Postintensive care syndrome in mechanically ventilated patients secondary to respiratory disorders

Abstract

BackgroundPatients admitted to ICU, especially those who are mechanically ventilated, are under the effects of many clinical, therapeutic, and emotional stress factors that usually lead to different physical, psychological, and cognitive disabilities. These acquired disabilities are called postintensive care syndrome (PICS).Objectivethe aim was to detect any component of PICS in mechanically ventilated patients at respiratory ICU (RICU) after being discharged from ICU.Patients and methodsAll recruited patients were assessed at three time points: first during admission to RICU, where all clinical and laboratory data were recorded; second following discharge from RICU, and third following 1 month of discharge from hospital. During the second and third points, cognitive, psychological, and physical components of PICS were assessed.ResultsA total of 20 (50%) patients developed one or more component of PICS. There were highly significant differences between patients with and without PICS regarding age, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU admission, level PaO2, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) IV score, the presence of co-morbidities, and the process of weaning. There were highly significant positive correlations between age of patients, duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and the score of APACHE IV and the development of PICS, whereas there was a highly significant negative correlation regarding the level of PaO2.ConclusionPatients with respiratory disorders admitted to the RICU should be evaluated and followed up for the detection of any components of PICS especially those who are old adult, have prolonged intubation or ICU stay, have co-morbidities, high APACHE IV score, and persistent hypoxemia.