Continuous positive airway pressure in COVID-19-associated respiratory failure: improving patient care with a proforma.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes (COVID-19) has proven to be the greatest challenge to modern global health care, infecting more than 450 million people worldwide and responsible for just over 6 million deaths. Over the past 2 years there have been major advances in the treatment of COVID-19, including a significant reduction in the number of individuals developing severe symptoms, since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and the advances in pharmacological treatments. However, for those individuals who become infected with COVID-19 and develop acute respiratory failure, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) continues to be an essential management strategy that reduces mortality risk and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Without any standard regional or national guidelines on CPAP initiation and up-titration during the pandemic, a protocol proforma was devised for use in the author's clinical area. This was particularly useful for staff caring for seriously ill COVID-19 patients who were unfamiliar with providing CPAP. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the knowledge base of nurses and may encourage them to create a similar proforma for use in their clinical area.

Sleep disorders and COVID-19.

This chapter summarizes the known associations between COVID-19 and sleep dysfunction, including insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome and nightmares, and touches upon pandemic-related considerations for obstructive sleep apnea and continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Treatment strategies and management approaches are also briefly discussed.

Helmet CPAP in the emergency department: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The choice of correct interface for the right patient is crucial for the success of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy. Helmet CPAP is a type of interface used to deliver NIV. Helmet CPAP improves oxygenation by keeping the airway open throughout the breathing cycle with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). OBJECTIVE: This narrative review describes the technical aspects and clinical indications of helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In addition, we explore the advantages and challenges faced using this device at the Emergency Department (ED). DISCUSSION: Helmet CPAP is tolerable than other NIV interfaces, provides a good seal and has good airway stability. During Covid-19 pandemic, there are evidences it reduced the risk of aerosolization. The potential clinical benefit of helmet CPAP is demonstrated in acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPO), Covid-19 pneumonia, immunocompromised patient, acute chest trauma and palliative patient. Compare to conventional oxygen therapy, helmet CPAP had been shown to reduce intubation rate and decrease mortality. CONCLUSION: Helmet CPAP is one of the potential NIV interface in patients with acute respiratory failure presenting to the emergency department. It is better tolerated for prolonged usage, reduced intubation rate, improved respiratory parameters, and offers protection against aerosolization in infectious diseases.

Reduction in fall risk markers following CPAP treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea in people over 65 years.

OBJECTIVES: Falls in older people can lead to serious injury and significant societal health and financial burden. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with impaired gait/balance and may increase fall risk, yet few studies examined whether treating OSA reduces fall risk. This study examined the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on fall risk markers in people over 65yrs diagnosed with OSA. DESIGN: Single arm intervention study. SETTING: University and tertiary care CPAP clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals over 65 years diagnosed with OSA and recommended CPAP. INTERVENTION: 3-6 months CPAP therapy. MEASUREMENTS: 28 participants had a physiological profile assessment (PPA) at baseline and following 3-6 months of CPAP. The PPA examines visual contrast sensitivity, lower limb proprioception, knee extension strength, reaction time and postural sway to generate a fall risk score (FRS). t-tests were used to determine difference between pre- and post-treatment FRS. Regression was used to examine the associations between CPAP use and daytime sleepiness with FRS. RESULTS: CPAP significantly reduced the FRS ([Mean ± SD] 0.59 ± 1.0 vs 0.04 ± 1.1, p = 0.016), contrast sensitivity and lower limb proprioception (P < 0.05). Increased CPAP use was associated with improvement in FRS in unadjusted analysis (ß = -0.213, 95%CI -0.371 to -0.056, p = 0.01). Reduction in Epworth sleepiness score was associated with a reduction in FRS in unadjusted (p = 0.023) and adjusted analysis (adjusted for AHI p = 0.027 or O2Nadir p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP may reduce fall risk in people over 65yrs, possibly related to better CPAP adherence and reduced daytime sleepiness. Future controlled trials and mechanistic studies are needed to elucidate how CPAP may reduce fall risk.

Techniques for Oxygenation and Ventilation in Coronavirus Disease 2019.

This paper discusses mechanisms of hypoxemia and interventions to oxygenate critically ill patients with COVID-19 which range from nasal cannula to noninvasive and mechanical ventilation. Noninvasive ventilation includes continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with or without proning. The evidence for each of these modalities is discussed and thereafter, when to transition to mechanical ventilation (MV). Various techniques of MV, again with and without proning, and rescue strategies which would include extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when it is available and permissive hypoxemia where it is not, are discussed.

Helmet CPAP bundle: A narrative review of practical aspects and nursing interventions to improve patient's comfort.

BACKGROUND: The application of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) with a helmet is increasing around the world, both inside and outside of the intensive care unit. Current published literature focus's on indications, contraindications and efficiency of Helmet CPAP in differing clinical scenarios. Few reports, summarising the available knowledge concerning technical characteristics and nursing interventions to improve patient's comfort, are available. AIM: To identify the crucial technical aspects in managing patients undergoing Helmet-CPAP, and what nursing interventions may increase comfort. METHODS: A narrative literature review of primary research published 2002 onwards. The search strategy comprised an electronic search of three bibliographic databases (Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL). RESULTS: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Research primarily originated from Italy. Nine key themes emerged from the review: gas flow management, noise reduction, impact of gas flow and HME filters on delivered FiO2, filtration of exhaled gas / environmental protection, PEEP monitoring, airway pressure monitoring, active humidification of gas flow, helmet fixation and tips to implement awake prone position during Helmet-CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: A Helmet-CPAP check-list has been made of nine key interventions based on the available evidence regarding system set up, monitoring and management. Implementation of this check-list may help nurses and physicians to increase the comfort of patients treated with Helmet CPAP and enhance their compliance with long-term treatment.

Effect of the Early Combination of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Mortality and Intubation Rates in Patients With COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The DUOCOVID Study.

INTRODUCTION: Non invasive respiratory support (NIRS) is useful for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19, mainly in mild-moderate stages. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) seems superior to other NIRS, prolonged periods of use and poor adaptation may contribute to its failure. The combination of CPAP sessions and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) breaks could improve comfort and keep respiratory mechanics stable without reducing the benefits of positive airway pressure (PAP). Our study aimed to determine if HFNC+CPAP initiates early lower mortality and endotracheal intubation (ETI) rates. METHODS: Subjects were admitted to the intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) of a COVID-19 monographic hospital between January and September 2021. They were divided according to Early HFNC+CPAP (first 24h, EHC group) and Delayed HFNC+CPAP (after 24h, DHC group). Laboratory data, NIRS parameters, and the ETI and 30-day mortality rates were collected. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with these variables. RESULTS: The median age of the 760 included patients was 57 (IQR 47-66), who were mostly male (66.1%). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2 (IQR 1-3) and 46.8% were obese. The median PaO2/FiO2 upon IRCU admission was 95 (IQR 76-126). The ETI rate in the EHC group was 34.5%, with 41.8% for the DHC group (p=0.045), while 30-day mortality was 8.2% and 15.5%, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Particularly in the first 24h after IRCU admission, the HFNC+CPAP combination was associated with a reduction in the 30-day mortality and ETI rates in patients with ARDS secondary to COVID-19.

Early use of airway pressure release ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by coronavirus disease 2019: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a novel coronavirus that was identified in early January 2020 in Wuhan, China, and has become a pandemic disease worldwide. The symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 range from asymptomatic to severe respiratory failure. In moderate and severe cases, oxygen therapy is needed. In severe cases, high-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation are needed. Many ventilation methods in mechanical ventilation can be used, but not all are suitable for coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Airway pressure release ventilation, which is one of the mechanical ventilation methods, can be considered for patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. It was found that oxygenation in the airway pressure release ventilation method was better than in the conventional method. How about airway pressure release ventilation in coronavirus disease 2019 patients? We report a case of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 in which airway pressure release ventilation mode was used. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case study, we report a 74-year-old Chinese with a history of hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2. He came to our hospital with the chief complaint of difficulty in breathing. He was fully awake with an oxygen saturation of 82% on room air. The patient was admitted and diagnosed with severe coronavirus disease 2019, and he was given a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L per minute, and oxygen saturation went back to 95%. After a few hours with a nonrebreathing mask, his condition worsened. On the third day after admission, saturation went down despite using noninvasive ventilation. We decided to intubate the patient and used airway pressure release ventilation mode. Finally, after 14 days of being intubated, the patient could be extubated and discharged after 45 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Early use of airway pressure release ventilation may be considered as one of the ventilation strategies to treat severe coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although reports on airway pressure release ventilation and protocols on its initiation and titration methods are limited, it may be worthwhile to consider, given its known ability to maximize alveolar recruitment, preserve alveolar epithelial integrity, and surfactant, all of which are crucial for handling the "fragile" lungs of coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Mechanical Power Ratio and Respiratory Treatment Escalation in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospectively Enrolled Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Under the hypothesis that mechanical power ratio could identify the spontaneously breathing patients with a higher risk of respiratory failure, this study assessed lung mechanics in nonintubated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, aiming to (1) describe their characteristics; (2) compare lung mechanics between patients who received respiratory treatment escalation and those who did not; and (3) identify variables associated with the need for respiratory treatment escalation. METHODS: Secondary analysis of prospectively enrolled cohort involving 111 consecutive spontaneously breathing adults receiving continuous positive airway pressure, enrolled from September 2020 to December 2021. Lung mechanics and other previously reported predictive indices were calculated, as well as a novel variable: the mechanical power ratio (the ratio between the actual and the expected baseline mechanical power). Patients were grouped according to the outcome: (1) no-treatment escalation (patient supported in continuous positive airway pressure until improvement) and (2) treatment escalation (escalation of the respiratory support to noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation), and the association between lung mechanics/predictive scores and outcome was assessed. RESULTS: At day 1, patients undergoing treatment escalation had spontaneous tidal volume similar to those of patients who did not (7.1 ± 1.9 vs. 7.1 ± 1.4 ml/kgIBW; P = 0.990). In contrast, they showed higher respiratory rate (20 ± 5 vs. 18 ± 5 breaths/min; P = 0.028), minute ventilation (9.2 ± 3.0 vs. 7.9 ± 2.4 l/min; P = 0.011), tidal pleural pressure (8.1 ± 3.7 vs. 6.0 ± 3.1 cm H2O; P = 0.003), mechanical power ratio (2.4 ± 1.4 vs. 1.7 ± 1.5; P = 0.042), and lower partial pressure of alveolar oxygen/fractional inspired oxygen tension (174 ± 64 vs. 220 ± 95; P = 0.007). The mechanical power (area under the curve, 0.738; 95% CI, 0.636 to 0.839] P < 0.001), the mechanical power ratio (area under the curve, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.625 to 0.844; P < 0.001), and the pressure-rate index (area under the curve, 0.733; 95% CI, 0.631 to 0.835; P < 0.001) showed the highest areas under the curve. CONCLUSIONS: In this COVID-19 cohort, tidal volume was similar in patients undergoing treatment escalation and in patients who did not; mechanical power, its ratio, and pressure-rate index were the variables presenting the highest association with the clinical outcome.

[Clinical update in non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for respiratory failure in 2022].

In this article, we searched the research literatures related to clinical investigation of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in acute respiratory failure(ARF)/chronic respiratory failure(CRF) between 1st October 2021 and 30th September 2022 through Medline, and reviewed the important advances. Three prospective randomized controlled studies related to the efficacy and safety of NPPV and/or high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) on patients with COVID-19 with ARF were reported, showing that NPPV (including continuous positive airway pressure and bilevel positive airway pressure) was able to reduce the intubation rate, but the efficacy of HFNC was contradictory. In addition, progress has been made in outcome prediction models for ARF treated with NPPV, NPPV-related cardiac arrest, and the impact of human-machine interface on NPPV treatment outcomes. The effects of NPPV as preoxygenation method before intubation was reported to be able to reduce severe desaturation during intubation, especially in obese population. The use of NPPV in extubated patients resulting in reduced reintubation rate was also studied. With regard to long-term home application of NPPV, five indicators of successful initiation were proposed, but the success rate was low in clinical practice. Some reports showed that psychological support could improve the adherence to NPPV. The results of these studies contributed to the rational selection and optimal application of NPPV in clinical practice.

Virtual consultations for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual care strategies for the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effectiveness of virtual consultations compared to in-person consultations for the management of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in adult patients with OSAHS? METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO; CRD42022297532) based on six electronic databases plus manually selected journals was conducted in January 2022. Two researchers independently selected, quality appraised and extracted data. The co-primary outcomes were patient-reported sleepiness, assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and reported cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: 12 studies (n=1823 adults) were included in the review. Seven studies (n=1089) were included in the meta-analysis which showed no difference in the magnitude of improvement in patient-reported sleepiness scores between virtual and in-person consultations (mean difference -0.39, 95% CI -1.38-0.60; p=0.4), although ESS scores improved in both groups. Virtual care strategies modestly increased CPAP therapy adherence and were found to be less costly than in-person care strategies in the three Spanish trials that reported cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review suggest that virtual care delivered by telephone or video consultations is as effective as in-person consultations for improving subjective sleepiness in patients with OSAHS treated with CPAP. This clinical management strategy may also improve CPAP adherence without increasing the costs, supporting its potential as a follow-up management strategy, where patients prefer this approach.

Effects of airway pressure release ventilation on multi-organ injuries in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome pig models.

BACKGROUND: Extra-pulmonary multi-organ failure in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of high mortality. Our purpose is to assess whether airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) causes more multi-organ damage than low tidal volume ventilation (LTV). METHODS: Twenty one pigs were randomized into control group (n = 3), ARDS group (n = 3), LTV group (n = 8) and APRV group (n = 7). Severe ARDS model was induced by repeated bronchial saline lavages. Pigs were ventilated and monitored continuously for 48 h. Respiratory data, hemodynamic data, serum inflammatory cytokines were collected throughout the study. Histological injury and apoptosis were assessed by two pathologists. RESULTS: After severe ARDS modeling, pigs in ARDS, LTV and APRV groups experienced significant hypoxemia and reduced lung static compliance (Cstat). Oxygenation recovered progressively after 16 h mechanical ventilation (MV) in LTV and APRV group. The results of the repeated measures ANOVA showed no statistical difference in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio between the APRV and LTV groups (p = 0.54). The Cstat showed a considerable improvement in APRV group with statistical significance (p < 0.01), which was significantly higher than in the LTV group since 16 h (p = 0.04). Histological injury scores showed a significantly lower injury score in the middle and lower lobes of the right lung in the APRV group compared to LTV (pmiddle = 0.04, plower = 0.01), and no significant increase in injury scores for extra-pulmonary organs, including kidney (p = 0.10), small intestine (p = 1.0), liver (p = 0.14, p = 0.13) and heart (p = 0.20). There were no significant differences in serum inflammatory cytokines between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in the experimental pig models of severe ARDS induced by repetitive saline lavage, APRV improved lung compliance with reduced lung injury of middle and lower lobes, and did not demonstrate more extra-pulmonary organ injuries as compared with LTV.

Comparison of COVID-19 survival in relation to CPAP length of treatment and by comorbidity and transmission setting (community or hospital acquired) in a medium-sized UK hospital in 2020: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) length of treatment effect on survival of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in a medium-sized UK Hospital, and how this effect changes according to the patient's comorbidity and COVID-19 route of acquisition (community or nosocomial) during the two waves in 2020. SETTING: The acute inpatient unit in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (WWL), a medium-sized NHS Trust in north-west of England. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of all confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted in WWL during 2020. PARTICIPANTS: 1830 patients (568 first wave, 1262 s wave) with antigen confirmed COVID-19 disease and severe acute respiratory syndrome admitted between 17 March 2020 (first confirmed COVID-19 case) and 31 December 2020. OUTCOME MEASURE: COVID-19 survival rate in all patients and survival rate in potentially hospital-acquired COVID-19 (PHA) patients were modelled using a predictor set which include comorbidities (eg, obesity, diabetes, chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), wave, age, sex and care home residency, and interventions (remdesivir, dexamethasone, CPAP, intensive care unit (ICU), intubation). Secondary outcome measure was CPAP length, which was modelled using the same predictors of the survival rate. RESULTS: Mortality rate in the second wave was significantly lower than in the first wave (43.4% vs 28.1%, p<0.001), although for PHA COVID-19 patients mortality did not reduce, remaining at very high levels independently of wave and CPAP length. For all cohort, statistical modelling identified CPAP length (HR 95% CI 0.86 to 0.96) and women (HR 95% CI 0.71 to 0.81) were associated with improved survival, while being older age (HR 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03) admitted from care homes (HR 95% CI 2.22 to 2.39), IHD (HR 95% CI 1.13 to 1.24), CKD (HR 95% CI 1.14 to 1.25), obesity (HR 95% CI 1.18 to 1.28) and COPD-emphysema (HR 95% CI 1.18 to 1.57) were associated with reduced survival. Despite the detrimental effect of comorbidities, patients with CKD (95% CI 16% to 30% improvement in survival), IHD (95% CI 1% to 10% improvement in survival) and asthma (95% CI 8% to 30% improvement in survival) benefitted most from CPAP length, while no significant survival difference was found for obese and patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of an Acute Trust during the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020 is documented and indicates the importance of care home and hospitals in disease acquisition. Death rates fell between the first and second wave only for community-acquired COVID-19 patients. The fall was associated to CPAP length, especially for some comorbidities. While uncovering some risk and protective factors of mortality in COVID-19 studies, the study also unravels how little is known about PHA COVID-19 and the interaction between CPAP and some comorbidities.

The first Australian experience with ward-based continuous positive airway pressure for COVID-19 respiratory failure: a retrospective cohort study.

We present the first Australian cohort of patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure managed with escalating respiratory support including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on a standard medical ward at a tertiary Sydney hospital during the 2021 COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak. We demonstrate an equivalent mortality to CPAP delivered in intensive care unit and outline our ward structure and management during the pandemic.

Obstructive sleep apnoea and perioperative medicine: a growing concern.

Obstructive sleep apnoea represents a sizable public health and economic burden. Owing to rising obesity rates, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea is increasing, and it is a condition that is significantly underdiagnosed. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the backlog of elective surgeries is also sizable and growing. A combination of these factors means that many patients due to have surgery will have obstructive sleep apnoea, either diagnosed or otherwise. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea have a significantly increased risk of operative complications, but the evidence base for optimum perioperative management of these patients is limited. This article reviews sleep apnoea, its prevalence and its impact on operative management and perioperative outcomes for patients. The evidence base for screening and treating undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea is also comprehensively assessed. Finally, a pathway to manage patients with possible undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea is proposed, and areas for further research identified.

SARS-CoV-2 Causing Transient Central Sleep Apnea in Patients Treated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 has globally affected humanity and devastated many families. Here, we attempt to identify which diseases are independent risk factors for severe SARS-CoV-2. There have been multiple studies that have evaluated the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on SARS-CoV-2 outcomes, suggesting that OSA is an independent risk factor. SARS-CoV-2 has also been suggested to invade the central nervous system and be responsible for neurological signs and decreasing central respiratory drive. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is defined when apneas and hypopneas are associated with absent or reduced ventilatory effort, respectively, due to diminished central respiratory drive. CASE REPORT Here, we describe 2 cases involving patients with OSA that developed transient central sleep apnea after being diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction. They had similar past medical histories and presentation of illness. The differences included compliance of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), recovery, and severity of central sleep index. We review and address alternate causes for the development of CSA. We hypothesize that continuous and compliant use of CPAP machines may be beneficial in reducing recovery and severity of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS Our case report calls attention to the acquired central respiratory drive neurological complication associated with SARS-CoV-2. Our case report highlights the plausible existence of a relationship between development of central respiratory drive leading to CSA and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship, including evaluating whether CSA occurs in SARS-CoV-2 patients with no history of OSA.