Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Patients Research Articles

Using trauma registry data to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with traumatic brain injury: Machine learning approach.

ObjectivesWe aimed to build a machine learning predictive model to predict the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) for patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).MethodsThis study included TBI patients who were hospitalized in a level 1 trauma center between January 2014 and February 2019. Data were analyzed for all adult patients who received mechanical ventilation following TBI with abbreviated injury severity (AIS) score for the head region of ≥ 3. This study designed three sets of machine learning models: set A defined PMV to be greater than 7 days, set B (PMV > 10 days) and set C (PMV >14 days) to determine the optimal model for deployment. Patients’ demographics, injury characteristics and CT findings were used as predictors. Logistic regression (LR), Artificial neural networks (ANN) Support vector machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and C.5 Decision Tree (C.5 DT) were used to predict the PMV.ResultsThe number of eligible patients that were included in the study were 674, 643 and 622 patients in sets A, B and C respectively. In set A, LR achieved the optimal performance with accuracy 0.75 and Area under the curve (AUC) 0.83. SVM achieved the optimal performance among other models in sets B with accuracy/AUC of 0.79/0.84 respectively. ANNs achieved the optimal performance in set C with accuracy/AUC of 0.76/0.72 respectively. Machine learning models in set B demonstrated more stable performance with higher prediction success and discrimination power.ConclusionThis study not only provides evidence that machine learning methods outperform the traditional multivariate analytical methods, but also provides a perspective to reach a consensual definition of PMV.

Support needs and health-related quality of life of family caregivers of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and admission to a specialised weaning centre: A qualitative longitudinal interview study

ObjectivesFamily caregivers of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation may experience physical and psychological morbidity associated with a protracted intensive care unit experience. Our aim was to explore potentially modifiable support needs and care processes of importance to family caregivers of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and transition from the intensive care unit to a specialised weaning centre. Research methodology/designA longitudinal qualitative descriptive interview study. Data was analysed using directed content analysis. SettingA 6-bed specialised weaning centre in Toronto, Canada. FindingsEighteen family caregivers completed interviews at weaning centre admission (100%), and at two-weeks (40%) and three-months after discharge (22%) contributing 29 interviews. Caregivers were primarily women (61%) and spouses (50%). Caregivers perceived inadequate informational, emotional, training, and appraisal support by health care providers limiting understanding of prolonged ventilation, participation in care and decision-making, and readiness for weaning centre transition. Participants reported long-term physical and psychological health changes including alterations to sleep, energy, nutrition and body weight. ConclusionsDeficits in informational, emotional, training, and appraisal support of family caregivers of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients may increase caregiver burden and contribute to poor health outcomes. Strategies for providing support and maintaining family caregiver health-related quality of life are needed.

Predictors of 1-year mortality in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgery in intensive care unit: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe requirement of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is associated with increased medical care demand and expenses, high early and long-term mortality, and worse life quality. However, no study has assessed the prognostic factors associated with 1-year mortality among PMV patients, not less than 21 days after surgery. This study analyzed the predictors of 1-year mortality in patients requiring PMV in intensive care units (ICUs) after surgery.MethodsIn this multicenter, respective cohort study, 124 patients who required PMV after surgery in the ICUs of five tertiary hospitals in Beijing between January 2007 and June 2016 were enrolled. The primary outcome was the duration of survival within 1 year. Predictors of 1-year mortality were identified with a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. The predictive effect of the ProVent score was also validated.ResultsOf the 124 patients enrolled, the cumulative 1-year mortality was 74.2% (92/124). From the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis, cancer diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–3.35; P < 0.01), no tracheostomy (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.22–3.30; P < 0.01), enteral nutrition intolerance (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19–2.97; P = 0.01), blood platelet count ≤150 × 109/L (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.75; P = 0.01), requirement of vasopressors (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.13–2.80; P = 0.02), and renal replacement therapy (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01–2.91; P = 0.047) on the 21st day of mechanical ventilation (MV) were associated with shortened 1-year survival.ConclusionsFor patients who required PMV after surgery, cancer diagnosis, no tracheostomy, enteral nutrition intolerance, blood platelet count ≤150 × 109/L, vasopressor requirement, and renal replacement therapy on the 21st day of MV were associated with shortened 1-year survival. The prognosis in PMV patients in ICUs can facilitate the decision-making process of physicians and patients’ family members on treatment schedule.

Positive cumulative fluid balance in the first 72 h is associated with adverse outcomes following heat stroke

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the association between positive cumulative fluid balance following heat stroke (HS) and its impact on patient outcomes.Methods: A retrospective chart review of HS patients admitted to the emergent intensive care unit (ICU), Beijing Lu He Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2015 to 2018 was conducted.Results: Forty-nine surviving HS patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Patients with MV for more than 6 days were placed in the longer length of the MV group. Patients with MV for <6 days were placed in the shorter MV group. There were significant differences between the two groups regarding the fluid balance on day 2 (3040 ml vs. −533 ml, P = 0.017) and persistent cumulative fluid overload in the first 72 h (6112 ml vs. −46 ml, P = 0.04). Patients with a higher cumulative fluid overload in the first 72 h were more likely to receive a longer duration of MV (10.7 days vs. 3.2 days, P < 0.001) and ICU length of stay (22.5 days vs. 6.2 days, P < 0.001). Spearman analysis of fluid overload in the first 72 h and MV time showed that the correlation coefficient was 0.662. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the positive cumulative fluid balance in the first 72 h (odds ratio [OR] = 1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.99–1.01] and alanine aminotransferase (OR = 0.978, 95% CI = 0.95–0.99) were both independent risk factors for prolonged MV in patients with HS (P = 0.025, P = 0.026). There were also differences between groups regarding creatine kinase-MB (P = 0.01) and Glasgow Coma Scale scores (P = 0.033). The patients with a higher cumulative fluid overload in the first 72 h had larger sequential organ failure assessment cores. Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cumulative fluid overload in the first 72 h predicted the need for invasive MV with the area under the curve of 0.869 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.779–0.958) at a cutoff value >1685 ml (sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 78%).Conclusions: Fluid overload in the first 72 h was a predictor of prolonged MV and ICU length of stay in surviving HS patients. Maintaining cautious about fluid resuscitation for HS patients may be critical for improving patient outcomes.

Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy at liver transplantation intensive care unit by surgeons

Aim: Tracheostomy has evolved to be a routine procedure for prolonged mechanical ventilation patients in the intensive care unit. We aimed to analyze retrospectively our patients underwent percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy due to prolonged mechanical ventilation following liver transplantation.Material and Methods: Data of 34 patients who underwent percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy by general surgeons due to prolonged mechanical ventilation following liver transplantation were analyzed and evaluated retrospectively.Results: Patients did not experience any complications except minor bleeding following liver transplantation. Besides this technique facilitated patient compliance as well as comfort, which were essential during an accurate weaning process.Conclusion: Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy is a safe method due to its low complication rate and easy applicability in hands of surgeons who are familiar with the neck anatomy.

WELL-BEING AND ADVANCE DIRECTIVES AMONG PROLONGED MECHANICAL VENTILATION PATIENTS AT HOME VERSUS HOSPITAL

Despite increasing numbers of older patients requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation (PMV), little is known concerning their mood, well-being, distressing symptoms and attitudes towards ventilation. Furthermore differences may exist according to place of care- whether Home Hospital or Hospital Long Term Care (HLTC). These issues were addressed using the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (r-ESAS)(10 items, max severity score=100), and Short Geriatric Depression Scale, in a study of the majority of PMV patients (n=120/123) aged ≥18 (range 18-96 years) all Clalit Health Service insurees, in Jerusalem. Communicative patients were interviewed (40/46 at home, 22/74 in HLTC, average age 54 vs.73 years, p<0.01). The following symptoms (dichotomized to “not-a-problem”/“problematic”) were frequently reported as “not-a-problem” among patients (Home,HLTC): tiredness (59%,58%), poor appetite (95%,90%), pain (69%,84%), drowsiness (77%,90%), nausea (85%,84%), and shortness of breath (82%,90%). General well-being (categorized to good/mild/moderate/severe impairment) was reported more frequently as good or mildly impaired at Home vs. HLTC (54% vs.26%), as was lower frequency of depression (34.4% vs. 44.4%, p=0.049). The total r-ESAS score was similar irrespective of setting: Home-24.9/100 (inter quartile range {IQR} 13.5-32.5) vs. HLTC-23.7/100 (IQR 17.5-32),p=0.74. The majority (119/120) of patients were without advanced directives prior to initiation of PMV. When asked if they had to choose again, 82% and 91% of communicative patients at home vs. HLTC would opt again for ventilation, as would 75% of caregivers of uncommunicative patients. Our findings emphasize the resilience and low levels of distressing symptoms among PMV patients, and may contribute to the decision-making process concerning advanced directives.

PROLONGED MECHANICAL VENTILATION: CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS TREATED AT HOME COMPARED TO HOSPITAL LONG-TERM CARE

Rising numbers of patients receiving Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation (PMV) pose a challenge, and advancing technology supports ventilators appropriate for either Home or Hospital Long Term Care (HLTC).Data guiding decisions concerning place of care are lacking. This study describes the characteristics of the majority (120/123) of all PMV patients aged ≥18 (and their caregivers) in Jerusalem, covered by the Clalit Health Service, treated either with Home Hospital or HLTC. Patients were more alert and communicative at Home vs. HLTC (40/46 vs. 22/74), younger (54 vs.73 years, p12 years (36% vs.21%, p=0.1), and without legal guardian (59% vs. 12%, p<0.01). Primary reason for PMV at home was degenerative neuromuscular disease (59% vs. 28%), compared to post resuscitation/sepsis/CVA in HLTC patients (17% vs. 62%), who suffered more comorbidity, functional decline post-PMV, and pressure sores (0% vs. 42%). Ventilation was more likely to be planned at home vs HLTC (33% vs. 8%), and yet 119/120 were without Advanced Directives prior to PMV. Caregivers at home tended to be spouses (48% vs. 31%) and offspring at HLTC (17% vs. 47%), with reduced Modified Caregiver Strain Index at home (10.5 vs. 12.9, p=0.12). Mortality during follow-up was lower at home (15.2% vs. 27%). Costs to the health fund for home versus HLTC were approximately 1:3. Our findings suggest that with appropriate targeting of eligible PMV patients, Home Hospital may be the preferred model of care for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.

Clinical features and outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation: a single-center retrospective observational study

BackgroundInformation on epidemiology of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) patients in the acute care setting in Japan is totally lacking. We aimed to investigate clinical features, impact, and long-term outcomes of PMV patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Adult patients who were admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) from April 2009 to March 2014 and required mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥ 2 days were included. PMV was defined as having MV for ≥ 21 consecutive days.ResultsAmong 1282 MV patients, 93 (7.3%) required PMV, and median duration of MV was 37.0 days. Compared with the non-PMV patients, PMV patients had longer total ICU and high care unit (HCU) stay (34.0 vs. 7.0 days, p < 0.001), longer hospital stay (74.0 vs. 35.0 days, p < 0.001), and higher hospital mortality (54.8 vs. 21.4%, p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, emergency ICU admission and steroid use during MV were associated with PMV. The Kaplan–Meier curves for MV withdrawal and ICU/HCU discharge were almost identical. Among PMV patients, 52 (55.9%) died, 29 (31.2%) were successfully liberated from MV during hospitalization, and 12 (12.9%) still required MV at discharge.ConclusionIn this investigation, 7.3% of the patients with MV required PMV. Most PMV patients were liberated from MV during hospitalization, while occupying critical care beds for an extended period. A nationwide survey is required to further elucidate the overall picture of PMV patients and to discuss whether specialized weaning centers to treat PMV patients are required in Japan.

Outcomes of prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients who underwent bedside percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy in intermediate care units- A single center study.

The number of chronic critical illness (CCI) patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is increasing worldwide, mandating health professionals to discuss interventions while considering disease trajectory. The aim of this study was to analyze the survival of CCI patients who underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) within intermediate care units. We carried out a retrospective study of all patients who underwent PDT in our intermediate care units from 2009 to 2015. Based on their survival statuses at different time points, patients were categorized into groups of survival at one week, one month, and one year following the procedure. This study included 254 patients. The mean age was 77.7 (±11.8) years. Out of the 254 patients included, 213 patients (84.2%) were defined as nursing care dependent. In-hospital mortality was 38.2% (97 patients). Seven patients (2.7%) were discharged to their homes. Overall survival rates at one week, one month, and one year following PDT were 88.6%, 66.1%, and 29.5%, respectively. Upon multivariate analyses, higher creatinine levels and resuscitation prior to the procedure were associated with increased mortality rates at one week and one month following tracheostomy. Higher creatinine and low albumin levels were associated with increased mortality at one year following tracheostomy. The prognosis of CCI patients in intermediate care units is generally poor. Identified risk factors for complications and survival should be presented to patients and their surrogates when discussing courses of action and future treatments.

Emergence of carbapenem resistance in pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from a specialized care facility for prolonged mechanical ventilation patients

Purpose: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading gram-negative organisms associated with nosocomial infections (NI), especially in patients with mechanical ventilation. Among these P. aeruginosa, the carbapenems resistant strain is concerned. The aim of this study was to investigate the situation of carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa in respiratory care ward (RCW). Methods & Materials: Retrospective data on all patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) between January 2012 and December 2017 were collected at a regional hospital in Yunlin county, Taiwan. PMV was defined as mechanical ventilation for≥6 h per day for ≥21 consecutive days. Admission criteria for the RCW is the patient needs PMV longer than 62 days with haemodynamic stability and stable oxygen requirements. Patients in RCW were monitored for NI by the hospital infection control committee. Standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention /National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System definitions were used to identify NIs. Results: Since 2012 to 2017, there were total 153 PMV patients hospitalized in RCW. The mean age was 79 + 10 years old. The major comorbidities were hypertensive cardiovascular diseases (76.4%), diabetes mellitus (33.8%) and stroke (30.1%). The most common isolates in RCW during 2012 to 2017 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. In RCW, the nosocomial infection density of P. aeruginosa was 1.7 per 1000 patient days. Rapid raise of carbapenem resistance of P. aeruginosa in RCW was noted after 2014. The proportion of carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa was 10.2% in 2012 then up to 40% in 2017. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa continue grow in RCW, which is an important emerging issue when caring these PMV patients in Taiwan.

A latent class analysis of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients at a long-term acute care hospital: Subtype differences in clinical outcomes

RationalePatients on prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) at Long-Term Acute Care Hospital's (LTACHs) are clinically heterogeneous making it difficult to manage care and predict clinical outcomes. ObjectivesIdentify and describe subgroups of patients on PMV at LTACHs and examine for group differences. MethodsLatent class analysis was completed on data obtained during medical record review at Midwestern LTACH. Main resultsA three-class solution was identified. Class 1 contained young, obese patients with low clinical and co-morbid burden; Class 2 contained the oldest patients with low clinical burden but multiple co-morbid conditions; Class 3 contained patients with multiple clinical and co-morbid burdens. There were no differences in LTACH length of stay [F(2,246) = 2.243, p = 0.108] or number of ventilator days [F(2,246) = 0.641, p = 0.528]. Class 3 patients were less likely to wean from mechanical ventilation [χ2(2, N = 249) = 25.48, p < 0.001] and more likely to die [χ2(2, N = 249) = 23.68, p < 0.001]. ConclusionPatient subgroups can be described that predict clinical outcomes. Class 3 patients are at higher risk for poor clinical outcomes when compared to patients in Class 1 or Class 2.

High-flow oxygen via tracheostomy facilitates weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction: two case reports

BackgroundWeaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation is extremely difficult in tracheostomized patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. High-flow oxygen via tracheostomy supplies heated and humidified oxygen gas at > 10 L/minute. However, little has been reported on the use of high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy during weaning from ventilators in patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. We report successful weaning from ventilators in patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction using high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy.Case presentationThe first patient is a 78-year-old Japanese man with severe pneumococcal pneumonia who was mechanically ventilated for more than 1 month after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. After he underwent tracheostomy because of prolonged mechanical ventilation, restrictive pulmonary dysfunction appeared: tidal volume 230–240 mL and static compliance 14–15 mL/cmH2O with 10 cmH2O pressure support ventilation. He was weaned from the ventilator under inspiratory support with high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy over a period of 16 days (flow at 40 L/minute and fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.25). The second patient is a 69-year-old Japanese man who developed aspiration pneumonia after esophagectomy and received prolonged mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. He developed restrictive pulmonary dysfunction. High-flow oxygen via tracheostomy (flow at 40 L/minute with fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.25) was administered with measurement of the airway pressure and at the entrance of the tracheostomy tube. The measured values were as follows: 0.21–0.3 cmH2O, 0.21–0.56 cmH2O, 0.54–0.91 cmH2O, 0.76–2.01 cmH2O, 1.17–2.01 cmH2O, and 1.76–2.01 cmH2O at 10 L/minute, 20 L/minute, 30 L/minute, 40 L/minute, 50 L/minute, and 60 L/minute, respectively. The airway pressures were continuously positive and did not become negative even during inspiration, suggesting that high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy reduces inspiratory effort. He was weaned from the ventilator under inspiratory support with high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy over a period of 12 days.ConclusionsHigh-flow oxygen via tracheostomy may reduce the inspiratory effort and enhance tidal volume by delivering high-flow oxygen and facilitate weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with restrictive pulmonary dysfunction.

Propensity score-matching analyses on the effectiveness of integrated prospective payment program for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation

ObjectivesAn integrated delivery system with a prospective payment program (IPP) for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) was launched by Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) due to the costly and limited ICU resources. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of IPP and evaluate the factors associated with successful weaning and survival among patients with PMV. MethodsTaiwan's NHI Research Database was searched to obtain the data of patients aged ≥17 years who had PMV from 2006 to 2010 (N=50,570). A 1:1 propensity score matching approach was used to compare patients with and without IPP (N=30,576). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the factors related to successful weaning and survival. ResultsThe related factors of lower weaning rate in IPP participants (hazard ratio [HR]=0.84), were older age, higher income, catastrophic illness (HR=0.87), and higher comorbidity. The effectiveness of IPP intervention for the PMV patients showed longer days of hospitalization, longer ventilation days, higher survival rate, and higher medical costs (in respiratory care center, respiratory care ward). The 6-month mortality rate was lower (34.0% vs. 32.9%). The death risk of IPP patients compared to those non-IPP patients was lower (HR=0.91, P<0.001). Conclusions: The policy of IPP for PMV patients showed higher survival rate although it was costly and related to lower weaning rate.

Does Tracheostomy Affect the Mortality and Morbidity Rate After Cardiac Surgery?

Objective: This retrospective study aims to investigate the timing and outcomes of tracheostomy, mortality and morbidity rates, length of in-hospital and cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients with post-cardiac surgery. Patients and Methods: Between October 2014 and October 2016, a total of 401 cardiac surgery were performed in our hospital. Thirteen patients who needed post-operative prolong ventilation (7 female; 6 male; mean age was 67.7 ± 9.8 years; range 47 to 86 years) undergoing tracheostomy procedure, were included in this retrospective study. Results: The mean intubation time between the cardiac surgery and tracheostomy was 14.5±2.9 days (range 11 to 21). The mean intensive care unit stay time was 27.4 ±9.4 days (range 12 to 49) and the mean in-hospital stay was 43.1±23.7 days (range 16-91). 8 patients passed away and the in-hospital mortality rate was 61%. After a mean follow-up of 161.4±151.1 days (range 57 to 417), 3 patients (7%) passed away while one patient (7%) was decannulated. One patient (7%) is currently under follow-up at home using a home-type ventilator. Regarding patients who passed away after discharge, the overall mortality rate was 84.6%. In addition, the number of extubation attempts was 0.65±1.12 (range 0 to 4). Conclusion: Tracheostomy is performed in need of prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with post cardiac surgery. We thought that tracheostomy does not decrease the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia in hospital/ICU stay and morbidity/mortality as expected.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Improving the Respiratory Status in Patients Receiving Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Observational Study

Patients in critical care settings often require prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) therapy and, occasionally, they cannot be weaned from MV. The authors evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for improving the respiratory status and promoting successful weaning from prolonged MV in patients at intensive care units (ICUs). Retrospective observational study. Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan. The authors included 16 tracheostomized patients receiving MV for >21 days at the ICU of Gifu University Hospital, who underwent acupuncture therapy for improving their respiratory status. Acupuncture treatment was conducted in four sessions per week. The data of tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), rapid shallow breath index (RSBI; RR/VT) values before and immediately after acupuncture were extracted from the medical records. The median number of days on MV before acupuncture initiation was 31 days. VT and Cdyn were significantly increased immediately after acupuncture (all p < 0.001), whereas RR, HR, and RSBI were significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Eleven patients were successfully weaned from MV after acupuncture initiation. In the weaning success group, VT and Cdyn were significantly increased (all p < 0.01), whereas RR, HR, and RSBI were significantly decreased (all p < 0.05) after acupuncture. Conversely, in the weaning failure group, these values were not changed significantly. The increase in Cdyn after acupuncture was larger in the weaning success group than in the weaning failure group (p < 0.05). Acupuncture treatment might have beneficial effects on the respiratory status of ICU patients receiving MV and may help in weaning from prolonged MV. Further large prospective cohort studies are warranted.

Association of dead space ventilation and prolonged ventilation after repair of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia

BackgroundWe set out to determine whether patients with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (TOF/PA/MAPCA) are at risk for elevated dead space ventilation fraction (VD/VT), and whether this is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that elevated VD/VT (>20%) in the first 24 hours after unifocalization surgery is associated with increased risk for prolonged mechanical ventilation (>7 days). MethodsAll patients with TOF/PA/MAPCA undergoing unifocalization surgery between January 2003 and December 2015 were included in this study. Average VD/VT was calculated over the first 24 hours after surgery. Demographic and surgical data were collected. Outcome data included duration of mechanical ventilation. Patients were separated into 2 groups: elevated VD/VT and normal DVSF. Groups were compared using the Student t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and χ2 test. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed with VD/VT as a continuous variable to test for association. ResultsOf the 265 included patients, 127 (48%) had an elevated VD/VT. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in any demographic characteristic. Patients with an elevated VD/VT had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (P = .03), were more likely to have delayed sternal closure, and more likely to have prolonged respiratory failure (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.0; P = .007). The percent VD/VT was associated with duration of mechanical ventilation in univariable (P < .001) and multivariable (P < .001) regression analyses when controlled for age, weight and bypass time. ConclusionsElevated postoperative VD/VT is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with TOF/PA/MAPCA following unifocalization. Elevated postoperative VD/VT may be an early indicator of patients who will require prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, allowing optimization of medical management to promote better outcomes.

Effects of Home Mechanical Ventilation on Left Ventricular Function in Sarcoglycanopathies (Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies)

Cardiac and respiratory function may be impaired in sarcoglycanopathies, a subgroup of muscular dystrophies due to sarcoglycan proteins (α, β, γ, and δ) genes mutations. Management of patients with restrictive respiratory failure mainly relies on home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Little is known about the cardiac effects of prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with muscular dystrophy and restrictive respiratory insufficiency. We aimed to assess the effects of HMV on cardiac function in sarcoglycanopathies. We retrospectively included 10 genetically proven patients with sarcoglycanopathy followed at the HMV unit of the Raymond Poincare University Hospital (4 patients with α-sarcoglycanopathy and 6 patients with γ-sarcoglycanopathy). We collected cardiorespiratory clinical baseline data and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline before initiation of HMV and at the end of follow-up. At baseline, median age was 30.5 years (27 to 39) and median pulmonary vital capacity was 27% of the predicted value (21 to 36). Forty percent of the patients had documented sleep apnea. Cardiomyopathy, defined as LVEF <50%, was found in 3 patients with γ-sarcoglycanopathy. After a median follow-up of 3 years (1.0 to 4.5), there was a significant increase in LVEF after initiation of HMV, that is, 62% (48 to 65) versus 53% (45.5 to 56.5) (p = 0.0039). In conclusion, HMV in sarcoglycanopathies is not harmful and may protect left ventricular function by its thoracic physiological effects.

Ventilator Dependence Risk Score for the Prediction of Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients Who Survive Sepsis/Septic Shock with Respiratory Failure

We intended to develop a scoring system to predict mechanical ventilator dependence in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock with respiratory failure. This study evaluated 251 adult patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs) between August 2013 to October 2015, who had survived for over 21 days and received aggressive treatment. The risk factors for ventilator dependence were determined. We then constructed a ventilator dependence (VD) risk score using the identified risk factors. The ventilator dependence risk score was calculated as the sum of the following four variables after being adjusted by proportion to the beta coefficient. We assigned a history of previous stroke, a score of one point, platelet count less than 150,000/μL a score of one point, pH value less than 7.35 a score of two points, and the fraction of inspired oxygen on admission day 7 over 39% as two points. The area under the curve in the derivation group was 0.725 (p < 0.001). We then applied the VD risk score for validation on 175 patients. The area under the curve in the validation group was 0.658 (p = 0.001). VD risk score could be applied to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients who survive sepsis/septic shock.

Risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with severe multiple injuries and blunt chest trauma: a single center retrospective case-control study.

AimBlunt chest trauma is common and is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with multiple injuries, frequently requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to elucidate risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV).MethodsConsecutive adult patients with multiple severe injuries and blunt chest trauma who treated in Chiba Emergency Medical Center (Chiba, Japan) between January 2008 and December 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective chart‐review study. According to ventilatory time, the patients were divided into PMV (≥7 days) and shortened mechanical ventilation (SMV; <7 days) groups. Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) was calculated. To identify risk factors for PMV, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses and receiver operating characteristic analysis were carried out.ResultsEighty‐four and 49 patients were assigned to PMV and SMV groups, respectively. Compared with the SMV group, the PMV group had a significantly larger number of fractured ribs (P < 0.01), higher rate of severe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤8) (P < 0.05) and flail chest (P < 0.001), higher TTSS (P < 0.001), or longer intensive care unit and hospital stay (both P < 0.001). Logistic analysis showed that severe GCS (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6, P < 0.01), flail chest (OR = 3.0, P < 0.05), and TTSS (OR = 1.2; P < 0.01) were independent significant risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that the area under the curves for TTSS, flail chest, and severe GCS were 0.74, 0.70, and 0.58, respectively. When the three factors were combined, the area under the curve increased to 0.8.ConclusionSevere GCS (≤8), flail chest, or TTSS may be independent risk factors. Combining the three risk factors could provide high predictive performance for PMV.

Epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of major trauma patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

The epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of severe trauma patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) remain unclear. This retrospective study aims to investigate the outcomes of PMV in this specific group. All patients with major trauma admitted to the respiratory care center (RCC) requiring PMV (duration ≥21 days between January 2014 and December 2016) were enrolled. A total of 36343 trauma patients visited our emergency department for management, and 1388 (3.82%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after initial resuscitation. After ICU management, 93 major trauma patients required PMV, and were then transferred to the RCC. Their mean age of these 93 patients was 68.6 ± 18.3 years and 65 patients (70.0%) were older than 65 years. Head/neck trauma (n = 78, 83.9%) were the most common injury, followed by thoracic trauma (n = 30, 32.2%), and extremity trauma (n = 29, 31.2%). Their median injury severity score was 25 (interquartile range [IQR] 16–27). The median length of hospital stay was 50 days (IQR, 39–62). Six patients died of ventilator-associated pneumonia for an in-hospital morality rate of 6.5%. In addition, 11 PMV patients became mechanical ventilator-dependent and were transferred to the respiratory care ward for further long-term care. In conclusion, <0.3% of trauma patients required PMV, and their in-hospital mortality rate was only 6.5%. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the main cause of death and nosocomial infections were common in patients with long-term mechanical ventilator dependence.