Mortality Due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: Mortality due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major global health problem. Knowledge of epidemiological data on ARDS is crucial to design management, treatment strategies, and optimize resources. There is ample data regarding mortality of ARDS from high-income countries; in this review, we evaluated mortality due to ARDS in Latin America. DATA SOURCES: We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature databases from 1967 to March 2023. STUDY SELECTION: We searched prospective or retrospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials conducted in Latin American countries reporting ARDS mortality. DATA EXTRACTION: Three pairs of independent reviewers checked all studies for eligibility based on their titles and abstracts. We performed meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model. We performed sensitivity analyses including studies with low risk of bias and with diagnosis using the Berlin definition. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, time of publication (up to 2000 and from 2001 to present), and studies in which the diagnosis of ARDS was made using Pa o2 /F io2 less than or equal to 200 and regional variations. Subsequently, we performed meta-regression analyses. Finally, we graded the certainty of the evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 3315 articles identified, 32 were included (3627 patients). Mortality was 52% in the pooled group (low certainty of evidence). In the sensitivity analysis (according to the Berlin definition), mortality was 46% (moderate certainty of evidence). In the subgroup analysis mortality was 53% (randomized controlled trials), 51% (observational studies), 66% (studies published up to 2000), 50% (studies after 2000), 44% (studies with Pa o2 /F io2 ≤ 200), 56% (studies from Argentina/Brazil), and 40% (others countries). No variables were associated with mortality in the meta-regression. CONCLUSIONS: ARDS mortality in Latin America remains high, as in other regions. These results should constitute the basis for action planning to improve the prognosis of patients with ARDS (PROSPERO [CRD42022354035]).

Epidemiology of Tracheostomized Adult Patients Admitted to Specialized Weaning Centers After Acute COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on patients with COVID-19 referred to specialized weaning centers (SWCs) are sparse, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our aim was to describe clinical features, epidemiology, and outcomes of subjects admitted to SWCs in Argentina. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multi-center, observational study between July 2020-December 2021 in 12 SWCs. We collected demographic characteristics, laboratory results, pulmonary function, and dependence on mechanical ventilation at admission, decannulation, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and status at discharge. A multiple logistic model was built to predict home discharge. RESULTS: We enrolled 568 tracheostomized adult subjects after the acute COVID-19 phase who were transferred to SWCs. Age was 62 [52-71], males 70%, Charlson comorbidity index was 2 [0-3], and length of stay in ICU was 42 [32-56] d. Of the 315 ventilator-dependent subjects, 72.4% were weaned, 427 (75.2%) were decannulated, and 366 subjects (64.5%) were discharged home. The mortality rate was 6.0%. In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 0.30 [95% CI 0.16-0.56], P < .001), Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio 0.43 [95% CI 0.22-0.84], P < .01), mechanical ventilation duration in ICU (odds ratio 0.80 [95% CI 0.72-0.89], P < .001), renal failure (odds ratio 0.40 [95% CI 0.22-0.73], P = .003), and expiratory muscle weakness (odds ratio 0.35 [95% CI 0.19-0.62], P < .001) were independently associated with home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Most subjects with COVID-19 transferred to SWCs were weaned, achieved decannulation, and were discharged to home. Age, high-comorbidity burden, prolonged mechanical ventilation in ICU, renal failure at admission, and expiratory muscle weakness were inversely associated with home discharge.

[Predictors of weaning and mortality in prolonged mechanical ventilation ­ surviving survival]. / Predictores de desvinculación y mortalidad en ventilación mecánica prolongada-Sobrevivir al sobrevivir.

Objetive: to describe a sample of tracheostomized patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation who were admitted to a weaning center, to analyze their evolution and to determine the predictors of weaning failure from mechanical ventilation and of mortality. Design: Design: an observational and retrospective cohort study was carried out, in the period between January 2005 and December 2017. Setting: weaning and rehabilitation center. Patients: all tracheostomized patients requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted during the study period were included. Of 1027 patients admitted to the respiratory care service, a consecutive sample of 677 patients was analyzed. Main variables of interest: the main variables were mortality and weaning failure from mechanical ventilation. Results: : age older than 70 years (OR 1,461 95% CI 1,016-2,099), a cardiovascular history (OR 1,533 95% CI 1,050-2,237), admission due to respiratory disease (OR 1,538 95% CI 1,001-2,364) and presenting more than 105 days of hospitalization (OR 0,408 95% CI 0,261-0,637) were found as predictors of weaning failure. The predictors of mortality were, age over 70 years (OR 2,116 95% CI 1,491-3,004), history of cerebrovascular accident (OR 1,991 95% CI 1,255-3,158), admission to intensive care due to cardiorespiratory arrest (OR 5,821 95% CI 2,193-15,445) and presenting more than 64 days of hospitalization (OR 1, 63 95% CI 1,116-2,292). Conclusions: The data found in this study manage to describe factors associated with weaning and mortality of patients in a weaning and rehabilitation center.

Objetivos: describir una muestra de pacientes traqueostomizados con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica prolongada que ingresaron a un centro de desvinculación, analizar su evolución y determinar los predictores de fracaso de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y de mortalidad. Diseño: se realizó un estudio de cohorte observacional y retrospectivo, en el período comprendido entre enero del 2005 y diciembre del 2017. Ámbito: centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y de rehabilitación. Pacientes: se incluyeron a todos los pacientes traqueostomizados con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica, que ingresaron durante el periodo de estudio. De 1027 pacientes ingresados al servicio de cuidados respiratorios, se analizó una muestra consecutiva de 677 pacientes. Variables de interés principales: las variables principales fueron mortalidad y falla en la desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica. Resultados: Se encontraron como predictores del fracaso de la desvinculación la edad mayor a 70 años (OR 1.461 IC95% 1.016-2.099), tener antecedentes cardiovasculares (OR 1.533 IC95% 1.050-2.237), motivo de ingreso por afección respiratoria (OR 1.538 IC95% 1.001-2.364) y presentar más de 105 días de internación (OR 0.408 IC95% 0.261-0.637). Los predictores de mortalidad fueron, la edad mayor a 70 años (OR 2.116 IC95% 1.491-3.004), tener como antecedente un accidente cerebro-vascular (OR 1.991 IC95% 1.255-3.158), motivo de ingreso a terapia intensiva por paro cardiorrespiratorio (OR 5.821 IC95% 2.193-15.445) y presentar más de 64 días de internación (OR1.63 IC95% 1.116-2.292). Conclusión: Los datos hallados en este estudio logran describir factores asociados a la desvinculación y mortalidad de los pacientes en un centro de desvinculación.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients infected with nCoV19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in Argentina. / Características y resultados de los pacientes infectados con nCoV19 con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica invasiva en la Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: A novel coronavirus emerged this year as a cause of viral pneumonia. The main characteristics of the virus are rapid transmission, high contagion capacity and potential severity. The objective of this case series study is to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) admitted to different intensive care units in Argentina for mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A descriptive, prospective, multicenter case series study was conducted between April 1 and May 8, 2020. Data from patients older than 18 years who were admitted to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. RESULTS: The variables for 47 patients from 31 intensive care units were recorded: 78.7% were men (median age of 61 years), with a SAPS II score of 43 and a Charlson index score of 3. The initial ventilatory mode was volume control - continuous mandatory ventilation with a tidal volume less than 8mL/kg in 100% of cases, with a median positive end-expiratory pressure of 10.5cmH2O. At the end of the study, 29 patients died, 8 were discharged, and 10 remained hospitalized. The SAPS II score was higher among patients who died (p = 0.046). Charlson comorbidity index was associated with higher mortality (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.13 - 4.55, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients with COVID-19 and on mechanical ventilation in this series presented clinical variables similar to those described to date in other international reports. Our findings provide data that may predict outcomes.

OBJETIVO: El coronavirus ha emergido este año como causa de neumonía viral. Una de las principales características es su rápida transmisión y su potencial severidad. El objetivo de este estudio de serie de casos es describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con confirmación de enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) admitidos en diferentes unidades de cuidados intensivos de la Argentina con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica. MÉTODOS: Estudio de serie de casos, descriptivo-prospectivo, multicéntrico realizado entre el 01 de abril y el 08 de mayo de 2020. Se incluyeron los datos de los pacientes mayores a 18 años, que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica por falla respiratoria aguda con diagnóstico positivo de COVID-19. RESULTADOS: Se registraron las variables de 47 pacientes de 31 unidades cuidados intensivos, 78.7% hombres de una mediana de edad de 61 años, con un SAPS II de 43, un índice de Charlson de 3. El modo ventilatorio inicial fue volume control - continuous mandatory ventilation con volumen corriente menor a 8mL/kg en el 100% de los casos, con una mediana de presión positiva al final de la espiración de 10,5cmH2O. A la fecha de cierre del estudio, 29 pacientes fallecieron, 8 alcanzaron el alta, y 10 pacientes continúan internados al cierre del estudio. El SAPS II fue mayor entre los fallecidos (p = 0.046). El índice de Charlson se asoció con mayor mortalidad (OR = 2,27 IC95% 1,13 - 4,55; p = 0,02). CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes con COVID-19 y ventilación mecánica de esta serie presentan variables clínicas similares a las descriptas a la fecha en otros reportes internacionales. Nuestros hallazgos proporcionan datos que permitirían de alguna manera predecir los resultados.

Características y resultados de los pacientes infectados con nCoV19 con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica invasiva en la Argentina / Characteristics and outcomes of patients infected with nCoV19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivo: El coronavirus ha emergido este año como causa de neumonía viral. Una de las principales características es su rápida transmisión y su potencial severidad. El objetivo de este estudio de serie de casos es describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con confirmación de enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) admitidos en diferentes unidades de cuidados intensivos de la Argentina con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica. Métodos: Estudio de serie de casos, descriptivo-prospectivo, multicéntrico realizado entre el 01 de abril y el 08 de mayo de 2020. Se incluyeron los datos de los pacientes mayores a 18 años, que ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos con requerimiento de ventilación mecánica por falla respiratoria aguda con diagnóstico positivo de COVID-19 Resultados: Se registraron las variables de 47 pacientes de 31 unidades cuidados intensivos, 78.7% hombres de una mediana de edad de 61 años, con un SAPS II de 43, un índice de Charlson de 3. El modo ventilatorio inicial fue volume control - continuous mandatory ventilation con volumen corriente menor a 8mL/kg en el 100% de los casos, con una mediana de presión positiva al final de la espiración de 10,5cmH2O. A la fecha de cierre del estudio, 29 pacientes fallecieron, 8 alcanzaron el alta, y 10 pacientes continúan internados al cierre del estudio. El SAPS II fue mayor entre los fallecidos (p = 0.046). El índice de Charlson se asoció con mayor mortalidad (OR = 2,27 IC95% 1,13 - 4,55; p = 0,02). Conclusión: Los pacientes con COVID-19 y ventilación mecánica de esta serie presentan variables clínicas similares a las descriptas a la fecha en otros reportes internacionales. Nuestros hallazgos proporcionan datos que permitirían de alguna manera predecir los resultados.

Abstract Objective: A novel coronavirus emerged this year as a cause of viral pneumonia. The main characteristics of the virus are rapid transmission, high contagion capacity and potential severity. The objective of this case series study is to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) admitted to different intensive care units in Argentina for mechanical ventilation. Methods: A descriptive, prospective, multicenter case series study was conducted between April 1 and May 8, 2020. Data from patients older than 18 years who were admitted to the intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. Results: The variables for 47 patients from 31 intensive care units were recorded: 78.7% were men (median age of 61 years), with a SAPS II score of 43 and a Charlson index score of 3. The initial ventilatory mode was volume control - continuous mandatory ventilation with a tidal volume less than 8mL/kg in 100% of cases, with a median positive end-expiratory pressure of 10.5cmH2O. At the end of the study, 29 patients died, 8 were discharged, and 10 remained hospitalized. The SAPS II score was higher among patients who died (p = 0.046). Charlson comorbidity index was associated with higher mortality (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.13 - 4.55, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 and on mechanical ventilation in this series presented clinical variables similar to those described to date in other international reports. Our findings provide data that may predict outcomes.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Mechanical Ventilation Reinstitution in Patients Weaned From Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged mechanical ventilation is increasingly common in ICUs. Although a consensus conference defined weaning success in this patient population, few studies have used this definition. A clear definition of successful weaning is useful to assess clinical and epidemiological outcomes, facilitate clinical decision making, and set goals of care. The aims of our study were to describe the prevalence of reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d in patients successfully weaned according to our institution criterion (ie, weaning success as per consensus guidelines), to describe reasons to reestablish mechanical ventilation, and to identify associated factors. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at a weaning and rehabilitation center. All patients liberated from mechanical ventilation (ie, no ventilatory support for 7 d) were included as subjects. Requirement of and reasons for reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 639 tracheostomized subjects were analyzed. Of these, 219 (34%) were weaned, and 15 were eliminated due to lack of data. Of the remaining 204 subjects, 42 (21%) were reconnected to mechanical ventilation within 28 d. Sepsis accounted for 64% of reconnections. In the multivariate analysis, neurological comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [95% CI 2.3-11.1]) and delayed weaning (> 7 d after admission) (adjusted odds ratio 2.37 [95% CI 1.1-5.3]) were independently associated with reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning. The synergistic effect of both variables showed an adjusted odds ratio of 5.35 (95% CI 2.4-11.4). CONCLUSIONS: Reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d is a common event in patients considered to be weaned: 1 in 5 of such patients requires reconnection to mechanical ventilation, with sepsis being the most prevalent cause. Neurological comorbidity and delayed weaning are risk factors associated with reestablishment of mechanical ventilation. The presence of more than one risk factor increases the association with reinstitution of mechanical ventilation within 28 d of weaning.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Tracheal Lesions Observed in Tracheostomized Patients.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of tracheal lesions observed in flexile bronchoscopies of tracheostomized patients, and to determine those factors associated with severe injuries. METHODS: This is an analytical, observational, and transversal study. The flexible bronchoscopies of tracheostomized patients from our database were reviewed to assess their lesions. The tracheal lesions were classified according to their severity; lesions obstructing above 50% of the lumen were interpreted as severe and those obstructing <50% as mild. The lesions were also classified according to location as glottic, subglottic, at the level of the tracheal ostomy, tracheal, and bronchial. The types of lesions found were granuloma, stenosis, and excessive central airway collapse. Possible predictors of severe lesions were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 414 patients were included in the study, the mean age being 65 years (±16.2 y). Of all the bronchoscopies assessed, 202 (49%) showed mild lesions, and 91 (22%) were severe. We found granulomas in 230 patients (55%), and 32 (26%) were severe. Of the 27 patients with stenosis (7%), 17 (63%) were severe. Excessive central airway collapse was seen in 120 patients (31.8%), and 65 (54%) were severe. There were statistically significant differences related to age in the group that developed severe lesions (mean age, 73 y; Q1 to Q3, 58 to 81) compared with the group free of lesions (mean age, 69 y; Q1 to Q3, 55.7 to 75; P = 0.001) and also in the duration requiring an artificial airway (mean, 84.5 d; Q1 to Q3, 49 to 135.5) compared with the group free of lesions (mean of 59.5 d; Q1 to Q3, 42 to 98; P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of tracheal lesions, mainly subglottic granulomas. Age and the duration for which the patient required an artificial airway were related to the presence of severe lesions.

Incidencia de infecciones respiratorias en pacientes traqueostomizados en un centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación / Incidence of respiratory tract infections in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center

Objetivos: Describir la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias (IR) en pacientes traqueostomizados (TQT) internados en un centro de desvinculación de la ventilación mecánica y rehabilitación (CDVMR). Identificar factores de riesgo (FR) para el desarrollo de IR. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. La variable utilizada para el apareamiento fue la edad. Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes TQT internados durante el período de marzo del 2013 a febrero del 2015. Se registró la incidencia de IR. Resultado: Se incluyeron 167 pacientes, registrándose 73 eventos de IR en 46 pacientes. La incidencia acumulada fue de 27,5% y la tasa de incidencia fue de 2,22 eventos/1000 días de estadía. De los 73 eventos registrados, se obtuvieron rescates bacteriológicos en 50 de ellos, siendo Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34,3%) el microorganismo más prevalente. Los valores más bajos de albúmina resultaron ser un FR para el desarrollo de IR (p 0.001, OR 5.82, IC 2.08-16.2). Los valores más altos de hemoglobina de ingreso se comportaron como factor protector (p 0.048, OR 0.74, IC 0.55-0.99). Se establecieron como FR para el evento IR: ingresar con diagnóstico de ACV (p 0.025, OR 3.45 1.16-10.2), Parkinson (p 0.011, OR 18.9, IC 1.93-185) o ELA (p 0.013, OR 6.34, IC 1.47-27.2). Conclusión: Se logró determinar por primera vez en nuestro medio la incidencia de IR en pacientes TQT y los patógenos más comunes, aunque esto necesita contraste con otros CDVMR. La asociación encontrada entre los valores de albúmina y el posterior desarrollo de IR podría estar relacionada más a un sesgo probabilístico que a una diferencia clínica significativa. Los pacientes con determinadas enfermedades neurológicas presentan mayor riesgo de IR.

Incidence of respiratory tract infections in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center

Objectives: To describe the incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in tracheostomized patients hospitalized in a weaning and rehabilitation center (WRC) and to identify risk factors (RFs) for the development of RTI. Materials and methods: A nested case-control study was conducted. Age was used as the matching variable. All tracheostomized patients who were hospitalized from March, 2013, to February, 2015, were included. The incidence of RTI was recorded. Results: A total of 167 patients were included, with 73 RTI episodes being recorded in 46 patients (27.5%). Cumulative incidence was 27.5%, and incidence rate was 2.22 episodes per 1,000 days of stay. Bacteria were recovered in 50 of the 73 episodes recorded, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most prevalent organism (34.3%). The lowest albumin values proved to be a RF for the development of RTI (p 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 5.82, confidence interval [CI] 2.08-16.2). The highest hemoglobin values on admission acted as protective factors (p 0.048, OR 0.74, CI 0.55-0.99). Diagnoses of stroke (p 0.025, OR 3.45, CI 1.16-10.2), Parkinson (p 0.011, OR 18.9, CI 1.93-185) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (p 0.013, OR 6.34, IC 1.47-27.2) on admission were established as risk factors for the development of RTI. Conclusion: For the first time in our setting, it was possible to determine the incidence of RTI in tracheostomized patients and the most common pathogens, although comparison with other WRCs is needed. The association found between albumin values and the subsequent development of RTI might be more related to an incidental finding than to a significant clinical difference. Patients with certain neurologic diseases are at increased risk for RTI.

Effect of tracheostomy tube on work of breathing: Comparison of pre- and post-decannulation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the work of breathing (WOB) during spontaneous breathing under four conditions: (1) breathing through a tracheostomy tube with an inflated cuff, (2) breathing through the upper airway (UA) with a deflated cuff and occluded tube, (3) breathing through the UA with an occluded cuffless tube, and (4) postdecannulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who tolerated an occluded cuffless tube were included. Ventilatory variables and esophageal pressure were recorded. The pressure-time product (PTP), PTP/min, and PTP/min/tidal volume (PTP/min/VT) were measured. Each condition was measured for 5 min with a 15 min time interval between evaluations. Quantitative data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Single-factor analysis of variance was used, and the Games-Howell test was used for post hoc analysis of comparisons between group means (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Eight patients were studied under each of the four conditions described above. Statistically significant differences were found for PTP, PTP/min, and PTP/min/VT. In the post hoc analysis for PTP, significant differences among all conditions were found. For PTP/min, there was no significant difference between Conditions 2 and 4 (P = 0.138), and for PTP/min/VT, there was no significant difference between Conditions 1 and 2 (P = 0.072) or between Conditions 2 and 3 (P = 0.106). A trend toward a higher PTP, PTP/min, and PTP/min/VT was observed when breathing through a cuffless tracheostomy tube. CONCLUSION: The four conditions differed with respect to WOB. Cuff inflation could result in a reduced WOB because there is less dead space. Cuffless tracheostomy tubes generate increased WOB, perhaps due to the material deformity caused by body temperature.