Impacts of a fraction of inspired oxygen adjustment protocol in COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined weather a protocol for fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) adjustment can reduce hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use in COVID-19 patients mechanically ventilated. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two intensive care units (ICUs) dedicated to COVID-19 patients in Brazil. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with COVID-19 mechanically ventilated. INTERVENTIONS: One ICU followed a FiO2 adjustment protocol based on SpO2 (conservative-oxygen ICU) and the other, which did not follow the protocol, constituted the control ICU. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Prevalence of hyperoxemia (PaO2>100mmHg) on day 1, sustained hyperoxemia (present on days 1 and 2), and excess oxygen use (FiO2>0.6 in patients with hyperoxemia) were compared between the two ICUs. RESULTS: Eighty two patients from the conservative-oxygen ICU and 145 from the control ICU were included. The conservative-oxygen ICU presented lower prevalence of hyperoxemia on day 1 (40.2% vs. 75.9%, p<0.001) and of sustained hyperoxemia (12.2% vs. 49.6%, p<0.001). Excess oxygen use was less frequent in the conservative-oxygen ICU on day 1 (18.3% vs. 52.4%, p<0.001). Being admitted in the control ICU was independently associated with hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use. Multivariable analyses found no independent relationship between day 1 hyperoxemia, sustained hyperoxemia, or excess FiO2 use and adverse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Following FiO2 protocol was associated with lower hyperoxemia and less excess oxygen use. Although those results were not associated with better clinical outcomes, adopting FiO2 protocol may be useful in a scenario of depleted oxygen resources, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors associated with mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 / Fatores associados à mortalidade em pacientes críticos com COVID-19 / Factores asociados a la mortalidad en pacientes críticos con COVID-19

Background and objectives: COVID-19 is a life-threatening disease. Recognizing the main characteristics of the disease and its main complications will help future interventions, care, and management of health services since territorial and population diversities directly influence health outcomes. Our main objective is to describe the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and factors associated with mortality of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit of a public and tertiary hospital. Methods: Cohort study, conducted from March 1 to September 30, 2020. Poisson regression was performed to investigate the variables of hospital treatment as potential risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Results: Of the 283 eligible patients in this study, the hospital mortality rate was of 41.7% (n=118). The most common outcomes were acute respiratory distress syndrome, nosocomial infection, and septic shock. Factors independently associated with increased risk of death were age greater than 51 years old (RR=1.7, 95%CI=1.0-2.8), especially over 70 years old (RR=2.9, 95%CI=1.7-2.8), current smoker (RR=1.8, 95%CI=1.1-2.9), requiring the use of inotrope (RR=1.4, 95%CI=1.0-2.0), and presenting potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/l on admission (RR=1.3, 95%CI=1.0-1.7). Conclusion: Mortality was associated with older age, being a current smoker, inotrope use, and presenting potassium greater than 5.0 on hospital admission.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: A COVID-19 é uma doença ameaçadora à vida. Reconhecer as características da doença e suas principais complicações nesta população auxiliará em futuras intervenções, cuidados e gestão dos serviços de saúde, uma vez que a diversidade territorial e populacional influencia diretamente nos resultados de saúde. O objetivo principal do presente estudo é descrever as características clínicas, desfechos e fatores associados à mortalidade de pacientes com COVID-19 internados na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital público e terciário. Métodos: Estudo de coorte, realizado de 1º de março a 30 de setembro de 2020. Foi realizada regressão de Poisson para investigar variáveis de apresentação hospitalar como potenciais fatores de risco para mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Resultados: Dos 283 pacientes elegíveis neste estudo, o dado de mortalidade hospitalar foi de 41,7% (n=118). Os desfechos mais comuns foram síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo, infecção hospitalar e choque séptico. Os fatores independentemente associados ao aumento do risco de morte foram idade superior a 51 anos (RR=1,7, IC 95%=1,0-2,8), principalmente acima de 70 anos (RR=2,9, IC 95%=1,7-2,8), tabagismo atual (RR=1,8, IC 95%=1,1-2,9), necessidade de inotrópico (RR=1,4, IC 95%=1,0-2,0) e potássio maior que 5,0 mEq/l (RR=1,3, IC 95%=1,0- 1.7) na admissão. Conclusão: A mortalidade esteve associada à idade avançada, tabagismo atual, uso de inotrópicos e potássio maior que 5,0 na admissão hospitalar.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La COVID-19 es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal. Reconocer las características de la enfermedad y sus principales complicaciones en esta población ayudará a futuras intervenciones, atención y gestión de los servicios de salud, ya que las diversidades territoriales y poblacionales influyen directamente en los resultados de salud. El objetivo principal de este estudio es describir las características clínicas, los resultados y los factores asociados a la mortalidad de los pacientes con COVID-19 ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público y de tercer nivel. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte, realizado del 1 de marzo al 30 de septiembre de 2020. Se realizó regresión de Poisson para investigar variables en la presentación hospitalaria como potenciales factores de riesgo para la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados: De los 283 pacientes elegibles en este estudio, el 41,7% (n=118) tuvo mortalidad hospitalaria. Los desenlaces más comunes fueron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, infección nosocomial y shock séptico. Los factores independientemente asociados a mayor riesgo de muerte fueron edad mayor de 51 años (RR=1,7, IC95%=1,0-2,8), especialmente mayores de 70 años (RR=2,9, IC95%=1,7-2,8), tabaquismo actual (RR=1,8, IC95%=1,1-2,9), necesidad de inotrópico (RR=1,4, IC95%=1,0-2,0) y potasio mayor que 5,0 mEq/l (RR=1,3, IC95%=1,0-1,7). Conclusión: La mortalidad estuvo asociada a la edad avanzada, tabaquismo actual, uso de inotrópico y potasio mayor a 5,0 en la admisión hospitalaria.(AU)

Challenges at the front: experiences of professionals in admitting patients to the intensive care unit during the covid-19 pandemic / Desafíos delanteros: experiencias de profesionales en el ingreso de pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos en la pandemia del covid-19 / Desafios do front: experiências de profissionais na admissão de pacientes em unidade de terapia intensiva na pandemia da covid-19

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the perspectives, practices and challenges in decision-making for admitting patients into the Intensive Care Unit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: a qualitative study developed in two public hospitals in Maranhão, Brazil, from November/2020 to January/2021. Data collection took place through individual interviews guided by a script. A total of 22 professionals participated in the study: nurses and doctors who worked in the Intensive Care Unit and Bed Regulation in the first wave of the pandemic. Content Analysis was used in the thematic mode, with support from the Qualitative Data Analysis software program for data categorization. The theory of Responsibility for Reasonableness guided the study. Results: two main categories emerged: "The context of the decision-making process - the paradox of celestial discharges" and "Decision-making for admission". In the scenario of high demand, a lack of beds, and the uncertainties of the "new disease", deciding who would occupy the bed was arduous and conflicting. Clinical and non-clinical criteria such as severity, chance of survival, distance to be covered and transport conditions were considered. It was found that the ambivalence of feelings attributed to death and care at that moment of the pandemic marked the social and technical environment of intensive care. Conclusions: the complexity of the decision-making process for admission to an intensive care unit was evidenced, demonstrating the importance of analyzing the allocation of critical resources in pandemic scenarios. Knowing the perspectives of professionals and their reflections on the experiences in that period can help in planning the allocation of health resources in future emergency scenarios.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer perspectivas, prácticas y desafíos en la toma de decisiones para el ingreso de pacientes a camas en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: un estudio cualitativo, desarrollado en dos hospitales públicos de Maranhão, Brasil, de noviembre/2020 a enero/2021. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de entrevistas individuales guiadas por un guión. Un total de 22 profesionales participaron en el estudio: enfermeros y médicos que actuaban en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y Regulación de Camas en la primera ola de la pandemia. Se utilizó el Análisis de Contenido en la modalidad temática, con apoyo del Software de Análisis Cualitativo de Datos para la categorización de los datos. La teoría de la Responsabilidad por la Razonabilidad guió el estudio. Resultados: surgieron dos categorías principales: "El contexto del proceso de toma de decisiones - la paradoja de los altos celestes" y "Toma de decisiones para la admisión". En el escenario de alta demanda, escasez de camas e incertidumbres de la "nueva enfermedad", decidir quién ocuparía la cama fue arduo y conflictivo. Se consideraron criterios clínicos y no clínicos, como gravedad, probabilidad de supervivencia, distancia a recorrer y condiciones de transporte. Se constató que la ambivalencia de los sentimientos atribuidos a la muerte y al cuidado, en ese momento de la pandemia, marcaron el ambiente social y técnico de la terapia intensiva. Conclusiones: se evidenció la complejidad del proceso de toma de decisiones para el ingreso a una unidad de cuidados intensivos, demostrando la importancia de analizar la asignación de recursos críticos en escenarios de pandemia. Conocer las perspectivas de los profesionales y sus reflexiones sobre las experiencias en ese período puede ayudar en la planificación de la asignación de recursos de salud en futuros escenarios de emergencia.

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer perspectivas, práticas e desafios na tomada de decisão para admissão de pacientes em leitos de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva na pandemia da Covid-19. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, desenvolvido em dois hospitais públicos do Maranhão, Brasil, de novembro/2020 a janeiro/2021. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas individuais guiadas por roteiro. Participaram do estudo 22 profissionais: enfermeiros e médicos que atuaram em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Regulação de Leitos na primeira onda da pandemia. Empregou-se a Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade temática, com apoio do Qualitative Data Analysis Software para categorização dos dados. A teoria da Responsabilidade pela Razoabilidade norteou o estudo. Resultados: emergiram duas categorias principais: "Contexto do processo decisório - o paradoxo das altas celestiais" e "Tomada de decisão para admissão". No cenário de alta demanda, insuficiência de leitos e de incertezas da "nova doença", decidir quem ocuparia o leito era árduo e conflitante. Critérios clínicos e não clínicos, como gravidade, chance de sobrevivência, distância a ser percorrida e condições do transporte foram considerados. Constatou-se que a ambivalência de sentimentos atribuídos à morte e ao cuidado, naquele momento da pandemia, marcaram o ambiente social e técnico da terapia intensiva. Conclusões: evidenciou-se a complexidade do processo decisório para admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva, demonstrando a importância de analisar a alocação de recursos críticos em cenários pandêmicos. Conhecer as perspectivas dos profissionais e as reflexões deles sobre as experiências naquele período podem auxiliar no planejamento de alocação de recursos de saúde em cenários emergenciais futuros.

Comportamiento del virus Covid-19 en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia Covid-19 afectó la salud pública. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento del virus Covid-19 en los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado en la UCI del Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios de Armenia entre abril y junio de 2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se describen variables en promedio, desviación estándar e intervalos de confianza, se hace un análisis comparativo por sexo y desenlace, se realizaron análisis de varianza y Chi cuadrado y se consideró diferencia estadística cuando el valor de p fue menor a 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyen 60 pacientes, 38% de sexo femenino y 62% de sexo masculino, con diferencia significativa por sexo (valor de p=0,003). El promedio de edad fue de 57±11 años. Los síntomas fueron disnea 98,3%, disnea y tos 38%, disnea y fiebre 32% y disnea, tos y fiebre en 12%. Las comorbilidades fueron hipertensión arterial 33%, diabetes mellitus 21% y obesidad 25%. Se encontraron elevados el Dímero D (763 ng/ml), la Ferritina (1253 ng/ml) y la LDH (426 U/L). El índice de oxigenación, estaba disminuido (114 mm/Hg). Los RX de tórax mostraron neumonía 78% e infiltrados en los 4 cuadrantes en 7% y el TAC de tórax mostró imagen de vidrio esmerilado en 47% y neumonía multifocal en 20%. La estancia promedio en la UCI fue de 13,55 días, con un rango entre 0 y 41 días. Conclusiones: Los pacientes presentaron un trastorno moderado a grave de la oxigenación, razón por la cual requirieron ventilación mecánica y posición decúbito prono y 45% fallecieron. Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic affected public health. Objective: To describe the behavior of Covid-19 virus in patients with a confirmed diagnosis in the ICU of the San Juan de Dios University Hospital in Armenia between April and June 2020. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Variables are described in mean, standard deviation and confidence intervals. A comparative analysis is made by sex and outcome, analysis of variance and Chi square were performed and statistical difference was considered when the p value was less than 0.05. Results: 60 patients were included, 38% female and 62% male, with a significant difference by gender (p value=0.003). The average age was 57±11 years. Symptoms were dyspnea in 98.3%, dyspnea and cough in 38%, dyspnea and fever in 32%, and dyspnea, cough and fever in 12%. The comorbidities were arterial hypertension 33%, diabetes mellitus 21% and obesity 25%. Dimer D (763 ng/ml), Ferritin (1253 ng/ml) and LDH (426 U/L) were elevated. The oxygenation index was decreased (114 mm/Hg). Chest X-rays showed pneumonia in 78% and infiltrates in all 4 quadrants in 7%, and chest CT showed a ground glass image in 47% and multifocal pneumonia in 20%. The average stay in the ICU was 13.55 days, with a range between 0 and 41 days. Conclusions: The patients presented a moderate to severe oxygenation disorder, which is why they required mechanical ventilation and prone position and 45% died.

Burnout y resiliencia en profesionales de enfermería de cuidados intensivos ante el COVID-19: estudio multicéntrico

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre las dimensiones del Burnout y la resiliencia en el trabajo de los profesionales de enfermería de cuidados intensivos durante la pandemia de COVID-19, en cuatro hospitales del sur de Brasil. Método: se trata de un estudio multicéntrico, transversal, compuesto por 153 enfermeros y técnicos en enfermería de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos, de salud y laborales y se aplicaron los instrumentos Maslach Burnout Inventory y Resilience at Work Scale 20. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo y a correlaciones bivariadas y parciales (análisis de redes). Resultados: la resiliencia en el trabajo tiene una correlación inversa con el agotamiento emocional (r= -0,545;p=0,01) y la despersonalización (r= -0,419;p=0,01) y directa con la realización profesional (r= 0,680;p=0,01). La variable con mayor influencia en la red de correlaciones fue la percepción del impacto de la pandemia en la salud mental. Conclusión: la resiliencia afecta los dominios agotamiento emocional y baja realización profesional del Burnout. El agotamiento emocional se manifiesta a través de trastornos psíquicos menores e impacta en las variables de salud física y mental de los trabajadores. Se debe fomentar el desarrollo de la resiliencia a nivel institucional para moderar la enfermedad.

The value of human resources: Experience of critical care nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis. Pressure on the National Health System has created unique demand particularly in certain services and care units like the critical care units. OBJECTIVE: To learn about the experience of nurses in caring for people with coronavirus in critical care units. METHOD: A qualitative phenomenological study that constitutes the second phase of a mixed methodology project. We conducted interviews with 17 nurses caring for patients affected by COVID-19 in critical care units. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic discourse analysis. RESULTS: This article shows the findings around the theme "the value of human resources" which is nuanced through sub-themes "it's not the beds, it's the expert staff", "shouldering the patient's burden", and suffering because "they have not cared well". DISCUSSION: Expert nurses have emerged as leading professionals in the care of the critical patient during the COVID-19 pandemic. This leadership is executed from a profile framed in an inclusive philosophy where wisdom, agility and intuition are the key elements underpinning problem identification and solving in a creative way, while adapting to the needs of the patient and healthcare team as they emerge. CONCLUSIONS: Expert nurses have played an advanced role in the management of care and human resources by exercising effective leadership in the clinical setting. Care has been hampered due to the crisis, which causes nurses moral distress because they have been unable to meet standards of quality and excellence in care.

Usefulness of chest X-rays for evaluating prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pandemia caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been a diagnostic challenge in which chest X-rays have had a key role. This study aimed to determine whether the Radiological Scale for Evaluating Hospital Admission (RSEHA) applied to chest X-rays of patients with COVID-19 when they present at the emergency department is related with the severity of COVID-19 in terms of the need for admission to the hospital, the need for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and/or mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 292 patients with COVID-19 who presented at the emergency department between March 16, 2020 and April 30, 2020. To standardize the radiologic patterns, we used the RSEHA, categorizing the radiologic pattern as mild, moderate, or severe. We analyzed the relationship between radiologic severity according to the RSEHA with the need for admission to the hospital, admission to the ICU, and mortality. RESULTS: Hospital admission was necessary in 91.4% of the patients. The RSEHA was significantly associated with the need for hospital admission (p = 0.03) and with the need for ICU admission (p < 0.001). A total of 51 (17.5%) patients died; of these, 57% had the severe pattern on the RSEHA. When we analyzed mortality by grouping patients according to their results on the RSEHA and their age range, the percentage of patients who died increased after age 70 years in patients classified as moderate or severe on the RSEHA. CONCLUSIONS: Chest X-rays in patients with COVID-19 obtained in the emergency department are useful for determining the prognosis in terms of admission to the hospital, admission to the ICU, and mortality; radiologic patterns categorized as severe on the RSEHA are associated with greater mortality and admission to the ICU.

Recommendations for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Intensive Care Units.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the admission of a high number of patients to the ICU, generally due to severe respiratory failure. Since the appearance of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at the end of 2019, in China, a huge number of treatment recommendations for this entity have been published, not always supported by sufficient scientific evidence or with methodological rigor necessary. Thanks to the efforts of different groups of researchers, we currently have the results of clinical trials, and other types of studies, of higher quality. We consider it necessary to create a document that includes recommendations that collect this evidence regarding the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, but also aspects that other guidelines have not considered and that we consider essential in the management of critical patients with COVID-19. For this, a drafting committee has been created, made up of members of the SEMICYUC Working Groups more directly related to different specific aspects of the management of these patients.

Usefulness of chest X-rays for evaluating prognosis in patients with COVID-19. / Utilidad de la radiografía de tórax para evaluar el pronóstico de pacientes con COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pandemia caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been a diagnostic challenge in which chest X-rays have had a key role. This study aimed to determine whether the Radiological Scale for Evaluating Hospital Admission (RSEHA) applied to chest X-rays of patients with COVID-19 when they present at the emergency department is related with the severity of COVID-19 in terms of the need for admission to the hospital, the need for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and/or mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 292 patients with COVID-19 who presented at the emergency department between March 16, 2020 and April 30, 2020. To standardize the radiologic patterns, we used the RSEHA, categorizing the radiologic pattern as mild, moderate, or severe. We analyzed the relationship between radiologic severity according to the RSEHA with the need for admission to the hospital, admission to the ICU, and mortality. RESULTS: Hospital admission was necessary in 91.4% of the patients. The RSEHA was significantly associated with the need for hospital admission (p=0.03) and with the need for ICU admission (p<0.001). A total of 51 (17.5%) patients died; of these, 57% had the severe pattern on the RSEHA. When we analyzed mortality by grouping patients according to their results on the RSEHA and their age range, the percentage of patients who died increased after age 70 years in patients classified as moderate or severe on the RSEHA. CONCLUSIONS: Chest X-rays in patients with COVID-19 obtained in the emergency department are useful for determining the prognosis in terms of admission to the hospital, admission to the ICU, and mortality; radiologic patterns categorized as severe on the RSEHA are associated with greater mortality and admission to the ICU.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in Western frontline healthcare professionals. A systematic review. / Impacto psicológico de la COVID-19 en profesionales sanitarios de primera línea en el ámbito occidental. Una revisión sistemática.

The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact among healthcare workers who stand in the frontline of the SARS-CoV-2 crisis and to compare it with the rest of healthcare professionals, by means of a systematic review of Western publications. The systematic review was carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases and 12 descriptive studies were reviewed. The European and American quantitative studies reported moderate and high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and burnout, with diverse coping strategies and more frequent and intense symptoms among women and nurses, without conclusive results by age. In the first line of assistance the psychological impact was greater than in the rest of the health professionals and in the Asian area. It is necessary to go deeper into the emotional experiences and professional needs for emotional support in order to design effective interventions for protection and help.

Nutritional therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. A case review / Terapia nutricional en el paciente crítico con COVID-19. Una revisión / Terapia nutricional no paciente crítico com COVID-19. Uma revisão

Resumen: Introducción: el distrés respiratorio agudo y la falla multiorgánica que determinan admisión en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) son una causa importante de morbimortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19. Los pacientes con peores resultados clínicos -incluido una menor sobrevida en UCI- son aquellos con múltiples comorbilidades, grados variables de inmunocompromiso, adultos mayores e individuos con desnutrición previa o secundaria a la enfermedad crítica. El impacto nutricional de la enfermedad crítica sobre el músculo estriado esquelético puede exacerbarse en algunos pacientes críticamente enfermos, los infectados por SARS-CoV-2 que requieren admisión a UCI. Objetivo: proporcionar una orientación práctica de utilidad para los clínicos basados en la evidencia clínica actualizada y considerando ciertas características claves distintivas de la infección grave por SARS-CoV-2. Método: se realizó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura científica publicada hasta abril de 2020 en idiomas español e inglés. Conclusiones: la pandemia de COVID-19 determina un desafío sin precedentes en la UCI, dado que no existen al momento medidas preventivas demostradas para evitar la evolución a la enfermedad crítica y los tratamientos curativos disponibles en esta fase de la enfermedad carecen de evidencia clínica de calidad que los sustenten. En este escenario complejo es probable que las medidas que contribuyan a potenciar el sistema inmunitario y las terapias de sostén en la UCI (incluido el soporte nutricional) sean armas sustanciales contra las infecciones graves por SARS-CoV-2; sin embargo, son necesarios más estudios en el entorno de la UCI para realizar recomendaciones específicas.

Summary Introduction: acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction, which determine admission to the ICU, are a significant cause of morbimortality in patients with COVID-19. The patients with the worst clinical outcome, including a shorter survival in the ICU, are those with multiple comorbilities, different immunocompromised states, older adults and individuals with a history of malnutrition or suffering from malnutrition secondary to a critical illness. The nutritional impact of the critical illness on the striated appearance of skeletal muscle fibers may be exacerbated in some critically ill patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 and need to be admitted to the ICU. Objective: this article aims to provide useful practical guidelines for clinicians based on updated clinical evidence and considering a few key characteristics that are specific to severe infection caused by SARS-Cov-2. Method: we conducted a thorough review of the scientific literature published until April 2020 in English and Spanish. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic causes an unprecedented challenge in the ICU since up until today, no preventive measures have been proved successful to avoid evolution to critical illness and the therapies available for this stage of the disease are supported by quality clinical evidence. Within this complex framework we may trust that the measures that contribute to strengthening the immune system and ICU life-support therapies (including nutritional therapy) constitute essential tools to fight against severe infections caused by SARS-Cov-2. However, further studies are needed in the ICU scenario for specific recommendations to be made.

Resumo Introdução: o desconforto respiratório agudo e a falência de múltiplos órgãos que determinam a admissão na UTI são causas importantes de morbimortalidade em pacientes com COVID-19. Os pacientes com os piores resultados clínicos, incluindo menor sobrevida na UTI, são aqueles com múltiplas comorbidades, graus variáveis ??de imunocomprometimento, idosos e indivíduos com desnutrição prévia ou secundária à doença crítica. O impacto nutricional da doença crítica no músculo esquelético pode ser exacerbado em alguns pacientes graves infectados com SARS-CoV-2 que requerem internação na UTI. Objetivos: o objetivo deste artigo é fornecer orientação prática útil para os médicos baseada em evidências clínicas atualizadas e considerando certas características específicas principais da infecção grave por SARS-Cov-2. Métodos: foi realizada uma revisão exaustiva da literatura científica publicada até abril de 2020 em espanhol e inglês. Conclusões: a pandemia de COVID-19 determina um desafio sem precedentes na UTI, visto que atualmente não existem medidas preventivas comprovadas para prevenir a progressão a doença crítica e os tratamentos curativos disponíveis nesta fase da doença carecem de evidências clínicas de qualidade que os sustentem. Nesse cenário complexo, medidas que contribuem para estimular o sistema imunológico e terapias de suporte na UTI (incluindo suporte nutricional) são provavelmente armas substanciais contra infecções graves por SARS-Cov-2; no entanto, são necessários mais estudos em ambiente de UTI para fazer recomendações específicas.

Nursing diagnosis/outcomes and interventions for critically ill patients affected by covid-19 and sepsis / Diagnósticos/resultados e intervenciones de enfermería para pacientes graves afectados por covid-19 y por sepsis / Diagnósticos/resultados e intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes graves acometidos por covid-19 e sepse

ABSTRACT Objective: to relate nursing diagnoses/outcomes and interventions for critically ill patients affected by COVID-19 and sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit, according to the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®). Method: a documentary study conducted in March and April 2020 from the ICNP® terminology subset for adult patients with sepsis. The documentary corpus was composed of the list of nursing diagnoses/outcomes and interventions based on Horta's Theory of Basic Human Needs; on the 7-Axis Model of the International Classification for Nursing Practice, version 2017; on the Pathophysiological model of sepsis; as well as relying on the authors' expertise in direct care for suspected or confirmed critically ill patients affected by COVID-19. Outcomes: a total of 58 nursing diagnoses/outcomes were identified that belong to the psychobiological needs of oxygenation (13-22.4%), vascular regulation (12-20.7%), neurological regulation (10-17.2%), hydration (08-13.8%), elimination (08-13.8%), immunological regulation (04-6.9%) and thermal regulation (03-5.2%), evidencing a total of 172 nursing interventions with a mean of 03 for each nursing diagnosis/outcome. Conclusion: data analysis provided greater knowledge about the disease and the nursing process in the ICU setting, serving as a guide for the professional practice for critically ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and sepsis.

RESUMEN Objetivo: relacionar diagnósticos/resultados e intervenciones de enfermería para pacientes graves afectados por COVID-19 y por sepsis en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, de acuerdo con la Clasificación Internacional para la Práctica de Enfermería (CIPE®). Método: estudio documental realizado en los meses de marzo y abril de 2020 a partir del subconjunto terminológico de la CIPE® para pacientes adultos con sepsis. El corpus documental estuvo compuesto por la lista de diagnósticos/resultados e intervenciones de enfermería sobre la base de la Teoría de las Necesidades Humanas Básicas de Horta; del Modelo de 7 ejes de la Clasificación Internacional para la Práctica de Enfermería, versión 2017; y del Modelo fisiopatológico de la sepsis; al igual que contó con los profundos conocimientos de los autores en el cuidado directo a pacientes graves con sospecha o confirmación de COVID-19. Resultados: se identificaron 58 diagnósticos/resultados de enfermería que pertenecen a las necesidades psicobiológicas de oxigenación (13-22,4%), regulación vascular (12-20,7%), regulación neurológica (10-17,2%), hidratación (08-13,8%), eliminación (08-13,8%), regulación inmunológica (04-6,9%) y regulación térmica (03-5,2%), evidenciando un total de 172 intervenciones de enfermería con una media de 03 para cada diagnóstico/resultado de enfermería. Conclusión: el análisis de los datos amplió el conocimiento sobre la enfermedad y el proceso de enfermería en el ámbito de la UCI, sirviendo así como guía para la práctica profesional ofrecida al paciente grave internado con COVID-19 y sepsis.

RESUMO Objetivo: relacionar diagnósticos/resultados e intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes graves acometidos por COVID-19 e sepse na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, segundo a Classificação Internacional para a Prática de Enfermagem (CIPE®). Método: estudo documental realizado nos meses de março e abril de 2020 a partir do subconjunto terminológico da CIPE® para pacientes adultos com sepse. O corpus documental foi composto pela lista de diagnósticos/resultados e intervenções de enfermagem com base na Teoria das Necessidades Humanas Básicas de Horta; no Modelo de 7-Eixos da Classificação Internacional para a Prática de Enfermagem, versão 2017; no Modelo fisiopatológico da sepse; bem como contou com a expertise dos autores no cuidado direto a pacientes graves suspeitos ou confirmados de COVID-19. Resultados: foram identificados 58 diagnósticos/resultados de enfermagem que pertencem às necessidades psicobiológicas de oxigenação (13-22,4%), regulação vascular (12-20,7%), regulação neurológica (10-17,2%), hidratação (08-13,8%), eliminação (08-13,8%), regulação imunológica (04-6,9%) e regulação térmica (03-5,2%), evidenciando um total de 172 intervenções de enfermagem com uma média de 03 para cada diagnóstico/resultado de enfermagem. Conclusão: a análise dos dados oportunizou maior conhecimento sobre a doença e o processo de enfermagem no âmbito da UTI, servindo como um guia para a prática profissional ao paciente grave internado com COVID-19 e sepse.

Reflections arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. / Reflexiones derivadas de la pandemia COVID-19.

While we were drafting the recommendations for the joint contingency plan between the Spanish Society of Intensive Care and Coronary Unit Nursing (SEEIUC) and the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC), predictions were overtaken by events with regard to the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. Members informed us of the lack of personal protection equipment (PPE), the rapid provision of improvised ICUs in various hospital areas and the recruitment of nurses to cover shifts. The failure to recognise the specialty of critical care nursing, included in the macro-specialty of medical-surgical nursing and not yet developed, has highlighted the urgent need to learn from our mistakes: specialisation, increase the number of nurses in teams and protect the public health system.