Deglución post extubación de pacientes críticos con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19 durante la pandemia / Post extubation swallowing in critical patients with and without COVID-19 during the pandemic

Estudios previos han caracterizado la disfagia en pacientes críticos hospitalizados que requieren intubación y ventilación mecánica invasiva. A raíz de la pandemia COVID-19 es necesario conocer las características deglutorias de pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad para su manejo. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características deglutorias de pacientes críticos extubados con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con una muestra a conveniencia de 43 sujetos mayores de 15 años, ingresados al Hospital San Juan de Dios (Santiago, Chile) entre el 01 de junio y el 31 de agosto de 2020, intubados con o sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. Del total de sujetos, 22 padecieron de COVID-19 quienes estuvieron significativamente más días intubados que aquellos sin la patología (p=0,002). Inmediatamente posterior a la extubación orotraqueal, más del 90% de la muestra presentó disfagia. No hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS ni asociación significativa en el grado de severidad de la disfagia entre sujetos con y sin COVID-19. Tampoco hubo diferencia significativa en el nivel FILS entre los grupos a los 10 días post-extubación. El nivel FILS a los 10 días aumentó significativamente en aquellos sujetos con COVID-19 (p=0,016) y sin COVID-19 (p=0,004). En la muestra, el nivel FILS y grado de severidad de la disfagia de los pacientes con y sin COVID-19 no mostraron diferencias estadísticas, siendo alto el porcentaje de disfagia en ambos grupos, lo que se podría asociar a la intubación orotraqueal y al tubo orotraqueal. Es necesaria la incorporación del fonoaudiólogo dentro de los equipos de Unidades de Pacientes Críticos para el manejo de los pacientes con COVID-19 y disfagia. Además, se recomienda continuar con más estudios en el área.

Previous research have described the deglutition disorders in critical hospitalised patients who required intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the pandemic context, it is mandatory to study both level and grade of dysphagia in patients suffering from COVID-19. The aim of this study is to analyse the deglutition features of extubated critical patients with and without COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study was performed, considering a convenience sample of 43 patients from 15 years old hospitalised at 'Hospital San Juan de Dios' between June 1st and August 31th 2020, who were intubated, with and without the diagnosis of COVID-19. 22of out 43 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 who were intubated for significantly more days in comparison with those without COVID-19 (p=.002). After the intratracheal extubation, 90% of the sample was diagnosed with dysphagia. There was no significant difference in the FILS score nor significant association in dysphagia severity between patients with and without COVID-19. After 10 days post extubation, there was no significant difference in the FILS score between both groups. The FILS score increased significantly in the COVID-19 (p=.016) and non-COVID-19 (p=.004) patients after 10 days post extubation. Post extubation, there are no statistical differences in the FILS score and dysphagia severity in critical ill patients with and without COVID-19, with a high percentage of dysphagia in both groups which could be associated with intratracheal intubation and endotracheal tubes. The incorporation of speech and language therapists in Critical Care Units is mandatory. Furthermore, it is recommended to perform extra research in the area.

Center-Level Procedure Volume Does Not Predict Failure-to-Rescue After Severe Complications of Oncologic Colon and Rectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between hospital surgical volume and outcome after colorectal cancer surgery has thoroughly been studied. However, few studies have assessed hospital surgical volume and failure-to-rescue (FTR) after colon and rectal cancer surgery. The aim of the current study is to evaluate FTR following colorectal cancer surgery between clinics based on procedure volume. METHODS: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery in Sweden from January 2015 to January 2020 were recruited through the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The primary endpoint was FTR, defined as the proportion of patients with 30-day mortality after severe postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery. Severe postoperative complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3. FTR incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated comparing center volume stratified in low-volume (≤ 200 cases/year) and high-volume centers (> 200 cases/year), as well as with an alternative stratification comparing low-volume (< 50 cases/year), medium-volume (50-150 cases/year) and high-volume centers (> 150 cases/year). RESULTS: A total of 23,351 patients were included in this study, of whom 2964 suffered severe postoperative complication(s). Adjusted IRR showed no significant differences between high- and low-volume centers with an IRR of 0.97 (0.75-1.26, p = 0.844) in high-volume centers in the first stratification and an IRR of 2.06 (0.80-5.31, p = 0.134) for high-volume centers and 2.15 (0.83-5.56, p = 0.116) for medium-volume centers in the second stratification. CONCLUSION: This nationwide retrospectively analyzed cohort study fails to demonstrate a significant association between hospital surgical volume and FTR after colorectal cancer surgery. Future studies should explore alternative characteristics and their correlation with FTR to identify possible interventions for the improvement of quality of care after colorectal cancer surgery.

Hospital academic status is associated with failure-to-rescue after colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Failure-to-rescue is a quality indicator measuring the response to postoperative complications. The current study aims to compare failure-to-rescue in patients suffering severe complications after surgery for colorectal cancer between hospitals based on their university status. METHODS: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery from January 2015 to January 2020 in Sweden were included through the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry in the current study. Severe postoperative complications were defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥3. Failure-to-rescue incidence rate ratios were calculated comparing university versus nonuniversity hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 23,351 patients were included in this study, of whom 2,964 suffered severe postoperative complication(s). University hospitals had lower failure-to-rescue rates with an incidence rate ratios of 0.62 (0.46-0.84, P = .002) compared with nonuniversity hospitals. There were significantly lower failure-to-rescue rates in almost all types of severe postoperative complications at university than nonuniversity hospitals. CONCLUSION: University hospitals have a lower risk for failure-to-rescue compared with nonuniversity hospitals. The exact mechanisms behind this finding are unknown and warrant further investigation to identify possible improvements that can be applied to all hospitals.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified with oral manifestation: a case report / Linfoma periférico de células T no especificado con manifestación oral: reporte de caso

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Not Otherwise Specified it is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin t-cells malignant tumor whose oral manifestations are difficult to diagnose. A case of a 48-year-old male with a hemi-maxillary lesion histological and immunohistochemically compatible with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma not otherwise specified is presented. A case of a 48-year-old male with a hemi-maxillary lesion histological and immunohistochemically compatible with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma not otherwise specified is presented. The patient treatment consisted of chemotherapy, but after the second cycle, died from immunosuppressive complications. Early stage diagnosis of oral lesions is imperative to avoid aggressive treatment and low overall survival rate of such pathologies.

Introducción: El linfoma periférico de células T no especificado es un tipo raro de tumor maligno no Hodgkin de células T cuyas manifestaciones orales son difíciles de diagnosticar. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 48 años con lesión hemimaxilar histológica e inmunohistoquímicamente compatible con linfoma periférico de células T no especificado. El tratamiento del paciente consistió en quimioterapia, pero después del segundo ciclo, falleció por complicaciones inmunosupresoras. El diagnóstico temprano de las lesiones orales es imperativo para evitar un tratamiento agresivo y la baja tasa de supervivencia.

Progression of regional lung strain and heterogeneity in lung injury: assessing the evolution under spontaneous breathing and mechanical ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Protective mechanical ventilation (MV) aims at limiting global lung deformation and has been associated with better clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. In ARDS lungs without MV support, the mechanisms and evolution of lung tissue deformation remain understudied. In this work, we quantify the progression and heterogeneity of regional strain in injured lungs under spontaneous breathing and under MV. METHODS: Lung injury was induced by lung lavage in murine subjects, followed by 3 h of spontaneous breathing (SB-group) or 3 h of low Vt mechanical ventilation (MV-group). Micro-CT images were acquired in all subjects at the beginning and at the end of the ventilation stage following induction of lung injury. Regional strain, strain progression and strain heterogeneity were computed from image-based biomechanical analysis. Three-dimensional regional strain maps were constructed, from which a region-of-interest (ROI) analysis was performed for the regional strain, the strain progression, and the strain heterogeneity. RESULTS: After 3 h of ventilation, regional strain levels were significantly higher in 43.7% of the ROIs in the SB-group. Significant increase in regional strain was found in 1.2% of the ROIs in the MV-group. Progression of regional strain was found in 100% of the ROIs in the SB-group, whereas the MV-group displayed strain progression in 1.2% of the ROIs. Progression in regional strain heterogeneity was found in 23.4% of the ROIs in the SB-group, while the MV-group resulted in 4.7% of the ROIs showing significant changes. Deformation progression is concurrent with an increase of non-aerated compartment in SB-group (from 13.3% ± 1.6% to 37.5% ± 3.1%), being higher in ventral regions of the lung. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous breathing in lung injury promotes regional strain and strain heterogeneity progression. In contrast, low Vt MV prevents regional strain and heterogeneity progression in injured lungs.

Linfoma Extranodal de Células T/NK en Cavidad Oral. Reporte de un Caso en Chile / Extranodal Lymphoma of T / NK Cells in Oral Cavity. Case Report in Chile

RESUMEN: El linfoma extranodal de células T/NK es una neoplasia maligna agresiva que se caracteriza por una destrucción de estructuras de la línea media de la cara como paladar y fosa nasal. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, 48 años de edad, consumidor de cocaína, que consulta en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile en Septiembre del 2015 por síntomas de disfagia, rinorrea y que presenta al examen clínico un tumor ulcerado que compromete paladar duro y blando, de un mes de evolución. Se confirma diagnóstico de linfoma de células T/NK con una batería de pruebas inmunohistoquímicas. Esta patología, aunque infrecuente, siempre debe ser considerada dentro los diagnósticos diferenciales en tumores ulcerados en esta localización.

ABSTRACT: Extranodal T / NK cell lymphoma is an aggressive malignant neoplasm characterized by destruction of midline structures of the face such as the palate and nasal fossa. We present the case of a male patient, 48 years old, cocaine user, who consults at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Universidad de Chile in September of 2015 due to symptoms of dysphagia, rhinorrhea and presenting to the clinical examination an ulcerated tumor which compromises hard and soft palate, a month of evolution. Diagnosis of T / NK cell lymphoma is confirmed with a battery of immunohistochemical tests. This pathology, although infrequent, should always be considered within the differential diagnoses in ulcerated tumors of this location.

Mapping regional strain in anesthetised healthy subjects during spontaneous ventilation.

Introduction: Breathing produces a phenomenon of cyclic deformation throughout life. Biomechanically, deformation of the lung is measured as strain. Regional strain recently started to be recognised as a tool in the study of lung pathophysiology, but regional lung strain has not been studied in healthy subjects breathing spontaneously without voluntary or pharmacological control of ventilation. Our aim is to generate three-dimensional (3D) regional strain and heterogeneity maps of healthy rat lungs and describe their changes over time. Methods: Micro-CT and image-based biomechanical analysis by finite element approach were carried out in six anaesthetised rats under spontaneous breathing in two different states, at the beginning of the experiment and after 3 hours of observation. 3D regional strain maps were constructed and divided into 10 isovolumetric region-of-interest (ROI) in three directions (apex to base, dorsal to ventral and costal to mediastinal), allowing to regionally analyse the volumetric strain, the strain progression and the strain heterogeneity. To describe in depth these parameters, and systematise their report, we defined regional strain heterogeneity index [1+strain SD ROI(x)]/[1+strain mean ROI(x)] and regional strain progression index [ROI(x)-mean of final strain/ROI(x)-mean of initial strain]. Results: We were able to generate 3D regional strain maps of the lung in subjects without respiratory support, showing significant differences among the three analysed axes. We observed a significantly lower regional volumetric strain in the apex sector compared with the base, with no significant anatomical systematic differences in the other directions. This heterogeneity could not be identified with physiological or standard CT methods. There was no progression of the analysed regional volumetric strain when the two time-points were compared. Discussion: It is possible to map the regional volumetric strain in the lung for healthy subjects during spontaneous breathing. Regional strain heterogeneity and changes over time can be measured using a CT image-based numerical analysis applying a finite element approach. These results support that healthy lung might have significant regional strain and its spatial distribution is highly heterogeneous. This protocol for CT image acquisition and analysis could be a useful tool for helping to understand the mechanobiology of the lung in many diseases.

Evaluation of connected clonal growth of Solidago chilensis as an avoidance mechanism in copper-polluted soils.

Plant resistance to metals can be achieved by two strategies, tolerance and avoidance. Although metal tolerance has been broadly studied in terrestrial plants, avoidance has been less considered as a strategy to cope with soil metal pollution. Avoidance may be an effective alternative in herbaceous plants with connected clonal growth in environments having high heterogeneity in soil micro-spatial distribution of available metals and other soil conditions (i.e. organic matter). In this study, we performed a laboratory experiment on clonal growth of Solidago chilensis when exposed to copper-spiked soils (800 mg kg-1) at different depths (0, 2, 5 and 8 cm depth), with (20%) and without addition of organic matter to mimic contrasting microhabitats found at smelter hinterlands (i.e. open bare ground and microhabitats below shrubs). Results showed that plants grown in the 2 cm-depth Cu-spiked soils were able to growth and produce ramets and rhizomes. However, increased Cu uptake of plants determined phytotoxic effects and a reduction in clonal spread in the 5 cm- and 8 cm-depth Cu-spiked soils. Addition of organic matter to the Cu-spiked soil layers allowed clonal spread. Considering that ramet and rhizome production is decreased but not inhibited when copper pollution is restricted to the uppermost soil layer (2 cm depth) and that organic matter eliminated soil copper toxicity allowing normal clonal spread, connected clonal growth may be an effective avoidance mechanism of Solidago chilensis, particularly in environments with high heterogeneity in micro-spatial distribution of metals and organic matter in the soil profile and between microhabitats.

Renal Decapsulation Prevents Intrinsic Renal Compartment Syndrome in Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Physiologic Approach.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury is a serious complication with unacceptably high mortality that lacks of specific curative treatment. Therapies focusing on the hydraulic behavior have shown promising results in preventing structural and functional renal impairment, but the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Our goal is to assess the effects of renal decapsulation on regional hemodynamics, oxygenation, and perfusion in an ischemic acute kidney injury experimental model. METHODS: In piglets, intra renal pressure, renal tissue oxygen pressure, and dysoxia markers were measured in an ischemia-reperfusion group with intact kidney, an ischemia-reperfusion group where the kidney capsule was removed, and in a sham group. RESULTS: Decapsulated kidneys displayed an effective reduction of intra renal pressure, an increment of renal tissue oxygen pressure, and a better performance in the regional delivery, consumption, and extraction of oxygen after reperfusion, resulting in a marked attenuation of acute kidney injury progression due to reduced structural damage and improved renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggest that renal decapsulation prevents the onset of an intrinsic renal compartment syndrome after ischemic acute kidney injury.

Violencia policial y afrontamiento: crecimiento postraumático en pobladores de una comunidad aislada del sur de Chile / Police Violence and Coping: Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Isolated of Southern Chile

En Puerto Aysén, a inicios del año 2012, se realizaron manifestaciones sociales en pro del mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de sus habitantes que fueron duramente reprimidas por una inusitada fuerza policial enviada desde la capital, Santiago de Chile. El presente estudio evaluó la influencia de la participación social en las asambleas, las marchas y actividades de resistencia, la experiencia de compartir socialmente con otros, la severidad subjetiva del evento y diversas estrategias de afrontamiento, sobre el crecimiento postraumático, en 301 habitantes adultos de dicha localidad. Los resultados muestran que quienes participaron en manifestaciones y actividades de resistencia, compartieron su experiencia con otras personas, usaron estrategias de afrontamiento como la búsqueda de apoyo instrumental, afrontamiento activo, religiosidad y negación, entre otras, presentaron mayores niveles de crecimiento postraumático. A continuación, se presentan los datos y las implicancias de dichos hallazgos.

This study assessed the influence of social participation in assemblies, marches and resistance activities, social sharing experience with other; subjective severity of the event and coping strategies on posttraumatic growth in 301 adult residents Puerto Aysen, where at the beginning of 2012, were performed social manifestations to improve their quality of life and were harshly repressed by an unusual police force sent from the capital, Santiago de Chile. The results show that people who participated in manifestations and resistance activities, socially shared, used strategies of seeking instrumental support, active coping, religiosity and denial, among others, had higher levels of posttraumatic growth. Then we present the data and the implications of these findings.

Liquid extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal: use of THAM (tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane) coupled to hemofiltration to control hypercapnic acidosis in a porcine model of protective mechanical ventilation.

A promising approach to facilitate protective mechanical ventilation is the use of extracorporeal CO2 removal techniques. Several strategies based on membrane gas exchangers have been developed. However, these techniques are still poorly available. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of THAM infusion coupled to hemofiltration for the management of hypercapnic acidosis. A severe respiratory acidosis was induced in seven anesthetized pigs. Five of them were treated with THAM 8-mmol·kg(-1)·h(-1) coupled to hemofiltration (THAM+HF group) at 100 mL·kg(-1)·h(-1). After 18-hours of treatment the THAM infusion was stopped but hemofiltration was kept on until 24-hours. The 2 other animals were treated with THAM but without hemofiltration. After 1-hour of treatment in THAM+HF, PaCO2 rapidly decreased from a median of 89.0 (IQR) (80.0, 98.0) to 71.3 (65.8, 82.0) mmHg (P<0.05), while pH increased from 7.12 (7.01, 7.15) to 7.29 (7.27, 7.30) (P<0.05). Thereafter PaCO2 remained stable between 60-70 mmHg, while pH increased above 7.4. After stopping THAM at 18 hours of treatment a profound rebound effect was observed with severe hypercapnic acidosis. The most important side effect we observed was hyperosmolality, which reached a maximum of 330 (328, 332) mOsm·kg H2O(-1) at T18. The animals treated only with THAM developed severe hypercapnia, despite the fact that pH returned to normal values, and died after 12 hours. Control-group had an uneven evolution until the end of the experiment. A combined treatment with THAM coupled to hemofiltration may be an effective treatment to control severe hypercapnic acidosis.

[Early determinants of acute kidney injury during experimental intra-abdominal sepsis]. / Determinantes precoces en el desarrollo de injuria renal aguda durante la sepsis abdominal experimental.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is an early and frequent organ dysfunction, associated with increased mortality. AIM: To evaluate the impact of macrohemodynamic and microcirculatory changes on renal function and histology during an experimental model of intra-abdominal sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 18 anaesthetized pigs, catheters were installed to measure hemodynamic parameters in the carotid, right renal and pulmonary arteries. After baseline assessment and stabilization, animals were randomly divided to receive and intra-abdominal infusion of autologous feces or saline. Animals were observed for 18 hours thereafter. RESULTS: In all septic animals, serum lactate levels increased, but only eight developed AKI (66%). These animals had higher creatinine and interleukin-6 levels, lower inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance (decreased glomerular filtration and renal plasma flow), and a negative lactate uptake. Septic animals with AKI had lower values of mean end arterial pressure, renal blood flow and kidney perfusion pressure, with an associated increase in kidney oxygen extraction. No tubular necrosis was observed in kidney histology. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in renal blood flow and renal perfusion pressure were the main mechanisms associated with AKI, but were not associated with necrosis. Probably other mechanisms, such as microcirculatory vasoconstriction and inflammation also contributes to AKI development.

Determinantes precoces en el desarrollo de injuria renal aguda durante la sepsis abdominal experimental / Early determinants of acute kidney injury during experimental intra-abdominal sepsis

Background: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is an early and frequent organ dysfunction, associated with increased mortality. Aim: To evaluate the impact of macrohemodynamic and microcirculatory changes on renal function and histology during an experimental model of intra-abdominal sepsis. Material and Methods: In 18 anaesthetized pigs, catheters were installed to measure hemodynamic parameters in the carotid, right renal and pulmonary arteries. After baseline assessment and stabilization, animals were randomly divided to receive and intra-abdominal infusion of autologous feces or saline. Animals were observed for 18 hours thereafter. Results: In all septic animals, serum lactate levels increased, but only eight developed AKI (66%). These animals had higher creatinine and interleukin-6 levels, lower inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance (decreased glomerular filtration and renal plasma flow), and a negative lactate uptake. Septic animals with AKI had lower values of mean end arterial pressure, renal blood flow and kidney perfusion pressure, with an associated increase in kidney oxygen extraction. No tubular necrosis was observed in kidney histology. Conclusions: The reduction in renal blood flow and renal perfusion pressure were the main mechanisms associated with AKI, but were not associated with necrosis. Probably other mechanisms, such as microcirculatory vasoconstriction and inflammation also contributes to AKI development.

The renal compartment: a hydraulic view.

BACKGROUND: The hydraulic behavior of the renal compartment is poorly understood. In particular, the role of the renal capsule on the intrarenal pressure has not been thoroughly addressed to date. We hypothesized that pressure and volume in the renal compartment are not linearly related, similar to other body compartments. METHODS: The pressure-volume curve of the renal compartment was obtained by injecting fluid into the renal pelvis and recording the rise in intrarenal pressure in six anesthetized and mechanically ventilated piglets, using a catheter Camino 4B® inserted into the renal parenchyma. RESULTS: In healthy kidneys, pressure has a highly nonlinear dependence on the injected volume, as revealed by an exponential fit to the data (R (2) = 0.92). On the contrary, a linear relation between pressure and volume is observed in decapsulated kidneys. We propose a biomechanical model for the renal capsule that is able to explain the nonlinear pressure-volume dependence for moderate volume increases. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented experimental evidence and a theoretical model that supports the existence of a renal compartment. The mechanical role of the renal capsule investigated in this work may have important implications in elucidating the role of decompressive capsulotomy in reducing the intrarenal pressure in acutely injured kidneys.