Lung-protective Mechanical Ventilation Research Articles

Drug-related Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review.

IntroductionStevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare, life-threatening, allergic reactions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. SJS is considered to be a milder form with less than 10% of body surface area (BSA) involvement. We report successful management of two cases of SJS and TEN. Firstly, a case of a 24-year-old female who presented with rashes over face, chest, and upper limbs after the oral intake of ciprofloxacin and local application of moxifloxacin eye drops. She developed high-grade fever and difficulty in breathing requiring intubation and lung-protective mechanical ventilation and was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone, azithromycin, soframycin skin dressings, and topical ocular antibiotics. Secondly, another case of a 16-year-old female who developed bullous eruptions over the trunk, arms, hands, face, and sole involving 60% of BSA, after oral intake of albendazole. She was diagnosed as TEN and successfully managed with sterile silver nitrate, soframycin dressings, and antibiotics.Key messageStevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening, allergic reactions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Early identification, withdrawal of the suspected drug, and early transfer to a specialized center decrease mortality.How to cite this articleArora R, Pande RK, Panwar S, Gupta V. Drug-related Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(5):575–579.

Transpulmonary Pressure-Guided Lung-Protective Ventilation Improves Pulmonary Mechanics and Oxygenation Among Obese Subjects on Mechanical Ventilation.

Transpulmonary pressure (PL) is used to assess pulmonary mechanics and guide lung-protective mechanical ventilation (LPV). PL is recommended to individualize LPV settings for patients with high pleural pressures and hypoxemia. We aimed to determine whether PL-guided LPV settings, pulmonary mechanics, and oxygenation improve and differ from non-PL-guided LPV among obese patients after 24 h on mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included classification of hypoxemia severity, count of ventilator-free days, ICU length of stay, and overall ICU mortality. This is a retrospective analysis of data. Ventilator settings, pulmonary mechanics, and oxygenation were recorded on the initial day of PL measurement and 24 h later. PL-guided LPV targeted inspiratory PL < 20 cm H2O and expiratory PL of 0-6 cm H2O. Comparisons were made to repeat measurements. Twenty subjects (13 male) with median age of 49 y, body mass index 47.5 kg/m2, and SOFA score of 8 were included in our analysis. Fourteen subjects received care in a medical ICU. PL measurement occurred 16 h after initiating non-PL-guided LPV. PL-guided LPV resulted in higher median PEEP (14 vs 18 cm H2O, P = .009), expiratory PL (-3 vs 1 cm H2O, P = .02), respiratory system compliance (30.7 vs 44.6 mL/cm H2O, P = .001), and [Formula: see text] (156 vs 240 mm Hg, P = .002) at 24 h. PL-guided LPV resulted in lower [Formula: see text] (0.53 vs 0.33, P < .001) and lower PL driving pressure (10 vs 6 cm H2O, P = .001). Tidal volume (420 vs 435 mL, P = .64) and inspiratory PL (7 vs 7 cm H2O, P = .90) were similar. Subjects had a median of 7 ventilator-free days, and median ICU length of stay was 14 d. Three of 20 subjects died within 28 d after ICU admission. PL-guided LPV resulted in higher PEEP, lower [Formula: see text], improved pulmonary mechanics, and greater oxygenation when compared to non-PL-guided LPV settings in adult obese subjects.

Diaphragm function in acute respiratory failure and the potential role of phrenic nerve stimulation.

The aim of this review was to describe the risk factors for developing diaphragm dysfunction, discuss the monitoring techniques for diaphragm activity and function, and introduce potential strategies to incorporate diaphragm protection into conventional lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategies. It is increasingly apparent that an approach that addresses diaphragm-protective ventilations goals is needed to optimize ventilator management and improve patient outcomes. Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is common and is associated with increased ICU length of stay, prolonged weaning and increased mortality. Over-assistance, under-assistance and patient-ventilator dyssynchrony may have important downstream clinical consequences related to VIDD. Numerous monitoring techniques are available to assess diaphragm function, including respiratory system pressures, oesophageal manometry, diaphragm ultrasound and electromyography. Novel techniques including phrenic nerve stimulation may facilitate the achievement of lung and diaphragm-protective goals for mechanical ventilation. Diaphragm protection is an important consideration in optimizing ventilator management in patients with acute respiratory failure. The delicate balance between lung and diaphragm-protective goals is challenging. Phrenic nerve stimulation may be uniquely situated to achieve and balance these two commonly conflicting goals.

Lung-protective mechanical ventilation for patients undergoing abdominal laparoscopic surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position in laparoscopic surgeries could contribute to postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. In recent years, intraoperative lung-protective mechanical ventilation (LPV) has been reportedly able to attenuate ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI). Our objectives were to test the hypothesis that LPV could improve intraoperative oxygenation function, pulmonary mechanics and early postoperative atelectasis in laparoscopic surgeries.MethodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 62 patients indicated for elective abdominal laparoscopic surgeries with an expected duration of greater than 2 h were randomly assigned to receive either lung-protective ventilation (LPV) with a tidal volume (Vt) of 7 ml kg− 1 ideal body weight (IBW), 10 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) combined with regular recruitment maneuvers (RMs) or conventional ventilation (CV) with a Vt of 10 ml kg− 1 IBW, 0 cmH2O in PEEP and no RMs. The primary endpoints were the changes in the ratio of PaO2 to FiO2 (P/F). The secondary endpoints were the differences between the two groups in PaO2, alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-aO2), intraoperative pulmonary mechanics and the incidence of atelectasis detected on chest x-ray on the first postoperative day.ResultsIn comparison to CV group, the intraoperative P/F and PaO2 in LPV group were significantly higher while the intraoperative A-aO2 was clearly lower. Cdyn and Cstat at all the intraoperative time points in LPV group were significantly higher compared to CV group (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the incidence of atelectasis on day one after surgery between the two groups.ConclusionsLung protective mechanical ventilation significantly improved intraoperative pulmonary oxygenation function and pulmonary compliance in patients experiencing various abdominal laparoscopic surgeries, but it could not ameliorate early postoperative atelectasis and oxygenation function on the first day after surgery.Trial registrationhttps://www.clinicaltrials.gov/identifier: NCT04546932 (09/05/2020).

Brain injury after 50\xa0h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation in a preclinical model

Mechanical ventilation is the cornerstone of the Intensive Care Unit. However, it has been associated with many negative consequences. Recently, ventilator-induced brain injury has been reported in rodents under injurious ventilation settings. Our group wanted to explore the extent of brain injury after 50 h of mechanical ventilation, sedation and physical immobility, quantifying hippocampal apoptosis and inflammation, in a normal-lung porcine study. After 50 h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation, sedation and immobility, greater levels of hippocampal apoptosis and neuroinflammation were clearly observed in the mechanically ventilated group, in comparison to a never-ventilated group. Markers in the serum for astrocyte damage and neuronal damage were also higher in the mechanically ventilated group. Therefore, our study demonstrated that considerable hippocampal insult can be observed after 50 h of lung-protective mechanical ventilation, sedation and physical immobility.

Non-invasive method to detect high respiratory effort and transpulmonary driving pressures in COVID-19 patients during mechanical ventilation

BackgroundHigh respiratory drive in mechanically ventilated patients with spontaneous breathing effort may cause excessive lung stress and strain and muscle loading. Therefore, it is important to have a reliable estimate of respiratory effort to guarantee lung and diaphragm protective mechanical ventilation. Recently, a novel non-invasive method was found to detect excessive dynamic transpulmonary driving pressure (∆PL) and respiratory muscle pressure (Pmus) with reasonable accuracy. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was impossible to obtain the gold standard for respiratory effort, esophageal manometry, in every patient. Therefore, we investigated whether this novel non-invasive method could also be applied in COVID-19 patients.Methods∆PL and Pmus were derived from esophageal manometry in COVID-19 patients. In addition, ∆PL and Pmus were computed from the occlusion pressure (∆Pocc) obtained during an expiratory occlusion maneuver. Measured and computed ∆PL and Pmus were compared and discriminative performance for excessive ∆PL and Pmus was assessed. The relation between occlusion pressure and respiratory effort was also assessed.ResultsThirteen patients were included. Patients had a low dynamic lung compliance [24 (20–31) mL/cmH2O], high ∆PL (25 ± 6 cmH2O) and high Pmus (16 ± 7 cmH2O). Low agreement was found between measured and computed ∆PL and Pmus. Excessive ∆PL > 20 cmH2O and Pmus > 15 cmH2O were accurately detected (area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.00], sensitivity 100% (95% CI, 72–100%) and specificity 100% (95% CI, 16–100%) and AUROC 0.98 (95% CI, 0.90–1.00), sensitivity 100% (95% CI, 54–100%) and specificity 86% (95% CI, 42–100%), respectively). Respiratory effort calculated per minute was highly correlated with ∆Pocc (for esophageal pressure time product per minute (PTPes/min) r2 = 0.73; P = 0.0002 and work of breathing (WOB) r2 = 0.85; P < 0.0001).Conclusions∆PL and Pmus can be computed from an expiratory occlusion maneuver and can predict excessive ∆PL and Pmus in patients with COVID-19 with high accuracy.

Mouse Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

The translation of preclinical results into successful clinical therapies remains a challenge in sepsis research. One reason for this lack of translation might be the discrepancy between preclinical models and the clinical reality: nonresuscitated young healthy rodents in contrast to elderly comorbid patients in an intensive care unit. We introduce the mouse intensive care unit (MICU) as a concept to address the lack of resuscitation in preclinical studies as one of the limiting issues in translational research. The MICU reflects standard procedures of the clinical intensive care unit: fluid resuscitation, lung-protective mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic monitoring and management, all tailored to organ- and function-specific targets. Thus, the MICU gives an experimental animal the intermediate possibility of recovery and survival due to "patient" management, which is not reflected in less complex experimental scenarios, which either result in acute survival or death.

Advanced Closed-loop Ventilation System versus Manual Mechanical Ventilation in COVID-19 induced ARDS in Intensive Care Unit patients: A Single-Center Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial Protocol

Introduction: COVID-19 complications manifest with a disproportionately high rate of respiratory failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. In comparison with lung-protective mechanical ventilation, the mainstay treatment of ARDS ventilatory support, INTELLiVENT-ASV® (I-ASV) has shown higher efficiency with reduced weaning, ventilation times, and improved safety by eliminating human errors while providing automate and individually optimized respiratory support. Objective: This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of I-ASV compared to conventional mechanical ventilation in the context of COVID-19 ARDS (CARDS). Methods: In this phase II trial protocol we describe a single-center, randomized, superiority, open-label, parallel two-arm (1:1 ratio) and active-controlled trial, comparing conventional mechanical ventilation with Volume Assist Mode (VAC) vs I-ASV, both following the lung-protective protocol in 463 adult patients diagnosed with CARDS requiring ventilation support. The primary outcome will be weaning time. Secondary outcomes will include total ventilation time, ICU time to discharge, extubation failure rate, and adverse events. We propose a competing risk analysis for improved accuracy by accounting for mortality in all time-to-event data analysis. Fisher’s exact test will be used to test the difference between trial arms in terms of binary secondary outcomes. Discussion: Given the limitations in conventional mechanical ventilation modes, automated closed-loop devices such as I-ASV could significantly benefit patients with CARDS while increasing resource efficiency thus extended care for the patients in need.

Lung Protective Ventilation in Brain-Injured Patients: Low Tidal Volumes or Airway Pressure Release Ventilation?

AbstractThe optimal mode of mechanical ventilation for lung protection is unknown in brain-injured patients as this population is excluded from large studies of lung protective mechanical ventilation. Survey results suggest that low tidal volume (LTV) ventilation is the favored mode likely due to the success of LTV in other patient populations. Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is an alternative mode of mechanical ventilation that may offer several benefits over LTV in this patient population. APRV is an inverse-ratio, pressure-controlled mode of mechanical ventilation that utilizes a higher mean airway pressure compared with LTV. This narrative review compares both modes of mechanical ventilation and their consequences in brain-injured patients. Fears that APRV may raise intracranial pressure by virtue of a higher mean airway pressure are not substantiated by the available evidence. Primarily by virtue of spontaneous breathing, APRV often results in improvement in systemic hemodynamics and thereby improvement in cerebral perfusion pressure. Compared with LTV, sedation requirements are lessened by APRV allowing for more accurate neuromonitoring. APRV also uses an open loop system supporting clearance of secretions throughout the respiratory cycle. Additionally, APRV avoids hypercapnic acidosis and oxygen toxicity that may be especially deleterious to the injured brain. Although high-level evidence is lacking that one mode of mechanical ventilation is superior to another in brain-injured patients, several aspects of APRV make it an appealing mode for select brain-injured patients.

Corrected Minute Ventilation Is Associated With Mortality in ARDS Caused by COVID-19.

The ratio of dead space to tidal volume (VD/VT) is associated with mortality in patients with ARDS. Corrected minute ventilation ([Formula: see text]) is a simple surrogate of dead space, but, despite its increasing use, its association with mortality has not been proven. The aim of our study was to assess the association between [Formula: see text] and hospital mortality. We also compared the strength of this association with that of estimated VD/VT and ventilatory ratio. We performed a retrospective study with prospectively collected data. We evaluated 187 consecutive mechanically ventilated subjects with ARDS caused by novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The association between [Formula: see text] and hospital mortality was assessed in multivariable logistic models. The same was done for estimated VD/VT and ventilatory ratio. Mean ± SD [Formula: see text] was 11.8 ± 3.3 L/min in survivors and 14.5 ± 3.9 L/min in nonsurvivors (P < .001) and was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.15, P = .01). The strength of association of [Formula: see text] with mortality was similar to that of VD/VT and ventilatory ratio. [Formula: see text] was independently associated with hospital mortality in subjects with ARDS caused by COVID-19. [Formula: see text] could be used at the patient's bedside for outcome prediction and severity stratification, due to the simplicity of its calculation. These findings need to be confirmed in subjects with ARDS without viral pneumonia and when lung-protective mechanical ventilation is not rigorously applied.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for patients with refractory coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Multicenter experience of referral hospitals in a large health care system

BackgroundThe benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients with severe acute respiratory distress from coronavirus disease 2019 refractory to medical management and lung-protective mechanical ventilation has not been adequately determined. MethodsWe reviewed the clinical course of 37 patients with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection supported by venovenous ECMO at 4 ECMO referral centers within a large health care system. Patient characteristics, progression of hemodynamics and inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. ResultsThe patients had median age of 51 years (interquartile range, 40-59), and 73% were male. Peak plateau pressures, vasopressor requirements, and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide all improved with ECMO support. In our patient population, 24 of 37 patients (64.8%) survived to decannulation and 21 of 37 patients (56.8%) survived to discharge. Among patients discharged alive from the ECMO facility, 12 patients were discharged to a long-term acute care or rehabilitation facility, 2 were transferred back to the referring hospital for ventilatory weaning, and 7 were discharged directly home. For patients who were successfully decannulated, median length of time on ECMO was 17 days (interquartile range, 10-33.5). ConclusionsVenovenous ECMO represents a useful therapy for patients with refractory severe acute respiratory distress syndrome from coronavirus disease 2019.

Is It the Missing Piece for Coronavirus Disease 2019, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?

Is It the Missing Piece for Coronavirus Disease 2019, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?

Pathogenic role leukotriene B4 in lung injury induced by lung-protective mechanical ventilation in rabbits

To elucidate the pathogenic role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in pulmonary hyper-permeability and inflammation induced by lung-protective mechanical ventilation (LPMV) in rabbits. Thirty-two healthy Japanese white rabbits were randomized into 4 groups for treatment with vehicle or bestatin (a leukotriene A4 hydrolase inhibitor that inhibits LTB4 production) administered intragastrically at the daily dose of 8 mg/kg for 5 days, followed by sham operation (group S and group BS, respectively, in which the rabbits were anesthetized only) or LPMV (group PM and group BPM, respectively, in which the rabbits received ventilation with 50% oxygen at a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg for 5 h). The concentrations of LTB4 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the lung tissues were analyzed by ELISA. cAMP content, protein kinase A (PKA) protein expression and the Rap1-GTP protein to total Rap1 protein ratio were determined to assess the activities of cAMP/PKA and Rap1 signaling pathways. The lung injury was evaluated by assessing lung permeability index, lung wet/dry weight ratio, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lung histological scores. None of the examined parameters differed significantly between group S and group BS. All the parameters with the exception of lung histological score increased significantly in group PM and group BPM as compared to those in group S (P < 0.05). Compared with those in PM group, the rabbits in group BPM showed significantly reduced LTB4 production in the lungs (P < 0.05), up-regulated cAMP/ PKA and Rap1 signaling pathway activities (P < 0.05), and alleviated lung hyper-permeability and inflammation (P < 0.05). LPMV can induce LTB4 overproduction to down-regulate cAMP/PKA and Rap1 signaling pathways in the lungs of rabbits, which results in lung hyper-permeability and inflammation. Bestatin can inhibit LTB4 production in the lungs to protect against LPMV-induced lung hyper-permeability and inflammation.

EXTRA-CORPOREAL CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL IN COVID-19 ARDS

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Critical Care Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) involves lung-protective mechanical ventilation with an emphasis on low pressure and low tidal volume ventilation(LTVV). Permissive hypercapnia is a known consequence of LTVV, the progression of which can lead to hemodynamic instability and death. Management of hypercapnia in such cases may require ventilator settings which may exceed known lung protective strategies. The incidence of ARDS in SARS-coV-2 is approximately 30% which has increased emphasis on ventilator management. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) utilizes a gas exchange membrane to remove carbon dioxide from the blood and control hypercapnia while still allowing lung-protective mechanical ventilation. We report the first case of ECCO2R safely and successfully utilized to manage life-threatening hypercapnia in severe ARDS related to COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented to our hospital with severe ARDS secondary to COVID19. He was intubated at an outside institution 7 days prior and transferred for management of refractory hypercapnia. ABG revealed pH:6.9, CO2:188 mmHg,O2:93 on 100% FiO2. ECCO2R was emergently initiated using a 15.5 Fr catheter in the right internal jugular vein. The sweep was initially set at 3L/min, the blood flow at 500ml/min. Repeat ABG improved to a pH of 7.17 and CO2 of 80mmHg. Ventilator requirements were weaned to achieve acceptable pressures (Pressure control: pressure support:5, PEEP:18). His pH and pCO2 gradually normalized. On day 5, ABG showed a pH:7.27, CO2:55 sweep was turned to 0 and he was able to maintain a pCO2 of 52 for 24 hours, after which a decision was made to decannulate. His hospital course was prolonged due to hypoxemic respiratory failure, transient renal failure requiring dialysis, and difficulty with sedation. A tracheostomy was performed on day 31. The patient was successfully weaned off the ventilator on day 37 and discharged home after 41 days in the ICU. DISCUSSION: ECCO2R has been utilized in ARDS to facilitate “ultra-low” volume mechanical ventilation in cases with refractory respiratory acidosis and facilitate weaning from assisted mechanical ventilation. This case demonstrates the successful utilization of ECCO2R in a patient with COVID19. Despite significantly elevated d-dimer levels the patient did not experience complications related to circuit thrombosis or bleeding and was maintained on full-dose anticoagulation throughout his hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the use of ECCO2R in severe ARDS and refractory hypercapnia related to COVID19. ECCO2R may be more advantageous and an acceptable alternative in comparison to other rescue modalities in this population. Future studies are required to further investigate its safety and efficacy. Reference #1: 19 Registry. COVID. https://sccmcovid19.org/. Published May 30, 2020. Accessed May 30, 2020 Reference #2: Staudinger T. Update on extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal: a comprehensive review on principles, indications, efficiency, and complications [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 10]. Perfusion. 2020;267659120906048. doi:10.1177/0267659120906048 Reference #3: Jacobs JP, Stammers AH, St Louis J, et al. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Treatment of Severe Pulmonary and Cardiac Compromise in COVID-19: Experience with 32 patients [published online ahead of print, 2020 Apr 17]. ASAIO J. 2020;10.1097/MAT.0000000000001185. doi:10.1097/MAT.0000000000001185 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sukhmani Boparai, source=Web Response Scientific Medical Advisor relationship with ALung Technologies, Inc. Please note: $5001 - $20000 Added 06/01/2020 by Steven Conrad, source=Web Response, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Nasim Motayar, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by L. Keith Scott, source=Web Response

S1394 A Rare Form of Secondary Sclerosing Cholangitis Seen in Critically Ill Patients

INTRODUCTION: Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) is caused by biliary obstruction and damage to the biliary tree often with progression to cirrhosis. There is a rare entity of SSC following resolution of critical illness without preexisting biliary obstruction called “secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients” (SSC-CIP). We present a case of SSC-CIP in a patient with respiratory failure from influenza A. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 44-year-old man with no preexisting hepatobiliary disease developed respiratory failure requiring intubation secondary to Influenza A. He required pronation as well as veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Two months after his respiratory failure resolved he was discharged. Shortly thereafter he returned with sepsis manifest as fever, leukocytosis and an elevated alkaline phosphatase to 1323 IU/L. MRCP demonstrated multifocal hepatic abscesses and irregular appearing right intrahepatic bile ducts with strong enhancement, suspicious for cholangitis (Figure 1). ERCP revealed irregularity and saccular dilation of the right intrahepatic ducts with viscous bile, brown stones, and debris. The extrahepatic common bile duct appeared normal. The endoscopic findings in this clinical context were consistent with SSC-CIP. DISCUSSION: While secondary sclerosing cholangitis most commonly presents with biliary obstruction, SSC-CIP has a unique presentation with hepatic abscesses in the absence of biliary obstruction following resolution of critical illness. Although rare, the majority of cases in the literature develop in patients recently recovered from ARDS secondary to influenza A. Although the pathophysiology underlying SSC-CIP has not been definitively elucidated, it has been postulated that biliary ischemia of the intrahepatic bile ducts supplied by the hepatosplanchnic plexus is the dominant cause of disease development. Given its novelty, it has been suggested that newer therapies in critical care medicine may contribute to SSC-CIP, specifically both lung protective mechanical ventilation for ARDS which includes high PEEP and low tidal volumes as well as prone positioning. These interventions increase intra-abdominal pressure and can lead to decreased hepatosplanchnic blood flow and subsequent biliary ischemia. With the advent of COVID19 we expect to see more patients affected by this entity, and patient care will be enhanced by physician awareness of SSC-CIP.Figure 1.: MRCP showing multifocal intrahepatic biliary ductal dilatation with diffuse irregularity.

DIAPHRAGMATIC MYOTRAUMA IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE

The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD), depending on the strategy of mechanical ventilation (MV). Materials and methods. We completed the prospective single-center cohort study. Data analysis included 82 patients (1 month – 18 years old), divided into I group (lung-protective MV) and II group (diaphragm-protective in addition to lung-protective MV). Patients were divided into age subgroups. Stages of the study: 1st day (d1), 3rd (d3), 5th (d5), 7th (d7), 9th (d9), 14th (d14), 28th (d28). We studied amplitude of diaphragm movement; thickening fraction, parameters of acid-base balance and MV. Results are described as median [IQR - interquartile range] with level of significance p. Results. In patients of the 1st age subgroup in I group there were episodes with under-assist during MV, while in II group diaphragm overload was registered only on d5. In patients of 2nd subgroup in I group we found over-assist of MV with excessive work of the right hemidiaphragm and low contractions of left dome at all stages of study, while in II group – the only episode of diaphragmatic weakness on d3 due to under-assist of MV. In the 3rd subgroup the proper diaphragmatic activity in I group was restored significantly later than in II group. In 4th subgroup of I group there was episode of high work of diaphragm on d5, whereas in II group – all data were within the recommended parameters for diaphragm-protective strategy of MV. In 5th subgroup of I group excessive work of both right and left domes of diaphragm was significantly more often registered than in II group, however, in II group there were found episodes of both type changes – diaphragmatic weakness and excessive work. Conclusion: The prevalence and variety of manifestations of DD depend on the strategy of MV. Low incidence of DD was associated with lower duration of MV: in 1st age subgroup in 1.5 times; in 2nd age subgroup – in 2.4 times; in 4th age subgroup – in 1.75 times; in 5th age subgroup – in 4.25 times.

Enhanced recovery pathways for ambulatory surgery.

Implementation of enhanced recovery pathways have allowed migration of complex surgical procedures from inpatient setting to the outpatient setting. These programs improve patient safety and patient-reported outcomes. The present article discusses the principles of enhanced recovery pathways in adults undergoing ambulatory surgery with an aim of improving patient safety and postoperative outcomes. Procedure and patient selection is one of the key elements that influences perioperative outcomes after ambulatory surgery. Other elements include optimization of comorbid conditions, patient and family education, minimal preoperative fasting and adequate hydration during the fasting period, use of fast-track anesthesia technique, lung-protective mechanical ventilation, maintenance of fluid balance, and multimodal pain, nausea, and vomiting prophylaxis. Implementation of enhanced recovery pathways requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the anesthesiologist should take a lead in collaborating with surgeons and perioperative nurses. Measuring compliance with enhanced recovery pathways through an audit program is essential to evaluate success and need for protocol modification. The metrics to assess the impact of enhanced recovery pathways include complication rates, patient reported outcomes, duration of postoperative stay in the surgical facility, unplanned hospital admission rate, and 7-day and 30-day readmission rates.

Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Children with Previous Unsuccessful Weaning from Respiratory Therapy

The objective of the research was to establish the impact of diaphragm-protective mechanical ventilation on the rate of successful weaning from invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in children with acute respiratory failure.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study. Seventy-eight patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: patients of Group I received lung-protective mechanical ventilation; patients of Group II received diaphragm-protective + lung-protective mechanical ventilation. For age-specific data analysis, patients were divided into age subgroups: the 1st subgroup included children being 1 to 12 months old; the 2nd age subgroup comprised children being 12 to 36 months old. We started respiratory support in both groups with invasive mechanical ventilation and when patients met the criteria, we weaned them. We confirmed successful weaning, when patients had no need to be mechanically ventilated within next 48 hours, otherwise, they were intubated again. Before the second trial to wean, patients in Group I were simply extubated, while patients in Group II received non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The primary endpoint was the rate of successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in the first trial. The secondary outcomes were complications, namely reintubation rate, tracheostomy rate and death.&#x0D; Results. We found a significant difference in the primary outcome for the 1st age subgroup: there were 72.4% in Group I vs. 52.6% in Group II successfully weaned patients (p=0.04). No significant difference in the primary outcome was observed in the 2nd age subgroup: there were 80% in Group I vs. 82.3% in Group II successfully weaned patients (p=0.78). There were significant differences in the secondary outcomes between groups in the 1st age subgroup, namely reintubation rate was seen in 9.1% patients of Group I vs. 36.8% patients of Group II (p=0.05); death happened in 18.2% cases in Group I vs. no cases in Group II (p=0.01). There were no differences in tracheostomy rate in the 1st age subgroup and there were no differences in the secondary outcomes between groups in 2nd age subgroup.&#x0D; Conclusions. Diaphragm-protective mechanical ventilation significantly reduced the incidence of successful weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation; however, it increased the incidence of successful weaning from non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and, significantly decreased the mortality rate in the 1st age subgroup, while in the 2nd age subgroup, it had no impact on the incidence of successful weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common cause of hypoxemic respiratory failure and death in critically ill patients, and there is an urgent need to find effective therapies. Preclinical studies have shown that inhaled halogenated agents may have beneficial effects in animal models of ARDS. The development of new devices to administer halogenated agents using modern intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators has significantly simplified the dispensing of halogenated agents to ICU patients. Because previous experimental and clinical research suggested potential benefits of halogenated volatiles, such as sevoflurane or isoflurane, for lung alveolar epithelial injury and inflammation, two pathophysiologic landmarks of diffuse alveolar damage during ARDS, we designed an animal model to understand the mechanisms of the effects of halogenated agents on lung injury and repair. After general anesthesia, tracheal intubation, and the initiation of mechanical ventilation, ARDS was induced in piglets via the intratracheal instillation of hydrochloric acid. Then, the piglets were sedated with inhaled sevoflurane or isoflurane using an ICU-type device, and the animals were ventilated with lung-protective mechanical ventilation during a 4 h period. During the study period, blood and alveolar samples were collected to evaluate arterial oxygenation, the permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, alveolar fluid clearance, and lung inflammation. Mechanical ventilation parameters were also collected throughout the experiment. Although this model induced a marked decrease in arterial oxygenation with altered alveolar-capillary permeability, it is reproducible and is characterized by a rapid onset, good stability over time, and no fatal complications. We have developed a piglet model of acid aspiration that reproduces most of the physiological, biological, and pathological features of clinical ARDS, and it will be helpful to further our understanding of the potential lung-protective effects of halogenated agents delivered through devices used for inhaled ICU sedation.

Incidence of Barotrauma in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia During Prolonged Invasive Mechanical Ventilation - A Case-Control Study.

SARS-CoV2 can cause pulmonary failure requiring prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (MV). Lung protective ventilation strategies are recommended in order to minimize ventilator induced lung injury. Whether patients with COVID-19 have the same risk for complications including barotrauma is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated barotrauma in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring prolonged MV. All patients meeting diagnosis criteria for ARDS according to the Berlin Definition, with PCR positive SARS-CoV2 infection and prolonged mechanical ventilation, defined as ≥2 days, treated at our ARDS referral center between March and April 2020 were included in a retrospective registry analysis. Complications were detected by manual review of all patient data including respiratory data, imaging studies, and patient files. A total of 20 patients with severe COVID-19 pulmonary failure (Overall characteristics: median age: 61 years, female gender 6, median duration of MV 22 days) were analyzed. Eight patients (40%) developed severe barotrauma during MV (after median 18 days, range: 1-32) including pneumothorax (5/20), pneumomediastinum (5/20), pneumopericard (1/20), and extended subcutaneous emphysema (5/20). Median respirator settings 24 hours before barotrauma were: Peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak) 29 cm H2O (range: 27-35), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 14 cm H2O (range: 5-24), tidal volume (VT) 5.4ml/kg predicted body weight (range 0.4-8.6), plateau pressure (Pplateau) 27 cm H2O (range: 19-30). Mechanical ventilation was significantly more invasive on several occasions in patients without barotrauma. Barotrauma in COVID-19 induced respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation was found in 40% of patients included in this registry. Our data suggest that barotrauma in COVID-19 may occur even when following recommendations for lung protective MV.