COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Long-term prevalence of PTSD symptom in family members of severe COVID-19 patients: a serial follow-up study extending to 18 months after ICU discharge

BackgroundExperiencing a loved one's stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) can profoundly affect families, often leading to post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F), a condition particularly exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While PICS-F significantly impacts the mental health of families of ICU patients, especially in the context of COVID-19, the long-term effects beyond 12 months remain understudied. This study aims to explore the prevalence of PTSD-related symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in family members up to 18 months after ICU discharge.MethodsThis prospective study, conducted in a tertiary university hospital in Tokyo, enrolled family members of severe COVID-19 ICU patients (July 2020 to June 2022 with final follow-up ending in December 2023). The primary outcome was family member symptoms of PTSD at 6, 12 and 18 months after ICU discharge, measured by the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (presence of PTSD symptoms defined by score > 24). Secondary outcomes were family member symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at the same timepoint.ResultsAmong 97 enrolled family members, 68 participated. At least one PTSD-related symptom was reported by 26% of family members, persisting over 18 months post-discharge (16% at 6 months, 23% at 12 months, and 25% at 18 months). A subgroup (15%) exhibited delayed-onset PTSD symptoms. Family members with PTSD-related symptoms reported lower HRQOL, especially in mental and social components.ConclusionsThe study underscores the importance of long-term support for family members post-ICU discharge, given the sustained prevalence of PTSD-related symptoms among family members of severe COVID-19 patients.

Determination of Compassion Fatigue and Work Volition of Nurses Working in Intensive Care Units During COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective: This study aimed to determine the compassion fatigue and work volition of nurses working in the intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 308 nurses working in the COVID-19 intensive care units of the pandemic hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health in the Istanbul province, Turkey, between February and May 2021. Data were obtained using the Personal Characteristics Form, the Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale and the Work Volition Scale. The obtained data were asses with the SPSS 22.0 statistical program. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the nurses participating in the study was 30.32±10 years; 80.2% were female, and 23.4% had been working for 1-3 years. The compassion fatigue total mean score was 79.91±25.04, while the work volition total mean score average was 50.28±10.65, which was found to be moderate. In the nurses' compassion fatigue sub-dimensions, the mean for occupational burnout was 49.12±15.61, and the secondary trauma mean was 30.78±10.92. A weak positive correlation was found between the nurses' compassion fatigue and work volition total scores (r= 0.235, p

"Sun in a bottle" levels in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit patients and associated outcomes: an observational study

"Sun in a bottle" levels in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit patients and associated outcomes: an observational study

Long-term health outcomes of COVID-19 in ICU- and non-ICU-treated patients up to 2 years after hospitalization: a longitudinal cohort study (CO-FLOW)

BackgroundMany patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experience long-term health problems, but comprehensive longitudinal data up to 2 years remain limited. We aimed to (1) assess 2-year trajectories of health outcomes, including comparison between intensive care unit (ICU) treated and non-ICU-treated patients, and (2) identify risk factors for prominent health problems post-hospitalization for COVID-19.MethodsThe CO-FLOW multicenter prospective cohort study followed adults hospitalized for COVID-19 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-discharge. Measurements included patient-reported outcomes (a.o., recovery, symptoms, fatigue, mental health, sleep quality, return to work, health-related quality of life [HRQoL]), and objective cognitive and physical tests. Additionally, routine follow-up data were collected.Results650 patients (median age 60.0 [IQR 53.0–67.0] years; 449/650 [69%] male) surviving hospitalization for COVID-19 were included, of whom 273/650 (42%) received ICU treatment. Overall, outcomes improved over time. Nonetheless, 73% (322/443) of patients had not completely recovered from COVID-19, with memory problems (274/443; 55%), concentration problems (259/443; 52%), and dyspnea (251/493; 51%) among most frequently reported symptoms at 2 years. Moreover, 61% (259/427) had poor sleep quality, 51% (222/433) fatigue, 23% (102/438) cognitive failures, and 30% (65/216) did not fully return to work. Objective outcome measures showed generally good physical recovery. Most outcomes were comparable between ICU- and non-ICU-treated patients at 2 years. However, ICU-treated patients tended to show slower recovery in neurocognitive symptoms, mental health outcomes, and resuming work than non-ICU-treated patients, while showing more improvements in physical outcomes. Particularly, female sex and/or pre-existing pulmonary disease were major risk factors for poorer outcomes.Conclusions73% (322/443) of patients had not completely recovered from COVID-19 by 2 years. Despite good physical recovery, long-term neurocognitive complaints, dyspnea, fatigue, and impaired sleep quality persisted. ICU-treated patients showed slower recovery in neurocognitive and mental health outcomes and resumption of work. Tailoring long-term COVID-19 aftercare to individual residual needs is essential. Follow-up is required to monitor further recovery.Trial registration: NL8710, registration date 12-06-2020.

Risk factors affecting the development of pneumothorax in patients followed up in intensive care with a diagnosis of COVID-19

BackgroundPneumothorax is a little known and reported complication of COVID-19. These patients have poorer general outcomes and greater respiratory support requirements, longer hospitalization times, and higher mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors predict mortality in patients with tube thoracostomy diagnosed with COVID-19, admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU), and developing pneumothorax.MethodsThis respective, observational study was conducted in all COVID-19 ICUs at the Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Patients admitted to the ICU with diagnoses of COVID-19 pneumonia and with chest tubes inserted due to pneumothorax were investigated retrospectively.ResultsOne hundred patients with tube thoracostomy were included in the study. Their median age was 68 (57–78), and 63% were men. The median follow-up time was 20 [10–29] days, and the median time from initial reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results to tube thoracostomy was 17 [9–23] days. Initial RT-PCR results were positive in 90% of the patients, while 8% were negative, and 2% were unknown. Half the patients exhibited pulmonary involvement at thoracic computed tomography (CT) (n = 50), while 22 patients had COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) scores of 5 (22%). Sixty-two patients underwent right tube thoracostomy, 24 left side placement, and 14 bilateral placement. The patients’ mean positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level was 10.31 (4.48) cm H2O, with a mean peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) level of 26.69 (5.95) cm H2O, a mean fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) level of 80.06 (21.11) %, a mean respiratory rate of 23.71 (5.62) breaths/min, and a mean high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) flow rate of 70 (8.17) L/min. Eighty-seven patients were intubated (87%), six used non-rebreathable reservoir masks, four HFNC, two non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), and one a simple face mask. Comorbidity was present in 70 patients, 25 had no comorbidity, and the comorbidity status of five was unknown. Comorbidities included hypertension (38%), diabetes mellitus (23%), cardiovascular disease (12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5%), malignancy (3%), rheumatological diseases (3%), dementia (2%) and other diseases (9%). Twelve of the 100 patients survived. The median survival time was 20 (17.82–22.18) days, and the median 28-day overall survival rate was 29% (20-38%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that age over 68 (HR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.39–3.56]; p = 0.001), oxygenation status other than by intubation (HR = 2.24 [95% CI: 1.11–4.52]; p = 0.024), and HCO3- below 22 compared with a normal range of 22 to 26 (HR = 1.95 [95% CI: 1.08–3.50]; p = 0.026) were risk factors associated with mortality in patients in the ICU.ConclusionsAge over 68, receipt of oxygenation other than by intubation, and HCO3- values lower than 22 in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia emerged as prognostic factors associated with mortality in terms of pneumothorax.

Could Anemia Impact the Severity of Infections? COVID-19 as an Example.

The association between anemia and severity of infection as well as mortality rates among patients infected with COVID-19 has scarcely been studied. This is the first study from the UAE aimed to assess the influence of anemia on COVID-19 severity, ICU admission, and mortality rate. A retrospective chart review of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was conducted in a large COVID-19 referral hospital in UAE. The study included adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data, severity of the disease, ICU admissions, and mortality rates were analyzed and correlated to the presence of anemia among the patients. A total of 3092 patients were included. 362 patients (11.7%) were anemic and most of the cases were between asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 (77.4%, n=2393). Among patients with anemia, 30.1% (n=109) had moderate to severe COVID-19. Statistically, anemia was associated significantly with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcome compared to nonanemic patients (AOR:1.59, 95% CI:1.24-2.04, p<0.001). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was almost 3 times higher among anemic patients compared to nonanemic (AOR:2.83,95% CI:1.89-4.25, p<0.001). In addition, the overall mortality rate of 2.8% (n=87) was 2.5-fold higher in anemic than nonanemic patients (OR:2.56, CI: 1.49-4.06, p<0.001). Moreover, older age (≥48-year-old) and male gender were independent predictors for severe illness (Age: OR=1.26, CI:1.07-1.51, p=0.006; Gender: OR:1.43,CI:1.15-1.78, p<0.001)) and ICU admission (Age: OR:2.08, CI:1.47-2.94, p<0.001; Gender: OR: 1.83, CI:1.12-3.00, p=0.008) whereas only age ≥48 years old contributed to higher mortality rate (OR:1.60, CI:1.04-2.46, p=0.034). Anemia was a major risk factor for severe COVID-19, ICU admission and mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Thus, healthcare providers should be aware of monitoring the hematological parameters among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and anemia to reduce the risk of disease complications and mortality. This association should also be considered in other infectious diseases.

Comparison of Nurses’ Workload and Multiple Organ Failure of Patients Hospitalized in the COVID-19 and Non–COVID-19 Intensive Care Units

Background: Measuring nurses’ workload and related factors in intensive care units and reviewing their staffing is very important during COVID-19. This study aims to compare nurses’ workload and multiple organ failure of patients hospitalized during the COVID-19 in intensive care units and non–COVID-19 intensive care units. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted with 768 patients hospitalized in intensive care units and Zanjan City (Iran) intensive care units in 2021. The data were collected using the Nursing Activities Score and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. Data analysis was performed by independent t-test, Chi-squared (χ2) test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The statistical significance level was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: NAS in non–COVID-19 intensive care units 59.90% (10.03) was significantly higher than that of COVID-19 intensive care units 56.38% (6.67) (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the SOFA score was higher in the non–COVID-19 intensive care units 6.98 (3.89) than in COVID-19 intensive care units 5.62 (3.98) (p &lt; 0.001). The Nursing Activities Score had a positive and statistically significant relationship with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment in both units, and this relationship was higher in the COVID-19 intensive care units (r = 0.71). In addition, predictors of NAS were identified as four variables, i.e. consciousness level, SOFA, length of stay, and having an artificial airway (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Non–COVID-19 ICUs had higher NAS and SOFA scores in the study. Further investigation is needed to identify additional workload aspects in intensive care units.

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

BackgroundSurvivors of critical illness are susceptible to long-term functional impairments following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in patients admitted to ICU with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2. The long-term consequences of critical illness due to COVID-19 illness remain unclear. Research QuestionTo determine the long-term outcomes of adult patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19. Study Design and MethodsWe searched Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE using subject heading and free-text terms related to long-term outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19. We included all articles that reported original data on outcomes from 90 days onwards for adult patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19. Data extracted included study details, patient characteristics, outcomes reported, measurement tools used and timing of assessment. ResultsA total of 14,882 studies were screened, from which 134 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Follow-up timepoints ranged from 90 days to 2 years following critical illness. Post-hospital mortality was the most reported outcome (n=60), with the general ICU cohort having an aggregate mortality rate of 35.5% (95% CI 34.7-36.2) at 90 days and 31.6% (95%CI 30.9-32.4) at 6 months. A plethora of other outcomes were assessed, including psychological function/mental health (n=49), persistent symptoms (n=47), quality of life (n=47), physical function (n=33) and cognitive function (n=31). For each outcome, different measurement tools were employed, making data synthesis across studies difficult. InterpretationImportant evidence gaps remain regarding the long-term health outcomes and healthcare needs for survivors of critical COVID-19 illness. This review found that mortality was the most reported long-term outcome. Significant heterogeneity was evident across studies in terms of outcomes assessed, measurement instruments used and the duration of follow-up. Future research requires increased consistency in outcomes assessed and measurement tools to inform clinical practice.

An evaluation of vilobelimab (anti-C5a) as a cost-effective option to treat severely ill mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) have few available treatment options. PANAMO, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 study of vilobelimab, which blocks the inflammatory process caused by complement component 5a, demonstrated a significant mortality benefit at 28 and 60 days in these patients. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to assess the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). A Markov model was used to estimate QALYs and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of vilobelimab plus standard of care (SOC) versus SOC alone. The model simulated progression from severe COVID-19 to survival or death over a lifetime horizon. Outcomes data (COVID-19 all-cause mortality and renal replacement therapy) were incorporated from the PANAMO trial. COVID-19 mortality estimates were based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention age-specific survival data. Utility values and hospital costs came from the literature. Vilobelimab cost was obtained from RED BOOK Online. For COVID-19 ICU patients, total costs of care were $103,414 (SOC) and $132,247 (SOC plus vilobelimab), respectively, resulting in an incremental cost of $28,833. SOC provided 6.70 QALYs versus 7.99 QALYs for vilobelimab, an additional 1.29 QALYs. The ICER for vilobelimab plus SOC versus SOC alone was $22,287/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the cost-effectiveness result as vilobelimab plus SOC was favored at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 in over 81% of iterations. Vilobelimab provides a cost-effective option to treat ICU patients with severe COVID-19 receiving IMV compared to SOC, at well below the commonly accepted $50,000 US willingness-to-pay threshold.

Respiratory tract and bloodstream infections: microbiological profile in an intensive care unit for COVID-19

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study aimed at identifying the profile of lower respiratory tract (RTI) and bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Reference Hospital for COVID-19 in Recife, Pernambuco. Data were collected on the age and sex of patients, material used in cultures, microorganisms detected, and resistance and sensitivity to the antimicrobials used. The most frequent species was Acinetobacter baumannii in RTI and Staphylococcus haemolyticus in BSI, being more resistant to levofloxacin and more sensitive to linezolid. Knowing the pathogens and their respective susceptibility patterns facilitates the choice of initial therapy, as well as the establishment of action protocols for health professionals and hospital infection control committees.

Neuroinflammation in Severe COVID-19: The Dynamics of Inflammatory and Brain Injury Markers During Hospitalization.

Patients with COVID-19 can develop excessive inflammation in the brain and consequent neurological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory, endothelial and brain injury markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and compare those with or without neurological symptoms. A total of 30 intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients were allocated into COVID-19 (without neurological symptoms) or neuro-COVID-19 (with neurological symptoms) groups. Patients with respiratory infection symptoms but negative for COVID-19 were included as a control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected at hospital admission (T1) (controls and ICU patients) and during hospitalization (T2: last 72h before hospital discharge or in-hospital death) (ICU COVID-19 patients) to analyze inflammatory markers. Higher ICAM-1, CCL26 and VEGF at T1 were identified in both COVID-19 groups compared with control. Neuro-COVID-19 patients presented lower systemic BDNF levels compared with the control group and increased S100B compared with the control and COVID-19 groups. BDNF levels in survivors were lower in the neuro-COVID-19 group compared to the COVID-19 group, while S100B were higher, regardless of the outcome. In addition, all COVID-19 patients presented increased ICAM-1 and CCL26 levels over the hospitalization period (T2 > T1). Furthermore, S100B, ICAM-1, CCL26 and VEGF levels increased in relation to T1 in neuro-COVID-19 patients, with S100B and CCL26 being significantly higher in relation to the COVID-19 group. In conclusion, high levels of brain injury biomarkers were found in patients with neuro-COVID-19, indicating neuroinflammatory and consequent brain injury in the last 72h of hospitalization.

Function and activity capacity at 1 year after the admission to intensive care unit for COVID-19

Objective To describe hand grip strength, walking speed, functional mobility, and postural control at one year following intensive care unit admission for COVID-19, and to find any predictors that are associated with impaired hand grip strength, walking speed, functional mobility, or postural control at the 1-year follow-up. Design Retrospective cross-sectional and longitudinal observational study. Setting Intensive care unit and outpatient research clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Participants Of the 105 individuals in “The Gothenburg Recovery and Rehabilitation after COVID-19 and Intensive Care Unit” cohort, 78 participated in this study. Main measures Descriptive statistics for hand grip strength, walking speed, functional mobility, and postural control were presented and binary logistic regressions were performed to find their significant predictors. Results At 1-year following intensive care unit admission for COVID-19, impaired hand grip strength was found in 24.4% for the right hand and 23.1% for the left hand. Walking speed, functional mobility, and postural control were found to be impaired in 29.5%, 21.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. For impaired walking speed, longer length of stay at intensive care unit and presence of diabetes mellitus were risk factors. Diabetes mellitus was found to be the risk factor for impaired functional mobility. Conclusion In this study, 45% of the participants showed impairment in function, activity capacity or both. These results suggest that individuals who recovered after intensive care unit admission for COVID-19 would benefit from receiving long-term follow-up to enable identification of those with need of physical health assistance and rehabilitation.

Increased Activation Markers of Adaptive Immunity in Patients with Severe COVID-19.

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pandemic disease and is widespread over the world. This disease shows a 5.1% mortality. The understanding of the disease has expanded rapidly in many areas, including virological, epidemiological, clinical, and management dimensions. To better understand the inflammatory and immune profiles that impact the pathogenesis and development of severe COVID-19 symptoms, further studies are essential. This research aims to explore the inflammatory and adaptive immune responses associated with COVID-19, considering factors such as genetic diversity and environmental exposure among Saudi patients. The goal is to determine if patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit different disease phenotypes. Materials and Methods: This case-control study includes 115 participants (healthy and with COVID-19 infection), 55 of which had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in intensive care units (ICUs) at different hospitals in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Whole blood samples were collected from June to September 2021 for cellular analyses, and inflammation marker data were collected from hospital records. The expression of activation markers on B (CD27 and CD38) and T cells (CD27 and HLA-DR) was obtained using the flow cytometry technique. Also, serum was collected for cytokine measurements, including IL-6, INF-γ, and TNF- α. Results: The results indicated that lymphopenia and excessive T cell activation were more prevalent in severe cases than in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the results revealed that severe COVID-19 patients had an increased frequency of CD19+ B cells, with changes in B cell subsets. The current study implies impairment and changes in the phenotype of adaptive cells (including T and B cells), with an increase in HLA-DR molecules and inflammation markers with pro-inflammatory cytokines in severe COVID-19 cases. Conclusions: The current study implies impairment and changes in the phenotype of adaptive cells (including T and B cells), with an increase in HLA-DR molecules and inflammation markers in severe COVID-19 cases, which could be targeted for therapeutic interventions. This might be a valuable approach for the diagnosis and treatment of severe COVID-19 cases.

Alarm Management in Provisional COVID-19 Intensive Care Units: Retrospective Analysis and Recommendations for Future Pandemics.

In response to the high patient admission rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, provisional intensive care units (ICUs) were set up, equipped with temporary monitoring and alarm systems. We sought to find out whether the provisional ICU setting led to a higher alarm burden and more staff with alarm fatigue. We aimed to compare alarm situations between provisional COVID-19 ICUs and non-COVID-19 ICUs during the second COVID-19 wave in Berlin, Germany. The study focused on measuring alarms per bed per day, identifying medical devices with higher alarm frequencies in COVID-19 settings, evaluating the median duration of alarms in both types of ICUs, and assessing the level of alarm fatigue experienced by health care staff. Our approach involved a comparative analysis of alarm data from 2 provisional COVID-19 ICUs and 2 standard non-COVID-19 ICUs. Through interviews with medical experts, we formulated hypotheses about potential differences in alarm load, alarm duration, alarm types, and staff alarm fatigue between the 2 ICU types. We analyzed alarm log data from the patient monitoring systems of all 4 ICUs to inferentially assess the differences. In addition, we assessed staff alarm fatigue with a questionnaire, aiming to comprehensively understand the impact of the alarm situation on health care personnel. COVID-19 ICUs had significantly more alarms per bed per day than non-COVID-19 ICUs (P<.001), and the majority of the staff lacked experience with the alarm system. The overall median alarm duration was similar in both ICU types. We found no COVID-19-specific alarm patterns. The alarm fatigue questionnaire results suggest that staff in both types of ICUs experienced alarm fatigue. However, physicians and nurses who were working in COVID-19 ICUs reported a significantly higher level of alarm fatigue (P=.04). Staff in COVID-19 ICUs were exposed to a higher alarm load, and the majority lacked experience with alarm management and the alarm system. We recommend training and educating ICU staff in alarm management, emphasizing the importance of alarm management training as part of the preparations for future pandemics. However, the limitations of our study design and the specific pandemic conditions warrant further studies to confirm these findings and to explore effective alarm management strategies in different ICU settings.

The usage of immunosuppressant agents and secondary infections in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit: a retrospective study

Although COVID-19 infection is an immunosuppressant disease, many immunosuppressant agents, such as pulse methylprednisolone (PMP), dexamethasone (DXM), and tocilizumab (TCZ), were used during the pandemic. Secondary infections in patients with COVID-19 have been reported recently. This study investigated these agents’ effects on secondary infections and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units (ICUs). This study was designed retrospectively, and all data were collected from the tertiary intensive care units of six hospitals between March 2020 and October 2021. All patients were divided into three groups: Group I [GI, PMP (−), DXM (−) and TCZ (−)], Group II [GII, PMP (+), DXM (+)], and Group III [GIII, PMP (+), DXM (+), TCZ (+)]. Demographic data, PaO/FiO2 ratio, laboratory parameters, culture results, and outcomes were recorded. To compare GI-GII and GI-GIII, propensity score matching (PSM) was used by matching 14 parameters. Four hundred twelve patients with COVID-19 in the ICU were included in the study. The number of patients with microorganisms ≥ 2 was 279 (67.7%). After PSM, in GII and GIII, the number of (+) tracheal cultures and (+) bloodstream cultures detected different microorganisms ≥ 2 during the ICU period, neuropathy, tracheotomized patients, duration of IMV, and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than GI. The mortality rate was similar in GI and GII, whereas it was significantly higher in GIII than in GI. The use of immunosuppressant agents in COVID-19 patients may lead to an increase in secondary infections. In addition, increased secondary infections may lead to prolonged ICU stay, prolonged IMV duration, and increased mortality.

Candidaemia and Central Line-Associated Candidaemia in a Network of Indian ICUs: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Candidaemia is a potentially life-threatening emergency in the intensive care units (ICUs). Surveillance using common protocols in a large network of hospitals would give meaningful estimates of the burden of candidaemia and central line associated candidaemia in low resource settings. We undertook this study to understand the burden and epidemiology of candidaemia in multiple ICUs of India, leveraging the previously established healthcare-associated infections (HAI) surveillance network. Our aim was also to assess the impact that the pandemic of COVID-19 had on the rates and associated mortality of candidaemia. This study included adult patients from 67 Indian ICUs in the AIIMS-HAI surveillance network that conducted BSI surveillance in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ICUs during and before the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Hospitals identified healthcare-associated candidaemia and central line associated candidaemia and reported clinical and microbiological data to the network as per established and previously published protocols. A total of 401,601 patient days and 126,051 central line days were reported during the study period. A total of 377 events of candidaemia were recorded. The overall rate of candidaemia in our network was 0.93/1000 patient days. The rate of candidaemia in COVID-19 ICUs (2.52/1000 patient days) was significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 ICUs (1.05/patient days) during the pandemic period. The rate of central line associated candidaemia in COVID-19 ICUs (4.53/1000 central line days) was also significantly higher than in non-COVID-19 ICUs (1.73/1000 central line days) during the pandemic period. Mortality in COVID-19 ICUs associated with candidaemia (61%) was higher than that in non-COVID-19 ICUs (41%). A total of 435 Candida spp. were isolated. C. tropicalis (26.7%) was the most common species. C. auris accounted for 17.5% of all isolates and had a high mortality. Patients in ICUs with COVID-19 infections have a much higher risk of candidaemia, CLAC and its associated mortality. Network level data helps in understanding the true burden of candidaemia and will help in framing infection control policies for the country.

Effect of amubarvimab-romlusevimab for treatment of severe COVID-19 in intensive care units: A retrospective cohort study

Amubarvimab-romlusevimab is a commonly recommended antiviral treatment in China for adult patients with mild or moderate SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially for patients with a high risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19. However, its exact efficacy in patients with severe Covid-19 is not yet known.This is a single-center retrospective cohort study, in which we collected the general data, laboratory tests, radiological characteristics, viral conversion status, and prognosis of the disease from patients with COVID-19 hospitalized, from December 2022 to March 2023 in the Department of Critical Care Medicine. The amubarvimab-romlusevimab therapy can reduce the 28-day mortality (29.79 % vs 51.35 %, p = 0.02), and ICU mortality (29.79 % vs 55.41 %, p = 0.006) of severe COVID-19.A 1:1 PSM (Propensity Score Matching) was performed to reduce bias, in order to ensure the two groups were balanced and comparable. In the matched population (n = 47), there were no statistically significant differences between the mAbs (monoclonal antibody)group and the Non-antiviral group in 28-day, and thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients. The 40-day survival analysis shows that mAbs therapy can improve patient prognosis (HR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.26–0.76, p = 0.008). However, no significant intergroup difference in the 40-day cumulative viral conversion rate. In a univariate Cox regression analysis, The Amubarvimab - romlusevimab therapy(HR:0.464; CI:[0.252–0.853]; p:0.013) is a protective factor and CRP, PCT, PLT, Lactate, PT, PT-INR, and pt% level at admission were risk factors for clinical prognosis. After including the above covariates, Multifactorial COX regression shows that the Amubarvimab - romlusevimab therapy(HR:0.392; CI:[0.211–0.729]; p:0.003), CRP, Lactate and PT-INR at admission are independent factors for mortality of severe COVID-19. Based on the current data, we conclude that amubarvimab-romlusevimab therapy is beneficial for patients with severe COVID-19.

What would have made work in the COVID-19 ICU less demanding? A qualitative study from 13 Swedish COVID-19 ICUs.

The COVID-19 pandemic stretched Swedish intensive care unit (ICU) resources to an extent never experienced before, but even before the pandemic staffing was difficult and the number of staffed ICU beds was low. Studies have revealed high levels of COVID-19 ICU staff burn-out and fatigue, and as similar situations with high demands are likely to occur in the future a better understanding of resources that improve staff resilience is important. Using the job-demand resource theory as a framework, we explored ICU professionals' views on demands and resources when working in COVID-19 ICUs with the aim to highlight factors that increased the job resources. Data were collected via a web survey distributed to COVID-19 ICU professionals, including both regular and temporary roles, working in 13 COVID-19 ICU wards in Stockholm and Sörmland counties during the spring 2021. A total of 251 written responses to the question "What would have made work in the COVID-19 ICU less demanding?" were analyzed using thematic analysis. One year later a member-checking focus group interview was conducted to validate and further explore staff experiences. The main themes were work strategy, fairness and support, continuity, accessible leadership, introduction/information, and crisis preparedness. The analysis of the focus group conducted confirmed the main results and the extreme demands on ICU staff during the initial stages of the pandemic. To increase staff health and performance in a long-term crisis our results suggest; maintaining workplace leadership, scheduling work in advance and, when possible, schedule for recovery.

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using ultrasonography: associations with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 intensive care unit admissions.

Optic nerve sheath diameter measurement using ultrasonography: associations with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 intensive care unit admissions.

Prediction of Mortality Using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients.

To determine the accuracy and reliability of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score in predicting the risk of mortality in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: COVID Intensive Care Unit (ICU), The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi,from January to June 2022. A total of 62 patients with a positive RT-PCR for COVID-19, admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU), were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Written informed consent was obtained after explaining the risks and benefits of the study to the patients / next of kin. SOFA score at the time of admission and 48 hours after admission was calculated. The outcome variable, i.e., mortality, was assessed in association with the SOFA score. Results: The study had a predominantly male population of 54.8% (n = 34). The SOFA score >7 at admission and 48 hours after admission was observed in 46.8% (n = 29) patients. Among 62 COVID-19 patients, the majority were found to have a severe nature of the disease, i.e., 69.4% (n = 43), followed by moderate / mild cases 30.6% (n = 19). Depending on the requirement of the patient, 74.2% (n = 46) were invasively ventilated while 77.4% (n = 48) were on non-invasive ventilation. Overall the mortality rate of the present study was 43.5% (n = 27). The scores both at the time of admission and 48 hours after admission for the survivors had a significant difference (p = 0.001) with the non-survivors. The SOFA score on admission and 48 hours after had a significant positive association with the severity of COVID-19 infection and its risk of mortality. COVID-19, Mortality prediction, SOFA score.