Post-extubation Respiratory Failure Research Articles

Effects of non-invasive respiratory support in post-operative patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundRe-intubation secondary to post-extubation respiratory failure in post-operative patients is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) alternative to conventional oxygen therapy (COT), i.e., high-flow nasal oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), has been proposed to prevent or treat post-extubation respiratory failure. Aim of the present study is assessing the effects of NRS application, compared to COT, on the re-intubation rate (primary outcome), and time to re-intubation, incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, patient discomfort, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, and mortality (secondary outcomes) in adult patients extubated after surgery.MethodsA systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. A search from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science from inception until February 2, 2024 was performed.ResultsThirty-three studies (11,292 patients) were included. Among all NRS modalities, only NIV reduced the re-intubation rate, compared to COT (odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.28; 0.87, p = 0.015, I2 = 60.5%, low certainty of evidence). In particular, this effect was observed in patients receiving NIV for treatment, while not for prevention, of post-extubation respiratory failure, and in patients at high, while not low, risk of post-extubation respiratory failure. NIV reduced the rate of nosocomial pneumonia, ICU length of stay, and ICU, hospital, and long-term mortality, while not worsening patient discomfort.ConclusionsIn post-operative patients receiving NRS after extubation, NIV reduced the rate of re-intubation, compared to COT, when used for treatment of post-extubation respiratory failure and in patients at high risk of post-extubation respiratory failure.

Asymmetrical high-flow nasal cannula performs similarly to standard interface in patients with acute hypoxemic post-extubation respiratory failure: a pilot study

BackgroundStandard high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a respiratory support device widely used to manage post-extubation hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (hARF) due to greater comfort, oxygenation, alveolar recruitment, humidification, and reduction of dead space, as compared to conventional oxygen therapy. On the contrary, the effects of the new asymmetrical HFNC interface (Optiflow® Duet system (Fisher & Paykel, Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) is still under discussion. Our aim is investigating whether the use of asymmetrical HFNC interface presents any relevant difference, compared with the standard configuration, on lung aeration (as assessed by end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) measured by electrical impedance tomography (EIT)), diaphragm ultrasound thickening fraction (TFdi) and excursion (DE), ventilatory efficiency (estimated by corrected minute ventilation (MV)), gas exchange, dyspnea, and comfort.MethodsPilot physiological crossover randomized controlled study enrolling 20 adults admitted to the Intensive Care unit, invasively ventilated for at least 24 h, and developing post-extubation hARF, i.e., PaO2/set FiO2 < 300 mmHg during Venturi mask (VM) within 120 min after extubation. Each HFNC configuration was applied in a randomized 60 min sequence at a flow rate of 60 L/min.ResultsGlobal EELI, TFdi, DE, ventilatory efficiency, gas exchange and dyspnea were not significantly different, while comfort was greater during asymmetrical HFNC support, as compared to standard interface (10 [7–10] and 8 [7–9], p-value 0.044).ConclusionsIn post-extubation hARF, the use of the asymmetrical HFNC, as compared to standard HFNC interface, slightly improved patient comfort without affecting lung aeration, diaphragm activity, ventilatory efficiency, dyspnea and gas exchange.Clinical trial numberClinicalTrial.gov. Registration number: NCT05838326 (01/05/2023).New & noteworthyThe asymmetrical high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (Optiflow® Duet system (Fisher & Paykel, Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) provides greater comfort as compared to standard interface; while their performance in term of lung aeration, diaphragm activity, ventilatory efficiency, dyspnea, and gas exchange is similar.

Comparative Study between the use of Ultrasonic Criteria of Weaning versus the Conventional Criteria of Weaning in Post-traumatic Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients who were Ventilated for a long Time

Introduction: Failure to wean and re-ventilation is a major problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). Thirty percent of ventilated patients experience weaning failure and are re-ventilated, especially patients who are ventilated for long durations. Ultrasound provides reliable data on lung parenchyma inflammation resolution and diaphragmatic contraction power, thereby assisting in deciding if the patient should be weaned and consequently reducing the percentage of weaning failure. Aim of the Work: To compare the ultrasonic criteria for weaning with the conventional criteria of weaning in patients with post-traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who were ventilated for a long time and assess their effect on the ICU stay duration. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, double-blind study performed on 200 participants who were weaned from the ventilator after being ventilated for &gt; 1 week due to respiratory failure. Respiratory failure in the patients was either due to severe lung contusion or post-traumatic ARDS. The patients were randomly and equally allocated in two groups of 100 patients each. Groups A and B comprised patients who were weaned from the ventilator using the conventional and ultrasound weaning criteria, respectively. All patients weaned from both groups were followed up for 6 days for signs of weaning failure and post-extubation respiratory failure. The number of patients who were re-ventilated and discharged from the ICU was recorded and compared in both groups. Results: Group A had a significantly higher number of patients who experienced deterioration in consciousness, tachypnea, desaturation, tachycardia, and hypertension in addition to showing chest X-ray infiltration and being re-ventilated than group B. Moreover, group A patients had a significantly longer ICU duration than group B patients. Conclusion: The use of the ultrasonic criteria for weaning reduces re-intubation, re-ventilation, and post-extubation respiratory failure. Additionally, its use also decreases the ICU stay in patients with post-traumatic ARDS who were ventilated for a long time.

Non-Invasive Ventilation Reduces Postoperative Respiratory Failure in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been proposed as an attractive strategy to reduce morbidity in obese subjects undergoing general anaesthesia. The increased body mass index (BMI) correlates with loss of perioperative functional residual capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and total lung capacity. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy of NIV in a post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) in reducing post-extubation acute respiratory failure (ARF) after biliointestinal bypass (BIBP) in obese patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020 to compare acute respiratory failure within the first 72 postoperative hours and oximetry values of obese patients who underwent BIBP after postoperative NIV adoption or conventional Venturi mask. Results: In total, 50 patients who received NIV postoperative protocol and 57 patients who received conventional Venturi mask ventilation were included in the study. After 120 min in PACU pH, pCO2, pO2, and SpO2 were better in the NIV group vs. control group (p < 0.001). Seventy-two hours postoperatively, one patient (2%) in the NIV group vs. seven patients (12.2%) in the control group developed acute respiratory failure. Therefore, conventional Venturi mask ventilation resulted in being significantly associated (p < 0.05) with postoperative ARF with an RR of 0.51 (IC 0.27-0.96). Conclusions: After bariatric surgery, short-term NIV during PACU observation promotes a more rapid recovery of postoperative lung function and oxygenation in obese patients, reducing the necessity for critical care in the days following surgery. Therefore, as day-case surgery becomes more advocated even for morbid obesity, it might be considered a necessary procedure.

Post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with hypercapnic respiratory failure.

The sequential use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for weaning in hypercapnic respiratory failure patients is a recommended practice. However, the effectiveness of weaning on High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is unclear. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure who received invasive ventilation were screened for enrolment. This study was a single-centre, prospective, randomized comparative study. The primary outcome was treatment failure within 72 hours after extubation. Patients who were screened positive for extubation were enrolled in the study and randomized into the HFNC group and NIV group using a computer-generated simple randomization chart. The treatment failure was defined as a return to invasive mechanical ventilation, or a switch in respiratory support modality (i.e., changing from HFNC to NIV or from NIV to HFNC). Of 72 patients, 62 patients were included in the study. Treatment failure occurred in 8 patients (26.67 %) in HFNC group and 8 patients in NIV group (25%) (p=0.881). The mean duration of ICU stay in HFNC group was 5.47±2.26 days and 6.56±3.39 in NIV group (p=0.376). In the current study, HFNC was non-inferior to NIV in preventing post-extubation respiratory failure in COPD patients, while HFNC had better treatment tolerance.

Underweight predicts extubation failure after planned extubation in intensive care units.

Body weight is associated with different physiological changes and the association between weight and mortality in critical care setting had been discussed before. In this study, we investigated the linkage between underweight and post-extubation failure in mechanical ventilated patients in critical setting. This is a retrospective cohort study including patients who were admitted to medical or surgical intensive care units (ICU) between June 2016 and July 2018 and had received endotracheal intubation for more than 72 hours. Those who passed spontaneous breathing trial and underwent a planned extubation were enrolled. Extubation failure was defined as those who required reintubation within the first 72 hours for any reasons. The probability of extubation failure was calculated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression models were then used to determine the potential risk factors associated with extubation failure. Overall, 268 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in our study for analysis. The median age of included patients was 67 years (interquartile range, 55-80 years) with 65.3% being male; 63.1% of the patients were included from medical ICU. The proportion of extubation failure in our cohort was 7.1% (19/268; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3-10.9%). Overall, underweight patients had the highest risk of extubation failure (8/50), as compared with normoweight (9/135) and overweight patients (2/83). In the multivariate analysis, being underweight (adjust OR [aOR], 3.80, compared to normoweight; 95% CI, 1.23-11.7) and lower maximal inspiratory airway pressure (aOR per one cmH2O decrease, 1.05; 95% CI 1.00-1.09) remained significantly associated with extubation failure. In our study, being underweight and lower maximal inspiratory airway pressure was associated with post-extubation respiratory failure after a planned extubation.

Noninvasive respiratory support after extubation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

The effect of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS), including high-flow nasal oxygen, bi-level positive airway pressure and continuous positive airway pressure (noninvasive ventilation (NIV)), for preventing and treating post-extubation respiratory failure is still unclear. Our objective was to assess the effects of NRS on post-extubation respiratory failure, defined as re-intubation secondary to post-extubation respiratory failure (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), discomfort, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and time to re-intubation. Subgroup analyses considered "prophylactic" versus "therapeutic" NRS application and subpopulations (high-risk, low-risk, post-surgical and hypoxaemic patients). We undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis (Research Registry: reviewregistry1435). PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus and Web of Science were searched (from inception until 22 June 2022). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NRS after extubation in ICU adult patients were included. 32 RCTs entered the quantitative analysis (5063 patients). Compared with conventional oxygen therapy, NRS overall reduced re-intubations and VAP (moderate certainty). NIV decreased hospital mortality (moderate certainty), and hospital and ICU LOS (low and very low certainty, respectively), and increased discomfort (moderate certainty). Prophylactic NRS did not prevent extubation failure in low-risk or hypoxaemic patients. Prophylactic NRS may reduce the rate of post-extubation respiratory failure in ICU patients.

Direct Extubation to High-Flow Nasal Cannula versus Noninvasive Ventilation in Obese Subjects.

Patients who are obese have a higher risk of acute respiratory failure after extubation in the ICU. This study aimed to compare the extubation of subjects who were critically ill and obese to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) versus noninvasive ventilation (NIV) to determine whether HFNC can aid in reducing postextubation respiratory failure and the re-intubation rate. In this randomized controlled trial, subjects who were obese, defined as individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to receive HFNC (n = 60) versus 60 subjects treated with NIV applied immediately after extubation. The primary outcome was the incidence of postextubation respiratory failure and re-intubation rate within 72 h. Secondary outcomes included oxygenation, breathing frequency, subjective dyspnea, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ICU mortality at day 28. Compared with NIV, HFNC reduced the risk of respiratory failure by 8.4%, 95% CI 6.2-12.8%. Even though the rate of re-intubation was lower in the HFNC group versus in the NIV group, no statistical significance was observed (11.6% vs 16.6%; difference 5%, 95% CI 2.5%-8.2%). In 48-h periods and 72 h after extubation, the mean PaO2 /FIO2 significantly increased in the HFNC group compared with the NIV group. Both groups had low dyspnea levels 72 h after extubation. No difference was detected between the groups in breathing frequency. In addition, the 2 groups had no significant difference in ICU and hospital length of stay. The HFNC and NIV groups had comparable hospital mortality rates. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the presence of severe obesity, comorbidities, a higher severity score, and hypercapnia remained as factors associated with an increased risk of re-intubation. Postextubation application of HFNC may prevent respiratory failure in patients who are obese. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04035351.).

Protective mechanics for successful extubation in invasive mechanical ventilation. Literature review

Objectives: to know the effectiveness of alternative measures to Conventional Oxygen Therapy (COT) that have been proposed for the prevention of post-extubation complications in adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and connected to Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) in the first 72 hours. Methods: Bibliographic searches were carried out in different search engines, highlighting PubMed and Cochrane. These searches were limited to clinical trials and systematic reviews published between 2016-2022. To assess the quality of the evidence, the CASPe and GRADE tools were used. Results: The High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) and Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (NIMV) present an effectiveness in the prevention of reintubation against COT of RR 0.54 (CI 95% 0.32–0.89) and RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.30 - 1.00) respectively. Regarding post-extubation acute respiratory failure, the values ​​are RR 0.66 (95% CI 0.43 - 1.02) and RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.54 - 1.38), respectively. Conclusion: HFNC and NIMV are significantly superior to COT in preventing reintubation, having both similar effectiveness. On the other hand, HFNC is shown to be slightly superior to NIMV in the prevention of post-extubation acute respiratory failure. However, more research is required in the ICU setting.

Effect of high-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation in preventing re-intubation in high-risk chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A randomised controlled trial.

Currently, a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been shown to improve extubation outcomes. However, there is a lack of evidence on the utilisation of HFNC in high-risk chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of HFNC versus non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in preventing re-intubation following planned extubation in high-risk COPD patients. In this prospective, randomised, controlled trial, 230 mechanically ventilated COPD patients at high risk for re-intubation who fulfilled the criteria for planned extubation were enrolled. Post-extubation blood gases and vital signs at 1, 24, and 48 hours were recorded. The primary outcome was the re-intubation rate within 72 hours. Secondary outcomes included post-extubation respiratory failure, respiratory infection, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality rate at 60 days. 230 patients after planned extubation were randomly allocated to receive either HFNC (n = 120) or NIV (n = 110). Re-intubation within 72 hours was significantly lower in the high-flow group: 8 patients (6.6%) versus 23 patients (20.9%) in the NIV group {absolute difference, 14.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10.9-16.3]; P = 0.001}. The frequency of post-extubation respiratory failure was less in patients assigned to HFNC than in those allocated NIV (25% vs. 35.4%) [absolute difference, 10.4% (95% CI, 2.4-14.3); P = 0.001]. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding reasons for respiratory failure after extubation. It was observed that the 60-day mortality rate was lower in patients who received HFNC than in those assigned to NIV (5% vs. 13.6%) [absolute difference, 8.6 (95% CI, 4.3 to 9.10); P = 0.001]. The use of HFNC after extubation appears to be superior to NIV in reducing the risk of re-intubation within 72 hours and 60-day mortality in high-risk COPD patients.

Extubation failure and the use of noninvasive ventilation during the weaning process in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

To assess the outcome of extubation in COVID-19 patients and the use of noninvasive ventilation in the weaning process. This retrospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to an intensive care unit between April 2020 and December 2021, placed under mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours and progressed to weaning. Early extubation was defined as extubation without a spontaneous breathing trial and immediate use of noninvasive ventilation after extubation. In patients who underwent a spontaneous breathing trial, noninvasive ventilation could be used as prophylactic ventilatory assistance when started immediately after extubation (prophylactic noninvasive ventilation) or as rescue therapy in cases of postextubation respiratory failure (therapeutic noninvasive ventilation). The primary outcome was extubation failure during the intensive care unit stay. Three hundred eighty-four extubated patients were included. Extubation failure was observed in 107 (27.9%) patients. Forty-seven (12.2%) patients received prophylactic noninvasive ventilation. In 26 (6.8%) patients, early extubation was performed with immediate use of noninvasive ventilation. Noninvasive ventilation for the management of postextubation respiratory failure was administered to 64 (16.7%) patients. We found that COVID-19 patients had a high rate of extubation failure. Despite the high risk of extubation failure, we observed low use of prophylactic noninvasive ventilation in these patients.

Comparison of high flow oxygen therapy versus noninvasive mechanical ventilation for successful weaning from invasive ventilation in children: An observational study.

Post-extubation respiratory failure is associated with a poor prognosis due to increased ventilator-associated pneumonia, and longer length of stay in the ICU and hospital. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) on extubation success in children. A total of 48 patients, aged between 1 month and 18 years, who were weaned to either NIMV or HFNC were included. Patients who had tracheostomy or were not weaned and underwent unplanned extubation were excluded. Age, gender, anthropometric parameters, Pediatric Risk of Mortality and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction scores, oxygenation index, mechanical ventilation length of stay (LOS), HFNC/NIMV LOS, Modified Downes-Silverman score (MDS), and venous blood gas parameters, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) LOS were recorded. 24 patients were extubated to NIMV, and 24 patients to HFNC. HFNC LOS and NIMV LOS were similar (P = .621). The failure rates at the 48th hour of HFNC and NIMV were 33% (n = 8), and 33% respectively (n = 8) (P = 1.0). PICU LOS and mortality rate was also similar (P = .06, P = .312 respectively). MDS decreased significantly in both groups (P < .001, P = .02 respectively). Changes in blood gas parameters and MDS within the first 48-hour of device application were similar between the 2 groups. HFNC is not inferior to NIMV in patients with extubation difficulty or those expected to have such difficulty in terms of treatment success, PICU LOS, and mortality. Therefore, HFNC appears to be a weaning technique alternative to NIMV after extubation.

PREDICTING POST-EXTUBATION RESPIRATORY FAILURE AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION USING THE RAPID SHALLOW BREATHING INDEX AND LUNG ULTRASOUND SCORE

The Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) has been hypothesized to have discriminating power for categorizing patients at higher risk of post-extubation respiratory failure (RF). Hence aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of RSBI for post-extubation RF in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Consecutive, intubated patients admitted post-revascularization were included. RSBI and lung ultrasound score (LUS) were measured and post-extubation RF within 48 hours was recorded. RF was observed in 36.3% (78/215) patients. For the prediction of RF, RSBI and LUS had area under the curve of 0.670 and 0.635, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of RSBI >50.5 were 75.6%, 54.7%, 79.8%, and 48.8% respectively, while, the accuracy measures for the combination of RSBI with LUS >1.5 were 44.9%, 84.7%, 73.0%, and 62.5% respectively. Combined RSBI and LUS measured during spontaneous breathing trial in patients after an AMI, have high predictive abilities for identifying post-extubation RF.

Treatment of acute respiratory failure: high-flow nasal cannula

Background: High-flow nasal cannulas (HFNCs) have recently been used for several conditions, such as hypoxemic respiratory failure, hypercapnic respiratory failure, post-extubation respiratory failure, and preintubation oxygenation, in critically ill patients.Current Concepts: The advantages of HFNC compared with those of low-flow oxygen systems or noninvasive ventilation include enhanced comfort, increased humidification of secretions to facilitate expectoration, washout of the nasopharyngeal dead space to improve ventilation efficiency, provisioning for low positive end-inspiratory pressure effect, and fixed and rapid delivery of accurate fraction of inspired oxygen by minimizing the entrainment of room air. However, the indications are not absolute, with much of the proven benefit being subjective and physiologic.Discussion and Conclusion: The goal of this review is to discuss the practical application and clinical uses of HFNCs in patients with acute respiratory failure, highlighting its unique respiratory and physiologic effects, device settings, and clinical indications.

High flow nasal cannula therapy in children: working principles and treatment failure predictors

High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) delivers high flowrates of a heated air/oxygen fresh gas breathing mixture, in an open system, at the exact amount of fraction inspired oxygen, and at the optimum hydration level. By definition, due to high flow rates, higher than 2 L/min, it produces a wash out of the anatomic dead space and the End-tidal Carbon dioxide (EtCO2), and augments thus effective alveolar ventilation at the same rate of minute ventilation, helping reduce partial arterial pressure of Carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. Although depending on mouth closure and the relative size of the nasal cannula prongs related to nares, it produces a minimum Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) level, which is especially helpful in keeping unstable alveoli open, recruiting lung volume, and increasing the functional residual capacity. It reduces respiratory resistance and the high work of breathing which is a common feature in patients with respiratory failure. But its most important characteristics are the ease of implementation and good patient tolerance. It has emerged as a promising support mode in the last decade, and its use is being continuously expanded. Although it started from neonates, it expanded to children and adults, and tested in all causes of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, especially in bronchiolitis, and in post-extubation respiratory failure as well, starting from Emergency Department (ED), Pediatric Ward (PW), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and during transportation. Comparisons and meta-analyses, although not of equal modalities, have shown that it is definitely better than Standard Oxygen Therapy (SOT), and rather inferior to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The aim of the present study is to explore the HFNC position in the timeline of recommendations for mechanical ventilation in critically ill children. We present a review on HFNC literature evidence in patients aged 1 month to 18 years, focusing on its mechanism of action, clinical effects, and timely recognition of treatment failure predictors.

Acquired laryngomalacia as a cause of post-extubation respiratory failure in patient with postoperative seizure and central pontine myelinolysis after craniotomy

Background : Laryngomalacia is a congenital abnormality of the larynx that commonly occurs in children and rarely in adults. We report the first case of acquired laryngomalacia mainly due to postoperative seizure and central pontine myelinolysis after scheduled craniotomy. Case presentation : A 69-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for elective craniotomy for craniopharyngioma. After the surgery, he developed refractory seizure and required intubation and mechanical ventilation in the intensive-care unit (ICU). After treatment for the seizure, he was extubated. However, immediately after extubation, he developed stridor and respiratory retraction. We performed fiberoptic laryngoscopy and confirmed that the epiglottis had collapsed into the posterior wall of the pharynx during inspiration, which was suspected to be laryngomalacia. He received invasive mechanical ventilation for two days following re-extubation. After the second extubation, he developed stridor again due to acquired laryngomalacia. Six days later, his respiratory condition had worsened, and he received re-intubation and tracheostomy. After ICU discharge, central pontine myelinolysis was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions : Adult-onset laryngomalacia is a rare cause of upper airway obstruction but should be considered as a cause of postoperative extubation failure. We should not delay performing fiberoptic laryngoscopy to evaluate this pathology and provide optimal treatment. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 316-319, August, 2022.

High-flow nasal cannula for respiratory failure in adult patients.

The high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been recently used in several clinical settings for oxygenation in adults. In particular, the advantages of HFNC compared with low-flow oxygen systems or non-invasive ventilation include enhanced comfort, increased humidification of secretions to facilitate expectoration, washout of nasopharyngeal dead space to improve the efficiency of ventilation, provision of a small positive end-inspiratory pressure effect, and fixed and rapid delivery of an accurate fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) by minimizing the entrainment of room air. HFNC has been successfully used in critically ill patients with several conditions, such as hypoxemic respiratory failure, hypercapneic respiratory failure (exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease), post-extubation respiratory failure, pre-intubation oxygenation, and others. However, the indications are not absolute, and much of the proven benefit remains subjective and physiologic. This review discusses the practical application and clinical uses of HFNC in adults, including its unique respiratory physiologic effects, device settings, and clinical indications.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Children Requiring Noninvasive Ventilation (NIV).

To determine the clinical profile and outcome of children requiring noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in a PICU. This prospective observational study was conducted in the PICU at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Punjab. Children (1 mo-18 y) with moderate-to-severe respiratory distress who received NIV during one-year period were included. Failure was defined as the need for endotracheal intubation. The patients received bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) with inspiratory and expiratory positive airway pressure (8-18cm H2O and 4-8cm), respectively and indigenous continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were included. Vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate) and gasometric parameters (pH, HCO3, pCO2, pO2) were recorded. Out of total 115 patients, 81.7% were successfully treated by NIV whereas 18.3% constituted NIV failure group. Two types of NIV were used, 65.2% were started on BiPAP and 34.8% on indigenous bubble CPAP. Most common diagnosis was tropical fever (24.3%), bronchopneumonia (20%), and sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (7.8%). Commonest indication of NIV was respiratory distress (70.4%) and prevention of postextubation respiratory failure (20.8%). Seven patients (6.9%) died during the study. NIV failure is higher in children with sepsis with MODS, abnormal blood gas (acidosis), and moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study demonstrates that NIV is an effective form of respiratory support for children with acute respiratory distress/failure. Sepsis with MODS, acidosis and ARDS (moderate to severe) were predictors of NIV failure. Careful patient selection may help in judicious use of NIV in PICU.

Weaning Outcomes of using Post-Extubation High Flow Nasal Oxygen versus Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Abstract Background Mechanical ventilation is a daily event in any ICU, using HFNO as a weaning facilitating strategy for mechanically ventilated patients after passing Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) recently considered to reduce complications associated with invasive ventilation. Objectives To compare high-flow conditioned oxygen therapy versus non -invasive ventilation using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preventing post-extubation respiratory failure and reintubation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients after weaning from mechanical ventilation and to follow patients for ICU and hospital lengh of stay ICU and hospital mortality. Patients and Methods This prospective randomized controlled study, including 60 patients admitted to the intensive care unit at Al- Mataria teaching hospital. Approval of the ethical committee of Al-Mataria teaching hospital was obtained before the start of patient’s recruitment. Patients who successfully extubated were equally randomized (sequential) to enter either group I or group II. Study group (I): included 30 patients subjected to high flow nasal oxygen after extubation for 24 hrs. Control group (II): included another 30 patients on non-invasive CPAP after extubation for 24 hrs. Results Our results showed lower rate of reintubation in HFNO group (n = 6) 20%, compared to NIV group(n = 7) 23. 3 %, higher PaO2 in HFNO group immediate, 2 hrs post extubation. No significant differences found regarding mortality rate between both study groups (8/30) 26. 6 % in HFNO group, while (9/30) 30 % in NIV group, p (Ns). Arterial PH was significantly lower in NIV group immediately after extubation. Conclusion HFNO compared to NIV alone showed lower rate of reintubation when used immediately after planned extubation. Patients weaned using HFNO showed higher PaO2 2hrs postextubation. HFNO compared to NIV alone didn’t affect hospital stay.

Dexmedetomidine in critically ill adults requiring noninvasive ventilation.

Dexmedetomidine in critically ill adults requiring noninvasive ventilation.