Clinicai characteristics and mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: prospective cohort study / Características clínicas y mortalidad en pacientes COVID-19 ventilados mecánicamente: estudio de cohorte prospectivo

Abstract Introduction: Factors associated with mortality among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients have been scarcely studied in Latin America. Objective: To identify factors associated with mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in a single center between April and October 2020, recruiting COVID-19 patients managed with mechanical ventilation. We excluded patients who died within the first 24 hours after endotracheal intubation. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, ventilation interventions, and outcomes were collected and compared between the deceased and surviving groups. The association between these factors and hospital death was examined, and relevant covariates were included in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 273 patients were included (72.5% male), the mortality rate was 37% (95% CI 31% - 43%), and the median age was 63 years (IQR 52-72). The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension (45%). Factors associated with mortality were: older age (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.051.11), male gender (OR 2.79; 95% CI 1.30-6.01), immunosuppression (OR 3.98; 95% CI 1.57-10.06), thrombocytopenia (OR 3.84; CI 95% 1.47-10.01), driving pressure (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.07-1.34) and the use of dialysis (OR 4.94; 95% CI 2.56-9.51). Chronic hypertension (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17-0.71) and fever on admission (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27-0.98) were found to have a protective effect. Conclusions: Older age, male sex, immunosuppression, thrombocytopenia, increased driving pressure, use of dialysis, absence of fever, or arterial hypertension were associated with an increased risk of mortality among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.

Resumen Introducción: Es poco lo que se han estudiado en América Latina los factores asociados con mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 ventilados mecánicamente. Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados con mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 manejados con ventilación mecánica. Métodos: Este estudio prospectivo se adelantó en un solo centro entre los meses de abril y octubre de 2020 e incluyó pacientes con COVID-19 manejados con ventilación mecánica. Se excluyeron pacientes que fallecieron en las primeras 24 horas después de la intubación orotraqueal. Se recopilaron datos de las características clínicas, resultados de laboratorio, intervenciones ventilatorias y desenlaces, y se hizo una comparación entre el grupo de pacientes fallecidos y el grupo de sobrevivientes. Se examinó la asociación entre estos factores y la muerte intrahospitalaria, y las covariables relevantes se incluyeron en un modelo multivariable de regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 273 pacientes (72.5% hombres), la tasa de mortalidad fue del 37% (IC 95% 31% - 43%), la mediana de edad fue de 36 años (RIC 52-72) y la comorbilidad más frecuente fue la hipertensión (45%). Los factores asociados con mortalidad fueron: edad avanzada (OR 1.08; IC 95% 1.05-1.11), género masculino (OR 2.79; IC 95% 1.30-6.01), inmunosupresión (OR 3.98; IC 95% 1.57-10.06), trombocitopenia (OR 3.84; CI 95% 1.47-10.01), presión de distensión (OR 1.20; IC 95% 1.07-1.34) y el uso de diálisis (OR 4.94; IC 95% 2.56-9.51). La presencia de hipertensión (OR 0.35; IC 95% 0.17-0.71) y de fiebre (OR 0.51; IC 95% 0.27-0.98) al momento de la hospitalización demostraron tener un efecto protector. Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre la edad avanzada, el sexo masculino, la inmunosupresión, la trombocitopenia, una presión de distensión elevada, el uso de diálisis, la ausencia de fiebre o de hipertensión y un mayor riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 ventilados mecánicamente.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement in Obese Patients: A Propensity-Matched Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obese patients are at risk of complications after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive approach via upper sternotomy in this setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 203 obese patients who underwent isolated, elective aortic valve replacement between January 2014 and January 2023 - 106 with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) and 97 with conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR). To account for baseline differences, a propensity-matching analysis was performed obtaining two balanced groups of 91 patients each. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was comparable between groups (1.1% MIAVR vs. 0% CAVR, P=0.99). MIAVR patients had faster extubation than CAVR patients (6 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 hours, P<0.01). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was less common in the MIAVR than in the CAVR group (3.3% vs. 13.2%, P=0.03). Other postoperative complications did not differ significantly. Intensive care unit stay (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4 days, P<0.01), but not hospital stay (6.7 ± 2.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.9 days, P=0.09), was shorter for MIAVR than for CAVR patients. Follow-up survival was comparable (logrank P-value = 0.58). CONCLUSION: MIAVR via upper sternotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective option for obese patients. Respiratory outcome was promising with shorter mechanical ventilation time and reduced need for post-extubation support. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was reduced. These advantages might be important for the obese patient to whom minimally invasive surgery should not be denied.

Asociación entre impulso respiratorio y profundidad de sedación en sujetos bajo ventilación mecánica invasiva: estudio observacional / Association between respiratory drive and depth of sedation in subjects under invasive mechanical ventilation: an observational study

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existe asociación entre el impulso respiratorio, evaluado a través de la presión de oclusión (P0.1), y la profundidad de sedación, medida a través de la escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond (RASS, por sus siglas en inglés), en sujetos adultos sometidos a ventilación mecánica invasiva e internados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín (HCJSM) en Buenos Aires. Como objetivo secundario, se planteó analizar el comportamiento de variables que pudieran tener impacto en el impulso respiratorio. Materiales y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional en un hospital universitario de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires entre el 1 de abril de 2023 y el 28 de mayo de 2023. Las variables analizadas fueron P0.1, RASS, dolor, delirio, exposición a analgésicos y sedantes, estado ácido-base, presión arterial de oxígeno/fracción inspirada de oxígeno (PaO2/FiO2), evaluación de falla orgánica relacionada con la sepsis (SOFA, por sus siglas en inglés) e índice de masa corporal (IMC). Resultados: Se recolectaron 71 mediciones correspondientes a 33 sujetos. La mediana de P0.1 fue de 0,13 cmH20 (0-0,97). En el análisis univariado, se encontró una asociación inversamente proporcional entre la P0.1 y el puntaje RASS (β=-0,4068 y p=0,0435). Los resultados del análisis multivariado mostraron que ninguna de las variables contempladas se asoció con la P0.1 cuando fueron ajustadas entre sí. Conclusión: En este estudio, encontramos una asociación entre la P0.1 y el puntaje RASS, así como una asociación independiente entre la P0.1 y la exposición a la combinación de analgesia y sedación. Sin embargo, al ajustar estas variables en el análisis multivariado, no se encontró asociación.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether there is an association between respiratory drive, assessed through P0.1, and depth of sedation, measured through the Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS), in adult subjects undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and admitted to the intensive care unit of Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín (HCJSM) in Buenos Aires. As a secondary objective, we aim to analyze the behavior of variables that may have an impact on respiratory drive. Materials and method: An observational study was conducted at a university hospital in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires between April 1, 2023, and May 28, 2023. The analyzed variables included P0.1, RASS, pain, delirium, exposure to analgesics and sedatives, acid-base status, pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2), sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA), and body mass index (BMI). Results: A total of 71 measurements were collected from 33 subjects. The median P0.1 was 0.13 cmH20 (0-0.97). In the univariate analysis, an inversely proportional association was found between P0.1 and RASS score (β=-0.4068 and p=0.0435). The results of the multivariate analysis showed no association between P0.1 and any of the considered variables when adjusted for each other. Conclusion: In this study, we found an association between P0.1 and RASS score, along with an independent association between P0.1 and exposure to the combination of analgesia and sedation. However, when adjusting these variables in the multivariate analysis, no association was found.

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation assistance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and morbidity is related to poor quality of life (QOL). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may be associated with prolonged survival and QOL in patients with ALS. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether NIV is effective and safe for patients with ALS in terms of survival and QOL, alerting the health system. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting standards using population, intervention, comparison, and outcome strategies. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and CRD databases were searched based on the eligibility criteria for all types of studies on NIV use in patients with ALS published up to January 2022. Data were extracted from the included studies, and the findings were presented using a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 120 papers identified, only 14 were related to systematic reviews. After thorough reading, only one meta-analysis was considered eligible. In the second stage, 248 studies were included; however, only one systematic review was included. The results demonstrated that NIV provided relief from the symptoms of chronic hypoventilation, increased survival, and improved QOL compared to standard care. These results varied according to clinical phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: NIV in patients with ALS improves the outcome and can delay the indication for tracheostomy, reducing expenditure on hospitalization and occupancy of intensive care unit beds. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database: CRD42021279910 — https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=279910.

Acute Aortic Dissection Type A in Younger Patients (< 60 Years Old) - Does Full Arch Replacement Provide Benefits Compared to Limited Approach?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute aortic dissection Stanford type A (AADA) is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgical management has improved, the optimal therapy is a matter of debate. Different surgical strategies have been proposed for patients under 60 years old. This paper evaluates the postoperative outcome and the need for secondary aortic operation after a limited surgical approach (proximal arch replacement) vs. extended arch repair. Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2018, 530 patients received surgical treatment for AADA at our hospital; 182 were under 60 years old and were enrolled in this study - Group A (n=68), limited arch repair (proximal arch replacement), and group B (n=114), extended arch repair (> proximal arch replacement). Results: More pericardial tamponade (P=0.005) and preoperative mechanical resuscitation (P=0.014) were seen in Group A. More need for renal replacement therapy (P=0.047) was seen in the full arch group. Mechanical ventilation time (P=0.022) and intensive care unit stay (P<0.001) were shorter in the limited repair group. Thirty-day mortality was comparable (P=0.117). New onset of postoperative stroke was comparable (Group A four patients [5.9%] vs. Group B 15 patients [13.2%]; P=0.120). Long-term follow-up did not differ significantly for secondary aortic surgery. Conclusion: Even though young patients received only limited arch repair, the outcome was comparable. Full-arch replacement was not beneficial in the long-time follow-up. A limited approach is justified in the cohort of young AADA patients. Exemptions, like known Marfan syndrome and the presence of an intimal tear in the arch, should be considered.

Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement in Obese Patients: A Propensity-Matched Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obese patients are at risk of complications after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive approach via upper sternotomy in this setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 203 obese patients who underwent isolated, elective aortic valve replacement between January 2014 and January 2023 - 106 with minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) and 97 with conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR). To account for baseline differences, a propensity-matching analysis was performed obtaining two balanced groups of 91 patients each. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was comparable between groups (1.1% MIAVR vs. 0% CAVR, P=0.99). MIAVR patients had faster extubation than CAVR patients (6 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 2 hours, P<0.01). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was less common in the MIAVR than in the CAVR group (3.3% vs. 13.2%, P=0.03). Other postoperative complications did not differ significantly. Intensive care unit stay (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4 days, P<0.01), but not hospital stay (6.7 ± 2.1 vs. 7.2 ± 1.9 days, P=0.09), was shorter for MIAVR than for CAVR patients. Follow-up survival was comparable (logrank P-value = 0.58). Conclusion: MIAVR via upper sternotomy has been shown to be a safe and effective option for obese patients. Respiratory outcome was promising with shorter mechanical ventilation time and reduced need for post-extubation support. The length of stay in the intensive care unit was reduced. These advantages might be important for the obese patient to whom minimally invasive surgery should not be denied.

Factors associated with extubation failure in an intensive care unit: a case-control study / Fatores associados à falha de extubação em unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo de caso-controle / Factores asociados al fracaso de la extubación en unidad de cuidados intensivos: estudio de caso y control

Abstract Objective: to investigate the factors associated with extubation failure of patients in the intensive care unit. Method: unpaired, longitudinal, retrospective and quantitative case-control with the participation of 480 patients through clinical parameters for ventilator weaning. Data were analyzed by: Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test; unpaired two-tailed Student's t test; and Mann-Whitney test. Significant P values lower than or equal to 0.05 were admitted. Results: of the patients, 415 (86.5%) were successful and 65 (13.5%) failed. Success group: the most negative fluid balance, APACHE II in 20 (14-25), weak cough in 58 (13.9%). Failure group: the most positive fluid balance, APACHE II in 23 (19-29), weak cough in 31 (47.7%), abundant amount of pulmonary secretions in 47.7%. Conclusion: positive fluid balance and the presence of inefficient cough or inability to clear the airway were predictors of extubation failure.

Resumo Objetivo: investigar os fatores associados à falha de extubação de pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: caso-controle não pareado, longitudinal, retrospectivo e quantitativo com a participação de 480 pacientes por meio de parâmetros clínicos para desmame ventilatório. Dados analisados por: Teste Exato de Fisher ou o teste Qui-quadrado; teste t de Student bicaudal não pareado; e teste de Mann-Whitney. Admitiram-se significantes valores de P menores ou iguais a 0,05. Resultados: dos pacientes, 415 (86,5%) tiveram sucesso e 65 (13,5%) falharam. Grupo sucesso: balanço hídrico mais negativo, APACHE II em 20 (14-25), tosse fraca em 58 (13,9%). Grupo falha: balanço hídrico mais positivo, APACHE II em 23 (19-29), tosse fraca em 31 (47,7 %), quantidade abundante de secreção pulmonar em 47,7 %. Conclusão: o balanço hídrico positivo e a presença de tosse ineficiente ou incapacidade de higienizar a via aérea foram preditores de falhas de extubação.

Resumen Objetivo: investigar los factores asociados al fracaso de la extubación de pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Método: caso y control no apareado, longitudinal, retrospectivo y cuantitativo con la participación de 480 pacientes mediante parámetros clínicos para el destete de la ventilación. Datos analizados por: Prueba Exacta de Fisher o prueba de Chi-cuadrado; prueba t de Student de dos colas para datos no apareados; y prueba de Mann-Whitney. Se admitieron valores de P significativos menores o iguales a 0,05. Resultados: de los pacientes, 415 (86,5%) tuvieron éxito y 65 (13,5%) fracasaron. Grupo de éxito: balance hídrico más negativo, APACHE II en 20 (14-25), tos débil en 58 (13,9%). Grupo de fracaso: balance de líquidos más positivo, APACHE II en 23 (19-29), tos débil en 31 (47,7%), abundante cantidad de secreciones pulmonares en 47,7%. Conclusión: el balance hídrico positivo y la presencia de tos ineficaz o incapacidad para higienizar la vía aérea fueron predictores de fracaso de la extubación.

CUIDADO DE ENFERMERÍA DURANTE EL PROCESO DE EXTUBACIÓN: DESDE LA TEORÍA DE KRISTEN SWANSON / NURSING CARE DURING THE EXTUBATION PROCESS: FROM THE THEORY OF KRISTEN SWANSON

INTRODUCCIÓN: El creciente aumento de la incidencia del soporte ventilatorio mecánico ha impulsado el interés y desarrollo de estudios para mejorar la conducción de este proceso, sin embargo, conocer las experiencias que han vivido los profesionales de enfermería durante la extubación, puede contribuir a mejorar las prácticas de cuidado para hacer el proceso más humanizado y hacer de la UCI un lugar más ameno para la recuperación. OBJETIVO: Describir la percepción de profesionales de enfermería sobre los cuidados durante el proceso de weaning sustentado en los principios teóricos de Kristen Swanson. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, en base a un diseño fenomenológico según Husserl. La recogida de datos se realizó a través de una entrevista realizada por Google Meet, grabada en audio y luego transcrita a texto. El proceso de análisis formal estuvo orientado por los 9 pasos de Colaizzi. Para aumentar la credibilidad y precisión de la investigación se utilizaron los criterios de rigor propuestos por Lincoln y Guba. RESULTADOS: Emergieron 15 temas relacionados a los procesos de cuidado de Swanson. Se encontraron hallazgos en relación a cuidados integrales en contexto de extubación; encontrar significado al proceso de destete como experiencia de vida y la relación profesional-paciente en la extubación. CONCLUSIÓN: La experiencia al entregar cuidados durante el proceso de extubación deja en evidencia la importancia que otorgan no solo a aspectos hemodinámicos, fisiológicos y parámetros ventilatorios, sino que también a favorecer que la experiencia del destete sea realizada en un contexto de integralidad, seguridad, calidad, humanismo y respeto por sus derechos.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing incidence of mechanical ventilatory support has prompted an interest in and development of studies to improve the process, and knowing the experiences of nursing professionals during extubation can contribute to the improvement of care practices to make it more humanized as well as make the ICU a more pleasant place for recovery. OBJECTIVE: To describe nursing professionals' perception of care during the weaning process based on Kristen Swanson's theoretical principles. METHODS: Descriptive study, based on a phenomenological design according to Husserl. Data collection was done through an interview conducted by Google Meet, audio-recorded and then transcribed to text. The formal analysis process was guided by Colaizzi's 9 steps. To increase the credibility and accuracy of the research, the rigor criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba were used. RESULTS: Fifteen themes related to Swanson's care processes emerged. Findings related to comprehensive care in the context of extubation were found, including finding meaning in the weaning process as a life experience, and the professional-patient relationship in extubation. CONCLUSION: The experience of providing care during the extubation process shows the importance they attach not only to hemodynamic, physiological and ventilatory parameters, but also to ensuring that the weaning experience is carried out in a context of integrality, safety, quality, humanism and respect for their rights.

Acute Aortic Dissection Type A in Younger Patients (< 60 Years Old) - Does Full Arch Replacement Provide Benefits Compared to Limited Approach?

INTRODUCTION: Acute aortic dissection Stanford type A (AADA) is a surgical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although surgical management has improved, the optimal therapy is a matter of debate. Different surgical strategies have been proposed for patients under 60 years old. This paper evaluates the postoperative outcome and the need for secondary aortic operation after a limited surgical approach (proximal arch replacement) vs. extended arch repair. METHODS: Between January 2000 and January 2018, 530 patients received surgical treatment for AADA at our hospital; 182 were under 60 years old and were enrolled in this study - Group A (n=68), limited arch repair (proximal arch replacement), and group B (n=114), extended arch repair (> proximal arch replacement). RESULTS: More pericardial tamponade (P=0.005) and preoperative mechanical resuscitation (P=0.014) were seen in Group A. More need for renal replacement therapy (P=0.047) was seen in the full arch group. Mechanical ventilation time (P=0.022) and intensive care unit stay (P<0.001) were shorter in the limited repair group. Thirty-day mortality was comparable (P=0.117). New onset of postoperative stroke was comparable (Group A four patients [5.9%] vs. Group B 15 patients [13.2%]; P=0.120). Long-term follow-up did not differ significantly for secondary aortic surgery. CONCLUSION: Even though young patients received only limited arch repair, the outcome was comparable. Full-arch replacement was not beneficial in the long-time follow-up. A limited approach is justified in the cohort of young AADA patients. Exemptions, like known Marfan syndrome and the presence of an intimal tear in the arch, should be considered.

[Risk factors associated with lethality on patients with central cord syndrome]. / Factores asociados a la letalidad en pacientes con síndrome medular central agudo postraumático.

Background: Central Cord Syndrome is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury, and it represents 9% of all spinal injuries of the adult. Objective: to determine the risk factors associated with lethality or/and mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS). Material and Methods: upon a retrospective cohort with patients with posttraumatic CCS we evaluated at the time of emergency admission and until the hospital discharge. The dependent variable was dead or MV. We calculated incidence, relative risk (RR) with CI95% and a multivariate model for the association of statistically significant variables by means of a risk coefficient model upon the variables that evidenciated tendencies towards risk. Results: From 101 patients with CCS, 85.1% with a severe medullary canal stenosis and 9.9% required MV; the mortality was 13.9%. The only risk factor associated with dead was the use of MV with an RR of 3.6 (CI95% 1.4-9.5); the risk with tendencies towards MV was being older than 60 RR 5.4 (CI95% 0.6-44.2). Other factors demonstrated a tendency towards mortality, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusions: MV is a risk factor associated with mortality, other factors evidenciated tendencies towards mortality; being older than 60, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, narrow spinal canal, more than 20 days of hospital stay and being intervened farther than 10 days from the accident. The incidence of mortality in our sample is greater than thus reported previously on other international articles. To know and identify these and other factors will let us identify patients with a greater risk of complications.

Introducción: el síndrome medular central es la lesión medular incompleta más común y representa el 9% de las lesiones medulares del adulto. Objetivo: determinar la letalidad del síndrome medular central (SMC) y sus factores de riesgo asociados a fallecer y/o uso de ventilación mecánica (VM). Material y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva en pacientes con SMC que acuden a urgencias y valorados hasta su egreso. La variable dependiente fue VM o muerte. Se calculó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR) e IC95%; se usaron modelos multivariados de asociación con las variables significativas mediante un modelo de cocientes de riesgos, y aquellas que presentaron algún grado de tendencia de acuerdo con el RR por encima de 1. Resultados: se recolectó la información de una muestra de 101 pacientes con SMC que recibieron atención en la unidad entre 2015 y 2021, 85.1% presentaron estenosis medular, 9.9% de pacientes requirieron VM, la mortalidad fue de 13.9%. El factor de riesgo asociado a muerte fue la VM con RR 3.6 (IC95%: 1.4-9.5); el factor con tendencia a VM fue ser mayor de 60, RR 5.4 (IC95%: 0.6-44.2). Otros factores evidenciaron tendencia a mortalidad o VM sin significancia estadística. Conclusiones: el factor de riesgo asociado a mortalidad fue VM, otros evidencian tendencia hacia mortalidad, como ser mayor de 60 años, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, estenosis medular por debajo de los 10 milímetros, más de 20 días de estancia hospitalaria y ser intervenidos más de 10 días posterior al accidente. La mortalidad en nuestra población se encuentra muy elevada en comparación con estudios internacionales previos. Conocer los factores de riesgo ayudaran a identificar a los pacientes con mayor riesgo de muerte o VM.

Association between ventilatory ratio and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and COVID 19: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit are high. The causes of this mortality have been rigorously investigated. The aim of the present study is to establish mortality risk factors related to lung mechanics measured at days 1 and 5 in patients with covid-19 ARDS managed with invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective observational multicenter study including consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19-induced ARDS, admitted to three institutions and seven intensive care units in the city of Bogota between May 20, 2020 and May 30, 2022 who required mechanical ventilation for at least five days. Data were collected from the medical records of patients who met the inclusion criteria on day 1 and day 5 of mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome assessed was mortality at day 30. RESULTS: A total of 533 consecutive patients admitted with ARDS with COVID-19 were included. Ventilatory ratio, plateau pressure and driving pressure measured on day 5 were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Overall, 30-day follow-up mortality was 48.8%. The increases between day 1 and day 5 in the ventilatory ratio (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.03-2.01, p = 0.04), driving pressure (OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.10-2.22, p = 0.01); and finally plateau pressure (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.34-2.69, p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of death. There was no association between deterioration of PaO2/FIO2 index and mortality (OR 1.34, 95%CI 0.96-1.56, p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory ratio, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and age were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with ARDS due to COVID-19 on day 5 of invasive mechanical ventilation.

Using Revolution™ CT Angiography to Assess Complex Coarctation of the Aorta in Infants and Its Association with a Prolonged Postoperative Cardiac ICU Stay.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accuracy of aortic dimensions measured by Revolution™ computed tomography (CT) in infants with complex coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and to further analyze the utility of the degree of CoA in predicting the risk of prolonged postoperative cardiac intensive care unit stay. METHODS: A total of 30 infants with complex CoA who underwent surgical correction from January 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. General demographic data, preoperative imaging, and perioperative outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate predictors of prolonged postoperative cardiac intensive care unit stay, and the reliability of the CT measurements was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: All infants were divided into a mild or severe CoA group. The duration of mechanical ventilation and cardiac intensive care unit stay in the mild CoA group were significantly lower than those in the severe CoA group. After multivariate analysis, we found that the degree of CoA and age at surgery were significant predictors of prolonged postoperative cardiac intensive care unit stay. The intraclass correlation coefficient between CT measurements and intraoperative measurements was between 0.937 and 0.975, and the measurement results had good reliability. CONCLUSION: CT angiography can provide a comprehensive and accurate preoperative evaluation of aortic dimensions measured in infants with complex CoA. The degree of CoA is an independent risk factor for prolonged postoperative cardiac intensive care unit stay in infants with complex CoA.

Risk factors of self-extubation in intensive care. Retrospective cohort study

Introduction Acute respiratory failure remains one of the three leading causes of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Self-extubation is an adverse outcome requiring reintubation in 50% of cases. Objective To assess for determinants (risk factors) of self-extubation and mortality in the ICU by using a generalized estimation equation model (GEE). Methods The data was collected from a retrospective cohort study from 2017-2020 including all patients admitted to the ICU with mechanical ventilation. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. Then, a GEE model was conducted to predict the risk of self-extubation and mortality. Results A total of 857 subjects were included, with a mean age of 60.5 +/- 17 years-old. Most of the subjects were males (55.2%). An 8.99-fold risk (95%CI 3.83-21.1, p<0.0i) of self-extubation was identified in patients with agitation. Exposure to infusion of neuromuscular blockade was also found to increase the risk of self-extubation 3.37 times (95%CI 1.31-8.68, p=0.01). No associations were identified between immobilization and self-extubation (OR 1.38 95%CI 0.76-2.51, p=0.29). Finally, light sedation according to the Richmond Sedation Scale (RASS) between 0 to -2 rather than moderate (RASS-3) reduces the risk of mortality (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.38-0.83, p<0.01). Conclusions The main factors resulting in self-extubation were: agitation, delirium, and infusion of neuromuscular blocking agents. An association was found between light sedation and a lower risk of mortality. No association was found between the use of physical restraint and the desired outcome.

Introducción: La insuficiencia respiratoria aguda continúa siendo una de las tres causas principales de ingreso a la unidad de cuidado intensivo (UCI). La auto-extubación es un desenlace adverso que requiere re-intubación en un 50% de los casos. Objetivo: Evaluar los determinantes (factores de riesgo) de la auto-extubación y la mortalidad en UCI mediante el uso de un modelo de ecuaciones de estimación generalizadas (EEG). Métodos: Estudio de una cohorte retrospectiva realizada durante el periodo 2017-2020 incluyendo a todos los pacientes ingresados a UCI con ventilación mecánica invasiva. Se realizaron análisis univariado y bivariado. Adicionalmente, se utilizó un modelo EEG para predecir el riesgo de auto-extubación y mortalidad. Resultados: Se analizó un total de 857 pacientes con un promedio de edad entre 60,5 +/-17 años, siendo hombres en su mayoría (55,2%). Se encontró un riesgo 8,99 veces mayor (IC95% 3,83-21,1, p<0,01) de auto-extubación en los pacientes con agitación. La infusión de relajación muscular incrementó el riesgo de auto-extubación en 3,37 veces (IC95% 1,318,68, p=0,01). No se encontró asociación entre inmovilización y auto-extubación (OR 1,38 IC95% 0,76-2,51, p=0,29). Finalmente, una sedación ligera según la Escala de Sedación de Richmond (RASS) entre 0 a -2 en lugar de moderada (RASS-3) redujo el riesgo de mortalidad (OR 0,5 IC95% 0,38-0,83, p<0.01). Conclusiones: Los principales factores asociados a auto-extubación fueron agitación, delirium e infusión de relajantes musculares. Se encontró asociación entre una sedación ligera y menor riesgo de mortalidad. No se encontró asociación entre el uso de la restricción física y el desenlace de interés.

Respiratory device-related pressure injuries in hospitalised adults: An integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main ventilatory support medical devices related to the occurrence of pressure injuries in hospitalised adults, as well as the most frequent anatomical localisations of these injuries. METHODS: The Integrative review was registered at Open Science Framework as per DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/P3NTZ. Two independent reviewers, in May 2022, searched the databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, LILACS and CINAHL; no language or publication year restriction. The review question was: What are the ventilatory support medical devices that cause PIs in hospitalised adults more often? The terms for searching the database were: "adult," "noninvasive ventilation," "artificial respiration." and "pressure injury," and their synonyms. This review followed the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: The final sample was 21 articles. Oxygen nasal catheters caused up to 40.7% of the pressure injuries by ventilatory support devices identified, all in the ears. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation oronasal masks presented an incidence of pressure injuries of 63.3%. The nasal bridge was the site most affected by this mask. The Set of Holders for Insight® endotracheal tubes was the device that caused the most pressure injuries, with an incidence of 75%, affecting lip commissure. Tracheostomy cannula accounted for 18.2% of the pressure injuries related to ventilatory support devices; all lesions were in the neck. CONCLUSION: The ventilatory support devices causing pressure injuries and the most affected sites were, respectively, nasal catheters, ears; masks, nasal bridge; endotracheal tubes, lip commissures; tracheostomy cannulas, neck. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Knowing which respiratory devices cause pressure injuries more often in hospitalised adults and which anatomical localisations are more likely to be affected is fundamental for adopting preventive measures and reducing the occurrence of this problem. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution because of the review.

Salud bucal en pacientes en estado crítico / Critical patient oral health

Fundamento: La salud bucal y sus cuidados son importantes en la atención sanitaria de pacientes en estado crítico. Objetivo: Proporcionar una visión general de los vínculos entre la salud bucal y los resultados adversos en la evolución de los pacientes en estado crítico. Metodología: Esta revisión narrativa se realizó en Google Académico, PubMed/Medline y SciELO, con los descriptores salud bucal, cuidados críticos, respiración artificial y neumonía asociada al ventilador, consultados en el DeCS. Se seleccionaron artículos a texto completo en español e inglés de revistas arbitradas por pares y de los últimos 5 años. Resultados: La disbiosis y la mala higiene bucales propician la aparición y desarrollo de enfermedades bucales que, a su vez, favorecen la incidencia de enfermedades respiratorias bajas como la neumonía asociada al ventilador en pacientes en estado crítico. Dentro de los factores vinculantes están la aspiración de secreciones bucales con bacterias patógenas que colonizan el tracto respiratorio inferior y los trastornos nutricionales que reducen el sistema defensivo. Aunque existen algunas discrepancias, la mayoría de los estudios apoyan las medidas de cuidado bucal en los pacientes en estado crítico. Conclusiones: La salud y cuidados bucales son claves para un desenlace clínico más favorable en los pacientes en estado crítico.

Background: Oral health and oral health care are important in the health care of critically ill patients. Objective: To provide an overview of the relationship between oral health and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Methodology: This narrative revision was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline and SciELO, with the descriptors oral health, critical care, artificial respiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia consulted in the DeCS. Full-text articles in Spanish and English from peer-reviewed journals and from the last 5 years were selected. Results: Dysbiosis and poor oral hygiene promote the incidence and development of oral diseases, which in turn promote the incidence of lower respiratory system diseases such as ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients. Among the factors involved are aspiration of oral secretions with pathogenic bacteria that colonize the lower respiratory tract, and nutritional deficiencies that compromise the immune system. Although there are some discrepancies, most studies support oral care practices in critically ill patients. Conclusions: The health and care of the oral cavity is the key to a more favorable outcome for critically ill patients.

O modo PSV apresenta piores desfechos em relação ao desmame quando comparado com outros modos ventilatórios de pacientes com exacerbação aguda da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: revisão sistemática / The PSV mode has worse weaning outcomes when compared to other ventilatory modes in patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é um distúrbio crônico e progressivo, que evolui com o declínio da função pulmonar. Embora sua cronicidade, são comuns períodos de agudização acompanhados de Insuficiência Respiratória Aguda hipercápnica, requisitando permanência nas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) e Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI) para reversão da falência respiratória. O desmame na DPOC ocupa até 58% da VM, logo, se faz necessário estratégias específicas para otimização desse processo, com a utilização de modos e ajustes ventilatórios que promovam um desmame precoce e efetivo. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da Ventilação com Pressão de Suporte quando comparado com modos e estratégias distintas no desmame de pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática, construída seguindo critérios do PRISMA, registrada na PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Considerados elegíveis ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados que avaliaram o modo PSV em comparação com modos e estratégias distintas, em pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, em VMI, sem delimitação de ano/idioma. Foram excluídos artigos incompletos, duplicados e indisponíveis aos recursos de recuperação. Desfechos de interesse foram: duração do desmame, tempo de permanência na UTI e mortalidade. A estratégia foi aplicada nas bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. As ferramentas Escala PEDro e RevMan Web foram utilizadas para análise da qualidade dos estudos e risco de viés, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Incluídos 8 artigos. 6 mostraram significância estatística, apresentando menor tempo de desmame no grupo ASV (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0,041); mais dias na UTI quando comparado com o modo PAV (p<0,001). PSV foi mais eficaz nos mesmos desfechos quando comparado com a estratégia Tubo-T. Houve diferenças quanto a taxa de mortalidade com o modo NAVA. CONCLUSÃO: Fica evidente que o modo PSV quando em relação a modos ventilatórios assistidos, tem potencial de fornecer piores desfechos associados ao processo de desmame da ventilação invasiva de pacientes com DPOC.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disorder that evolves with the decline in lung function. Despite its chronicity, periods of exacerbation accompanied by hypercapnic Acute Respiratory Failure are common, requiring a stay in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) to reverse respiratory failure. Weaning in COPD occupies up to 58% of the MV, therefore, specific strategies are needed to optimize this process, using ventilatory modes and adjustments that promote early and effective weaning. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pressure Support Ventilation when compared with different modes and strategies in weaning patients with COPD. METHODS: Systematic review, constructed following PRISMA criteria, registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022362228). Randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated the PSV mode in comparison with different modes and strategies, in patients diagnosed with COPD, on IMV, without delimitation of year/language, were considered eligible. Incomplete, duplicate and unavailable articles were excluded. Outcomes of interest were: duration of weaning, length of stay in the ICU and mortality. The strategy was applied in the bases: PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. The PEDro Scale and RevMan Web tools were used to analyze study quality and risk of bias, respectively. RESULTS: Included 8 articles. 6 showed statistical significance, showing shorter weaning time in the ASV group (24 (20­62) h versus 72 (24­144) h PSV) (p=0.041), and more days in the ICU when compared to the PAV mode (p<0.001). PSV was more effective on the same outcomes when compared with the T-tube strategy. There were differences in the mortality rate with the NAVA mode. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the PSV mode, when compared to assisted ventilation modes, has the potential to provide worse outcomes associated with the process of weaning from invasive ventilation in patients with COPD.

Mechanical ventilation and death in pregnant patients admitted for COVID-19: a prognostic analysis from the Brazilian COVID-19 registry score.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of clinical prognosis of pregnant COVID-19 patients at hospital presentation is challenging, due to physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Our aim was to assess the performance of the ABC2-SPH score to predict in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation support in pregnant patients with COVID-19, to assess the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and characteristics of pregnant women who died. METHODS: This multicenter cohort included consecutive pregnant patients with COVID-19 admitted to the participating hospitals, from April/2020 to March/2022. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation support and in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were pregnancy outcomes. The overall discrimination of the model was presented as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Overall performance was assessed using the Brier score. RESULTS: From 350 pregnant patients (median age 30 [interquartile range (25.2, 35.0)] years-old]), 11.1% had hypertensive disorders, 19.7% required mechanical ventilation support and 6.0% died. The AUROC for in-hospital mortality and for the composite outcome were 0.809 (95% IC: 0.641-0.944) and 0.704 (95% IC: 0.617-0.792), respectively, with good overall performance (Brier = 0.0384 and 0.1610, respectively). Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but poor for the composite outcome. Women who died had a median age 4 years-old higher, higher frequency of hypertensive disorders (38.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001) and obesity (28.6% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.025) than those who were discharged alive, and their newborns had lower birth weight (2000 vs. 2813, p = 0.001) and five-minute Apgar score (3.0 vs. 8.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ABC2-SPH score had good overall performance for in-hospital mortality and the composite outcome mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality. Calibration was good for the prediction of in-hospital mortality, but it was poor for the composite outcome. Therefore, the score may be useful to predict in-hospital mortality in pregnant patients with COVID-19, in addition to clinical judgment. Newborns from women who died had lower birth weight and Apgar score than those who were discharged alive.

Autonomic heart rate modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in mechanical ventilation

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on automatic mechanical ventilation have greater heart rate modulation with greater parasympathetic modulation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the autonomic modulation of heart rate in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A cross-section study was carried out with 36 individuals divided into two groups. The control group included patients of both genders, in orotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation under controlled assisted mode, hospitalized in the intensive care unit for another 24 h. In the non-COVID group, patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 in the same condition mentioned in the control group. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in heart rate variability (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals recorded at an interval of time; p=0.001; triangular interpolation histogram of RR intervals; p=0.048; and SD2; p=0.014) in the coronavirus disease group compared to the non-COVID group. Successively, the parameters that demonstrate parasympathetic modulation are shown to be higher in the group of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (root mean square of the square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals in an interval of time; p<0.001; pNN50; p<0.001; SD1; p=0.002; and high frequency; p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater autonomic modulation of heart rate with a greater parasympathetic modulation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 on mechanical ventilation.

Factores de riesgo para destete fallido de la ventilación mecánica en adultos

Introducción: El destete o liberación de la ventilación mecánica (VM) es un proceso complejo y cuando es fallido aumentará los riesgos de complicaciones y gastos. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo modificables para destete fallido en adultos con VM. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles realizado en pacientes ≥ 18 años ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital de tercer nivel. Los casos se identificaron como destete fallido (DF) del VM y los controles como destete simple. Se excluyeron los pacientes procedentes de otro hospital con VM. Los factores estudiados fueron el alto riesgo nutricional por el Nutric score modificado, la nutrición enteral tardía, el balance hídrico (BH) positivo y la ausencia de fisioterapia previos al destete. Se calculo el OR con una significancia < 0,05 para el análisis bivariado, multivariado y ajustado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 105 pacientes, 35 casos y 70 controles. El análisis bivariado encontró que el alto riesgo nutricional (OR = 2.5; IC 95% = 1,1 5,9; p=0,027) fue factor de riesgo, pero el análisis multivariado no lo confirmó. La nutrición enteral tardía (OR = 1,2; IC 95% = 0,4 3,4), el BH positivo (OR = 0,7; IC 95% = 0,3 1,7) y la ausencia de fisioterapia respiratoria (OR = 0,2; IC 95% = 0,004 0,011) no fueron factores de riesgo para DF. Conclusiones: El alto riesgo nutricional, la nutrición enteral tardía, el BH positivo y la ausencia de fisioterapia respiratoria antes del destete no fueron factores de riesgo para DF.

Background: Weaning of the mechanical ventilation (MV) is a complex process and when it fails, it can increase the risks of complications and expenses in health systems. Objective: To identify risk factors for failed weaning in adults with MV. Materials and Methods: Case-control study carried out in patients older than 18 years admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Cases were identified as failed weaning (FW) of MV, and controls were simple weaning. Patients from another hospital with MV were excluded. Risk factors studied were high nutritional risk by the modified Nutric score, late enteral nutrition, positive water balance (WB) and the absence of physical therapy prior to weaning. OR was calculated with a significance < 0.05 for bivariate, multivariate, and adjusted analysis. Results: 105 patients were included, 35 cases and 70 controls. The bivariate analysis found that high nutritional risk (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1 5.9; p = 0.027) was a risk factor, but the multivariate analysis did not confirm it. Late enteral nutrition (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.4 3.4), positive WB (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.3 1.7) and the absence of respiratory physiotherapy (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.004 0.011) were not risk factors for FW. Conclusions: High nutritional risk, late enteral nutrition, positive BH and the absence of respiratory physiotherapy before weaning were not risk factors for FW.