Effectiveness of Helmet-CPAP in mild to moderate coronavirus type 2 hypoxemia: An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative effectiveness of Helmet-CPAP (H_CPAP) with respect to high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNO) in avoiding greater need for intubation or mortality in a medium complexity hospital in Chile during the year 2021. DESIGN: Cohort analytical study, single center. SETTING: Units other than intensive care units. PATIENTS: Records of adults with mild to moderate hypoxemia due to coronavirus type 2. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Need for intubation or mortality. RESULTS: 159 patients were included in the study, with a ratio by support of 2:10 (H_CPAP:HFNO). The 46.5% were women, with no significant differences by sex according to support (p = 0.99, Fisher test). The APACHE II score, for HFNO, had a median of 10.5, 3.5 units higher than H_CPAP (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum). The risk of intubation in HFNO was 42.1% and in H_CPAP 3.8%, with a significant risk reduction of 91% (95% CI: 36.9%-98.7%; p < 0.01). APACHE II does not modify or confound the support and intubation relationship (p > 0.2, binomial regression); however, it does confound the support and mortality relationship (p = 0.82, RR homogeneity test). Despite a 79.1% reduction in mortality risk with H_CPAP, this reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.11, binomial regression). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Helmet CPAP, when compared to HFNO, was an effective therapeutic ventilatory support strategy to reduce the risk of intubation in patients with mild to moderate hypoxemia caused by coronavirus type 2 in inpatient units other than intensive care. The limitations associated with the difference in size, age and severity between the arms could generate bias.

Pacientes críticos COVID-19. ¿Han variado el manejo y los resultados en la UCI tras un año de pandemia? Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, observacional / Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic? A multicenter, prospective, observational study

Objetivo: Comparar las características clínicas, los tratamientos y la evolución de los pacientes críticos con neumonía por COVID-19 atendidos en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) tras un año de pandemia. Metodología: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, en el que se incluyó pacientes críticos COVID-19 en 9 UCI del noroeste de España. Se compararon las características clínicas, los tratamientos y la evolución de pacientes ingresados en UCI durante los meses de marzo-abril de 2020 (periodo1) con pacientes ingresados en enero-febrero de 2021 (periodo2). Resultados: Se incluyeron 337 pacientes (98 en el periodo1 y 239 en el periodo2). En el periodo2 menos pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) (65% vs 84%, p<0,001), utilizándose con mayor frecuencia cánulas nasales de alto flujo (CNAF) (70% vs 7%, p<0,001), ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) (40% vs 14%, p<0,001), corticoides (100% vs 96%, p=0,007) y posición de decúbito prono tanto en pacientes despiertos (42% vs 28%, p=0,012) como en pacientes intubados (67% vs 54%, p=0,034). Los días de VMI, de estancia en UCI y hospitalaria fueron inferiores en el periodo2. La mortalidad fue similar en los dos periodos estudiados (16% vs 17%). Conclusiones: Tras un año de pandemia, observamos que en los pacientes ingresados en UCI se ha utilizado con mayor frecuencia CNAF, VMNI, uso del decúbito prono y corticoides, disminuyendo los pacientes en VMI, así como los tiempos de estancia en UCI y de estancia hospitalaria. La mortalidad ha sido similar en los dos periodos a estudio.(AU)

Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in intensive care units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. Methodology: Multicenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period2). Results: 337 patients were included (98 in period1 and 239 in period2). In period2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs. 84%, P<.001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs. 7%, P<.001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs. 14%, P<.001), corticosteroids (100% vs. 96%, P=.007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs. 28%, P=.012), and intubated patients (67% vs. 54%, P=.034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs. 17%). Conclusions: After one year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.(AU)

Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic? A multicenter, prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. METHODOLOGY: Multicenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period 1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period 2). RESULTS: 337 patients were included (98 in period 1 and 239 in period 2). In period 2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs 84%, p < 0.001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs 7%, p < 0.001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs 14%, p < 0.001), corticosteroids (100% vs 96%, p = 0.007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs 28%, p = 0.012), and intubated patients (67% vs 54%, p = 0.034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period 2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs 17%). CONCLUSIONS: After 1 year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.

Pacientes críticos COVID-19 atendidos por anestesiólogos en el Noroeste de España: estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, observacional / Critically ill COVID-19 patients attended by anesthesiologists in northwestern Spain: a multicenter prospective observational study

Antecedentes y objetivos: Existe poca información sobre la evolución, complicaciones y los tratamientos recibidos por los pacientes críticos con COVID-19 que requieren ingreso en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El objetivo de este estudio es describir la evolución clínica, los tratamientos utilizados, las complicaciones y resultados de pacientes críticos COVID-19 ingresados en siete UCI de Anestesiología en la Región de Galicia durante el pico de la pandemia en marzo-abril 2020. Métodos: Entre el 21 de marzo y el 19 de abril de 2020 evaluamos a todos los pacientes críticos COVID-19 ingresados en las UCI de Anestesiología de siete hospitales en Galicia, en el Noroeste de España. Los resultados, complicaciones y los tratamientos administrados se registraron hasta el 6 de mayo de 2020, fecha final del seguimiento. Resultados: Un total de 97 pacientes críticos COVID-19 fueron incluidos. Durante su estancia en UCI, 80 pacientes (82,5%) necesitaron ventilación mecánica, y 22 pacientes (22,7%) traqueotomía. El decúbito prono se usó frecuentemente en pacientes intubados (67,5%) y despiertos (27,8%). Las medicaciones usadas fueron antivirales (92,7%), corticoides (93,8%), tocilizumab (57,7%), y dosis intermedias y altas de anticoagulantes (83,5%). Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron infecciones adquiridas en UCI (52,6%), eventos trombóticos (16,5%), y reintubaciones (9,3%). Tras un seguimiento medio de 42 (34-45) días, 15 pacientes fallecieron (15,5%), 73 pacientes (75,2%) habían sido dados de alta de UCI y nueve pacientes (9,3%) permanecían todavía en la unidad. Conclusiones: Un alto porcentaje de nuestros pacientes críticos COVID-19 requirieron ventilación mecánica, posición prona, medicaciones antivirales, corticoides y anticoagulantes. Las complicaciones en UCI fueron frecuentes, principalmente infecciones y eventos trombóticos. Tuvimos una mortalidad relativamente baja del 15,5%.(AU)

Background and objectives: There are limited information on outcome, complications and treatments of critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study is to describe the clinical ICU course, treatments used, complications and outcomes, of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted in seven ICU in Galicia region during the 2020 March-April pandemic peak. Methods: Between March 21 and April 19, 2020, we evaluated critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of Anesthesia of seven hospitals in Galicia, northwestern Spain. Outcome, complications, and treatments were monitored until May 6, 2020, the final date of follow-up. Results: A total of 97 critically ill COVID-19 patients were included. During ICU stay, mechanical ventilation became necessary in 80 (82.5%) patients, and tracheostomy in 22 (22.7%) patients. Prone position was used frequently in both intubated (67.5%) and awake (27.8%) patients. Medications consisted of antivirals agents (92.7%), corticosteroids (93.8%), tocilizumab (57.7%), and intermediate or high doses of anticoagulants (83.5%). The most frequent complications were ICU-acquired infection (52.6%), thrombosis events (16.5%), and reintubation (9.3%). After a median follow-up of 42 (34-45) days, 15 patients (15.5%) deceased, 73 patients (75.2%) had been discharged from ICU, and nine patients (9.3%) were still in the ICU. Conclusions: A high proportion of our critically ill COVID-19 patients required mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, antiviral medication, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants. ICU complications were frequent, mainly infections and thrombotic events. We had a relatively low mortality of 15,5%.(AU)

Critically ill COVID-19 patients attended by anesthesiologists in northwestern Spain: a multicenter prospective observational study. / Pacientes críticos COVID-19 atendidos por anestesiólogos en el Noroeste de España: estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, observacional.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are limited information on outcome, complications and treatments of critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study is to describe the clinical ICU course, treatments used, complications and outcomes, of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted in seven ICU in Galicia region during the 2020 March-April pandemic peak. METHODS: Between March 21 and April 19, 2020, we evaluated critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of Anesthesia of seven hospitals in Galicia, northwestern Spain. Outcome, complications, and treatments were monitored until May 6, 2020, the final date of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 97 critically ill COVID-19 patients were included. During ICU stay, mechanical ventilation became necessary in 80 (82.5%) patients, and tracheostomy in 22 (22.7%) patients. Prone position was used frequently in both intubated (67.5%) and awake (27.8%) patients. Medications consisted of antivirals agents (92.7%), corticosteroids (93.8%), tocilizumab (57.7%), and intermediate or high doses of anticoagulants (83.5%). The most frequent complications were ICU-acquired infection (52.6%), thrombosis events (16.5%), and reintubation (9.3%). After a median follow-up of 42 (34-45) days, 15 patients (15.5%) deceased, 73 patients (75.2%) had been discharged from ICU, and nine patients (9.3%) were still in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of our critically ill COVID-19 patients required mechanical ventilation, prone positioning, antiviral medication, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants. ICU complications were frequent, mainly infections and thrombotic events. We had a relatively low mortality of 15,5%.

Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo en paciente con COVID-19 / Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patient with COVID-19 / Síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo em um paciente com COVID-19

Resumen: Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19 coronavirus disease por sus siglas en inglés) es una emergencia sanitaria, y una de las complicaciones más temidas es el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) dada su elevada mortalidad. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 59 años con antecedente de hipertensión y tabaquismo, que inicia síntomas posteriores a contacto con portador asintomático de COVID-19 proveniente del extranjero. La sintomatología que presentó fue mialgias, artralgias, febrícula de 37.7 grados, posteriormente fiebre de 38.4 grados, disnea, fatiga y odinofagia. Acude a consulta y se hospitaliza, otorgando tratamiento con cloroquina, azitromicina y oseltamivir por cuatro días; se tomó de muestra para COVID-19. El paciente mostró aumento de trabajo respiratorio, se tomó radiografía de tórax con opacidades heterogéneas periféricas de ambos pulmones y se corroboró por tomografía de tórax imagen de vidrio despulido. Presentó disnea progresiva e hipoxemia requiriendo manejo avanzado de la vía aérea y se trasladó a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Metabólicos donde se recibió con ventilación mecánica (VM), requiriendo sedación, analgesia, relajante muscular así como ventilación protectora. Se realizaron cambios de posición para evitar microatelectasias. Se obtuvo por cultivos Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Escherichia coli. El día 11 de estancia en la UCI se logró progresar ventilación mecánica hasta destete de ésta, y el paciente se egresó de dicho servicio 48 horas después. Conclusiones: El presente caso evidencia el progreso del daño pulmonar por COVID-19 causando falla respiratoria que requirió ventilación mecánica, el tratamiento crítico consistió en fortalecer la dinámica de calidad enfatizando monitoreo ventilatorio, hemodinámico y metabólico.

Abstract: Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a health emergency and one of the most feared complications is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to its high mortality. Clinical case: A 59-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and smoking, who begins to show symptoms after contact with an asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19 from abroad. The symptoms presented were myalgia, arthralgia, 37.7-degree fever, later 38.4-degree fever, dyspnea, fatigue and odynophagia. He went to the clinic and was hospitalized, being treated with chloroquine, azithromycin and oseltamivir for four days and a sample was taken for COVID-19. The patient presented increased respiratory work, chest radiography was taken with heterogeneous peripheral opacities of both lungs and was corroborated by chest tomography image of polished glass. He presented progressive dyspnea and hypoxemia requiring advanced airway management and was transferred to the metabolic intensive care unit where he was received with mechanical ventilation (MV), requiring sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxant, as well as protective ventilation. Changes of position were made to avoid micro atelectasis. It was obtained by culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. On the 11th day of the stay in ICU, mechanical ventilation was achieved until weaning, and the patient was discharged from ICU 48 hours later. Conclusions: The present case evidences the progress of lung damage by COVID-19 causing respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, where the critical treatment consisted in strengthening the quality dynamics emphasizing ventilatory, hemodynamic and metabolic monitoring.

Resumo: Introdução: A doença por coronavírus (COVID-19 coronavirus disease, por sus siglas en inglés) é uma emergência de saúde, e uma das complicações mais temidas é a síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA), dada sua alta mortalidade. Caso clínico: Paciente do sexo masculino, 59 anos, com história de hipertensão e tabagismo, que iniciou os sintomas após contato com portador de COVID-19 assintomático do exterior. Os sintomas que apresentou foram mialgias, artralgias, febrícula de 37.7 graus, posterioriormente febre de 38.4 graus, dispnéia, cansaço e odinofagia, assiste a consulta médica e é hospitalizado, iniciando tratamento com cloroquina, azitromicina e oseltamivir durante 4 dias e foi uma colhida amostra por COVID-19. O paciente apresentava aumento do esforço respiratório, radiografia de tórax com opacidades periféricas heterogêneas de ambos pulmões e imagem em vidro fosco corroborada pela tomografia de tórax. Apresentou dispnéia progressiva e hipoxemia com necessidade de manejo avançado das vias aéreas e foi encaminhado para unidade de terapia intensiva metabólica onde recebeu ventilação mecânica (VM), necessitando de sedação, analgesia, relaxante muscular, além de ventilação protetora. Mudanças de posição foram feitas para evitar micro atelectasia. No cultivo obtivemos Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Escherichia coli. No 11 dia de internação na UTI, a ventilação mecânica foi progredida até o desmame, sendo dispensado do referido serviço 48 horas depois. Conclusões: O presente caso mostra a evolução do dano pulmonar por COVID-19 causando insuficiência respiratória que requer ventilação mecânica, onde o tratamento crítico consistiu no fortalecimento da dinâmica de qualidade com ênfase na monitoração ventilatória, hemodinâmica e metabólica.