Number Of Ventilator Days Research Articles

Physical restraint and associated agitation.

Physical restraint of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) has an estimated prevalence of 50%. Many medical centres do not have specific protocols for physical restraint, and the decision of whether to physically restrain a patient is up to the nursing staff. Disadvantages of physical restraint include injuries, exacerbation of agitation and an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To report prevalence and outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality of physical restraint in general ICU patients in an 800-bed secondary medical centre. This retrospective study included 647 patients admitted to a general ICU in an 800-bed secondary medical centre in Kfar Saba, Israel, between January and December 2020. Data included demographics, medical history, length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, number of ventilation days, 28-day mortality, reason for admission, agitation rate assessed by Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) score, need for physical restraint and need for anti-psychotics. Among the patients, 40% (256 of 647) required physical restraint. Older adult patients had a greater likelihood of being physically restrained along with those admitted because of sepsis or acute respiratory failure. Among the study sample, 11% (71 of 647) required anti-psychotics. Patients who were restrained had longer duration of ventilation (5.9 ± 8.2 vs. 0.36 ± 1.4 days; p < .001) and higher 28-day mortality (0.26 ± 0.45 vs. 0.07 ± 0.25, Z = 6.86, p < .001). There was no difference in medical history, except for chronic drug abuse, which was more frequent in the restraint group (18 [6.9%] vs. 11 [2.8%], respectively; p = .019), as well as the use of anti-psychotic medications (24 [9.3%] vs. 19 [4.8%], respectively; p = .034) and anti-depressants (55 [21.2%] vs. 59 [14.8%], respectively; p = .042). The restraint group had higher disease severity scores, as reflected in requirements for vasopressor support (174 [67.2%] vs. 69 [17.3%], respectively; p < .001) and need for dialysis (39 [15.1%] vs. 19 [4.8%], respectively; p < .001); higher frequency of in-hospital anti-psychotic treatment (60 [23.2%] vs. 11 [2.8%], respectively; p < .001); a greater tendency for agitation events and more severe agitation scores (episodes of RASS above zero [1.7 ± 4.0 vs. 0.04 ± 0.27, respectively; p < .001] and maximum RASS score [0.19 ± 1.6 vs. 0.01 ± 0.54, respectively; p < .001]). Overall, advanced age, number of ventilation days and need for dialysis were associated with increased 28-day mortality. In the restraint group, advanced age, chronic use of diuretics and the use of dialysis during ICU admission were associated with increased mortality risk. Restrained patients tended to have higher morbidity and mortality during ICU and hospital stays, as well as a greater tendency for agitation events and more severe agitation scores, with an increased need for in-hospital anti-psychotic treatment. These findings regarding patient characteristics might be used to formulate treatment plans to reduce the rate of physical restraint in the ICU. Because restrained ICU patients tend to have higher morbidity and mortality, treatment plans should be formulated to reduce the rate of physical restraint in the ICU. NCT04771793.

Variation in Risk-Adjusted Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Days Within a Quality Collaborative

IntroductionVentilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with increased mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer intensive care unit stays. The rate of VAP (VAPs per 1000 ventilator days) within a hospital is an important quality metric. Despite adoption of preventative strategies, rates of VAP in injured patients remain high in trauma centers. Here, we report variation in risk-adjusted VAP rates within a statewide quality collaborative. MethodsUsing Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 35 American College of Surgeons–verified Level I and Level II trauma centers between November 1, 2020 and January 31, 2023, a patient-level Poisson model was created to evaluate the risk-adjusted rate of VAP across institutions given the number of ventilator days, adjusting for injury severity, physiologic parameters, and comorbid conditions. Patient-level model results were summed to create center-level estimates. We performed observed-to-expected adjustments to calculate each center's risk-adjusted VAP days and flagged outliers as hospitals whose confidence intervals lay above or below the overall mean. ResultsWe identified 538 VAP occurrences among a total of 33,038 ventilator days within the collaborative, with an overall mean of 16.3 VAPs per 1000 ventilator days. We found wide variation in risk-adjusted rates of VAP, ranging from 0 (0-8.9) to 33.0 (14.4-65.1) VAPs per 1000 d. Several hospitals were identified as high or low outliers. ConclusionsThere exists significant variation in the rate of VAP among trauma centers. Investigation of practices and factors influencing the differences between low and high outlier institutions may yield information to reduce variation and improve outcomes.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Remdesivir for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has accounted for more than 1 000 000 deaths in the United States alone. In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the investigational use of intravenous remdesivir for the treatment of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in hospitalized children and adults. Several other agents, such as hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, and tocilizumab have been investigated as potential treatment options; however, dexamethasone is currently the only agent that has been proven to reduce mortality in patients who require supplemental oxygen. The purpose of this study was to determine if initiation of remdesivir treatment in patients who presented with early symptoms of COVID-19 (defined as symptom onset < 7 days) had a significant impact on in-patient all-cause mortality compared to initiation of remdesivir treatment in patients who presented with symptom onset of at least 7 days. This ethics-committee-approved, retrospective, multicenter, double-arm study was conducted across 10 facilities in the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. Adult inpatients age 18 and older with confirmed COVID-19 and administered intravenous remdesivir from May 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, were included. Exclusion criteria included patients less than 18 years of age, the concomitant use of hydroxychloroquine or tocilizumab for any indication, or an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 milliliters per minute. The primary outcome of this study was in-patient all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included total length of stay, time to discharge, oxygen requirements, and number of ventilator days. A total of 217 patients from facilities in the HCA Healthcare West Florida Division were evaluated for inclusion. The primary outcome of all-cause mortality occurred in 34.9% of patients with symptom onset of fewer than 7 days versus 31.0% of patients with symptom onset of at least 7 days (P = .57). There were no statistical differences found among the secondary outcomes. Time since symptom onset did not result in a statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality in patients who received intravenous remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19.

Implementation of an Extubation Readiness Guideline for Preterm Infants.

Intubated preterm infants 32 6 / 7 weeks or less of gestation in a mid-Atlantic level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) faced a high number of ventilator days. Based on 6 weeks of electronic health record (EHR) chart audits of extubations in this NICU in 2021, 44% of preterm infants 32 6 / 7 weeks or less of gestation were intubated for more than 28 days, with an average of 23 days on a ventilator. This NICU lacked a standardized extubation guideline providing criteria to drive extubation eligibility. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of an extubation readiness guideline in preterm infants 32 6 / 7 weeks or less of gestation in a mid-Atlantic level IV NICU. This project occurred over a 17-week period in 2021. Implementation included a multidisciplinary committee formation, identification of champions, NICU staff education, completion of a guideline checklist by bedside nursing (for eligible patients), clinician reminders, and chart audits for collection of pre-/postimplementation data. Staff education completion, guideline use and compliance, demographic patient data, ventilator days, time to first extubation, and need for reintubation were tracked. Postimplementation data indicated decreased need for intubation for more than 28 days, ventilator days, and days to first extubation attempt. Results suggested that implementation of the evidence-based guideline was effective in decreasing average total ventilator days for preterm infants 32 6 / 7 weeks or less of gestation.

265 Inpatient Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Non-accidental Versus Accidental Head Trauma: National Trauma Data Bank Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Non-accidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent studies suggest NAT results in worse outcomes than accidental TBI, independent of severity of the injury and interventions. METHODS: Patients under 18 years old diagnosed with head trauma with or without NAT during 2019-2021 were identified in the NTDB. The predictor variables were demographics; previously validated prognostic factors , including motor score, verbal score, pupillary score, pupillary reactivity, image findings; neurosurgical interventions including EVD, ICPM, PbO2 monitoring; length of stay, and number of ventilated days. Data evaluation and univariate analysis were performed using summary statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and non-parametric tests. Mortality, length of ICU stay and complication rates were modeled using a multivariate logistic regression model. Outcomes were controlled for age, race, sex, and teaching vs nonteaching hospital. RESULTS: A total of 90,607 pediatric TBI events were identified in the database, 1721 (1.90%) cases with NAT. NAT was observed most often in 0-2 year-olds (64.78%), followed by 2-5 year-olds (22.66%), 6-10 and 15-18 year-olds (0.09% each), then 11-14 year-olds (0.07%). Patients with NAT had longer ICU stays (6.18 vs 4.93 days, p &lt; 0.0001) and ventilator days, despite similar injury severity scores (p &lt; 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was 30% more likely if NAT was the MOI (LR 1.3046, p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric TBI patients with NAT have worse inpatient outcomes than similar patients with accidental injuries. Accurate diagnosis and better prognostication scales specific to patients with non-accidental trauma may lead to improved management and resource allocations for these sicker patients.

Lower Functional Status and Sternal Precaution Noncompliance May Not Be Related to Dehiscence Post-Median Sternotomy

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between functional status, compliance with sternal precautions, and aseptic osseous postoperative incision complications. Review of Literature: Although there is limited research on upper extremity use and noncompliance with sternal precautions and sternal motion, there is a paucity of literature on functional status and noncompliance with sternal precautions and their effect on actual sternal complications, specifically aseptic osseous dehiscence. Methods: A retrospective medical record review was performed on 113 patients with an incisional complication following median sternotomy. Functional status was assessed using the AM-PAC “6-Clicks” Basic Mobility Short Form and initial gait distance. Compliance to sternal precautions was assessed using clinical documentation to determine the percentage of therapy sessions requiring cues. Propensity score matching was performed to select matched comparator records for those with aseptic osseous dehiscence. A descriptive, in-depth chart review was then performed to determine other possible clinical factors contributing to complication. Results: Eight of 113 patients had aseptic osseous dehiscence. Initial AM-PAC “6-Clicks” score (U = 4.375, P = .036), initial gait distance (U = 7.252, P = .007), and number of ventilator days (U = 2.790, P = .005) were significantly different in the aseptic osseous group compared to other complication types. However, the number of ventilator days was the only variable that remained significant (U = 52.5, P = .028) between those with aseptic osseous dehiscence and the 8 matched comparators. The in-depth chart review revealed that the aseptic osseous group had respiratory complications in 5 of 8 records as compared with 2 of 8 records in the comparator group. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that confounding clinical factors besides functional status and compliance to sternal precautions could have contributed to aseptic osseous dehiscence following median sternotomy. Respiratory complications postoperatively may be a key confounding factor in aseptic osseous dehiscence. Therefore, the effect of functional status and noncompliance to traditional sternal precautions remains unclear.

“Blunt adrenal injury does not affect outcomes in the pediatric population with isolated abdominal injury- a National Trauma Data Bank Review®.”

BackgroundThe incidence of blunt abdominal injury (BAI) in the adult population has been estimated to be between 0.03% and 4.95%. However, the impact of BAI on the pediatric population remains unknown. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of National Trauma Data Bank datasets for the years 2017–2019. We included patients under the age of 18 who experienced blunt trauma and had suffered a blunt abdominal injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) severity score of 2 or higher. ResultsOut of the 8064 pediatric patients with isolated abdominal trauma, 134 patients also suffered from BAI. We found no difference in the outcomes of patients with blunt adrenal injury in terms of mortality, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital, and the number of ventilator days. Within poly-trauma patients BAI was associated with worst patient outcomes. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that BAI has minimal clinical impact on patient outcomes in isolation. However it is associated with worst outcomes in poly trauma patients suggesting correlation with increased trauma burden. Level of evidenceIII.

Rigid Plate Fixation for Closure of Emergent Sternotomies for Trauma.

No studies to date have evaluated the use of rigid plate fixation for emergent sternotomy in trauma patients. We evaluated our use of rigid plate fixation vs wire cerclage in patients requiring emergent sternotomy. We hypothesized there would be no difference in complications related to sternal closure between the two groups. We performed a retrospective cohort study to include all patients who underwent emergent sternotomy from 1/1/2018 to 1/31/2021 and survived to have their sternum closed. Outcomes in patients closed with wire cerclage group (WC) were compared to patients who underwent rigid plate fixation (RPF). Twenty-two patients underwent emergent sternotomy. There were 11 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in admission demographics, ISS, or admission characteristics between the two groups. Complication rates related to closure (wound infection and hardware removal) were not significantly different (WC 27% vs RPF 9%, P = .58). Neither hospital length of stay (WC: 29 days vs RPF: 13 days, P = .13), ICU length of stay (WC: 6 days vs RPF: 7 days, P = .62), nor the number of ventilator days (WC: 3 days vs RPF: 1 day, P .11) were statistically different. All patients survived to discharge. This is the first study comparing RPF and WC for sternotomy closure in the setting of trauma. We found no difference in the rate of wound related complications. This study demonstrates the feasibility of rigid plate fixation for trauma sternotomy closure and lays the foundation for future prospective studies.

Health Care–Associated Infection in Elderly Patients With Cerebrovascular Disease in Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taizhou, China

Cerebrovascular diseases are associated with high incidence of health care-associated infections (HAIs) and poor prognosis in elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of HAIs in elderly patients with cerebrovascular disease in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients admitted with cerebrovascular disease, aged≥65 years, were included. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine the risk factors, infection type, distribution, and pathogenic characteristics of HAIs in the context of cerebrovascular diseases. Out of 381 ICU inpatients monitored, 79 (20.73%) developed HAIs. Risk analysis revealed number of ventilator days as significant risk factors for HAIs in elderly patients with cerebrovascular diseases in the comprehensive ICU. In the HAI group, 56 patients (70.89%) had respiratory tract infection (RTI). Sixty-five patients (82.28%) were infected with Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), and 42 (53.16%) with multi-drug-resistant organism (MDRO). The length of hospitalization days, ventilator days, and overall hospitalization costs were higher in the HAI group than in the non-HAI group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups in the treatment outcome of patients. Patients with MDRO infection had longer duration and higher cost of hospitalization than those infected with non-MDRO (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups in the treatment outcome of patients. HAIs occurred mostly due to RTI and GNB infection. The hospitalization cost and duration, as well as the length of ventilator days, were higher for cerebrovascular patients with HAIs than for non-HAIs patients.

Predictors and Impact of Pneumonia on Adverse Outcomes in Inhalation Injury Patients.

Inhalation injury (II) is the third mortality prognostic factor for burn injury following age and burn size. II can lead to pulmonary complications such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); all of which have been hypothesized to increase morbidity and mortality in II. Herein, we aimed to identify variables associated with the risk of developing pneumonia and to determine the impact of pneumonia on selected II outcomes. De-identified data from the Prospective Inhalation Study (ISIS) were used. II was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Demographics, injury, and hospital course information were recorded. P <0.05 was considered significant. One hundred subjects were included. On univariate analysis, pneumonia was associated with burn severity, race, and receipt of colloid during the first 24h. Patients who developed pneumonia spent more time on a ventilator, had longer hospitalizations (LOS) and were more likely to need a tracheostomy. On multivariate analysis, total number of ventilator days was associated with pneumonia (OR = 1.122 [1.048-1.200], p = 0.001). Both pneumonia and receipt of colloid were predictive of increased ventilator days (OR = 2.545 [1.363-4.753], p < 0.001 and OR = 2.809 [1.548-5.098], p < 0.001, respectively). Pneumonia was not an independent predictor of LOS, ARDS, or mortality. Pneumonia remains a high-risk complication associated with two times more ventilator days in II. Future research should focus on prevention of pneumonia and the relationship between colloid fluids and pneumonia and early ventilator liberation in II patients.

Static Respiratory System Compliance as a Predictor of Extubation Failure in Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure.

Ventilator weaning protocols rely in part on objective indices to best predict extubation failure in the critically ill. We investigated static respiratory system compliance (RC) as a predictor of extubation failure, in comparison to extubation readiness using rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI). This was a cross-sectional, multi-institutional study of mechanically ventilated patients admitted between 12/01/2017 and 12/01/2019. All patients older than 18years with a documented spontaneous breathing trial and extubation trial were included. RC and RSBI were calculated prior to the extubation trial. The primary outcome was extubation failure-defined as need for reintubation within 72h from time of extubation. Of the 2263 patients, 55.8% were males with a mean age of 68 years. The population consisted mostly of Caucasians (73%) and African Americans (20.4%). 274 (12.1%) patients required reintubation within 72h. On multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), admission Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, number of ventilator days, and the P/F ratio on the day of extubation, RC remained the strongest predictor for extubation failure at 24h (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 1.00-2.10) and 72h (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15-2.17). There was no significant association between RSBI and extubation failure at 24 (aOR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01) or at 72h (aOR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01). RC measured on the day of extubation is a promising physiological discriminant to potentially risk stratify patients with acute respiratory failure for extubation readiness. We recommend further validation studies in prospective cohorts.

285 Determinants of Mortality Amongst Adult Burn Patients Admitted to a Regional Burn Center: Twenty-year Review

Abstract Introduction Established determinants of morbidity and mortality in burn patients include age and total burn surface area (TBSA), followed by inhalation injuries. We investigated determinants of mortality in burn patients admitted to our unit over the last two decades. The goal of this study was to determine the trends associated with burn mortality. Methods The burn registry was reviewed for the data of 5,401 burn patients admitted to our burn unit from 2002 to 2021. Patient demographics, payer source, burn characteristics, TBSA, injury circumstances, length of stay, ventilator and ICU days, comorbidities, complications, and surgery/procedures data were obtained for all patients. Chart reviews were completed for patients who died to investigate trends in mortality. The chi-square test, Wilcoxon two sample Test, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and Jonckheere-Terptra test will be used to evaluate the difference in risk factors of patients who survived and those who died. Two-sided p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 4093 adult burn patients were hospitalized from 2002 to 2021, of which 155 died. Data showed a significant mortality risk for patients of older age with increased TBSA, higher number of ventilator days, higher ICU Days, and a higher number of complications and smoke inhalation. Male patients had a significantly higher mortality rate. Burn injury by flash-flame represented a higher mortality risk. Accidental burn injury unrelated to employment was significantly more common in all patient populations. The relationship between the number of comorbidities and mortality risk was not clear. There wasn’t a significant difference in the mortality risk based on ethnicity (p=0.1218). Mortality rates did not change significantly over the 20 years (p=0.2027). Conclusions Age, %TBSA, and presence of inhalation injury continue to be major determinants of mortality. Higher incidence of longer stay and ICU/ventilator days, complications, and surgical procedures are associated with burn patients who don’t survive but these may be related to previous parameters. Overall mortality trends have not changed. Applicability of Research to Practice The results of this study can be used to increase accuracy in the triage of burn patients at higher risk of complications and death, to offer patients precise prognostics and better outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Challenge in modern intensive care: chronic critical illness - pathophysiology and therapeutic options

The recent developments in intensive care have resulted in improved survival rates of patients treated with acute organ deficiency. As a consequence, the rate of those who survive the acute phase and subsequently require protracted organ support due to persisting organ dysfunction has been growing. Several survivors display chronic health status deterioration leading to prolonged rehabilitation or nursing, and repeated hospitalizations. The condition developed following the survival of the acute phase and requiring long-lasting intensive care is frequently termed as chronic critical illness (CCI). Several definitions exist, most of these are based on the number of ventilator days, or days of stay at the intensive care unit. Nevertheless, in spite of the initially heterogenous etiology of the acute illness, the complications associated with CCI, as well as the pathophysiological processes underlying these, are relatively uniform. This causes CCI to be a unique clinical syndrome characterized by the development of secondary infections, myopathy, central and peripheral neuropathy, and typical alterations of the hormonal and immune system functions. The outcome is heavily influenced by the frailty and comorbidities of the patient, in addition to the severity of the acute illness. The treatment of CCI patients presents a complicated task requiring multidisciplinary view and individualized therapeutic measures. Since the aging of the population and the continuously improving success rates in overcoming acute conditions also facilitate the development of CCI, the systematic overview of the underlying pathophysiological processes is pivotal for the optimization of the medical, nursing, social and economical burden presented by this syndrome. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(18): 702-712.

Implementing Pediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines: Improving Compliance With Lactate Measurement in the PICU.

Structured, quality improvement initiative. Single-center, 26-bed, quaternary-care PICU. All patients with PICU-onset severe sepsis/shock from December 2018 to December 2021. Creation of a multidisciplinary local sepsis improvement team, education program targeting frontline providers (nurse practitioners, resident physicians), and peer-to-peer nursing education program with feedback to key stakeholders. The primary outcome measure was compliance with obtaining a lactate measurement within 60 minutes of the onset of severe sepsis/shock originating in our PICU using a local Improving Pediatric Sepsis Outcomes database and definitions. The process measure was time to first lactate measurement. Secondary outcomes included number of IV antibiotic days, number of vasoactive days, number of ICU days, and number of ventilator days. A total of 166 unique PICU-onset severe sepsis/shock events and 156 unique patients were included. One year after implementation of our first interventions with subsequent Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, overall compliance increased from 38% to 47% (24% improvement) and time to first lactate decreased from 175 to 94 minutes (46% improvement). Using a statistical process control I chart, the preshift mean for time to first lactate measurement was noted to be 179 minutes and the postshift mean was noted to be 81 minutes demonstrating a 55% improvement. This multidisciplinary approach led to improvement in time to first lactate measurement, an important step toward attaining our target of lactate measurement within 60 minutes of septic shock identification. Improving compliance is necessary for understanding implications of the 2020 pSSC guidelines on sepsis morbidity and mortality.

Just Keep MOVEN: An Evidence-Based Approach to Improving Outcomes in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Just Keep MOVEN: An Evidence-Based Approach to Improving Outcomes in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Pathogens Isolated in Ventilator-associated Pneumonia – A Single-center Study

Abstract Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in people receiving mechanical ventilation. VAP developed during the first 4 days of mechanical ventilation is early-onset, usually less severe, mostly caused by antibiotic-sensitive bacteria, and has a better prognosis. On the other hand, late-onset VAP develops five or more days after the initiation of mechanical ventilation, is caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens, and is usually associated with increased morbidity and mortality. VAP may be caused by a wide spectrum of bacterial pathogens that may be polymicrobial and are rarely due to viral or fungal pathogens in immunocompetent hosts. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from case files of the medical records department corresponding to the identified clinical isolates. The study included a total of 143 ventilated patients of both sexes who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and fulfilled the criteria of VAP as well as non-VAP. Results: A total of 102 patients suffered from VAP. The number of ventilator days was calculated to be 2940 days. With the estimated VAP cases to be 102, the VAP rate was calculated to be 34.69/1000 ventilator days. The commonly isolated organisms were Acinetobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which showed proportions of 39.5%, 28.1%, and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study highlights the organism distribution, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and the VAP incidence rate in our center. These findings, if replicated across centers, can potentially inform the management of VAP.

Concordance between Microorganisms Isolated from Subglottic Secretions and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Nosocomial pneumonia is a common complication in critically ill patients. Mechanical ventilation has been consistently identified as the greatest risk factor for the development of nosocomial pneumonia. Aims: The purpose of the current study is to find the concordance between microorganisms cultured from subglottic secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and to assess the effectiveness of subglottic suctioning for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, interventional, cohort study. Patients between 15 and 85 years who developed VAP after receiving mechanical ventilation were enrolled in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups: Group No Subglottic Secretion Drainage (NSSD) and Group Continuous Subglottic Secretion Drainage (CSSD). Results: The mean age of the patients was 56 ± 13 years. Fifty-eight percent were males and 42% were females. The incidence of VAP among NSSD group was 41.7% and in CSSD group was 25%. The coefficient of correlation was calculated for the microorganisms cultured in subglottic and BALF using Pearson's correlation. The correlation coefficient was 0.78 for the entire population (P = 0.01). In the NSSD group, it was 0.82 (P = 0.01), and in the CSSD group, it was 0.76 (P = 0.01). The mean Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay is maximum in NSSD group (12.9 ± 1.84 days) compared to CSSD group (9.2 ± 1.17 days). Conclusion: The concordance of organism grown in subglottic secretions and BALF culture is higher in NSSD group as compared to CSSD group. CSSD is an effective means of reducing the number of ventilator days and ICU stay.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention in Pediatric Patients: Narrative Review.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most common healthcare-associated infections in intensive care settings, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. VAP is diagnosed in >10% of patients on mechanical ventilation, incidence rising with number of ventilator days. In recent decades, the pathophysiology of VAP, VAP risk factors and treatment have been extensively studied. In critically ill pediatric patients, mechanical issues such as insufficient tightness of the ventilator circuit (mainly due to historically based preference of uncuffed tubes) and excessive humidity in the circuit are both significant risk factors of VAP development. Protocol-based approaches to critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, closed suctioning, upper body position, enteral feeding and selective gastric acid suppression medication have a beneficial effect on VAP incidence. In recent decades, cuffed tubes applied to the whole spectrum of critically ill pediatric patients (except neonates <2700 g of weight), together with cuff-oriented nursing care including proper cuff-pressure (<20 cm H2O) management and the use of specialized tracheal tubes with subglottic suction ports combined with close infraglottic tracheal suctioning, have been implemented. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence-based knowledge about the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VAP in clinically oriented settings.

Outcomes of COPD Patients with Flame Burn and Inhalation Injuries at a Single Institution.

The presence of any comorbid condition may lead to worse outcomes after burn injury. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition with significant morbidity and mortality. In 2018, about 16 million adults in the United States reported a diagnosis of COPD based on data from the American Lung Association. The objective of this study was to explore the outcomes of patients with COPD admitted to our Burn Center with flame burns and/or inhalation injury. Patients were identified using our Institutional Burn Center registry and linked to the clinical and administrative data. All adult flame-injured and/or inhalation injury-only patients admitted to our burn center between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2020 were included. Demographics, length of stay, burn, and patient characteristics and outcomes, including mortality, were evaluated. Four thousand three hundred ninety-seven patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two populations, those with COPD (n = 515) and those without a diagnosis of COPD (n = 3882). Patients with COPD were older, more likely to be white and male, and had smaller sized burns, p < .001. Patients with COPD were more likely to be smokers and have comorbid conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between the incidence of inhalation injury, lengths of stay, or number of ventilator days. Burn size and inhalation injury increased mortality risk regardless of COPD severity, as did age among those not on home oxygen. More studies are needed to determine the genomic or proteomic changes in patients with COPD that lead to worse outcomes after flame injury, and/or inhalation injury alone.

Efficacy of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Based on Antibody Concentration.

Background Convalescent plasma obtained from individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains neutralizing antibodies to the virus and has been frequently used as a treatment in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study involving 96 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 who were allocated in a 1 : 1 ratio to having received either high antibody concentration convalescent plasma or low antibody concentration convalescent plasma. Quantitative measurements of IgG to the receptor-binding domain (RBD), the S1 subunit of the spike protein, and the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein were determined from donor plasma samples. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 30 days following convalescent plasma administration in regard to each of the three antibody domains. Results Within the nucleocapsid antibody domain, death occurred in 22.2% of patients in the low antibody concentration group versus 23.5% in the high antibody concentration group (p=0.88). Within the RBD antibody domain, death occurred in 22.9% of patients in both the low and the high antibody concentration groups (p=1.0). Within the S1 subunit antibody domain, death occurred in 27.1% of patients in the low antibody concentration group versus 18.8% in the high antibody concentration group (p=0.33). Conclusions No significant differences were observed between low and high concentration convalescent plasma in regard to overall mortality at 30 days, hospital length of stay, number of ventilator days, and subsequent receipt of invasive mechanical ventilation in patients who were previously not receiving mechanical ventilation. Trial Registration. This study was not associated with a clinical trial due to the retrospective nature of study design.