Static Respiratory System Compliance as a Predictor of Extubation Failure in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure.

PURPOSE: Ventilator weaning protocols rely in part on objective indices to best predict extubation failure in the critically ill. We investigated static respiratory system compliance (RC) as a predictor of extubation failure, in comparison to extubation readiness using rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multi-institutional study of mechanically ventilated patients admitted between 12/01/2017 and 12/01/2019. All patients older than 18 years with a documented spontaneous breathing trial and extubation trial were included. RC and RSBI were calculated prior to the extubation trial. The primary outcome was extubation failure-defined as need for reintubation within 72 h from time of extubation. RESULTS: Of the 2263 patients, 55.8% were males with a mean age of 68 years. The population consisted mostly of Caucasians (73%) and African Americans (20.4%). 274 (12.1%) patients required reintubation within 72 h. On multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), admission Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, number of ventilator days, and the P/F ratio on the day of extubation, RC remained the strongest predictor for extubation failure at 24 h (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.00-2.10) and 72 h (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15-2.17). There was no significant association between RSBI and extubation failure at 24 (aOR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01) or at 72 h (aOR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01). CONCLUSION: RC measured on the day of extubation is a promising physiological discriminant to potentially risk stratify patients with acute respiratory failure for extubation readiness. We recommend further validation studies in prospective cohorts.

Performance of Automated Telemetry in Diagnosing QT Prolongation in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: QT prolongation increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and is common among critically ill patients. The gold standard for QT measurement is electrocardiography. Automated measurement of corrected QT (QTc) by cardiac telemetry has been developed, but this method has not been compared with electrocardiography in critically ill patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of QTc values obtained with cardiac telemetry versus electrocardiography. METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients admitted to intensive care who had an electrocardiogram ordered simultaneously with cardiac telemetry. Demographic data and QTc determined by electrocardiography and telemetry were recorded. Bland-Altman analysis was done, and correlation coefficient and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-one data points were obtained from 43 patients (65% men). Bland-Altman analysis revealed poor agreement between telemetry and electrocardiography and evidence of fixed and proportional bias. Area under the ROC curve for QTc determined by telemetry was 0.9 (P < .001) for a definition of prolonged QT as QTc ≥ 450 milliseconds in electrocardiography (sensitivity, 88.89%; specificity, 83.33%; cutoff of 464 milliseconds used). Correlation between the 2 methods was only moderate (r = 0.6, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: QTc determination by telemetry has poor agreement and moderate correlation with electrocardiography. However, telemetry has an acceptable area under the curve in ROC analysis with tolerable sensitivity and specificity depending on the cutoff used to define prolonged QT. Cardiac telemetry should be used with caution in critically ill patients.

S100 calcium binding protein B as a biomarker of delirium duration in the intensive care unit - an exploratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no valid and reliable biomarkers to identify delirious patients predisposed to longer delirium duration. We investigated the hypothesis that elevated S100 calcium binding protein B (S100ß) levels will be associated with longer delirium duration in critically ill patients. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was performed in the medical, surgical, and progressive intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary care, university affiliated, and urban hospital. Sixty-three delirious patients were selected for the analysis, with two samples of S100ß collected on days 1 and 8 of enrollment. The main outcome measure was delirium duration. Using the cutoff of <0.1 ng/mL and ≥0.1 ng/mL as normal and abnormal levels of S100ß, respectively, on day 1 and day 8, four exposure groups were created: Group A, normal S100ß levels on day 1 and day 8; Group B, normal S100ß level on day 1 and abnormal S100ß level on day 8; Group C, abnormal S100ß level on day 1 and normal on day 8; and Group D, abnormal S100ß levels on both day 1 and day 8. RESULTS: Patients with abnormal levels of S100ß showed a trend towards higher delirium duration (P=0.076); Group B (standard deviation) (7.0 [3.2] days), Group C (5.5 [6.3] days), and Group D (5.3 [6.0] days), compared to patients in Group A (3.5 [5.4] days). CONCLUSION: This preliminary investigation identified a potentially novel role for S100ß as a biomarker for delirium duration in critically ill patients. This finding may have important implications for refining future delirium management strategies in ICU patients.

Interventions to improve the physical function of ICU survivors: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: ICU admissions are ever increasing across the United States. Following critical illness, physical functioning (PF) may be impaired for up to 5 years. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions targeting PF among ICU survivors. The objective of this study was to identify effective interventions that improve long-term PF in ICU survivors. METHODS: MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Database (PEDro) were searched between 1990 and 2012. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies for eligibility, critically appraised the included studies, and extracted data into standardized evidence tables. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included exercise/physical therapy (PT), parenteral nutrition, nurse-led follow-up, spontaneous awakening trials, absence of sedation during mechanical ventilation, and early tracheotomy. Nine studies failed to demonstrate efficacy on PF of the ICU survivors. However, early physical exercise and PT-based interventions had a positive effect on long-term PF. CONCLUSIONS: The only effective intervention to improve long-term PF in critically ill patients is exercise/PT; its benefit may be greater if started earlier. Further research in this area comparing different interventions and timing is needed.

Clinical decision support system and incidence of delirium in cognitively impaired older adults transferred to intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients with cognitive impairment are at increased risk of developing delirium, especially in the intensive care unit. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a computer-based clinical decision support system that recommends consulting a geriatrician and discontinuing use of urinary catheters, physical restraints, and unnecessary anticholinergic drugs in reducing the incidence of delirium. METHODS: Data for a subgroup of patients enrolled in a large clinical trial who were transferred to the intensive care units of a tertiary-care, urban public hospital in Indianapolis were analyzed. Data were collected on frequency of orders for consultation with a geriatrician; discontinuation of urinary catheterization, physical restraints, or anticholinergic drugs; and the incidence of delirium. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 60 adults with cognitive impairment. Mean age was 74.6 years; 45% were African American, and 52% were women. No differences were detected between the intervention and the control groups in orders for consultation with a geriatrician (33% vs 40%; P = .79) or for discontinuation of urinary catheters (72% vs 76%; P = .99), physical restraints (12% vs 0%; P=.47), or anticholinergic drugs (67% vs 36%; P=.37). The 2 groups did not differ in the incidence of delirium (27% vs 29%; P = .85). CONCLUSION: Use of a computer-based clinical decision support system may not be effective in changing prescribing patterns or in decreasing the incidence of delirium.

Delirium management in critically ill patients.

Delirium among critically ill patients is common. Presence of delirium imparts a poorer prognosis to patients, including longer ICU and hospital length of stay, increased risk of institutionalization, higher health related costs, and elevated mortality. Even with such grave consequences, the rates of delirium diagnosis are dire. The importance of early recognition through validated tools and appropriate management of this life-threatening condition cannot be over emphasized. This article provides an overview of delirium pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management with a focus on critically ill patients.

Validación de encuestas de tamización para decisión de densitometría ósea en mujeres colombianas / Validity of screening questionnaires for referring bone densitometry in Colombian women

Objetivos: validar diferentes cuestionarios de tamización para decisión de realización de densitometría ósea en un grupo de mujeres colombianas y establecer su correlación con la densidad mineral ósea. Diseño: estudio de concordancia y conformidad con Estándar de Oro y correlación sin puntos de corte. Métodos: en mujeres remitidas para la determinación de la Densidad Mineral Ósea (DMO) por el método DXA en columna lumbar y cadera, se establecieron los diagnósticos de normalidad, osteopenia y osteoporosis, utilizando los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Previo al DXA se aplicaron las encuestas ABONE, NOF, ORAI, OSIRIS, OST y SCORE y se correlacionaron con la DMO de manera independiente. Se construyeron las curvas de características operativas de receptor (COR) de cada una y se compararon entre sí. Se calcularon sus sensibilidades, especificidades, y falsos positivos y negativos. Resultados: se encontró osteopenia en el 46,2% y osteoporosis en el 33,6% de 253 mujeres estudiadas con edad promedio de 57,7 años. El coeficiente de correlación de las escalas con DMO fue significativo entre 0,5 y 0,6. El área bajo las curvas COR fue mayor en OST, ORAI, SCORE y OSIRIS, en todas < 0,8. Todas las escalas tuvieron alta sensibilidad pero baja especificidad, con alta tasa de falsos positivos y negativos. Conclusiones: las escalas de tamización para decisión de DXA tienen buena correlación con la DMO pero con altas tasas de falsos positivos y negativos.

Objectives: to assess in a group of Colombian women the validity of six different screening tools as decision rules for referring them for bone densitometry, and to establish their correlation with bone mineral density (BMD). Design: concordance and agreement with gold standard; correlation without cut points. Methods: women who were referred for BMD determination by DXA examination in lumbar spine and hip were diagnosed as normal, osteopenic and/or osteoporotic according to World Health Organization criteria. Before the DXA was made, the screening tools ABONE, NOF, ORAI, OSIRIS, OST and SCORE were applied, and then their correlation coefficient among them and the BMD was made. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were made for each scale and a comparison was made among them. Sensitivity, specificity, and false positives and negatives of each scale were calculated. Results: osteopenia was found in 46.2% and osteoporosis in 33.6% of the 253 studied women, with an average age of 57 years old. Correlation among scales and BMD was significant between 0.5 and 0.6. The area under the curve (AUC) was higher in OST, ORAI, OSIRIS and SCORE, all of them < 0.8. All the tools had high sensitivity, but low specificity, with a high proportion of false positives and negatives. Conclusions: the screening tools as decision rules for referring subjects to bone densitometry had good correlation with BMD, but they had high proportions of false positives and negatives.

Deficiencia de lactasa, intolerancia a la lactosa y pico de masa ósea en adultos jóvenes colombianos / Lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, and peak bone mass in colombian young adults

Objetivos: establecer la relación entre deficiencia de lactasa, intolerancia a la lactosa y densidad mineral ósea (DMO). Diseño: estudio descriptivo transversal analítico. Métodos: se obtuvo una muestra aleatoria de 98 estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Se estableció el consumo de calcio e intolerancia a la lactosa. El diagnóstico de deficiencia de lactasa se hizo si el hidrógeno espirado después de una carga de 15 g de lactosa aumentó en ³10 ppm. Por osteodensitometría DEXA se determinó la DMO total y lumbar. Resultados: 54 hombres y 44 mujeres fueron incluidos sin diferencia de edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), consumo de calcio e intolerancia a la lactosa, según el sexo, pero con peso, talla y DMO superior en hombres. El consumo de calcio total (p<0,0332) y a partir de lácteos (p<0,0185) fue inferior en los hipolactásicos, pero sin diferencias en la DMO entre los grupos. Los hipolactásicos intolerantes ingieren menos calcio y tienen DMO menor que los tolerantes hipolactásicos y los no deficientes con una correlación positiva para ambas variables entre estos tres grupos (p<0,05). Conclusiones: existe una asociación entre la intolerancia a la lactosa y la baja ingestión de calcio a partir de la leche y sus derivados. La presencia de hipolactasia e intolerancia a la lactosa está asociada a una reducción en el pico de densidad mineral ósea corporal total. No se encontró correlación entre la ingestión de calcio y la densidad mineral ósea en ninguno de los niveles estudiados.

Aims: to observe the relationship between lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance and peak bone mass in young adults. Design: analytic transversal descriptive study. Methods: in a random sample of students of Medicine at Universidad Nacional de Colombia Ca intake and lactose intolerance were established. Lactase deficiency diagnosis was made if expired hydrogen increased in ³10 ppm after a lactose 15 g load. Total body and lumbar bone mass determination with a Lunar DPX-DXA was practiced. Results: 54 males and 44 females were included, without differences in age or Body Mass Index (BMI) according to gender, but height, weight, and bone mineral density (BMD) were greater in men. In the lactase deficiency group the total Ca intake (p<0.032) and the Ca from milky sources (p<0.0185), weighted by gender, was lower than in the non deficient group. The total body and lumbar BMD was lower among the lactose intolerants (weighted by gender) (p<0.02). The lactase deficiency and lactose intolerant subjects (group1) had a lower Ca intake (p<0.05) and lower total body BMD (p<0.0155) than group 2 (deficient and tolerant), and group 3 (non-deficient subjects), with a spearman positive correlation between lumbar BMD and Ca intake by groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: there is an association between lactose intolerance and low Ca intake from milk and its derivatives, in young adults. The presence of lactase deficiency with lactose intolerance is associated with a reduction in peak bone mass.