Duration Of Ventilatory Support Research Articles

Microbiological profiles and clinical outcomes of critically ill surgical patients with lower gastrointestinal perforation in Japan: a single-center retrospective observational study

BackgroundLower gastrointestinal perforation (LGP) is a surgical emergency disease that can result in secondary bacterial peritonitis. Microbiological studies on LGP are rare. The present study aimed to ascertain the microbiological profile of LGP in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at our institute after surgery. In addition, we investigated whether initial empirical therapy with vancomycin was associated with in-hospital mortality, duration of ICU stay, and duration of ventilator support.MethodsThis single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan. The study population included all patients diagnosed with LGP who were admitted to the ICU after emergency surgery between 2017 and 2023. The primary outcome assessed was the microbiological profile of microorganisms isolated from ascites fluid and blood of the participants. The secondary end-points were in-hospital mortality, duration of ICU stay, and duration of ventilator support. We performed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate the end-points.ResultsDuring the study period, 89 patients were included in the analysis. The most commonly identified pathogen from the ascites cultures was Escherichia coli (65.2%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (51.7%). E. faecium was identified in 16 (18.0%) ascites samples. The microbiological profile of critically ill patients with LGP admitted to the ICU after surgery was similar to that of previous studies on intra-abdominal infection (IAI). Therefore, the initial empirical therapy in the IAI guidelines is more appropriate for LGP. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the combination of initial empirical therapy with vancomycin was not associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–3.00, p = 0.955), duration of ICU stay (coefficient=-0.92, 95% CI -3.04–1.21, p = 0.393), or duration of ventilator-support (coefficient=-9.03, 95%CI -49.69–31.63, p = 0.659).ConclusionThe microbiological profile of critically ill patients with LGP admitted to the ICU after surgery was similar to that of previous studies on IAI. However, the frequency of E. faecium in the present study was higher than that in previous studies. Initial empirical therapy with drugs such as meropenem in combination with vancomycin for E. faecium was not associated with in-hospital mortality, duration of ICU stay, and duration of ventilator support, after adjusting for confounding factors.

PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS STENTING IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS WITH CYANOTIC CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS: EXPERIENCE AND OUTCOMES

Background. Among all congenital heart defects (CHD), one-third are cyanotic defects with duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow. Palliative interventions are necessary for children with complex cyanotic CHD, premature infants, and children with complex comorbidities. Ensuring a reliable source of pulmonary blood flow adequate for arterial oxygenation and native pulmonary artery branches growth are the primary goals of staged interventions. The classic approach to providing adequate pulmonary blood flow before total repair is systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunting. Currently, there is a growing trend towards the use of an alternative method - transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting. Aim: Demonstrate the experience of PDA stenting, immediate and long-term outcomes in newborns and infants. Materials and Methods. From 2009 to April 2024, PDA stenting was performed in 66 patients at the UCC. Among the all cohort, 49 (74.2%) were newborns (Group I), and 17 (25.7%) were infants (Group II). The average age was: Group I - 7.4±5.9 days (range 1 to 28 days), and Group II - 105.2±54.78 days (range 42 to 280 days). The average weight was: Group I - 3.0±0.49 kg (range 1.9 to 4.4 kg), and Group II - 5.2±1.4 kg (range 2.7 to 9 kg). This study analyzed pre-, intra-, and postoperative parameters including age, weight, presence of concomitant/genetic pathology, saturation level, pulmonary artery branches diameter, Nakata index, PDAs size, origin and type, duration of staying in the intensive care unit, duration of artificial lung ventilation and inotropic support, early and late postoperative complications, 30-day and inter-stage mortality rates in the two patient groups. Results. All cases of transcatheter stent implantation were performed by transfemoral access. The average ICU stay duration for Group I was 13.8±9.52 days (range 2 to 119 days), and for Group II was 6.4±3.64 days (range 2 to 20 days). The duration of artificial lung ventilation in Group I was 185.8±165.28 hours (range 2 to 2066 hours), and in Group II was 67.5±46.15 hours (range 4 to 248 hours). Inotropic support - on average for Group I - 151.6±81.06 hours (range 0 to 720 hours), and for Group II - 82.4±47 hours (range 0 to 211 hours). Saturation increased from an average of 65.7±11.03% to 85.2±5.7% in Group I (p<0.05), and from 66.8±10.9% to 87.4±4.24% in Group II (p<0.05). Early postoperative complications were observed in 34.6% (17/49) of Group I patients and 23.5% (4/17) of Group II patients. The early 30-day mortality rate was 8.1% (4/49) for Group I. The next stage of surgical treatment wasperformed on average after 12.9±10.2 months by 51% (25/49) of Group I patients and by 88% (15/17) of Group II patients, on average after 14.98±12 months post-stenting. The interstage (late) mortality rate was 6.1% (3/49) for Group I and 5.8% (1/17) for Group II. Conclusion. Considering the outcomes after PDA stenting in our cohort of patients, this procedure appears to be an effective operation for providing a reliable source of pulmonary blood flow in various anatomical variants of cyanotic CHD in both newborns and infants.

The obesity paradox in patients with major burn injuries: a single tertiary burn centre review

Introduction: The obesity paradox is a phenomenon described in medical literature where overweight and obese patients have improved survival and better health outcomes. The obesity paradox is of curiosity to many clinicians as the general consensus in medicine has been that a higher body mass index results in poorer health outcomes in both medical and surgical conditions. The aim of this study is to determine whether the obesity paradox exists in our patients with major burn injuries. To our knowledge, this has not been previously investigated in the Australian major burn population. Methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients with major burn injuries > 20 per cent total body surface area admitted to the Victorian Adult Burns Service (Melbourne, Australia) from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 (five-year period). Information collected included patient demographics, weight and height, and nature of burn injuries. Primary outcome of interest was inpatient mortality, and secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, duration of ventilation support required and presence of bacteraemia. Results: A total of 1704 patients were admitted, of whom 165 patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. The vast majority of 31 patients (18.8%) who died during admission were palliated. The obesity paradox did not exist in this study population. Furthermore, although not statistically significant, higher levels of body mass index showed increased risk of mortality. There was no significant association between body mass index and hospital length of stay (p = 0.16), intensive care unit length of stay (p = 0.72), duration of ventilation support (p = 0.62) nor bacteraemia (p = 0.68). Conclusion: The emerging evidence regarding the obesity paradox in the burn surgery literature is inconsistent. We contend that differences in burn management, including palliation of patients with major burn injuries, contribute to these findings.

Comparison of Intercostal and Subxiphoid Left Pleural Drain After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a prevalent surgery for coronary artery disease, often involves left internal mammary artery harvesting, necessitating left pleural drain insertion. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and respiratory issues. This analysis compares outcomes between subxiphoid and intercostal left pleural drain insertion. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review and meta-analysis involved searches in MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trial Registry. Studies were selected based on primary outcomes (postoperative ventilator support duration and pain score) and secondary outcomes (percentage predicted vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis). Statistical analysis used a random effect model, pooled risk ratio, and I2 heterogeneity. Nine studies (seven randomized and two nonrandomized) with 412 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analysis indicated reduced ventilation time and postoperative pain with the subxiphoid drain compared to the intercostal drain. Spirometry parameters showed improved VC, FVC, and PO2 in ABG analysis. This meta-analysis suggests that subxiphoid pleural drain insertion in CABG patients is associated with shorter ventilation times, lower pain scores, and improved pulmonary function compared to intercostal drain placement.

Critical care therapies pre- and post-heart transplant and their impact: Analysis from the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium

BackgroundFew studies highlighting the critical care management of patients after heart HTx (HTx) have been published to date. This analysis provides a contemporary representation of critical care burden pre- and post-HTx, describes care differences based on pre-transplant diagnosis and outlines the impact of intensive care unit (ICU) therapies on outcomes. MethodsData from PC4 Collaborative Registry was analyzed for pediatric patients undergoing HTx between 08/2014-04/2022. Results1877 HTx in 1857 patients were reported from 42 centers; 56.5% had congenital heart disease (CHD). Patients with CHD were younger, smaller, more likely male, White race, and publicly insured. Their pre-HTx ICU course was characterized by a higher need for catheterization, increased likelihood of inotropic support and mechanical ventilation with lower VAD rates. Their operative courses were significant for longer bypass and cross-clamp times. Postoperatively, CHD patients required more CPR and utilized more ICU therapies such as inotropes, ECMO and renal replacement. Those with CHD had a longer duration of ventilatory support (68.6 vs. 27.3 hours), total hospital stays (37.1 vs. 22.9 days) and higher hospital mortality (7.8% vs. 1.8%); all p<0.0001. Longer cardiopulmonary bypass and longer deep hypothermic circulatory arrest times and delayed sternal closure were independent risk factors for hospital mortality. Lastly, there was no association between total surgical volume for a center and outcomes but there was a significant relationship between center transplant volume and outcomes with higher volume centers demonstrating significantly lower mortality. ConclusionA diagnosis of CHD prior to HTx is associated with a greater use of ICU specific therapies compared non-CHD cohort. Operative factors, particularly in CHD patients, are independently associated with higher hospital mortality as was low transplant volume at the center. The study provides basis for further investigating ICU and operative factors that can be modified to improve transplant outcomes.

Metabolic acidosis as a predictor of outcome in critically ill children – A single-center prospective observational study

Background: Acid-base disorders are common in critically ill patients and contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. Metabolic acidosis (MA) can be measured by pH, base deficit, serum bicarbonate, and anion gap. A study was conducted to determine the incidence and type of MA among children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to assess its roles as a predictor of outcomes in them. Subjects and Methods: Over 1 year, 100 children between 1 month and 12 years of age who presented to the PICU with an MA or developed it within 24 h of admission were prospectively enrolled. Clinicodemographic data, pediatric sequential organ failure assessment score at admission, clinical outcome, and serial measurements of anion gap, serum lactate, and bicarbonate level were recorded. Results: The incidence of MA was 60.2% with a majority (52%) being high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA). The predominant condition (39%) leading to MA was catecholamine-resistant shock with organ dysfunction. Peak lactate value and bicarbonate nadir had a significant positive correlation with the duration of mechanical ventilation and inotropic support, but only peak lactate value was significantly associated with mortality. A peak lactate value of 2.19 mmol/L yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality. There was no association was found between peak anion gap and morbidity or mortality. Conclusions: MA was observed in 60% of children in PICU, with HAGMA being the most common type. Peak lactate value and bicarbonate nadir were correlated with high morbidity, but only peak lactate value was significantly associated with mortality.

Early and Long-Term Results of Simultaneous and Staged Revascularization of Coronary and Carotid Arteries.

Carotid artery disease is prevalent among patients with coronary heart disease. The concomitant severe lesions in the carotid and coronary arteries may necessitate either simultaneous or staged revascularization involving coronary bypass and carotid endarterectomy. However, there is presently a lack of consensus on the optimal choice of surgical treatment tactics for patients with significant stenoses in both carotid and coronary arteries. The aim of the current study was to compare the 30-day and long-term outcomes of coronary and carotid artery revascularization surgery based on the simultaneous or staged surgical tactics. This single-center retrospective study involved 192 patients with concurrent coronary artery disease and carotid artery stenosis ≥ 70%, of whom 106 patients underwent simultaneous intervention (CABG + CEA) and 86 patients underwent staged CABG/CEA. The mean time between stages ranged from 1 to 4 months (mean 1.88 ± 0.9 months). The endpoints included death from any cause, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (death + non-fatal MI + non-fatal stroke) within 30 days after the last intervention and in the long-term follow-up period (median follow-up-6 years). The 30-day all-cause mortality, incidence of postoperative non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, and MACEs did not exhibit differences between the groups after single-stage and staged interventions. However, the overall risk of postoperative complications (adjusted for the risk of any complication per patient) (OR 2.214, 95% CI 1.048-4.674, p = 0.035), as well as the duration of ventilatory support (p = 0.004), was elevated in the group after simultaneous interventions compared with the staged intervention group. This difference did not result in an increased incidence of death and MACEs in the group after simultaneous interventions. In the long-term follow-up period, there were no significant differences observed when comparing simultaneous or staged surgical tactics in terms of overall survival (54.9% and 62.6% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P log-rank = 0.068), non-fatal stroke-free survival (45.6% and 33.6% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P log-rank = 0.364), non-fatal MI-survival (57.6% and 73.5% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P log-rank = 0.169), and MACE-free survival (7.1% and 30.2% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P log-rank = 0.060). The risk factors associated with an unfavorable outcome included age, smoking, BMI, LV EF, and atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries. This study revealed no significant difference in the impact of simultaneous CABG + CEA or staged CABG/CEA on the incidence of death, stroke, MI, and MACEs over a 30-day and long-term follow-up period. Although the immediate results indicated an increased risk of a complicated course (attributable to overall complications) and more prolonged ventilation after simultaneous CABG + CEA compared with staged CABG/CEA, this did not lead to an increase in fatal complications. Therefore, the implementation of either tactic is considered eligible and appropriate following a thorough operative risk assessment.

Impact of obesity on outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used when standard methods of standard treatment methods are not successful. Obese patients present unique challenges during ECMO due to large body size hindering sufficient flows, difficulties with patient positioning and anatomical landmark identification, and restricted radiology scans. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of patients undergoing ECMO.MethodsDatabases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases) were searched to identify relevant studies published until July 2023. Data were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and the descriptive data were reported as standard difference of means (SDM) by a random effects model.ResultsA literature search identified 345 studies. Of them, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from the meta-analysis revealed no significant association between obesity and survival outcomes after ECMO (odds ratio (OR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–1.17, p: 0.46). Moreover, no comparative significant differences were found between obese and non-obese individuals on the duration of ECMO procedure (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.07, -0.03–0.17), length of hospital stay (-0.03, -0.19 to 0.12), and duration of ventilation support (-0.10, -0.44 to 0.24).ConclusionThe meta-analysis findings suggest no significant impact of obesity on the survival outcomes after the ECMO procedure. There was no significant impact of obesity on the duration of ECMO procedures, length of hospital stay, and duration of ventilation support.

Assessment of the prognosis, frequency, and isolated bacteria in ventilator-associated pneumonia among patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: A single-center retrospective observational study

IntroductionAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia is associated with a high incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of VAP associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. MethodsThis retrospective observational study recruited patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS admitted to our center from April 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. The primary outcome was the survival-to-discharge rate. The secondary outcomes were the VAP rate, time to VAP, length of ICU stay, length of ventilator support, and isolated bacteria. ResultsSixty-eight patients were included in this study; 23 developed VAP. The survival-to-discharge rate was 60.9 % in the VAP group and 84.4 % in the non-VAP group. The median time to VAP onset was 16 days. The median duration of ventilator support and of ICU stay were higher in the VAP group than in the non-VAP group. The VAP rate was 33.8 %. The most common isolated species was Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. On admission, carbapenems were used in a maximum number of cases (75 %). Furthermore, the median body mass index (BMI) was lower and the median sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on admission was higher in the VAP group than in the non-VAP group. ConclusionsThe survival-to-discharge rate in VAP patients was low. Moreover, VAP patients tended to have long ICU stays, low BMI, and high SOFA scores on admission. Unusually, S. maltophilia was the most common isolated bacteria, which may be related to the frequent use of carbapenems.

Effectiveness of call system implementation for postpartum hemorrhage in a tertiary emergency medical center: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPostpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death and severe maternal morbidity worldwide. Previous studies have reported the importance of multidisciplinary treatment approaches for postpartum hemorrhage; however, only a few studies have shown a clear improvement in maternal outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a call system for postpartum hemorrhage in a tertiary emergency facility for rapid multidisciplinary treatment and its effect on maternal outcomes.MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study included patients transferred to our hospital due to postpartum hemorrhage between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were morbidity (duration of hospital stay, duration of intensive care unit stay, admission to the intensive care unit, respirator use, duration of ventilator support, acute kidney injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload/transfusion-related acute lung injury, hysterectomy, composite adverse events, blood transfusion initiation time, blood transfusion volume, and treatment for postpartum hemorrhage). An in-hospital call system implementation commenced on April 1, 2016. The study outcomes were compared 3 years before and after implementing the call system.ResultsThe blood transfusion initiation time and duration of hospital stay were significantly shortened after implementing the call system for postpartum hemorrhage. No maternal deaths were observed after implementing the system.ConclusionsImplementing call systems specialized for postpartum hemorrhage in tertiary emergency facilities may improve maternal outcomes.

Comparison of restrictive and liberal red blood cell suspension transfusion and analysis of influencing factors on prognosis of premature infants.

To investigate the influence of restrictive and liberal red blood cell suspension (RBCs) transfusions on the prognosis of premature infants and to analyze the influencing factors to provide a reference for the transfusion strategy of preterm infants. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 85 cases of anemic premature infants treated in our center, including 63 cases in the restrictive transfusion group and 22 in the liberal transfusion group. RBCs transfusions were effective in both groups, and there were no statistically significant differences in post-transfusion hemoglobin and hematocrit between the two groups (P>0.05). The outcome events: the duration of ventilatory support was statistically prolonger in the restrictive group compared with the liberal group (P<0.001); however, the differences in mortality, the increased weight before discharge, and length of stay in the hospital within the two groups were not statistically significant (P=0.237, 0.36 and 0.771, respectively). Univariate survival analysis showed that age, birth weight, Apgar 1 min and Apgar 10 min scores were the influencing factors for death, with P values of 0.035, 0.004, <0.001, and 0.013, respectively; COX regression analysis showed that Apgar 1 min score was an independent factor of the survival time of preterm infants (P=0.002). Compared with the restrictive transfusion group, liberal transfusion patients presented a shorter duration of ventilatory support, which is more beneficial to the prognosis of premature infants.

Malnutrition in patients with cerebral stroke

BACKGROUND: Acute cerebral circulatory failure is distinguished by high prevalence and mortality. The course and outcome of stroke are significantly influenced by malnutrition. AIM: To examine the prevalence and effect of malnutrition on the course and outcome of severe cerebral stroke in patients on ventilatory support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter observational clinical trial entitled "Registry of Respiratory Therapy in Patients with Acute Cerebral Circulatory Failure (RETAS)" was conducted under the auspices of the Federation of Anesthesiologists and Resuscitators of Russia. The study included 14 centers and 1289 acute cerebral circulatory failure patients who received respiratory support. RESULTS: Acute cerebral circulatory failure patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 14 on ventilatory support who did not exhibit malnutrition were more likely to experience a positive outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (4 and 5) compared to patients with evidence of malnutrition (p=0.000002). Malnutrition was associated with an extended duration of ventilatory support in patients with acute cerebral circulatory failure (p 0.0001). The patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support experienced a higher prevalence of pressure sores, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and body weight loss by ≥10% (p 0.0001). Malnutrition was linked to an increased risk of developing ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in patients with acute cerebral circulatory failure (p 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition substantially affects the course and outcome of severe cerebral stroke in patients on respiratory support (ventilator).

Diaphragmatic muscle function in term and preterm infants

We aimed to assess the determinants of diaphragmatic function in term and preterm infants. 149 infants (56 term; 93 preterm, of whom 14 were diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia—BPD) were studied before discharge. Diaphragmatic function was assessed by measurement of the maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdimax)—a measure of diaphragmatic strength, and the pressure–time index of the diaphragm (PTIdi)—a measure of the load-to-capacity ratio of the diaphragm. The Pdimax was higher in term than preterm infants without BPD (90.1 ± 16.3 vs 81.1 ± 11.8 cmH2O; P = 0.001). Term-born infants also had lower PTIdi compared to preterms without BPD (0.052 ± 0.014 vs 0.060 ± 0.017; P = 0.006). In term and preterm infants without BPD, GA was the most significant predictor of Pdimax and PTIdi, independently of the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen support. In infants with GA < 32 weeks (n = 30), the Pdimax was higher in infants without BPD compared to those with BPD (76.1 ± 11.1 vs 65.2 ± 11.9 cmH2O; P = 0.015). Preterms without BPD also had lower PTIdi compared to those with BPD (0.069 ± 0.016 vs 0.109 ± 0.017; P < 0.001). In this subgroup, GA was the only significant independent determinant of Pdimax, while BPD and the GA were significant determinants of the PTIdi. Conclusions: Preterm infants present lower diaphragmatic strength and impaired ability to sustain the generated force over time, which renders them prone to diaphragmatic fatigue. In very preterm infants, BPD may further aggravate diaphragmatic function.What is Known:• The diaphragm of preterm infants has limited capacity to undertake the work of breathing effectively.• The maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure (a measure of diaphragmatic strength) and the pressure–time index of the diaphragm (a measure of the load-to-capacity ratio of the muscle) have not been extensively assessed in small infants.What is New:• Preterm infants have lower diaphragmatic strength and impaired ability to sustain the generated force over time, which renders them prone to diaphragmatic fatigue.• In very preterm infants, bronchopulmonary dysplasia may further impair diaphragmatic function.

A multicentre neonatal interventional randomised controlled trial of nebulized surfactant for preterm infants with respiratory distress: Neo-INSPIRe trial protocol

IntroductionRespiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Less invasive methods of surfactant administration, along with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), have improved outcomes of preterm infants. Aerosolized surfactant can be given without the need for airway instrumentation and may be employed in areas where these skills are scarce. Recent trials from high-resourced countries utilising aerosolized surfactant have had a low quality of evidence and varying outcomes.Methods and analysisThe Neo-INSPIRe trial is an unblinded, multicentre, randomised trial of a novel aerosolized surfactant drug/device combination. Inclusion criteria include preterm infants of 27–34+6 weeks’ gestational age who weigh 900-1999g and who require CPAP with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 0.25–0.35 in the first 2–24 h of age. Infants are randomised 1:1 to control (CPAP alone) or intervention (CPAP with aerosolized surfactant). The primary outcome is the need for intratracheal bolus surfactant instillation within 72 h of age. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of reaching failure criteria (persistent FiO2 of > 0.40, severe apnoea or severe work of breathing), the need for and duration of ventilation and respiratory support, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and selected co-morbidities of prematurity. Assuming a 40% relative risk reduction to reduce the proportion of infants requiring intratracheal bolus surfactant from 45 to 27%, the study will aim to enrol 232 infants for the study to have a power of 80% to detect a significant difference with a type 1 error of 0.05.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the relevant human research ethics committees at University of Cape Town (HREC 681/2022), University of the Witwatersrand HREC (221112) and Stellenbosch University (M23/02/004).Trial registrationPACTR202307490670785

Comparison of mortality and short-term outcomes between classic, intubation-surfactant-extubation, and less invasive surfactant administration methods of surfactant replacement therapy.

Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (InSurE) and less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) are alternative surfactant replacement therapy methods for reducing the complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to compare the Classic, InSurE, and LISA methods in Very-Low-Birth-Weight infants (VLBWIs) in South Korea. The Korean Neonatal Network (KNN) enrolled VLBWIs born between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020. They were analyzed retrospectively to compare the duration of respiratory support, length of hospitalization, mortality, and short-term outcomes of the three groups. The duration of invasive ventilator support was shorter in the following order: InSurE (3.99 ± 11.93 days), LISA (8.78 ± 29.32 days), and the Classic group (22.36 ± 29.94 days) (p = 0.014, p < 0.01) and InSurE had the shortest hospitalization (64.91 ± 24.07 days, p < 0.05) although the results couldn't adjust for confounding factor because of irregular distribution. InSurE had the lower risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade II-IV [odds ratio (OR) 0.524 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.287-0.956], p = 0.035] than in the Classic group. Mortality was lower in the InSurE [OR 0.377 (95% CI: 0.146-0.978), p = 0.045] and LISA [OR 0.296 (95% CI: 0.102-0.862), p = 0.026] groups than in the Classic group. There was a reduced risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) [OR 0.691 (95% CI: 0.479-0.998, p = 0.049), OR 0.544 (95% CI: 0.355-0.831, p = 0.005), respectively], pulmonary hypertension [OR 0.350 (95% CI: 0.150-0.817, p = 0.015), OR 0.276 (95% CI: 0.107-0.713, p = 0.008), respectively], periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) [OR 0.382 (95% CI: 0.187-0.780, p = 0.008), OR 0.246 (95% CI: 0.096-0.627, p = 0.003), respectively], and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with treatment [OR 0.628 (95% CI: 0.454-0.868, p = 0.005), OR 0.467 (95% CI: 0.313-0.696, p < 0.001) respectively] in the InSurE and LISA groups compared to the Classic group. InSurE showed the lowest duration of invasive ventilator support, length of hospitalization. InSurE and LISA exhibited reduced mortality and decreased risks of moderate to severe BPD, pulmonary hypertension, PVL, and PDA with treatment compared to the Classic group.

Is the combination of conventional ultrafiltration and modified ultrafiltration superior to modified ultrafiltration in pediatric open-heart surgery?

ABSTRACT Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during open-heart surgery is associated with increased body fluids as a consequence of hemodilution due to the use of CPB. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a method used to decrease the body fluid volume on CPB. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of combined conventional UF (CUF) and modified UF (MUF) versus MUF on the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, randomized, and double-blinded clinical study that involved 74 pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery on CPB. Patient management was standardized. Preoperative Aristotle comprehensive complexity level, ultrafiltrate volumes, hematocrit, hemodynamic data, transesophageal echocardiographically (TEE) determined ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC), temperature drift, arterial oxygenation, time of extubation, ventilation, comparison of inotropic drugs, postoperative chest tube drainage, cardiac care unit (CCU), and hospital length of stay (LOS) were recorded in both groups. The analysis was conducted using SPSS-23.0, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA. Results: There was no mortality in both groups. Technical difficulties prevented the completion of MUF in two patients out of 37 in the CUF + MUF group. In this study, there were 43.26% of females and 56.75% of males, with a median age of 439 days, a mean weight of 9.98 kg, and an Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity score of level 2. Group CUF + MUF had a greater ultrafiltrate volume of 122 ± 39.7 ml (P = 0.036). The duration of ventilatory support was 11.2 ± 6.4 h versus 34.4 ± 5.7 h (P = 0.013), average CCU LOS was 4.3 ± 3.5 days versus 7.2 ± 3.6 days (P = 0.008), and chest tube drain in the first 48 h was 89.76 ± 34.82 ml versus 106.65 ± 47.29 ml (P = 0.029) in groups CUF + MUF and MUF, respectively. Inotropic infusion requirements were significantly lower in the CUF + MUF group compared to the MUF group. EF and FAC were 14% and 5% higher at 45 min in group CUF + MUF, respectively. Conclusions: The advantage of combining CUF and MUF over MUF is the significant improvement in the hemodynamic status of patients, which significantly decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation, average CCU LOS, inotrope requirements after surgery, and chest tube drain in the first 48 h.

Early Tracheostomy May Be Performed Safely in Obese COVID-19 Patients Supported on VV-ECMO.

Obese patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated acute respiratory failure (ARDS) often require prolonged intubation. However, data are sparse regarding optimal tracheostomy timing in obese adults with COVID-19 requiring venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). This study retrospectively describes the course of obese patients with COVID-19 who underwent tracheostomy on VV-ECMO between March 2020 and December 2022. There were 62 participants with a median age of 43 (interquartile range [IQR] 33 to 53) years and a median body mass index of 42 (IQR 34 to 50) kg/m2 who received VV-ECMO for COVID-19-associated ARDS. Of those, 42 underwent tracheostomy on VV-ECMO, and 50% (n = 21) of the 42 patients underwent early (within 14 days of initiated ventilatory support) tracheostomy. Among patients who received tracheostomies, the combined respiratory tract and lung parenchymal bleeding rate was 29% (n = 12), but only 7% required surgical intervention for bleeding from the tracheostomy site (n = 3). The hospital length of stay (LOS) was 42 (IQR 36 to 57) days, and mortality rate was 38% (n = 16). Tracheostomy timing was not associated with differences in respiratory tract bleeding, mechanical ventilatory support duration, VV-ECMO support duration, intensive care unit LOS, hospital LOS, mortality, or survival probability. Although an individualized and holistic approach to clinical decision making continues to be necessary, the findings of this study suggest that early tracheostomy may be performed safely in obese patients with COVID-19 on VV-ECMO.

A Study of Hypomagnesemia in Patients Admitted to the ICU.

Introduction After potassium, magnesium (Mg2+) is the most prevalent cation found intracellularly in the human body. The maintenance of excitability by Mg2+ and other cations is crucial for the neuromuscular junction to operate normally. Magnesium shortages are frequently overlooked compared to other electrolyte disorders such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia. The present study aimed to study the factors and effects of hypomagnesemia amongintensive care unit (ICU) patients who are critically ill at atertiary care hospital. Methods This is a prospective observational study done among the patients who got admittedto the Medical ICUat Maharajahs Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), Nellimarla, Vizianagaram, from January 2020 to June 2021. A total of 100 patients were included in the study, of which 50 were cases and 50 were controls. The cases are those patients admitted to the medical ICU with critical illness and hypomagnesemia, and the controls are selected from those patients admitted with critical illness to the medical ICU with normal magnesium levels. Patients with severe infections, including sepsis, respiratory failure, cardiac failure,renal failure, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), poisonings, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), were included in the study. Patients who were treated with magnesium before admission to our ICU were excluded from this study. Serum magnesium was tested within24 hours of admission and is correlated with the outcomes of the patients in terms of APACHE II score, length of ICU stay, and requirementand duration ofventilatory support. Results Out of a total of 50 cases, 29 (58%) are of males. The mean age of cases was57.6 ∓ 8.2 years. Most cases were admitted due to organ failure (30%), followed by sepsis (26%) and poisoning (22%). The mean magnesium levels were 1.19 mg/dL among the cases, which was significantly lower when compared to the control group (2.16 mg/dL) (p-value= 0.01). The mean length of stay in the ICU was 6.12∓5.16 days in cases, whereas it was 5.28∓3.37 days in the control group (p-value = 0.33). 12% of cases needed non-invasive ventilation (NIV) when compared to 8% of controls (p-value= 0.50). 48% of the cases needed invasive ventilator support when compared to 28% in the control group (p-value= 0.03). The duration of invasive ventilation was higher among the cases (mean = 10 ∓3-17 days) compared to the controls(mean = 3 ∓2-4 days);p-value = 0.001.Mortality was higher in the case groupat 28% (14) and was 10% (5) in the control group (p-value = 0.02). Conclusion The need for invasive ventilation and duration of invasive ventilation were significantly higher among thepatients with hypomagnesemia compared to the patients with normal magnesium levels (p-value<0.05).Mortality was higher in the cases than in the controls (p-value<0.05).

#4837 CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF HEMOPERFUSION WITH MG350 AMONG RT-PCR-CONFIRMED SEVERE AND CRITICAL COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN LA UNION

Abstract Background and Aims Hemoperfusion (HP) refers to the circulation of anticoagulated blood through an extracorporeal circuit with a disposable, adsorbent-containing cartridge. Earlier studies showed that HP stabilizes the plasma levels of cytokines in sepsis and septic shock. Case reports demonstrated the benefit of HP among COVID-19 patients with severe and critical illness but local data on the outcome of HP in COVID is still lacking. This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of HP with MG 350 cartridge among RT-PCR confirmed severe and critical COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in La Union in terms of the trend of clinical parameters before and after HP, mean duration of ventilatory support, mean duration of hospital stay and patient's disposition. Method This is a descriptive, correlational, retrospective cohort single-center study that reviewed the in-patient medical records of 89 RT-PCR confirmed severe and critical COVID-19 patients who underwent at least two HP treatments. We determined their clinical profile and described the trend of clinical parameters before and after HP. Outcome of HP in terms of mean duration of ventilatory support, mean duration of hospital stay and patient's disposition were determined. The possible significant influence of HP to the clinical profile and outcomes as well as clinical parameters to outcomes were also correlated. Results There was a significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), D-dimer, ferritin and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as improved respiratory and perfusion parameters such as oxygen saturation and Partial pressure of Oxygen (PaO2) after HP. Patients with higher oxygen saturation, PaO2 and lower fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) had shorter duration of ventilatory support. Increased FiO2, CRP, D-dimer, ferritin, white blood cell (WBC) count and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) are highly correlated with increased mortality. Early hemoperfusion correlated with shorter duration of ventilatory support, shorter hospital stay and decreased mortality. Interestingly, those with higher oxygen saturation, Pao2, ferritin and procalcitonin correlated with longer duration of hospital stay after HP. Patients with critical illness and late HP had longer duration of ventilatory support. Patients with bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray and those on mechanical ventilator had longer duration of hospital stay. Increased COVID severity and decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP) had higher likelihood of death even after HP. Conclusion Hemoperfusion significantly decreased the level of inflammatory markers thereby lowering the risk for cytokine storm for COVID-19 patients. Early HP is recommended as it is correlated with shorter duration of ventilatory support, shorter hospital stay and decreased mortality.

Prevalence and clinical predictors of dysphagia after heart transplantation.

Dysphagia is a common complication after heart transplantation (HTPL), but few studies exist on dysphagia after HTPL, and the prevalence is unknown. The objective of our current study was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for dysphagia after HTPL and to classify its characteristics through Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS). The recipients of HTPL carried out at a single center from January 2011 to November 2019 were assessed retrospectively. Dysphagia was evaluated by a bedside swallowing exam and VFSS to evaluate for evidence of aspiration. The duration of ventilator and preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, intensive care unit, hospital stay, the progress of oral feeding after surgery, the presence of a tracheostomy, and vocal cord palsy were analyzed. On the third and seventh days following surgery, we looked at the relationship between risk factors and oral feeding progress, respectively. Additionally, we contrasted these risk variables with the no penetration/aspiration (PA) group and the PA group on VFSS. Among the study cohort of 421 patients, 222 (52.7%) patients had access to oral feeding on the third day of surgery. The number of patients who underwent VFSS due to clinically suspected dysphagia was 96 (22.8%). Of these, 54 (56.2%) had aspiration or penetration (PA group), while 42 (43.8%) had no abnormal findings (No-PA group). In the multivariable regression model, preoperative ECMO support, vocal cord abnormalities, tracheostomy, and emergent need for HTPL were identified as independent risk variables for oral feeding progress on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 7. Among these factors, preoperative ECMO support had the highest odds ratio (OR) at PODs 3 (OR: 4.73, CI: 1.997, 11.203, p<.001) and 7 (OR: 5.143, CI: 2.294, 11.53, p<.001). We identified the prevalence and potential risk factors for postoperative dysphagia in this retrospective analysis of 421 heart transplant recipients. The pathophysiology of postoperative dysphagia was multifactorial, and it was more common than the incidence after general cardiothoracic surgery.