA) é uma das manifestações mais graves do envolvimento pulmonar. Objetivo: Descrever as principais causas de IRA em pacientes transplantados de rim que necessitaram de cuidados intensivos e identificar os fatores associados à mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de insuficiência respiratória aguda internados na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de um centro com alto volume de transplantes, no período de agosto de 2013 a agosto de 2015. Dados demográficos, clínicos e características do transplante foram analisados. Análise de regressão logística multivariada foi realizada para identificar os fatores associados a mortalidade hospitalar. Resultados: Foram incluídos 183 pacientes com idade de 55,32 ± 13,56 anos. 126 (68,8%) receberam rim de doador falecido e 37 (20,2%) tiveram histórico prévio de rejeição. O SAPS3 de admissão na UTI foi de 54,39 ± 10,32 e o SOFA de 4,81 ± 2,32. A principal causa de internação foi pneumonia comunitária (18,6%), seguida de edema agudo de pulmão (15,3%). Infecções oportunistas foram comuns, como pneumocistose (9,3%), tuberculose (2,7%) e citomegalovírus (2,2%). Os fatores associados a mortalidade foram necessidade de vasopressor (OD 8,13, IC 2,83-23,35, p < 0,001), ventilação mecânica invasiva (OD 3,87, IC: 1,29-11,66, p = 0,016) e SAPS3 (OD 1,04, IC 1,0-1,08, p = 0,045). Conclusão: Pneumonia bacteriana foi a principal causa de insuficiência respiratória aguda com necessidade de cuidados intensivos, seguida por edema agudo de pulmão. Necessidade de vasopressor, ventilação mecânica invasiva e SAP3 foram associados a mortalidade.

Fatores associados à morte materna em unidade de terapia intensiva / Factors associated with maternal death in an intensive care unit

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à morte materna em pacientes internadas em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal realizado em unidade de terapia intensiva materna. Foram selecionados todos os prontuários de pacientes admitidas no período de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2014. O critério de inclusão foi todas as pacientes obstétricas e puérperas, e o de exclusão as com diagnóstico de mola hidatiforme, gravidez ectópica e anembrionada, e as internadas por causas não obstétricas. Foi realizada análise comparativa entre os desfechos óbito e alta hospitalar. Resultados: Foram incluídas 373 pacientes, com idade entre 13 a 45 anos. As causas de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foram síndromes hipertensivas relacionadas à gestação, cardiopatias, insuficiência respiratória e sepse; as complicações foram lesão renal aguda (24,1%), hipotensão (15,5%), hemorragia (10,2%) e sepse (6,7%). Ocorreram 28 óbitos (7,5%). As causas de óbito foram choque hemorrágico, falência múltipla de órgãos, insuficiência respiratória e sepse. Os fatores de risco independentes para óbito foram lesão renal aguda (OR = 6,77), hipotensão (OR = 15,08) e insuficiência respiratória (OR = 3,65). Conclusão: A frequência de óbitos foi baixa. Lesão renal aguda, hipotensão e insuficiência respiratória foram os fatores de risco independentes associados à mortalidade materna.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with maternal death in patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a maternal intensive care unit. All medical records of patients admitted from January 2012 to December 2014 were reviewed. Pregnant and puerperal women were included; those with diagnoses of hydatidiform mole, ectopic pregnancy, or anembryonic pregnancy were excluded, as were patients admitted for non-obstetrical reasons. Death and hospital discharge were the outcomes subjected to comparative analysis. Results: A total of 373 patients aged 13 to 45 years were included. The causes for admission to the intensive care unit were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, followed by heart disease, respiratory failure, and sepsis; complications included acute kidney injury (24.1%), hypotension (15.5%), bleeding (10.2%), and sepsis (6.7%). A total of 28 patients died (7.5%). Causes of death were hemorrhagic shock, multiple organ failure, respiratory failure, and sepsis. The independent risk factors associated with death were acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] = 6.77), hypotension (OR = 15.08), and respiratory failure (OR = 3.65). Conclusion: The frequency of deaths was low. Acute kidney injury, hypotension, and respiratory insufficiency were independent risk factors for maternal death.

Helmet CPAP versus Oxygen Therapy in Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE: The efficacy of helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) remains unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to critically review studies that investigated the effect of helmet CPAP on gas exchange, mortality, and intubation rate in comparison with standard oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by searching the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, OVID, and CBM databases, and the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. Studies that enrolled adults with hARF who were treated with helmet CPAP and measured at least one of the following parameters were included: gas exchange, intubation rate, in-hospital mortality rate. RESULTS: Four studies with 377 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Compared to the standard oxygen therapy, helmet CPAP significantly increased the PaO2/FiO2 [weighted mean difference (WMD)=73.40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 43.92 to 102.87, p<0.00001], and decreased the arterial carbon dioxide levels (WMD=-1.92, 95% CI: -3.21 to -0.63, p=0.003), intubation rate [relative risk (RR)=0.21, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.40, p<0.00001], and in-hospital mortality rate (RR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.50, p=0.0004). CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that helmet CPAP improves oxygenation and reduces mortality and intubation rates in hARF. However, the significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the literature implies that large RCTs are needed to determine the role of helmet CPAP in different hypoxemic ARF populations.

Complicações respiratórias pós-operatórias em cirurgia bariátrica: revisão da literatura / Postoperative respiratory complications in bariatric surgery: review of literature

Obesidade é um problema de saúde pública mundial com altos índices de morbi-mortalidade. A cirurgia bariátrica tem sido o tratamento mais usado e desperta atenção para seu desenvolvimento e resultados. Porém, até o momento, não há revisão sobre a incidência de complicações respiratórias nesta população. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar a literatura sobre as complicações respiratórias após cirurgias bariátricas convencionais com a utilização das bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane e Scielo buscando os termos: complicações, pulmonar, pós-operatório e cirurgia bariátrica. Os limites foram os últimos dez anos, adultos, inglês e espanhol. Encontramos 69 artigos e utilizamos 21. As complicações respiratórias mais observadas em cirurgia bariátrica são: embolia pulmonar, atelectasias e pneumonia, estando relacionadas à idade e à hipoventilação. A obesidade mórbida está associada a disfunções respiratórias, incluindo diminuição da resistência cardiorrespiratória e dispneia, sendo as alterações mais comuns: diminuição da ventilação e da complacência torácica, taquipneia e aumento do trabalho muscular respiratório, com altos índices de hipoxemia e fadiga respiratória. Nossos resultados mostram que embolia pulmonar, atelectasias e pneumonias são as complicações respiratórias mais incidentes em cirurgias bariátricas convencionais, sendo os idosos ou portadores de síndrome da hipoventilação e apneia obstrutiva do sono os que apresentam maior risco de desenvolvê-las.

Obesity is a public health problem worldwide because of the high rates of morbimortality. Bariatric surgery has been the most often treatment and attracts attention on its development and results. However, there is no review about the incidence of respiratory complications in this population. The aim of this study was to review the literature on respiratory complications in conventional bariatric surgery utilizing the databases PubMed, Scielo and Cochrane. The terms searched were complications, pulmonary, postoperative care and bariatric surgery, and the limits, the last ten years, adults, English and Spanish. We found 69 articles, and used 21, showing that the most common respiratory complications in bariatric surgery are pulmonary embolism, atelectasis and pneumonia, being related to age and the presence of hypoventilation. Morbid obesity is associated with respiratory dysfunction, including decreased cardiorespiratory endurance and dyspnea, being the most common changes: the decrease in ventilation and chest wall compliance, and tachypnea and respiratory muscle workload, with high rates of hypoxemia and respiratory fatigue. Our results suggest that pulmonary embolism, atelectasis and pneumonia are the pulmonary complications with the highest incidences in conventional bariatric surgery, and elderly and patients with hypoventilation or syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea have higher risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Mortalidad neonatal: enfrentando el futuro / Neonatal mortality: confronting the future

El objetivo fue estudiar la mortalidad neonatal de los años 2005 a 2008, conocer su ocurrencia, determinar características maternas, condiciones obstétricas y factores relacionados. Es un estudio observacional analítico de 164 neonatos. Para el lapso hubo 10180 recién nacidos vivos en el Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología. Departamento Clínico Integral de la Costa. Universidad de Carabobo. Hospital Dr. Adolfo Prince Lara, Puerto Cabello, Estado Carabobo. La mortalidad neonatal fue 16.11 por mil recién nacidos vivos o una muerte cada 62 nacidos vivos. Hubo predominio de madres de 24 años y menos (55,56%), en antecedentes familiares destacó la hipertensión arterial (30,86%) y diabetes (4,3%), en antecedentes personales la prematurez (16,1%). El diagnóstico de ingreso fue amenaza de parto prematuro 21,61%, trabajo de parto pre-término 19,14% y rotura prematura de membrana 19,75%. No realizaron control prenatal 64,2%; eran multigestas 63,6%, con edad de embarazo menor igual 36 a semanas 72,22% y resultado en parto normal 71,61%. Predominaron los fetos masculinos (53,66%), con peso menor igual 2.500 g (78,66%) y talla menor igual 49 cm (88,4%), el índice Apgar de 7 y menos (84,75%). El factor de muerte directo conocido prevaleciente en 164 casos fue la insuficiencia repiratoria (53,66%), seguida de sepsis (21,95%) y asfixia perinatal (19,51%).

El objetive was to study the neonatal mortality of the years 2005-2008, knowing its impact, determine the material characteristics, obstetric conditions and related factors. It is a observational and analytical study of 164 neonatal death. For the period there were 10.180 live births in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital "Dr. Adolfo Prince Lara", Puerto Cabello, Estado Carabobo. The neonatal mortality was 16,11 per thousand live births, or one death every 62 births. There were more mothers 24 years or less (55.56%), in personal prematurity (16.1%). The initial diagnosis was premature labor 21.61%, labor preterm 19.14% and pre-term premature rupture of membranes 19.75%. No prenatal care 64.2%, were multiparous 63.6%, with gestational age minor igual 36 weeks 72.22%, and ended in normal delivery 71.61%. A predominance of male fetuses (53,66%) with weight minor igual 2500 g (78.66%) and height minor igual 49 cm (88.4%), Apgar Index of 7 or less (84.75%). Factor prevalent direct death in 164 cases was respiratory failure (53.66%), followed by sepsis (21.95%) and perinatal asphyxia (19.51%).

Características de pacientes com DPOC internados em UTI de um hospital de referência para doenças respiratórias no Brasil / Characteristics of COPD patients admitted to the ICU of a referral hospital for respiratory diseases in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Relatar dados referentes às internações de pacientes com DPOC na UTI de um hospital de referência para doenças respiratórias, incluindo desfechos e avaliando seu atendimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo de uma série de pacientes internados por insuficiência respiratória e DPOC na UTI do Hospital Nereu Ramos, localizado na cidade de Florianópolis (SC) no período entre outubro de 2006 e outubro de 2007. Dados demográficos, causas da internação, tratamento farmacológico, suporte ventilatório, duração e complicações da internação, mortalidade em UTI e mortalidade em 28 dias foram obtidos através de consulta aos prontuários médicos. O índice Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) foi calculado. A mortalidade em 18 meses foi avaliada através de posterior contato telefônico. RESULTADOS: No período, foram internados 192 pacientes na UTI, 24 dos quais (12,5 por cento) com insuficiência respiratória e DPOC. O tempo médio de internação na UTI foi de 12,0 ± 11,1 dias. A ventilação não invasiva foi utilizada em 10 dos 24 pacientes (41,66 por cento) e falhou em 5/10. A ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI) foi utilizada em 15 pacientes (62,5 por cento). As taxas de mortalidade na UTI e aquela em 28 dias foram de 20,83 por cento e 33,33 por cento, respectivamente. Entretanto, decorridos 18 meses, a mortalidade foi de 62,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A insuficiência respiratória relacionada à DPOC foi responsável por 12,5 por cento das internações na UTI. Houve necessidade de intubação orotraqueal e utilização de VMI em 62,5 por cento dos pacientes. A mortalidade na UTI estava de acordo com a predita pelo índice APACHE II, mas a mortalidade tardia foi elevada.

OBJECTIVE: To report data regarding COPD patients admitted to the ICU of a referral hospital for respiratory diseases, including outcomes and treatment evaluation. METHODS: Study of a series of patients with respiratory failure and COPD admitted to the ICU of Nereu Ramos Hospital, located in the city of Florianópolis, Brazil, between October of 2006 and October of 2007. Data related to demographics, causes of hospitalization, pharmacological treatment, ventilatory support, length of hospital stay, in-hospital complications, ICU mortality, and 28-day mortality were obtained from the medical charts of the patients. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were calculated. Mortality at 18 months was assessed by subsequent telephone calls. RESULTS: During the study period, 192 patients were admitted to the ICU, 24 (12.5 percent) of whom were diagnosed with respiratory failure and COPD. The mean length of ICU stay was 12.0 ± 11.1 days. Noninvasive ventilation was used in 10 of the 24 patients (41.66 percent) and failed in 5 of those 10. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was used in a total of 15 patients (62.5 percent). Overall ICU mortality and 28-day mortality were 20.83 percent and 33.33 percent, respectively. However, 18-month mortality was 62.5 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory failure associated with COPD was responsible for 12.5 percent of the ICU admissions. Orotracheal intubation and IMV were necessary in 62.5 percent of the cases. The ICU mortality rate was in accordance with that predicted by the APACHE II scores. However, late mortality was high.

Diagnóstico post-mortem de infarto agudo do miocárdio em pacientes com insuficiência respiratória aguda - análise demográfica, etiológica e histológica pulmonar / Post-mortem diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with acute respiratory failure - demographic,etiologic and histological pulmonary analysis

Introdução: A insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRA) está presente em 5% dos pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e é associada à mortalidade de 20% a 30% nesses pacientes. Não está claro o papel da inflamação relacionada ao edemaagudo de pulmão (EAP) na gênese da IRA pós IAM. Objetivos: Descrever os dados demográficos, etiológicos e os achados histológicos pulmonares em autópsias realizadas entre 1990 e 2008, de pacientes que morreram por IRA, sem diagnóstico in-vivo de IAM. Métodos: Este estudo considerou 4223 autópsias de pacientes que morreram de IRA nos quais só foi definida postmortem sua causa de morte. O diagnóstico de IAM foi feito porautópsia em 218 (4,63%) pacientes, dos quais foram obtidos: idade, sexo e principais doenças associadas. Os achados pulmonares histológicos foram classificados em: dano alveolar difuso (DAD), edema agudo de pulmão (EAP), hemorragia alveolar (HA) e pneumonia intersticial linfo-plasmocitária (PILP). A probabilidade de IAM desenvolver determinado tipo de achado histopatológico pulmonar foi calculada por regressão logística. Resultados: Foram observados 147 homens, e a mediana de idade foi 64 anos. A análise histopatológica pulmonar mostrou, em ordem decrescente: EAP (72,9%), DAD, PILP e HIA. Broncopneumonia bacteriana esteve presente em 11,9%, hipertensão arterial sistêmica em 10,1%, miocardiopatia dilatada em 6,9%, tromboembolismo pulmonar em 6,0%, cardiomiopatia hipertrófica em 4,6%, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica em 3,7% e diabetes mellitusem 3,7% dos pacientes. A análise multivariada demonstrou associação significativamente positiva de IAM com EAP e DAD. Conclusões: Pela primeira vez na literatura, demonstramos, pormeio de autópsias, que em pacientes com IRA que evoluem à óbito sem diagnóstico estabelecido, IAM esteve presente em aproximadamente 5% dos casos. Nós observamos importantecomponente inflamatório na histologia pulmonar, nunca antes sugerido...

Introduction: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is present in 5% of the patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is responsible for 20% to 30% of the mortality post-AMI. It is unclearthe role of inflammation correlated with pulmonary edema (PE) as a cause of ARF post-AMI. Objectives: Describe the demographic, etiologic data and histological pulmonary findings in autopsies of patients dead due to ARF with non-diagnosis AMI during lifebetween 1,990 and 2,008. Methods: This study considers 4,223 autopsies of patients who died of ARF without cause of death related during life. The diagnosis of AMI was performed in 218(4.63%) patients, and were obtained: age, sex and major associated diseases. Pulmonary histopathology was categorized as: diffuse alveolar damage (DAD); pulmonary edema (PE); alveolarhemorrhage (AH);and lympho-plamacytic interstitial pneumonia(LPIP). Odds ratio of AMI developing specific histopathology was determined by logistic regression. Results: Were observed 147 men and mean age was 64 years. Pulmonary histopathology showed, in descending order: PE (72.9%), DAD, LPIP and HA. Bacterialbronchopneumonia was present in 11.9%, systemic arterial hypertension in 10.1%, dilated cardiomyopathy in 6.9%, pulmonary embolism in 6.0%, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 4.6%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 3.7% and diabetes mellitus in 3.7% of patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly positive association of IAM with PE and with DAD. Conclusions: For the first time we demonstrated that in autopsies of patients with ARF as cause of death, the diagnosis of AMI was present in about 5%. We observed important inflammatory response in pulmonaryhistology as never suggested before...

Pronóstico de pacientes ingresados a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por falla respiratoria asociada a presencia de infiltrados pulmonares / Prognosis of patients with acute respiratory failure and pulmonary infiltrates admitted to intensive care unit

En la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) asociada a infiltrados pulmonares de causa desconocida se relaciona con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue conocer el pronóstico de pacientes con IRA, infiltrados pulmonares y necesidad de ventilación mecánica (VM) ingresados a UCI. Como objetivo secundario se planteó evaluar la utilidad de medios diagnósticos de uso habitual en este grupo de pacientes en relación al pronóstico y la conducta terapéutica. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó todos los pacientes ingresados a la UCI del Hospital Naval Almirante Nef por IRA de causa desconocida asociada a infiltrados pulmonares en radiografía de tórax y que tengan necesidad de VM entre los años 2006 y 2010. Se incluyeron 90 pacientes de los cuales 45,6 por ciento fueron de sexo masculino. La edad promedio fue 66 años (DS 17,1). El puntaje promedio de score APACHE II fue 20,6 (DS 7,7). La mortalidad fue 52,2 por ciento y el tiempo promedio de estadía en UCI fueron 14 días (DS 14,4). La principal causa de IRA fue síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo (32 por ciento).Otras causas fueron neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (28,2 por ciento), neumonía aspirativa (12,2 por ciento), neumonía nosocomial (7,8 por ciento) y neumonía criptogénica organizada (6,7 por ciento). La realización de tomografía computarizada de tórax, lavado broncoalveolar y biopsia pulmonar determinó cambio de conducta terapéutica en 31 por ciento, 58 por ciento y 88 por ciento de los casos, respectivamente. En conclusión, los pacientes con IRA tienen alta mortalidad. La causa más frecuente fue el síndrome de distress respiratorio agudo. El uso de procedimientos diagnósticos pueden cambiar las medidas terapéuticas empleadas, en especial la biopsia pulmonar.

In the intensive care unit (ICU), acute respiratory failure (ARF) associated with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study was to determine the prognosis of patients with ARF and pulmonary infiltrates admitted to ICU. The secondary objective was proposed to evaluate the usefulness of diagnostic methods frequently used in this patient group and correlated them with prognosis and therapeutic management. We performed a retrospective observational study that included all patients admitted to ICU of Almirante Nef Naval Hospital with ARF of unknown cause associated with pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiography during the years 2006-2010. We included 90 patients of which 45 percent were male. The average age was 66 years. The average APACHE II score was 20.6. Mortality was 52.2 percent and the average length of stay in the ICU was 14 days (SD 14.4). The main cause of ARF was acute respiratory distress syndrome (32 percent). Other causes were community-acquired pneumonia (28.2 percent), aspiration pneumonia (12.2 percent), nosocomial pneumonia (7.8 percent) and cryptogenic organized pneumonia (6.7 percent. The performance of chest computed tomography, bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy determined therapeutic behavior change in 31 percent 58 percent and 88 percent of cases, respectively. In conclusion, patients with ARF have high mortality. The most common cause was acute respiratory distress syndrome. The use of diagnostic procedures may change the therapeutic measures used, particularly lung biopsy.

Morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda en ventilación mecánica no invasiva en el Servicio de Cuidados Intensivos Generales de Adultos del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, 2007-2008 / Morbidity and mortality of patients with acute respiratory failure undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation in the Adult Intensive Care Unit in Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, 2007-2008

Introducción: La vetilación mecánica no invasiva es una técnica de ventilación con una interfase ventilador - paciente a través de una máscara nasal o facial. Esto reduce la morbimortalidad asociada a la ventilación mecánica convencional asociadas a entubación endotraqueal y sedación relajación del paciente. Objetivos: Evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes en ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI), en el Servicio de Cuidados Intensivos Generales (SCIG) del Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH), junio 2007 - mayo 2008. Material y método: La información se obtuvo de los archivos del SCIG de junio 2007 a mayo 2008. Se registró las variables fisiológicas al inicio y final de VMNI y se definió éxito y fracaso en VMNI. Los pacientes fueron manejados de forma individualizada según la guía de manejo de VMNI del SCIG del HNCH. Resultados: En un año de estudio se tuvo 30 pacientes en VMNI. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue 49,7 +/- 21; el 63,3% fueron mujeres, al inicio de la VMNI el score APACHE II fue 12,7 +/- 5,6, el SOFA: 4,3 +/- 2,2; el 66,7% presentó comorbilidades, de ellos 33,3% tuvo insuficiencia cardiaca; 23 (76,6%) pacientes tuvieron insuficiencia respiratoria tipo 1. De ellos, el edema agudo de pulmón y neumonía severa fueron las causas más frecuentes; una paciente (3,3%) insuficiencia respiratoria tipo 2; 6 pacientes (20,1%) insuficiencia respiratoria tipo 1 y 2. Se encontró diferencia significativa al final de la VMNI en los siguientes parámetros: disminución del trabajo respiratorio (p: 0,001); disminución de la frecuencia respiratoria (p: 0,004); disminución de la frecuencia cardiaca (p: 0,002); disminución de la presión arterial sistólica (p:0,016); reducción del requerimiento de Fi02 (p: 0,001) y aumento del Pa02/Fi02 (p: 0,001). El fracaso a la VMNI estuvo relacionado con menor Glasgow (p: 0,03), uso de inotrópicos (p: 0,01)...

Introduction: noninvasive mechanical ventilation is a technique with a fan interface - patient through a nasal or facial mask. This reduces the morbidity associated with conventional mechanical ventilation associated with endotracheal intubation and sedation of the patient relaxation. Objectives: To assess morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), in the General Intensive Care Unit (GICU) of Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia (HNCH) from June 2007 to May 2008. Material and method: We obtained data from the GICU files from June 2007 to May 2008. We recorded physiological values when beginning and finishing NIMV and we defined success and failure when using NIMV. Results: During the one-year study, 30 patients required NIMV, their average age was 49.7 +/- 2 years, and 63.3% were women. When NIMV was started, APACHE II score was 12.7 +/- 5.6, and the SOFA score was: 4.3 +/- 2.2; 66.7% of patients presented with co-morbidities; of them, 33.3% had heart failure; 23 (76.6%) had type 1 failure respiratory, and of them, acute pulmonary edema and severe pneumonia were the most frequent causes; one patient (3.3%) had type Ii respiratory failure; 6 patients (20.1%) had both types 1 and 2 respiratory failure. We found significant differences at the end of NIMV in the following parameters: decrease of respiratory workload (p: 0.001), decreased respiratory rate (p: 0.004), decreased cardiac rate (p: 0.002), reduced systolic blood pressure (p: 0.016), reduced Fi02 requirement (p: 0.001) and increased Pa02/Fi02 rate (p: 0.001). Failure when using NIMV was related to having a lower Glasgow score (p: 0.03), with the use of inotropic substances during or after NIMV was started (p: 0.01), and a high Fi02 requirement when starting NIMV (p: 0.006)...

How is mechanical ventilation employed in a pediatric intensive care unit in Brazil?

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the relationship between mechanical ventilation and mortality and the practice of mechanical ventilation applied in children admitted to a high-complexity pediatric intensive care unit in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted to a Brazilian high-complexity PICU who were placed on mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more, between October 1st, 2005 and March 31st, 2006. RESULTS: Of the 241 patients admitted, 86 (35.7 percent) received mechanical ventilation for 24 hours or more. Of these, 49 met inclusion criteria and were thus eligible to participate in the study. Of the 49 patients studied, 45 had chronic functional status. The median age of participants was 32 months and the median length of mechanical ventilation use was 6.5 days. The major indication for mechanical ventilation was acute respiratory failure, usually associated with severe sepsis / septic shock. Pressure ventilation modes were the standard ones. An overall 10.37 percent incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was found, in addition to tidal volumes > 8 ml/kg, as well as normo- or hypocapnia. A total of 17 children died. Risk factors for mortality within 28 days of admission were initial inspiratory pressure, pH, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, oxygenation index and also oxygenation index at 48 hours of mechanical ventilation. Initial inspiratory pressure was also a predictor of mechanical ventilation for periods longer than 7 days. CONCLUSION: Of the admitted children, 35.7 percent received mechanical ventilation for 24 h or more. Pressure ventilation modes were standard. Of the children studied, 91 percent had chronic functional status. There was a high incidence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, but a lung-protective strategy was not fully implemented. Inspiratory pressure at the beginning of mechanical ventilation was a predictor of mortality within 28 days and of a longer...

Características de los pacientes que reciben ventilación mecánica en unidades de cuidados intensivos: primer estudio multicéntrico chileno / Characteristics and factors associated with mortality in patients receiving mechanical ventilation

Background: The outcome oí' mechanically ventilated patients can be inñuenced byfactors such as the indication of mechanical ventilation (MV) and ventilator parameters. Aim: To describe the characterístics of patients receiving MV in Chilean critical care uníts. Material and methods: Prospective cohort of consecutive adult patients admitted to 19 intensive care uníts ([CU) from 9 Chilean cities who received MV for more than 12 hours between September lst, 2003, and September 28th, 2003. Demographic data, severity of illness, reason for the initiation of MV, ventilation modes and settings as well as weaning strategies were registered at the initiation and then, daily throughout the course of MV for up to 28 days. ¡CU and hospital mortality were recorded. Resulte: Of 588 patients admitted, 156 (26.5 percent) received MV (57 percent males). Mean age and Simplified Acute Physiology Score-II (SAPSII) were 54.6±18years and 40.6±16.4 points respectively The most common indications for MV were acute respiratory failure (71.1 percent) and coma (22.4 percent). Assist-control mode (71.6 percent) and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) (14,2 percent) were the most frequently used. T-tube was the main weaning strategy. Mean duration of MV and length of stay in ICU were 7.8±8.7 and 11.1± 14 days respectively. OverallICUmortality was 33.9 percent (53patients). The main factors independently associated with increased mortality were (1) SAPS II ≥ 60 points (Odds Patio (OR), 10.5; 95 percent CI, 1.04-106.85) and (2) plateaupressure ≥ 30 cm Hfi atsecond day (OR, 3.9; 95 percent CI, 1.17-12.97). Conclusions: Conditionspresent at the onsetofMVand ventilator management were similar to those reported in the literature. Magnitude ofmultiorgan dysfunction and high plateau pressures are the most important factors associated with mortality).

Morbilidad y mortalidad por ventilación mecánica invasiva en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Morbidity and mortality due to invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit

Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 406 pacientes seleccionados por muestreo no probabilístico según criterio de expertos, egresados de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, a quienes se aplicó ventilación mecánica invasiva por 48 horas o más durante el período comprendido desde enero del 2000 hasta diciembre del 2006, con vista a valorar los resultados de su acción. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables clínicas hemodinámicas, ventilatorias y gasométricas en sangre arterial, así como el uso de sedación y sedación asociada a relajación. La mortalidad global (39,6 por ciento) aumentó significativamente a expensas de los hombres de 65 y más años, con accidente vascular encefálico, paro cardiorrespiratorio y traumatismo craneoencefálico. El tiempo promedio de ventilación resultó ser de 3,96 días en los vivos y de 8,46 en los fallecidos. La complicación más frecuente fue la neumonía (81,9 por ciento). La elevada morbilidad y mortalidad atribuible a la ventilación mecánica invasiva obliga a profundizar en su uso para disminuir esas desventajas.

An observational and descriptive study was carried out in 406 patients selected by nonprobability sampling according to experts' approaches, who were discharged from Intensive Care Unit of Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba with acute respiratory failure. They received invasive mechanical ventilation for 48 hours or more from January, 2000 to December, 2006, with the purpose of evaluating the results of this procedure. Arterial blood gasometric, ventilatory and hemodynamic clinical variables were considered as well as sedation and sedation associated with relaxation. The overall mortality (39,6 percent) increased significantly in men aged 65 years or over with stroke, cardiopulmonary arrest and craniocerebral injury. The average ventilation time was of 3,96 days in alive patients and of 8,46 in those who died. The most frequent complication was pneumonia (81,9 percent). The high morbidity and mortality attributable to invasive mechanical ventilation force to deepen its use to decrease those disadvantages.(U)

Ventilación no invasiva en pacientes con exacerbacion de EPOC / Non invasive positive pressure ventilation in patients with COPD exacerbation

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo sobre la utilización de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VNI) en pacientes internados en Clínica Médica Neumonológica por exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), con el objetivo de evaluar la evolución, los cambios gasométricos, las comorbilidades y la mortalidad de los pacientes internados. Desde enero 2000 a enero 2003 ingresaron al estudio 39 pacientes, evaluados según normas internacionales en 54 internaciones, siendo clasificados como de grado grave y muy grave, dado que la medición del volumen espiratorio forzado en un segundo (VEF1) era del 26%. Veintinueve pacientes (74.4%) presentaron alguna comorbilidad. Como consecuencia de la aplicación de la VNI, el pH se incrementó entre la primera y tercera medición. El pH promedio inicial fue de 7.25 llegando a 7.33 a las 2 horas y a 7.39 al alta, en tanto que la pCO2 con promedio inicial de 83.8 mm Hg llegó a 67.8 mm Hg y 54.2 mm Hg en el mismo período. Treinta y cinco de los 39 pacientes fueron dados de alta con un período de internación promedio de 13.6 días. Cuatro pacientes (10.3%) fallecieron. Se concluye que con la aplicación de la VNI en pacientes con exacerbación de EPOC, el pH y la PaCO2 cambian significativamente en las muestras sucesivas, y que la adecuada capacitación del equipo de salud puede permitir el tratamiento de estos pacientes en áreas de menor complejidad. Deben ser tenidas en cuenta las posibles complicaciones que pueden sufrir los pacientes durante la internación, que pueden requerir la aplicación de ventilación invasiva.

This is a prospective study on the implementation of the non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) to treat respiratory failure resulting from exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients hospitalized in a Pneumological Unit. From January 2000 to January 2003, 39 patients were included during 54 different exacerbation events after being evaluated under international standards. They were classified as severe and very severe patients on the basis of their FEV1 values of 26%. Twenty nine patients presented co-morbidities. As a consequence of the NPPV treatment, the pH values increased between the first and last register as well as the pCO2 dropped in the same period. The initial mean pH values were 7.25 reaching mean values of 7.33 at 2 hours and 7.39 at the discharge; the corresponding pCO2 mean values were 83.8 mmHg, 67.8 mmHg and 54.2 mmHg. Thirty five patients out of 39 were discharged after a mean hospitalization length of 13.6 days. Four patients died. Apropriate training of health care staff in general facilities could allow the implementation of NPPV in addition to usual medical care to treat exacerbation of COPD. High morbidity situations could arise during hospitalization, so invasive ventilation must be necessary.

Impacto de biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto na insuficiência respiratória aguda refratária / Impact of open lung biopsy on refractory acute respiratory failure

OBJETIVO: Verificar o impacto dos resultados da biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto nas decisões que determinem mudanças nas estratégias de tratamento de pacientes críticos, com infiltrados pulmonares difusos e insuficiência respiratória aguda refratária, bem como na melhora de seu quadro clínico. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 12 pacientes com insuficiência respiratória aguda e sob ventilação mecânica, que foram submetidos à biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto (por toracotomia) após a ausência de resposta clínica ao tratamento padrão. RESULTADOS: A maior causa isolada de insuficiência respiratória aguda foi a infecção viral, identificada em 5 pacientes (40 por cento). A avaliação pré-operatória da causa da insuficiência respiratória foi modificada em 11 pacientes (91,6 por cento), e um diagnóstico específico foi feito em 100 por cento dos casos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 50 por cento, a despeito das mudanças no regime terapêutico. Seis pacientes (50 por cento) sobreviveram e obtiveram alta hospitalar. Todos os pacientes que obtiveram alta sobreviveram por pelo menos um ano após a biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto, totalizando uma taxa de sobrevida em um ano de 50 por cento dentre os 12 pacientes estudados. Quanto aos pacientes que faleceram no hospital, o tempo de sobrevida após a biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto foi de 14 + 10,8 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que a biópsia pulmonar a céu aberto é uma ferramenta útil no controle da insuficiência respiratória aguda quando não se observa melhora clínica após o tratamento padrão, já que pode resultar em um diagnóstico específico que requeira tratamento distinto, provavelmente diminuindo a taxa de mortalidade desses pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact that open lung biopsy findings have on decisions regarding changes in the treatment strategies employed for critically ill patients presenting diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and suffering from refractory acute respiratory failure, as well as on their clinical improvement. METHODS: This study involved 12 mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure who were subjected to open lung biopsy (by thoracotomy) after not presenting a clinical response to standard treatment. RESULTS: The single most common cause of the acute respiratory failure was viral infection, which was identified in 5 patients (40 percent). The pre-operative evaluation of the cause of respiratory failure was modified in 11 patients (91.6 percent), and a specific diagnosis was made in 100 percent of the cases. Regardless of changes in treatment regimen, the mortality rate was 50 percent. Six patients (50 percent) survived to be discharged from the hospital. All of the discharged patients survived for at least one year after the open lung biopsy, for an overall one-year survival rate of 50 percent among the 12 patients studied. For the patients who died in the hospital, the time of survival after open lung biopsy was 14 + 10.8 days. CONCLUSION: We conclude that open lung biopsy is a useful tool in the management of acute respiratory failure when there is no clinical improvement after standard treatment, since it can lead to a specific diagnosis that requires distinct treatment, which probably lowers the mortality rate among such patients.

Correlation between surgical lung biopsy and autopsy findings and clinical data in patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory failure

INTRODUCTION: Surgical lung biopsy is an invasive procedure performed when other procedures have failed to provide an urgent and specific diagnosis, but there may be reluctance to perform it in critically ill patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, the changes in therapy and survival of patients with diffuse lung infiltrates, mostly presenting acute respiratory failure, who underwent surgical biopsy. METHODS: We retrospectively examined medical records and surgical lung biopsies from 1982 to 2003 of 63 patients older than 18 years with diffuse infiltrates. Clinical diagnoses were compared to histopathological ones, from biopsies and autopsies. Laboratory and epidemiological data were evaluated, and their relationship to hospital survival was analyzed. RESULTS: All histological specimens exhibited abnormalities, mostly presenting benign/inflammatory etiologies. Fifteen patients had an etiologic factor determined in biopsy, most commonly Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The preoperative diagnosis was rectified in 37 patients. Autopsies were obtained in 25 patients and confirmed biopsy results in 72 percent of cases. Therapy was changed for 65 percent of patients based on biopsy results. Forty-nine percent of patients survived to be discharged from the hospital. Characteristics that differed significantly between survivors and nonsurvivors included sex (P = 0.05), presence of comorbidity (P = 0.05), SpO2 (P = 0.05), and presence of diffuse alveolar damage in the biopsy (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Surgical lung biopsy provided a specific, accurate etiologic diagnosis in many patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates when clinical improvement did not occur after standard treatment. Surgical lung biopsy may reveal a specific diagnosis that requires distinct treatment, and it would probably have an impact in lowering the mortality of these patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: A biópsia pulmonar cirúrgica é um procedimento invasivo executado quando outros procedimentos não forneceram um diagnóstico urgente e específico; no entanto, pode haver relutância em sua execução em pacientes críticos, que apresentam infiltrados pulmonares difusos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica, mudanças na terapêutica e a sobrevida de pacientes com infiltrado pulmonar difuso, em sua maior parte apresentando a insuficiência respiratória aguda, submetidos a biópsia cirúrgica. MÉTODO: Foram examinados retrospectivamente registros médicos e biópsias pulmonares cirúrgicas de 63 pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade, com infiltrados difusos, entre 1982 a 2003. Os diagnósticos clínicos foram comparados aos histopatológicos, de biópsias e de autópsias. Dados laboratoriais e epidemiológicos foram avaliados e sua correlação com a sobrevida hospitalar analisada. RESULTADOS: Todos os espécimes histológicos exibiram alterações, em sua maior parte de natureza benigna/inflamatória. Em quinze casos o fator etiológico pôde ser determinado na biópsia, sendo o Mycobacterium tuberculosis o mais freqüente. O diagnóstico pré-operatório foi mudado em 37 pacientes. Autópsias foram realizadas em 25 pacientes e confirmaram resultados da biópsia em 72 por cento. A terapêutica foi alterada em 65 por cento dos pacientes com base nos resultados da biópsia. Quarenta e nove por cento dos pacientes sobreviveram ao final do período de hospitalização. Características que diferiram significativamente entre sobreviventes versus não sobreviventes incluíram sexo (p=0.05), a presença de comorbidade (p=0.05), a SatO2 (p=0.05), e a presença de dano alveolar difuso na biópsia (p=0.004). CONCLUSÃO: A biópsia pulmonar cirúrgica forneceu um diagnóstico etiológico específico e exato em muitos pacientes com infiltrados pulmonares difusos quando a melhora clínica não ocorreu após o tratamento padrão. A biópsia pulmonar cirúrgica pode fornecer diagnósticos que requerem tratamentos específicos, com provável impacto na redução do índice de mortalidade destes pacientes.

Fatores de risco para insuficiência respiratória aguda e fatores prognósticos em pacientes queimados internados em UTI / Risk factors to acute respiratory failure and prognosis in birn patient at ICU

Queimaduras são uma das condições mais devastadoras da medicina. Estudo de coorte prospectivo, 26 meses, não consecutivo (01/Dez/00 - 31/Dez/01 e 01/Jul/02 - 31/Jul/03), conduzido na UTI de um hospital terciário. Internaram 106 pacientes nesse período, 83 foram incluídos no estudo. Médias de idade de 36 anos e de superfície corporal queimada de 38 por cento. Lesão inalatória encontrada em 51 por centoo pacientes, ventilação mecânica em 58 po cento e LPA/SDRA em 46 por cento. Mortalidade de 40 por cento. Fatores prognósticos foram idade, superfície corporal queimada, sexo feminino e LPA/SDRA / urns are one of the most devastating conditions encountered mediicne. This is a prospective cohort study of adult patient, during 26 months, not consecutive (Dec/01/00 – Dec/31/01 a Jul/01/02 - Jul/31/03), conducted in burn ICU of Hospital das Clínicas of University of Sao Paulo. Were admitted to ICU 106 patients; of those, 83 were included this study. Mean age was 36 and total body surface area burn (BSA) 38 por cento. Inhalation injury was identified in 51 por cento patients, 58 por cento required mechanical ventilation and ALI/ARDS in 46 por cento. Overall mortality was 40 por cento. Age, total BSA, female sex and ALI/ARDS was determinant factors...

Acute respiratory failure in Pakistani patients: Risk factors associated with mortality

To assess the outcome and risk factors associated with mortality in patients with acute respiratory failure [ARF]. Observational study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, between January 1997 and June 2001. All adult patients admitted with a medical cause of acute respiratory failure were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was mortality and secondary outcome measures were factors associated with mortality in ARF. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for mortality. A total of 270 patients were admitted with ARF. Hypercapnic respiratory failure was seen in 186 [69%] and hypoxemic in 84 [31%] cases. Pneumonia and COPD exacerbation were the most common underlying causes of ARF. Ventilator support was required in 93 [34.4%] patients. Hospital mortality was 28%. Chronic renal failure, malignancy, hypokalemia, severe acidosis [pH <7.25], septicemia and ARDS independently correlated with mortality. Mortality rate increased sharply [84%] with the presence of three or more risk factors. Acute respiratory failure has a high mortality rate [28%]. Development of ARDS or septicemia was associated with high mortality. Presence of more than one risk factor significantly increased the mortality rate