Predicting the Length of Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome Using Machine Learning: The PIONEER Study.

Background: The ability to predict a long duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) by clinicians is very limited. We assessed the value of machine learning (ML) for early prediction of the duration of MV > 14 days in patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: This is a development, testing, and external validation study using data from 1173 patients on MV ≥ 3 days with moderate-to-severe ARDS. We first developed and tested prediction models in 920 ARDS patients using relevant features captured at the time of moderate/severe ARDS diagnosis, at 24 h and 72 h after diagnosis with logistic regression, and Multilayer Perceptron, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest ML techniques. For external validation, we used an independent cohort of 253 patients on MV ≥ 3 days with moderate/severe ARDS. Results: A total of 441 patients (48%) from the derivation cohort (n = 920) and 100 patients (40%) from the validation cohort (n = 253) were mechanically ventilated for >14 days [median 14 days (IQR 8-25) vs. 13 days (IQR 7-21), respectively]. The best early prediction model was obtained with data collected at 72 h after moderate/severe ARDS diagnosis. Multilayer Perceptron risk modeling identified major prognostic factors for the duration of MV > 14 days, including PaO2/FiO2, PaCO2, pH, and positive end-expiratory pressure. Predictions of the duration of MV > 14 days showed modest discrimination [AUC 0.71 (95%CI 0.65-0.76)]. Conclusions: Prolonged MV duration in moderate/severe ARDS patients remains difficult to predict early even with ML techniques such as Multilayer Perceptron and using data at 72 h of diagnosis. More research is needed to identify markers for predicting the length of MV. This study was registered on 14 August 2023 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT NCT05993377).

Surgical stabilization of multiple rib fractures in an Asian population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There is no consensus on the effectiveness of surgical stabilization in multiple rib fractures in Asia, especially among patients with a non-flail rib fracture pattern. We aim to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in an Asian population with multiple non-flail rib fractures. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched in this systematic literature review and meta-analysis to identify studies conducted in Asia that included patients with multiple non-flail rib fractures in at least one of their treatment groups. The intervention of interest was SSRF, and the comparator was a nonoperative treatment. The duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV) was the primary outcome. Posttreatment pain score, pneumonia, atelectasis, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), hospital length of stay (HLOS), need for tracheostomy, respiratory function, functional outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and mortality were identified as the secondary outcomes. A random effects model (REM) was used to pool data for outcomes reported in two or more studies. Results: A total of 12 studies (n=2,440 patients) were included. There was a significantly shorter DMV {mean difference (MD): -5.23 [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.64 to -0.81], P=0.02}, lower 4-week post-treatment pain score [standard mean difference (SMD): -2.24 (95% CI: -3.18 to -1.31), P<0.00001], lower risk for pneumonia [risk ratio (RR): 0.46 (95% CI: 0.23 to 0.95), P=0.04], lower risk for atelectasis [RR: 0.44, (95% CI: 0.29 to 0.65), P<0.0001], shorter ICU LOS [MD: -4.00 (95% CI: -6.33 to -1.66), P=0.0008], and shorter HLOS [MD: -6.54 (95% CI: -9.28 to -3.79), P<0.00001] in favor of SSRF. Effect estimates for the need for tracheostomy [RR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.42 to 1.08), P=0.10] and mortality [RR: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.37 to 2.41), P=0.90] were nonsignificant. Conclusions: In the Asian population with mainly non-flail rib fracture patterns, SSRF was associated with shorter DMV, ICU LOS, and HLOS as well as lower risks for atelectasis and pneumonia, and pain scores after 4 weeks. The risk of mortality was comparable between treatment groups.

The Correlation Between Mechanical Ventilation Duration, Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, and Blood Lactate Level in Children in Pediatric Intensive Care.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether the ventilation duration for children undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is correlated with pediatric sequential organ failure (pSOFA) score, white blood cell (WBC) count, blood lactate level, and duration of fever. Methods: Retrospectively reviewed that the medical records of patients who received IMV in the PICU of Jingzhou Central Hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. According to the duration of IMV in diagnosis-related groups, these patients were divided into two groups: group A, ventilation duration <96 h, and group B, ventilation duration ≥96 h. Each group's pSOFA scores, WBC counts, blood lactate levels, and durations of fever were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the clinical risk factors of ventilation duration ≥96 h, and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Results: A total of 42 patients were included, including 23 in group A and 19 in group B. The difference in pSOFA score between group A and group B was statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the differences in blood lactate level, duration of fever, and WBC count between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of mechanical ventilation duration ≥96 h. An ROC curve was drawn with pSOFA score as a test variable and duration of mechanical ventilation ≥96 h as a state variable, revealing that the area under the curve was 0.76 (SE = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.614-0.906, P = 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity were 68.4 and 73.9%, respectively, and the corresponding pSOFA score was 7.5. Conclusion: When the pSOFA score ≥8, the risk of mechanical ventilation duration ≥96 h increases.

The Relationship between Frailty and Mechanical Ventilation: A Population-based Cohort Study.

Rationale: Frailty in critically ill patients is associated with higher mortality and prolonged length of stay; however, little is known about the impact on the duration of mechanical ventilation. Objectives: To identify the relationship between frailty and total duration of mechanical ventilation and the interaction with patients' age. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study was performed using data submitted to the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database between 2017 and 2020. We analyzed adult critically ill patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit admission. Results: Of 59,319 available patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, 8,331 (14%) were classified as frail. Patients with frailty had longer duration of mechanical ventilation compared with patients without frailty. Duration of mechanical ventilation increased with higher frailty score. Patients with frailty had longer intensive care unit and hospital stay with higher mortality than patients without frailty. After adjustment for relevant covariates in multivariate analyses, frailty was significantly associated with a reduced probability of cessation of invasive mechanical ventilation (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.57 [95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.64]; P < 0.001). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses suggested that frailty could prolong mechanical ventilation in survivors, and the relationship was especially strong in younger patients. Conclusions: Frailty score was independently associated with longer duration of mechanical ventilation and contributed to identifying patients who were less likely to be liberated from mechanical ventilation. The impact of frailty on ventilation time varied with age and was most apparent for younger patients.

Less Invasive Surfactant Administration in Very Prematurely Born Infants.

Background Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is the preferred mode of surfactant administration for spontaneously breathing preterm babies supported by noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether LISA on the neonatal unit or in the delivery suite was associated with reduced rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or the need for intubation, or lower durations of invasive ventilation and length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods A historical comparison was undertaken. Each "LISA" infant was matched with two infants (controls) who did not receive LISA. Results The 25 LISA infants had similar gestational ages and birth weights to the 50 controls (28 [25.6-31.7] weeks vs. 28.5 [25.4-31.9] weeks, p = 0.732; 1,120 (580-1,810) g vs. 1,070 [540-1,869] g, p = 0.928), respectively. LISA infants had lower requirement for intubation (52 vs. 90%, p < 0.001), shorter duration of invasive ventilation (median 1 [0-35] days vs. 6 [0-62] days p = 0.001) and a lower incidence of BPD (36 vs. 64%, p = 0.022). There were no significant differences in duration of NIV (median 26 [3-225] vs. 23 [2-85] days, p = 0.831) or the total LOS (median 76 [24-259] vs. 85 [27-221], p = 0.238). Conclusion LISA on the neonatal unit or the delivery suite was associated with a lower BPD incidence, need for intubation, and duration of invasive ventilation.

The predictive ability of SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV to assess outcome and duration of mechanical ventilation in respiratory intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to determine utility of SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV scoring system in assessing outcome in mechanically ventilated patients in respiratory intensive care unit and to predict duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study where 83 mechanically ventilated patients were grouped into Group 1 (n1 = 40, NIV) and Group 2 (n2 = 43, Invasive ventilation) was conducted. SAPS II, APACHE II, SAPS III, and APACHE IV scores based predicted mortality (PM) were collected at day 1, and day 3. Outcomes (on day 7) were grouped into negative and positive. (NIV-negative outcome = Home NIV, intubation or death; positive outcome = NIV free. Invasive group-positive outcome = Extubation; negative outcome = Death). Binary logistic regression was applied to predict duration of MV (> or < 5 days). RESULTS: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 trials comparisons of PM on day 1 with SAPS II (P < 0.05) and APACHE IV (P < 0.007) were significant predictors of clinical outcomes in Group 1 where as in Group 2, none of the system could predict significantly. On day 3, Group 1 analysis revealed SAPS II (P < 0.002), SAPS III (P < 0.03), and APACHE IV (P < 0.004) based PM as significant predictors of outcome. APACHE II (P < 0.05) and APACHE IV (P < 0.02) PM were significant in Group 2. On day 3, APACHE IV could significantly predict (P < 0.05) duration of MV (>5 or < 5) while A-a gradient (P < 0.09) predicted poorly in Group 1. In Group 2, APACHE IV was a poor predictor (P < 0.09). Two full logistic regression models were also formulated for both the groups. CONCLUSION: Study concludes that day 3 severity scores are more significant predictors of outcome and duration. APACHE IV scoring system was found more effective than other systems, not only significantly differentiating outcomes of MV but also predicting duration of NIV.

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on the Duration of Mechanical Ventilation.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation may have effects on respiratory muscles through its systemic effects, similar to those produced by exercise training. However, its impact on the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation has not been adequately defined. We sought to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation on the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in critically ill subjects. METHODS: We systematically searched 3 databases up to August 2019 (ie, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) as well as other resources to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation compared to usual care/rehabilitation or placebo of neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation on the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: After reviewing 1,200 single records, 12 RCTs (N = 530 subjects) fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Three studies included only subjects with COPD (n = 106 subjects), whereas the rest considered subjects with different diseases. The most frequently stimulated muscle group was the quadriceps. Neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation may decrease the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (mean difference = -2.68 d, 95% CI -4.35 to -1.02, I2 = 50%, P = .002; 10 RCTs; low quality of evidence), and we are uncertain whether this effect may be more pronounced in subjects with COPD (mean difference = -2.90 d, 95% CI -4.58 to -1.23, I2 = 9%, P < .001; 3 RCTs; very low quality of evidence). CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular or functional electrical stimulation may slightly reduce the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation; we are uncertain whether these results are found in subjects with COPD compared to subjects receiving usual care or placebo, and the quality of the body of evidence is low to very low. More RCTs are needed with a larger number of subjects, with more homogeneous diseases and basal conditions, and especially with a more adequate methodological design.

Meta-analysis and trials sequential analysis for the efficacy and safety of low- and medium-dose glucocorticoids in adult acute respiratory distress syndrome patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of low- and medium-dose of glucocorticoids in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through Meta-analysis and trials sequential analysis (TSA).Methods:Databases associated with adult ARDS treatment with low- and medium-dose glucocorticoids both in English and in Chinese were searched from PubMed, Medline, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP, of which the search duration was from the establishment of the database to December 2020. Low-dose glucocorticoids were defined as methylprednisolone ≤ 1 mg·kg -1·d -1, and medium dose glucocorticoids were defined as methylprednisolone ≤ 2 mg·kg -1·d -1. According to the Cochrane Collaboration bias risk assessment tool, the quality of the included literature was evaluated, and the data were extracted. Meta-analysis and TSA were used to evaluate the effects of low- and medium-dose glucocorticoids on the hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, and mechanical ventilation free time in ICU for 28 days, PaO 2/FiO 2, and the occurrence of nosocomial infections and hyperglycemia. Results:A total of 996 patients in 7 literatures were finally included, including 515 patients in the low- and medium-dose glucocorticoid group (hormone group) and 481 patients in the conventional treatment group (control group). The research quality of 7 literatures was relatively high. The results of Meta-analysis and TSA showed that, compared with the control group, the hospital mortality in the hormone group was significantly decreased [relative risk ( RR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.66-0.89, P = 0.000 6], and mechanical ventilation free time in ICU for 28 days was significantly prolonged [standardized mean difference ( SMD) = 0.50, 95% CI was 0.36-0.65, P < 0.000 1]. Although Meta-analysis showed that the ICU mortality of the hormone group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( RR = 0.61, 95% CI was 0.38-0.99, P = 0.04), the TSA results showed that the cumulative Z value crossed the traditional threshold, but did not cross the TSA cut-off value, and the sample size did not reach required information size (RIS, n = 3 252), needed more research to confirm. Although Meta-analysis showed that PaO 2/FiO 2 in the hormone group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( SMD = 0.78, 95% CI was 0.13-1.43, P = 0.02), TSA showed that the cumulative Z value did not pass the traditional and TSA cut-off values. More research was needed for verification. Meta-analysis also showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of new infection ( RR = 0.93, 95% CI was 0.74-1.17, P = 0.54) and the incidence of hyperglycemia ( RR = 1.11, 95% CI was 1.00-1.23, P = 0.05) between the hormone group and the control group. Conclusion:low- and medium-dose of glucocorticoids therapy can reduce the hospital mortality of adult ARDS patients and shorten the mechanical ventilation duration in ICU for 28 days, and low- and medium-dose of glucocorticoids therapy does not increase the risk of infection and hyperglycemia.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on duration of mechanical ventilation in septic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Because of its analgesic and light sedative properties, the highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been suggested for the treatment of septic patients, but its effect on the duration of mechanical ventilation remains unclear. The present study was conducted to review the extant literature in DEX and determine its influence on ventilation time in adult septic patients. METHODS: Databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were applied till 20th January 2019 without language restriction. The searching strategy as following: sepsis OR septic AND mechanical ventilation AND dexmedetomidine. Two authors screened titles, abstracts, and even articles to meet the including criterion independently. In addition, references of related articles or reviews were also referred. Data was recorded in a table and analyzed using the software of Review Manager 5.0. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 349 patients were included. Three trials with 267 patients revealed the effect of DEX on duration of mechanical ventilation, two trials with 264 patients on ventilator-free days and four trials with 334 patients on 28-day mortality. The analyzed results indicated that DEX was not associated with significantly different durations of mechanical ventilation (MD 0.65, 95% CI, - 0.13 to 1.42, P = 0.10). However, there were significant differences in ventilator-free days (MD 3.57, 95% CI, 0.26 to 6.89, P = 0.03) and 28-day mortality (RR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.94, P = 0.02) in the septic patients. CONCLUSION: Administration of DEX for sedation in septic patients was not associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation, but it increased the ventilator-free days and reduced 28-day mortality.

Risk factors for outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The determination of risk factors for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients remains a challenge. Our study aims to explore the epidemiology and risk factors affecting outcomes of ARDS patients and provide a theoretical basis for patients' prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective study included 207 ARDS patients admitted to the general intensive care unit (ICU) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from Jan 1st, 2016 to Jan 1st, 2017. The criteria were defined according to the Berlin Definition, and clinical data were collected from the medical record system. The mortality rate and duration of mechanical ventilation were compared in ARDS patients. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was applied to screen clinically accessible risk factors for survival and duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The total mortality in ARDS patients was 39.13% (81/207) compared to 13.57% (151/1,113) in the whole ICU population. The period prevalence of mild, moderate and severe ARDS was 39.61% (82/207), 37.20% (77/207) and 23.19% (48/207), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score (OR 3.4316; 95% CI: 1.3130-8.9686; P=0.0119), number of organ failure (OR 3.4928; 95% CI: 1.9775-6.1693; P<0.0001), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (OR 5.1049; 95% CI: 1.8317-14.2274; P=0.0018), driving pressure (OR 6.0017; 95% CI: 2.1746-16.5641; P=0.0005) and lactate level (OR 4.0754; 95% CI: 1.6114-10.3068; P=0.0030) were influence factors for survival; severity of ARDS (OR 1.6715; 95% CI: 1.0307-2.7108; P=0.0373), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (OR 7.3746; 95% CI: 2.9799-18.2505; P<0.0001) and transfusion history (OR 2.2822; 95% CI: 1.0462-4.9783; P=0.0381) were influence factors for duration of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Higher APACHE II score, more organ failures, lower MAP, higher driving pressure and higher lactate level are risk factors for survival. Higher severity of ARDS, VAP and transfusion history are risk factors for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. Application of these parameters would enable intensivists to treat their patients more precisely and comprehensively.

Prolonged low-dose methylprednisolone treatment is highly effective in reducing duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients with ARDS.

An updated meta-analysis incorporating nine randomized trials (n = 816) investigating low-to-moderate dose prolonged glucocorticoid treatment in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) show moderate-to-high quality evidence that glucocorticoid therapy is safe and reduces (i) time to endotracheal extubation, (ii) duration of hospitalization, and (iii) mortality (number to treat to save one life = 7), and increases the number of days free from (i) mechanical ventilation, (ii) intensive care unit stay, and (iii) hospitalization. Recent guideline suggests administering methylprednisolone in patients with early moderate-to-severe (1 mg/kg/day) and late persistent (2 mg/kg/day) ARDS (conditional recommendation based on moderate quality of evidence).

Prognostic value of respiratory quotients in severe polytrauma patients with nutritional support.

OBJECTIVE: The association between energy metabolism and prognosis in polytrauma patients has not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to describe energy metabolism and analyze the prognostic value of respiratory quotient (RQ) and nonprotein respiratory quotient (npRQ) in fasting polytrauma patients (fPP) and polytrauma patients with nutritional support (nsPP). METHODS: Twenty-two polytrauma patients (before and after parenteral nutrition administration) and 22 healthy controls (after overnight fasting) were examined on day 4 (median) after admission to the intensive care unit. To evaluate energy expenditure in nsPP and resting energy expenditure in fPP and controls with RQ and npRQ in all groups, we used indirect calorimetry. With regression analysis, the descriptive models of intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and mechanical ventilation time (VT) were derived. RESULTS: RQ and npRQ were significantly lower in fPP than in controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) and in nsPP (P < 0.05). In nsPP, relationships between RQ or npRQ and the ICU LOS or mechanical VT were demonstrated (P < 0.0001, r = -0.78 for RQ and VT; P < 0.0001, r = -0.78 for npRQ and VT; P < 0.001, r = -0.69 for RQ and LOS; P < 0.001, r = -0.72 for npRQ and LOS). CONCLUSIONS: RQ and npRQ parameters measured by indirect calorimetry in polytrauma patients with parenteral nutrition on the fourth day of ICU stay related to clinical outcomes such as duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU LOS.

Influence of percutaneous gastrostomy-jejunostomy on the incidence of ventilation-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective To explore the influence of percutaneous gastrostomy-jejunostomy ( PEG-J) on the nutritional status and prognosis of critically ill patients in ICU .Methods Totally 58 patients who received me-chanical ventilation in the ICU of Changshu No .1 People's Hospital from January 2013 to December 2015 were di-vided into two groups according to random number table:treatment group ( n=28, enteral nutrition by establis-hing PEG-J tube in 120 hours after excluding contraindications );and control group ( n=30, nasogastric tube as the way of giving enteral nutrition and if delayed gastric emptying happened , nasogastric tube would be replaced by nasointestinal tube).The incidence of ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP) within 28 days, duration of ICU stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation were compared between these two groups .Results The inci-dence of 28-day VAP (7.14%vs.26.67%, P=0.049), duration of ICU stay [ (13.6 ±5.9) d vs.(16.8 ± 4.4) d, P=0.024], duration of mechanical ventilation [ (8.1 ±5.0) d vs.(10.7 ±4.5) d, P=0.041] were significantly lower or shorter in treatment group than in control group .Conclusions The use of PEG-J tube for enteral nutrition in critically ill patients is reliable and safe .It also helps to reduce VAP .

Early goal-directed therapy reduces mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Survival sepsis campaign guidelines have promoted early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) as a means for reduction of mortality. On the other hand, there were conflicting results coming out of recently published meta-analyses on mortality benefits of EGDT in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. On top of that, the findings of three recently done randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed no survival benefit by employing EGDT compared to usual care. Therefore, we aimed to do a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EGDT on mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock patients. METHODOLOGY: We included RCTs that compared EGDT with usual care in our meta-analysis. We searched in Hinari, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central register of controlled trials electronic databases and other articles manually from lists of references of extracted articles. Our primary end point was overall mortality. RESULTS: A total of nine trails comprising 4783 patients included in our analysis. We found that EGDT significantly reduced mortality in a random-effect model (RR, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.94; P = 0.008;   I (2) =50%). We also did subgroup analysis stratifying the studies by the socioeconomic status of the country where studies were conducted, risk of bias, the number of sites where the trials were conducted, setting of trials, publication year, and sample size. Accordingly, trials carried out in low to middle economic income countries (RR, 0.078; 95% CI, 0.67-0.91; P = 0.002; I (2) = 34%) significantly reduced mortality compared to those in higher income countries (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.33-1.06; P = 0.28; I(2) = 29%). On the other hand, patients receiving EGDT had longer length of hospital stay compared to the usual care (mean difference, 0.49; 95% CI, -0.04-1.02; P = 0.07; I (2) = 0%). CONCLUSION: The result of our study showed that EGDT significantly reduced mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Paradoxically, EGDT increased the length of hospital stay compared to usual routine care.

Serum palivizumab level is associated with decreased severity of respiratory syncytial virus disease in high-risk infants.

Monthly doses of palivizumab, an RSV-specific monoclonal antibody, reduce RSV-related hospitalizations (RSVH) in high-risk children; however, no specific palivizumab level has been correlated with disease severity in humans. A post hoc analysis of a previous randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the relationship between serum palivizumab level at the time of RSVH and disease severity. Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission was the primary severity marker. Relationships were evaluated between disease severity and gestational age, age at enrollment, age at RSVH, presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sex, race, multiple birth, household smoking, daycare attendance, sibling(s), family history of atopy, duration between most recent palivizumab dose and RSVH, and palivizumab level at RSVH. Forty-two (87.5%) of 48 palivizumab recipients with RSVH had palivizumab levels drawn; 11 were admitted to the PICU. Mean palivizumab levels were lower in PICU-admitted subjects (47.2 µg/mL) vs. non-PICU subjects (98.7 µg/mL; P < 0.0001); there were no statistically significant differences in other variables examined. The probability of PICU admission declined with higher palivizumab levels; there were no PICU admissions with levels ≥ 92 µg/mL. In multivariate analyses, palivizumab level was the only independent predictor of PICU admission (P = 0.009). Palivizumab level also correlated with duration of RSVH and PICU stay, supplemental oxygen use and duration, and mechanical ventilation use and duration (P < 0.05). Higher palivizumab level was associated with decreased disease severity in high-risk infants with RSVH. Findings suggest that palivizumab level has clinical relevance, and adherence to timely monthly dosing may confer additional protection among high-risk children receiving palivizumab.

Heparin/N-acetylcysteine: an adjuvant in the management of burn inhalation injury: a study of different doses.

PURPOSE: Nebulized heparin may reduce fibrin cast formation and reduce the degree of airway obstruction in burn inhalation injury. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients admitted to burn intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 hours of burn inhalation injury were included in this prospective double-blinded randomized study. Group H5 received nebulized heparin sulfate 5,000 IU, and group H10 received nebulized heparin sulfate 10,000 IU. Heparin was given in alternation with N-acetylcysteine every 2 hours. Lung injury score assessed daily for 7 days was the primary outcome. Duration of mechanical ventilation, coagulation profile, length of ICU stay, and mortality were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Median lung injury scores were significantly lower in group H10 on days 5 (1.9 vs 1), 6 (1.4 vs 0.5), and 7 (1.3 vs 0.5). Group H10 had also a lower duration of mechanical ventilation than did group H5 (P = .037). The groups had no significant difference in coagulation parameters, length of ICU stay (P = .17), and mortality (P = .6). CONCLUSIONS: Nebulized heparin 10,000 IU decreased lung injury scores and duration of mechanical ventilation but had no effect on length of ICU stay and mortality. Moreover, nebulized heparin 10,000 IU was safe and had no effect on coagulation parameters.