ICUs In Spain Research Articles

Humidified Noninvasive Ventilation versus High-Flow Therapy to Prevent Reintubation in Patients with Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Rationale: The optimal strategy to prevent reintubation in patients with obesity remains uncertain. Objectives: We aimed to determine whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with active humidification is superior to a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in preventing reintubation in patients with obesity at intermediate risk. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in two ICUs in Spain (June 2020-June 2021). We included patients ready for planned extubation with a body mass index >30 and three or fewer risk factors for reintubation. Patients with hypercapnia at the end of the spontaneous breathing trial were excluded. Patients were randomized to undergo NIV with active humidification or HFNC for 48 hours after extubation. The primary outcome was the reintubation rate within 7 days after extubation. As a secondary analysis, we performed a post hoc Bayesian analysis using three different priors. Measurements and Main Results: Of 144 patients (median age, 61 [25th-75th percentile range, 61-67] yr; 65 [45%] men), 72 received NIV and 72 received an HFNC. Reintubation was required in 17 (23.6%) patients receiving NIV and in 24 (33.3%) patients receiving HFNC (difference between groups, 9.7; 95% confidence interval, -4.9, 24.4). All of the secondary analysis showed nonsignificant differences. In the exploratory Bayesian analysis, the probability of a reduction in reintubation with NIV was 99% (data-driven prior), 90% (minimally informative prior), or 89% (skeptical prior). Conclusions: Among adult critically ill patients with obesity at intermediate risk for extubation failure, the rate of reintubation was not significantly lower with NIV than with HFNC. Nevertheless, there is a risk for underpowered results. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04125342).

Trophic Nutrition in ICU Patients Undergoing High-Flow Oxygen Therapy and/or Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation: The Nutri-Trophic Study.

Enteral nutrition (EN) therapy in ICU patients requiring oxygen therapy with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and/or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is controversial. A prospective, cohort, observational, and multicenter study was conducted in 10 ICUs in Spain to analyze the 90-day mortality, tolerance, side effects, and infectious complications of trophic EN in patients requiring HFNC therapy and/or NIVM. A total of 149 patients were enrolled. The mean age, severity scores, tracheobronchitis, bacteremia, and antimicrobial therapy were significantly higher in deceased than in living patients (p < 0.05), and the mortality rate was 14.8%. A total of 110 patients received oral trophic feedings, 36 patients received nasogastric tube feedings (NGFs), and 3 received mixed feedings. Trophic EN was discontinued in only ten (14.9%) patients because of feeding-related complications. The variables selected for the multivariate logistic regression on feeding discontinuation were SOFA upon admission (OR per unit = 1.461) and urea (OR per mg/dL = 1.029). There were no significant differences in the development of new infections according to the route of EN administration. Early trophic feeding administered to patients with acute respiratory failure requiring noninvasive ventilation is safe and feasible, and is associated with few dietary and infectious complications in a mortality, setting comparable to similar studies.

National validation of the nursing Intensive-Care satisfaction scale: Research protocol.

Validate the Nursing Intensive-Care Satisfaction Scale in ICUs throughout Spain. Identify the improvement strategies recommended by the patients and professionals. Quantitative psychometric methodology and a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design. The study population will be all patients discharged from 19 participating ICUs in Spain. Consecutive sampling (n = 564). Once discharged from the ICUs, they will receive the questionnaire and then, after 48 hours it will be given to them again to analyse the temporal stability. To validate the questionnaire, the internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) and temporal stability (test-retest) will be analysed. Improve the quality of nursing care by modifying, changing or strengthening behaviours, skills, attitudes or areas for improvement involved in the process.

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza.

To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61-78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803-1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza

ObjectiveTo determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. DesignThis was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. Settings184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. PatientsPatients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. InterventionsFlu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. ResultsA total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61–78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803–1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). ConclusionsNo association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

Moral distress among healthcare professionals working in intensive care units in Spain.

To assess moral distress (MD) among Spanish critical care healthcare professionals (HCPs). Cross-sectional, prospective study. ICUs in Spain. HCPs currently working in Spanish ICUs. A 55-item questionnaire was electronically distributed. The questionnaire included work-related and socio-demographic characteristics, the Spanish version of the Measure of Moral Distress for Health Care Professionals (MMD-HP-SPA), and the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey (HECS). In total, 1065 intensive care providers completed the questionnaire. Three out of four validity hypotheses were supported. MD was significantly higher for physicians (80, IQR 40-135) than for nurses (61, IQR 35-133, p=0.026). MD was significantly higher for those clinicians considering leaving their position (78, IQR 46-163 vs. 61, IQR 32-117; p<0.001). The MMD-HP-SPA was inversely correlated with the HECS (r=-0.277, p<0.001). An exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure, evidencing the patient, team, and system levels of MD. In the study sample, Spanish intensivists report higher MD than nurses. Strategies to improve ICU ethical climate and to correct other related factors in order to mitigate MD at a patient, team, and system level should be implemented. Both groups of HCPs manifest a relevant intention to leave their position due to MD. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which MD influences their desire to leave the job.

Epidemiology of blood transfusion in the Spanish Critical Care Units: «Transfusion Day»

ObjectiveTo describe the transfusion practice in the ICUs in Spain, according to national and international recommendations (guidelines). DesignProspective, cross-sectional, multi-centre study. ScopeData collection was carried out by means of a questionnaire sent electronically to the Heads of Service of 111 ICUs in Spain. Participants1,448 patients were included, aged 61.8 (SD 15.7) years, 66.2% male, with an SOFA of 4.7 ± 3.8 and average stay of 10.62 ± 17.49 days. VariablesDemographic and clinical variables of the patients were collected, as well as variables related to the transfusion act. ResultsOf the 1,448 patients, 9.9% received al least one transfusion of any blood product, 3.7% fresh plasma, 3.9% platelets and 8.9% red blood cell concentrate, mainly by analytical criteria (36.2%). Hemoglobin had a mean of 7.8 g/dL (95% CI: 6-9-8.5) and 9.8 g/dL (95% CI: 8.5–11.2) before and after the transfusion, respectively, p < 0.001. The transfusion units had a mean of 2.5 ± 2.4 per patient. The most commonly used blood product was red blood cell concentrate (CH) (90.2%). Patients admitted for surgery had a higher transfusion rate (14.4%) than those admitted for medical pathology (8.9%) (p = 0.006). 5.4% (7/129) of patients who received CH died compared to 2.4% (31/1302) who did not (p = 0.04). Mortality of transfused patients was higher. The transfusion rate in most of hospitals was 5% to 20%, with 18 hospitals (16.21%) having transfusion rates between 20% and 50%. Hospitals with PBM programs and mass transfusion programs had a lower transfusion rate, although not statistically significant. ConclusionsIn this multicenter cross-sectional study, a transfusion prevalence of 9.9% was observed in Spanish Critical Care Units. The most frequent blood product transfused was red blood cells and the main reasons for transfusion were acute anemia with hemodynamic impact and analytical criteria. Mortality of transfused patients was higher.

ICU-Acquired Pneumonia Is Associated with Poor Health Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Background. Some patients previously presenting with COVID-19 have been reported to develop persistent COVID-19 symptoms. While this information has been adequately recognised and extensively published with respect to non-critically ill patients, less is known about the incidence and factors associated with the characteristics of persistent COVID-19. On the other hand, these patients very often have intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP). A second infectious hit after COVID increases the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation and could have an influence on poor health post-COVID 19 syndrome in ICU-discharged patients. Methods: This prospective, multicentre, and observational study was carrid out across 40 selected ICUs in Spain. Consecutive patients with COVID-19 requiring ICU admission were recruited and evaluated three months after hospital discharge. Results: A total of 1255 ICU patients were scheduled to be followed up at 3 months; however, the final cohort comprised 991 (78.9%) patients. A total of 315 patients developed ICUAP (97% of them had ventilated ICUAP). Patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation had more persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms than those who did not require mechanical ventilation. Female sex, duration of ICU stay, development of ICUAP, and ARDS were independent factors for persistent poor health post-COVID-19. Conclusions: Persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms occurred in more than two-thirds of patients. Female sex, duration of ICU stay, development of ICUAP, and ARDS all comprised independent factors for persistent poor health post-COVID-19. Prevention of ICUAP could have beneficial effects in poor health post-COVID-19.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Moral Distress Among Nurses and Physicians in Spanish ICUs.

To assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on moral distress (MD) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) (physicians and nurses) in Spanish ICUs. Cross-sectional, prospective study. ICUs in Spain. HCPs currently working in Spanish ICUs. Data were collected via electronic survey with the use of a 50-item questionnaire in two different periods: prepandemic (October-December 2019) and during the second wave of COVID-19 (September-November 2020). During the prepandemic and pandemic periods, 1,065 (57.1% nurses) and 1,115 (58.5% nurses) HCPs completed the questionnaire, respectively. Higher MD levels were reported during COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among ICU nurses, when compared with the prepandemic period. Before COVID-19, physicians reported significantly higher levels of MD than ICU nurses (80.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 40.0-135.0] vs 61.0 [IQR, 35.0-133.0]; p = 0.026). These differences disappeared during the pandemic period (81.0 [IQR, 39.0-138.5] vs 74.0 [IQR, 41.0-143.0]; p = 0.837). During the pandemic, younger and less experienced HCPs working in hospital areas that were converted in ICU or in ICUs with multiple occupancy rooms reported higher MD levels. In addition, HCPs who were off work for psychologic burden reported higher MD levels (108.0 [IQR, 66.0-139.0] vs 76.0 [IQR, 40.0-141.0]; p < 0.05). In the prepandemic period, patient-level root causes were the most morally distressing for nurses, whereas physicians reported higher MD on system-level root causes. During the pandemic, both groups reported higher MD on system-level root causes. During COVID-19, significantly more HCPs considered leaving their job due to MD. MD has increased among ICU HCPs in Spain during COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians reported higher MD levels than nurses in the prepandemic period, whereas both HCPs groups reported similar MD levels in the pandemic period. Strategies are needed and should be implemented to mitigate MD among HCPs.

Care and treatments related to intensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness: A cohort study

BackgroundIntensive care unit–acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) has an incidence of 40–46%. Early mobilisation is known to be a protective factor. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to identify the incidence of ICUAW in Spain and to evaluate variables likely to contribute to the development of ICUAW. MethodsA 4-month, prospective observational multicentre cohort study was conducted on patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h. Data were collected from ICU day 3 until ICU discharge. The primary outcome was presence of ICUAW (diagnosed using the Medical Research Council [MRC] scale). The secondary outcome was nurse–patient ratio, physiotherapist availability, analgesia, sedation and delirium management, glycaemic control, and daily level of mobility during the ICU stay as per the ICU Mobility Scale. A logistic regression model was constructed based exclusively on days 3–5 of the ICU stay. ResultsThe data of 642 patients were analysed from 80 ICUs, accounting for 35% of all ICUs in Spain. The incidence of ICUAW was 58% (275 of 474 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI] [53–62]). The predictors for ICUAW were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.03]) and more days with renal replacement therapy (OR = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00–1.02]). The protective factors for ICUAW were male gender (OR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.38–0.89]), higher Barthel Index (showing prehospital functional independence) (OR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95–0.99]), more days of being awake and cooperative (defined by a feasible MRC assessment) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), presence of delirium (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]), and more days with active mobilisation (ICU Mobility Scale ≥ 4) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97–0.99]). ConclusionsThe risk factors for ICUAW were functional dependence before admission, female gender, older age, and more days on renal replacement therapy. The protective factors for ICUAW were feasibility of MRC assessment, the presence of delirium, and being actively mobilised during the first 5 days in the ICU.

Double Cycling During Mechanical Ventilation: Frequency, Mechanisms, and Physiologic Implications.

Double cycling generates larger than expected tidal volumes that contribute to lung injury. We analyzed the incidence, mechanisms, and physiologic implications of double cycling during volume- and pressure-targeted mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. Prospective, observational study. Three general ICUs in Spain. Sixty-seven continuously monitored adult patients undergoing volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with constant flow, volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with decelerated flow, or pressure control-continuous mandatory mechanical ventilation for longer than 24 hours. None. We analyzed 9,251 hours of mechanical ventilation corresponding to 9,694,573 breaths. Double cycling occurred in 0.6%. All patients had double cycling; however, the distribution of double cycling varied over time. The mean percentage (95% CI) of double cycling was higher in pressure control-continuous mandatory ventilation 0.54 (0.34-0.87) than in volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with constant flow 0.27 (0.19-0.38) or volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with decelerated flow 0.11 (0.06-0.20). Tidal volume in double-cycled breaths was higher in volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with constant flow and volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with decelerated flow than in pressure control-continuous mandatory ventilation. Double-cycled breaths were patient triggered in 65.4% and reverse triggered (diaphragmatic contraction stimulated by a previous passive ventilator breath) in 34.6% of cases; the difference was largest in volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with decelerated flow (80.7% patient triggered and 19.3% reverse triggered). Peak pressure of the second stacked breath was highest in volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with constant flow regardless of trigger type. Various physiologic factors, none mutually exclusive, were associated with double cycling. Double cycling is uncommon but occurs in all patients. Periods without double cycling alternate with periods with clusters of double cycling. The volume of the stacked breaths can double the set tidal volume in volume control-continuous mandatory ventilation with constant flow. Gas delivery must be tailored to neuroventilatory demand because interdependent ventilator setting-related physiologic factors can contribute to double cycling. One third of double-cycled breaths were reverse triggered, suggesting that repeated respiratory muscle activation after time-initiated ventilator breaths occurs more often than expected.

Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: The Multimodal Approach of the Spanish ICU "Pneumonia Zero" Program.

The "Pneumonia Zero" project is a nationwide multimodal intervention based on the simultaneous implementation of a comprehensive evidence-based bundle measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. Prospective, interventional, and multicenter study. A total of 181 ICUs throughout Spain. All patients admitted for more than 24 hours to the participating ICUs between April 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012. Ten ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention measures were implemented (seven were mandatory and three highly recommended). The database of the National ICU-Acquired Infections Surveillance Study (Estudio Nacional de Vigilancia de Infecciones Nosocomiales [ENVIN]) was used for data collection. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was expressed as incidence density per 1,000 ventilator days. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates from the incorporation of the ICUs to the project, every 3 months, were compared with data of the ENVIN registry (April-June 2010) as the baseline period. Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates were adjusted by characteristics of the hospital, including size, type (public or private), and teaching (postgraduate) or university-affiliated (undergraduate) status. The 181 participating ICUs accounted for 75% of all ICUs in Spain. In a total of 171,237 ICU admissions, an artificial airway was present on 505,802 days (50.0% of days of stay in the ICU). A total of 3,474 ventilator-associated pneumonia episodes were diagnosed in 3,186 patients. The adjusted ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence density rate decreased from 9.83 (95% CI, 8.42-11.48) per 1,000 ventilator days in the baseline period to 4.34 (95% CI, 3.22-5.84) after 19-21 months of participation. Implementation of the bundle measures included in the "Pneumonia Zero" project resulted in a significant reduction of more than 50% of the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in Spanish ICUs. This reduction was sustained 21 months after implementation.

A clinical classification of the acute respiratory distress syndrome for predicting outcome and guiding medical therapy*.

Current in-hospital mortality of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is above 40%. ARDS outcome depends on the lung injury severity within the first 24 hours of ARDS onset. We investigated whether two widely accepted cutoff values of PaO2/FIO2 and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) would identify subsets of patients with ARDS for predicting outcome and guiding therapy. A 16-month (September 2008 to January 2010) prospective, multicenter, observational study. Seventeen multidisciplinary ICUs in Spain. We studied 300 consecutive, mechanically ventilated patients meeting American-European Consensus Conference criteria for ARDS (PaO2/FIO2 ≤ 200 mm Hg) on PEEP greater than or equal to 5 cm H2O, and followed up until hospital discharge. None. Based on threshold values for PaO2/FIO2 (150 mm Hg) and PEEP (10 cm H2O) at ARDS onset and at 24 hours, we assigned patients to four categories: group I (PaO2/FIO2 ≥ 150 on PEEP < 10), group II (PaO2/FIO2 ≥ 150 on PEEP ≥ 10), group III (PaO2/FIO2 < 150 on PEEP < 10), and group IV (PaO2/FIO2 < 150 on PEEP ≥ 10). The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Overall hospital mortality was 46.3%. Although at study entry, patients with PaO2/FIO2 less than 150 had a higher mortality than patients with a PaO2/FIO2 greater than or equal to 150 (p = 0.044), there was minimal variability in mortality among the four groups (p = 0.186). However, classification of patients in each group changed markedly after 24 hours of usual care. Group categorization at 24 hours provided a strong association with in-hospital mortality (p < 0.00001): group I had the lowest mortality (23.1%), whereas group IV had the highest mortality (60.3%). The degree of lung dysfunction established by a PaO2/FIO2 of 150 mm Hg and a PEEP of 10 cm H2O demonstrated that ARDS is not a homogeneous disorder. Rather, it is a series of four subsets that should be considered for enrollment in clinical trials and for guiding therapy. A major contribution of our study is the distinction between survival after 24 hours of care versus survival at the time of ARDS onset.

Impact of Therapeutic Strategies on the Prognosis of Candidemia in the ICU*

To determine the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections, variables influencing mortality, and antifungal resistance rates in ICUs in Spain. Prospective, observational, multicenter population-based study. Medical and surgical ICUs in 29 hospitals distributed throughout five metropolitan areas of Spain. Adult patients (≥ 18 yr) with an episode of Candida bloodstream infection during admission to any surveillance area ICU from May 2010 to April 2011. Candida isolates were sent to a reference laboratory for species identification by DNA sequencing and susceptibility testing using the methods and breakpoint criteria promulgated by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Prognostic factors associated with early (0-7 d) and late (8-30 d) mortality were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. We detected 773 cases of candidemia, 752 of which were included in the overall cohort. Among these, 168 (22.3%) occurred in adult ICU patients. The rank order of Candida isolates was as follows: Candida albicans (52%), Candida parapsilosis (23.7%), Candida glabrata (12.7%), Candida tropicalis (5.8%), Candida krusei (4%), and others (1.8%). Overall susceptibility to fluconazole was 79.2%. Cumulative mortality at 7 and 30 days after the first episode of candidemia was 16.5% and 47%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that early appropriate antifungal treatment and catheter removal (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.91), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.19), and abdominal source (odds ratio, 8.15; 95% CI, 1.75-37.93) were independently associated with early mortality. Determinants of late mortality were age (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), intubation (odds ratio, 7.24; 95% CI, 2.24-23.40), renal replacement therapy (odds ratio, 6.12; 95% CI, 2.24-16.73), and primary source (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.06-5.95). Candidemia in ICU patients is caused by non-albicans species in 48% of cases, C. parapsilosis being the most common among these. Overall mortality remains high and mainly related with host factors. Prompt adequate antifungal treatment and catheter removal could be critical to decrease early mortality.

Impact of a National Multimodal Intervention to Prevent Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection in the ICU

Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection is a basic objective to optimize patient safety in the ICU. Building on the early success of a patient safety unit-based comprehensive intervention (the Keystone ICU project in Michigan), the Bacteremia Zero project aimed to assess its effectiveness after contextual adaptation at large-scale implementation in Spanish ICUs. Prospective time series. A total of 192 ICUs throughout Spain. All patients admitted to the participating ICUs during the study period (baseline April 1 to June 30, 2008; intervention period from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010). Engagement, education, execution, and evaluation were key program features. Main components of the intervention included a bundle of evidence-based clinical practices during insertion and maintenance of catheters and a unit-based safety program (including patient safety training and identification and analysis of errors through patient safety rounds) to improve the safety culture. The number of catheter-related bloodstream infections was expressed as median and interquartile range. Poisson distribution was used to calculate incidence rates and risk estimates. The participating ICUs accounted for 68% of all ICUs in Spain. Catheter-related bloodstream infection was reduced after 16-18 months of participation (median 3.07 vs 1.12 episodes per 1,000 catheter-days, p<0.001). The adjusted incidence rate of bacteremia showed a 50% risk reduction (95% CI, 0.39-0.63) at the end of the follow-up period compared with baseline. The reduction was independent of hospital size and type. Results of the Bacteremia Zero project confirmed that the intervention significantly reduced catheter-related bloodstream infection after large-scale implementation in Spanish ICUs. This study suggests that the intervention can also be effective in different socioeconomic contexts even with decentralized health systems.

Trends in Mortality and Early Central Line Placement in Septic Shock

Trends in Mortality and Early Central Line Placement in Septic Shock

Assessment of candidemia-attributable mortality in critically ill patients using propensity score matching analysis

IntroductionCandidemia in critically ill patients is usually a severe and life-threatening condition with a high crude mortality. Very few studies have focused on the impact of candidemia on ICU patient outcome and attributable mortality still remains controversial. This study was carried out to determine the attributable mortality of ICU-acquired candidemia in critically ill patients using propensity score matching analysis.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted of all consecutive non-neutropenic adult patients admitted for at least seven days to 36 ICUs in Spain, France, and Argentina between April 2006 and June 2007. The probability of developing candidemia was estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Each patient with ICU-acquired candidemia was matched with two control patients with the nearest available Mahalanobis metric matching within the calipers defined by the propensity score. Standardized differences tests (SDT) for each variable before and after matching were calculated. Attributable mortality was determined by a modified Poisson regression model adjusted by those variables that still presented certain misalignments defined as a SDT > 10%.ResultsThirty-eight candidemias were diagnosed in 1,107 patients (34.3 episodes/1,000 ICU patients). Patients with and without candidemia had an ICU crude mortality of 52.6% versus 20.6% (P < 0.001) and a crude hospital mortality of 55.3% versus 29.6% (P = 0.01), respectively. In the propensity matched analysis, the corresponding figures were 51.4% versus 37.1% (P = 0.222) and 54.3% versus 50% (P = 0.680). After controlling residual confusion by the Poisson regression model, the relative risk (RR) of ICU- and hospital-attributable mortality from candidemia was RR 1.298 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 1.98) and RR 1.096 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.69), respectively.ConclusionsICU-acquired candidemia in critically ill patients is not associated with an increase in either ICU or hospital mortality.

Impact of Obesity in Patients Infected With 2009 Influenza A(H1N1)

A large proportion of patients infected with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) (A[H1N1]) are obese. Obesity has been proposed as a risk factor influencing outcome in these patients. However, its role remains unclear. We evaluate the outcome of patients who are obese and infected with A(H1N1) in the ICU, determining whether obesity is a risk factor for mortality. This was a prospective, observational, and multicenter study performed in 144 ICUs in Spain. Data were obtained from the Grupo de Trabajo en Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (GTEI/SEMICYUC) registry. Adult patients with A(H1N1) that was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction were included in the analysis. Patients who were obese (BMI > 30) were compared with patients who were nonobese. Cox regression analysis was used to determine adjusted mortality. Differences of P < .05 were considered significant. In January 2010, the GTEI/SEMICYUC registry had complete records for 416 patients. One hundred and fifty patients (36.1%) were obese, of whom 67 (44.7%) were morbidly obese (BMI > 40). Mechanical ventilation (MV) was more frequently applied in patients who were obese (64% vs 52.4%, P < .01) Patients with obesity remained on MV longer than patients who were nonobese (6.5 ± 10.3 days vs 9.3 ± 9.7 days, P = .02), had longer ICU length of stay (10.8 ± 12.1 days vs 13.7 ± 11.7 days, P = .03), and had longer hospitalization (18.2 ± 14.6 days vs 22.2 ± 16.5 days, P = .02). Mortality adjusted by severity and potential confounders identified that obesity was not significantly associated with ICU mortality (hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.69-1.75; P = .68). In our cohort, patients who were obese and infected with A(H1N1) did not have increased mortality. However, there was an association between obesity and higher ICU resource consumption.

Ward mortality after ICU discharge: a multicenter validation of the Sabadell score

Tools for predicting post-ICU patients' outcomes are scarce. A single-center study showed that the Sabadell score classified patients into four groups with clear-cut differences in ward mortality. To validate the Sabadell score using a prospective multicenter approach. Thirty-one ICUs in Spain. All patients admitted in the 3-month study period. We recorded variables at ICU admission (age, sex, severity of illness, and do-not-resuscitate orders), during the ICU stay (ICU-specific treatments, ICU-acquired infection, and acute renal failure), and at ICU discharge (Sabadell score). Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis with ward mortality as the dependent variable. We admitted 4,132 patients (mean age 61.5 +/- 16.7 years) with mean predicted mortality of 23.8 +/- 22.7%; 545 patients (13%) died in the ICU and 3,587 (87%) were discharged to the ward. Overall ward mortality was 6.7%; ward mortality was 1.5% (36/2,422) in patients with score 0 (good prognosis), 9% (64/725) in patients with score 1 (long-term poor prognosis), 23% (79/341) in patients with score 2 (short-term poor prognosis), and 64% (63/99) in patients with score 3 (expected hospital death). Variables associated with ward mortality in the multivariate analysis were predicted risk of death (OR 1.016), ICU readmission (OR 5.9), Sabadell score 1 (OR 4.7), Sabadell score 2 (OR 15.7), and Sabadell score 3 (OR 107.2). We confirm the ability of the Sabadell score at ICU discharge to define four groups of patients with very different likelihoods of hospital survival.

Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and mortality

In 2005, in a multicenter study in 79 ICUs in Spain, Cabre and colleagues [1] found patients older than 60 years and with SOFA score higher than 9 for at least 5 days unlikely to survive, suggesting that it could provide a basis for deciding whether to withhold or withdraw life support. We tried to control their hypothesis in our patient population.