Intensive Care Unit Management Research Articles

Effects of a multimodal rehabilitation program in COVID-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A quasi-experimental study

Background: Patients with severe COVID-19 evolve to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and require management in Intensive Care Units (ICU) where they are exposed to immobilization, immunosuppression, malnutrition, nosocomial infections; may develop ICU Acquired Weakness (ICUAW), which increases with the stay and use of mechanical ventilation (MV).There is evidence of the use of different modalities in rehabilitation to mitigate these effects. Goal: To determine the efficacy of a Multimodal Rehabilitation Program (MRP) in reducing the number of days of mechanical ventilation and stay in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in ICU, as well as to describe its clinical and hospital characteristics. Material and Methods: An quasi-experimental study was designed, with sequential sampling and without blinding. A control and intervention group was formed, with 32 participants each. A Multimodal Rehabilitation Program (MRP) based on four therapeutic modalities was applied and the intervention was quantified through the use of proposed indicators. Results: The variation in days of ICU stay and days of MV were similar in both groups. The Multimodal Rehabilitation Index (iMR) ranged from 0.1 to 2.7 (mean = 1.2, SD = 0.7) and had significance for cut-off points ≤ 0.81 and ≤ 0.94 in mortality (p = 0.02) and Ventilator-free days at 28 days (VFDs-28) (p = 0.01). Conclusions: No statistically significant difference was found in favor of the intervention in terms of days of stay in the ICU and days of MV. Explanatorily, it was reported that iMR was related to (VFDs-28) and mortality in patients with severe COVID-19.

Bag-Mask Ventilation Versus Apneic Oxygenation During Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults: A Secondary Analysis of 2 Randomized Trials.

Background: Hypoxemia is common during tracheal intubation in intensive care units. To prevent hypoxemia during intubation, 2 methods of delivering oxygen between induction and laryngoscopy have been proposed: bag-mask ventilation and supplemental oxygen delivered by nasal cannula without ventilation (apneic oxygenation). Whether one of these approaches is more effective for preventing hypoxemia during intubation of critically ill patients is unknown. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from 138 patients enrolled in 2, consecutive randomized trials of airway management in an academic intensive care unit. A total of 61 patients were randomized to receive bag-mask ventilation in a trial comparing bag-mask ventilation to none, and 77 patients were randomized to receive 100% oxygen at 15 L/min by nasal cannula in a trial comparing apneic oxygenation to none. Using multivariable linear regression accounting for age, body mass index, severity of illness, and oxygen saturation at induction, we compared patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation with those assigned to apneic oxygenation regarding lowest oxygen saturations from induction to 2 min after intubation. Results: Patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation and apneic oxygenation were similar at baseline. The median lowest oxygen saturation was 96% (interquartile range [IQR] 89%-100%) in the bag-mask ventilation group and 92% (IQR 84%-99%) in the apneic oxygenation group. After adjustment for prespecified confounders, bag-mask ventilation was associated with a higher lowest oxygen saturation compared to apneic oxygenation (mean difference, 4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%-7.8%; P = .02). The incidence of severe hypoxemia (oxygen saturation<80%) was 6.6% in the bag-mask ventilation group and 15.6% in the apneic oxygenation group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; P = .09). Conclusions: This secondary analysis of patients assigned to bag-mask ventilation and apneic oxygenation during 2 clinical trials suggests that bag-mask ventilation is associated with higher oxygen saturation during intubation compared to apneic oxygenation.

Comparison of the Hypotension in Lateral Verses Sitting Positions during Induction of Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section

Objective: To compare the hypotension in lateral verses sitting positions during induction of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.&#x0D; Study Design: This is a Randomized control trial (RCT) study.&#x0D; Setting: Study carried out at Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Pain Management, Civil Hospital, Dow University of health sciences Karachi, from December 2018 to June 2019.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: All women age 18 to 45 underwent elective caesarian section having ASA I and II, singleton pregnancy on ultrasound with parity ≤3 were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia in the lateral position (Group L) or the sitting position (Group S) through lottery methods. Using the L3-4 interspace, patients received intrathecal plain bupivacaine, 10mg or 12 mg according to their height, after which they was placed immediately in the supine position with left uterine displacement. Maternal blood pressure was measured with the help of Non-invasive BP apparatus. BP was recorded at baseline then every 5 min till 30 minutes by anesthetist who was unaware of parturient group. Any single or more reading of SBP of &lt;90 mmHg was considered as Hypotension.&#x0D; Results: Mean age of the patients in lateral group was 31.49 ±10.87 years and mean age of the patients in sitting group was 31.80 ±10.77 years (p-value 0.869). Majority of the patients 35 (62.5%) with hypotension were presented with sitting position. Chi square test was applied and statistically significant difference was observed between groups (p-value 0.012). &#x0D; Conclusion: We concluded that less frequency of hypotension was observed when spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section using plain bupivacaine in the lateral position.

Epidemiology, ventilation management and outcome in patients receiving intensive care after non–thoracic surgery – Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

Introduction and objectivesInformation about epidemiology, ventilation management and outcome in postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) patients remains scarce. The objective was to test whether postoperative ventilation differs from that in the operation room. Material and methodsThis was a substudy of the worldwide observational LAS VEGAS study, including patients undergoing non–thoracic surgeries. Of 146 study sites participating in the LAS VEGAS study, 117 (80%) sites reported on the postoperative ICU course, including ventilation and complications. The coprimary outcomes were two key elements of ventilator management, i.e., tidal volume (VT) and positive end–expiratory pressure (PEEP). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients receiving low VT ventilation (LTVV, defined as ventilation with a median VT < 8.0 ml/kg PBW), and the proportion of patients developing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), including ARDS, pneumothorax, pneumonia and need for escalation of ventilatory support, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mortality at day 28. ResultsOf 653 patients who were admitted to the ICU after surgery, 274 (42%) patients received invasive postoperative ventilation. Median postoperative VT was 8.4 [7.3–9.8] ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW), PEEP was 5 [5–5] cm H2O, statistically significant but not meaningfully different from median intraoperative VT (8.1 [7.3–8.9] ml/kg PBW; P < 0.001) and PEEP (4 [2–5] cm H2O; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving LTVV after surgery was 41%. The PPC rate was 10%. Length of stay in ICU and hospital was independent of development of a PPC, but hospital mortality was higher in patients who developed a PPC (24 versus 4%; P < 0.001). ConclusionsIn this observational study of patients undergoing non–thoracic surgeries, postoperative ventilation was not meaningfully different from that in the operating room. Like in the operating room, there is room for improved use of LTVV. Development of PPC is associated with mortality.

To Compare Mean Time Taken for Tracheal Intubation with Airtraq Versus Macintosh Laryngoscope in Elective Surgeries: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Objective: To compare mean time taken for tracheal intubation with Airtraq versus Macintosh laryngoscope in elective surgeries.&#x0D; Study Design: This is a Randomized control trial (RCT) study.&#x0D; Setting: Study carried out at Department of Anaesthesiology, Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Pain Management, Clinic, Dow University of Health Sciences and Dr. Ruth Pfau Hospital Karachi, from June 2016 to November 2016.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients divided 30 in each group randomly i.e. Macintosh laryngoscope Group A and Airtraq laryngoscope Group B who scheduled for elective surgery and fulfill the inclusion criteria. All patients were received intravenous glycopyrolate 0.2 mg, tramadol 2 mg/kg, and midazolam 0.03 mg/kg 10 minutes before induction of anesthesia. Induction was done with propofol 2-2.5 mg/kg, minimum 3 minutes were given to maximum effect of muscle relaxant. Time taken to intubate the trachea were noted in seconds and entered into the predesigned proforma.&#x0D; Results: The analysis included data on all the patients between 18 to 50 years of age who scheduled for elective surgery during the study period after applying the exclusion criteria. Mean ± SD of age in group A were 36.85±8.47 years and in group B were 37.49±9.32 years. In Gender distribution of group A 11 (36%) were male and 19 (64%) were female and in group B the distribution of male and female were 8 (27%) and 22 (73%) respectively. By comparing both the groups for time taken in tracheal intubation in seconds Mean ± SD of group A was 35±7.8 and in group B was 21±4.2 and P value found to be highly significant i.e. (0.0001). &#x0D; Conclusion: It is to be concluded that Airtraq laryngoscope is more effective instrument than Macintosh Laryngoscope for use in routine airway management and duration of successful tracheal intubation was shorter in the Airtraq group.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES IN COVID-19 POSITIVE PATIENTS REQUIRING HEMODIALYSIS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Background: The presence of comorbidities and relative immunosuppression in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis raises concerns that these patients may have an increased risk of severe COVID-19. We aimed to examine the presentation and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 patients with end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. Methods:To examine presentation and in-hospital outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis. The study was conducted in a tertiary care centre from June 2020 to December 2020. We collected clinical &amp; laboratory data of 126 COVID-19 positive in-patients requiring hemodialysis. CKD patients referred to our centre for hemodialysis patients were also included. Patients requiring invasive ventilation and management in intensive care units were excluded. Patients were categorised into two groups based on their outcomes; survivors and non-survivors. Detailed history &amp; biochemistry results were recorded and analysed using SPSS 20.0. Results: A total of 126 patients were included in our study, with male predominance, n=91(72.2%). The median age of our study population was 53 years. The main presenting complaints were fever, n=78(61.9%); cough, n=69(54.8%), dyspnea, n= 62(49.2%), fatigue, n=102(81%) and myalgia, n=51(40.5%). Eighty nine(70.6%) patients were hypertensives, 48 (38.1%) known diabetics and 13 (10.3%) had pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung involvement in CT imaging at the time of admission, were found in 93(85.5%) patients. On comparison between survivor and non-survivors, there was no statistical difference in the biochemical prole, however there was signicant chest imaging ndings (p&lt;0.001) and requirement of ventilator (p&lt;0.001) in the non-survivor group. Conclusion: In our study, mortality was high in patients showing chest imaging ndings and also in those requiring non-invasive ventilation even in non-intensive care setting, at admission. The high mortality in CKD patients on hemodialysis emphasizes the need of dedicated COVID hemodialysis units,to prevent interruption in routine outpatient stable dialysis patients.

Impact of a multifaceted and multidisciplinary intervention on pain, agitation and delirium management in an intensive care unit: an experience of a Canadian community hospital in conducting a quality improvement project

BackgroundClinical guidelines suggest that routine assessment, treatment, and prevention of pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) is essential to improving patient outcomes as delirium is associated with increased mortality and morbidity....

Factors Associated with 90-Day Mortality in Invasively Ventilated Patients with COVID-19 in Marseille, France.

Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics and management of intensive care units (ICU) patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and to determine 90-day mortality after ICU admission and associated risk factors. Methods: This observational retrospective study was conducted in six intensive care units (ICUs) in three university hospitals in Marseille, France. Between 10 March and 10 May 2020, all adult patients admitted in ICU with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory failure were eligible for inclusion. The statistical analysis was focused on the mechanically ventilated patients. The primary outcome was the 90-day mortality after ICU admission. Results: Included in the study were 172 patients with COVID-19 related respiratory failure, 117 of whom (67%) received invasive mechanical ventilation. 90-day mortality of the invasively ventilated patients was 27.4%. Median duration of ventilation and median length of stay in ICU for these patients were 20 (9–33) days and 29 (17–46) days. Mortality increased with the severity of ARDS at ICU admission. After multivariable analysis was carried out, risk factors associated with 90-day mortality were age, elevated Charlson comorbidity index, chronic statins intake and occurrence of an arterial thrombosis. Conclusion: In this cohort, age and number of comorbidities were the main predictors of mortality in invasively ventilated patients. The only modifiable factor associated with mortality in multivariate analysis was arterial thrombosis.

Admission criteria in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A physiology-based approach.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic required careful management of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, to reduce ICU overload while facing limitations in resources. We implemented a standardized, physiology-based, ICU admission criteria and analyzed the mortality rate of patients refused from the ICU.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective observational study, COVID-19 patients proposed for ICU admission were consecutively analyzed; Do-Not-Resuscitate patients were excluded. Patients presenting an oxygen peripheral saturation (SpO2) lower than 85% and/or dyspnea and/or mental confusion resulted eligible for ICU admission; patients not presenting these criteria remained in the ward with an intensive monitoring protocol. Primary outcome was both groups’ survival rate. Secondary outcome was a sub analysis correlating SpO2 cutoff with ICU admission.ResultsFrom March 2020 to January 2021, 1623 patients were admitted to our Center; 208 DNR patients were excluded; 97 patients were evaluated. The ICU-admitted group (n = 63) mortality rate resulted 15.9% at 28 days and 27% at 40 days; the ICU-refused group (n = 34) mortality rate resulted 0% at both intervals (p < 0.001). With a SpO2 cut-off of 85%, a significant correlation was found (p = 0.009), but with a 92% a cut-off there was no correlation with ICU admission (p = 0.26). A similar correlation was also found with dyspnea (p = 0.0002).ConclusionIn COVID-19 patients, standardized ICU admission criteria appeared to safely reduce ICU overload. In the absence of dyspnea and/or confusion, a SpO2 cutoff up to 85% for ICU admission was not burdened by negative outcomes. In a pandemic context, the SpO2 cutoff of 92%, as a threshold for ICU admission, needs critical re-evaluation.

Virtual reality and hypnosis for anxiety and pain management in intensive care units: A prospective randomised trial among cardiac surgery patients.

BACKGROUNDVirtual reality and hypnosis are little studied in complex contexts, such as intensive care, where patients need significant physical and psychological assistance.OBJECTIVESTo compare and combine hypnosis and virtual reality benefits on anxiety and pain on patients before and after cardiac surgery.DESIGNProspective randomised controlled clinical trial.SETTINGThe study was conducted in the University Hospital of Liege (Belgium) from October 2018 to January 2020.PATIENTSOne hundred patients (66 ± 11.5 years; 24 women, 76 men) were included. Participants were adults undergoing cardiac surgery. Exclusion criteria: psychiatric diseases, claustrophobia, acrophobia, hearing loss, visual impairment, extreme fatigue, confusion surgery cancelled.INTERVENTIONSPatients were randomly assigned to four arms (control; hypnosis; virtual reality; virtual reality hypnosis) and had 20 min of one of the techniques the day before and the day after surgery.MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURESAnxiety, pain, fatigue, relaxation, physiological parameters, and opioid use were evaluated before and after each session.RESULTSThe main results did not show any significant differences between the groups. In all groups, anxiety decreased and pain increased from baseline to the postoperative day. Relaxation increased in all groups in the pre-operative (P < 0.0001) and postoperative period (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences for fatigue, physiological measures, or opioid use.CONCLUSIONAs there were no significant differences between groups for the measured variables, we cannot affirm that one technique is better than another. Additional studies are required to compare and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these techniques for critical care patients and caregivers.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03820700. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03820700. Retrospectively registered on 29 January 2019.

Characteristics and Outcome of Adults with Severe Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Admitted in Intensive Care Unit: Results from a Large French Observational Study

Characteristics and Outcome of Adults with Severe Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Admitted in Intensive Care Unit: Results from a Large French Observational Study

Use of Defibrotide in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia; Results of the Defi-VID19 Phase 2 Trial

Background: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from pauci-symptomatic forms to severe disease characterized by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) management, as well as multisystem involvement characterized by sepsis, organ dysfunction and death. Treatment of COVID-19 is not standardized, and respiratory failure from ARDS is the leading cause of mortality; in-hospital mortality at 28-days in our tertiary care center in Lombardia, northern Italy was 23% during the first wave in 2020(Ciceri et al. 2020). Endothelial damage and thrombo-inflammation have been identified as common to both COVID-19 pathophysiology and veno-occlusive disease (VOD/SOS). Defibrotide (DF) has endothelial-protective properties, with pro-fibrinolytic, anti-thrombotic, anti-ischemic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adhesive activity, but no significant systemic anticoagulant effects and is approved for the treatment of severe VOD/SOS.Aim: A prospective, multicenter, phase II, single-arm, open label trial (DEFI-VID19, NCT04335201) was conducted in patients (pts) with COVID-19 ARDS to evaluate the efficacy of DF in addition to best available therapy per institutional guidelines. The primary endpoint was respiratory-failure rate (RFR) defined as progression of respiratory failure, i.e. severe gas transfer deficit (PaO2/FiO2<200 mmHg), need of ICU or death at day+14 from treatment start. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) at 28 days, duration of hospitalization and safety.A sample size of 50 pts was calculated to detect an absolute reduction of 20% in RFR at day+14, assuming a failure rate in non-treated pts of 70% (alpha=5%, power=90%, two-sided test). Pts received DF intravenously at 6.25 mg/kg/dose by 2-hour infusion repeated every 6 hours. Expected treatment duration was 14 days, with earlier discontinuation if clinical improvement occurred. LMWH at prophylactic dose was allowed. Approval was provided by the National IRB for COVID-19 trials at Institute Spallanzani (Rome) and by the Italian Agency for Drug (AIFA). All patients provided written informed consent.Results: Overall, 52 pts were enrolled from September 2020 to April 2021; 48 were evaluated for efficacy and safety; 4 pts were excluded due to screen failure (n=2) or withdrawal of informed consent at day 2 after defibrotide was initiated (n=2). Median age was 60.5 years (range 53-71); 35 pts (73%) were male and 65% had comorbidities, with high blood pressure, obesity and COPD most common. Two pts had pre-existing diagnoses of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Median time from onset of COVID-19 symptoms and from Sars-COV2 PCR by nasal swab to enrollment were 8 (range 7-10) and 3 days (range 1-6), respectively. All pts were hospitalized and scale 5 of 8-category ordinal scale by WHO criteria, requiring noninvasive ventilation with CPAP or high-flow oxygen, with a median P/F ratio of 211 (range 134-275) mmHg. At treatment start, the median and (range) lymphocyte counts, LDH, CRP, ferritin, D-dimer and IL-6 were 0.7 (0.5-0.9) x 10e9/L; 404 (291-491) U/L; 49 (22-97) mg/L; 823 (363-1088) ng/ml; 0.44 (0.28-1.29) µg/mL and 20 (11-32), respectively.Median treatment duration was 8.5 days (range 6-11). Overall, 13/48 pts (27%) discontinued the treatment due to clinical worsening and/or need of further therapies: 9 pts experienced progressive respiratory failure and 6 of those were transferred to ICU for IOT (one pt required ECMO), and 4 required full anticoagulation due to pulmonary embolism (n=1), ischemic stroke (n=1), and femoral deep venous thrombosis (n=2). All pts who completed the treatment 35/48 (73%) were discharged with no need of oxygen support. Overall, 14 SAEs have been reported in a median time of 6 days (range 2-10): all unrelated to DF. No pts experienced hemorrhagic events. The incidence of RFR at day 14 was 25 (+/- 6)%, and at day 28, 27 (+/- 6) %. Probability of OS at day 28 was 89 (+/-4) %, at day 60 83 (+/- 5)%. Overall, 8 pts died from COVID-19 -related complications. No pts required re-admission after hospital discharge (median 14 days) or died after discharge.Conclusion: Treatment with DF in pts with grade 5 WHO COVID 19 ARDS does not induce bleeding, and is associated with rapid restoration of respiratory function (73% of pts). Notably, no oxygen support was needed at discharge and a 1-month OS rate of 89% was observed, which is higher than historical controls (77%) treated in the same setting. DisclosuresRichardson: Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Protocol Intelligence: Consultancy; Secura Bio: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Celgene/BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy. Ciceri: IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele: Current Employment. Carlo-Stella: Incyte: Honoraria; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ADC Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Oncology: Honoraria; Karyopharm Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Neurological Manifestations and Outcomes in a Retrospective Cohort of Mexican Inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Design of a Risk Profile.

We analyzed the neurological manifestations in Mexican patients hospitalized with pneumonia due to COVID-19 and investigated the association between demographic, clinical, and biochemical variables and outcomes, including death. A retrospective, analytical study was conducted using the electronic records of patients hospitalized between 1 April 2020 and 30 September 2020. Records of 1040 patients were analyzed: 31.25% died and 79.42% had neurological symptoms, including headache (80.62%), anosmia (32.20%), ageusia (31.96%), myopathy (28.08%), disorientation (14.89%), encephalopathy (12.22%), neuropathy (5.4%), stroke (1.3%), seizures (1.3%), cerebral hemorrhage (1.08%), encephalitis (0.84%), central venous thrombosis (0.36%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (0.24%). Patients also had comorbidities, such as hypertension (42.30%), diabetes mellitus (38.74%), obesity (61.34%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.17%), and asthma (2.01%). Factors associated with neurological symptoms were dyspnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, advanced respiratory support, prolonged hospitalization, and worsening fibrinogen levels. Factors associated with death were older age, advanced respiratory support, amine management, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, intensive care unit management, dyspnea, disorientation, encephalopathy, hypertension, neuropathy, diabetes, male sex, three or more neurological symptoms, and obesity grade 3. In this study we designed a profile to help predict patients at higher risk of developing neurological complications and death following COVID-19 infection.

Clinical Sign-Based Rapid Response Team Call Criteria for Identifying Patients Requiring Intensive Care Management in Japan.

Background and Objectives: For effective function of the rapid response system (RRS), prompt identification of patients at a high risk of cardiac arrest and RRS activation without hesitation are important. This study aimed to identify clinical factors that increase the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) transfer and cardiac arrest to identify patients who are likely to develop serious conditions requiring ICU management and appropriate RRS activation in Japan. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-center, case control study among patients requiring a rapid response team (RRT) call from 2017 to 2020. We extracted the demographic data, vital parameters, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) from the medical records at the time of RRT call. The patients were divided into two groups to identify clinical signs that correlated with the progression of clinical deterioration. Patient characteristics in the two groups were compared using statistical tests based on the distribution. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the appropriate cut-off values of vital parameters or FiO2 that showed a significant difference between-group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient factors that were predictive of RRS necessity. Results: We analyzed the data of 65 patients who met our hospital’s RRT call criteria. Among the clinical signs in RRT call criteria, respiratory rate (RR) (p < 0.01) and the needed FiO2 were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in patients with severe disease course. ROC curve analysis revealed RR and needed FiO2 cut-off values of 25.5 breaths/min and 30%. The odds ratio for the progression of clinical deterioration was 40.5 times higher with the combination of RR ≥ 26 breaths/min and needed FiO2 ≥ 30%. Conclusions: The combined use of RR ≥ 26 breaths/min and needed FiO2 ≥ 30% might be valid for identifying patients requiring intensive care management.

Targeted neonatal echocardiography service in neonatal intensive care in Manitoba, Canada.

To evaluate the impact of a targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) service on patient management in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU)in Winnipeg, Canada. Retrospective cohort study of neonates who had TNEs from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was the change in clinical management based on TNE recommendation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the primary outcome. A total of 747 echos were performed on 307 neonates. Patent ductus arteriosus assessment was the most common indication for TNE followed by evaluation of pulmonary hypertension and systemic hemodynamics. TNE led to a change in clinical management following 492 (66%) echos. Mechanical ventilation [Odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7-3.4, P < 0.001) and receiving inhaled nitric oxide (1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-3.0, P = 0.003) were the predictors for the change in clinical management following TNE. TNE has enhanced patient care by altering the management of patients in the NICU.

Pain Assessment and Management in Pediatric Intensive Care Units Around the World, an International, Multicenter Study.

The adequate assessment and management of pain remains a challenging task in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Our goal is to describe how pain is assessed and managed in PICUs around the world and to examine how human and material resources impact achievement of this goal. An international multicenter cross-sectional observational study was designed with the participation of 34 PICUs located in urban, suburban, and rural areas of 18 countries. We evaluated how PICUs around the world assessed and managed pain according to the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care recommendations, and how human and material resources impacted achievement of this goal. Data was collected for this study from 2016 to 2018 using questionnaires completed by medical doctors and nurses. In this paper, we focus on the indicators related to how pain is managed and assessed. The average achievement of the goal of pain relief across all centers was 72.2% (SD: 21.1). We found a statistically significant trend of more effective pain management scores, routine assessment, proper documentation, and involvement of pain management experts by increasing country income. While there are efforts being made worldwide to improve the knowledge in pain assessment and management, there is a lack of resources to do so appropriately in low-middle-income countries. There is a mismatch between the existing guidelines and policies, which are mainly designed in high income countries, and the resources available in lower resourced environments.

Clinical and Laboratory Profile of COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients With a Complicated Post-Intensive Care Unit Hospital Course

Background: Characteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) downgrades who experience a complicated post-ICU ward course (ICU return or floor death) and the incidence of this phenomenon have not been examined in ICU survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The aim of the present study was to establish the rate of a complicated post-ICU ward course among survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia and describe the associated patient, ICU management, and serum biomarker characteristics. An additional aim was to compare these parameters between those who experienced a complicated post-ICU course and those who did not. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who were admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia and were downgraded to a hospital floor at the end of their initial ICU stay. Patients were divided based on a complicated or uncomplicated post-ICU course. Groups were compared with respect to relevant clinical variables. Serum biomarker levels were compared on day of ICU exit and were trended in the days preceding the downgrade. Ward stay of patients who had a complicated course was examined for notable floor events surrounding their decompensation. Results: Eighteen out of 99 downgraded patients (18%) experienced a complicated post-ICU course, among them there were 14 returns (14%) and four deaths (4%). They had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score, as well as higher D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) at ICU departure. They were less likely to have received therapeutic anticoagulation and convalescent plasma during their ICU stay. On multivariable analysis, these parameters except D-dimer remained independently associated with a complicated course. Review of biomarker trends preceding ICU exit demonstrated an upward trajectory of D-dimer, CRP, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the complicated course group not mirrored by the uncomplicated course group. Examination of notable floor events leading up to decompensation revealed that in 50% the ward course was characterized by new cardiac disturbances. Conclusions: Our rate of ward death among ICU downgrades was similar to pre-COVID data, but the rate of ICU return was higher. Complicated post-ICU course patients were exhibiting upward biomarker trends at ICU exit, and their ward stay was punctuated by acute cardiac abnormalities. J Clin Med Res. 2021;13(10-11):487-496 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4555

Clinical and Laboratory Profile of COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients With a Complicated Post-Intensive Care Unit Hospital Course.

BackgroundCharacteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) downgrades who experience a complicated post-ICU ward course (ICU return or floor death) and the incidence of this phenomenon have not been examined in ICU survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The aim of the present study was to establish the rate of a complicated post-ICU ward course among survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia and describe the associated patient, ICU management, and serum biomarker characteristics. An additional aim was to compare these parameters between those who experienced a complicated post-ICU course and those who did not.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients who were admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia and were downgraded to a hospital floor at the end of their initial ICU stay. Patients were divided based on a complicated or uncomplicated post-ICU course. Groups were compared with respect to relevant clinical variables. Serum biomarker levels were compared on day of ICU exit and were trended in the days preceding the downgrade. Ward stay of patients who had a complicated course was examined for notable floor events surrounding their decompensation.ResultsEighteen out of 99 downgraded patients (18%) experienced a complicated post-ICU course, among them there were 14 returns (14%) and four deaths (4%). They had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score, as well as higher D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) at ICU departure. They were less likely to have received therapeutic anticoagulation and convalescent plasma during their ICU stay. On multivariable analysis, these parameters except D-dimer remained independently associated with a complicated course. Review of biomarker trends preceding ICU exit demonstrated an upward trajectory of D-dimer, CRP, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the complicated course group not mirrored by the uncomplicated course group. Examination of notable floor events leading up to decompensation revealed that in 50% the ward course was characterized by new cardiac disturbances.ConclusionsOur rate of ward death among ICU downgrades was similar to pre-COVID data, but the rate of ICU return was higher. Complicated post-ICU course patients were exhibiting upward biomarker trends at ICU exit, and their ward stay was punctuated by acute cardiac abnormalities.

Airway Management and Risk Factors for Prolonged Intubation in Patients with Severe Croup

AbstractCroup is a common respiratory illness in children with a substantial variation in the severity of symptoms. Most of the patients present with mild symptoms, but patients with severe croup require intensive care unit (ICU) management. The aim of this study was to investigate the airway management of patients with severe croup who required intubation and determine the risk factors for prolonged intubation. We performed an 18-year retrospective observational cohort study at the pediatric ICU of a tertiary children's hospital in Japan. A total of 16 patients with croup who were intubated for upper airway obstruction were included in the study. Most patients (13of 16, 81%) were intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) smaller than their age-appropriate size. The median difference in the internal diameter (ID) between the selected ETT and the age-appropriate size was 1.0 mm (interquartile range: 0.5–1.0). Multivariate analysis performed on factors affecting the cumulative incidence of extubation revealed that the difference in ID between the selected ETT and age-appropriate size (mm) significantly reduced the duration of intubation (hazard ratio: 0.092, p = 0.03). A downsized ETT without a cuff may be recommended for intubation of patients with croup.

Increasing ICU capacity to accommodate higher demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ObjectivesTo describe the short term ability of Australian intensive care units (ICUs) to increase capacity in response to heightened demand caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignSurvey of ICU directors or delegated senior clinicians (disseminated 30 August 2021), supplemented by Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) registry data.SettingAll 194 public and private Australian ICUs.Main outcome measuresNumbers of currently available and potentially available ICU beds in case of a surge; available levels of ICU‐relevant equipment and staff.ResultsAll 194 ICUs responded to the survey. The total number of currently open staffed ICU beds was 2183. This was 195 fewer (8.2%) than in 2020; the decline was greater for rural/regional (18%) and private ICUs (18%). The reported maximal ICU bed capacity (5623) included 813 additional physical ICU bed spaces and 2627 in surge areas outside ICUs. The number of available ventilators (7196) exceeded the maximum number of ICU beds. The reported number of available additional nursing staff would facilitate the immediate opening of 383 additional physical ICU beds (47%), but not the additional bed spaces outside ICUs.ConclusionsThe number of currently available staffed ICU beds is lower than in 2020. Equipment shortfalls have been remediated, with sufficient ventilators to equip every ICU bed. ICU capacity can be increased in response to demand, but is constrained by the availability of appropriately trained staff. Fewer than half the potentially additional physical ICU beds could be opened with currently available staff numbers while maintaining pre‐pandemic models of care.