High-Flow Nasal Cannula and Standard Oxygen in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The evidence regarding benefits of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients with COVID-19 is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HFNC in comparison with standard oxygen therapy on the frequency of endotracheal intubation at 28 d in subjects with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: A retrospective, age- and sex-matched-paired, cohort study was conducted in subjects with moderate-to-severe AHRF. Intervention group was treated with HFNC, and control group was treated with standard oxygen therapy. Baseline characteristics and clinical evolution were analyzed. Mantel-Haenszel test was used for categorical variables. Paired samples Wilcoxon test was used for quantitative variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using conditional multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Eighty-four subjects were included. The median time from admission to progression of oxygen therapy to FIO2 ≥ 0.5 or HFNC was 1 (interquartile range [IQR] 0-3) d. PaO2 /FIO2 at the time of oxygen therapy progression showed a median of 150.5 (IQR 100.0-170.0) for the entire sample and was lower in HFNC group compared with control group (median 135 [IQR 96-162] vs median 158 [IQR 132-174], respectively, P = .02). Endotracheal intubation at 28 d was observed in 54.8% HFNC and 73.8% standard oxygen (unadjusted odds ratio 0.38 [95% CI 0.13-1.07], P = .069). In the multivariate analysis, presence of dyspnea at hospital admission, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and PaO2 /FIO2 at time of progression of oxygen therapy to FIO2 ≥ 0.5 was identified as confounding factors for the association between the intervention group and the outcome. Use of HFNC was not an independent predictor of endotracheal intubation frequency after adjusting confounders (odds ratio 0.26 [95% CI 0.04-1.51], P = .13). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HFNC therapy in subjects with AHRF secondary to COVID-19 was not an independent predictor of endotracheal intubation, compared with standard oxygen therapy, after adjusting for confounders.

Tissue Doppler Imaging and strain rate of the left atrial lateral wall: age related variations and comparison with parameters of diastolic function.

BACKGROUND: Strain Rate Imaging (SRI) is one of the most used techniques to study left atrial (LA) and diastolic function. Its availability in low-income countries is diminished since it requires additional expensive software, among other limitations. In contrast, Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is widely available and easy to use. We hypothesize TDI could detect changes in LA and diastolic function associated with age similarly to SRI. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of age on LA and diastolic function assessed by LA lateral wall TDI online by spectral pulse, and to compare them with age-related variations of LA SRI and other parameters of diastolic function in a population of healthy adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one healthy adults were prospectively evaluated. In apical four - chamber view the LA lateral wall was divided in three portions. Peak velocities of basal and mid portions were measured with TDI online by spectral pulse and with SRI by speckle tracking. A first positive wave (S'la and SRS) and two negative waves (E'la and SRE, and A'la and SRA respectively) were obtained. E'la/A'la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed. The distribution of the variables by age subgroups was described and analyzed. Correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: The median age was 42 years old and 54.9% were female. E'la/A'la showed a negative good correlation with age. E'la/A'la and SRE/SRA ratios changed from > 1 to < 1 in the age group of 41-50 years old, while this occurred in the group of 51-60 years old for the E/A ratio. Lateral and septal mitral annulus E´ showed decrease with age and prolongation of E-wave deceleration time was observed in the age group over 61 years old. CONCLUSION: Normal values​​ according to age group of TDI of the LA lateral wall were obtained. Age-related changes in LA and diastolic function could be detected as early with TDI as with SRI. Future studies are required to explore if this method could be used to address in part LA or diastolic function in other populations with established cardiovascular disease or at risk of presenting it, which could be useful in low-income settings, where SRI is not available.

Tissue Doppler imaging of the atrial lateral wall: Correlation with atrial strain rate and parameters of diastolic function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the velocity profile of the lateral wall of the left atrium (LA) using pulsed-wave color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) on line and its correlation with two-dimensional strain rate imaging (SRI) by speckle tracking, of equal segments and phases, and other parameters of diastolic function in a population of individuals without known cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 91 adults aged 18-74 years, without cardiovascular history, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia or obesity, were evaluated. A Doppler echocardiogram was performed. The lateral wall of the LA was divided subjectively into three portions, the atrial roof was excluded; the peak velocities of the basal and midportions, and their average, were measured with pulsed-wave TDI on line and SRI. Using both techniques, a first positive wave (S'la and SRS-reservoir phase) and two negative waves (E'la and SRE-conduit phase-and A'la and SRA-atrial systole-respectively) were obtained. E'la/A'la ratio and SRE/SRA ratio were analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 42 years, and 54.9% of the subjects were female. S'la presented moderate correlation with S' lateral mitral annulus. Both E'la and the E'la/A'la relationships showed moderate to good correlation with various diastolic dysfunction parameters evaluated and SRI. A'la did not present a statistically significant correlation with any of the variables evaluated. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the lateral wall of the LA by pulsed-wave color TDI on line is feasible in the vast majority of patients. In the conduit phase, E'la and the E'la/A'la relationship showed correlation with the parameters that evaluate diastolic function and SRI.

Agresiones hacia profesionales en el ámbito de la salud / Assaults on professionals in healthcare settings

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de agresiones al personal sanitario en una red social de profesionales de la salud y caracterizar aspectos que profundicen su comprensión y el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención. Métodos. Se realizó una encuesta electrónica voluntaria y confidencial a través del sitio web IntraMed. Se analizó la frecuencia de agresiones verbales y físicas y su asociación con variables demográficas, ocupación, carrera, especialidad, eventuales consecuencias, percepción de inseguridad en el lugar de trabajo y propuestas para reducirla. Resultados. Se analizaron 19 967 encuestas. En 13 323 (66,7%), se refirieron agresiones. El 11,3% de las agresiones fueron físicas. El 73,4% ocurrieron en instituciones públicas, principalmente en áreas de emergencia. Los desencadenantes más frecuentes fueron la demora en la atención y la carencia de recursos. Se informó, en los agresores, intoxicación por alcohol o drogas en 13,8%, estado mental alterado por otra causa o enfermedad psiquiátrica en 13,9%, y en 63% no se detectó alteración de las facultades mentales. En 16,9% de los casos se informaron secuelas en los profesionales agredidos, en 7,9% secuelas físicas y en 28% de los lesionados suspensión temporaria de la actividad laboral. En 46,6% se refirió inseguridad en el lugar de trabajo y se sugirieron diversas medidas para reducirla, entre las que se destacó la educación comunitaria. Conclusiones. La violencia verbal o física hacia el personal de la salud resultó frecuente, con la consecuencia de secuelas laborales, psíquicas e incluso físicas. La información aportada por este estudio podría utilizarse para desarrollar estrategias orientadas a su prevención y control.

Objective. Determine the frequency of assaults on health workers and characterize aspects that deepen understanding and development of prevention strategies. Methods. A voluntary and confidential electronic survey was conducted through the IntraMed website, a social network of health professionals. Frequency of verbal and physical assaults was analyzed along with their association with demographic variables, occupation, career, specialty, potential consequences, perception of insecurity in the workplace, and proposals to reduce them. Results. A total of 19 967 surveys were analyzed, of which 13 323 (66.7%) described assaults. Assaults were physical in 11.3% of cases, and 73.4% occurred in public institutions, mainly in emergency areas. Delay in care and lack of resources were the most frequent triggers. Alcohol or drug intoxication was reported in 13.8% of aggressors, altered mental status from another cause or psychiatric illness in 13.9%, and no detected impairment of mental faculties in 63%. Of professionals attacked, 16.9% reported sequelae, 7.9% of which were physical, and 28% were temporarily unable to work. Insecurity in the workplace was described by 46.6% of respondents, who suggested various measures to reduce it, chief among them, community education Conclusions. Verbal and physical violence toward health workers was frequent, resulting in work-related, mental, and even physical sequelae. This study contributes information that could be used to develop strategies aimed at prevention and control of assaults.

Agresiones hacia profesionales en el ámbito de la salud / Assaults on professionals in healthcare settings

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de agresiones al personal sanitario en una red social de profesionales de la salud y caracterizar aspectos que profundicen su comprensión y el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica voluntaria y confidencial a través del sitio web IntraMed. Se analizó la frecuencia de agresiones verbales y físicas y su asociación con variables demográficas, ocupación, carrera, especialidad, eventuales consecuencias, percepción de inseguridad en el lugar de trabajo y propuestas para reducirla. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 19 967 encuestas. En 13 323 (66,7%), se refirieron agresiones. El 11,3% de las agresiones fueron físicas. El 73,4% ocurrieron en instituciones públicas, principalmente en áreas de emergencia. Los desencadenantes más frecuentes fueron la demora en la atención y la carencia de recursos. Se informó, en los agresores, intoxicación por alcohol o drogas en 13,8%, estado mental alterado por otra causa o enfermedad psiquiátrica en 13,9%, y en 63% no se detectó alteración de las facultades mentales. En 16,9% de los casos se informaron secuelas en los profesionales agredidos, en 7,9% secuelas físicas y en 28% de los lesionados suspensión temporaria de la actividad laboral. En 46,6% se refirió inseguridad en el lugar de trabajo y se sugirieron diversas medidas para reducirla, entre las que se destacó la educación comunitaria. CONCLUSIONES: La violencia verbal o física hacia el personal de la salud resultó frecuente, con la consecuencia de secuelas laborales, psíquicas e incluso físicas. La información aportada por este estudio podría utilizarse para desarrollar estrategias orientadas a su prevención y control.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the frequency of assaults on health workers and characterize aspects that deepen understanding and development of prevention strategies. METHODS: A voluntary and confidential electronic survey was conducted through the IntraMed website, a social network of health professionals. Frequency of verbal and physical assaults was analyzed along with their association with demographic variables, occupation, career, specialty, potential consequences, perception of insecurity in the workplace, and proposals to reduce them. RESULTS: A total of 19 967 surveys were analyzed, of which 13 323 (66.7%) described assaults. Assaults were physical in 11.3% of cases, and 73.4% occurred in public institutions, mainly in emergency areas. Delay in care and lack of resources were the most frequent triggers. Alcohol or drug intoxication was reported in 13.8% of aggressors, altered mental status from another cause or psychiatric illness in 13.9%, and no detected impairment of mental faculties in 63%. Of professionals attacked, 16.9% reported sequelae, 7.9% of which were physical, and 28% were temporarily unable to work. Insecurity in the workplace was described by 46.6% of respondents, who suggested various measures to reduce it, chief among them, community education CONCLUSIONS: Verbal and physical violence toward health workers was frequent, resulting in work-related, mental, and even physical sequelae. This study contributes information that could be used to develop strategies aimed at prevention and control of assaults.

[Assaults on professionals in healthcare settings]. / Agresiones hacia profesionales en el ámbito de la salud.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the frequency of assaults on health workers and characterize aspects that deepen understanding and development of prevention strategies. METHODS: A voluntary and confidential electronic survey was conducted through the IntraMed website, a social network of health professionals. Frequency of verbal and physical assaults was analyzed along with their association with demographic variables, occupation, career, specialty, potential consequences, perception of insecurity in the workplace, and proposals to reduce them. RESULTS: A total of 19 967 surveys were analyzed, of which 13 323 (66.7%) described assaults. Assaults were physical in 11.3% of cases, and 73.4% occurred in public institutions, mainly in emergency areas. Delay in care and lack of resources were the most frequent triggers. Alcohol or drug intoxication was reported in 13.8% of aggressors, altered mental status from another cause or psychiatric illness in 13.9%, and no detected impairment of mental faculties in 63%. Of professionals attacked, 16.9% reported sequelae, 7.9% of which were physical, and 28% were temporarily unable to work. Insecurity in the workplace was described by 46.6% of respondents, who suggested various measures to reduce it, chief among them, community education CONCLUSIONS: Verbal and physical violence toward health workers was frequent, resulting in work-related, mental, and even physical sequelae. This study contributes information that could be used to develop strategies aimed at prevention and control of assaults.

Predictores clínicos de no-reflujo en la angioplastia coronaria por infarto agudo de miocardio / Clinical Predictors of No-Reflow in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introducción El fenómeno de no-reflujo en el contexto de la angioplastia por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) es un hecho relativamente frecuente y asociado con peor pronóstico. La detección de variables clínicas vinculadas a este fenómeno antes del inicio del procedimiento podría ayudar a la adopción de medidas preventivas y por consiguiente a mejorar los resultados. Objetivo Determinar predictores clínicos de no-reflujo en el contexto de la angioplastia por IAM con elevación del segmento ST antes del inicio del procedimiento. Material y métodos Se analizaron 742 pacientes con IAM de < 12 horas de evolución tratados con angioplastia primaria. Se excluyeron los pacientes con flujo epicárdico TIMI 0 posintervención y se consideró no-reflujo a la presencia de flujo TIMI 1-2 posangioplastia inmediato en ausencia de lesión residual. Se analizaron variables demográficas, factores de riesgo coronario, antecedentes y demora al tratamiento. Se realizó un análisis multivariado por regresión logística múltiple para determinar el valor pronóstico independiente de las variables relacionadas con el no-reflujo. Resultados Se incluyeron 675 pacientes. Presentaron fenómeno de no-reflujo 119 pacientes (17,6%). Los pacientes con no-reflujo tenían mayor edad (60,8 ± 12 vs. 57,0 ± 11 años; p = 0,0001) y menor frecuencia de tabaquismo activo (58,8% vs. 67,8%; p = 0,03) y de antecedentes familiares (22,7% vs. 37,8%; p = 0,0007), sin diferencias significativas en el resto de los factores de riesgo coronario y antecedentes cardiovasculares. Se observó también con mayor frecuencia localización anterior del IAM (58,8% vs. 43,7%; p = 0,002), signos clínicos de insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso (17,6% vs. 10,1%; p = 0,01), así como mayor demora al tratamiento [240 (151-360) vs. 195 (120-302) minutos; p = 0,02]. El análisis multivariado determinó que los predictores independientes de no-reflujo fueron: edad > 60 años, localización anterior y demora al tratamiento > 3 horas. Conclusión La edad avanzada, la localización anterior y la demora al tratamiento resultaron predictores clínicos independientes de no-reflujo. La confirmación de estos hallazgos en estudios prospectivos permitiría implementar estrategias para prevenir su aparición y, eventualmente, mejorar los resultados clínicos a largo plazo.(AU)

Introduction The no-reflow phenomenon in the setting of primary coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is relatively common and is associated with adverse outcomes. The detection of clinical variables associated with this phenomenon before the procedure might help to adopt preventive measures and thus improve the results. Objective The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of the no-reflow phenomenon in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, prior to the procedure. Methods A total of 742 patients with AMI < 12 hours since onset of symptoms treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed. Patients with epicardial TIMI grade 0 flow after the procedure were excluded. No-reflow was considered as the presence of TIMI grade 1-2 flow immediately after the procedure in the absence of residual stenosis. Demographic variables, coronary risk factors, family history and delay to reperfusion were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent prognostic value of the variables associated with no-reflow. Results A total of 675 patients were included. The no-reflow phenomenon was present in 119 patients (17.6%). Patients with no-reflow were older (60.8 ± 12 vs. 57.0 ± 11 years; p = 0.0001) and had less prevalence of current smoking (58.8% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.03) and of previous history (22.7% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.0007), with no significant differences in the rest of coronary risk factors and history of cardiovascular disease. Anterior AMI (58.8% vs. 43.7%, p = 0.002), heart failure at admission (17.6% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.01) and delay to reperfusion (240 [151-360] vs. 195 [120-302] minutes, p=0.02) were more frequent in the no-reflow group. Multivariate analysis identified age > 60 years, anterior infarction and delay to reperfusion > 3 hours as independent predictors of no-reflow. Conclusion Advanced age, anterior infarction and delay to reperfusion were independent clinical predictors of no-reflow. The confirmation of these findings in prospective studies might allow the implementation of strategies to prevent this phenomenon and eventually improve the long-term clinical outcomes.(AU)

Predictores clínicos de no-reflujo en la angioplastia coronaria por infarto agudo de miocardio / Clinical Predictors of No-Reflow in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introducción El fenómeno de no-reflujo en el contexto de la angioplastia por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) es un hecho relativamente frecuente y asociado con peor pronóstico. La detección de variables clínicas vinculadas a este fenómeno antes del inicio del procedimiento podría ayudar a la adopción de medidas preventivas y por consiguiente a mejorar los resultados. Objetivo Determinar predictores clínicos de no-reflujo en el contexto de la angioplastia por IAM con elevación del segmento ST antes del inicio del procedimiento. Material y métodos Se analizaron 742 pacientes con IAM de < 12 horas de evolución tratados con angioplastia primaria. Se excluyeron los pacientes con flujo epicárdico TIMI 0 posintervención y se consideró no-reflujo a la presencia de flujo TIMI 1-2 posangioplastia inmediato en ausencia de lesión residual. Se analizaron variables demográficas, factores de riesgo coronario, antecedentes y demora al tratamiento. Se realizó un análisis multivariado por regresión logística múltiple para determinar el valor pronóstico independiente de las variables relacionadas con el no-reflujo. Resultados Se incluyeron 675 pacientes. Presentaron fenómeno de no-reflujo 119 pacientes (17,6%). Los pacientes con no-reflujo tenían mayor edad (60,8 ± 12 vs. 57,0 ± 11 años; p = 0,0001) y menor frecuencia de tabaquismo activo (58,8% vs. 67,8%; p = 0,03) y de antecedentes familiares (22,7% vs. 37,8%; p = 0,0007), sin diferencias significativas en el resto de los factores de riesgo coronario y antecedentes cardiovasculares. Se observó también con mayor frecuencia localización anterior del IAM (58,8% vs. 43,7%; p = 0,002), signos clínicos de insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso (17,6% vs. 10,1%; p = 0,01), así como mayor demora al tratamiento [240 (151-360) vs. 195 (120-302) minutos; p = 0,02]. El análisis multivariado determinó que los predictores independientes de no-reflujo fueron: edad > 60 años, localización anterior y demora al tratamiento > 3 horas. Conclusión La edad avanzada, la localización anterior y la demora al tratamiento resultaron predictores clínicos independientes de no-reflujo. La confirmación de estos hallazgos en estudios prospectivos permitiría implementar estrategias para prevenir su aparición y, eventualmente, mejorar los resultados clínicos a largo plazo.

Introduction The no-reflow phenomenon in the setting of primary coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is relatively common and is associated with adverse outcomes. The detection of clinical variables associated with this phenomenon before the procedure might help to adopt preventive measures and thus improve the results. Objective The aim of this study was to identify clinical predictors of the no-reflow phenomenon in the setting of percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, prior to the procedure. Methods A total of 742 patients with AMI < 12 hours since onset of symptoms treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed. Patients with epicardial TIMI grade 0 flow after the procedure were excluded. No-reflow was considered as the presence of TIMI grade 1-2 flow immediately after the procedure in the absence of residual stenosis. Demographic variables, coronary risk factors, family history and delay to reperfusion were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent prognostic value of the variables associated with no-reflow. Results A total of 675 patients were included. The no-reflow phenomenon was present in 119 patients (17.6%). Patients with no-reflow were older (60.8 ± 12 vs. 57.0 ± 11 years; p = 0.0001) and had less prevalence of current smoking (58.8% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.03) and of previous history (22.7% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.0007), with no significant differences in the rest of coronary risk factors and history of cardiovascular disease. Anterior AMI (58.8% vs. 43.7%, p = 0.002), heart failure at admission (17.6% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.01) and delay to reperfusion (240 [151-360] vs. 195 [120-302] minutes, p=0.02) were more frequent in the no-reflow group. Multivariate analysis identified age > 60 years, anterior infarction and delay to reperfusion > 3 hours as independent predictors of no-reflow. Conclusion Advanced age, anterior infarction and delay to reperfusion were independent clinical predictors of no-reflow. The confirmation of these findings in prospective studies might allow the implementation of strategies to prevent this phenomenon and eventually improve the long-term clinical outcomes.