Two-year outcome of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in COVID-19 related severe respiratory failure

Objectives: We sought to evaluate 2-year outcome of V-V ECMO support for COVID-19 related severe respiratory failure in our center. Method(s): Retrospective analysis of 41 consecutive patients (73% male, mean age 51.6+/-14.2 years, mean BMI 35.1+/-12.5 kg/m2) with critical hypoxemic and/or hypercapnic refractory respiratory failure (mean P/F ratio 67.9+/-14.3 mmHg, mean pCO2 77.6.0+/-185.7 mmHg, Murray Score 3.71+/-0.4) on V-V ECMO support from October 2020 to January 2022 Results: With mean support duration of 234.4+/-63.2 hours, 29 patients (70.7%) were successfully weaned off. Finally, 19 of them (46.3%) were discharged home with good neurological outcome (CPC 1,2). During followup, 30-day, 6-, 12-, and 24 -month survival rate was 61.3%, 46.2%, 41.9%, and 41,9% respectively. In survivor group shorter symptoms onset to respiratory failure time (4+/-4.7 vs. 7+/-6.7 days, p=0.04), higher P/F ration (86+/-41.5 vs. 65+/-37.5 mmHg, p=0.04) and norepinephrine support (0.03+/-0.06 vs. 0.09+/-0.12 ug/kg/min, p=0.04), and lower IL-6 level (12.3+/-7.5 vs. 25.9+/-8.8 ng/l, p=0.03) p=0.01) were analysed before cannulation. Mean in-ICU stay and in-hospital stay in survivors;groups reached 32.5+/-27.7 days and 42.6+/-35.8 days, respectively. All long-term survivors (17 patients) complained about slight functional health limitation only with normal 6MWT (542.6+/- 89.2 min), near to normal spirometry parameters (FEV/VC 87+/-7.4%, DLCO 63.1+/-13.7%, KCO 82.,1+/-19.4%) and minimal neurological disability (CPC 1-2) Conclusion(s): 2-year outcome of V-V ECMO support in COVID-19 severe respiratory failure is acceptable even in the scope of low-volume ECMO centre. Reported functional status of long-term survivors was good despite the complicated and prolonged in-hospital stay. (Table Presented).

Analysis of Quality Metrics Relating to the Intubation of Covid-19 patients on a General ICU

Introduction: Most modern healthcare systems are striving to improve patient outcomes in an evidence-based manner. Increasingly, performance metrics are seen as key tools for accurately measuring and improving patient outcomes and healthcare value.1 However, in order to achieve better outcomes, process measures need to be identified. Process measures are evidence-based, best practices metrics that can be measured and thus, used to identify if outcomes are being met. Good process measures can improve patient outcomes by reducing the amount of variation in care delivery. During the Covid-19 pandemic, vast quantities of data were generated while managing ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) on the ICU. Furthermore, there was as a concomitant evolution of treatment strategies, which made it exceedingly difficult to identify processes that were actually improving patient outcomes. Objective(s): The aim of our quality improvement project was to promote standardised high quality care for intubated Covid-19 patients by identifying potential quality indicators and trends in their management. It is our intention to expand on this work to report metrics on all severe acute respiratory failure patients. Method(s): 15 process metrics surrounding the early care of intubated of Covid-19 patients were selected via a consultant led review process and a literature review in an effort to identify markers of quality surrounding intubation on our ITU. The variables selected included: - P/F ratio 24 hours pre-intubation, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) duration prior to intubation, Recording intubation location, Enhanced thromboprophylaxis prescribed, Permissive hypercapnia, Driving pressure documented, prone position and paralysis initiated if P/F ratio was less than 20 kPa, Echo post intubation. Result(s): Data surrounding the intubation of Covid-19 patients was collected over an 11 week period between September and November 2021. The data was collected in a standardised fashion from patient notes and nursing notes, then stored in an excel file. Our data showed more than half the patients admitted were either intubated on the ward or immediately following arrival onto our ICU, possible indicating a delay in admitting Covid-19 patients. Our data also demonstrated heterogeneity of duration in CPAP prior to intubation which may also indicate delayed intubation for these patients.2 Conclusion(s): Our data demonstrated a reasonable degree of heterogeneity in our approach to the early care of intubated Covid-19 Patients. Areas of concern highlighted were the number of patients intubated on the ward or immediately upon arrival to ITU, rather than admitting prior to deterioration (most likely due to bed pressure) and variation in post intubation respiratory sampling between invasive and non-invasive broncheoalveolar lavage. Ongoing PDSA (plan-do-study-act) cycling are in progress to refine the data collection processes and reporting for all severe acute respiratory failure patients.

Characteristics, management and outcomes of thirty COVID-19 ARDS patients supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital

Background: We reviewed patients with COVID-19 ARDS managed with VV-ECMO support at our center from March 2020 until February 2022. Material(s) and Method(s): We extracted data from electronic health records (Metavision and DIPS). We registered premorbid health status, ventilator-settings before initiation of ECMO, the time-course, and hospital mortality. Result(s): Thirty patients were managed at our hospital, with a median age of 57.2 years (28-65) and median BMI 28 (22-40). No patient had any serious comorbidity. Twenty-two patients received non-invasive ventilation prior to intubation (1-10 days). The median time on ventilator were 8.0 days (1-19) prior to ECMO and median tidal volume was 5.8 mL/kg PBW (3.1-7.5). Hypoxemia (median PaO2-FiO2 ratio 8 kPa, range 6-12 kPa) and hypercapnia (median PaCO2 11.9 kPa, range 4.2-18.5) [SEP1] despite lung protective ventilation were the main indications for VV-ECMO. Two patients had severe respiratory acidosis without hypoxemia. 18 patients developed serious complications while managed with ECMO (acute renal failure, clinically significant bleeding, sepsis, right ventricular heart failure, dislocation of cannulae). Seven patients received renal replacement therapy. Sixteen patients (53%) died. Thirteen patients (43%) died on ECMO, three (10%) after weaning, Twelve (40%) were discharged from hospital, two are currently in ICU (7%). The median duration of ECMO and ventilator treatment, was 27 (6-50) and 37 (9-78) days, respectively. Conclusion(s): Management of patients with COVID-19 ARDS with VV-ECMO is very resource-intensive, and accompanied by serious complications and high mortality. In-hospital mortality in our cohort was 53%, which is comparable with reports from other centers. However, the duration of ECMO, and pre-ECMO mechanical ventilation, were longer than typically reported.

ECMO in COVID–ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a complex pathologic manifesto of acute lung injury that causes noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in different clinical presentations and increases the mortality rate up to 40%. The main physiologic changes are alveolar collapse/de-recruitment, decreased lung compliance, higher pulmonary vascular resistance, and gas-exchange disturbance, which may be combined with the patient's own respiratory response or assisted ventilatory support due to regional heterogeneity of the underlying lung injury. Since the main clinical features of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pneumonia are hypoxemia and dyspnea, noninvasive oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation remains the cornerstone of managing more severe cases. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the worst pulmonary manifestation of the long COVID-19 syndrome, namely, COVID–ARDS, including parenchymal and functional abnormalities, follow-up strategies for early identification, and timely therapeutic interventions including veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) management. Although only a limited proportion of COVID-19 patients develop severe respiratory failure refractory to advanced conventional treatments, it is of utmost importance to clearly define criteria for the use of vv-ECMO in this steadily growing patient population. The use of vv-ECMO in COVID–ARDS is a rescue treatment, if mechanical ventilation cannot guarantee appropriate gas exchange anymore, resulting in life-threatening or organ-damaging hypoxia and/or hypercapnia, whereas the vv-ECMO treatment modality still has a high all mortality rate in COVID–ARDS (> 50%). © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Combined extracorporeal CO2 removal and renal replacement therapy in a pregnant patient with COVID-19: a case report.

Background. Pregnant women are at high risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. Currently, one of the cornerstones in the treatment of this condition is lung-protective ventilation (LPV) with low tidal volumes. However, the occurrence of hypercapnia may limit this ventilatory strategy. So, different extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) procedures have been developed. ECCO2R comprises a variety of techniques, including low-flow and high-flow systems, that may be performed with dedicated devices or combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Case description. Here, we report a unique case of a pregnant patient affected by COVID-19 who required extracorporeal support for multiorgan failure. While on LPV, because of the concomitant hypercapnia and acute kidney injury, the patient was treated with an ECCO2R membrane inserted in series after a hemofilter in a CRRT platform. This combined treatment reducing hypercapnia allowed LPV maintenance at the same time while providing kidney replacement and ensuring maternal and fetal hemodynamic stability. Adverse effects consisted of minor bleeding episodes due to the anticoagulation required to maintain the extracorporeal circuit patency. The patient's pulmonary and kidney function progressively recovered, permitting the withdrawal of any extracorporeal treatment. At the 25th gestational week, the patient underwent spontaneous premature vaginal delivery because of placental abruption. She gave birth to an 800-gram female baby, who three days later died because of multiorgan failure related to extreme prematurity. Conclusions. This case supports using ECCO2R-CRRT combined treatment as a suitable approach in the management of complex conditions, such as pregnancy, even in the case of severe COVID-19.

Innovative treatment of hypercapnia with soda lime in COVID-19: a case report.

One of the rare consequences of COVID-19 is increasing blood carbon dioxide, which can lead to unconsciousness, dysrhythmia, and cardiac arrest. Therefore, in COVID-19 hypercarbia, non-invasive ventilation (with Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure, BiPAP) is recommended for treatment. If CO2 does not decrease or continues rising, the patient's trachea must be intubated for supportive hyperventilation with a ventilator (Invasive ventilation). The high morbidity and mortality rate of mechanical ventilation is an important problem of invasive ventilation. We launched an innovative treatment of hypercapnia without invasive ventilation to reduce morbidity and mortality. This new approach could open the window for researchers and therapists to reduce COVID death. To investigate the cause of hypercapnia, we measured the carbon dioxide of the airways (mask and tubes of the ventilator) with a capnograph. Increased carbon dioxide inside the mask and tubes of the device was found in a severely hypercapnic COVID patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She had a 120kg weight and diabetes disease. Her PaCO2 was 138mmHg. In this condition, she had to be under invasive ventilation and accept its complication or lethal risk but we decreased her PaCO2 with the placement of a soda lime canister in the expiratory pathway to absorb CO2 from the mask and ventilation tube. Her PaCO2 dropped from 138 to 80, and the patient woke up from drowsiness completely without invasive ventilation, the next day. This innovative method continued until PaCO2 reached 55 and she was discharged home 14 days later after curing her COVID. Soda lime is used for carbon dioxide absorption in anesthesia machines and we can research its application in hypercarbia state in ICU to postpone invasive ventilation for treatment of hypercapnia.

Analysis of mortality in an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit (ICRU)

Introduction The development of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), its scientific evidence and the need to monitor the most severe cases, has led to the creation of the IRCUs. In our hospital, we apply NIMV to patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) or exacerbated chronic respiratory failure (ACRF). Material and methods Prospective study of 220 non-Covid patients with ARF or ACRF who require NIMV and admission to the IRCU. General clinical and radiological data were collected and mortality was analyzed, as well as compared with the year 2019, when we did not have an IRCU. Results Mean age 71 years, (56 % men) and a Charlson Index (mean) of 6.4 points. The most frequent respiratory failure was hypercapnic 65 % vs. hypoxemic 34 %. After IRCU, 77 % were referred to the ward, 5 % to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 17 % died or began comfort measures. Mortality in the IRCU is significantly related to the data in the table. There are 12 % of patients who, having been discharged from the IRCU, finally die during the rest of their hospital stay. Of these, 3 % are deaths of those admitted to the ICU, and 9 % to deaths on the ward after discharge from the IRCU. Analyzing mortality, we found significant differences in terms of the service they belong to (Internal Medicine 41 %), hypoxemic failure (58 %), bilateral infiltrates (52 %), age (80 years) and Charlson Index (7.8) (*Tab. 1). Finally, we have compared mortality in the IRCU with that of 2019 when we did not have this Unit, using the hospital mortality data (not mortality in the IRCU as it was not available in 2019). For this, we have amnalyzed a representative saple of 53 % of the most severe cases treated in 2019 with NIMV in the ward, according to Apache II, and which was similar in age and comorbidities to those admitted to the IRCU. **Without IRCU: Age 70.6 years // Charlson 6.4 // ICU admission 15 % // Hospital mortality 38 %. **With IRCU: Age 71 years // Charlson 6.4 // ICU admission 5 % // Hospital mortality 29 % Conclusions Mortality is higher in hypoxemics, related to Charlson Index and infiltrates. The opening of the IRCU has led to a decrease in hospital mortality for severe patients who require NIMV, and a 66 % decrease in ICU admissions.

Covid19 infection in patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases

Introduction: The relationship between the severity of SARS COV 2 infections and chronic respiratory diseases remains controversial Aim: To identify the characteristics of SARS COV 2 infection in patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases Method: a retrospective, and descriptive study including 1190 patients that were hospitalized for COVID19, from March 2020 to March 2021. Result(s): Among 1190 patients, one hundred and nineteen (10%) had chronic respiratory disease. Male gender was dominant. Asthma and COPD were the most identified conditions (N=64) and (N=47) respectively. Other comorbidities were identified like hypertension (37,8%) and diabetes (12,6%). The most described symptoms were dyspnea (69.8%), cough (52.9%), and digestive symptoms (20.16%). The most common chest CT findings were ground-glass opacities (68.65%) with moderate (31%) to severe (28,5%) scores. More severe CT scores were identified among asthmatics (P = 0.009). Death occurred in 19.6% of cases and 17% of patients needed intensive care transfer, non-invasive ventilation and they suffered from COPD in 70% of cases. However, we notice that asthma was related to severe radiological scores compared to COPD, probably due to bacterial infection because of inhaled corticosteroid use but with a better prognosis. Hypercapnia in COPD and OHS may worsen the scene. Conclusion(s): Many studies proved that asthmatics are less prone to have severe clinical forms of COVID19. It is probably thanks to corticosteroid use. More studies are needed to explain the lack of these protective effect in other inhaled corticosteroid users.

Remote monitoring and virtual follow-up ventilation clinics in the age of Covid-19

Background: To review the efficacy of long-term non-invasive ventilation (LTV) with virtual follow-up, using assistive technologies and remote monitoring. Objective(s): Compliance greater than 4 hours, correction of hypercapnia and improvements in sleep and quality of life (QoL) were the objectives in improving patient outcome. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients established on LTV over an 18 month period from the start of the pandemic. Initiation of LTV was established as an inpatient (n= 17;35%), outpatient (n= 28;57%) or from the patient's home (n= 4;8%) and follow-up was by telephone, video consultation or from the patient's own home. LTV was considered successful if compliance achieved was > 4 hours using remote monitoring, corrected hypercapnia (tCO2 < 6.5Kpa) and patient-reported improvements in sleep and QoL. Result(s): Forty-nine patients were included. LTV was initiated for: neuromuscular disease (n=19;39%), obesity hypoventilation or overlap (n=12;24%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=11;22%) and chest wall deformity (n=6;14%). Compliance > 4 hours was achieved in 69% with effective correction of hypercapnia (tCO2 < 6.5Kpa) in 67% and reported improved sleep and QoL at 63%. Overall success in all 3 objectives was 61%. Patient preference for future follow-up was 45% requesting face-to-face consultations and 33% to continue remotely. A proportion of the most vulnerable (14%) would prefer to be seen at home. Conclusion(s): Successful LTV can be achieved with remote compliance data and transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring to support virtual clinics. Patient preference for face-to-face consultations remains important in overall satisfaction.

Oxygen home therapy after discharge of hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Introduction: Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may have many healthcare needs after hospital discharge. Providing transitional care in pandemic circumstances, must adapt to specific needs and limitations. Aim(s): Define the profile of patients with COVID-19 who needed oxygen home therapy after discharge. Method(s): Retrospective study including patients infected with COVID-19 ;confirmed either by RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test and hospitalized in COVID-19 unit from September 2020 to June2021. Patients who deceded and those who were transferred to ICU without any data about evolution, were excluded. We defined 2 groups: G0: Patients discharged without oxygen home therapy G1 : Patients who required oxygen home therapy Results: A total of 528 patients were included: G0: 491 patients (93%), G1: 37 patients (7%). The mean age was significantly different between both groups (G0: 61,4 ;G1:68,0 p=0,003). There was no significant correlation regarding the extent of the lesions on the chest CT scan (G0:45%, G1:47% p=0.698), however maximum oxygen needs were higher in G1 (G0:7L, G1: 11L;p=0.001). Smoking, COPD, and hypercapnia were significantly related to prolonged oxygen need (G0: 30%, G1: 50%;p=0,026);(G03,7%, G1:24,3%;p=0,000) and (G0:34, G1:43;p=0.003) respectively. Conclusion(s): Chronic hypoventilation seems to be a predictive factor of prolonged oxygen needs. Oxygen home therapy can be a transitional solution to shorten hospital stay.

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Pediatrics: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

Background: The large proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has been associated with a large number of neu-ropsychiatric manifestations. Despite the high prevalence of COVID-19, few studies have examined such manifestations, especially in children and adolescents. Objective(s): This study investigated neuropsychiatric manifestations in hospitalized children and adolescents admitted for COVID-19 infection in Iran. Method(s): This prospective observational study included admitted children and adolescents (4-18 years old) diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, pediatric neurologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, and infectious disease specialists, and assessed 375 infected patients during August and December 2021. Result(s): Of the 375 patients, 176 (47%) were female, with a mean age of 9.0 +/- 3.39 years. Psychiatric and neurological manifestations were reported in 58 (15.5%) and 58 (15.5%) patients, respectively. The most prevalent psychiatric disorders were separation anxiety disorder (SAD) (5.1%), major depressive disorder (MDD) (3.5%), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (2.7%), insomnia (2.4%), and op-positional defiant disorder (ODD) (2.4%). Regarding neurological complications, seizures were the most prevalent (13.1%), followed by encephalitis (1.9%), transverse myelitis (0.3%), acute ischemic stroke (0.3%), and Guillain-Barre syndrome (0.3%). There was no significant relationship between the duration of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.54) and ICU admission (P = 0.44) with the emergence of psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion(s): The most prevalent neurologic and psychiatric complications among children and adolescents with COVID-19 infection were seizures and the symptoms of anxiety/mood disorders, respectively.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

PaCO2 trajectories in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19: A population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify PaCO2 trajectories and assess their associations with mortality in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Denmark. DESIGN: A population-based cohort study with retrospective data collection. PATIENTS: All COVID-19 patients were treated in eight intensive care units (ICUs) in the Capital Region of Copenhagen, Denmark, between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. MEASUREMENTS: Data from the electronic health records were extracted, and latent class analyses were computed based on up to the first 3 weeks of mechanical ventilation to depict trajectories of PaCO2 levels. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3, sex and age with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death according to PaCO2 trajectories. MAIN RESULTS: In latent class trajectory models, including 25,318 PaCO2 measurements from 244 patients, three PaCO2 latent class trajectories were identified: a low isocapnic (Class I; n = 130), a high isocapnic (Class II; n = 80), as well as a progressively hypercapnic (Class III; n = 34) trajectory. Mortality was higher in Class II [aHR: 2.16 {1.26-3.68}] and Class III [aHR: 2.97 {1.63-5.40}]) compared to Class I (reference). CONCLUSION: Latent class analysis of arterial blood gases in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients identified distinct PaCO2 trajectories, which were independently associated with mortality.

Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Applications; Focus on Combined Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Lung-protective ventilation (LPV) with low tidal volumes can significantly increase the survival of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by limiting ventilator-induced lung injuries. However, one of the main concerns regarding the use of LPV is the risk of developing hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis, which may limit the clinical application of this strategy. This is the reason why different extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) techniques and devices have been developed. They include low-flow or high-flow systems that may be performed with dedicated platforms or, alternatively, combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). ECCO2R has demonstrated effectiveness in controlling PaCO2 levels, thus allowing LPV in patients with ARDS from different causes, including those affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Similarly, the suitability and safety of combined ECCO2R and CRRT (ECCO2R-CRRT), which provides CO2 removal and kidney support simultaneously, have been reported in both retrospective and prospective studies. However, due to the complexity of ARDS patients and the limitations of current evidence, the actual impact of ECCO2R on patient outcome still remains to be defined. In this review, we discuss the main principles of ECCO2R and its clinical application in ARDS patients, in particular looking at clinical experiences of combined ECCO2R-CRRT treatments.

Anesthetic Considerations for Chiari I Malformation in a BMI 62 Patient

Patients with Chiari I malformations present with tonsillar herniation below the foramen magnum causing abnormal spinal anatomy. Anesthesia challenges in this population include difficult airway management, monitoring intraoperative autonomic dysfunction, avoiding increased intracranial pressure, and accommodating sensitivity to neuromuscular blockade. We present a case with an additional airway management challenge due to morbid obesity with a BMI of 62. A 23 year old female with a history of Covid pneumonia and morbid obesity who presented with syringomyelia and Chiari I malformation. She initially presented with bilateral numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in her hands. Imaging with MRI at the time showed downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils with the tips reaching the lower portion of C1 and overall 10-12 mm displacement below the level of the foramen magnum. Syrinx was also visualized from the level of C1-C2 extending down to the level of T5-T6. Repeat MRI a year later showed no significant changes. However, she has worsening symptoms of pain in her right arm preventing her from working. She is agreeable to surgical decompression of the posterior fossa through a suboccipital craniotomy with resection of the posterior arch of C1 with duraplasty. Significant findings on the physical exam include Mallampati III, shorter thyromental distance, and limited range of motion of her cervical spine due to pain in her arms. We chose awake fiberoptic intubation due to difficult airway from morbid obesity and limited cervical spine range of motion and the consideration of hypercapnia induced from brief apnea the patient may not tolerate. She was premedicated with versed, glycopyrrolate, and dexmedetomidine, and given a 5% lidocaine paste lollipop to topicalize oropharynx. She was also started on a low dose remifentanil infusion for sedation during the awake fiberoptic approach. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate with continuous end-tidal capnography, and pulse oximetry were monitored during the awake fiberoptic intubation. A 7.0 endotracheal tube was lubricated with viscous lidocaine and placed over a fiberoptic scope. Once there was visualization of the vocal cords, additional 2% lidocaine was administered directly at the vocal cords. She was intubated smoothly on the first attempt. She was then immediately induced to general anesthesia with propofol and non-depolarizing muscle relaxant to avoid using succinylcholine due to the possible hypersensitivity caused by denervation. Intraoperatively, a conventional air warmer was used to prevent hypothermia. Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring was applied. Normotensive blood pressure and normocapnia were maintained throughout the surgery. Muscular blockade was reversed with sugammadex at the end of surgery to ensure adequate ventilation especially with the patient's body habitus. Upon extubation, the patient had acute hypertension which was managed by nicardipine infusion and hydralazine boluses. Patient was taken to a neurosurgical intensive unit and monitored for two days. She was discharged home without any complication. In conclusion, anesthetic considerations for patients with Chiari I malformation include airway management, monitoring for autonomic dysfunction, avoiding increase in ICP, and optimizing postoperative neurological status with balanced anesthetic management.

SEROPOSITIVE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AS THE CAUSE OF MULTIPLE FAILED EXTUBATIONS AND A PROLONGED ICU STAY FOR COVID-19 PNEUMONIA: A CASE REPORT AND BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW

SESSION TITLE: Autoimmune Disorders: Both Primary and Secondary SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 10:15 am - 11:10 am INTRODUCTION: Neurologic sequelae of COVID infection appear to be common. The infection may present with neurologic symptoms, unmask neurologic disease, or worsen established disease. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease (NMD) that does not appear to be a usual COVID sequela. We present an elderly veteran with COVID pneumonia who struggled to wean from mechanical ventilation (MV) secondary to neuromuscular weakness. He was ultimately diagnosed with seropositive MG. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79 year old male with a history of prior COVID infection complicated by need for mechanical ventilation (MV) complained of progressive cough and shortness of breath. He was admitted for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. On hospital day 8, he developed respiratory failure, was intubated, and was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). He was diagnosed with COVID a second time. After antibiotics and supportive treatment, he successfully completed a spontaneous breathing trial and was extubated. Within 24 hours, he developed hypercapnia, necessitating reintubation. Given his need for repeat intubations, we ordered myositis titers and MG autoantibodies. After a fourth failed extubation, a tracheostomy was placed. On hospital day 32, his acetylcholine receptor binding antibody returned positive at 30.0, suggesting seropositive MG. His MG composite score was 11 (for ptosis and ventilator dependence). For further work-up, a CT chest excluded thymoma;a focused neurological exam was limited by sedation, and inpatient electrodiagnostics were not feasible. He received 5 days of intravenous immune globulin (40 mg), a Prednisone taper, and Rivastigmine 60 mg thrice daily. His symptoms improved and he was transferred to the floor. DISCUSSION: It is well established that coronaviruses exhibit neurotropism. However, it is unclear whether the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 unmasks underlying neurologic illness or creates de novo disease. Critical care physicians are often tasked with making an initial diagnosis of neuromuscular disease (NMD). NMD is a known cause of complicated extubations. When the diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles fatigue, respiratory decompensation ensues as full MV support is removed. In many cases, underlying illness is unmasked during this process of extubation. In our case, it is unknown whether infectious insult led to molecular mimicry and development of autoantibodies or unmasked latent neuromuscular disease. If the infection did cause his disease, it would be one of the first cases of COVID-associated MG to be published. Our case is a reminder that NMD is a secondary cause of extubation failure and may suggest MG as a cause of MV weaning failure secondary to COVID. CONCLUSIONS: Critical care physicians should be aware of this potential neuromuscular complication of COVID infection as it may complicate MV weaning, increase vent days, and prolong ICU stays. Reference #1: Collantes MEV, Espiritu AI, Sy MCC, Anlacan VMM, Jamora RDG. Neurological manifestations in covid-19 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Can J Neurol Sci. 2021 Jan;48(1):66-76. Doi: 10.1017/cjn.2020.146. Epub 2020 Jul 15. PMID: 32665054. Reference #2: Huber M, Rogozinski S, Puppe W, Framme C, Hoglinger G, Hufendiek K, Wegner F. Postinfectious onset of myasthenia gravis in a COVID-19 patient. Front Neurol. 2020 Oct 6;11:576153. Doi: 10.3389/fneur.2020.576153. eCollection 2020. PMID: 33123081. Reference #3: Muralidhar Reddy Y, B SK, Osman S, Murthy JMK. Temporal association between SARS-CoV-2 and new-onset myasthenia gravis: Is it causal or coincidental? BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jul 21;14(7):e244146. Doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244146. PMID: 34290032. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Jeffrey Li No relevant relationships by Anupa Nadkarni No relevant relationships by Justin Owens No relevant relationships by Jennifer Perry no disclosure on file for Hayley Sp res;

MACROGLOSSIA IN THE SETTING OF COVID-19

SESSION TITLE: COVID-19 Case Report Posters 1 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Macroglossia is a rare but life-threatening symptom that disrupts a person's ability to talk, swallow, and can also compromise their airway. Although not very well studied, there are several case reports describing a possible association between COVID-19 infection and macroglossia in people with African ancestry. We present an African American man who developed significant macroglossia several days after testing positive for COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59 y/o African American male with a history of chronic bronchitis and tobacco use presented with 4 days of dyspnea. Sars-Cov-2 PCR was positive. Chest x-ray revealed bilateral, diffuse lung infiltrates. He had an elevated CRP of 295 and a d-dimer of 265. He became lethargic and hypercapnic requiring intubation which was nontraumatic. He was sedated, paralyzed, and proned. He received steroid therapy, broad spectrum antibiotics and a dose of Sarilumab. About a week later, he developed macroglossia that worsened over the course of days. Side effect profiles of each of his medications did not reveal any increased likelihood of macroglossia. C1Q complement cascade was mildly elevated and C1 esterase inhibitor level was normal. Diagnosis and treatment was necessary at this point as concerns for tongue central necrosis were raised and baseline tongue size would be required for proper evaluation and surgical intervention if necessary. He was given 4 units of FFP for possible angioedema with no improvement. CT Neck W/ contrast revealed edema and protrusion of the tongue without a discrete mass. Workup for acromegaly, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, and hypothyroidism were negative. A pressure ulcer developed on his tongue due to the endotracheal tube and so he underwent tracheostomy. His tongue was draped in Chlorhexidine soaked gauze as well as Vashe wound solution. As he recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, his respiratory status improved as well as his macroglossia. His tracheostomy was decannulated and his tongue returned to its baseline size. DISCUSSION: Macroglossia can lead to complications including airway compromise, dysphagia, or speech difficulties. It has been heavily proposed in the literature that COVID-19 infection can lead to postinfectious inflammatory peripheral nerve injury secondary to immune driven mechanisms. It was also previously proposed in literature based on immune-histochemical analysis of a tongue tissue sample taken from a COVID-19 patient that tongue muscle atrophy occurs as well as macrophage infiltration similar to that of nerve injury repair which can eventually lead to macroglossia. CONCLUSIONS: As the effects of COVID-19 are becoming better studied overtime, macroglossia, especially in those with African ancestry, is increasingly coming under the radar. This case report seeks to educate clinicians on this possible sequela and encourage supportive treatment in hopes that the tongue will recover. Reference #1: McCrossan S, Martin S, Hill C. Tongue Reduction for Macroglossia. J Craniofac Surg. 2021;32(5):1856-1859. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000007276 Reference #2: Colombo D, Del Nonno F, Nardacci R, Falasca L. May macroglossia in COVID-19 be related not only to angioedema?. J Infect Public Health. 2022;15(1):112-115. doi:10.1016/j.jiph.2021.10.026 Reference #3: Fernandez CE, Franz CK, Ko JH, et al. Imaging Review of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Patients with COVID-19. Radiology. 2020;298 (3). https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020203116 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Megan Devine No relevant relationships by Devin Haney No relevant relationships by Es-Haq Hassanin No relevant relationships by Nadim Islam No relevant relationships by Alyssa Weyer

Massive pulmonary embolism post decannulation from Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation: an unexpected complication

Introduction: Massive pulmonary embolism is a rare complication following Veno-Venous Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) decannulation. Management can be challenging. The authors present a case that required VV-ECMO re-cannulation and catheterdirected thrombolysis. Main body: 58-year-old gentleman, background of hypertension and asthma, admitted with severe respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonitis. Due to lack of improvement with conventional ARDS treatment, he was referred and retrieved on VV-ECMO. After being off sweep gas for more than 24 hours he was decannulated on day 7. Five hours after decannulation the patient acutely deteriorated. He became tachycardic, hypotensive and hypoxic. A bedside TTE showed severely dilated and impaired right ventricle. The patient was started on milrinone and nitric oxide. Nevertheless, he deteriorated further and became profoundly hypoxic and hypercapnic, and a decision was made to start him on VV-ECMO. A TOE was done to guide cannulation and showed a thrombus in the RV and in the left pulmonary artery. Next day, a CT-pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) was done which showed saddle-shaped pulmonary embolism, with a large occlusive clot in the left main pulmonary artery causing complete non-perfusion of the left lung. After a multi-disciplinary team discussion, the patient had catheterdirected thrombolysis, with some haemodynamic improvement. Within 48 hours, TTE was repeated showing no significant improvement on RV function. CTPA showed very mild decrease of the clot burden. Decision was made to repeat catheter-directed thrombolysis and partial thrombectomy. Repeated imaging revealed decrease in the size of the left main pulmonary artery thrombus. It is thought that the massive pulmonary embolism could have been caused by showering of ECMO cannulas-related thrombi, which were dislodged during decannulation. Patient remained on VV-ECMO for 32 days and was decannulated successfully afterwards and was discharged home on apixaban and long-term pulmonary hypertension follow-up. Conclusion: ECMO cannulas related thrombi are not uncommon complications because of prolonged stay and coagulopathy related to ECMO circuit. However, massive embolism is rarely seen. The use of echocardiography was paramount on the differential diagnosis. In this TTE study, the right ventricle looks significantly dilated with severely impaired both longitudinal and radial functions. Additionally noted septal flattening in systole indicating RV pressure overload, diastolic notching of RVOT doppler trace consistent with significantly raised pulmonary artery pressure and mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Otherwise, the left ventricle is small and has preserved function. (Figure Presented).

Case study of a long term ICU patient requiring ECMO following COVID-19 related respiratory failure

Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an unprecedented number of hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions for respiratory failure. This has required a significant and sudden increase in ICU capacity. 1,2 Due to severe pulmonary infection and inflammation, patients have presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with an associated inability to ventilate lungs with poor compliance. This has led to an increased requirement for extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. This is only available in six commissioned centres across the United Kingdom.3 Objectives: The objective of this is to present a case study of a long-term patient in ICU with a prolonged duration on ECMO. This highlights the complex, mutli-dimensional physiological and psychological impact of recovery and rehabilitation in patients following a severe physical illness. Methods: Figure 1 shows the timeline of significant events during the patient's hospitalisation and admission at the ECMO centre. Due to the nature of a long ICU admission, the patient's condition fluctuated throughout their stay. Rehabilitation was impacted physically by the patient's limited ventilatory reserve caused by lung damage due to COVID. A severe sacral moisture lesion also limited their ability to sit in a chair for longer than one hour and perform sustained sitting on the edge of the bed activities. Psychologically the patient was limited due to significant anxiety and agitation. There were a number of barriers and challenges to rehabilitation whilst the patient was on ECMO as well as post ECMO decannulation. These challenges are detailed in Figure 2. Results: Despite the challenges, the patient was able to participate in physical rehabilitation and was provided psychological support by the psychology team. At their peak ability, the patient was able to perform 12 steps with maximal assistance of three staff. The patient's Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) scores can be seen in Figure 3. There was marked difference in the patient's ability to meet the physiological demand of rehabilitation with the ECMO support and without. Following ECMO decannulation the patient struggled with fatigue, hypercapnia and increasing dependency on the ventilator. These issues led to a decline in ability and longer periods of tachypnoea and recovery. Conclusion: Supporting patients after a critical illness requires physical and psychological rehabilitation from the whole MDT. This example of a patient's recovery both during and post ECMO support due to COVID-19 shows the complex relationships affecting the patient's ability to improve and progress.

Early Awake Proning in COVID-19 Patients to Reduce Invasive Ventilation: A Prospective Interventional Study ABS0264)

Aim: To prevent endotracheal intubations in the COVID wards with early awake proning, allowing time for lung to recover, and decrease mortality in COVID-19 patients. Objectives: 1. To assess the effect of prone positioning on the requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation. 2. To calculate PaO2/FiO2 before prone position. 3. To measure PaO2/FiO2 after prone position. 4. To assess how much increase in PaO2 during prone. 5. To assess the length of time tolerating prone positioning. Materials and methods: Inclusion criteria: (1) Age >18 years. (2) Patient with confirmed COVID with or without chest X-ray infiltrates. (3) Isolated hypoxemic respiratory failure without substantial dyspnea (the paradoxically well appearing hypoxemic patient). Requiring >2 L of O2 to maintain SpO2 >92%. A reasonable candidate might meet the following criteria: • not in multi-organ failure, • expectation that patient has a fairly reversible lung injury and may avoid intubation, • no hypercapnia or substantial dyspnea, • normal mental status, able to communicate distress, • no anticipation of difficult airway. (4) Patients who do not wish to be intubated (DNI). The main risk of awake proning is that it could cause excessive delays in intubation. In the DNI patient who is failing other modes of ventilation, there is little to be lost by trialing awake proning. Exclusion criteria: (1) Signs of respiratory fatigue (RR > 40/minute, PaCO2 > 50 mm Hg/pH< 7.30, and obvious accessory respiratory muscle use), (2) immediate need for intubation (PaO2/FiO2 < 50 mm Hg, unable to protect airway or change of mental status), (3) unstable hemodynamic status, and (4) inability to collaborate with prone position with agitation or refusal. Also, it is observed that the mean O2 requirement is slightly higher in females (Baseline-7.74 L) as compared to males (Baseline-6.06 L), however, this difference is not statistically significant when observed using an independent sample t test (t value = -1.728, df = 48, p > 0.05). The mean reduction of O2 requirement from baseline to Day 3 post proning amongst male patients is 4.53 L, while in females it is 5.16 L. There is no statistically significant mean reduction of O2 requirement in males and females which was observed using independent sample t-test (t value = -0.675, df = 47, p > 0.05). SpaO2 increase after awake proning Overall, a total of 21 patients were followed up until Day 3 post proning and an increase in SpaO2 was observed in these patients. It is seen that the Mean Baseline SpaO2 in these 21 patients was 68.43 ± 2 (14.172) and after 3 days of awake proning it increased to 77.24 + 2 (17.023). However, this difference is not statistically significant using the paired sample t-test (t value = -1.819, df = 20, p > 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that 3 out of 50 patients (6.0%) required NIV or intubation after giving awake proning. The SpaO2 increases after awake proning but the increase is not statistically significant. However, the O2 requirement is reduced 4 to 6 times after awake proning and this reduction is statistically very highly significant. Thus, awake proning significantly helps in the reduction of the requirement of O2.