The Ability of Critical Care Physicians to Identify Patient-Ventilator Asynchrony Using Waveform Analysis: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Improved patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) identification using waveform analysis by critical care physicians (CCPs) may improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess the ability of CCPs to identify different types of PVAs using waveform analysis as well as factors related to this ability. METHODS: We surveyed 12 university-affiliated medical ICUs (MICUs) in Tunisia. CCPs practicing in these MICUs were asked to visually identify 4 clinical cases, each corresponding to a different PVA. We collected the following characteristics regarding CCPs: scientific grade, years of experience, prior training in mechanical ventilation, prior exposure to waveform analysis, and the characteristics of the MICUs in which they practice. Respondents were categorized into 2 groups based on their ability to correctly identify PVAs (defined as the correct identification of at least 3 of the 4 PVA cases). Univariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to the correct identification of PVA. RESULTS: Among 136 included CCPs, 72 (52.9%) responded to the present survey. The respondents comprised 59 (81.9%) residents, and 13 (18.1%) senior physicians. Further, 50 (69.4%) respondents had attended prior training in mechanical ventilation. Moreover, 21 (29.2%) of the respondents could correctly identify PVAs. Double-triggering was the most frequently identified PVA type, 43 (59.7%), followed by auto-triggering, 36 (50%); premature cycling, 28 (38.9%); and ineffective efforts, 25 (34.7%). Univariate analysis indicated that senior physicians had a better ability to correctly identify PVAs than residents (7 [53.8%] vs 14 [23.7%], P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a significant deficiency in the accurate visual identification of PVAs among CCPs in the MICUs. When compared to residents, senior physicians exhibited a notably superior aptitude for correctly recognizing PVAs.

Epidemiology and burden of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective sentinel surveillance study in a Tunisian Medical ICU, 2022/2023.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) caused by influenza and other respiratory viruses pose significant global health challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further strained healthcare systems. As the focus shifts from the pandemic to other respiratory infections, assessing the epidemiology and burden of SARI is crucial for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Aim: to understand the impact of the post-pandemic period on the epidemiology of SARI cases, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization in Tunisia. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted in a Tunisian MICU part of a national sentinel surveillance system, focusing on enhanced SARI surveillance. SARI cases from week 39/2022, 26 September to week 19/2023, 13 May were included, according to a standardized case definition. Samples were collected for virological RT-PCR testing, and an electronic system ensured standardized and accurate data collection. Descriptive statistics were performed to assess epidemiology, trends, and outcomes of SARI cases, and univariate/multivariate analyses to assess factors associated with mortality. RESULTS: Among 312 MICU patients, 164 SARI cases were identified during the study period. 64(39%) RT-PCR were returned positive for at least one pathogen, with influenza A and B strains accounting for 20.7% of cases at the early stages of the influenza season. The MICU experienced a significant peak in admissions during weeks 1-11/2023, leading to resource mobilization and the creation of a surge unit. SARI cases utilized 1664/3120 of the MICU-stay days and required 1157 mechanical ventilation days. The overall mortality rate among SARI cases was 22.6%. Age, non-COPD, and ARDS were identified as independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified a relatively high rate of SARI cases, with 39% positivity for at least one respiratory virus, with influenza A and B strains occurring predominantly during the early stages of the influenza season. The findings shed light on the considerable resource utilization and mortality associated with these infections, underscoring the urgency for proactive management and efficient resource allocation strategies.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: An alarming number of COVID-19 patients, especially in severe cases, have developed acute kidney injury (AKI). AIM: The study aimed to assess the frequency, risk factors, and impact of AKI on mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study conducted in the MICU. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for AKI and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: During the study period, 465 consecutive COVID-19 patients were admitted to the MICU. The patients' characteristics were median age, 64 [54-71] years; median SAPSII, 31 [24-38]; and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), 244 (52.5%). The overall ICU mortality rate was 49%. Two hundred twenty-nine (49.2%) patients developed AKI. The factors independently associated with AKI were positive fluid balance (OR, 2.78; 95%CI [1.88-4.11]; p < 0.001), right heart failure (OR, 2.15; 95%CI [1.25-3.67]; p = 0.005), and IMV use (OR, 1.55; 95%CI [1.01-2.40]; p = 0.044). Among the AKI patients, multivariate analysis identified the following factors as independently associated with ICU mortality: age (OR, 1.05; 95%CI [1.02-1.09]; p = 0.012), IMV use (OR, 48.23; 95%CI [18.05-128.89]; p < 0.001), and septic shock (OR, 3.65; 95%CI [1.32-10.10]; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a high proportion of AKI among critically ill COVID-19 patients. This complication seems to be linked to a severe cardiopulmonary interaction and fluid balance management, thus accounting for a poor outcome.

Resource utilization and preparedness within the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisian medical intensive care units: A nationwide retrospective multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents the most recent global healthcare crisis. While all healthcare systems suffered facing the immense burden of critically-ill COVID-19 patients, the levels of preparedness and adaptability differed highly between countries. AIM: to describe resource mobilization throughout the COVID-19 waves in Tunisian University Medical Intensive Care Units (MICUs) and to identify discrepancies in preparedness between the provided and required resource. METHODS: This is a longitudinal retrospective multicentre observational study conducted between March 2020 and May 2022 analyzing data from eight University MICUs. Data were collected at baseline and at each bed expansion period in relation to the nation's four COVID-19 waves. Data collected included epidemiological, organizational and management trends and outcomes of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 admissions. RESULTS: MICU-beds increased from 66 to a maximum of 117 beds. This was possible thanks to equipping pre-existing non-functional MICU beds (n = 20) and creating surge ICU-beds in medical wards (n = 24). MICU nurses increased from 53 to 200 of which 99 non-ICU nurses, by deployment from other departments and temporary recruitment. The nurse-to-MICU-bed ratio increased from 1:1 to around 1·8:1. Only 55% of beds were single rooms, 80% were equipped with ICU ventilators. These MICUs managed to admit a total of 3368 critically-ill patients (15% of hospital admissions). 33·2% of COVID-19-related intra-hospital deaths occurred within the MICUs. CONCLUSION: Despite a substantial increase in resource mobilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, the current study identified significant persisting discrepancies between supplied and required resource, at least partially explaining the poor overall prognosis of critically-ill COVID-19 patients.

North-African doctors as second victims of medical errors: a cross sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Physicians involved in medical errors (MEs) can experience loss of self-esteem and negative psychological experiences. They are called "second victims" of the ME. AIMS: To i) describe the profile, the types and the severity of MEs, and ii) explore the psychological impact on "second victims" to better understand how they cope. METHODS: It was a cross sectional retrospective study conducted from March to August 2018. All physicians working at Farhat Hached and Sahloul University hospitals were asked to complete a questionnaire about their possible MEs. The impact of MEs was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) (scoring, 0-88) (subscales ranges; intrusion, (0-32); avoidance, (0-32); hyperarousal, (0-24)). The diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was made when the total IES-R score exceeded 33. The coping strategies were evaluated using Ways of Coping Checklist Revised (WCC-R) scale (scoring, problem-focused, (10-40); emotion focused, (9-36); seeking social support, (8-32)). RESULTS: Among 393 responders, 268(68.2%) reported MEs. Wrong diagnosis (40.5%), faulty treatment (34.6%), preventive errors (13.5%) and faulty communication (6.4%) were the main frequent types of MEs. The most common related causes of MEs were inexperience (47.3%) and job overload (40.2%). The physicians' median (range) score of the IES-R was 19(0-69). According to the IES-R score, the most frequent psychological impacts were median (range): intrusion, 7(0-28) and avoidance symptoms, 7(0-24). PTSD symptoms affected 23.5% of physicians. Female sex and serious MEs were identified as predictors of PTSD. On the WCC-R check list, coping was balanced between the three coping strategies median (range), problem focused, 28.5(10-40); emotion-focused, 24(9-36) and seeking social support 21(8-32). CONCLUSION: There is a relatively high impact of ME within these North-African university hospital physicians. Coping was balanced within different three strategies as reported worldwide. Physicians adopted more likely constructive changes than defensive ones.

Very severe COVID-19 in the critically ill in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging health threat outbreak. It may cause severe viral pneumonia with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome requiring critical care. Aim: to describe clinical features and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: it was a retrospective study carried out in the medical ICU of Farhat Hached teaching hospital between March 11 and May 7, 2020. All consecutive patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 were included. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected by reviewing medical records. RESULTS: during the study period, 10 critically ill patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. Mean age, 51.8±6.3 years; 8(80%), male. The most common comorbidities were; diabetes mellitus, 6(60%), obesity 2(20%), chronic kidney disease 2(20%) and hypertension 1(10%). Mean SAPS II, 23.2±1.8. The mean arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspired oxygen ratio at admission was 136.2±79.7. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation was used in 4(40%) patients and 7(70%) received invasive mechanical ventilation. Tidal volume and PEEP were set respectively within the median [IQR] of, 5.7[5.6-6.3]ml/Kg and 10.7[6.5-11.7]cm H2O. Plateau pressure was monitored in the median [IQR] of 27.9 [25.9-28.5] cm H2O. Four patients received hydroxychloroquine alone and five hydroxychloroquine associated with an antiviral. Five patients developed respectively hyperactive (n=2), hypoactive (n=2) and mixed delirium (n=1). Mortality rate was at 70%. CONCLUSION: this study demonstrated a particular profile of COVID-19 in the critically ill as a severe presentation in aged males with comorbidities presenting with an ARDS-like and neurological impairment with poor prognosis. The only survivals seem to have benefited from noninvasive ventilatory support.

Compared efficacy and tolerance of the neuromuscular blockade induced by brand-name (Nimbex®) and generic (Cisatrex®) of cisatracurium in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients: a crossover double-blind randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: use of generic drugs is common. However, there is still concern among patients and physicians that brand name drugs are more efficient. The aim of the study was to compare efficacy and tolerance between two forms of cisatracurium: brand name versus generic name. METHODS: it´s a crossover, randomized, double-blind physiological trial. Patients admitted for hypoxemic acute respiratory failure with PaO2/FIO2 < 200mmHg despite optimized ventilation and sedation thus requiring non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), were enrolled. Patients received consecutively, in a random order, cisatracurium brand name (Nimbex®) and generic (Cisatrex®) over two-hour period separated by one-hour washout period. Neuromuscular function was monitored by a calibrated train-of-four (TOF) stimulation device. Paralysis time delay to reach TOF of 2/4, recovery kinetics and tolerance were monitored. The number needed to demonstrate a significant difference in time delays to reach a TOF of 2/4 between the two forms of cisatracurium was estimated at 22 patients. RESULTS: twenty-two patients were included. Eight (36.4%) had acute respiratory distress syndrome; 8(36.4%), acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 3(13.6%), status asthmaticus. Median [IQR] SAPS II at admission, 28.5 [22, 41]. PaO2/FIO2, 121 [81, 156] mmHg. Paralysis time delays were respectively, 80 [50, 112] vs. 87 [65, 115] minutes, in Nimbex® group and Cisatrex® group; (p=0.579). Within the recovery period, the between two-studied drugs´ difference in TOF was at 0.25±0.96; p=0.64. There were no significant hemodynamic differences. CONCLUSION: the present study revealed no significant differences in efficacy nor in tolerance between cisatracurium brand name Nimbex® and generic name Cisatrex® in hypoxemic ventilated patients.

Rethinking aerosol-generating procedures in COVID-19.

Dealing with COVID-19 pandemic raised several issues regarding aerosol generating procedures such High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) and Non Invasive Ventilation (NIV). Adequately managing patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, while, ensuring caregivers' safety is of utmost importance. Recommendations regarding aerosol generating procedures are, certainly, required to guide therapeutic attitudes in this context. However, excessive fear of contamination could interfere with patients' management. The present paper discussesthe place of aerosol generating procedures such as HFNC and NIV in the management of COVID-19 and does fear of aerosolization, solely, justifies the avoidance of these methods.

Pulmonary Barotrauma Including Huge Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema in an Adult with Status Asthmaticus: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary interstitial emphysema is a rare finding defined as abnormal air collection inside the lung interstitial tissues. Described more frequently in ventilated new-borns, pulmonary interstitial emphysema is an uncommon barotrauma-related complication in adults. Management and clinical sequelae are poorly described. PATIENT: We describe the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with huge pulmonary interstitial emphysema together with simultaneous pulmonary barotrauma in status asthmaticus requiring invasive ventilation. DISCUSSION: There are no guidelines for the management of such complications and their possible sequelae but conservative treatment seems to be effective. The treatment of our patient is described. LEARNING POINTS: We describe ventilation-induced tension pulmonary interstitial emphysema combined with contralateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema which developed immediately after difficult airway management of acutely decompensated asthma in an adult.The present case highlights the importance of crash induction, cautious airway management and protective re-ventilation in the management of acute respiratory failure with dynamic hyperinflation, such as status asthmaticus.Minimally invasive management by percutaneous trans-thoracic intrabullous chest-tube drainage is feasible, safe and relatively effective.