Department Of Critical Care Medicine Research Articles

Guillain Barre’ Syndrome– A post-infectious sequele of COVID-19 in postnatal period & its treatment modality: A case report

We present a case of 26 years old lady, who was diagnosed as GBS in her postpartum period after being infected with COVID-19. Initially she had mild sore throat and cough but was diagnosed with COVID-19 after undergoing normal vaginal delivery which was done as a part of routine investigation. Later she developed sudden blurring of vision, severe headache along with quadriparesis, arefexia, slurring of speech with nasal voice. On the basis of this she was diagnosed as a case of GBS clinically and was treated with IVIG. She was taken care under critical care medicine department for a week where she improved clinically but still her qaudriparesis persisted with diminished reflex. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2021; 9 (2): 109-111

"Overview of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae"

Min Shi* and Xiang-qun Fang Author Affiliations Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, China Received: October 05, 2021 | Published: October 11, 2021 Corresponding author: Min Shi, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 of Fuxing Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100853, China DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.39.006285

Effects of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Patients With Septic Coagulopathy and Their Interaction With Autophagy.

IntroductionNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) act as a critical trigger of inflammation and coagulation. We hypothesized that NETs are associated with septic hypercoagulability.Materials and MethodsIn total, 82 patients admitted with sepsis in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled between February 2017 and April 2018. Clinical and hematological parameters and thrombotic or hemorrhagic events were recorded. Blood samples were obtained to assess biomarkers of NET formation, including neutrophil elastase 2 (ELA2) and citrullinated histone H3, and endothelial-derived biomarker syndecan-1. Autophagy levels and their regulation pathway were also examined to explore their interaction with NETs.ResultSepsis patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) showed significantly higher levels of NET formation [ELA2, 1,247 (86–625) vs. 2,039 (1,544–2,534), p < 0.0001; H3, 140 (47–233) vs. 307 (199–415), p < 0.0001]. NET formation was independently associated with DIC risk [ELA2, OR 1.0028, 95% CI, 1.0010–1.0045; H3, OR 1.0104, 95% CI, 1.0032–1.0176] and mortality [ELA2, HR 1.0014, 95% CI, 1.0004–1.0024; H3, HR 1.0056, 95% CI, 1.0008–1.0115]. The area under the curve value for ELA2 in predicting DIC occurrence was 0.902 (95% CI, 0.816–0.957), and that of H3 was 0.870 (95% CI, 0.778–0.934). Furthermore, biomarkers of NET formation, endothelial cells, and autophagy exhibited a significant correlation [ELA2 and Syn (r = 0.5985, p < 0.0001), LC3B (r = −0.4224, p < 0.0001); H3 and Syn (r = 0.6383, p < 0.0001), LC3B (r = −0.3005, p = 0.0061)].ConclusionIncreased NET formation is significantly associated with sepsis-induced DIC incidence and mortality in sepsis patients, revealing a significant relationship with the autophagy pathway.Clinical Trial Registrationchictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR-ROC-17010750.

Comparative study of dexmedetomidine vs. midazolam on plasma catecholamine levels and hemodynamics in patients with septic shock

To compare the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and midazolam on the endogenous plasma catecholamine levels and the dosage of exogenous norepinephrine (NE) to maintain blood pressure in patients with septic shock. From January 2018 to December 2019, patients admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University who needed invasive mechanical ventilation and had a stay of more than 48 hours in the intensive care unit (ICU) for septic shock and received DEX or midazolam for sedation were enrolled in this study. The hemodynamic data, arterial blood lactic acid (Lac) level, arterial blood gas analysis and vasoactive drug dose at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours after entering the ICU were dynamically recorded, and the plasma catecholamine levels at 0, 24, 48 hours after entering the ICU were recorded. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on ICU-admission were calculated. The parameters of prognosis were collected. A total of 24 patients were enrolled, 12 in the DEX group and 12 in the midazolam group. There were similar dynamic trends in heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), venous-arterial carbon dioxide pressure difference (Pv-aCO2), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), and Lac level of patients between the two groups. Only the 12-hour CVP and 72-hour Pv-aCO2 in the DEX group were significantly higher than those in the midazolam group [CVP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 13±3 vs. 10±3, Pv-aCO2 (mmHg): 9.4±5.2 vs. 4.8±2.2, both P < 0.05], and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of patients in the DEX group at 48 hours and 72 hours was significantly higher than that in the midazolam group (mmHg: 95±10 vs. 86±10, 96±9 vs. 88±7, both P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU mortality or in-hospital mortality between the DEX group and the midazolam group [duration of mechanical ventilation (days): 5.6 (3.8, 9.5) vs. 10.5 (5.9, 15.0), ICU mortality: 16.7% vs. 33.3%, in-hospital mortality: 25.0% vs. 41.7%, all P > 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the dosage of propofol or sufentanil between the DEX group and the midazolam group [propofol (mg/kg): 0 (0, 9.35) vs. 4.07 (0, 13.75), sufentanil (μg/kg): 6.26 (4.90, 9.80) vs. 8.32 (3.52, 9.34), both P > 0.05]. The levels of plasma NE, dopamine and dobutamine in the DEX group at 48 hours were significantly lower than those in the midazolam group [NE (ng/L): 1 850.12 (342.16, 2 938.05) vs. 4 596.60 (3 310.56, 5 546.84), dopamine (ng/L): 119.10 (60.47, 200.71) vs. 275.40 (214.61, 418.88), dobutamine (ng/L): 51.20 (36.85, 75.59) vs. 98.97 (85.65, 107.10), all P < 0.05], but the amount of NE required to maintain MAP between 65 mmHg and 75 mmHg in the DEX group and the midazolam group was similar [μg/kg: 1 922 (1 170, 4 887) vs. 2 466 (2 043, 3 438), P > 0.05]. DEX can reduce plasma catecholamine levels in patients with septic shock more than midazolam, and does not increase the dose of exogenous NE, and has a smaller effect on hemodynamics in patients with septic shock than midazolam.

Study the Value of Interleukin-6 As Diagnostic and Predictive marker of Cardiac Events in St Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background Owing to major changes in the biomarkers available for diagnosis, criteria for acute myocardial infarction have been revised. The current international consensus definition states that the term acute myocardial infarction (AMI) should be used when there is evidence of myocardial necrosis in a clinical setting consistent with myocardial ischemia. The present guidelines pertain to patients presenting with ischemic symptoms and persistent ST-segment elevation on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Most of these patients will show a typical rise in biomarkers of myocardial necrosis and progress to Q wave myocardial infarction. Separate guidelines have recently been developed by another task force of the ESC (European Society of Cardiology) for patients presenting with ischemic symptoms but without persistent ST segment elevation and for patients undergoing myocardial revascularization in general. Aim of the work The aims of this work are: To assess the diagnostic value of interleukin-6 compared to troponin I in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. To assess the predictive value of elevated interleukin-6 in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Patients This prospective study was included sixty adult patients of both sexes meeting the American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for diagnosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction from those attending the Critical Care Units, Critical Care Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University to be included in the current study. Inclusion Criteria :Patients were fulfilled the criteria of diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and diagnosed as ST segment elevation MI according to American Heart Association (AHA) criteria which include patient ranging between 30 to 70 years and presented with active chest pain. Exclusion Criteria Patients were excluded from the study if they have: (1) Recent myocardial infarction in the last three months. (2) Recent cardiological intervention in the last three months. (3) Recent ischemic cerebrovascular stroke in the last three months. (4) Non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina according to electrocardiographic changes, cardiac markers and clinical condition of the patients. (5) Acute infectious diseases that leads to elevation of troponin I and interleukin-6. (6) Active immunological diseases. (7) Renal impairment. Methods The following data were obtained from each patient: Personal data: name, age, sex, occupation and special habits e.g. smoking. History of present illness regarding to clinical condition: onset, nature, duration, course, progression, characteristic site and radiating areas of the chest pain, relieving and aggravating factors, associated symptoms (as diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea and palpitation) and medication received and their effects. Medical history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and history of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Family history of IHD, DM and HTN. Conclusion From this current study we revealed that: STEMI patients have increased level of interleukin-6 compared to those normal persons. Interleukin-6 may be a potentially useful marker for diagnosis of STEMI. Interleukin-6 may be helpful prognostic value for future cardiac mortality in STEMI patients. The level of interleukin-6 is not affected by the extent of myocardial damage and necrosis. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory cytokine. Recommendations From this study we recommend the use of interleukin-6 level as good diagnostic marker for diagnosis of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, Also this study recommend the use of interleukin-6 as good prognostic inflammatory marker in future adverse cardiac events and mortality occur after myocardial infarction STEMI type. Study limitations The results are interpreted in consideration of the small population of patients and short term follow up.

Comparative Study between Automatic Tube Compensation (ATC) and Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) as a Mode of Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Respiratory Failure

Abstract Background Weaning covers the entire process of liberating the patient from mechanical support and from the endotracheal tube (ETT). Weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) is a challenge. Its prolongation is related to increased mortality. Aim of the Work is to assess the value of ATC in predicting successful weaning and hastening the weaning process. This study will compare the benefits and effects of ATC versus PSV as weaning modes on spontaneous breathing trials and work of breathing. Patients and Mehtods This prospective non randomized was done on 50 adult patients admitted to the Critical Care Medicine Department in Ain shams University Hospital presenting with ARF and mechanically ventilated for at least 24 hours. They were divided into two groups: Group I “ATC group” Each underwent a 1-hour spontaneous breathing trial, using ATC mode and Group II “PSV group” PSV mode was used. Results In the present study we have found that the use of ATC during a spontaneous breathing trial was as effective as PSV in predicting the ability of patients to maintain spontaneous, unassisted breathing for more than 48 hours after removal of the endotracheal tube. In our study, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who tolerated the spontaneous breathing trial and then extubated between ATC and PSV groups (60 % vs. 56% respectively, p &amp;gt; 0.05). Both modes had comparable sensitivity, and +ve predictive value. Sensitivity was 80.0% versus 75.0% and the positive predictive value was 88.0%, versus 87.0% for ATC versus PSV respectively. The specificity was comparable (76.8% versus 80.0 % in ATC versus PSV respectively). ATC group had higher negative predictive than PSV group (82.0% versus 70.1%, respectively). In our study, criteria for successful extubation were met in 56.0%. In ATC group 60.0% met the criteria for successful extubation vs. 60% in PSV group. In the present study it was found that male patients were the most predominant in both groups (72.0% in ATC group and 68% in PSV group). This is expected as cigarette smoking is prevalent among males and is the single most important and most prevalent risk factor for the development of COPD. In our study, about one third of patients had COPD exacerbation as a cause for ARF. Conclusion In ICU population, ATC was safe, reliable, and can be reasonably used for weaning trials. ATC confers a potential benefit in weaning duration, weaning category, number of Ss, failure of first SBT extubation outcome, ICU length of stay, complication, and mortality rate. In addition, ATC improves the predictive value of RR/TV and IWI in predicting weaning success.

Things We Do for No Reason™: Emergent hemodialysis after intravascular iodinated contrast exposure in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Journal of Hospital MedicineEarly View CHOOSING WISELY®: THINGS WE DO FOR NO REASON Things We Do for No Reason™: Emergent Hemodialysis After Intravascular Iodinated Contrast Exposure in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients Jacob Ninan MD, MS, FACP, Corresponding Author Jacob Ninan MD, MS, FACP ninan.jacob@mayo.edu @jacob_ninan Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Correspondence Jacob Ninan, MD, MS, FACP, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Email: ninan.jacob@mayo.edu; Twitter: @jacob_ninanSearch for more papers by this authorSwetha Reddy MD, Swetha Reddy MD Department of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, ArizonaSearch for more papers by this authorFawad Qureshi MD, Fawad Qureshi MD Department of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MinnesotaSearch for more papers by this author Jacob Ninan MD, MS, FACP, Corresponding Author Jacob Ninan MD, MS, FACP ninan.jacob@mayo.edu @jacob_ninan Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Correspondence Jacob Ninan, MD, MS, FACP, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Email: ninan.jacob@mayo.edu; Twitter: @jacob_ninanSearch for more papers by this authorSwetha Reddy MD, Swetha Reddy MD Department of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, ArizonaSearch for more papers by this authorFawad Qureshi MD, Fawad Qureshi MD Department of Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MinnesotaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 15 September 2021 https://doi.org/10.12788/jhm.3683Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Early ViewOnline Version of Record before inclusion in an issue RelatedInformation

A retrospective safety study on screening of the samples in the clinical biobank of Beijing Hospital

To investigate whether the laboratory specimens preserved in Beijing Hospital Biobank during a specific period had been contaminated by SARS-Cov-2 through a cross-sectional study, and to establish a retrospective biobank safety screening system. Laboratory specimens were collected from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and the Fever Clinic of Beijing Hospital from November 1, 2019 to January 22, 2020, nucleic acid and serological antibody testing were performed for SARS-CoV-2 in these specimens (including 79 serum, 20 urine, 42 feces and 21 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens). The safety of the stored samples during this period was defined by negative and positive results. Both the nucleic acid test and serological antibody test showed negative for SARS-CoV-2, indicating that these specimens were safely stored in the biobank. High-risk specimens collected in our hospital during the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak are free of SARS-CoV-2, and a safety screening strategy for the clinical biobank is established to ensure the biosafety of these samples.

Effect of early rehabilitation exercise on blood pressure of elderly patients with septic shock: a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study

To observe the effect of early rehabilitation exercise on blood pressure of elderly patients with septic shock. A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in elderly patients with septic shock who were hospitalized in the department of critical care medicine of Huangshan Shoukang Hospital (High-tech Zone Central Hospital of Huangshan) from December 2018 to November 2020. According to the principle of simple random, all patients were divided into control group and intervention group. Both groups were treated with lower limb barometry to prevent deep vein thrombosis, 3 times a day, 30 minutes each time. After comprehensive treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), the severity of patients was gradually improved, the hemodynamics was relatively stable, and the norepinephrine was reduced to 0.5 μg×kg-1×min-1. The control group continued to receive lower limb barometric treatment without rehabilitation training, while the intervention group began rehabilitation training when the dose of norepinephrine was reduced to 0.5 μg×kg-1×min-1. The duration of norepinephrine use, the length of ICU stay, and the occurrence of adverse events during rehabilitation training in intervention group was recorded. Seventy-two patients were included in the final analysis, 35 in intervention group and 37 in control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, Oxford acute severity of illness score (OASIS), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 3 times and underlying diseases between two groups. Compared with control group, the length of ICU stay and duration of dose of norepinephrine ≤ 0.5 μg×kg-1×min-1 in intervention group were significantly shorter [length of ICU stay (hours): 193.0 (145.5, 312.0) vs. 242.5 (180.0, 483.5), P < 0.05; duration of dose of norepinephrine ≤ 0.5 μg×kg-1×min-1 (hours): 120.0 (72.0, 144.0) vs. 144.5 (120.0, 192.0), Z = 2.976, P = 0.003]. In intervention group, 35 patients did not show acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, syncope, central venous catheter detachment, and gastric tube detachment during the rehabilitation period, except 1 patient suffered from naked hematuria due to urinary catheter traction, which disappeared the next day after symptomatic treatment. The early rehabilitation exercise was beneficial to the recovery of autonomic blood pressure in elderly patients with septic shock, shorten the time of norepinephrine use and ICU stay.

Effect of self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction on coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis

To observe the effects of self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction on coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis, and to explore its possible mechanism. Eighty patients with sepsis and coagulation dysfunction admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Chengdu First People's Hospital from March 2018 to April 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received basic treatment for sepsis. On this basis, the observation group was administrated with self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction, one dose a day, 100 mL in the morning and 100 mL in the evening; the control group was given the same amount of normal saline. Both groups were treated for 7 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (Fib), D-dimer, platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured before and after treatment, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were calculated. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and 28-day mortality was recorded. The indexes of coagulation function and inflammation in the two groups were significantly improved after treatment, the improvement of various indexes in the observation group were better than those in the control group [PT (s): 16.01±1.08 vs. 19.21±1.38, APTT (s): 55.33±15.29 vs. 79.41±12.69, INR: 1.30±0.21 vs. 1.65±0.22, Fib (g/L): 2.87±0.89 vs. 5.44±1.13, D-dimer (mg/L): 2.56±1.67 vs. 6.41±2.42, PLT (×109/L): 125.79±18.51 vs. 95.46±18.50, WBC (×109/L): 7.50±0.78 vs. 12.75±4.09, CRP (mg/L): 21.27±9.32 vs. 65.44±13.40, PCT (μg/L): 1.15±0.58 vs. 6.31±1.29], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). After treatment, APACHE II and SOFA scores in the two groups decreased significantly compared with those before treatment, and the decrease in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group (APACHE II score: 10.29±1.86 vs. 15.35±2.06, SOFA score: 5.51±1.08 vs. 7.65±1.58, both P < 0.05). The length of ICU stay was shortened in the observation group than that in the control group (days: 12.22±9.48 vs. 20.22±15.35, P < 0.05). The incidence of MODS [35.0% (14/40) vs. 47.5% (19/40)] and the 28-day mortality [45.0% (18/40) vs. 47.5% (19/40)] was lower than that of the control group, but there was no statistical difference (both P > 0.05). Self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction can effectively improve the prognosis of patients with coagulation dysfunction and sepsis, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of inflammatory reaction and improvement of coagulation function.

Pain Management During Labor: Part 1—Pathophysiology of Labor Pain and Maternal Evaluation for Labor Analgesia

Dr. Gonzalez is Medical Director of Perioperative Services, Einstein Medical Center, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; Dr. Trehan is Associate Professor and Chief, Division of Acute and Chronic Pain Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Dr. Kamel is Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3401 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140; E-mail: [email protected]. The authors, faculty and all staff in a position to control the content of this CME/NCPD activity have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commercial organizations pertaining to this educational activity. This article was published originally in Topics in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2016;36(11):1-8. CME Accreditation Lippincott Continuing Medical Education Institute, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Lippincott Continuing Medical Education Institute, Inc., designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. To earn CME credit, you must read the CME article and complete the quiz and evaluation assessment survey on the enclosed form, answering at least 70% of the quiz questions correctly. This CME activity expires on July 31, 2023. NCPD Accreditation Lippincott Professional Development is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Lippincott Professional Development will award 2.5 contact hours for this NCPD activity. This activity has been assigned 1.0 pharmacology credit. Instructions for earning ANCC contact hours are included on page 11 of the newsletter. This NCPD activity expires on June 7, 2024.

The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Could Predict Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Failure in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Retrospective Observational Study.

PurposeTo determine the effectiveness of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), compared to traditional inflammatory markers, for predicting noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) failure in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients.Patients and MethodsWe conducted this retrospective observational study including 212 AECOPD patients who required NIMV during hospitalization from January 2015 to December 2020 in the department of respiratory and critical care medicine of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital (west campus). We reviewed the medical record to determine if NIMV succeeded or failed for each patient, and compared NLR with traditional markers (leukocyte, C-reactive protein [CRP] and procalcitonin [PCT]) between NIMV failure and NIMV success group. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess the accuracy of these markers for predicting NIMV failure.ResultsA total of 38 (17.9%) patients experienced NIMV failure. NLR was a more sensitive biomarker to predict NIMV failure (AUC, 0.858; 95% CI 0.785–0.931) than leukocyte counts (AUC, 0.723; 95% CI 0.623–0.823), CRP (AUC, 0.670; 95% CI 0.567–0.773) and PCT (AUC, 0.719; 95% CI 0.615–0.823). There was statistically positive correlation between NLR and leukocytes count (r=0.35, p<0.001), between NLR and CRP (r=0.258, p<0.001), between NLR and PCT (r=0.306, p<0.001). The cutoff value of NLR to predict NIMV failure was 8.9 with sensitivity 0.688, specificity 0.886 and diagnostic accuracy 0.868. NLR>8.9 (odds ratio, 10.783; 95% CI, 2.069–56.194; P=0.05) was an independent predictor of NIMV failure in the multivariate logistic regression model.ConclusionNLR may be an effective marker for predicting NIMV failure in AECOPD patients, and the patients with NLR>8.9 should be handled with caution since they are at higher risk of NIMV failure and require intubation. Further study with a larger sample size and with more data is necessary to confirm our study.

Web Exclusive. Annals Graphic Medicine - COVID-19 and My Self-made Electronic Stethoscope.

Web ExclusivesAugust 2021Annals Graphic Medicine - COVID-19 and My Self-made Electronic StethoscopeFREEHongguang Ding, MD, Mengting Liu, MB, Yin Wen, MB, Shiying Zhang, MB, and Hongke ZengHongguang Ding, MDGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Search for more papers by this author, Mengting Liu, MBGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Search for more papers by this author, Yin Wen, MBGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Search for more papers by this author, Shiying Zhang, MBGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Search for more papers by this author, and Hongke ZengGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/G21-0027 SectionsAboutVisual AbstractPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail Download figure Download PowerPoint Download figure Download PowerPoint Comments0 CommentsSign In to Submit A Comment Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China (H.D., M.L., Y.W., S.Z., H.Z.)Disclosures: The authors have reported no disclosures of interest. The forms can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterestForms.do?msNum=G21-0027.Corresponding Author: Hongke Zeng, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; e-mail, [email protected]org.cn.Author/Illustrator Information: Hongguang Ding, Mengting Liu, Yin Wen, and Shiying Zhang are all physicians in the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences.This article was published at Annals.org on 27 July 2021. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics August 2021Volume 174, Issue 8Page: W91-W93 ePublished: 27 July 2021 Issue Published: August 2021 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2021 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...

Role of esophageal manometry in polysomnography of patients with chronic respiratory failure.

Esophageal pressure (Pes) monitoring is performed during polysomnography (PSG) with a thin, water-filled catheter connected to a transducer. The resulting quantitative assessment of respiratory effort can aid in the accurate diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders. This was a prospective observational study using Pes in PSG for thirty patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) conducted in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at a tertiary care centre of North India. Sleep scoring was done by conventional method and using esophageal manometry and compared polysomnography normal without esophageal manometry recording (PSGN) and polysomnography with esophageal manometry scoring (PSGE). Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) index was similar in both groups. However, respiratory effort related arousals (RERAs) were diagnosed easily using Pes resulting in significant increase in respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and even reclassification in terms of severity of sleep apnea. Besides, Pes was also useful to distinguish obstructive from central hypopnea which cannot be distinguished by routine PSG which can help guide therapy particularly in chronic respiratory failure patients with hypoventilation. Such patients with hypoventilation often require bilevel positive airway pressure as ventilatory support. Central hypopneas and apneas with hypercapnia may require higher-pressure support, a backup rate or even advanced volume assured modes of ventilation. Thus, it can be concluded that Pes in PSG remains a safe and generally well-tolerated procedure. Use of Pes aids to detect RERA and thereby RDI; a better marker of sleep-related breathing disorder rather than AHI. It also helps in differentiating between obstructive and central hypopnea.

Comparison of pulse oxygen saturation/fraction of inhaled oxygen and arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inhaled oxygen in the assessment of oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients at different high altitudes in Yunnan Province

To investigate and evaluate if pulse oxygen saturation/fraction of inhaled oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) can be used, as replacement of arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inhaled oxygen (PaO2/FiO2), to assess oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients at different high altitudes in Yunnan Province, and to find a rapid and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of ARDS at different altitudes. Patients with ARDS at different high altitudes in Yunnan Province from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups according to different altitudes, and received different oxygen therapies according to their respective medical conditions. Group 1 consisted of patients with moderate to severe ARDS from the department of critical care medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (average altitude approximately 1 800 m), and received mechanical ventilation to maintain SpO2 of 0.90-0.96 with a low FiO2 for more than 30 minutes, and SpO2, FiO2, PaO2 were recorded. Group 2 consisted of patients with moderate to severe ARDS at the department of critical care medicine of People's Hospital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (mean altitude about 3 200 m), and received oxygen with an attached reservoir mask to maintain SpO2 of 0.90-0.96 for 10 minutes, and then SpO2, FiO2, and PaO2 were recorded. Group 3 consisted of patients with mild to moderate-severe ARDS who admitted to the emergency department of the People's Hospital of Lijiang (average altitude approximately 2 200 m); when SpO2 < 0.90, patients received oxygen with the oxygen storage mask, and the FiO2 required to maintain SpO2 ≥ 0.90 was recorded, and SpO2, FiO2, PaO2 were recorded after oxygen inhalation for 10 minutes. Spearman coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2 in each group. Linear analysis was used to derive the linear equation between SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2, and to evaluate arterial pH, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), FiO2, tidal volume (VT), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and other related factors which would change the correlation between SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of using SpO2/FiO2 instead of PaO2/FiO2 to assess oxygenation of ARDS patients. Group 1 consisted of 24 ARDS patients from whom 271 blood gas analysis results were collected; group 2 consisted of 14 ARDS patients from whom a total of 47 blood gas analysis results were collected; group 3 consisted of 76 ARDS patients, and a total of 76 blood gas analysis results were collected. The PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 103 (79, 130), 168 (98, 195) and 232 (146, 271) respectively, while SpO2/FiO2 were 157 (128, 190), 419 (190, 445) and 319 (228, 446) respectively. Among the three groups, patients in group 1 had the lowest PaO2/FiO2 and SpO2/FiO2, while patients in group 3 had the highest. Spearman correlation analysis showed that PaO2/FiO2 was highly correlated with SpO2/FiO2 in groups 1, 2 and 3 (r values were 0.830, 0.951, 0.828, all P < 0.05). Regression equation was fitted according to linear analysis: in group 1 SpO2/FiO2 = 58+0.97×PaO2/FiO2 (R2 = 0.548, P < 0.001); in group 2 SpO2/FiO2 = 6+2.13×PaO2/FiO2 (R2 = 0.938, P < 0.001); in group 3 SpO2/FiO2 = 53+1.33×PaO2/FiO2 (R2 = 0.828, P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that PEEP, FiO2, and arterial blood pH could affect the correlation between SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.848 and 0.916 in group 1 with moderate to severe ARDS; based on the regression equation, the corresponding SpO2/FiO2 cut-off values at a PaO2/FiO2 of 100 mmHg and 200 mmHg were 155, 252 with a sensitivity of 84.9% and 100%, specificity of 87.2% and 70.6%, respectively. Patients with moderate to severe ARDS in group 2 (AUC was 0.945 and 0.977), the corresponding SpO2/FiO2 cut-off values at PaO2/FiO2 of 100 mmHg and 200 mmHg were 219 and 432 with the sensitivity of 100% and 85.2%, specificity of 82.5% and 100%, respectively. Patients with mild to moderate-severe ARDS in group 3 (AUC was 0.903 and 0.936), the corresponding SpO2/FiO2 cut-off values at a PaO2/FiO2 of 200 mmHg and 300 mmHg were 319 and 452 with the sensitivity of 100% and 100%, specificity of 80.9% and 86.2%, respectively. SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2 in ARDS patients at different high altitudes in Yunnan Province have a good correlation, and non-invasive SpO2/FiO2 can be used to replace PaO2/FiO2 to assess the oxygenation in ARDS patients.

Design and application of a split first aid suit for heat stroke

In the trend of global warming and the increasing number of participating in high-intensity sports, the incidence of heat stroke is increasing year by year. Heat stroke is categorized to the class of heat emergent diseases. If there is no quick and effective treatment, the mortality rate is as high as 50%. Early, rapid, and effective cooling is the key point in the treatment of heat stroke. The early recognition and rapid lowering the core body temperature to 38.9 centigrade within 30 minutes of exertional heat stroke results in better clinical outcome with the fewest complications, however, the "golden 30 minutes" is far from enough to complete emergency transport and evaluation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a first aid suit for heat stroke suitable for field treatment and transportation, so as to achieve the treatment goal of early rapid and effective cooling in field environment. For this purpose, the medical staff of the department of critical care medicine of the Eighth Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital designed and developed the split first aid suit, which is suitable for heat stroke patient in the harsh environment lacking medical supplies and water during transportation. The medical staff who designed the first aid suit obtained a National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2020 2 1627326.4). The split heat stroke first aid suit is composed of four main parts: a sleeveless coat, a hat, sleeves and wrapped pants. All of them are made by temperature changeable fabric which is a composite material made by fine porous silica gel particles and potassium nitrate. The cuffs of the sleeveless top of the clothes part and the sleeves are connected as a whole by the connecting pieces; and the front end of the hem of the clothes part and the wrapped trousers are also connected as a whole by the connecting pieces, which is convenient for fixing and transportation. In order to control the water injection quantity, the water injection bag and the corresponding components are designed to ensure the same amount of water can be injected to the heat stroke first aid suit at each time, so the same frigorific effect can be attainable. The service temperature is 14-18 centigrade, so it will not cause local frostbite to patients when used for a long time. This split-type first aid suit can be used in the movement, rescue and transportation of heat stroke patients. It is easy to carry and use with accurate cooling effect with low cost, moreover, it is reusable and can be widely used for on-site emergency and transportation of heat stroke patients.

Monitoring and Prognostic Analysis of Severe Cerebrovascular Diseases Based on Multi-Scale Dynamic Brain Imaging.

Severe cerebrovascular disease is an acute cerebrovascular event that causes severe neurological damage in patients, and is often accompanied by severe dysfunction of multiple systems such as breathing and circulation. Patients with severe cerebrovascular disease are in critical condition, have many complications, and are prone to deterioration of neurological function. Therefore, they need closer monitoring and treatment. The treatment strategy in the acute phase directly determines the prognosis of the patient. The case of this article selected 90 patients with severe cerebrovascular disease who were hospitalized in four wards of the Department of Neurology and the Department of Critical Care Medicine in a university hospital. The included cases were in accordance with the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with cerebral infarction are given routine treatments such as improving cerebral circulation, protecting nutrient brain cells, dehydration, and anti-platelet; patients with cerebral hemorrhage are treated within the corresponding safe time window. We use Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics21 software to perform statistical analysis on the results. Based on the study of the feature extraction process of convolutional neural network, according to the hierarchical principle of convolutional neural network, a backbone neural network MF (Multi-Features)—Dense Net that can realize the fusion, and extraction of multi-scale features is designed. The network combines the characteristics of densely connected network and feature pyramid network structure, and combines strong feature extraction ability, high robustness and relatively small parameter amount. An end-to-end monitoring algorithm for severe cerebrovascular diseases based on MF-Dense Net is proposed. In the experiment, the algorithm showed high monitoring accuracy, and at the same time reached the speed of real-time monitoring on the experimental platform. An improved spatial pyramid pooling structure is designed to strengthen the network’s ability to merge and extract local features at the same level and at multiple scales, which can further improve the accuracy of algorithm monitoring by paying a small amount of additional computational cost. At the same time, a method is designed to strengthen the use of low-level features by improving the network structure, which improves the algorithm’s monitoring performance on small-scale severe cerebrovascular diseases. For patients with severe cerebrovascular disease in general, APACHEII1, APACHEII2, APACHEII3 and the trend of APACHEII score change are divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. The overall severe cerebrovascular disease, severe cerebral hemorrhage and severe cerebral infarction are analyzed, respectively. The differences are statistically significant.

Comparative Study of Ultrasound Guided Abdominal Field Blocks Versus Port Infiltration in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies for Post-operative Pain Relief

Background and Aims: Effective post-operative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is important because it facilitates early amelioration, ambulation and short hospital stay. Aim: To compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of ultrasound guided abdominal field blocks with port site infiltration with ropivacaine in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: An observational study was conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine in collaboration with the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, and Srinagar from October 2017–December 2018. Patients were randomised into two groups to receive either local anaesthetic infiltration of the laparoscopy port sites (n = 40, Group A/standard group) and USAFBs (n = 40, Group B/study group) using a total dose of 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.2% with sterile technique. Randomisation was done by flipping of coin method. The primary objective was to measure magnitude of pain in first 24 hours using numeric rating scores (NRS). To estimate opioid consumption in first 24 hours postoperatively. To assess the quality of pain relief and patient satisfaction on a four point Patient satisfaction scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Data were compared using the Chi-square test and students’ t-test. Results: Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group B than group A. Upon inter group comparison of A vs. B the results were statistically significant (p value &lt;0.001). At all time in 24 hrs. Postoperative period (1, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hrs.) NRS score was least in group B then group A with statistically significant difference (p value &lt;0.001). The overall tramadol consumption in Group A was approximately twice (107.5 ± 61.55 mg) as compared to Group B (56.3 ± 39.53mg). Conclusion: STA block in addition with rectus abdominis sheath block is a good alternative for providing perioperative analgesia for upper abdominal surgery such as laparoscopic chole

Pendelluft volume during double-triggered asynchronous breaths under pressure support ventilation: a prospective physiological study

To investigate the relationship between double-triggering and abnormal movement of air in the lungs (pendelluft phenomenon) under pressure support ventilation (PSV). A prospective observational study was conducted, postoperative patients admitted to department of critical care medicine of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from April 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 and received invasive mechanical ventilation with PSV mode were enrolled. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) monitoring was performed. Airway pressure-time, flow-time, global and regional impedance-time curves were synchronously collected and analyzed offline. The volume of abnormal movement of air in the lungs at the beginning of inspiration was measured and defined as pendelluft volume. Double-triggered breaths were identified by trained researchers. Pendelluft volume during double-triggering was measured including the first triggered breath, the double-triggered breath, and the breath immediately following the double-triggered breath. Pendelluft volume was also measured for normal breath during the study. According to the frequency of double-triggering, patients were divided into severe (≥ 1 time/min) and non-severe double-triggering group. Pendelluft volume, parameters of respiratory mechanics, and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. In 40 enrolled patients, a total of 9 711 breaths [(243±63) breaths/patient] were collected and analyzed, among which 222 breaths (2.3%) were identified as double-triggering. The Kappa of interobserver reliability to detect double-triggering was 0.964 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.946-0.982]. In 222 double-triggered breaths, pendelluft volume could not be measured in 7 breaths (3.2%), but the pendelluft phenomenon did exist as shown by opposite regional impedance change at the beginning of double-triggered inspiration. Finally, pendelluft volume was measured in 215 double-triggered breaths. Meanwhile, 400 normal breaths (10 normal breaths randomly selected for each patient) were identified as control. Compared with normal breath, pendelluft volume significantly increased in the first breath, the double-triggered breath, and the following normal breath [mL: 3.0 (1.4, 6.4), 8.3 (3.6, 13.2), 4.3 (1.9, 9.1) vs. 1.4 (0.7, 2.8), all P < 0.05]. Patients in severe double-triggering, pendelluft volume of normal breath and double-triggered breath were significantly higher than those in non-severe double-triggering group [mL: 1.8 (0.9, 3.2) vs. 1.1 (0.5, 2.1), P < 0.001; 8.5 (3.9, 13.4) vs. 2.0 (0.6, 9.1), P = 0.008]. Patients in severe double-triggering group had significantly higher respiratory rate than that in the non-severe double-triggering group (breaths/min: 20.9±3.5 vs. 15.2±3.7, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other respiratory mechanics parameters and main clinical outcomes between the two groups. During PSV, the abnormal movement of air in the lungs (pendelluft phenomenon) was more likely to occur in double-triggering especially in double-triggered breath. The more frequent the double-triggering occurred, the more serious the pendelluft phenomenon was. A higher pendelluft volume of normal breath and a higher respiratory rate were related to severity of double-triggering.

Comparison of the effects between low-level assisted ventilation and T-piece method on respiratory mechanics during weaning of mechanically ventilated patients

To compare the difference of low-level assisted ventilation and T-piece method on respiratory mechanics of patients with invasive mechanical ventilation during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) within 3 days before extubation. A retrospective observational study was conducted. Twenty-five patients with difficulty in weaning or delayed weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation who were admitted to department of critical care medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from December 2018 to June 2020, and were in stable condition and entered the weaning stage after more than 72 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation were studied. A total of 119 cases of respiratory mechanical indexes were collected, which were divided into the low-level assisted ventilation group and the T-piece group according to the ventilator method and parameters used during the data collection. The different ventilation modes related respiratory mechanics indexes such as the esophageal pressure (Pes), the gastric pressure (Pga), the transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi), the maximum Pdi (Pdimax), Pdi/Pdimax ratio, the esophageal pressure-time product (PTPes), the gastric pressure-time product (PTPga), the transdiaphragmatic pressure-time product (PTPdi), the diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdi), the maximum diaphragmatic electromyography (EMGdimax), PTPdi/PTPes ratio, Pes/Pdi ratio, the inspiratory time (Ti), the expiratory time (Te) and the total time respiratory cycle (Ttot) at the end of monitoring were recorded and compared between the two groups. Compared with the T-piece group, Pes, PTPes, PTPdi/PTPes ratio, Pes/Pdi ratio and Te were higher in low-level assisted ventilation group [Pes (cmH2O, 1 cmH2O = 0.098 kPa): 2.84 (-1.80, 5.83) vs. -0.94 (-8.50, 2.06), PTPes (cmH2O×s×min-1): 1.87 (-2.50, 5.93) vs. -0.95 (-9.71, 2.56), PTPdi/PTPes ratio: 0.07 (-1.74, 1.65) vs. -1.82 (-4.15, -1.25), Pes/Pdi ratio: 0.17 (-0.43, 0.64) vs. -0.47 (-0.65, -0.11), Te (s): 1.65 (1.36, 2.18) vs. 1.33 (1.05, 1.75), all P < 0.05], there were no significant differences in Pga, Pdi, Pdimax, Pdi/Pdimax ratio, PTPga, PTPdi, EMGdi, EMGdimax, Ti and Ttot between the T-piece group and the low-level assisted pressure ventilation group [Pga (cmH2O): 6.96 (3.54,7.60) vs. 7.74 (4.37, 11.30), Pdi (cmH2O): 9.24 (4.58, 17.31) vs. 6.18 (2.98, 11.96), Pdimax (cmH2O): 47.20 (20.60, 52.30) vs. 29.95 (21.50, 47.20), Pdi/Pdimax ratio: 0.25 (0.01, 0.34) vs. 0.25 (0.12, 0.41), PTPga (cmH2O×s×min-1): 7.20 (2.54, 9.97) vs. 7.97 (5.74, 13.07), PTPdi (cmH2O×s×min-1): 12.15 (2.95, 19.86) vs. 6.87 (2.50, 12.63), EMGdi (μV): 0.05 (0.03, 0.07) vs. 0.04 (0.02, 0.06), EMGdimax (μV): 0.07 (0.05, 0.09) vs. 0.07 (0.04, 0.09), Ti (s): 1.20 (0.95, 1.33) vs. 1.07 (0.95, 1.33), Ttot (s): 2.59 (2.22, 3.09) vs. 2.77 (2.35, 3.24), all P > 0.05]. When mechanically ventilated patients undergo SBT, the use of T-piece method increases the work of breathing compared with low-level assisted ventilation method. Therefore, long-term use of T-piece should be avoided during SBT.