Duration Of Endotracheal Intubation Research Articles

Indocyanine green lymphography in the congenital chylothorax and chylous ascites.

The prognosis of congenital chylothorax and ascites ranges from spontaneous resolution to death, but no established examination exists to predict the prognosis. We aimed to develop a clinically useful method to evaluate lymphatic abnormalities using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography in infants with congenital chylothorax and ascites. We retrospectively evaluated infants with congenital chylothorax and chylous ascites who underwent ICG lymphography in our hospital between 2012 and 2022. The ICG lymphography findings was evaluated. We defined the dermal backflow in the trunk as the lymphatic flow from the end of the limb back through the lymphatic vessels on the surface of the trunk. The association between the dermal backflow in the trunk and clinical outcomes, as follows, are investigated: the duration of the drainage period, the duration of endotracheal intubation, and the length of hospital stay. Twenty infants had a dermal backflow in the trunk, and ten did not. Clinical outcomes in infants with and without dermal backflow in the trunk were as follows (median): the duration of the drainage period (20 vs. 0 days, p = 0.001), the duration of endotracheal intubation (12 vs. 2 days, p = 0.04), and the length of hospital stay (62 vs. 41 days, p = 0.04), respectively. In multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for gestational age, the duration of the drainage period was correlated with the dermal backflow in the trunk [exp(B) = 2.62; p = 0.003]. The dermal backflow in the trunk in ICG lymphography was useful in predicting the clinical course of congenital chylothorax and ascites.

Nosocomial Infection in MICU: An Observational Study

Introduction: Nosocomial infections are infections; patients acquire while admitted to a health-care facility and generally develop 48 h or later after admission. These infections can lead to serious problems such as sepsis and even death. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 6 months to estimate the incidence of nosocomial infections acquired in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), their risk factors, the causative pathogens, and the outcome. The patients admitted for more than 48 h to the MICU and willing to give consent were included in the study. Of 496 patients in MICU, 216 patients stayed 48 h and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score during the first 24 h of admission to the MICU. Results: The incidence of nosocomial infections in MICU was 14.9% (32 out of 216). Age, APACHE II score >13, MICU stay >7 days, and comorbidities such as peripheral venous line, central venous catheter, duration of urinary catheterization, duration of endotracheal intubation, nasogastric tube, and mechanical ventilator of >7 days were found to be independent risk factors of acquiring nosocomial infections (P < 0.05). Important causative organisms for nosocomial infections were Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 18 patients (32.72%), Escherichia coli in 11 (20.0%), Acinetobacter species in 8 (14.54%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae in seven patients (12.72%). Mortality among patients with nosocomial infections was 25% (8/32) and among those without nosocomial infections was 6.5% (12/184), P = 0.002. The length of ICU stay was higher in patients with nosocomial infections (15.42 ± 6.93 days) than in those without nosocomial infections (6.7 ± 5.14 days), P < 0.001. Conclusion: Nosocomial infections are common in ICU settings and contribute to significant mortality and morbidity. Infection control strategies are necessary to reduce nosocomial infection rates as well as ICU mortality and morbidity.

Diastolic myocardial mechanics and their relation to ventricular filling pressures and post-operative course in functionally single ventricles.

Diastolic dysfunction affects outcomes in patients with functionally single ventricles (FSV). To study the association of ventricular mechanics and interventricular dependence on diastolic parameters and early post-Fontan outcomes. Sixty-one FSV patients underwent echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging on the same day before or after the Fontan procedure. Echocardiographic diastolic parameters, ventricular mass and incoordinate wall motion, defined by the number of dyskinetic segments or by the lateral wall delay, were determined and studied for relationships with invasively measured hemodynamics and early post-operative Fontan course. In subjects with a sizable secondary ventricle, incoordinate motion was additionally analyzed at the left and right sided ventricular free-walls. Resting ventricular end diastolic pressure (VEDP) was ≤10 mmHg in most subjects. Echocardiographic parameters of diastolic flow and tissue velocities did not correlate with VEDP or post-Fontan clinical course. Incoordinate wall motion in the dominant and sizeable secondary ventricle, defined by the lateral wall delay or by the number of dyskinetic segments, was the only echo parameter correlating, albeit weakly, with VEDP (r=0.247, p=0.040), oxygen saturation (r=-0.417, p=0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance and flow (Qp) (r=-0.303, P=0.011) and duration of endotracheal intubation (r =0.292, p=0.022). When incoordinate wall motion was analyzed in the secondary ventricle these associations strengthened. The degree of diastolic incoordinate ventricular wall motion was associated with VEDP and post-operative Fontan course. Analysis of incoordinate wall motion of the dominant and sizeable secondary ventricle should be included in the assessment of the FSV after Fontan .

Prevalence of Post-extubation Airway Penetration and Aspiration among Critically Ill Patients Assessed by an Eight-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale Using Flexible Endoscopy: A Cross-sectional Study.

Prolonged endotracheal intubation was found to be a risk factor for pulmonary aspiration following the extubation. In this study, we have tried to analyze the prevalence of airway penetration and aspiration among mechanically ventilated patient who received mechanical ventilation for a period of 48 hours or more. This cross-sectional study was done among non-neurologic critically ill patients who had an endotracheal tube for more than 48 hours and who got extubated subsequently. Such patients were taken for a fiberoptic endoscopic swallow study after the initial assessment by a speech pathologist. Airway penetration and aspiration was assessed by an eight-point penetration-aspiration scale after giving a test feed. Data of 99 patients were analyzed. Mean duration of intubation was 5.9 days. 1% of the patients had aspiration and 20% of the patients had varying degrees of penetration. Duration of endotracheal intubation, age, sex, comorbidities, admission diagnosis, and size of the endotracheal tube were found to have no association with penetration and aspiration. Prevalence of post-extubation aspiration was low among non-neurologic critically ill patients on short-term ventilation. Duration of endotracheal intubation, age, sex, comorbidities, and endotracheal tube size were not found to be significantly associated with the development of airway penetration. Contrary to previous studies, this study has shown that among non-neurologic critically ill patients who had an endotracheal tube for a shorter period before extubation, the prevalence of airway penetration and aspiration was low when assessed by an eight-point penetration-aspiration scale using flexible fiberoptic endoscopy. Hence, in such a cohort of patients, a routine swallowing evaluation by flexible endoscopy is not recommended. Vijayan D, Suresh Kumar VK, Harikrishnanan, Menon J, Ragitha, Jacob M, et al. Prevalence of Post-extubation Airway Penetration and Aspiration among Critically Ill Patients Assessed by an Eight-point Penetration-Aspiration Scale Using Flexible Endoscopy: A Cross-sectional Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(9):651-654.

Application of health failure mode and effect analysis for the airbag pressure management of patients with artificial airways

To analyze the application effect of health failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) model in patients with artificial airways in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) by establishing a HFMEA project team, and to develop targeted improvement measures and processes. The patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries and with established artificial airways in the Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University were recruited from October 2021 to March 2022. The enrolled patients were divided into the conventional management group and the HFMEA model management group according to random number table method. The conventional management group applied the conventional procedures for monitoring the air bag pressure. The HFMEA model management group used the HFMEA model to implement and improve the airbag pressure monitoring process. The efficacy of HFMEA was assessed by comparing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), the pass rate of airbag pressure monitoring, the duration of endotracheal intubation and the length of CSICU stay between two groups. The practicability of HFMEA model was evaluated by analyzing the theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses and their satisfaction scores with HFMEA. Compared with the conventional management group, the patients in the HFMEA mode management group had a significantly higher rate of passing airbag pressure monitoring [94.99% (2 994/3 152) vs. 69.97% (1 626/2 324), P < 0.01], shorter duration of endotracheal intubation and length of CSICU stay [duration of endotracheal intubation (hours): 6 (7, 12) vs. 6 (8, 13), length of CSICU stay (hours): 40 (45, 65) vs. 41 (46, 85), both P < 0.05], but the incidences of VAP between the two groups were similar. The theoretical assessment scores and practical skill scores of nurses were significantly higher (theoretical assessment score: 44.47±2.72 vs. 37.59±6.56, practical skill score: 44.56±2.66 vs. 40.03±4.32, total score: 89.03±3.07 vs. 77.63±9.56, all P < 0.05) in the HFMEA mode management group. And the satisfaction scores with airbag pressure management were also significantly higher in the HFMEA mode management group (7.72±1.11 vs. 6.44±1.32, P < 0.05). The application of the HFMEA can improve the airbag pressure measures and standardize the monitoring procedures in patients with artificial airways, and reduce the risk of clinical nursing. It is safe and effective for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation in the CSICU.

Laryngeal complications after endotracheal intubation and prone positioning in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Laryngeal complications have been reported after endotracheal intubation and prone positioning in patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but their association is unclear. In this study, we investigated the rate of laryngeal complications in patients with COVID-19 compared to an alternative condition (control group). We retrospectively analyzed the data of 40 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation for either COVID-19 or an alternative condition (control group). Data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, use of prone therapy, duration of endotracheal intubation, and duration from extubation/tracheostomy to laryngeal evaluation were collected from medical records. There were no significant differences in BMI, frequency of CVD risk factors, duration of endotracheal intubation, or duration from extubation/tracheostomy to laryngeal evaluation between the two groups. In the COVID-19 group, all patients adopted the prone position. In comparison, only one patient in the control group adopted the prone position. Significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the incidence of vocal fold immobility and laryngeal granuloma. Laryngeal complications were more common in the COVID-19 group than in the control group. Prone positioning may be a risk factor for these complications. 4.

Frontal Electroencephalography Findings in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) negatively impacts the central nervous system, and studies using a full montage of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes have reported nonspecific EEG patterns associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The use of this technology is resource-intensive and limited in its implementation. In this descriptive pilot study, we report neurophysiological patterns and the potential prognostic capability of an abbreviated frontal EEG electrode montage in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Patients receiving mechanical ventilation for SARS-CoV-2 respiratory failure were monitored with Sedline Root Devices using EEG electrodes were placed over the forehead. Qualitative EEG assessments were conducted daily. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were duration of endotracheal intubation and lengths of intensive care and hospitalization stay. Twenty-six patients were included in the study, and EEG discontinuity was identified in 22 (84.6%) patients. The limited sample size and patient heterogeneity precluded statistical analysis, but certain patterns were suggested by trends in the data. Survival was 100% (4/4) for those patients in which a discontinuous EEG pattern was not observed. The majority of patients (87.5%, 7/8) demonstrating activity in the low-moderate frequency range (7 to 17 Hz) survived compared with 61.1% (11/18) of those without this observation. The majority of COVID-19 patients showed signs of EEG discontinuity during monitoring with an abbreviated electrode montage. The trends towards worse survival among those with EEG discontinuity support the need for additional studies to investigate these associations in COVID-19 patients.

Timing to perform bed-side surgical tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit

Background: Tracheostomy is an important surgical procedure in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly those patients undergoing prolonged tracheal intubation. The timing and indications for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients with ventilators are still controversial.Methods: We prospectively studied the best timing for performing surgical tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients (n = 22) from April 2020 to May 2021 in the COVID-19 ICU attached to our COVID-19 hospital. The tracheotomised patients were followed up and the number and timing of the death were documented.Results: There were 14 males (male:female = 1.75:1). The mean duration of endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 14.4 days (range 10-22 days). The mean time for tracheostomy was 18.45 min (range 12–25 min). Five patients (22.7%) died after tracheostomy. The median time between tracheostomy and death was 4 days.Conclusions: Surgical tracheostomy has to be performed in a proper time with safe manner for benefit of the patients with COVID-19 and the health care professionals managing the patient.

Middle Ear Effusion in Intensive Care Unit Patients at Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf City-Iraq (A Prospective Randomized Comparative Clinical Study)

Background: Middle ear effusion (MEE) is one of the commonest chronic otological conditions in childhood but has a lower incidence in normal adult. By definition it is an accumulation of non-purulent fluid in the middle ear. It is an inflammatory effusion behind an intact tympanic membrane that is not associated with acute otological symptoms or systemic signs. Aim: To explore factors related to the occurrence of MEE in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients with prolonged oral endotracheal intubation in Al-Najaf city/Iraq. Methods: Forty patients (80 ears) with a prolonged endotracheal intubation (&gt; 5 days) in the ICU were studied. Information of the age, gender, level of consciousness, duration of endotracheal intubation and placement of nasogastric tube were retrospectively collected from history and patient`s data. All patients were subjected to otoscopic examination, tympanometry studies and acoustic reflectometry for evidences of MEE. Results: Out of the 80 ears examined, 46 ears had MEE (57.5%), 22 ears were normal (27.5%), and 12 ears (15%) had negative pressure in the middle ear by tympanometry. Patients who were intubated for more than 11 days and those with conscious disturbance had a significantly high incidence of MEE. No episodes of acute otitis media or systemic infection were encountered. Conclusion: Prolonged endotracheal intubation (more than 11 days), age advancing and conscious disturbance contribute significantly to the occurrence of MEE in adult ICU patients. Recommendation: Middle ear pathology like MEE in the ICU patients with prolonged intubation should not be underestimated.

Effects of high flow nasal cannula on the coordination between swallowing and breathing in postextubation patients, a randomized crossover study

BackgroundTiming of swallows in relation to respiratory phases is associated with aspiration events. Oxygen therapy possibly affects the timing of swallows, which may alter airway protective mechanisms.ObjectivesTo compare the coordination between swallowing and respiration during water infusion in post-extubation patients using high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) with the coordination in those using low flow nasal oxygen (LFNO).MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled crossover study in post-extubation patients. The patients extubated within 48 h were randomly assigned to two groups, namely, HFNO and LFNO. The eligible patients in each group received either HFNO with fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) 0.35, flow 50 L per minute (LPM), and temperature 34 °C or LFNO 5 LPM for 5 min. The coordination between swallowing and respiration was observed during continuous infusion of 10-ml water one minute three times. Respiratory phases and swallowing were monitored using electrocardiogram (EKG)-derived respiratory signals and submental electromyography (EMG), respectively. The swallowing frequency and timing of swallows in relation to respiratory phases were recorded. The coordination between swallowing and respiration was classified into 4 patterns, namely I, E, I-E, and E-I swallows. (I; inspiration and E; expiration) Subsequently, after a 5-min washout period, the patients were switched to the other type of oxygen therapy using the same procedure. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 22 patients with a mean age of 56 years were enrolled in the study. The major indication for invasive mechanical ventilation was pneumonia with a median duration of endotracheal intubation of 2.5 days. The median total swallowing numbers (three minutes) were 18.5 times in the HFNO period and 21 times in the LFNO period (p = NS). The most common swallowing pattern was E-swallow. The patients using HFNO had higher numbers of E-swallow pattern (74.3% in HFNO vs 67.6% in LFNO; p = 0.048) and lower numbers of I-swallow pattern (14.3% in HFNO vs 23.1% in LFNO; p = 0.044). The numbers of other swallowing patterns were not different between the 2 groups.ConclusionsCompared with LFNO, HFNO significantly increased the E-swallow and decreased the I-swallow in post-extubation patients. The findings indicated that HFNO might reduce a risk of aspiration during the post-extubation period.Clinical trial No.: Thai clinical trial TCTR20200206004 Registered February 4, 2020. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=5740.

Evaluation of epidemiological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Intensive care facilities may play an important role in reducing corona mortality. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features, treatments, and prognosis of corona patients that admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Baqiyatallah Hospital. Methods: All patients with a corona that admitted to the ICU of Baqiyatallah Hospital from March 5 to May 20, 2020, were included. The epidemiological characteristics, pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and supportive therapies and prognosis were assessed. Underlying diseases, smoking, and severity of lung involvement based on CT scan findings (mild, moderate, severe) and length of hospital stay in the ICU were recorded in a questionnaire. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or tracheal intubation, ventilator ventilation, and duration of endotracheal intubation, if needed, were recorded in the questionnaire. Meanwhile, whether tracheostomy was performed, the time of the procedure, and its duration were also recorded. Results: Overall, 82 patients were included in the study that 68 (82.9%) of them were males. The mean age was 57.96±14.08 years. The mortality rate was 53 cases (64.6%). There were 57 subjects (73.1%) at a severe lung involvement and 21 subjects (26.9%) at a moderate lung involvement. There was a significant relationship between severity of lung involvement and mortality (Odds ratio= 14.3, P&lt;0.001). There was a significant relationship between mortality and Armadile use (Odds ratio= 2.9, P=0.04). There was a significant relationship between mortality and tracheal intubation (Odds ratio= 27.2, P&lt;0.001). There was no significant difference between mortality and discharge of patients regarding the intubation period (P=0.26). There was not a significant relationship between tracheostomy, NIV, and mortality status in the patients (P=0.14 and 0.33 respectively). Also, there was no significant difference between mortality and discharge of patients regarding tracheostomy and NIV period (P=0.51 and 0.17). There was no significant difference in age between severe and moderate lung involvement cases (P=0.63). There was a significant difference in the duration of ICU hospitalization between severe and moderate lung involvement cases (P=0.004). Conclusion: The results showed none of the factors of age, sex, underlying diseases other than hypertension, pharmacological methods other than Armadile, and non-pharmacological methods such as hemoperfusion, plasmapheresis, IVIG, hyperimmune plasma injection, and stem cell as well as Ozone therapy does not affect corona patient’s mortality. Only the severity of lung involvement leading to endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation is related to patients’ mortality.

Donor Lung Evaluation and Lung Transplantation in the COVID-19 Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, adversely affected all solid-organ transplant processes. Here we share the donor presentations evaluated in a lung transplant center during the COVID-19 pandemic,the measures taken at every stage of transplant management, and the outcomes of our transplants. Data from 15 lung donors selected by the national coordination center presented to our lung transplant center as of March 11, 2020, when the first COVID-19 case was reported in Turkey, and data of 5 lung transplant cases in this period were retrospectively analyzed. All donors were examined in detail for COVID-19 disease. Procurement processes for accepted donors,transplant surgeries of recipients, and postoperative follow-up and care processes of recipients were carried out with the least number of personnel, but all with appropriate personal protective equipment. There were 15 donor organs procured by our center during a 9-month period coincident with the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of donor presentations to our center between the same dates in the previous year was 78. Five of the 15 donors were accepted, and of those accepted, 4 were male and 1 was female. There was no statistically significant difference between the accepted and rejected donors in terms of the ratio of Pao2 to fraction of inspired oxygen, age, duration of endotracheal intubation (days), and smoking (pack-years). All SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests performed on bronchoalveolar lavage samples and nasopharyngeal, conjunctival, and rectal samples collected from the recipients during the follow-up period were negative. No pathological finding suggestive of COVID-19 infection was noted in the radiological evaluations. Lung transplant can be successfully managed during the COVID-19 pandemic period, despite the high risk of infection.The major obstacle to the continuity of lung transplantin this period was the limited number of donors.

Age and the Length of Hospital Stay in Patients With Sepsis at the ICU Admission can Prolong the Duration of Endotracheal Intubation

Background: Endotracheal intubation (EI) associated with mechanical ventilation (MV) is frequently performed in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of important factors on the duration of tracheal intubation in patients with sepsis at the ICU admission. Methods: Adult patients admitted to the mixed medical–surgical ICUs with sepsis at the ICU admission who needs prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) (≥ 21 days) were included in this retrospective secondary analysis study. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were assessed as risk factors associated with the duration of MV by univariate and multivariate Binary logistic regression. Results: Eighty-five patients required more than 21 days of MV. Out of the 85 patients, 52 (61.2%) patients were intubated within 30 to 34.50 days and 33 (38.8%) patients had intubation within 34.51 to 65 days, and categorized as PMV and very prolonged MV groups, respectively. Two parameters were significantly associated with very prolonged MV which are as follows: older age 1.229 (95% CI: 1.002-1.507, P=0.048) and long hospital stay (LOS) 2.996 (95% CI: 1.676-5.356, P&lt;0.001). No significant survival difference was observed between the two groups of study. (33.3% vs. 25%, P=0.406). Conclusion: Our observations showed that the older age and LOS as pre-ICU stay in patients with positive sepsis at the ICU admission can prolong the duration of intubation. In addition, no significant survival difference was observed between patients with PMV and very prolonged MV.

Premedication with intravenous midazolam for neonatal endotracheal intubation: A double blind randomized controlled trial.

Background:Pain during the neonatal period has been associated with immediate and long-term adverse effects. One of the most frequent painful procedures that neonates face in neonatal intensive care unit is the endotracheal intubation. Midazolam has been a candidate for premedication before neonatal intubation. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of midazolam as the premedication on endotracheal intubation of premature infants during surfactant administration.Materials and Methods:In a double-blind clinical trial, 80 preterm infants were undertaken for tracheal intubation following the use of atropine associated to either midazolam or placebo. Patient's vital signs and general conditions were constantly monitored, and pain was assessed using premature infant pain profile (PIPP) score.Results:The mean ± standard deviation for postnatal age was 95.38 ± 50.04 and 111.63 ± 49.4 min in control and midazolam groups, respectively. The patients in the midazolam group had significantly better outcomes across several intubation outcome measures such as duration of endotracheal intubation (23.5 ± 6.7 vs. 18.8 ± 4.8 s, P = 0.001), oxygen saturation level (88.05% ±13.7 vs. 95.1 ± 1.8%, P = 0.002), intubation failure (34.2% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.0001), awake and resistance during intubation (95% vs. 20%, P = 0.0001), and excellent patient condition during intubation (0% vs. 82.5%, P = 0.0001). In addition, PIPP score was significantly lower in the midazolam group (5.2 ± 2.06 vs. 12.9 ± 2.9, P = 0.0001).Conclusion:Premedication with midazolam in newborns before intubation, can hold promising effects that manifests as better overall outcomes, less complications, better vital signs, more comfortable situation, and lesser pain for these patients.

A Prospective Study of Voice, Swallow, and Airway Outcomes Following Tracheostomy for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demands on healthcare with many requiring intubation. Tracheostomy insertion has often been delayed and the enduring effects of this on voice, swallow, and airway outcomes in COVID-19 tracheostomy patients are unknown. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess these outcomes in this patient cohort following hospital discharge. All COVID-19 patients who had undergone tracheostomy insertion, and were subsequently decannulated, were identified at our institution and followed up 2 months post-discharge. Patient-reported (PROMS) and clinician-reported outcome measures, endoscopic examination, and spirometry were used to assess voice, swallow, and airway outcomes. Forty-one patients were included in the study with a mean age of 56 years and male:female ratio of 28:13. Average duration of endotracheal intubation was 24 days and 63.4% of tracheostomies were performed at day 21 to 35 of intubation. 53.7% had an abnormal GRBAS score and 30% reported abnormal swallow on EAT-10 questionnaire. 81.1% had normal endoscopic examination of the larynx, however, positive endoscopic findings correlated with the patient self-reported VHI-10 (P = .036) and EAT-10 scores (P = .027). 22.5% had spirometric evidence of fixed upper airway obstruction using the Expiratory-Disproportion Index (EDI) and Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive trend between abnormal endoscopic findings and EDI scores over 50 (P < .0001). The preliminary results of this study reveal a high incidence of laryngeal injury among patients who underwent intubation and tracheostomy insertion during the COVID-19 pandemic. As these patients continue to be followed up, the evolution of these complications will be studied. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1918-E1925, 2021.

Tracheotomy Timing and Outcomes in the Critically Ill: Complexity and Opportunities for Progress.

To characterize the effects of tracheotomy timing at our institution on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and overall hospital LOS. Retrospective cohort study. A retrospective study was performed at a tertiary care medical center for patients undergoing tracheotomy over 2.5 years from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018. Demographics, survival, duration of endotracheal intubation, timing of tracheotomy, and ICU and overall hospital LOS were assessed. Tracheotomy was considered early (ET) if it was performed by day 7 of mechanical ventilation and late (LT) thereafter. Readmission, mortality, and costs were also tabulated for each aggregate group. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare results. Of the 536 patients included in the analysis, 160 received tracheotomy early and 376 late. Differences between age and sex were not statistically significant. Duration of total ICU stay was shortened by 65% (12.84 ± 17.69 days vs. 38.49 ± 26.61 days; P < .0001), and length of overall hospital course was reduced by 54% (22.71 ± 26.65 days vs. 50.37 ± 34.20 days; P < .0001) in the early tracheotomy group. Observed/expected (O/E) values standardized results to case mix index and revealed LOS of 1.5 for ET and 2.5 for LT, and mortality of 0.76 for ET and 1.25 for LT, and comparable readmissions of both groups. Early tracheotomy in ICU patients is associated with earlier ICU discharge, decreased length of overall hospital stay, and lower mortality when controlling for case mix index. Opportunities exist to optimize patient outcomes and O/E performance. 4 Laryngoscope, 131:282-287, 2021.

Comparison of initial outcomes between minimally invasive right minithoracotomy and standard median sternotomy in patients undergoing isolated surgical closures of atrial septal defects.

Background: An atrial septal defect (ASD) can be closed via percutaneous approach and with surgical closure using either the standard median sternotomy or a minimally invasive procedure such as minithoracotmy. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of using the median sternotomy versus the right minithoracotomy in isolated closures of ASDs. Methods: This prospective observational study included 44 patients who underwent isolated ASD closures in the department of cardiac surgery at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute (NHFH & RI) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2014 to June 2016. After fulfilling the enrolment criteria, participants were divided into two equal groups of 22 patients. ASD closure was performed on Group 1 using the minimally invasive right minithoracotomy, while the same procedure was performed on Group 2 using the standard median sternotomy. Results: The mean total operative time (in minutes) required was 179.45 ? 26.79 for Group 1 and 154.72 ? 26.15 for Group 2. The mean aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time (in minutes) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (in minutes) were significantly increased in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p=<0.05). Furthermore, the mean ? SD of the length of incision (in centimetres) and duration of endotracheal intubation (in hours) were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p<0.001). While the duration of postoperative hospital stays (in days) and pain score (visual analogue scale score) was significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. No residual shunt was found in patients of either group. Conclusion: Our findings shows some advantages in group 1 (right minithoracotomy) population including the reduced length of incision, the shorter duration of endotracheal intubation, less postoperative blood loss, fewer transfusion requirements, minimal postoperative pain and the shorter duration of hospital stay. In addition, patients in Group 1 reported smaller scars, as expected, which contributes to better overall patient satisfaction.

Comparison between Glidescope, Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscopy for emergency endotracheal intubation in intensive care unit: Randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEmergency endotracheal intubation in intensive care is a major challenge that can be associated with life-threatening complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of the first attempt of endotracheal intubation and incidence of complications using Macintosh laryngoscopy, Airtraq or Glidescope during emergency intubation in intensive care.Patients and methodsOne hundred twenty adult intensive care patients of ASA physical status III and IV who required emergency endotracheal intubation were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group M (40 patients) were intubated using Macintosh laryngoscopy. Group G (40 patients) were intubated using Glidescope. Group A (40 patients) were intubated using Airtraq. The primary outcome was the success of the first attempt of endotracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included the number of intubation attempts, duration of intubation, glottic view as assessed by Cormack-Lehane grade (C&L grade) and incidence of complications.ResultsSuccess of the first attempt of endotracheal intubation was significantly higher in both groups G and A compared to group M (p < 0.05). The number of intubation attempts was significantly higher in group M compared to both groups G and A (p < 0.05). The duration of endotracheal intubation was 28.80 ± 10.27 s in group M compared to 31.45 ± 12.17 s in group G and 32.25 ± 11.96 s in group A (p > 0.05). The C&L grade was significantly better in both groups G and A compared to group M (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference between the three groups in HR or MAP. The incidence of oxygen desaturation was significantly more in group M compared to groups G and A. No statistically significant difference between the 3 studied groups regarding the incidence of other complications.ConclusionBoth Glidescope and Airtraq have higher first attempt success rate with a better glottic view and less incidence of oxygen desaturation than Macintosh laryngoscopy during emergency intubation in intensive care.

Comparison of the C-MAC Videolaryngoscope and Rigid Fiberscope with Direct Laryngoscopy in Easy and Difficult Airway Scenarios: A Manikin Study

BackgroundIntubation is a fundamental skill in maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation of seriously ill patients. ObjectivesTo compare the C-MAC video laryngoscope and Bonfils intubation fiberscope with direct laryngoscopy in simulated easy and difficult airway scenarios. MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized-controlled cross-sectional study. Thirty emergency medicine residents attempted to intubate a manikin using four progressively more difficult airway settings (normal airway [scenario 1], cervical spine immobilization [scenario 2], cervical spine immobilization + tongue swelling scenario [scenario 3], and cervical spine immobilization + tongue swelling + limited jaw opening scenario [scenario 4]) with both the C-MAC video laryngoscope and the Bonfils intubation fiberscope and direct laryngoscope. ResultsIn the first and the second scenarios, there were no statistically significant differences between the airway devices in terms of the duration of endotracheal intubation, the viewing duration of the glottic opening, and endotracheal tube insertion time. There was no statistically significant difference between the laryngoscopes in terms of the duration of endotracheal intubation and endotracheal tube insertion time in the third scenario. The overall success rates and the viewing duration of the glottic opening were shorter with the C-MAC and Bonfils in scenarios 3 and 4. Furthermore, the duration of intubation was better with Bonfils in scenario 4. The severity of dental trauma was lowest with the Bonfils in all scenarios. The device difficulty score was greatest with the Macintosh blade, except in the normal airway scenario. The most preferred airway device was the C-MAC. ConclusionThe Bonfils and C-MAC enabled better visualization of the glottic opening when compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope.

Severe acquired subglottic stenosis in children: analysis of clinical features and surgical outcomes based on the range of stenosis.

The present study analyzed the clinical features and surgical outcomes of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in pediatric patients with severe acquired subglottic stenosis (SGS) based on the range of stenosis. The aim was to clarify the indications for LTR in severe acquired SGS. The medical records of 33 pediatric patients with severe acquired SGS (Myer-Cotton grade III or IV) at our institution between January 1994 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Nine patients had stenosis localized at the subglottis (localized SGS), and twenty-four patients had stenosis extending to the glottis or supraglottis from the subglottis (extended SGS). 66.7 % (6/9) of localized SGS patients were intubated after infancy, and 95.8 % (22/23) of extended SGS patients were intubated in the neonatal period. The duration of intubation was significantly shorter with localized than with extended SGS. Sixteen patients underwent LTR. The operation-specific decannulation rate was 80.0 % (4/5) in the localized SGS group and 14.3 % (1/7) in the extended SGS group. The range of stenosis was affected by the period and duration of endotracheal intubation. Surgical outcomes of LTR tended to differ between localized SGS and extended SGS. LTR can be effective for localized SGS.