Required Ventilator Support Research Articles

Investigating ethical tradeoffs in crisis standards of care through simulation of ventilator allocation protocols.

Arguments over the appropriate Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) for public health emergencies often assume that there is a tradeoff between saving the most lives, saving the most life-years, and preventing racial disparities. However, these assumptions have rarely been explored empirically. To quantitatively characterize possible ethical tradeoffs, we aimed to simulate the implementation of five proposed CSC protocols for rationing ventilators in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the number of lives saved and life-years saved by implementing clinical acuity-, comorbidity- and age-based CSC protocols under different shortage conditions. This model was populated with patient data from 3707 adult admissions requiring ventilator support in a New York hospital system between April 2020 and May 2021. To estimate lives and life-years saved by each protocol, we determined survival to discharge and estimated remaining life expectancy for each admission. The simulation demonstrated stronger performance for age-sensitive protocols. For a capacity of 1 bed per 2 patients, ranking by age bands saves approximately 29 lives and 3400 life-years per thousand patients. Proposed protocols from New York and Maryland which allocated without considering age saved the fewest lives (~13.2 and 8.5 lives) and life-years (~416 and 420 years). Unlike other protocols, the New York and Maryland algorithms did not generate significant disparities in lives saved and life-years saved between White non-Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, and Hispanic sub-populations. For all protocols, we observed a positive correlation between lives saved and life-years saved, but also between lives saved overall and inequality in the number of lives saved in different race and ethnicity sub-populations. While there is significant variance in the number of lives saved and life-years saved, we did not find a tradeoff between saving the most lives and saving the most life-years. Moreover, concerns about racial discrimination in triage protocols require thinking carefully about the tradeoff between enforcing equality of survival rates and maximizing the lives saved in each sub-population.

An early scoring system to predict mechanical ventilation for botulism: a single-center-based study.

Early identification of patients requiring ventilator support will be beneficial for the outcomes of botulism. The present study aimed to establish a new scoring system to predict mechanical ventilation (MV) for botulism patients. A single-center retrospective study was conducted to identify risk factors associated with MV in botulism patients from 2007 to 2022. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen out risk factors for constructing a prognostic scoring system. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated. A total of 153 patients with botulism (66 males and 87 females, with an average age of 43 years) were included. Of these, 49 patients (32.0%) required MV, including 21 (13.7%) with invasive ventilation and 28 (18.3%) with non-invasive ventilation. Multivariate analysis revealed that botulinum toxin type, pneumonia, incubation period, degree of hypoxia, and severity of muscle involvement were independent risk factors for MV. These risk factors were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a prognostic scoring system. Each risk factor was scored by allocating a weight based on its regression coefficient and rounded to whole numbers for practical utilization ([botulinum toxin type A: 1], [pneumonia: 2], [incubation period ≤1 day: 2], [hypoxia <90%: 2], [severity of muscle involvement: grade II, 3; grade III, 7; grade IV, 11]). The scoring system achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.82 (95% CI 0.75-0.89, P<0.001). At the optimal threshold of 9, the scoring system achieved a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 70.2%. Our study identified botulinum toxin type, pneumonia, incubation period, degree of hypoxia, and severity of muscle involvement as independent risk factors for MV in botulism patients. A score ≥9 in our scoring system is associated with a higher likelihood of requiring MV in botulism patients. This scoring system needs to be validated externally before it can be applied in clinical settings.

Octogenarians fare better under local anesthesia for elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

ObjectiveWith an aging patient population, an increasing number of octogenarians are undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in the United States. Multiple studies have shown that, for the general population, use of local anesthetic (LA) for EVAR is associated with improved short-term and long-term outcomes as compared with performing these operations under general anesthesia (GA). Therefore, this study aimed to study the association of LA for elective EVARs with perioperative outcomes, among octogenarians. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2021) was used to conduct this study. Octogenarians (Aged ≥80 years) were selected and sorted into two study groups: LA (Group I) and GA (Group II). Our primary outcomes were length of stay and mortality. Secondary outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, return to operating room, cardiopulmonary complications, and discharge location. ResultsOf the 16,398 selected patients, 1197 patients (7.3%) were included in Group I, and 15,201 patients (92.7%) were in Group II. Procedural time was significantly shorter for the LA group (114.6 vs 134.6; P < .001), as was estimated blood loss (152 vs 222 cc; P < .001). Length of stay was significantly shorter (1.8 vs 2.6 days; P < .001), and patients were more likely to be discharged home (LA 88.8% vs GA 86.9%; P = .036) in the LA group. Group I also experienced fewer pulmonary complications; only 0.17% experienced pneumonia and 0.42% required ventilator support compared with 0.64% and 1.02% in Group II, respectively. This finding corresponded to fewer days in the intensive care unit for Group I (0.41 vs 0.69 days; P < .001). No significant difference was seen in 30-day mortality cardiac, renal, or access site-related complications. Return to operating room was also equivocal between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed GA was associated with a significantly longer length of stay and significantly higher rates of non-home discharge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; P < .001 and AOR, 1.40; P = .025, respectively). When stratified by the New York Heart Association classification system, classes I, II, III, and IV (1.55; P < .001; 1.26; P = .029; 2.03; P < .001; 4.07; P < .001, respectively) were associated with significantly longer hospital stays. ConclusionsThe use of LA for EVARs in octogenarians is associated with shorter lengths of stay, fewer respiratory complications, and home discharge. These patients also experienced shorter procedure times and less blood loss. There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day mortality, return to operating room, or access-related complications. LA for octogenarians undergoing EVAR should be considered more frequently to shorten hospital stays and decrease complication rates.

Performance in prognostic capacity and efficiency of the Thoracic Care Suite GE AI tool applied to chest radiography of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

ObjectiveRapid progression of COVID-19 pneumonia may put patients at risk of requiring ventilatory support, such as non-invasive mechanical ventilation or endotracheal intubation. Implementing tools that detect COVID-19 pneumonia can improve the patient’s healthcare. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the artificial intelligence (AI) tool GE Healthcare’s Thoracic Care Suite (featuring Lunit INSIGHT CXR, TCS) to predict the ventilatory support need based on pneumonic progression of COVID-19 on consecutive chest X-rays. MethodsOutpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with chest X-ray (CXR) findings probable or indeterminate for COVID-19 pneumonia, who required a second CXR due to unfavorableclinical course, were collected. The number of affected lung fields for the two CXRs was assessed using the AI tool. ResultsOne hundred fourteen patients (57.4±14.2 years, 65−57%-men) were retrospectively collected. Fifteen (13.2%) required ventilatory support. Progression of pneumonic extension ≥0.5 lung fields per day compared to pneumonia onset, detected using the TCS tool, increased the risk of requiring ventilatory support by 4-fold. Analyzing the AI output required 26s of radiological time. ConclusionsApplying the AI tool, Thoracic Care Suite, to CXR of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia allows us to anticipate ventilatory support requirements requiring less than half a minute.

Cardiac involvement in children with paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS): data from a prospective nationwide surveillance study.

Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) may occur 4 to 8 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The acute presentation of PIMS-TS has been well described, but data on longer-term outcomes, particularly cardiac, is scarce. This prospective nationwide surveillance study included children and adolescents less than 18 years of age who were hospitalised with PIMS-TS in Switzerland between March 2020 and March 2022. Data was collected from all 29 paediatric hospitals through the Swiss Paediatric Surveillance Unit (SPSU) during hospitalisation and approximately six weeks after discharge. The data was analysed after categorising the participants into three groups based on their admission status to the intensive care unit (ICU) (non-ICU, ICU-moderate) and the requirement for invasive ventilatory and/or inotropic support (ICU-severe). Overall, 204 children were included of whom 194 (95.1%) had follow-up data recorded. Median age was 9.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6.0-11.5) and 142 (69.6%) were male. In total, 105/204 (51.5%) required ICU admission, of whom 55/105 (52.4%) received inotropic support and 14/105 (13.3%) mechanical ventilation (ICU-severe group). Echocardiography was performed in 201/204 (98.5%) children; 132 (64.7%) had a cardiac abnormality including left ventricular systolic dysfunction (73 [36.3%]), a coronary artery abnormality (45 [22.4%]), pericardial effusion (50 [24.9%]) and mitral valve regurgitation (60 [29.9%]). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was present at admission in 62/201 (30.8%) children and appeared during hospitalisation in 11 (5.5%) children. A coronary artery abnormality was detected at admission in 29/201 (14.2%) children and developed during hospitalisation or at follow-up in 13 (6.5%) and 3 (1.5%) children, respectively. None of the children had left ventricular systolic dysfunction at follow-up, but a coronary abnormality and pericardial effusion were found in 12 (6.6%) and 3 (1.7%) children, respectively. School absenteeism at the time of follow-up was more frequent in children who had been admitted to the ICU (2.5% in the non-ICU group compared to 10.4% and 17.6% in the ICU-moderate and ICU-severe group, respectively) (p = 0.011). Cardiac complications in children presenting with PIMS-TS are common and may worsen during the hospitalisation. Irrespective of initial severity, resolution of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is observed, often occurring rapidly during the hospitalisation. Most of the coronary artery abnormalities regress; however, some are still present at follow-up, emphasising the need for prolonged cardiac evaluation after PIMS-TS.

Seasonality and risk factor analysis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children in Taiwan-A retrospective study from 1995 to 2005.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the important pathogens leading to acute respiratory tract infection in infants and young children. We aimed to investigate the seasonality of RSV infection in different parts of Taiwan and to delineate the risk factors for severe RSV infections. We collected RSV-infected patients' data by retrospective chart review. A total of 1740 RSV-infected children aged under 18 years were enrolled. The infection was acquired during hospitalization in 103 (7.1%) children, while none of them required ventilator support or needed intensive care before RSV infection. The need for intensive care or ventilator support was significantly associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), chronic lung disease, and neuromuscular diseases. Age <1 year and nosocomially acquired infection are also significant predictors for the need of intensive care. Only the presence of CHD, especially acyanotic CHD, was significantly associated with a fatal outcome. RSV infection occurs all year round. Monthly distribution of RSV infections in Northern Taiwan showed a bimodal pattern, with one peak from March to May, and another from August to October. The distribution in Southern Taiwan showed a single peak from April to July. The occurrence of RSV correlates positively with temperature and rain. The bimodal seasonal distribution pattern in Northern Taiwan may be a transitional pattern shifting from a single high winter peak in temperate areas to a wider summer peak in tropical areas. Continuous surveillance is needed to explore the possible effect of global warming on the seasonality of RSV infection.

24 Characteristics and Outcomes of Hospitalized Children by SARS-Cov-2 Lineage: An IMPACT Surveillance Network Analysis

Abstract Introduction/Background Changes in relative virulence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages among children remain poorly understood, yet are important considerations for vaccination and health resource management. Further evidence is needed to assess the burden of severe paediatric COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant. Objectives In this study, we aimed to compare presenting features and disease severity among hospitalized children with COVID-19 in Canada by SARS-CoV-2 lineage. Design/Methods Data were collected during two national surveillance studies: the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (April 2020–May 2021) and the Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive (June 2021–May 2022). Cases were included if children were &amp;lt;17 years old and hospitalized for COVID-19 (excluding incidental SARS-CoV-2) at one of thirteen sentinel paediatric hospitals. SARS-CoV-2 lineages were classified as “Ancestral”, “pre-Delta” (Alpha, Beta, or Gamma), “Delta”, or “Omicron” based on genetic sequencing or the predominant lineage across Canada at the time of hospitalization. Severe disease was defined as intensive care, ventilatory or hemodynamic support requirements, organ system complications, or death. Results We identified 1357 children hospitalized with COVID-19, including 254 (18.7%) ancestral, 105 (7.7%) pre-Delta, 175 (12.9%) Delta, and 823 (60.6%) Omicron (Table). Median age at hospitalization was highest for Delta (3.0 years, interquartile range 0.2–11.1) and lowest for Omicron (1.3 years, interquartile range 0.3–5.4; p&amp;lt;0.001). The proportion of children with comorbid conditions did not differ significantly by lineage, ranging from 44.9% (ancestral) to 54.3% (Delta, p=0.149). COVID-19 vaccination (≥1 doses) was received by &amp;lt;5 pre-Delta cases (&amp;lt;4.8%), six Delta cases (3.4%), and 98 Omicron cases (11.9%). Among unvaccinated patients (n=1251), severe COVID-19 was most common among Delta lineages (34.3%) versus other lineages (24.0% ancestral, 22.3 pre-Delta, 24.8% Omicron; p=0.049). Conclusion Our results show more children were hospitalized during Omicron waves than all other waves combined, though Delta was relatively more severe. These findings underscore the substantial burden of Omicron in children. Potential competing interests Jesse Papenburg received consultant fees/honoraria from Astra-Zeneca, Merck, and Seegene, and is site PI for industry trials by Astra-Zeneca, MedImmune, Merck, and Sanofi (all outside current work). Rupeena Purewal is a consultant for Verity Pharmaceuticals. Manish Sadarangani has been an investigator on projects funded by GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi-Pasteur, Seqirus, Symvivo, and VBI Vaccines (all outside current work). Fatima Kakkar received salary support from the FRQS Chercheur Boursieurs Program, and honoraria from the Association des Pédiatres du Québec. Shaun Morris has received honoraria for lectures from GlaxoSmithKline and was a member of ad hoc advisory boards for Pfizer Canada and Sanofi Pasteur (all outside current work). No other competing interests are declared.

Cumulative Dose of Prostaglandin E1 Determines Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects in Term and Near-Term Neonates Awaiting Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to assess the association between treatment characteristics of prostaglandin E1 including initiation time and duration, maximal and cumulative doses, and adverse effects. A retrospective cohort study in which medical records of neonates with duct-dependent lesions were studied for treatment parameters and adverse effects. Multivariable logistic regression model was applied for testing the effect PGE1 variables on outcomes. The primary outcomes of this study were association of adverse effects of PGE1 treatment with maximal dose, cumulative dose, and treatment duration. The secondary outcomes included safety of feeding in infants treated with PGE1. Eighty-two infants with duct-dependent lesions receiving PGE1 were included. Several infants who received early PGE1 treatment required ventilation support. Feeds were ceased more often as the cumulative dose and duration of PGE1 treatment increased. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were significantly associated with the cumulative dose of PGE1 and treatment duration. Apneas, hyperthermia, and tachycardia were associated with maximal dose. Our data did not demonstrate a difference in the incidence of NEC associated with characteristics of PGE1 treatment. Cumulative PGE1 dose is associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects in neonates. Lower doses should be considered in neonates expecting prolonged PGE1 treatment.

Study of pattern and outcome of acute poisoning cases at tertiary care hospital in North India.

The WHO 2021 data estimate that 2 million lives and 53 million disability-adjusted life-years were lost in 2019 due to exposures to selected chemicals. It is important to know the pattern and outcome of acute poisoning cases for proper planning, prevention and management. Knowing the pattern will also help in designing training modules for primary care physicians to make them aware about newer poisons and their management. Awareness regarding newer poisons consumed is necessary for early identification, initial management and timely referral to higher centres by primary care physicians. This study was performed to see the pattern and outcome of acute poisoning cases in North Indian population and various factors related to outcome. This study was conducted in department of medicine of a teaching institute in North India after approval by the Institutional Review Board. Patients admitted in the department during the study and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after obtaining consent. A total of 417 patients with poisoning were recruited in the study. Out of 417 patients, majority were males (59.5%). Maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years (33.8%), and rural population (79.9%) was found to be more affected. Most of the patients were students and private employees. Most common types of poisoning were snakebite (n = 109, 26.1%), organophosphate (n = 49, 11.8%) and aluminium phosphide (n = 39, 9.3%). Out of 417 patients, 349 (83.69%) improved, while 68 (16.3%) expired. Requirement of ventilatory support was most commonly associated with aluminium phosphide poisoning (30.12%) followed by organophosphate poisoning (24.1%). Poisoning was more common in young males and more prevalent in rural population. Pesticides and snakebite were major causes of poisoning. Among suicidal cases, family conflict (problem/altercation with family members/marital discord) was main reason for the consumption of poison. There is need for creation of poison information centre along with separate toxicological units in tertiary care hospitals.

Short-Term Mortality Associated With Hypertensive Emergencies: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study From South India.

Background and aims Hypertensive emergencies are caused by acutely occurringmassive elevations in blood pressure with features suggestive of acute end-organ damage and are a common complication of hypertension. About 1-2% of all patients with hypertension develop this complication in their lifetime. This study was undertaken to assess short-term outcomes associated with hypertensive emergencies in a tertiary care center. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study and recruited 66 consenting adults with a hypertensive emergency. Sociodemographic details, clinical characteristics, blood pressure readings at different intervals, in-hospital course, and diagnosis of end-organ damage were recorded. The in-hospital outcome was noted as dead or alive. After four weeks, patients were followed up through telephonic interviews and the patient's status was then reviewed and recorded. Multiple logistic regression determined the predictors of death. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 66 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 54.57 (±38.18) years and a male predominance of 44 (66.35%) patients. The majority of patients were known hypertensives (n=55, 83.35%). Of the known hypertensives, 41 (74.54%) patients had discontinued their anti-hypertensive medications prior to admission.The median duration of hospitalization was 10 (7-14) days. The most common presenting complaints were dyspnea (n=35, 53.03%), pedal edema (n=29, 43.94%) and headache (n=25, 37.87%). Forty-one (62.12%) patients required ICU care, and 39 (59.09%) required ventilator support. The most common end-organ damage was acute-on-chronic kidney disease (n=21, 31.81%). The short-term mortality documented at the end of one month was 24 (36.36%).Of these, seven (10.6%) patients died in the hospital, and 17 (25.75) patients died within one month of getting discharged from the hospital. The factors that were associated with high mortality were newly-diagnosed hypertension and in-hospital hypotension. Conclusion We found high mortality associated with hypertensive emergencies. At one month follow-up, we found that more than one-third of the patients had died. Post-hospitalisation mortality was higher than in-hospital mortality. Most patients had discontinued their anti-hypertensive medication before admission. The most frequently encountered end-organ damage was acute-on-chronic kidney disease. The factors associated with high mortality were newly-diagnosed hypertension and in-hospital hypotension.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Tracheostomized Patients With and Without COVID-19.

To create a study evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on tracheostomized patients by comparing clinical outcomes and weaning parameters in COVID-19 positive and negative cohorts. A retrospective observational cohort study of 604 tracheostomized patients hospitalized in 16 ICUs in New York City between March 9, 2020, and September 8, 2021. Patients were stratified into two cohorts: 398 COVID-19 negative (COVID-ve) and 206 COVID-19 positive (COVID+ve) patients. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, and weaning parameters (first pressure support [PS], tracheostomy collar [TC], speech valve placement, and decannulation) were analyzed. COVID+ve had fewer comorbidities including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and HIV (p < 0.05). Higher Fio2 (53% vs 44%), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (7.15 vs 5.69), Pco2 (45.8 vs 38.2), and lower pH (7.41 vs 7.43) were observed at the time of tracheostomy in COVID+ve (p < 0.005). There was no statistical difference in post-tracheostomy complication rates. Longer time from intubation to tracheostomy (15.90 vs 13.60 d; p = 0.002), tracheostomy to first PS (2.87 vs 1.80 d; p = 0.005), and TC placement (11.07 vs 4.46 d; p < 0.001) were seen in COVID+ve. However, similar time to speech valve placement, decannulation, and significantly lower 1-year mortality (23.3% vs 36.7%; p = 0.001) with higher number of discharges to long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) (23.8% vs 13.6%; p = 0.015) were seen in COVID+ve. Patients with COVID-19 required higher Fio2 and PEEP ventilatory support at the time of tracheostomy, with no observed change in complication rates. Despite longer initial weaning period with PS or TC, similar time to speech valve placement or decannulation with significantly lower mortality and higher LTACH discharges suggest favorable outcome in COVID-19 positive patients. Higher ventilatory support requirements and prolonged weaning should not be a deterrent to pursuing a tracheostomy.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion in COVID-19 Convalescent Kidney Transplant Recipients Compared with Non-transplanted Patients

Objective: Due to immunosuppression, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) might have lower seroconversion after COVID-19 than non-KTRs. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the seroconversion rate after COVID-19 between KTRs and non-KTRs. Methods: This cohort study enrolled three non-paired groups of patients with COVID-19: 601 KTRs, 211 healthcare workers (HCWs), and 170 non-transplanted inhabitants (INHs) in a countryside city in Brazil. The anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleocapsid antibody was assessed 14 days after diagnosis. The primary outcome was seroconversion. Results: The KTRs were older, had more comorbidities and severe COVID-19. Compared to HCWs and INHs, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU; 44.9% vs. 0% vs. 1.8%, p&lt;0.001), mechanical ventilation requirement (32.3% vs. 0% vs. 1.8%, p&lt;0.001), and death (28.8% vs. 0% vs. 1.2%, p&lt;0.001) were significantly higher in KTRs. Seroconversion did not differ between the groups: 76.2% in KTRs, 74.9% in HCWs, and 82.2% in INHs (p=0.35). In a group-adjusted multivariable logistic regression, while a short period between infection and blood sample collection reduced the probability of seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.986), the presence of fever (aOR=1.737, p=0.017), cough (aOR=1.785, p=0.005), and requirement for ventilatory support (OR=1.981, p=0.017) increased the risk. Conclusions: Clinical severity, mechanical ventilation requirement and death by COVID-19 were significantly higher among the KTRs. However, among the survivors, KTRs had a similar seroconversion prevalence associated with clinical severity parameters and a shorter time of blood sample collection.

Epidemiology, clinical profile and outcome of acute kidney injury in intensive coronary care unit

Background: The incidence of AKI in cardiac ICU is attributed mainly to Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome. AKI occurs commonly in the setting of AHF, and is termed CRS type 1. Biomarkers and bioelectrical impedance analysis can be helpful in estimating the real volume overload and may be useful to predict and avoid AKI. The role of UF remains controversial, and it is currently recommended only for diuretic-resistant patients. Objective of current study was to study demographic &amp; clinical profile and outcome of patients with AKI in intensive coronary care unit. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in ICCU of R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur. All the patients with increase in serum creatinine &gt;50% were included in the study. Detailed investigations like urinary analysis, renal function tests (blood urea, serum creatinine, serum electrolytes), USG whole abdomen, 12 lead ECG, Echocardiography and Troponin T. Results: Among cases 56.67% had ADHF, 25% had MI, 10% had structural heart disease, 3.3% had systemic illness, 1.67% had cardiogenic shock, 1.67% were cardiac surgery associated and 1.67% had other causes of AKI. 30.0% of cases required ionotropic support while 2.5% of controls required ionotropic support. 5.0% of cases required ventilator support &amp; renal replacement therapy while none of the controls required these. Conclusions: Patients with AKI had worse outcomes when compared to non-AKI. Mortality among cases was significantly higher than controls, 10% among cases versus only 2.5% in controls.

Unspecific congenital toxoplasmosis in a two-month-old baby.

A two-month-old baby boy diagnosed with unspecific congenital toxoplasmosis was referred by a pediatrician to the Clinical Parasitology referral center at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. Baby was post-hospitalized in the NICU and required ventilation support for one month. Furthermore, there was history of from various medical conditions, such as intracranial bleeding, convulsion, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, and renal failure. After two month, there was no significant weight gain, anti-Toxoplasma IgM showed positive results, and anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG of the mother were also positive. Baby and mother were successfully treated with pyrimethamine, cotrimoxazole, and folinic acid for one month. At 2 years, there signs of normal motoric, eye, and hearing development with underdeveloped kidneys. Therefore, pre-pregnancy counseling and education aimed at preventing toxoplasmosis during pregnancy should be increased and conducted routinely by health workers or trained cadres to reduce the risk of fetal defects.

Utility of Pre-operative Glasgow Coma Scale and SKALE Scoring System to Predict need for Post-operative Ventilator Support in Intracranial Tumour Patients

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of GCS and SKALE in predicting post-operative requirement of ventilator support in intracranial tumour patients. Methods: Seventy patients undergoing intracranial tumour resection surgery were assessed pre-operatively using GCS and SKALE scoring systems to predict their post-operative requirement of ventilator support. The data was analysed using SPSS software and ShapiroWilk test and Chi-Square tests were apllied to compare the obtain data. Results: The study included 70 patients, of whom 88.6% had good GCS of 13-15 and 72.9% had good SKALE score of &gt;8. We found that all patients with poor GCS ≤8 required post -operative ventilator support, while only 4 out 62 patients with GCS 13-15 required ventilator support post-operatively (p value &lt;0.05). Patients with SKALE score ≤8 also had higher incidence of post-operative ventilator requirement (31.6%) as against those with SKALE score &gt;8 (11.8%). Conclusion: GCS is a good predictor of post-operative ventilator requirement. SKALE scoring system requires further studies to prove its utility.

The Evaluation of Hematological Parameters and Their Correlation with Disease Prognosis in COVID-19 Disease in Iran.

Background: Since 2019, Coronavirus has been a highly contagious disease. The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Variable laboratory findings are reported in COVID-19 patients, among which elevated levels of D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, as well as lymphopenia, have been reported to be associated with increased severity of disease symptoms requiring ventilator support, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. Materials and Methods: In the current study, inclusion criteria were: patient age above 18 years and hospitalization in the Imam Khomeini hospital with COVID-19 disease confirmed with nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction tests. Levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, LDH, and ferritin were measured and their correlation with the final patients' outcome was evaluated. Results: A total of 208 patients were included in the present study. Higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte, LDH, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, and D-dimer were significantly related to O2 dependency. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte and LDH were significantly related to higher rates of mortality. Higher Hb and lymphocyte count were significantly related to higher rates of survival. Conclusion: Hematological parameters including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte, LDH, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, D-dimer, Hb, and lymphocyte count were significantly related to the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 disease. This could help decide which COVID-19 patients have priority for hospitalization and intensive medical care, particularly when the pandemic disease causes limitations in healthcare service.

Comparison between Clinical Profile and Outcome of Patients Admitted with Moderate and Severe COVID-19 Illness in the First and Second Wave of COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India.

SARS-coronavirus-2 has caused large number of infections globally. The infections have presented in a wave form in most of the countries. There have been differences in the clinical presentation, course, and the outcomes in the different waves. This study describes the clinical features and course of the patients admitted with COVID-19 illness between the first and second wave of COVID-19 in a tertiary care center in South India. This was a cross-sectional study where case record analysis of the patients admitted with moderate and severe COVID-19 illness in a tertiary care center in South India was performed. Patients admitted between August 1, 2020, and November 30, 2020, were considered to be affected in the first wave and those admitted between April 30, 2021, and July 30, 2021, were considered to be in the second wave of COVID-19. First wave and second wave periods were determined by a steep surge in infections in India as per the epidemiological data. The symptoms, comorbidities, clinical profile, severity, laboratory parameters, need for assisted ventilation, medications used, and outcome were compared between the two-time frames. A total of 123 patients' data were analyzed in each wave. 72 (58%) patients had fever, while 64 (52%) patients had fever in COVID second wave. In the first wave, five (4%) patients had diarrhea, and four (3.2%) patients had vomiting, whereas in second wave, 43 (34%) patients had diarrhea, and 25 (20 percent) patients had vomiting (P < 0.001). It was seen in the present study that more number of patients in the age group of 31 to 40 years had more serious illness and adverse outcomes in second wave compared with patients in first wave where age group of 51-60 years was more seriously affected. In COVID first wave, 80 (65.0%) were having moderate COVID-19 illness and 43 (35%) had severe illness. In the second wave, 70 (57%) had moderate illness and 53 (43%) patients had severe illness. In the first wave, 31 patients (25%) required non-invasive ventilation (NIV), whereas 79 patients (64%) required NIV in second wave (P < 0.001). First wave resulted in 12 (9.7%) deaths, whereas second wave resulted in 20 (16.2%) deaths. The patients with COVID-19 illness in the second wave presented with more non-respiratory symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and joint pains. The patients who had severe illness in the second wave were comparatively younger than the patients of the first wave. The requirement of ventilatory support and immunosuppressants was more in the second wave.

A STUDY ON EFFECTS OF HYPOMAGNESEMIA AMONG CRITICALLY III PATIENTS ADMITTED TO INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia is one of the common electrolyte disorders found in critically ill patients, but mostly remains under diagnosed . Our aim is to study prevalence and effects of hypomagnesemia among critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit and to correlate with patient outcome and other parameters like length of stay in ICU, ventilator support and duration, mortality. This cross- METHODS: sectional study was conducted at Tripura Medical College and DR. BRAM Teaching hospital, over a period of 6 months duration from 1st June 2022 to 30th November 2022. 102 Critically ill patients of age more than 18 years admitted to ICU fullling the criteria were included in the study. Demographic data , medical history, length of ICU stay, requirement of ventilatory support and mortality was recorded for each patient. The severity scoring system used was Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II). Serum magnesium levels along with other relevant investigations were done within rst 24 h of hospital admission. Among RESULTS: 102 patients, the mean age was 52.5 ± 13.7 years. 66 (64.7%) were male and 36 (35.3%) were females. The mean APACHE-II score was 21.9 ± 1.8. Prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in the present study was 36.3 % , whereas 63.7% had normomagnesemia. Majority of patients with hypomagnesemia had sepsis (51%). When hypomagnesemia was compared with normomagnesemia group, patients with hypomagnesemia had higher APACHE II score (23.1 ± 1.7 vs 21.2 ± 1.5), more frequently had sepsis (51% vs 20%), higher ICU stay (10.3 ± 2.5 vs 8.7 ± 2.1), more frequent need for ventilatory support (54% vs 27%), higher mortality (41% vs 12%), and the association was statistically signicant. However, no signicant difference was found in the duration of ventilation between the two groups. This study has found high prevalence of hypomagnesemi CONCLUSION: a in critically ill patients. Hypomagnesemia was associated with higher APACHE II score on admission, increased duration of ICU stays, increased need of ventilator support and higher mortality. Hence, monitoring of magnesium levels should be recommended in critically ill patients as it has several prognostic and therapeutic implications

Efficacy and Safety of Injection Sepsivac® (Heat-killed Mycobacterium W) in Gram-negative Sepsis administered via an Intravenous Route.

As an immunomodulator, the mycobacterium w (Mw) has improved outcomes for patients suffering from severe sepsis. The traditional route of administration for Mw is intradermal (ID), which is limited to administering 0.1 mL per injection (Inj). The intravenous (IV) route can be an alternative to ID. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Inj Sepsivac® IV in gram-negative sepsis. Present retrospective observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary care hospital. The study included 30 consecutive patients with presumed gram-negative sepsis within 48 hours of the first organ dysfunction. Patients received Inj Sepsivac® 0.3 mL diluted in 100 mL normal saline to be given as slow IV infusions over at least 15 minutes, every day for 3 consecutive days. Efficacy was assessed by recording the change in vital parameters, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and laboratory investigations. Safety was evaluated by the occurrence of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, the site of infection, and secondary infection. Each patient was followed up for 14 days from the day of enrolment. Mean age of patients with gram-negative sepsis was 62.67 ± 12.77 years with male preponderance (63.3%). Pneumonia (40.1%) and intraabdominal infections (26.7%) were the most common etiologies of sepsis. A significant improvement in all the vitals and mean SOFA scores was observed from day 2 onward. More than half of the patients required ventilator support [17 (56.7%)], and mortality was observed in 7 (25%) patients. None was reported to have a secondary infection. Laboratory parameters improved and oxygen requirement was reduced postday 4 till the end of treatment from baseline. The IV route of administration was found to be efficacious and safe and allow ease of administration in treating gram-negative sepsis. Further large multicentric randomized trials are required to confirm our findings.

Acute Pain Management in Traumatically Injured Patients With Outpatient Buprenorphine Therapy

IntroductionAcute pain management is challenging in trauma patients undergoing outpatient buprenorphine therapy at the time of injury due to the high binding affinity of this partial agonist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate acute pain management in admitted trauma patients with discontinued versus continued outpatient buprenorphine therapy. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included adult trauma patients admitted to a level-1 trauma center between January 2017 and August 2020 who were receiving buprenorphine prior to admission. Groups were defined as buprenorphine discontinued (BD) or continued (BC) during hospitalization. The primary outcome compared median daily morphine milligram equivalents between groups. Secondary outcomes utilized patient-reported numeric rating scale (NRS) scores to compare incidences of no pain (NRS 0), mild (NRS 1-3), moderate (NRS 4-6), and severe (NRS 7-10) pain. ResultsA total of 57 patients were included (BD 37 [64.9%] and BC 20 [35.1%]). The median (interquartile range) outpatient daily buprenorphine dose was similar between groups (8 [8-16] mg versus 16 [8-16], P = 0.25). Median daily morphine milligram equivalents was significantly higher during admission in the BD group (103.7 [80.7-166] versus 67 [30.8-97.4], P = 0.002). Incidence of no pain (7.1% versus 5.7%, P = 0.283), mild (5.5% versus 4.3%, P = 0.295), moderate (20.2%, 19.8%, P = 0.855), or severe (67.2% versus 70.2%, P = 0.185) pain was similar between BD and BC groups, respectively. ConclusionsContinuation of outpatient buprenorphine therapy in acute trauma patients is associated with decreased daily opioid requirements and similar analgesic efficacy compared to patients with BD. Based on our findings, trauma patients receiving outpatient buprenorphine and not requiring ventilator support may benefit from buprenorphine continuation within 48 h of initial presentation.