Mechanical Ventilation Dependency Research Articles

Hemoperfusion with high-affinity polyethylene microbeads (Seraph-100®) for the removal of pathogens in chronic critically ill patients: Clinical experience.

Critically ill septic patients present variable clinical trajectories, with some succumbing to hyperinflammatory responses while others develop a chronic critical illness, characterized by a prolonged low-grade inflammation, muscle atrophy, and mechanical ventilation dependency and often develop secondary infections often caused by from low-virulence microorganisms or reactivated latent viruses. The Seraph-100® hemoperfusion cartridge takes advantage from heparin-coated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene microbeads mimicking pathogen-binding cell receptors and can adsorb both pathogens and damage-associated molecular patterns released by injured tissues. We describe two chronic critically ill patients who developed secondary viral bloodstream infections successfully treated with this device.

Risk factors for mortality in brain injury patients who have severe hypernatremia and received continuous venovenous hemofiltration

Background and objectivesThe mortality rate for people with brain injuries is increased when hypernatremia is present. Patients with severe hypernatremia, who have a significant short-term mortality rate, were shown to benefit from continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH), which has been indicated to be successful. Exploring the risk factors for short-term mortality in brain injury patients who underwent CVVH and had severe hypernatremia was the aim of the current study. Materials and methodsRetrospective screening was performed on patients with brain injuries who underwent CVVH at Xijing Hospital between 1 December 2010 and 31 December 2021 and who have a diagnosis of severe hypernatremia. The outcomes included 28-day patient mortality and hospital stay duration. The patient survival rate was examined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. To determine the risk factors for short-term death for patients, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis models were used. ResultsOur current study included a total of 83 individuals. The included patients had a median age of 49 (IQR 35–59) years. Of the included patients, 58 patients (69.9 %) died within 28 days. The median length of hospital stay for the patient was 13 (IQR 7–21) days. The APACHE II score, SOFA score, GCS, PLT count, INR, stroke, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor reliance were related to 28-day mortality according to the univariate Cox analysis. INR (HR = 1.004, 95 % Cl: 1.001–1.006, P = 0.008), stroke (HR = 1.971, 95 % Cl: 1.031–3.768, P = 0.04), mechanical ventilation (HR = 3.948, 95 % Cl: 1.090–14.294, P = 0.036), and vasopressor dependency (HR = 2.262, 95 % Cl: 1.099–4.655, P = 0.027) were independently associated with the risk of 28-day death rates, according to multivariate Cox regression analysis. ConclusionsBrain injuries who have severe hypernatremia requires CVVH, which has high short-term patient mortality. Mechanical ventilation, INR increase, stroke, and vasopressor dependence are independently associated with increased patient mortality risk.

Safety and Efficacy of Selenium on Recovery of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Various micronutrients have been used to manage patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, data on the potential benefits of selenium for COVID-19 patients are scarce. Objectives: This study was conducted to monitor the efficacy and safety of selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, Iran, in 2021. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 100 COVID-19 cases were included and divided into two groups: The selenium group (n = 50) was prescribed the hospital treatment protocol as well as selenium supplementation in a daily dose of 200 µg, and the control group (n = 50) that received only the hospital treatment protocol. Laboratory tests, including platelet, white blood count (WBC), hemoglobin, ferritin, c-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were performed before the trial and on the 14th day. Two groups were compared based on laboratory findings, duration of hospitalization, and dependency on mechanical ventilation. Results: In the selenium group, platelets, WBC, and hemoglobin rose remarkably compared to their pre-treatment concentrations (P < 0.05), while a considerable drop was detected in levels of ESR, CRP, and ferritin (P < 0.05). The mean length of stay in the selenium and control groups was 9.27 ± 13.50 and 11.45 ± 14.33 days, respectively (P = 0.401). The mean mechanical ventilation dependency days in the selenium and control groups were 9.65 ± 11.71 and 7.45 ± 4.93, respectively, implying no statistically significant difference (P = 0.307). Conclusions: Selenium supplement may reduce levels of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, further trials are required to monitor its clinical effectiveness.

Respiratory Musculature Evaluated by Computed Tomography in the Setting of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.

Diaphragm atrophy has been observed in subjects who undergo invasive mechanical ventilation. We propose a new method to assess for respiratory muscle (RM) changes in subjects who undergo invasive mechanical ventilation by assessing for changes in respiratory muscles through computed tomography (CT). A retrospective case series study was conducted on subjects who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation and received at least 2 chest CT scans during admission. Exclusion criteria included history of chronic mechanical ventilation dependence and neuromuscular disease. Respiratory muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at the T6 vertebrae. Fourteen subjects were included: mean (± SD) age, BMI, and admission APACHE II scores were 54.0 y (± 14.9), 32.6 kg/m2 (± 10.9), and 23.5 (± 6.0), respectively. Ten (71%) subjects were male. Mean length of time between CT chest scans was 7.5 d (± 3.3). Mean duration of invasive mechanical ventilation was 4.5 d (± 3.4). The percentage change in TM CSA among those who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation was 10.5% (± 6.1). We demonstrated that serial analysis of respiratory muscle CSA through CT chest scans can be a method to assess for respiratory muscle atrophy in subjects undergoing mechanical ventilation. Future prospective studies involving larger populations are needed to better understand how this method can be used to predict outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients.

(1180) A Case of Successful Lung Transplantation Following 10 Months of Mechanical Ventilator Dependence

(1180) A Case of Successful Lung Transplantation Following 10 Months of Mechanical Ventilator Dependence

Predictive factors for respiratory failure and in-hospital mortality after surgery for spinal metastasis

PurposeSpinal metastasis surgeries carry substantial risk of complications. PRF is among complications that significantly increase mortality rate and length of hospital stay. The risk factor of PRF after spinal metastasis surgery has not been investigated. This study aims to identify the predictors of postoperative respiratory failure (PRF) and in-hospital death after spinal metastasis surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with spinal metastasis surgically treated between 2008 and 2018. PRF was defined as mechanical ventilator dependence > 48 h postoperatively (MVD) or unplanned postoperative intubation (UPI). Collected data include demographics, laboratory data, radiographic and operative data, and postoperative complications. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors independently associated with PRFs and in-hospital death.ResultsThis study included 236 patients (average age 57 ± 14 years, 126 males). MVD and UPI occurred in 13 (5.5%) patients and 13 (5.5%) patients, respectively. During admission, 14 (5.9%) patients had died postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant predictors of MVD included intraoperative blood loss > 2000 mL (odds ratio [OR] 12.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.88–52.36), surgery involving cervical spine (OR 9.58, 95% CI 1.94–47.25), and ASA classification ≥ 4 (OR 6.59, 95% CI 1.85–23.42). The predictive factors of UPI included postoperative sepsis (OR 20.48, 95% CI 3.47–120.86), central nervous system (CNS) metastasis (OR 10.21, 95% CI 1.42–73.18), lung metastasis (OR 7.18, 95% CI 1.09–47.4), and postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 6.85, 95% CI 1.44–32.52). The predictive factors of in-hospital death included postoperative sepsis (OR 13.15, 95% CI 2.92–59.26), CNS metastasis (OR 10.55, 95% CI 1.54–72.05), and postoperative pulmonary complications (OR 9.87, 95% CI 2.35–41.45).ConclusionPRFs and in-hospital death are not uncommon after spinal metastasis surgery. Predictive factors for PRFs included preoperative comorbidities, intraoperative massive blood loss, and postoperative complications. Identification of risk factors may help guide therapeutic decision-making and patient counseling.

Direct Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Bridged Heart Transplantation: The Importance of Multi-Organ Failure.

Recently, approximately 40% of all heart transplantation (HTx) in South Korea are performed using the direct extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) bridging method. We conducted a study to examine the clinical outcome of direct ECMO-bridged HTx and to investigate the impact of multi-organ failure (MOF). From June 2014 to September 2022, a total of 96 adult patients who underwent isolated HTx at a single tertiary hospital were included in the study. The patients were sub-grouped into ECMO (n=48) and non-ECMO group (n=48), and the ECMO group was subdivided into awake (n=22) and non-awake (n=26) groups based on mechanical ventilator (MV) dependency. Baseline characteristics, 30-day, and 1-year mortality were analyzed retrospectively. The 1-year survival rate was significantly lower in the ECMO group (72.9% vs. 95.8%, p=0.002). There was a significant difference in the 30-day survival rate between the awake and non-awake ECMO groups (81.8% vs. 65.4%, p=0.032). In the univariate analysis of logistic regression for 1-year mortality, the odds ratio was 8.5 for ECMO bridged HTx compared to the non-ECMO group, 12.3 in patients who required MV (p=0.003), and 23 with additional hemodialysis (p<0.001). Patients who required MV in ECMO bridged HTx showed higher preoperative MOF rates and early mortality than those extubated. When considering ECMO bridged HTx, the severity of MOF should be thoroughly investigated, and careful patient selection is necessary.

Anaerobic Lung Abscess with Complex Empyema

A 51-year-old man with advanced ALS and home mechanical ventilator dependence presented with fever, tachycardia, hypotension and leukocytosis. Chest radiograph showed a large left pleural effusion (Figure 1) and an unenhanced chest CT confirmed a loculated effusion with gas bubbles (Figure 2) and large air-fluid level (Figure 3).

Outcomes Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy.

IntroductionAcute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in up to 10%-30% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. AKI patients who require renal replacement therapy (RRT) often have concurrent respiratory failure and represent a high-mortality-risk population. The authors sought to describe outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AKI requiring RRT and determine factors associated with poor outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AKI requiring RRT during the period from March 14, 2020, to September 30, 2020, was performed at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. RRT was defined as conventional hemodialysis and/or continuous renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was hospitalization mortality, and secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, and dialysis dependence among discharged patients. Hospitalization mortality risk ratios were estimated up to 30 days from RRT initiation. ResultsA total of 167 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were identified with AKI requiring RRT. The study population had a mean age of 60.7 years and included 71.3% male patients and 60.5% Hispanic patients. Overall, 114 (68.3%) patients died during their hospitalization. Among patients with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values of ≥ 60, 30-59, and < 30 mL/min, the mortality rates were 76.8%, 78.1%, and 50.0%, respectively. Among the 53 patients who survived to hospital discharge, 29 (54.7%) continued to require RRT. Compared to patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min, the adjusted 30-day hospitalization mortality risk ratios (95% CI) were 1.38 (0.90-2.12) and 1.54 (1.06-2.25) for eGFR values of 30-59 and ≥ 60, respectively. ConclusionAmong a diverse cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with AKI requiring RRT, survival to discharge was low. Greater mortality was observed among patients with higher baseline kidney function. Most of the patients discharged alive continued to be dialysis-dependent.

Efficacy and safety of fibrinogen administration in acute post-traumatic hypofibrinogenemia in isolated severe traumatic brain injury: A randomized clinical trial

AimThis study was conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes after fibrinogen administration in hypofibrinogenemia following severe traumatic brain injury. BackgroundPost traumatic coagulopathy (PTC) is a common but devastating medical condition in patients with severe head injury. Hypofibrinogenemia is considered as an indicator for poor clinical outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI). MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial (RCT), primarily 137 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow coma scale score: GCS < 9) were enrolled. Thereafter, their plasma fibrinogen level was measured. The patients with primary hypofibrinogenemia (<200 mg/dL) with no concurrent coagulopathy were randomly allocated into fibrinogen-receiving (n = 50) and control (n = 54) groups. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. ResultsSeventy-one patients were analyzed in the final step of the study. The mean value for age in fibrinogen and control groups was 25.64 ± 10.71 and 28.91 ± 12.25 years old, respectively. Male – female patients in both groups were equally distributed. In the fibrinogen receiving group, GCS scores were significantly higher after 24, 48, and 72 h compared to the control group (p = 0.000). Hematoma expansion was better controlled in the fibrinogen receiving group (p = 0.000). Notably, the number needed to treat (NNT) for fibrinogen infusion and hematoma expansion control was 2.3. Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOSE) was significantly better in the fibrinogen group (p = 0.25). Multiple regression tests showed intracerebral hematoma (ICH) and severe brain edema had the most detrimental effect on GOSE outcomes. The need for cranial surgery, hospital stay duration, mechanical ventilator dependency, in hospital and 90-day post discharge mortality rates were similar in both study groups. ConclusionIn severe TBI, hypofibrinogenemia correction (>200 mg/dL) could improve GOSE, GCS score progression within 3 days after primary head injury and hematoma expansion controllability.

Abordagem fisioterapêutica e perfil dos pacientes assistidos na unidade cirúrgica do pronto-socorro de um hospital terciário do Distrito Federal

Abstract Introduction The emergency room (ER) is the main entry door for the care of critically ill patients. The inclusion of physiotherapists in these sectors is being consolidated in Brazil. Objective To characterize the physiotherapeutic approach and the clinical-functional profile of patients in the ER surgical unit of a tertiary hospital. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted from August to December of 2020. Clinical and functional data, and the main physiotherapeutic procedures performed, were collected. Analyses were conducted by means of the Friedman and Pearson Correlation tests, using SPSS software v.23. Results The sample included 98 patients, 68% male, mean age of 52 ± 19 years. The most common (64%) physiotherapeutic diagnosis was central nervous system (CNS) deficiency with mechanical ventilation (MV) dependence. The mean time of MV use was 4 ± 5 days. Association (p &lt; 0.05) between MV time and admission in the emergency department (r = 0.972) and between MV time and age (r = 0.330) was identified. The most used physiotherapeutic actions were: suction (69%), lung re-expansion therapy (51%), and bed kinesiotherapy (37%). Conclusion Adult men with CNS-related disabilities were the principal patient profile. The physiotherapeutic action in the surgical emergency unit was diverse, with application of motor and respiratory techniques, and the predominant activity was the management and maintenance of MV.

Presentation of SARS-CoV-2 in a Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipient with Multiple Underlying Comorbidities

A six-year-old heart transplant recipient with additional significant co-morbidities, including severe hypoxic-ischemic injury, gastrostomy, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation dependency, encountered SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient received tacrolimus and mycophenolate to prevent graft rejection, presented initially with SARS-CoV-2 positive and presumed pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia. Twenty-three days later, the patient presented with fever recurrence with evidence for systemic inflammation, which resolved rapidly with high-dose methylprednisolone. Interestingly, while IgM to SARS-CoV-2 was present, IgG was not detected even three months after his first positive test for SARS-CoV-2. The author discusses potential immune mechanisms that might have affected the course of multi-system inflammatory syndrome children (MIS-C) in this patient.

Emergency surgical tracheotomy in the era of COVID-19 pandemic

At the beginning of 2020 a novel variant of coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, was identified as responsible for the development of severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with very high mortality, exceeding 30%. The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), was declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11th, 2020. Patients affected by COVID-19 may present with subtle, specific symptoms, but the sudden onset of life-threatening acute respiratory failure is not uncommon. The peculiarities of the disease combined with the single patient’s comorbidities, e.g. advanced age and cardiovascular diseases, plus hypoxia and hypotension secondary to ARDS, and multiorgan failure, may lead to unexpected difficulties in the case of tracheal intubation. The occurrence of the ‘Cannot-Intubate-Cannot-Oxygenate’ (CICO) scenario in COVID-19 patients represents a hazard not only for the patients but also for the assisting healthcare workers due to the high risk of aerosol-generating infected particles during conventional rescue airway procedures. While international consensus guidelines on the management of CICO scenario in COVID-19 patients are still lacking, there is evidence that both scalpel cricothyrotomy (CT) and open surgical tracheotomy (OST) represent valid alternatives for the establishment of a front-of-neck emergency airway. Primary CT requires a staged conversion to formal tracheotomy; conversely, OST represents a definitive mastery of the airway in COVID-19 patients in case of prolonged mechanical ventilation dependency, avoiding a second procedure and further exposure to aerosols. Furthermore, in patients with facial trauma and/or head and neck tumors, OST allows obtaining safe airway control. In the context of the current pandemic, emergency OST procedure in SARS-CoV-2 positives (or with unknown status) requires adequate arrangements and the use of proper personal protective equipment to limit risks for clinicians.

Impact of inhaled corticosteroids on the neurodevelopmental outcomes in chronically ventilated extremely low birth weight preterm infants

Few studies have assessed the long-term impact of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in preterm infants. This study evaluated the neurodevelopmental outcomes of chronically ventilated extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants exposed to ICS. The medical records of ELBW preterm infants admitted to two tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed. Infants intubated for more than 28 days were included. The neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared at 24 months corrected age, between those with ICS exposure (inhaled group, IH) and those without it (non-inhaled group, NIH), by using the Bayley-Scale-of-Infant-and-Toddler Development-III (BSID-III). Out of the 115 infants included, 64 had an ICS exposure. The incidence of the morbidities at the time of discharge, was comparable between the two groups, except for the duration of oxygen and mechanical ventilation dependence (IH 124.8±40.3 days vs. NIH: 101.0±28.6 days, p<0.001 and IH 60.0±25.8 days vs. NIH: 42.3±14.2 days, p<0.001, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis at 24 months corrected age revealed no significant differences in the BSID-III scores and in the incidence of cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental impairment. The late ICS exposure was not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment at 24 months corrected age in chronically ventilated ELBW infants; however, it did not reduce the duration of their dependence on oxygen and mechanical ventilation.

The Da Silva cone operation after the Starnes procedure for Ebstein's anomaly: New surgical strategy and initial results.

The Da Silva cone operation after the Starnes procedure for Ebstein's anomaly: New surgical strategy and initial results.

Outcomes of Neonates With Complex Medical Needs.

Children with complex medical needs (CMN) are high healthcare resource utilizers, have varying underlying diagnoses, and experience repeated hospitalizations. Outcomes on neonatal intensive care (NICU) patients with CMN are unknown. The primary aim is to describe the clinical profile, resource use, prevalence, and both in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes of neonates with CMN. The secondary aim is to assess the feasibility of sustaining the use of the neonatal complex care team (NCCT). A retrospective cohort study was conducted after implementing a new model of care for neonates with CMN in the NICU. All neonates born between January 2013 and December 2016 and who met the criteria for CMN and were cared for by the NCCT were included. One hundred forty-seven neonates with a mean (standard deviation) gestational age of 34 (5) weeks were included. The major underlying diagnoses were genetic/chromosomal abnormalities (48%), extreme prematurity (26%), neurological abnormality (12%), and congenital anomalies (11%). Interventions received included mechanical ventilation (69%), parenteral nutrition (68%), and technology dependency at discharge (91%). Mortality was 3% before discharge and 17% after discharge. Postdischarge hospital attendances included emergency department visits (44%) and inpatient admissions (58%), which involved pediatric intensive care unit admissions (26%). Neonates with CMN have multiple comorbidities, high resource needs, significant postdischarge mortality, and rehospitalization rates. These cohorts of NICU patients can be identified early during their NICU course and serve as targets for implementing innovative care models to meet their unique needs. Future studies should explore the feasibility of implementing innovative care models and their potential impact on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Impact of chest radiography-based definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bubbly/cystic appearance on chest radiograph is an important factor in severe-type bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the perinatal characteristics and neonatal complications of the bubbly/cystic(+) group in extremely preterm infants with BPD, that is, oxygen dependency at day 28 after birth (BPD28). This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of population data from infants (birthweight, <1,500 g) enrolled in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan. Of the 15 480 infants born at <28 weeks' gestational age (GA) between 2003 and 2012, 8,979 met the BPD28 criteria. The BPD28 infants were classified according to bubbly/cystic appearance on radiograph (±) at >28 postnatal days. The bubbly/cystic(+) group had lower GA and birthweight and required longer mechanical ventilation and oxygen dependency than the bubbly/cystic(-) group. After adjustment for confounding factors, bubbly/cystic appearance was an independent risk factor for home oxygen therapy at discharge. Bubbly/cystic appearance on chest radiograph was a predictor of short-term respiratory outcomes in infants with BPD28, which is diagnosed much earlier (≥28 postnatal days), and has a potentially different etiology to BPD36 (oxygen and/or positive pressure respiratory support dependency at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age).

Factors Associated with Mortality in Immunocompetent Patients with Hospital-acquired Pneumonia.

Aim:The aim of the study is to determine the factors associated with 28-day mortality in immunocompetent patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).Methods:This was a 42-month retrospective cohort study in Chiang Kham Hospital. Patients with HAP diagnosed between January 2013 and June 2016 who did not have an immunocompromised status were recruited into the study.Statistical Analysis Used:Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with mortality in patients with HAP.Results:A total of 181 HAP patients. The most causative pathogens were nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli. Fifty-two (28.7%) patients had died within 28 days after HAP diagnosis. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that mechanical ventilation (MV) dependency (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–8.37, P = 0.003), antibiotic duration (adjusted OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.70–0.88, P < 0.001), acute kidney injury (adjusted OR = 5.93, 95% CI 1.29–27.22, P = 0.022), and hematologic diseases (adjusted OR = 11.45, 95% CI 1.61–81.50, P = 0.015) were the significant factors associated with 28-day mortality.Conclusions:The factors associated with mortality were MV dependency, HAP duration of treatment, acute kidney injury, and hematologic disease. Early recognition of these factors in immunocompetent patients with HAP and treatment with intensive care may improve the outcome.

Oscillatory respiratory mechanics on the first day of life improves prediction of respiratory outcomes in extremely preterm newborns.

We aimed to evaluate if lung mechanics measured by forced oscillatory technique (FOT) during the first day of life help identify extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs) at risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and oxygen dependency. Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was increased 2 cmH2O above the clinically set PEEP, then decreased by four 5-min steps of 1 cmH2O, and restored at the clinical value. At each PEEP, FOT measurements were performed bedside during MV. Changes in respiratory mechanics with PEEP, clinical parameters, and chest radiographs were evaluated. Twenty-two newborns (24+4 ± 1+4 wks gestational age (GA); birth weight 653 ± 166 g) on assist/control ventilation were studied. Infants were ventilated for 40 ± 36 d (range 1-155 d), 11 developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and one died before 28 d. Early lung mechanics correlated with days on MV, days of respiratory support, and BPD grade. Effects of increasing PEEP on oscillatory reactance assessed by FOT together with GA and radiographic score predicted days on MV (multilinear model, r2 = 0.73). A logistic model considering the same FOT parameter together with GA predicts BPD development. FOT can be applied bedside in ELGANs, where early changes in lung mechanics with PEEP improve clinical prediction of respiratory outcomes.

Ventilator Dependence Risk Score for the Prediction of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Who Survive Sepsis/Septic Shock with Respiratory Failure

We intended to develop a scoring system to predict mechanical ventilator dependence in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock with respiratory failure. This study evaluated 251 adult patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs) between August 2013 to October 2015, who had survived for over 21 days and received aggressive treatment. The risk factors for ventilator dependence were determined. We then constructed a ventilator dependence (VD) risk score using the identified risk factors. The ventilator dependence risk score was calculated as the sum of the following four variables after being adjusted by proportion to the beta coefficient. We assigned a history of previous stroke, a score of one point, platelet count less than 150,000/μL a score of one point, pH value less than 7.35 a score of two points, and the fraction of inspired oxygen on admission day 7 over 39% as two points. The area under the curve in the derivation group was 0.725 (p < 0.001). We then applied the VD risk score for validation on 175 patients. The area under the curve in the validation group was 0.658 (p = 0.001). VD risk score could be applied to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock.