Pressure Ventilation Use Research Articles

Clinical Approach to Shortening Length of Hospital Stay in Elderly Patients With Acute Heart Failure Requiring Intensive Care.

Background: The length of hospital stay (LOHS) after acute heart failure (AHF) is too long in Japan. The clinical approach to shortening LOHS is an urgent issue in the aging Japanese society.Methods and Results: Of 1,473 AHF patients screened, 596 patients >75 years old were enrolled. They were divided by LOHS: <28 days (<28-day group, n=316) and ≥28 days (≥28-day group, n=280). Systolic blood pressure and serum hemoglobin were significantly higher and serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine significantly lower in the <28-day group than in the ≥28-day group. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) use was significantly more frequent in the <28-day group than in the ≥28-day group. Furthermore, newly initiated tolvaptan in <12 h was significantly more frequent in the <28-day group than in the ≥28-day group (P=0.004). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, newly initiated tolvaptan in <12 h (OR, 2.574; 95% CI: 1.146–5.780, P=0.022) and NPPV use (OR, 1.817; 95% CI: 1.254–2.634, P=0.002) were independently associated with the <28-day group. The same result was found after propensity score matching for LOHS.Conclusions: LOHS was prolonged in patients with severe HF but could be shortened by early tolvaptan treatment.

Left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is associated with progressive cardiorespiratory failure, including left ventricular dysfunction. Males with probable or definite diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, diagnosed between 1 January, 1982 and 31 December, 2011, were identified from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research Network database. Two non-mutually exclusive groups were created: patients with ≥2 echocardiograms and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation-compliant patients with ≥1 recorded ejection fraction. Quantitative left ventricular dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction <55%. Qualitative dysfunction was defined as mild, moderate, or severe. Progression of quantitative left ventricular dysfunction was modelled as a continuous time-varying outcome. Change in qualitative left ventricle function was assessed by the percentage of patients within each category at each age. Forty-one percent (n = 403) had ≥2 ejection fractions containing 998 qualitative assessments with a mean age at first echo of 10.8 ± 4.6 years, with an average first ejection fraction of 63.1 ± 12.6%. Mean age at first echo with an ejection fraction <55 was 15.2 ± 3.9 years. Thirty-five percent (140/403) were non-invasive positive pressure ventilation-compliant and had ejection fraction information. The estimated rate of decline in ejection fraction from first ejection fraction was 1.6% per year and initiation of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation did not change this rate. In our cohort, we observed that left ventricle function in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy declined over time, independent of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation use. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of respiratory support on cardiac function.

Influence of HIV status on the management of acute asthma exacerbations

BackgroundAn increased incidence of asthma has been suggested in patients with HIV. We aimed to compare the outcomes of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients following hospital admission for asthma exacerbation.MethodsA retrospective...

Association of obstructive sleep apnea with severity of patients hospitalized for acute asthma

BackgroundStudies suggest that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with suboptimal disease control and worse chronic severity of asthma. However, little is known about the relations of OSA with acute asthma severity in hospitalized patients. ObjectiveTo investigate the association of OSA with acute asthma severity. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study (2010-2013) using State Inpatient Databases from 8 geographically diverse states in the United States. The outcomes were markers of acute severity, including mechanical ventilation use, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. To determine the association of interest, we fit multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, primary insurance, household income, patient residence, comorbidities, hospital state, and hospitalization year. We repeated the analysis for children aged 6 to 17 years. ResultsAmong 73,408 adult patients hospitalized for acute asthma, 10.3% had OSA. Coexistent OSA was associated with a significantly higher risk of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use (14.9% vs 3.1%; unadjusted odds ratio, 6.48; 95% CI, 5.88-7.13; adjusted odds ratio, 5.20; 95% CI, 4.65-5.80), whereas coexistent OSA was not significantly associated with the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation use. Patients with OSA had 37% longer hospital length of stay (unadjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.33-1.40); this significant association persisted in the multivariable model (incidence rate ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.10-1.17). The in-hospital mortality did not significantly differ between groups. These findings were consistent in both obesity and nonobesity groups and in 27,935 children. ConclusionAmong patients hospitalized for acute asthma, OSA was associated with a higher risk of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use and longer length of stay compared with those without OSA.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS: A NOVEL LOOK AT QSOFA AND OTHER COMMON RISK FACTORS IN PREDICTING TRANSFER TO THE ICU FROM AN INTERMEDIATE CARE UNIT

SESSION TITLE: Tuesday Abstract Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/22/2019 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM PURPOSE: The intermediate care unit (IMCU) is for patients who require a higher level of care than the acute medical/surgical floor but do not meet intensive care unit (ICU) criteria. Having a dedicated IMCU in the hospital has shown reduced mortality benefits, decreased health care costs, and utility optimization of the ICU. We aimed to see if there was any association between different variables which potentially could help dictate earlier ICU admission in select individuals. METHODS: This retrospective study included 113 patients admitted to the IMCU from May 2018 to November 2018. Demographics, admission diagnosis, vital signs, lactic acid, chemistries, and quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) scores were recorded. These characteristics were compared between patients who were transferred within 48 hours and who did not require ICU level of care. RESULTS: There were 55 patients who were transferred from the IMCU to the ICU within 48 hours of admission and 58 patients who did not require ICU level of care, which served as our control group. Analysis of the data showed 81.8% of patients who were transferred had qSOFA score greater than 1 compared to 34.5% patients in the control group (OR: 8.53, 95% CI [4.44 – 16.41], p-value < 0.001). Lactic acid levels greater than 2 was 41.8% in the transferred group and 13.8% in the control group (OR: 4.49, 95% CI [2.24 – 8.98], p-value < 0.001). Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) use on admission was 27.2% in the transferred group and 3.4% in the control group (OR: 11.96, 95% CI [3.49 – 40.95], p-value < 0.001). History of organ failure was seen in 50.9% in the transferred group and 36.2% in the control group (OR: 1.85, 95% CI [1.05 – 3.26], p-value: 0.03). In the transferred group, 71.0% were identified to have 2 or more of the characteristics as mentioned above compared to 20.1% in the control group (OR: 9.73, 95% CI [5.07 – 18.69], p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with two or more of the characteristics (qSOFA score > 1, NIPPV use on admission, lactic acid > 2, and history of organ failure) recorded had a higher rate of transfer to the ICU within 48 hours of admission from IMCU. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients who are admitted to the IMCU with 2 or more of either: elevated qSOFA scores, elevated lactic acid levels, NIPPV use prior to admission, or underlying history of organ failure were seen to have higher admissions to the ICU within 48 hours. Further studies should be done to see if these risk factors could be used for prognostic implications for patients who are admitted to the IMCU. Reference 1. Capuzzo M, et al. Hospital mortality of adults admitted to Intensive Care Units in hospitals with and without Intermediate Care Units: a multicentre European cohort study. October 9, 2014; Crit Care: 18(5):551: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-014-0551-8. PMID: 25664865 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Rehman Ahmad, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Zachary hansen, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Patrick Huynh, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shu Xian Lee, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Jin Lee, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Tanna Lim, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Nidhip Patel, source=Web Response

Effect of an Incentive Spirometer Patient Reminder After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Incentive spirometers (ISs) were developed to reduce atelectasis and are in widespread clinical use. However, without IS use adherence data, the effectiveness of IS cannot be determined. To evaluate the effect of a use-tracking IS reminder on patient adherence and clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This randomized clinical trial was conducted from June 5, 2017, to December 29, 2017, at a tertiary referral teaching hospital and included 212 patients who underwent CABG, of whom 160 participants were randomized (intent to treat), with 145 completing the study per protocol. Participants were stratified by surgical urgency (elective vs nonelective) and sex (men vs women). A use-tracking, IS add-on device (SpiroTimer) with an integrated use reminder bell recorded and timestamped participants' inspiratory breaths. Patients were randomized by hourly reminder "bell on" (experimental group) or "bell off" (control group). Incentive spirometer use was recorded for the entire postoperative stay and compared between groups. Radiographic atelectasis severity (score, 0-10) was the primary clinical outcome. Secondary respiratory and nonrespiratory outcomes were also evaluated. A total of 145 per-protocol participants (112 men [77%]; mean age, 69 years [95% CI, 67-70]; 90 [62%] undergoing a nonelective procedure) were evaluated, with 74 (51.0%) in the bell off group and 71 (49.0%) in the bell on group. The baseline medical and motivation-to-recover characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. The mean number of daily inspiratory breaths was greater in bell on (35; 95% CI, 29-43 vs 17; 95% CI, 13-23; P < .001). The percentage of recorded hours with an inspiratory breath event was greater in bell on (58%; 95% CI, 51-65 vs 28%; 95% CI, 23-32; P < .001). Despite no differences in the first postoperative chest radiograph mean atelectasis severity scores (2.3; 95% CI, 2.0-2.6 vs 2.4; 95% CI, 2.2-2.7; P = .48), the mean atelectasis severity scores for the final chest radiographs conducted before discharge were significantly lower for bell on than bell off group (1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8 vs 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6-2.1; P = .04). Of those with early postoperative fevers, fever duration was shorter for bell on (3.2 hours; 95% CI, 2.3-4.6 vs 5.2 hours; 95% CI, 3.9-7.0; P = .04). Having the bell turned on reduced noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use rates (37.2%; 95% CI, 24.1%-52.5% vs 19.2%; 95% CI, 10.2%-33.0%; P = .03) for participants undergoing nonelective procedures. Bell on reduced the median postoperative length of stay (7 days; 95% CI, 6-9 vs 6 days; 95% CI, 6-7; P = .048) and the intensive care unit length of stay for patients undergoing nonelective procedures (4 days; 95% CI, 3-5 vs 3 days; 95% CI, 3-4; P = .02). At 6 months, the bell off mortality rate was higher than bell on (9% vs 0%, P = .048) for participants undergoing nonelective procedures. The incentive spirometer reminder improved patient adherence, atelectasis severity, early postoperative fever duration, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use, ICU and length of stay, and 6-month mortality in certain patients. With the reminder, IS appears to be clinically effective when used appropriately. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02952027.

Outcomes of Children With Bronchiolitis Treated With High-Flow Nasal Cannula or Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation.

Initial respiratory support with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula may prevent the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in PICU patients with bronchiolitis. However, it is not clear whether the initial choice of respiratory support modality influences the need for subsequent invasive mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of subsequent invasive mechanical ventilation after initial support with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula in children with bronchiolitis. Analysis of the Virtual Pediatric Systems database. Ninety-two participating PICUs. Children less than 2 years old admitted to a participating PICU between 2009 and 2015 with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis who were prescribed high-flow nasal cannula or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation as the initial respiratory treatment modality. None. Subsequent receipt of invasive mechanical ventilation was the primary outcome. We identified 6,496 subjects with a median age 3.9 months (1.7-9.5 mo). Most (59.7%) were male, and 23.4% had an identified comorbidity. After initial support with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula, 12.3% of patients subsequently received invasive mechanical ventilation. Invasive mechanical ventilation was more common in patients initially supported with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation compared with high-flow nasal cannula (20.1% vs 11.0%: p < 0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model that adjusted for age, weight, race, viral etiology, presence of a comorbid diagnosis, and Pediatric Index of Mortality score, initial support with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was associated with a higher odds of subsequent invasive mechanical ventilation compared with high-flow nasal cannula (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.24-1.88). In this large, multicenter database study of infants with acute bronchiolitis that received initial respiratory support with high-flow nasal cannula or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use was associated with higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation, even after adjusting for demographics, comorbid condition, and severity of illness. A large, prospective, multicenter trial is needed to confirm these findings.

Association of obstructive sleep apnoea with acute severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: a population-based study.

Little is known about the association of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with the severity of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This retrospective cohort study investigated the association of coexistent OSA with acute severity markers (i.e. invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) use and hospital length of stay (LOS)) among adults hospitalised for AECOPD. Patients with coexistent OSA had a significantly higher risk of IPPV use and prolonged hospital LOS compared to those without OSA.

Association of Obesity With Severity of Heart Failure Exacerbation: A Population-Based Study.

BackgroundObesity and heart failure (HF) are important public health problems in the United States. Although studies have reported the association between obesity and higher chronic morbidity of HF, little is known about the relations of obesity with severity of HF exacerbation and in‐hospital mortality; therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations of obesity with severity of HF exacerbation and in‐hospital mortality.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for HF exacerbation used population‐based data sets (the State Inpatient Databases) of 7 US states from 2012 to 2013. The outcomes were acute severity measures—use of positive pressure ventilation and hospital length of stay—and in‐hospital mortality. We determined the associations between obesity and these outcomes, including adjustment for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. We identified 219 465 patients hospitalized for HF exacerbation. Of those, 37 539 (17.1%) were obese. Obese patients had a significantly higher risk of positive pressure ventilation use compared with nonobese patients (13.6% versus 8.8%), with a corresponding adjusted odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–1.68; P<0.001). Likewise, obese patients were more likely to have hospital length of stay of ≥4 days compared with nonobese patients (62.5% versus 56.7%), with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.40 (95% confidence interval, 1.37–1.44; P<0.001). In contrast, obese patients had significantly lower in‐hospital mortality compared with nonobese patients (1.7% versus 3.3%), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.95; P=0.002).ConclusionsBased on large population‐based data sets of patients with HF exacerbation, obesity was associated with higher acute severity measures but lower in‐hospital mortality.

The association of aspirin use with severity of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study

Little is known about the effect of long-term aspirin use on acute severity of COPD. We hypothesized that, in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD), long-term aspirin use is associated with lower risks of disease severity (in-hospital death, mechanical ventilation use, and hospital length-of-stay). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using large population-based data from 2012 through 2013. Among 206,686 patients (aged ≥40 years) hospitalized for AECOPD, aspirin users had lower in-hospital mortality (1.0 vs. 1.4%; OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.50–0.72]; P < 0.001) and lower risk of invasive mechanical ventilation use (1.7 vs. 2.6%; OR 0.64 [95% CI 0.55–0.73]; P < 0.001) compared to non-users, while there was no significant difference in risks of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation use. Length-of-stay was shorter in aspirin users compared to non-users (P < 0.001). In sum, in patients with AECOPD, aspirin use was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation use, and shorter length-of-stay.

Association Between Obesity and Acute Severity Among Patients Hospitalized for Asthma Exacerbation

Although studies have demonstrated relations between obesity and incident asthma, little is known about the association of obesity with acute severity in adults hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. To investigate the association of obesity with acute severity of asthma exacerbation. This is a retrospective cohort study using population-based data of 8 geographically diverse US states from 2010 through 2013. We included adults (age 18-54 years) hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. The outcome measures were markers of acute severity-use of mechanical ventilation (defined by noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and/or invasive mechanical ventilation) and hospital length of stay. To determine the association of obesity with each outcome, we fit multivariable models adjusting for patient-level confounders (eg, age, sex, race/ethnicity, primary insurance, quartiles for household income, residential status, and comorbidities) and potential patient clustering within hospitals. Among the 72,086 patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation, 24% were obese. Obesity was associated with a significantly higher risk of any mechanical ventilation use (8.3% vs 5.0%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.77; 95% CI, 1.63-1.92; P < .001) driven by the higher risk of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use (7.2% vs 3.4%; adjusted OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.96-2.35; P < .001). Likewise, obese patients were more likely to have a hospital length of stay of 3 or more days compared with nonobese patients (59.4% vs 46.5%; adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.32-1.43; P < .001). These findings were consistent with stratifications by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. In this population-based study of adults hospitalized for asthma exacerbation, obesity was associated with higher acute severity.

Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D, nasopharyngeal airway metabolome, and bronchiolitis severity.

Low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels are a risk factor for acute respiratory infection (eg, bronchiolitis) in children. However, little is known about the relation of circulating 25OHD with the many downstream functional molecules in target organs-such as the airway-and with clinical outcomes. In this prospective multicenter study of infants (age <1 year) hospitalized with bronchiolitis, we measured serum 25OHD levels and profiled the metabolome of 144 nasopharyngeal airway samples. Among 254 metabolites identified, we defined a set of 20 metabolites that are related to lower serum 25OHD and higher vitamin D-binding protein levels. Of these metabolites, 9 metabolites were associated with a significantly higher risk of positive pressure ventilation use. These metabolites were glycerophosphocholines esterified with proinflammatory fatty acids (palmitate, arachidonate, linoleate, and stearate), sphingomyelins, alpha-hydroxyisovalerate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactate (all FDR<0.05). Based on the multicenter data, vitamin D-related airway metabolites were associated with risks of bronchiolitis severity.

Airway ciliary dysfunction: Association with adverse postoperative outcomes in nonheterotaxy congenital heart disease patients

ObjectiveHeterotaxy (HTX) congenital heart disease (CHD) patients with ciliary dysfunction (CD) have been shown to have increased postoperative respiratory morbidity. We hypothesized that non-HTX CHD infants with CD also will have increased postoperative morbidity, particularly respiratory complications. MethodsSixty-three infants with non-HTX CHD undergoing cardiac surgery were enrolled. Tests commonly used to assess for CD, nasal nitric oxide (nNO) measurements and nasal epithelial ciliary motion (CM) assessment, were obtained. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. ResultsNon-HTX CHD infants exhibited a high prevalence of abnormal CM (32%) and low nNO (39%). This finding was not correlated with demographics or surgical complexity. Infants with abnormal CM had increased odds of requiring noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-29.4; P = .016) and respiratory medication use (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-13.3; P = .01). In contrast, infants with low nNO showed evidence of abnormal pre- and postoperative systolic function (40% vs 4%; P = .004, and 34% vs 13%; P = .056, respectively) and had greater odds of acquiring infections (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.4-17; P = .014). ConclusionsNon-HTX CHD infants with abnormal CM showed increased postoperative morbidity associated with poor respiratory outcomes. In contrast, low nNO correlated with reduced hemodynamic function. These findings suggest screening for abnormal CM may allow perioperative interventions to reduce pulmonary morbidities. Whether low nNO may prognosticate poor hemodynamic function warrants further investigation.

Impact of bradycardia or asystole on neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation at birth.

Fetal hypoxia from intrapartum events can lead to absent heart rate (HR) or bradycardia at birth requiring aggressive neonatal resuscitation. Neonatal resuscitation guidelines do not differentiate bradycardia (HR <100 beats/min) from absent HR at birth. Given that HR is the primary determinant of resuscitation, we hypothesize that infants with no HR at 1 min would require more extensive resuscitation with worse clinical outcome than infants with bradycardia at 1 min. A retrospective analysis was performed in infants born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015 with no HR at 1 min (defined as Apgar score [AS] = 0 at 1 min; absent HR [AHR] group) or bradycardia at 1 min (AS = 1 at 1 min). Patient demographics, resuscitation characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed in both the groups. Apgar score was significantly lower in the AHR group over time. The AHR group had significantly higher rates of intubation, chest compression (CC) and i.v. epinephrine (i.v. epi); resulting in longer duration of CC, time to HR > 100 beats/min and duration of resuscitation. Systematic hypotension and death were higher in the AHR group. On logistic regression, CC and cord pH were significantly correlated with AS = 0 at 1 min. Gestational age, birthweight, AS at 5 min, cord pH and first blood gas pH after resuscitation were related to overall mortality. Infants with AHR at 1 min did worse than infants with bradycardia. Education focused on effective positive pressure ventilation and early use of i.v. epinephrine is essential for successful resuscitation of the depressed newborn.

Effectiveness assessment of a guideline based protocol for ventilatory support management of COPD exacerbations in an emergency department

ObjectivesTo investigate clinical outcomes according to ventilatory support indication in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in a “real-life” Emergency Department and to analyze potential predictors of successful noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. MethodsRetrospective cohort performed over an 18-month period, comparing the following patient groups with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation: Group A composed of patients initially selected to receive noninvasive positive pressure ventilation without the subsequent need for invasive mechanical ventilation (successful-noninvasive positive pressure ventilation); Group B composed of patients transitioning from noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to invasive mechanical ventilation (failed-noninvasive positive pressure ventilation); and Group C composed of patients who presented with immediate need for invasive mechanical ventilation (without prior noninvasive positive pressure ventilation). Results117 consecutive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation admissions (Group A=96; Group B=13; Group C=8) of candidates for ventilatory support were reviewed. No differences in baseline disease severity and physiological parameters were found between the groups at Emergency Department admission. Nevertheless, Group B had higher intensive care unit admission, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and higher in-hospital mortality compared to Group A. Group C also had worse outcomes when compared to Group A. The only independent variable associated with the successful use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation were improvement in arterial carbon dioxide pressure after 1h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use and its tolerance. ConclusionOur data confirmed in a “real life” Emergency Department cohort that successful management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation showed lower in-hospital mortality and Intensive Care Unit stay when compared to patients transitioning from noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to invasive mechanical ventilation or patients who presented an immediate need for invasive mechanical ventilation. noninvasive positive pressure ventilation tolerance and higher arterial carbon dioxide pressure reduction after 1-h of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation were predictors of successful treatment. These results should be confirmed in a prospective randomized controlled trial.

High-dose prednisolone after intravenous methylprednisolone improves prognosis of acute exacerbation in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (AE-IPF) is a poor prognostic disorder. AE is also reported to occur in other idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs). There are limited data available regarding the effectiveness of treatment for AE-IIPs. The objective of this study was to clarify the prognostic impact of the initial dose of prednisolone (PSL) for treating AE-IIPs. Eighty-five patients with AE-IIPs, diagnosed according to the criteria of the Japanese Respiratory Society, were enrolled in this study (IPF/non-IPF: 63/22 patients) from 2004 to 2013. We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to identify poor prognostic factors. HRCT patterns at the onset of AE-IIPs were classified as diffuse or non-diffuse. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the initial dose of PSL by adjusting for other prognostic factors. Median survival time (MST) after AE-IIPs diagnosis was 49 days. MST of AE-IPF and AE-non-IPF was 39 and 49 days, respectively. A diffuse HRCT pattern, lower serum IgG and higher serum surfactant protein-D at AE diagnosis, long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) before AE and positive pressure ventilation (PPV) use for AE were significant poor prognostic factors for all patients, as were LTOT before AE and lower serum IgG for no-PPV patients. High-dose PSL ≥ 0.6 mg/kg was a significant prognostic factor for no-PPV patients after adjusting for other prognostic factors. We concluded that a dose of PSL ≥ 0.6 mg/kg after i.v. high-dose methylprednisolone therapy should be recommended for the treatment of AE-IIPs.

Simplified Approach to Diagnosing Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Nocturnal Hypercapnia in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectiveTo evaluate a strategy of home-based testing to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). DesignCase series. SettingReferral center. ParticipantsAdults with C1-T6 SCI (N=81). Individuals were eligible if ≥18 years old, with SCI of ≥3 months' duration, living within 100 miles of the study site, and not meeting exclusion criteria. Of the 161 individuals recruited from the SCI Model System database who were not enrolled, reasons were not interested in participating, change of location, prior positive pressure ventilation use, or medical contraindication. Ten individuals did not complete the study. InterventionsPerformance of an unsupervised home sleep apnea test combined with transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide/oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry monitoring. Main Outcome MeasuresPrevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia. Clinical and physiological variables were examined to determine which, if any, correlate with the severity of sleep-disordered breathing. ResultsObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was found in 81.3% of individuals, central sleep apnea (CSA) was found in 23.8%, and nonspecific hypopnea events, where respiratory effort was too uncertain to classify, were present in 35%. Nonspecific hypopnea events correlated strongly with CSA but weakly with OSA, suggesting that conventional sleep apnea test scoring may underestimate central/neuromuscular hypopneas. Nocturnal hypercapnia was present in 28% and oxygen desaturation in 18.3%. Neck circumference was the primary predictor for OSA, whereas baclofen use and obstructive apnea/hypopnea index weakly predicted CSA. Awake transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide and CSA were only marginally associated with nocturnal hypercapnia. ConclusionsUnsupervised home sleep apnea testing with transcutaneous capnography effectively identifies sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypercapnia in individuals with SCI.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute respiratory failure following oesophagectomy: Is it safe? A systematic review of the literature.

To find, critically appraise and synthesise all published studies so as to determine the safety and spectrum of use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute respiratory failure following oesophagectomy. Systematic review. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched and the quality of the studies and any bias or confounding were rated according to established protocols. Outcomes extracted included re-intubation, anastomotic leakage, length of intensive care unit stay and mortality. The data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Pooling of outcomes was considered if appropriate. The search identified four papers, demonstrating the understudying/underreporting of the topic. Three were case-series and one was a conference abstract. The overall methodological quality was low. Design-specific biases and confounding were high. Despite this, the included studies conclude that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is safe and effective and that re-intubation rates, intensive care unit length of stay, mortality and anastomotic dehiscence is lower when it is used. Meta-analysis was deemed to be inappropriate. Despite the conclusions and consensus of the included studies, there is no evidence to definitively conclude that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is either safe or dangerous following oesophagectomy and the current literary evidence is inadequate. Current practice varies and is based on opinion and consensus. As such, randomised controlled studies are urgently required as current practice may cause undue harm to patients. The incidence of anastomotic leakage with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use needs to be determined.

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation after extubation: features and outcomes in clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo describe postextubation noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use in intensive care unit clinical practice and to identify factors associated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 18 years consecutively admitted to the intensive care unit who required noninvasive positive pressure ventilation within 48 hours of extubation. The primary outcome was noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure.ResultsWe included 174 patients in the study. The overall noninvasive positive pressure ventilation use rate was 15%. Among the patients who used noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, 44% used it after extubation. The failure rate of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was 34%. The overall mean ± SD age was 56 ± 18 years, and 55% of participants were male. Demographics; baseline pH, PaCO2 and HCO3; and type of equipment used were similar between groups. All of the noninvasive positive pressure ventilation final parameters were higher in the noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure group [inspiratory positive airway pressure: 15.0 versus 13.7cmH2O (p = 0.015), expiratory positive airway pressure: 10.0 versus 8.9cmH2O (p = 0.027), and FiO2: 41 versus 33% (p = 0.014)]. The mean intensive care unit length of stay was longer (24 versus 13 days), p < 0.001, and the intensive care unit mortality rate was higher (55 versus 10%), p < 0.001 in the noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure group. After fitting, the logistic regression model allowed us to state that patients with inspiratory positive airway pressure ≥ 13.5cmH2O on the last day of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation support are three times more likely to experience noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure compared with individuals with inspiratory positive airway pressure < 13.5 (OR = 3.02, 95%CI = 1.01 - 10.52, p value = 0.040).ConclusionThe noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure group had a longer intensive care unit length of stay and a higher mortality rate. Logistic regression analysis identified that patients with inspiratory positive airway pressure ≥ 13.5cmH2O on the last day of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation support are three times more likely to experience noninvasive positive pressure ventilation failure.

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Use at New York Hospital Medical Center Queens: A Quality-Improvement Project

PURPOSE: Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a treatment modality for both acute and chronic respiratory failure. The popularity of NIPPV as the primary treatment for patients with advance directives in respiratory failure has increased over the years. The goal of our project was to investigate whether the usage of NIPPV was appropriately instituted at NYHQ.