Mechanical Ventilation For Respiratory Failure Research Articles

Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with early rehabilitation therapy on mechanically ventilated patients: a prospective randomized controlled study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) blended with early rehabilitation on the diaphragm and skeletal muscle in sufferers on mechanical ventilation (MV).MethodThis is a prospective randomized controlled study. Eighty patients on MV for respiratory failure were divided into a study group (40 cases) and a control group (40 cases) randomly. The study group adopted a treatment method of NMES combined with early rehabilitation and the control group adopted the method of early rehabilitation only. The diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), variation of thickness of intercostal muscles (TIM), variation of thickness of rectus abdominis (TRA), and variation of the cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect by ultrasound before and after intervention at the first day of MV, the 3rd and 7th day of intervention and the day discharged from ICU.ResultsNo significant difference was found in the general demographic information and ultrasound indicators between the two groups before treatment (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the variation of DTF (0.15 ± 0.05% vs. 0.12 ± 0.04%, P = 0.034) was significantly higher in the study group than that in the control group on the day discharged from ICU. The variation of TRA (0.05 ± 0.09% vs. 0.10 ± 0.11%, P = 0.029) and variation of CSA-RF (0.13 ± 0.07% vs. 0.19 ± 0.08%, P < 0.001) in the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group. The duration of MV in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [109.5 (88.0, 213.0) hours vs. 189.5 (131.5, 343.5) hours, P = 0.023]. The study group had better muscle strength score than the control group at discharge (52.20 ± 11.70 vs. 44.10 ± 15.70, P = 0.011).ConclusionNMES combined with early rehabilitation therapy is beneficial in reducing muscle atrophy and improving muscle strength in mechanically ventilated patients. This treatment approach may provide a new option for patients to choose a rehabilitation program; however, more research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment option.

Open Versus Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: Analysis of a Nationwide Database.

Evidence for the appropriate type of tracheostomy in patients with liver cirrhosis is lacking. A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was performed. Adult patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing tracheostomy while on mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure were abstracted from the NIS database between 2016 and 2018 and analyzed. Patients were divided according to the type of tracheostomy performed into open tracheostomy (OT) and percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) and analyzed for tracheostomy complications and clinical outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with compensated cirrhosis (CC) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC). A total of 44745 cases were analyzed. The OT group had a higher rate of overall tracheostomy-related complications (TC) (5.1% vs 3.5%; P < .001), hemorrhage from the tracheostomy site (HC) (2.7% vs 1.8%; P = .008) and other complications (OC) (2.7% vs 1.8%, P = .003). Multivariate analyses showed that OT was a risk factor for TC (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.50, P < .001), HC (AOR 1.46, P = .009), and OC (AOR 1.55, P = .003). Similarly, in subgroup analyses, OT cases, compared to PT, were associated with increased TC (5.0% vs 3.4%, P < .001), HC (2.7% vs 1.7%, P = .002) and OC (2.6% vs 1.8%, P = .020) in DC patients. OT is associated with a significantly higher rate of complications. OT was also associated with more complications in DC patients, suggesting that a percutaneous approach may be the best option in cirrhotic patients when feasible.

405: A CASE OF CMV POLYRADICULOMYELITIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus. It can reside latent after primary infection and be reactivated at any time. Reactivation is most common in immunocompromised patients, though it can still occur in immunocompetent patients, often in the ICU in the setting of critical illness and typically limited to pneumonia or viremia. Neurologic infections are less common and primarily in immunocompromised patients. The following case is a unique presentation of polyradiculomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient, caused by CMV reactivation. Description: A 77-year-old male with hypertension was admitted for dyspnea and encephalopathy and treated for pneumonia. Lumbar puncture and head MRI were unremarkable. After 17 days, he was transferred to our institution and required mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to mucus plugging. After extubation two days later, he was noted to have new bilateral lower extremity flaccid paralysis and bowel incontinence. MRI revealed transverse myelitis from T6 through the conus medullaris, neuritis of all lumbar nerve roots, and significant cord edema. Repeat lumbar puncture was remarkable for CSF pleocytosis and positive CMV. Serum IgG was also positive for CMV. Findings were felt to be inconsistent with alternative diagnoses, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or Guillain-Barre. Ganciclovir, foscarnet, and dexamethasone were initiated. Patient ultimately required re-intubation and tracheostomy for inability to clear secretions. There was no improvement in his neurologic status by time of discharge to a long-term acute care facility. Discussion: Neurologic manifestations (meningitis, encephalitis, etc.) from CMV are usually only seen in immunocompromised patients. CMV causing a polyradiculomyelitis (besides the ascending paralysis associated with Guillain-Barre) is rare, especially so in this patient with a normal immune status. This case is uniquely relevant to the intensivist. The patient developed symptoms weeks after admission, indicating that it was likely his critical illness that put him at high risk for reactivation of a latent infection. Additionally, diffuse transverse myelitis placed him at high risk for respiratory compromise and irreversible respiratory failure.

重症COVID–19におけるデルタ株流行の影響と予後：単施設後方視研究(Prognostic impact of delta variant in COVID–19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation in comparison with other variants: a single center retrospective analysis)

ABSTRACT Background : Spike protein mutations are known to affect the infectivity and virulence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19). The number of severe COVID–19 cases and deaths has increased due to the Delta variant. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of severe COVID–19 patients. Methods: Fifty–three consecutively presenting patients requiring mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID–19 were seen at our institution between February 2020 and October 2021. We divided these patients into two groups: 13 patients admitted from July to October 2021 (the Delta period) and 40 patients admitted from February 2020 to June 2021 (the non–Delta period). We retrospectively compared overall survival between these groups (median observation period, 90 days). Results : All patients were unvaccinated. No L452R mutations were detected during the non–Delta period, whereas 10 (77%) such mutations were detected during the Delta period. Patient characteristics (non–Delta vs. Delta) were as follows: age, 68 vs. 56 years (P<0.01); body mass index, 27 vs. 30kg/m2 (P=0.02); P/F ratio (PaO2/FiO2), 136 vs. 80 (P<0.01); and days to hospitalization, 6 vs. 8 days (P=0.03). The 90–day survival rate was lower in the Delta group (71% vs. 37%, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that the Delta variant was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (hazard ratio 6.35, 95% confidence interval 1.96–20.6). Conclusion : Despite a younger patient age, survival rate was significantly worse in the Delta period. This is probably due to the infectivity and virulence of the Delta variant and delays in treatment caused by difficulty in transportation.

Peak value of serum KL-6 may be useful for predicting poor prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients

BackgroundSerum Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), which reflects alveolar epithelial injury, was reported to be useful to predict the progression of pneumonitis induced by COVID-19 in the early phase. This study aimed to evaluate the peak value of serum KL-6 during hospitalization for COVID-19 to discover a more useful biomarker for predicting prognosis in COVID-19 patients.MethodsIn this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we analyzed the data of 147 hospitalized patients who required supplemental oxygen, high-flow oxygen therapy, or invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 2021. We extracted data on patient sex, age, comorbidities, treatment, and biomarkers including the initial and peak values of KL-6. Inclusion criteria were examination of the studied biomarkers at least once within 3 days of admission, then at least once a week, and at a minimum, at least twice during the entire hospitalization. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was analyzed to determine the accuracy of several biomarkers including KL-6 and LDH for predicting poor prognosis defined as survivors requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for over 28 days or non-survivors of COVID-19. Univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the prognostic value of the baseline characteristics and biomarkers.ResultsAmong the 147 patients, 108 (73.5%) had a good prognosis and 39 (26.5%) had a poor prognosis. The AUC analysis indicated that peak KL-6 showed precise accuracy in the discrimination of patients with poor prognosis (AUC 0.89, p < 0.001). The best cut-off value for KL-6 concentration was 966 U/mL (sensitivity 81.6%, specificity84.3%). After adjustment, increasing peak values of KL-6 or LDH were associated with a high risk of poor prognosis, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.35 for peak value of KL-6, per 100 U/mL increase (95% CI 1.17–1.57, p < 0.001) and 2.16 for peak value of LDH, per 100 U/L increase (95% CI 1.46–3.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPeak values of KL-6 and LDH measured during hospitalization might help to identify COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure who are at higher risk for a poor prognosis.

Better Control of Body Temperature Is Not Associated with Improved Hemodynamic and Respiratory Parameters in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with Sepsis.

The need for temperature modulation (mostly cooling) in critically ill patients is based on the expected benefits associated with decreased metabolic demands. However, evidence-based guidelines for temperature management in a majority of critically ill patients with fever are still lacking. The aim of our retrospective single-site observational study was to determine the differences in ICU treatment between patients in whom their temperature remained within the target temperature range for ≥25% of time (inTT group) and patients in whom their temperature was outside the target temperature range for <24% of time (outTT group). We enrolled 76 patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure associated with sepsis. We observed no significant differences in survival, mechanical ventilation settings and duration, vasopressor support, renal replacement therapy and other parameters of treatment. Patients in the inTT group were significantly more frequently cooled with the esophageal cooling device, received a significantly lower cumulative dose of acetaminophen and significantly more frequently developed a presence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. In our study, achieving a better temperature control was not associated with any improvement in treatment parameters during ICU stay. A lower prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in patients with higher body temperatures opens a question of a pro-pyrexia approach with an aim to achieve better patient outcomes.

Analysis of Early Biomarkers Associated with the Development of Critical Respiratory Failure in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Certain biomarkers predict death due to acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients. We retrospectively analyzed biomarkers associated with time to mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (time-to-mechanical ventilation) in 135 consecutive patients in our hospital. We analyzed biomarkers that were elevated immediately (at admission) and later (3 days after admission) using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Independent biomarkers of time-to-mechanical ventilation were high C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) concentrations at admission and elevated CRP, high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1), and d-dimer levels and low platelets 3 days after admission. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for detecting the association between independent biomarkers associated with time-to-event in multivariate analyses and the start of mechanical ventilation revealed that these biomarkers had area under the curve values higher than 0.700. The present study suggests that CRP was the only biomarker associated with time-to-mechanical ventilation both at admission and 3 days after admission. Moreover, IL-6 (an inflammatory cytokine), HMGB-1 (a late inflammatory mediator), and KL-6 (reflecting injury and/or remodeling of type II pneumocytes) were associated with outcomes in COVID-19 as reported previously. In conclusion, increased CRP, IL-6, KL-6, HMGB-1, and d-dimer levels and decreased platelet counts were associated with the start of mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19.

Study on Guillain-Barré Syndrome in A Tertiary Level Military Hospital

Introduction: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, frequently severe and fulminant polyradiculopathy that is autoimmune in nature and that causes acute neuromascular failure. The condition is quite common in Bangladesh. GBS is an autoimmune and post-infectious immune disease. Objectives: To see the different presentation and outcome of GBS in combined military hospital (CMH) Dhaka. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted on all the GBS patients admitted in the Neurology Ward of CMH Dhaka from January 2005 to July 2010. Total 25 patients clinical and laboratory data including CSF analysis, electrophysiological study data were collected from patients’ case sheet. Results: Among the 25 GBS patients male was 22 (88%) and female 03(12%) and most common age group affected was 31-40 years comprising of 09(36%) patients. The most common types of GBS patients were acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) 17(68%) patients and 10(40%) patients were found to have history of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Albuminocytological dissociation was found in 20(80%) patients in CSF study. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was given to 13(52%) patients, of them 09(36%) patient needed mechanical ventilation; rest 12(48%) patients were treated conservatively. The final outcome was full recovery 22(88%) patients, 02(8%) patients had residual disability and only one patient died after 2 years of GBS. Conclusion: GBS is an important cause of peripheral neuropathy. Patient should be monitored carefully because a significant number of patients ultimately require mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure which may be of sudden onset. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 16, No 2 (December) 2020: 44-46

The Way of Severe Nursing of Respiratory System Failure.

Respiratory failure is the most common clinical symptom, seriously endangering people's health, which is mainly caused by a series of reasons, leading to serious respiratory dysfunction and severe pulmonary respiratory disorders, damaging the pulmonary airway function, and causing disability to maintain normal human gas exchange activities. At present, the main treatment of respiratory failure is to use the ventilator to help patients exchange gas and keep their breathing unobstructed. The nursing method is also around the artificial airway mechanical ventilation. The nursing of patients with respiratory failure is mainly respiratory nursing and psychological nursing. In this paper, the main research is to explore the way of severe nursing of respiratory failure. Before the nursing of respiratory failure, we should carry out nursing detection of the ventilator and test its performance, tightness, pipeline safety, and airway patency. Then carrying on the respiratory failure mechanical ventilation nursing and clarifying its mechanical ventilation nursing process is the main work of intensive care, at the same time, giving consideration to the psychological nursing of respiratory failure and implementing comprehensive nursing. In this paper, 50 patients were selected and divided into group A and group B; group A was given comprehensive nursing, and group B was given general nursing. The experimental results show that a series of situations in group A are more optimistic than those in group B. There was no doubt that the PH value of the two groups changed significantly 6 months after discharge. The pO2 value of group A was higher than that before discharge, while the pCO2 value of group B was unstable and increased. The pO2 value of group A was 55.52 before discharge and 62.36 six months after discharge. The pCO2 value of group A was 54.31 before discharge and 50.61 six months after discharge. The pCO2 value of group B was 55.23 before discharge and 57.34 six months after discharge.

Tracheostomy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With SARS-CoV-2-ARDS: Focus on Tracheomalacia.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased the number of patients needing invasive mechanical ventilation, either through an endotracheal tube or through a tracheostomy. Tracheomalacia is a rare but potentially severe complication of mechanical ventilation, which can significantly complicate the weaning process. The aim of this study was to describe the strategies of airway management in mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of severe tracheomalacia, and investigate the factors associated with its occurrence. This retrospective, single-center study was performed in an Italian teaching hospital. All adult subjects admitted to the ICU between February 24, 2020, and June 30, 2020, treated with invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure caused by SARS-CoV-2 were included. Clinical data were collected on the day of ICU admission, whereas information regarding airway management was collected daily. A total of 151 subjects were included in the study. On admission, ARDS severity was mild in 21%, moderate in 62%, and severe in 17% of the cases, with an overall mortality of 40%. A tracheostomy was performed in 73 (48%), open surgical technique in 54 (74%), and percutaneous Ciaglia technique in 19 (26%). Subjects who had a tracheostomy performed had, compared to the other subjects, a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and longer ICU and hospital stay. Tracheomalacia was diagnosed in 8 (5%). The factors associated with tracheomalacia were female sex, obesity, and tracheostomy. In our population, approximately 50% of subjects with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 were tracheostomized. Tracheostomized subjects had a longer ICU and hospital stay. In our population, 5% were diagnosed with tracheomalacia. This percentage is 10 times higher than what is reported in available literature, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation for Respiratory Failure in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Nepal.

Corona virus disease 2019 has become a global health issue. The goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with corona virus disease 2019 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and identify factors associated with mortality. Ninety four consecutive critically ill patients with confirmed corona virus disease 2019 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation were included in this retrospective, single-center, observational study. The outcome variable was mortality of patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and factors associated with it during intensive care unit stay. Seventy nine (84%) out of 94 patients with confirmed corona virus disease 2019 who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation didn't survive. Ninety four percent of patients who had Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus did not survive in comparison to 72 percent of patients who didn't have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Similarly, 48 (94.1%) out of 51 patients with a positive C-reactive protein value didn't survive in comparison to 31 (72%) out of 43 patients with a negative C-reactive protein. The presence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and a positive C-reactive protein value were strongly associated with mortality. Patients with a Sequential organ failure assessment score of more than eight at intensive care unit admission and peak D-dimer level of more than or equal to two during intensive care unit stay didn't show significant association with mortality. These findings need further exploration through larger prospective studies.

Association of Proximity to a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital With Hospital Tracheostomy Practices.

Availability of long-term acute care hospitals has been associated with hospital discharge practices. It is unclear if long-term acute care hospital availability can influence patient care decisions. We sought to determine the association of long-term acute care hospital availability at different hospitals with the likelihood of tracheostomy. Retrospective cohort study. California Patient Discharge Database, 2016-2018. Adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. None. Using the California Patient Discharge Database 2016-2018, we identified all mechanically ventilated patients and those who received tracheostomy. We determine the association between tracheostomy and the distance between each hospital and the nearest long-term acute care hospital and the number of long-term acute care hospital beds within 20 miles of each hospital. Among 281,502 hospitalizations where a patient received mechanical ventilation, 22,899 (8.1%) received a tracheostomy. Patients admitted to a hospital closer to a long-term acute care hospital compared with those furthest from a long-term acute care hospital had 38.9% (95% CI, 33.3-44.6%) higher odds of tracheostomy (closest hospitals 8.7% vs furthest hospitals 6.3%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.40-1.95). Patients had a 32.4% (95% CI, 27.6-37.3%) higher risk of tracheostomy when admitted to a hospital with more long-term acute care hospital beds in the immediate vicinity (most long-term acute care hospital beds within 20 miles 8.9% vs fewest long-term acute care hospital beds 6.7%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31-1.80). Distance to the nearest long-term acute care hospital was inversely correlated with hospital risk-adjusted tracheostomy rates (ρ = -0.25; p < 0.0001). The number of long-term acute care hospital beds within 20 miles was positively correlated with hospital risk-adjusted tracheostomy rates (ρ = 0.22; p < 0.0001). Proximity and availability of long-term acute care hospital beds were associated with patient odds of tracheostomy and hospital tracheostomy practices. These findings suggest a hospital effect on tracheostomy decision-making over and above patient case-mix. Future studies focusing on shared decision-making for tracheostomy are needed to ensure goal-concordant care for prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Prone position in intubated, mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19: a multi-centric study of more than 1000 patients

BackgroundLimited data are available on the use of prone position in intubated, invasively ventilated patients with Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Aim of this study is to investigate the use and effect of prone position in this population during the first 2020 pandemic wave.MethodsRetrospective, multicentre, national cohort study conducted between February 24 and June 14, 2020, in 24 Italian Intensive Care Units (ICU) on adult patients needing invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure caused by COVID-19. Clinical data were collected on the day of ICU admission. Information regarding the use of prone position was collected daily. Follow-up for patient outcomes was performed on July 15, 2020. The respiratory effects of the first prone position were studied in a subset of 78 patients. Patients were classified as Oxygen Responders if the PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased ≥ 20 mmHg during prone position and as Carbon Dioxide Responders if the ventilatory ratio was reduced during prone position.ResultsOf 1057 included patients, mild, moderate and severe ARDS was present in 15, 50 and 35% of patients, respectively, and had a resulting mortality of 25, 33 and 41%. Prone position was applied in 61% of the patients. Patients placed prone had a more severe disease and died significantly more (45% vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Overall, prone position induced a significant increase in PaO2/FiO2 ratio, while no change in respiratory system compliance or ventilatory ratio was observed. Seventy-eight % of the subset of 78 patients were Oxygen Responders. Non-Responders had a more severe respiratory failure and died more often in the ICU (65% vs. 38%, p = 0.047). Forty-seven % of patients were defined as Carbon Dioxide Responders. These patients were older and had more comorbidities; however, no difference in terms of ICU mortality was observed (51% vs. 37%, p = 0.189 for Carbon Dioxide Responders and Non-Responders, respectively).ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, prone position has been widely adopted to treat mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure. The majority of patients improved their oxygenation during prone position, most likely due to a better ventilation perfusion matching.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT04388670

Core warming of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients undergoing mechanical ventilation-A protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, is spreading rapidly across the globe, with little proven effective therapy. Fever is seen in most cases of COVID-19, at least at the initial stages of illness. Although fever is typically treated (with antipyretics or directly with ice or other mechanical means), increasing data suggest that fever is a protective adaptive response that facilitates recovery from infectious illness. To describe a randomized controlled pilot study of core warming patients with COVID-19 undergoing mechanical ventilation. This prospective single-site randomized controlled pilot study will enroll 20 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to standard-of-care or to receive core warming via an esophageal heat exchanger commonly utilized in critical care and surgical patients. The primary outcome is patient viral load measured by lower respiratory tract sample. Secondary outcomes include severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (as measured by PaO2/FiO2 ratio) 24, 48, and 72 hours after initiation of treatment, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. Resulting data will provide effect size estimates to guide a definitive multi-center randomized clinical trial. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04426344. With growing data to support clinical benefits of elevated temperature in infectious illness, this study will provide data to guide further understanding of the role of active temperature management in COVID-19 treatment and provide effect size estimates to power larger studies.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME UNFOLDING AS ATYPICAL KAWASAKI DISEASE

TYPE: Abstract Publication TOPIC: Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Disease PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel multisystemic vasculitis and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease among children in developed countries. Pulmonary involvement in KD is uncommon. Here we present a case of atypical KD, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as presenting manifestation. METHODS: A 7-year old, previously healthy boy presented with fever for 5 days, rash since day 2 of illness and difficulty in breathing for 2 days. On examination, severe respiratory distress, desquamating macular rash over face, neck, chest and minimal conjunctival congestion were noted. X-ray chest with findings of diffuse bilateral opacities and oxygenation index of 11 on blood gas analysis were suggestive of ARDS. The child required mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure. RESULTS: Serum electrolytes, hemogram, liver and renal function tests were within normal limits. Blood culture came sterile and workup for tropical fevers came negative. On day 15 of illness, child developed periungual peeling. Repeat investigations showed hemoglobin of 82g/L, total leucocyte count 18.5x109/L, platelets 707x109/L, ESR 55 mm in 1sthour and CRP 27mg/dL. Diagnosis of atypical KD was considered and 2g/kg intravenous immunoglobulin was given. Clinical and laboratory parameters showed a trend towards normalization and child was extubated 60 hours later. No coronary artery abnormality was noted on echocardiography. Child was discharged on low-dose aspirin and is doing well on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ARDS is an extremely unusual initial presentation of KD. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A high index of suspicion for KD must be kept in atypical pulmonary presentations to prevent delay in diagnosis and development of sequelae. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORDS: Kawasaki disease, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Intravenous immunoglobulin

Respiratory pathogens associated with intubated pediatric patients following hematopoietic cell transplant.

We describe organisms found in the respiratory tracts of a multicenter cohort of pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with respiratory failure. Twelve centers contributed up to 25 pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients requiring mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure to a retrospective database. Positive respiratory pathogens and method of obtaining sample were recorded. Outcomes were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test or chi-squared analysis. Of the 222 patients in the database, ages 1month through 21years, 34.6% had a positive respiratory culture. 105 pathogens were identified in 77 patients; of those, 48.6% were viral, 34.3% bacterial, 16.2% fungal, and 1% parasitic. PICU mortality with a respiratory pathogen was 68.8% compared to 54.9% for those without a respiratory pathogen (P=.045). Those with a positive respiratory pathogen had longer PICU length of stay, 20days (IQR 14.0, 36.8) vs 15 (IQR 6.5, 32.0), P=.002, and a longer course of mechanical ventilation, 17days (IQR 10, 29.5) vs 8 (3, 17), P<.0001. Method of pathogen identification, type of pathogen, and the presence of multiple pathogens were not associated with changes in PICU outcomes. In this multicenter retrospective cohort of intubated pediatric post-HCT patients, there was high variability in the respiratory pathogens identified. Type of pathogen and method of detection did not affect PICU mortality. The presence of any organism leads to increased PICU mortality, longer PICU stay, and increased duration of mechanical ventilation suggesting that early detection and treatment of pathogens may be beneficial in this population.

Cold Weather Viruses.

1. Asif Noor, MD* 2. Theresa Fiorito, MD* 3. Leonard R. Krilov, MD*,† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY 2. †Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY * Abbreviations: AAP: : American Academy of Pediatrics Adv: : adenovirus CDC: : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FDA: : Food and Drug Administration hMPV: : human metapneumovirus PCR: : polymerase chain reaction PIV: : parainfluenza virus RSV: : respiratory syncytial virus RV: : rhinovirus Clinicians must learn to identify viral infections in children during the winter months and must practice caution with the use of unnecessary medications in such cases. Recognition of the clinical pattern of viral infection (eg, bronchiolitis) in conjunction with judicious use of viral tests (either office-based immunoassays or newer molecular tests) may assist in epidemiological monitoring, cohorting patients in the hospital, withholding unnecessary therapies, and providing a definitive diagnosis. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Review the epidemiological aspects and clinical signs and symptoms of common cold weather viruses. 2. Recognize situations in which viral testing is indicated. 3. Recognize situations in which treatment is indicated. In early November you are evaluating a 9-month-old boy born at 33 weeks of gestation. The infant presents with 2 days of fevers (101°F–102°F [38.3°C–38.8°C]), copious rhinorrhea, and 1 day of coughing with difficulty breathing. He is otherwise feeding well and has had adequate urination. His 4-year-older sister has an upper respiratory tract infection. On physical examination, the infant has a respiratory rate of 45 breaths/min without chest wall retractions. On auscultation there is good air entry with scattered rhonchi bilaterally. What is the most appropriate next step in management? 1. Obtain respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza antigen testing. 2. Obtain a chest radiograph to look for focal infiltrate. 3. Provide supportive care with nasal …

Effect of PEEP-Induced Alveolar Recruitment on Lung Injury during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for ARDS

Purpose Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, veno-venous configuration (VV-ECMO) is an effective intervention to improve gas exchange in patients with severe respiratory failure, refractory to conventional treatments, or as a bridge to lung transplantation. However, optimal mechanical ventilation (MV) strategies during VV-ECMO to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury are undetermined. While there is general consensus in minimizing tidal ventilation, the potential benefit of high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) strategies in optimizing cardiopulmonary interaction and reducing the severity of lung injury remains unclear.We hypothesize that PEEP-induced alveolar recruitment will reduce lung injury during VV-ECMO for ARDS, in comparison to atelectatic lungs. Methods Yorkshire pigs weresedated, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated,and cannulated for VV-ECMO support. Lung injury was done by two serial bronchoscopic instillations of gastric juice to achieve a P/F ratio Results During VV-ECMO, gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters remained stable and comparable in the two groups, despite the very low tidal volume delivered (HP 54 ml ±; LP 41 ml ±11). Lung volume was higher in the HP compared with the LP group, and remained unchanged during the 5 hours of VV-ECMO support. At the end of the 5 hours of ECMO support, in the dependent lung areas the W/D was significantly higher in the HP compared to LP group (HP 11.1, 95% CI: 10.5-11.7; LP 9.2, 95% CI: 8.2-10.3); in the non-dependent areas the W/D was significantly higher in the LP compared to HP group (LP 6.3, 95% CI: 5.6-6.9; HP 5.3, 95% CI: 4.9-5.8). Conclusion VV-ECMO for severe acute respiratory failure MV with very low tidal volume and LP reduces regional lung edema in the dependent areas, while HP reduces edema.More studies are required to characterize the mechanisms of these findings.

Risk factors of ventilator-induced lung injury: mechanical power as surrogate of energy dissipation

Soon after physicians began to artificially ventilate patients with respiratory insufficiency due to poliomyelitis (1) and intensive care units developed, risks of mechanical ventilation—namely ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI)—became evident (2). The recognition of this iatrogenic, and potentially lethal, syndrome led to a slow change in the goal of mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure: from maintaining near-normal gas exchange, with use of large tidal volumes and high airway pressures (3), to avoiding additional lung damage—the so-called “lung protective” ventilation (4). The last 60 years of preclinical and clinical research in the field focused on identifying the single ventilator variable most responsible for VILI, with no conclusive answer.

Extended use of the modified Berlin Definition based on age-related subgroup analysis in pediatric ARDS

SummaryBackgroundPediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (pARDS) is a rare but very severe condition. Management of the condition remains a major challenge for pediatric intensive care specialists.ObjectiveTo perform a descriptive assessment of pARDS based on the modified Berlin Definition by using the SpO2/FiO2 ratio in order to establish an extended patient registry divided into age-related subgroups.MethodsThe data of all children on mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure admitted between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively for this study. The age of patients ranged from newborns >37 weeks, up to children <18 years. Inclusion criteria were based on the modified Berlin Definition of pARDS. The following data were collected: demographic data, primary diagnosis, ventilation settings, and use of supportive treatment, in addition to mechanical ventilation (inhaled nitric oxide, surfactant, corticosteroids, prone positioning, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).ResultsIn all, 93 children where included: 35% were newborns, 29% infants, 24% toddlers, and 12% school children; 66% were male and 34% were female patients. The most common primary diagnosis was viral pneumonia (21%) and 55% of the children were diagnosed with severe ARDS. The median duration of stay on the pediatric intensive care unit was 16 days (10/27). In total, 66 children (71%) had direct lung injury and 18 (19%) had indirect lung injury. More than 80% of all children needed more than one supportive care therapy. The overall survival rate was 77%.ConclusionThis study is a valuable report about pediatric patients with ARDS and allows for an important extension of the application of the modified Berlin Definition in all age groups.