Medical intensivist directed VV ECMO cannulation for the facilitation of tracheostomy in a patient with severe tracheal stenosis: A case report

Objectives: We present a case report of medical intensivist driven ECMO program using ECMO as a pre-procedural tool to maintain oxygenation in a patient with critical tracheal stenosis during tracheostomy placement. Method(s): VV ECMO is primarily used to support patients when mechanical ventilation is unable to provide adequate gas exchange. Alternatively, it has been used pre-procedurally when intubation is required in anticipation of a difficult airway. Described here is the first intensivist preformed awake VV ECMO cannulation to facilitate tracheostomy in a patient with severe tracheal stenosis. Result(s): The patient is a 41-year-old female with the relevant background of COVID19 pneumonia status post tracheostomy and subsequently decannulated after prolonged intubation and ICU stay. As a result, the patient developed symptomatic tracheal stenosis and presented two years after her ICU stay for scheduled bronchoscopy and balloon dilation. However, the patient developed worsening stridor and shortness of breath requiring heliox and BPAP. After multidisciplinary discussion between the critical care team ENT teams, the decision was made to cannulate for VV ECMO as a pre-procedural maneuver to allow for oxygenation during open tracheostomy in the OR. Dexmedetomidine and local anesthesia were used for the procedure with the patient sitting at 30 degrees on non-invasive ventilation and heliox. The patient was cannulated with a 21F right internal jugular return cannula and 25F right common femoral drainage cannula by medical intensivists in the intensive care unit using ultrasound guidance. The patient went for operative tracheostomy the next day and was subsequently decannulated from ECMO the following day without complication. She was discharged home on trach collar. Conclusion(s): Intensivist performed ECMO cannulation has been shown to be safe and effective. We anticipate the indications and use will continue to expand. This case is an example that intensivist driven preprocedural ECMO is a viable extension of that practice.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Combined with Prone Positioning as an Intubation Alternative in Covid-19: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in COVID-19 patients is a contro-versial topic due to the benefits and risks which may occur in patients and healthcare workers. The goal of this treatment modality is potential avoidance of invasive mechanical ventilation, but generation of aerosol and increased healthcare professional infection risk must be considered. We present a case of a SARS-CoV-2-positive 71-year-old male with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, who was success-fully treated with HFNC combined with prone positioning. Furthermore, we discuss recent literature concerning potential issues of HFNC treatment in COVID-19 patients.

COVID-19 pneumonia - increased incidence of pneumothorax/mediastinal emphysema after invasive mechanical and non-invasive ventilation.

Introduction: COVID pneumonia can lead to pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax during non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. This affects the prognosis. Methodology: During the study period, 121 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections and invasive or non-invasive ventilation therapy were recorded in our hospital. All patients with a pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum were analyzed in more detail. Result(s): Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum occurred in 12 patients and resulted in 7 deaths. Discussion(s): The incidence of pneumothorax with COVID infection ranges from 0.56 to 1%, reaching 3.5% in our own studies and 4.2% under invasive mechanical ventilation. The incidence of pneumomediastinum was 10% and 9.2% in our own patients. Overall mortality was 58.3% and similar to that reported in the literature, up to 60%.Copyright © 2023 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.

Postnatal SARSCOV2 Infection in Neonates, Characteristics and Outcomes: An Observational Study

Background: Many aspects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV2) pandemic in 2019 have been unclear, especially in newborns, and reports of neonatal diseases are usually associated with perinatal infection. Objective(s): The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and para-clinical manifestations in newborns that contracted the infection after birth. Method(s): This observational research was conducted from October 2020 to March 2022 to examine postnatal SARSCoV2 infection in infants admitted to the NICU or neonatal ward at the Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. Inclusion in the study was open to neonates who had positive RT-PCR results postnatally. Result(s): In total, 55 newborns were confirmed to have postnatal SARSCOV2. Fever was the most frequently observed symptom, with 35 (61%). Necrotizing enterocolitis was seen in 18% of neonates, and 30% of them were preterm. Neutropenia was seen in 34% of cases, with five cases having severe neutropenia. All neonates had a normal platelet count. Twenty percent of patients showed C-reactive protein higher than 6 mg/L. Two newborns had co-existing bacterial urinary tract infections. Our neonates didn't require antiviral, anticoagulant, or corticosteroid medications, and they recovered while receiving only supportive care. Everyone in the group of newborns was discharged without complications, and there were no deaths. Conclusion(s): The high rate of fever, high C-reactive protein, and neutropenia in SARSCoV2 neonates suggests that more observational research is needed to compare these symptoms to bacterial sepsis to avoid the overuse of antibiotics in these patients.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

Non-invasive respiratory support in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients with severe forms of COVID-19. At the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic the starting respiratory protocol suggested early use of intubation and artificial lung ventilation (ALV) in patients with severe pneumonia complicated by ARF. However, after the analysis of the published studies it was noted that the pathophysiology of the development of ARF in COVID-19 had features that determine the atypical clinical pattern - "silent hypoxemia". This leads to the late onset of respiratory support (RS) and, as a result, to the lower effectiveness of non-invasive RS methods. This article discusses the creation of an algorithm for the early use of various non-invasive RS methods in patients with COVID-19 complicated by ARF, that will decrease the frequency of hospitalization to the Intensive care units, tracheal intubation and ALV, reduce the duration of treatment and improve prognosis.Copyright © 2023 IRBIS LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Comparison of High-Flow Nasal Canula and Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Treating COVID-19 Patients

Objectives: The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020. Multiple COVID-19 waves are putting tremendous stress on healthcare systems. Evidence showed that high-flow nasal canula (HFNC) reduced the need for mechanical ventilation and shortened the time to clinical recovery among patients with severe COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the effect of using HFNC compared to non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), on adult patients with COVID-19. Method(s): This retrospective study included patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between October 2020 to December 2021 with appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis recorded in a commercially available, all-payer administrative database across 300+ hospitals. The identified patients were divided in two cohorts, one being the patients treated with HFNC as the first line respiratory support and another with NIV. Outcomes included all-cause mortality rate and length of stay. Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for baseline characteristics. Result(s): Out of 16,534 eligible patients, 4,334 patients received HFNC as the first line respiratory support, whereas 12,200 received NIV. The all-cause mortality rate was 20.24% and 37.14% in the HFNC and NIV group, respectively. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the all-cause mortality rate in the HFNC group was lower compared to NIV (odds ratio [OR], 0.51;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.55;p<0.001). The total length of stay was around 15 days for all patients. No different was observed between groups ( mean difference 0.3 days;95% CI, -0.27 - 0.92 days;p>0.05). Conclusion(s): Patients treated with HFNC showed lower mortality rates compared to NIV for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, further studies are still needed to better elucidate the clinical and economic benefit of HFNC in COVID-19 patients.Copyright © 2023

Predictors of poor outcomes in patients with pandemic viral infections (influenza AH1N1pdm09, COVID-19) on a ventilator.

Considering the commonality of the pathogenetic links of the critical forms of COVID-19 and influenza AH1N1pdm09 (cytokine over-release syndrome), the question arises: will the predictors of an unfavorable outcome in patients on mechanical ventilation and, accordingly, the universal tactics of respiratory support in these diseases be identical? Objective. In a comparative aspect, to characterize patients with influenza AH1N1pdm09 and COVID-19 who were on mechanical ventilation, to identify additional clinical and laboratory risk factors for death, to determine the degree of influence of respiratory support (RP) tactics on an unfavorable outcome in the studied category of patients. Patients and methods. Patients treated on the basis of resuscitation and intensive care departments of the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "SKIB" in Krasnodar and the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution "IB No 2" in Sochi were studied: group 1 - 31 people with influenza AH1N1pdm09 (21 people died - subgroup 1A;10 people survived - subgroup 1B) and group 2 - 50 people with COVID-19 (29 patients died - subgroup 2A;21 people survived - subgroup 2B). All patients developed hypoxemic ARF. All patients received step-by-step tactics of respiratory support, starting with oxygen therapy and ending with the use of "traditional" mechanical ventilation. Continuous variables were compared in subgroups of deceased and surviving patients for both nosologies at the stages: hospital admission;registration of hypoxemia and the use of various methods of respiratory therapy;development of multiple organ dysfunctions. With regard to the criteria for which a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.05), we calculated a simple correlation, the relative risk of an event (RR [CI 25-75%]), the cut-off point, which corresponded to the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. Results. Risk factors for death of patients with influenza AH1N1pdm09 on mechanical ventilation: admission to the hospital later than the 8th day of illness;the fact of transfer from another hospital;leukocytosis >=10.0 x 109/l, granulocytosis >=5.5 x 109/l and LDH level >=700.0 U/l at admission;transfer of patients to mechanical ventilation on the 9th day of illness and later;SOFA score >=8;the need for pressor amines and replacement of kidney function. Predictors of poor outcome in ventilated COVID-19 patients: platelet count <=210 x 109/L on admission;the duration of oxygen therapy for more than 4.5 days;the use of HPNO and NIV as the 2nd step of RP for more than 2 days;transfer of patients to mechanical ventilation on the 14th day of illness and later;oxygenation index <=80;the need for pressors;SOFA score >=8. Conclusion. When comparing the identified predictors of death for patients with influenza and COVID-19 who needed mechanical ventilation, there are both some commonality and differences due to the peculiarities of the course of the disease. A step-by-step approach to the application of respiratory support methods is effective both in the case of patients with influenza AH1N1pdm09 and patients with COVID-19, provided that the respiratory support method used is consistent with the current state of the patient and his respiratory system, timely identification of markers of ineffectiveness of the respiratory support stage being carried out and determining the optimal moment escalation of respiratory therapy.Copyright © 2022, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Experience achieved after implementation of the Veno-Venous ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation(ECMO) retrieval program in the region of Madrid (Spain). Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre

Objectives: The objetive of this study is to describe the cases trasferred to an ECMO referral;s centre (Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid (Spain)), to investigate characteristics before ECMO and while the patient was on ECMO, to analyse the presence or not of complications secondary to transfer and cannulation and finally to analyse the ICU outcome. Method(s): This is a Prospective study done from November 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2022. The cases were accepted either for emergency ECMO cannulation in the hospital of origin and retrieval or for conventional transfer. We analysed basic decriptive variables such as male proportion, age, IMC and etiology of ARDS and variables before ECMO such as prone position, duration of non-invasive ventilation, invasive ventilation and ICU leght of stay before ECMO. We recorded ELSO, SOFA and APACHE Severity Scores. We also analysed several variables on ECMO: if prone position on ECMO was done, median days of ECMO and succesfull weaning from ECMO. We also recorded whether there were complications or not in the transfer and cannulation. Finally ICU survival was examined. Result(s): 31 cases were accepted. 22 (71 %) were male. 29 cases were accepted for emergency ECMO cannulation. Median age was 47 years and IMC 31.1. The etiology of SDRA was COVID 19 infection in 23 cases (74% cases). Lenght of non invasive and invasive ventilation before ECMO were 4 days and 3 days respectively and lenght of ICU admission before ECMO was 2 days. Prone position was 1 day and 2 prone sessions were done before ECMO. Severity scores: APACHE 10 , SOFA 4 , ELSO 3 . On ECMO Prone position was done on 15 cases(48.4%) . Median days on ECMO were 13.5 days. Succesfull weaning from ECMO were achieved on 20 cases(61%), 2 cases remain on ECMO. No complications were seen on transfer or cannulation. ICU Survivors were 16(51.6%). Conclusion(s): After 2 years of experience on ECMO retrieval in the region of Madrid ECMO availability was achieved. Our results are similar than ELSO mortality.

Similar symptoms at 3 months post discharge in ICU, COVID-19 ICU, and COVID-19 patients that received non-invasive ventilation in high dependency areas

Introduction: It is well documented that survivors of ICU admissions struggle to return to pre-admission level of function because of both physical and psychological burden. Current guidance therefore recommends a follow-up service to review patients 2-3 months post discharge from ICU [NICE 2009]. Prior to 2020 University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) had no such service. With the increase in patient numbers seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, funding was received to provide a follow-up clinic to COVID-19 survivors. Spare clinic spaces were used for non COVID ICU patients. Objective(s): To review symptoms reported by patients in the following 3 groups, COVID-19 patients treated in ICU (COVID ICU), COVID-19 patients treated with continuous positive airway pressure ventilation in high dependency areas (COVID CPAP) and non COVID-19 ICU patients (ICU), at 2-3 months post discharge from UHBW. Method(s): Referred patients had an initial phone call at 8 weeks post discharge. The call identified both physical and psychological symptoms. Advice regarding recovery, signposting to resources and onwards referrals to appropriate specialities were provided. If symptoms indicated, patients would then be referred into the multidisciplinary team follow up clinic. Here they met with an intensivist, clinical psychologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist and dietitian. Result(s): As Graph 1 shows all 3 patient groups had a wide variety of ongoing symptoms at 2-3 months post discharge. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported in all 3 groups. Breathlessness was the second most common symptom reported by COVID patients but was less frequently reported in the ICU population who had a variety of non-respiratory related reasons for admission. COVID ICU patients more commonly reported ongoing problems with their swallowing, voice and communication compared to the COVID CPAP group, most probably due to invasive ventilation. Psychological burden post critical illness was high in all 3 groups. More than 20% of all patients scored =10 on a PHQ-9 depression scale showing moderate to severe depression. More than 15% of all patients scored =10 on a GAD-7 showing moderately severe to severe anxiety. COVID ICU group had the highest incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This may be linked to the higher level of delirium we saw in this group, as a result of change in practice, such as full PPE and absence of visiting during the pandemic. ICU patients presented with a significantly higher percentage of physiotherapy needs. This is likely because patients with the longest and most complex ICU admissions were selected for the clinic. Sleep likely goes under reported in these results as we only began questioning specifically about this later on in the clinic. Conclusion(s): This data goes some way in supporting current literature that the rehabilitation needs of COVID ICU patients equal that of ICU patients (Puthucheary et al 2021). It also shows the need to follow up patients who receive advanced respiratory support outside of the ICU environment, as their symptoms, and therefore rehabilitation needs are very similar to ICU patients at 2-3 months post discharge.

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.

Comparing effects of invasive versus non-invasive ventilation on P/F ratio, CRP and respiratory rate of COVID patients, a retrospective observational study

Introduction: Some of the COVID pneumonitis patients are happily hypoxic and not showing signs of severe respiratory distress despite being significantly hypoxic,1 leading to a delay to start a timely treatment and may worsen the prognosis.2 Studies have shown that non-invasive ventilation could be used in severe COVID pneumonitis and could avoid intubation in some of those patients.3 Effects of different modalities of ventilation on the oxygenation of COVID-19 patients and on the inflammatory process accompanying COVID-19 pneumonitis need thorough investigation in a trial to reach to an understanding of the pathophysiological process and may be a guide to formulate the optimum protocol to ventilate COVID-19 patients. Objective(s): Comparing the effects of invasive versus non-invasive ventilation on P/F ratio, CRP and respiratory rate of COVID-19 patients. Method(s): In this retrospective observational study, we compared the effect of NIV on the P/F ratio, CRP trends and Respiratory rates of COVID patients during their ITU admission in comparison with intubated ventilated patients. The study was carried out in a single center in England before introduction of the Tocilizumab in the guidelines of COVID treatment and included 74 COVID patients divided in to two groups, group A which included 15 patients who were non-invasively ventilated and avoided intubation during their ITU admission while group B included 59 patients who were intubated at certain point of their course of admission. Patients Respiratory rate, modality of ventilation, time of intubation (if any), modes of ventilation, FIO2, P/F ratio and CRP trends were followed during their admission. The collected data of 3 variable (CRP, RR and P/F ratio) has been blotted and a summative means were calculated. The least square means of the linear models of the ventilated and non-ventilated patients were used to compare both groups. Result(s): 36.4 % of intubations was done before or during the first 20 hours of the ITU admissions and 50% during the first 40 hours. The study also has shown the probabilities in the difference between slopes as following. Firstly, regarding P/F ratio the probability was 0.058 in favor of non-invasive ventilation. Secondly, RR probability was <0.0001 significantly in favor of non-invasive ventilation. Lastly, CRP probability was 0.024 significantly in favor of non-invasively ventilated patients. Conclusion(s): CRP and respiratory rate were significantly less in non-invasively ventilated COVID pneumonitis patients in comparison with ventilated patients while there was no significant difference in P/F ratio trends between both groups.

Barotrauma during Noninvasive Respiratory Support in COVID-19 Pneumonia Outside ICU: The Ancillary COVIMIX-2 Study.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) has been extensively used during the COVID-19 surge for patients with acute respiratory failure. However, little data are available about barotrauma during NIRS in patients treated outside the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. METHODS: COVIMIX-2 was an ancillary analysis of the previous COVIMIX study, a large multicenter observational work investigating the frequencies of barotrauma (i.e., pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum) in adult patients with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia. Only patients treated with NIRS outside the ICU were considered. Baseline characteristics, clinical and radiological disease severity, type of ventilatory support used, blood tests and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: In all, 179 patients were included, 60 of them with barotrauma. They were older and had lower BMI than controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). Cases had higher respiratory rates and lower PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001). The frequency of barotrauma was 0.3% [0.1-1.3%], with older age being a risk factor for barotrauma (OR 1.06, p = 0.015). Alveolar-arterial gradient (A-a) DO2 was protective against barotrauma (OR 0.92 [0.87-0.99], p = 0.026). Barotrauma required active treatment, with drainage, in only a minority of cases. The type of NIRS was not explicitly related to the development of barotrauma. Still, an escalation of respiratory support from conventional oxygen therapy, high flow nasal cannula to noninvasive respiratory mask was predictive for in-hospital death (OR 15.51, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: COVIMIX-2 showed a low frequency for barotrauma, around 0.3%. The type of NIRS used seems not to increase this risk. Patients with barotrauma were older, with more severe systemic disease, and showed increased mortality.

Use of protracted CPAP as supportive treatment for COVID-19 pneumonitis and associated outcomes: a national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been increasingly deployed to manage patients with COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure, often for protracted periods. However, concerns about protracted CPAP have been raised. This study aimed to examine the use of CPAP for patients with COVID-19 and the outcomes after protracted use. METHODS: This was a national cohort study of all adults admitted to Scottish critical care units with COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 to December 25, 2021 who received CPAP. Protracted CPAP was defined as ≥ 5 continuous days of CPAP. Outcomes included CPAP failure rate (institution of invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV] or death), mortality, and outcomes after institution of IMV. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of protracted CPAP on mortality after IMV. RESULTS: A total of 1961 patients with COVID-19 received CPAP for COVID-19 pneumonitis, with 733 patients (37.4%) receiving protracted CPAP. CPAP failure occurred in 891 (45.4%): 544 patients (27.7%) received IMV and 347 patients (17.7%) died in critical care without IMV. Hospital mortality rate was 41.3% for the population. For patients who subsequently commenced IMV, hospital mortality was 58.7% for the standard duration CPAP group and 73.9% for the protracted duration CPAP group (P=0.003); however, there was no statistical difference in hospital mortality after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval 0.84-2.33, P=0.195). CONCLUSIONS: Protracted CPAP was used frequently for managing patients with COVID-19. Whilst it was not associated with worse outcomes for those patients who subsequently required IMV, this might be due to residual confounding and differences in processes of care.

Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in the Emergency Department: A Practical Guide.

Helmet continuous positive airway pressure is a simple, noninvasive respiratory support strategy to treat several forms of acute respiratory failure, such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema and pneumonia. Recently, it has been largely used worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the increased use of helmet continuous positive airway pressure in the emergency department, we aimed to provide an updated practical guide for nurses and clinicians based on the latest available evidence. We focus our attention on how to set the respiratory circuit. Moreover, we discuss the interactions between flow generators, filters, and positive end-expiratory pressure valves and the consequences regarding the delivered gas flow, fraction of inspired oxygen, positive end-expiratory pressure, and noise level.

Risk Factors for Supraventricular Tachycardia among Covid-19 Positive Octogenarians and Potential Outcomes

Background: COVID-19 tends to have a harsher course in the elderly population, which can include the development of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Due to lack of sufficient data, we studied baseline patient characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes of SVT in octogenarians admitted with COVID-19, using the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Objective(s): We aimed to study the patient characteristics and outcomes of SVT in octogenarians admitted with COVID-19, using the 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Method(s): Octogenarians (ages 80-89 years, inclusive) with COVID-19 were recruited from the 2020 NIS (April 1st 2020 - December 31st 2020). A diagnosis of SVT was identified via the ICD-10 code "I47. 1". Patient characteristics that can influence the presence of SVT were identified via logistic regression models. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) having cardiogenic shock or mortality among COVID-19 positive octogenarians with SVT were also explored. Result(s): Our study consisted of 240570 octogenarians who tested positive for COVID-19. 2.2% of them (5250 cases) also had a diagnosis of SVT during their hospitalization. Among them, Females (aOR 0.919, 95%CI 0.868-0.973, p<0.01) were more likely to develop SVT. Racial disparities were also observed as Blacks (aOR 1.234, 95%CI 1.137-1.338, p<0.01) had higher odds of having SVT, whereas Hispanics (aOR 0.898, 95%CI 0.819-0.984, p=0.021) had lower odds compared to Whites. Comorbidities such as chronic pulmonary disease (aOR 1.106, 95%CI 1.037-1.179, p<0.01), and heart failure (aOR 1.122, 95%CI 1.053-1.195, p<0.01) also led to higher odds of SVT. Lower odds were seen among those with diabetes (aOR 0.852, 95%CI 0.802-0.905, p<0.01), obesity (aOR 0.839, 95%CI 0.764-0.921, p<0.01), or smoking history (aOR 0.892, 95%CI 0.835-0.954, p<0.01). The use of mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.829, 95%CI 2.638-3.034, p<0.01) or non-invasive ventilation (aOR 1.755, 95%CI 1.615-1.907, p<0.01) showed higher odds of developing SVT. Finally, patients with SVT had increased risk of cardiogenic shock (aOR 1.510, 95%CI 1.206-1.891, p<0.01) and mortality (aOR 1.166, 95%CI 1.085-1.253, p<0.01). Conclusion(s): Multiple factors influenced the presence of SVT among octogenarians who had COVID-19. SVT in these patients was associated with higher incidences of cardiogenic shock and mortality. Additional focus targeting patient care and further research to better understand the mechanisms behind these variations may help improve outcomes. [Formula presented]Copyright © 2023

Predictive Accuracy of the Breathing Frequency-Ratio of Oxygen Saturation Index for Re-Intubation in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have suggested that high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is useful for respiratory support after extubation in subjects with COVID-19 pneumonia, whereas 18.2% subsequently needed to undergo re-intubation. This study aimed to evaluate whether the breathing frequency (f)-ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index, which has been shown to be useful for predicting future intubation, is also useful for re-intubation in subjects with COVID-19. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed mechanically ventilated subjects with COVID-19 who underwent HFNC therapy after extubation at 4 participating hospitals between January 2020-May 2022. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of ROX at 0, 1, and 2 h for re-intubation until ICU discharge and compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the ROX index with those of f and SpO2 /FIO2 . RESULTS: Among the 248 subjects with COVID-19 pneumonia, 44 who underwent HFNC therapy after extubation were included. A total of 32 subjects without re-intubation were classified into the HFNC success group, and 12 with re-intubation were classified into the failure group. The overall trend that the area under the ROC curve of the ROX index was greater than that of the f and SaO2 /FIO2 was observed, although there was no statistical significance at any time point. The ROX index at 0 h, at the cutoff point of < 7.44, showed a sensitivity and specificity of 0.42 and 0.97, respectively. A trend of positive correlation between the time until re-intubation and ROX index at each time point was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The ROX index in the early phase of HFNC therapy after extubation was useful for predicting re-intubation with high accuracy in mechanically ventilated subjects with COVID-19. We may need close observation for subjects with < 7.44 ROX index just after extubation because of their high risk for re-intubation.

Long-term outcome of COVID-19 patients treated with helmet noninvasive ventilation vs. high-flow nasal oxygen: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes of patients treated with helmet noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are unknown: safety concerns regarding the risk of patient self-inflicted lung injury and delayed intubation exist when NIV is applied in hypoxemic patients. We assessed the 6-month outcome of patients who received helmet NIV or high-flow nasal oxygen for COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure. METHODS: In this prespecified analysis of a randomized trial of helmet NIV versus high-flow nasal oxygen (HENIVOT), clinical status, physical performance (6-min-walking-test and 30-s chair stand test), respiratory function and quality of life (EuroQoL five dimensions five levels questionnaire, EuroQoL VAS, SF36 and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM) were evaluated 6 months after the enrollment. RESULTS: Among 80 patients who were alive, 71 (89%) completed the follow-up: 35 had received helmet NIV, 36 high-flow oxygen. There was no inter-group difference in any item concerning vital signs (N = 4), physical performance (N = 18), respiratory function (N = 27), quality of life (N = 21) and laboratory tests (N = 15). Arthralgia was significantly lower in the helmet group (16% vs. 55%, p = 0.002). Fifty-two percent of patients in helmet group vs. 63% of patients in high-flow group had diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide < 80% of predicted (p = 0.44); 13% vs. 22% had forced vital capacity < 80% of predicted (p = 0.51). Both groups reported similar degree of pain (p = 0.81) and anxiety (p = 0.81) at the EQ-5D-5L test; the EQ-VAS score was similar in the two groups (p = 0.27). Compared to patients who successfully avoided invasive mechanical ventilation (54/71, 76%), intubated patients (17/71, 24%) had significantly worse pulmonary function (median diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide 66% [Interquartile range: 47-77] of predicted vs. 80% [71-88], p = 0.005) and decreased quality of life (EQ-VAS: 70 [53-70] vs. 80 [70-83], p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure, treatment with helmet NIV or high-flow oxygen yielded similar quality of life and functional outcome at 6 months. The need for invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with worse outcomes. These data indicate that helmet NIV, as applied in the HENIVOT trial, can be safely used in hypoxemic patients. Trial registration Registered on clinicaltrials.gov NCT04502576 on August 6, 2020.