Long-term Mechanical Ventilation Research Articles

Tracheostomy-related data from an intensive care unit for two consecutive years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tracheostomy is commonly used in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who are expected to be on long-term mechanical ventilation or suffer from emergency upper airway obstruction. However, some studies have conflicting findings regarding the optimal technique and its timing and benefits. To provide evidence of practice, characteristics, and outcome concerning tracheostomy in an ICU of a tertiary care hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study including adult critical care patients in a single ICU for two consecutive years. Patients' demographic characteristics, severity of illness (APACHE II score), level of consciousness [Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)], comorbidities, timing and type of tracheostomy procedure performed and outcome were recorded. We defined late as tracheostomy placement after 8 days or no tracheotomy. Data of 660 patients were analyzed (median age of 60 years), median APACHE II score of 19 and median GCS score of 12 at admission. Tracheostomy was performed in 115 patients, of whom 63 had early and 52 late procedures. Early tracheostomy was mainly executed in case of altered level of consciousness and severe critical illness polyneuromyopathy, however there were no significant statistical results (47.6% vs 36.5%, P = 0.23) and (23.8% vs 19.2%, P = 0.55) respectively. Regarding the method selected, early surgical tracheostomy (ST) was conducted in patients with maxillofacial injuries (50.0% vs 0.0%, P = 0.033), whereas late surgical tracheostomy was selected for patients with goiter (44.4% vs 0.0% P = 0.033). Patients with early tracheostomy spent significantly fewer days on mechanical ventilation (15.3 ± 8.5 vs 22.8 ± 9.6, P < 0.001) and in ICU in general (18.8 ± 9.1 vs 25.4 ± 11.5, P < 0.001). Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT) vs ST was preferable in older critical care patients in the case of Central Nervous System underlying cause of admission (62.5% vs 26.3%, P = 0.004). ST was the method of choice in compromised airway (31.6%, vs 7.3% P = 0.008). A large proportion of patients (88/115) with tracheostomy managed to wean from mechanical ventilation and were transferred out of the ICU (100% vs 17.4%, P < 0.001). PDT was performed more frequently in our cohort. This technique did not affect mechanical ventilation days, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ICU length of stay, or survival. No complications were observed in the percutaneous or surgical tracheostomy groups. Patients undergoing early tracheostomy benefited in terms of mechanical ventilation days and ICU length of stay but not of discharge status, presence of VAP, or survival.

E-learning—an interventional element of the PRiVENT project to improve weaning expertise

BackgroundPRiVENT (PRevention of invasive VENTilation) is an evaluation of a bundle of interventions aimed at the prevention of long-term invasive mechanical ventilation. One of these elements is an e-learning course for healthcare professionals to improve weaning expertise. The aim of our analysis is to examine the implementation of the course in cooperating intensive care units.MethodsThe course has been developed through a peer review process by pulmonary and critical care physicians in collaboration with respiratory therapists, supported by health services researchers and a professional e-learning agency. The e-learning platform “weLearn” was made available online to participating healthcare professionals. Feedback on the e-learning programme was obtained and discussed in quality circles (QCs). We measured the acceptance and use of the programme through access statistics.ResultsThe e-learning course “Joint Prevention of Long-Term Ventilation” consists of 7 separate modules with practice-oriented training units as well as a cross-module area and corresponding interactive case studies. Users can receive 23 CME (continuing medical education) credits. The platform was released on July 1, 2021. By June 28, 2023, 214 users from 33 clinics had registered. Most users (77–98%) completed the modules, thus performing well in the test, where 90–100% passed. In the QCs, the users commended the structure and practical relevance of the programme, as well as the opportunity to earn CME credits.ConclusionEspecially for medical staff in intensive care units, where continuous training is often a challenge during shift work, e-learning is a useful supplement to existing medical training.Trial registrationThe PRiVENT study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853) on 02/03/2022.

Safety of cricotracheostomy with skin and tracheal membrane flaps for severe COVID-19 patients

ObjectiveAirway surgery is performed for COVID-19 patients who require long-term tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy sometimes causes postoperative complications represented by bleeding at a relatively high rate in COVID-19 patients. As an alternative surgical procedure to tracheostomy, cricotracheostomy may reduce these complications, but few studies have examined its safety. MethodsData were retrospectively collected for sixteen COVID-19 patients (11 underwent tracheostomy, 5 underwent modified cricotracheostomy). In addition to patients’ backgrounds and blood test data, the frequency of complications and additional care required for postoperative complications were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted by the univariate analysis of Fischer analysis and Mann–Whitney U test. ResultsFive cases experienced postoperative bleeding, four cases experienced peristomal infection, and one case experienced subcutaneous emphysema in the tracheostomy patients. These complications were not observed in the cricotracheostomy patients. The number of additional cares for postoperative complications was significantly lower in cricotracheostomy than in tracheostomy patients (p < 0.05). ConclusionsModified cricotracheostomy could be a safe procedure in airway surgery for patients with COVID-19 from the point of fewer postoperative complications and additional care. It might be necessary to select the cricotracheostomy depending on patients’ background to reduce postoperative complications.

Study of the spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity of the respiratory tract microbiota of newborns with infectious complications during long-term mechanical lung ventilation

determining the structure of leading microbial colonizers of the respiratory tract as potential causative agents of ventilator-associated pneumonia and their sensitivity to antibacterial drugs plays an important role in choosing effective tactics for etiotropic therapy of newborns. According to the data of scientific publications, the etiological structure of infectious complications associated with long-term respiratory support in newborns is known to have certain features. The spectrum of nosocomial microbial pathogens and their sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs are among them. The patients of early age are characterized by a number of peculiarities of anatomical and physiological characteristics and the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiota of the respiratory tract. In order to form ideas about the determining causative agents of VAP in newborns, it was advisable to conduct a microbiological study of the species composition of microorganisms associated with this infectious complication, as well as to determine their sensitivity to antibiotics recommended by the management protocols of the corresponding pathology. To study and solve this problem, it is necessary to study the spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity of the causative agents of VAP. A prospective study was conducted in 69 newborns with VAP (2020 - 2023), who were treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Vinnytsia Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (VRCCH) and consisted in studying the composition of the microbiota and antibiotic sensitivity. We took into account opportunistic microorganisms that are not characteristic of this biotope of the respiratory tract of newborns who were diagnosed with VAP during long-term mechanical ventilation. As a result of the prospective analysis of the microbiological study of the microbiota of 69 newborns, 82 microorganisms - etiologically significant pathogens of VAP - were isolated and identified. Thus, according to the data of our bacteriological studies, 17 Gram-positive and 65 Gram-negative pathogens of VAP were isolated and identified in NICU VRCCH for 2020-2023. As a result of the study of antibiotic sensitivity of VAP pathogens in newborns, the following trends were observed. Low sensitivity of Acinetobacter baumannii to ceftazidime, aztreonam, imipinem, meropenem, amoxicillin, piperacillin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin was established. And sensitive to amikacin, gentamicin and cefoperazone-sulbactam. High rates of resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ceftazidime, doxycycline, imipinem, meropenem, gentamicin, piperacillin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin were established. The best indicators of sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to amikacin, cefoperazone-sulbactam and tobramycin were found. According to the results of the sensitivity of K. pneumoniae to antibiotics, resistance to all antibiotics was established. The development of resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to azithromycin, norfloxacin, cefotaxime, benzylpenicillin has been established. The indicators of S. aureus sensitivity to amikacin, tetracycline and vancomycin turned out to be the best. We took into account opportunistic microorganisms that are not typical for this biotype of the airways of newborns who were diagnosed with VAP during long-term mechanical ventilation. The results of the study indicate the need to take into account the data of a microbiological study with the mandatory identification of isolated pathogens, their microbial load at the site of infection, determining their antibiotic sensitivity is of crucial importance in the selection of etiotropic treatment tactics for newborns with VAP.

Brain protective effect of dexmedetomidine vs propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in non-brain injured patients.

Dexmedetomidine and propofol are two sedatives used for long-term sedation. It remains unclear whether dexmedetomidine provides superior cerebral protection for patients undergoing long-term mechanical ventilation. To compare the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine and propofol for sedation during prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury. Patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for > 72 h were randomly assigned to receive sedation with dexmedetomidine or propofol. The Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) was used to evaluate sedation effects, with a target range of -3 to 0. The primary outcomes were serum levels of S100-β and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) every 24 h. The secondary outcomes were remifentanil dosage, the proportion of patients requiring rescue sedation, and the time and frequency of RASS scores within the target range. A total of 52 and 63 patients were allocated to the dexmedetomidine group and propofol group, respectively. Baseline data were comparable between groups. No significant differences were identified between groups within the median duration of study drug infusion [52.0 (IQR: 36.0-73.5) h vs 53.0 (IQR: 37.0-72.0) h, P = 0.958], the median dose of remifentanil [4.5 (IQR: 4.0-5.0) μg/kg/h vs 4.6 (IQR: 4.0-5.0) μg/kg/h, P = 0.395], the median percentage of time in the target RASS range without rescue sedation [85.6% (IQR: 65.8%-96.6%) vs 86.7% (IQR: 72.3%-95.3), P = 0.592], and the median frequency within the target RASS range without rescue sedation [72.2% (60.8%-91.7%) vs 73.3% (60.0%-100.0%), P = 0.880]. The proportion of patients in the dexmedetomidine group who required rescue sedation was higher than in the propofol group with statistical significance (69.2% vs 50.8%, P = 0.045). Serum S100-β and NSE levels in the propofol group were higher than in the dexmedetomidine group with statistical significance during the first six and five days of mechanical ventilation, respectively (all P < 0.05). Dexmedetomidine demonstrated stronger protective effects on the brain compared to propofol for long-term mechanical ventilation in patients without brain injury.

Causes and management of urinary system problems in children on long-term home invasive mechanical ventilation.

Many ventilator-dependent children have comorbid conditions including urinary tract disorders. We aimed to present a focused review of the literature describing the causes and management of urinary system problems in children with long-term home mechanical ventilation. We performed a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science with keywords "children," "home mechanical ventilation," "urinary system," "urinary tract," "neurogenic bladder," "clean intermittent catheterization," "urinary tract infection," "urolithiasis," and "acute kidney injury." We included original articles, reviews, guidelines, and case reports published in English. Ventilator-dependent children may have neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction which renders them prone to urinary tract infection, high bladder pressure, vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, and renal dysfunction. These children require bladder catheterization, medications affecting parasympathetic/sympathetic nervous systems, or surgical procedures to prevent urinary infections, and to maintain continence and renal functions. However, bladder catheterization or surgical procedures like augmentation cystoplasty may also be complicated with urinary infections, urolithiasis, or urethral strictures. Urolithiasis frequency is also increased due to immobilization-related hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia caused by antiepileptic drugs, urinary stasis, and urinary infections. On the other hand, mechanical ventilation can impair renal function by reduction of cardiac output, redistribution of intrarenal blood flow and stimulation of sympathetic and hormonal pathways. Children requiring long-term invasive home mechanical ventilation may have other comorbid conditions, including urinary system diseases, which become manifest as these patients are being kept alive due to the advances in ventilation strategies. These children must be carefully observed for urological complications and managed accordingly to prevent kidney injury.

Seizures in 3 juvenile dogs after intravenous anesthetic drug withdrawal during weaning from mechanical ventilation suspected to be a sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome.

To describe seizure activity in juvenile dogs successfully weaned from long-term mechanical ventilation. Three juvenile dogs (all approximately 3months old) underwent long-term mechanical ventilation with IV anesthesia for suspected noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Within 24hours of extubation and within 10hours of discontinuing midazolam continuous infusions, all dogs experienced seizures, which is 1 sign of iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome. Each dog was treated with an anticonvulsant protocol, and none experienced seizures after being discharged. Each dog received IV anesthesia, including fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol, during mechanical ventilation and subsequently experienced seizures after successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. Juvenile dogs may be at risk for seizures after weaning from mechanical ventilation and IV anesthesia. Neurological monitoring and further research into an appropriate weaning protocol may prove beneficial in juvenile dogs requiring prolonged anesthesia.

Current possibilities of performing dilated tracheostomy

Objective. Tracheostomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in seriously ill patients in the intensive care unit and in intensive care units who require long-term mechanical ventilation. Protecting the larynx and upper airway from the complications of prolonged intubation is an important reason for tracheostomy and airway management. Early tracheostomy can reduce the dosage of sedatives used, contributes to a gradual decrease in artificial ventilation support. However, with the development of minimally invasive techniques for performing tracheostomy, the medical community raises the question of the need to choose the optimal surgical method. First, it depends on the timing of its application, the tracheostomy, the duration of the transition to independent breathing, and the behavior of patients after the procedure. The use of dilation tracheostomy can improve the aesthetic outcome of patients.Purpose of a study: Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of performing tracheostomy using traditional and modified technology at different times of mechanical ventilation in seriously ill surgical and therapeutic patients in the intensive care unit.Material and methods. The study was based on an analysis of the results of treatment of 331 patients (212 men (64 %) and 119 women (36 %)) aged from 18 to 92 years old (average age (55,7 ± 5,2) years), who were in the intensive care unit of the Regional Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after Professor S.V. Ochapovsky (Krasnodar) for 2020–2022, in which a tracheostomy was performed to prevent cicatricial complications. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 219 patients from the intensive care unit who underwent tracheostomy using traditional technology, and the second group (112 patients) included patients who underwent tracheostomy using a modified technology.Results. A new modified technology for performing tracheostomy in seriously ill surgical and therapeutic patients in the intensive care unit has been improved and developed. Objectively substantiated and noted the advantages and disadvantages of the modified tracheostomy technology from the hemodynamic, gas transport positions, possible complications and long-term results.Conclusion. The use of a new modified technology of tracheostomy imposition allows preventively protecting patients from the development of complications in the form of profuse bleeding in comorbid coagulopathy and against the background of the use of therapeutic dosages of anticoagulation therapy, reducing the risk of decanulation, improving functional and cosmetic results of treatment due to less skin trauma.

Application of the integrated airway humidification device enhances the humidification effect of the rabbit tracheotomy model.

Long-term mechanical ventilation after tracheotomy is a common treatment in intensive care unit patients. This study investigated the differences among the effects of different wetting states on the airway, lung, and serum inflammatory factors. New Zealand rabbits (n = 36) were selected to construct tracheotomy models and then divided into four groups: Model, Mask, YTH, and Sham groups. Lung tissue dry/wet ratio was used to evaluate the humidification effect; cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10, were used to evaluate the inflammatory response; hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the histopathology. Post hoc analysis based on the Dunnett t-test was applied. A self-developed integrated wetting device could increase the utilization of wetting solution, enhance the effect of wetting to protect tissue integrity, and suppress airway inflammation, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 to inhibit the inflammatory response, compared to other methods. The integrated humidification device provided a new method for clinical nursing practice, improving clinical efficiency and reducing nursing workload. Further clinical trials are required to test its effectiveness and safety in the clinic.

Risk factors for long-term invasive mechanical ventilation: a longitudinal study using German health claims data

BackgroundLong-term invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a major burden for those affected and causes high costs for the health care system. Early risk assessment is a prerequisite for the best possible support of high-risk patients during the weaning process. We aimed to identify risk factors for long-term IMV within 96 h (h) after the onset of IMV.MethodsThe analysis was based on data from one of Germany's largest statutory health insurance funds; patients who received IMV ≥ 96 h and were admitted in January 2015 at the earliest and discharged in December 2017 at the latest were analysed. OPS and ICD codes of IMV patients were considered, including the 365 days before intubation and 30 days after discharge. Long-term IMV was defined as evidence of invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV), IMV ≥ 500 h, or readmission with (re)prolonged ventilation.ResultsIn the analysis of 7758 hospitalisations, criteria for long-term IMV were met in 38.3% of cases, of which 13.9% had evidence of HMV, 73.1% received IMV ≥ 500 h and/or 40.3% were re-hospitalised with IMV. Several independent risk factors were identified (p < 0.005 each), including pre-diagnoses such as pneumothorax (OR 2.10), acute pancreatitis (OR 2.64), eating disorders (OR 1.99) or rheumatic mitral valve disease (OR 1.89). Among ICU admissions, previous dependence on an aspirator or respirator (OR 5.13), and previous tracheostomy (OR 2.17) were particularly important, while neurosurgery (OR 2.61), early tracheostomy (OR 3.97) and treatment for severe respiratory failure such as positioning treatment (OR 2.31) and extracorporeal lung support (OR 1.80) were relevant procedures in the first 96 h after intubation.ConclusionThis comprehensive analysis of health claims has identified several risk factors for the risk of long-term ventilation. In addition to the known clinical risks, the information obtained may help to identify patients at risk at an early stage.Trial registration The PRiVENT study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853). Registered at March 2, 2022.

Post-Intubation Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Surgical Management by Complete Cervical Tracheal Transection.

We report successful surgical management of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in an adult patient requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. A complete tracheal transection without tracheal resection, via an anterior cervical approach, followed by direct closure of tracheal and esophageal defect, and interposition of muscle flap between the suture lines and tracheal reconstruction was performed. In selected cases, this surgical procedure may be a viable alternative to traditional techniques used to treat post-intubation TEF via the anterior or lateral cervical approach.

Surgical and Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy - Technique and Pitfalls

A tracheostomy is usually necessary for long-term mechanical ventilation or complicated weaning. Other indications include swallowing disorders with recurrent aspiration in neuromuscular disease and high-grade subglottic stenosis. The tracheostomy can be performed as a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy or as a surgical tracheostomy. The complication rate is low, and intraoperative complications are differentiated from early and late postoperative complications. This article aims to present the indications, the techniques and complications of percutaneous dilatational and surgical tracheostomy, and highlights the long-term complications of tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia.

Acute neuromuscular disorders in critically ill children

Acute neuromuscular disorders are a group of neurological emergencies characterized by rapid onset of motor weakness commonly involving the respiratory and bulbar muscles. These can be acute or an exacerbation of the chronic neuromuscular disease. An accurate and timely diagnosis allows for the timely institution of specific therapies, improving long-term functional outcomes. Landry–Guillain–Barre syndrome (LGBS), acute transverse myelitis, compressive myelopathy, traumatic spinal lesions, and anterior horn cell myelitis (due to viral infections) are some of the common causes of acute motor weakness in children. LGBS is the most common among all. The diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, signs, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrophysiological studies, and neuroimaging of the spine. Once compressive or traumatic spinal lesions are suspected, immediate neuroimaging of the spine is essential to plan early neurosurgical intervention. Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission is often required for supportive management and immunomodulation. Supportive management typically includes endotracheal intubation to protect the airway, mechanical ventilation (MV) to support breathing, monitoring, management of autonomic dysfunction, control of pain, physiotherapy, adequate nutrition, prevention of pressure sores, bladder–bowel care, psychological support, and planning of long-term care. Autonomic dysfunction can cause hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, and death, requiring close monitoring and management in PICU. Tracheostomy is often needed in children who continue to have respiratory paralysis and are predicted to require long-term term mechanical ventilation. The outcome generally depends on the primary disease and long-term care.

OPTIMIZATION OF EMPIRICAL ANTIBACTERIAL THERAPY OF VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA, INDUCED BY GRAM-NEGATIVE MULTIRESISTANT STRAINS

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is one of the most common healthcare associated infections, arising in the ICU. The greatest difficulty is presented by patients, whose infection is caused by gram-negative multidrug-resistant strains. That is why empirical antibacterial therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia requires optimization and improvement.&#x0D; Aim of study: To compare the effectiveness of two schemes of empirical antibacterial therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia, based on carbapenems, aminoglycosides and monobactams.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This is randomized controlled monocentral study, which included 64 patients older than 18 years, who have developed ventilator- associated pneumonia during long-term mechanical ventilation.&#x0D; Results: The use of combination of meropenem and aztreonam as an empirical antibiotic therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia was accompanied by a significant increase of oxygenation indexes, effective purification of sputum from microorganisms, decrement of resistance and superinfection development in comparing with patients with traditional scheme empiric antibacterial therapy. The recommended scheme is also safe in nephrotoxicity context.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use as an empirical antibacterial therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia the combination of meropenem and aztreonam was accompanied by significant decrement of length of mechanical ventilation and significant reduction of ICU-stay. The mortality levels were also less in investigation group compared with the group with traditional scheme of empirical antibacterial therapy.

Indication, complication, and prognosis of fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy opening in respiratory intensive care unit: a retrospective study.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a bedside applicable procedure in intensive care unit patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) makes it easier and reduces complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the indications, complications, and prognosis of PDTs performed with FOB. Our study included 114 patients undergoing PDT through FOB-guided Griggs method in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit between January 01, 2018, and January 31, 2023. Among the patients undergoing PDT with FOB, 81 (71.1%) were male. The mean age was 62.1±11.5. The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 9, the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II) score was 19, and the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8. Tracheostomy was opened for prolonged mechanical-ventilator requirement in 80 patients (70.2%), to protect the airway in 19 (16.7%), and for poor neurologic status in 15 patients (13.2%). Complications during the procedure included hypoxemia in 3 patients (2.6%), minor bleeding in 3 patients (2.6%), perforation of the FOB in one patient (0.8%), and perforation of the intubation tube cuff in one patient (0.8%). 79 patients (69.3%) were discharged, and 35 (30.7%) were exited. There was a significant difference between the GCS, APACHE-II, and SOFA scores of the patients discharged and those who exited (p < 0.001). FOB-guided PDT application should be encouraged as it reduces complications but it is still limited because it requires experienced specialists and equipment for a standard approach.

Characteristics and outcomes in children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome on long-term mechanical ventilation in the Netherlands.

Our study results suggest that in our cohort, the genotype is not easily associated to the phenotype in CCHS. Consistent with these findings and international literature, we recommend a thorough annual evaluation for all patients with CCHS to ensure optimal management and follow-up. • The majority of CCHS patients are dependent on ventilatory support. • Variants in the PHOX2B gene are responsible for the characteristics of CCHS. • This study provides insight into the clinical course and long-term outcomes of CCHS patients in the Netherlands. • In CCHS, the genotype is not easily associated with the phenotype, requiring a thorough life-long follow-up for all patients.

Arrangement of residence before hospital discharge for children on home-invasive mechanical ventilation.

Children on long-term home mechanical ventilation are a growing population due to clinical and technological advances and the benefit for the child's quality of life. Invasive home ventilation is one of the most complex therapies offered in the home setting, requiring adequate home environment and appropriate equipment and supplies before discharge.The transition from hospital to home represents a vulnerable period that can be facilitated with an established transition plan with multidisciplinary team involvement. Readiness for home care is achieved when the patient is stable and has been transitioned from a critical care ventilator to a home mechanical ventilator. In parallel, comprehensive competency-based training regarding the knowledge and skills needed to help families use the equipment confidently and safely. Before discharge, families should be counseled on an adequate home environment to ensure a safe transition. The residence arrangement may include physical space modifications, verifying electrical installation, or moving to another home. Durable medical equipment and supplies must be ordered, and community healthcare support arranged. Parents should receive practical advice on setting up the equipment at home and on preventive measures to minimize complications related to tracheostomy and ventilator dependence, including regular maintenance and replacement of necessary equipment.Given the overall impact of invasive ventilation on home life, a structured home care action package is essential to alleviate the burdens involved.

Indications of Tracheostomy in Patients Attending Baquba Teaching Hospital in Diyala, Iraq: A cross Sectional Study

Tracheostomy is a description of the surgical opening of the trachea, and represents the most frequently carried out surgical procedures in medical practice, especially in patients who require long-term mechanical ventilation for airway disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the main indications for tracheostomy. Approximately 100 patients underwent tracheostomy in different age groups, from 12 to 80 years, and both genders, who attended Baquba Teaching Hospital, (Iraq) in the period from August 2021 to December 2022, were included in this cross-sectional study. The results showed that the indications for tracheostomy were due to prolonged ventilation (70%) resulting from trauma in most cases (71.5%), followed by upper airway obstruction (25%) due to tumors (40%) or trauma (60%). As for the rest (5%), it was from other procedures such as maxillofacial injuries. It was concluded that prolonged ventilation due to trauma was the most common indication for tracheostomy in Baquba Teaching Hospital

Long-term sedation with remimazolam besylate versus propofol in critically ill patients during invasive mechanical ventilation: a study protocol for a multicenter randomized non-inferior trial.

Background: Remimazolam besylate is a novel ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine that can potentially be a safe and effective sedative in intensive care units. This study aims to assess whether remimazolam besylate is not inferior to propofol in maintaining mild-to-moderate sedation in critically ill patients receiving long-term mechanical ventilation. Methods and analysis: This is a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, propofol-controlled, non-inferiority study. Eligible patients are randomly assigned to receive remimazolam besylate or propofol in a 1:1 ratio to maintain a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score between -3 and 0. When patients are under-sedated, rescue sedation of dexmedetomidine is added. The primary outcome is the percentage of time in the target sedation range. The secondary outcomes are hours free from the invasive ventilator in 7days, successful extubation in 7days, and weaning time, the length of intensive care unit stay, the length of hospital stay, and mortality in 28days. Modified intention-to-treat and safety analysis is performed. Clinical trial registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05555667.

ACUTE ENCEPHALOMYELOPOLYRADICULONEUROPATHY THAT OCCURRED AFTER BNT162B2 MRNA VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19: A CLINICAL CASE REVIEW

SARS-CoV-2 and side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination show tropism to nervous system structures. Neurological side effects from the central and peripheral nervous systems have been observed quite rarely after vaccination against COVID-19 compared to a large number of vaccinated individuals. The article presents a clinical case of simultaneous damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems in the form of acute autoimmune inflammatory encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuropathy, which occurred after receiving the first dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. The severe course of encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuropathy with peripheral tetraplegia, sensory disturbances, bulbar syndrome, and dysautonomia, followed by the occurrence of pneumonia, secondary bacterial meningoencephalitis, the need for long-term mechanical ventilation led to the occurrence of pneumothorax and multiple organ failure, which caused the patient’s death after one and a half months of intensive therapy.&#x0D; Thus, the acute autoimmune inflammatory encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuropathy can be considered as a probable rare neurological complication of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with mRNA-based vaccines. Encephalomyelopolyradiculoneuropathy can have a severe course, accompanied by multiple complications and leading to death. Establishing of the causal relationships of the occurrence of rare neurological pathological conditions close in time to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with mRNA-based vaccines requires additional further researches.