Retrospective study of the effect of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in seriously ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. / Estudio retrospectivo del efecto de la vacunación frente al SARS-CoV-2 en enfermos graves que ingresan en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, length of stay in the ICU, and mortality rates of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU who are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (March 2020-March 2022). Patients were classified into unvaccinated, fully vaccinated, and partially vaccinated groups. We initially performed a descriptive analysis of the sample, a multivariable survival analysis adjusting for a Cox regression model, and a 90-day survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method for the death time variable. RESULTS: A total of 894 patients were analyzed: 179 with full vaccination, 32 with incomplete vaccination, and 683 were unvaccinated. Vaccinated patients had a lower incidence (10% vs. 21% and 18%) of severe ARDS. The survival curve did not show any differences in the probability of surviving for 90 days among the studied groups (p = 0.898). In the Cox regression analysis, only the need for mechanical ventilation during admission and the value of LDH (per unit of measurement) in the first 24 hours of admission were significantly associated with mortality at 90 days (HR: 5.78; 95% CI: 1.36-24.48); p = 0.01 and HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; p = 0.03, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 disease who are vaccinated against COVID-19 have a lower incidence of severe ARDS and mechanical ventilation than unvaccinated patients.

COVID-19 associated infections in the ICU setting: A retrospective analysis in a tertiary-care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Our work describes the frequency of superinfections in COVID-19 ICU patients and identifies risk factors for its appearance. Second, we evaluated ICU length of stay, in-hospital mortality and analyzed a subgroup of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) infections. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted between March and June 2020. Superinfections were defined as appeared ≥48h. Bacterial and fungal infections were included, and sources were ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infection (VA-LRTI), primary bloodstream infection (BSI), secondary BSI, and urinary tract infection (UTI). We performed a univariate analysis and a multivariate analysis of the risk factors. RESULTS: Two-hundred thirteen patients were included. We documented 174 episodes in 95 (44.6%) patients: 78 VA-LRTI, 66 primary BSI, 9 secondary BSI and 21 UTI. MDROs caused 29.3% of the episodes. The median time from admission to the first episode was 18 days and was longer in MDROs than in non-MDROs (28 vs. 16 days, p<0.01). In multivariate analysis use of corticosteroids (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.4-16.9, p 0.01), tocilizumab (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.9, p 0.03) and broad-spectrum antibiotics within first 7 days of admission (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1, p<0.01) were associated with superinfections. Patients with superinfections presented respect to controls prolonged ICU stay (35 vs. 12 days, p<0.01) but not higher in-hospital mortality (45.3% vs. 39.7%, p 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Superinfections in ICU patients are frequent in late course of admission. Corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and previous broad-spectrum antibiotics are identified as risk factors for its development.

Obesity and the obesity paradox in patients with severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To test the presence of the obesity paradox in two cohorts of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN: Two multicenter prospective cohorts. SETTING: Three fourth level institutions. PATIENTS: Adults hospitalized in the general ward for confirmed COVID-19 in the three institutions and those admitted to one of the 9 critical care units of one of the institutions. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Categorized weight and its relationship with admission to the ICU in hospitalized patients and death in the ICU. RESULT: Of 402 hospitalized patients, 30.1% were obese. Of these, 36.1% were admitted to the ICU vs. 27.1% of non-obese patients. Of the 302 ICU patients, 46.4% were obese. Of these, mortality was 45.0% vs. 52.5% for non-obese. The requirement to transfer hospitalized patients to the ICU admission get a HR of 1.47 (95%CI 0.87-2.51, p = 0.154) in the multivariate analysis. In intensive care patients, an HR of 0.99 (95%CI: 0.92-1.07, p = 0.806) was obtained to the association of obesity with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The present study does not demonstrate an association between obesity and risk of inpatient transfer to intensive care or death of intensive care patients due to COVID-19 therefore, the presence of an obesity paradox is not confirmed.

Prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify adverse events related to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome, to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of anterior pressure ulcers, to determine whether the recommendation of prone positioning is associated with improved clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study performed in 63 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit on invasive mechanical ventilation and treated with prone positioning between March and April 2020. Association between prone-related pressure ulcers and selected variables was explored by the means of logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 139 proning cycles were performed. The mean number of cycles were 2 [1-3] and the mean duration per cycle was of 22h [15-24]. The prevalence of adverse events this population was 84.9 %, being the physiologic ones (i.e., hypo/hypertension) the most prevalent. 29 out of 63 patients (46%) developed prone-related pressure ulcers. The risk factors for prone-related pressure ulcers were older age, hypertension, levels of pre-albumin <21mg/dl, the number of proning cycles and severe disease. We observed a significant increase in the PaO2/FiO2 at different time points during the prone positioning, and a significant decrease after it. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of adverse events due to PD, with the physiological type being the most frequent. The identification of the main risk factors for the development of prone-related pressure ulcers will help to prevent the occurrence of these lesions during the prone positioning. Prone positioning offered an improvement in the oxygenation in these patients.

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)

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) over-infection in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia: Impact on mortality. / Sobreinfección respiratoria por virus herpes simple tipo1 en pacientes con SDRA secundario a neumonía grave por COVID-19. Impacto sobre la mortalidad.

OBJECTIVE: Herpes simplex virus type1 (HSV-1) reactivation have been described in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation and recently in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 with higher rates of reactivation than were detected previously in critical care, and although the diagnosis of HSV-1 pneumonia is not easy, its presence is associate with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to determinate if the identification of HSV-1 in lower airway of patients with ARDS secondary to COVID-19 have influence in clinical outcome and mortality. METHOD: Two hundred twenty-four admitted patients in intensive care unit (ICU) of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Toledo diagnosed of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reviewed and were selected those with mechanical ventilation who had undergone (BAL). It was registered all results of HSV-1 PCR (negative and positive). RESULTS: During the study period (November 28, 2020 to April 13, 2021) was admitted 224 patients in ICU diagnosed of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Eighty-three patients of them had undergone BAL, with HSV-1 PCR positive result in 47 (56%), and negative result in 36 (43.4%). We performed pathological anatomy study in BAL samples on 26 of the total BAL realized. Typical cytopathic characteristics of HSV-1 were found in 13 samples (50%) and 11 of them (84.6%) have had HSV-1 PCR positive result. Thirty days mortality was significantly higher in the group of patients with HSV-1 PCR positive result (33.5% vs. 57.4%, P=.015). This difference was stronger in the group of patients with HSV-1 findings in the pathological anatomy study (30.8% vs. 69.2%, P=.047). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is highly associated to HSV-1 reactivation and that the finding of HSV-1 in lower airway is associated with a worst prognostic and with significantly mortality increase. It is necessary to carry out more extensive studies to determinate if treatment with acyclovir can improve the prognosis of these patients.

«Management of nurses specialized in the aero-evacuation of highly infectious critical patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Systematic review¼.

INTRODUCTION: Aeromedical evacuation missions to transport highly infectious critical COVID-19 patients involve multiple factors, therefore planning is essential in their preparation. The management of specialist nurses is cross-cutting, as they participate in the planning, organisation and implementation of aero-evacuation protocols, delivery of care and operational safety procedures throughout the operation, with an integrated aeromedical crew working as a team alongside the air crew. OBJECTIVE: To study the management of nurses specialised in the aero-evacuation of highly infectious critical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Through a systematic search of the biomedical literature, this study was conducted according to the standards of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA. The literature search included articles published from 2019 to August 2020 and meta-search engines, yielding a total of 142 articles, and a triangulation of information was performed. A total of 11 articles were eventually included in the review, and the validity of each article was determined according to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute level of evidence. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The systematic review identified 11 studies that use different methodological considerations for conducting an aeromedical evacuation and covering key aspects for a successful operation. CONCLUSION: The management of specialist nurses has a direct impact on the aeromedical evacuation of the critical patient. It covers planning, organisation, and operational safety, applied in the instruction, training, execution and strict monitoring of the work of the aeromedical crew as a solid team. This contributes to the success of the aero-evacuation mission and the infectious patient's high likelihood of survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Multicenter validation of Early Warning Scores for detection of clinical deterioration in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the predictive value of NEWS2, NEWS-C, and COVID-19 Severity Index for predicting intensive care unit (ICU) transfer in the next 24h. DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study. SETTING: Two third-level hospitals in Argentina. PATIENTS: All adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, admitted on general wards, excluding patients with non-intubated orders. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided between those who were admitted to ICU and non-admitted. We calculated the three scores for each day of hospitalization. VARIABLES: We evaluate the calibration and discrimination of the three scores for the outcome ICU admission within 24, 48h, and at hospital admission. RESULTS: We evaluate 13,768 days of hospitalizations on general medical wards of 1318 patients. Among these, 126 (9.5%) were transferred to ICU. The AUROC of NEWS2 was 0.73 (95%CI 0.68-0.78) 24h before ICU admission, and 0.52 (95%CI 0.47-0.57) at hospital admission. The AUROC of NEWS-C was 0.73 (95%CI 0.68-0.78) and 0.52 (95%CI 0.47-0.57) respectively, and the AUROC of COVID-19 Severity Index was 0.80 (95%CI 0.77-0.84) and 0.61 (95%CI 0.58-0.66) respectively. COVID-19 Severity Index presented better calibration than NEWS2 and NEWS-C. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 Severity index has better calibration and discrimination than NEWS2 and NEWS-C to predict ICU transfer during hospitalization.

Evolution of nutrition support in patients with COVID-19 disease admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional support in patients with COVID19 can influence the mean stay and complications in the patient in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). AIMS: To evaluate the selection of enteral nutritional treatment in the COVID-19 patient admitted to the ICU. To know the development of dysphagia and its treatment. To evaluate the adjustment to the requirements and its relationship with the patient's complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-center longitudinal retrospective study in 71 patients admitted to the ICU with COVID19 infection and complete enteral nutrition between March and April 2020. Clinical variables were collected: length of stay in ICU, mean stay and rate of complications; and estimated anthropometric variables. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.84 (13.68) years. Among the patients analyzed, 33 (46.5%) died. The median stay in the ICU was 20 (15.75-32) days and the mean stay was 37 (26.75-63) days. The type of formula most prescribed was normoprotein 24 (35.3%) and diabetes-specific 23 (33.8%) depending on the prescribed formula. There was no difference in mean stay (p = 0.39) or death rate (p = 0.35). The percentage of achievement of the estimated protein requirements was 50 (34.38-68.76). At discharge, 8 (21%) of the patients had dysphagia. A relationship was observed between the mean ICU stay and the probability of developing dysphagia (OR: 1.035 (1.004-1.07); p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In the patient with COVID19 disease admitted to the ICU, only half of the necessary protein requirements were reached. The presence of dysphagia at discharge was related to the length of time the patient was in the ICU.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 in Intensive Care in the First Year of the Pandemic: A Colombian Observational Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the world, mainly during the first year of the pandemic, where strategies such as vaccination were not available. Information on the outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Colombia is scarce. Our main objective was to characterize critically ill patients with COVID-19 in our region. Methods: We conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study in which we included patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR who were admitted to the adult ICU between March 18, 2020 and March 18, 2021, in Quindío, Colombia. We identify the clinical and laboratory characteristics at admission, the support used, and their relationship with mortality during ICU hospitalization. Results: Three hundred and fifty-nine patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were admitted, 64% men, mean age was 62.7 years (SD±12.3), body mass index 27.9Kg/m2 (±5.8), SOFA score was 7.6 (±3.12), Pa/FiO2 96.2 (±62.3), and lung compliance 30.5 ml/cmH2O (±18.4). Mortality was 60%. The variables with the highest mortality association were obesity OR: 2.38 (95% CI:1.39 – 4.09, p: <.001), Glasgow coma scale at admission <12 : 17.5, (5.21 – 58.8, p: <.001), PaFiO2 <100: 5.63, (3.38 – 9.39, p: <.001), static lung compliance less than 50 ml / cmH2O: 3.54, (3.38 – 9.39, p: <.001), SOFA score >5: 3.75 (2.19– 6.42, p: <0.001), ferritin > 1000: 2.58, (1.66 – 4.02, p: <.001), C-reactive protein > 5: 2.52 (1.42 – 4.26, p: <.001), and LDH > 280: 2.71 (1.55 – 4.74, p: <.001). Patients who required PEEP > 10cmH2O: 2.34 (1.48 – 3.70, p: <.001), FiO2 > 60%: 4.01, (2.46 – 6.53, p: <.001), and ventilation in the prone position. Conclusion: Mortality in the first year of the pandemic in our region was high, mainly associated with obesity, inflammation, altered mental status upon admission, and increased lung elastance. Resumen Contexto: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto devastador en el mundo, principalmente durante el primer año de la pandemia, donde no se disponía de estrategias como la vacunación. La información sobre los resultados de los pacientes ingresados ​​en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en Colombia es escasa. Nuestro principal objetivo fue caracterizar a los pacientes críticos con COVID-19 en nuestra región. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio observacional retrospectivo unicéntrico donde incluimos pacientes confirmados con RT-PCR para COVID-19 que ingresaron a la UCI de adultos entre el 18 de marzo de 2020 y el 18 de marzo de 2021, en Quindío, Colombia. Identificamos las características clínicas y de laboratorio al ingreso, los soportes utilizados y su relación con la mortalidad durante la hospitalización en UCI. Resultados: Ingresaron 359 pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19, 64% hombres, edad 62,7 años (DE±12,3), índice de masa corporal 27,9Kg/m2 (±5,8), SOFA score 7,6 (±3,12), Pa /FiO2 96,2 (±62,3) y distensibilidad pulmonar 30,5 ml/cmH2O (±18,4). La mortalidad fue del 60%. Las variables con mayor asociación a mortalidad fueron la obesidad OR: 2,38 (IC 95%: 1,39 – 4,09, P: <0,001), escala de coma de Glasgow al ingreso <12: 17,5, (5,21 – 58,8, P: <0,001), PaFiO2 <100 : 5,63, (3,38 – 9,39, P: <0,001), distensibilidad pulmonar estática inferior a 50 ml/cmH2O: 3,54, (3,38 – 9,39, P: <0,001), puntuación SOFA >5: 3,75 (2,19– 6,42, P: <0,001), ferritina > 1000: 2,58, (1,66 – 4,02, P: <0,001), proteína C reactiva > 5: 2,52 (1,42 – 4,26, P: <0,001) y LDH > 280: 2,71 (1,55 – 4,74), P: <0,001). Pacientes que requirieron PEEP > 10cmH2O: 2,34 (1,48 – 3,70, P: <0,001), FiO2 > 60%: 4,01, (2,46 – 6,53, P: <0,001) y ventilación en decúbito prono. Conclusión: La mortalidad en el primer año de la pandemia en nuestra región fue alta, asociada principalmente a obesidad, inflamación, alteración del estado mental al ingreso y aumento de la elastancia pulmonar.

Assessment of the patient safety culture in the ICU of a second level hospital at the end of the third COVID-19 wave.

INTRODUCTION: Current healthcare settings and ICUs especially are complex, highly technical, and multidisciplinary, with interactions between healthcare professionals and users, in which there may be errors at different levels. Our objective was to assess the perception of patient safety in our unit at the end of the third wave of the COVID pandemic, with the intention of conducting subsequent improvement actions. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. The perception of Safety Culture was estimated using the HSOPS questionnaire translated into Spanish. Some questions were posed in a positive sense, and others in a negative sense. The response was also rated as positive, negative, or neutral. Our findings were compared visually, not mathematically, with those found in the previous national study «Analysis of the culture on patient safety in the hospital setting of the Spanish National Health System¼ published in 2009. A subgroup analysis was performed according to professional group and seniority as a health worker. The Student's t, χ2 and ANOVA tests were used. RESULTS: Sixty-two professionals responded to the questionnaire, 73.90% of the total. The median time working in ICU 2 years (interquartile range 2-4.5 years). The rating for the degree of safety was 8.06 (SD 1.16). The majority (91.20%) had not reported any adverse event in the last year. A total of 30.90% had recently received patient safety training. The dimensions considered as weaknesses were 9 ("Staffing", with 27.57% of positive responses) and 10 ("Support of the hospital management in safety", with 17.64% of positive responses). The dimensions considered as strengths were 3 ("Expectation of actions by management/supervision of the service") with 85.29% of positive responses, and 5 ("Teamwork") with 95.58% of positive responses. The Cronbach's alpha index values suggest that the questionnaire has adequate internal consistency. In general, our data are more positive than those collected in the 2011 national survey, although the 2 dimensions considered weaknesses were already considered such in the previous work. CONCLUSIONS: The perception of patient safety in the ICU of our hospital after the end of the third wave of the COVID pandemic is adequate, with a more positive rating than that of the national study on safety culture at the hospital level carried out in 2009. The constant quest for patient safety should prioritize activity in the 2 dimensions considered weaknesses: staffing, and support from hospital management in everything related to patient safety.

Usefulness of chest X-rays for detecting COVID 19 pneumonia during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To review the prognostic usefulness of chest X-rays in selecting patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive observational study analyzed 978 patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections who underwent chest X-ray examinations in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in March 2020. We separately analyzed demographic, clinical, and prognostic variables in two groups of patients: those in whom reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done (n = 535) and those in whom RT-PCR was not done because of low clinical suspicion (n = 443). RESULTS: In the group of patients with RT-PCR, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 70.4%, and the sensitivity of chest X-rays was 62.8%. In the group of patients without RT-PCR, chest X-rays were negative in 97.5%, corroborating the low clinical suspicion; these patients were discharged, and 5.6% of them reconsulted with mild forms of the disease. In the group of patients with RT-PCR, we observed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of pathologic chest X-rays between patients hospitalized in the ICU (72.9%) and in those hospitalized in other wards (68.3%) (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: In the context of the pandemic, patients with low clinical suspicion and negative chest X-rays can be discharged with a low probability of reconsultation or of developing severe COVID19. In patients with RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, chest X-rays have no prognostic usefulness.

Post-intensive care syndrome one month after discharge in surviving critically ill COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Incidence of post-intensive care syndrome at one month after hospital discharge in surviving critically ill COVID 19 patients and to identify associated factors. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Two multipurpose critical care units of the Araba University Hospital. Patients admitted to critical care units for severe acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID 19. INTERVENTION: None. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Demographic variables, length of stay, Charlson index, APACHE II, SOFA, days of mechanical ventilation, tracheotomy, delirium, tetraparesis of the critical patient, EuroQol 5D5L, Minimental Test. RESULTS: A deterioration in the EuroQol health index (HI) from 90.9±16.9 to 70.9±24.7 (p<0.001) was observed. The impairment of the five EuroQol domains is: mobility (46.1%), usual activities (44.7%), discomfort/pain (30.7%), psychological domain (27.3%) and self-care (20.3%). The 61.5% suffer a significant decrease in their health index. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression shows us that delirium (OR=3.01; 95%CI: 1.01-8.9; p=0.047) and tracheostomy (OR=2.37; 95%CI: 1.09-5.14; p=0.029) show association with drop in EuroQoL 5D5L SI. The area under the ROC curve of the model is 67.3%, with a confidence interval between 58% and 76%. The model is calibrated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2=0.468; p=0.792). Only 1.2% of patients showed a score ≤ 24, clearly pathological, on the Folstein's Minimental Test. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium and need for tracheostomy are associated with post-intensive care syndrome assessed by EuroQol 5D5L.

A differential therapeutic consideration for use of corticosteroids according to established COVID-19 clinical phenotypes in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of corticosteroids was associated with Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality among whole population and pre-specified clinical phenotypes. DESIGN: A secondary analysis derived from multicenter, observational study. SETTING: Critical Care Units. PATIENTS: Adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease admitted to 63 ICUs in Spain. INTERVENTIONS: Corticosteroids vs. no corticosteroids. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Three phenotypes were derived by non-supervised clustering analysis from whole population and classified as (A: severe, B: critical and C: life-threatening). We performed a multivariate analysis after propensity optimal full matching (PS) for whole population and weighted Cox regression (HR) and Fine-Gray analysis (sHR) to assess the impact of corticosteroids on ICU mortality according to the whole population and distinctive patient clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: A total of 2017 patients were analyzed, 1171 (58%) with corticosteroids. After PS, corticosteroids were shown not to be associated with ICU mortality (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.98-1.15). Corticosteroids were administered in 298/537 (55.5%) patients of "A" phenotype and their use was not associated with ICU mortality (HR=0.85 [0.55-1.33]). A total of 338/623 (54.2%) patients in "B" phenotype received corticosteroids. No effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality was observed when HR was performed (0.72 [0.49-1.05]). Finally, 535/857 (62.4%) patients in "C" phenotype received corticosteroids. In this phenotype HR (0.75 [0.58-0.98]) and sHR (0.79 [0.63-0.98]) suggest a protective effect of corticosteroids on ICU mortality. CONCLUSION: Our finding warns against the widespread use of corticosteroids in all critically ill patients with COVID-19 at moderate dose. Only patients with the highest inflammatory levels could benefit from steroid treatment.

Postintensive care syndrome in COVID-19. Unicentric pilot study. / Síndrome post cuidados intensivos en COVID-19. Estudio piloto unicéntrico.

INTRODUCTION: Postintensive care syndrome (PICS) is the physical, cognitive or psychiatric deterioration that appears after a critical illness and persists beyond hospital admission. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of PICS in the patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit of the Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia. PATIENTS: They benefited from a standardized assessment, addressing health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D-3L), a physical status (6 MWT, «test up and go¼ and hand dynamometer), a nutritional assessment (MUST and the Global Subjective Assessment), cognitive impairment (MoCA), mental health disorders (HADS and Davidson Trauma Scale) and pain (visual analogue scale and DN4). RESULTS: From March to June 2020, 59 patients with SARS-CoV-2 were admitted to our ICU. 29 of these were recruited for the study. The stay in the ICU and the mechanical ventilation time were long (24 days [IQR 12-36], and 18 days [IQR 7-31] respectively). The SOFA upon admission to the ICU was high (3 [IQR 3-5]). Tracheostomy was performed in 52% and pronation in 93%. 90% had some abnormal test. 20% had post-traumatic stress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We found that 9 out of 10 survivors of SARS-CoV-2 admitted had at least one PICS alteration at 4-6 weeks from discharge from the Hospital. Six out of 19 patients presented with two or more affected evaluated areas.

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.

Vía aérea difícil en UCI de adultos en el Quindío: un estudio transversal

Resumen Introducción El riesgo de complicaciones y muerte relacionada con la vía aérea difícil (VAD) en el paciente crítico es mayor que en escenarios controlados como el quirófano. La estadística de VAD en cuidados intensivos en Colombia es escasa, así como los datos de intervención y recursos disponibles en las unidades. El objetivo principal fue determinar la prevalencia y características de VAD anatómica y fisiológica. Métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional, de corte transversal, multicéntrico en unidades de cuidados intensivos de adultos (UCI) del Quindío. Se enviaron enlaces a dos formularios de Google® a los intensivistas coordinadores, un formulario general y uno específico relacionado con factores de VAD anatómica (Mallampati, apnea obstructiva, columna cervical rígida, obesidad, aspecto externo, Cormack-Lehane>2, etc.) y fisiológica (trastorno de oxigenación, estado de colapso, anemia, etc.). Resultados Participaron 4 unidades, con 62 camas (83,9% de las camas existentes en el departamento);se encontraron 56 pacientes hospitalizados, 38 pacientes (67,8%) estuvieron intubados. El 29% de los pacientes presentaron algún tipo de VAD. El 100% de los enfermos clasificados como VAD tuvo parámetros de VAD fisiológica y el 27,3% VAD anatómica: 18,2% Cormack-Lehane (CL)>2, y 9,1% estenosis subglótica. La obesidad fue el mejor predictor de CL>2. LR+: 4,5, LR−: 0,001. Conclusiones La VAD fisiológica es altamente prevalente en UCI de adultos, lo que representa un reto para el intensivista y un riesgo alto de complicaciones para los pacientes. En este estudio la obesidad fue el principal factor de predicción de VAD anatómica en el paciente críticamente enfermo. Las unidades de cuidados intensivos deben contar con recursos suficientes y personal entrenado en el manejo de la VAD. Introduction The risk of complications and death related to difficult airway (DA) in critically ill patients is higher than in controlled settings such as the operating room. Statistics on DA in intensive care in Colombia are scarce, as are the intervention data and resources available in the units. The main objective was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of anatomical and physiological difficult airway. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted in adult Intensive Care Units (ICU) in Quindío. Links to two Google® forms were sent to the Coordinating Intensivists, one general and one specific related to DA anatomical factors (Mallampati, obstructive apnoea, stiff cervical spine, obesity, external appearance, Cormack-Lehane> 2, etc.) and physiological (oxygenation disorder, state of collapse, anaemia, etc.). Results Four units participated, with 62 beds (83.9% of the beds in the department);56 hospitalized patients were found, 38 patients (67.8%) were intubated. Of the patients, 29% had some type of difficult airway. Of the patients with difficult airway, 100% had physiological DA parameters and 27.3% anatomical difficult airway: 18.2% Cormack-Lehane (CL)>2, and 9.1% subglottic stenosis. Obesity was the best predictor of CL>2. LR+: 4.5, LR−: .001. Conclusions Physiological DA is highly prevalent in the adult ICU, which represents a challenge for the intensivist, and a high risk of complications for patients. In this study, obesity was the main predictor of anatomical DA in critically ill patients. Intensive care units must have sufficient resources and personnel trained in the management of difficult airway.