Moderate Respiratory Failure Research Articles

Impact of mechanical power on ICU mortality in ventilated critically ill patients: a retrospective study with continuous real-life data

BackgroundOver the past decade, numerous studies on potential factors contributing to ventilation-induced lung injury have been carried out. Mechanical power has been pointed out as the parameter that encloses all ventilation-induced lung injury-contributing factors. However, studies conducted to date provide data regarding mechanical power during the early hours of mechanical ventilation that may not accurately reflect the impact of power throughout the period of mechanical ventilatory support on intensive care unit mortality.MethodsRetrospective observational study conducted at a single center in Spain. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit, > o = 18 years of age, and ventilated for over 24 h were included. We extracted the mechanical power values throughout the entire mechanical ventilation in controlled modes period from the clinical information system every 2 min. First, we calculate the cutoff-point for mechanical power beyond which there was a greater change in the probability of death. After, the sum of time values above the safe cut-off point was calculated to obtain the value in hours. We analyzed if the number of hours the patient was under ventilation with a mechanical power above the safe threshold was associated with intensive care unit mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation days, and intensive care unit length of stay. We repeated the analysis in different subgroups based on the degree of hypoxemia and in patients with SARS CoV-2 pneumonia.ResultsThe cut-off point of mechanical power at with there is a higher increase in intensive care unit mortality was 18 J/min. The greater the number of hours patients were under mechanical power > 18 J/min the higher the intensive care unit mortality in all the study population, in patients with SARS CoV-2 pneumonia and in mild to moderate hypoxemic respiratory failure. The risk of death in the intensive care unit increases 0.1% for each hour with mechanical power exceeding 18 J/min. The number of hours with mechanical power > 18 J/min also affected the days of invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay.ConclusionsThe number of hours with mechanical power > 18 J/min is associated with mortality in the intensive care unit in critically ill patients. Continuous monitoring of mechanical power in controlled modes using an automated clinical information system could alert the clinician to this risk.

Evaluation of Long-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases Readmitted to Intensive Care Units Due to Acute Respiratory Failure: Point Prevalence Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused morbidity and mortality worldwide. Besides the acute effects, subacute and long-term effects are defined as long-COVID causing morbidity. The intensive care unit (ICU) data of long-COVID-19 cases were evaluated with the participation of 11 centers. Study was designed by Turkish Thoracic Society Respiratory Failure and Intensive Care Working Group to evaluate long COVID-19 patients. All patients followed up in the ICU with long-COVID diagnosis were included in point prevelance study. A total of 41 long COVID-19 patients from 11 centers were included in the study. Half of the patients were male, mean age was 66 ± 14, body mass index was 27 ± 5. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung cancer, malignancy, and heart failure rates were 27%, 51%, 34%, 34%, and 27%, respectively. Eighty percent had received COVID vaccine. Patients had moderate hypoxemic respiratory failure. APACHE II, SOFA score was 18 (14-26), 6 (3-8), respectively. Forty-six percent received invasive mechanical ventilator support, 42% were sepsis, 17% were septic shock. Bilateral (67%), interstitial involvement (37%) were most common in chest x-ray. Fibrosis (27%) was detected in thorax tomography. Seventy-one percent of patients received antibiotherapy (42% carbapenem, 22% linezolid). Sixty-one percent of the patients received corticosteroid treatment. More than half of the patients had pneumonia and the majority of them used broad-spectrum antibiotics. Presence of comorbidities and malignancies, intensive care severity scores, intubation, and sepsis rates were high. Receiving corticosteroid treatment and extensive bilateral radiologic involvement due to COVID-19 might be the reasons for the high re-admission rate for the ICUs.

Impact of Center of Admission on Receipt of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Among Patients With Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Secondary Analysis of the Large Observational Study to Understand the Global Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Failure and Reseau Europeen de Recherche en Ventilation Artificielle Influenza A(H1N1) Studies

BackgroundGiven the resources and specialized training required to deliver extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the provision of ECMO is often centralized within expert centres. Spurred by recent evidence the use of ECMO has increased dramatically. However, given the centralized nature of ECMO it is possible that inequities in access exist. Research QuestionDoes centre of admission impact the likelihood of receiving ECMO among adults with moderate or severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 200mmHg within 48hrs of ventilation). Study Design and MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the LUNG SAFE and REVA influenza A (H1N1) databases. Using modified log-Poisson analysis we estimated the likelihood of receiving ECMO (initiation at the admitting hospital or transfer for initiation), adjusting for disease severity over time. To explore unmeasured confounding, we evaluated the association between centre of admission on three negative controls: neuromuscular blockade, prone positioning, and dialysis. ResultsAmong 1,581 patients (37.7% female, mean age 60.7 years), 76 (4.8%) received ECMO. Longitudinal analysis, adjusted for trends in disease severity, demonstrated that patients admitted to ECMO centres were two-times more likely to receive ECMO than those admitted to non-ECMO centres (RR 2.00; 95% CI 1.17-3.41). Patients at ECMO centres received ECMO two days earlier than those at non-ECMO centres, median (IQR) time to initiation 1 (1-5) vs 3 (2-5) days (p=0.04). Centre of admission was not associated with neuromuscular blockade (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.90-1.30), prone positioning (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.68-1.28), or dialysis (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.84-1.27). InterpretationAdults with hypoxemic respiratory failure admitted to ECMO centres were twice as likely to receive ECMO as those admitted to non-ECMO centres. These finding raise concerns regarding equity in access to care and suggest a potential lower threshold among clinicians at ECMO centres to initiate ECMO.

A clinical case of aortic coarctation in combination with a septal defect in a newborn child

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital malformation characterized by the presence of narrowing of the aorta, which can be localized in any part of it. In this publication, we present a clinical case of coarctation of the aorta before and after surgical correction in a newborn. The child was admitted to the cardiosurgical hospital at the age of 6 days. Congenital heart disease of a low category of complexity was diagnosed prenatally. After birth, the condition is satisfactory. After 3 hours, the negative dynamics due to the clinic of respiratory failure. According to echocardiography – hypoplasia of the aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta? Open ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect. On the 3rd day of life, a diagnosis of congenital pneumonia was made and the child was transferred to a cardiosurgical hospital. Upon admission to the FCSSH in Astrakhan, the condition was regarded as severe, due to heart and respiratory failure. The child is examined. On echocardiography – Pronounced preductal form of coarctation of the aorta. Hypoplasia of the proximal arch and isthmus. Open ductus arteriosus. Ventricular septal defect. biventricular hypertrophy. Severe dilatation of the right chambers of the heart. Relative hypoplasia of the left ventricle. Tricuspid regurgitation. On the 7th day of life, surgical correction of the defect was performed plasty of the arch and isthmus of the aorta, plasty of the VSD. The early postoperative period proceeded with a clinic of moderate respiratory and heart failure. Against the background of the expansion of the volume of feeding, chylothorax was detected, drainage of the right pleural cavity was prescribed. Enteral feeding has been replaced by parenteral nutrition. The child was extubated on the 4th postoperative day. However, oxygen dependence was noted. The pleural drainage was removed on the 11th day after the operation. On the 12th day, the newborn was transferred from the intensive care unit. Discharged from the hospital on the 20th day after surgical treatment. After 4 months the child was examined in the hospital. The general condition was regarded as satisfactory. This clinical example shows the complexity of prenatal diagnosis of obstructive pathology of the aortic arch and the rapid manifestation of clinical manifestations after birth against the background of an unfavorable combination with a large septal defect.

Application of self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover in preventing facial pressure injury in patients with non-invasive ventilation

To observe the application effect of self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover on the prevention of facial pressure injury in patients with non-invasive ventilation, and to explore the effective method of preventing facial pressure injury. A prospective study was conducted. Patients with mild to moderate respiratory failure and non-invasive ventilation admitted to the department of intensive care medicine of Harisen International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University from March 2020 to August 2021 were enrolled, and they were divided into gauze pad group, foam dressing group and self-made anti-pressure ulcer cotton cover group by random number table method. Before wearing the ventilator mask, the gauze pad group and the foam auxiliary dressing group should fold or cut out the auxiliary dressing with the corresponding size and suitable for the patient's facial contour. In the self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover group, the ventilator cotton cover could be worn only by selecting the cotton cover suitable for the patient's face shape, aligning the vent to the mouth and nose, and tying the fixed belt behind the ear. The incidence of facial pressure sore, the time required to connect man-machine interface (from the preparation of auxiliary dressing for pressure sores to the connection of ventilator) and the cost of dressing were compared among the three groups. A total of 150 patients with non-invasive ventilation were enrolled, with 50 patients in each group. Compared with the gauze pad group and the foam dressing group, the incidence of facial pressure sore in the self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover group was significantly reduced [6.0% (3/50) vs. 44.0% (22/50), 12.0% (6/50), both P < 0.05], and the time required to connect the man-machine interface was significantly shortened (minutes: 5.0±1.5 vs. 10.0±1.5, 8.0±2.0, both P < 0.05), dressing cost was significantly reduced (yuan: 30±10 vs. 150±20, 118±29, both P < 0.05). Compared with the gauze pad and the foam dressing, the incidence of facial pressure sore in non-invasive ventilation patients with self-made anti-pressure sore cotton cover is lower, the time required to connect man-machine interface is shorter, and the cost of pressure sore prevention dressing is less, which is suitable for the prevention of facial pressure injury in non-invasive ventilation patients.

Comparison of noninvasive respiratory support methods in the postoperative period in cardiac surgery patients: a prospective randomized trial

INTRODUCTION: The frequency of respiratory failure in the postoperative period is 17–22 % [1–3]. The most commonly used methods: noninvasive positive pressure mask ventilation (NIPPMV), high-flow nasal cannula (HFNС), noninvasive positive pressure helmet ventilation (NIPPHV). OBJECTIVE: Comparison of the effectiveness of respiratory support methods depending on their effect on gas exchange in patients with mild to moderate respiratory failure in the early period after cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 42 cardiac surgery patients with 200 &lt; P/F &lt; 300 who were divided into 3 groups depending on the methods of respiratory support used (NIPPMV, HFNС, NIPPHV). The main point of the study is to assess the dynamics of the gas exchange indicators before, during and after their use. RESULTS: All three methods of NIVL contribute to a statistically significant improvement in gas exchange during NIVL, which persisted after the end of therapy (SpO2, PaO2, P/F, Qsp/Qt). In the group with the use of NIPPMV and HFNС an increase in the oxyhemoglobin fraction. In the course of this study, no data were revealed on changes in PaCO2. The largest increase in SpO2 was revealed in groups using a mask and helmet, but at the end of the NIVL session there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. A decrease in the proportion of patients with P/F &lt; 300 after a single session in the NIPPMV group by 2 times, in the HFNC group — by 1.6 times, in the NIPPHV group — by 3.5 times. CONCLUSIONS: Conducting noninvasive respiratory support significantly improves the indicators of oxygenating lung function in the early postoperative period in cardiac surgery patients. NIPPHV and NIPPMV are more effective compared to HFNC. When using a helmet, a higher level of support is required.

Evaluation of Diagnostic Accuracy of HACOR Score in Predicting the Success Rate of CPAP in Patients with COVID-19-Induced Hypoxemia

Background: In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) may require continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and having an appropriate criterion for early diagnosis and prediction of CPAP failure or success can significantly reduce the mortality of these patients. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, and respiratory rate (HACOR) score in predicting the success rate of CPAP in patients with COVID-19 induced hypoxemia. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 adult patients aged 63.23 ± 16.23 years with mild to moderate acute respiratory failure (COVID-19), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) &lt; 300 mmHg, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO2) &lt; 45 mmHg from March 21 to November 21, 2021. The patients were admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of Khatam Al-Anbia (PBUH) Hospital in Shoushtar (southwestern Iran) and were subjected to CPAP for respiratory support. The HACOR score was calculated one hour after the CPAP onset. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22) using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test, pair t-tests, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value indices were used to determine the diagnostic performance of the method. The significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean HACOR score one hour after the onset of CPAP was 3.50 ± 1.57 (P &lt; 0.001), with a mean of 153.84 ± 27.42 mmHg PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio (P &lt; 0.001). The cut-off point for the HACOR score one hour after CPAP was 5, which had a sensitivity of 98.06% (94.45% - 99.60%) and a specificity of 83.33% (68.64% - 93.03%). Out of 200 patients, 157 patients (78.5%) had CPAP failure, and 43 patients (21.5%) underwent treatment. The diagnostic accuracy values of the HACOR score and PaO2/FiO2 ratio for predicting CPAP failure were 94.92% and 95.96%, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings support that although the HACOR score had a good diagnostic performance in predicting the success rate of CPAP in patients with COVID-19-induced hypoxemia, PaO2/FiO2 ratio was also shown to be a good predictor of success.

The role of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in COVID-19: association with respiratory failure and predictive role for outcome

We aimed to assess the potential role of Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in conditioning respiratory function and pulmonary vasoregulation during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection. Within 72 h from admission, samples from 90 COVID-19 patients were assessed for ADMA, SDMA, L-arginine concentrations. In addition to classical statistics, patients were also clustered by a machine learning approach according to similar features. Multivariable analysis showed that C-reactive protein (OR 1.012), serum ADMA (OR 4.652), white blood cells (OR = 1.118) and SOFA (OR = 1.495) were significantly associated with negative outcomes. Machine learning-based clustering showed three distinct clusters: (1) patients with low severity not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), (2) patients with moderate severity and respiratory failure whilst not requiring IMV, and (3) patients with highest severity requiring IMV. Serum ADMA concentration was significantly associated with disease severity and need for IMV although less pulmonary vasodilation was observed by CT scan. High serum levels of ADMA are indicative of high disease severity and requirement of mechanical ventilation. Serum ADMA at the time of hospital admission may therefore help to identify COVID-19 patients at high risk of deterioration and negative outcome.

Improving the Numbers, But Harming the Patient? The Authors Respond.

To the Editor: We thank da Costa et al.1 for their letter which makes some interesting observations. We agree that our study alone cannot be used to justify the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a strategy to protect the lungs in patients with moderate acute respiratory failure (ARF)—nor do we make a claim that it should. Severity of respiratory failure is not just defined by a single PaO2/FiO2 ratio value, but on a more complex clinical evaluation which must also take into account the duration of hypoxemia. We take this opportunity to stress that all patients in our study2 had ARF severe enough to receive ECMO based on the indications established by our national service. The “less severe” group had a median PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 105 mm Hg despite median FiO2 of 0.85, but fulfilled other criteria for ECMO. As this cohort was matched for PaCO2 with the “very severe” group, it is likely the price the patient has to pay for the PaO2/FiO2 ratio is injurious mechanical ventilation. Therefore, we would suggest that many of these patients would already meet criteria for ECMO in many systems, and that we are not advancing a “new” indication. There is now substantial evidence for the association between increased mechanical power, ventilator-induced lung injury and mortality in ARF,3 and in this context the use of ECMO allows the least damaging lung ventilation strategy4 and better outcomes.5 We would suggest, intuitively, that increased duration of high mechanical power to the lungs will thus increase mortality even if PaO2/FiO2 ratio is not yet “severe.” High mechanical power can—in the short term—increase PaO2/FiO2 masking the severity of disease, but ultimately increasing mortality. This was exactly what happened in the OSCILLATE Trial, where high-flow oscillatory ventilation resulted in better oxygenation but worse patient outcomes.6 The results of more recent studies are consistent with our findings: a large multinational cohort study of coronavirus patients suggested a survival benefit in those with PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 120–150 mm Hg.7 Da Costa et al. are correct also to identify the subset of ARF patients who experience acute right ventricular dysfunction, which is often exacerbated by “lung-protective” ventilation measures.8 Whether, or at what stage, such patients may benefit from ECMO support, is not a question our study can answer. The task then is how best to determine the answer to these questions? Do patients with “moderate-severe” respiratory failure benefit from ECMO? What about those with acute right ventricle (RV) dysfunction? Ultimately, we agree with da Costa et al. that in the absence of randomized controlled trials, the solution is in high-quality observational registries of ARF, not just of therapies such as ECMO, with advanced causal inference methods. For the individual patient, we suggest that the optimal strategy remains to identify the point at which the benefits of ECMO in preventing hypoxia and avoiding injurious lung ventilation outweigh its risks.

Identification of a pediatric acute hypoxemic respiratory failure signature in peripheral blood leukocytes at 24 hours post-ICU admission with machine learning.

There is no generalizable transcriptomics signature of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our goal was to identify a whole blood differential gene expression signature for pediatric acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) using transcriptomic microarrays within twenty-four hours of diagnosis. We used publicly available human whole-blood gene expression arrays of a Berlin-defined pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (GSE147902) cohort and a sepsis-triggered AHRF (GSE66099) cohort within twenty-four hours of diagnosis and compared those children with a PaO2/FiO2 < 200 to those with a PaO2/FiO2 ≥ 200. We used stability selection, a bootstrapping method of 100 simulations using logistic regression as a classifier, to select differentially expressed genes associated with a PaO2/FiO2 < 200 vs. PaO2/FiO2 ≥ 200. The top-ranked genes that contributed to the AHRF signature were selected in each dataset. Genes common to both of the top 1,500 ranked gene lists were selected for pathway analysis. Pathway and network analysis was performed using the Pathway Network Analysis Visualizer (PANEV) and Reactome was used to perform an over-representation gene network analysis of the top-ranked genes common to both cohorts. Changes in metabolic pathways involved in energy balance, fundamental cellular processes such as protein translation, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, immune signaling, and inflammation are differentially regulated early in pediatric ARDS and sepsis-induced AHRF compared to both healthy controls and to milder acute hypoxemia. Specifically, fundamental pathways related to the severity of hypoxemia emerged and included (1) ribosomal and eukaryotic initiation of factor 2 (eIF2) regulation of protein translation and (2) the nutrient, oxygen, and energy sensing pathway, mTOR, activated via PI3K/AKT signaling. Cellular energetics and metabolic pathways are important mechanisms to consider to further our understanding of the heterogeneity and underlying pathobiology of moderate and severe pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Our findings are hypothesis generating and support the study of metabolic pathways and cellular energetics to understand heterogeneity and underlying pathobiology of moderate and severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in children.

Noninvasive ventilation in acute exacerbation of interstitial lung diseases

Introduction Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been recognized as a mean to avoid intubation and to reduce the risk of complications. Aims To study the role of NIV in acute respiratory failure in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Settings and design This was a prospective study. Patients and methods The present study included 30 mechanically ventilated patients through noninvasive masks subjected basically to informed consent, clinical data collection, laboratory investigations, chest radiograph, and arterial blood gas samples. Results A total of 20 patients were found to be survivors, whereas 10 patients were found to be nonsurvivors. The most common type of ILD in our study was hypersensitivity pneumonitis (53.3% of all patients) with fibrosis, and ground glass opacities were the most common radiological findings on high-resolution computed tomography, and moderate restrictive pattern in pulmonary function tests. Infection was the main cause of exacerbation as evidenced by fever, elevated total leukocytic count, staff neutrophilic count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. None of our patients developed complications or intolerance to NIV. Conclusion There was improvement in oxygenation parameters, so NIV could be a valuable option for management of acute type I mild to moderate respiratory failure in patients with ILD.

High-flow nasal oxygen therapy in patients after esophageal interventions: аdvantages and disadvantages

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications in patients who underwent esophagectomy with one-stage esophagoplasty are a frequent cause of death in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in these patients is not indicated because of the failure of esophagogastric anastomosis. Compared with NIV and standard oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT) reduces the rate of transfer to mechanical ventilation (MV) in the case of acute respiratory failure.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to assess the clinical advantages and disadvantages of HFOT in patients with respiratory failure after esophagectomy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with esophagectomy were examined. Two groups were formed by randomization: group 1 (n=45) with standard respiratory therapy, incentive spirometry, and nasal oxygen therapy with NIV sessions and low end-expiratory pressure (up to 6 mmHg) and group 2 (n=45) with HFOT. Therapy parameters were selected according to oxygenation (PaO2/FiО2) and saturation (SaО2) index values. Parameter changes, session duration, patients tolerance to respiratory therapy methods (from 1 to 10 points), dynamics of chest X-ray pattern, and duration of treatment in ICU were analyzed.&#x0D; RESULTS: The advantages of HFOT were the absence of discomfort during the session, possibility to decrease O2 flow required for an adequate level of oxygenation, high flow with controlled O2 fraction allowed to reach target values of oxygenation index, decreased frequency of patients transfer to MV, and time spent in ICU.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The use of HFOT is justified as part of the complex respiratory therapy in patients with moderate respiratory failure. In patients with severe respiratory failure, HFOT is an alternative to other high-flow techniques and NIV. The choice between these methods should be individualized and depend on the patients condition and ventilation requirement.

Comparison of Conventional Oxygen Therapy With High-Flow Nasal Oxygenation in the Management of Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure.

Introduction: The effectiveness of high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure (RF) remains controversial. The current study compared the effectiveness of HFNO in patients with hypercapnic RF with conventional oxygen therapy (COT).Objectives: The primary objective was to compare changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) between those receiving COT and HFNO. The secondary objectives were to compare changes in the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), serum bicarbonate level, base excess, lactate level, and incidence of the need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and mechanical ventilation (MV).Methods: We recruited 30 patients with mild to moderate hypercapnic RF in the HFNO group, and data of 30 patients from historical controls, who matched the inclusion criteria, were obtained from medical records for comparison (COT group). The study was terminated after two hours, and patients were managed per the existing protocol after that. Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis was repeated at the baseline, first, second, and third hours.Results: In the COT group, the mean RR at the baseline, first, second, and third hours was 24.5 ± 2.61, 24.9 ± 3.03, 26.03 ± 3.4, and 22.90 ± 1.86, whereas, in the HFNO group, it was 25.93 ± 3.91, 23.00 ± 3.54, 22.50 ± 3.38, and 21.90 ± 3.57, respectively. The mean PaCO2 in the COT vs. HFNO groups was 54.45 ± 5.83 vs. 62.22 ± 9.15, 57.74 ± 6.05 vs. 58.65 ± 10.43, 60.79 ± 7.48 vs. 60.41 ± 11.24, and 55.23 ± 6.63 vs. 56.95 ± 10.31. The mean SpO2 in the COT group at these points of time was 94.50 ± 1.46, 95.4 ± 1.28, 96.10 ± 1.84, and 97.53 ± 2.05, whereas, in the HFNO group, it was 95.40 ± 2.55, 98.63 ± 1.43, 99.00 ± 1.66, and 99.50 ± 1.31, respectively. The patients who needed NIV after the study period were 50% and 36.67% in the COT and HFNO groups, respectively.Conclusions: There was no change in PaCO2 levels with HFNO, but there was a significant improvement in SpO2 and PaO2 levels and a decreased RR. Following the termination of the study protocol, more patients in the COT group needed NIV than those in the HFNO group.

Awake proning in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience hypoxic respiratory failure and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement. As pandemic progresses, ICU beds and mechanical ventilators may become rate-limiting factor. Prone positioning in conscious patients may improve oxygenation avoiding mechanical ventilation. We conducted retrospective study regarding proning in nonintubated patients in COVID ICU.Objective: Primary objective: change in SpO2 and PaO2 in ABG in non intubated COVID-19 patients who underwent awake prone positioning (PP). Secondary objective: PaO2 and PaCO2 variation before and during PP or after resupination. Intubation incidence within 2 weeks of first PP trial.Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in SMCH from June – July 2020 among awake, nonintubated COVID 19 patients in ICU.Inclusion criteria: Patients with SpO2 >93 % with oxygen by face mask or nasal canula @ 2-10L/min.Exclusion criteria: Altered mental status and impaired consciousness. We collected demographics, vitals, and position data.Prone positioning: Placing patient on his or her stomach with head on side. Patient advised to remain in prone position as long as he can tolerate to maximum of 12hrs/day. Parameters such as HR, BP, SpO2 and PaO2 were measured before and during PP or after resupination at 30mins interval.Result: Our retrospective study, suggest that in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate acute hypoxic respiratory failure, conscious proning can lead to oxygenation improvement, less invasive ventilation requirement, shorter hospital stay length and better overall outcomes.

The MiR-320 Family Is Strongly Downregulated in Patients with COVID-19 Induced Severe Respiratory Failure.

A high incidence of thromboembolic events associated with high mortality has been reported in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections with respiratory failure. The present study characterized post-transcriptional gene regulation by global microRNA (miRNA) expression in relation to activated coagulation and inflammation in 21 critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients. The cohort consisted of patients with moderate respiratory failure (n = 11) and severe respiratory failure (n = 10) at an acute stage (day 0–3) and in the later course of the disease (>7 days). All patients needed supplemental oxygen and severe patients were defined by the requirement of positive pressure ventilation (intubation). Levels of D-dimers, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly higher in patients with severe compared with moderate respiratory failure. Concurrently, next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis demonstrated increased dysregulation of miRNA expression with progression of disease severity connected to extreme downregulation of miR-320a, miR-320b and miR-320c. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed involvement in the Hippo signaling pathway, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and in the regulation of adherens junctions. The expression of all miR-320 family members was significantly correlated with CRP, IL-6, and D-dimer levels. In conclusion, our analysis underlines the importance of thromboembolic processes in patients with respiratory failure and emphasizes miRNA-320s as potential biomarkers for severe progressive SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical Characteristics of Newborns Born to Mothers with COVID-19.

(1) Background: According to the literature, most outcomes of neonates born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 are favorable. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics of newborns born to infected women in a tertiary center in Poznan, Poland. (2) Methods: The study comprised 101 newborns delivered by women infected with SARS-CoV-2. The control group consisted of 101 newborns born before the pandemic. Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records. (3) Results: Most newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers were delivered by cesarean section—83.17% vs. 40.59% in the control group (p < 0.05). The groups did not differ in Apgar scores and the need for resuscitation. Newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers were more likely to present with respiratory distress and require respiratory support. The most common diagnosis was transient tachypnea of the newborn, not correlated with the mode of delivery. Newborns of the study group were never exclusively breastfed, 0% vs. 64.36% (p < 0.05). None of the patients in the study group was tested positive for the virus. (4) Conclusions: Infants born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers seem to be more at risk of moderate respiratory failure than other newborns. Separation of mother–baby dyads results in a dramatic fall in breastfeeding in the short-term post-partum period.

Клінічно-патофізіологічне фенотипування хронічного обструктивного захворювання легень

The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and laboratory features of inflammatory phenotypes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate respiratory failure and anemia of chronic disease. Materials and methods. The study included 150 patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic anemia, in which inflammatory phenotypes were identified, among which the largest share was neutrophilic (66/44.0±4.0%), less lymphocytic (35/23.3±3.4%) and eosinophilic (16/10.7±2.5%). In 33/22.0% of patients, the inflammatory phenotype was mixed and patients were excluded from the study. Among 117 patients included in the study, 67.5% were men and 32.5% were middle-aged (25.6%), elderly (42.7%) and senile (24.8%). The results were processed by the methods of variation statistics, the materiality threshold p &lt;0.05. Results and discussion. It was established, that peripheral blood analysis and biochemical parameters, regardless of the pathophysiological nature of inflammation in all groups showed moderate dysfunction of external respiration, normochromic normocytic nature of mild chronic anemia with activation of all components of the external coagulation mechanism and increased prothrombin time and inflammation activation (by C-reactive protein and seromucoids). The neutrophilic phenotype of inflammation, in comparison with lymphocytic and eosinophilic, was the most common and was accompanied by the most pronounced anemic syndrome, the highest activity of systemic inflammation and the most pronounced syndrome of endogenous intoxication with deterioration of liver function. The lymphocytic phenotype of inflammation was the second widespread and was characterized by the most pronounced normochromic anemic syndrome with the most pronounced predisposition to hypercoagulation (the highest prothrombin index) with high activity of the inflammatory syndrome. The eosinophilic phenotype of inflammation was significantly less common than the neutrophilic and lymphocytic with the favorable characteristics of the anemic syndrome and with low inflammatory activity and the small activity of endogenous intoxication but the highest fasting blood glucose level as normo-hyperglycemia. Conclusion. Clinical and pathophysiological phenotyping of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease makes it possible to determine not only the activity of inflammation, but also the severity of anemic syndrome, endogenous intoxication, liver status and carbohydrate metabolism, which is of practical importance for both physicians and scientists

Utility of the ROX Index in Predicting Intubation for Patients With COVID-19–Related Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Receiving High-Flow Nasal Therapy: Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundThe use of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) to treat COVID-19 pneumonia has been greatly debated around the world due to concerns about increased health care worker transmission and delays in invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Herein, we analyzed the utility of the noninvasive ROX (ratio of oxygen saturation) index to predict the need for and timing of IMV.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess whether the ROX index can be a useful score to predict intubation and IMV in patients receiving HFNT as treatment for COVID-19–related hypoxemic respiratory failure.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis of 129 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, from March 10, 2020, to May 17, 2020. This is a single-center study conducted in designated COVID-19 units (intensive care unit and other wards) at Temple University Hospital. Patients with moderate and severe hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with HFNT were included in the study. HFNT patients were divided into two groups: HFNT only and intubation (ie, patients who progressed from HFNT to IMV). The primary outcome was the value of the ROX index in predicting the need for IMV. Secondary outcomes were mortality, rate of intubation, length of stay, and rate of nosocomial infections in a cohort treated initially with HFNT.ResultsOf the 837 patients with COVID-19, 129 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60.8 (SD 13.6) years, mean BMI was 32.6 (SD 8) kg/m², 58 (45%) were female, 72 (55.8%) were African American, 40 (31%) were Hispanic, and 48 (37.2%) were nonsmokers. The mean time to intubation was 2.5 (SD 3.3) days. An ROX index value of less than 5 at HFNT initiation was suggestive of progression to IMV (odds ratio [OR] 2.137, P=.052). Any further decrease in ROX index value after HFNT initiation was predictive of intubation (OR 14.67, P<.001). Mortality was 11.2% (n=10) in the HFNT-only group versus 47.5% (n=19) in the intubation group (P<.001). Mortality and need for pulmonary vasodilators were higher in the intubation group.ConclusionsThe ROX index helps decide which patients need IMV and may limit eventual morbidity and mortality associated with the progression to IMV.

Impact of prone position in non-intubated spontaneously breathing patients admitted to the ICU for severe acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

PurposeStudies performed in spontaneously breathing patients with mild to moderate respiratory failure suggested that prone position (PP) in COVID-19 could be beneficial.Materials and methodsConsecutive critically ill patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in four ICUs. PP sessions lasted at least 3 h each and were performed twice daily. A Cox proportional hazard model identified factors associated with the need of intubation. A propensity score overlap weighting analysis was performed to assess the association between spontaneous breathing PP (SBPP) and intubation.ResultsAmong 379 patients, 40 underwent SBPP. Oxygenation was achieved by high flow nasal canula in all but three patients. Duration of proning was 2.5 [1.6;3.4] days. SBPP was well tolerated hemodynamically, increased PaO2/FiO2 (78 [68;96] versus 63 [53;77] mm Hg, p = 0.004) and PaCO2 (38 [34;43] versus 35 [32;38] mm Hg, p = 0.005). Neither day-28 survival (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16–1.16] nor risk of invasive ventilation [sHR 0.96; 95% CI 0.49;1.88] differed between patients who underwent PP and others.ConclusionsSBPP in COVID-19 is feasible and well tolerated in severely hypoxemic patients. It did not induce any effect on risk of intubation and day-28 mortality.

Home Management of Patients with Moderate or Severe Respiratory Failure Secondary to COVID-19, Using Remote Monitoring and Oxygen with or without HFNC.

Background: Home treatment of patients affected by COVID-19 is still a matter of daily debate. During the clinical evolution of the disease, there are high risks of lung failure, which requires oxygen therapy. Here, we report our clinical experience with at-home treatment using high-flow nasal cannula in non-hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19. Patients and methods: In this study, 18 patients with moderate-to-severe respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 were monitored at home daily for temperature and SpO2 measurements. Other parameters such as saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), SpO2/FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen), temperature, and lung performance were monitored periodically. Depending on oxygen requirements, the patients also received either standard oxygen via a face mask or, if higher FiO2 required, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). Results: All 18 patients had favourable outcomes and recovered from COVID-19. No death was recorded in this group. Conclusion: Our clinical experience proves that high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy may be considered for at-home treatment of COVID-19 patients with moderate lung failure. This could be useful for further treatment during the pandemic and may also be considered in future epidemics.