Noninvasive Ventilation or CPAP in the Initial Treatment Phase of Small Infants With Respiratory Failure.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure in infants is a common reason for admission to the pediatric ICU (PICU). Although high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is the preferred first-line treatment at our institution, some infants require CPAP or noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Here we report our experience using CPAP/NIV in infants < 10 kg. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of infants < 10 kg treated with CPAP/NIV in our PICUs between July 2017-May 2021 in the initial phase of treatment. Demographic, support type and settings, vital signs, pulse oximetry, and intubation data were extracted from the electronic health record. We compared subjects successfully treated with CPAP/NIV with those who required intubation. RESULTS: We studied 62 subjects with median (interquartile range) age 96 [6.5-308] d and weight 4.5 (3.4-6.6) kg. Of these, 22 (35%) required intubation. There were no significant differences in demographics, medical history, primary interface, pre-CPAP/NIV support, and device used to deliver CPAP/NIV. HFNC was used in 57 (92%) subjects before escalation to CPAP/NIV. Subjects who failed CPAP/NIV were less likely to have bronchiolitis (27% vs 60%, P = .040), less likely to be discharged from the hospital to home (68% vs 93%, P = .02), had a longer median hospital length of stay (LOS) (26.9 [21-50.5] d vs 10.4 [5.6-28.4] d, P = .002), and longer median ICU LOS (14.6 [7.9-25.2] d vs 5.8 [3.8-12.4] d, P = .004). Initial vital signs and FIO2 were similar, but SpO2 was lower and FIO2 higher at 6 h and 12 h after support initiation for subjects who failed CPAP/NIV. Initial CPAP/NIV settings were similar, but subjects who failed CPAP/NIV had higher maximum and final inspiratory/expiratory pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Most infants who failed initial HFNC support were successfully managed without intubation using NIV or CPAP. Bronchiolitis was associated with a lower rate of CPAP/NIV failure, whereas lower SpO2 and higher FIO2 levels were associated with higher rates of intubation.

Endotracheal Intubation Outside the Operating Room: Year in Review 2023.

Endotracheal intubation is a common lifesaving procedure that often is performed outside the operating room in a variety of clinical scenarios. Providers who perform intubation outside the operating room have variable degrees of training, skill development, and experience. A large number of studies were published in 2023 on the topic of intubations outside the operating room across a wide variety of settings and patient populations. Here, we review relevant papers on this topic published in 2023.

Survey of Ventilator Waveform Interpretation Among ICU Professionals.

BACKGROUND: The interpretation of ventilator waveforms is essential for effective and safe mechanical ventilation but requires specialized training and expertise. This study aimed to investigate the ability of ICU professionals to interpret ventilator waveforms, identify areas requiring further education and training, and explore the factors influencing their interpretation skills. METHODS: We conducted an international online anonymous survey of ICU professionals (physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists [RTs]), with ≥ 1 y of experience working in the ICU. The survey consisted of demographic information and 15 multiple-choice questions related to ventilator waveforms. Results were compared between professions using descriptive statistics, and logistic regression (expressed as odds ratios [ORs; 95% CI]) was performed to identify factors associated with high performance, which was defined by a threshold of 60% correct answers. RESULTS: A total of 1,832 professionals from 31 countries or regions completed the survey; 53% of respondents answered ≥ 60% of the questions correctly. The 3 questions with the most correct responses were related to waveforms that demonstrated condensation (90%), pressure overshoot (79%), and bronchospasm (75%). Conversely, the 3 questions with the fewest correct responses were waveforms that demonstrated early cycle leading to double trigger (43%), severe under assistance (flow starvation) (37%), and early/reverse trigger (31%). Factors significantly associated with ≥ 60% correct answers included years of ICU working experience (≥ 10 y, OR 1.6 [1.2-2.0], P < .001), profession (RT, OR 2.8 [2.1-3.7], P < .001), highest degree earned (graduate, OR 1.7 [1.3-2.2], P < .001), workplace (teaching hospital, OR 1.4 [1.1-1.7], P = .008), and prior ventilator waveforms training (OR 1.7 [1.3-2.2], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Slightly over half respondents correctly identified ≥ 60% of waveforms demonstrating patient-ventilator discordance. High performance was associated with ≥ 10 years of ICU working experience, RT profession, graduate degree, working in a teaching hospital, and prior ventilator waveforms training. Some discordances were poorly recognized across all groups of surveyed professionals.

A Master Protocol Template for Pediatric ARDS Studies.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric ARDS is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. High-quality data from clinical trials in children are limited due to numerous barriers to their design and execution. Here we describe the collaborative development of a master protocol as a tool to address some of these barriers and support the conduct of pediatric ARDS studies. METHODS: Using PubMed, we performed a literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in pediatric ARDS to characterize the current state and evaluate potential benefit of harmonized master protocols. We used a multi-stakeholder, collaborative, and team science-oriented process to develop a master protocol template with links to common data elements (CDEs) for pediatric ARDS trials. RESULTS: We identified 11 RCTs that enrolled between 14-200 total subjects per trial. Interventions included mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, corticosteroids, and surfactant. Studies displayed significant heterogeneity in ARDS definition, design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and reported outcomes. Mortality was reported in 91% of trials and ventilator-free days in 73%. The trial heterogeneity made pooled analysis unfeasible. These findings underscore the need for a method to facilitate combined analysis of future trials through standardization of trial elements. As a potential solution, we developed a master protocol, iteratively revised with input from a multidisciplinary panel of experts and organized into 3 categories: instructions and general information, templated language, and a series of text options of common pediatric ARDS trial scenarios. Finally, we linked master protocol sections to relevant CDEs previously defined for pediatric ARDS and captured in a series of electronic case report forms. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric ARDS trials identified were small and heterogeneous in study design and outcome reporting. Using a master protocol template for pediatric ARDS trials with CDEs would support combining and comparing pediatric ARDS trial findings and increase the knowledge base.

Academic Output of Fellows of the American Association for Respiratory Care.

BACKGROUND: Research is critical for the advancement of respiratory care. Fellows of the American Association for Respiratory Care (FAARCs) are nominated based on their significant contributions to the respiratory care profession. Research output is potentially an important component of qualification for FAARC. The purpose of this study is to report the academic output of respiratory therapist (RT) FAARCs. METHODS: We identified FAARCs from the AARC web site. Research output was assessed by searching the Scopus and PubMed databases. We collected total research documents, citations, h-index, co-authors, and document type. We compared those with only the FAARC designation with RTs who are fellows in both the Society of Critical Care Medicine (FCCMs) and FAARC. RESULTS: We identified a total of 371 RT FAARCs, 4 RT FCCMs, and 10 with both designations. FAARCs were 70% male, 22% had a doctorate, 37% had a master's, 13% had a bachelor's, and 29% did not have a degree reported. There were no differences in sex or highest degree between FAARCs and FCCMs. FAARCs had a total of 3,724 publications and 110,207 citations while those with both designations had 1,304 publications and 43,181 citations. In Scopus, 46% of FAARCs had no publications, and 27% had ≥ 10 publications; of those with both credentials, 10% had no publications, and 70% had ≥ 10 publications. FAARCs inducted in 1998 and 1999 had significantly (P < .001) more publications than other eras. Compared to those with both credentials, FAARCs had fewer median publications (1 vs 50), lower h-index (1 vs 18), and fewer citations (1 vs 1,486), P < .001 for all. Total publications in PubMed were lower, and differences in publications were similar. CONCLUSIONS: RT FAARCs had a large number of publications and citations, although nearly half did not have any publications. Those with both FAARC and FCCM had significantly more academic output per fellow, although there are only 10 individuals with both credentials.

The effects of flow settings during high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for neonates and young children.

BACKGROUND: During neonatal and paediatric high-flow nasal cannula therapy, optimising the flow setting is crucial for favourable physiological and clinical outcomes. However, considerable variability exists in clinical practice regarding initial flows and subsequent adjustments for these patients. Our review aimed to summarise the impact of various flows during high-flow nasal cannula treatment in neonates and children. METHODS: Two investigators independently searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane for in vitro and in vivo studies published in English before 30 April 2023. Studies enrolling adults (≥18 years) or those using a single flow setting were excluded. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed independently by two investigators. The study protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022345419). RESULTS: 38 406 studies were identified, with 44 included. In vitro studies explored flow settings' effects on airway pressures, humidity and carbon dioxide clearance; all were flow-dependent. Observational clinical studies consistently reported that higher flows led to increased pharyngeal pressure and potentially increased intrathoracic airway pressure (especially among neonates), improved oxygenation, and reduced respiratory rate and work of breathing up to a certain threshold. Three randomised controlled trials found no significant differences in treatment failure among different flow settings. Flow impacts exhibited significant heterogeneity among different patients. CONCLUSION: Individualising flow settings in neonates and young children requires consideration of the patient's peak inspiratory flow, respiratory rate, heart rate, tolerance, work of breathing and lung aeration for optimal care.

Negative-Pressure Ventilation in the Pediatric ICU.

Negative-pressure ventilation (NPV) is a form of noninvasive ventilation that has been recently utilized in pediatric acute respiratory failure. Negative-pressure ventilators apply negative pressure onto the chest wall via a cuirass to recruit areas of atelectasis. Continuous negative extrathoracic pressure, the most common mode, is similar to CPAP, where negative pressure is maintained at a constant level throughout the respiratory cycle while patients initiate their own breaths and continue to breathe spontaneously throughout. Control mode, which is similar to bi-level positive airway pressure, alternates negative pressure with positive pressure and controls both phases of breathing at a mandatory frequency set higher than the patient's spontaneous frequency. Supplemental oxygen is provided through a nasal cannula or face mask due of the lack of NPV devices' interface with the mouth or nose. NPV can improve preload to the heart and cardiac output (CO) in patients with restrictive right-ventricular physiology requiring CO augmentation and those with Fontan physiology. The purpose of this article is to review the physiological principles of spontaneous and NPV, examine the evidence supporting the use of NPV, give practical and meaningful guidance on its clinical application in the pediatric ICU, and summarize areas for future studies on its uses.

Factors Associated With Successful Extubation Readiness Testing in Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: In children with congenital heart disease, extubation readiness testing (ERT) is performed to evaluate the potential for liberation from mechanical ventilation. There is a paucity of data that suggests what mechanical ventilation parameters are associated with successful ERT. We hypothesized that ERT success would be associated with certain mechanical ventilator parameters. METHODS: Data on daily ERT assessments were recorded as part of a quality improvement project. In accordance with our respiratory therapist-driven ventilator protocol, patients were assessed daily for ERT eligibility and tested daily, if eligible. Mechanical ventilation parameters were categorized a priori to evaluate the differences in levels of respiratory support. The primary outcome was ERT success. RESULTS: A total of 780 ERTs from 320 subjects (median [interquartile range] age 2.5 [0.6-6.5] months and median weight [interquartile range] 4.2 [3.3-6.9] kg) were evaluated. A total of 528 ERTs (68%) were passed, 306 successful ERTs (58%) resulted in extubation, and 30 subjects (9.4%) were re-intubated. There were statistically significant differences in the ERT pass rate for ventilator mode, peak inspiratory pressure, Δ pressure, PEEP, mean airway pressure ([Formula: see text]), and dead-space-to-tidal-volume ratio (all P < .001) but not for [Formula: see text]. ERT success decreased with increases in peak inspiratory pressure, Δ pressure, PEEP, [Formula: see text], and dead-space-to-tidal-volume ratio. Logistic regression revealed neonates, Δ pressure ≥ 11 cm H2O, and [Formula: see text] > 10 cm H2O were associated with a decreased odds of ERT success, whereas children ages 1-5 years and an [Formula: see text] of 0.31-0.40 had increased odds of ERT success. CONCLUSIONS: ERT pass rates decreased as ventilator support increased; however, some subjects were able to pass ERT despite high ventilator support. We found that [Formula: see text] was associated with ERT success and that protocols should consider using [Formula: see text] instead of PEEP thresholds for ERT eligibility. Cyanotic lesions were not associated with ERT success, which suggests that patients with cyanotic heart disease can be included in ERT protocols.

Defining the Time-limited Trial for Patients with Critical Illness: An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report.

In critical care, the specific, structured approach to patient care known as a "time-limited trial" has been promoted in the literature to help patients, surrogate decision makers, and clinicians navigate consequential decisions about life-sustaining therapy in the face of uncertainty. Despite promotion of the time-limited trial approach, a lack of consensus about its definition and essential elements prevents optimal clinical use and rigorous evaluation of its impact. The objectives of this American Thoracic Society Workshop Committee were to establish a consensus definition of a time-limited trial in critical care, identify the essential elements for conducting a time-limited trial, and prioritize directions for future work. We achieved these objectives through a structured search of the literature, a modified Delphi process with 100 interdisciplinary and interprofessional stakeholders, and iterative committee discussions. We conclude that a time-limited trial for patients with critical illness is a collaborative plan among clinicians and a patient and/or their surrogate decision makers to use life-sustaining therapy for a defined duration, after which the patient's response to therapy informs the decision to continue care directed toward recovery, transition to care focused exclusively on comfort, or extend the trial's duration. The plan's 16 essential elements follow four sequential phases: consider, plan, support, and reassess. We acknowledge considerable gaps in evidence about the impact of time-limited trials and highlight a concern that if inadequately implemented, time-limited trials may perpetuate unintended harm. Future work is needed to better implement this defined, specific approach to care in practice through a person-centered equity lens and to evaluate its impact on patients, surrogates, and clinicians.

An Overview of Data Management in Human Subjects Research.

Research studies generate data in various forms. Data can be quantitative or qualitative. Research involving human subjects requires protection of data to ensure privacy. Various regulations and local policies need to be followed to ensure data security. Data management plans are critical for effective data stewardship and include details plan on data collection, management, storage, and formatting. This paper will review data collection tools, data security strategies, file management, data storage, government regulations, prepping data for analysis, reference management, and file management.

Moving From Abstract to Manuscript.

Research is often presented at scientific conferences in abstract form. Unfortunately, a large percentage of abstracts are never published as a full manuscript, but having a strong department process for research can increase the number of abstracts published as manuscripts. Publishing as a full manuscript is critical to the advancement of science due to the rigor of the peer review process. This manuscript covers common reasons abstracts are not published as manuscripts, tips to overcome mistakes, how to respond to reviewer comments, and specific tips to avoid flaws in each manuscript section.

Noninvasive Ventilation or CPAP for Postextubation Support in Small Infants.

BACKGROUND: Infants with a high risk of extubation failure are often treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or CPAP, but data on the role of these support modalities following extubation are sparse. This report describes our experience using NIV or CPAP to support infants following extubation in our pediatric ICUs (PICUs). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of children < 10 kg receiving postextubation NIV or CPAP in our PICUs. Data on demographics, medical history, type of support, vital signs, pulse oximetry, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), gas exchange, support settings, and re-intubation were extracted from the electronic medical record. Support was classified as prophylactic if planned before extubation and rescue if initiated within 24 h of extubation. We compared successfully extubated and re-intubated subjects using chi-square test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. RESULTS: We studied 51 subjects, median age 44 (interquartile range 0.5-242) d and weight 3.7 (3-4.9) kg. There were no demographic differences between groups, except those re-intubated were more likely to have had cardiac surgery prior to admission (0% vs 14%, P = .040). NIV was used in 31 (61%) and CPAP in 20 (39%) subjects. Prophylactic support was initiated in 25 subjects (49%), whereas rescue support was needed in 26 subjects (51%). Twenty-two subjects (43%) required re-intubation. Re-intubation rate was higher for rescue support (58% vs 28%, P = .032). Subjects with a pH < 7.35 (4.3% vs 42.0%, P = .003) and lower somatic NIRS (39 [24-56] vs 62 [46-72], P = .02) were more likely to be re-intubated. The inspiratory positive airway pressure, expiratory positive airway pressure, and FIO2 were higher in subjects who required re-intubation. CONCLUSIONS: NIV or CPAP use was associated with a re-intubation rate of 43% in a heterogeneous sample of high-risk infants. Acidosis, cardiac surgery, higher FIO2 , lower somatic NIRS, higher support settings, and application of rescue support were associated with the need for re-intubation.

Characteristics, Identification, Training, and Perception of Leaders in Respiratory Care.

BACKGROUND: Leadership is critical to high-functioning teams; however, data are lacking for what defines successful respiratory therapist (RT) leadership. Leaders need a wide range of skills to be successful, although the exact characteristics, behaviors, and accomplishments of successful RT leaders are unknown. We performed a survey of respiratory care leaders to evaluate different aspects of RT leadership. METHODS: We developed a survey of RT leaders to examine respiratory care leadership in a variety of professional settings. Different aspects of leadership and the relationships between perceptions of leadership and well-being were assessed. Data analysis was descriptive. RESULTS: We received 124 responses, with a response rate of 37%. Respondents had a median 22 y of RT experience, and 69% were in leadership positions. The most-important skills identified for potential leaders were critical thinking (90%) and people skills (88%). Self-initiated projects (82%), intradepartmental education (71%), and precepting (63%) were noted accomplishments. Reasons for exclusion from leadership included poor work ethic (94%), dishonesty (92%), difficulty getting along with others (89%), unreliable (90%), and not being a team player (86%). Most respondents (77%) agreed American Association for Respiratory Care membership be a requirement for leadership; however, 31% required membership. Integrity (71%) was noted consistently as a characteristic of successful leaders. There was no consensus for behaviors of successful versus unsuccessful leaders or what defines successful leadership. Ninety-five percent of leaders had received some leadership training. Respondents reported that well-being is affected by leadership, departmental culture, peers, and leaders with burnout; 34% of respondents felt people with burnout received good support at their institution, whereas 61% felt maintaining well-being is left to individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Critical thinking and people skills were the most-important skills for potential leaders. Limited consensus existed on characteristics, behaviors, and defined success of leaders. Most respondents agreed leadership influences well-being.

Association Between Dead Space to Tidal Volume Ratio and Duration of Respiratory Support After Extubation in Critically Ill Children.

BACKGROUND: The dead-space-to-tidal-volume ratio (VD/VT) has been used to successfully predict extubation failure in children who are critically ill. However, a singular reliable measure to predict the level and duration of respiratory support after liberation from invasive mechanical ventilation has remained elusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between VD/VT and the duration of postextubation respiratory support. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of subjects who were mechanically ventilated and admitted to a single-center pediatric ICU between March 2019 and July 2021, and who had been extubated with a recorded VD/VT. A cutoff of 0.30 was chosen a priori, with subjects divided into 2 groups, VD/VT < 0.30 and VD/VT ≥ 0.30, and postextubation respiratory support was recorded at specified time intervals (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d, and 14 d). RESULTS: We studied 54 subjects. Those with VD/VT ≥ 0.30 had a significantly longer median (interquartile range) duration of respiratory support after extubation (6 [3-14] d vs 2 [0-4] d; P = .001) and longer median (interquartile range) ICU stay (14 [12-19] d vs 8 [5-22] d; P = .046) versus the subjects with VD/VT < 0.30. The distribution of respiratory support did not differ significantly between VD/VT at the time of extubation (P = .13) or at 14 d after extubation (P = .21) but was significantly different during the intervening time points after extubation (24 h [P = .01], 48 h [P < .001], 72 h [P < .001], and 7 d [P = .02]). CONCLUSIONS: VD/VT was associated with the duration and level of respiratory support needed after extubation. Prospective studies are needed to establish if VD/VT can successfully predict the level of respiratory support after extubation.

How to Write an Abstract for Presentation at a Scientific Meeting.

Presenting research at scientific meetings is an important part of the dissemination of research findings. Abstracts are an abbreviated form of a research study presented at a meeting of a professional society. Common elements include background, methods, results, and conclusions. Each section should be carefully written to maximize the chances of acceptance. This paper will cover how to write an abstract for a presentation at a scientific meeting and common mistakes that authors make when writing abstracts.

Barriers to Respiratory Care Research in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory therapists (RTs) are in a unique position to positively impact patient outcomes through respiratory care research. Research plays a key role in evidence-based medicine; however, few RTs perform and publish research. Identification of barriers experienced by RTs may help increase RT-driven research. Thus, we aimed to identify barriers and research interests for RTs. METHODS: American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) members were invited to anonymously complete a survey via an electronic link posted on AARC Connect. Survey domains included research training, experience, reasons for doing research, important respiratory topics, and barriers to conduct research. RESULTS: Responses from 82 surveys were analyzed. The majority were female (56%), and most had a graduate degree (61%), with a mean working experience of 25.3 ± 13.6 y. Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The desire to improve patient outcomes was the top-ranked reason for doing research. Most received research training through a graduate-level program (56%), but few had a formal research mentor (26%). Clinical research (67%) and quality improvement (63%) were the most common types of research. Data collection was the most common research role (51%). Invasive ventilation, advanced monitoring, and airway clearance were identified as the most important research topics. The primary barriers for RTs to conduct research were lack of protected time for research, opportunities to participate, training, departmental support, and mentorship. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of time, resources, and opportunities were identified as the primary barriers to RT research, and many RTs have not received formal research training. Resources such as formal mentorship, funding, and protected time may help increase RT participation in research.

Getting Started in Research: The Role of Mentorship, Forming the Team, and Developing a Process.

Research is critical to providing scientifically sound treatments in respiratory care. Getting started in research requires mentorship to develop the skills required for success. Teamwork is integral to successful research programs. There are many roles that can be filled by members of the research team, and most researchers begin by assisting experienced researchers. Supporting data demonstrate that having a formal process for research can improve the quality of research produced by departments. This article will review how to get started in research, including the importance of mentorship, roles that can be filled by team members, and how to develop a process for research.