Need For Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Research Articles

The role of cardiac rehabilitation in patients following acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are well established. Although there are limited centres with cardiac rehabilitation and patients, especially from peripheral hospitals, wait a long time to enter the programme and many of them don’t even enter these programmes. Purpose Characterize the patient population that go to cardiac rehabilitation and evaluate short- and long-term outcomes. Methods Multicenter retrospective study, patients with the diagnosis of ACS and data collected from 1/01/2015 to 31/12/2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups (G). G1 – Patients with cardiac rehabilitation programmed and/or planned; G2 – Patients not referenced for cardiac rehabilitation. We further analyse patients according to MACE events, group A without MACE; group B with MACE. Results 11992 patients were enrolled, only 3162 (26.4%) patients were referenced for cardiac rehabilitation. G1 was younger 63.5 ± 12.4 (p<0.001), had more males 76.7% (p<0.001) and more smokers 38.0% vs 25.3% (p<0.001), but less patients with arterial hypertension (AH) 65.1% vs 70.9% (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (DM) 29.5% vs 32.8% (p<0.001), dyslipidemia 57.0% vs 61.2% (p<0.001), previous heart failure 4.8% vs 7.9% (p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3.8% vs 7.3% (p<0.001). G1 had although more patients with symptoms of angina 29.2% vs 23.3% (p<0.001) and previous MI 20.5% vs 17.6% (p<0.001). Regarding MACE events G1 had better outcomes 1.3% vs 6.1% (p<0.001). Considering MACE events, group B was older 74±12 years (p<0.001), male gender was predominant (62.5%) and had more patients with AH 76.9% vs 68.8% (p<0.001), DM 45.1% vs 31.1% (p<0.001), CKD 14.6% vs 5.6% (p<0.001) and pacemaker (PM) or ICD devices 3.8% vs 1.7% (p<0.001). Independent predictors of MACE achieved through logistic regression analysis are gender p<0.001, OR 0.325, CI (95%) 0.158-0.672; CKD p= 0.042, OR 4.027, CI 1.019-15.911; time from symptoms to 1st contact ≥ 120min p=0.032, OR 2.088, CI 1.067-4.087; usage of inotropic medications p<0.001, OR 6.383, CI 2.995-13.602; left ventricular ejection fraction <30% vs ≥30% p=0.002, OR 4.172, CI 1.722-10.108; need of invasive mechanical ventilation p<0.001, OR 6.593, CI 2.812-15.457 and need of temporary PM p<0.001, OR 12.372, CI 4.025-38.031. Conclusion In these study population, patients with less cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and comorbidities were more often assigned to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Not unpredictable patients with more comorbidities suffered more from MACE events. Survival analysis also showed that CV mortality and re-admission at 1 year were higher in patients not assigned for cardiac rehabilitation.

The impact of different corticosteroids in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective observational study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic created havoc on health care systems and economies worldwide. Corticosteroids have been shown to be effective in the management of COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 311 patients meeting the inclusion criteria at the Augustus Long Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago between July-December 2021. Data was classified into three treatment groups: low dose dexamethasone, high dose dexamethasone and methylprednisolone pulse therapy. The primary outcomes were the 28-day mortality and need for invasive mechanical ventilation and the secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay. The patient cohort was also classified into simple oxygen and high flow oxygen groups and a subgroup analysis was also performed. Results: There were no significant statistical differences between age, gender, vaccination status and co-morbidities between the treatment groups. However, there were significant differences in the ethnic ratios amongst the high dose dexamethasone and methylprednisolone treatment groups (East Indians to Africans; 61.7%vs. 37%; 72.9% vs.25.4% respectively; p=0.02). In patients receiving simple oxygen on admission, those who were treated with low dose dexamethasone when compared to high dose dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, had the lowest 28-day mortality (15.3% vs. 40.9% vs. 40% respectively; p< 0.001), lowest need for IMV (0.7% vs. 9.1% vs. 40% respectively; p< 0.001) and the shortest length of hospital stay (median [IQR] days; 7[12-5], 11[22-7], 16[27-14] respectively; p< 0.001). In patients receiving high flow oxygen, those treated with methylprednisolone had the lowest 28-day mortality (45.8%), when compared to the high dose dexamethasone (59.5%) and low dose dexamethasone (81%) groups; however, these results were not statistically significant (p = 0.053). Conclusion: In our study, patients receiving simple oxygen had better clinical outcomes when treated with low dose dexamethasone compared to higher dose corticosteroids. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy may be beneficial in patients requiring high flow oxygen; but further studies are needed.

Factors Associated with Adverse Outcomes among SARS-CoV-2 Positive Children in a Tertiary Government COVID-19 Referral Hospital in the Philippines

Background and Objective. Pediatric COVID-19 epidemiology and factors associated with adverse outcomes –mortality, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission, are largely unstudied. We described the clinicodemographic characteristics of Filipino pediatric COVID-19 patients and determined the factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of 180 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-confirmed cases 0-18 years oldfrom April 2020 to August 2021 in a tertiary COVID-19 referral hospital in Manila, National Capital Region. Crudeassociations were determined using chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests; and medians were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Factors predictive of mortality were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. The survivor functions were depicted in graphs. Results. About 41.67% had mild disease, 58.33% were males, 39.4% aged 0-4 years, and 69.44% had at least onecomorbidity. About 9.44% died (adjusted 9.2 persons per 1000 patient-days, 95% CI 5.5%-15.2%), 17.78% needed invasive mechanical ventilation, and 20% needed ICU admission. Independently, severe-critical COVID-19 (HRc 11.51, 95% CI 3.23, 41.06), retractions (HRc 10.30, 95% CI 3.27, 32.47), alar flaring (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.53, 12.58), cyanosis (HRc 4.39, 95% CI 1.72, 14.11), difficulty of breathing (HRc 7.99, 95% CI 2.25, 28.71), poor suck/appetite (HRc 4.46, 95% CI 1.59, 12.40), ferritin (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), IL-6 (HRc 1.01, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01), aPTT (HRc 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10), IVIg (HRc 4.00, 95% CI 1.07, 14.92) and corticosteroid (HRc 6.01, 95% CI 2.04, 17.67) were significant hazards for mortality. In adjusted Cox analysis, only retractions (HRa 34.96, 95% CI 3.36, 363.79), seizure (HRa 9.98, 95% CI 1.76, 56.55), and corticosteroids (HRa 8.21, 95% CI 1.12, 60.38) weresignificantly associated with mortality while alar flaring appeared to be protective (HRa 0.10, 95% CI 0.01,0.95). Several clinical characteristics were consistently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions. Majority of hospitalized pediatric COVID-19 patients were very young, males, had milddisease, and had at least one comorbidity. Mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission wererelatively low. Except for alar flaring which appeared to be protective, retractions, seizure, and use ofcorticosteroids were associated with adverse outcomes.  

Comparison between high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) alternated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and HFNO and NIV alone in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundNon-invasive respiratory support (conventional oxygen therapy [COT], non-invasive ventilation [NIV], high-flow nasal oxygen [HFNO], and NIV alternated with HFNO [NIV + HFNO] may reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with COVID-19. The outcome of patients treated non-invasively depends on clinical severity at admission. We assessed the need for IMV according to NIV, HFNO, and NIV + HFNO in patients with COVID-19 according to disease severity and evaluated in-hospital survival rates and hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) lengths of stay.MethodsThis cohort study was conducted using data collected between March 2020 and July 2021. Patients ≥ 18 years admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. Patients hospitalized for < 3 days, receiving therapy (COT, NIV, HFNO, or NIV + HFNO) for < 48 h, pregnant, and with no primary outcome data were excluded. The COT group was used as reference for multivariate Cox regression model adjustment.ResultsOf 1371 patients screened, 958 were eligible: 692 (72.2%) on COT, 92 (9.6%) on NIV, 31 (3.2%) on HFNO, and 143 (14.9%) on NIV + HFNO. The results for the patients in each group were as follows: median age (interquartile range): NIV (64 [49–79] years), HFNO (62 [55–70] years), NIV + HFNO (62 [48–72] years) (p = 0.615); heart failure: NIV (54.5%), HFNO (36.3%), NIV + HFNO (9%) (p = 0.003); diabetes mellitus: HFNO (17.6%), NIV + HFNO (44.7%) (p = 0.048). > 50% lung damage on chest computed tomography (CT): NIV (13.3%), HFNO (15%), NIV + HFNO (71.6%) (p = 0.038); SpO2/FiO2: NIV (271 [118–365] mmHg), HFNO (317 [254–420] mmHg), NIV + HFNO (229 [102–317] mmHg) (p = 0.001); rate of IMV: NIV (26.1%, p = 0.002), HFNO (22.6%, p = 0.023), NIV + HFNO (46.8%); survival rate: HFNO (83.9%), NIV + HFNO (63.6%) (p = 0.027); ICU length of stay: NIV (8.5 [5–14] days), NIV + HFNO (15 [10–25] days (p < 0.001); hospital length of stay: NIV (13 [10–21] days), NIV + HFNO (20 [15–30] days) (p < 0.001). After adjusting for comorbidities, chest CT score and SpO2/FiO2, the risk of IMV in patients on NIV + HFNO remained high (hazard ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.04).ConclusionsIn patients with COVID-19, NIV alternating with HFNO was associated with a higher rate of IMV independent of the presence of comorbidities, chest CT score and SpO2/FiO2.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05579080.

Development and validation of a clinico-biological score to predict outcomes in patients with drowning-associated cardiac arrest

BackgroundWhile several scoring systems have been developed to predict short-term outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, there is currently no dedicated prognostic tool for drowning-associated cardiac arrest (DACA) patients. MethodsPatients experiencing DACA from two retrospective multicenter cohorts of drowning patients were included in the present study. Among the patients from the development cohort, risk-factors for day-28 mortality were assessed by logistic regression. A prediction score was conceived and assessed in patients from the validation cohort. ResultsAmong the 103 included patients from the development cohort, the day-28 mortality rate reached 51% (53/103). Identified independent early risk-factors for day-28 mortality included cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration longer than 20 min (OR 6.40 [95% CI 1.88–23.32]; p = 0.003), temperature at Intensive Care Unit admission <34 °C (OR 8.84 [95% CI 2.66–32.92]; p < 0.001), need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 6.83 [95% CI 1.47–40.87]; p = 0.02) and lactate concentration > 7 mmol/L (OR 3.56 [95% CI 1.01–13.07]; p = 0.04). The Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of the developed score based on those variables reached 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86–0.97). The optimal cut-off for predicting poor outcomes was 4 points with a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI, 82–98%), a specificity of 82% (95% CI, 67–91%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 84% (95% CI, 72–95%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% (95% CI, 79–96%). The assessment of this score on the validation cohort of 81 patients exhibited an AUC of 0.82. Using the same 4 points threshold, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of the validation cohort were: 81%, 67%, 72% and 77%, respectively. ConclusionIn patients suffering from drowning induced initial cardiac arrest admitted to ICU with a DACA score ≥ 4, the likelihood of survival at day-28 is significantly lower. Prospective validation of the DACA score and assessment of its usefulness are warranted in the future.

COVID-19 and Clostridioides difficile Coinfection Analysis in the Intensive Care Unit.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, the global mortality attributable to COVID-19 has reached 6,972,152 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The association between coinfection with Clostridioides difficile (CDI) and SARS-CoV-2 has limited data in the literature. This retrospective study, conducted at Mureș County Clinical Hospital in Romania, involved 3002 ICU patients. Following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, 63 patients were enrolled, with a division into two subgroups-SARS-CoV-2 + CDI patients and CDI patients. Throughout their hospitalization, the patients were closely monitored. Analysis revealed no significant correlation between comorbidities and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). However, statistically significant associations were noted between renal and hepatic comorbidties (p = 0.009), death and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (p = 0.09), flourochinolone treatment and CDI-SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.03), and an association between diabetes mellitus and SARS-CoV-2-CDI infection (p = 0.04), as well as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04). The patients with CDI treatment were significantly younger and received immuno-modulator or corticotherapy treatment, which was a risk factor for opportunistic agents. Antibiotic and PPI (proton pump inhibitor) treatment were significant risk factors for CDI coinfection, as well as for death, with PPI treatment in combination with antibiotic treatment being a more significant risk factor.

Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-positive and non-HIV patients: a retrospective comparative study from a lower-middle income country.

In this study, we compared the predisposing factors, key demographic and clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes, and factors associated with poor prognosis in pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) infection among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and non-HIV patient populations. This retrospective analysis was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, via the collection and analysis of patient records with a diagnosis of "pneumocystosis" between January 2015 and October 2020. Additionally, the laboratory database was evaluated, and patients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of PCP were included. During the study period, 52 laboratory-confirmed hospitalized PCP patients were identified. Of these, 23 and 29 patients were diagnosed using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. 34.6% of our patients were HIV positive, with a median CD4 count of 20.5 cells/mm3 (range: 10.7-50.5). Other conditions identified were corticosteroid use, autoimmune diseases, malignancy, radiation, and chemotherapy. On chest imaging, consolidation was found in 30%, ground-glass opacities in 24%, and nodular infiltrates in 20% of the cases. HIV-positive patients had a lower hemoglobin level and a higher level of β-D-glucan at the time of admission, whereas non-HIV patients were found to have more co-morbid conditions than HIV patients. We observed no difference in clinical outcomes between the two populations. Factors associated with a poor prognosis among our patients included concomitant infections at the time of diagnosis, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and a longer duration of stay in the hospital as well as the intensive care unit.

Frailty in severe COVID-19 survivors after ICU admission. A prospective and multicenter study in Mexico

ObjectiveTo analyze the presence of frailty in survivors of severe COVID-19 admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and followed six months after discharge. DesignAn observational, prospective and multicenter, nation-wide study. SettingEight adult ICU across eight academic acute care hospitals in Mexico. PatientsAll consecutive adult COVID-19 patients admitted in the ICU with acute respiratory failure between March 8, 2020 to February 28, 2021 were included. Frailty was defined according to the FRAIL scale, and was obtained at ICU admission and 6-month after hospital discharge. InterventionsNone. Main variables of interestThe primary endpoint was the frailty status 6-months after discharge. A regression model was used to evaluate the predictors during ICU stay associated with frailty. Results196 ICU survivors were evaluated for basal frailty at ICU admission and were included in this analysis. After 6-months from discharge, 164 patients were evaluated for frailty: 40 patients (20.4%) were classified as non-frail, 67 patients (34.2%) as pre-frail and 57 patients (29.1%) as frail. After adjustment, the need of invasive mechanical ventilation was the only factor independently associated with frailty at 6 month follow-up (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.70, 95% confidence interval 1.40–9.81, P = .008). ConclusionsDeterioration of frailty was reported frequently among ICU survivors with severe COVID-19 at 6-months. The need of invasive mechanical ventilation in ICU survivors was the only predictor independently associated with frailty.

A retrospective observational study to determine the role of High Flow Nasal Oxygen in terms of recovery, mortality and need for invasive ventilation in COVID-19 cases

Background: Hypoxemic respiratory failure in COVID-19 is managed by conventional oxygen, High Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO), and invasive ventilation. Multiple studies have proven that using HFNO in the early stages of acute hypoxemia failure can lead to better outcomes and delay or avoidance of invasive ventilation. This observational study was conducted to further establish this hypothesis. Also, no difference was found in mortality rates between the usage of HFNO Conventional Oxygen Therapy. However, there are very limited studies comparing outcomes of HFNO and Invasive ventilation usage. Hence, this study was undertaken to gain insight into comparing HFNO and invasive ventilation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data collection was performed from 06/05/2021 to 15/12/2021 after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The collection was performed at MMFHA Ratna Hospital, Pune. All Indoor patient department files of positive cases of COVID first wave (2020) and second wave (2021) were screened. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction COVID-positive cases belonging to both genders, aged 18-100 years and where HFNO was part of management were selected, and data was extracted about socio-demographic data, clinical profile, and routine investigations advised, course of the patient in the hospital with respect to vital parameters, daily HFNO parameters, all the medications received, any other interventions if required, and the time points of taking patients off HFNO, the requirement of invasive ventilation, shifting out of Intensive Care Unit discharge, or death. Immunocompromised cancer patients and pregnant women were excluded. Outcomes were measured in terms of recovery, need for mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Results: Out of 700 cases screened, HFNO was used in 38 (5.4%) participants. The duration of HFNO ranged from less than one day to more than seven days. Of those 38, 30 (78.9%) received HFNO and 8 (21.05%) were shifted to mechanical ventilation. Out of these 30, eight (21.05%) expired on HFNO, eighteen (47.36%) were discharged, and four (10.52%) were shifted to another hospital on HFNO. All eight participants on mechanical invasive ventilation expired. Conclusions: In terms of recovery from HFNO use, discharge with a recovery rate was higher than mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation. The need for invasive mechanical ventilation was much lower in HFNO used participants (26 versus 8). All those on mechanical ventilation expired. HFNO can be a useful modality for oxygenation in COVID-19 patients. The exact role of HFNO in the trajectory of the management of hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 needs to be defined.

Effectiveness of Copeptin, MR-proADM and MR-proANP in Predicting Adverse Outcomes, Alone and in Combination with Traditional Severity Scores, a Secondary Analysis in COVID-19 Patients Requiring Intensive Care Admission.

Objective: To investigate whether copeptin, MR-proADM and MR-proANP, alone or integrated with the SOFA, MuLBSTA and SAPS II scores, are capable of early recognition of COVID-19 ICU patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes. Methods: For this predefined secondary analysis of a larger cohort previously described, all consecutive COVID-19 adult patients admitted between March and December 2020 to the ICU of a referral, university hospital in Northern Italy were screened, and clinical severity scores were calculated upon admission. A blood sample for copeptin, MR-proADM and MR-proANP was collected within 48 h (T1), on day 3 (T3) and 7 (T7). Outcomes considered were ICU and in-hospital mortality, bacterial superinfection, recourse to renal replacement therapy (RRT) or veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and pronation. Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled, and in-hospital mortality was 69.1%. ICU mortality was predicted by MR-proANP measured at T1 (HR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001-1.010, p = 0.049), although significance was lost if the analysis was adjusted for procalcitonin and steroid treatment (p = 0.056). Non-survivors showed higher MR-proADM levels than survivors at all time points, and an increase in the ratio between values at baseline and at T7 > 4.9% resulted in a more than four-fold greater risk of in-hospital mortality (HR 4.417, p < 0.001). Finally, when considering patients with any reduction in glomerular filtration, an early copeptin level > 23.4 pmol/L correlated with a more than five-fold higher risk of requiring RRT during hospitalization (HR 5.305, p = 0.044). Conclusion: Timely evaluation of MR-proADM, MR-proANP and copeptin, as well as changes in the former over time, might predict mortality and other adverse outcomes in ICU patients suffering from severe COVID-19.

Fragmentation of the QRS Complex Is Associated with Right Ventricular Dilatation and Mortality in Critically Unwell Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients.

QRS fragmentation (fQRS) is a depolarization disorder that can be detected on routine electrocardiography (ECG). Current evidence suggests that fQRS is a prognosticator of adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to assess the relationship between fQRS and all-cause mortality in critically unwell coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and to investigate the significance of associated abnormalities on echocardiography. A retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 patients in a critical care setting was performed. Electrocardiography was performed on presentation to hospital, admission to the critical care unit, and at subsequent points according to clinical need. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at clinical discretion to assess for structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcome was the need for mechanical invasive ventilation. Totally, 212 consecutive patients were included of which 120 (57%) exhibited fQRS and inferior leads were involved in 88% of the patients. Overall, fQRS was a significant predictor of mortality [65% vs. 44% P =.003; multivariate odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-6.40, P =.005] and inferior fQRS itself was a significant predictor of mortality (P =.03). There was no significant association between fQRS and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. A total of 112 patients underwent echocardiography. There was a greater incidence of right ventricular (RV) dilatation in the fQRS group (16% vs. 2% respectively, P =.02) and pulmonary hypertension (33% vs. 14% respectively, P =.03) based on echocardiographic criteria. Our study demonstrates that fQRS is significantly associated with RV dilation, pulmonary hypertension, and mortality in critically unwell COVID-19 patients.

Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion: An Early Marker of Subclinical Left Ventricular Function in COVID-19 Survivors

Introduction: The left ventricular (LV) function can be affected by COVID-19. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) is a measurement that reflects the function of the LV. The association between MAPSE and LV function in COVID-19 survivors is not well understood, and this study aimed to explore that relationship. Material and methods: The retrospective cross-sectional study comprised 99 patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These patients experienced symptoms lasting more than 2 months following the initial SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, including fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their MAPSE measurements: those with low MAPSE (&lt;12 mm) and those with non-low MAPSE (&gt;12 mm). MAPSE measurements were acquired using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Results: COVID-19 patients with low MAPSE, global longitudinal strain (GLS) (%) ([-17.61±0.95] - [-18.90±1.08], p &lt;0.001) and mitral E/A ratio ([0.83±0.39] - [0.97±0.23], p = 0.028) were statistically significant compared to the the group without low MAPSE. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) in mm/m2 ([37.24±2.11] - [35.34±2.50], p =0.001) was higher in the group of COVID-19 patients with lower MAPSE. High-sensitivity troponin T (Hs-TnT) (OR: 2.019, 95% CI: 1.043-3.712, p =0.028), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR: 1.432, 95% CI: 1.004-2.708, p =0 .037) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) support (OR: 1.306, 95% CI: 1.128-2.630, p =0.004) were identified as independent predictors of reduced MAPSE. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to reduced or impaired MAPSE values, indicative of impaired LV function, in COVID-19 survivors. Additionally, our study revealed that elevated levels of (Hs-TnT), admission to the ICU, and the need for IMV support were predictive factors for low MAPSE values. These findings underscore the potential cardiac implications of COVID-19 and highlight the importance of monitoring cardiac function in patients with severe disease manifestations.

The Effect of Albumin Replacement on Vasopressor Duration in Septic Shock in Patients With Hypoalbuminemia.

The use of albumin resuscitation in septic shock is only recommended in patients who have received large volumes of crystalloid resuscitation regardless of serum albumin concentration. The role of albumin is still largely debated and evidence to support its use still lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether albumin replacement increases the number of vasopressor-free days in patients with septic shock and hypoalbuminemia. A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the effect of albumin replacement in septic shock. Hypoalbuminemic patients with septic shock who received albumin were retrospectively compared with a cohort who did not. The primary outcome was number of vasopressor-free days at day 14 from shock presentation, which was analyzed using an adjusted linear regression model to adjust for confounders. There was no difference in vasopressor-free days at day 14 in patients who received albumin versus those who did not, after adjusting for confounders of exposure (0.50, 95% CI = -0.97 to 1.97; P = 0.502). There also was no difference in secondary outcomes except for need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), which was significantly lower in patients who received albumin (61 [54.4%] vs 88 [67.7%]; P = 0.035). We observed no difference in vasopressor-free days at day 14 in patients with hypoalbuminemia who received albumin compared with those who did not. However, patients who received albumin required significantly less MV although further studies are warranted to assess this effect.

Risk factors and predictive model for mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation admitted to the intensive care unit.

Hematological malignant tumors represent a group of major diseases carrying a substantial risk to the lives of affected patients. Risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients have garnered substantial attention in recent research endeavors. The present research aimed to identify factors predicting intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Furthermore, the present study analyzed and compared the mortality rate between patients undergoing haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-SCT) and those undergoing identical sibling donor (ISD) transplantation. A total of 108 patients were included in the present research, 83 (76.9%) of whom underwent Haplo-SCT. ICU mortality was reported in 58 (53.7%) patients, with the values of 55.4 and 48.0% associated with Haplo-SCT and ISD, respectively (P=0.514). The mortality rate of patients undergoing Haplo-SCT was comparable to that of patients undergoing ISD transplantation. The present study found that reduced hemoglobin, elevated total bilirubin, elevated brain natriuretic peptide, elevated fibrinogen degradation products, need for vasoactive drugs at ICU admission, need for invasive mechanical ventilation and elevated APACHE II scores were independent risk factors for ICU mortality. Among patients presenting with 5-7 risk factors, the ICU mortality reached 100%, significantly exceeding that of other patients. The present research revealed that ICU mortality rates remain elevated among patients who underwent allo-HSCT, especially those presenting multiple risk factors. However, the outcome of patients undergoing Haplo-SCT were comparable to those of patients undergoing ISD transplants.

Cyclosporine A in hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients to prevent the development of interstitial lung disease: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a new entity that frequently causes pulmonary fibrosis and can become chronic. We performed a single-center parallel-group open-label pilot randomized clinical trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine A (CsA) in the development of ILD in the medium term among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive CsA plus standard of care or standard of care alone. The primary composite outcome was the percentage of patients without ILD 3 months after diagnosis of pneumonia and not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (response without requiring IMV). The key secondary composite outcomes were the percentage of patients who achieve a response requiring IMV or irrespective of the need for IMV, and adverse events. A total of 33 patients received at least one dose of CsA plus standard of care (n = 17) or standard of care alone (n = 16). No differences were found between the groups in the percentage of patients who achieved a response without requiring IMV or a response requiring IMV. A higher percentage of patients achieved a response irrespective of the need for IMV in the CsA plus standard of care group although the RR was almost significant 2.833 (95% CI, 0.908–8.840; p = 0.057). No differences were found between the groups for adverse events. In hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, we were unable to demonstrate that CsA achieved a significant effect in preventing the development of ILD. (EU Clinical Trials Register; EudraCT Number: 2020-002123-11; registration date: 08/05/2020).

Cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of COVID-19 with postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are unrelated to invasive mechanical ventilation.

Postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) often leads to exertional intolerance and reduced exercise capacity, particularly in individuals previously admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). However, the impact of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) on PASC-associated cardiorespiratory abnormalities during exercise remains poorly understood. This single-center, cross-sectional study aimed to gather knowledge on this topic. Fifty-two patients with PASC recruited ∼6 mo after ICU discharge were clustered based on their need for IMV (PASC + IMV, n = 27) or noninvasive support therapy (PASC + NIS, n = 25). Patients underwent pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and were compared with a reference group (CONTROL, n = 19) comprising individuals of both sexes with similar age, comorbidities, and physical activity levels but without a history of COVID-19 illness. Individuals with PASC, irrespective of support therapy, presented with higher rates of cardiorespiratory abnormalities than CONTROL, especially dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, reduced oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate recovery (all P < 0.05). Only the rate of abnormal oxygen pulse was greater among PASC + IMV group than PASC + NIS group (P = 0.05). Mean estimates for all CPX variables were comparable between PASC + IMV and PASC + NIS groups (all P > 0.05). These findings indicate significant involvement of both central and peripheral factors, leading to exertional intolerance in individuals with PASC previously admitted to the ICU, regardless of their need for IMV.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19 with PASC to be independent of IMV need. Overall, both group of patients experienced dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, lower oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate responses to CPX. PASC seems to impact exertional tolerance and exercise capacity due to ventilatory inefficiency, impaired aerobic metabolism, and potential systolic and autonomic dysfunction, all of these irrespective of support therapy during ICU stay.

The effect of taking antibacterial therapy on the outpatient stage and outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia in Tomsk hospitals

Background. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains one of the most common diseases requiring urgent hospitalization, with a significant part of patients already receiving antibiotics before admission to the hospital.&#x0D; Aim. To assess the relationship between outpatient antibacterial therapy and in-hospital mortality and the severity of the CAP.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The retrospective study included the data of adult patients with CAP who were hospitalized in Tomsk from January 1 to December 31, 2017.&#x0D; Results. Among 1412 patients, 22.2% received antibiotics before admission to the hospital, the proportion of deaths in this group was significantly lower – 3.8% compared with 10.6% among patients without antibiotic therapy (p0.001). Subjects who received antibiotics on outpatient basis were less likely to require being in the intensive care unit and administering vasopressors, in contrast to patients without prior antibiotic therapy: 5.1 and 10.6% (p=0.003); 7.1 and 4.7% (p=0.018) respectively. In patients with severe CAP on a scale IDSA/ATS, only 11.8% of cases were detected with antibiotics before hospitalization, while in mild CAP the frequency of administration was 16.6% (p0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion. Ambulatory antibacterial therapy had a positive effect on the subsequent course and outcomes of CAP in a hospital setting. Patients had a predominantly mild course of the disease, needing for vasopressors, and being in the intensive care unit, but was not consistent with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.

Low handgrip strength is associated with worse functional outcomes in long COVID

The diagnosis of long COVID is troublesome, even when functional limitations are present. Dynapenia is the loss of muscle strength and power production that is not caused by neurologic or muscular diseases, being mostly associated with changes in neurologic function and/or the intrinsic force-generating properties of skeletal muscle, which altogether, may partially explain the limitations seen in long COVID. This study aimed to identify the distribution and possible associations of dynapenia with functional assessments in patients with long COVID. A total of 113 patients with COVID-19 were evaluated by functional assessment 120 days post-acute severe disease. Body composition, respiratory muscle strength, spirometry, six-minute walk test (6MWT, meters), and hand-grip strength (HGS, Kilogram-force) were assessed. Dynapenia was defined as HGS < 30 Kgf (men), and < 20 Kgf (women). Twenty-five (22%) participants were dynapenic, presenting lower muscle mass (p < 0.001), worse forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p = 0.0001), lower forced vital capacity (p < 0.001), and inspiratory (p = 0.007) and expiratory (p = 0.002) peek pressures, as well as worse 6MWT performance (p < 0.001). Dynapenia, independently of age, was associated with worse FEV1, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and 6MWT, (p < 0.001) outcomes. Patients with dynapenia had higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates (p = 0.01) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation (p = 0.007) during hospitalization. The HGS is a simple, reliable, and low-cost measurement that can be performed in outpatient clinics in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, HGS may be used as a proxy indicator of functional impairment in this population.

Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients.

Due to higher survival rates with good quality of life, related to new treatments in the fields of oncology, hematology, and transplantation, the number of immunocompromised patients is increasing. But these patients are at high risk of intensive care unit admission because of numerous complications. Acute respiratory failure due to severe community-acquired pneumonia is one of the leading causes of admission. In this setting, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation is up to 60%, associated with a high hospital mortality rate of around 40 to 50%. A wide range of pathogens according to the reason of immunosuppression is associated with severe pneumonia in those patients: documented bacterial pneumonia represents a third of cases, viral and fungal pneumonia both account for up to 15% of cases. For patients with an undetermined etiology despite comprehensive diagnostic workup, the hospital mortality rate is very high. Thus, a standardized diagnosis strategy should be defined to increase the diagnosis rate and prescribe the appropriate treatment. This review focuses on the benefit-to-risk ratio of invasive or noninvasive strategies, in the era of omics, for the management of critically ill immunocompromised patients with severe pneumonia in terms of diagnosis and oxygenation.

Fatigue and Mental Illness Symptoms in Long COVID: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Multicenter Observational Study.

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect millions worldwide, resulting in persisting postvirus complaints and impacting peoples' quality of life. Long COVID, characterized by lingering symptoms like fatigue and mental illness, can extend beyond a few months, necessitating further research to understand its implications. This study aims to quantify the degree of physical and psychological fatigue in patients following COVID-19 infection and examine its correlation with mental health disorders. Using a consecutive nonrandom sampling technique, we will conduct a prospective cohort multicenter observational study in 5 Portuguese hospitals. Symptomatic adult patients with previous COVID-19 attending follow-up consultations will be enrolled. We will include patients who had mild, moderate, and severe acute disease. We will assess clinical outcomes related to COVID-19, including the type of respiratory support such as high-flow nasal cannula, noninvasive ventilation, and invasive mechanical ventilation. The exclusion criteria will include previous severe psychiatric disorders confirmed by a psychiatrist; refusal or inability to respond to the questionnaire; concomitant neurological disorder; persistent fatigue symptoms during the 6 months before infection; and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation during COVID-19 infection due to a high prevalence of postintensive care syndrome. Our primary outcome is the prevalence of fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 depression and/or anxiety, as measured by the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The secondary outcomes will include an assessment of health-related quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire and an exploration of the prevalence of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the 14-item Posttraumatic Stress Scale (PTSS-14). We will also examine the association between mental health symptoms and the severity of acute COVID-19. The post-COVID-19 data will be collected at least 6 months after the positive test and no longer than 9 months during the clinical appointment. We expect our multicenter study on patients post COVID-19 to reveal a significant link between mental illness symptoms and both physical and psychological fatigue. Patients with heightened depression and anxiety may report increased levels of fatigue. Additionally, we expect to find persistent PTSD symptoms in a subset of participants, indicating the enduring psychological impact of the virus. This study may underscore the need for integrated care addressing physical and mental health in patients post COVID-19. The observed connections emphasize the importance of considering mental well-being for long-term health outcomes. Despite study limitations, our findings contribute valuable insights for future treatment strategies and highlight the necessity for comprehensive mental health support in post-COVID-19 care. This research provides valuable insights into the mental health implications of COVID-19 and its impact on post-COVID-19 fatigue and the overall well-being of affected individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05323318; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05323318. DERR1-10.2196/51820.