Impacto do fast track em cirurgia cardíaca de adultos: desfechos clínicos e hospitalares / Impact of fast-track management on adult cardiac surgery: clinical and hospital outcomes

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o impacto de duas estratégias de fast track quanto ao momento de extubação e retirada da ventilação mecânica invasiva de adultos no pós-operatório cardíaco em desfechos clínicos e hospitalares. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Os pacientes foram classificados de acordo com o tempo de extubação em Grupo Controle (extubados após 6 horas de admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva, com tempo máximo de ventilação mecânica de 18 horas), Grupo 1 (extubados em sala de operação após término da cirurgia) e Grupo 2 (extubados em até 6 horas pós-admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva). Os desfechos primários analisados foram: capacidade vital no primeiro dia de pós-operatório, tempo de internamento hospitalar e na unidade de terapia intensiva. Os desfechos secundários foram reintubação, pneumonia adquirida no hospital, sepse e óbito. Resultados: Para os 223 pacientes avaliados, a capacidade vital foi menor nos Grupos 1 e 2 comparados ao Controle (p = 0,000 e p = 0,046, respectivamente). Os dias de internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva foram significativamente menores nos Grupos 1 e 2 quando comparados ao Controle (p = 0,009 e p = 0,000, respectivamente), já os dias de internamento hospitalar foram menores no Grupo 1 quando comparado ao Controle (p = 0,014). Houve associação entre a extubação na sala de operação (Grupo 1) com reintubação (p = 0,025) e complicações pós-cirúrgicas (p=0,038). Conclusão: Pacientes submetidos ao fast track com extubação em até 6 horas apresentaram menor tempo de internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva sem aumentar complicações pós-cirúrgicas e óbito. Pacientes extubados em sala de operação tiveram menor tempo de internamento hospitalar e em unidade de terapia intensiva, mas apresentaram aumento na frequência de reintubação e complicações pós-cirúrgicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the impact of two fast-track strategies regarding the extubation time and removal of invasive mechanical ventilation in adults after cardiac surgery on clinical and hospital outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study with patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients were classified according to the extubation time as the Control Group (extubated 6 hours after admission to the intensive care unit, with a maximum mechanical ventilation time of 18 hours), Group 1 (extubated in the operating room after surgery) and Group 2 (extubated within 6 hours after admission to the intensive care unit). The primary outcomes analyzed were vital capacity on the first postoperative day, length of hospital stay, and length of stay in the intensive care unit. The secondary outcomes were reintubation, hospital-acquired pneumonia, sepsis, and death. Results: For the 223 patients evaluated, the vital capacity was lower in Groups 1 and 2 compared to the Control (p = 0.000 and p = 0.046, respectively). The length of stay in the intensive care unit was significantly lower in Groups 1 and 2 compared to the Control (p = 0.009 and p = 0.000, respectively), whereas the length of hospital stay was lower in Group 1 compared to the Control (p = 0.014). There was an association between extubation in the operating room (Group 1) with reintubation (p = 0.025) and postoperative complications (p = 0.038). Conclusion: Patients undergoing fast-track management with extubation within 6 hours had shorter stays in the intensive care unit without increasing postoperative complications and death. Patients extubated in the operating room had a shorter hospital stay and a shorter stay in the intensive care unit but showed an increase in the frequency of reintubation and postoperative complications.

Application of Mechanical Ventilation Weaning Predictors After Elective Cardiac Surgery

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To test several weaning predictors as determinants of successful extubation after elective cardiac surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital with 100 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery from September to December 2014. We recorded demographic, clinical and surgical data, plus the following predictive indexes: static compliance (Cstat), tidal volume (Vt), respiratory rate (f), f/ Vt ratio, arterial partial oxygen pressure to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2), and the integrative weaning index (IWI). Extubation was considered successful when there was no need for reintubation within 48 hours. Sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were used to evaluate each index. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were male (60%), with mean age of 55.4±14.9 years and low risk of death (62%), according to InsCor. All of the patients were successfully extubated. Tobin Index presented the highest SE (0.99) and LR+ (0.99), followed by IWI (SE=0.98; LR+ =0.98). Other scores, such as SP, NPV and LR-were nullified due to lack of extubation failure. CONCLUSION: All of the weaning predictors tested in this sample of patients submitted to elective cardiac surgery showed high sensitivity, highlighting f/Vt and IWI.

Desvinculación de la asistencia ventilatoria mecánica prolongada a las 72 horas de respiración espontánea

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue describir la población que ingresó en un centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación (CDVMR) en asistencia ventilatoria mecánica invasiva (AVMi), analizar su evolución y determinar los predictores de fracaso de la desvinculación de la AVMi. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 763 pacientes que ingresaron en el servicio de Cuidados Respiratorios, en el período comprendido entre mayo 2005 y enero 2012, se seleccionaron 372 con traqueotomía y AVMi. Se analizaron diferentes variables como posibles predictores de desvinculación. La media de edad fue 69 años (DS 14.7), 57% fueron hombres. La mediana de días de internación en la unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI) fue de 33 (rango intercuartilo-RQ 26-46). El 86% de los ingresados a UTI fue por causa médica. Durante la internación en el CDVMR lograron desvincularse el 50%; mediana de días de desvinculación, 13 (RQ 5-38). La edad fue predictor de fracaso de desvinculación. Al estudiar a la subpoblación con desvinculación parcial, se sumó el antecedente de EPOC como predictor. Si bien un 25% de los pacientes falleció o requirió derivación a un centro de mayor complejidad antes de 2 semanas de internación, más de la mitad de los pacientes lograron ser desvinculados definitivamente de la AVMi; esto podría sustentar la atención de pacientes críticos crónicos en CDVMR en la Argentina, ya que los pacientes internados en estos centros tienen buena expectativa de desvinculación, a pesar de las altas chances de desarrollar complicaciones.

The aim of this study was to describe the population admitted to a weaning center (WC) to receive invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), analyze their evolution and identify weaning failure predictors. The medical records of 763 patients admitted to the respiratory care service in the period between May 2005 and January 2012 were reviewed; 372 were selected among 415 tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated. Different variables were analyzed as weaning failure predictors. The mean age of patients admitted was 69 years (SD 14.7), 57% were men. The median length of hospitalization in ICU was 33 days (IQR 26-46). Admission to ICU was due to medical causes in 86% of cases. During hospitalization in WC 186 (50%) patients achieved the successful weaning at a median of 13 days (interquartile range-IQR 5-38). A predictor of weaning failure was age. When we studied the subpopulation with partial disconnection of mechanical ventilation, we found a history of COPD and ageas predictors. Although 25% of the patients died, or required referral to a center of major complexity before 2 weeks of hospitalization, more than half of the patients were able to be removed permanently from the invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), this could support the care of chronic critical patients in MV and rehabilitation centers in Argentina because patients in these centers have a chance of weaning from MV, despite the high chances of developing complications.

Compliance with VAP bundle implementation and its effectiveness on surgical and medical sub-population in adult ICU

Despite broad implementation of a bundled strategy aimed at preventing VAP Bundle-ICU; ventilator-associated adverse events in many hospitals, the ability of the bundle to prevent VAP has Compliance not been definitively established with high-quality studies. To implement VAP bundle as a performance improvement project in adult ICU and follow up the compliance rate over the 12 month study period as well as the effectiveness on surgical and medical subgroups. VAP Bundle Program was implemented in adult ICU, data were collected and analyzed for ventilated-associated pneumonia [VAP], and compared before and after intervention. Our bundle components were head of bed elevation greater than 30°, daily sedation break, assessment for extubation, peptic ulcer prophylaxis and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. The results clearly show the difference between pre and post-intervention period and lower VAP rate after application of VAP bundle. The total VAP bundle compliance rate steadily increased during the period of implementation. We documented a significant reduction of mean ICU LOS [from 15.4 +/- 5.2 to 10.8 +/- 4.9 days] and duration of mechanical ventilation [from 12.8 +/- 4.9 to 8.5 +/- 4.3 days] for patients with VAP bundle compliance at the end of the study. There was a significant improvement in the outcome of surgical patients who were studied after VAP bundle initiation reflecting a decreased mortality rate. Our study highlights that adherence with the VAP-bundle approach in our ICU decreases the incidence of VAP, more rapid ventilator weaning, fewer ICU days, and shorter hospitalizations and it has also a great impact on patient outcomes. Our study looked into surgical subpopulation as getting more benefit by initiation of the VAP bundle in reducing the length of stay. Thus it results in a decrease in the burden of the health care costs and the ICU resources

Extubation failure influences clinical and functional outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury / A falência da extubação influencia desfechos clínicos e funcionais em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between extubation failure and outcomes (clinical and functional) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: A prospective cohort study involving 311 consecutive patients with TBI. The patients were divided into two groups according to extubation outcome: extubation success; and extubation failure (defined as reintubation within 48 h after extubation). A multivariate model was developed in order to determine whether extubation failure was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 35.7 ± 13.8 years. Males accounted for 92.3%. The incidence of extubation failure was 13.8%. In-hospital mortality was 4.5% and 20.9% in successfully extubated patients and in those with extubation failure, respectively (p = 0.001). Tracheostomy was more common in the extubation failure group (55.8% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.001). The median length of hospital stay was significantly greater in the extubation failure group than in the extubation success group (44 days vs. 27 days; p = 0.002). Functional status at discharge was worse among the patients in the extubation failure group. The multivariate analysis showed that extubation failure was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR = 4.96; 95% CI, 1.86-13.22). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with TBI, extubation failure appears to lengthen hospital stays; to increase the frequency of tracheostomy and of pulmonary complications; to worsen functional outcomes; and to increase mortality. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre falência da extubação e desfechos clínicos e funcionais em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva com 311 pacientes consecutivos com TCE. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o resultado da extubação: sucesso ou falência (necessidade de reintubação dentro de 48 h após extubação). Um modelo multivariado foi desenvolvido para verificar se a falência de extubação era um preditor independente de mortalidade hospitalar. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 35,7 ± 13,8 anos, e 92,3% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A incidência de falência da extubação foi de 13,8%. A mortalidade hospitalar foi, respectivamente, de 20,9% e 4,5% nos pacientes com falência e com sucesso da extubação (p = 0,001). A realização de traqueostomia foi mais frequente no grupo falência da extubação (55,8% vs. 1,9%; p < 0,001). A mediana de tempo de permanência hospitalar foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com falência do que naqueles com sucesso da extubação (44 dias vs. 27 dias; p = 0,002). Os pacientes com falência da extubação apresentaram piores desfechos funcionais na alta hospitalar. A análise multivariada mostrou que a falência da extubação foi um preditor independente para a mortalidade hospitalar (OR = 4,96; IC95%, 1,86-13,22). CONCLUSÕES: A falência da extubação esteve associada a maior permanência hospitalar, maior frequência de traqueostomia e de complicações pulmonares, piores desfechos funcionais e maior mortalidade em pacientes com TCE. .

Clinical risk factors associated with extubation failure in ventilated neonates.

We conducted this study to find out the incidence of extubation failure (EF) in ventilated neonates and associated clinical risk factors. Eighty two ventilated neonates were followed up to 48 hours post-extubation to look for EF. Twenty two babies (26.8%) had EF. The common risk factors for EF were presence of patent ductus arteriosus, post-extubation lung collapse and acquired pneumonia. The duration of ventilation, and maximum and pre-extubation alveolar arterial oxygen gradients (AaDO2) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in EF group. The incidence of sepsis (P=0.034), anemia (P=0.004) and pneumonia (P=0.001) were significantly higher in EF group. Detection of significant PDA and adequate post extubation care may help to reduce rate of extubation failure in neonates.

Comparação entre ventilação mandatória intermitente e ventilação mandatória intermitente sincronizada com pressão de suporte em crianças / Comparison between intermittent mandatory ventilation and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support in children

OBJETIVO: Comparar a ventilação mandatória intermitente (IMV) com a ventilação mandatória intermitente sincronizada com pressão de suporte (SIMV+PS) quanto à duração da ventilação mecânica, desmame e tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP). MÉTODOS: Estudo clínico randomizado que incluiu crianças entre 28 dias e 4 anos de idade, admitidas na UTIP no período correspondente entre 10/2005 e 06/2007, que receberam ventilação mecânica (VM) por mais de 48 horas. Os pacientes foram alocados, por meio de sorteio, em dois grupos: grupo IMV (GIMV; n = 35) e grupo SIMV+PS (GSIMV; n = 35). Foram excluídas crianças traqueostomizadas e com insuficiência respiratória crônica. Dados relativos à oxigenação e ventilação foram anotados na admissão e no início do desmame. RESULTADOS: Os grupos não diferiram estatisticamente quanto à idade, sexo, indicação da VM, escore PRISM, escala de Comfort, uso de sedativos e parâmetros de ventilação e oxigenação. A mediana da duração da VM foi de 5 dias para ambos os grupos (p = 0,120). Também não houve diferença estatística quanto à duração do desmame [GIMV: 1 dia (1-6) versus GSIMV: 1 dia (1-6); p = 0,262] e tempo de internação [GIMV: 8 dias (2-22) versus GSIMV: 6 dias (3-20); p = 0,113]. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre IMV e SIMV+PS quanto à duração da VM/desmame e tempo de internação nas crianças avaliadas. ClinicalTrials.govID: NCT00549809.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) with synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation plus pressure support (SIMV+PS) in terms of time on mechanical ventilation, duration of weaning and length of stay in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial that enrolled children aged 28 days to 4 years who were admitted to a PICU between October of 2005 and June of 2007 and put on mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than 48 hours. These patients were allocated to one of two groups by drawing lots: IMV group (IMVG; n = 35) and SIMV+PS group (SIMVG; n = 35). Children were excluded if they had undergone tracheotomy or had chronic respiratory diseases. Data on oxygenation and ventilation were recorded at admission and at the start of weaning. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of age, sex, indication for MV, PRISM score, Comfort scale, use of sedatives or ventilation and oxygenation parameters. The median time on MV was 5 days for both groups (p = 0.120). There were also no statistical differences between the two groups for duration of weaning [IMVG: 1 day (1-6) vs. SIMVG: 1 day (1-6); p = 0.262] or length of hospital stay [IMVG: 8 days (2-22) vs. SIMVG: 6 days (3-20); p = 0.113]. CONCLUSION: Among the children studied here, there was no statistically significant difference between IMV and SIMV+PS in terms of time on MV, duration of weaning or time spent in the PICU. ClinicalTrials.govID: NCT00549809.

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).

Desmame ventilatório no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca: implantação de um protocolo por enfermeiros / Ventilation waning on the cardiac surgery immediate postoperative: a protocol implemented by the nurse

O desmame de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica é uma das etapas críticas da assistência ventilatória em Terapia Intensiva. Existem vários critérios para a retirada de pacientes da prótese respiratória. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o tempo de desmame ventilatório entre dois métodos distintos - ventilação mandatória intermitente sincronizada (SIMV) e tubo T - e avaliar a implantação de protocolos de desmame ventilatório no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico pragmático, quantitativo, prospectivo, comparativo, randomizado e de grupo controle, realizado no Centro de TerapiaIntensiva Cardíaca (CTIC) do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE). No grupo controle foi empregada como modalidade de desmame a SIMV, e no grupo experimental foi utilizado o tubo-T. Foram considerados dois desfechos como critérios de avaliação: extubação do paciente (sucesso) ou retorno àprótese ventilatória após três tentativas de desmame em cada protocolo (insucesso). A maioria dos pacientesfoi extubada no período de desmame ventilatório em até duas horas. Ressalta-se, entretanto, que 72% dos pacientes do grupo experimental apresentaram menor tempo de desmame (menor que uma hora) em comparação com o grupo controle, que teve apenas 8% dos pacientes desmamados neste mesmo período de tempo. A implantação de condutas padronizadas para o desmame da ventilação mecânica, rotinas parasedação e analgesia, assim como protocolos guiados por profissionais de enfermagem, são medidas efetivaspara abreviar o tempo de ventilação mecânica.

Emprego do suporte cardiopulmonar com bomba centrífuga e oxigenador de membrana em cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica / Use of centrifugal pump and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as cardiopulmonary support in pediatric cardiovascular surgery

FUNDAMENTO: O suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana é um método de ressuscitação de distúrbios hemodinâmicos, pulmonares ou ambos, consagrado em centros internacionais. OBJETIVOS: Descrever diversos aspectos relacionados ao suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana em um serviço de cirurgia cardiovascular nacional e determinar seus resultados imediatos e tardios. MÉTODOS: Entre outubro de 2005 e janeiro de 2007, 10 pacientes foram submetidos a suporte circulatório e/ou respiratório em candidatos ou submetidos a cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica, com idade mediana de 58,5 dias (40 por cento de neonatos) e peso mediano de 3,9 kg. O suporte foi mantido com a intenção de recuperação e desmame, de acordo com critérios clínicos e ecocardiográficos diários. O suporte foi descontinuado nos pacientes sem indicação de transplante, com incapacidade de recuperação e com sobrevida limitada, de acordo com julgamento multidisciplinar. RESULTADOS: O suporte circulatório foi utilizado no pós-operatório de operações corretivas ou paliativas em 80 por cento e no pré-operatório no restante. Instabilidade hemodinâmica grave irresponsiva (40 por cento), falência miocárdica na saída de circulação extracorpórea (20 por cento) e parada cardíaca no pós-operatório (20 por cento) foram as indicações mais freqüentes. O tempo médio de permanência em suporte circulatório foi de 58 ± 37 horas. O suporte foi retirado com sucesso em 50 por cento e 30 por cento obtiveram alta hospitalar. A sobrevida atuarial foi de 40 por cento, 30 por cento e 20 por cento aos 30 dias, 3 meses e 24 meses, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: O suporte cardiopulmonar com oxigenador de membrana foi um método eficaz e útil na ressuscitação de distúrbios cardiovasculares e pulmonares graves no perioperatório de cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a well-documented resuscitation method in patients with severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory impairment. OBJECTIVE: To describe several aspects related to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a pediatric heart center and determine its immediate and late outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2005 and January 2007, 10 patients who were submitted to pediatric cardiac surgery underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implant. Median age was 58.5 days (40 percent neonates) and median body weight was 3.9 kg. Circulatory assistance was initiated aiming at the recovery and the weaning protocols followed daily clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Support was discontinued when transplant was contraindicated, when the patient was unable to recover or when survival was considered to be limited by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was employed after corrective or palliative heart surgery in 80 percent and preoperatively in the remaining ones. It was most often indicated for irresponsive hemodynamic instability (40 percent), post-cardiotomy shock (20 percent) and post-cardiac arrest (20 percent). The mean duration on support was 58 ± 37 hours. Weaning was successfully in 50 percent of the cases and 30 percent were discharged home. Actuarial survival was 40 percent, 30 percent and 20 percent at 30 days, 3 months and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an effective and useful tool for the resuscitation of patients presenting severe hemodynamic and/or respiratory failure in the perioperative period of pediatric cardiovascular surgery.

Falência do desmame: risco, fatores associados e prognóstico de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica prolongada / Waning failure: rate, risk factors and outcomes of prolonged mechanically ventiled patients

De acordo com dados de literatura, cerca de 15 por cento dos pacientes sob ventilação mecânica prolongada necessitam de reintubação em 48-72 horas após a extubação. O desenvolvimento de instrumentos preditivos do resultado do desmame e a otimização das decisões sobre a extubação requerem o conhecimento dos fatores de risco para a falência do desmame / The rate of weaning failure of patients who are removed from MV and extubated require reintubation within 48-72 horas hours after extubation. Many studies have focused on determining patient readness for weaning failure. Patients requiring reintubation after weaning have a poor prognosis...

Clinical outcomes of failed extubation in a postoperative intensive care unit.

The causes and consequences of failed extubation in postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) patients were prospectively collected by clinical observation study in the surgical ICU Siriraj Hospital from 1st October 2000 to 31st March 2001. The failure rate was 1.7 per cent (9/477). Patients underwent the following types of surgery: abdominal surgery 66.67 per cent, orthopedic 22.22 per cent, and head-neck surgery 11.11 per cent. Reasons for reintubation were respiratory failure 55.56 per cent (5/9), inadequate cough reflex 22.22 per cent (2/9), congestive heart failure 11.11 per cent (1/9), and acute myocardial infarction 11.11 per cent (1/9). The consequences of failed extubation were worse outcomes:- the average length of stay in these patients increased from 3.67 days to 9.3 days. The mortality rate was 33.33 per cent. Tracheostomy was required in 55.56 per cent. From these observations we conclude that extubation should be performed at the appropriate time for each patient. This will differ according to the patient and his/her circumstances.

Length of surgical intensive care unit stay and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess length of stay of patients in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and to determine risk factors for a long ICU stay. DESIGN: Review of retrospective data. SETTING: University hospital surgical ICU. PATIENTS: Out of a total of 681 admissions to the surgical ICU during a one year period (July 1, 1996 - June 30, 1997), 613 had complete medical data which were analysed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The frequency distribution was skewed to the right. The median and mode were the same (2 days). 35.89 per cent of the ICU admissions had a long stay (>2 days). Independent risk factors for a long ICU stay in the multivariate logistic regression analysis are increasing age, unstable condition, long weaning time, diuretic therapy and re-operation. CONCLUSION: Knowing the length of ICU stay, risk factors for a long ICU stay and how to shorten the ICU stay have potential application in optimizing ICU resource planning and decreasing the health care cost.

Modos ventilatorios y retirada de la ventilación mecánica en pediatría: corte de prevalencia, estudio multicéntrico / Modes of ventilation and weaning of the mechanical ventilation in pediatrics: prevalence cut-multicentric study

Objetivo: Conocer la proporción de los pacientes que requieren ventilación mecánica (AVM) entre los ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) y los modos de ventilación utilizados. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y prospectivo de la ventilación mecánica en 12 UCIP distribuidas por Argentina durante 1997, en dos fechas climatológicas diferenciadas, 13 de mayo (M97) y 13 de agosto (A97). Se utilizó un cuestionario cumplmentado para cada paciente. Resultados: 92 pacientes ingresaron a la UCIP en M97 y 107 en A97. El 54,3 por ciento (IC 97 por ciento 47,6-61) y 51,4 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 44,7-58,1) estaban en AVM respectivamente. La causa más frecuente de ingreso al respirador fue la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda 62 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 48,5-75,4) en M97 y 61,8 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 48,9-74,6) en A97. El modo de ventilación más utilizado en ambos cortes fue la IMV/SIMV 48 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 35-61) y 52,7 (IC 95 por ciento 39,5-65,7). El porcentaje de pacientes en proceso de retirada de la ventilación fue del 40 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 26,5-53) en M97 y 38 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento 25,2-50,8) en A97. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio, que es el primero realizado en pediatría con carácter multicéntrico y con éstos objetivos, muestra un porcentaje de pacientes ventilados en torno al 50 por ciento. Igual porcentaje de pacientes estaban en ventilación con IMV/SIMV y los modos más recientes de ventilación fueron escasamente utilizados. Parece aconsejable adecuar las adquisiciones de los respiradores a las patologías que haya que tratar. La utilización racional de los recursos será sin duda uno de los objetivos en los próximos años