Practical approach to inhaled sedation in the critically ill patient. Sedation, analgesia and Delirium Working Group (GTSAD) of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC).

The use of sedatives in Intensive Care Units (ICU) is essential for relieving anxiety and stress in mechanically ventilated patients, and it is related to clinical outcomes, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay in the ICU. Inhaled sedatives offer benefits such as faster awakening and extubation, decreased total opioid and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMB) doses, as well as bronchodilator, anticonvulsant, and cardiopulmonary and neurological protective effects. Inhaled sedation is administered using a specific vaporizer. Isoflurane is the recommended agent due to its efficacy and safety profile. Inhaled sedation is recommended for moderate and deep sedation, prolonged sedation, difficult sedation, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), status asthmaticus, and super-refractory status epilepticus. By offering these significant advantages, the use of inhaled sedatives allows for a personalized and controlled approach to optimize sedation in the ICU.

Epidemiology of adverse events in Intensive Medicine units.

The severity of the critically ill patient, the practice of diagnostic procedures and invasive treatments, the high number of drugs administered, a high volume of data generated during the care of the critically ill patient along with a technical work environment, the stress and workload of work of professionals, are circumstances that favor the appearance of errors, turning Intensive Medicine Services into risk areas for adverse events to occur. Knowing their epidemiology is the first step to improve the safety of the care we provide to our patients, because it allows us to identify risk areas, analyze them and develop strategies to prevent the adverse events, or if this is not possible, be able to manage them. This article analyzes the main studies published to date on incidents related to safety in the field of critically ill patients.

The human factor and ergonomics in Patient Safety.

The human condition is linked to error in any activity that is performed, and the healthcare world is no exception. The origin of human error does not lie within the perversity of human nature, instead, it has its origins in latent failures in the healthcare environment and is a consequence of the processes and procedures applied. The science of the Human Factor deals with the application of knowledge to people (capabilities, characteristics and limitations), with the design and the management of the equipment they use and with the environments in which they work and the activities they carry out. Part of the Human Factor are the non-technical skills. These skills greatly influence people's behavior and, therefore, their performance and the quality of healthcare in a very complex socio-technical system.

Seguimiento Funcional hasta Seis Meses después de Sobrevivir a Cuidados Intensivos: Lecciones aprendidas de un Estudio Chileno Multicéntrico / Functional follow-up six months after surviving intensive care: lessons learned from a Chilean multicenter study

Introducción. Las tasas de retención en los estudios de seguimiento oscilan entre el 32 y 100%, demostrando el desafío que implica realizar estudios longitudinales de sobrevivientes de la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Objetivo. Identificar las estrategias implementadas y lecciones aprendidas en un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de seguimiento de sobrevivientes de la UCI durante la pandemia. Métodos. Estudio post-hoc de las lecciones aprendidas mediante encuestas y entrevistas dirigidas a explorar la experiencia de los investigadores y coordinadores del estudio IMPACCT COVID-19, realizado en siete centros chilenos entre octubre 2020 y abril 2021 evaluando el síndrome post-cuidados intensivos de sobrevivientes hasta seis meses después. Resultados. Identificamos ocho lecciones: 1) selección de instrumentos de medición, 2) identificación de centros participantes, 3) aprobación del estudio, 4) financiamiento, 5) capacitación de evaluadores, 6) coordinación/aseguramiento de calidad, 7) reclutamiento y 8) seguimiento de pacientes. Incluso durante el primer año de pandemia, reclutamos 252 pacientes a una tasa de 1,4 pacientes/día con una retención del 48% a los 6 meses de seguimiento. El uso de redes académicas existentes y las estrategias de comunicación entre investigadores, coordinadores y evaluadores fueron aspectos positivos; mientras que la fidelización con evaluadores al egreso de la UCI y con pacientes durante el seguimiento son aspectos que deberían considerarse en futuros estudios. Conclusiones. Se evaluaron más de 250 pacientes en seis meses durante la pandemia, con tasas de retención post UCI acorde a la literatura. Futuros estudios debiesen optimizar los procesos de medición y de seguimiento para minimizar la pérdida de pacientes.

Background. Retention rates of follow-up studies range from 32 to 100%, demonstrating the challenge to conduct longitudinal studies of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Objective. To identify the strategies implemented and lessons learned in a multicenter prospective follow-up study of ICU survivors during pandemic times. Methods. Post-hoc study of lessons learned through surveys and interviews aimed at exploring the experience of the researchers and coordinators of the IMPACCT COVID-19 study. The original study was performed in seven Chilean sites between October 2020 and April 2021 evaluating the post-intensive care syndrome of survivors up to six-month follow-up. Results. We identified eight lessons: 1) selection of measurement instruments, 2) identification of participating sites, 3) Study approval, 4) funding, 5) evaluators training, 6) coordination/quality assurance, 7) recruitment, and 8) patient follow-up. Even during the first year of the pandemic, we recruited 252 patients at a rate of 1.4 patients/day with a retention rate of 48% at 6 months of follow-up. The use of existing academic networks and communication strategies between researchers, coordinators and evaluators were positive aspects; while evaluators fidelity at ICU discharge and patient engagement during follow-up are aspects should be considered. Conclusions. More than 250 patients were evaluated in six months during the pandemic, with post-ICU retention rates consistent with the literature. Future studies should optimize measurement and monitoring processes to minimize patient atrition.

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de pacientes graves con infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad durante la COVID-19

Introducción: los pacientes graves requieren ingreso en las unidades de cuidados intensivos por infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad. Objetivo: caracterizar, desde el punto de vista clínico y epidemiológico, a los pacientes graves con infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad durante la COVID-19. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, de serie de casos, en el periodo comprendido desde el 1ero de septiembre de 2020 hasta el 31 de enero de 2022. Se incluyeron a 277 pacientes. Se obtuvieron variables epidemiológicas y clínicas. El análisis estadístico se basó en medidas de resumen de la estadística descriptiva y de asociación. Resultados: el 52,7 % de los pacientes correspondieron al sexo femenino. La media de la edad fue 40,2 años (IC 95 %: 37,8-42,4). El Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) medio se estimó en 11, 8 (IC 95 %: 9,7-12,2). La escala Secuencial Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) promedio fue de 1,8 (IC 95 %:1,4-2,2). El 31,7 % de los pacientes fueron hipertensos y 19,4 % diabéticos. La infección intraabdominal fue la localización principal (52,7 %), seguida de la neumonía (34,7 %). El 98,7 % tenía antimicrobianos al ingreso y el 26,3 % ventilación mecánica artificial. Conclusiones: los pacientes se caracterizan en su mayoría por pertenecer al sexo femenino, estar en la cuarta década de la vida, desarrollar alteraciones de sus sistemas fisiológicos y disfunción de órganos y tener hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus; infección intraabdominal o neumonía, así como requerir tratamiento con antimicrobianos, ventilación mecánica invasiva y drogas vasoactivas.

Introduction: critically ill patients require admission to intensive care units due to community-acquired infections. Objective: to characterize, from a clinical and epidemiological point of view, critical ill patients with community-acquired infections during COVID-19. Results: 52.7% of the patients were female. The mean age was 40.2 years (95% CI: 37.8-42.4). The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) was estimated at 11.8 (95% CI: 9.7-12.2). The mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scale was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.4-2.2). 31.7% of the patients were hypertensive and 19.4% diabetic. Intra-abdominal infection was the main location (52.7%), followed by pneumonia (34.7%). 98.7% had antimicrobials on admission and 26.3% had artificial mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: the patients are mostly characterized by being female, being in the fourth decade of life, developing alterations in their physiological systems and organ dysfunction, and having high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus; intra-abdominal infection or pneumonia as well as requiring treatment with antimicrobials, invasive mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs.

Introdução: pacientes críticos necessitam de internação em unidades de terapia intensiva devido a infecções adquiridas na comunidade. Objetivo: caracterizar, do ponto de vista clínico e epidemiológico, pacientes graves com infecções comunitárias durante a COVID-19. Métodos: estudo observacional, descritivo, de série de casos, no período de 1º de setembro de 2020 a 31 de janeiro de 2022. Foram incluídos 277 pacientes. Foram obtidas variáveis epidemiológicas e clínicas. A análise estatística baseou-se em medidas-resumo de estatística descritiva e de associação. Resultados: 52,7% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 40,2 anos (IC 95%: 37,8-42,4). A média do Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) foi estimada em 11,8 (IC 95%: 9,7-12,2). A média da escala Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) foi de 1,8 (IC 95%: 1,4-2,2). 31,7% dos pacientes eram hipertensos e 19,4% diabéticos. A infecção intra-abdominal foi a principal localização (52,7%), seguida de pneumonia (34,7%). 98,7% tinham antimicrobianos na admissão e 26,3% tinham ventilação mecânica artificial. Conclusões: a maioria dos pacientes é do sexo feminino, na quarta década de vida, desenvolve alterações de seus sistemas fisiológicos e disfunção orgânica, além de hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus; infecção intra-abdominal ou pneumonia, além de necessitar de tratamento com antimicrobianos, ventilação mecânica invasiva e drogas vasoativas.

Concordancia entre las ecuaciones de estimación del filtrado glomerular y el aclaramiento de creatinina en orina de 4horas en pacientes críticos con trauma grave / Concordance between glomerular filtration rate estimation equations and 4-hour urinary creatinine clearance in critically ill patients with severe trauma

Antecedentes y objetivo: Cada vez hay más estudios que evidencian que las ecuaciones utilizadas para conocer la tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada (TFGe) no son adecuadas para los pacientes críticos en los que se producen continuas variaciones del filtrado glomerular (FG). El método más práctico para aproximarse al estudio del FG es el cálculo del aclaramiento de creatinina (ClCr) en periodos de recogida de orina variables. El objetivo del estudio fue observar el comportamiento de las ecuaciones empleadas para estimar el filtrado glomerular cuando se aplican a la subpoblación de pacientes críticos ingresados por trauma grave y comparar el ClCr en orina recogida en un periodo de 4horas (ClCr-4h). Material y métodos: Estudio observacional que incluye pacientes ingresados por trauma grave. Se calculó el ClCr-4h y se determinó la TFGe mediante las ecuaciones de Cockcroft-Gault, Jelliffe modificada, MDRD, t-MDRD y CKD-EPI. Los resultados se expresan referidos a superficie corporal (ml/min/1,73m2). Los análisis se realizaron con el software estadístico R versión 4.0.4. Resultados: Se incluyeron 85 pacientes. La edad mediana de los pacientes fue de 51años; 68 pacientes fueron varones (78,82%). El ClCr-4h ajustado a superficie corporal (ClCr-4h ml/min/1,73m2) medio fue de 84,5ml/min/1,73m2. Hallamos correlación estadísticamente significativa de ClCr-4h/1,73m2 con la TFGe por t-MDRD. Para ClCr-4h/1,73m2 mayores de 130ml/min/m2 la ecuación de Cockcroft-Gault identifica a los pacientes correctamente de una forma estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: El cálculo de ClCr en el entorno de UCI proporciona datos fiables del FG, no siendo adecuado el uso de ecuaciones estimativas.(AU)

Background and objective: There is a growing body of evidence that the equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not suitable in critically ill patients, a population whose GFR fluctuates continuously. Glomerular filtration is usually estimated by measuring urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) at various time points. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the most widely used GFR calculators in the subpopulation of critically ill patients admitted for severe trauma, and to compare the results against determinations of CrCl in urine collected over a 4-hour period (4h-CrCl). Material and methods: Observational study in patients hospitalized for severe trauma. We measured the 4h-CrCl and estimated GFR using the Cockcroft-Gault, modified Jelliffe, MDRD, t-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, adjusting the results for body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/1.73m2). Data were analysed using R version 4.0.4. Results: A total of 85 patients were included. Median age was 51years, and 68 were men (78.82%). The mean BSA-adjusted 4h-CrCl (4h-ClCr/1.73m2) was 84.5ml/min/1.73m2. We found that GFR estimated using the t-MDRD equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2. The Cockcroft-Gault equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2 when GFR was greater than 130ml/min/m2. Conclusions: In ICU patients, glomerular filtration can be reliably estimated by determining urine CrCl, but GFR calculators are not accurate in this population.(AU)

Concordance between glomerular filtration rate estimation equations and 4-hour urinary creatinine clearance in critically ill patients with severe trauma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is a growing body of evidence that the equations used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are not suitable in critically ill patients, a population whose GFR fluctuates continuously. Glomerular filtration is usually estimated by measuring urine creatinine clearance (CrCl) at various time points. The aim of our study was to evaluate the performance of the most widely used GFR calculators in the subpopulation of critically ill patients admitted for severe trauma, and to compare the results against determinations of CrCl in urine collected over a 4-h period (4h-CrCl). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study in patients hospitalized for severe trauma. We measured the 4h-CrCl and estimated GFR using the Cockcroft-Gault, modified Jelliffe, MDRD, t-MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations, adjusting the results for body surface area (BSA) (ml/min/1.73m2). Data were analysed using R version 4.0.4. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were included. Median age was 51 years, and 68 were men (78.82%). The mean BSA-adjusted 4h-CrCl (4h-ClCr/1.73m2) was 84.5 ml/min/1.73m2. We found that GFR estimated using the t-MDRD equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2. The Cockcroft-Gault equation correlated significantly with 4h-CrCl/1.73m2 when GFR was greater than 130ml/min/m2. CONCLUSIONS: In ICU patients, glomerular filtration can be reliably estimated by determining urine CrCl, but GFR calculators are not accurate in this population.

Debilidad neuromuscular del paciente crítico post covid-19: resultados de recuperación funcional en dos centros de tercer nivel / Neuromuscular weakness in the critically post COVID-19 patient: functional recovery results in two third-level Centers

Resumen Introducción : La efectividad de las terapias de reha bilitación física sobre los pacientes que requirieron ven tilación mecánica prolongada y egresaron de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) con debilidad neuromuscular post COVID-19 se conoce principalmente en el perio do agudo. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la recuperación funcional en personas con debilidad neuromuscular post UCI por COVID-19 admitidas a rehabilitación. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a 42 pa cientes con debilidad neuromuscular post COVID-19, de dos centros de rehabilitación de tercer nivel, desde abril de 2020 hasta abril de 2022. Resultados : Encontramos diferencias estadísticamen te significativas entre las valoraciones funcionales de ingreso y alta. La Medida de Independencia Funcional (FIM) mejoró de 49 [41-57] a 107 [94-119] (p < 0.001). La escala de Berg de 4 [1-6] a 47 [36-54] (p < 0.001), el test de 6 minutos de 0 [0-0] a 254 [167-400] (p < 0.001), y el test de 10 metros de 0 [0-0] a 0.83 [0.4-1.2] (p < 0.001). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la puntuación total al ingreso y al alta de las evaluaciones funcionales con la edad y la complejidad respiratoria. Discusión : El tratamiento para la recuperación fun cional en un centro de tercer nivel y larga duración, sería beneficioso para personas con grave debilidad neuromuscular post UCI a causa del COVID-19, a pesar que el 43% no alcanzó el nivel de movilidad previo. La edad y la complejidad respiratoria son variables que no impactaron en la recuperación final.

Abstract Introduction : The effectiveness of physical rehabi litation therapies on patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation and were discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with post-COVID-19 neuro muscular weakness is known in the acute period. The objective of this study was to characterize the functional recovery in people hospitalized with post-ICU neuro muscular weakness due to COVID-19 admitted to rehab. Methods : Retrospective study which included 42 patients with post-COVID-19 neuromuscular weakness, who were admitted to two tertiary care rehabilitation centers, from April 2020 to April 2022. Results : We found statistically significant differen ces between the functional evaluations of admission and discharge. The Functional Independence Measure improved from 49 [41-57] a 107 [94-119] (p < 0.001). The Berg scale from 4 [1-6] a 47 [36-54] (p < 0.001), the 6-mi nute test from 0 [0-0] a 254 [167-400] (p < 0.001), and 421 the 10-meter test from 0 [0-0] a 0.83 [0.4-1.2] (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences bet ween the admission and discharge total score of the functional assessments with age and respiratory com plexity. Discussion : Treatment for functional recovery in a tertiary and long-term center is beneficial for people with severe post-ICU neuromuscular weakness due to COVID-19, even though 43% did not reach the previous level of mobility. Age and respiratory complexity are variables that did not impact the final recovery.

Role of ultrasound in acute respiratory failure and in the weaning of mechanical ventilation.

Comprehensive ultrasound assessment has become an essential tool to facilitate the diagnosis and therapeutic management of critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). There is evidence supporting the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, pneumonia and acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and in patients with COVID-19. In addition, in recent years, the use of ultrasound to evaluate responses to treatment in critically ill patients with ARF has been developed, providing a noninvasive tool for titrating positive end-expiratory pressure, monitoring recruitment maneuvers and response to prone position, as well as for facilitating weaning from mechanical ventilation. The objective of this review is to summarize the basic concepts on the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis and monitoring of critically ill patients with ARF.

Impact of the “Zero Resistance” program on acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria in patients admitted to Intensive Care Units in Spain. A prospective, intervention, multimodal, multicenter study / Impacto del Proyecto “Resistencia Zero” en la adquisición de bacterias multirresistentes en pacientes ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en España. Estudio de intervención, multimodal y multicéntrico

Objective To assess the impact of a multimodal interventional project (“Zero Resistance”) on the acquisition of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR-B) during the patient’s ICU stay. Design Prospective, open-label, interventional, multicenter study. Setting 103 ICUs. Patients Critically ill patients admitted to the ICUs over a 27-month period. Interventions Implementation of a bundle of 10 recommendations to prevent emergence and spread of MDR-B in the ICU. Main variable of interest Rate of patients acquiring MDR-B during their ICU stay, with differentiation between colonization and infection. Results A total of 139,505 patients were included. In 5409 (3.9%) patients, 6020 MDR-B on ICU admission were identified, and in 3648 (2.6%) patients, 4269 new MDR-B during ICU stay were isolated. The rate of patients with MDR-B detected on admission increased significantly (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.31–1.56) (p<0.001) during the study period, with an increase of 32.2% between the initial and final monthly rates. On the contrary, the rate of patients with MDR-B during ICU stay decreased non-significantly (IRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83–1.03) (p=0.174), with a 24.9% decrease between initial and final monthly rates. According to the classification into colonization or infection, there was a highly significant increase of MDR-B colonizations detected on admission (IRR 1.69, 95% CI 1.52–1.83; p<0.0001) and a very significant decrease of MDR-B-infections during ICU stay (IRR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57–0.80, p<0.0001). Conclusions The implementation of ZR project-recommendations was associated with a significantly reduction an infection produced by MDR-B acquired during the patient’s ICU stay (AU)

Objetivo Evaluar el impacto de un proyecto de intervención multimodal (“Resistencia Zero”, RZ) en la adquisición de bacterias multirresistentes (BMR) durante la estancia en UCI. Diseño Estudio prospectivo, abierto, intervencionista, multicéntrico. Ámbito 103 UCI. Pacientes Pacientes críticos ingresados en UCI, durante un período de 27 meses. Intervenciones Implementación de un paquete de 10 recomendaciones para prevenir la aparición y propagación de BMR en UCI. Principal variable de interés Tasa de pacientes que adquieren BMR durante su estancia en UCI, diferenciando entre colonización e infección. Resultados Se incluyeron 139.505 pacientes. En 5.409(3,9%), se identificaron 6.020 BMR al ingreso y en 3.648(2,6%), se aislaron 4.269 nuevas BMR durante la estancia en UCI. La tasa de pacientes con BMR detectadas al ingreso aumentó significativamente (IRR 1,43, IC 95% 1,31–1,56) (p<0,001) durante el periodo de estudio, con un incremento del 32,2% entre las tasas mensuales inicial y final. Por el contrario, la tasa de pacientes con BMR detectadas durante la estancia en UCI disminuyó, no significativamente (IRR 0,93, IC 95% 0,83–1,03) (p=0,174), con una disminución del 24,9% entre las tasas mensuales iniciales y finales. Según la clasificación en colonización o infección, hubo un aumento significativo de colonizaciones por BMR detectadas al ingreso (IR 1,69, IC 95% 1,52–1,83; p<0,0001) y una disminución significativa de infecciones producidas por BMR adquiridas durante la estancia en UCI (IR 0,67, IC 95% 0,57–0,80, p<0,0001). Conclusiones La implementación de las recomendaciones del proyecto RZ se asoció con una reducción significativa de pacientes con infecciones por BMR adquiridas en UCI (AU)

Feeding intolerance during prolonged prone position in overweight and obese patients with severe COVID-19 / Intolerancia a la alimentación durante el prono prolongado en pacientes con COVID-19 y sobrepeso y obesidad

Objective: the aim of this study was to compare the incidence rate of feeding intolerance (FI) during supine (SP) or prone positioning (PP) in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients with overweight or obesity who received enteral nutrition (EN) in prone or supine positioning continuously during the first five days of mechanical ventilation. Nutritional risk, anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed at the first 24 hours upon Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Biochemical and clinical variables (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II], Acute Kidney Injury [AKI] or comorbidities diagnosis) were collected. Pharmacotherapy (prokinetics, sedatives or neuromuscular blocking agents) and FI incidence (gastric residual volume [GRV] ≥ 200 ml or ≥ 500 ml, vomiting or diarrhea) were daily recorded. Constipation was defined as the absence of evacuation for five consecutive days. Results: eighty-two patients were included. Higher rate of prophylactic prokinetic prescription was observed in PP (42.8 vs 12.5 %, p = 0.002). GRV ≥ 200 in supine position was not different when compared to PP (p = 0.47). Vomiting episodes in supine compared to PP showed no difference between groups (15 % vs 24 %, p = 0.31). No differences in diarrhea events were detected (10 % vs 4.7 %, p = 0.36). Constipation was common in both groups (95 % vs 82 %, p = 0.06). Conclusion: FI during prone position was not different in comparison to supine position. Routinely use of prokinetics in continuous prone position may help to prevent FI incidence. Algorithm development is necessary for FI prevention and treatment so to avoid EN interruptions and adverse clinical outcomes. (AU)

Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de intolerancia a la alimentación entre pacientes críticos en posición supino (PS) o prono (PP). Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes bajo ventilación mecánica por distrés respiratorio por COVID-19 y sobrepeso y obesidad, quienes recibieron nutrición enteral (NE) en PP o PS. Se evaluaron riesgo nutricional, mediciones antropométricas y composición corporal en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Se recolectaron variables bioquímicas y clínicas (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II], lesión renal aguda y otras comorbilidades). Se registró el esquema de farmacoterapia prescrita durante los primeros cinco días (procinéticos, sedantes y bloqueadores neuromusculares). Se evaluó la incidencia de intolerancia a la alimentación, definida como la presencia de residuo gástrico (RG) ≥ 200 o ≥ 500 ml, vómito, diarrea o estreñimiento. Resultados: fueron incluidos 82 pacientes. Se observó una mayor prescripción de procinéticos como terapia profiláctica en PP (42,8 vs. 12,5 %, p = 0,002). No se observaron diferencias en RG ≥ 200 ml (p = 0,47) ni vómito (p = 0,31) entre ambos grupos. No se observaron diferencias en episodios de diarrea (10 % en PS vs. 4,7 % en PP, p = 0,36). El estreñimiento fue común en ambos grupos de estudio (95 vs. 82 %, p = 0,06). Conclusiones: la PP no se relaciona con una mayor incidencia de intolerancias a la alimentación. El uso rutinario de procinéticos durante la PP continua puede ayudar a prevenir la incidencia de dichas intolerancias. Es necesario el desarrollo de algoritmos para la prevención y tratamiento de las intolerancias a la alimentación para evitar interrupciones en la NE y desenlaces no deseables. (AU)

Feeding intolerance during prolonged prone position in overweight and obese patients with severe COVID-19.

Introduction: Objective: the aim of this study was to compare the incidence rate of feeding intolerance (FI) during supine (SP) or prone positioning (PP) in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients with overweight or obesity who received enteral nutrition (EN) in prone or supine positioning continuously during the first five days of mechanical ventilation. Nutritional risk, anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed at the first 24 hours upon Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Biochemical and clinical variables (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II], Acute Kidney Injury [AKI] or comorbidities diagnosis) were collected. Pharmacotherapy (prokinetics, sedatives or neuromuscular blocking agents) and FI incidence (gastric residual volume [GRV] ≥ 200 ml or ≥ 500 ml, vomiting or diarrhea) were daily recorded. Constipation was defined as the absence of evacuation for five consecutive days. Results: eighty-two patients were included. Higher rate of prophylactic prokinetic prescription was observed in PP (42.8 vs 12.5 %, p = 0.002). GRV ≥ 200 in supine position was not different when compared to PP (p = 0.47). Vomiting episodes in supine compared to PP showed no difference between groups (15 % vs 24 %, p = 0.31). No differences in diarrhea events were detected (10 % vs 4.7 %, p = 0.36). Constipation was common in both groups (95 % vs 82 %, p = 0.06). Conclusion: FI during prone position was not different in comparison to supine position. Routinely use of prokinetics in continuous prone position may help to prevent FI incidence. Algorithm development is necessary for FI prevention and treatment so to avoid EN interruptions and adverse clinical outcomes.

Introducción: Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de intolerancia a la alimentación entre pacientes críticos en posición supino (PS) o prono (PP). Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes bajo ventilación mecánica por distrés respiratorio por COVID-19 y sobrepeso y obesidad, quienes recibieron nutrición enteral (NE) en PP o PS. Se evaluaron riesgo nutricional, mediciones antropométricas y composición corporal en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). Se recolectaron variables bioquímicas y clínicas (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA], Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II], lesión renal aguda y otras comorbilidades). Se registró el esquema de farmacoterapia prescrita durante los primeros cinco días (procinéticos, sedantes y bloqueadores neuromusculares). Se evaluó la incidencia de intolerancia a la alimentación, definida como la presencia de residuo gástrico (RG) ≥ 200 o ≥ 500 ml, vómito, diarrea o estreñimiento. Resultados: fueron incluidos 82 pacientes. Se observó una mayor prescripción de procinéticos como terapia profiláctica en PP (42,8 vs. 12,5 %, p = 0,002). No se observaron diferencias en RG ≥ 200 ml (p = 0,47) ni vómito (p = 0,31) entre ambos grupos. No se observaron diferencias en episodios de diarrea (10 % en PS vs. 4,7 % en PP, p = 0,36). El estreñimiento fue común en ambos grupos de estudio (95 vs. 82 %, p = 0,06). Conclusiones: la PP no se relaciona con una mayor incidencia de intolerancias a la alimentación. El uso rutinario de procinéticos durante la PP continua puede ayudar a prevenir la incidencia de dichas intolerancias. Es necesario el desarrollo de algoritmos para la prevención y tratamiento de las intolerancias a la alimentación para evitar interrupciones en la NE y desenlaces no deseables.

[Controversy 2: Enteral nutrition care in critical patients]. / Controversia 2. Cuidados de la nutrición enteral en el paciente crítico.

Introduction: Controversy 2: Enteral nutrition care in critical patients.

Introducción: Controversia 2. Cuidados de la nutrición enteral en el paciente crítico.

[El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (I)]. / El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (I).

Introduction: El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (I).

Introducción: El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (I).

[The challenge of assessing a patient's nutritional status and its evolution during treatment. From critical patients to outpatients (II)]. / El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (II).

Introduction: The challenge of assessing a patient's nutritional status and its evolution during treatment. From critical patients to outpatients (II).

Introducción: El reto de evaluar la situación nutricional de los pacientes y su evolución durante el tratamiento. Desde el paciente crítico hasta el paciente ambulatorio (II).

Hipoalbuminemia y riesgo de muerte en pacientes críticos en una unidad polivalente

Introducción: La hipoalbuminemia se puede desarrollar en las primeras horas posteriores a una enfermedad aguda y está muy relacionada con un estado inflamatorio activo, independientemente del estado nutricional del paciente. Se ha asociado con la mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con complicaciones postquirúrgicas, pacientes con sepsis y trauma. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre los niveles de hipoalbuminemia y el riesgo de mortalidad del paciente crítico en una unidad polivalente. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de serie de casos, con 216 pacientes que ingresaron en la unidad. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio y se aplicó el índice pronóstico APACHE II. Se determinó la concentración de albúmina al ingreso y se clasificó la hipoalbuminemia en leve (30-35 g/L) y moderada/grave (≤ 30 g/L). Resultados: En el estudio fallecieron 28 pacientes, lo que representó un 13 % del total de pacientes ingresados. La albúmina presentó niveles bajos en 118 pacientes (54,6 %), y de estos, 66 (56 %) presentaron cifras inferiores a los 30 g/L; o sea, una hipoalbuminemia moderada o grave. Los pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave tuvieron un riesgo de muerte superior (23,5 %) a aquellos con niveles clasificados como leve (15,3 %), diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,034); y en el grupo de pacientes con hipoalbuminemia moderada- grave falleció el 67 %, en relación con el 33 % de los pacientes con niveles clasificados como leve. Conclusiones: La hipoalbuminemia moderada-grave se asocia con el riesgo de mortalidad, independientemente del diagnóstico al ingreso.

Introduction: Hypoalbuminemia can develop in the first hours after an acute illness, and is closely related to an active inflammatory state, regardless of the patient's nutritional status. It has been associated with hospital mortality in patients with post-surgical complications, patients with sepsis and trauma. Objective: To evaluate the association between hypoalbuminemia level and the risk of mortality in critically ill patients in a polyvalent unit. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective, case series study, with 216 patients admitted to the unit. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed and the APACHE II prognostic score was applied. Albumin concentration is calculated on admission and hypoalbuminemia is classified as mild (30-35 g/L) and moderate/severe (≤ 30 g/L). Results: In the study, 28 patients died, which represented 13% of the total number of patients admitted. Albumin levels were low in 118 patients (54.6%), and of these 66 patients (56%) were classified as hypoalbuminemia moderate/severe, with albumin values below 30 g/L. Patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia had a higher risk of death (23.5%) than those patients with levels classified as mild (15.3%), a statistically significant difference (p= 0.034); and in the group of patients with moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia, 67% died, in relation to 33% of patients with levels classified as mild. Conclusions: Moderate-severe hypoalbuminemia is associated with mortality risk, regardless of admission diagnosis.

Eficacia de la tromboprofilaxis con heparina de bajo peso molecular en pacientes críticos con COVID-19: estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico / Effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin in critically ill patients with COVID-19. An observational prospective, multicenter study

Introducción: Los pacientes COVID-19 presentan una coagulopatía caracterizada por una elevada incidencia de complicaciones tromboembólicas. Ante la controversia existente sobre el manejo de la tromboprofilaxis, se llevó a cabo un estudio con el objetivo de analizar el efecto de las diferentes dosis de heparina de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) utilizadas en los pacientes críticos con COVID-19. Material y métodos: Se evaluaron datos del Reg-COVID-19. Se compararon 2 grupos de pacientes según la dosis de HBPM administrada: profilaxis y tratamiento. El objetivo primario fue determinar si había relación de la dosis de HBPM con la mortalidad. Los objetivos secundarios incluyeron la incidencia de eventos trombóticos y hemorrágicos, la duración de la estancia en la UCI, la ventilación mecánica invasiva y los parámetros trombóticos e inflamatorios. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 720 pacientes, 258 en el grupo de profilaxis y 462 en el de tratamiento. La proteína C reactiva, la ventilación mecánica invasiva y el tratamiento con tocilizumab o corticosteroides se relacionaron con la elección de la dosis de HBPM. La incidencia de complicaciones hemorrágicas (66/720, 9,2%) y trombóticas (69/720, 9,6%) fue similar en ambos grupos, al igual que el curso temporal de los eventos trombóticos, que ocurrieron antes que los hemorrágicos (9 [3-18] y 12 [6-19] días, respectivamente). La mortalidad fue menor en el grupo de profilaxis (25,2 frente al 35,1%), pero al aplicar un modelo de ponderación de probabilidad inversa, no se encontraron diferencias entre los grupos. Conclusión: No se encontraron efectos beneficiosos ni perjudiciales relacionados con la administración de dosis profilácticas o terapéuticas de HBPM en pacientes críticos COVID-19, con una tasa similar de complicaciones hemorrágicas o trombóticas. A partir de estos resultados, consideramos que son necesarios más estudios para determinar el protocolo óptimo de tromboprofilaxis en estos pacientes.(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 induces coagulopathy associated with an increase of thromboembolic events. Due to the lack of agreement on recommendations for thromboprophylactic management, the aim of this study was to study the dosages of LMWH used in critically ill COVID-19 patients assessing the effect on their outcome. Metohds: We evaluated data of the Reg-COVID19. According to LMWH dose two groups were analyzed: prophylaxis and treatment. Primary outcome was the relationship of LMWH dosage with mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic and bleeding events, length of ICU stay, invasive mechanical ventilation, and thrombotic and inflammatory parameters. Results: Data of 720 patients were analyzed, 258 in the prophylaxis group and 462 in the treatment group. C Reactive Protein, invasive mechanical ventilation, tocilizumab and corticosteroid treatments were related with the choice of LMWH dose. Hemorrhagic events (66/720, 9.2%) and thrombotic complications (69/720, 9.6%) were similar in both groups (P=.819 and P=.265), as was the time course of the thrombotic events, earlier than hemorrhagic ones (9 [3-18] and 12 [6-19] days respectively). Mortality was lower in prophylaxis group (25.2% versus 35.1%), but once an inverse probability weighting model was applied, we found no effect of LMWH dose. Conclusion: We found no benefit or harm with the administration of therapeutic or prophylactic LMWH dose in COVID19 critically ill patients. With a similar rate of hemorrhagic or thrombotic events, the LMWH dose had no influence on mortality. More studies are needed to determine the optimal thromboprophylaxis protocol for critically ill patients.(AU)

Effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin in critically ill patients with COVID-19. An observational prospective, multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 induces coagulopathy associated with an increase of thromboembolic events. Due to the lack of agreement on recommendations for thromboprophylactic management, the aim of this study was to study the dosages of LMWH used in critically ill COVID-19 patients assessing the effect on their outcome. METHODS: We evaluated data of the Reg-COVID19. According to LMWH dose two groups were analyzed: prophylaxis and treatment. Primary outcome was the relationship of LMWH dosage with mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic and bleeding events, length of ICU stay, invasive mechanical ventilation, and thrombotic and inflammatory parameters. RESULTS: Data of 720 patients were analyzed, 258 in the prophylaxis group and 462 in the treatment group. C Reactive Protein, invasive mechanical ventilation, tocilizumab and corticosteroid treatments were related with the choice of LMWH dose. Hemorrhagic events (66/720, 9.2%) and thrombotic complications (69/720, 9.6%) were similar in both groups (p = .819 and p = .265), as was the time course of the thrombotic events, earlier than hemorrhagic ones (9 [3-18] and 12 [6-19] days respectively). Mortality was lower in prophylaxis group (25.2% versus 35.1%), but once an inverse probability weighting model was applied, we found no effect of LMWH dose. CONCLUSION: We found no benefit or harm with the administration of therapeutic or prophylactic LMWH dose in COVID19 critically ill patients. With a similar rate of hemorrhagic or thrombotic events, the LMWH dose had no influence on mortality. More studies are needed to determine the optimal thromboprophylaxis protocol for critically ill patients.