Ventilation In Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Development of a Machine Learning Model for Predicting Weaning Outcomes Based Solely on Continuous Ventilator Parameters during Spontaneous Breathing Trials.

Discontinuing mechanical ventilation remains challenging. We developed a machine learning model to predict weaning outcomes using only continuous monitoring parameters obtained from ventilators during spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs). Patients who received mechanical ventilation in the medical intensive care unit at a tertiary university hospital from 2019-2021 were included in this study. During the SBTs, three waveforms and 25 numerical data were collected as input variables. The proposed convolutional neural network (CNN)-based weaning prediction model extracts features from input data with diverse lengths. Among 138 enrolled patients, 35 (25.4%) experienced weaning failure. The dataset was randomly divided into training and test sets (8:2 ratio). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for weaning success by the prediction model was 0.912 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.795-1.000), with an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.767 (95% CI, 0.434-0.983). Furthermore, we used gradient-weighted class activation mapping technology to provide visual explanations of the model's prediction, highlighting influential features. This tool can assist medical staff by providing intuitive information regarding readiness for extubation without requiring any additional data collection other than SBT data. The proposed predictive model can assist clinicians in making ventilator weaning decisions in real time, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Time definition of reintubation most relevant to patient outcomes in critically ill patients: a multicenter cohort study

BackgroundReintubation is a common complication in critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Although reintubation has been demonstrated to be associated with patient outcomes, its time definition varies widely among guidelines and in the literature. This study aimed to determine the association between reintubation and patient outcomes as well as the consequences of the time elapsed between extubation and reintubation on patient outcomes.MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients conducted between April 2015 and March 2021. Adult patients who underwent mechanical ventilation and extubation in intensive care units (ICUs) were investigated utilizing the Japanese Intensive Care PAtient Database. The primary and secondary outcomes were in-hospital and ICU mortality. The association between reintubation and clinical outcomes was studied using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Among the patients who underwent reintubation, a Cox proportional hazard analysis was conducted to evaluate patient outcomes according to the number of days from extubation to reintubation.ResultsOverall, 184,705 patients in 75 ICUs were screened, and 1849 patients underwent reintubation among 48,082 extubated patients. After adjustment for potential confounders, multivariable analysis revealed a significant association between reintubation and increased in-hospital and ICU mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.520, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.359–1.700, and adjusted HR 1.325, 95% CI 1.076–1.633, respectively). Among the reintubated patients, 1037 (56.1%) were reintubated within 24 h after extubation, 418 (22.6%) at 24–48 h, 198 (10.7%) at 48–72 h, 111 (6.0%) at 72–96 h, and 85 (4.6%) at 96–120 h. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that in-hospital and ICU mortality was highest in patients reintubated at 72–96 h (adjusted HR 1.528, 95% CI 1.062–2.197, and adjusted HR 1.334, 95% CI 0.756–2.352, respectively; referenced to reintubation within 24 h).ConclusionsReintubation was associated with a significant increase in in-hospital and ICU mortality. The highest mortality rates were observed in patients who were reintubated between 72 and 96 h after extubation. Further studies are warranted for the optimal observation of extubated patients in clinical practice and to strengthen the evidence for mechanical ventilation.

Colon Injuries and Infectious Complications in Concurrent Gunshot-Related Fractures

IntroductionConcurrent colonic injury among patients with gunshot-related fractures presents a potential risk for infectious complications. We hypothesized that colon injuries are associated with more infectious orthopedic complications among gunshot victims with concurrent fractures. Materials and methodsWe reviewed trauma patients arriving at our level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2022 who suffered any gunshot-related fracture and also underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Of these patients, those with colon injuries were compared to those without colon injuries. Baseline characteristics, including antibiotic regimens, were collected in addition to outcomes of length of stay, intensive care unit admission, ventilator requirement, and development of infectious orthopedic complications. ResultsOverall, 56 of the 107 included patients had colon injuries. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, and Injury Severity Score were similar between groups. Of patients with colonic injuries, 16.1% received early, repeat dosing of broad-spectrum antibiotics, while only 3.9% of patients without colonic injuries received this antibiotic dosing (P = 0.04). Interestingly, only patients with colon injuries developed infectious orthopedic complications and none of the patients without colon injuries developed such complications (10.7% versus 0.0%, P = 0.03). All patients with orthopedic infections had infected pelvic fractures. Length of stay was 3 d longer in the colon injury group (P = 0.04). There was no difference in intensive care unit admission, ventilator requirement, or death. ConclusionsConcurrent colon injuries among patients with gunshot-related fractures are associated with higher risk of infectious orthopedic complications, likely from direct spread of fecal contaminant. Early, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be associated with reduced infectious orthopedic complications.

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of cases of Covid-19-related maternal near miss and death at referral units in northeastern Brazil: a cohort study

Objective: Covid-19 poses a major risk during pregnancy and postpartum, resulting in an increase in maternal mortality worldwide, including in Brazil; however, little research has been conducted into cases of a near miss. This study aimed to describe the frequency of COVID-19-related near miss and deaths during pregnancy or in the postpartum in referral centers in northeastern Brazil, as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of the women who experienced a severe maternal outcome. Methods: A retrospective and prospective cohort study was performed between April 2020 and June 2021 with hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data from five tertiary hospitals in northeastern Brazil were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info, version 7.2.5.0. Results: A total of 463 patients were included. Of these, 64 (14% of the sample) had a severe maternal outcome, with 42 cases of near miss (9%) and 22 maternal deaths (5%). Patients who had a severe maternal outcome were predominantly young (median age 30 years) and 65.6% were black or brown-skinned. The women had between 6 and 16 years of schooling; 45.3% had a stable partner; 81.3% were pregnant at the time of admission to the study; and 76.6% required a Cesarean section. The great majority (82.8%) had severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other complications included hypertensive syndromes (40.6%), pneumonia (37.5%), urinary tract infections (29.7%), acute renal failure (25.0%) and postpartum hemorrhage (21.9%). Sepsis developed in 18.8% of cases, neurological dysfunction in 15.6%, and hepatic dysfunction and septic shock in 14.1% of cases each. The relative frequency of admission to an intensive care unit was 87.5%, while 67.2% of the patients required assisted mechanical ventilation, and 54.7% required noninvasive ventilation. Antibiotics were prescribed in 93.8% of cases and corticosteroids in 71.9%, while blood transfusion was required in 25.0% of cases and renal replacement therapy in 15.6%. Therapeutic anticoagulants were administered to 12.5% of the patients. Of the patients who had a severe maternal outcome, the frequency of respiratory dysfunction was 93.8%, with 50.0% developing neurological dysfunction and 37.5% cardiovascular dysfunction. Hematological dysfunction was found in 29.7%, renal dysfunction in 18.8%, and uterine dysfunction in 14.1%. Hepatic dysfunction occurred in 7.8% of the sample. The near-miss ratio for Covid-19 was 1.6/1000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio for Covid-19 was 84.8/100,000 live births, with a mortality index of 34.4% in the sample. Conclusion: This study revealed a low Covid-19-related maternal near miss (MNM) ratio of 1.6/1000 live births and a high Covid-19-related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 84.81/100,000 live births. The mortality index was also high. Most of the patients were admitted while pregnant, were young, married and black or brown-skinned, and none had completed university education. The majority had SARS and required admission to an intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. Most were submitted to a Cesarean section.

Association of prior treatment with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates on outcomes of COVID-19 positive patients.

Widely used in osteoporosis treatment, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP) have been associated with reduced mortality and morbidity among older adults. Based on prior studies, we hypothesized that prior treatment with N-BP might reduce intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ventilator use, and death among older adults diagnosed with COVID-19. This retrospective analysis of the PCORnet Common Data Model across 4 academic medical centers through 1 September 2021 identified individuals age >50 years with a diagnosis of COVID-19. The composite outcome included ICU admission, ventilator use, or death within 15, 30, and 180 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Use of N-BP was defined as a prescription within 3 years prior. ICU admission and ventilator use were determined using administrative codes. Death included both in-hospital and out-of-hospital events. Patients treated with N-BP were matched 1:1 by propensity score to patients without prior N-BP use. Secondary analysis compared outcomes among those prescribed zoledronic acid (ZOL) to those prescribed oral N-BPs. Of 76,223 COVID-19 patients identified, 1,853 were previously prescribed N-BP, among whom 559 were prescribed ZOL. After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in the composite outcome at 15 days (HR 1.22, 95% CI: 0.89-1.67), 30 days (HR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.93-1.66), or 180 days (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.93-1.48), comparing those prescribed and not prescribed N-BP. Compared to those prescribed oral N-BP, there were no significant differences in outcomes among those prescribed ZOL. Among older COVID-19 patients, prior exposure to N-BP including ZOL was not associated with a reduction in ICU admission, ventilator use, or death.

Outcomes of patients aged ≥80 years with respiratory failure initially treated with non-invasive ventilation in European intensive care units before and during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been commonly used to treat acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19. In this study we aimed to compare outcomes of older critically ill patients treated with NIV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe analysed a merged cohort of older adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) due to respiratory failure. Patients were enrolled into one of two prospective observational studies: before COVID-19 (VIP2—2018 to 2019) and admitted due to COVID-19 (COVIP—March 2020 to January 2023). The outcomes included: 30-day mortality, intubation rate and NIV failure (death or intubation within 30 days).ResultsThe final cohort included 1986 patients (1292 from VIP2, 694 from COVIP) with a median age of 83 years. NIV was used as a primary mode of respiratory support in 697 participants (35.1%). ICU admission due to COVID-19 was associated with an increased 30-day mortality (65.5% vs. 36.5%, HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.77), more frequent intubation (36.9% vs. 17.5%, OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.99) and NIV failure (76.2% vs. 45.3%, OR 4.21, 95% CI 2.84 to 6.34) compared to non-COVID causes of respiratory failure. Sensitivity analysis after exclusion of patients in whom life supporting treatment limitation was introduced during primary NIV confirmed higher 30-day mortality in patients with COVID-19 (52.5% vs. 23.4%, HR 2.64, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.80).ConclusionThe outcomes of patients aged ≥80 years treated with NIV during COVID-19 pandemic were worse compared then those treated with NIV in the pre-pandemic era.

Ventilator Training through International Telesimulation in Sierra Leone.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in an increased need for medical professionals with expertise in managing patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, overwhelming the existing critical care workforce in many low-resource countries. To address this need in Sierra Leone, we developed, piloted, and evaluated a synchronous simulation-based tele-education workshop for healthcare providers on the fundamental principles of intensive care unit (ICU) management of the COVID-19 patient in a low-resource setting. Thirteen 2-day virtual workshops were implemented between April and July 2020 with frontline Sierra Leone physicians and nurses for potential ICU patients in hospitals throughout Sierra Leone. Although all training sessions took place at the 34 Military Hospital (a national COVID-19 center) in Freetown, participants were drawn from hospitals in each of the provinces of Sierra Leone. The workshops included synchronous tele-education-directed medical simulation didactic sessions about COVID-19, hypoxemia management, and hands-on simulation training about mechanical ventilation. Measures included pre and postworkshop knowledge tests, simulation checklists, and a posttest survey. Test results were analyzed with a paired sample t test; Likert-scale survey responses were reported using descriptive statistics; and open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Seventy-five participants enrolled in the program. On average, participants showed 20.8% improvement (a score difference of 4.00 out of a maximum total score of 20) in scores between pre and postworkshop knowledge tests (P = 0.004). Participants reported satisfaction with training (96%; n = 73), achieved 100% of simulation checklist objectives, and increased confidence with ventilator skills (96%; n = 73). Themes from the participants' feedback included increased readiness to train colleagues on critical care ventilators at their hospitals, the need for longer and more frequent training, and a need to have access to critical care ventilators at their hospitals. This synchronous tele-education-directed medical simulation workshop implemented through partnerships between U.S. physicians and Sierra Leone healthcare providers was a feasible, acceptable, and effective means of providing training about COVID-19, hypoxemia management, and mechanical ventilation. Future ICU ventilator training opportunities may consider increasing the length of training beyond 2 days to allow more time for the hands-on simulation scenarios using the ICU ventilator and assessing knowledge application in long-term follow-up.

Global Healthcare Infrastructure and Africa in Times of COVID-19: Insights for Sustainable Development and Future Pandemics

This exploratory study aims to assess Africa’s lagging position in global health in relation to some healthcare infrastructure before critically examining the situation of Africa in the light of pressing COVID-19 healthcare infrastructural needs in terms of the number of hospital beds, intensive care units beds and ventilators per 100,000 people. A comparative analysis is provided to showcase which regions are leading in the health facilities in the world in general and Africa, in particular, as well as countries that are lagging in the attendant healthcare facilities. Analytical insights are provided to illustrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how Africa cannot reach most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG-3 on health and well-being. Moreover, corresponding inferences suggest that the continent is unprepared for future pandemics in terms of health facilities.

Influence of a Structured Microbiological Endotracheal Monitoring Program on the Outcome of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study.

In past influenza pandemics and the current COVID-19 pandemic, bacterial endotracheal superinfections are a well-known risk factor for higher morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of a structured, objective, microbiological monitoring program on the prognosis of COVID-19 patients with mechanical ventilation. A structured microbiological monitoring program (at intubation, then every 3 days) included collection of endotracheal material. Data analysis focused on the spectrum of bacterial pathogens, mortality, as well as intensive care unit (ICU), hospital, and mechanical ventilation duration. A total of 29% of the patients showed bacterial coinfection at the time of intubation, and within 48 h, 56% developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Even though patients with VAP had significantly longer ICU, hospital, and mechanical ventilation durations, there was no significant difference in mortality between patients with VAP pneumonia and patients without bacterial infection. VAP is a common complication in COVID-19 patients. In contrast to already published studies, in our study implementing a structured microbiological monitoring program, COVID-19 patients with bacterial coinfection or VAP did not show higher mortality. Thus, a standardized, objective, microbiological screening can help detect coinfection and ventilator-associated infections, refining anti-infective therapy and positively influencing patient outcomes.

Predictors of Mortality among Ventilated Young Infants in Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: The management of children with invasive ventilation in developing countries with limited resources is challenging. A large number of infants in intensive care unit require mechanical ventilation due to various conditions and have a high mortality. Aim of the study: To identify the predictors of mortality among ventilated young infant up to 2 months age in Intensive Care Unit of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute. Methodology: The prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Intensive Care Unit of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, from January 2020 to December 2020. Critically ill young infants upto 2 months age who required mechanical ventilation in Intensive Care Unit were included in this study. Data was collected on a structured proforma and included the basic demographic profile, presenting complaints, preliminary diagnosis, investigation results, mode of ventilation and initial ventilator parameters & hospital stay and outcome. Permission from ethical review committee of the hospital was taken. Results: From 50 critically ill patients, mortality rate was 74.0%. Mean age was 14±10.1 days. Significant relation was found between the ventilated patients having FiO2, PIP, PEEP, HCO3, BE, serum sodium level, duration of ventilation and outcome respectively. Severe respiratory distress before death was found significantly related with outcome. Metabolic acidosis was found significant in death patients before ventilation and before death (75.7% & 51.4%). Conclusion: The rate of mortality in the ICU was high. Initial high PIP, low HCO3, severe respiratory distress and prolong duration of ventilation (>5days) were significant independent predictors of mortality.

Efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs: a prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol.

Introduction: Critically ill patients who receive mechanical ventilation after endotracheal intubation commonly experience discomfort and pressure. The major sedative drugs that are currently used in clinical practice present with many complications, such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Ciprofol (HSK3486), which is a newly developed structural analog of propofol, is a short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist, and its mechanism of action is sedation or anesthesia by enhancing GABA-mediated chloride influx. The high efficacy of ciprofol for short-term sedation is comparable to that of propofol, and it has a relatively low incidence of adverse effects and high level of safety, which has been confirmed by multiple clinical studies. However, few studies have examined its safety and efficacy for long-term sedation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: A prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized, propofol-controlled, non-inferiority trial is proposed. The study will enroll 112 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, and randomly assign them to a group sedated with either ciprofol or propofol. The primary outcome is the percentage of time spent under target sedation, and secondary outcomes include drug dose, number of cases requiring additional dextrometropine, incidence of systolic blood pressure <80 or >180mmHg, incidence of diastolic blood pressure <50 or >100mmHg, incidence of heart rate <50 beats per minute (bpm) or >120bpm, inflammatory indicators, blood lipid levels, liver and kidney functions, nutritional indicators, ventilator-free days within the 7-day period after enrollment, 28-day mortality, ICU stay duration, and hospitalization costs. Discussion: We hypothesize that the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated ICU patients will not be inferior to that of propofol. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry identifier ChiCTR2200066951.

Advanced artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management within cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery pathways: A multi-institution review

ObjectiveThe study objective was to report early outcomes of integrating Hypotension Prediction Index–guided hemodynamic management within a cardiac enhanced recovery pathway on total initial ventilation hours and length of stay in the intensive care unit. MethodsA multicenter, historical control, observational analysis of implementation of a hemodynamic management tool within enhanced recovery pathways was conducted by identifying cardiac surgery cases from 3 sites during 2 time periods, August 1 to December 31, 2019 (preprogram), and April 1 to August 31, 2021 (program). Reoperations, emergency (salvage), or cases requiring mechanical assist were excluded. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and chart reviews. Two primary outcome variables were length of stay in the intensive care unit (using Society of Thoracic Surgeons definitions) and acute kidney injury (using modified Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria). One secondary outcome variable, total initial ventilation hours, used Society of Thoracic Surgeons definitions. Differences in length of stay in the intensive care unit and total ventilation time were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and stepwise multiple linear regression. Acute kidney injury stage used chi-square and stepwise cumulative logistic regression. ResultsA total of 1404 cases (795 preprogram; 609 program) were identified. Overall reductions of 6.8 and 4.4 hours in intensive care unit length of stay (P = .08) and ventilation time (P = .03) were found, respectively. No significant association between proportion of patients identified with acute kidney injury by stage and period was found. ConclusionsAdding artificial intelligence–guided hemodynamic management to cardiac enhanced recovery pathways resulted in associated reduced time in the intensive care unit for patients undergoing nonemergency cardiac surgery across institutions in a real-world setting.

Utility of Presepsin and Interferon-λ3 for Predicting Disease Severity and Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients.

We explored the utility of novel biomarkers, presepsin and interferon-λ3 (IFN-λ3), for predicting disease severity and clinical outcomes in hospitalized Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients. In a total of 55 patients (non-critical, n = 16; critical, n = 39), presepsin and IFN-λ3 were compared with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores and age. Disease severity and clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, and kidney replacement therapy) were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In-hospital mortality was also analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with hazard ratios (HR). SOFA scores, age, presepsin, and IFN-λ3 predicted disease severity comparably (area under the curve [AUC], 0.67-0.73). SOFA score and IFN-λ3 predicted clinical outcomes comparably (AUC, 0.68-0.88 and 0.66-0.74, respectively). Presepsin predicted in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.74). The combination of presepsin and IFN-λ3 showed a higher mortality risk than SOFA score or age (HR [95% confidence interval, CI], 6.7 [1.8-24.1]; 3.6 [1.1-12.1]; 2.8 [0.8-9.6], respectively) and mortality rate further increased when presepsin and IFN-λ3 were added to SOFA scores or age (8.5 [6.8-24.6], 4.2 [0.9-20.6], respectively). In the elderly (≥65 years), in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher when both presepsin and IFN-λ3 levels increased than when either one or no biomarker level increased (88.9% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001). Presepsin and IFN-λ3 predicted disease severity and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Both biomarkers, whether alone or added to the clinical assessment, could be useful for managing COVID-19 patients, especially the elderly.

A long short-temory relation network for real-time prediction of patient-specific ventilator parameters.

Accurate prediction of patient-specific ventilator parameters is crucial for optimizing patient-ventilator interaction. Current approaches encounter difficulties in concurrently observing long-term, time-series dependencies and capturing complex, significant features that influence the ventilator treatment process, thereby hindering the achievement of accurate prediction of ventilator parameters. To address these challenges, we propose a novel approach called the long short-term memory relation network (LSTMRnet). Our approach uses a long, short-term memory bank to store rich information and an important feature selection step to extract relevant features related to respiratory parameters. This information is obtained from the prior knowledge of the follow up model. We also concatenate the embeddings of both information types to maintain the joint learning of spatio-temporal features. Our LSTMRnet effectively preserves both time-series and complex spatial-critical feature information, enabling an accurate prediction of ventilator parameters. We extensively validate our approach using the publicly available medical information mart for intensive care (MIMIC-III) dataset and achieve superior results, which can be potentially utilized for ventilator treatment (i.e., sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome ventilator treatment and intensive care units ventilator treatment.

A new reservoir-based CPAP with low oxygen consumption: the Bag-CPAP

BackgroundSeveral noninvasive ventilatory supports rely in their design on high oxygen consumption which may precipitate oxygen shortage, as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this bench-to-bedside study, we assessed the performance of a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device integrating a large reservoir (“Bag-CPAP”) designed to minimize oxygen consumption, and compared it with other CPAP devices.MethodsFirst, a bench study compared the performances of Bag-CPAP and four CPAP devices with an intensive care unit ventilator. Two FiO2 targets (40–60% and 80–100%) at a predefined positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level between 5 and 10 cm H2O were tested and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and oxygen consumption were measured. Device-imposed work of breathing (WOB) was also evaluated. Second, an observational clinical study evaluated the new CPAP in 20 adult patients with acute respiratory failure in two hospitals in France. Actual FiO2, PEEP, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and dyspnea score were assessed.ResultsAll six systems tested in the bench study reached the minimal FiO2 target of 40% and four reached at least 80% FiO2 while maintaining PEEP in the predefined range. Device-delivered FiO2/consumed oxygen ratio was the highest with the new reservoir-based CPAP irrespective of FiO2 target. WOB induced by the device was higher with Bag-CPAP. In the clinical study, Bag-CPAP was well tolerated and could reach high (> 90%) and moderate (> 50%) FiO2 with an oxygen flow rate of 15 [15–16] and 8 [7–9] L/min, respectively. Dyspnea score improved significantly after introduction of Bag-CPAP, and SpO2 increased.ConclusionsIn vitro, Bag-CPAP exhibited the highest oxygen saving properties albeit had increased WOB. It was well accepted clinically and reduced dyspnea. Bag-CPAP may be useful to treat patients with acute respiratory failure in the field, especially when facing constraints in oxygen delivery.

Spectrum and outcome of the use of noninvasive ventilation in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit: A single-center experience.

The pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) frequently uses noninvasive ventilation (NIV). There are several reasons for its use, including prophylactic use right after the patient has been extubated. It is also used when patients are experiencing acute respiratory failure due to either cardiac or noncardiac reasons but are still able to maintain their airways. The objective of this study was to understand the spectrum of use of NIV following congenital cardiac surgery and analyze the outcome. A retrospective observational study was conducted in a 14-bed PCICU, reviewing data from August 2019 to August 2022. Among 1750 congenital cardiac surgeries, 523 patients (29.9%) received NIV. The median age of the population was 2.5 months. Factors such as higher Risk-Adjusted Classification for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 category, longer intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time were associated with increased NIV use. Preoperative ventilator needs, infections, genetic syndromes, diaphragmatic paralysis, high vasoactive inotrope score (VIS) in the first 24 h, neonatal age, and weight <5 kg were independently associated with increased NIV need. The NIV group had a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay compared to non-NIV patients. The success rate of NIV was 84%, with 440 successful cases and 83 failures. The mortality rate in the success and failure groups was not significantly different (5.27% vs. 6.0%). NIV is widely used in PCICU, but it is associated with longer ICU stays. It proves beneficial after congenital cardiac surgery, especially for patients with specific risk factors. However, NIV may not directly impact mortality rates, suggesting that other factors contribute to patient survival.

Behavior of immunoglobulin G antibodies for SARS-COV-2 in Mexican pediatric patients with comorbidities: a prospective comparative cohort study.

More than two years after the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) there is a great lack of information. The presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) have been related with disease severity. Patients with comorbidities could develop more severe infection; however, the evaluation of the humoral response in pediatric population are needed especially in patients with comorbidities. Our aim was to describe the behavior of IgG in pediatric patients and to know if there is a difference between patients with comorbidities. A prospective comparative cohort study was carried out in a single center from June 2020 to January 2021, with a follow-up of 6 months. The study included all the subjects with confirmatory test for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 month to 17 years 11 months, the follow-up of the disease's evolution and measurement of IgG antibodies was collected. We obtained the clinical data, and comorbidities like arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, the initial symptoms were recorded as well as the evolution regarding the severity of COVID-19 and the need for hospitalization, intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. The follow up was carried out through medical consultation with an appointment every month that included direct interrogation, examination, and peripheral blood collection for the IgG quantification. The antibodies detection was done through peripheral blood and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. A total of 237 patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for SARS-COV-2 were included, of which 147 presented IgG antibodies (62%), 112 (76%) without comorbidity and 35 (24%) with comorbidities, by the sixth month only 2.7% continue with positive antibody measurements. Patients with comorbidities reach higher IgG levels than patients without comorbidities the basal titters were: 5.17 for patients without comorbidities vs. 6.96 for the group with comorbidities (P<0.001). We found an association between the presence of comorbidities and high levels of IgG units in pediatric patients with COVID-19. Additionally, patients with more severe course of the disease have higher levels of IgG and by the third month less than 35% have immunity.

COVID-19 infection in Libyan chronic hemodialysis patients: Prevalence, risk factors, severity and predictors of mortality

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the increased risk of both outpatient and inpatient pneumonia. This association is independent of comorbid diabetes, cardio-vascular disease (CVD), asthma, and chronic obstructive airway disease. Dialysis patients are considered at risk groups for SARS-CoV-2 infection; Short-term mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis who were hospitalized with COVID-19 was high. Outcomes in those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation management were poor. Aim: This study mainly aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors, severity and predictors of mortality in Libyan hemodialysis patients infected with COVID- 19. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data of CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis diagnosed with COVID-19 infection from two large dialysis centers in Libya were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22 for .demographic, clinical and laboratory profiles. Results: The data of 810 patients from two hemodialysis centers in Libya showed infection rate was 10.2 %, and the overall mortality was 26.5% (39/83) 47% of patients needed admission to ICU for supportive mechanical ventilation (SPO2 ranged from 76-92%). The biochemical and laboratory data showed a decreased mean absolute lymphocyte counts. A high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and a mild decrease in platelet counts. C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, and D-dimer were also high at admission. (22/83, 26.5%) of total patients, and (17/39) 43.6% of ICU patients died in less than 28 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Conclusions: In CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis diagnosed with COVID-19 infection; severity of disease at presentation, need for invasive supportive mechanical ventilation, older age, raised serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lower level of albumin may have been valuable predictors of mortality and poor outcomes.

Association between cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 pneumonia outcome in Indonesia: a multi-center cohort study.

COVID-19 is a pandemic affecting 185 countries, including Indonesia. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in COVID-19 patients were linked to worse clinical outcomes. However, the association remained inconclusive due to limited data in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the association between CVD in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with its clinical outcomes. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in four Indonesian hospitals, enrolling 584 adult COVID-19 pneumonia patients from September 2020 to July 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups: non-CVD and CVD [hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF), hypertensive heart disease (HHD), arrhythmia, cardiomegaly, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), mitral regurgitation (MR), and myocardial injury (MI)]. Clinical outcomes include in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit admission, ventilator use, earlier death, and prolonged hospital stay. Mann-Whitney test was used for analysis. The most common CVD was hypertension (48.1%), followed by MI (10.6%), CAD (9.2%), CHF (6.8%), HHD (3.1%), arrhythmia (1.7%), and others (0.7%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 24%, and patients were hospitalized for a median of 12 days. MI was the only CVD that increased in-hospital mortality (RR 2.105). It was also significantly increased in patients with diabetes mellitus (RR 1.475) and chronic kidney disease (RR 2.079). Meanwhile, prolonged hospital stay was associated with any CVD (RR 1.553), hypertension (RR 1.511), MI (RR 1.969), CHF (RR 1.595), diabetes mellitus (RR 1.359), and cerebrovascular disease (RR 2.203). COVID-19 pneumonia in patients with CVD, specifically MI and hypertension, worsens the COVID-19 clinical outcomes.

Evaluating the impact of timing to rib fixation in patients with traumatic brain injury: A nationwide analysis.

Early surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is associated with improved inpatient outcomes in patients with multiple rib fractures. However, there is still a paucity of data examining the optimal timing of SSRF in patients with concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to assess whether earlier SSRF was associated with improved outcomes in patients with multiple rib fractures and TBI. We performed a retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program 2017-2020, including adult patients with TBI and multiple rib fractures who had undergone SSRF. The outcomes were post-procedural length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, in-hospital mortality, ventilator days, and tracheostomy rate. Multilevel mixed-effects regression analyses accounting for patient, injury, and hospital characteristics as well as institutional SSRF volume were used to assess the association between timing to SSRF and the outcomes of interest. As a sensitivity analysis, propensity-score matching was performed to compare patients who underwent early (<72 hours) versus late SSRF (≥72 hours). Of 1,041 patients included in this analysis, 430 (41.3%) underwent SSRF within the first 72 hours from admission. Delay to SSRF was associated with an increase in post-procedural LOS (partial regression coefficient (β) = 0.011; p = 0.036; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.001-0.023), longer hospital LOS (β = 0.053; p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.042-0.064), prolonged ICU LOS (β = 0.032; p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.025-0.038), and more ventilator days (β = 0.026, p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.020-0.032). In patients with concurrent multiple rib fractures and TBI, a delay in SSRF is associated with an increase in postprocedural LOS, hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and ventilator days. These findings suggest that the early patient selection and implementation of SSRF may play a beneficial role in patients presenting with concomitant TBI and multiple rib fractures. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.