Premature newborn positionings and physiologic parameters - a randomized clinical study / Posicionamentos de recém-nascidos prematuros e parâmetros fisiológicos - um estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction Multiple studies have shown the effects of prone (PP), supine (SP) and kangaroo (KP) positions on clinical and physiological outcomes in preterm newborns, but none compared these three types of positioning between them. Objective To investigate the influence of these positionings on heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and alertness status in clinically stable preterm newborns (NBs) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods In a randomized clinical trial, clinically stable NBs with gestational ages from 30 to 37 weeks who were breathing spontaneously were allocated in three positioning groups: PP, SP and KP. Heart rate, breathing frequency, SpO2 and alertness status were evaluated immediately before and after 30 minutes of positioning. Results In all, 66 NBs were assessed (corrected age: 35.48 ± 1.94 weeks; weight: 1840.14 ± 361.09 g), (PP: n = 22; SP: n = 23; KP: n = 21). NBs in the PP group showed a significant improvement in peripheral SpO2 (97.18 ± 2.16 vs 95.47 ± 2.93 vs 95.57 ± 2.95, p = 0.03) compared with the SP and KP groups. Conclusion In clinically stable preterm NBs, the PP was associated with better peripheral oxygen saturation than the SP or KP. In addition, there was a reduction in heart rate within prone position group and in the KP group there was an increase in the number of NBs in the deep sleep classification.

Resumo Introdução Vários estudos têm demonstrado os efeitos das posições prona (PP), supina (SP) e canguru (KP) sobre os resul-tados clínicos e fisiológicos em recém-nascidos prematuros, mas nenhum comparou esses três tipos de posicionamento. Objetivo Investigar a influência desses posicionamentos na frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória, saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) e estado de alerta em recém-nascidos pré-termo (RN) clinicamente estáveis internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos Em um ensaio clínico randomizado, RN clinicamente estáveis com idade gestacional de 30 a 37 semanas e respirando espontaneamente foram alocados em três grupos de posicionamento: PP, SP e KP. Frequência cardíaca e respiratória, SpO2 e estado de alerta foram avaliados imediatamente antes e após 30 minutos de posicionamento. Resultados Ao todo, foram avaliados 66 RNs (idade corrigida: 35,48 ± 1,94 semanas; peso: 1840,14 ± 361,09 g), (PP: n = 22; SP: n = 23; KP: n = 21). Os RNs do grupo PP apresentaram melhora significativa na SpO2 periférica (97,18 ± 2,16 vs 95,47 ± 2,93 vs 95,57 ± 2,95, p = 0,03) em comparação aos grupos SP e KP. Conclusão Em RN prematuros clinicamente estáveis, o PP foi associado à melhor saturação periférica de oxigênio do que o SP ou KP. Além disso, houve redução da frequência cardíaca no grupo de posição prona e no grupo KP houve aumento do número de RNs na classificação sono profundo.

Rebalancing thoraco-abdominal method does not increase immediate pain assessed by Neonatal Infant Pain Scale: a randomized clinical trial / O método reequilíbrio tóraco-abdominal não aumenta a dor avaliada pela Neonatal Infant Pain Scale: estudo clínico randomizado

Objective: To compare in neonates with transitory tachypnea if chest rebalancing thoraco-abdominal method (RTA) increased immediate pain. Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Forty-nine neonates with transitory tachypnea and aged < 72 hours were included to receive either conventional physiotherapy (CP) or RTA method. Participants received usual care and one 15- minute session of chest physiotherapy. Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, axillary temperature before and after chest physiotherapy were recorded. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mc Nemar test were used to compare differences between measures. The relative risk (RR) for pain after interventions was calculated using a Poisson regression model (robust estimation). A significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted for all analyses. Results: RTA was not associated to pain. After chest physiotherapy, NIPS reduced (2 versus 3, p < 0.001) and number of neonates with pain reduced (10.2% versus 28.6%, p = 0.02). RR for pain after chest physiotherapy in comparison to before was 0.3 (95% CI 0.15-0.41; p = 0.02); respiratory frequency decreased after chest physiotherapy (58 versus 70, p < 0.001) and peripheral oxygen saturation increased (98% versus 96%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In neonates with transitory tachypnea, in the first 72 hours of life, RTA did not influence pain evaluation, chest physiotherapy was safe and reduced immediate pain. (AU)

Objetivo: Comparar em recém-nascidos com taquipneia transitória se o método reequilíbrio tóraco-abdominal (RTA) aumentou a dor imediatamente após. Métodos: Estudo de ensaio clínico randomizado. Quarenta e nove recémnascidos com diagnóstico de taquipneia transitória com menos de 72 horas de vida, foram incluídos para receber fisioterapia respiratória. Os participantes receberam os cuidados usuais e uma sessão de fisioterapia convencional ou do método reequilíbrio tóraco-abdominal. Foram registradas a escala NIPS (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale), a saturação periférica de oxigênio, a frequência cardíaca, a frequência respiratória e a temperatura axilar antes e depois da fisioterapia. Para as comparações entre as medidas, foram utilizados o teste de ANOVA de Kruskal-Wallis e o teste de McNemar. O risco relativo de dor após os procedimentos foi calculado usando o modelo de regressão de Poisson (estimação robusta). Foi considerado o nível de significância de 5% para todas as análises (p < 0,05). Resultados: O método RTA não foi associado a dor. Após a fisioterapia respiratória, a escala NIPS reduziu (2 versus 3, p < 0,001) e a proporção de recém-nascidos com dor também reduziu (10,2% versus 28,6%, p = 0,02). O risco relativo de dor após a fisioterapia respiratória em comparação a antes, foi de 0,3 (IC 95% 0,15-0,41; p = 0,02), a frequência respiratória diminuiu (58 versus 70, p < 0,001) e a saturação periférica de oxigênio aumentou (98% versus 96%, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Em recém-nascidos com taquipneia transitória nas primeiras 72 horas de vida, o método RTA não influenciou a avaliação da dor, a fisioterapia respiratória foi segura e reduziu a dor imediatamente após. (AU)

The role of respiratory therapists in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 patients in China / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the clinical practice of Chinese respiratory therapists (RTs) participating in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and summarize the experience and role of RTs in the treatment of pandemic infectious diseases.Methods:A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the RTs who treated COVID-19 patients in 31 provinces, cities and autonomous regions in China. The survey questionnaire included the basic work of RTs, the specific work of the treatment for COVID-19 patients and problems encountered at work.Results:A total of 126 questionnaires were issued and 40 valid questionnaires were collected from RTs who treated COVID-19 patients at 22 COVID-19 designated hospitals in 8 provinces and municipalities. This included 7 hospitals in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic. In their medical team, RTs accounted for 2.9% (1.5%, 6.7%) of medical staff, the working experience of the RTs was about (6.2±5.4) years, the ratio of RTs to beds was about 1∶11 (1∶5, 1∶26), and 85.0% (34/40) of RTs were transferred from other hospitals. 97.5% (39/40) of RTs were involved in formulating individual respiratory care strategies in their medical teams, and they were all involved in the evaluation of respiratory care and decision-making as well as the early identification of deterioration of respiratory function. All RTs [100% (40/40)] indicated that they would actively monitor patients' respiratory status, increase the means and frequency of the monitoring, implement standardized oxygen therapy, prevent ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI), and standardize the management of artificial airway. However, less than 50% of RTs had carried out stress and strain, transpulmonary pressure, partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO 2), end-expiratory lung volume, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and other respiratory function monitoring. 85% of RTs conducted training and education related to respiratory care and formulated relevant standard operating procedures for their medical teams. More than 90% of RTs led the implementation of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC), pulmonary protective mechanical ventilation, prone ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation, airway management, transfer of critical patients, and other respiratory treatment. Conclusions:RTs performed their professional role fully in the assessment, decision-making, and clinical practice in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. However, the manpower shortage of RTs is extremely prominent, the practical experience has provided the basis for the future treatment of infectious respiratory diseases and effectively promoted the development of respiratory care in China.

Use of an Alternative Oxygen High-Flow Nasal Cannula Device for Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure in an Adult Emergency Department in Argentina. Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: To describe changes observed in respiratory rate, heart rate and dyspnea score before and after using an alternative highflow nasal cannula device in patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure in an Emergency Department. Materials and Method: Quasi-experimental, retrospective study with adult patients who went to the Emergency Department with clinical signs of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Data from respiratory rate, heart rate and dyspnea score were gathered from the electronic medical records of the patients both before and after using a Venturi device connected to a high-flow nasal cannula system two hours. Result: 43 patients were included. The mean age was 64.7 years (SD 16). The main cause of respiratory failure was pneumonia in 18 patients (42%). We observed a decrease of 8 breaths per minute (p < .001) in the respiratory rate, and 7 beats per minute (p < .001) in the heart rate; and there was a 2-point decrease in the dyspnea score (p < .001). Conclusions: We observed a significant decrease in the three variables under study in patients who went to the Emergency Department with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure, using a non-conventional oxygen therapy device, which could become useful in countries with limited resources or in cases of overcrowding, so common in the Emergency Departments

Presiones y pico flujo tosido en la asistencia mecánica de la tos / Pressures used and peak cough flow during mechanical cough assistance

Introducción: En las personas con enfermedad neuromuscular, la incapacidad para toser y para generar flujos espiratorios adecuados constituye el principal limitante para mantener una adecuada salud del sistema respiratorio. La asistencia mecánica de la tos es un dispositivo que genera presión positiva y negativa en la vía aérea y simula una tos normal. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica. Se incluyeron 9 estudios, con un total de 235 sujetos adultos con enfermedad neuromuscular. Objetivos: Describir los valores de presiones de insuflación y exsuflación utilizados y su relación con los valores de pico flujo tosido. Desarrollo: El 28 por ciento era de género femenino y las edades estaban comprendidas entre 14 a 77 años. Las presiones utilizadas variaron entre los estudios, con valores que iban desde +15/ -15 cm H2O a los +40/ -40 cm H2O. Con respecto a los valores de pico flujo tosido, 7 estudios observaron incrementos estadísticamente significativos al aplicar la terapéutica. En estos estudios, para obtener un flujo espiratorio superior a 160 L/min se requirieron presiones de al menos -30/+30 cm H2O. Conclusiones: Se requieren futuras investigaciones que permitan el desarrollo de un consenso respecto a aplicación de la asistencia mecánica de la tos en sujetos con enfermedad neuromuscular, así como establecer criterios de selección de las presiones de insuflación y exsuflación a programar durante la terapéutica(AU)

Introduction: In people with neuromuscular disease, the inability to cough and generate adequate expiratory flows is the main limitation to maintain adequate health of the respiratory system. The mechanical assistance of the cough is a device that generates positive and negative pressure in the airway, simulating a normal cough. 9 studies were included, with a total of 235 adult subjects with neuromuscular disease. Objectives: Describe the values ​​of insufflation and exsufflation pressures used and to describe their relationship with peak cough flow values. Development: 28 percent were female and the ages between 14 and 77 years old. The pressures used varied between the different studies, with values ​​ranging from + 15 / -15 cm H2O to + 40 / -40 cm H2O. According to the peak cough flow values, seven studies observed statistically significant increases when applying the therapy. In these studies, to obtain an expiratory flow greater than 160 L / min, at least -30 / + 30 cm H2O were required. Conclusions: Future research is required to allow the development of a consensus regarding the application of mechanical cough assistance in subjects with neuromuscular disease, as well as establishing selection criteria for insufflation and exsufflation pressures to be programmed during therapy(AU)

Comparison of the effects of voluntary and involuntary breath stacking techniques on respiratory mechanics and lung function patterns in tracheostomized patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial / Comparação dos efeitos das técnicas breath stacking e air stacking sobre a mecânica respiratória e o padrão ventilatório em pacientes traqueostomizados: ensaio clínico cruzado randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of voluntary breath stacking (VBS) and involuntary breath stacking (IBS) techniques on respiratory mechanics, lung function patterns, and inspiratory capacity in tracheostomized patients. Methods: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial involving 20 tracheostomized patients admitted to the ICU and submitted to the VBS and IBS techniques, in random order, with an interval of 5 h between each. Ten cycles of each technique were performed with an interval of 30 s between each cycle. In VBS, patients performed successive inspirations for up to 30 s through a one-way valve, whereas in IBS, successive slow insufflations were performed with a resuscitator bag until the pressure reached 40 cmH2O. Respiratory mechanics, inspiratory capacity, and the lung function pattern were evaluated before and after the interventions. Results: After IBS, there was an increase in static compliance (p = 0.007), which was also higher after IBS than after VBS (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the pre-VBS and post-VBS evaluations in terms of static compliance (p = 0.42). Inspiratory capacity was also greater after IBS than after VBS (2,420.7 ± 480.9 mL vs. 1,211.3 ± 562.8 mL; p < 0.001), as was airway pressure (38.3 ± 2.6 cmH2O vs. 25.8 ± 5.5 cmH2O; p < 0.001). There were no changes in resistance or lung function pattern after the application of either technique. Conclusions: In comparison with VBS, IBS promoted greater inspiratory capacity and higher airway pressure, resulting in an increase in static compliance.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos das técnicas breath stacking (BS) e air stacking (AS) sobre a mecânica respiratória, o padrão ventilatório e a capacidade inspiratória em pacientes traqueostomizados. Métodos: Ensaio clínico cruzado randomizado envolvendo 20 pacientes traqueostomizados internados em UTI e submetidos a ambas as técnicas, com intervalo de 5 h entre si, de acordo com a randomização. Foram realizados dez ciclos de cada técnica com intervalos de 30 segundos entre si. No BS, os pacientes realizaram inspirações sucessivas por até 30 s por meio de uma válvula unidirecional, enquanto no AS foram realizadas insuflações lentas sucessivas através de um ressuscitador manual até que a pressão atingisse 40 cmH2O. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto a mecânica respiratória, capacidade inspiratória e padrão ventilatório antes e depois da realização das intervenções. Resultados: Com relação à mecânica respiratória no AS, houve aumento da complacência estática na comparação pré- e pós-intervenção (p = 0,007), assim como entre os momentos pós-AS e pós-BS (p = 0,03). Não houve diferença significativa da complacência estática na realização do BS (p = 0,42). A capacidade inspiratória foi maior após o AS que após o BS (2.420,7 ± 480,9 mL vs. 1.211,3 ± 562,8 mL; p < 0,001), bem como em relação à pressão nas vias aéreas (38,3 ± 2,6 cmH2O vs. 25,8 ± 5,5 cmH2O; p < 0,001). Não foram observadas alterações na resistência ou no padrão ventilatório em ambas as técnicas. Conclusões: Na presente amostra, o AS promoveu maior capacidade inspiratória e maior pressão nas vias aéreas que as observadas após o BS, com consequente aumento da complacência estática.

Efeitos agudos da hiperinsuflação com o ventilador com aumento do tempo inspiratório sobre a mecânica respiratória: ensaio clínico cruzado randomizado / Acute effects of ventilator hyperinflation with increased inspiratory time on respiratory mechanics: randomized crossover clinical trial

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da hiperinsuflação com o ventilador sobre a mecânica respiratória. Métodos: Foi realizado ensaio clínico cruzado randomizado com 38 pacientes ventilados mecanicamente com infecção pulmonar. A ordem da hiperinsuflação ou controle (sem alterações nos parâmetros) foi randomizada. A hiperinsuflação foi realizada por 5 minutos no modo ventilação com pressão controlada, com aumentos progressivos de 5cmH2O até atingir pressão máxima de 35cmH2O, mantendo-se a pressão positiva expiratória final. Após atingir 35cmH2O, o tempo inspiratório e a frequência respiratória foram ajustados para que os fluxos inspiratório e expiratório atingissem a linha de base, respectivamente. As medidas de complacência estática, resistências total e de vias aéreas e pico de fluxo expiratório foram avaliadas antes, imediatamente após a manobra e após aspiração. Foi utilizada a análise de variância two-way para medidas repetidas com pós-teste de Tukey, considerando significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: A hiperinsuflação com o ventilador aumentou a complacência estática, mantendo-se após aspiração (46,2 ± 14,8 versus 52,0 ± 14,9 versus 52,3 ± 16,0mL/cmH2O; p < 0,001). Houve aumento transitório da resistência de vias aéreas (6,6 ± 3,6 versus 8,0 ± 5,5 versus 6,6 ± 3,5cmH2O/L.s-1; p < 0,001) e redução transitória do pico de fluxo expiratório (32,0 ± 16,0 versus 29,8 ± 14,8 versus 32,1 ± 15,3Lpm; p < 0,05) imediatamente após a manobra, com redução após aspiração traqueal. Não foram observadas modificações no controle e nem alterações hemodinâmicas. Conclusão: A hiperinsuflação com o ventilador promoveu aumento da complacência associado ao aumento transitório da resistência de vias aéreas e do pico de fluxo expiratório, com redução após aspiração.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of ventilator hyperinflation on respiratory mechanics. Methods: A randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted with 38 mechanically ventilated patients with pulmonary infection. The order of the hyperinflation and control (without changes in the parameters) conditions was randomized. Hyperinflation was performed for 5 minutes in pressure-controlled ventilation mode, with progressive increases of 5cmH2O until a maximum pressure of 35cmH2O was reached, maintaining positive end expiratory pressure. After 35cmH2O was reached, the inspiratory time and respiratory rate were adjusted so that the inspiratory and expiratory flows reached baseline levels. Measurements of static compliance, total resistance and airway resistance, and peak expiratory flow were evaluated before the technique, immediately after the technique and after aspiration. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used with Tukey's post hoc test, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ventilator hyperinflation increased static compliance, which remained at the same level after aspiration (46.2 ± 14.8 versus 52.0 ± 14.9 versus 52.3 ± 16.0mL/cmH2O; p < 0.001). There was a transient increase in airway resistance (6.6 ± 3.6 versus 8.0 ± 5.5 versus 6.6 ± 3.5cmH2O/Ls-1; p < 0.001) and a transient reduction in peak expiratory flow (32.0 ± 16.0 versus 29.8 ± 14.8 versus 32.1 ± 15.3Lpm; p <0.05) immediately after the technique; these values returned to pretechnique levels after tracheal aspiration. There were no changes in the control condition, nor were hemodynamic alterations observed. Conclusion: Ventilator hyperinflation promoted increased compliance associated with a transient increase in airway resistance and peak expiratory flow, with reduction after aspiration.

Rol del kinesiólogo respiratorio en el proceso de alta domiciliaria en niños con ventilación mecánica prolongada / Role of respiratory physiotherapists in the discharge process in children with long-term ventilation

In chronic children with long-term mechanical ventilation, early discharge improves quality of life and decreases associated health costs. In order to achieve this goal, implementation of hospital and home care programs integrating a multidisciplinary team is necessary. In North America, the Respiratory Therapist (RT) performs an important part of the respiratory care and education to caregivers before patients' discharge. In Chile, the kinesiologist (physical therapist with respiratory care knowledge) assumes part of these functions, including permeability of the airway, education about oxygen therapy systems, mechanical ventilation support adaptation, thermo-humidification, aerosol therapy and monitoring.Additionally, unlike the traditional role of RTs, kinesiologists are involved in respiratory rehabilitation activities designed to optimize cardiorespiratory function prior to discharge, integrating general and specific training strategies, use of phonation devices and implementation of individualized respiratory assessments

En niños crónicos dependientes de ventilación mecánica prolongada (VMP), el alta precoz mejora la calidad de vida y disminuye los costos sanitarios asociados. Para lograrla es necesaria la implementación de programas hospitalarios y domiciliarios que integren a distintos profesionales. En Norteamérica es el Terapista Respiratorio (TR) quien ejecuta parte importante de los cuidados respiratorios y educación a los padres previo al alta. En Chile es el Kinesiólogo quien asume parte de estas funciones, incluyendo permeabilización de la vía aérea, adecuación de sistemas de soporte ventilatorio, oxigenoterapia, termohumedificación, aerosolterapía y monitorización.Adicionalmente, a diferencia del rol clásico del TR, el kinesiólogo desarrolla actividades de rehabilitación respiratoria tendientes a optimizar el estado funcional cardiorespiratorio previo al alta, integrando actividades de acondicionamiento general y especifico, uso de dispositivos fonatorios y ejecución de evaluaciones individualizadas de la función respiratoria

Parameter estimation of an artificial respiratory system under mechanical ventilation following a noisy regime

Abstract Introduction: This work concerns the assessment of a novel system for mechanical ventilation and a parameter estimation method in a bench test. The tested system was based on a commercial mechanical ventilator and a personal computer. A computational routine was developed do drive the mechanical ventilator and a parameter estimation method was utilized to estimate positive end-expiratory pressure, resistance and compliance of the artificial respiratory system. Methods The computational routine was responsible for establishing connections between devices and controlling them. Parameters such as tidal volume, respiratory rate and others can be set for standard and noisy ventilation regimes. Ventilation tests were performed directly varying parameters in the system. Readings from a calibrated measuring device were the basis for analysis. Adopting a first-order linear model, the parameters could be estimated and the outcomes statistically analysed. Results Data acquisition was effective in terms of sample frequency and low noise content. After filtering, cycle detection and estimation took place. Statistics of median, mean and standard deviation were calculated, showing consistent matching with adjusted values. Changes in positive end-expiratory pressure statistically imply changes in compliance, but not the opposite. Conclusion The developed system was satisfactory in terms of clinical parameters. Statistics exhibited consistent relations between adjusted and estimated values, besides precision of the measurements. The system is expected to be used in animals, with a view to better understand the benefits of noisy ventilation, by evaluating the estimated parameters and performing cross relations among blood gas, ultrasonography and electrical impedance tomography.

Death patterns of patients in Department of Respiratory Care Unit of General Hospi-tal of PLA / 军事医学

Objective To analyze retrospectively the death pattern, risk factors, and death time of 253 patients at the Respiratory Care Unit of General Hospital of PLA in order to improve care quality and reduce mortality.Methods The information of patients was extracted from the hospital information system ( HIS) , and then classified and calculated accord-ing to different time points.Results Between November and next March,the mortality rate was higher than in other months (P<0.05), accounting for 19.5%.Mortality of those admitted between 8∶01 and 9∶00 or between 23∶01 and 24∶00 was higher than at other times(P<0.05), accounting for 41.7%and 50.0%, respectively.There was statistically significant difference(P<0.01) in mortality between days of the week,with the highest on Saturday, accounting for 43.1%.Mortality on non-work days was higher than on workday(P<0.01), accounting for 38.3% and 13.2%, respectively.Mortality at off-hour was higher than at office time(8∶00-11∶30 and 14∶30-18∶00 on workday) (P<0.01), accounting for 31.3%and 5.2%, respectively.Logistic regression analysis showed that age, month of admission, and the hour of discharge were associated with the outcome.Conclusion The high mortality between November and next March may be related to the higher incidence of respiratory diseases in winter, air pollution and cold weather.High mortality is also significantly associ-ated with the care quality of the medical staff.

Clinical and microbiological characterization of pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients

OBJECTIVE: To characterize mechanical ventilation-associated pneumonia (MVAP). METHOD: This is an observational descriptive study to characterize MVAP in 61 ventilated patients admitted in the intensive care units of the Hermanos Ameijeiras hospital during 2011. This study also aimed to isolate the bacteria causing MVAP and characterize their resistance to antibiotics. RESULTS: 51 (83.60%) patients presented pulmonary infiltrates and 35 (50.81%) presented a clinical score > 6 according to the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated microorganisms from patients with MVAP. Both microorganisms showed a high resistance to antibiotics. Carbapenems were the most frequent used antimicrobial therapeutic agents; elective antibiotic combinations were directed against both bacterial wall structure and nucleic acid synthesis. CONCLUSION: Patients with MVAP identified during the studied period showed similar frequency to those reported in medical literature. Thus, this study corroborated that this is still a relevant medical problem in this hospital. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently isolated microorganisms from patients with MVAP. Antimicrobial treatment, empirical or not, are still the main risk factors for the development of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. The rate of resistance to antibiotics of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with MVAP was higher than those isolated from infected patients without MAVP. Tigecycline and colistin were the only antibiotics fully effective against Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated in 2011 from patients with MVAP; against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, only colistin was fully effective.

Characterization and sensitivity to antibiotics of bacteria isolated from the lower respiratory tract of ventilated patients hospitalized in intensive care units

OBJECTIVE: This observational study described the characterization of bacteria isolated from the lower respiratory tract of ventilated patients hospitalized in intensive care units. The demonstration of isolated microorganism resistance to antibiotics and a time-trend analysis of infection comparing a 48-month period were also other objectives. METHOD: Semi-quantitative assays of 1254 samples taken from 741 ventilated patients were performed, while pathogens were identified using the Enterotube II assay and VITEK 2 Compact equipment. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics was assessed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and time-trend analysis of infection was based on data recorded by hospital microbiology laboratories. RESULTS: The most prevalent isolated bacteria from the patient's lower respiratory tract were with Gram-negative bacteria (67.8 percent) mostly represented by: Acinetobacter spp. (25.2 percent), Pseudomonas spp. (18.3 percent) and Klebsiellas spp. (9.4 percent). Acinetobacter spp. showed moderate high to very high resistance to ceftriaxone (CRO), gentamicin (CN), amikacin (AK), meropenem (MRP), aztreonam (ATM) and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP). Some isolates of Acinetobacter spp. resistant to colistin (CS) were identified in this patient population. Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. were very highly resistant to ampicillin/sublactam (AMS) and with moderate or low resistance to CRO, ATM, MRP, AK, CN and TZP. A decrease in the Pseudomonas spp. prevalence rate was observed, whereas an increase in Acinetobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. prevalence rates were observed in a 48-month period. CONCLUSION: This research corroborated that these nosocomial infections are a relevant medical problem in our context. The most prevalent bacterial infections in the lower respiratory tract of ventilated patients were by Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. The panel of antibiotics used as preventive therapy was not the solution of infections and probably induced drug-resistance mechanisms in these isolated microorganisms.

La ventilación no invasiva con presión positiva en la insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica: diez años de experiencia clínica de una unidad de terapia semiintensiva respiratoria / Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure: Ten-Year's Clinical Experience of a Respiratory Semi-Intensive Care Unit

Premisa: Si bien numerosos estudios prospectivos, controlados y aleatorizados han demostrado el éxito de la ventilación no invasiva con presión positiva (VNI) en casos seleccionados de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) hipercápnica, en contexto con intensidad de cuidado diferente, los datos de práctica clínica relativos al uso de la VNI en escenarios reales son limitados. Objetivo: Reportar los resultados de nuestra experiencia clínica sobre la VNI en la IRA aplicada en la Unidad de Terapia Semiintensiva Respiratoria (UTSIR), de la Unidad Operativa de Neumología de Arezzo, entre 1996-2006, en términos de tolerabilidad, efectos sobre los gases arteriales, tasa de éxito y factores predictivos del fracaso. Métodos: Trescientos cincuenta de los 1.484 pacientes (23,6%) ingresados consecutivamente por IRA en nuestra Unidad Operativa de Neumología, durante el periodo de estudio, recibieronla VNI asociada a la terapia estándar, posterior al cumplimiento de criterios predefinidos, empleados de rutina. Resultados: Ocho pacientes (2,3%) no toleraron la VNI por incomodidad producida por la máscara, mientras los 342 restantes (M: 240; F: 102; edad: mediana [intercuartiles] 74,0 años [68,0-79,3]; enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) [69,3%]) fueron ventilados por más de una hora. Los parámetros de ventilación (y su efecto sobre el pH) y de oxigenación mejoraron significativamente después de dos horas de VNI (media [desviación estándar] pH: 7,33 [0,07] contra 7,28 [7,25-7,31 ], p < 0,0001; PaCO2: 71,4 mmHg [15,3] contra 80,8 mmHg [16,6], p < 0,0001; PaO2/FiO2: 205 [61] contra 183 [150-222 ], p < 0,0001). La VNI evitó la intubación en 285/342 pacientes (83,3%), con una mortalidad hospitalaria del 14,0%. El fracaso de la VNI resultó ser predicho de modo independiente por el puntaje acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III (Apache III), por el índice de masa corporal y por el fracaso tardío de la VNI (mayor a 48 horas de ventilación), después de una respuesta positiva inicial. Conclusiones: Según nuestra experiencia clínica de diez años en una UTSIR, la VNI confirma ser bien tolerada, eficaz en el mejoramiento de los gases arteriales y útil en evitar la intubación en muchos episodios de IRA que no responden a la terapia estándar.

Background Although several prospective controlled randomized trials demonstrated the success of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in selected cases of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (ARF) in setting with different care levels, clinical practice data about the use of VNI in the “real world” are limited. Aim To report the results of our clinical experience in NIPPV applied for ARF in the Respiratory Semi-Intensive Care Unit (UTSIR) allocated within the Respiratory Division of Arezzo between the years 1996- 2006 in terms of: patient tolerance, effects upon arterial blood gases, success rate and predictors of failure. Methods: Three hundred and filthy out of the 1484 patients (23.6%) consecutively admitted for ARF to our Respiratory Division during the study period received NIPPV in addition to standard therapy, according to the predetermined routinely used criteria. Results: Eight patients (2.3%) did not tolerate NIPPV because of mask discomfort, while the remaining 342 (M: 240, F: 102); median (interquartiles) age: 74.0 (68.0-79.3) yrs; COPD: 69.3%) were ventilated for >1 hour. Arterial blood gases significantly improved after two hours of NIPPV (mean (standard deviation) pH: 7.33 (0.07) versus 7.28 (7.25-7.31), p<0.0001; PaCO2: 71.4 (15.3) mmHg versus 80.8 (16.6) mmHg, p<0.0001; PaO2/FiO2: 205 (61) versus 183 (150-222), p<0.0001). NIPPV avoided intubation in 285/342 (83.3%) with a hospital mortality of 14.0%. NIPPV failure was independently predicted by the Apache III (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III) score, the body mass index and by the late failure of NIPPV (> 48 hrs of ventilation) after an initial positive response. Conclusions: As results of ten years of clinical experience at our UTSIR, NIPPV was shown to be well tolerated, effective in improving arterial blood gases and useful in avoiding intubation in most ARF episodes non-responsive to standard therapy.

Análisis del cuidado respiratorio en cinco regiones del país: ¿dónde está y hacia dónde vamos? / Analysis Respiratory Care in Five Regions of the Country: Current Status and Future Tendencies

El presente estudio analiza la práctica del cuidado respiratorio en cinco regiones del país, por medio de una investigación de carácter descriptivo- exploratoria, que busca revisar las tendencias de formación, las condiciones laborales, los roles que ejercen sus practicantes, los dilemas del ejercicio profesional y la caracterización de las funciones de los fisioterapeutas y terapeutas respiratorios. La información se obtuvo mediante encuesta a fisioterapeutas, terapeutas respiratorios, entrevista a profesionales de enfermería y médicos intensivistas que trabajan en instituciones de salud de tercer y cuarto nivel de complejidad en las ciudades seleccionadas para el estudio. La información recopilada incluye desde el quehacer diario, los conocimientos y las preferencias respecto a la práctica de los profesionales, hasta los aspectos relacionados con las condiciones laborales y las características de su ejercicio profesional. El estudio permitió concluir que hay una idealización de los roles, vacíos conceptuales para ejercer eficientemente el cuidado respiratorio sin una formación adicional tipo posgrado o cursos de entrenamiento en el área, debilidad en las funciones administrativas, investigativas, de atención domiciliaria y de evaluación social del entorno, falta de posicionamiento del quehacer ante el equipo interdisciplinario y condiciones laborales precarias.

This study analyse the respiratory care practice in five regions f the country, by means of a descriptive - exploratory research, aiming to review the formation tendencies, the working conditions, the roles of the practitioners, the professional practice dilemmas and the characterization of the physical therapeutic and respiratory therapeutic functions. The information was obtained through surveys with respiratory therapeutics, physical therapeutics, interview with infirmary and medical professionals, who work in third and fourth complexity degree health institutions in select cities for the study. The collected information includes not only daily routines but also the knowledge and preferences regarding the professional practice and their related aspects of labour conditions and characteristics of the professional exercise. The study allowed to conclude that there is an idealization of the conceptual missing roles to efficiently carry out the respiratory care without and additional formation of graduate level or training courses in this area, weakness of the administrative and investigative functions of domiciliary attentions and initial evaluation of the environment, lack of positioning of the function in front of the interdisciplinary team and precarious labour conditions.

Eficiencia de l ventilación mecánica no invasia en pacientes pediátricos con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda

Introducción: Uno de los avances en el manejo de la insuficiencia respiratoria en adultos y niños es la ventilación no invasiva con presión positiva. El método disminuye el espacio muerto, mejora la ventilación alveolar, la función biventricular, disminuye la estancia hospitalaria, los procesos infecciosos nosocomiales y los costos. Conocidas sus ventajas, es importante decidir de manera temprana el inicio del método en la insuficiencia respiratoria de origen pulmonar y/o extrapulmonar en el niño, ya sea en la sala de urgencias o terapia intensiva por médicos capacitados, contando en cada paciente con la integridad del estado de conciencia, cooperación y apoyo de sus familiares. Material y métodos: Estudio experimental longitudinal, maniobra, retrospectivo-prospectivo. Constituido por dos grupos: 14 con ventilación no invasiva con presión positiva, y 12 con asistencia mecánica ventilatoria convencional, ambos con diagnóstico de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Respiratorios del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias en el periodo comprendido entre julio de 1998 a noviembre de 2002). Resultados: En el grupo de ventilación mecánica no invasiva encontramos diferencias estadísticas significativas en frecuencia respiratoria ajustada, frecuencia cardiaca ajustada, PaCO2 , índice de oxigenación, SpO2 , pH con los siguientes valores de p=0.002, 0.002, 0.001, 0.004, 0.001, 0.006, y el grupo de asistencia mecánica ventilatoria convencional mostró significancia estadística en frecuencia respiratoria, PaCO2 , SpO2 , pH con los siguientes valores de p=0.002, 0.009, 0.005, 0.003. Se calculó un estimador de fuerza de asociación con riesgo relativo de 0.143 e intervalo de confianza de 95%. Se observó que la ventilación mecánica no invasiva reduce la posibilidad de intubarse en 85%. Conclusiones: La ventilación mecánica no invasiva en los niños con insuficiencia respiratoria hipercápnica es útil ya que reduce la posibilidad de intubación orotraqueal en el 85%; además, disminuye de manera significativa el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria comparada con el estándar (ventilación mecánica asistida). La acidosis respiratoria ofrece la mayor posibilidad de respuesta exitosa con la ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Las complicaciones graves que se presentan en la ventilación no invasiva con presión positiva son menores cuando se compara con la ventilación mecánica asistida. El tiempo de respuesta en las variables clínicas, fisiológicas se observaron dentro de las dos primeras horas de haber iniciado la ventilación mecánica no invasiva.

Background: In last years non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has become a medical reality in the management of respiratory failure in adult and pediatric patients. This method reduces dead space, improves alveolar ventilation, biventricular heart function, and reduces hospital length of stay (LOS), nosocomial infections and costs. Knowing its advantages, it is very important to use it very early in the management of respiratory insufficiency, be it pulmonary or extrapulmonary, in the emergency room, intensive care or intermediate care facilities. It is also important to have trained personal, a conscious and cooperative pediatric patient and family support. Methods: Retrospective-prospective longitudinal, clinical experimental assay. Two groups were formed: (1) 14 patients with NIPPV and (2) 12 with AMVc; both with diagnosed ARF at our Intensive Respiratory Care Unit at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City between July 1988 until November 2002. Results: In the group with NIPPV we found significant statistical differences in: adjusted respiratory and cardiac frequencies; PaCO2 , PaO2 /FiO2 ; SpO2 ; pH with values of p (0.002, 0.002, 0.001, 0.004, 0.001, and 0.006). In the other group (AMVc) statistical significance was found in respiratory frequency, PaCO2 ,SpO2 and pH with values of p (0.002, 0.009, 0.005, 0.003). RR wad calculated on 0.143. IC wad of 95%. NIPPV reduced the possibility of intubating a patient by 85%. Conclusions: NIPPV was successful in terms of avoiding intubation of our pediatric patients with ARF of hypercapnic type in 85% of our cases. It also reduced LOS and other possible complications such as nosocomial infections and biventricular function. Severe complications are less frequent with NIPPV and clinical and physiological variables improved in the two hours after initiating NIPPV.

Evaluation of Usefulness of Perioperative Risk Factors Which Affect Early or Delayed Extubation after Liver Transplantation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Although ventilatory therapy after liver transplantation is essential part of postoperative intensive care, the appropriate time of extubation remains controversial. Thus we constructed an indigenous index to determine the timing of early or delayed extubation. This experiment was undertaken to decide on whether the index adequately serves as a guideline for the time of extubation. METHODS: We divided factors that affect the time of extubation into two categories-preoperative and intraoperative. Using these categories, we examined 68 patients scheduled for liver transplantation. The preoperative categories were Child-Pugh Class, preoperative creatinine level, and preoperative O2/FiO2 ratios. The intraoperative categories included the amount of packed red cell transfused and oliguria after liver reperfusion. We categorized our patients into an early extubation group and delayed extubation group, according to the existence of these factors. Then we compared the variance of duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of ICU stay of the two groups. RESULTS: The duration of mechanical ventilation in the early extubation group was significantly shorter than in the delayed extubation group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in terms of duration of ICU stay or O2 index. Child-Pugh Class, preoperative hypoxemia, and the intraoperative amount of transfusion factors showed statistical significance (P < 0.05), but preoperative renal function and oliguria after liver reperfusion showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The process of categorizing early and delayed extubation group by examining danger factors can indeed provide an appropriate guideline for respiratory care after liver transplantation by preventing premature or excessive extubation.

Current status of respiratory care in Korean intensive care units / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Respiratory care for patients in intensive care units(ICUs) has been performed mainly by nurses in Korea. However, the current status of respiratory care i the Korea ICUs is not well known. Respiratory care and the methods of delivery in ICUs were surveyed. METHOD: A confidential questionnaire was distributed to the head nurses working the ICUs at 117 hospitals in Korea. One hundred hospitals returned the questionnaires, for a response rate of 85%. The hospitals were divided into three groups : Main university hospitals(MUH), university associated hospitals(UAH), and general hospitals(GH) RESULT: Eighteen units of 66 units in MUH and 35 units of 58 units in GH were organized as a general ICUs. The percentage of ICUs with full-time doctors was 47.1%. The nurses usually delivered respiratory care spending from 1 to 4 h during their 8 h of working time. Although the respondents felt that respiratory care should be delivered by trained respiratory therapists, these therapists were not found at the hospitals. Most of the units performed percussion, tracheal suctioning, and positional changes. However, vibration and IPPB were less frequently performed in GH. Among oxygen supply apparatus, venturi mask and T-piece were not frequently used in GH. GH applied a noninvasive ventilator mode less frequently than MUH and UAH. The percentage of Swan-Ganz catheter monitoring was only 21.4% in GH. CONCLUSION: Respiratory care for patients in the Korean ICUs was provided by nurses on the whole. In addition, there were many differences in the level of respiratory care according to the type of hospital. To overcome the current problems revealed, an effective in-hospital training program for the development of full-time respiratory care therapists should be established urgently in Korea.

Survey of Current Status of the Patients with Home Ventilator in Seoul and Kyunggi Province / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Home ventilation can decrease hospital-acquired infection, increase physical activity, improve nutritional status, enhance quality of life, and reduce medical costs. The number of patient using home ventilators has been increasing, particularly in Europe and United States. Although the number of patients with home ventilation has been increasing in Korea, the current status of these patients is not well known. This study was undertaken to obtain basic information upon these patients in additon to evaluating any problems related to patients' home care in our country. METHODS: A register of 92 patients with home ventilators in Seoul and Kyunggi province were obtained from commercial ventilator supply companies. The patients were contacted by phone and 29 of them accepted our visit. Information concerning education about home care before discharge, equipment cost, and problems related to home care were documented. The mode and preset variables of the home ventilator were checked; tidal volume (TV), peak airway pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured. RESULTS: There were 26 males (90%) and their mean age was 48.0(±20.1 years. The underlying diseases were: 21 neuromuscular disorders, 2 spinal cord injuries, 6 chronic lung diseases. Among the caregivers, spouses (n=14) predominated. Education for home care before discharge was performed primarily by intensive care unit nurses and the education for ventilator management by commercial companies. Twenty-five of the 29 patients had tracheostomies. Volume targeted type (VTT;n=20, 69%) was more frequently used than the pressure targeted type(PTT). Twenty-three of the 29 patients purchased a ventilator privately, which cost 7,450,000(±3,290,000) won for a PTT, and 14,280,000(±3,130,000) won for a VTT. Total cost for the equipment was 11,430,000(±634,000) won. The average cost required for home care per month was 1,120,000(±1,360,000) won. CONCLUSION: The commonest underlying disease of the patients was neuromuscular disease. The VTT ventilator was primarily used with tracheostomy. Patients and their families considered the financial difficulties associated with purchasing and maintaining equipment for home care an urgent problem. Some patients were aided by a visiting nurse, however most patients were neglected and left without professional medical supervision.

Clinical Evaluation of Unplanned Extubation in Liver Transplant Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Unplanned extubation is a common occurrence in mechanically ventilated patients even in spite of careful attention. It is important to decide on reintubation or the retention of the extubated state especially in the critically ill patients. We tried to formulate general guideline for evaluation and safe management in unplanned extubated liver transplant patients with high risk of multiple organ failure and high mortality rate. METHODS: We reviewed all medical records of 5 unplanned extubated cases from 27 liver transplantation cases. We checked delayed extubation criteria which included United Network Organ Sharing (UNOS) class 1 or 2, preoperative Na (below 130 mEq) and albumin (below 3.0) level, transfusion amount in operating room, severity of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) and need of vasopressor agents in the 5 unplanned extubated cases. We also checked direct intubation determining factors such as PaO2/FiO2 ratio, respiration rate and pattern, mental state and mode of ventilation. Finally, we reviewed additional factors influencing reintubation. RESULTS: We found a rate of 18 percent of unplanned extubation (5 of 27 events), and 80 percent of reintubation incidence (4 of 5 events). CONCLUSIONS: It is rational to reintubate immediately in unplanned extubated cases which meet 3 or more delayed extubation criteria. The direct reintubation determining factors are PaO2/FiO2 ratio (below 300) and the presence of paradoxical respiration with a high respiration rate (over 28/minute).

Evaluation of Clinical Factors Associated with Early Tracheal Extubation after Liver Transplantation / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The timing of tracheal extubation in patients undergoing major intraoperative procedures is controversial. Immediate postoperative tracheal extubation after liver transplantation was not popularized. But in these days, early tracheal extubation has been safely performed in certain cases and routine use of mechanical ventilation is being questioned. We performed preliminary study of our 25 liver transplantation cases to evaluate factors affecting duration and indications of postoperative mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Our 25 cases were divided into two groups by periodic difference - early 13 cases (group 1) and late 12 cases (group 2). We evaluated preoperative UNOS (united network for organ sharing) scale, intraoperative transfusion and vasopressor requirement, postoperative multiple organ complications which would have influence upon tracheal extubation. RESULTS: We found great difference between two groups in duration of mechanical ventilation (Group 1: 94.4+/-7.12 hrs, Group 2: 36.1+/-28.3 hrs) and ICU stay (Group 1: 22.8+/-8.3 days, Group 2: 11.8+/-5.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that early tracheal extubation in selected liver transplantation cases was safe and effective because it could shorten duration of ICU stay and reduce postoperative mortality. But more experience and knowledge may be needed to get more ideal guidelines for postoperative mechanical ventilation.